Translation by Jessinthedungeons.
Chapter 29 - Anything can happen
— No! — Severus shouted at the door, firing a Bombarda towards it, striking against the titanium.
Above us, the current and the noise of the water running down the stairs was intense, filling the antechamber.
No, no, no! I thought desperately and ran to the door, conjuring a bag to throw the book case inside and hang it on my body, at the same time that Severus's third spell hit the metal and the door opened with an explosion. Only for a huge flood to come in.
I tried to hold to the threshold, but the force of the water pushed me back and swept me under the dark, icy surface. The cold stole all the air from my lungs. I need to find the floor! I thought desperately, and the instant my feet touched it, I thrust upward, drawing air and scanning the darkroom for Severus. He held to the threshold tightly, eyes fixed on me and his hand outstretched.
The water was already at the height of my breasts, and I ran to him, fighting the current that flooded the chamber, wishing that my strength would be renewed to fight it. The water seemed calmer around him, as if some power had calmed the force of his current.
— Did you get the book? — Severus shouted to me, over the roar of the water.
I nodded and realized that his outstretched hand was not for me to hold, he manipulated the water so that her strength would not allow me to knock me down again. He kept the blown door forced against the wall and held it away until I could get out.
I forced my way through the opening and Severus slid across the threshold, releasing the spell. The door closed again, so violently that I marveled at the power he had used to push it away. The only downside was that the water in the hallway now had much less space to fill.
— Go! — He ordered, but I did not wait for approval before throwing myself to him.
— We'll go out together! — I screamed, propelling myself and trapping my feet around his belly, climbing on his back. — Just do what you need to do. — I said, tightly wrapping my arms around his shoulders.
It wasn't far until the stairs; stairs that were now a waterfall. Severus stretched out his palm before us, and the water receded and shuddered. It was not a free path, but a gap in the current. I directed my magic to help him manipulate the water and it calmed down a bit, struggling to obey our combined spells.
Severus tried to go faster, holding my thighs tight enough to leave bruises. Step by step, the water rose violently, already at the height of his jaw.
When we reached the stairs, Severus almost slipped on the slime—covered step, and his gasp was not in shock, but in search of air as a wall of water gushed down the stairs. As if the water had been freed from our spells and a powerful wave was released to sweep the place, so strong, that even our dominion over the element could not do anything against it.
We had enough time to catch our breath, and we held each other tighter, preparing for another dive. But what happened was even worse, we both watched in shock as that door at the top of the stairs closed, sealing us in a tomb of water.
I was dead. I knew I was dead, and I had no way to escape. I had consumed my last breath and would be conscious for every second until my lungs burst when I took that fatal sip of water.
Severus pounded on my hands until I swam after him, while trying to calm my panicked heart, and convince my lungs to make every second count as Severus reached for the door and leaned his palm against it. Symbols caught fire, but it remained firmly closed. When I reached him, we both pushed against the door, but the metal seemed to mock us as it stayed intact.
My lungs felt like they were on fire as they collapsed and Severus was still pounding on the door, when I felt my magic fade away like a spark of light, almost as if I was counting down the beats of my heart. I desperately needed to take a breath; I needed to open my mouth and breathe, just to calm the burning of my lungs. I felt my strength drain away as I opened my mouth and water ran in through it. And Severus's attempt to reach my fingers, was lost by me.
Then the door was destroyed. The weak Lumus from Severus's wand, which was held by a thread, was enough for me to see the three gray reptilian faces, hissing with fish-like teeth as thin, gilled fingers pulled us up the stairs into their arms. Merpeople.
But I couldn't take it anymore, when those thin hands held my arm, the water got further into my mouth, cutting off thoughts and sounds. My body convulsed, and everything darkened the moment I had the vague sensation of being thrown by the water, so fast that it forced my eyelids open and finally, air. Still the frosty air of Scotland, but finally, the air.
Only my lungs were still full of water and it took a fist pounding my stomach for me to vomit water into the shallow waters of the lake. I inhaled air, blinking at the bright lights that flashed before me as I regained consciousness. A cough and a gasp not far from me, made me turn my head as I crawled through the water to see Severus vomiting as well... but alive.
And, in the stretch of water between us, with green hair glued to strange heads and cruel yellow eyes, the Merpeople, staring fiercely at us. The sun was rising behind them and I wondered how I hadn't realized how long we'd been down there.
