Polar Forces

by starsandfire24

So because apparently anything I try to upload chooses to have an electronic stroke, this story is now under construction. Thanks to the reviewers who brought this to my attention.

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div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"A/N: I have not edited this document. If you notice anything in particular that need to be fixed, please let me know. Sorry if there are any gaps or if its a bit awkward. It's been a long time since I did anything with this./div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Finite Incantatum," her voice rang out, clear and sharp, like a shard of ice./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"The boy who had been struggling in the air drifted back to the ground, where he scrambled for his wand and ducked behind the tree, glaring at the boy who had levitated him in the first place./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Who did that?!" Cried James Potter indignantly./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""I did," she said, stepping forward, her voice quiet once more./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"James and his friends looked surprised. "You're that Peregrine girl, aren't you? Blimey, I didn't even know you could talk!" Sirius Black laughed./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""My name is Odessa Peregrine and I am quite capable of talking. It's just that I don't care to talk to you," she replied evenly./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Well, regardless, what do you think you're doing interrupting our fun?" James said with a frown, waving his wand lazily./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She raised an eyebrow, "I'd hardly call tormenting your fellow students 'fun', but if you must know: I can't stand bullies like you, Potter."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"James frowned and flicked his wand in her direction, "Locomotor Mortis."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Protego," she countered gracefully. She gave a tight smile, "I see you've arrived at this battle of the wits unarmed."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"James snorted and rolled his eyes, then said, "You want to duel? Alright, then."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Sirius herded the small crowd that had gathered back./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa was just wondering what she'd gotten herself into when she sensed someone step up beside her. Turning to look, she found Severus Snape standing beside her, wand at the ready. He gave her a slight nod, then turned his eyes back to James and Sirius./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"The boys laughed and Sirius said, "Seriously? What do you think you're going to do, Snivellus?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Looks to me like he's going to even the odds," Odessa replied./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Sirius smirked and flicked his wand. Odessa gave a small scream as she was knocked backward. She heard Severus cast a stunning spell in return while she stood up./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Before anyone could cast another spell, however, Professor McGonagall's voice rang out, "WHAT do you four think you're doing?!" They all stood rooted to the spot as the formidable witch strode across the grounds toward them. All the others scattered. "Unsupervised dueling on school grounds is strictly prohibited! I will see all of you in my office, immediately." She stood glaring at them, pointing back to the castle./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"The four of them put away their wands and started the trek up the hill. Odessa was trailing behind when Severus dropped back to walk beside her. "Are you alright?" He asked./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She nodded, "Only a couple of bruises. How about you?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He gave her a ghost of a smile, "I'm fine, thanks to you. Why did you help me back there?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa sighed, "I couldn't just let them hurt you. It's not right the way they treat you and anyone else who's the least bit different."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus looked at the path ahead of them for a moment, then said, "Most people don't care what happens to me. Thank you."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She smiled at him and said, "Any time."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa in her favorite chair in the Slytherin Common Room. It was pushed back into a corner next to the fireplace so she was largely hidden from the main room while still being able to enjoy the warmth. She liked most of her housemates, but there were a few she preferred to avoid. She could even see out one of the windows and watch the creatures in the lake swimming about./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She was deeply absorbed in her Transfiguration book, and didn't notice when someone approached her./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Odessa," said a quiet voice./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She started and looked up to see Severus Snape standing over her. "Oh, you startled me," she said with a smile./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Is it alright if I sit with you?" He asked./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Of course! I can scoot over a bit or help you bring another chair over if you like?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He pointed his wand at another chair and levitated it over beside hers. He sat down and sighed./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""That works, too," she said. "So, we have detention this evening."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus nodded, "Yeah, some of the others said we shouldn't have gotten in trouble."