Severus Snape - Refuge

Chapter 5 - Sacrifice

Severus stood just inside the door. The interior of the hovel was dimly lit, but the figure that stood in front of him was not hidden in shadow, and his features were clearly visible.

The wizard was impressive in size, being both taller and broader than Severus himself. He had long, wavy, honey red hair. His expression was stern, but with a glint of humor in his blazing green eyes. It was a face that commanded admiration and unfailing loyalty. The phrase, "A face that launched a thousand ships," crossed Severus's mind, as surely this man possessed an air of confidence that oozed from his aura.

That would have been enough in itself to give Severus pause, but that was not all. The uncanny resemblance to Godric Griffindor was impossible to miss.

From the beginning of his time as a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Severus had been fascinated by the portraits that adorned its great halls. There was no portrait of Godric Gryffindor, or any of the founders for that matter, and Severus had wondered as to why the great founders of Hogwarts did not accompany the others in portraits within its walls.

Severus did, however, have a book in his library at Spinner's End that included an artist's rendition of each of the founders. It was the oldest book in his possession, and although its pages were brittle and its binding was fragile, he treasured it for its historical interest. If this wizard was an heir of Gryffindor, it was possible he had inherited his physical traits along with his magical abilities.

Severus hurriedly set his mind to work on all of the possibilities as he nonchalantly took another step into the room. Whatever mystery this wizard held, Severus could not yet guess, and he did not want to want to give the appearance of recognition.

The wizard took a step forward as well, closing the distance between them to within arm's reach. Severus was at a loss as to what to say, and decided to be patient a moment longer, hoping either something would come to mind, or that the wizard would speak first.

After a long, uncomfortable moment of silence, the wizard spoke, "Professor Snape, I have been expecting your arrival. Welcome. Please, join me by the fire for a drink if you will."

The wizard's voice cracked only slightly at first, as if he was unused to speaking out loud for some time. Then, as his voice smoothed out, it was deep and resonate. Not as deep as Severus's voice, but as with Severus's, this man did not need to speak loudly to hear the power in his deep, baritone vocals.

Severus looked around the small, low room. There was a fireplace to one side, flanked by two large upholstered chairs, as if the wizard placed them expecting company, or was accustomed to having company. Severus mulled over that as he moved to sit in the chair that looked less worn, assuming the other was for its owner.

Severus watched as the wizard leisurely prepared their drinks before coming over to hand Severus a goblet of clear liquor. He waited until the wizard sat, and they raised their drinks in unison, their eyes locking with equal intentness.

"It is natural to die as to be born..." the wizard said, raising a brow before taking a drink.

"Saving a life is a sacrifice of love," Severus offered in reply, recognizing the well known quote and perhaps the wizard's purpose in quoting it.

"A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time," the wizard countered in quote, and Severus suspected now that he was in negotiations with the wizard for Sirana's life. He remembered a time when he and Sirana first met... their first war of words... first of many, as he found they each enjoyed the game of jousting words. He would have perhaps enjoyed jousting with the wizard now... if the stakes weren't so high.

"I have been to death's door, and would willingly step through for her to live," Severus said, his voice dropping low.

"Death will come for every living thing, no one can cheat death," the wizard said leaning forward in his chair.

It was almost said as a question, and Severus paused a moment before continuing. "But if you must cheat, cheat death," Severus said, using a quote in turn. He had himself cheated death. Lily's unselfish gift had stripped death of its prize, and even now, he would trade his own life for hers if it was in his power.

"Sacrifice of love," the wizard said, repeating Severus's own words.  He looked down to Severus's untouched drink, then back up to meet his eyes.

Severus looked into his goblet. Perhaps it was a test. Perhaps it was a trick. Or perhaps it was a trade. One life for another. If it was a either and death followed, he wouldn't know, but he was willing to take the chance. He raised his goblet and drank.

Citations

Francis Bacon Quotes. (n.d.). BrainyQuote.com. Retrieved December 30, 2021, from BrainyQuote.com Web site: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/francis_bacon_149831

Mark Twain Quotes. (n.d.). BrainyQuote.com. Retrieved December 30, 2021, from BrainyQuote.com Web site: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/mark_twain_104444