So this is it, that's how it ends
I guess there′s nothin' more romantic than dying with your friends
And I'm not sorry for myself
I wouldn′t want to spend a minute lovin′ anybody else
'Cause you′ve got me and you know
That I've got you and I know
If the tide takes California
I′m so glad I got to hold ya
And if the sky falls from Heaven above
Oh, I know, I had the best time fallin' into love
We′ve been livin' on a fault line
And for a while you were all mine
I've spent a lifetime givin′ you my heart
I swear that I′ll be yours forever, till forever falls apart
Till forever falls apart
We never had it from the start
Till death do us part
- Till forever falls apart by Ashe & FINNEAS
"My soul belongs to you," he whispered as he leaned closer to me, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. I could feel his warm breath on my neck, sending shivers down my spine. He chuckled darkly, his voice low and enticing.
"I haven't slept this well in a long time," he added with a sly grin before his expression turned serious again. "I miss you so much. Every day without you is agony."
"Severus, I feel the same way." I kissed his warm lips.
"You know I act so recklessly because of this?" he stated more as a fact than a question. It was almost suicidal that we were secretly together, right in the heart of Hogwarts, in his office and private quarters as the headmaster.
"Of course," I replied softly.
I let my gaze briefly wander around the bedroom, wondering how much he had changed after Dumbledore.
The dark wooden bed was the same as he had used in the dungeon, as was the dark wardrobe in the corner, containing a collection of black robes, cloaks, trousers, white shirts, and a few items in dark green.
The heavily stocked bookshelf, almost bursting at the seams, was also in this room but expanded by another one in lighter wood. Undoubtedly a relic from Dumbledore, adorned with inlays and other embellishments.
However, my eyes lingered on his nightstand. There sat the jar with heliotrope inlaid in Felix Felicis, which I had given him so many years ago, hoping he would understand the secret message, understand how much my heart longed for him.
As I grinned at him, his black eyes sparkled mischievously, knowing exactly what I was thinking about. Another time. Two other people.
"I have a present for you," he said with a tender voice, catching my attention.
He slid out of bed and walked to a wardrobe in the back of the room, giving me an unabashed view of his naked back, making me happily grin from ear to ear.
Severus muttered an incantation and tapped his wand against the lock four times. As he reached inside with his hands, he pulled out a brown, tightly wrapped package that swayed in his arms.
"Open it," he whispered as he sat down next to me.
"Christmas is in a few days," I said, grinning, as his black eyes sparkled with joy.
"Of course. But we're not children anymore," he said, lightly grinning.
Carefully, I untied the package, and I couldn't believe my eyes.
My hands glided over the soft fabric that seemed to be woven from water.
"Severus, I can't accept this, it's..." I looked with an open mouth at the Invisibility Cloak in my lap. It was clearly made from the silvery fur of a Demiguise, a magical creature that can turn invisible and was difficult to track.
"This way, you can move more freely in St. Mungo's. You can even wander through Hogwarts undetected if you wish. But still, be careful; the Dark Lord has sent Snatcher squads to capture Muggle-borns on the run," explained Severus, and my breath caught for a moment. I had heard about them from patients before I erased their memories.
"But this must have cost a fortune, Severus," I said, while my hand slipped under the fabric and immediately became invisible to my eyes.
"If it brings you relief, the price is irrelevant," Severus said, raising an eyebrow as if my objection were foolish.
"But where did you find it? There are hardly any, and in the current situation, they are more coveted than ever," I asked.
"You forget that I am the headmaster of Hogwarts. Not only has my salary from the Ministry been appropriately adjusted, but my influence has also increased," he replied, moving closer to me.
He placed his hand on my invisible hand, and I felt his warmth through the fabric.
"I want you to always carry it with you, so you can use it when necessary," he said in a serious tone.
I nodded. The times were uncertain and dangerous. I sighed softly at the thought, furrowing Severus's brow.
"What's on your mind?" he asked softly, a bit unsure if he had chosen the right gift.
"The question of what our future could look like," I whispered, gently running my hand over the iridescent fabric.
"We shouldn't dwell on the future. Not when it is not uniquely ours to control," he replied solemnly, gently placing his hand on my cheek.
"What if one of us doesn't make it?" I asked with a dry throat.
"Then the other will complete our shared mission," Severus said with a gentle voice, as if it were a matter of fact.
"What if I can't go on without you? Can't make it?" I asked defensively.
"You are strong, much stronger than you give yourself credit for. I know it. You will succeed, I have no doubt," Severus said coolly.
