46- Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Christmas time in the Muggle world was a time of peace and contemplation... well, not quite. It was rather a time of commerce, of crowded streets and hectic people on the hunt for the ultimate Christmas present.
In the wizarding world, there was no peace and contemplation either. The Dark Lord didn't care for such things and therefore there was no holiday on his way to power. The war between the forces of good and evil seemed to reach new heights with every day that passed.
One day, the Daily Prophet mourned the death of eleven innocent bystanders- mostly children- when a group of Death Eaters attacked Diagon Alley in broad daylight to clean it off Muggleborn shop owners. A squad of Aurors intervened, and all of a sudden there were also some members of the Order of the Phoenix joining in the battle. In the end, neither side won. The Death Eaters Disapparated soon after Headmaster Dumbledore gave a surprise visit. He sent away his loyal followers and left it to the Aurors to handle the mess. The mess were eleven dead bodies.
It was a horrible tragedy, and it wasn't one the officials were eager to solve. Days later, it was still unclear whose spell had killed which victim and it was likely that the parents would never find out who was responsible for the death of their child. They had simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time, and time would heal all wounds, they said at the Ministry. It was a poor comfort for the bereaved but the only one the Ministry of Magic was going to offer. Of course, they would never admit that an Auror could have possible killed any child with a ricocheting spell when it was so much easier to put the blame on the Death Eaters.
Their attitude angered Raven just as much as it angered her that she hadn't seen it coming, and she blamed herself for not having paid enough attention on what the clients of the Red Lantern were talking about.
"You cannot know everything that happens," Severus chided her gently when she complained about her failure, her inadequacy, "and you cannot spoil each and every of the Dark Lord's plans. He will get suspicious if you do, and believe me, you do not want to attract his attention."
"Yeah, I know!" Raven replied stubbornly. "But I'd feel much better if the victims were some of Dumbledore's kid soldiers instead of real kids. I mean, they just left Hogwarts for the holidays and were happy to be with their parents again... and then a ricocheting spell ends their life. It's not fair!"
"Life isn't fair," Severus gave to consider.
His voice sounded dark and tempting in her ear, and she gave in to her need to snuggle up to him.
"You know, Sev," she said after a while, "methinks- and I don't want to defend the Death Eaters now- that the Ministry is all too happy to put the blame on them, and therefore they don't press further investigations. But it's a lie if they say they cannot tell whose spell killed what victim since it is possible-
"I'm still studying my books on Auror training. There are ways to find out who cast which spell, even if it ricocheted in the greatest mess of duelling opponents." Raven heaved a sigh. "Alas, most Aurors don't give a damn about the more subtle or scientific approach; they think they're doing a great job if they can simply press a testimony without having to bother with such tedious things like evidence, and the Ministry will always be keen to sit it out until the dust has settled."
Although Raven still wanted to become an Auror one day, her words made Severus wonder if that was really the perfect job for her- he knew she was a sucker for evidence, for all the small things you can find at a crime scene, and she admired Muggle forensics...
"I think they merely want to cover up the fact that the Aurors are free to use Unforgivables like the Killing Curse now." Raven finished her rant.
Severus didn't reply. He knew from Regulus that her assumption was indeed true since the whelp had told him about some losses the Death Eaters had suffered lately, among them a guy he remembered from school, called Wilkes, who wasn't even a hardcore Death Eater.
He didn't care about Wilkes, but his death (along with the recent events) reminded him of how dangerous her little spying game was and he wanted to ask her to stop it. But he knew as well that she was much too stubborn to follow his well-meant advice. Raven believed in what she was doing, and although he didn't appreciate her means (presenting herself scantily-clad in front of an audience), he definitely appreciated the ends of it. After all, she had actually helped to save lives by doing what she was doing, and he was proud of her because of that.
So he gathered her in his arms and hugged her, breathing a kiss on her temple. Knowing he couldn't stop her from going out dancing at the Red Lantern tonight, he simply told her to be careful.
"The Dark Lord might be seeking revenge for the fiasco in Diagon Alley."
-o-
Raven kept his words in mind. It flattered her that he really seemed to worry about her safety (on the other hand, they were best friends, so of course he cared). Nevertheless, she was more cautious than usual when she parked her Harley and entered Knockturn Alley through the concealed gateway nearby, like she was doing almost every day.
Tonight, though, she almost immediately seemed to sense that something was... wrong. It wasn't anything she could see or hear; it was just a strange feeling...
