Severus Snape A Soul Undiminished

Chapter 66 - Hope

Sirana didn't know what else she could do for Severus. She wished she knew more. She stayed in his mind, as if to hold on to the flicker of life she felt there. If he died, she would be with him in the end. Maybe that was what Lily had wanted for him...Maybe this was Sirana's reason to be here at this place and time...to se Severus to his end. "No!: she fought against that thought. She was grateful for everything, but she wanted more...more for herself, more for Severus. Maybe she was here because his sould was worth fighting for.

Severus! She called out to him in his mind. Severus!!! Fight!!!

Severus had shut down his mind, simply enduring, awaiting the inevitable end. He had no more concept of self, of place, or of the passage of time. Suddenly the pain in his body intensified, taking forefront in his mind again, and he felt his consciousness returning, as if being pulled from an abyss of muddled memories. Was this just a part of his dying dreams? A specter of his mind's final death throes? He was vaguely aware of another presence through the mass of pain that was his body, and he fought against the darkness to reach the light he somehow knew awaited him.

Sirana felt hands on her shoulders. She didn't want to open her eyes. She was afraid if she left Severus's mind now, she might lose her tenuous hold. Se heard a low voice, a whisper. It was familiar, but she could not spare any thought for it. She suddenly felt pain, and she gasped from the force of it. It emanated from her chest and neck. When she realized it was coming form Severus and not herself, she quickly reached out with her mind.

Severus?

Through the pain, she felt him answer, Sirana!

She felt the pain starting to ease, and then she felt him slip off into unconsciousness. It was as if he was no longer on the brink of death, though, and she felt relief coursing through her.  She starting becoming more aware of her own self as she gently moved out of his mind. She felt the hands still on her shoulsers. She opened her eyes finally, and saw Severus's face, and some of the color had returned.

"Sirana," she heard, and she looked up to see her grandfather on his knees in front of her. 

"Is he alive?" She realized that is was Grayson at her back with his hands on her shoulders from his voice.

"Yes," her grandfather answered. "We almost lost him, but I think he's going to be alright."

Sirana was starting to realize what happened. Her grandfather had come to help and had brought Severus back from the edge.

"Are you alright, Sirana?" Grayson asked her.

"Yes, thank you," she said and put her hand over his. She looked at her grandfather. "Thank you, thank you," she said, her voice catching. She hadn't cried. All her focus had been on trying to save Severus, and she felt the tears of panic and relief coming, and she couldn't stop them. She lowered her head onto Severus's chest, her body shaking, and she felt Grayson wrap his arm around her. She gathered herself and sat up, still cradling Severus in her arms. "We have to move him. Everyone here thinks he's the enemy. Where can we take him?" she asked.

"I know a place," Grayson said. "He will be safe there. We have to get him there though."

Sirana wasn't sure how they would move him. An idea shot in her head. "Please, grandfather, hold him for me. I'll be right back."

Her grandfather took her place, and she went to get her broom.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Grayson asked.

"No, please, stay here with them," she said, and took off flying.

She flew towards the Forbidden Forest. She had seen Thestrals in the air during the battle, and she hoped that they'd returned to the forest. She landed, dismounted from her broom, and called for Tenebrus. She didn't have much time. Thankfully, she heard him coming.

He greeted her as he always had and placed his muzzle on her shoulder. She whispered her urgency to him, and he lowered for her to mount him. They flew swiftly back, and landed next to the building, Tenebrus following her in as far as he could. She ran in to see the scene just as she had left it.

"Clever girl!" her grandfather said.

"Can he carry all of us?" Grayson asked.

"He is strong enough to carry Hagrid. So, he can surely carry us. We just have to lift Severus. Grandfather, are you coming with us?" Sirana asked.

"No. You go on. I will be of more use here helping with the wounded," he said, helping to lift Severus's unconscious body.

The three of them were able to hoist him atop the Thestral, and Grayson climbed on to help hold him. Sirana sat in front, and her grandfather handed them their brooms.

"Where will you go, Grayson?" he asked.

"To Andromeda's. Remus and Tonks knew about Severus. She will understand," Grayson said.

"Good idea, Grayson. Take care of Sirana," her grandfather said.

"I always do," Grayson said with a wink.

Sirana had been to Tonk's home before, as their house had served as a hideout for the Order. She whispered to Tenebrus, and they flew away quickly.