It Rains

Doubt

"Sev! Severus, for fuck's sake, stop!".

The man stopped in the middle of the hallway, turning his fathomless eyes on Laurel.

She was breathing hard, her voice cracking, her pale face contorted with a rueful expression.

"Please, let's go back. Ron needs your help. No one better than you to concoct an antidote".

"The boy will survive." —The wizard's cold voice sent a chill down her spine. —"A poison obtained from the potions class pantry can be easily reversed with a bezoar.

Snape narrowed his eyes, studying the woman.

"But you already know that" — he continued, suspiciously. — "Why do you want to go back there?"

Her chin quivered, her hands grasping her stained robes nervously.

"They think I did. They think I am wicked enough to murder someone. Harry thinks..."

"Don't!"— Severus grabbed her by her arm, cornering her against the wall, his teeth baring in anger. — "Don't you dare feel any sort of commiseration for that sod".

Laurel pinched her lips together, her eyes widening at the sudden movement, at the unexpected intensity of Severus' rage.

"I can't" — she whispered. — "I have a heart".

"And you think I don't? You think I can let him slander you without doing anything? He raised his wand against you, against me! I'm sick of him."

"Maybe you should talk with him. He's in pain. You both have a lot in common. You both lost..."

Severus' face paled, his nostrils flaring. He moved closer to Laurel, the grasp on her arm tightened.

"I forbid you mention..."

"You forbid me?" — A dangerous light flickered in her eyes; a sudden rush of ferocity made her body tremble. — "Let go of my arm, Severus."

He snapped out of it, releasing her.

"I'm..."

"Sorry?" — she spat coldly. — "I am getting tired to hear that".

A great weight fell down Severus' stomach. History was repeating itself. He was hurting her, just as his father had hurt his mother, just as he had hurt Lily.

He saw himself standing in front of the Fat Lady portrait, staring at the contemptuous look in Lily's green eyes.

"You remind me of her". — He said unwittingly. — "I want no harm coming your way".

"I am not her! I am not Lily!" —Laurel's voice was a mixture of indignation and sudden realisation. — "Can't you see me for who I am? Am I merely a cheap replacement, Severus?"

"You are not, Laurel. I don't want you to be." — His big hands cupped her face, apologetic. — "Today was close, so close, you could have been the one who drank from that glass. A poison is a poison, whether wizard, Muggle or Akardos alike. From now on I want you to carry this".

He searched for something attached to his belt, hidden under his frock coat. He handled her a tiny satchel.

"Keep it on you. It may save you. Bezoars, antidotes, basic ingredients to prepare remedies..."

"Like a first aid kit?"

"So to speak". — He let out a relief sigh thinking Laurel's temper subsided. — "It is getting dangerous, even in the school. I would never forgive myself if..."