Darkness enveloped Jane, transforming the comforting familiarity of Dumbledore's office into a corridor. A sickening wave of dread replaced her usual sense of security as the air thickened with humidity and unseen menace. The solitary flicker of a torch fought a losing battle against the encroaching gloom, casting eerie shadows that danced and distorted.
Jane's vision strained against the moss-covered walls as an unseen force seemed to pulse within them. The previously faint whispers grew louder, a chaotic chorus of ancient, raspy tones and frantic, high-pitched cries. They surrounded her, a swirling, unintelligible chorus charged with a desperate urgency. Her bare feet sank into the cold, wet stone with each hesitant step.
A sudden movement in a shadowed alcove drew her attention. Two figures emerged from the gloom, their silhouettes striking against the flickering torchlight. One, a towering presence cloaked in darkness, exuded an aura of imposing peril. The other, the familiar power of Dumbledore, stood in canary yellow robe, looking unnaturally cheerful.
Terror gripped Jane as she froze in place. The intensity of the conversation between the two figures filled the air, even though one of their faces remained hidden. The unfamiliar voice, harsh and venomous, sent shivers down her spine.
The voice spat its poisonous accusation, "You're raising him as a sacrificial lamb! This path is a death sentence, not a victory! You're a fool, Dumbledore!"
The old wizard's response was laced with a profound sadness, yet his tone was resolute. "There is no alternative path. The prophecy is immutable, and its course cannot be altered by our wishes."
A heavy silence descended as the torch sputtered its final breath. Then, with a deafening roar that shook Jane to her core, a blinding emerald light exploded through the darkness. Ghastly, green-tinged faces contorted on the damp walls as the light tore into the darkness. A primal scream erupted from Jane's throat, echoing through the endless corridors. The light seemed to penetrate her very essence, a searing pain that threatened to consume her.
The light vanished as abruptly as it had appeared, leaving behind a deafening silence and the acrid taste of death. Tears blurred Jane's vision as she blinked against the darkness. The nightmare had shifted again, the air now chilling to the bone. A thick, swirling fog obscured all sight, and the sickening stench of burning flesh mingled with the metallic tang of blood.
A gaunt figure emerged from the swirling fog, its skeletal frame barely visible. Pale as moonlight, the creature's face was a masterpiece of horror. Long and serpentine, with hollowed cheeks and razor-sharp cheekbones, its appearance was a grotesque caricature of humanity. But it was the eyes that truly paralysed Jane. Burning with a crimson malevolence that seemed to pierce through her very soul, they held an intelligence that was both terrifying and alluring. They were the eyes of a predator, ancient and infinitely cruel, and they were fixed on her.
A chilling smile stretched across the creature's gaunt face, revealing a terrifying array of needle-like fangs. His laughter, a grating, icy rasp, echoed through the dense fog. Each chilling syllable piercing the vertebrae in Jane's spine. The sound was like the fracturing of frozen water, hundreds of hollow cracks as you wait to fall beneath its surface.
"You think you can interfere, little one?" the creature hissed, a chilling amusement twisting his serpentine lips. "You are but a fly caught in a spider's web. A mere pawn in this grand game."
Terror consumed Jane as the creature's laughter grew louder, a chilling crescendo that echoed through the suffocating darkness. The crimson glow in its eyes intensified, burning into her retinas. As the fog thickened, swallowing her in a black abyss, Jane's final conscious moment was the haunting image of those malevolent eyes, filled with a triumph so cold and absolute it seemed to seep into her soul. Then, a scream, raw and primal, erupted from her depths before being extinguished by the sudden nothingness.
She jolted awake, her lungs burning as she attempted to remember how to breathe. The lingering echoes of her nightmare clung to her mind, a thick haze that obscured the boundaries of dream and reality. She sat upright in bed, the darkness of the dormitory pressing in on her, amplifying the isolation of the moment.
