Disclaimer: I do not own the works of The Lord of the Rings, which belong to J.R.R. Tolkien, or the works of Harry Potter, which belong to J.K. Rowling. Any familiar dialogue or scenes belong to their respective owners.
Please note: This was going to be a prologue, but it is just too long to be considered one. So, the prologue is gone, and this is now just a typical first chapter. It starts directly after Dumbledore has been killed and ends just before the Battle of Hogwarts in Deathly Hallows, but I WILL be diverging from HP canon for those scenes in many respects, so be gentle with me. If you notice something different from the HP books/film, then I never intended it to be the same ♥
Please read & review to let me know what you think ♥ and much love to all ♥
Myra_Selch
(Formerly known as Myrak the Slytherin & M. A. Williams)
Severus Snape barked, ‘Run, Draco!’ He gripped Draco’s arm and yanked him forward with urgency. Moonlight glinted off Snape’s dark robes as they billowed behind him, his hold on Draco’s wrist unyielding and determined. Hurried footsteps and distant shouts from Hogwarts rang out through the night, intensifying the tension while Snape drove them towards the towering gates, intent on their escape.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8N05RBv9L
‘Professor… I can’t…’ Draco Malfoy gasped, his voice trembling from exhaustion as he struggled to breathe. Burning with each inhalation, panic tightened his chest more with every step. The towering silhouette of Hogwarts’ front gates emerged through the swirling mist. His legs almost gave way, and cold sweat broke out as fear and fatigue battled for control.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHQlfqwu9x
Draco stumbled over a jagged stone concealed in the grass and landed on the dew-covered ground, scraping his palms against the rough terrain—sharp pain shot through his knees as mud splattered across his robes. Snape instantly knelt beside him, spreading his black cloak around them like a shield. Flashes of danger lit up the darkness as green sparks from Harry Potter’s spells flickered through the air. Snape’s dark eyes shone with urgency while he diverted the curses with precise wand movements, displaying both his skill and desperation. ‘Come on! Get up!’ Snape commanded, his voice sharp as he seized Draco’s trembling arm and pulled him to his feet, offering no comfort.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNV0lJTPMe
Draco ran beside Snape, forcing his ragged breaths as pain shot through his legs with each desperate stride. Shadows and mist swirled around them, the night alive with the wild flicker of spells. They paused briefly when a Death Eater stepped out of the darkness, raised his wand and, eyes wild, aimed a curse at Potter—the spell sliced through the air, casting an unsettling green glow over everything. ‘Stop! He belongs to the Dark Lord! We are not to harm him,’ Snape commanded loudly, his voice ringing with authority and desperation as he seized Draco’s arm and yanked him away through the gates. Amidst the chaos, Potter’s pale figure flickered, but Snape’s grip anchored Draco, keeping him focused on their escape. ‘Come, now!’ Snape ordered again, not waiting for a reply. The Death Eaters, cloaked in black, Disapparated with faint cracks, vanishing from Hogwarts and leaving behind an uneasy silence and the lingering scent of scorched earth.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQieA2bmz9
Draco eyed the forest into which Snape had led them, uncertainty etched on his face. He darted his gaze between the towering, ancient trees whose gnarled branches intertwined high above, forming a dense, shadowy canopy that blocked out most of the moonlight. Flickering shadows danced across the leaf-covered ground, each movement sending a fresh wave of fear through him as the wind whispered eerily through the underbrush. His heart pounded as he strained to catch any sound of pursuit, his breath misting in the cold night air. ‘This is not—’ he began, his voice trembling with worry, but Snape quickly cut him off.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJjCQlH9Z2
‘I’m well aware, Draco,’ Snape said quietly, his voice steady but heavy with exhaustion. He shook his head, deep furrows marring his brow, and his mouth set in a tight line. He slowly sat down on the cold, leaf-strewn ground, the fatigue from the night’s ordeal evident in every movement. Moonlight shimmered on his pale skin, throwing shadows under his eyes and making his jaw appear even more rigid.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKH7IYZ7VK
Draco shifted nervously and twisted his hands in his lap, the weight of the night pressing down on him. He fixed his wide, searching eyes on the older man, his voice trembling with fear and vulnerability. ‘Sir, why did you do it?’ he asked, each word hesitant, as if he feared upsetting the fragile calm. The forest seemed to close in, amplifying the pain in his voice, while he looked to Snape for answers, unable to grasp the turmoil and sacrifice behind the older wizard’s stoic exterior.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LklL7AXPT
Emotion overwhelmed Snape as he raised his hands to his face, deliberately avoiding Draco’s gaze. He shivered, fighting to contain the torrent of feelings threatening to break free, his breath coming in shallow, uneven bursts. To Draco’s astonishment, tears slipped between Snape’s fingers—an extraordinary display from a man usually so composed. Draco stared in shock, confronted with the vulnerability of someone he had always seen as stoic and inscrutable; the raw pain on Snape’s face shattered any illusion of coldness.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPNRw6gbtV
Snape tensed and stilled, overwhelmed as fleeting memories echoed deafeningly and silenced Draco’s concerned voice. In that instant, Dumbledore’s pained expression—eyes brimming with wisdom and haunting acceptance—invaded Snape’s thoughts, repeating relentlessly with every heartbeat. He felt the burden of those final, irreversible moments pressing on him like cold stone, tormenting him without end and convincing him the pain would remain forever.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jO14Xkt3b
As the silence pressed in and the forest’s cold seeped deeper into Snape’s bones, he summoned his strength and forced his mind to stay in the present. Snape locked eyes with Draco, whose wide, anxious gaze met him. He spoke at last, his voice steady but edged with exhaustion and pain. ‘No matter what,’ he assured, ‘you will be safe, Draco.’ He uttered the words with deliberate firmness, willing safety into existence through pure resolve. ‘For now, we must obey the Dark Lord’s commands.’ The statement carried an unspoken promise, heavy with the gravity of sacrifice and the awareness of danger ahead.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzuJNWKZx4
Fear made Draco’s voice tremble as he spoke, his eyes wide with dread, ‘The Dark Lord will kill me,’ his shoulders slumping beneath the weight of dread. His entire body quivered; he clenched his hands tightly in his lap, knuckles white with tension. A shiver ran through him, mirroring the trembling in his voice, as he shook his head in despair. The burden of failure pressed down on him, making it difficult to breathe; he drew each breath short and shallow, as if the heavy, oppressive air conspired to suffocate him.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt3HCHORzN
Draco lowered his gaze, unable to meet Snape’s eyes, and softly admitted, ‘I failed.’ Thick with emotion, his voice carried frustration and self-loathing. Shame contracted Draco’s pale face as a tear streamed down his cheek before vanishing into the shadow beneath his jaw. He pressed his lips into a thin line, anger at himself flickering through the tense set of his jaw and furrowed brow—resentment burning for his moment of weakness and for not meeting the demands placed upon him. Yet fear dominated him; it showed in his laboured breathing, the tremor in his hands, and the haunted expression in his wide, blue eyes.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXkC1qaF57
Snape lowered his voice to a hoarse whisper and said, ‘You are not a killer.’ 133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeC5JYUrx4O
Draco snapped his head up, his eyes blazing with anger and raw vulnerability threatening to pierce his tough exterior. The accusation—or perhaps the truth—in Snape’s words struck Draco like a punch; his breath caught, and he clenched his jaw in defiance. For a moment, he froze, outrage battling with the heavy weight of disappointment that gnawed at his spirit.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9LLwgdhL0
The silent, moonlit forest amplified those words, their echo heightened by Draco’s recent memory of Dumbledore’s quiet conviction on the Astronomy Tower just hours before. He remembered how Dumbledore’s unwavering faith in his innate goodness intensified the suffocating sense of failure now threatening to engulf him. Every syllable replayed in his mind, drawing a stark contrast between what others expected of him and what he had actually done. Draco fixed Snape with a frustrated glare—not just as an act of rebellion, but as a desperate effort to reconcile the fear and self-loathing twisting inside him with the hope others had placed in him. His hands shook slightly at his sides, and emotion flushed his pale cheeks.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0HsR7Nur0
Draco sprang to his feet, desperation and urgency dictating his sudden movement. He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles stood out starkly against his pale skin, trembling with emotion. His voice, usually calm and controlled, now resonated fiercely and urgently through the shadowy forest as he shouted, ‘I have to be!’ Panic sharpened each word, his deep fear spilling out in hurried syllables as he struggled to maintain control. His chest heaved with rapid, shallow breaths, and the tension in his posture made his fear unmistakable.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fQx7LFZmb
Draco’s voice wavered between defiance and desperation as he cried, ‘I must, or the Dark Lord will kill my mother! I can’t let that happen!’ Pain etched itself plainly onto his face as he confronted his dilemma. His fierce urge to protect his mother blazed more brightly than fear, an instinctive drive that pushed the terror aside. When he looked at Snape, accusation flashed in his eyes—as though he’d hold Snape responsible if anything happened to his mother.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdm4AnXqqL
Snape softened his expression slightly as he met Draco’s angry stare. ‘Your mother will be fine,’ he said calmly, keeping his tone steady but letting a hint of uncertainty slip in, as if he tried to reassure both Draco and himself. For a moment, Snape let his usual composure slip, and exhaustion flashed in his dark eyes, exposing the strain of weeks spent burdened with impossible worries.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjs5V61qzN
Snape shook his head tiredly, as though he attempted to push aside Draco’s mounting fears—and perhaps his own persistent doubts. He moved slowly and deliberately, a clear sign of the exhaustion brought on by countless sleepless nights and an ever-present sense of responsibility. With a soft sigh, he made himself stand, the sound of his cloak rustling breaking the silence as he squared his shoulders and prepared for what lay ahead.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33P5al9jRy
They had no time for further debate or delay, as the urgency of their situation pressed in from all sides. Snape drew a deep, steadying breath and reached out to rest a reassuring hand on Draco’s slim shoulder. In a rare, uncharacteristic move, the usually reserved Professor offered a silent promise of protection and support amid the gathering storm. He held his touch firm yet gentle, lingering a moment longer than necessary to impart some strength to the trembling boy. ‘Come, we must go back and report to the Dark Lord,’ he said sharply, his voice reverting to its usual commanding tone, leaving no room for disagreement as they prepared to face the darkness once more.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdYhJKIS60
Fear gripped Draco at the prospect of returning to the Dark Lord. Dread widened and glazed his eyes as he imagined what would happen after his failure. Anxiety shaped his posture; he hunched his shoulders protectively, clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white, and breathed in shallow, uneven bursts. The thought of facing the Dark Lord again, knowing he had not completed his task, visibly unsettled Draco—his lips trembled, and he nervously darted his eyes between shadows, searching for an escape from an invisible trap.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdvmJS0cI6
Snape briefly felt a clench of sympathy in his heart as he witnessed the young wizard’s vulnerable fear. He allowed his eyes to soften for a moment behind his composed façade, recognising Draco’s desperation and hopelessness. He fully understood the looming consequences—punishment would come inevitably, and the spectre of the Cruciatus Curse hung over Draco like a cold shadow. Despite knowing pain awaited him, Snape believed Draco possessed the strength to endure and emerge from the ordeal.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDydmi23CD
Exactly as Dumbledore predicted he would.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkgKVQQZvn
Snape saw in Draco not only a frightened schoolboy but also a spark of resilience concealed beneath his fear—a stubborn strength that Snape had once drawn on during his own darkest moments. While this realisation did little to dispel the gloom of the situation, it gave Snape enough resolve to project reassuring firmness, readying himself to guide Draco through the imminent storm.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxoCtaiNxh
Severus Snape jolted awake, his breath catching as he tried to orient himself. The quiet, cold surroundings pressed in, while the flickering remnants of a dying campfire cast shadows across the uneven forest floor. For a few moments, Snape remained motionless, his heartbeat pounding in his ears as he struggled to separate the past from the present—the smell of wood smoke mingled with the persistent fear that clung to him. Overwhelmed by memories and panic, his mind raced through blurry images: the tall silhouette of the Astronomy Tower, Dumbledore’s distressed voice, and the oppressive weight of his wand poised for betrayal. His hand trembled as he brushed tangled hair from his face, almost instinctively, as if he expected to seize his wand once more.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JSUiba064