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Well, you certainly shouldn't have. I'm the one who started the trouble," Odessa said ruefully./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus frowned, "No you didn't! It was that Potter!"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa nodded slowly, "He shouldn't have been picking on you, and I'd help you again in a heartbeat. I challenged him, though."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus shook his head, "He wouldn't have just let you walk away."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa sighed, "I suppose you're right. I guess getting into trouble just makes me nervous."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Why?" Severus asked, "Most students get into some sort of trouble while they're here."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She squirmed a little in her seat, then looked around the room before looking back at him, "If I tell you something, will you promise not to tell anyone else? It's nothing bad, only...I don't think they'd understand."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus nodded, "I won't tell a soul."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa leaned closer to him and muttered, "I'm afraid of getting kicked out. If I do, I've nowhere to go. My family is all gone and before I came here I didn't have anything. Not even a regular place to live."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus' eyes widened, "But...what do you do during the holidays?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""I stay here for Christmas, but during the summer I stay with Professor McGonagall," she said, her face turning a little red at the topic./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus studied her for a moment and said, "You don't have to be embarrassed around me. I bet McGonagall isn't as bad as my father. Besides, you're still special enough to be here."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa's eyes widened a little and she tilted her head. A slow smile spread across her face, "No one's ever called me special before."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus shrugged./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Thanks, Severus. You know, you're pretty special yourself," Odessa said. She giggled as his cheeks took on a reddish tinge, then she said, "I like you, Severus. We can be friends if you like?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He now looked surprised. After a moment, he said, "Sure. I'd like that."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa grinned and shifted in her chair to be closer to him, "Have you read this book? It's my favorite."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He looked at it curiously and shook his head./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Let's read it together. I'll go back to the beginning. I don't mind."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus smirked at her quirky way of being friendly, then leaned in to read with her./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa apparated into the Three Broomsticks back room and immediately rushed out into the main room, broomstick in hand. She ducked and dodged past partygoers, making for the door./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Odessa Peregrine! It's been ages since I've seen you!" Cried Madam Rosmerta. "Sit down and have a pint on the house!"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""I wish I could Rosmerta, but I've got urgent business up at the castle!" Odessa replied, still trying to edge her way around a crowd of enthusiastic men making toasts./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Business?! On a night like this?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Sorry!" Odessa called as she finally caught the door handle and pushed her way out. She dashed into the open area of the street and mounted her broom./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Within seconds, she was shooting straight for Dumbledore's office in one of the towers. She leaned over her broom, anxiety making her stomach roll. What if he had already been there and gone? What if he didn't want to see her? What if the ministry wanted to arrest him?/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"As she approached the tower she shook herself mentally and slowed a little. She leaped off her broom onto the balcony and headed straight for the door, opening it without knocking./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Ah! You're here at last!" Cried the Headmaster with a half smile. Dumbledore may be a bit mad, but he always had a warm welcome for a friend./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Am I too late? I came as soon as I got your owl! Is it true? Lily and James?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Dumbledore lowered his eyes and sighed deeply, "I'm afraid so. Their son lives, though."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Oh!" Odessa gasped, "Thank goodness for that but...Lily. Poor Severus."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""That's why I called you here. He's going to need a friend. There are many who will question his loyalties and he will be under heavy scrutiny. It may help to know he has someone on his side."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Of course, sir, but...me? I adore Severus and...even with all that's happened I consider him a dear friend. I just don't know that he'd say the same for me."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Dumbledore smiled, "I think he'll come around."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa sighed. However, she wasn't able to respond because at that moment the handle to Dumbledore's main office door turned. She stepped back near one of the pillars as Dumbledore himself went to greet the man coming through the door. Odessa nearly ran out and hugged him on the spot. He walked with a shuffling step and slouched shoulders. He had red-rimmed eyes and an expression of intense suffering./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""You said you would protect her," Severus Snape said hollowly./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""I'm so very sorry, Severus. I know how much she meant to you," Dumbledore said solemnly./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Do you?" Severus said, frowning at the older man./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Her son survives," the Headmaster replied./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus' lip curled, "Don't remind me."