The creature in the center spoke something in that language completely foreign to me, but Severus shook his head in response and I heard his hoarse baritone whisper something to the three of them. The Merpeople nodded in response, and without a single glance at me, they plunged back into the lake.
Severus came up to me, his much taller body was already with water only at the waist and he dragged me in a swim to the shore. My movements were still lethargic from my near drowning and I thanked the gods that my companion was in better condition than me. As soon as the two of us reached a quiet sandy recess, I collapsed.
My throat burned, and the sand made the skin on my cheeks prickle. Severus's hand tightened on mine and I only had time to look at him before I felt the pull of the apparition. I could not conceive how much power Severus possessed within him, so that soon after an episode of drowning and near death, he could apparate, but it is obvious that he did.
I totally lost the strength I thought I had already regained when we landed on my living room floor, spilling sand and water on the carpet.
I heard Draco's voice scream from the dining room behind us:
— What the hell?
I looked to the side and saw that they were flanking what appeared to be an open map on the table. Dean, Remus, and Harry were all wide-eyed, surprised by our sudden appearance.
I turned to Severus who, like me, was still lying on the ground. His eyes were half closed and he was breathing with some difficulty.
— How was that possible? — I asked in a weak voice.
— Minerva... — he sighed for more air. — She retained my title of headmaster even after so many years, she was appointed to lead Hogwarts but never removed my authority and the Black Lake Merpeople are independent creatures but respect the leadership of the castle. They are grateful for the habitat they live in and the way they demonstrated this today was by saving the "headmaster for merit", according to them, were the exact words of Minerva in a conversation from years ago.
I started laughing with joy. Every laugh hurt, and I thought I might throw up again, but I kept going. A warm happiness flooding me.
— Can someone explain, please? — Draco hissed from the living room.
We remained on the ground, catching our breath and laughing softly.
— What? — Severus inquired.
— You and Minerva. — I said between laughs. — I was scared to death of both, in my first year, the two most austere teachers at Hogwarts. But look at this story: she justifies you as a headmaster for the Merpeople, while you loved her unconditionally as a mother.
The others watched us, but I felt a laugh come out of him, whispered initially, until it turned into a hoarse, raw laugh. It was the same laughter from me, driven by the hysteria of what we had been through, and the deep relief that we had been rescued. We looked at each other and smiled again.
— Guys...? — Harry spoke, in a silent question.
Severus groaned as he stood and sand fell around him as he offered his hand for me to get up. His grip was firm, but his dark eyes were surprisingly soft when I held his hand.
We were instantly cleansed and warmed by a spell cast by Dean. And I hurried to take out the bag still hanging on my shoulder. When my fingers reached the metal case, the metal hurt them so cold that it seemed to burn. I dropped the object on the table. He let out a stampede, and everyone cringed, swearing.
Severus pointed his chin toward him.
— Her reaction is by temperature, but I recommend that we be cautious and use the same principle as the chamber. — He looked at the curious faces around and recited the phrase from the runes stamped on the door of the chamber: "if you were born in a magical cradle, this is not your place." — Then only Muggle-borns, approach. Hermione is still recovering, so unlock it, Thomas.
Dean sat down on one of the chairs at my dining table and pulled the titanium case towards him.
"Are you also a liar?" Hissed the same whisper we'd heard on the chamber
— No.— Dean replied, quietly.
"Do you want to write on me?"
— No. — My best friend's voice sounded confident.
The others didn't say a word, though I could feel their confusion seething through the room. Only Severus and I continued to carefully observe the interaction between the box and Dean.
— Open. — Dean spoke.
"Say 'please'"
— Please. — He asked.
The book was silent for almost two full minutes, then said: You are also a liar, Dean Thomas.
I stumbled from my seat, still too tired, but raised my hand and rested it on the box.
— Open up! — I ordered angrily and finally the box unlocked
Harry's green eyes were dark when he stared at me. — That voice... it...
— The Gaunt medallion? — I asked, remembering his narrative of the destruction of that horcrux. Harry nodded. — That's what I thought.
— I never want to hear it again. — He whispered.
— You will, Potter. — Severus spoke from my side, as he lifted the titanium lid. — Because you're coming with us next time. Hermione needed to report her adventure with the locket, so it will be more useful if you are present, since you were there in fact.
I was too tired to think about what we still had to do. Then I just looked into the container in front of me. It was not a paper book and leather cover, and I immediately understood why it could be kept in a chamber surrounded by water.