Snape scanned his surroundings, darting his eyes between the dark trunks of ancient trees and Draco Malfoy, who tossed restlessly in his sleep nearby. An eerie silence enveloped the forest, broken only by the distant hoot of an owl and the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind. A cold shiver ran down his spine as he recognised he was not on the tower but hidden deep within the Forbidden Forest—miles away from the place where he had committed his greatest crime. Ghostly moonlight filtered through the branches, casting bruised shadows on Snape’s sallow face and making his expression flicker into a grimace as the overwhelming dread began to subside.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQstDnCJlZ
For a moment, he feared he stood once more on the Astronomy Tower, wand raised and every muscle taut with duty and fear as he faced Albus Dumbledore. Dumbledore’s final plea seemed to resound inside him, nearly eclipsing the silence that enveloped him now. Gradually, reality replaced the nightmarish vision, and the cool, earthy hush of the forest night took over. Snape recognised he had left that dreadful place behind; while tension lingered, the atmosphere here no longer held the same sense of inevitable doom. He forced himself to sit up, joints aching and stiff from a night spent on the hard ground, and leaned against a nearby tree. Drawing a deep, steadying breath, he worked to calm his nerves, shoving away the ghosts of memory and focusing instead on the present—on survival, on Draco, and on the uncertain road that lay ahead, far from the memories that continued to haunt him.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlSxzC347v
Snape relived that fateful night as if it had happened only yesterday, despite a year having passed. Nightmares haunted him relentlessly, forcing him to experience the pain over and over again. The torment constantly disrupted his sleep, leaving him exhausted and uneasy. Each time he closed his eyes, agonisingly explicit scenes unfolded: Dumbledore’s burning gaze, the echo of his own voice as he cast the fatal spell, and the sickening thud of a body falling into darkness. The details never faded—he felt the cold wind on the Astronomy Tower, smelled stone and fear, and struggled under the oppressive weight of guilt pressing on his chest. Even when awake, memories clung to him like a shroud, lingering at the edges of his mind and infecting quiet moments with remorse and terror. Sudden awakenings fractured his nights, his heart pounding and his fists clenched against invisible threats. Each morning, he woke feeling more worn out, and every sleepless dawn deepened the loneliness of his penance.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BEo8uO3jM
During vulnerable moments, Snape actively considered extracting his memories and storing them in a Pensieve, seeking relief by placing emotional distance between himself and his pain. The idea tempted him, as it offered an escape from his torment—a chance to examine the most painful parts of his past from a detached viewpoint, allowing him to witness the anguish that haunted him without becoming overwhelmed.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhs4PLH7O6
He immediately dismissed the idea, refusing to escape his pain. He could almost touch the cold surface of the Pensieve, its magic tempting him to surrender his anguish. Yet Snape’s pride and guilt stopped him from seeking such relief. He recoiled from the notion, unwilling to forgive himself so quickly, convinced that only by facing his remorse could he atone. He insisted on suffering through each moment—a penance he felt compelled to endure—and believed emotional numbness would make him a coward, betraying his sense of responsibility.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQbkTURSvp
Snape murdered Albus Dumbledore, the most remarkable wizard and person he had ever known. 133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4FevytwY1
Snape quietly cursed, still wrestling with the harsh truth that he had agreed to kill Dumbledore. The act went beyond mere duty or obedience to a cause; it wounded him deeply because Dumbledore had been much more than a colleague or mentor. For years, Dumbledore had supported Snape, guiding him, offering wisdom, and providing a rare acceptance that Snape never found elsewhere. He shielded Snape from suspicion and scorn, even when the wizarding world only noticed the Death Eater’s mark and a shadowy past. Dumbledore’s steadfast, often silent help had saved him at pivotal moments, tipping the scales when Snape’s decisions threatened to overwhelm him. Now, every memory of Dumbledore’s gentle words, steady presence, and understanding gaze tormented Snape, making his betrayal even more unbearable. The knowledge that he had betrayed the one person who truly believed in his redemption filled Snape with guilt and sorrow, twisting painfully inside him.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob68yXKtQ2
Dammit, Albus! You and your bloody plans! Snape erupted in frustration, thumping his hand on the cold ground. The sharp, muffled sound broke the quiet, and a jolt of pain rushed up his arm, briefly distracting him from his inner chaos. Anger, regret, and helplessness tangled inside his mind, churning beneath his calm exterior. 133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45mjZzkCi4
The role he had to play weighed on him; he never truly wanted to carry out Dumbledore’s plan, even though it had seemed necessary at the time. Outwardly, Snape maintained his stoic appearance, but inside, he endured constant torment, his resentment at being placed in such a difficult position simmering just beneath the surface. Every heartbeat filled him with indignation as he silently protested the choices others had forced upon him and the trust he both cherished and felt had betrayed him. The cold forest seeped into his bones, mirroring the icy ache in his soul, and as he watched the darkness flicker, Snape wondered whether he would ever escape beneath the shadow Dumbledore had cast.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QaPPEQL3V
Snape pushed himself upright, his limbs aching in protest. With a smooth, skilful wave of his hand, he quickly rekindled the fading fire, sending flames leaping up to cast sharp shadows across his face. The fire’s warmth drove back the cold, creating flickering silhouettes that danced against the dense, ancient trees encircling their makeshift camp. Close by, Draco Malfoy lay curled on the icy earth, pale clouds of breath drifting from his lips, and his expression marked by sleep troubled with worry and exhaustion. As the firelight flickered over Draco’s slumbering form and the tangled undergrowth, Snape fixed his gaze on their battered rucksack and the scattered remnants of a hasty meal—clear signs of their uneasy survival. 133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCv3H8fM8c
Although appearances might suggest otherwise, Snape and Draco were not truly fugitives fleeing from the Dark Lord’s wrath. Their superiors had instructed them to stay close to Hogwarts, quietly watch for any suspicious activity, and report back. Snape intentionally chose to stay—he wanted to buy time for reflection, act with caution, or delay the inevitable summons back to the darkness awaiting them. Each evening, Draco curled into his cloak while Snape kept watch by the embers. Distant owl hoots and the soft noises from unseen creatures moving in the shadows interrupted the silence. In this fragile refuge, time seemed to stretch and shift, with their secrets and fears weighing as heavily as the cold night air. By choosing to delay, they actively resisted and protected themselves—a final attempt to maintain control amidst the chaos and keep the dangers of the outside world at bay for a little longer.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VQfRLum7p
Draco did not welcome this decision. He hesitated, driven by a deep fear of provoking the Dark Lord’s anger again—especially the possibility of suffering the Cruciatus Curse once more, a punishment he had already endured. He vividly remembered the pain; flashes of agony made his hands tremble slightly as he contemplated the consequences of defiance. His already pale complexion turned even whiter, and he cast anxious glances into the forest’s shadows, as though he expected the Dark Lord’s wrath to emerge at any moment. Snape reassured him, insisting he would accept full responsibility and face any punishment from the Dark Lord himself. These words offered Draco only partial relief.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4uoaX2Ie3
Draco shifted in his sleep, turning over but not waking. His face, usually controlled into an indifferent mask, appeared vulnerable as he slept—faint lines of worry remained etched on his brow even while unconscious. Snape tightened his lips, his irritation growing as he considered Draco’s part in the recent chaos. He watched Draco’s chest rise and fall unevenly and noticed how Draco gripped the edge of his cloak, his knuckles white with anxiety that clung to him even in dreams. Draco occasionally murmured indistinctly, his face twisting with unease, as if the shadows of the tasks forced upon him pursued him even in sleep.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pEPW7xMk8
Snape found it impossible to accept that the Dark Lord genuinely expected Draco to kill Dumbledore. The notion struck him as absurd—a privileged boy, long shielded from actual danger, now thrust into a situation where committing murder served as a test of loyalty. Even with threats looming over Draco’s mother and himself, Snape remained convinced that Draco lacked the capacity for murder; he simply was not a natural killer.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSNmEYgvQ6
Draco had not taken a life, despite everything that had happened. Snape recognised that this inaction increased the Dark Lord’s impatience. While the pressure on Draco intensified, Snape observed that Draco remained untouched by the violence around him. Even though he gripped his wand, his hands trembled slightly whenever he faced the prospect of crossing that final boundary. This restraint set him apart from his peers and exposed a lingering innocence that the Dark Lord continually sought to destroy. Snape saw the consequences—Draco’s anxious face, his eyes flickering with nerves each time he was summoned. Every day Draco resisted the darkness, he achieved a small victory, preserving the fragile humanity that Snape desperately wanted to protect. Even as tales of brutality surrounded them, Draco’s conscience endured, weathering the storm of expectations with a quiet, stubborn integrity that both troubled and comforted Snape.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI5ol7CzLk
Snape actively recalled the oath he had sworn to Narcissa Malfoy, compelled by his strong urge to protect his godson. He grasped the full gravity of the Unbreakable Vow: its magic bound him completely, with death certain if he broke it. The burden intensified as Voldemort set Draco increasingly perilous tasks, each one a cruel trial that put Draco’s life and innocence at risk. Voldemort issued these orders with the explicit intention of forcing Draco to murder, seeking to make him prove himself as a “real Death Eater”. Snape saw the sinister strategy in these commands—Voldemort aimed to shatter Draco’s spirit and trap him through acts of bloodshed and guilt. This understanding sent a chill of dread through Snape as he grappled with his dual role as Draco’s protector and as a reluctant participant in a scheme that endangered the boy’s life. Every day, Snape feared failing Draco or himself, and this anxiety gnawed at him relentlessly, amplifying the unease that haunted his every moment.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjARFqkqKU
As the Dark Lord’s plan neared its conclusion, Snape felt a growing sense of dread pressing down on him. His instincts demanded caution, aware that a single mistake would spell disaster for both him and Draco. The raised stakes sharpened Snape’s senses; the cold wind brought not just the scent of pine but also the chilling recollection of overheard words—the ones where the Dark Lord directed Lucius Malfoy to kill his own son if Draco failed his mission. That casual cruelty struck Snape like a blast of icy anger, and he vividly pictured Lucius’s pale, resolute face. Such unquestioning obedience had secured the Dark Lord’s favour for Lucius.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2b38zeAcw
Snape fiercely burned with anger beneath his calm exterior, a storm simmering just below the surface. The thought that Lucius would truly sacrifice his own son for status and ambition disgusted Snape and sharpened his focus. He kept a close watch on Draco, often catching the flicker of fear in Draco’s eyes even when the boy tried to appear untroubled. Day after day in the forest, shrouded in shadows and silence, Snape’s determination to protect Draco at any cost grew stronger. He viewed shielding the boy from the Dark Lord’s tightening grip as both an oath and a burden, the heavy responsibility of the Unbreakable Vow linking his own life to Draco’s fate. Amidst the darkness among the trees, Snape silently vowed to prevent Lucius—or the Dark Lord—from destroying Draco’s fragile hope. He remained unwaveringly vigilant, prioritising Draco’s safety in every decision, even as the shadows of betrayal lengthened and the threat of violence crept ever closer.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEp4jyt5CJ
Snape remembered the tense evening when Lucius Malfoy, his expression cold and unreadable, summoned his son to the heart of the Malfoy estate. Lucius revealed the dangerous task set by the Dark Lord, his words laden with silent threats. Draco sat stiffly on a brocade chair and feigned composure, though a slight tremor betrayed his anxiety. He bravely shrugged off the seriousness of the mission, letting a smirk play on his lips as he mocked the supposed danger. His voice pierced the silence as he minimised the task, keeping the flicker of fear hidden in his eyes. Draco straightened, projecting confidence and arrogance, eager to persuade himself and everyone else that he was up to the challenge. For a fleeting moment, he exuded complete self-assurance, donning confidence like armour, convinced that success would finally secure his father’s approval and improve his standing with the Dark Lord. Yet, beneath this front, Snape caught a fleeting trace of doubt—an uncertain shadow that Draco quickly concealed beneath his desperate need to impress.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQr1utZZnB