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""In any case, we needn't worry about that for now. At the moment, Severus, we have much more pressing matters to attend to. To begin with, we need to ensure that you are absolved of any alleged crimes against you. This won't be easy."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Snape laughed bitterly, "Easy? It'll seem like a walk in the park after tonight."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Dumbledore nodded slowly, "All the same. I'd like to let you know something. There is someone besides myself who will be firmly on your side."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus gave a defeated sigh and flopped into a chair, "And who is this mysterious person?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Miss Peregrine, will you join us, please?" Dumbledore asked, turning to her./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa stepped into the light and came toward Severus, who looked thoroughly shocked. She stopped in front of him and said, "Hello, Severus." She gave him a sad smile./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Odessa..." he choked at last, "You...I...why are you here?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She smiled and shrugged slightly, "Because I care about you and because even if you don't consider me a friend anymore, I still think of you as my friend."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus stood slowly and looked down at her. She hadn't been close to him in years and had forgotten that he was nearly a head taller than her. He studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he reached around her and wrapped both arms around her. Odessa gladly hugged him back, thinking that the desperate way in which he clung to her reminded her of a small child. She gently patted his back and shoulders, waiting patiently as the moments passed./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""I'm sorry, Odessa. For everything," he muttered so softly that even she barely heard him./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She smiled slightly and replied quietly, "Nonsense. I forgave you ages ago. But thank you," she gave him an extra squeeze and stepped back slightly to look at him. He looked just as lost and sad. "Do you want to go home?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He immediately shook his head./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Alright, well, I don't think either of us are in a condition to be out much longer. What about my cottage? You can rest there and it's remote enough that no one will bother you," she said, reaching up and brushing a few strands of hair from his face./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He looked at her, tears welling in his eyes seemingly without his realizing it. "That's fine."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa nodded and looked to Dumbledore, "May we use the Floo?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Naturally. I had it connected an hour ago," Dumbledore said, smiling./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa raised an eyebrow as she turned to guide her friend toward the fire, "No need to look so smug. A first year could have figured out I'd come." She felt Severus shift and turned to find him staring at her in wonder, "What? Severus Snape you're one of the best friends I ever had. You could be locked in a dungeon someplace and I'd gladly come and join you if I couldn't get you out."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He turned and looked to the window./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa looked back to Dumbledore, "Do try not to cause any trouble."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Good evening, Miss Peregrine. Severus."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Sit behind me," Odessa said evenly, summoning and mounting her broom. Severus obeyed and wrapped his arms around her waist for stability./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""We'll fly until we're outside the grounds and then aparrate. Don't worry, we're not going near Hogsmeade." She felt him sigh in relief just before she kicked off from the ground./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"A short while later, Severus and Odessa were standing in a field, a small cottage standing on a rise nearby. The wind swept across the open ground in waves, making the grasses shine in the moonlight. A massive vault of stars shone overhead./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Come on, we don't want to be out too long on a night like this," she said, gently taking his hand./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus followed her wordlessly as she pulled him toward the cottage. As they stepped up to the door, however, he paused, making her look back. "Odessa...what I did to you was unforgivable. Why...why are you doing this?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa sighed deeply and drew him up to stand at the top of the steps with her, "Severus, you did hurt me, but...I never wanted to stop being your friend. By the time I was done being angry, though, you wouldn't speak to me. We both made mistakes. I should have tried harder to mend mine."