Mourning Dove

Chapter 2

To say that the staff room was thrown into a frenzy of chaos as Severus' Patronus glided in, its silver form shimmering in the dim light, was like saying Voldemort only had a hobby for the Dark Arts. Albus Dumbledore's heart raced with fear and disbelief as he tried to process the words. He could barely comprehend Severus's message - Harry Potter, the boy who lived and the symbol of hope for the wizarding world, was dead. The sudden realization hit him like a physical blow.

Minerva's thick Scottish brogue cut through his thoughts as she berated him for ever thinking Harry would be safe with the Dursleys. But Albus could not focus on her words, his mind reeling with the news of Harry's demise.

With a trembling hand, Albus raised it to silence Minerva and address the rest of the staff. "We must not jump to conclusions. There may be more to this situation than we know. I suggest that we alert the Order immediately and send Kingsley and Moody to investigate the Dursleys' home. I will go down to Severus and assist with Harry, who is likely disoriented and confused. The rest of the staff should keep a watchful eye on the students and divert anyone attempting to reach the dungeons until we have more information. This meeting is adjourned. "

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on everyone's hearts as they dispersed, their thoughts consumed with worry for young Harry and what this devastating turn of events could mean for their world. Minerva was still cursing under her breath as she made her way to alert the order for the first time since Voldemort's defeat.

Albus quickly made his way down to Severus, his mind already spinning with thoughts of how Neville must be the one destined to defeat Voldemort. He couldn't believe he had been wrong about Harry all this time, but perhaps Harry's death was a clear sign that they needed to shift their focus to the other possible young prophecy child. After all, this situation could have been much worse if Harry had died after arriving at Hogwarts.

Albus found Severus in no time, following the lingering energy left behind by the formation of a new ghost. Severus was sitting on the cold, hard stone floor, an unusual sight for someone who always carried himself with such dignity. But what was even more surprising was the gentle and soothing tone in which Severus was speaking to the small, ghostly child floating in the middle of the hallway. Albus didn't want to believe it, but he knew deep down that it was indeed Harry Potter - even in death, his wild and untamable Potter hair gave him away.

"Severus, I-" Albus began before being abruptly silenced by a wandless and wordless silencing charm from Severus.

The small child jumped in fear at Dumbledore's sudden appearance in the hallway with them, but Severus quickly stepped in, "Hush now, child. Everything will be alright," Severus whispered soothingly to the small, ghostly figure. "That's just the nosy headmaster who should know better than to interrupt us. He won't harm you, I swear on my life. Okay?"

The child's fearful eyes turned to Severus, seeking comfort and safety. But then Harry nodded nervously, inching closer to Severus for protection. Albus couldn't help feeling both offended and amazed by Severus' unwavering protectiveness towards the ghost child.

"Now, dear child, I am going to summon some friends here who can help you with your new form and new life as a ghost. I know it may be scary, but I need you to trust me," Severus said as he slowly pulled out his wand. The boy's wary eyes followed his every move, but at least he did not flinch away this time.

Severus summoned his Patronus once again, and Harry's eyes widened in awe at the sight of the graceful doe. The boy's fingers twitched in a way that Severus recognized causing a small smile to appear on Severus' lips.

"You can pet her if you'd like, Harry. You won't get in trouble," he reassured gently.

Harry's eyes flickered with uncertainty as he hesitantly extended a hand out to pet the ethereal doe, but the soothing presence of the doe patronus and its gentle nuzzles slowly eased the fear on the boy's face, causing a small cautious smile to appear. The glowing creature seemed to hum softly under his touch, its warm light radiating through his fingers in an otherworldly glow.