"But are you ready to give your life for it? To die so that the Dark Lord falls? And Harry survives?" I asked, feeling tears welling up again at the thought of being without him.
"I am," he stated seriously. I took a sharp breath.
"For Lily and the guilt I burdened myself with through my naive decisions. For you, the love of my life, whom I called Mudblood despite knowing better. For allowing such a wonderful witch like you to live in this world without worry. For all the Muggle-born witches and wizards I wronged by ever choosing to serve the Dark Lord. Also, for the boy whom Dumbledore saw so much greatness in, which I could never see. He's not supposed to be a slaughter animal, he's Lily's son. Your godson. For all of that, I am ready. I can no longer live with the bitterness in my heart, never being worthy of you. Understand that I must give everything to ensure Potter's success and survival," Severus explained, maintaining eye contact with me.
"Promise me that you'll complete it if I'm unable to, Catherine," he whispered, moved by my tears now streaming down my cheeks. They were tears of love for this man who had recognized his wrongdoing and was now willing to give everything to atone for it.
"I promise you, Severus. I will fulfill our plan," I whispered amid my tears, before he enveloped me tightly in his arms.
"But have faith in us. It will succeed," Severus said softly, holding my chin in his palm and gently freeing my lips from my worries.
A few days later, it was Christmas, and after Severus had fulfilled his duties as headmaster, we secretly met at a location I had given him through the mirror.
He looked around uncertainly after apparating into the middle of the desolate area.
"What are we doing here in this cold winter night in deep solitude?" he asked with raised eyebrows and a skeptical expression.
I couldn't help but smile.
"This is my Christmas gift to you, Severus," I said after we reluctantly pulled away from each other.
"A field of woods?" he asked, looking around. But I shook my head and took his hand.
"We could have made it cozier," he suddenly whispered as he embraced me, kissing me tenderly and passionately.
"Follow me," I said, and we walked a few steps through the woods until we reached a frozen lake.
The moon was the only thing piercing through the darkness until I used my wand to light the lanterns floating above the lake, which I had cleared of snow beforehand.
"I don't understand," Severus said, looking at me expectantly.
But I didn't speak; instead, I rummaged in my magically enlarged bag. When I pulled out the necessary shoes, he burst into hearty laughter—a sound I hadn't heard in a long time and instantly warmed my heart.
"Seriously?" he asked, taking the ice skates from my hands.
"We wanted to practice, do you remember?" I asked cheerfully, before enchanting my own skates onto my feet.
"Of course. And I guarantee nothing, but may I have this dance on ice?" Severus asked, offering his hand.
He pulled me gracefully onto the ice, causing us to briefly lose balance.
Yet, his embrace held me securely. We stood closely entwined for a few moments, savoring a normality that was elusive to us. I felt his calm breath on my skin, took in his scent, felt the warmth of his body against mine.
"Shall we?" Severus whispered gently into my ear, and with my nod, he began to release me, twirling me in a circle.
His hand guided me, offering security in the whirlwind I found myself in. He halted my movement and caught my laughter, causing a smile of carefreeness to form on his face.
I didn't want to think that this might be the last laughter of his that I see. And yet, the thought shot through my heart like an arrow, trembling with excitement.
"It's beautiful," Severus breathed into my ear. "As if it's a secret place, just for the two of us."
"Yes, that was the thought within me. As if we could just freeze with the ice," I said, studying his face, where the lines of worry seemed to have been wiped away.
"Hidden in the ice, where no one can find us," he whispered in agreement, resting his forehead against mine. "I love you."
"And I love you, Severus. Forever."
"Forever is a long time," Severus whispered to me. "But it might be just enough."
Suddenly, Severus let go. His dark eyes sparkled in the gentle light of the lanterns above, and he took my hands in his.
"Severus..."
"Catherine, I wanted to wait for the right moment when we are safe. When he no longer exists. But you asked me about how our future should look and it made me think. What if that moment never comes? What if this is the only moment left for both of us and we have control? A frozen moment of our happiness?" His voice was soft and gentle, yet carried a profound seriousness.
Then Severus knelt in front of me and pulled out a dark green velvet box from his black coat.
I held my breath as he opened it.
Inside was a delicate silver ring, a single diamond in the center, surrounded by deep green, almost blue stones that immediately reminded me of the sea.
"Your love has illuminated my whole ife, and I can't imagine a future that shouldn't be with you," Severus said, his eyes sparkling in the moonlight and the light of the lanterns. My heart seemed to stop at his words.
