Chapter 50

Where have you been all this time?

There was not a glimpse of the morning sun. The windows were fogged with condensation and the light of a single candle reflected off them.

Severus was pacing back and forth, waiting for Filch's daily report but he didn't show up. He looked at the pendulum clock a couple more times and continued to ruminate in his mind on the misdeeds that the group known as Dumbledore's Army had committed so far. The students were beginning to rebel more strongly against the established regime and every day they carried out more risky actions to get the Carrows off their nerves.

"Longbottom," —Severus whispered as he reviewed Filch's latest patrol reports.

Neville Longbottom was the most reckless member of the DA and he had completely lost his fear of repercussions for sabotaging the authority of the Death Eaters. Severus sighed, wondering how he could protect the boy before the Carrows realised that he was the main instigator and ringleader of the rebellion. His Pure Blood status did not guarantee impunity.

Severus looked up and was surprised to see that the sunlight was already coming in strongly through the windows. What had happened to Filch?

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A weak, pitiful moan could be heard in the hallway leading to Argus Filch's office. Severus quickened his pace, his face darkened, and as he opened the door, his eyes widened in shock.

Filch was hanging from the ceiling by his ankles, chained with the same shackles with which he dreamed of one day returning to the punishments of yesteryear and which he always took pains to grease. The man screamed when he saw Snape, his face was red and swollen and his eyes were bulging out of their sockets.

Without a moment's hesitation, Snape pulled out his wand and unlocked the shackles, lowering Filch gently to the ground. The caretaker collapsed, wheezing weakly, unable to draw air. Snape helped him into a chair.

"Who was it?"— Severus asked, his voice unusually soft.

"Alecto... She said that... a... a Squib should not tarnish the name of Hogwarts," —Filch wheezed and began to cry uncontrollably.

"I'm going to find Madam Pomfrey," —Severus said, his concern barely concealed by his usual sternness. He turned and walked quickly towards the infirmary.

"She's a bitch," —he thought as he walked through the hallways. — "She is a bitch who thinks she can do whatever she wants at my school…"

His hatred made him grip his wand tightly. He would seek revenge in some way. He took a deep breath, feeling the need to sink once more into Occlumency, but before he could clear his mind a thunderous explosion echoed outside the castle, stopping Snape in his tracks.

"The courtyard," —he muttered under his breath.

But he didn't have time to react. A second, closer explosion deafened him, making the ancient stone walls vibrate. Snape's mind raced; the situation was deteriorating rapidly.

He ran to where dozens of students were trying to escape the hundreds of litres of Stinksap that now flooded the library. The screams mixed with chaos. The nauseating green slime left an overwhelming stench and was spreading rapidly, spilling out into the hallway. Snape swung his wand at it, attempting to clean up the mess, but the enormous amount of foul liquid overwhelmed his efforts.

"EVERYONE TO THE GREAT HALL!" —Snape commanded; his voice amplified to be heard over the din.

He led the terrified students towards the Grant Staircase, barking instructions to try to maintain order. One by one, they emerged from the library, some covered from head to toe in Stinksap, some slipping in the huge puddles of liquid. Severus cast spells, trying to vanish as much as he could. More teachers arrived, helping to evacuate the students from the first floor. Their safety was paramount.

As he ushered the last of the students out of the library a third detonation shook the castle and Snape immediately understood that these were not mere acts of insubordination by some rioters. The chaos was nothing more than a calculated distraction orchestrated by Dumbledore's Army. He had to act quickly. He turned and headed at full speed to the Great Hall, prepared to extract even the smallest clue the students could provide.

But he barely took a couple of steps when a sharp, unbearable pain tore through the left side of his chest.

Snape staggered, his vision blurring. He held his hands to his chest as the pain intensified with each beat of his heart.

"Laurel"—he thought. — "Laurel is here"

The headmaster managed to lean against a wall, his lips curling into a small smile despite the intense pain. He completely forgot about the disaster that was happening in the school. He could only think about returning immediately to his office.

He ran clumsily, still clutching his chest as the radiant effect of the charm was spreading rapidly, reaching every corner of his being.

"She's in the office; she touched the tree… She still cares…"

Time seemed to stop when he reached the Gargoyle, the sudden burst of happiness languidly being replaced by shame, fear.

He held his breath, feeling he was blacking out. A stone in his stomach heaved, his hands were clammy and cold. His body moved on his own accord, opening the oak doors and then, he saw her.

He blinked rapidly, as if afraid she might disappear if he took his eyes off her for even a second. She was different. A few major changes but she was the very same woman he dreamed of, being asleep or awake. He tried his best to calm his voice even though his knees were shaking slightly.

"You shouldn't be here," — he said, closing the door behind him with a click.

"Sev… Severus" —she muttered, facing him.

An overpowering rapture washed over him as he stood, momentarily stunned, at hearing her sweet voice, at the sight of the eyes he loved, and he so feared he had lost forever. But the heaviness over his shoulders returned swiftly when he realised she was holding the Sword of Gryffindor in her delicate hands.