Its cover was made of plates of a metal I could not identify, bound by four gold rings, and with the coat of arms of Hogwarts carved with impeccable precision right in the center of it. Severus left it inside the box while we looked, but reached for the cover and turned it over to catch a glimpse of the front page. The inner sheets were of some material that looked like fabric.
— These pages... — Remus whispered. — What's that stuff?
— Acromantula webs. — Severus answered quietly. — Maybe that's the real reason a colony of hers has been living inside the Forbidden Forest for so many years.
— Do you think they were brought by the founders? — I asked
Severus continued to look at the book.
— What language is that? — Harry Asked.
— Ancient Runes. — Draco replied and I remembered that this was one of the subjects he and I took together, without Ron and Harry.
— What do they say? — Remus Asked.
— It's the Hogwarts admissions book. — Severus's dark eyes landed on mine. — We heard a legend that says that it was forged from one of the fragments of the Original Book.
— Is the legend of the Original Book real? — Remus asked, wide-eyed, looking between Severus and me.
— Apparently. — Severus replied.
— Are you going to ask a Rune expert to read it for clues? It's just a name book, do you think there's a clue in it, professor? — Dean asked.
Severus shook his head. — No. What we hear about it is that we should put together two books that were forged with traces of the Original Book. We found one. Now we need the other one. — Severus stared at the runes engraved on the final pages of the admission book. — Our contact said that the Pure-blood Directory is the other book we are looking for. Not these copies, the original Directory of the Sacred Twenty-Eight.
— It seems too easy a single source provides two accurate tips. — Remus scored, and the others shook their heads in agreement.
— There are conditions for taking the Directory. It is guarded and protected with blood spells linked to its creator and must be given voluntarily by the direct descendant; no tricks, no magic involved. — I answered mechanically.
Dean cursed, Remus squeezed the bridge of his nose with his fingers in a clear sign of despondency.
— Do you at least know where it is? Harry asked.
— No. — Severus resumed the word and turned to me. — Can you contact your friend, Krum, quickly? I think it's valid to tell him and ask about clues in his Durmstrang research
— Yes. — I confirmed. — I have his contact.
— That's not necessary. — It was Draco who spoke and all the heads in the enclosure turned to him, who stared at the fire, but raised his eyes to meet Severus's. — But you won't like it.
— Oh, fuck. — Severus shuddered next to me.
We all stared at the two Slytherins as Draco uncrossed his arms and headed toward the pot of Flu next to my fireplace.
— Will either of you explain? — I asked impatiently.
— Theodore Nott. He is the direct descendant of the creator of the Directory. — Severus answered despondently.
— Well... — Dean always trying to look on the bright side of things. — So it's lucky he's fucking your mother, Malfoy.
— Thanks for the reminder, Thomas. — Draco growled, before shouting his fate and disappearing into the green flames.
Harry coughed as the cloud of soot hit him. As I buried my head in my hands.
— Aren't you excited? We have a good guess, we know who the heir is. Narcissa has direct access to Nott's bed. We are finally one step ahead of them all. — Dean enumerated the reasons why we should be happy.
Severus's nostrils dilated delicately, and for a moment I wondered if he would attack Dean for the delay in his reasoning. But at the same time, I understood Dean's excitement that we were finally close to getting our hands on something that could be the key to unlocking the magic.
I smiled at my friend and reached out my hand to reach his. Dean entwined his fingers in mine and smiled back at me.
— I'm also happy to find such a solid track that will lead us closer to victory, Dean. But we are so used to having to battle a lot and having irreparable losses on our side, that it is not all of us who can see this discovery as a good thing.
Dean's throat swayed slightly.
— Yeah, right... — he said.
— We don't want to give anyone hope because we still don't know if we are on the right track. — I continued.
— I... I'll contain my excitement, then. — Dean's voice sounded harsh. — You know how much I want to return to Ivan what was stolen from him.
— Yeah, I know. — Said softly, remembering how much Dean dreams that his boyfriend will regain his powers.
— For now, let's hope that Draco can convince Narcissa to meet with Nott. And I hope that the next meeting of this unlikely pair will be profitable for us. — Harry reinforced, giving me an accomplice look.
Dean's mouth twitched and his eyes shone brightly as he nodded.
Harry smiled and sighed, breaking the charged silence and complained about wanting to hear the whole story about the watery tomb that almost killed us. But Remus still had something to say about our current plans.
— Even if Nott agrees to a date... We will have to face Lucius. — My old teacher said.