"Would you do me the honor of becoming your husband? Will you marry me when I am a free man, when my guilt has been atoned for."
Inside, emotions of joy, happiness, and love swirled like a magical dance. I felt the warmth of his words in every fiber of my being, carried by an invisible enchantment.
With tears of joy in my eyes and a smile reflecting my entire love, I nodded.
"Yes, Severus, yes! With all my heart, yes!" My voice trembled with emotions, and I pulled Severus up to me.
Our lips touched passionately as we stood entwined in this lonely forest, the only witness to this moment of happiness.
As we pulled away from each other, Severus grinningly slid the ring over my right ring finger. It fit perfectly.
In that moment, I realized that the love we shared was stronger than any obstacles life had thrown our way so far. Everything else was irrelevant.
"Merry Christmas, Catherine," Severus said softly, happily observing my hand, adorned with an unmistakable symbol of happiness and shared love.
"Merry Christmas, Severus," I whispered, overjoyed, also gazing at the sparkling stones on my finger. He knew that I loved Christmas. And this one would be unforgettable.
"Since when have you had this ring?" I asked, gently swaying the ring in the moonlight.
"Seven years," he replied tersely, as if waiting that long for a proposal were entirely normal.
But I grinned. He was, after all, Severus Snape.
At some point, I took his arm, and together we attempted to skate on the ice unscathed.
The cold wind carried the faint crunching of the ice as we glided cautiously over its smooth surface.
Just like in our fifth year when we were just friends in a world slowly falling apart around us, much like our friendship. Yet, from it arose something more valuable—deep love and understanding.
Although I knew it was dangerous, I wanted to pay another visit to an old friend. With Severus's Invisibility Cloak, I could dare to do it. To my surprise, Alice wasn't in bed like Frank but was sitting at the table, staring expressionlessly at the wall opposite.
"Alice, I'm here to say goodbye. I don't know if I'll be able to visit in the next few weeks..." I couldn't articulate it, yet I knew that my death was a possible future for me. And yet, I hoped it would be a different fate.
Alice visibly twitched her hand before lifting it slightly. I took hold of it. Her warmth flooded through me. I hugged her tightly. Her lips twitched as if she wanted to respond. Yet, she seemed trapped somewhere inside her own body.
I bit my lower lip. So little was known about the effects of the Cruciatus Curse on such a scale. No one knew if Alice and Frank would ever show any improvement.
Suddenly, someone cleared their throat behind me, causing me to immediately slump.
"Apologies. I didn't mean to disturb," said a boy with a sturdy figure and a round face. His smile mirrored that of the woman whose hand I held.
"You're a healer, aren't you? I've seen you here before," he said, placing the flowers he brought between his parents' beds. I knew Neville had a special permission from Dumbledore to visit his parents even on weekends. Apparently, Severus had not revoked it. Thankfully.
"Yes, I am... or was," I said, no longer wearing a lime-green cloak. "I was officially dismissed as a Muggle-born witch."
"It's all terrible," he said, reaching uncertainly for his arm. Only now did I see deep cuts on his hands.
"What's that?" I asked, stood up, and examined the young man closely. His eyes seemed alert, but I noticed a nearly healed black eye.
"It's nothing," he said, but I grabbed his hands and examined the wounds.
"Diffindo?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I defended a first-year against a Slytherin. They use first-years as practice targets for curses," he explained with an unsure voice.
"At Hogwarts?" My heart constricted. "Does Sev... the headmaster know about this?"
"He's not often seen. And Snape isn't exactly known for being gentle with us students."
I felt nauseous as I reached into a cupboard in the corner, searching for the appropriate healing salve.
Silently, I applied the salve to the deep cuts, which immediately began to close.
"Thank you. Madam Pomfrey has so much to do. I didn't want to bother her with this," he explained before sitting down on the chair next to his mother, Alice.
I joined him and handed him the salve.
"Take it with you!" I said, and Neville gratefully tucked the salve into his cloak.
"It will get better. Harry will come someday and free Hogwarts from them. Until then, we all hold the fort," he said, determination sparkling in his eyes. He was every bit his mother. And I thought of how Severus had described the boy to me at the beginning of his education.
"It's brave of you," I remarked.
"Maybe," Neville said shyly. "But my parents were brave. How could I abandon them?"
"Courage sometimes grows in places where fear once ruled," I said, studying him. "I know your mother would be proud of you, Neville."
