Perhaps Another Time, Severus [A Severus Snape Fanfiction]

1995

1995

The students were packed on and around several platforms that rose over the Black Lake, awaiting the start of the challenge. The champions were to retrieve their treasures from the bottom of the frigid water while also avoiding the creatures that lurked there. Shaylah stood on the edge of the water with Nate and Carrie, her robes wrapped tightly around her. From here they could see everything. A shot rang out and the champions dove into the depths, and as their toes disappeared beneath the waves, Nate leaned in and whispered, "The Weasley twins were taking bets, I bet on Diggory to win."

"I bet on Krum," Carrie added.

Shaylah gave them both a disgusted look. "Where are they? My money's on Potter."

The crowd was full of murmurs as they waited for the champions to reemerge, the frigid wind nipping at their noses. A Gryffindor boy named Neville was nervously pacing behind the crowd, muttering under his breath. She couldn't make out what he was saying except for the word 'Potter.' A loud gasp rippled through the crowd as Fleur returned to the surface, her hands empty, her treasure unretrieved.

"Glad I didn't bet on her," Carrie muttered.

The crowd continued to wait, the suspense growing heavier as the water remained calm. Cedric Diggory emerged next, Cho Chang treading water next to him. The crowd thundered with applause, the rickety stands shaking under the excitement. Shaylah noticed Moody pacing on one of the platforms, his pocket watch clutched tightly in his hand. Severus stood watching him, arms crossed over his chest, his dark eyes examining the man's mannerisms.

Nate clapped louder than anyone and grabbed Shaylah by the shoulders, shaking her. "I knew Diggory would do it!"

Krum was next to surface, Hermione Granger the treasure he had pulled from the lake. An overwhelming cheer pierced Shaylah's ears as the crowd praised him. Moody continued to pace as the hour the champions were allotted grew to a close. The seconds ticked down with everyone staring as Viktor's ripples dissipated, but Harry didn't break the surface. The crowd became quiet as the clock chimed, drawing the challenge to an end.

As a heavy silence fell over the waiting crowd, two bodies emerged and applause broke out but it was quickly stifled. Neither of them were Harry. Ron Weasley and Fleur's sister were helped onto the lowest platform and the suspense squeezed the lungs of the spectators. Shaylah felt Severus' eyes on her and she shook her head faintly, unwilling to break her gaze from the water. He returned to watching Moody who now watched the water's still surface with an almost satisfied expression.

Then something similar to a giant fish leapt from the water and landed on the platform near Dumbledore. The crowd broke into celebration, the cheers deafening. Shaylah found herself jumping up and down, her hands a frenzied blur as she applauded. Harry was soon lost in the sea of bodies that rushed to congratulate him. An announcement was soon made that Harry received first place in the task because of his bravery and another uproar ensued.

Nate was cursing under his breath as the three made their way back toward the castle. Shaylah gave him a playful jab as she told him that she would bet on Potter in the next round. The colors of twilight had begun to fall, bathing the skyline in a soft rainbow of purple and pink. Shaylah stopped for a moment to appreciate the splendor of it, waving her friends ahead.

The icy wind swept around her as the last few stragglers from the crowd entered the massive doors and made their way to the Great Hall for dinner. Shaylah recalled the times she and Severus had watched the sunset and then laid out for hours pointing out the planets and constellations. Those times were few with the lives they led, so they were all the more meaningful.

Drawing in a deep breath, the cold air turning to ice in her lungs, she made her way into the hall but was abruptly stopped by a thick finger to the chest. "I need a word with you, Miss Epans," spat Moody.