Harry Potter, Truth

The Storm Settles

In the early hours of the morning. 

Hogwarts, Outside Severus Snape's office.

He raised his hand, poised to knock when a hand clasped firmly on his shoulder an uninterested drawl in his ear. "Lucius?  Why isn't it early?"

"Severus," Lucius raised a brow. "You are a clever man and so I will get right to it. Surely you don't believe that Black's sight returned of its own accord?"

"So you have spoken to Draco? She doesn't recall the spell cast on her, it could very well have been temporary. Unless... you know the spell cast. Or perhaps even who cast the spell?" Snape stepped forwarda placing himself between Lucius and the door.

"You know Severus, it is rumored that the Dark Lord shall return -"

"And exceed his former glory." Snape ebony eyes pierced the silver ones before him. 

"Black and Potter. No one will stand in his way. I hope you understand what that means." He stepped forwards, voice dropping lower an almost whisper. "Choose where your loyalties lie." 

"What does Ms Black have to with the Dark Lord?" His voice stopped Lucius whose figure was moving away and fast towards the end of the corridor. 

"Regulus Black's legacy. Whether he desires vengeance or loyalty shall be revealed soon." 

Snape's mind fitted through the various meanings. He was snapped out of his thoughts when the door clicked open behind him.

"Ms Black? How do you feel?" Snape examined her slightly swaying form. 

"I'm fine." His eye narrowed and she added "A little disorientated but I'll be alright. Professor, does anyone know? About last night?"

"Your friends have earned themselves detention and an announcement to stay indoors was given but no one knows about you." His eyes fell to her lip, "And it will be best if it stays that way. You are to be and let me know if anything. Yes, anything no matter how seemingly insignificant happens." His eyes trailed over her again. "We're you just bitten there? Any spell cast?"

"No sir." 

Snape nodded mostly to himself. "It's Sunday 7 am. I'll take you to your dorm. Tell anyone who asks, you were at the hospital wing. 

Rayana nodded and Snape briefly found himself acknowledging how similar she truly did look to her father, down to the very shade of her eyes. Exactly the colour of Regulus', just like Sirius'.

The two of them walked in silence. The corridors were eerily empty, the only sound being their footsteps echoing off the stone walls.

As they approached the Gryffindor Tower, Harry and Hermione bolted from where they were stood by the window. "Rayana! Are you okay?" Hermione rushed over, her eyes scanning Rayana's bruised and exhausted form.

"I'm fine, Hermione. I tripped down the stairs and had to go to the hospital wing." Snape watched the exchange with the utmost attention.

He gave Rayana's shoulder a slight squeeze before leaving, heading straight for Dumbledore's office. He deserved some answers.

As Harry and Hermione escorted a shaky Rayana back to the Gryffindor common room, whispers and gasps followed them like a wake. It was clear from her state that she had encountered something serious, but she remained tight-lipped, not willing to burden them with her horror.

Snape's footsteps grew quicker as he approached the gargoyle that guarded the headmaster's office. "Fawkes," he murmured, watching the creature spring to life. The room beyond was lit with a soft glow from the candles, casting shadows that danced on the floor.

Inside, Dumbledore looked up from his parchments, his expression unreadable. "Ah, Severus," he said calmly. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Snape's voice was tight with anger. "Lucius Malfoy, he was death eater. There are rumors about the Dark Lord's return. Miss Black claims to have seen Lucius Malfoy in the forest last night." He didn't bother with pleasantries.

"So you still refer to him as the Dark Lord. Severus, my boy, you forget that you to were a death eater. That you were willing to give up Voldemort James and Harry Potter in exchange for Lily Evans. You see Harry and you see James Potter. You see Rayana Black and you cannot bring yourself to see past her black hair and grey eyes. You see Sirius Black, when she so clearly resembles Regulus. Why Severus is it that you who notices the smallest of changes in all demeanor cannot see beyond your past. Are you a man Severus who takes the easy way out?"

Snape paused, the words registering like a well aimed slap.

"Albus," he began, his voice low and measured. "I am not here to discuss my past. Miss Black's safety is at stake and it appears someone with malicious intent is involved."

Dumbledore's gaze softened slightly. "You care for her well-being?"

Snape's jaw clenched. "It is my duty to ensure the safety of all students, Headmaster."

"Of course," Dumbledore said, steepling his fingers. "But you are not wrong to suspect foul play. The forest has not been a place of random occurrences for quite some time."

"I'd like to question Mr. Malfoy."

"I cannot let you do that. SShould Voldemort eturn Severus you shall once more resume your place as his right hand."

Snape sneered "What good will that do? It failed to save Lily. I was never even part of his inner circle. Sirius Black betrayed them." Severus spat the name with venom.

Albus hummed "Sirius Black... he was never given a trial."

"He was the secret keeper."

Dumbledore peered at him. "And you are certain of this because..."

"You can't be suggesting Black is innocent." Snape snarled.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "And you still cannot see beyond your grudges. When will you get over it Severus? Love is a powerful thing and I believe Sirius Black loved James Potter, as a brother in all but blood. He would not have betrayed James nor Lily."

But Snape had hadn't he. Snape had loved Lily and he had lead her to her death. And now the only thing left to remember her with was bloody Harry Potter's eyes.

"I shall look into it," Dumbledore said, his tone gentle, yet firm. "But for now, let us focus on Miss Black. We must ensure she remains safe and that the necessary precautions are taken."

Snape nodded stiffly, unable to shake the feeling that he was being manipulated. He knew the headmaster was wise, but sometimes his wisdom felt more like a labyrinth of secrets and half-truths.

"Now go, Severus. I will speak with Miss Black in the evening. For now, let her rest and heal."

With one last look at the man who had once been his mentor, Snape turned and left the office, his thoughts racing. As he made his way back to the dungeons, the echoes of the past taunted him, whispering of his weakness, of his betrayal and of his weakness.

Sirius Black was not innocent, He simply could not be.

"Rayana!" Percy Weasley called into the common room.

"Percy?"

"Professor Dumbledore would like to see you in her office."

"Right now?"

Percy nodded and Rayana stood up wondering what the headmaster wanted to speak to her about.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter!

Comments and votes are always appreciated! 

I really like Sirius and Snape. But they're both quite stubborn aren't they?