He understood now she was part of that reckless plan. She was not there for him. She willingly put herself in such a perilous place, not for some romantic illusion, but to defy the Dark Lord's regime, to defy his own authority. His heart, which had just soared at her return, now plummeted with the weight of understanding.

"It is too dangerous, Laurel".

Severus walked towards her slowly, taking in every element he adored: the reddish glow of her brown eyes, her luscious lips. Her long hair was gone, revealing the soft skin of her neck. She was standing in the glow of an autumn sun. The soft play of light and shadow emphasized the gentle slope of her shoulders and the elegant curvature of her collarbone. The woman gave a shaky sigh and Severus caught the flash of a delicate silver chain, hidden between the collar of the school uniform shirt. The wizard's heart skipped a beat, but he didn't dare come any closer.

He looked into the woman's eyes, noticing that despite the slight tremor of her body, her gaze was defiant. He detailed the extreme thinness of her, the sallow colour of her face, and the faint wheezing of her lungs with each exhalation.

"You're very thin." —He whispered, worried.

"And you look like you haven't slept in months." —she snapped with contempt. —"My health is not your concern."

Severus couldn't help but smile at her bravery, but Laurel's eyes narrowed, tightening the grip on the sword. She swallowed hard, half believing she was pointing the sharp blade towards Severus' neck. The past months had hardened her. Each passing day she was tortured with the knowledge the man she loved was a murderer. Was she as wicked as him? Was she able to commit the unthinkable to avenge Dumbledore?

"You are not a murderer," —her conscience mumbled. — "You are not like him."

A sudden shiver ran down her spine and she felt a rush of panic as she realised that a mere inch or two were enough to hurt him. She swallowed hard, the searing pain of even thinking about inflicting harm on Severus broke her heart, and her strength quickly faltered.

Severus, sensing his inner turmoil, moved his hand gently, lowering the blade of the sword.

"There's no need for that," — he said in a soft voice. —"I won't hurt you."

"Why should I trust you?"

"That's right, Laurel. I don't deserve your trust. I will have to earn it back somehow".

"You cannot fix what's been shattered". —She whispered, more to herself than to him.

Severus lowered his eyes, feeling the bitter remorse that he had tried so hard to keep at bay with Occlumency, stormed over him, drowning out any shred of hope, of dreaming that one day Laurel would be able to forgive him.

He had cast an Unforgivable Curse, and unforgivable he must remain. That was the price for his past sins and that was a fair fate for the bitter, despicable man he had always been. However, what gnawed at him most was knowing that he had been the cause of Laurel's suffering.

"Let me go." —The woman's voice made him look up again.

"I will, but I am afraid it won't be as easy". —He said carefully. — "I need to have certain information first. You must know you have put yourself in terrible danger. Is this the work of Dumbledore's Army? Did Longbottom convince you to take on such a risky mission?"

"I'm not giving you anything".

"You must understand," — his voice turned into an urgent plea. — "If I don't know what you're planning, I can't protect you."

"I don't need your protection!" —Laurel hissed with repugnance. — "You dare to say… protect? Do you want to protect your pet, Severus? I am not your fucking pet! You played with me long enough! Now quit your stupid games and tell me, will you let me go? Or will you lock me up again?"

Severus felt a sharp pain in his chest her words cut deep, but he forced himself to persist:

"About a week or so, an attempted intrusion was made. I could not catch the culprit, but I have a fairly good idea who was responsible for it. You see, Dumbledore's Army have broken havoc in Hogwarts and the Dark Lord will show no mercy to those rebellious ones. I must keep the peace in this school, and you will help this mission by telling me who planned this ridiculous scheme. I won't severely punish them, I promise. At least I won't send them to the Carrows, but I need you to tell me how you were able to enter the school if all the tunnels and passageways are guarded."

And then he let out the question that had been burning on his heart for months:

"Where have you been all this time?"

"I'm afraid it won't be as easy." —She answered mockingly, imitating his tone of voice. — "I have suffered enough already; I have lost everything except the fear of dying. Me, I'm not a snitch and I'm not a coward like you, Sev.

A surge of rage erupted from deep within him. His eyes darkened, narrowing into slits as his jaw clenched so hard it looked as though it might crack. He took a step forward, the movement sharp and deliberate. She stood her ground, facing him with hate and contempt painted in her face.

"You are fool. You know nothing about me". — he spat, his voice trembling with anger.

"I know enough." —Laurel tightened the handle of the sword. —"And I remind you that I'm the one who has the only weapon that really works."

Laurel's words were like daggers in Severus' heart. His anger was mixed with deep desperation, an overwhelming need to protect her and, at the same time, an abyss of remorse for the harm he knew he had caused her. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, although his eyes still burned with rage.

