-THE LOVE LETTER
CHAPTER 11 : Lavinia's fate
The diner was packed with people when the exuberant blonde walked in. She surveyed the room, before going to the counter. She was about to ask the lanky red haired waitress, when the woman cut in, "He's in the back, in his office."
The blonde nodded and headed for the narrow corridor that led to John's office. He was rummaging through piles of bills and documents, when he gazed back at her standing at the door.
"What are you doing here? I thought I told you we shouldn't be seen together until this whole things is over!" He grabbed her arm, pulling her into the room and closed the door behind him.
"I couldn't wait any longer, you said you had everything under control, why are you taking so long?" she said yanking her arm off his grip.
"They got cold feet, I can't find anyone else, so I guess I'm going to have to do it myself," he whispered.
"Oh, so what are you waiting for?"
"I need to have a plan, it's not that easy, it has to look natural. That is if you want the money," he said.
"Of course I want the money, I mean, it's for both of us, right?" She pushed him on his chair and sat on his lap.
He put his hand around her neck and they kissed. "I promised you, didn't I? Just give me a week and it'll be done."
She smiled and he said, "Now get out of here before anyone else sees us!"
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Snape wrote his letter and hoped she could understand and accept everything the best way possible. He left the dungeons in the morning to talk to Dumbledore.
After a while, he found himself in front of the spiral staircase, completely unaware of how he got there or said the password. That always happened when he was worried, he did things without noticing. He climbed the stairs and knocked at the door. Dumbledore's voice told him to enter.
McGonagall was already sitting there looking slightly tense, while Dumbledore's expression was impassive. That made Snape clueless as to what his answer was going to be.
He sat in one of the available chairs and waited. Dumbledore conjured some tea and offered him. Snape shook his head, impatiently shifting positions.
"I was told of your... idea to use the time-turner, " said Dumbedore mixing his tea. "I thought I had made it clear for you, to not dwell on those letters."
"With all due respect, Albus, I can make my own decisions," said Snape.
"I'm sure you can, although they're not always wise, are they?" The old man's blue eyes were hard on him.
"I tried to warn him, but I don't think this was in his control anymore, Albus," McGoanagall intervened. "You realize that some things are part of one's destiny. I must confess I found the whole idea a mistake at first, but those letters weren't there just by coincidence, there is no such thing as coincidences."
"I agree, but we still don't know if the time-turner is the best solution. The smallest of changes in the past can cause serious damage in the future. It's a great deal of responsibility and I'm not sure if it's wise to let you interfere, Severus. We know nothing about this woman's fate," said Dumbledore.
"I wanted to do that, but I'm afraid there is no time. Something could happen to her any moment!" Snape's face was tense and he could barely conceal his own feelings anymore. His always shut down expression was replaced by a desperate one.
"Yes I know, and that's why I've already contacted some people who are connected to the muggle police. They will get me the information on her and her family history. If anything happened, they should have records on it, " said Dumbledore.
"But how long will it take, my friend at the Ministry couldn't find anything?"
"They should have it tonight, I can assure you. And after we gather the facts, we can think about time travel." The old man got up and put his hand on Snape's shoulder. "There's nothing I want more than to see you happy, but let's do things right."
Snape sighed heavily and accepted the Headmaster's orders. He had no choice. So he went on to his classes and tried not to think too much.
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Lavinia had been dreading the time, as it approached her husband's arrival. She had been pretending to be asleep, so she wouldn't have to face him. Usually in the mornings, he left early and in a hurry, so she was relatively safe.
The fewer times they had contact since he threatened her, he wasn't violent or angry, but he kept staring at her with an odd look in his eyes that brought shivers down her spine.
She sat in the kitchen with a cup of coffee and read Severus' letter one more time.
""" Dear Liv,
First of all I want to ask you something very important. If you feel that he is going to hurt you, get out of the house. Don't worry about me, I'll find my way to you.
Yes I have a plan and because of that, I have to reveal all about my world and myself..... """
The letter went on describing the most amazing tale Lavinia had ever heard. He explained that he was a wizard and instead of teaching chemistry, he taught Potions and he lived in the most amazing world. She was fascinated and a little bit scared, but she trusted him, she knew that he was her only chance and she was going to hold on to that, for she had nothing else to hold on to.
At the end of the letter he wrote,
""" ..... Be prepared. I love you,
Severus. """"
She felt goose bumps as she read those words and closing the letter, she waited.
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Snape jumped at the knock on his office door. "Enter!"
Dumbledore entered the room holding a parchment in his hands and Snape knew immediately what it was.
"So?" he asked impatiently.
"Read it," said the old man taking a seat.
Snape grabbed the parchment and greedily started to take in all the information.
""" Name : Lavinia Jade Lewis
Maiden Name : Mathews
Birth date : July 22nd 1933
Place of birth : San Antonio, Texas USA
Married to John Peter Lewis.
Whereabouts : Unknown. Last seen in September 25th 1963. """
Attached to the parchment was an old clipping of a muggle newspaper.
"""" Houston, September 26th 1963
FIRE CLAIMS ONE VICTIM AND BURNS HOUSE TO THE GROUND.
On the night of September 25th, the house on 2272 Main St. was completely burnt to the ground. Firefighters got to the scene too late to save the only victim who is still unidentified.
Officials stated that the facts can not yet be disclosed but the fire was caused by arson and the owner is under arrest for interrogation.... """"
The article continued with some other details, but still there was a lot unanswered. Snape's hand was shaking at the thought of Liv being the victim, but then it occurred to him. How could she be the victim if she had disappeared? The body found in the house was someone else's.
There was one last parchment about her husband, being the last family member found.
"" Name : John Peter Lewis
Birth date : June 15th 1924
Place of Birth : Houston, Texas USA
Married to Lavinia Jade Mathews
Whereabouts : Psychiatric Prison of Huntsville,Texas. """
Snape looked up at Dumbledore and asked, "He is alive, in prison?"
"Apparently he was arrested for arson and something happened to him, they didn't have details, but he had to be transfered to a psychiatric prison," said Dumbledore.
"Did they say why he set fire on the house?"
"A life insurance policy that Lavinia willingly signed. If she died, he would be the sole heir."
"So all of it was for money?" Snape was outraged. "I have to go, I have to get her out of there before anything happens!"
"But you don't even know where she was at the time of the fire.She disappeared, Severus, for all we know, she could still be alive."
"I don't think so, something must have gone wrong and he killed her. I have to go, Albus, please!"
At that moment he felt a sharp burning on his arm, making him drop the parchment and grab his arm in pain. "No! Not now!"
"Is it the Mark?" Dumbledore stood up.
"Yes, damn, now of all times!"
"Then don't go! You know how I feel about this," said Dumbledore.
Snape got his wand out and opened his drawer looking for Lavinia's last letter. With a quick wave he said the spell and the date appeared on her letter.
September 20th 1963.
"We still have a week until it happens," Snape said, "this is the last meeting I'm going and I will put it all behind me."
"As you wish, Severus." Dumbledore shook his head, knowing how stubborn the younger man could be.
The pain was getting stronger and he knew he couldn't wait any longer. He left shooting a last look at Lavinia's letter on the table.
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