Lucius persistently displayed his disappointment in Draco, letting his usually cold and inscrutable expression show apparent frustration over Draco’s failure to meet the Dark Lord’s expectations. Lucius’s lack of paternal support delivered a sharp blow, forcing Draco to confront the pressure of his duties alongside the absence of encouragement from the person whose approval he craved most. Snape’s deep fury grew each time he watched Lucius refuse to support his only son. He could not fathom how Lucius placed status and ambition above Draco’s welfare. Witnessing Lucius’s cold indifference only strengthened Snape’s determination to protect Draco, his resolve fuelled by a powerful urge to shield him from the cruelty that seemed to define his father’s behaviour.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67qA2pSMX5
Snape kept a vigilant watch from a distance, prepared to step in if Draco faltered or needed support. Despite the immense pressure and visible strain—Draco’s posture remained stiff, his jaw clenched, and his pale fingers gripped his wand so tightly his knuckles whitened—Draco never requested help. He endured the weight of expectation in silence, taking each step forward. At times, Draco’s face grew taut with barely hidden distress, and the shadows beneath his eyes grew deeper after days without respite. Snape sensed the internal conflict: fear rising, responsibility pressing heavily, and brief glimmers of hope quickly smothered by the threat of failure. He sometimes questioned whether Draco’s mind was beginning to fracture, especially as the daunting task drew near.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQsw7O1qHH
As soon as Snape learned of Draco’s perilous mission, he went directly to Dumbledore and shared all the information he had gathered. He described with great accuracy the conversations he had overheard, detailing the tense exchanges between Lucius and Draco. Snape revealed even the most minor details—Draco’s trembling hands, the nervous glances exchanged in candlelit hallways, and the heavy silence that always followed Lucius’s remarks. These observations painted a vivid picture of Draco’s mounting distress and the dangerous nature of the task set before him.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPzbKoePqZ
Dumbledore revealed a rare moment of vulnerability, despite usually maintaining his composure. His worried expression became clear; his eyes, which generally brimmed with wisdom and gentle humour, now reflected concern. When he spoke, he used a softer tone than usual, heavy with responsibility and care. Even as he displayed this empathy, he continued to respond calmly and cautiously. During their private talks in the quiet corners of his office, he listened carefully but seldom shared his own plans or suspicions. He acted deliberately, weighing how much to reveal, striving to balance trust with secrecy while offering comfort to Snape. Dumbledore’s guarded nature left many questions unanswered, and he hid his true motives behind layers of tactful ambiguity.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuRtzcn0bo
Snape grew increasingly unsettled by Dumbledore’s secrecy. Whenever Dumbledore sidestepped his questions or offered only vague reassurances, Snape’s frustration intensified. He suspected Dumbledore of hiding something—and wondered if that hidden information might prove vital. Doubt clouded Snape’s thoughts; he believed that, had Dumbledore confided in him more fully, they might have found a strategy or detail to avert disaster. Yet, he accepted that these questions would remain unanswered, lingering like shadows cast by candlelight—always present but forever out of reach. The uncertainty gnawed at him, making him both restless and cautious, haunted by the sense that what he did not know could prove more dangerous than what he did.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf3Vhpg3aA
As the pivotal night unfolded and Draco carried out his task, suspense thickened the tower’s interior, with eerie moonlight casting faint light through broken windows. Dumbledore stood at the parapet’s edge, resolute despite his battered appearance, his silver beard trembling subtly in the cold. He glanced at Draco, then at Snape, and silently conveyed his deep understanding of the seriousness of the moment.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQM44T5u92q
Snape raised his wand, his hand trembling slightly, and the world around him seemed to slow. He heard Draco’s ragged breathing, the distant footsteps drawing nearer, and the wind battering the ancient stone walls. Yet, all other sensations faded before the enormity of the moment. Just before he cast the fatal spell, Dumbledore met his gaze one final time. In that instant, Snape recognised deep emotions—Dumbledore’s gratitude for his loyalty, his acceptance of the sacrifices made, and his calm courage in the face of death. Dumbledore seemed to want to release Snape from guilt, demonstrating that this sacrificial act was not only necessary but also an expression of compassion.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhmClBgK32
Snape found himself deeply unsettled by this realisation. Dumbledore’s calm face—marked by peaceful surrender and silent forgiveness—stood in stark contrast to the storm of resentment and fear raging within Snape. Even as he uttered the incantation, sharp regret struck him; he recognised that Dumbledore met his fate with gentle acceptance rather than fear or resistance, and knew that this acceptance would continue to haunt him.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUwiXdgwZE
Snape realised that Draco would never truly understand the significance of that night. Unspoken meaning filled the events—split-second decisions that carried the weight of lives and loyalties. The moment’s gravity defied simple explanation; it went beyond survival or obedience, involving a profound moral struggle and personal sacrifice. Snape could never find the words to convey the complexity of choosing, the pain of betraying his own principles for a greater good, and the solitude that comes from keeping such secrets. He alone carried the knowledge of the pact forged in darkness, knowing that the most remarkable acts of loyalty sometimes demand immense sacrifice. Draco, always on the edge, would remain unaware of how their fates intertwined, of the silent agreements and the heavy burdens borne alone—the sacrifices made not for acclaim but to preserve even a glimmer of hope in a world overshadowed by fear.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3pX3NbeRx
Snape gripped the belief that this was what Dumbledore wanted, wielding it as a fragile shield against the inner chaos. He continually repeated those words to himself, weakly justifying the path he now followed—a path defined by betrayal, sacrifice, and immense responsibility. He recognised that he would soon confront the harsh reality of Dumbledore’s plan, setting in motion a series of unavoidable events. With each step towards that moment, he plunged into icy waters, cold dread steadily seeping into his resolve. He braced himself for the point when words and promises would no longer suffice—when he would have to take decisive, irreversible action. The burden pressed heavily on him, a solitary weight, as he understood that others’ lives relied on his determination to see the plan through to the end.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMv4U0T8PHm
Snape shook his head, determined not to let doubts about Dumbledore’s intentions take hold. He needed to trust; Dumbledore had promised the plan would work, and Snape forced himself to rely on that judgement, even as the trust threatened to choke him. His hands, usually so steady, trembled as he gripped the hem of his robes, knuckles white. Trust pressed down on him, especially when the painful memory resurfaced—when Dumbledore had asked him to kill his old friend and mentor. He remembered vividly Dumbledore’s weary acceptance, the quiet strength he showed, and the unspoken plea for courage. That memory stirred regret and sorrow—a deep ache like a cold stone lodged in his chest—reminding him of the sacrifice and loyalty required, even at such a significant cost. He recognised the necessity of his actions, yet knew they would haunt him forever, weighing on his conscience and leaving him both resolute and heartbroken. He swallowed hard, tears burning behind his eyes, and braced himself to carry that burden alone.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYRn6fOROW
Snape entered the dimly lit room quietly, closing the heavy oak door with a gentle click behind him. His eyes adjusted to the faint glow from a flickering lantern on Dumbledore’s desk as he observed the familiar yet imposing surroundings: shelves filled with ancient books, the subtle scent of beeswax and old parchment in the air, and the gentle ticking of a clock echoing off the stone walls. Dumbledore sat at his desk, bending over an old, worn scroll, his silver hair softly framing his shoulders. His blue robes shimmered faintly in the muted light, and his ink-stained fingers traced the faded script. Dumbledore raised his eyes from the fragile parchment, his deep gaze sharp but tinged with warmth. Snape cleared his throat, breaking the silence, and spoke in a calm, curious voice that disrupted the stillness. ‘You called me, Headmaster?’ Snape asked, his tone respectful but expectant. He studied Dumbledore’s intense focus on the document, recognising that the headmaster seldom made such a late-night summons lightly and that whatever Dumbledore wished to discuss was undoubtedly important.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwFdRIHTq0
Dumbledore waved his hand with effortless grace, and a heavy, high-backed chair appeared beside Snape. The lantern light shimmered on its polished mahogany. The legs softly scuffed the floor when Snape gratefully sank into it. Though the deep cushions conformed beneath him and made the seat surprisingly comfortable, Snape couldn’t fully relax. He perched on the edge, hands clenched tightly in his lap, and felt the faint warmth from the nearby flickering fire. The steady ticking of the clock on the mantelpiece emphasised the quiet that filled the room.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXHuA3ZHi2
As Snape settled in, guesses swirled through his mind, each one vying for prominence in the quiet. The late hour, the grave mood, and Dumbledore’s apparent urgency suggested that something important awaited him. Snape’s thoughts darted from Draco’s worsening situation—the dangerous mission threatening to consume him—to the ongoing search for the Horcruxes, a perilous and uncertain pursuit. With each passing second, the tension thickened, becoming almost tangible.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k6GjKWqLN
Snape decided to act cautiously rather than indulge his curiosity, refusing to question Dumbledore’s motives. He braced himself for any revelations or requests the headmaster might present, his heart thudding behind a composed exterior. In that moment, he acknowledged the full weight of his role—as confidant, guardian, pawn, and participant in the intricate game unfolding within Hogwarts’ shadows. Although anticipation threatened to overwhelm him, Snape steadied himself, determined to face whatever came with unwavering composure.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBrHFmUM3X
Dumbledore lifted his eyes from the ancient scroll and fixed his gaze on Snape. The flickering lantern light emphasised the parchment’s fragile edges and cast shadows across the deep lines of his face. His eyes, bright yet weary, burned with sharp intensity that stood in contrast to their usual gentle warmth. Using a controlled tone, he addressed a subject both he and Snape had considered for weeks. ‘I wanted to ask how you are progressing in your search for the Horcruxes,’ he said, his voice steady but tinged with urgency and a subtle hint of anxiety. As he spoke, he picked up a quill—its feather dark against the soft glow—and carefully jotted down some details from the scroll onto a piece of parchment. The faint scraping of the quill punctuated the room’s quiet, underscoring the seriousness of his inquiry. His ink-stained, aged hands moved with purpose, reflecting his experience and the weight of his burden.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cENPoGkfj
Snape leaned forward, his confusion clear on his face. He furrowed his brows, and deep lines marked his forehead as he tried to untangle his complicated thoughts. ‘Not very well, although I believe we may have miscounted how many there are,’ he said, his voice uneasy. A slight tremor in his hands betrayed the tension as he clasped them tightly on his knees, his knuckles pale against his dark robes. He shook his head, the burden of the task weighing on him, and his eyes flickered toward the fire as if he searched its restless flicker for answers. He found the search for the Horcruxes more difficult than he had expected; each lead ended in a dead end, and every discovery only deepened the maze of secrets before them. The idea that they might have guessed the number of Horcruxes incorrectly gnawed at him. Fighting an unseen enemy that used unknown defences left Snape feeling exposed and vulnerable.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctOCC8zie2
Dumbledore halted mid-sentence, and his quill hovered over the parchment, splattering a few stray ink droplets that darkened the smooth surface. He looked up, his face for a fleeting moment as inscrutable as a marble sculpture—an unreadable mask that hid a myriad of thoughts behind his sharp, deep eyes. He asked softly, ‘What would give you that idea?’ His words, calm but quietly intense, were layered with implications that demanded more than a simple reply. Dumbledore easily flicked his long fingers and, with a casual yet practised gesture, waved his hand over the page to erase the fresh ink blots as if they had never existed. He slowly placed the quill back into the inkwell, letting the silver tip gleam in the lantern light. Then he folded his hands on the desk, leaned in, and fixed his eyes on Snape’s face.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvL0uWOiOgq
Snape took a moment to gather his thoughts, then said carefully, ‘The Dark Lord has this ring and fixates on it deeply, often speaking to it in private.’ Snape intertwined his long fingers and clenched his hands so tightly that his knuckles whitened against the black fabric of his robes. His posture showed clear signs of exhaustion and relentless fatigue. For a brief moment, concern flickered across Dumbledore’s face before he composed himself again, wearing a calm, stoic expression. 133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtGhj3Hd3C
The gentle crackle of the fire filled the pause until Snape lifted his gaze, his dark eyes reflecting deep weariness and a grim, heavy certainty. ‘I believe the ring might be another Horcrux,’ he said quietly, his voice heavy with dread. ‘He always wears it, never taking it off, so removing it from him seems impossible.’ The thought appeared to sap the last of his strength; Snape shook his head, his dark hair shifting around his pale face.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O2Knkydy9
