Hogwarts, Hospital Wing
"Where is he?!"
"Miss Black, I suggest—"
"I don't care what you suggest, I'm asking you where is Severus!?"
Madam Pomfrey pointed to the bed in the far corner, the bed she had designated for Severus, the bed he was currently occupying and had been for the past two days. Bellatrix rushed over, pushing back the curtains before hurrying to his side.
"Severus..." she whispered, running her hands through his hair, her eyes fixed on his face as she fought back the tears that threatened to fall. Severus had been knocked into a magical coma. Just as wizards lived longer than Muggles, their comas were also twice as long.
Her fingers traced the outline of his face, noting the pallor of his skin and the way his chest rose and fell with shallow breaths. The sight of him like this, so vulnerable and helpless, tore at her heart. She had never seen him so still, so lifeless.
Of all the days, the day he gets knocked into a magical coma just had to be the day she had family problems and had to leave.
Bellatrix sighed, frustration and sorrow battling within her. She leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Severus's forehead. "I'm so sorry, Sevy," she murmured. "I have to go, but I promise I'll be back as soon as I can. You're not alone."
With one last lingering look, Bellatrix reluctantly pulled away. She turned to Madam Pomfrey, her eyes fierce. "Please take care of him," she commanded, her voice brooking no argument.
Madam Pomfrey nodded solemnly. "I will, Miss Black. He's in good hands."
Bellatrix left the hospital wing, her heart heavy. As she walked through the castle, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. She couldn't shake the image of Severus lying there, so still and fragile. Her fists clenched at her sides. She would deal with her family issues quickly and return. Severus needed her.
The corridors of Hogwarts seemed unusually quiet, the usual chatter and laughter of students muted by the gravity of recent events. Bellatrix's footsteps echoed as she made her way to the castle entrance. She knew she couldn't stay away for long. The thought of Severus waking up alone, without anyone familiar by his side, was unbearable.
Once outside, she quickly made her way to the gates and Apparated to her family home. The moment she arrived, she was greeted by the familiar sight of her family's grand mansion, its imposing presence doing little to ease the turmoil in her heart.
Her sisters were waiting for her, their expressions a mixture of concern and fear. "Mum and Dad are waiting in the sitting room," Andromeda said, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Bellatrix followed them into the sitting room, where her parents sat, waiting for them to take their own seats. Her father took a deep breath while her mother cleared her throat and began speaking. "You girls each have family obligations, expectations, and responsibilities that have been laid out, and it'll soon be time to step up."
Bellatrix tried to focus on her mother's words, but her mind kept drifting back to Severus. Every minute spent away from him felt like an eternity.
"I understand," she said finally, her voice steady but determined. "But I can't."
Her mother's eyes snapped up to meet hers, anger noticeable. "What do you mean, you can't?" she demanded, her voice cold and sharp.
"I have someone at Hogwarts who I want to marry," Bellatrix said, trying to keep her voice calm. "He is smart, a Slytherin, and I think you would like him."
Her father frowned, his expression hardening. "Bellatrix, your family comes first. These responsibilities are not to be taken lightly."
"I know that, Father," Bellatrix replied, her own temper rising. "But Severus is...he is important to me. He's been there for me, and now he needs me. I can't just abandon him."
Her mother's face softened slightly, but her voice remained hard and stern. "This is not the time for sentimentality, Bella. Your place is here, with your family."
"No," Bellatrix said firmly, standing up. "My place is with Severus right now. He needs me more than ever, and I won't turn my back on him."
Her parents exchanged a look, their expressions a mixture of frustration and resignation. Andromeda and Narcissa watched silently, their own concerns etched on their faces.
Her eyes landed on her father. Seeing his silent approval was all she needed to jump out of her seat and rush out the door, ignoring her mother's voice.
As she hurried through the corridors, her heart pounded with a mix of anxiety and determination. The tension with her family was palpable, but she knew she had made the right decision. Severus needed her, and nothing would keep her from his side.
Bellatrix made her way to the castle entrance, her mind racing. She quickly Apparated back to Hogwarts, the familiar surroundings of the school bringing a sense of relief. She sprinted through the hallways, not caring about the curious looks from students and professors alike.
When she finally reached the hospital wing, she burst through the doors and rushed to Severus's bedside. He was still lying there, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths.
"I'm back, Sev," she whispered, taking his hand in hers. "I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."
Madam Pomfrey glanced over, a small smile on her lips. "He's been stable," she said softly. "It's a good sign."
Bellatrix nodded, her heart swelling with fierce protectiveness. She settled into the chair beside his bed, determined to stay by his side for as long as it took. No matter what happened, she would be there when he woke up.
As she watched Madam Pomfrey change the bandages on his chest, a question popped into her head. "Madam Pomfrey, where is his mother? Shouldn't she be here?" Her eyes fell on Madam Pomfrey's now frozen hand and the way her fingers gripped the bedside.
"His mother is a Muggle," Madam Pomfrey said quietly, her voice tense. "Dumbledore isn't allowing her in."
Bellatrix's eyes narrowed. "Why not? She's his mother. She deserves to be here."
Madam Pomfrey sighed, her expression weary. "Dumbledore is concerned about the safety of the school and the exposure of the magical world. He's trying to protect both Severus and his mother."
Bellatrix clenched her fists, frustration bubbling within her. "That's not fair. She has a right to see her son."
"I know," Madam Pomfrey said softly. "But Dumbledore's decision stands. For now, it's up to us to take care of him."
Bellatrix took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside her. "Then I'll stay here," she said firmly. "I'll be his family."
Madam Pomfrey gave her a small, sympathetic smile. "You're a good friend, Bellatrix. Severus is lucky to have you."
