Chapter 36 - Back to the Forest
Caution - trouble ahead for everyone!
Just wanted to warn you.
More from me at the end!
**************************************
Looking at Snape, seeing him half naked for the first time, Jane had been shocked by the scars on his back. But if that shocked her, his reaction shocked her more. Eyes blazing with fury, his face a particular shade of angry she had never seen before, Jane was terrified by his sudden ferocity.
It was something she hadn't experienced since she had fled from her father's abusive behaviour; and it was certainly something she hadn't expected from Snape, regardless of his reputation. Now she had done it though, she had made him angry and he was going to punish her just like her father had, she just knew it.
Eyes filling with tears, Jane averted her eyes and backed away. "Sorry," she managed to choke out fearfully, barely audible, before turning quickly and bolting from the room.
**********
Snape watched the girl, horrified at what he had done. He saw her eyes fill with tears and realised his mistake. He was about to apologise when he heard her small voice stammer an apology before she turned and ran. Cursing himself, he grabbed his shirt and robes, throwing them on before following her out the door. Gods, what had he done?
**********
Tears streaming freely down her cheeks, Jane ran. She ran for her life. At that moment, she didn't care where she was going, she just ran, knowing she had to leave as quickly as possible if she was to avoid being punished. She prayed he wouldn't find her. She didn't want to hurt him, but she also didn't want to be hurt. She had left that life a long time ago and didn't intend to return.
Jane ran on blindly until she was outside the Hogwarts buildings. Reaching the edge of the Forbidden Forest, she paused briefly, considering the alternatives. There were only two. She could try and hide somewhere in the grounds and hope he wouldn't find her, or she could keep moving and make it even less likely. She didn't' even entertain the idea of returning to him and facing his wrath. She chose the second option; being more scared of his anger and punishment than she was of anything she might come across in the forest.
Running on without another moment's hesitation, Jane entered the forest, watched closely by the Raven sitting on a tree branch, waiting for just such an opportunity. Opening his wings, the bird flew off to find Lucius. This was the chance they had been waiting for. Their master would be well pleased tonight.
**********
Jane ran until she could run no longer. She fell a couple of times and by the time she stopped she was soaked with water, cut and bleeding. Sitting to rest against a log and take stock of her situation, she realised she was in trouble. She was wearing nothing but a nightgown, she had lost her slippers along the way, she was cold and wet, bruised and bloodied and finally, lost. She had no idea where she was or how to get out of the forest. Suddenly she realised there might just be something worse than facing Severus' wrath - maybe.
Looking at her predicament, she decided that stumbling blindly into the forest as she had, had been foolish. It would probably be her last mistake. Jane touched the pendant - it could take her back to him if that was what she wanted. It wasn't - she knew he had been murderous when she had run, his dark eyes had flashed with an anger so great that her father's had paled into insignificance by comparison. No, he would be relieved she was gone, and his life could return to normal. It was clear that he preferred to be alone - living with another had weakened him, and in his situation, that was dangerous. Jane, as frightened as she was of him, didn't want to see him hurt.
If only she had known the truth.
Realising what he had done, Snape dressed hurriedly and tried to follow her without success. He hadn't even managed to glimpse her; she had reacted so quickly to his anger. Calling her name, he hoped she would return to him, but knew full well that that would be unlikely. He realised, reluctantly, that he would never catch her, not alone; she was far too quick, particularly because she thought she was running for her life. Reluctantly, Snape gave up the chase and headed for the Headmaster's office to admit his mistake and ask for help.
**********
Jane cried. There was nothing else she could do. Moving slowly, feet cut by the rocks and branches she was walking over, she felt miserable, and it was so much worse because things had been so much better for her until that morning. She couldn't stop the tears, and figured she would probably cry until she was dead, and that wouldn't be long. If she didn't freeze to death first, a forest dweller would probably kill her. She didn't care as long as she was free.
**********
Dumbledore shook his head sadly and looked at the distraught Potions Master. "Severus, what were you thinking?"
"Clearly, Headmaster, I wasn't. I was simply reacting to an unexpected situation. Off guard, as I was, I reacted predictably and that is unfortunate and unforgivable in this case."
"Indeed it is Severus," Dumbledore agreed sadly.