Dumbledore rose abruptly, surprising Snape. Striding purposefully across the room, his blue robes whispered as they trailed behind him. He paused at the tall, arched window set into the ancient stone wall. The lantern light flickered across his sharply defined features, casting long shadows that emphasised the lines of age and wisdom on his face. He leaned against the wide sill, letting the cold night air filter through the glass and ruffle his silver hair, which in turn caused the flames in the fireplace to flicker more intensely. He furrowed his brows in deep thought and pressed his lips into a thin, serious line, his eyes fixed on something far beyond the Hogwarts grounds. He stroked his beard absent-mindedly, slowly circling his elegant fingers through the silver strands, and asked, ‘This ring… what does it look like?’133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeJGzrN87H
Snape frowned as he thought about the ring. At first, he noticed nothing remarkable. He saw an elegantly crafted band—a simple, unembellished circle of burnished gold. Light glinted off tiny scratches, testimony to years of use, yet neither gemstones nor inscriptions offered any clues. As Snape’s memory sharpened, he remembered the chill that gripped him when he gently lifted the Dark Lord’s fingers. The ring shimmered on his pale skin, its surface appearing almost unnatural, as though something beyond ordinary touch had polished it. When Snape’s gloved fingers brushed the band, a faint, unsettling warmth radiated from it—an energy pulsing subtly beneath the metal, matching the beat of his own heart. Shadows seemed to gather, and the room turned colder, the fire sputtering as if an unseen draught had disturbed it. Snape carefully withdrew his hand, wary of lingering near the ring, unwilling to ignore the sensation that it watched him as closely as its master did.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYaobqx6UQ
Snape shook himself free from his memory and replied, ‘The last time I saw him, I examined it. He asked me to apply a potion to his hand and—’133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvN9J3XovW
Dumbledore sharply ordered, ‘Just tell me about the ring!’, his voice unusually harsh as he broke the thick silence. The sudden outburst startled Snape; he jerked in his seat with widened eyes and grimaced at Dumbledore’s rare display of impatience. Dumbledore’s eyes, typically calm and collected, now blazed with urgent intensity, and his face tensed with a hidden strain.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks5jXtcu7O
‘It was a typical gold band, but he kept staring at it, mumbling quietly. It was as if I wasn’t even there,’ Snape quickly responded, curious about Dumbledore’s sudden irritation. He paused for a moment as the memories sharpened in his mind. ‘On the surface, the ring appeared plain—a simple, perfectly formed circle of gold. Yet, something about the way the Dark Lord held it unsettled me. He gripped it as though he feared it might vanish if he let go. Even while I worked on his hand, he looked as though he was in a trance, talking to the ring. There were no markings, no gemstones, nothing to hint at its significance. I have watched him hold it in his hand, gently stroking the band as though it were alive. It’s as if the ring communicates with him, or perhaps he draws some strange comfort from it. Albus, his attachment goes beyond mere possession—it’s an obsession, bordering on madness.’133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWbBn6U6N5
Dumbledore stood by the window, staring into the darkness and losing himself in thought. The cold moonlight shone through the ancient glass, casting faint, shifting patterns on the flagstone floor and his blue robes. His silhouette appeared almost ghostly, outlined against the night sky, with the spires of Hogwarts visible in the distance.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z47CXwzHW
He gripped the windowsill tightly, his knuckles blanching, the tension in his fingers betraying the storm of memories and regrets that stirred within him. When he finally spoke, he whispered, his voice faint and tinged with resignation and sorrow, barely rising above the crackling fire. ‘So, that was the reason, Tom. I did wonder.’ Dumbledore lowered his head solemnly, the weight of the revelation pressing him down; his silver hair fell forward, veiling his eyes while shadows gathered beneath his brow. In that moment, he looked older than ever, the years of hardship etched into his features—his wisdom forged by pain, every line on his face reflecting the heavy toll of knowledge he bore.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl2zTzmAve
Snape paused briefly and then quietly asked the question that had been bothering him, uncertainty flickering across his face. ‘Sir? Is it a Horcrux?’ he asked hesitantly, his voice barely louder than a whisper but filled with dread. 133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiCfevMlUm
Dumbledore, momentarily lost in his thoughts, startled at the question—his head snapped up, blue eyes widening in shock. ‘Perhaps, but not in the way you might think,’ he replied, his voice weary and tinged with a distant sorrow as he looked at Snape. Shadows of regret and secrets too heavy to share clouded Dumbledore’s eyes, which usually shone bright and piercing. He exhaled softly; the sound of his breath was almost lost in the crackling fire. He tapped his slender fingers rhythmically against the windowsill, betraying a nervous energy that contrasted sharply with his usually calm demeanour. Meeting Snape’s gaze, he let his shoulders droop slightly, showing that he bore a burden he struggled to voice. He sighed, accepting a fate already decided, and his eyes silently pleaded for understanding in a way words could not fully express.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxORbeeynx
Snape narrowed his eyes at his old friend’s grimace. ‘What’s wrong?’ he asked, his voice gentle but edged with worry, hoping Dumbledore would finally share the troubles that so obviously haunted him.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrsjjjsyJc
Dumbledore said softly, ‘Some things are better left unknown, Severus.’ Emotion thickened the atmosphere—caution, regret, and a quiet wisdom mingled together, making it clear that Dumbledore had witnessed much more than he was willing to reveal.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESlh3mLJYR
Snape asked, ‘You don’t trust me?’ His voice echoed softly in the dim room, sharp and tinged with hurt pride. He let the words slip out before he could mask his vulnerability, allowing a brief hint of insecurity to flicker in his usually composed demeanour. He sat upright and searched Dumbledore’s face with his dark eyes for any sign of doubt or suspicion.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4xzLHANcP
‘I trust you completely, but if my suspicions prove correct and something goes wrong…’ Dumbledore stopped himself, shaking his head as troubling thoughts clouded his mind. He pressed his lips into a thin line, striving to master the storm of emotions within. In his mind, he warned himself, Tom can never find out. Briefly closing his eyes, he tensed his shoulders as he braced against the weight of forbidden knowledge. In that moment, Dumbledore embodied wisdom far beyond his years but appeared heartbreakingly human, silently fighting to keep dangerous secrets from surfacing.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjxSmSo0BN
Snape nodded, acknowledging Dumbledore’s implied message. He believed he’d already proved his loyalty but chose not to say so. Instead, he leaned back and folded his hands in his lap—a rare gesture of openness for the usually reserved Potions Master. He kept his black eyes fixed on Dumbledore’s tired face, searching for any reassurance in the headmaster’s worn expression. He asked calmly but with a hint of worry, ‘So, what does this mean?’ Although he controlled his voice, a slight tremor revealed a rare sign of doubt. ‘Will this be a problem?’ By steering the conversation in this way, Snape aimed to clarify the urgent questions from Dumbledore, even if Dumbledore chose not to address other issues.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡur04zl0e2f
Dumbledore gave a silent nod, sadness clouding his eyes. He trembled slightly, as the weight of accepting his fate seemed almost too much to bear. ‘One thing I am sure of…’ he whispered, his voice soft and heavy with resignation and sadness that permeated the quiet. He paused, turned his gaze once more to the window, and let his breath fog the cool night air, seeking solace in the distant spires of Hogwarts beyond.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15HrR5Mzau
Dumbledore gripped the stone sill with hands knotted by age and care, his trembling fingers and tense posture making the gravity of his revelation clear. The soft crackle of the fire faded, overshadowed by his following words. ‘I will have to die,’ he announced, his voice unwavering but heavy with sorrowful certainty. 133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikrugYVDgR
‘What!?’ He blurted out as he swiftly rose and stared at Dumbledore in shock. His chair screeched loudly across the flagstone floor. With his breath caught and his dark eyes wide with disbelief, Snape fixed his gaze on the headmaster. For a moment, astonishment completely unsettled his usually unreadable face—his jaw slack, eyebrows high, and lips parted as though he struggled to find words. Snape’s entire demeanour radiated incredulity as his mind raced to reconcile the impossible confession with the man he thought he knew.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28QKw9VpET
‘Yes, it is the only way,’ Dumbledore whispered, speaking more to himself than to Snape. After a moment, he shifted his gaze towards the flickering fire, searching for comfort in its warmth but finding none. Sorrow deepened in his expression, with the lines around his eyes growing darker under the burden of his decision.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sQGb1PneI
Snape snapped sharply, ‘You’ll need to explain how you reached that conclusion,’ his voice echoing through the chamber as he straightened and crossed his arms defensively. He revealed his waning patience through his tense stance and clenched jaw, struggling to hold back a wave of bewilderment. He carefully scrutinised Dumbledore’s face, searching for any sign of deception or madness, his gaze as precise and unrelenting as a blade.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGxqgawS20
Dumbledore approached his desk and picked up a gold necklace with deliberate care. The chain caught the lantern’s glow, shimmering with each gentle movement. He examined it closely, handling the intricate piece cautiously and grazing only the plain links with his fingertips, as if he wanted to avoid disturbing any hidden magic. He studied the necklace for a moment, turning it over in his hands while he weighed both its physical and symbolic significance.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5002mb16VI
Snape closely watched and quickly recognised the item’s distinct shape and purpose. He immediately noticed its similarity to a Time Turner: a delicate hourglass pendant that hung within an ornate gold frame, shimmering with each subtle movement in Dumbledore’s hands. Swirling golden sand filled the glass chamber, appearing restless as if it tracked the relentless flow of time. However, the ancient runes, faint yet visible, that lined the edges indicated its distinction from a normal Time Turner, with powerful magic woven into the device. Curiosity and concern narrowed Snape’s eyes as he examined it, realising the significance of such an artefact in Dumbledore’s possession. His thoughts raced—he knew normal Time Turners were rare, highly controlled, and dangerous even for experienced witches and wizards. The headmaster’s handling of this similar artefact hinted at hidden secrets and risks beyond the ordinary, unsettling Snape as he considered Dumbledore’s potential plans.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGk9bjhsg9
‘Yes, this should work,’ Dumbledore murmured, barely more than a whisper as he gently lowered himself into his chair behind the desk. The old wood softly creaked beneath his weight, echoing through the quiet, lantern-lit room. Dumbledore’s hands, still trembling slightly from the earlier emotional storm, rested on the desk as he intertwined his fingers. In that moment, the legendary headmaster appeared both determined and exhausted; his posture showed the heavy burden of responsibility and the silent hope that his crucial decision would not unravel the delicate threads of destiny.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktfzCeIFFw
Impatient, Snape fixed his gaze on Dumbledore and slammed his hand down on the desk. The sharp crack echoed through the dim chamber. ‘Headmaster!’ he shouted, his voice rebounding off the ancient stone walls and jolting the old man from his reverie. Dumbledore jerked his head up, his tired eyes widened in surprise, searching Snape’s face for the reason behind his urgency. Standing stiffly and barely containing his frustration, Snape leaned forward, the flush in his sallow skin and the intensity in his eyes forming a stark contrast to the haunted weariness on Dumbledore’s face.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvK3iFAEcK
Dumbledore spoke softly, almost apologetically, as he gently placed the necklace on the polished desk. For a moment, Dumbledore’s usually piercing gaze dropped; his blue eyes revealed a deep sorrow and fatigue. With a weary, graceful motion, he gestured towards the chair opposite. ‘Please take a seat,’ he said, his tone warm but tinged with seriousness, making it clear that this was not an ordinary conversation.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWs5jJ1nvAa
Snape paused, curiosity piqued, and his irritation briefly eased before he settled into the chair. He sat rigidly, crossed his arms, and fixed an intent gaze on Dumbledore, with the desk standing as a symbolic barrier between them.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsacuefrwO
Dumbledore said, ‘It is a long story, so I will focus on the main points,’ as he unconsciously traced faint circles on the wood with his fingers while he thought. Snape nodded briefly, impatience and reluctant curiosity on his face, silently urging Dumbledore to go on.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQO95vigpR
Dumbledore drew a deep, steadying breath and spoke in a calm, measured tone. ‘I am not who you believe I am,’ he confessed, weighing each word carefully, as though he exposed a burden too significant for one man to carry. 133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVLPcUhcTQ
