Disclaimer: any recognizable characters belong to J.K. Rowling and/or Warner Bros. Any other characters may or may not be recognizable.
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Old Habits
Chapter 7
The hedge maze was slightly overgrown. The bushes were bare of leaves this late in the season, but their twisting branches formed an even more solid looking barrier. A thin layer of frost added to the illusion of impenetrability. Privacy would be completely assured if the same frost didn't advertise footsteps so loudly.
"I know you're upset."
Silence.
"I didn't lie to you. Dumbledore didn't lie to you."
Silence.
"You knew this was coming."
Silence.
They walked a little further.
"Damnit—would you say something?"
Silence.
"Fine. Fine! If this is how you want it to be, if this is how you send me off, fine! Act like a sullen child. But you did know I was leaving. It wasn't a secret. I was here as a guest, and now I have to go. I have projects to finish in the States."
Silence.
" . . . I'm sorry if you got the wrong impression. I'm sorry if you feel like I've led you on, or used you, or whatever. I didn't! I was happy to see you, I am happy to see you, and . . . and. And I wish I didn't have to leave. There. I said it. I wish I could stay here with you."
Silence.
"The way you're acting, though, I'm not sure if you want me to stay."
Silence.
"You're acting like . . . I don't even know! Are you mad? Mad that I came back? Are you acting this way because you're unhappy I'm leaving? What is it?"
Silence.
"Would you say something?"
Silence.
" . . . fine then. Be however you are. I wish you would answer me, but I know I can't make you do anything."
Silence.
"I guess . . . I guess I'll see you around, Big Bad. I'll write. And if you want, if you're at all inclined, maybe you could . . . write back, you know?"
Silence.
"O-okay. I'll miss you."
With resolve, she turned on her heel and walked away. A low spoken reply barely reached her ears.
"I am glad you're leaving."
She spun to face him again.
"What? You're glad I'm leaving?"
"Yes."
Of all responses, his admission stunned her.
"W-well. Good. I'm glad to go too! I hope I haven't wasted too much of your precious time or diverted too much of your precious energy! I'll leave you to your surly, raging self!"
Her voice rose at the end of her outburst to almost a shriek.
In several strides he was by her side again.
"I'm glad you're going back to the States. It's safer there for you."
"And it's safer for you too, isn't it? If I leave?"
Venom dripped from her voice.
"Yes. Yes, of course it is."
Silence.
"In my heart, I don't want you to leave. But for both our sakes, for both our lives, it is for the best. We're both aware of that. No one—not Albus Dumbledore, not any living centaur, not the Dark Lord himself—can predict the outcome of this war. No one knows what turns it may take.
"I'm concerned for my own safety in more ways than you know. I can't—I won't explain it. But believe me; believe me when I tell you I'm more fearful for you. Your involvement with me will be truly be your death if . . .."
"If what?"
"If certain people find out."
She studied him for a long moment.
"I do wish you could stay. I will miss you. I wish we could have the time we lost back."
Silence.
"Do you believe me? Do you trust me?"
"Severus . . . yes. I trust you."
A very brief smile softened the corners of his mouth.
"I will write you. I don't want to lose touch again."
"Nor do I, Celeste."
She nodded, and took his offered arm. They continued their way through the maze, accompanied by the echoes of their footsteps. Nothing more passed between them aloud.
Silence was now easy and companionable, and both were glad for it.