"Headmaster, we must find her. It is dangerous for her to be alone outside the school buildings." Snape didn't elaborate on the reason for his concern, not wishing to inform Dumbledore of the letter he had received and the threat it contained. It would have changed nothing, not even the urgency with which he wished to find her.
"I agree Severus, but how do you propose we find her? We can hardly use magic, so far only yours seems to work, and it is unlikely to do so under these circumstances. The only alternative would be to provide a search party, but I am afraid that that will not be possible so close to exam time. We simply don't have the time or staff to spare."
"Headmaster, please allow me to search for her then." Snape begged desperately.
Dumbledore recognised the pain of guilt Snape was trying to hide, and sighed. "Alright Severus, you may search, but be careful." He paused, considering the situation briefly, after all, she was his grand daughter, so he bore some responsibility for her safety. "Take Hagrid with you."
"Thank you Headmaster." The Potions master left the office in a flurry of robes to seek out the half giant.
**************************************
Jane sat down. She could walk no further, her feet hurt too much, and they were torn and bleeding, cut to shreds by the branches and stones of the forest floor. She no longer cared what happened, she just wanted death to hurry and claim her in whatever form it would take. As far as she was concerned life just wasn't worth the effort, it never had been, even though she had been truly happy for a short time with Severus. Now that was gone, it only made things worse. She closed her eyes, tears still streaming down her face.
"So young lady, what are you doing so far from Hogwarts?"
Jane's eyes snapped open.
"You are Jane aren't you? Professor Snape's friend?"
Jane nodded through her tears.
"Hasn't he told you it is dangerous to be in the forest, particularly alone? You never know what you might come across."
Jane looked at the man - his smile was friendly. She watched, as he looked at her concerned, prepared to run again if it became necessary, not that she thought she would be able to run far.
"You're hurt. Let me help you, then we can go back to Hogwarts."
"No!" He looked at her surprised. "You can help me, but I don't want to go back to Hogwarts. I want to go home to London."
Lucius looked at the girl and smiled. This would be easier than he had thought. Voldemort would be pleased indeed.
Jane watched as the man waved his wand and the cuts on her feet were magically healed.
He smiled. "That's better isn't it?"
Jane nodded. "Yes, thank you." She looked at him thoughtfully. "I haven't seen you around Hogwarts, what do you do? Are you a teacher?"
Lucius shook his head, laughing gently. "No, oh no, no I'm not teacher. I don't have the patience I am afraid. I am a member of the school board." It was a small lie, but he thought she would never live to find out the truth. He HAD been a member of the school board until that damned Potter brat had caused him to be arrested and sent to Azkabahn. Lucius smiled - Dumbledore would be surprised to find that he had escaped so quickly, and probably not pleasantly surprised.
"Sometimes I don't think Severus has the patience either." Jane agreed.
"So, why are you out here all alone?" Lucius asked lightly - he knew things would go much smoother if he could gain the girl's trust.
"I upset him this morning. I- I-." Jane burst into tears again, thinking about what had happened.
Lucius swallowed his pride and took the shaking, crying child in his arms, holding her until her sobs abated and she relaxed against him.
Pulling away, Jane looked at the tear stains on his robes. "I'm sorry Sir, I've made you all wet."
"It's alright, don't worry. I'm not angry." He looked down, "You can call me Lucius. How about we become friends?" He suggested.
Jane looked at Lucius. He seemed ok, but then so had Severus. She decided she had nothing to loose. The worst that would happen was that he would want to kill her too, and she doubted that was his intention, not that she cared much - she just didn't want to add to Severus' burden of guilt by allowing him to kill her - she wasn't scared of death itself. She nodded her consent. "Alright Lucius, can you help me get back to London?"
"Are you sure that is what you want Jane? Wouldn't you rather return to Severus? He can't be that angry."
"He is. He told me to get out. He looked murderous. Besides, I don't fit in here. I want to go home where I know what is what."
Lucius nodded. "Alright, I will take you back. Can you follow me do you think?" Jane nodded and Lucius reached down and helped Jane to stand. "How do you feel? Are your feet alright?"
Jane nodded, but winced at her first step.
Noticing, Lucius produced a pair of shoes from two pieces of wood. "Here, try these." He handed them to Jane.
Jane took the shoes, amazed. "That was cool. Severus never did anything like that. except bring me here."
Lucius chuckled. "Severus' talents lie in other areas, and he prefers to focus his skills there. His is quiet capable of such magic, but I think he feels it is below him, so he chooses not to use it."