Snape raised an eyebrow sharply; suspicion gave way to evident confusion across his face. He stayed silent, however, keeping his eyes focused and narrowed, resolute in his determination to uncover the truth behind Dumbledore’s unexpected confession.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaEfbSoNxF
‘I do not belong here. I should never have come to this time,’ Dumbledore admitted, regret and acceptance filling his voice. He gazed past Snape, recalling distant memories that seemed impossible to reach, while the room closed in around them—two men bound by a secret with the power to threaten everything they believed.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkIUnSKcSD
Snape repeated slowly, ‘“This time”?’ His voice was full of sharp disbelief. He looked at Dumbledore as if the older man had lost his mind, and he narrowed his eyes with suspicion and disbelief. ‘What do you mean, Headmaster?’ he asked, making his frustration evident. Snape suddenly leaned forward, pressed his elbows into the polished desk, and whitened his knuckles with restrained irritation. He kept his stance tense and predatory, as though he could extract the truth from Dumbledore through sheer force of will. He stared steadily at Dumbledore, silently urging him to drop the riddles and reveal what his cryptic words truly meant.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKiwolaco2
Dumbledore drew a sharp breath, the weight of his impending confession pressing heavily upon him. Snape, ever observant, caught the slight tremor in Dumbledore’s hands and the haunted look in his eyes, immediately sensing that the revelation would be troubling—possibly even world-changing.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oj3mCZl1s
Dumbledore admitted sombrely, ‘I am a Time Traveller,’ his voice dropping to a whisper that echoed with past regrets. His eyes remained steady yet sorrowful, as if he relived, in his mind, moments filled with both wonder and tragedy from across the years. He continued, his tone serious, ‘That responsibility includes remaining unseen.’ He added, ‘Interfering with time is dangerous and must be handled with care.’ This warning was more than theoretical; he spoke with the authority of someone who had witnessed the disastrous effects of recklessness firsthand. His experiences weighed on every word, and for a moment, the legendary headmaster’s resolve softened, leaving him vulnerable—his wisdom shaped by a lifetime spent balancing on the edge of history.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6H9ptOm4i
Dumbledore briefly paused and folded his hands, fixing Snape with a steady, focused gaze. His unwavering, intense stare cut through the darkness as he searched Snape’s eyes for any sign of understanding. The lines of age deepened on his face, making him look older and more burdened than before. 133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJ6KUnK9KG
‘Now, I must discuss the repercussions of a decision I made in 1899 after experimenting with this power.’ Though his voice remained steady, a noticeable tremor revealed the emotional turmoil beneath his calm exterior. He clenched his hands tightly, his knuckles whitening as he steeled himself for the confessions to come.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡellyMfiUZ3
Snape struggled to grasp what he had just heard as he stared at Dumbledore. Overwhelmed by doubt, he softly muttered, ‘I don’t understand.’ His voice shook and barely rose above a whisper, revealing a storm of confusion beneath his normally calm exterior.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuQ1IVsa50
The revelations about 1899, now tied directly to Dumbledore, swept over him and churned through his mind like a gathering storm. Snape’s quick mind, usually adept at exposing secrets, now stumbled as he struggled to make sense of the fragments from the past. He actively sifted through his knowledge of wizarding history. Yet, the only significant event he could recall from that era was Dumbledore’s friendship with Gellert Grindelwald—a young wizard both charismatic and perilous, whose ambitions would later shake the world. Despite his efforts, Snape couldn’t connect it to their present situation; the puzzle pieces remained stubbornly out of place.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIMMoAMAVM
Snape’s assumptions shattered when he realised he had missed a crucial element of Dumbledore’s history, despite believing he understood everyone’s secrets. He narrowed his eyes and fixed the older man with a sharp, evaluative stare. He scrutinised every detail—the slight tremor in Dumbledore’s hands and the haunted glint in his eyes—determined to unravel this new mystery. Suspicion flickered across his face, his lips pressed into a thin, doubtful line. For a moment, Snape wondered if someone was impersonating Dumbledore, perhaps using Polyjuice Potion or some other magic, because the revelation felt so strange and unsettling that it challenged everything he believed. The idea disturbed him deeply, sending an icy uncertainty twisting through his chest as he searched for any sign that an impostor hid behind the familiar face.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Uc4DhAwZr
Snape’s surprise deepened when Dumbledore gave a dark chuckle—a sound oddly out of place in the sombre office. The lantern’s flickering light caught the tears Dumbledore fought to hold back, imbuing his aged face with an almost ethereal glow. His voice, trembling and rough with emotion and memories he wished he could forget, said, ‘I am not using Polyjuice, Severus. I am just a selfish old man, driven by naive dreams of greatness.’133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TpymYkqbb
Snape drew a deep breath, steeling himself for the revelations ahead. He tensed every muscle, gripping the armrests of his chair so tightly that the wood creaked beneath his grasp. ‘Tell me, I need to understand what happened,’ he said quietly but urgently, breaking the tense silence. He leaned forward and fixed his dark eyes on Dumbledore with fierce intensity.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8nKPT7drw
‘In 1899, I made a decision that may have shaped my current life and even history. Ambition and idealism motivated me—sometimes I wonder how I managed not to end up in Slytherin,’ Dumbledore recalled, letting out a slight chuckle as his youthful ambitions came to mind. After collecting his thoughts, he added softly, his voice infused with nostalgia, ‘Back then, I met a young man who completely captivated me. I was drawn to everything about him, and I found myself unexpectedly attracted. This connection made me choose to stay, instead of leaving as I might have otherwise.’133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMnNFMJ8YX
Dumbledore looked toward the far corner of the room while he spoke, as though he saw his former friend, Gellert Grindelwald, standing there—Grindelwald’s intelligence and charisma had once inspired the young Albus and set his world alight. That spark, both dazzling and dangerous, played across Dumbledore’s features. Shadows clustered around him in the chamber, heightening the bittersweet feeling as he remembered the intensity of their youthful friendship—a bond so strong it shaped his destiny and, in the end, altered the fate of the wizarding world.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEHgm1ciZF
Snape said softly, ‘Grindelwald,’ openly acknowledging what he already knew about that phase of Dumbledore’s life. Yet this simple remark now gained new weight, loaded with the complexity of Dumbledore’s disclosures. Snape’s thoughts raced as he recalled Grindelwald’s notoriety and considered the profound influence the man had exerted on Dumbledore. Their bond was no longer just an abstract historical fact; it now felt like a living thread weaving itself into the present, shaping the choices and burdens they carried even now. As Snape looked at Dumbledore, he spotted hints of old affection and sorrow in the headmaster’s eyes, which revealed that Grindelwald’s effect wasn’t merely historical but deeply personal, reverberating through Dumbledore’s regrets and current struggles.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXLowBUJv6
‘Yes, Gellert was the reason I chose to remain in the future. I…’ Dumbledore paused, and a faint tremor in his voice revealed the inner struggle etched across his expressive face. He drew a slow, steady breath, the gentle rise and fall of his chest breaking the silence and betraying the turmoil within. When he finally spoke, he spoke quietly, regret colouring every word. ‘I did something terrible back then. I forced myself to fit into that time,’ he admitted, his voice laden with remorse. His eyes, usually sharp and intense, shimmered with old pain, and the weight of painful memories made his posture shrink.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8Js70Upy1
Snape leaned forward, a deep furrow forming between his eyebrows, and narrowed his eyes in suspicion and confusion. He pressed his lips into an impatient line before he spoke, his tone laced with frustration and a desperate need to understand the truth, ‘What do you mean?’133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5DFjCTeh9
Dumbledore did not meet Snape’s gaze; instead, he looked out the window. In a gentle, sorrowful voice, he confessed, ‘I meddled in matters I shouldn’t have and, in doing so, I lost someone who became very dear to me.’ The lanterns cast a faint glow that barely illuminated his face as he stared into the night. Raindrops traced slowly down the glass, mirroring the tears he struggled to hide. He gripped the edge of the desk, his knuckles trembling as he fought to contain the grief threatening to spill over.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPt9ysUZLB
Snape furrowed his brow even deeper as he watched Dumbledore’s shoulders tremble. The wizard, who typically carried an air of composure and mystery, now looked so fragile and exposed that Snape momentarily lost his composure. Unable to restrain his curiosity and frustration, Snape leaned forward, narrowed his eyes sharply, and said, his voice taut with expectation, ‘What exactly did you do, Headmaster?’133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ0X3OvuDW
Dumbledore confessed in a trembling voice, ‘I implanted false memories into the minds of the Dumbledore family. They believed I was part of their family; Ariana and Aberforth thought I was their brother.’ As he spoke, his hands trembled, and his knuckles turned white from the strain of gripping the desk’s edge, revealing his inner turmoil. He shut his eyes tightly, trying to block out the memories—laughter at the family table, Aberforth’s teasing, Ariana’s trusting smile. The truth that he had meticulously crafted a lie marred every precious moment.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlUW2ZIbOQ
He snarled at himself, ‘This is one of the most significant deceptions I have ever carried out!’—his evident anger and awareness of the serious consequences clear in every word. His bitter tone cut through the air like glass, and he hunched his shoulders, openly battling with self-loathing. By confessing, he not only revealed the scope of his deception but also laid bare the deep emotional wounds it inflicted—he shattered the innocence of those he loved and became haunted by their unwitting affection.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjy7TyNCJ4A
Snape gaped at Dumbledore; shock etched across his face as he tried to absorb what he had just heard. Speechless, he struggled to find words, overwhelmed by the revelation. He could barely believe that Dumbledore had once acted with such ruthless determination. A cold shiver coursed down his spine, and he sat rigidly, instincts wavering between disbelief and a reluctant, fascinated curiosity. Slowly, his grip on the arms of his chair loosened, as if the strength had left his hands. For once, the Potions Master, usually so composed, felt as vulnerable and exposed as the headmaster himself.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNxh5EX1H7
‘After Ariana’s death, I remember standing at the edge of the past, feeling my magic weaken as if time itself resisted me,’ Dumbledore explained quietly, his sense of hopelessness clear in his tone. His voice quivered, burdened by the weight of his failure. He went on, his blue eyes glistening with unshed tears, haunted by losing Ariana, ‘It was as if the universe recoiled from my intentions, slamming the door on yesterday and trapping me in a present defined by tragedy. The truth struck me hard: I had not only lost my power but was also condemned to face the consequences of my interference—a curse, perhaps, for daring to defy fate.’133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ierYZe3f3
Dumbledore pressed his lips together tightly and took a shaky breath, steadying himself before he spoke again. ‘Now, I can only go back to a time before any of this happened if I die,’ he admitted, his voice thick with emotion.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeBMyLxVzy
Snape paused, his brow furrowed in thought. He leaned forward in his chair, steepling his fingers beneath his chin. With dark, searching eyes, he scrutinised Dumbledore, his expression filled with near disbelief. ‘So, let me make sure I understand…’ he said. ‘If you die, you will return to the past? Where were you originally from?’133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHjKuObZ9b
‘Yes,’ Dumbledore replied, meeting Snape’s gaze with an intensity that seemed to look right through him. The lantern’s glow reflected off his spectacles, and a strange, timeless wisdom briefly unsettled the younger wizard. ‘I am from the Third Age, and I need to return to my time, Severus.’ He spoke quietly and seriously. He firmly believed not only in the necessity of his return but in fate itself.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuxVD63TWW
Snape struggled to process the information. He parted his lips but hesitated, the weight of Dumbledore’s revelation overwhelming him. He gripped the arms of his chair so tightly that his knuckles turned white, and surprise and worry flickered across his usually unreadable expression. Frowning, he scrutinised Dumbledore’s face for any hint of jest or madness but saw only deep-seated solemn resolve. ‘So, you want to die?’ he finally murmured, confused and hesitant, his voice rough and low as he looked at Dumbledore.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyKbIT5TRj
‘Yes and no,’ Dumbledore responded with a light chuckle, which surprisingly brightened the serious conversation. He spoke with a strange warmth—a nearly defiant sparkle of humour that contrasted with his haunted confession. Snape tightened his brow and his expression, confused by how the elder wizard could summon any humour in such a moment.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhaIqvezu0
