Rose limbed to the Headmaster's office. She passed by the Great Hall, when she caught a sight of something heart breaking. Back peddling to stand in the doorway, she saw a crowd, mass mourning for the dead.
She took a few steps back, wishing it wouldn't have ever happened. Guilt filled her for not saving those who died. She stood trembling, a breath stuck in her throat.
Somehow, she tore her eyes away and ran up the marble staircase, ignoring her aching leg.
The castle was empty, even the paintings were just wooden frames. Her footsteps echoed around as she ran without stopping, and she did not slow down until she reached the stone gargoyle guarding the headmaster's office.
"Password?"
"Dumbledore!" said Rose without thinking.
Surprising for her, the gargoyle slided away, revealing the spiral staircase to the office.
Rose pulled herself into the circular office. As she expected, the portraits that hung all around the walls were empty. Expect for a single one.
She walked towards Dumbledore's portrait which was hung exactly behind the headmaster's desk. He was asleep in his chair, probably didn't wanted to see the miserable condition of the castle and its students.
She stood directly under the frame when Dumbledore woke. "Huh?" he said, dreamily. Then he became fully awake and noticed Rose, who had visited her after a year. A wide smile spread across his face.
"Oh, Rose, my dear. Seen you after a long time, haven't I?"
She nodded. "Yes, yes, Professor. Long time passed since we met last."
"Ah, is there something I can do for you?" he said, straightening his robes.
She tilted her head sideways to ease a strain in neck. "Yes, Professor. I want to know something."
"A year ago, you asked me to make a promise about which I wasn't told about. I am not sure that even you assume it to be something specific but you wanted me to do it. No matter what." She said the last three words rather dramatically.
Dumbledore's smile faded. He sighed, looking down at his wrinkled hands. "I am not sure if you will be willing to do it. But…"
He looked up, focusing something beyond Rose. Following his eyes, she turned back. A crystal ball was sitting in the centre of the Headmaster's desk, covered by a thin layer of dust. Inside it, white fog sprawled, glowing.
"Look in it and see what you need to do." said the portrait.
Rose walked slowly to the desk and bend low. She focused to see in the ball. But it showed nothing. She leaned closer, her eyes inches away from the dusty glass. A shadowy figure begin to form and a few dark colours diffused.
Finally when everything came in order, she felt a lightening fall on her. She immediately backed away from the crystal. She pressed her back against the wall of room, totally paralyzed with fear.
After a few minutes, when she recovered from the shock, she turned to Dumbledore's painting. "Is that Snape?" she said softly.
The expression on the Professor's face turned grim. "Yes, that's him. Dying a slow painful death. He is attacked by Lord Voldemort's pet snake. The venom wouldn't let blood clot."
"Did you know that it will happen?"
Dumbledore opened his mouth but quickly swallowed. He thought that there were enough lies already.
"Yes. But it was supposed to happen. There was no need to stop it. Now you must fulfill your promise."
"What am I to do?" she asked, still in shock. The image of Severus lying, bleeding to death was imprinted on Rose's mind.
"Save him. There is an antidote to the venom in my desk." She got the answer. She took the small flask with her and walked to the door.
She opened the door when another query arose in her mind. Turning back at the portrait, she called out.
"Professor, can I ask you something else?"
"Sure."
"Why do you need Severus to live when he actually killed you?"
There was a loud crackle of laugh. "Maybe you should ask that to him itself."
Puzzled, Rose went out of the room pulling the door behind her.