Disclaimer: Harry Potter and everything related is the property of J.K. Rowling and anyone else who has claim to a piece of Harry's fame
Disclaimer 2: I own the plot, Saerry Snape, and Aeyr's. Nothing more, nothing less.
Chapter 32 **Out of the Dark**
Severus winced as he limped across the Hogwarts lawn, one hand clutching tightly at the clasp of his cloak. His Death Eater mask hung limply in his left hand as he weaved in a drunken fashion up to the castle doors.
He cursed when he found them looked and drew out his wand.
"Alohomora Patefacio."
The doors sprang open at his touch and he limped inside, locking the doors as they closed behind him.
Severus tucked his mask into his robes and limped down towards the dungeons. He knew he should go see Madam Pomfrey but almost two months in the hospital wing had been a bit too much. And he had several potions made that could easily fix the pain and stiffness left over from the Cruciatus Curse.
Sighing, he continued on, hoping to make it to the dungeons before Dumbledore or Pomfrey spotted him.
Just as he got there he saw two lamp-like eyes peering at him out the dark. He drew his lips back over his teeth in a snarl as Filch's cat, Mrs. Norris, slunk into the light of the dim torches.
The cat looked up at him then began to move away from him.
Severus sent a kick at the feline, hitting it hard. Mrs. Norris hissed and spat at him but he simply tried to kick her again. She dodged this time and then Filch was standing a few feet away, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.
Severus fixed him a furious scowl and spat, "Keep that cat out of my way, Argus. Or you'll find her as the next ingredient in one of my potions."
Filch glared at him for a moment then walked off, Mrs. Norris trailing after him.
Severus hissed something under his breath then turned to the brick wall. He took out his wand and tapped three of the bricks before muttering, "Lanx Domus Magus." The bricks immediately rearranged themselves into an archway, much like the entrance to Diagon Alley behind the Leaky Cauldron.
Limping inside, he tossed his wand and cloak onto a table before collapsing into a chair by the lit fire. This room was his own, a space no one but Dumbledore and he himself knew about. Severus used the room to store his more dangerous books and potions and also his old school trunk, which was tucked back into a corner.
Sighing, he pulled himself out of the chair and crossed the room to a locked cupboard. Unlocking it, he pulled out a small bottle. Pulling out the stopper he took a small sip, instantly feeling warmth run through him and the pain and stiffness fade. Taking another swallow, he put the bottle back then limped back over to his chair. Falling into it, Severus closed his eyes and fell into a dreamless sleep.
A/N: ^^ The cat finally got kicked. Now if only I could do that to Fudge or Skeeter . . . *sigh* Anyway, I'm almost done getting the chapters out of my notebook. ONLY ONE MORE AND ITS JUST STARTED! *cheers wildly then runs away*
Patefacio - Open