‘Please elaborate,’ Snape whispered, rubbing his nose in frustration. He made the gesture in a tired, habitual way, trying to ward off the growing headache and confusion that threatened to overwhelm him. He pressed his thumb and forefinger harder against his nose, as though increasing the pressure could clear his thoughts. The room’s silence became heavier, broken only by distant thunder and the soft, constant rain tapping against the window.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbPb6sjsWZ
‘I cannot reveal more than what is needed,’ Dumbledore said, leaning back in his chair. He folded his hands neatly in his lap and settled against the high-backed seat, making the lines on his face deepen and reveal the weight of secrets he kept. He maintained a calm, reserved posture, accustomed to the solitude that comes with holding dangerous truths.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLLcLI4cMx
Snape shot Dumbledore a stern look and asked sharply, ‘So, what was the point of your story?’ Frustration carved deep lines onto his face as he leaned in, narrowing his eyes beneath furrowed brows. He tapped his fingers anxiously on the arm of his chair, betraying the turmoil within. Though his gaze remained sharp, a faint hint of wounded curiosity lingered, as if he dreaded the meaning behind Dumbledore’s story yet still yearned to know it.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvVsSQx6pm
‘To explain why I must die,’ Dumbledore replied, a faint, resigned smile touching his lips. He rose from his chair and crossed the room, his long, worn robes trailing behind him. Dumbledore walked over to the tall, rain-drenched window and gazed out over the moonlit Hogwarts grounds. The stormy sky and the castle’s silhouette, with its old towers, lay shrouded in mist and mystery. The glass reflected shimmering patterns, blending Dumbledore’s features with the night outside and creating a ghostly double that seemed both present and from another era.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQv2Qvi4Yil
Dumbledore cut through the silence with a calm yet firm voice. He suddenly declared, ‘Young Draco has a task to kill me,’ startling Snape. The statement seemed strangely out of place from what they had been discussing. Dumbledore lightly touched the cold windowpane, spreading his fingers as if seeking comfort.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3pItjxHyX
Snape answered cautiously, ‘Yes, he does,’ his quiet, uncertain voice betraying how he searched for the right words to fit a puzzle he couldn’t fully grasp.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGX731FuAW
‘You must not let him commit the act, Severus. Mr Malfoy is not a murderer and should not be pushed to become one,’ Dumbledore said firmly. His face radiated resolve, and his blue eyes fixed on Snape with a strong sense of moral duty. He squared his shoulders, bracing himself as if he faced an oncoming storm.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRbFk9hINO
Dumbledore’s determination to prevent Draco from being forced down a path that would forever stain his soul became unmistakably clear. Though Dumbledore controlled his anger, it flickered beneath the surface—aimed not at Snape, but at the Dark Lord, whose cruel machinations had placed Draco in peril. Snape perceived the profound extent of Dumbledore’s care and his adamant refusal to let Draco’s innocence be sacrificed, interpreting this both as a protective act and a silent defiance of Voldemort’s intentions.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO4GMVud9y
Snape did not hesitate. He said, ‘No, he shouldn’t have to do it,’ his words ringing out with urgency. He spoke with firmness and resolve, a sharp contrast to his earlier uncertainty. Underneath his assertive tone lay a clear protectiveness—an instinct to shield the boy from a chaotic world. After a brief pause, he pressed on, his tone sharpening with determination. ‘I intend to hide him and his mother first, before that,’ he said, locking his gaze on Dumbledore. He crossed his arms, as if bracing himself for an argument or storm, and started outlining his plan to Dumbledore, sharing each detail with practicality and purpose, highlighting the urgency and necessity of his chosen course. His eyes shone with rare intensity, displaying his profound commitment to protect Draco and Narcissa, even if it meant defying fate itself.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NOUzFnlul
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows and looked at him as he said, ‘Tom will find them.’ He spoke calmly but let the bitter experience colour his tone. His unwavering gaze showed both sorrow and the harsh reality they faced. Although he maintained his composure, he revealed his deep weariness through his posture while he glanced toward the rain-streaked window. The act of mentioning Voldemort’s real name sent a chill through the room, making the shadows in the corners grow darker. He accepted quietly that they could not hide Draco and Narcissa, recognising it was as futile as trying to stop the storm outside.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVGng5uZ0b
Snape sighed deeply and leaned back in his chair, accepting Dumbledore’s point. He eased the tension in his shoulders, yet the heavy inevitability pushed him further into the worn seat. Voldemort’s vast and relentless influence invaded Snape’s thoughts and reached into every part of the Wizarding World. He felt the trap tightening around him, suffocating any hope for Draco and Narcissa. The certainty of their capture and the possibility of fatal consequences weighed heavily on him, forming a cold knot in his stomach.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQobWp0Szd
Snape accepted this brutal truth and gazed at Dumbledore, scrutinising his lined face for hints of reassurance or an unseen plan. He clenched his hands tightly in his lap, knuckles white with suppressed frustration and fear, pausing for a moment. His usual composed exterior faltered, revealing raw uncertainty beneath. When he finally spoke, his voice shook, tinged with desperation, as he sought guidance in this critical moment, ‘What do you think we should do?’133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9ORTlkBEP
‘You kill me.’133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhRo5UsVXP
‘Me!?’ Snape yelled, springing to his feet and clenching his fists. For a moment, disbelief etched itself across his face, freezing him in place. His eyes widened, shining with outrage and confusion as heat flushed his pale skin. He kept his fists clenched tightly at his sides, making plain the anger, fear, and heavy burden of the task warring within him.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sclvqBn3V
‘It is the only way,’ Dumbledore said, slowly shaking his head. He spoke with a steady tone, his conviction forged by years of making hard choices, but beneath his words lingered a faint trace of regret—sorrow that resembled an old wound. For a moment, the deep lines on his face revealed the toll that leadership and sacrifice had taken. ‘Draco will remain innocent, as he should, and I will return to my own time as planned.’ Dumbledore fixed his gaze on Snape, his blue eyes shining with both sadness and unwavering resolve. His soft voice, though gentle, delivered each word with the heavy weight of inevitability, as if he deliberately placed every piece of a larger puzzle. ‘Everything will unfold exactly as it was meant to,’ he said, his calm but firm tone making it clear how essential his plan was.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHtrnpSs0P
Snape lost his composure and strode towards Dumbledore, frustration causing his voice to tremble. ‘What about the Order! We need you now more than ever!’ he yelled, his urgency unmistakable as it rang through the dim room. Snape could not imagine losing Dumbledore now, especially when the Order depended so heavily on his wisdom and guidance.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUBlYIhyfh
Snape faced Dumbledore as he questioned, ‘Why ask me to do it!?’ His voice echoed sharply, bouncing between the stone walls and merging with the distant sound of rain striking the glass.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94MtrbQtir
Dumbledore slowly exhaled and pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose. He revealed the burdens he had carried for so long through this weary, deliberate gesture. He carefully walked back to the window, making the floorboards creak softly beneath his steps. Rain continued to fall outside, leaving silver streaks on the glass. Dumbledore kept his gaze fixed on the vast, shadowed Hogwarts grounds, shrouded in midnight mist. As he stood by the window, he rested his hands on the sill, his posture firm yet sorrowful, as though seeking comfort from the familiar stone and the view beyond.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZ7U5Dx3Ud
After a long, reflective pause, he finally spoke—his quiet yet steady voice carried a subtle authority. ‘I don’t want to leave things as they are, but the Order will carry on without me. Many skilled wizards and witches are capable of continuing,’ Dumbledore said. He turned away from the window, a slight gleam of conviction brightening his weary eyes, and looked directly at Snape, filling his gaze with both trust and lingering regret. Snape, standing stiffly nearby, glared back at him—a flicker of defiance and hurt crossing his expression. He set his shoulders as though bracing himself for the repercussions of what had just occurred.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GUGOYbc25
Dumbledore hesitated, the gravity of his decision etched into every furrow and line on his face, with his blue eyes darkened by the weight of what he was about to ask. For a fleeting moment, he seemed older, the sacrifices and secrets he bore making him appear more burdened than ever. The tension in the room pressed in, almost tangible, as he finally said, ‘I have to return, but I need your help.’ He maintained a calm but firm tone, reflecting both his trust and exhaustion, ‘I ask this because I trust you more than most, and you are still an acting Death Eater.’ He paused, drawing a deep breath. ‘If another member of the Order kills me, chaos and destruction could erupt. The Order would turn on each other, trust would collapse, and Voldemort would prevail,’ Dumbledore said, his tone blending sorrow with determination.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiFz0tQP8G
Dumbledore’s words faded into silence, and he shifted his gaze to Fawkes, who sat loyally nearby. The Phoenix shimmered faintly beneath the lamplight, its eyes revealing a deep, ancient sadness. Fawkes let out a soft, mournful coo that quivered through the quiet air, mirroring the solemn mood. This haunting melody filled the room and emphasised the seriousness of Dumbledore’s decision alongside the silent grief that bound wizard and familiar. In the calm that followed, Snape recognised that Dumbledore was entrusting him not only with his life but also with the delicate future of the Order, and possibly the entire Wizarding World.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOu6CCKryk
Snape shook his head, refusing to accept Dumbledore’s plan as inescapable. He moved with an intensity that bordered on aggression, as though he could physically repel the idea through sheer determination. ‘There must be another way!’ he exclaimed, his voice strained with desperation. His wide, dark eyes darted anxiously around the dim chamber, searching for any hint of hope—scanning the ancient shelves and the shifting shadows on the walls, desperate for a solution hidden among the countless books or in a forgotten corner. His lips quivered, exposing the turmoil beneath his usually composed façade. Even his shoulders remained rigid, muscles taut with anxiety as he clung to the faintest hope of escaping Dumbledore’s bleak demand.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbzJZV6urU
Snape pleaded, ‘Surely, a spell or magical item could take you back. Do you have to die?’ His words came out in a rush, raw with desperation. His voice carried a frantic hope, as if he believed speaking aloud might conjure a different fate. He placed his palms flat on Dumbledore’s desk, his knuckles turning white as he steadied himself against the overwhelming dread.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBLHRw2dHS
‘It exists, but it would be cruel to vanish. No, the Wizarding World must believe I am dead,’ Dumbledore declared, firmly folding his arms across his chest. He stood with clear resolve—shoulders squared and chin raised in quiet determination. He delivered his words with finality, each one conveying an unchangeable decision, making it unmistakable that he would not consider disappearing without a trace. For him, slipping away into the shadows would be cowardly and heartless, betraying those who depended on him. He recalled the memories of past choices when he had vanished before and caused pain. No matter how tempting escape was or how great the risk, he knew he could not do it again.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI5toAbTzY
Dumbledore drew a heavy, weary breath and fixed his gaze on the rain-streaked window, observing the distant outline of Gryffindor Tower, its turrets barely visible in the downpour. He said softly, ‘I do not intend to return or interfere with Time Travel again. I have created chaos in my time by leaving and hurting many people in this era.’ His voice carried regret and longing for the peace he once knew. Memories—some cherished, others painful—glazed his eyes, reflecting lost friendships, broken promises, and the heavy legacy that his decisions left on the world he loved.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOxswbb9q5
As Snape listened, the remark about having hurt “too many people” struck him deeply, as Dumbledore’s remorse mirrored his own hidden burdens. Snape looked at Dumbledore, seeking confirmation in the weary lines around his eyes and the persistent sadness there. For the first time, he truly recognised Dumbledore’s regret—he had made those late-night decisions in desperation, struck impossible bargains for the so-called greater good, and caused collateral damage along the way. Their actions went beyond strategy or sacrifice; they knew their choices had inflicted scars—especially on Harry Potter. Every truth they kept hidden and every risk they accepted had directly shaped the boy’s life in irrevocable ways, and Snape now felt the burden of this manipulation press heavily on both their consciences.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVzXiGUPEg
Snape whispered, voice heavy with resignation, ‘I… understand.’ His shoulders slumped, and he looked downward, standing still as he fully absorbed everything he had been told. The defiance and desperation faded from his face, replaced by weary acceptance, as the calm certainty in Dumbledore’s gaze took hold. He quietly surrendered, burdened by a demanding task he knew would haunt him forever, yet he endured it out of loyalty.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9CNQXQBus
