If a Great Wave Shall Fall (Severus Snape & Lily Evans)

Chapter Fifteen

Disclaimer: Not Jo

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Miraculously, Severus found his way back to Hogwarts after several hours of flying around, trying to find the castle that was surrounded by a few centuries worth of concealment charms and many other heavy wards. He landed less than gracefully in the Forbidden Forest, tripping over the large roots that were sticking out of the ground in the process, and began to walk back. When he crossed over into the wards, he could feel Albus and the Heads of Houses nearby; still fearing Voldemort's parting words, he veered away from them, wishing that he had some way to communicate with the headmaster.

He jogged along – sensing that the professors were gaining on him – still trying to think of a way to communicate with them. An idea came to mind; he tore his wand from its holster and started slashing Goblin language in the trees with several rounds of nonverbal Sectumsempras. Feeling confident that Albus and the others would get his message, he stopped just long enough to disillusion himself and then broke into a sprint and took off, thankful for the unknown spell on him.

He flew unnoticed through the trees and over the grounds, landing next to the nearest secret entrance, which led straight to the dungeons. He quickly rushed through it, still disillusioned, and made his way to the headmaster's office, he growled the password which was some strange Muggle candy to the gargoyle and dashed up the stairs. He was certain that Voldemort would no longer be able to tell what he was doing once he was in the office. Taking deep gulping breaths, Severus slumped down into one of the overstuffed chairs and merely sat there until he felt the five adults at the base of the stairs.

Severus slowly stood and canceled the charm that he had placed over himself, just as all five professors burst through the door, "Evening Albus," Severus said, nodding in his direction, not even appearing as he had just ran and flew all across the campus, "Professors."

"Severus," Albus said, nodding to him too, rather winded. Relief flooding through his heart, Miss Evans had come and told him that Severus had been summoned hours ago... and read him the riot's act.

"What did he want this time?" McGonagall asked as they all sat down in the armchairs, getting straight to business.

"He asked me where Bellatrix and Lucius were being held, I told him in the dungeons. He said that they had information that he needed." Severus said.

"Did he say what information?" Slughorn questioned, knowing it was more likely that the Chudley Cannons would come out on top this year than Tom saying a word on the matter to Severus.

Severus shook his head, "No, he didn't, in fact he didn't even ask for me to free them..." he trailed off, rather disturbed by that...

Albus nodded, that sounded like Tom. After a moment's silence, he asked, "Severus, might I inquire how you managed not to touch the ground for a solid three minutes?" The other professors looked rather startled at that question.

Minerva looked like she was about to ask something, but with the slightest shake of the head from Albus, she kept her mouth shut and looked to Severus for his answer; the attention shifted back to Severus.

Uncomfortable with five sets of eyes staring at him, he said softly, "I flew."

"But you didn't have a broom with you... did you?" Filius asked, trying to make sense of it.

"No, I didn't." Severus answered, and before he could tell them how he flew, Pomona spoke up.

"How did you fly then, if not on a broom?"

Growing frustrated, Severus growled, "You-Know-Bloody-Who put a spell on me." When he saw a question forming on Minerva's lips, he added, "And don't bother asking what it was, because he didn't tell me."