I apologize for the delay on the update…life has been keeping me busy. This story is moving a little slower than I thought it might but things will pick up soon. Sorry for the short chapters too…I just wanted to get this one out ASAP but the rest will be longer.
Thanks to my reviewer too…I hope you enjoy how this story turns out.
Chapter One
Snape awoke with a start after his latest encounter with Skylar in his dreams. In this one he had arrived in time to see her one last time and she whispered to "never give up on what you believe" before taking her last breath. He assumed the comment was in reference to his continuation of supporting the light side, but he still did not understand why her presence was constantly invading his slumber. She had died nearly 18 years ago at this point and he hadn't experienced any dreams this intense since the few months after her actual death. Dumbledore seemed to think it had something to do with the anniversary of her death coming near but Severus was convinced it was something more. What was she trying to tell him?
Noticing the time, Snape got out of bed in order to make it to the Great Hall on time for breakfast. Despite the fact the students had all left days ago, Dumbledore insisted that all the professors who chose to remain in the castle dine together. This was a very trying experience each day because the potions master was well aware that most of the professors did not actually enjoy his company and he was tired of making idle chitchat with people who could never understand what he had been through. The only reason he went was out of respect for Dumbledore.
After suffering for nearly an hour of Professor Sprout going on and on about her new summer growth and Hagrid going on about the new creatures he was training, Dumbledore finally came to Severus' rescue.
"May I have a word with you please after you are finished?"
"Of course Headmaster, now is fine." Snape said getting up from the table as quickly as possible, following Albus up to his office.
Once they were seated Albus eyed the potions master concerned, "I'm going to be blunt. You look tired Severus. Are you still suffering from those dreams?"
Snape sighed, "Unfortunately. I just can't seem to get them out of my head…"
"Have you thought about taking a dreamless sleep potion?"
"I have but I just can't shake the feeling that they are important in some way, and as much as it pains me, it's nice to have a chance to actually say goodbye even if know it isn't real. I just like seeing her…does that make any sense to you?" Severus looked down at his hands uncomfortable with expressing his feelings but Dumbledore chose not address it. He was glad that Snape was finally dealing with some of the hurt and torment that arrived with Skylar's death.
"Complete sense. I only suggested it because I'm worried that your lack of focus lately may incur Voldemort's wrath which would be very detrimental to what we are trying to do. Does he seem to suspect anything?"
Severus shuddered slightly at the mention of the Dark Lord's name. "No, I've been extremely careful around him especially lately. He has not been in the most, shall we say, pleasant mood recently, but fortunately it is not due to anything concerning me."
"That is what I wanted to hear. Just promise me that if you ever feel like it may become an issue that you will come talk to me, I know you do not like asking for help but I insist that you do not deal with this burden alone." The Headmaster said emphatically.
Snape glanced down at his watch embarrassed by Dumbledore's declarations. "I will. I'm actually expected to attend a meeting in a few hours so I think I may go get ready unless you have something else to discuss?"
"No that is all. Just please be careful." Severus nodded and turned to leave.
"Oh and Severus?" Snape rotated to look at the Headmaster. "Give the other professors a chance. You'd be surprised how highly they think of you and what they could offer you if you'd give them something to work with."
Snape rolled his eyes and groaned. "Headmaster, with all due respect, I think I can decide how to interact with my colleagues on my own." He turned sharply and left as Dumbledore watched him go with a twinge of sadness in his eyes.