‘As it stands…’ Dumbledore trailed off gravely, prompting Snape to turn and meet his gaze again. He fixed Snape with eyes that had lost their usual liveliness, now dark and serious, ‘we will not win this war,’ he said, his words echoing in the quiet, like stones dropping into still water. Snape’s brow knitted with worry as he waited for Dumbledore to explain his bleak outlook. ‘Voldemort’s army grows swiftly, and we have already lost many to this cause. Even now, more are dying, and attacking him would be suicidal,’ Dumbledore said, his tone blending sorrow with resolve. The quiet finality in his voice matched the sorrow in his posture—he hunched his shoulders beneath the burdens of leadership and responsibility. As he mentioned the mounting losses, images of fallen friends, empty seats at the Order’s meetings, and letters sent to grieving families came to mind. Outside, the wind rattled the rain-streaked windows, as though the storm mourned with them.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLBP2qNkmE
Dumbledore paused, letting the gravity of the situation settle before he spoke again with calm deliberation, ‘We don’t have enough forces to stop him, and Harry isn’t ready to confront him yet. So far, only two of the seven Horcruxes have been destroyed. Voldemort can’t be defeated until all are located and destroyed.’ Dumbledore kept his gaze fixed on Snape, hoping for understanding and support, the worry lines etched even deeper into his weathered face. Snape met Dumbledore’s eyes, his troubled acceptance evident; he gave a slight, firm nod, acknowledging the enormous challenge ahead and the critical importance of their task.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCsb6o6kFe
Snape asked in a low, slightly hoarse voice, ‘Do you know where the others are?’ He seized the opportunity to steer the conversation away from his heavy new responsibilities. Leaning forward, he nervously traced the pattern of the old wood on Dumbledore’s desk, as if seeking reassurance in its steadiness. Although he maintained a calm tone, a note of anxious urgency crept in—this was far more than simple curiosity; he desperately needed information, clinging to a possible lifeline amid rising uncertainty. In that moment, Snape’s usual composure slipped, and he revealed a flicker of restlessness and fear, as though knowing the location of the remaining Horcruxes might kindle a small spark of hope in a world that seemed to be darkening quickly.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA80zVMMDFa
With a steady voice, layered with both hope and fatigue, Dumbledore said, ‘I have an idea where one of them might be. I plan to take Harry along to retrieve it.’133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnS1MTZWj6
Snape nodded distractedly, anxiety etched across his face. Dumbledore noticed his inner turmoil and reached out, gripping Snape’s shoulders with a firm yet gentle touch. This stabilising gesture prompted Snape to look up, his dark eyes meeting Dumbledore’s with a mingling of guilt, worry, and uncertain trust.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsBWCu2fvC
‘You should not feel guilty, Severus. Instead of viewing it as killing me, see it as helping me,’ Dumbledore said softly, his voice warm and sincere as he comforted Snape.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSVXYmu5Pe
Snape’s frustration and disbelief shook his voice, ‘Do you truly believe we have no chance? Are you prepared to abandon us to that fate?’ he demanded, shaking his head. The idea that Dumbledore might leave them to be defeated struck him as intolerable. He clenched his hands tightly at his sides, his knuckles whitening as his breathing grew shallow.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeC5hKa9rew
Dumbledore gave a deep, exhausted sigh that carried the weight of many choices and regrets, then gradually turned away from Snape and sat behind his large, cluttered desk. The faint lantern glow reflected off scattered parchment and caught the silver trinkets on the desk. With a subtle, almost unnoticed gesture, Dumbledore motioned for Snape to take the chair opposite. Snape complied without resistance, the leather of his cloak softly slipping against the old wood as he took his seat. His posture revealed resignation and fatigue, as if their conversation had drained his last ounce of resistance. As he settled in, Snape’s body language spoke of reluctant acceptance—he hunched his shoulders slightly and intermittently cast his eyes downward, unwilling to meet Dumbledore’s steady, probing gaze.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vQ5H0GYVW
‘No, I have a plan,’ Dumbledore said at last, his voice calm yet resolute, exuding a quiet authority that left no doubt. 133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLsl5HHnBm
Dumbledore unrolled a new piece of parchment and smoothed it flat on the desk, ensuring each corner lay neatly. The lanterns cast a warm golden glow across the aged wood and crisp parchment, illuminating the veins in Dumbledore’s old hands as he prepared his quill with steady, unhurried movements. Snape watched him closely, his curiosity clear but tinged with apprehension, his dark eyes flickering with silent questions. Dumbledore wrote smoothly across the page with his quill, the ink forming elegant, purposeful strokes, and infused each word with urgency. His gestures took on a ritualistic quality, as though the act of writing itself protected them from the approaching darkness. The soft scratching of the quill punctuated the silence, and Dumbledore paused occasionally, creasing his brow in concentration as he considered each sentence before committing it to paper. He finished and reached for a small shaker of sand, sprinkling a light layer over the ink, waited briefly for it to dry without smudging, and gently brushed away the excess with his hand, revealing lines of text that shimmered softly in the lantern’s glow—words that could very well decide their fate.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnhM3iNCZn
Dumbledore verified the letter’s completion, then placed it into an envelope with deliberate care, his aged fingers acting like a sacred rite. The parchment whispered as it slid inside, merging with the shadows and secrets it now carried. Next, he picked up the necklace he had examined earlier. He turned the necklace over in his hand, studying the intricate design that hinted at layers of meaning and magic waiting to be revealed. Nodding solemnly, he placed the necklace alongside the letter, ensuring their fates remained entwined within the envelope.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs7MOyvLho
Dumbledore maintained a serious demeanour as he melted the wax and pressed the Hogwarts crest into the centre of the envelope, creating an impression that shimmered in the low light. He paused and gazed at the crest, as though he called upon the institution’s legacy and the protective power it symbolised. The envelope now bore a weight of significance, serving as more than simple instructions—it stood as a vessel of hope and duty for its recipient.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUnWTyUHh5
Dumbledore took the sealed envelope and pushed it across the desk to Snape, his expression serious and expectant. His deliberate movement marked a clear transition from planning to action. Snape watched the envelope settle before him, fully conscious that he now carried a task capable of shaping the war’s outcome—and determining the fate of everyone he cares about.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwvUDtZX8B
Curiosity shone in Snape’s gaze, but he hesitated before reaching for the envelope. Doubt flickered in his dark eyes as he scrutinised it, the wax seal still faintly shimmering beneath the lantern’s light. His slender fingers hovered above the desk, resisting the urge to touch something that might burn him. He raised an eyebrow at Dumbledore, and a sceptical gleam sharpened his angular features. ‘A letter will save us?’ he asked, his tone laced with dry humour. His lips curled slightly as he attempted to joke about the situation, yet his voice betrayed his disbelief and nervous anticipation.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZM0bhwa0L
Dumbledore let out a soft chuckle, the sound echoing through the dim office. His eyes, usually shadowed with fatigue and concern, sparkled with a fleeting hint of mischief as he gazed at Snape. ‘No, Severus, but this letter contains instructions. I need you to deliver it,’ he said, steepling his fingers with calm purpose.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBYsqHpZKA
Snape picked up the letter and examined it with curiosity, then asked, ‘When? And to whom?’ His fingers quivered slightly as he closed them around the envelope, sensing the warmth of the wax seal. The weight of the letter felt unusually heavy for its size, as if it held not only parchment but also the hopes and doubts of their cause. He looked up at Dumbledore and searched for clues about the significance of the names soon to be revealed.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogcUAAwh0C
‘Mr Draco Malfoy and Miss Hermione Granger,’ Dumbledore said, his eyes shining as he looked at Snape over his half-moon glasses. Dumbledore fixed Snape with a sharper gaze, a knowing sparkle in his pale blue eyes suggesting he already grasped the threads of fate connecting the two students. Behind his glasses, he showed a subtle blend of hope and caution—a silent recognition that Draco and Hermione awaited extraordinary destinies. 133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBaCghDv5C
Snape felt the weight of those names: the haunted, ambitious Slytherin boy and the fiercely intelligent, steadfast Gryffindor girl. Their contrasting natures—one secretive and conflicted, the other curious and morally strong—seemed almost paradoxical. Yet Dumbledore’s quiet confidence made it clear their roles were no accident but absolutely crucial.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEWYb2MS9J
Snape gave a rare, genuine laugh that echoed through the otherwise serious office. He curled his lips into a reluctant smile, and for a moment, the sharpness of his features softened as he shook his head in disbelief. However, the brief levity quickly vanished. ‘I never imagined those two would need to work together,’ he said softly. His laughter faded, and as his face grew serious again, the lines on his brow deepened with concern. He straightened slightly in his chair, adopted a more rigid posture, and refocused on Dumbledore. ‘What about Potter and Weasley?’ he asked, each word weighted with significance. He was curious about the absence of those names, which so often played central roles at critical moments. Snape kept his gaze on Dumbledore, searching for clues and recognising that leaving out Potter and Weasley from the plan was as curious as it was concerning, hinting at hidden layers yet to be uncovered.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZ11EPGidD
‘They each have their parts to play,’ Dumbledore said, his words shrouded in mystery. 133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nF7a2Fj4X
The ambiguous comment lingered in the tense air, making Snape actively consider the hidden motives and unseen burdens each person carried. He pictured everyone as a chess piece, with Dumbledore orchestrating their movements behind the scenes, and their proper roles becoming clear only once the game concluded. The weight of expectations pressed on Snape, as he actively contemplated the mysterious aims and silent sacrifices required of them all—each one intertwined with the Headmaster’s enigmatic strategy for the uncertain war.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5d6YhXFTs
‘Yes, sir,’ Snape muttered, and he tucked the letter into his cloak for safekeeping. He moved deliberately—slowly and cautiously—as if he handled a volatile potion rather than simple parchment and wax.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmL8q03lXW
‘That letter will clarify everything for them. Ensure they receive it,’ Dumbledore said firmly, his tone indicating that this wasn’t just a routine message but a crucial part of a larger, complex plan. The sparkle vanished from his eye, replaced by a determined expression that left no room for disagreement. 133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ240GOeiZDA
Snape nodded, acutely aware of the serious weight of the command as it settled over him like a heavy cloak. Though Dumbledore’s words were simple, their implications ran deep—the act of sending this letter would become a key moment in the ongoing conflict, potentially changing the fate of those involved.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwYLfyNMbg
Hesitation clouded Snape, discomfort evident in his manner. Uncertainty flickered across his usually composed face; his sallow features faltered momentarily, and he clasped his hands tightly in his lap rather than letting them rest at ease. ‘Is there anything I should know about this letter? After I... well, I doubt Miss Granger will appreciate my delivery,’ he said gloomily, dropping his gaze as rare vulnerability crept into his voice. Delivering such an essential message to Hermione Granger unsettled him—her sharp intellect and strong sense of justice heightened his anxiety. He almost braced himself for her sceptical glare and quick retorts.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcHkOkgQiv
Dumbledore said to Snape, ‘She will if you show her your memory of this conversation.’ The Headmaster’s unwavering gaze offered reassurance and an unspoken urgency, making it clear he anticipated Snape’s possible hesitation and used the memory as both evidence and a gesture of trust towards Hermione. 133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy0cwz1jtC
Snape nodded slowly and deliberately, accepting the plan and recognising the vulnerability in revealing such personal memories. Shadows flickered across his face, drawing out the tension in his jaw and the conflicted emotions in his dark eyes. Sharing a memory like this, especially one so heavy with secrets and responsibility, posed a significant challenge, yet Snape acknowledged its necessity, reading Dumbledore’s confident tone.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIlbPqjTcz
Snape hesitated and asked, ‘And when should I—’ but struggled to voice the words. He pursed his lips, contemplating the consequences of speaking aloud.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEVdAo1ayY