I closed my eyes at Remus's assertion and the trust I had just reinforced in Dean crumbled right in front of me.
— Indeed. — Severus agreed, his lips twitching in a thin line.
— We have Severus now. — Harry stated fiercely.
— At least that. — Dean Sighed.
We all fell silent. Harry got up and went to the kitchen to put a kettle on the fire to make some tea. Severus and I went to the couch. Dean and Remus gave us a few minutes of privacy.
— Are you okay? — He asked when I snuggled up next to him and stretched my legs across the span of the upholstery.
— Yes. — I answered. — I'm still desperately longing for a bath, Remus's cleansing spells alone weren't enough to get the stench out of that muddy water, but I feel like there are still unfinished business. The bath can wait.
— Later I will pamper you. — He promised, kissing my temple.
Harry, Dean and Remus came into the living room a few minutes later, a tray with steaming tea and some biscuits floated next to them and landed gently on my coffee table. Remus poured us a cup and settled into the reading armchair, while Harry sat in the far corner of the sofa and rested my feet on his thighs. Dean threw himself on the mat, stretching himself full length as if stretching for our daily castle workout.
— What was Theodore like in Slytherin, Severus? — Remus asked. — Is it possible that his love affair with Narcissa Malfoy really guarantees us his loyalty?
— Theodore was... obsessive in his search for things. He reminds me a little of myself at his age. — Severus Confessed.
Harry's face showed a little surprise. He had seen Severus's memories, but my best friend was often affected when one of his parents was discussed, even indirectly, in a conversation.
— You mean like you in relation to... — I coughed sharply, preventing Remus from continuing his sentence, he looked at me confused for a few seconds until he noticed Harry at my feet. — ...everything? — The werewolf completed.
— Yes. — Severus confirmed. — With the obvious difference that the target of his longings is still alive. — Severus said, and I took a deep breath when I felt Harry's hands shake.
— I managed to notice that Narcissa is really important to him. Nott practically begged me to bring her with us. — I spoke to everyone, changing the target of the conversation back to Nott and Narcissa, to spare Harry from his discomfort.
— Would Nott ally with us if we guarantee her long-term safety? — Dean Asked. — Until Lucius Malfoy is dead, I'm not sure she's really safe.
— She is. Believe it or not. — Severus declared. — Lucius is a sadistic bastard and a shitty father, but he would never touch his wife's hair. I think she's the only person he loves.
— Does he love her? — Harry looked confused. — Then why did he share the woman with a follower?
— Polyamory is a reality that escapes you, Potter, but it is still a valid reality. — Severus sounded acidic and Dean laughed. We all looked at the man lying on the carpet.
— What? — Dean said to our eager faces for his comment. — Ivan and I tried it a few times. — He turned to Harry. — And you won't doubt my love for my boyfriend because we had sex together with other people, will you, Harry?
Harry looked slightly shocked, but managed to answer "No" with his head.
— Okay, now that we have a solid lead and we've agreed not to sound so excited about what's ahead, does anyone want to talk about the list? — Dean started.
— What list? — Lupin asked curiously.
— The bucket list! — Dean replied exasperated.
— Oh no! — I groaned, but the smile on my face delivered my amusement.
— What is a bucket list? — Severus asked.
— It's a list of things you want to do before you die. Ever heard the term "kick the bucket"? — Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Severus and Lupin shake their heads. — Well, that's basically what he's referring to.
Severus made a thoughtful noise.
— How do we get from an animation for clues to a morbid list so quickly? — Lupin commented and we all laughed.
— It's not morbid. It's cool. — I said so.
— What do you have on your list? — Severus asked me.
— I would like to travel through all the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; I want to learn to ride motorcycles; hike on a glacier; and, maybe even... — I looked at the faces that stared at me and chose not to complete the sentence "fuck in an igloo", it would be strange. — I almost have enough money saved up to go to Alaska to see the Northern Lights.
There was a pause. — Alone? It was Severus's voice.
— My brother has too many children to go with me. — I smiled at Harry. — But Dean and Ivan certainly would.
Dean enthusiastically nodded his head. — Ivan is the only one of us who has money, but we'll see.
I shot Dean a smile before looking at Severus. — What do you think? What will you do after Hogwarts training is over?
— I haven't decided yet. — He answered quietly. — It all depends on a few things.
A simple thought crossed my mind.
— Is your contract with Hogwarts only for this year? — I asked.