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""You didn't do anything wrong, Odessa. I was cruel and selfish and...I'm sorry. I really am. I was never able to tell...her...that," he gave a shuddering gasp./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa hugged Severus tightly, then turned and unlocked the door with her wand. He followed her inside and stood looking around. The interior walls were wood and plaster. A fire crackled merrily in the two hearths at opposite ends of the room. One end was clearly a kitchen with pots and pans and bundles of herbs hanging from the ceiling. The other was occupied by a few overstuffed armchairs in a rich, cheerful green. Two doors led off the main room, and Odessa crossed to one and opened it./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""You can stay here. You're welcome to anything in the house, though," she said./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus came and stood in the doorway. The room was small but cozy. A bed stood in one corner and a door was open to a washroom in the far corner. "I like to be prepared, so I think everything you'll need is in the left hand cabinet under the sink. There are also pajamas in the wardrobe, there."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus looked at Odessa and couldn't help smiling a little, "Thank you."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She hugged him again and said, "I'm glad to have you here." She stepped back and sighed as she looked around, "Well, it's rather late, but I'm going to make a pot of tea, I think. Would you like to join me?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus shrugged and said, "I think I'll go to bed, actually."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa nodded, "Of course. Let me know if you need anything. I'll be in the other room. Don't hesitate to wake me. I mean that."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus replied, "Thank you, Odessa."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She smiled to herself as she turned to make tea./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus stayed with Odessa for a few days before she could convince him to do much more than eat, sleep, and stare into space. She was patient, though, and she hugged him as often as she could./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Finally, he agreed to join her for a walk. She chatted amiably to him as they strolled across the fields and down a path to a small, rocky beach./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""I really love it here. It's so quiet and peaceful. This beach is my favorite place in the whole world."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus offered one of his small smiles, "I can tell."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa suddenly gave him a slightly wary look, "I have a surprise for you Severus."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He raised an eyebrow, "What?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Come on," she said, continuing down the beach. She clambered up onto a rock and eased her way down onto the other side. He followed and looked around the tiny area of beach. "Another secret place?" He asked curiously./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Something like that," she said, reaching into a narrow crevice. She drew out a small, carved wooden bowl. It was strangely shaped, with a tall spike in the middle. Severus watched her curiously as she turned and came over to him. She took his hand and placed the bowl into it, still holding it with one of her own. "There's a tradition in my family that when we lose someone we love we set one of these afloat as the tide goes out. We place a candle on the spike in the middle to help light their way to heaven. I thought you might like to light one for Lily," she finished shyly, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a candle and matches./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus stared at the candle for a long moment, then slowly reached out to take it with his free hand./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa held the bowl while he placed the candle and lit it. Then she handed it to him and waited while he carried it to the water. As he stood at the edge of the water, he drew out his wand and waved it over the bowl, which filled with white lilies. Then he placed it carefully in the water and allowed the waves to remove it from his hands. It slowly made its way out into the cove, the light flickering as it bobbed away./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"As he stood there, his shoulders began to shake and he fell to his knees, his face in his hands./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa walked over and knelt beside him, wrapping her arms around him and guiding his head onto her shoulder. "I'm right here, Severus. I'm right here," she said, followed by occasional soothing murmurs./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"At last, his sobs subsided and he slowly raised his head to look at her. "Odessa," he said softly, "I think I'm ready to go back to the cottage."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She nodded and stood, helping Severus her up as well. Then, for the first time, he hugged her first. He wrapped both arms around her and held her securely against his chest, gently kissing the top of her head./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""I hope I didn't upset you," she said./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He leaned away from her and smiled slightly, "No, you didn't. It was...helpful, I think. I'm...I'm very glad I came with you."