She drew her wand. Slowly, she proceeded, looking around attentively.
Still, there was nothing suspicious to be seen.
And yet, she was on alert as she was inching closer to the Red Lantern.
There was a group of clients, Death Eaters, approaching the bar from the opposite direction. She recognized Mulciber, Avery and her not-cousins, accompanied by three or four other guys she wasn't familiar with; she had seen their faces before but didn't know their names.
All of a sudden, she heard the sharp POP of Apparation. Two out of four Marauders appeared out of thin air, right in front of the approaching Death Eaters. They had drawn their wands, looking as though they were going to attack the Death Eaters with Gryffindor bravado even if they were outnumbered by them- well, at least Lupin gave the impression of bravery whereas Pettigrew looked like he'd wet his pants any minute.
Mulciber was just laughing contemptuously at the two sad opponents, when more Order members came creeping out of the shadows of Knockturn Alley, slowly circling the group of Death Eaters.
Fortunately, Raven had kept a comforting distance, therefore she hadn't been noticed by either side yet. Eager to keep it that way, she was now searching for an escape route to not get involved into any sort of fighting that was about to start soon.
Next to her, there was a house with a low roof. If she could get onto that, she could easily crawl over it in order to get to the backyard of said house, and that- she knew- opened to a small alley that also crossed the backyard of the Red Lantern.
So she climbed onto the roof. Meanwhile, down in the street, a fight had begun and the air was brimming with magical energy. But the air was also brimming with a strange sound- it almost sounded as if a flying object was getting nearer. On the other hand, it also sounded like a motorbike...
Raven looked up. And rolled her eyes at such a... typically Gryffindor appearance. The manoeuvre was just as reckless as if was the testosterone-influenced showing-off of two brats riding in on a flying motorbike- Curtains up! Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the fabulous Mr Sirius Black and Mr James Potter, hurrying to save the world!
Their attitude made her want to vomit, especially since there wasn't any need for them to save anyone; it were the Death Eaters that had been attacked while they were on their way to spend a frivolous night out.
Raven decided that she'd seen enough; she couldn't suffer any more Gryffindor bravado and she didn't care who'd win that battle. Most likely, she would read all about it in the next issue of the Daily Prophet. Besides, it was getting dangerous up there on the roof with all these untamed spells and curses flying around. On the other side of the alley, a house had already caught fire.
She was just about to leave her observation post when two things happened. Lord Voldemort himself made an appearance and, almost at the very same time, Pettigrew turned into his Animagus form and scampered away.
Why was he ever Sorted into Gryffindor? Raven wondered, although she had to admit that the Dark Lord was quite a scary fellow indeed. It was the first time she ever saw him in person and even from a distance she could feel the power he radiated. But she also noticed the price he'd paid for his power. He'd been such a pretty boy once, and now he looked like an experiment that had gone wrong, as if a crazy scientist had tried to interbreed a human with a snake. Even Frankenstein's monster looked cute in comparison to Lord V- also, the monster wasn't keen to rule the world; he was merely striving for acceptance and affection, things that He-who-used-to-be-Tom-Riddle most certainly didn't care about. You don't split your soul into whatever-many pieces if it's love you want to find...
Since Raven preferred to not be noticed by him, she finally took her leave. Carefully, she moved across the roof to its other side and cast a quick glance in the alley below. It was deserted, just like she had guessed... or hoped. She didn't use any magic as she jumped down- a Cushioning Charm would have granted her a softer landing, but she'd rather put up with a scratched knee than attract the Dark Lord's attention. And she simply knew he was capable of noticing her if she used magic.
Still limping a little, she finally entered the Red Lantern through its back entrance. The girls were already there, all dressed up to entertain the clients; but there weren't any. The bar was empty and Henri kept on glancing at his watch, as if that damnable thing had decided to play a horrible joke on him.
"You're late," he accused Raven without taking his eyes off the watch.
"Yeah, but even if you stare at the clock for the whole night, I fear there won't be any customers tonight," Raven replied nonchalantly.
"What do you mean- no customers?"
"Well, your charming Death Eater clientèle is currently fighting some of the supposed-to-be good guys in the alley outside, and I guess they won't be in the mood for entertainment after it. If they survive, that is. By the way, how are your fire-protection wards, dear Henri? I hope you didn't save money on them since a house down the alley is already in flames."
