Arc Two: Delusional Reverie
Chapter Ten: Clarity

I groaned slightly and rubbed my eyes as a bright sunbeam hit my eyelids. Despite such an abrupt awakening from the blessings of early spring, I felt as if I had slept the best I ever had done. With the Hound and Ruberion gone, there was nothing left to worry about. The days of everyone at Hogwarts could return to normal for the first time in so long. At least, they could do so for me. For many of the students, they may not have realised that such dangers were going on to begin with. I was happy I could preserve their sanctuary of peace.

Laying on my back, I stared blankly at the ceiling as my vision slowly came into focus. My arm reached up above me as if it was trying to grab something out of reach. Why do people do that? Was there something so therapeutic of knowing you weren't trapped by doing so? I let it fall back to the bedsheets below with a thud. Begrudgingly, I emerged from underneath the covers and came to my feet. My body had only just begun to iron out the dents I sustained from Ruberion so I was still a bit sluggish at times.

My mind felt so blank. For the first time, there was simply nothing to do. What was I supposed to do with all this free time? I wasn't being forced to study, speed through reading legislation or find and confront a killer so how could I make myself at all useful?

Collecting the loose threads left from Ruberion could be one idea. I'd also like to see Severus today but he said he was experimenting on some sort of new idea for a potion and not to be disturbed until later. The first person to see would probably be Flitwick... After he was tortured, he wound up in the Hospital Wing and hasn't been discharged yet. Part of me fears he didn't know it wasn't really me. I owed it to him to set things right.

With that in mind, I performed my daily routine of getting ready and made my way to the first floor.

Knowing what Ruberion had done to Flitwick left me incredibly nervous as I approached the large wooden doors that contained the Hospital Wing. Truthfully, I wasn't entirely sure if it was my right to see him and it caused me to pace back and forth right outside. It would keep eating at my conscience if I didn't do anything... With a deep breath, I pressed my hand to the door and slowly opened it.

To my surprise, there were several students in the beds. With the turn of the season, hayfever was running ripe through its sufferers. They would have to avoid Herbology until Madam Pomfrey could give them a relief cure to let them come within ten feet of any of the medicinal flowers. Many of their faces turned to observe me as I walked through the aisle between the beds to find Flitwick. It took me a moment to realise why some of them were sniggering until I remembered the gossiping the Quidditch boy had told me before...

As I came to the last row of beds closest to Madam Pomfrey's office, I spotted the petit half-goblin sitting up in his bed reading an old book. What was I supposed to say to him? It's not like I could go up to him with a smile and a wave if he thought I was the one who tortured him.

"Oh? Is that you, Cassandra?" his intrigued voice called out as he pushed his glasses back up his nose. Looks like I'll have to do this now or never...

I walked over and gave an awkward wave as I sat down on the chair next to him. Upon a closer look, he appeared a bit worse for wear but he was recovering well. "Filius, I-" I began to speak but he quickly interrupted.

"Relax, my girl. I can see the guilt pouring out of you!" he spoke kindly, patting my knee gently. "Albus told me everything."

"And you're not mad?" I asked for clarification a little forcefully.

He flaunted his hand in dismissal. "Of course not. It was not your fault in the slightest. Though, if it helps to calm you down, I forgive you; not that there is anything to forgive."

My anxiety began to dwindle. Flitwick always was too kind and understanding for his own good at times but it was what made him such an honourable person. He was my first friend at Hogwarts and I'm relieved that this didn't pull us apart.

"Thank you, Filius. You don't know how much that's taken off my chest." I laughed nervously.

"Were you that concerned? Even if you were in full control, I would understand if you had your reasons." he explained.

"But it was the Cruciatus Curse, Filius! How could you excuse that?"

"Because I know you, Cassandra. You would never hurt another unless you had to. Plus, I still stand by what I told you before: I believe in you."

Oh Filius... You are so sweet... How I would have survived at Hogwarts without your guidance and encouragement, I'll never quite know.

"That means so much to me. I hope Madam Pomfrey lets you out soon. We need to have a chess rematch soon." I replied happily.

"I would like nothing more." he smiled genuinely. "I'm sure you have much to get on with today. Go and enjoy the sunshine for me, will you?"