Jane nodded, accepting the explanation, knowing no better, and put the shoes on. They fit perfectly.
**************************************************************************
Authors Note:
I need to apologise if Jane seems a bit confused here. I will give you the excuse that the girl has been traumatised by her upbringing that so much fear affects her judgment and logic sometimes. I hope her swings from fearing Severus to waiting for death as a release may not be too out of the question. I am sure some psychologist somewhere would confirm that this type of confusion is quite possible given her background. There are probably some who would say it isn't. Anyway that is my explanation for her seemingly erratic behaviour in the next couple of chapters.
I am really torn between alleviating people's fears here and letting too much info out and spoiling the end of the story and that is why I haven't been replying to individual comments recently. It also takes more time than I really have at the moment. However, I am going to allow myself to this time.
In answer to Clare, my best estimate is that Severus is 35ish and Jane is 14. I am not an expert here, but that is the impression I have from what I have read of JKR's comments about him. I hang my head in shame as I admit to only having read the books in their entirety once. I simply won't have time to read them again until Christmas. However, the rest of the story is now complete and set in stone. Sorry if it doesn't follow the direction you would like, but I am happy with the way it progresses.
Perhaps it is time to thank everyone else as well for their ongoing support..
To Snapefan51, thank you for your regular reviews, it is much appreciated. That day, by the way is now, as you have no doubt already read. I don't want to say much about what will happen though, you will just have to wait and see.
To Barbara Kennedy - thank you too for your ongoing reviews. Yes, Jane did startle him, and he reacted badly, things aren't going to be pleasant for the next chapters. Please don't be too concerned though and keep reading.
To ahappyjtm - thanks for all the virtual gifts, they really are appreciated. I will try arrowroot next time :) I do have assignments due and exams coming, but I have Snape's Saviour all finished, except for final editing and posting, so it isn't too draining on my time. I want to update every other day or so. Hope that will keep your appetite satiated.
To everyone else, thank you. And if you have been reading and haven't reviewed, please do. I would be interested to know how many people are lurking.
Thanks.
I will update again at the end of the week or on the weekend. I am having a visitor for a couple of days so I may not have a lot of time for the internet.
Karren.
Caution - trouble ahead for everyone!
Just wanted to warn you.
More from me at the end!
**************************************
Looking at Snape, seeing him half naked for the first time, Jane had been shocked by the scars on his back. But if that shocked her, his reaction shocked her more. Eyes blazing with fury, his face a particular shade of angry she had never seen before, Jane was terrified by his sudden ferocity.
It was something she hadn't experienced since she had fled from her father's abusive behaviour; and it was certainly something she hadn't expected from Snape, regardless of his reputation. Now she had done it though, she had made him angry and he was going to punish her just like her father had, she just knew it.
Eyes filling with tears, Jane averted her eyes and backed away. "Sorry," she managed to choke out fearfully, barely audible, before turning quickly and bolting from the room.
**********
Snape watched the girl, horrified at what he had done. He saw her eyes fill with tears and realised his mistake. He was about to apologise when he heard her small voice stammer an apology before she turned and ran. Cursing himself, he grabbed his shirt and robes, throwing them on before following her out the door. Gods, what had he done?
**********
Tears streaming freely down her cheeks, Jane ran. She ran for her life. At that moment, she didn't care where she was going, she just ran, knowing she had to leave as quickly as possible if she was to avoid being punished. She prayed he wouldn't find her. She didn't want to hurt him, but she also didn't want to be hurt. She had left that life a long time ago and didn't intend to return.
Jane ran on blindly until she was outside the Hogwarts buildings. Reaching the edge of the Forbidden Forest, she paused briefly, considering the alternatives. There were only two. She could try and hide somewhere in the grounds and hope he wouldn't find her, or she could keep moving and make it even less likely. She didn't' even entertain the idea of returning to him and facing his wrath. She chose the second option; being more scared of his anger and punishment than she was of anything she might come across in the forest.
Running on without another moment's hesitation, Jane entered the forest, watched closely by the Raven sitting on a tree branch, waiting for just such an opportunity. Opening his wings, the bird flew off to find Lucius. This was the chance they had been waiting for. Their master would be well pleased tonight.