Henri blanched but waved her worries aside, before he answered indignantly, "My fire-protection wards are perfectly fine, thank you very much." Still looking quite green around the gills he huffed, then. "No customers... that means no business! They're going to ruin me with their stupid war!"
"Aww, poor Henri," Raven teased him. "Methinks, though, that you won't be bankrupt even if you have to close the Red Lantern for one night."
"You have no idea, girl..."
"Well, perhaps not. But you could at least try to bring your most valuable... assets to safety."
Henri glanced from his cash register to the little box in which he usually kept his 'tax-free' earnings, and from there to his safe.
Raven rolled her eyes at such an obvious display of commercial greediness. But that was typically Henri.
"I was talking about us, your devoted employees. The girls that made you rich and filled your pockets with jingling Galleons, you know?"
"Oh..." Henri stared at her as if he was seeing her for the first time. Then he quickly filled his pockets with as many satchels of gold he could find on the spur of the moment, before he finally decided to head Raven's advice. "Well, yes, alright then. You lead the way and bring us all to safety."
-o-
It was a tedious night. Raven had definitely not expected it to be that effing hard to get a group of girls plus Henri out of the Knockturn Alley district and from her favourite parking place in a Muggle backyard through Muggle streets to the Leaking Cauldron, where they could take the Floo network to get home safely.
Henri was complaining about tonight's losing bargain and the girls kept changing from hysteric to nagging mode and back. It didn't improve the situation that the Muggles were staring at their strange fellowship- fortunately, it wasn't that unusual to see unusually clad people in the streets of London.
Raven was glad when she was home at last. Of course, she just had to report tonight's events to Severus, even if that meant waking him since he was already asleep in her bed, as it had become a habit of his when she was working late. But he was a light sleeper, so he was wide awake almost as soon as she entered the room. And he was relieved that she hadn't done anything more stupid than lingering on a roof, watching the fight.
He couldn't even chide her for that. Severus knew she had been careful, or at least as careful as her natural curiosity required. Still the very idea that the Dark Lord himself had been there gave him the creeps since he didn't want Voldemort to ever notice Raven.
The next day, the Daily Prophet reported in full length about the incident. It filled a whole page without saying much, or at least not more than he already knew from Raven. But unlike her, the reporter praised the heroic appearance of Mr James Potter and Mr Sirius Black, riding to the rescue of their fellows on a flying motorbike. According to him, it seemed as if they alone had put the Death Eaters to flight and defied Voldemort. Not a single word about the fact that it had been a put-up affair, that the Gryffindors had attacked first.
"Who wrote that bullshit?" Raven asked as she incredulously glanced over Severus' shoulder until she spotted the 'journalist's' signature. "Ah... Rupert Patterson. D'you remember him, Sev? He was one or two years above us and a fervent admirer of the Obnoxious Two, an absolute lickspittle. I guess it would make his day if he could manage to split himself in two and crawl deep up both their arses to die there in brown-nose heaven."
Severus almost spit his tea over the Daily Prophet, coughing, "Sometimes, you are incredibly foul-mouthed, my dear. But right nevertheless. Yes, I do remember him. Vaguely. He didn't seem to have much intellectual potency …"
"Perhaps that's what got him a job at the Daily Prophet?" Raven suggested, which made Severus chuckle darkly. She simply loved that sound, and so she snuggled up next to him, a mug of coffee in her hands. Life was good.
-o-
They spent a rather peaceful Christmas. Severus had agreed to accept his father's invitation this year, and so Raven was looking forward to some delicious, home-cooked Italian food. Everything was fine. It even seemed to her that Severus was slowly beginning to get on with his father, although on a very cautious basis; he simply couldn't forget the misery of his youth, the constant fighting between his parents- he knew it wasn't all his father's fault, but probably it was exactly that fact what made it even harder for him to forgive and forget. It was a paradox he was aware of, but for most of his life he had been told (or had been made believe) that his misery was solely due to the intolerance of Muggles, that they were to blame if a relationship between magical and non-magical people didn't work. But that was only part of the truth. Using the example of Raven's parents, he had learned- almost too late- that it always required two willing parts for a relationship to work... both a friendly and a romantic one.
And so he finally offered his father an inch, and Tobias Snape accepted it with an almost shy smile; at long last, he'd come to terms with his magical son.
But whenever Severus thought that life was treating him well, he had to learn that life wasn't fair.
It didn't start right after the meeting with his father. Perhaps, Fate was still waiting for the opportune moment to give him a hard blow. For the moment, however, it cradled him in a false sense of security, even though he was careful to not rely on the fleeting feeling of happiness.
