Let Me Hear You

[ Inductions ]

I stood between Severus and Albus just outside the school grounds. It is Boxing Day, and it is incredibly cold. I made sure to stand right next to Severus, close enough so that our hands could brush against each other. I had long stopped caring what Albus thought about the closeness between Severus and me. If his feelings towards our connection were any indication, he didn't seem to mind. His acceptance baffled me, but I was too relieved to question him.

He seemed, if nothing else, happy. The way his eyes twinkled when we sat in front of him on Christmas Eve spoke volumes. He wasn't happy for me, though. He felt genuine remorse for the position that I am in. Not because Severus and I are bonded, but because yet another one of his students' lives is in danger. His fear for my safety is in constant battle with his feeling of relief for Severus. It was him who he was happy for.

"The Weasleys have wards up around their home, and they will be alerted when we arrive. I will remain hidden in the forest until you are done." Severus slipped his pinkie into mine, and I tried not to blush. Whether Albus saw our small exchange or not, he didn't comment. "Let's go." I tried to sound as confident as possible. Both Severus and Albus held out their arms at the same time. I giggled softly, grasped hold of both their arms, and we disapparated.

I swayed and stumbled as we landed on a dark, dirt path. Severus clutched my arm to steady me, and I took a few deep breaths. Disapparating is never fun, no matter how many times you do it. When he was sure I wasn't going to vomit, he released my arm and took a small step back. "I will see you soon." He nodded and slipped into the dark forest to our left. "I will remain close enough to hear you, should you need me." He added.

"Thank you." I blushed slightly and turned my attention to the road leading to a strange looking house. It was taller than it was wide, with each floor protruding out every which way. We apparated a fair distance from the Weasleys home, so Albus and I strolled at a leisurely pace. He doesn't appear to be in any rush, but I knew it was because he had something to say to me before we arrived.

"You seem quite close." He hummed. I hesitated for a moment. I knew he was accepting, but he also doesn't know how close we actually are. "As close as one could get to Severus Snape, I suppose." I smirked when he chuckled lightly. "Yes, he can be rather obtuse." His hands were clasped behind his back in true Dumbledore fashion. He had more to say, and I fought hard not to roll my eyes.

"Spit it out, Albus." I said it playfully but firmly. I had no issues being curt with him, seeing as I was risking my life on his orders. "You two are very similar." He laughed. "I suspect you are closer than you have let on." My heart started to thump in my chest. It didn't feel like an accusation, but I felt no less guilty. "While I would prefer it to be any other way, I do understand. From what I know of bonded souls, it is near impossible to show restraint, regardless of how they are bonded. And as we know, you already physically cannot be apart."

I bit my cheeks as he spoke; his words were as relieving as they were unnerving. "I think he would prefer to have it any other way, too." I admitted. I frowned when he laughed again. "I don't believe that, and I doubt you do, either." I glanced at him and smirked when I saw the grin on his lips. "You think you're so wise." I scoffed.

When we approached the porch of the apparent six-story home, a woman greeted us. "Albus! Quickly, come inside; it is freezing!" She wore an apron that was covered in splatters of food and had curly, red hair that sat just atop her shoulders. Definitely a Weasley. "Good evening, Molly." He nodded politely as we stepped through the hallway. "You must be Hazel, dear." She beamed at me. "Very pretty. Definitely George's type."

I suppressed a giggle and extended my hand for her to shake. "Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Weasley. Thank you for having me." She ignored my hand and wrapped her arms around me tightly. I couldn't help but smile. Though she is shorter and a little more plump, she reminds me of my mother. "And please, call me Molly, dear." She squeezed my arms lightly and ushered Albus and me into the living room.