**********
Jane ran until she could run no longer. She fell a couple of times and by the time she stopped she was soaked with water, cut and bleeding. Sitting to rest against a log and take stock of her situation, she realised she was in trouble. She was wearing nothing but a nightgown, she had lost her slippers along the way, she was cold and wet, bruised and bloodied and finally, lost. She had no idea where she was or how to get out of the forest. Suddenly she realised there might just be something worse than facing Severus' wrath - maybe.
Looking at her predicament, she decided that stumbling blindly into the forest as she had, had been foolish. It would probably be her last mistake. Jane touched the pendant - it could take her back to him if that was what she wanted. It wasn't - she knew he had been murderous when she had run, his dark eyes had flashed with an anger so great that her father's had paled into insignificance by comparison. No, he would be relieved she was gone, and his life could return to normal. It was clear that he preferred to be alone - living with another had weakened him, and in his situation, that was dangerous. Jane, as frightened as she was of him, didn't want to see him hurt.
If only she had known the truth.
Realising what he had done, Snape dressed hurriedly and tried to follow her without success. He hadn't even managed to glimpse her; she had reacted so quickly to his anger. Calling her name, he hoped she would return to him, but knew full well that that would be unlikely. He realised, reluctantly, that he would never catch her, not alone; she was far too quick, particularly because she thought she was running for her life. Reluctantly, Snape gave up the chase and headed for the Headmaster's office to admit his mistake and ask for help.
**********
Jane cried. There was nothing else she could do. Moving slowly, feet cut by the rocks and branches she was walking over, she felt miserable, and it was so much worse because things had been so much better for her until that morning. She couldn't stop the tears, and figured she would probably cry until she was dead, and that wouldn't be long. If she didn't freeze to death first, a forest dweller would probably kill her. She didn't care as long as she was free.
**********
Dumbledore shook his head sadly and looked at the distraught Potions Master. "Severus, what were you thinking?"
"Clearly, Headmaster, I wasn't. I was simply reacting to an unexpected situation. Off guard, as I was, I reacted predictably and that is unfortunate and unforgivable in this case."
"Indeed it is Severus," Dumbledore agreed sadly.
"Headmaster, we must find her. It is dangerous for her to be alone outside the school buildings." Snape didn't elaborate on the reason for his concern, not wishing to inform Dumbledore of the letter he had received and the threat it contained. It would have changed nothing, not even the urgency with which he wished to find her.
"I agree Severus, but how do you propose we find her? We can hardly use magic, so far only yours seems to work, and it is unlikely to do so under these circumstances. The only alternative would be to provide a search party, but I am afraid that that will not be possible so close to exam time. We simply don't have the time or staff to spare."
"Headmaster, please allow me to search for her then." Snape begged desperately.
Dumbledore recognised the pain of guilt Snape was trying to hide, and sighed. "Alright Severus, you may search, but be careful." He paused, considering the situation briefly, after all, she was his grand daughter, so he bore some responsibility for her safety. "Take Hagrid with you."
"Thank you Headmaster." The Potions master left the office in a flurry of robes to seek out the half giant.
**************************************
Jane sat down. She could walk no further, her feet hurt too much, and they were torn and bleeding, cut to shreds by the branches and stones of the forest floor. She no longer cared what happened, she just wanted death to hurry and claim her in whatever form it would take. As far as she was concerned life just wasn't worth the effort, it never had been, even though she had been truly happy for a short time with Severus. Now that was gone, it only made things worse. She closed her eyes, tears still streaming down her face.
"So young lady, what are you doing so far from Hogwarts?"
Jane's eyes snapped open.
"You are Jane aren't you? Professor Snape's friend?"
Jane nodded through her tears.
"Hasn't he told you it is dangerous to be in the forest, particularly alone? You never know what you might come across."
Jane looked at the man - his smile was friendly. She watched, as he looked at her concerned, prepared to run again if it became necessary, not that she thought she would be able to run far.
"You're hurt. Let me help you, then we can go back to Hogwarts."
"No!" He looked at her surprised. "You can help me, but I don't want to go back to Hogwarts. I want to go home to London."
Lucius looked at the girl and smiled. This would be easier than he had thought. Voldemort would be pleased indeed.
Jane watched as the man waved his wand and the cuts on her feet were magically healed.
He smiled. "That's better isn't it?"
Jane nodded. "Yes, thank you." She looked at him thoughtfully. "I haven't seen you around Hogwarts, what do you do? Are you a teacher?"
