Don't Save Me

Chapter 60: Going Home

Several hours later I was sitting in the Astronomy Tower when I heard footsteps running up the stairs.

"Y/n!" Minerva's voice shouted. I stood up quickly as she ran toward the ledge, looking out over the grounds.

"Minnie?" I'm right here. What's wrong?" She quickly turned around, her eyes locking with mine and ran toward me.

"Y/n!" she exclaimed, pulling me into a hug. "Where have you been?"

"Minnie, what's going on?"

"I went looking for you after yelling at Albus for several hours but couldn't find you anywhere! You weren't in the Gryffindor Common Room, you weren't in your bedroom! I checked all of the places you and Severus used to go! I was worried!" she pulled away, holding my face.

"I didn't mean to worry you. I'm sorry. I just needed some time to think," I replied. She pulled me into a hug once more, her hand resting on the back of my head. I could hear her heart racing in her chest as she held me close to her. She pulled away, still holding my face, her hands shaking.

"Don't you ever do that again! You had me worried sick! I thought I lost you!" she exclaimed, her voice shaking.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, feeling the tears well up in my eyes. I had never had a mother and this was the closest I had ever felt to having one.

"Come, dear. It's time to go h-," she paused, clearing her throat. "It's time to go."

"Home," I finished. Her eyes filled with tears as she nodded.

"If you want," she replied, interlocking her arm with mine and pulling me toward the exit.

We turned a corner and Albus walked into view. His eyes locked with mine and he ran toward me, pulling me into a hug.

"Y/n! We were so worried! I'm so sorry about earlier! I never meant for you to feel used! I just thought you might be able to steer him on the right path," Albus rambled on, pulling away from the hug.

"Hey, it's fine... it's okay. Just... It's complicated right now. What I feel for Sirius and Severus is confusing and having people pushing me toward one over the other isn't helping."

"I understand, Y/n... I'm sorry. I never meant for you to feel that way... I honestly think you and Severus would be good together..."

"I know you do... it's just... complicated right now."

Albus nodded, smiling, though it didn't meet his eyes. I could still sense a look of guilt in his eyes as he locked arms with Minerva and I, walking down the corridor with us.

"So, where to?" he asked us.

"Our room. We have to get our things and head to the train," Minerva replied. Albus nodded, guiding us down the hall.

When we reached Minerva's chambers the three of us entered. She moved toward her room grabbing her trunk as I grabbed mine.

"Let's go home," Minerva said, smiling as the three of us walked down the corridor and toward the train.