"I can't take this anymore," Jane whispered, her body trembling slightly. She swung her legs over the bed and reached for her robe, pulling it on hastily in the dim morning light seeping through the curtains. The heavy fabric felt like a physical manifestation of her nightmares.
The castle was in a deadly silence as Jane navigated the familiar corridors towards the hospital wing. Every echoing footstep was a strike of thunder in her ears, amplifying the overwhelming headache. A pervasive sense of being watched gnawed at her, transforming the shadows into sinister figures lurking just beyond sight. Paranoia, a cold, insidious companion, had taken up residence within her, its tendrils wrapping tightly around her mind.
Dumbledore's cryptic words from their earlier meeting re[eated in Jane's mind, fueling a growing anxiety. The Headmaster knew more than he was letting on, she was certain. A chilling suspicion crept into her mind: he was there, manipulating events from the shadows. Her thoughts raced, each new theory more unsettling than the last. He was watching her.
Jane's pace quickened, driven by a desperate need to escape this deadly hell and find solace in the familiar confines of the hospital wing.
The tranquillity of the castle shattered in an instant. An avalanche of noise erupted, a deafening crescendo of screams, curses, and the ominous crash of collapsing stone. The familiar Hogwarts was being torn apart, piece by piece, as if by an unseen, monstrous hand. The known corridors were twisted and distorted, their once comforting shapes now deformed parodies of themselves. The very air seemed to crackle with an unseen energy, a malevolent force that sought to consume everything in its path. Jane's heart pounded in her ears, a frantic rhythm that mirrored the chaos around her. Instinctively, her hand flew to her wand, the cool wood a fleeting comfort in the face of impending doom. A cold dread seeped into her bones as she realised she was no longer a passive observer but a terrified participant in this war.
Masked figures flitted through the battle, their movements swift and spectral. Fear and determination warred within Jane as she raised her wand, casting spells with desperate intent. Yet, her magic seemed powerless against these ethereal adversaries. Her curses passed through them like gusts of wind, leaving them untouched and mocking her efforts. A paralysing uneasiness settled in her stomach as she realised she was facing an enemy unlike anything she had encountered before.
Frustration and panic warred within Jane, her spells were going through the figures. With a surge of adrenaline, she channelled her anger into a powerful curse, aiming it squarely at the nearest masked figure. To her astonishment, the spell connected, sending the figure reeling backward, their insubstantial form momentarily disrupted. A flicker of hope ignited within her, a spark of defiance in the face of overwhelming fear.
Her heart raced as she faced off against the masked figure, her wand raised defensively. Adrenaline surged through her veins, drowning out the sound around her. The figure moved with unnerving speed, dodging her spells effortlessly. Hexes and curses flew between them, lighting up the corridor with bursts of colourful light.
"Expelliarmus!" Jane shouted, strained with exertion. The disarming charm flew from her wand, a streak of crimson light that narrowly missed its target. The masked figure responded with a swift counterattack, a jet of blue light that grazed Jane's shoulder, igniting a sharp pain that shot through her arm. Ignoring the sting, she gritted her teeth and focused, her mind a whirlwind of spells and counterspells.
"Stupefy!"
A blinding flash of purple light erupted from her wand, the stunning spell hurtling towards the masked figure. With a swift movement, the figure raised their wand, a shimmering shield of protective magic deflecting the spell at the last moment. The masked face remained impassive, their determination unwavering despite the near miss.
They circled each other like vultures in a deadly dance, each movement calculated, each spell a strategic risk. The air crackled with the tension as they probed for weaknesses in the other's defences. A dazzling array of magic illuminated the corridor, jinxes, hexes, and curses flying with reckless abandon. The echoes of their spells mingled with the pounding of their lungs. With every exchange, the intensity of the duel escalated, pushing both combatants to the very limits of their magical abilities.
Determination ignited within Jane, a fierce counterpoint to the terror that clawed at her mind. She would not be a victim, not this time. The masked figure was an enemy, a harbinger of evil, and she would not allow them to prevail. The memory of her nightmare fueled her resolve, transforming fear into a burning desire for justice.
