Trying | Hogwarts OC student

chapter 14

Moonlit Rescue

The moon hung low over the still waters of the lake, casting a silvery path across its surface. Alistair stood at the edge, the cool night air wrapping around him like a shroud. The day had been a relentless barrage of tension and frustration, and the lake offered him a fleeting escape from the turmoil of Hogwarts.

Without hesitation, Alistair began to undress, shedding his shoes, socks, robes, and sweater until he stood in just his trousers and shirt. Folding his clothes neatly, he set them down on the grass and waded into the lake, the water welcoming him with its cool embrace.

As he swam out into the middle of the lake, Alistair felt the weight of the day slip away with each stroke. The rhythmic motion of his arms and legs propelled him forward, creating ripples that mirrored the chaos within him. Yet, there was a strange sense of calm beneath the surface, a tranquility he hadn't felt in a long time.

Lost in his thoughts, Alistair didn't notice the approaching footsteps until they were almost upon him. He turned suddenly, startled to see Professor Snape standing at the water's edge, his dark cloak billowing ominously in the moonlit night.

"Montrose!" Snape's voice cut through the stillness, sharp and commanding. "What in Merlin's name are you doing?"

Alistair froze, treading water awkwardly as he struggled to find the right words. "I... I just needed... to clear my head," he managed to say, his voice betraying his uncertainty.

Snape's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable in the moonlight. "This is highly irregular and against school rules," he stated firmly, his tone brooking no argument.

Alistair felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. He knew he had broken the rules, but the peace of the lake had felt worth the risk.

Before Snape could say anything more, there was a sudden movement. Alistair gasped as he felt something brush against his leg underwater. Panic surged through him as he realized he was being pulled down, caught in the grasp of some unseen force.

Desperate, Alistair thrashed in the water, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't see what had hold of him, but he felt its grip tightening, dragging him deeper into the lake's dark depths.

Snape reacted with lightning speed. Without a moment's hesitation, he leaped into the water, his cloak swirling around him as he dove towards Alistair. His strong hands reached out, grasping Alistair's arm and pulling him upward with all the strength he could muster.

Together, they broke the surface, gasping for air as they struggled back towards the shore. Alistair coughed and sputtered, water streaming from his mouth and nose. He winced as he felt stinging on his arms and legs, realizing he had acquired a few scratches in his frantic struggle.

Snape's expression was stern as he helped Alistair onto dry land. "Are you injured?" he demanded, his voice tinged with concern despite the harshness of his words.

Alistair shook his head, his whole body trembling with adrenaline and fear. "I... I don't know what happened," he managed to say between ragged breaths. "I just felt something..."

Snape's gaze softened slightly as he regarded Alistair, his dark eyes searching. "You shouldn't be swimming in the lake at night, Montrose," he said firmly, his voice carrying a hint of relief beneath the reprimand.

Alistair nodded weakly, feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment. "I... I'm sorry, Professor. I didn't mean..."

Snape raised a hand, cutting off Alistair's apology. "Come," he said briskly. "Let's get you to the hospital wing."

With Snape's steady support, Alistair stood up and followed the professor back towards the castle. They walked in silence, Snape's imposing figure leading the way while Alistair trailed behind, still shaken from the ordeal in the lake.

Entering the castle, Snape guided Alistair through the corridors to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse, was waiting inside, her expression a mix of concern and relief when she saw them enter.

"What happened?" she exclaimed, rushing forward to examine Alistair.

"He was swimming in the lake at night," Snape explained curtly. "He needs to be checked over." And just as those words left his mouth Alistair collapsed to the ground. Immediately Snape lifted him from the ground and laid him carefully down on a bed. "What is this boy doing with his life" Madam Pomfrey exhaled with a concerned expression. "I wish i knew" Snape said while throwing himself in the chair next to the bed. 

Madam Pomfrey carefully removes his wet shirt and trouser only leaving him in his boxers. While doing so some old scars came to light. "oh this poor boy, what has happened to you" she whispered as she carefully took care of him. Without saying anything Snape just looked at his body with thousands of question running through his mind.