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa smiled and hugged him once more before stepping away from him motioned for him to follow her back towards the path. They climbed back over the rocks and walked across the beach in a comfortable silence./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Even when Severus returned to Hogwarts to work as the Potions Master, he kept in regular contact with Odessa. She sent him letters and packages in the mail and dropped in for visits at random times. She was an apprentice Healer at St. Mungo's for two more years after Lord Voldemort's fall, then graduated to a full Healer./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus often came to stay with her at her cottage during the summer holidays. Spinner's End was dark and lonely and often made him feel tired and sad. Odessa's cottage on the other hand was always full of light and warmth./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"One rainy evening, he sat before her fire while she was weaving on the large loom she kept in the corner. He watched her and listened to the rain for a long time, then a sudden thought made him look down at the ugly shadow on his arm. He frowned at it./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Six years," he said suddenly./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"The click of the loom stopped and Odessa turned to look at him. She sighed when she saw him looking at his arm. It always troubled her to see him look so...sad wasn't quite right. Regretful maybe? In any case, she rose from her seat and went to stand, then kneel beside him so that she could look him in the eyes./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Six years?" She asked./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He nodded once, sighed and said, "Since I received this. I wish I had known where that path would lead."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa took hold of his hand with one of hers, curling her fingers around his. With the other she reached up and tilted his chin up until his eyes met hers, "Severus, none of us ever knows how our choices will impact our lives. We can only choose what we think is best and hope."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""I knew it was wrong, though. The things they said...the things I let them say about me and Muggleborns and you and...Lily. I ask myself every day how I could have stood by and watched it all happen. How I could stand by while they murdered innocent people. It's not what I did, Odessa. It's that I didn't do anything."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He closed his eyes and bowed his head. Odessa considered for a moment, then leaned down and gently placed a kiss in the center of the mark. When she lifted her head, it was to find him staring at her in confusion, his hair hanging down so that it obscured his face./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa reached up and brushed his hair from his eyes, "You did do something, Severus. You came back to us when we truly needed you. You're not an evil man, Severus. There's good in you. I can see it."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He swallowed hard and placed his hands on either side of her face. He stroked her cheeks with his thumbs and said, "I think you could see the good in anyone. You have the kindest heart of anyone I've met."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa felt her cheeks go pink as he leaned his forehead against hers. When he finally let her go, she smiled at him, "I'm glad you're my friend again, Severus."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""As am I," he replied. "Do you need to finish that?" He nodded toward the loom./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa followed his gaze but her eyes lingered only a moment before she said, "My fingers are sort of tired. I think I'd rather sit and read for a bit." She rose and picked up the book she was reading from the side table, then sat down in the chair beside him./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""An excellent idea," he said, picking up his own book./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa sat in Severus' office, her head on her arms on the desk. She had been so tired lately from working long hours at the hospital, but she would always make time for Severus./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She heard the door click and turned to see the Potions Master himself walking into the room. Her smile turned to an expression of concern as she saw the tired, troubled look on his face. When he spotted her, his mask quickly settled in place and he was the stoic man she often saw when he was at Hogwarts./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Odessa, I didn't know you were coming," he said, closing the door behind him and sweeping over to his desk. He waved his wand and things for tea appeared on the desk between them./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""I had a surprise shift change. I thought I'd use some of the free time to see how you're doing," she said, levitating a cup and saucer over to her./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He sighed, "The first years are a collection of dunderheads as usual."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa smiled, knowing he didn't really mean it. "You say that every year but by the end you're always bragging about them."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus raised an eyebrow, "Hardly. I'll admit the ones who actually pay attention improve. This year will be...challenging, though."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa stopped stirring her tea and looked at him sharply, "What's happened, Severus? You're talking about more than just a bunch of rowdy first years."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He looked at her for a long moment, and she could see the debate going on in his mind. Finally, he wordlessly unbuttoned his sleeve and pushed it up./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa gasped and her hands flew to her face. She looked up to meet his eyes, her brow creased, "Why is it darker?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""I'm not sure. Something is happening at Hogwarts. Something dark. And it all started when that Potter boy turned up."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Potter?" Odessa breathed. "As in...?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Yes, that one," Severus frowned as he fixed his sleeve. "I met him at last. Just as arrogant as his father. I promised Dumbledore I'd look after him, though. For her sake."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa nodded, "Promise you'll be careful?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"The creases in his forehead relaxed and he offered a half smile, "Aren't I always?