"You know my name? My mother?" he asked with widened eyes. "I mean, before she..."
"Yes. Your parents were very popular. They were some of the best members of the Order, always there when needed," I explained, looking at Alice who stared expressionlessly at the wall.
"Until you were born. Then they withdrew to a protected house. They wanted to be with you and protect you." I remembered how the protective measures for Alice and Frank, as well as Lily and James, began to safeguard their sons. Yet, all of it was not enough. Not even now.
My eyes welled up, and I pulled out the cotton handkerchief with the initials E.P.
"So, you work for the Order too?" he asked softly.
"It doesn't exist in the same way anymore. We are just a few who remain," I replied, thinking of all the sacrifices it had taken to fight against Lord Voldemort and his followers, not giving in.
"Still, you must not give up. Harry will make it! He has always succeeded. I trust him," Neville said energetically, as if his life depended on it, and maybe it did.
"Never, Neville," I said, gently smiling. "Is Harry a friend of yours?"
"Yes, he is. One of the best," Neville replied, his face radiating his mother's laughter, which I hadn't seen in far too long.
My gaze shifted to the woman who listened completely motionless to our conversation, and the young man's face became serious again.
"Do you have experience with the Cruciatus?" he suddenly asked, and at the thought of it, a veritable shockwave passed through every cell in my body. I shuddered.
"Yes, I have experienced it myself and treated some victims," I said.
"Do you think they will ever be able to talk to me? I... I would really like to get to know them," his eyes welled up, but he held back his tears.
"I wish for it, Neville. Every day," I replied, taking his hand. He allowed it to happen and looked at me with wide eyes.
"I feel like they're both doing better since the summer vacation before my fifth grade year," he said enthusiastically
"Try to keep hope, Neville. But try to enjoy your life. Fight for what matters to you. Nothing else would they want for you."
He nodded before Alice handed him a piece of paper from a chewing gum wrapper.
"I have good news," Severus whispered as I greeted him to add the final ingredients to the spell.
"Explain!"
"Ollivander managed to escape. The secret of our connection is gone with him, although I doubt my Obliviate can ever be overcome. You were too good a teacher for me."
"It's good that our secret no longer has to live under Malfoy's cellar," I shuddered at the thought of my own time there. "But how did he escape?"
"That is the less good news. Potter and your two companions were intercepted in the forest by bounty hunters, along with the sword I recently sent to him," Severus said, and I widened my eyes in surprise, wanting to cry out in disappointment. However, Severus raised his hand and held me back with a shake of his head.
"Potter also managed to escape, with all the prisoners who were in that basement," Severus explained.
"How could he do that? I've tried so many times to Apparate, to break the protective spells. In vain," I replied incredulously.
"House-elf magic. His friend Dobby saved him. He must have somehow found out. I don't know exactly how, but it's interesting what's happening in the underground of Hogwarts. Almost impressive."
"It truly is. Friendship and love are powerful," I said, looking into his profound eyes, seeming to lose myself in them for a moment.
"There's something else," Severus said softly. "The rat... is dead."
"Peter?"
"He died in the cellar when he hesitated to kill Potter."
"Oh, I'll have to tell Remus," I said with a dry throat. Another loss from school days. I briefly saw the insecure schoolboy in front of me, looking up at James with wide eyes and hoping to receive some of his attention and friendship. Yet, he was the one the other three friends secretly found a bit amusing. I sighed softly.
"Good. Now you know the latest developments. Is there anything new from St. Mungo's?"
"Hardly any patients are coming. The fear is just too great. St. Mungo's is inspected a few times a week. So far, our protective spells around the ward have held up. But they are skeptical. Asklepios has the feeling they suspect something, have heard a rumor."
"Stay cautious," Severus said with a concerned, slightly strained voice.
"Always under the radar. Both of us," I said, smiling and nodding, pulling a vial and a torn piece of a handwritten letter from Lily out of my cloak.
"And the photo?" Severus asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I always carry it with me."
"Good. Let's begin then," Severus said, and we walked together to the cauldron, where a pink liquid simmered on low heat.
"Please. It's your part," Severus said, gesturing with his hand towards the potion.
I closed my eyes before holding the letter over the cauldron to burn it with my wand. The ash from the burning parchment slowly floated into the potion. The potion hissed and turned bright red.
"Very good. Continue," Severus urged with shining eyes after stirring four times.
