What Lies Within the Shadows [SEVERUS SNAPE]

Visits-16

The night sky loomed with a strange aura as I slept, exhausted from my day's events. But my rest was far from peaceful. My mind was filled with images of snakes, slithering and hissing, surrounding me as I tossed and turned in my sleep. Voldemort's voice echoed in my ear, the constant loop of his sinister words oddly familiar, yet always unnerving. I looked at my hands, once clean, now covered in blood.

I looked around, horrified, as the bodies of my family littered the ground around me. Lily and James lay at my feet, their eyes lifeless and cold. Harry's cries echoed in my ears, a haunting reminder of the past. Voldemort's voice continued, a phrase he had often repeated while I was being tortured. The words were like nails on a chalkboard, grating and relentless.

But then, something new cut through the static of his voice. A phrase I had never heard before, clear and commanding. Two simple words: "Wake up." My eyes shot open, and I was immediately hit with a surge of pain all over my back. I sat up quickly, gasping as I felt an itch, my eyes wide as I covered my mouth to stifle a scream.

Luna was growling softly, her eyes fixed on the window. Confusion and fear coursed through me, adrenaline making my heart race. I tried to piece together what was happening, but the pain and fear were excruciatingly overwhelming.

"Hello, you," a voice suddenly spoke in my ear, the latin accent sending a shiver down my spine. My eyes widened as I turned to my right, and the lights flicked on. A man stood above me, unfazed by my fearful expression. His silver hair shimmered in the light, tan skin that looked out of place in the dim room, and a scar that ran from his left eyebrow to his cheek, adding to his mysterious appearance. He was dressed in dark clothing, blending into the shadows like he was part of them.

I groaned, quickly tossing a pillow at him. He caught it effortlessly, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Zayne, How did you get in here?" I asked, a smile curling on my lips despite the lingering fear.

"You know I love the theatrics," Zayne replied, his voice a soothing balm to the lingering panic from my nightmare. He sat beside me, and I instantly wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him close. The comfort of his presence was a stark contrast to the terror that had woken me.

"Another nightmare?" he asked, his hand gently resting on my back. I nodded, the warmth of his embrace sending shivers across my skin. His touch was familiar and calming, a much-needed anchor.

"Ay, pobrecita," he murmured, his voice gentle as he held me close and settled me onto his lap. He acted as if no time had passed since we were last together, as if we had never been apart.

I leaned against him, taking in the reassuring scent of his cologne. It was different yet somehow familiar, stirring up mixed feelings I couldn't quite place. "Was it the same as always?" he asked softly. I shook my head, my eyes closing as a tear slipped down my cheek, not from sadness but from the sheer exhaustion of the ordeal.

"Lately, they've been all about snakes," I admitted, my voice trembling as I tried to steady my breathing. I nestled my forehead against his shoulder, my eyes tightly shut.

"Snakes, huh?" Zayne's tone was contemplative as he rubbed comforting circles on my back. His presence was like a balm, easing away the remnants of my nightmare. "Is that why you needed my help so badly, baby?" I nodded, still clinging to him as if he were my lifeline.

"What time is it?" I asked, stifling a yawn.

"Five in the morning, I believe," he replied. We sat in silence for a moment, his hand continuing its soothing motion on my back. The familiarity of his touch was oddly comforting.

"I need help getting my memories back," I began, sitting up to face him. "Sevy—" I paused, catching his confused expression. "One of my coworkers and I have been studying Legilimency together. He's been trying to help me recover these memories, but it's always the same—close, and then gone. It's been a few weeks since I talked to him, but I don't want his help. I want you." I looked at Zayne with pleading eyes. "You're one of the most reliable wizards I know. Please, Zayne. Help me. Please."