Soul of Ice

37. Black Swan

It was a quiet Monday night, and Persephone was spread out on the couch in Severus' office while he sat at his desk, hunched over his work. They hadn't spoken for hours; they were just sitting, doing their own things, enjoying one another's company.

Without warning, the door flew open, and ricocheted off the wall with a BANG!

"Death Eaters!" squealed Flitwick as he rushed into the room, unaware of Persephone's presence. She shot up out of her seat and quickly pushed the door closed. "Severus - you must come quick - Death Eaters have overridden the school!"

Without a moment's hesitation, Severus leapt to his feet, withdrew his wand and stunned Flitwick. "It's time," he said hurriedly as he walked around his desk to approach the door. "You have to go."

"Severus -" Persephone began to speak, but she was cut off when he pulled her close and kissed her fiercely.

"Don't argue," he insisted. "You have to be gone before Filius wakes up."

"But Abbie -"

"I'm sorry, Sephy, you don't have time to say goodbye. You have to leave. Now ."

Tears threatened to spill from Persephone's eyes. She knew this day was coming, but she hadn't even said goodbye to her daughter.

"Okay," she acquiesced, knowing he was right. "Okay. Sev, just... just keep her safe, okay? Promise me."

Severus held her in a tight embrace, one so warm and loving she never wanted it to end. "I promise," he whispered. "I love you, Sephy. More than anything."

"I love you, too," Persephone sobbed. "I love you so much."

Behind them, Flitwick began to stir, and they knew there was no more time. Severus took a deep breath, and the anguish on his face melted into a look of steely determination. They both turned and left, Persephone into their chambers, and Severus into the corridor.

With the door closed behind her, Persephone took a moment to focus. She'd just said goodbye - possibly forever - to the love of her life, and she didn't even have a chance to see Abbie, to tell her everything she wanted to say... to say goodbye.

Mourn later, she told herself. Get out now.

She grabbed her bag from under the bed and was halfway across the room towards the fireplace when the door opened. She turned, wand at the ready, and sighed with relief when she saw Abbie.

"Mum!" Abbie exclaimed, and Persephone caught a glimpse of two girls bent over Flitwick before the door swung shut. Abbie ran towards her and flung her arms around her, holding her tight. "Mum, you have to help. There are Death Eaters - Dad's gone to fight, but -"

"I know. I know, honey." It had been mere moments before Abbie had arrived - she must have been in the corridor, not far behind Flitwick. Persephone returned the embrace, savouring her daughter's presence while she still could. "Flitwick told us. Abbie, listen to me - I have to go."

"What?"

Abbie took a step back and looked at her, confused. She was taller than Persephone now, and yet in that moment she looked like a vulnerable child.

"Severus knew this might happen. You-Know-Who - he's going to come after me if I stay. I have to hide, Abbie, I'm sorry -"

"I'll come with you," Abbie insisted. "He'll want me too - we can hide together -"

"No. No, Abbie, you need to stay here. Merlin knows I want to take you with me, keep you safe, but..." She took a deep breath. There was so much to say, and so little time. She had to focus on what Abbie really needed to know.