"Of course."

With that, I stood up and the second I did, I saw the heads of the students rush back to where they were supposed to be. Damn those nosy kids... I can't wait for rumours that I'm about run off with Flitwick on a Thestral to start popping up...

Next on my list would be to see Trelawney. It was to everyone's surprise that she of all people turned up to fight. The tale of how she took the Sword of Gryffindor from Ruberion spread far and wide throughout the school. She somehow went from the awkward introvert nobody liked to the awkward introvert suffering from success. Every class was filled with students asking her what the battle was like and I think she secretly enjoyed it.

As ever, her classroom was filled with thick incenses but that didn't stop her class from being in full attendance for the first time. I'm not sure all of these are students that take Divination... and are just there to badger her with questions.

One student's hand shot up. "Professor, is it true you knocked the Sword of Gryffindor from Hollander and cut off his hand!?" a feminine voice called out excitedly.

Trelawney looked at her mildly displeased but didn't take it to heart. "T-That is not quite how it happened, Reily. Please focus on opening your Inner Eye." she replied, her ornaments rattling as she shook.

"It's a dumb question anyway, Reily!" an older voice yelled. "Everyone knows Professor Trelawney summoned her own sword and beat him in a duel!"

"Am I interrupting?" I said as I wandered in. All eyes focused on me and several students gasped. They began to murmur to themselves in fascination.

"Miss Juniper and Professor Trelawney in the same room..." I heard from one corner. "So cool..."

"I think you all should focus on your work instead of pestering poor Professor Trelawney. Come on, read your palm lines... or something." I commanded as they began to focus one more, though I was aware that many were only pretending to do so as they tried to listen to what I had to say to Trelawney.

"Cassandra! I was-"

"Expecting me? Yeah, I guessed." I joked lightheartedly. For the first time, her mystic knowledge didn't irritate me. If anything, it felt charming that she was excited by me being here.

She gestured a hand for me to sit and, of course, I accepted. She handed me a fresh cup of tea which had a slight scent of parsley and honey.

"I wanted to thank you for coming to help against Ruberion. Honestly, I was surprised." I admitted, taking a sip from the china cup.

"My Inner Eye told me you were in danger. I went to alert Albus but Severus was already there." she said lightly. A chair edged closer. I turned my head and glared at where the sound came from and the chair moved back to its original spot. "And also, I want- wanted to protect my friend." She sounded audibly nervous when she said that.

Oh boy. This is where I have to decide if Trelawney is actually my friend or not...

She had done me so many rights and no wrongs. If Ruberion had given Severus the sleeping draught, she would have been the one to alert Dumbledore... And she warned me both of him and the Hound too... She wasn't a bad woman either; just shunted by the prejudices of those around her.

And when I think of it, I was in her position once before too. At the Ministry, nobody ever spoke back to me in fear of Fudge and my authority. I had no friends because of that power imbalance. Then, when I came to Hogwarts initially, I was the strange outsider that was meant to be cautious around. Had those such as Flitwick not given me a chance, I never would be as attached to this school as I am now.

I sighed internally before giving her my response: "Of course we're friends, Sybill."

At those words, she leapt up and pulled me into a tight hug. Her necklace pieces collided directly into my stomach, knocking a tiny bit of wind out of me. Small amounts of laughter sprouted from the students.

"Forgive me. Forgive me." she huffed as she recollected herself.

"It's fine, don't worry-"

"Your cup!" she yelled as she took the cup I barely kept ahold of when she tackled me. Her eyes scanned the base feverishly. I'm starting to wish I had come at a different time.

"Look!" she exclaimed slightly too loudly as her finger pointed to the shape the tea leaves had made. "The sun!"

The sound of several pages being flipped through filled the room.

"It means you will experience great happiness, Cassandra." Her face lit up with excitement. "Go, go, you must live it out and tell me exactly what happens." She hurried me from my seat and pushed me towards the exit of the class. "I will be waiting."

She slammed the door on me.

"Uh, okay! Thanks!" I called through the door. "I think..."

If the Hound and Ruberion couldn't kill me (and keep me dead), I think being friends with this woman will be what does me in...