I opened the vial and added precisely seven small drops of Fawkes' tears. Only a few drops of the tears remained in the vial, but I corked it and made it vanish into my cloak, while Severus and I watched as the potion turned blood-red, releasing light pink wisps.
Severus sniffed it.
"Violet," he noted. Lily's perfume. I could sense it too. A peculiar feeling spread within me, as if she were suddenly with us, able to see both of us standing united to defeat Voldemort once and for all and save Harry's life.
Severus took my hand and squeezed it, his lips forming a gentle smile. But suddenly, a silver figure appeared before us. The wolf spoke with Remus's voice, asking me to come to him the next morning. Remus also had important news.
"He surely wants to report about Potter to you," Severus said quietly as the silver wolf disappeared.
"Don't worry; I'll pretend to hear everything for the first time. But his voice sounded very cheerful. I suspect there's yet another piece of good news."
And so, on the next day, a beautiful spring morning in April, I set out to visit my friend and his wife.
They now lived with Tonks' mother, who had been lonely and sad since her beloved husband was captured and later killed by Snatchers a few weeks earlier.
I knew his message could only mean one thing, so I took the wrapped package with a blue satin ribbon that I had prepared along with me. Apparating through indirect routes, I arrived on the street where Remus and Tonks had married.
Remus greeted me with a wide grin, just like he did back then. He was the Secret Keeper and had shared his location with me in advance, ensuring that I couldn't disclose it to anyone and yet find it.
"I see you've already guessed," he said, embracing me after a glance at the gift with a broad smile. Despite his greying hair, he looked years younger.
"I've been counting the days," I replied joyfully.
"Then come with me!"
Remus led me through the large but cozy house to a bedroom on the upper floor. As he gently opened the door, I saw Tonks, lying in a comfortable bed. She smiled as she looked up and greeted me.
"Catherine, come in. Look, our little boy is sleeping peacefully."
I approached the bed and observed the sleeping baby in her arms. My heart raced with excitement and joy as I caught sight of Remus's eyes when he briefly opened them to yawn before drifting back to sleep.
"Oh, Tonks, he's beautiful. How are you feeling?" I asked, unable to tear my gaze away from the baby who breathed softly with slightly parted lips.
She sighed, and I took a seat in a chair beside the bed.
"Honestly, I feel overwhelmed. But happy. Remus and I can hardly believe he's really here."
"And he seems healthy," added Remus, his eyes affectionately fixed on Tonks and their son.
"I can hardly believe it either. He looks so peaceful," I said, smiling broadly. I reached out a finger to gently touch the baby's tiny fingers. "What will you name him?"
Remus placed his hand gently on Tonks's shoulder. "Ted. We named him after Tonks's father. In his honor."
"Edward sounds too grand for such a little wizard, doesn't it?" Tonks added with a grin.
"Ted," I repeated softly. "A beautiful name. I'm sure he'll be just as brave and lovable as his father."
"Thank you, Catherine. It means a lot to me. Would you like to hold him?" Remus blushed slightly.
I nodded, and Tonks gently handed me the sleeping Teddy. I cradled him gently in my arms, smiling dreamily.
"I'm so happy for you, Remus. You two will be wonderful parents." Holding the child in my arms was an overwhelming feeling, knowing how much happiness he brought to my best friend.
"Thank you, Catherine. We can't wait to embark on this new journey as a family. And I'm glad you've been with us from the start." Remus smiled back, looking at the two women in his life.
I nodded, smiling broadly, and softly whispered to the little Teddy, as if casting a spell.
„May your life be as magical and filled with love as your parents wish for you, little Teddy Lupin."
Suddenly, his tuft of hair began to change color. In an instant, it went from dark to fiery red.
"I completely forgot to mention that he's blessed just like my wife. Andromeda said that Dora also changed her hair color an hour after birth. If you don't look for a moment, they have a different color," Remus said joyfully before giving his wife a loving kiss on the cheek.
"A Metamorphmagus," I whispered in awe and handed the little wonder back into his mother's arms.
After about an hour of bliss, not giving a single thought to the war and its shadows, Remus escorted me back outside.
The sun was already about to disappear on the horizon, yet it cast its warm rays on our skin as if knowing these were the last precious moments we had with it.
"I'm happy for your joy, Remus. You've finally found it," I said in the cool wind that the twilight brought.
"I know I'll do everything to ensure he grows up carefree, without having to be ashamed of his father," Remus said seriously. The pink hues of the sunset reflected in his eyes.
"I know you'll succeed, and I'll help you," I replied. "After the war, we'll come up with something to improve the situation for werewolves."