Bellatrix nodded, her resolve strengthening. She turned her attention back to Severus, gently brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "I'm here, My Sev," she whispered. "And I'm not leaving you."
Hogwarts, Giffindore Girls Dromatry
All Lily could do was lay in her bed, seething with rage.
Just two days ago, James had, very hotly, defended her against a Slytherin, and if that idiot Severus hadn't butted in, she would have had the most perfect, romantic kiss ever!
She didn't feel anything for Severus; she was just furious that he had ruined her chance of a fairy tale moment with James. So she spent her time ranting to her friends about it.
"I can't believe he did that!" Lily screeched for the hundredth time, slamming her fists into the mattress like a toddler having a tantrum. "Why does he always have to interfere with my life!?"
Mary Macdonald looked up from her Charms homework, shooting Lily an irritated glare. "Maybe it wasn't about you," she said flatly. "Maybe he thought he was protecting re-"
"Protecting me? From what?" Lily spat, cutting Mary off. "James is perfect. Severus isn't, so he just doesn't get it."
Alice Fortescue, who had been listening quietly, rolled her eyes. "You used to be friends. And I don't think that's what Mary was trying to-"
Lily jumped up, pacing the room in a huff. "We were friends, but that was ages ago. Things are different now."
"Different how?" Alice asked, her patience wearing thin as Lily kept interrupting.
Lily's thoughts drifted to Severus's gaunt face, the haunted look in his eyes. She remembered the times they had spent together, the secrets shared, the laughter...before everything changed. "Different because of the choices we've made," she snapped. "He's chosen a path I can't follow. And I don't need him messing up any chance I get of marrying James."
Mary put down her quill, glaring at Lily. "Lily, we've heard this all before. We're sick of listening to you whine about James and Severus. It's exhausting."
Alice nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's like you don't even care about what's going on with us. Everything always has to be about you."
Lily blinked, taken aback by their bluntness. "What are you even talking about?"
Mary sighed. "Well, you have been a complete bitch. And it's gotten worse since the beginning of this year. We're your friends, but we're tired of your crap."
Lily's eyes narrowed. "Oh, so now it's my fault? I'm sorry if my life is a bit more complicated than yours. Maybe if you had to deal with what I do, you'd understand."
Alice crossed her arms. "We just want you to be more considerate. We're all dealing with our own stuff too, you know."
Lily huffed, standing up. "Fine. If you can't handle being my friends, maybe you should just stop trying."
Mary shook her head. "See? You make everything about you! We can't even tell you how we feel because everything has to be about you!" Mary and Alice exchanged a look, their frustration evident.
"Alright," Mary said, taking a deep breath. "We're tired of your constant drama. Every day, it's always about you and your problems. We're dealing with our own issues too, but you never seem to notice or care."
Alice nodded, her arms still crossed. "Exactly. We're supposed to be friends, but it feels like a one-way street with you. We're here for you, but you're never here for us."
Lily stared at them, her mouth slightly open. "I didn't realize you felt that way," she muttered, though her tone was more defensive than apologetic.
"Of course, you didn't," Mary replied, rolling her eyes. "You're too wrapped up in your own world to notice anyone else."
Lily's anger flared again. "Well, excuse me for having a complicated life! Not everyone can have it as easy as you two."
Alice's patience finally snapped. "You know what, Lily? We're done with this. We're done with you. Figure your stuff out, and maybe then we'll talk."
With that, Alice and Mary gathered their things and left the room, leaving Lily standing there, stunned and alone. She sank back onto her bed, her mind racing. How could they say those things? Didn't they understand how hard things were for her?
"It's ok, I don't need them anyway."
Hogwarts, Hospital Wing
Madam Pomfrey sighed as she finished bandaging up a first-year's ankle, watching the boy run off despite her just saying to take it easy. As she turned to turn off all the lights and get ready for bed, she suddenly remembered that Bellatrix was still there.
Getting up from her seat, she made her way out of her office and over to Severus's bed. Drawing back the curtains, she was ready to fight Bellatrix to leave once again when she paused at the sight before her.
Bellatrix was no longer in the chair beside the bed; she was now in the bed, cuddled up next to Severus. Her arm was draped protectively over him, and her face was nestled against his shoulder, her expression peaceful despite the situation.
Madam Pomfrey's stern resolve softened. It was clear that Bellatrix was deeply concerned for Severus, and despite the strict rules, she couldn't bring herself to disturb them. She quietly pulled the curtains back into place, deciding to let them be for the night. The sight of Bellatrix's unwavering devotion struck a chord in her heart.
She made her way back to her office, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of the young couple. It wasn't often that she saw such fierce loyalty and love, especially among students. The events of the past few days had been harrowing, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for Severus. His path had always been a difficult one, and now it seemed even more so.
As she settled down for the night, Madam Pomfrey hoped that Bellatrix's presence would provide some comfort to Severus in his unconscious state. She knew that the road to recovery would be long, but perhaps, with Bellatrix by his side, he wouldn't have to face it alone.
The following morning, the hospital wing was filled with the soft hum of early activity. Madam Pomfrey made her rounds, checking on her patients and ensuring everything was in order. When she reached Severus's bed, she noticed that Bellatrix was already awake, gently brushing Severus's hair from his forehead.
"Good morning, Miss Black," Madam Pomfrey greeted quietly. "How is he?"
Bellatrix looked up, her eyes red from a sleepless night. "No change," she said softly. "But it's fine, he's gonna wake up."
Madam Pomfrey nodded. "Very well. I'll bring you some breakfast. You need to keep your strength up too."
As she walked away, Madam Pomfrey couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Bellatrix. Despite her fierce reputation, it was clear that her love for Severus was genuine and deep. And in that moment, Madam Pomfrey hoped that love would be enough to bring him back.