Dumbledore told him, ‘When Mr Malfoy begins executing his plan.’ He delivered each word with steady determination, making it clear this was no ordinary scheme. Snape listened, already weighing the risks and possibilities Malfoy’s actions could produce. The phrase “executing his plan” suggested uncertainty, implying a larger, hidden game in which every move carried significance. 133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQIaJJgSLz
Snape nodded slowly, placing his trust in the plan’s success. ‘Yes, sir,’ he replied sadly, his voice barely above a whisper. He settled into his chair, and the Headmaster’s command pressed down on him, making him appear smaller and more worn out than usual. He lowered his eyes to the desk’s scratched surface and, with a trembling finger, traced the grain absentmindedly. Although he tried not to dwell on the task ahead, it dominated his thoughts and cast a shadow over his composure.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHnMcOHR1o
Dumbledore fixed Snape with a serious expression as he leaned forward in his high-backed chair. His half-moon glasses, perched on his nose, reflected flickers of candlelight as he maintained a sharp gaze. He commanded quietly but firmly, ‘Follow my instructions exactly, without deviation or question.’ Like a binding spell, his words, punctuated by measured pauses, emphasised his seriousness. Dumbledore remained unwavering, squared his shoulders, and clasped his hands tightly on the desk, betraying no doubt. He added softly, ‘Any deviation will cause problems,’ and let out a heavy sigh that echoed through the shadows. His steady stare left no doubt about the importance of strict obedience.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8O3gAPmp4
Worry furrowed Snape’s brow as he listened to Dumbledore’s plan. The instructions grew increasingly difficult to accept, and Snape stared in incredulity, confusion and reluctant acceptance. His disbelief exposed the tension in his jaw and the nervous way he clenched his fingers at his sleeves, betraying the inner turmoil he struggled to contain. Despite his surprise, he silently vowed to follow the Headmaster’s orders to the letter, relying on the discipline that had seen him through so many trials. He pressed his lips into a firm line, forming an unspoken promise—determined not to fail, he resolved to obey every command, regardless of how difficult or confusing. Dumbledore’s expectations pressed down on him, forcing him into a grim resolve even as doubt continued to erode his composure.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSzYZYxva4
Snape opened his eyes and let out a weary sigh; the memory vividly haunted his current thoughts. He replayed the conversation with Dumbledore in his mind with clear precision—the lantern’s flickering light, the tightening sense of responsibility on his chest, and their silent mutual understanding that every action now bore significant weight. He carefully considered many scenarios, analysing each as though solving a complex puzzle, to find the best way to earn Hermione Granger’s trust and persuade her to listen. The task demanded the delicacy of balancing a volatile potion; Hermione’s keen intelligence and scepticism left him little margin for error, and Snape realised that a single mistake could compromise the trust critical to Dumbledore’s plan.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZOJErGWzp
Snape recognised how crucial it was to deliver Dumbledore’s letter—the constant weight of it in his pocket served as a near-tangible reminder of his duty. Even with the urgent instructions pressing on him, he chose to withhold it from Draco for now. Dumbledore had written the letter in his distinctive handwriting, listing both Draco and Hermione as recipients, while the seal remained intact and brimming with significance. Snape suspected that Dumbledore intended more than a straightforward handover; he believed the Headmaster wanted both Draco and Hermione to receive and comprehend the message together, intentionally binding their destinies at a pivotal moment. Snape could almost sense Dumbledore’s subtle plans converging around them, with each decision and pause charged with significance.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICmKaNj3rc
Shadows danced across Snape’s pale face as he gripped the envelope more tightly. The situation pressed down on him, weighing heavily on his limbs and making his breath tremble. Every instinct told him to proceed with caution and to wait for the precise moment when both recipients could view the letter together. He knew this was no ordinary piece of mail; it represented a pivotal turning point that might sway the battle at Hogwarts. Anxiety made his heart race as he realised Dumbledore’s meticulously laid plan now rested entirely on his actions.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UBcBXtGsd
Snape shook his head, hurried thoughts racing as he questioned what past or future events could drive Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy to work together. He struggled to accept the idea, yet he could not ignore his own observations. Doubt gnawed at him; he found it almost impossible to believe that two students with such different backgrounds and values could ally. However, the clear evidence—Dumbledore’s explicit instructions and the intact seal on the letter bearing their names—forced Snape to confront the truth. Memories of hallway encounters flickered through his mind: quick exchanges of words between Hermione and Draco, each encounter loaded with rivalry and suspicion. The prospect of these adversaries setting aside their differences for a common purpose challenged everything Snape believed about the shifting allegiances at Hogwarts.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSrCjj3H0a
Snape doubted the plan, but he never challenged Dumbledore directly. He recognised the Headmaster’s odd behaviours from experience, understanding these quirks did not stem from stupidity. Dumbledore’s gaze radiated quiet wisdom and confidence, revealing decades of experience and an aptitude for plotting intricate schemes. Snape recalled how Dumbledore always looked beyond the obvious, considering possibilities others might set aside. The Headmaster had intentionally paired Hermione—renowned for her intellect and morality—with Draco, who often acted out of cunning and self-interest. Snape saw purpose in this, believing a deliberate plan would eventually unfold. As the fires’ glow stretched shadows over the letter in his hand, Snape felt the heavy weight of Dumbledore’s trust and insight in the silence. He could not understand the logic now, but he resolved to follow the instructions, confident that Dumbledore’s mysterious vision would eventually become clear.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy572dt0FxS
Snape slipped his hand into his pocket and drew out the letter—a crumpled, well-worn envelope he had guarded for over a year. Countless times, he had checked on the letter, its slight bulk against his robes offering reassurance; as a result, the parchment, once crisp and pristine, now bore faint stains and gentle creases. He paused for a heartbeat, his long, pale fingers curling around the fragile paper, the familiar weight reminding him of the trust and significance invested in him.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw144uYnTuk
He never tried to open it himself, always firmly believing that only Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy should do so. The idea that Dumbledore had woven a powerful protective jinx into its fibres to punish or repel anyone who dared unauthorised access constantly lingered in his mind. He didn’t dismiss this as mere superstition; whenever his thumb pressed against the wax seal, which stayed unbroken and dull in the dim light, he sensed the subtle hum of magic. That feeling of unseen danger actively kept the letter sealed and its secrets safe, silently guarding the Headmaster’s final, most mysterious instructions. Even now, as Snape turned the envelope in his hand, a faint tingling ran through him—a nearly imperceptible warning that acted as both a barrier and a promise, reminding him that fate had chosen another moment and other eyes for its contents.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua6pUWALev
A distant explosion shattered the uneasy silence, startling Snape—a sharp, echoing boom reverberated through the quiet of the Forbidden Forest. He jumped to his feet at once, adrenaline surging through his system and sending a tremor through his limbs as his heart pounded wildly. Panic and determined resolve flickered across his face as he realised, with horrifying certainty, that the feared moment had finally come. The noise abruptly woke Draco from an uneasy sleep; the boy sat upright, gasping for breath. His wide, frightened eyes darted around the dark forest as he tried to make sense of what was happening. ‘What was that!?’ Draco asked, his voice shaky, as he scrambled off the ground and instinctively squared his shoulders, clenched his fists, and tensed every muscle in fear and anticipation. The aftershock vibrated through the air, swirling dust in the firelight as they braced for the chaos sure to follow.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8Z8Noa04W
‘It’s begun,’ Snape declared, urgency tightening his voice as it cut through the smoky, dust-filled air. He gripped Draco’s shoulder with a steady, insistent hold, his anxiety and seriousness evident in every movement. Snape leaned closer without hesitation, letting Draco see the fear and resolve shining in his eyes as the explosion’s echoes continued to reverberate around them. ‘We need to move,’ he commanded, his words sharp and urgent, spurring Draco into action.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwlV49UU6r
Draco gathered his belongings in a hurry, his hands trembling as he desperately shoved parchment, books, and his battered wand into his satchel. He moved with jerky, unsteady motions, clearly betraying the panic beneath the surface. Every second spent on their escape stretched into an eternity, the urgency of time pressing in on him, while his trembling fingers mirrored his inner turmoil.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEeMnTkZSG
They sprinted, weaving through the shadows towards Hogwarts, determined to stay hidden. Fear and desperation drove them as their footsteps barely made a sound on the moist ground. Low branches snatched at their cloaks while they ducked beneath limbs, moonlight occasionally illuminating their pale faces before darkness swallowed them once again. With each step, the intensified smell of smoke choked their lungs and stung their eyes. As they reached the edge of the woods, Snape paused briefly and looked up at the sky over Hogsmeade village, watching thick clouds of smoke rise and spread, shrouding the rooftops. The flames painted an eerie orange glow over the horizon, casting ghostly light across the village and obscuring the stars. Embers drifted on the wind and landed on the grass like tiny glowing tears. The distant chaos roared through the night, momentarily enchanting them with the destruction and reminding them of the stakes and the world they were about to re-enter.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqA6ezR5v1L
Hogsmeade was burning.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ0PQHApSR
Snape led Draco swiftly past Hagrid’s hut, its familiar, squat shape just visible through the smoke, while lamplight flickered weakly from crooked windows. They moved low to the ground, cautious and deliberate, pressing their legs against the damp earth to blend into the darkness. The few trees lining the Black Lake’s shore provided scant cover, their gnarled trunks and twisted branches casting eerie silhouettes against the burning sky. Each trunk became a temporary refuge—a shadowy barrier shielding them from the chaos engulfing the grounds. Damp leaves and smoky fumes filled the air, interrupted by distant shouts and the crackle of magic. They darted from tree to tree, moonlight glinting on the water and creating rippling silver patterns on their quick-moving figures. Every rustle and snap beneath their feet rang out alarmingly, reminding them just how near the turmoil pressed to Hogwarts’ safety.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBO3rXuL9uT
They reached Hogwarts’ front gates and slipped through in haste, fleeing the school grounds as quickly as possible. Outside, Snape paused for a moment and turned to take in the scene. From their vantage point on the dew-soaked grass, they saw the full extent of the destruction—Hogsmeade village stretched out before them, engulfed in an unyielding blaze. Crooked cottages and bustling shops, once familiar and safe by day, now stood silhouetted against a wall of roaring fire. Flames leapt fiercely from rooftop to rooftop, devouring everything in their way. Orange and red spires pierced the midnight sky, sending dark plumes of smoke spiralling into the air and blotting out the moon and stars. The acrid scent filled their throats and stung their eyes as they watched embers whirl chaotically on the restless wind. Distant shouts of panic rang out through the night, mingling with the crackling and popping of collapsing wood and the faint toll of the Shrieking Shack’s bell. The once-welcoming village had become a scene of devastation—its familiar streets shrouded in shadows and chaos, the skyline flickering with ghostly, fiery movement. Snape and Draco stood frozen for a moment, the devastation stark under the trembling lantern light—a vivid reminder of how swiftly their world had changed.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6n8HWwLHKF
War raged on, and Snape recognised this not simply as another battle, but as the first sign that catastrophe loomed. The night held its breath, weighted with anticipation for the violence about to erupt. Voldemort, cunning and resolute, readied himself to strike at the castle. The era of secret plots and hidden dangers had ended; the Dark Lord’s intentions now blazed as obviously as the flames devouring Hogsmeade. Burning rooftops in the village threw grotesque shadows over the school’s ancient stones, while distant screams and the clash of spells echoed through the valley in a grim overture. Wards around the castle’s defences flickered and strained under relentless assault, their magic striving to repel the advancing threat. History pressed down on Snape, and he realised deep within that this night would decide more than the school’s fate—it would shape the future of their entire world. As chaos surged closer, smoke curled over the battlements and the scent of burning wood hung thick in the air. Snape braced himself, facing the fight for Hogwarts as an immediate and all-consuming reality, its outcome promising either hope or doom for everything he held dear.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebhLf3UmIR
A single tear rolled down his cheek, falling to the ground.
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