Remus looked at me with a radiant smile, knowing my words held true meaning, not just empty promises.
"I asked Harry if he wants to be the godfather," Remus said a bit shyly. "For Teddy."
I studied him, observing his squinted eyes as if he didn't want to see a potential disappointment. But I smiled and nodded at Remus.
"A very good decision. He'll be there if Teddy ever needs a proper talking to, and he's closer to his age," I said approvingly, visibly easing Remus's worries.
"Besides, we both know I wasn't a good choice for Harry," I added somewhat sadly.
The thought of Lily placing her baby in my arms about 17 years ago, only for me to disappoint her for many years. I wasn't there for Harry, trusting Dumbledore to make the right decisions. Yet, I realized that under my care, Harry might not have become as strong. Would he have been willing to make the sacrifices demanded of him with me by his side?
"Tell me all about Harry," I said, listening seemingly spellbound to the story of Harry's escape from Malfoy Manor.
"I guess we won't see each other for a while?" I asked when he finished the story, kicking a small stone that was lying at my feet across the narrow garden path into the street.
"Why would you think that?" Remus asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Now that Teddy is here, you'll likely refrain from active fighting. Be there for Tonks and him, protect them both."
"I've thought about it a lot. But it would be wrong to back down now, just when Teddy is here. To ensure he grows up safe, you-know-who must be defeated. For him and all the other children," he replied, studying my surprised face seriously.
"But—"
"I am determined to do my part and protect those I love and my family as well as you, Catherine," he said, his voice firm and determined.
"Remus..." I gasped, seized with emotion, and threw my arms around him. We embraced tightly as I held back my tears.
"Catherine?"
"Yes?" I slowly released myself from his embrace, wiping my fingers over my damp eyes.
"Are you alright?" Remus asked me, a little uncertainly. "I know it was a shock for you as it was for all of us, that Snape had betrayed us all this time. But for you... how are you holding up?"
I looked into his scrutinizing eyes, motionless and tried to organize my thoughts, not even blinking. How much I wished I could tell Remus the truth in this moment about the man I loved; tell him how happy I was right now.
I was engaged to the love of my life, he happily married, a proud new father. What could be more beautiful?
But I remained silent and felt miserable in doing so. I couldn't risk telling him that we were both experiencing the greatest happiness we could imagine at that moment.
"Catherine?" he asked, pulling me back to him.
"Everything is as it should be, Remus," I whispered and clung to his chest, feeling the heartbeat of my best friend, inhaling his familiar scent that gave me a sense of home.
How perfect our lives would be if it weren't for this miserable fight against Voldemort within it.
And even though I had prepared for this day for so many months, if not years, my worst fear came so suddenly. I was just packing away the medical supplies when suddenly a silver doe appeared before me.
Asklepius gasped in surprise.
"Potter is in Hogwarts. It begins now. " Severus's voice echoed in my head and reverberated until the figure dissolved into nothing.
"Catherine? What?" Asklepios asked with widened eyes.
I looked into his fearful eyes, felt my hands clenching, yet I also felt the ring on my finger that I had enchanted to be invisible to everyone but Severus and me. The thought of Severus and a future with him gave me the necessary courage.
"You don't mean to—" Asklepios's voice faltered.
"Yes, I do. It will be the last time. And I am ready," I said firmly.
"But if you die?" he asked, grabbing my arm to stop me from leaving.
Suddenly, another luminous figure appeared before me, speaking with Remus's voice.
"Come to Hogwarts immediately. We must fight. Secret passage in Hog's Head Inn "
The silver wolf vanished into thin air before I looked into Asklepios's pale face.
"Then it is my destiny. I prefer it to having to hide forever under such a cruel regime. I will go," I said and removed his arm from me.
I gave him one last smile before disappearing.
I grabbed my cloak and made sure I had everything I needed. In the enlarged inside pockets, I could hear various potions rubbing against each other before apparating to Hogsmeade.
I needed to find both of them. I had to ensure nothing happened to them, and they would survive. Harry had to live, and so did Severus.
I entered the door of the Hog's Head Inn. The owner, who had the bright blue penetrating eyes of his brother Albus, waved me over quickly.
"You're late," he grumbled, and the picture on the wall opened to reveal a small corridor whose end I couldn't see. "But better late than never, eh?"
I merely nodded and climbed through the portrait hole onto the path to Hogwarts.
Yet, I felt the blood in my veins freeze at the thought of what lay ahead.