Severus decided it was wise to leave as soon as it was polite, reminding Raven (who was lively chatting with Anna) that they were awaiting visitors at home. It the past years, it had become a habit of their Muggle friends to drop by for a drink or two (after they had fulfilled their mandatory Christmas fun at their family homes) and thus turning Raven's kitchen into a haven for all the deniers of Merry-Christmas... cretinism.
He liked that. Severus had long given up the childish idea that the mere fact of it being Christmas, time of peace and playing happy family once a year, could remedy all that had happened the past twelve months, since one single day of feigned feelings just didn't recompense for a whole year of harassment you'd had to endure...
On the other hand, he was willing to give father a chance because he'd come to believe that Tobias Snape wasn't the only one to blame for his miserable childhood; mother had played her role as killjoy quite well, too.
But he didn't want to think about her now.
Severus and Raven Apparated back to their flat in London, and soon after that, their friends started to drop in. Jeffrey and Andy, Sid and Joanna, Edie- she was the first who came to visit, slightly drunk already since she didn't have anyone else to visit for Christmas, after she had broken with her family for good, some years ago.
She always stated that she loathed Christmas, and yet she was the only one who had presents for Severus and Raven- well, she presented them with a gift certificate for a tattoo done by her.
Severus offered her a frown in return; it seemed as if he'd never make use of it, whereas Raven contemplated the idea with obvious interest.
Nevertheless, it was a very pleasant evening. Even Regulus Black turned up later that night, looking rather frustrated after spending tedious hours with that family of his. There seemed to be sparks flying between him and Edie, but in the end they only bitched at each other and when all was said and done, both of them went home alone.
-o-
Some days later, though, they all met again to bid goodbye to the old year, and to welcome a new one, a new decade. Everyone seemed to be excited, wondering what the eighties would bring. Would their life change for the better or for the worse?
With the dawning of a new decade it became obvious that punk rock was dead- to be honest, it had already died when it became commercial. But there was a new wave coming in music.
Severus celebrated his twentieth birthday with some of his friends; Raven had invited them for a meal of spaghetti and cheap red wine, and it turned out to be a pleasant evening. Especially when everyone else had left and he was all alone with Raven. Those were the moments when he could easily forget about Lily.
There was also another event to celebrate, although he did that more quietly. His second essay for The Practical Potioneer would be released, and that was a huge success for someone who was still an apprentice. But Professor O'Flaherty had recognized his talent and encouraged him, so with his second publication he now had a bright future in Potions research.
Alas, in the wizarding world, things got more dire with every day and the new decade started with the prospect of darkness as the Dark Lord was slowly losing patience and the fighting got more rough. He tried to win an almost lost battle by swaying his enemies- rumours said he even offered the Mudblood Lily Potter to join his ranks, but she declined that offer, along with her husband and his sidekick, Sirius Black.
So the Dark Lord thought of a new strategy, and as a result, Regulus Black was now working at the Ministry of Magic as 'personal assistant' for the new Minister for Magic, Millicent Bagnold. What sounded so illustrious was in fact a tedious job for Regulus. He was simply the Minister's handyman, just important enough to copy her notes or to brew that special batch of herbal tea for her. But he wasn't to take his new job all too lightly either, no matter how boring it was, since the Dark Lord hoped to gain valuable information by placing a wolf in sheep's clothing close to the new Minister. After all, Regulus Black was one of Lord Voldemort's few followers of with an almost pristinely clean record because he had never taken part in any raids or fights; he had never been conspicuous in a negative way but had kept a low profile. His so-called friends from Slytherin house had often accused him of being a coward because of that- now his previous inactivity was quite convenient for the Dark Lord. And his friends praised what they had criticised before.
What a mad world!
Fortunately, Regulus had real friends; his partners in crime. Raven never let him down but offered some good advice on how to deal with his new position as spy for Lord V, due to her own experience in said business.
"Tell him what he wants to hear, but don't tell him everything you know."
It almost pained him physically that it was him who had to tell Severus that the Dark Lord had chosen to Summon all of his followers, and even those who hadn't pledged loyalty to him yet.
Raven didn't like it at all, but it was obvious that Severus was on his list, too. Ever since Lucius Malfoy had introduced him to the Dark Lord, the Dark Lord had kept an eye on him.
