Now, another chill came over Severus, and a new ghostly figure appeared before him. The figure was taller and older, with an air of quiet wisdom.
"I am the Ghost of Your Present," the figure said, his voice calm and steady. "Come with me, and see what your current path has wrought." The ghost laid its hand on Severus shoulder. Severus would have ducked away if he had been able to. There had been no time to react. Severus then saw what could have been.
The air around Severus dissolved into mist again. When it cleared, he found himself standing outside the Shrieking Shack on a cold, moonlit night. One exactly like tonight. Inside, he saw Remus Lupin, who looked anxious and almost scared. As if something bad were to happen to him. He wore no clothes. Severus watched as he crept closer, his face set with determination and fear. He saw himself open the door and come eye-to-eye with Remus. Remus, who suddenly cried out in pain, Severus saw himself suddenly standing still in fear. Remus started screaming in pain as his body thrashed and started transfiguring, and his scream changed into a howl. Remus had transformed into a werewolf, snarling and thrashing in his confined space. The sight was terrifying.
Just as Remus was about to charge at Severus, James Potter appeared. Severus saw James transform into a stag and charge at the werewolf. The stag collided harshly with Severus, who hit his head against the doorway and lay unconscious. The scene played out in rapid succession. Remus's claws barely missed Severus; James's swift intervention saved him from certain death.
"He saved me," Severus murmured, his voice tinged with bitterness. "James Potter saved my life."
"Yes," the ghost said. "Despite your animosity, he chose to protect you."
The scene shifted to Dumbledore's office. Severus stood before the headmaster, his face pale and shaken. Dumbledore's eyes were kind but firm as he spoke.
"I will ensure that this incident remains a secret, Severus," Dumbledore promised. "But you must understand the importance of protecting Remus's secret. He is not a danger to others, except under the influence of the full moon."
Severus nodded reluctantly, his pride wounded. "I understand, Headmaster."
The ghost turned to Severus. "Dumbledore's trust in you was significant. Yet, your resentment overshadowed the weight of that trust."
Another scene unfolded, and Severus saw himself with his Slytherin friends. He was in the hospital. He saw Regulus sitting directly next to his bedside, and Dan as well. Rabastan Rosier and Andrew Mulciber were trying to pull him into some prank on Mary.
Another scene unfolded, and Severus saw himself with Dan, Rabastan, and Andrew. They were planning a prank on Mary Macdonald, a Gryffindor girl who was terrified of heights.
They had put her under the Imperius Curse and forced her to pick up a broom and fly up high. Severus watched in horror as Mary soared into the air, her face relaxed and happy as if on vacation. When she was in position, they lifted the Imperius Curse off of her. Her face immediately went pale with fear, and her movements got jerky and unsteady.
"Please, stop this," she whispered, her voice trembling as she tried to stay as still in the air as possible.
Mary, panicked and disoriented, lost control of the broom. She plummeted to the ground, hitting it hard. Her screams and cries filled the air as she lay there, shivering and terrified.
"Why did I do that? How could I enjoy that? I laughed." Severus said, his voice barely above a whisper. "What did she do to deserve such cruelty?"
"You were seeking power and control," the ghost replied. "Your own pain and insecurities led you to inflict pain on others. You enjoyed not being the victim for once."
The scene shifted again, and Severus found himself in the Slytherin common room, talking with Lucius, Narcissa, and Regulus. This he remembered, as it had been just a year ago. They were discussing the Dark Lord and the future he promised. Lucius spoke passionately, influenced by his father's devotion to Voldemort.
"The Dark Lord offers a new world, a better one for us," Lucius said, his eyes gleaming with fervor.
Narcissa looked uneasy but remained silent. Regulus listened intently, his admiration for Severus and Lucius clear. Severus, eager to prove himself, encouraged Lucius's enthusiasm.
"We must seize this opportunity," Severus said. "The Dark Lord's power will ensure our place in the new order."
The ghost turned to Severus. "Lucius and Narcissa were not inherently evil. They were swayed by promises of power and security. Your encouragement, though well-intentioned, led them down a dark path."
Severus felt a pang of guilt. "I was so blinded by my own ambitions. I didn't see how I was influencing them."
The scene shifted once more. Severus saw himself with Lucius, Narcissa, and Regulus during a Hogsmead weekend. They were discussing Lucius's impending initiation into the Death Eaters. Narcissa's eyes were filled with worry. But she remained supportive of her husband's decision. Severus realized this would soon be happening.
"I don't want to fight," Lucius admitted, looking at Severus. "I want a home and a family. But my father... he expects me to follow in his footsteps."
"You will find your place," Severus assured him, missing the hesitation in Lucius's eyes. "The Dark Lord will see your value."
The ghost turned to Severus. "Lucius's true desires are for a peaceful life, but your words are pushing him further into the Dark Lord's grasp."
Severus felt a weight settle on his chest. "I was so focused on my own aspirations that I ignored the signs. I led my friends down a path they weren't fully committed to."
The ghost nodded. "You have seen the consequences of your actions. Now, you must decide what to do with this knowledge."
As the mist began to clear, Severus found himself back in the snow, the Ghost of his Present standing beside him. "These are the realities of your choices, Severus," the ghost said quietly. "Remember them, and consider the impact you have on those around you."