Innocence

Chapter 74

CAMILLA'S POV

The next day, I found myself standing outside Professor Snape's quarters. I took a breath and knocked on the doors. A few seconds later, he opened it. "Camilla, come in," he said. I followed him inside and it wasn't what I was expecting. There were shelves and shelves of books and it was surprisingly homey. "Let me show you to your room," he said. I nodded and followed him. He opened the door and I went inside. There was a bed, a dresser, and a bathroom. "Thank you Sir. It's very nice." I said. "It's no trouble," he said. I nodded and put my bag down. "I put up wards and you need a password to get in. Nathan can't get to you. You'll be safe here." he said. I smiled. "Thank you Professor. I appreciate everything you've done for me." I said. He nodded.

"Can I ask you something?" I said. He turned and faced me. "You can ask," he said. "Why are you helping me? Why do you care so much?" I asked. He looked confused. "You deserve to have someone who cares about you Camilla," he said. Then he left. I smiled as I laid down.

TIME JUMP: 4 DAYS

School is over in 3 days and I'm nervous. I don't know where I am going. Harry and my friends want me to come to The Burrow with them. Professor Snape wants me to come back to his home over the summer. That would be nice because I miss Diana. I also feel safe when I'm with Professor Snape. He cares about me. Like I think he would really care if I lived or died. Not many people would. And he isn't afraid of Nathan. Which is good because I am. I really am.

"Camilla-" Snape said knocking on my door. It was Thursday and we leave school tomorrow. Only I don't know where. I got up and slipped on my sneakers. Then I walked over and opened my door. "Yeah?" I said. "Professor Dumbledore would like to see us," he said. "Together?" I said. He nodded. I smiled. "Am I staying with you and Diana over the summer again?" I asked. I saw a smile tug at the corner of his lips and he started walking. "I am hoping that Dumbledore tells us that today." he said. I quickly followed him down the hall and we headed for his office.

"Hello sister." a dark voice said from behind me. I whipped around and Nathan stood there smirking. "Leave Nathan. I'll only ask once." Snape said. He stepped in front of me and I saw him gripping the base of his wand. "I just want a word with my dear sister," he said. "Absolutely not," he said. "Well, that's not really up to you. Is it? Camilla, get over here." he snapped. I looked at Snape and he shook his head. "Camilla, don't make this harder on yourself." he said. My heart was racing and I sighed. I started to walk towards him when Snape grabbed my hand and pulled me away. He dragged me all the way to Dumbledore's without a word. We stopped outside the door and he looked at me. "Why did you do that?" he exclaimed. "Do what?" I asked. "You were going to go with him!" he said. I nodded. "Why?!" he asked. I shrugged. "He's going to hurt someone. Better me than Draco or Harry or some innocent kid." I said. Snape sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Camilla, you are not disposable." he said. I just nodded. Then we went in.

"Ah...Severus, Camilla. Thank you for coming. Lemon drop?" he offered. I shook my head and sat down. "I'm sure you know why you're here," he said. "Yes Sir." I said. "She will be staying with me, correct?" Snape asked. Dumbledore sighed. "Camilla, you have a decision to make," he said. "I'm sorry?" I said. "Nathan has relayed some information to me. Your father wants you to come home for the summer." he said. My heart sank and I felt ill. "No! I will not allow her to go back there! Absolutely not!" Snape exclaimed. "You are not her father, Severus." Dumbledore said. "And who is? The Dark Lord. I'm the closest thing she has to a real father!" he yelled. I looked at him quickly. He's never said that before. I thought about it. What if Severus was my real father? What if I grew up with him and Diana? What if she taught me to cook my whole life? What if they took me to get my things in Diagon Alley when I was 11? What if- My thoughts were interrupted by Dumbledore. "Camilla-" he said. I looked at him. "Yes Sir." I said. "Did you hear me?" he asked. "I can't go back there Sir. Please. Why can't I stay with Professor Snape?" I asked. Dumbledore looked at both of us. "I suppose you can. You can stay with him. The Weasleys have also offered up their home to you." he said. I smiled. "Then I want to-" I started

"Just know the harm that may come to them because of it. And know that it would be your fault." Dumbledore said. It's all my fault. It's all my fault. It rang through my head like an echo.