Therefore, Severus found himself at his beck and call one day, and what he got to hear at their meeting didn't suit him at all. But he wasn't to show it. Actually, he wasn't to show any emotion except to feign loyalty to the serpent-like wizard in front of him, and the Dark Lord's features did appear even more like that of a snake in comparison to their last meeting. He didn't seem to be human anymore- but how human could you be if you split your soul at least three times...
It made Severus aware of the consequences, of what could happen to you if you delved too deeply into the fascination of the Dark Arts, if you followed its tantalizing call too closely and got involved too much. He realized he didn't want that for himself. The price was too high for something as fickle as success, and he wouldn't win Lily's heart by looking like a snake-faced monster... then he wondered where that thought was coming from since it sounded so much like Raven.
Nevertheless, he had to pretend he was still keen to please the Dark Lord and to admire him, so he had to play along now in order to not cause suspicion. The Dark Lord's wrath was a terrible thing he didn't want to suffer.
"My Lord,"Severus bowed deeply- mostly to avoid eye-contact. After all, the Dark Lord was an extremely skilled Legilimens and he still needed a moment to clear his mind of all things that didn't belong there.
Fortunately, the Dark Lord didn't seem to be interested in a mental rape; there came no vicious attack at his thoughts and innermost feelings when he- almost politely- asked,
"Severus, my dear friend, I take it you will finish your apprenticeship this summer?"
Now that was a tricky question, since Severus knew that Voldemort knew the answer already. There was no point in lying.
"You are well-informed, my Lord."
Lord Voldemort offered him a thin-lipped smile that looked more like a creepy grimace on his face, and it definitely lacked any warmth. "Indeed, Severus. Even though you are of low birth, I'm willing to ignore that sad fact since you are a promising young wizard. Therefore, I will give you a chance to prove yourself worthy of the... patience I had with you."
"You are very generous, my Lord."
"Yes. I noticed you made yourself quite a name in Potion research recently. I appreciate that for it tells me you are a man of your word- then, you claimed you had nothing to offer but would be of greater use for me after you finished your apprenticeship."
Of course, Severus remembered his own words. He had spoken them in hope that things would have changed and that Voldemort would be history by now- what a naïve idea, fostered by the ideals of youth when one year seemed to be like an eternity. But more than one year had passed since then, and nothing had changed. He had been foolish enough to offer his soul that very day, and now he would have to face the consequences.
"I will accept your offer," the Dark Lord continued. "I assume you know that Professor Horace Slughorn decided to retire this summer?" He didn't wait for a response, nor did he care for Severus' surprise. "Now, I want you to apply for the post as Hogwarts new Potions Master since you seem to be the most suitable candidate."
It wasn't a request- it was an order that Severus couldn't refuse even though he had other plans what to do with his life. He had dreamed of making a career in potions research, of following a more scientific path than trying to win little dunderheads for the subtle beauty of simmering cauldrons and shimmering fumes. Teaching at Hogwarts was decidedly not an option that had ever crossed his mind.
But he wasn't to show his resistance. His dreams had just been shattered, and yet he had to put a good face on the matter since his only choice was to either accept the Dark Lord's wishes- or to get punished for refusing them.
"My Lord, I feel honoured," he said obediently, trying to make it sound as honest as possible. He had a role to play; he was the Dark Lord's humble and modest servant. It didn't matter what his plans in life were if he forfeited his life here and now by reaping Voldemort's wrath.
"Don't disappoint me, Severus."
"I won't, my Lord." Severus was much too clever to let that happen. He had already experienced the Dark Lord's disapproval, and it had been remarkably painful. Nevertheless, it wasn't all up to him. Applying for a job didn't naturally mean he would get it in the end, especially not when his future boss was headmaster Dumbledore.
All of a sudden, his heart was beating faster with fear. What if Dumbledore refused to hire him? What if he considered someone else to be a more suitable candidate? After all, Severus was still very young- too young perhaps to become a teacher at Hogwarts...
"Dumbledore," the Dark Lord interrupted his thoughts, and he sneered when he spoke the headmaster's name, "has always been the champion of commoners. He won't turn away a lowly half-blood only because of his age, although you will have to convince him that you are the right man for the post. If you truly are a loyal follower of mine, you will manage that."
"Yes, my Lord," Severus replied, still slightly shocked that just a mere moment of carelessness had been enough for Voldemort to know exactly what he'd been thinking, while at the same time he was grateful that his thoughts hadn't given him away that very moment. The Dark Lord still considered him to be a loyal follower- perhaps his worries about not getting the position had even pleased him.