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa raised an eyebrow, but said nothing./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""I will," he said. Then he looked at her more closely, "You look tired. Are you alright?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa sighed and nodded, "I've been busy lately. Long shifts and such. St. Mungo's is overrun. Bouts of dragon pox and spattergroit. People doing dangerous experiments. One ninny cast a forgetfulness charm on a mirror when he was sloshed and ended up not knowing his own name. And apparently it's a popular trend with teenagers throw firecrackers at one another."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus raised both eyebrows, "You must be exhausted."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She shrugged and smiled, "I don't mind. I love it. And besides, I get to see you today, which always improves my mood."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He gave a small laugh and shook his head, "I can't imagine why, but I'm glad to help." He considered for a moment, "Why don't you stay here tonight? You can stay in my room. I don't mind sleeping on the sofa."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa started then shook her head, "Severus, you have to be up to teach tomorrow. I couldn't put you out of your own bed."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""You're not. I'm offering," he said, his jaw setting in the way that meant he wouldn't budge./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa shook her head, "Severus..."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Please, Odessa. You've done so much for me. Let me do this one thing for you," he said quietly./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa smiled softly, "Alright, Severus. If your sure."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""I am," he said, standing and motioning for her to follow him. He led her around his desk to a door tucked in the corner. Opening this, he revealed a large room with a bed, a sitting area, and a crackling fire. "I'm afraid I'm not as prepared as you, but the bathroom is through there. You're welcome to anything."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa nodded, "Thank you, Severus."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""I'll be out here a while longer if you need me." With that, he closed the door softly./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa changed into a pair of pajamas that she kept in her bag for emergencies and crawled into the bed gratefully. She smiled to herself as she dropped off to sleep. The pillow and sheets smelled like Severus and she found this very comforting./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"A snake. A huge, dark snake with glowing red eyes. A man who looked much like the snake. He was talking to Severus in the boathouse of Hogwarts. Odessa stood just far enough away that it was hard to hear them properly. Then the snake struck out at Severus./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""No!" She cried, trying to run toward them, but her feet were rooted to the spot. She searched for her wand, but couldn't find it. The snake struck again and again. Severus fell to the floor. "Severus! Severus, no!" she wailed, holding out her hands to him as the world faded./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Odessa!"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa woke with a gasp to Severus leaning over her with a concerned expression. "S-Severus?" she asked, sitting up and looking at him a little blearily as her mind tried to sort dream from reality./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""You were crying and...calling me," Severus said, his brow creased as he studied her face./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She nodded and reached up to touch his face and shoulders. Then she hugged him tightly and buried her face in the crook of his neck./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""You're shaking," he said, wrapping his arms around her./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""I...I had the most awful dream. You were hurt and I couldn't help you," she gasped, her voice cracking./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He patted her hair and said in one of the gentlest tones she'd ever heard, "It was only a dream. It's probably because you've been working too hard."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She nodded, but didn't quite feel like that was all. She raised her head but continued to hug him, "Severus, I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you. Will you promise you'll be as careful as you can?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He looked at her for a moment, then nodded, "I'll try."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Severus, will you stay with me? I'm still a little shaken up," Odessa said quietly./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"His eyes widened a fraction, but then he nodded slowly. Then he released her and stepped back from the bed, disappearing into the bathroom for a moment before returning in a Muggle t-shirt and black sweatpants. He climbed under the blankets beside her and settled in./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa let him settle, then edged over closer to him until she could feel the warmth from his body. She sighed as she closed her eyes, "Thank you, Severus. Good night."