With a swift, decisive movement, Jane launched a dual attack, casting a Disarming Charm followed by a Leg-Locker Curse. The spells flew through the air, a deadly combination aimed at disabling her opponent. The masked figure responded with a swift counter, a shimmering Shield Charm that deflected both curses with effortless grace. Undeterred, the figure launched a barrage of retaliatory spells, a fiery tempest of magic that forced Jane to dodge and weave with frantic agility.
Debris rained down from the ceiling, a constant threat amidst the chaos. A thin layer of sweat coated her skin as she fought to maintain her focus. With each passing moment, the stakes grew higher, the outcome of this duel promising to shape the fate of the entire wizarding world.
"Expulso!"
The explosive spell erupted at the masked figure's feet, sending them reeling backward, their balance shattered. Seizing the opportunity with deadly precision, Jane unleashed a relentless barrage of spells. A Binding Curse, and a Disarming Charm followed in rapid succession.
The figure shielded and fought back with renewed ferocity, their spells growing increasingly desperate and erratic. Her wand flicked out, a precise and powerful motion as she unleashed the Petrificus Totalus curse. The spell connected with the masked figure with a resounding crack, their body stiffening and freezing in place.
With a predatory grace, Jane stalked towards the immobilised figure, her movements silent and deliberate. Her blood pounded in her ears, but her expression was cold and calculating. Reaching out, she placed a hand on the figure's throat, her fingers closing around the exposed flesh with an iron grip.
"Who are you?" Jane demanded a low growl, laced with both fear and fury. Her grip tightened around the figure's throat, squeezing until their eyes began to bulge. "Why are you attacking Hogwarts? What do you want?"
The figure remained motionless, their body rigid under the weight of the Petrificus Totalus curse. Their masked face, devoid of any expression, stared blankly into space. Jane's grip tightened, her knuckles white. The silence in the corridor was deafening, broken only by the rapid thumping of her heart.
"Answer me!" Jane demanded again, her voice rising in desperation. Anger surged through her, a hot, consuming flame that threatened to consume her.
A blinding flash of emerald light erupted from behind the immobilised figure, casting the corridor in an eerie, otherworldly glow. She released her grip on his airway, as she spun around, her eyes widening in shock. Emerging from the shadows was a figure of pure malevolence: a man with reptilian features and eyes that glowed an unnatural blood red.
"Dumbledore was right to keep an eye on you, Jane," the creature hissed, his words echoing with malice. "You're just as dangerous as he feared."
A shiver ran down Jane's spine as the man's words sank in. His identity was a mystery, yet his presence was a palpable threat. Fear and confusion warred within her. "Who are you?" she demanded, barely a whisper, the question trembling on her lips.
The cruel, mirthless laughter echoed through the corridor. "You'll learn soon enough, little Hufflepuff," the man sneered, his voice growing fainter as he vanished into the enveloping darkness.
Jane stood frozen, barely able to breathe. The defeated figure lay at her feet, a silent, immobile form. The corridor was hushed, the only sound a faint, crackling echo of their magical battle. A cold dread crept into her bone as she realised the battle was far from over.
Her mind reeling, Jane knelt beside the fallen figure. With trembling hands, she reached up and removed the mask. The face that was revealed sent a shockwave through her—it was Snape, his pale complexion and sharp features etched with pain and exhaustion. A storm of emotions swept over her - shock, confusion, and a deep-seated unease.
Holding her wand steady at Snape's throat, Jane's grip firm and unwavering. With a whisper barely audible, she uttered the counter-curse, releasing Snape from the Petrificus Totalus.
"Why are you attacking Hogwarts?" She demanded, her body trembling with a mix of anger and disbelief.
Snape's eyes, dark and furious, darted around in search of his wand, now lying a few feet away. Like the true snake he was, he hissed, "Attacking? You attacked me without provocation, you reckless fool!"