With nothing left to do, I decided it would be best to visit Severus to see if he was finally finished crafting this potion of his. The skies were turning a faint orange as sunset approached and created a slight chill throughout the castle that worsened as you travailed through the Dungeons.

Unsurprisingly, his door was shut. As discreetly as I could, I pressed my ear against the wooden frame to see if I could hear any sounds from inside. ...nothing.

"What are you doing?"

My hair shot up. Caught red-handed...

"N-Nothing, my dear Severus. What are you doing?" I deflected with the best innocent face I could pull but it certainly made me look more guilty.

"If I did not know better," He crossed his arms in displeasure. "I would accuse you of trying to steal from me."

I gulped. Am I in trouble...?

"Nevertheless, come in." Severus gently brushed past and went inside, holding the door open for me to enter.

As I stepped in, he flicked his wand towards the fireplace for it to burn alight.

Severus turned around to face me.

"How are you?" he asked all of a sudden, catching me off-guard.

"What?"

"Word spreads quickly, Cassandra. I know you have been going around. Are you coping alright?"

Sometimes, it still felt odd seeing him care. He was always so cold and closed at the heart that having it melt appeared to be an impossible feat.

"I'm fine. Filius and Sybill actually seemed rather elated to see me." I chuckled to myself. He smiled at my relaxation.

"Good. You may be pleased to hear that I reserved a table for us tonight." he relayed but returning to his more serious outlook.

"I'm sorry, is that a daaaaaaaaaate?" I held on to the sound of the a.

"We are not children." he said mildly flustered. Ahh, teasing him was always so fun. "Regardless, it is at the Three Broomsticks in roughly an hour."

"The Three Broomsticks? Isn't that a bit... social for you?" I asked half-seriously. The Three Broomsticks was the most popular inn and bar in all of Hogsmeade. No doubt it would be packed as it often was. The entire atmosphere didn't seem very Severus Snape-like either.

"It may be surprising, but I do have a life outside of you."

I gasped sarcastically. "No, really? And here I thought you never left this very room... Destined to be in the darkness forever..." My voice went weirdly deep in that last section.

"Amusing. Come now or you may forget I offered."

"Coming, coming!"

I am a pain in the ass sometimes but his face was just too precious to give up the opportunity.

As expected, the inn was buzzing with wizards and witches of all ages. I could barely see much of the interior over the amounts of tall wizards wearing even taller hats. The place was lightly lit and somewhat smokey but still gave a strangely welcoming vibe. Nonetheless, the number of people made me somewhat anxious.

"Stay close." Severus gently said as he took my hand. "I booked it upstairs away from everyone."

Together, we ascended some rickety wooden stairs to a much quieter area above the main floor. The chatters of those below were still audible but the atmosphere was much less suffocating and one could speak up here and be heard without having to shout.

"If it isn't Severus Snape!" a strikingly chatty voice cried out. "You can imagine my surprise when I saw your name down tonight! And who is this lovely companion of yours? Never seen her in here before."

"This is my partner, Cassandra Juniper. Cassandra, this is Madam Rosmerta." he introduced a little bothered but still formally.

Rosmerta, despite her somewhat rugged look from owning a bar, had quite an attractive and charming look to her. Topped off with her extroverted and passionate personality, it would be impossible to dislike her. No doubt several men were constantly trying to sweep her off her feet but she stood firm.

"Uh, hello." I replied awkwardly.

Her jaw dropped dramatically. "So you're the famous Miss Juniper I keep hearing all the kids talking about! To think the rumours were true." She did a pretend fainting gesture. "Dear old Professor Snape finally had his heart thawed!" Severus's hand found his face in agony.

She wandered over behind my back, pressed her hands on the back of my chair and bent forward to get close to my ear. "I've got some amazing gossip on him. If he breaks up with you, tell me and I'll unleash the lot." Her hand gently patted my arm in support before she returned to her position before.

"Now, what can I get you both?"

To my surprise, the food and drink were incredible. I could hardly get enough of it except when I remembered that this was on Severus's coin. When I tried to insist on paying my half, he said it was his treat. Men and their silly pride sometimes...

Considering it all, tonight was the first time Severus and I had publicly announced our relationship to those outside of Hogwarts and gone on an actual date. It made everything feel a lot more official now.