Suddenly, I remembered hearing something about the length of Severus's contract, even if we didn't find the key to unlock the magic, he would be gone by the end of the school year. The thought that he needs to leave in a few months, made my stomach turn.
— I only agreed to come for a year to Hogwarts.
No one in the room said a word. And I think everyone here agrees on one thing: Severus did not like to teach and he never hid it. In several speeches at the beginning of classes, when he taught potions, he reaffirmed his dissatisfaction with teaching. Why would he want to stay and coach the team again if we couldn't unlock the magic?
The thought of him returning to the exile he was in before he arrived here in September made me so sad, the excitement of all the discovery about the books broke down. At the same time, it made me feel like a selfish idiot. Who was I to be sad about someone leaving behind something that doesn't make them happy? What kind of love did I feel for Severus that didn't let me feel joy in knowing that he would surely leave to do something better with his life?
But at the same time… we made promises to each other, right? The idea of him walking away and leaving me sucked. Even so, I swallowed the sadness and forced a smile on my face, avoiding looking at him.
— I understand.
The cold in the room fell by several degrees. Everyone felt the unease hanging in the air and, bless Dean, stood up excitedly and clapped his hands to lift our spirits out of limbo.
— Then... Who's hungry?
oOoOoOoOo
At the Quidditch field four days later, Severus appeared with two more people. The first one I recognized was one of the teachers at the African Magic School. And the second was a pleasant surprise.
— Viktor. — I walked towards him, ignoring Severus, to give him a hug. — I didn't know you were coming!
He hugged me back. — My meetings at the British Ministry of Magic did not take as long as I had predicted.
— Well, then thanks for coming back. — I replied, really happy for his presence.
Someone made a grumpy noise. — Hermione.
Viktor let out a short laugh, taking a step back and letting go of our embrace. His face was tilted down when he whispered "someone is territorial, hmm?"
I turned to look at the man whose gaze was burning a hole inside my skull. Things have been awkward since the bucket list conversation, but we've had too much on our hands in the last few days to argue about a future we didn't even know would, in fact, come to fruition.
— Will you introduce me? — I asked, gesturing towards the Wizard of the Uagadou.
— No. — Severus answered, keeping a hard look on his face.
Curling my lips over my teeth, I raised my eyebrows at him. Merlin, someone was in a terrible mood, but mine was excellent. The smile on my face got even bigger.
Severus raised one of his eyebrows at me and his dark eyes darted up and down, silently telling me that he wasn't going to introduce me until I acted as he wanted. For a second, I thought I'd ignore him and just introduce myself, but... if Severus liked playing games, I love winning them.
I managed not to smile when I stepped forward and hugged him, not worrying that he would make me look like an idiot if he didn't hug me back, but he pressed his cheek to the top of my head and wrapped himself around me, hugging me. His body was hard and tense when he did this, and when he finally pulled away, I looked up. He was nervous and frowning, but his eyes were warm when they landed on mine, and one of his hands remained behind my back as I turned to the dark-skinned wizard who was looking at us curiously.
His name was Dume Kawame and he specializes in ancient languages.
— Hey, nice to meet you. Thank you for coming. — I reached out to take his hand and felt Severus's hand fall the instant I introduced myself.
— Dume Kawame. — He said in a difficult accent.
— Hermione Granger.
— Oh yes, I know your name, and Harry Potter's. — He spoke. — He already paid a visit to our school.
I nodded to him and smiled.
— You commented to me that Harry lives in England. Where? — Viktor asked in a curious tone.
— He's staying at my house right now, actually. — I explained.
— I didn't know. — Viktor smiled.
Before the conversation turned to Harry, Severus changed course.
— Lupin will take you to one of the study rooms and show you the texts that we are in need of translation. — He guided Dume and I saw that Remus really stood on the edge of the field waving at us.
After that, Severus started training the Hogwarts team and the day went relatively well. There wasn't much to be done while we waited for Draco to return with news that Narcissa had convinced Theo to hand us the directory. So, we continue our lives.
After the three hours of training had passed and many of the team had already left, Dean and Cho among them, Viktor pulled me aside, taking advantage of one of the moments when Severus and Filius were talking on the edge of the field.
My ex-affair gave me a serious look.
— I heard something while I was in the Ministry and I need to talk to you.
Oh, shit, preparing someone for news was never a good thing.
— Okay.
He cast a glance in Severus's direction, before beginning to speak what he felt the need to tell me.
— There is a rumor that you will be assigned to Beauxbatons at the end of this school year.