Recoiling, her thoughts were scrambling from Snape's unexpected accusation. A flicker of memory ignited within her, a forgotten puzzle piece falling into place.
"You... you sent me that Valentine's message.'
His contempt intensified, his lips curling into a sneer as he silently regarded Jane. Undeterred, she challenged him, "Why?" she questioned. "What have I done to warrant your animosity?"
A cold and bitter chuckle escaped Snape's lips, reverberating through the corridor. "You're a Hufflepuff," he sneered. "Forever the innocent fool, believing the world owes you fair play."
"I don't understand. What did I do to deserve your hatred?" She snapped, rage boiling within her.
"You humiliated me," he growled as his expression darkened, his features contorting with barely contained rage. "At the Christmas party. You made a mockery of me in front of everyone."
Her memory flickered back to the Christmas party, the moment she had inadvertently caused Snape embarrassment during the dance. Guilt gnawed at her conscience, but she couldn't dismiss the unfairness of Snape's relentless animosity.
"I didn't intend..." Jane started as she searched for the appropriate words.
Snape impatiently silenced her with a contemptuous gesture. "Spare me your apologies, Hufflepuff," he spat. "You and your pathetic attempts at kindness mean nothing to me."
A surge of pain and anger coursed through Jane. "You're mistaken. I never wanted this outcome."
Snape's lips twisted into a contemptuous glare. "Spare me your falsehoods."
A sharp, authoritative voice echoed down the corridor, slicing through the charged atmosphere between Snape and Jane. "What is happening here?"
Jane turned to find Professor McGonagall approaching with purposeful strides, her stern gaze sweeping over both Snape and Jane. Snape's expression hardened, yet he maintained silence, his eyes locked onto the Deputy Headmistress.
Breathing a sigh of relief at McGonagall's arrival, Jane felt a flicker of unease persisted. She stole a glance at Snape, silently imploring him to reveal the truth—to acknowledge his part in the torment she had suffered.
"Professor," Jane began. "Snape—"
McGonagall held up a hand, silencing Jane with a decisive gesture. Her gaze flickered between Jane and Snape, her expression impassive. "Mr. Snape, provide an explanation," she demanded with an authoritative air.
Hesitating, Snape's jaw tightening with defiance. "She assaulted me," he bitterly spat. "I was leaving the Hospital Wing when she attacked me without provocation."
Jane's heart plummeted as Snape's blatant falsehood hung heavy in the air. She knew any retort would only fuel the flames of the escalating conflict. Desperation flooded in her eyes as she met McGonagall's feline eyes, silently imploring her to pierce through Snape's deception.
McGonagall scrutinised Snape with a penetrating stare, her lips forming a tight line. "Is that accurate, Miss…?"
Jane's throat tightened as she realised McGonagall was unfamiliar with her name. "Lewis," she responded. "It's untrue, Professor. He's fabricating the story."
"I believe you, Miss Lewis," she stated with conviction, her resolve unwavering.
Snape's face twisted with fury, but he said nothing, his dark eyes burning with hatred as he glared at Jane and McGonagall.
"Mr. Snape," McGonagall said calmly, breaking the tense silence. "Return to your common room. We will discuss this further in due time."
Snape's jaw clenched with frustration, but he obeyed, stalking away without another word.
Turning to Jane, McGonagall's expression softened. "Are you hurt?"
Jane shook her head slowly, her shoulders slumped with exhaustion. "Physically, no," she replied softly. "But..."
McGonagall nodded understandingly. "Come with me," she said gently, gesturing for Jane to follow her. "Let's get you to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey will take care of you."
Nodded numbly, Jane was grateful for McGonagall's support. As they walked together through the hushed corridors of Hogwarts, Jane couldn't escape the overwhelming sensation that her world had irrevocably changed.
A/N: To the girl who wants Jane to kick Snape's ass. This is only the beginning.