As we left, Rosmerta gave us a fond wave from behind the bar. I had a strange feeling that she was going to be keeping a close eye on me in the future. She did seem like a lovely woman, though I did feel a little inferior being around her compared to her natural allure.

Once outside, the mid-March nightscape did little to keep the warmth the daytime had given. Being so far from any major towns left the sky to be filled with gorgeous stars that you could swear were actually twinkling. The only downside for such a clear day was that the ground paths were clumpy and compact from the chills.

"We always do seem to have our moments under the stars, don't we?" I asked absent-mindedly as we walked hand-in-hand through the village. At this time of day, some of the more family-run stores had already closed up. The others that ran late into the night were seeping faint light from their windows to the dusky outdoors.

I turned to Severus with a light smile. "It's almost like it's fate."

His head tilted up to observe the skies briefly before returning to observe me.

"You still wear yours." He reached his free hand out to touch the necklace he had given me for Christmas.

"Of course, I barely ever take it off. I get to keep the stars and a bit of you with me. That way, I'm never really on my own." I admitted a little embarrassed.

Gradually, we came to a stop at the edge of a hill that overlooked the Shrieking Shack in the far distance. There was a wooden fence staked into the ground to prevent those from falling down the decline. From this area, so much more of the valley was visible and the sky grew much greater in size and clarity. I rushed up to the fence and my mind was blown by all I could see.

"It's beautiful..." I murmured as Severus joined my side moments later. "I think I would've gone mad if I had to be stuck in whatever that grey plain was forever. I'd never be able to see such sights like these again..."

"What is the whole of that story?" he asked curiously.

My mind hesitantly recalled those events. They were slightly more painful to recollect than I anticipated.

"When I came to, for lack of a more precise expression, Ruberion was there with me. We were in some sort of void filled with clouds which was similar to when he visited me in my dreams but this was different. I can't explain it. He began to speak to me as if we had been friends all this time and he admitted defeat. There was no way both of us were going to escape. After a while of talking, he came up with the idea of... replicating Lily Potter."

Severus's expression went sour briefly but I continued.

"I have no doubts Ruberion did love me in his own cruel and deceptive way but apparently, it was enough to counter the Killing Curse to only target him. With my soul the only one left, I suppose I can say it purified something and allowed me to regain consciousness."

"I see." was all he said but I could tell there were signs of relief from him.

"Since you got to ask me what happened, what happened after the spell hit me?"

"If you must insist on asking..."

Snape's Point of View

The Killing Curse struck true on Cassandra, sending a shockwave throughout the room and almost knocking Trelawney off her feet. Cassandra's body went limp and I dashed to try to catch her top half before it hit the floor.

Tears were filling my eyes. Not only had I lost the woman I cared for again but, this time, it was by my hand. I rested her poor lifeless head against my lap as I softly stroked her hair.

Trelawney began to sob as she pelted herself to McGonagall's arms. The older woman was somewhat reluctant but she was feeling too sorrowful to not need some comfort herself. Dumbledore's expression showed that of the one who knew they had to stay strong for the group but there was a darkness in his heart too. Hesitantly, he approached me.

"She's gone." I lamented. My heart wanted her eyes to open once more. Instead, they were locked shut, never to see mine again.

"It is what had to be done." Dumbledore reflected. "Only you were able to do it."

"You knew all along, Albus, did you not?" McGonagall asked with Trelawney still cowering.

"I suspected she was the one who stole the sword when she told me about the missing dreams."

"You were aware all this time of her condition and you did nothing to help her!?" I barked furiously.

"Now, Severus, that is not what I said. Upon the belief I had, I recognised that Ruberion must have been seeking the Calamity. I gave Cassandra the book so she could learn about it. My knowledge did not extend much further than that. Ruberion created new magic that he kept to himself. It was impossible to analyse it."

As much as I wanted to blame him, I knew too well he was correct. There was nothing that could have saved Cassandra. She was always destined to die when Ruberion eventually got too powerful. The fact I could see her before she died could be considered a miracle.

I took one of her hands in mine. They were so small and fragile that they felt like they could break apart. A mild cold began to run throughout them.

What was there to do now?