My ears began to buzz. My stomach churned. Beauxbatons? With Claire? If that wasn't bad enough, the French team already had a solid team of researchers. I would never have relevance there. And most importantly: I don't want to go to Beauxbatons.
Viktor touched my shoulder.
— I have influence in Bulgaria. If you decide you want to try something different and bend that society of prejudiced pure-bloods, you have my support there. And Ivan's, I'm sure... — He gave me a look. — Any option is better than France. Snape has connections in Africa and Lupin in Brazil, so there's not much the three of us can't do with our contacts.
Fully aware that this was not the time to lose my mind, I forced myself to nod at the man who had told me news he had no obligation to share.
I kept thinking over and over again about what he said to me. Everyone knows how much I love Hogwarts. It's been my home since I arrived in the Wizarding World. I fought for this school, I am here even after years that the war is over. The Muggle-borns were allowed to choose the institution where they wanted to train skills and research a solution to magic and I obviously didn't even consider leaving here. I have worked hard and not rested all this time to seek the "cure" of the extinction of magic and is this how they repay me?
Vector's warnings, Robards's dislike and gossip that some members of the team had made recently, went through my head and I couldn't decide whether to be sad or go to Robards's office and make hell descend on him.
Yes, Robards was still our boss, nothing had been proven about him facilitating the entry of Lucius and his horde of diners on the day of Minerva's kidnapping. And if there was one person who could be behind this move to "kick me out" of Hogwarts, it was that spiteful, idiotic Robards.
— Thanks for telling me. — I managed to talk to Viktor despite the fact that inside I was in a mess of feelings.
— Don't waste your potential, right?
I agreed with him, feeling a huge wave of bad emotion rise in my chest and the smile on my face missed the bravery I always displayed.
— I'll think of something.
— Let me know if you need, you can call or send me a Patronus. — Viktor said sincerely.
— Thank you, Viktor. I really appreciate it. — I was sincere, even if the news he gave me made me want to cry.
Be dispatched to the lair of Claire and her followers? Apparently, my thoughts were written on my face. Krum gave me a sad smile, which made me feel even worse.
A gentle touch on my back made me lift my shoulders.
— Dume and Viktor are staying here tonight at the castle. Have dinner with us. — Severus said, stopping next to me.
Bile pinched my throat, and I had to keep my gaze away from him.
— I need to go home. Thanks.
He ignored me.
— I'll go in the car with you to Saint Mungus.
— Severus, I want to go home. — I repeated firmly.
— I will go with you to the hospital and wait for your shift. I want to make sure you come to dinner. — He answered, already turning around. — Where are your things? — Severus did not even wait for me, to say something else, he began to walk in the direction of my backpack.
Shit.
— Severus... — I called, following him. He looked over his shoulder, but didn't stop walking.
— You have nothing scheduled tonight. Stop being difficult.
— I have things to do. I have to go to the grocery store later, or maybe practice some meditation…
Or cry, or scream...
He waved his hand at me to shut up. I was going to kill him. — Severus!
— He's tough, isn't he? — Viktor said, approaching.
That's the understatement of the century. — Said Dume in his strong accent.
— He's unbearable. I really don't know how anyone hasn't cast an Avada Kedavra on him.
The two men let out a laugh. Across the field, I spotted Severus throwing my backpack over his shoulders.
— There's no point in trying to argue with him, is there? — Viktor asked.
— Not at all. — I answered.
— He's a turd. — Dume endorsed.
Viktor laughed. — He is. He made Karkaroff's life hell.
I sighed. I could leave after some time. Hopefully.
I found Severus in my car, where he had apparently already taken my bag and opened it to get the keys. We walked in and he waved to the men, before they got into the car parked next to me... As soon as we were inside, I gave him a look.
— You could have stayed with them instead of going with me to the hospital. I have a complicated surgery and you're going to be locked in my office, alone.
He gave me that same annoying look.
— I know when you are being childish and want to run away from something, Hermione.
I looked at him, incredulous. — You're being rude.
— I don't mind.
It's not a surprise. I turned on the ignition and drove out of the parking lot determined to ignore my frowning boyfriend and immerse my thoughts in the fact that I would soon be out of Hogwarts.
My boss hates me, the castle's public relations thinks I don't take the team seriously, half of my classmates think I'm a slut, and the idiot next to me said he was leaving at the end of the school year. That's not to mention all the problems we had to solve before this year was over. There was still a lost book, a ghost with cryptic sentences making me confused, and a difficult decision about the approaching moment of the fulfillment of a prophecy that involved not only me and Severus, but an adorable little boy I would do everything I could to protect.
