Malfoy Manor

Screams.

All Severus could hear were screams and the ringing in his ear, he struggled to discern whether the agonized screams came from his own throat or another's but one thing was for sure, he was in pain. He could remember little but he knew something didn't go as planned.

The dark lord went to the potters to kill them but he was going to get ambushed by Dumbledor while Aurors attacked the death eaters- at least those who hadn't turned over to the light side but Severus couldn't figure out what went wrong.

As he opened his eyes, what he saw was horrific. The entire malfoy manor was a blaze as spells continued to fly through the air. Panic surged within him as he struggled to breathe amidst the smokey haze, his mind racing with fragmented recollections.

Then it hit him like a curse: Draco. Frantically, he scanned the chaos around him, his heart pounding in his chest. Amidst the chaos, his gaze finally settled on a small bundle of blankets with a small baby hand peeking through. Severus reached out, his fingers trembling as they brushed against the fragile form of an infant nestled within the safety of the blankets.

"Draco..." Severus breathed, his voice barely a whisper. The baby, with wide, innocent eyes, looked up at him as Severus gingerly lifted him off the ground, cradling him close to his chest. Just as he made to stand, a spell came flying past his head hitting the mirror in front of him, shattering it.

He whipped around just in time to duck as two more spells came his way. When he was able to get a good look behind him, all he saw were two Aurors waving their wands and firing spells in his direction.

With one small glance at the baby in his arms, Without hesitation, he took off, his movements swift and agile as he dodged every spell that came his way. He ran towards the front of the manor, only to find the entrance blocked by a fallen banister.

Undeterred, Severus altered his course, his heart pounding with urgency. He kept running, his path littered with the fallen bodies of Aurors and Death Eaters alike. Each step forward was a gamble, but he refused to relent, driven by the singular goal of ensuring the safety of the precious life entrusted to his care.

Just as he saw a clear exit ahead, Severus felt a searing heat against his back, causing him to stumble and lose his grip on Draco. Pain shot through him like a bolt of lightning, but there was no time to dwell on it. Ignoring his own agony, Severus forced himself to his feet and reached out for Draco, his heart pounding with fear.

But before he could secure the infant, the burning sensation intensified, spreading through his body with an intensity that made every nerve scream in protest. It was relentless, overwhelming, threatening to consume him entirely. Yet, through sheer determination, Severus gritted his teeth against the pain and clutched Draco tightly to his chest, refusing to let go, no matter what happened to him.

He glanced up and saw someone hiding behind a fallen banister, their eyes wide with fear fixed on him. As they emerged into the light, Severus got a clear view of their face – a house elf.

For a moment, Severus hesitated, his gaze flickering between the terrified creature and the precious bundle in his arms. But time was of the essence, and he knew he couldn't carry Draco to safety alone. With a determined nod, he approached the house-elf, his grip on Draco unwavering despite the pain coursing through his veins.

Wordlessly, he handed the baby over to the house-elf, their small hands reaching out to cradle Draco with surprising gentleness. Relief flooded through Severus as he watched the elf disappear into the shadows, Draco safe in their care.

But his moment of respite was short-lived. The smile that had graced his lips faded abruptly as he heard a slight cracking sound. Instinctively, he looked up just in time to see a banister begin to topple, hurtling towards him with menacing speed.

Severus rolled out of the way just in time to avoid being crushed by the falling banister, but he knew he wasn't safe yet. Despite the searing pain radiating from his side, he gritted his teeth and forced himself to his feet. Clutching his injured side, he staggered forward. Every step was agony, but he pushed through, his only thought was the safety of Draco and the desperate need to escape the crumbling ruins of Malfoy Manor.

A hand reached out and grabbed Severus' foot, causing him to stumble and nearly lose his balance. He looked down to see a wounded Auror, their eyes pleading for assistance amidst the chaos. With a pang of guilt, Severus hesitated, torn between his own survival and the desire to help another in need.

Shaking his head, Severus knelt down and helped the injured Auror to her feet. Despite the pain shooting through his side with every movement, he knew he couldn't leave her behind. He supported her weight as they started walking, each step a struggle against the relentless chaos surrounding them.

As they neared the exit of the manor, the injured Auror suddenly halted, her gaze flicking nervously between Severus and the advancing group of Aurors. Without warning, she shoved Severus aside and dashed towards her fellow Aurors, leaving him stunned and vulnerable.

Severus watched in disbelief as she disappeared into the fray, betrayal burning in his chest. Before he could fully comprehend what had transpired, he heard the heavy footfalls of approaching Aurors. Panic surged within him as he realized he was now their target, branded as a fugitive in the eyes of the law.

With no other choice but to flee, Severus turned and bolted in the opposite direction, his heart pounding with fear and adrenaline as he raced against time. But he didn't get far. Suddenly, what he could only describe as hell on earth hit him in the back, a searing burst of agony that sent him crashing to the ground, screaming in pain.

Writhing in anguish, Severus struggled to push himself up, but the pain was overwhelming, every movement sending waves of torment rippling through his body. His mind reeled with the shock of the attack, his senses overwhelmed by the chaos and confusion surrounding him. Helpless and vulnerable, Severus lay sprawled on the ground, screaming as his nerves fought against whatever was happening.

The pain didn't stop; instead, it intensified, consuming Severus in a fiery whirlpool of agony. He vaguely heard someone screaming to stop, their voice distant and distorted amidst the torment. Then, with a sickening lurch, everything went black.