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Good night, Odessa," he replied softly./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa hurried frantically across the grounds, hoping she was wrong. She knew now that the man she had seen in her dream several times over the years was none other than Voldemort himself. And she was now rushing to the boathouse hoping that somehow her dream had been only partially right./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"As she approached the boathouse, she drew her wand and peeled inside./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Severus!" She gasped, running around and in through the door. She fell to her knees beside his crumpled body. She had to blink tears from her eyes as she checked his pulse and found it weak and thready. "Severus Snape, don't you dar leave me," she said quietly as she reached into her bag and pulled out a small phial./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She uncorked it and eyed the buttons on his shirt for a moment before drawing her wand. She vanished his shirt and set to work on the deep cuts across his neck and torso./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""You're lucky I got my hands on some Phoenix tears before this mess started. But of course, you aren't allowed to go anywhere anyhow. Severus, I really need you to come back to me," she chatted in a hollow tone while she worked, treating each injury and watching them close. Recorking the bottle and putting it back in her bag, she leaned over Severus and peered at him anxiously. She placed a hand on his chest and could feel his heart beating./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Maybe you've lost too much blood..." she muttered, drawing her wand, "Sanguinum replenum." The end of the wand glowed red as she waved it two or three times over Severus. Then she put it away and checked his pulse again. Stronger...but he wasn't waking./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Severus Snape, you wake up right now!" She exclaimed, growing desperate. She ran over all the methods and procedures she knew. She used two or three diagnostic spells and began shaking as each cane back clear. Finally, she leaned over him and stroked his cheek and hair with her fingers. "Severus, I've tried everything. All I can guess is that your soul already left or...that you don't want to come back. But...I'm selfish Severus. I want my friend back. I want to sit and have tea with you. I want to work on my loom while you read or grade papers by the fire. I want you to hold me when I have nightmares because when you do I feel like everything will be alright. I want to try to help you with Potions and have you sigh and grumble when I make a mess of things. I want to see your face when I show up and you're not expecting me. I've missed you these last few months. I know you were just protecting me, but I missed my dearest friend. Please, please, Severus, come back to me. I love you so much and I'm not ready to be without you." Tears streamed down her face as she curled up and lay down beside him, clinging to his motionless body./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"The minutes stretched into eternity while she cried and Severus remained unconscious./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Then, she heard a hoarse voice say, "Odessa?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She shot up and stared at him through wide, red-rimmed eyes. His black eyes met her grey ones blearily. "Severus!" she gasped./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""What happened? The last thing I remember...Nagini...Potter," he murmured. Then he looked up at her, his eyes growing clearer. He eased himself into a sitting position and said, "You saved my life."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa smiled slightly, then wrapped him in a hug, "Of course I did, you ninny...I love you." She heard his sharp intake of breath and her heart sank. Odessa sat back and looked at his stunned expression, heat building in her face, "I...I'm sorry. Please don't hate me, Severus."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He shook his head and placed a hand on her cheek, "I could never hate you, Odessa. I love you too much for that."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa gave a shaking sigh of relief as new tears courses down her cheeks. Severus shifted so he could gather her in his arms and stroked her hair softly, "Hush now. It's alright. We still have a lot to do, so we're going to have to sort this out later. I mean it, though. I love you."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She smirked and pulled out her wand, "In that case, you're going to need a disguise. Can't have you making yourself a target."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"She helped him stand then stepped back and waved her wand. Fabric appeared from nowhere and stitched itself together into a new set of deep green robes. Once he was holding them, she pulled out a flask from her bag, "Polyjuice Potion," she explained, popping the top and taking out a smaller vial with several hairs in it. She placed one in the flask and smiled./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""And...who am I going to be?" Severus said, taking the flask and looking at it cautiously./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""An American wizard I met when I was gathering recruits abroad. In his words, having his hair used for a potion would be, 'So totally awesome!' He was...loud, but willing to help the cause."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus raised an eyebrow, then shrugged and downed a drink of the potion. He handed her the flask as his skin began to ripple. He gasped and hunched over slightly as his form shrank. When he finally straightened, a young man of about nineteen with short blonde hair and a slight beard stood in front of her./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa snorted, "I definitely liked you better before. In any case, I do believe we've got a war to win. What do you say?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus smiled and she realized that she could still see him through the disguise. "Right beside you," he said, pulling his wand from his pocket./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Severus, we need to let them know," Odessa whispered. Severus had pulled her into the cloakroom by the front doors, which was amazingly almost entirely undamaged. He had turned back into himself mere seconds before./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He sighed heavily and leaned against em the wall. "I know. Potter and his friends will let people know about the boathouse. It's only a matter of time before things get out of hand. But Odessa...after all I've done, I can't imagine a situation in which this doesn't end very badly for me. In all likelihood, I'll be sent to Azkaban."