Disclaimer: I still don't own them.  Well, Sage.  Whatever.

A/N: Yes.  Short chapter.  But, it's something, isn't it?  Maybe some good reviews will get another chapter out soon.

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Severus sat in the Great Hall, wistfully tearing at his eggs and bacon, his mind wandering.  He glanced across the table, down several seats, to the empty seat normally occupied by Sage.  He turned to one of her best friends, a seventh year named Luka.

"Holme, have you seen Sage this morning?  I haven't seen hide nor hair of her since last night."

"Nope.  Word is, she never came back to the dorms last night."  Luka smiled, his eyes twinkling slightly as he tossed a bit of a roll at the Marauders.  His face turned serious for a moment.  "Worried?  Think she's cheating on you?"

"Why's it any of your concern?"  Severus mumbled, standing up to leave.  He stopped, glancing up as the morning mail was being delivered.  He allowed a small smile to grace his features as he saw Noire, a small letter attached to one of her claws.  He held up his arm, allowing the large owl to land on it.  He ran his spare hand over her feathers; she cooed affectionately.  "Hello, luv…"

He took the letter from her, sending her on her way with a bit of bacon in her beak before opening it.  He noticed the handwriting on the front immediately, tearing it open as he raced from the Hall.

"Dearest Severus,

I'm sorry that we quarreled last night…  It was immature of me to go against your wishes, and your beliefs.  I love you…  I should've listened more to your side of the story, and you thoughts on the matter. 

Unfortunately, I won't be able to any longer.  My mum has taken me out of Hogwarts. 

Goodbye, Severus.

Love always,

Sage."

Severus leaned his forehead against one of the ancient stone walls, bile rising in his throat.  Sage had left him.

He glanced up as someone stepped out of the Hall.  He grimaced as he recognized the blonde. 

"Lucius."

"Severus."  Lucius stated his name, his voice frosty.  He noticed the look on Snape's face, his own features melting slightly.  "What's wrong?"

"Sage is gone."  Severus breathed.  "Mrs. Cartonis pulled her out…  I don't know when…  I just saw her last night."

"I heard a rumor floating about the second years about that.  I never thought it would be true."  Lucius stated, his voice sincere.  He turned to Severus.  "I'm sorry, Severus.  They could've given you some form of a warning."

Lucius hissed suddenly, placing his hand on his forearm.  Severus winced, feeling his first summons.

"My parents should be in the Forest already…  They seem to know ahead of time…"

Severus merely nodded.

"Get it together, Snape."  Lucius snapped, taking Severus's wrist in his hand.  He pulled his invisibility cloak from within the folds of his robes, placing it over Severus and himself before taking off towards the Forbidden Forest.  "Maybe this'll keep your mind off of Cartonis."

Sage…

-

Sage crept through the ancient halls, her wand held in front of her, her hands shaking violently as she whispered the Lumos charm.  She made her way up and down the halls, stumbling several times in the dim light of her wand.

"Oh Sage," A voice called, whimsically.  "I know that you're here.  It will be so much easier if you'd just come to me…"

Never… Sage thought, forcing herself to run faster.  She whimpered as she felt her ankle give way, sending her sprawling to the wet stone floor.  She willed herself to her feet, attempting to keep up a fast pace.  She stopped as she heard footsteps in front of her, whirling around to run in the other direction.

She didn't even notice the figure behind her until she heard the voice.

"You've been a very bad girl, Sage…" The voice hissed.

"Who…?" 

She never felt the curse hit her.