Ruberion had been defeated but at what cost? The cost of everything.

Dumbledore turned and began to converse with McGonagall. All of it was muffled from my agony.

I was alone again.

At some point, Filch burst in. He picked up Utsy's body carefully and held her like a baby. When he saw Cassandra's body, he was filled with remorse.

I couldn't move. I couldn't leave her. I'll do anything to have her back. Please Merlin, I-

For a split second, I thought I felt the hand of hers I was holding move. It couldn't have been. She's dead-

That feeling happened again. The stiffness in her joints began to soften. Her hand was warming up.

"She twitched." I called.

"What?" McGonagall exclaimed surprised. Trelawney finally separated from her in shock.

"I felt it."

"She cannot have done, Severus, she is-"

Cassandra's Point of View

"So that's what happened..." I said.

A cold breeze rushed past. Gingerly, I moved towards Severus and he wrapped his arms around my frame.

"I can't believe so much has happened since September. Is it normal for one person to go through so many near-death experiences in such a short amount of time?" I joked. Though Severus understood as much, he instinctively held me tighter as if to protect me.

"I do hope there will not be any more." he remarked.

Together, we continued to gaze out over the valley. We were safe. We could do whatever we wanted.

"What was it that you said in the Hound's lair?" I asked the burning question that had been on my mind for a while now.

"You remember that?" he asked surprised.

"Are you going to tell me?"

"Cassandra," he began. "You are aware that I am quite a reserved person. I do not open up easily, nor do I crave intimacy as many others do."

Where was he going with this?

"Despite all odds, I have come to accept that I need you." For a moment he paused for he did not know if it was the right time, but there would be no better time than now. "Truthfully, I am in love with you, Cassandra."

I thought I had misheard him but there wasn't a chance. My heart erupted through my ears like a drum.

He...

"I understand if you don't feel the same-"

"No, I- I love you too!" I exclaimed as I immediately wrapped my arms around his neck.

Severus let out a breath of relief. When we separated, all we could do was look at each other with wide smiles. Under the moonlight, our lips met to reconcile what we believed would be our last.

Then, I pulled out my wand. Quickly, I cast the Patronus Charm and to my utmost happiness, it was the gorgeous swan as it should have been all along...

...

We were two people brought together by a power neither of us could understand. We owed that power everything. That was the greatest irony of it all.

What would our lives hold for us now that Calamity has fallen? Could we finally live that normal, happy life together that everyone dreams of? I certainly hope so...

...

Dreams are incredible things. They can make your heart flutter in pure bliss or can be your darkest agony. They can be influenced by your deepest wishes and your worst fears. Some say they have the power to control their dreams but nobody can truly say that dreams bend to their will. Dreams will always influence us. There is no escaping them. You cannot run from your own mind.

Instead, we can learn to accept them as a part of us. They can teach us incredible lessons and give us our greatest inspirations. Above all, they can even show you love.

What are dreams but a part of your head?

But just because it is in your head... does not mean it is not real.

Your dreams, your fantasies... they will always be there to guide you.

I knew that well.

End of Arc Two

Arc Three Preview:
These scenes are not indicative of the final chapter script. There may be variations.

"Are you certain you have to do this?" Severus asked with his hands trembling. "I can come with you."

"No, I've told you a thousand times, Severus." I agonised as I had to reject him. "I have to do it alone. It's too dangerous and suspicious if I bring you. At least alone, I can pretend I'm there on business."

The branch began to splinter as it held my weight against gravity. If I could reach my hand a little more...

My vision began to become blurry as I pushed myself to stretch as far as I possibly could. My hands were red and burning from the friction.

"Please, just... a bit more..." I pleaded through my teeth.

But it wasn't enough.

New prospects await Cassandra in her life in Arc Three. Will she find the paradise she always wanted with Severus? Or will there be something to intervene with her peaceful life?

Thank you to everyone who has completed Arc One and, now, Arc Two. It's incredible and still somewhat unbelievable I've managed to come this far with this story. All 72k words feel like a dream whenever I reflect on it. I hope I've managed to achieve what I always seek with my writing: to make people smile and give them relief. Though my writing may be unconventional, I truly hope you have enjoyed Cassandra's journey. She will be back in Arc Three.