What the hell was I doing with my life? Everything I had worked for suddenly seemed to be taken away from me. What was I going to do? My nose itched in response.
We arrived at Saint Mungus in silence. I wanted to cry. I really wanted to cry, and I certainly didn't want to do it anywhere near here. I kept my gaze down and we had barely entered my office when I felt a suffocating cough in my throat. I knew I needed to step away.
— Make yourself at home. — I murmured in a voice that sounded strange even to me. — I'll be right back. — I lied, already leaving back through the door we entered, desperate to escape.
I walked into the supply depot down the hall and didn't even turn on the light, before I slammed it all into the edge of one of the shelves. My throat collapsed and I sobbed. Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry. Don't do that, Mione. You can't do that. I managed to hold on for thirty seconds, before the next hiccup hit my chest, followed by another and another.
Sitting on the floor of the supply room, I tried to convince myself that being transferred was not the end of the world. And I tried not to take it personally, but I knew I was being dropped from Hogwarts just because I had gotten involved with Severus. Even though I knew I would choose him anyway, it was still too painful to be kicked that way from a place I called home. It just made me cry even more. I was an idiot. Stupid fucking idiot.
— Hermione, what are you... — Severus's voice broke out abruptly.
In hindsight, you'd realize I didn't hear him come in because he didn't knock. He just walked in, like there wasn't a chance that I was doing something that he wouldn't want to see. I was caught off guard and couldn't stifle the next hiccup to try to hide it.
I missed Severus's horrified look, before he came inside and closed the door behind him. I didn't see him fall to his knees or lay his hands on me, lowering his head until his forehead rested against mine.
— Hermione... — he said in the softest and most affectionate tone I heard. — What happened?
— Nothing. — I was able to speak, even though my upper body was shaking.
— Stop your lies and tell me why you're crying! — He ordered while stroking my back with his hand.
— I'm not crying.
— You're the worst liar I've ever met. — He moved to rub my shoulder. — Why are you upset?
Every time he asked, I somehow managed to cry more.
— That's stupid. — I sniffled.
— More than likely, but tell me anyway. — He said in a soft voice.
I couldn't breathe. — They will dispatch me to France. — I managed to form the sentence amid the sobs.
The hand on my shoulder didn't stop making comforting circles.
— Who told you?
— Viktor. — I answered.
Something quick and cruel came out of his mouth, probably a curse.
— He's not lying, is he? — I held his collar.
Severus sighed over my head.
— You tell me. He's your friend, not mine.
But I knew it was just his way of delaying confirmation. My heart and my head were well aware of the signs they were receiving.
— Minerva warned me, but I did not listen. — I told him. — I know it's not the end of the world, we have a war to win. This is so stupid and embarrassing, but I can't stop crying.
Severus put his arms around me and told me to be quiet as he pulled me a little closer.
— You're better than that. Stop crying. — He whispered in my ear.
— I can't.
— You can and you will. — He said tenderly. — I can't imagine how you feel now, but you are better than that. You are the smartest and most powerful witch of your generation. In two years, you will thank Robards for being stupid.
— I dedicated the best years of my life to Hogwarts…
— No, you didn't. You haven't reached your magical peak yet. You are young and have much more to do.
I was inconsolable. Severus was telling me that I still had more years ahead of me, and even that couldn't make me feel any better.
— Witch, stop right now. — He asked in a grave voice. — I know this is my fault, and I swear I'll make it up to you. — He muttered.
— It's not your fault. — I said muffled against him. — I don't regret anything. I would have chosen you, always. It's my fault for being an idiot when it comes to attachment to my home. I think because I lost my childhood home and my parents I got too attached to Hogwarts and always did everything they wanted me to do. I didn't fail at anything and that's how they give back? Trying to send me to France, of all places? Minerva and Vector know my history with Claire.
I didn't care in the least that I looked like a big mess and sniffled at his shoulder. I was feeling the weight of a hundred universes on my shoulders, feeling my dreams on the verge of slipping away from me. I knew I was being dramatic, but it was too much.
— What am I going to do, Severus? — I asked as if he had all the answers.
Severus looked me in the eye as he spoke.
You will continue to be the professional you are. I promise. I would never put your career at risk. — I sniffled and made a watery noise in my throat, warning of another round of tears. — No. I will not disappoint you. Now stop crying, it makes me feel nauseous.
