The Infatuations And Disenchantments of Loving A Snake (Severus Snape)

35 | Whispers In The Streets

Severus was having an exceptionally taxing time this school year. Not only did he have to deal with many more occupants at Hogwarts due to the Tri Wizard Tournament, but Harry Potter somehow managed to get his name pulled. The one child he had to protect, now in possible life threatening danger. If I could not protect my own child from a freak accident, then how am I supposed to possibly help Potter during the games? He often thought as he sat silently in the darkness of his rooms. The only source of light being the fire crackling a few feet in front of his leather chair, creating a dim glow on his face.

He missed Anastasia. He had grown accustomed to having her with him every day and night. The soft sent of vanilla and lavender filling his nose as he held her close. Vanilla and lavender he thought to himself. Never would he have considered the two pairing so perfectly until he smelt it on her. It was her signature sent. A sent that he could never get tired of.

He had tried visiting her every weekend, however, with everything going on, that had turned into every other and sometimes every three weekends.

Especially, now that there has been talk... whispered words between twisted and dark wizards in the dim and grimy parts of Knockturn Alley. These whispered words turned into hushed rumors told amongst the followers of The Dark Lord - Death Eaters.

Voldemort would be returning by the end of spring.

Severus prayed that this was only a rumor, however, he was not as naive to believe that was the case. He knew there was only a matter of time. Soon he would have to continue his life as a double agent. He was afraid what that might mean for his relationship with Anastasia. Neither of them wanted anything to change... well, aside from being apart for the majority of the time, that they would happily change.

Not only did he have to worry about Ana's safety being involved with him, but now also, Harry and Draco's as well... Narcissa had owled him when the rumors first started circling. Her letter was cryptic, and obscure in such a way that one someone on the dark lords side could understand.
She wanted Draco prepared for what may unfold. Neither Lucius or Narcissa could do this as the boy was at Hogwarts and they did not want to risk owling him and their letters falling into the wrong hands. So, naturally, they had Severus inform the child on their behalf.

Nevertheless, Severus began to teach the boy defensive spells to get him ready for what may come. Draco was afraid. Even though he hid it well,  Severus knew he was. This was not only a distraction for Severus but also a chance to try to save another child from the Dark Lord and his followers. Maybe Draco, despite his parents being who they are, would have a chance at a simpler life. But he wasn't going to hold his breath.

Draco appreciated the extra lessons more than he would have liked to admit. It was refreshing to know someone cared more about his safety than pleasing a dark wizard.

Severus had kept himself busy and when he would have the chance to return to Rye with Anastasia, he finally felt at ease.

She was the light and he the moth.

That's the only way he could describe it. He was drawn to her, even when he had hated her. She was meant to be his, which made it all that much harder to keep secrets from her. He knew she had been through so much, and telling her about the rumors might be her breaking point. He knew, at some point she would find out, but  he wanted to stay this way a little bit longer. Staying in the peace of the cottage with her, no worries in the world, just the two of them and their quiet little life they had built... it was perfect.

He was glad to see her doing so much better. She no longer cried at the thought of what could have been, and her smile was back. Her laugh... oh how he loved the sound of her laugh, it was free and was not forced or strained. She would tell him all about her days and the latest gossip in the neighborhood and the Weasley's neighborhood too, as she was at the burrow so much it was as if she lived there. He listed to every word she said and would chime in his commentary here and there.