Entitled

Chapter 68*

Regret

Later that night, you find yourself in Severus' chambers, feeling utterly shattered over Cedric's death. The weight of the day's events presses down on you, and you struggle to breathe, tears streaming down your face.

"I couldn't do anything," you choke out, your voice barely above a whisper. "I just watched him die."

Severus pulls you into his arms, his grip firm yet gentle. "It isn't your fault," he murmurs, his voice soothing. "There was nothing you could have done."

"I should have stopped it," you say, your breath coming in short, panicked gasps. "I should have intervened."

Severus shakes his head, holding you tighter. "If you had interfered, it could have triggered something even worse. You did what you could under the circumstances. You have to believe that."

You bury your face in his chest, your body trembling. "I feel so helpless. So powerless."

Severus strokes your hair, his touch calming. "You are far from powerless. You are one of the strongest witches I know. But even the strongest cannot control everything. You have to trust that you did what was right, even if it doesn't feel like it."

Later that night, unable to find solace, you sneak out for a walk to clear your head. The night air is crisp, and the silence of the grounds offers a small measure of peace. As you wander, you find Harry standing on an overlook with Hedwig perched on his shoulder, the owl's white feathers almost glowing in the moonlight.

"Harry," you say softly, approaching him. "I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am about Cedric. It was incredibly brave what you did today."

Harry turns to you, his face pale and drawn. "Brave?" he says, his voice filled with anguish. "I feel like a coward. I ran when Cedric... when he was killed."

You shake your head firmly. "No, Harry. That's the difference between bravery and foolishness. It's okay to run and fight another day. Cedric wouldn't want you to risk your life needlessly. He knew the risks, and so did you. But surviving, coming back to fight again—that takes real courage."

Harry looks away, his eyes filled with guilt and confusion. "I keep thinking I'm going crazy," he admits. "I keep hearing this voice whispering to me. It happened right before the trial at the Black Lake, and again today in the cemetery."

Your heart skips a beat, but you keep your expression neutral. "A voice?" you ask, trying to keep your tone light.

Harry nods. "Yeah, it's like someone was trying to talk to me, to guide me. But I can't figure out who it was or why. It feels... familiar, but I just can't place it."

You swallow hard, knowing you can't reveal the truth. "Maybe it's a sign, Harry," you say gently. "A sign that you have people watching over you, people who care about you. You're not alone in this, no matter how much it feels like it."

Harry gives you a small, grateful smile. "Thanks," he says quietly. "That means a lot."

You nod, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Remember, Harry, you have friends who care about you. Lean on them when you need to. You are going to need them because the road ahead is dark."

You smile gently. "I'll find a better solution and let you know in the morning."

Harry hesitates for a moment before asking, "Are you with Professor Snape?"

You raise an eyebrow. "Why would you think that?"

He shrugs. "Because of the ball, and you're the only person he doesn't sneer at. You seem... friendly with each other."