That was almost funny. I wiped my face with the back of my hand and he grimaced as he picked up some pieces of toilet paper and handed me over.
— Get a grip. — He ordered it.
I almost laughed, wiping my face with the paper he gave me.
— You can't tell me to "control myself", Severus, that's not how it works.
— You should do what I say. — He said, tearing the paper from my fingers and wiping my cheeks with a little more force than necessary and frowning. It made me smile a little. — You're a mess. — He said, continuing his cleaning process. — I never took you for a crying baby.
— I'm not! — I protested and tried to take the paper back, but he held my hand, planting a kiss on my palm.
— That's not what I see. — He said and rubbed a little hard under my nose, making me shudder. — Sorry, I'm not used to this.
— You've never had to clean a girl's face before?
He turned away to observe his work. — Never.
I let out a deep sigh, facilitated by his admission. — In that case, thank you for the honor.
Severus finally dropped his hands from my face.
— Let's go to your room.
— I'll follow you in a minute. — I said.
An exasperated sigh later, he grabbed my hands and pulled me.
— No. You go now.
— Severus, seriously, give me a minute. — I bent my knees so that he could not drag me.
With a little more force, he pulled me forward.
— So you can cry more? No. Come over. I asked Longbottom to bring tea.
I sniffled and he gave me a dirty look in return.
— You're a bossy bitch, you know that? — I asked him at the same time as I let him take me out of the supply room.
— And you are unbearable, you know? — He shot back.
I snorted as we walked down the hall.
— I used those same words to describe you to Viktor and Dume, dear.
A scowl came out of his mouth, but he didn't argue anymore.
We found Neville at my table, pouring hot water into our cups. He looked up and immediately frowned.
— I'm fine. — I said before he said anything. — I really am; I'm just being a baby.
— Okay, drink your tea! — Severus ordered. — Longbottom, I suppose you'll take care of her, right?
— Yes, sir. — Neville muttered, and I almost smiled, because he sounded exactly like Severus Snape's student, years ago.
Severus approached and kissed my forehead.
— Where are you going? — I asked, slightly confused that he made a point of accompanying me to the hospital and now already leaving.
— Oh, I have some things to settle with my boss. — Severus said, his voice harsh.
— Wait. What are you going to do? — I spoke suddenly, panicking again, at the thought of Severus taking satisfaction from Robards.
— Hermione, do you really want to stay here with these people? — Severus asked me, sounding incredulous. — Not everyone deserves your loyalty.
— I still have a few months before the end of the school year.
— A lot can happen in a few months, Hermione. Tomorrow we can take that damn book and give the magic back to everyone. Or Lucius can blow up that castle with all of us inside. Anything it could happen.
He was right again. Anything can happen. Was I going to let fear get the best of me and keep me in a place I was no longer welcome? Staying with an organization that obviously didn't want me anymore because I was dating my advisor? How stupid would that be? If Hermione Granger, who went Horcruxes hunting when she was eighteen, saw me now, she would beat me for being a coward.
A small part of me realized that I did not need to rush into a decision. There was still training and research. I had time, not a lot, but I did.
— You're right. — I said and straightened my spine. — I have nothing to lose, even if things don't work out.
— Okay. Longbottom. — Severus said goodbye.
— Wait! — I held Severus's wrist. — Promise me you won't kill him. Robards.
I saw his eyes roll.
— Okay.
— That doesn't sound like a promise to me.
— I promise, Granger. — He grumbled, and I caught the little smile that crossed Neville's face when he heard the murmur of our former teacher.
— Are you sure you don't want me to do this? — Severus asked seriously, his eyes like two black stones blazing in icy fury, a gentle reminder of how this man had a dark past. He seemed really ready to kill Robards and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't at least a little terrified.
— I'm sure.
He nodded and a second later, walked out the door. I heard Neville's nervous laugh before I heard the sound of his voice.
— It's fun to watch him bend to your will.
— He didn't do that.
— Oh, he did. Snape may be a bastard, but you have him in your hand. Clearly.
Final Notes
Who missed Robards? It was obvious that he would move the chopsticks to affect our heroine, right? Once a coward, always a coward.
There's an Easter Egg for another story of mine in this chapter, any guess?
Counting down to the end of the story, we will have five more chapters ahead of us until this adventure comes to an end.
Thank you for staying until this final stretch.
Love you guys!
Follow me on Twitter: survianafics
Translation by Jessinthedungeons.