Finders Keepers | Severus Snape [Book Two]

Chapter Thirteen | Unforgivable

7 'o clock... In the morning...? 

This man wakes earlier than my mother before she started drinking. On a goddamn Saturday, no less. But, I woke up early, doubt the sun was even up yet, but we did sleep in a dungeon, so how would I really know? I took a quick shower and rummaged through my things quietly so I wouldn't wake Viola or Gwen. Gwen did tell me that the Great Hall wouldn't serve breakfast till 8 o' clock, but suggest I run to the kitchens that was underneath the Great Hall and to just find the fruit bowl portrait and... Tickle the pear.

I threw on some loose jeans, a white crop top, and threw on my favorite black cloak. I braided the side of my hair and pulled it into a high ponytail. I did a quick 5 min make up routine before slipping on my boots, clipped in my necklace, and headed out the door. I walked briskly to the lower halls and found myself in a hall filled with food theme portraits. I looked around to find a large portrait of a decorated fruit bowl. I stared at the pear that shimmied in the fruit bowl.

"How...?" I questioned myself, wondering if I should pull out my wand, but cautiously held out my hands and wiggled my fingers against the portrait until the pear started giggling uncontrollably. I retreated my hands as the pear turned into a doorknob and I grasped it, pulling open the portrait.

I walked inside, mouth gaped as I awed the size of the kitchen. The kitchen had high ceilings, pots and pans whizzing through, landing on the multiple rows of stoves, house elves apparating in and out of places, cooking and cleaning as they go. As I walked in deeper towards the counters, a house elf apparated right in front of me, throwing me back in shock.

"Miss?" he questioned, "What on Earth are you doing in here?"

"Oh, Um," I stuttered, "I have to be somewhere very early in the day and wanted to just grab a few things before I go--"

"Quill is very sorry, Miss, but he cannot let you be in here. You need to wait in the Great Hall like everyone else."

"That's the thing," I replied, "I won't be able to eat in the Great Hall and I don't really know how long I'll be out--" Suddenly, another crack and Kettle popped out of nowhere in front of us which made me yelp in surprise.

"Miss Olly!" Kettle boomed in excitement, "What brings you in the kitchens, m'lady?" She then faced the house elf named Quill and said to him, "It's quite alright, Quill, I know this student. She's a close friend of mine!" Quill nodded and disapparated.

"Hi," I said surprised, "Kettle! I'm sorry, I just wanted to grab something to eat before I have to head out--"

Kettle then cut me off, grabbing my hand and pulling me to one of the wooden tables, "Oh yes, m'lady, let Kettle help you! I'll find you the most amazing food to take with you!" As she pulled me to one of the tables, she disapparated. I looked around to see where she went off to, but then she apparated back with a plate of quiches and poof! She was gone again. She appeared again to drop off another item and did this repeatedly until the table was full of different foods, fruits, vegetables, and a corked canister.

"I can't take all of this, Kettle," I sighed and Kettle nodded.

"What would you like to take, then?" She was so eager to help.

"I suppose..." I said and started to point out what I wanted. I ended up doubling on everything I asked of though, hoping whatever Severus had planned, there was room for a picnic. As I watched Kettle wrap each food I picked in linens, tying them up and storing them in a lunch sack, I leaned my arms against the table, resting my head on my palm.

"So," I said slowly, "How've you been?"

"I have been doing so well, Miss Olly! I've been working in the kitchens which have been so lovely! And since you've saved me from--"