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Severus, you said Potter knows the truth now. He's a hero to them, he'll tell them what really happened."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Severus laughed bitterly, "I doubt that. I'll admit I was unfair to him, and for all the nonsense I put him through he has every right to say nothing at all."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa frowned and stepped closer to Severus, "He doesn't seem much like his father, you know. And anyway, just remember, you're not alone. I'll do everything I can to help you."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He placed his hands on her waist and looked at her sadly, "I don't want you caught up in the middle of all this."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Well, too bad, because I'm jumping right in," Odessa said softly./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Alright, we'll go out together, then. But first, just in case things go sour, there's something I want to do," Severus said, drawing her closer. He bent and pressed his lips to hers with an urgency that surprised her. One of his hands came up to cup her face and his fingers threaded into her hair while the other remained at her waist. She responded, wrapping both hands around the back of his head and neck. At last, they broke apart and Severus leaned his forehead against hers. He whispered, "Odessa, no matter what happens, I love you. You're my dearest friend. Thank you, for standing by me all this time."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa smiled, "I love you, too, Severus."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He sighed, "Well, I suppose we should get this over with."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa took hold of one of his hands and laced her fingers with his, "Together."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He nodded and gave her one of his rare smiles, "Together." And with that, he turned the handle of the cloakroom door and they stepped out to confront the survivors of the battle./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa felt a chill on her face and frowned before rolling over and burying her face in her husband's shoulder. It felt too early to get up and she preferred to cuddle into him anyhow. She sensed Severus turn his head to look down at her. "How are you already awake?" she mumbled into his shoulder./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""We have work to do today," he replied, "I just found it unnecessary to disturb you yet."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""But it's cold, and you're so warm," she whined like a child. She could almost feel his roll his eyes./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""I'll light the fire," he said./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Severus, just a bit longer, please?"/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""If we wait too much longer the students will walk in and find us still in bed," he said, referring to the handful of young witches and wizards who attended their tiny school./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"The two of them had settled in a cottage in Norway after it was made clear that Severus at least was not welcome in the British Isles. He'd been bitter at first, but when he was able to get back to teaching he settled in nicely. As much as he groused about the students, he loved teaching./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"In addition to their school, Odessa ran a small apothecary and clinic for witches and wizards of the region. This was an unheard of luxury to have someone equipped to treat magical injuries and illnesses within easy reach. Even the magical community among the Saami people had grown to like and trust her, though they were more uncertain of her husband./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"For a variety of practical reasons and a few emotional, Severus had taken her name when he married her. Severus had suggested it initially, and he also mentioned that he wanted to end the line of his abusive father. So, they were Professors Severus and Odessa Peregrine. He taught Potions, flying, and defensive magic. She taught charms, herbology, and Transfiguration. They shared any extended subjects, like magical creatures and arithmancy, between them./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""I suppose you're right," she said, making an irritated face. She rolled away from him and sat up on the edge of the bed. As she got up, she heard him stand and stretch on the other side./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"They went about their morning routine, getting dressed and preparing for the day. However, when Odessa walked into the kitchen, she found Severus standing in front of the calendar, a teacup hanging limply in his hand. She edged closer and looked, then sighed and walked over to him. She removed the cup from his hand gently, then wrapped her arms around him from behind and rested her head on his shoulder to look at the calendar page that said October 31./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;""Severus, Love. Do you need to take the day out? I can tell the students you're ill," she whispered./span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He sighed heavily and looked down at her, "No. I taught through this day for years. I'm not about to stop now. Thank you, though."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"Odessa hugged him tighter, "She'd be so proud of you."/span/div
div class="a3s aiL " style="overflow: hidden; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"He leaned his head on hers for a few moments. That was one of the many things he loved about Odessa. She understood about Lily and how he'd never really gotten over losing her. But Odessa never demanded that part of his heart, and for that he had given her all the rest of it./span/div
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