Isobel ━ SEVERUS SNAPE

5. Heartfelt apologies

1994 June 10, Hogwarts
"Are you certain, Remus?" she asked, her eyes searching his face for any hint of doubt or hesitation.

"Absolutely," he replied, his tone firm and resolute, though a glimmer of disappointment flickered in his eyes. He knew, deep down, that he was not entirely sure about this course of action, but it seemed he had no other choice. "Dumbledore has already made too many sacrifices on my behalf by allowing me to remain here. But... as for that moment yesterday... you -."

"Please, Remus," she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper, "I've already told you it was nothing."

"But it's not convincing," he countered, his eyes burning with an intensity that made her shudder. "You took a vow to him, didn't you?"

"I did," she said, hesitating for a moment, but saying it nonetheless, with her voice hollow, as if confessing a sin.

"Just...be careful, please," he said, his words almost a benediction.

As they stood in the quiet solitude of the school's courtyard, the weight of the moment hung heavy between them. Remus was readying himself to depart, leaving behind the comfort and familiarity of his position within the school's walls to face an uncertain future. Isobel felt the weight of responsibility pressing down upon her, a heavy burden born from the knowledge that she had played a role in the events that led to his resignation.

A pang of guilt twisted in her heart as she watched him prepare to leave, his belongings packed and slung over his shoulder. She knew how much his position within the school meant to him, how it had brought him solace and stability amidst a life of constant upheaval.

The emotion in her ebony eyes did not go unnoticed, and he knew all too well the weight of guilt and self-blame that could accompany such intense feelings. "Do not dare to lay the blame at your own feet, Isobel," he spoke firmly, his voice tinged with a protective edge.

He reached out a hand to gently touch her arm, a silent gesture of support and reassurance. The tenderness of his touch sent a shiver through her, and she felt a deep sense of gratitude wash over her.

"Remus," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "I know I played a part in what happened. I should have known better, should have acted differently."

He shook his head, a flicker of frustration crossing his features. "No, Isobel. You did what you thought was right, and you cannot be faulted for that. It was an impossible situation, and we all did what we thought was best."

She felt a small measure of comfort in his words, but the guilt still lingered, heavy in her chest. "But you had to resign from your post because of it. You lost something important to you."

He sighed heavily, his eyes filled with a mix of resignation and acceptance. "I may have lost something, but I gained so much more. I gained clarity and the knowledge that my true friends are the ones who will stand by me no matter what. And that is worth more than any position or title."

His words resonated with her, and she felt a small glimmer of hope begin to bloom in her heart. "Thank you, Remus," she whispered, a small smile gracing her lips. "For everything."

He smiled back at her, the warmth of his expression filling her with a sense of peace.

Then, Remus bid his farewell with a heavy heart, knowing that he had to leave and continue his fight elsewhere. Isobel stood there, watching his receding figure with a mixture of sadness and gratitude. She knew that they were fighting for the same cause and that their paths would inevitably cross again.

As for him, Remus walked with a heavy heart across the ancient Hogwarts bridge, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the stillness of the midday. The wooden planks creaked beneath his feet as he made his way towards the other side. He could feel Isobel's eyes on his back, watching him go. As he reached the end of the bridge, Remus paused for a moment, taking in the view of the castle and the surrounding landscape. Without a backward glance, Remus raised his wand and with a quick flick, he disapparated, disappearing in a swirl of blue light.