Lucius shook his head, laughing gently. "No, oh no, no I'm not teacher. I don't have the patience I am afraid. I am a member of the school board." It was a small lie, but he thought she would never live to find out the truth. He HAD been a member of the school board until that damned Potter brat had caused him to be arrested and sent to Azkabahn. Lucius smiled - Dumbledore would be surprised to find that he had escaped so quickly, and probably not pleasantly surprised.
"Sometimes I don't think Severus has the patience either." Jane agreed.
"So, why are you out here all alone?" Lucius asked lightly - he knew things would go much smoother if he could gain the girl's trust.
"I upset him this morning. I- I-." Jane burst into tears again, thinking about what had happened.
Lucius swallowed his pride and took the shaking, crying child in his arms, holding her until her sobs abated and she relaxed against him.
Pulling away, Jane looked at the tear stains on his robes. "I'm sorry Sir, I've made you all wet."
"It's alright, don't worry. I'm not angry." He looked down, "You can call me Lucius. How about we become friends?" He suggested.
Jane looked at Lucius. He seemed ok, but then so had Severus. She decided she had nothing to loose. The worst that would happen was that he would want to kill her too, and she doubted that was his intention, not that she cared much - she just didn't want to add to Severus' burden of guilt by allowing him to kill her - she wasn't scared of death itself. She nodded her consent. "Alright Lucius, can you help me get back to London?"
"Are you sure that is what you want Jane? Wouldn't you rather return to Severus? He can't be that angry."
"He is. He told me to get out. He looked murderous. Besides, I don't fit in here. I want to go home where I know what is what."
Lucius nodded. "Alright, I will take you back. Can you follow me do you think?" Jane nodded and Lucius reached down and helped Jane to stand. "How do you feel? Are your feet alright?"
Jane nodded, but winced at her first step.
Noticing, Lucius produced a pair of shoes from two pieces of wood. "Here, try these." He handed them to Jane.
Jane took the shoes, amazed. "That was cool. Severus never did anything like that. except bring me here."
Lucius chuckled. "Severus' talents lie in other areas, and he prefers to focus his skills there. His is quiet capable of such magic, but I think he feels it is below him, so he chooses not to use it."
Jane nodded, accepting the explanation, knowing no better, and put the shoes on. They fit perfectly.
**************************************************************************
Authors Note:
I need to apologise if Jane seems a bit confused here. I will give you the excuse that the girl has been traumatised by her upbringing that so much fear affects her judgment and logic sometimes. I hope her swings from fearing Severus to waiting for death as a release may not be too out of the question. I am sure some psychologist somewhere would confirm that this type of confusion is quite possible given her background. There are probably some who would say it isn't. Anyway that is my explanation for her seemingly erratic behaviour in the next couple of chapters.
I am really torn between alleviating people's fears here and letting too much info out and spoiling the end of the story and that is why I haven't been replying to individual comments recently. It also takes more time than I really have at the moment. However, I am going to allow myself to this time.
In answer to Clare, my best estimate is that Severus is 35ish and Jane is 14. I am not an expert here, but that is the impression I have from what I have read of JKR's comments about him. I hang my head in shame as I admit to only having read the books in their entirety once. I simply won't have time to read them again until Christmas. However, the rest of the story is now complete and set in stone. Sorry if it doesn't follow the direction you would like, but I am happy with the way it progresses.
Perhaps it is time to thank everyone else as well for their ongoing support..
To Snapefan51, thank you for your regular reviews, it is much appreciated. That day, by the way is now, as you have no doubt already read. I don't want to say much about what will happen though, you will just have to wait and see.
To Barbara Kennedy - thank you too for your ongoing reviews. Yes, Jane did startle him, and he reacted badly, things aren't going to be pleasant for the next chapters. Please don't be too concerned though and keep reading.
To ahappyjtm - thanks for all the virtual gifts, they really are appreciated. I will try arrowroot next time :) I do have assignments due and exams coming, but I have Snape's Saviour all finished, except for final editing and posting, so it isn't too draining on my time. I want to update every other day or so. Hope that will keep your appetite satiated.
To everyone else, thank you. And if you have been reading and haven't reviewed, please do. I would be interested to know how many people are lurking.
Thanks.
I will update again at the end of the week or on the weekend. I am having a visitor for a couple of days so I may not have a lot of time for the internet.
Karren.