𝓢𝓽𝓾𝓹𝓲𝓭 𝓖𝓲𝓻𝓵!

C49 Her

Severus's POV

I slowly made my way up to the balcony and waited. ''You summoned me, headmaster?'' He motioned me over to him. ''I did, Severus and I am sure you are aware of why.'' He put both hands on the railing, I didn't say anything. The fact was, I knew exactly why I was here, and I didn't like it one bit. ''Severus, you know what will happen tonight. We must prepare.'' He talked with his hands. ''Sir...'' Albus continued over me. ''I am leaving for a few hours and the Malfoy boy will take advantage of my absence. He will, no doubt, be ready for me upon my return. He will plan to strike tonight, no greater opportunity will arise for him. You must take his place. You know what must be done tonight.''

''Sir...'' Once again he continued over me. ''I'm waiting for Harry. He will be coming with me. That is also imperative. Perhaps even more so if he witnesses it. Hard as it will be on him, it will certainly ensure everything falls into place that much better.'' He just kept talking. ''Albus!'' I cried out, I leaned over the balcony with my elbows and put my hands over my face. ''What is it, Severus?'' Albus's brows furrowed and he looked serious. I walked away from the balcony and faced away from the headmaster. ''Have you thought this through?'' I looked down at my feet, ignoring his gaze. ''Don't mince words with me Severus, what is on your mind?'' He watched me walk, I had started to pace. ''Why is it so important that I do the deed myself? If you are correct in
assuming Draco will come for you tonight, then you will be dead by this time tomorrow. What will become of her?'' I couldn't face him, Dumbledore was surely staring at me. ''You are speaking of Raylona, as far as she is concerned, we have nothing to discuss.'' I sighed. ''So, that is it then? You force her to lose her father tonight, and worse, I must take him away. It will kill her.'' Dumbledore shifted uncomfortably. ''Raylona is stronger than you give her credit for, Severus. You should already know this.'' I bit my lip. ''Sir, when you die, all she will have left in this world is your brother. After tonight, she will have next to nothing. You will leave her all alone in the midst of the pending war?'' I looked directly at Albus now. ''Are you telling me you would risk everything to protect her? As if you could shelter her from the storm to come?'' This time, it was my turn to shift my posture. ''Surely you must know how I feel about her? After all, isn't that why you allowed me to be with her for the last few years? To marry her?!'' He scoffed. ''You honestly didn't think I allowed it all for your benefit, do you? No, it was for her. Before you, she was closed off, silent, and even weak at times. Because of you, she is strong. Much more clever than I, much more cunning than you. You made her into the woman she was always meant to be. Something I could never have done.'' His voice raised a bit. ''All the more reason it will destroy her.'' I pinched the bridge of my nose. ''I know she can pick herself back up, but I don't know how different she'll be for it.'' I sighed, my chest aching. ''You know your place in all this, Severus. Without that very crucial role, we will lose this war. One girl cannot be worth risking it all. Not even Raylona.'' His blackened hand rose. ''You sound like you care nothing for her.'' I could feel the knot in the back of my throat tightening. ''Don't misinterpret my meaning, Severus. She means a great deal to me but beating Voldemort is what truly matters. Sometimes, we must make sacrifices, no matter the pain it causes us. Tonight, Raylona will weep for the loss of us both but she is strong and she will endure. She must. If we alter even one thing in this plan, her pain tonight will be nothing compared to what the entirety of the wizarding community will feel. What is most important now is preparing Harry for things to come or have you become so distracted that you have forgotten about Lily's son? All this time, it was for her. Remember? Do you not care for Lily anymore?''

''Always...'' I hesitated for a moment. ''Always is a long time...'' Dumbledore nodded. ''It is indeed...'' I thought about both Raylona and Lily, how could one possibly choose? ''Sir, if I may... Lily will always be in my heart but Raylona... She is my chance for a better life. As I am hers.'' Dumbledore turned this time to face me directly. ''And what life is that? Running and hiding from the dark lord for years to come until you are both dead? That is no life. We must do this, Severus. Exactly as I say. It all hangs in the balance of what happens tonight. For a better life for all. Including Raylona. Nothing can be worth risking failure. Especially from you. You knew this was coming all year. Indeed, you must have known it was coming the moment you swore yourself to serve me. You have agreed to do this. You can't back down now, just think. If we succeed, you both can have a life together, no death eaters, no more spying, and no more double sides.'' Albus turned and faced the school grounds once more. I took several steps toward him, choosing my next words carefully. ''Have you ever considered that you ask too much? That you take too much for granted? Has it ever crossed your brilliant mind that I don't want to do this anymore?'' He wouldn't look at me anymore. ''Whether it has or hasn't is irrelevant. I will not negotiate with you, Severus. You agreed. Nothing more to discuss.'' Anger swelled in the pits of my chest but I knew I could not win this. Without so much of a ' yes sir ' I turned and strutted away, nearly walking right into Harry. I stopped long enough to stare at the boy, wondering just how much of the conversation was overheard, then I walked away leaving them alone in the Astronomy tower.