He allowed himself to breathe a small, surreptitious sigh of relief and said, feigning an eagerness he didn't feel. "I will do anything that's necessary to please you, my Lord ."
The Dark Lord smiled a horrible smile. "I know you won't disappoint me, Severus."
That smile, and the sound of his voice, made his words appear like a warning. Then he changed his tone to give it a more lulling, even conspiratorially approach. "I have faith in you, Severus. You will do well, no doubt. You will be the youngest Potions professor in the history of Hogwarts, but you deserve that post. Remember, although you are still very young, you have already published two essays in one of the wizarding world's greatest and most famous potion journal- are you my man, Severus?"
"I am, my Lord," Severus gasped, thrilled by the power the Dark Lord radiated... he could be anything, anyone... could raise up to the skies if only the Dark Lord wished so.
But as the Dark Lord continued, something seemed to snap in his mind and he was back being himself; a lowly half-blood with stupid- because too high- dreams and a stupid conscience that couldn't be lured into depravity.
He listened more carefully when the Dark Lord spoke about loyalty, absolute loyalty... again, Severus' heart was beating faster. This time, it was because he figured out what Voldemort left unspoken- the Dark Lord was in need of a spy at Hogwarts, and apparently he was to be that spy. He was to win Dumbledore's trust while keeping an eye on him, and he was to report all of his moves to the Dark Lord...
It makes sense, Severus concluded. He kept his thoughts to himself as he added two and two- allegedly, Dumbledore was the only wizard the Dark Lord feared, so it was wise to keep an eye on him. It might be a tad too presumptuous, though, to assume that the Dark Lord was standing on lost ground already, clutching for straws, since he still radiated his very own, captivating power.
And Severus wasn't immune to that. A part of him adored his power while the other one abhorred it, and all the same he felt like he'd be wasting his talent, his skills, his chance for a better life for the dubious pleasure of serving him... but there was no way out. He had sold his soul already, a long time ago...
-o-
He was hurting all over when he returned home later that night- the Dark Lord had chosen to give him a taste of what to expect should he disappoint him, just in case.
Now he felt dirty... as dirty as if all the depravity of the Dark Lord had rubbed off on him. A hot shower didn't help much; Severus was still feeling tainted by evil powers. Too tainted to go to Raven's room, and so he walked to his own... only to stop at the door, changing his mind. Hesitantly, he turned around, all of a sudden longing for company, for not having to be all on his own with his frustration, his fear and the impending nightmares that were lurking in every corner of his room (or his mind) like they always did after a meeting with the Dark Lord.
Slowly, step by cautious step, he proceeded towards the door to Raven's room, and all the while he kept telling herself that he merely wanted to check if she was safe and sound, fast asleep.
Of course, she wasn't. He should have known that since he knew her- and he knew she wouldn't be sleeping well, not knowing where he was or if he was alright.
Sadly, the Dark Lord didn't care about such things when he chose to summon his minions.
In the dim but nevertheless colourfully illuminated twilight of her room, she raised her tousled head from the pillow to cast a glance at him.
"Sev?" Raven asked sleepily.
He didn't reply.
"Come to bed, love."
He should have fled, then. What she offered was so much more than he deserved, and yet he entered her room and closed the door behind him, meaning to stay in spite of his resolution to not besmirch her with all the evil and depravity he'd just experienced by the Dark Lord.
But her pull was stronger than that.
"Ye alright?" She murmured, when all of a sudden a frown clouded her face. "Oh shit- did that sonofabitch call ye?"
There was no sense in denying, so he remained silent; he really didn't want to talk about it now. Fortunately, Raven got that hint.
"Well," she said, heaving a sigh, "ye don't have to talk 'bout it now; that's alright with me. But if ye change yer mind, ye know I'll always stand by ye, don't ye?"
He nodded silently, feeling slightly overwhelmed by her support and her unceremonious approach of handling things. Instead of pestering him with endless questions, she merely wrapped her arms around him and snuggled up to him.
It nearly undid him, and Severus thought that if there'd ever be a cure for the after-effects of the Cruciatus Curse, it would have to contain an essence of colourfully bubbling lava lamps, the soft sound of music... and the warmth of her body- well, and perhaps even the smell of that green apple shampoo she so loved to use...
thanks to my lovely beta, hypnotic ink
reviews are always welcome
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