"Would you do it, Laurel?" —he said, staring down at her. — "Would you use that sword on me? You said you've lost the fear of dying. Did you lost the fear of killing as well? Merlin knows you would make me a great favour…

"Shut up". —The woman cried, her voice suddenly brittle, her eyes bright with tears.

Severus watched her carefully, noticing the slight tremble in her hands despite her fierce grip on the sword. He took another step forward, his expression softening ever so slightly, though his gaze remained intense. With a quick movement he pulled the delicate chain that hung from the woman's neck, revealing the Prince family pendant that she always wore hidden among her clothes.

"Despite everything, you still wear it."

She blushed and a mortified expression crossed her face as Severus held the pendant and his long fingers brushed the delicate chain.

"What does it mean, Laurel?" —he asked, his hands caressing her jawline subtly.

But before the woman could answer, a racket could be heard outside the office. Shouts and frenzy footsteps echoed through the staircase. Laurel's eyes widened in alarm, and she instinctively stepped back. Severus grabbed her shoulders, hiding her under his desk before the Carrows burst into the office.

Laurel bit her lip and held her breath, trying to remain as quiet as possible. She was unable to see the Carrows, only Severus legs were visible.

"Snape, you must come down immediately, those damned..." —exclaimed Alecto, who had part of her robe singed.

"It is usually common decency to knock before entering, dear Alecto". —the headmaster said, straightening up, his face shifting to a mask of cold authority as he turned to face the Death Eaters.

Alecto scowled but held her tongue, sensing the cold fury in Severus' voice. Amycus, who had been trailing behind his sister, stepped forward.

"They have infested the garden with blast-tailed skrewts and the courtyard is covered… What has happened here?" — Amycus' eyes widened as he realised the carpet was covered in broken glass and a display case was destroyed.

Severus lowered a hand, and made a brisk gesture, opening and closing his fingers. Understanding his signal, Laurel hesitated for a moment before reluctantly surrendering the sword.

"Intruders. They were trying to steal this," —he said curtly, placing the Sword of Gryffindor on top of the desk. —"They managed to run away but not for long. Now, if you don't mind, I have important matters to attend to."

"But the situation is turning dreadful. It's chaos down there. Those Potter supporters, the DA they sabotaged the sewage system, the courtyard is filled with…

"Enough!" —Severus' eyes flickered with annoyance, his tone dripping with disdain. — "Are you two unable to handle a few unruly children? If you need help, ask Flitwick, or Hagrid. Kneel before them if necessary!"

"Kneel to a half-giant?!" —Alecto blurted out.

"Better to be a half-giant than a half-wit, don't you think silly-goose?" — Snape retorted with sarcasm. —Now, go to the courtyard and fix this mess. When I am out of here, I better see no trace of this riot. Do you understand me? If not, I will be happy to inform the Dark Lord of your incompetence.

Alecto's face twisted with rage, but she didn't dare respond. Amycus pulled her by the arm, muttering curses under his breath as they stormed out of the office.

Severus waited until the sound of their footsteps faded before he released a tense breath. He turned back to the desk and crouched down to see Laurel

"You can come out now," —he said softly.

The woman crawled out from her hiding place, deliberately ignoring the hand Severus provided her.

"Thank you." —she said stiffly, avoiding his gaze.

Severus sighed, knowing their fragile truce was hanging by a thread.

"We need to move quickly."

"Move?"

"I must take you out of here. I cannot let you do it by yourself. The Carrows won't be gone for long, and they'll be watching closely."

Laurel glanced at the Sword of Gryffindor and reached for it, but Severus stopped her, grabbing her wrist firmly.

"It stays. I can't let you take it. If it is discovered in your possession, you could already consider yourself dead."

"I am willing to risk it".

"But I am not". —Severus pulled her close to him, their nose almost touching, his voice dropped to a whisper — "I have already caused enough harm to you".

Laurel's breath hitched, her eyes searching his.

"Severus…"

"How did you enter, Laurel? Which way did you use?"

"The Room of Requirement". —she answered hastily, feeling a sudden burn in the eyes. — "I've been staying at the Hog's Head Inn".

Snape's expression softened slightly.

"And who helped you get in?"

Laurel clutched her mouth, unwilling to say more.

"That's all right. I won't punish Longbottom too harshly, I promise. At least I won't send him to the Carrows"

"But he is not…!"

"Then say another name, Laurel". —he said with his silky voice. — "Say whoever put you in danger and it will be punished".

Laurel looked at her feet immediately, regretting ever agreeing to carry out Neville's plan. They had failed. She failed.

"Longbottom it is then."

"Don't hurt him, please" —she pleaded, her eyes wet.

"I made you a promise and I will keep it," —he replied. —"Tell Longbottom that I'm the one in charge at Hogwarts and I won't tolerate any more of the DA's nonsense. The sword will be brought to Gringotts very soon and he better forgets about trying to get into my office anymore.

And before Laurel could reply, he led her down the stairs.