The Shadow of exile

Chapitre 1: A new life in Gotham

Rain poured in torrents over the dark, winding streets of Gotham, each drop resonating like a desperate whisper, a mournful echo of a life left behind. Severina Snape stood in the shadow of an old building, soaked to the bone, as lightning ripped through the sky above her, illuminating the city's jagged edges. Gotham was a world far removed from what she had known, its towering shadows casting long, menacing figures that seemed to taunt her. She had fled the UK, escaping a life filled with betrayal and suffering, in search of a place where she could finally hide.

It had all begun shortly after she revealed Voldemort's secrets. The memory still clung to her like a damp shroud. "You can't be serious!" James had yelled, betrayal written all over his face, as she stood in the Great Hall, her heart racing. "You're a traitor!" The words echoed in her mind, a refrain of judgment that refused to fade. Wizards, torn between loyalty and survival, began to see her as a threat, a traitor to be hunted down. And Dumbledore, the one she had considered a mentor, had done nothing to help her. So, she made the fateful decision to leave everything she had known behind, to venture into the unknown.

In the days that followed her escape, Severina found herself wandering the misty roads of England, the cold biting through her robes like a cruel reminder of her solitude. She recalled the whispers of her fellow students, their judgment echoing in her ears as she slipped through the veil of the Atlantic, weaving through ports where shadows seemed to have ears. Her magic, once perceived as a blessing, had become a curse, drawing curious eyes and suspicion. "Keep your head down, Severina," she murmured to herself, hiding behind concealment charms, blending into the crowd until she reached Gotham.

The city welcomed her with a mixture of warmth and coldness, an atmosphere vibrant with energy and danger. She wandered its streets for weeks, sleeping in homeless shelters and using her magical skills to procure food, the guilt of petty theft gnawing at her conscience. Her life was marked by survival; she often felt like a ghost, haunting the alleyways and side streets, avoiding the shadows of crime and violence. The nights were the hardest, the sounds of sirens and the cries of the innocent haunting her dreams, mingling with the laughter of her former friends, now distant echoes.

Months passed, and with them, solitude became her only companion. Severina learned to distrust others, hiding behind a mask of indifference. "It's better this way," she told herself, clenching her fists as she walked past the flickering neon lights, each step heavier than the last. But life in Gotham was exhausting, and she often felt on the edge of a precipice. Desperately searching for meaning, a reason to continue, her thoughts always returned to her friends from Hogwarts, to the loyalty and camaraderie she had once known, which now seemed impossible to reclaim.

One rainy afternoon, as she wandered through Gotham's district, she stumbled upon a small café. The scent of fresh coffee and pastries wafting from the oven drew her in like a moth to a flame, wrapping around her like a warm embrace. She entered, mingling with the patrons, the soft chatter and clinking of cups providing a comforting backdrop. "Just a moment of peace," she whispered to herself, quietly sitting in a corner, her heart yearning for a sense of belonging. She observed the faces around her, each lost in their thoughts, and a wave of nostalgia washed over her. She found herself thinking about what she had left behind, the laughter, the friendship, but deep down, she knew she could never go back.

Then she noticed a group of people in the corner whose behavior piqued her interest. Among them was a young man in a black suit, standing tall and speaking passionately to a group of teenagers, captivating their attention. "We can change this city, one step at a time," he declared, his voice ringing with conviction. He was charismatic, confident, and something in his gaze resonated within her. She realized he was one of the Wayne family, an influential family in Gotham, and her heart raced at the thought of being near them.

Intrigued, she began to follow them discreetly, observing their interactions from a distance. She learned they were involved in charitable works, helping the city's underprivileged youth. "Maybe I can find my purpose here," she mused, feeling a flicker of hope. Inspired, Severina decided to contribute in her own way. She offered her services to clean the little café where she had found refuge, using her talents to make the place welcoming. The owner, a woman with a generous heart and a knowing smile, accepted her without hesitation. "Everyone deserves a second chance," she said, squeezing Severina's shoulder. Severina flourished in this role, discovering the joy of serving others, of giving back what she had long missed.

Months went by, and her reputation grew. She became a familiar figure in the neighborhood, respected for her dedication and hard work. Customers came not only for the coffee but also for the warmth she brought to the place. Gradually, she began to forge connections with regular customers, including the Waynes, who often visited the café after their charity missions. "I admire what you do for this community," Bruce Wayne said one day, his eyes scanning her face for something deeper. She could only nod, feeling the warmth of his gaze settle on her like a comforting blanket.

When Alfred, the family's butler, noticed her, he was impressed by her work ethic and her ability to bring joy to others, even in a bleak place like Gotham. "You have a rare gift, Miss Snape," he remarked, his voice rich with experience. He offered her a temporary job to help organize charitable events. Severina, finally feeling useful, accepted gratefully, seeing it as a chance to integrate further into the community.

Her bond with the Wayne family deepened over the months. Bruce, Damian, and the others took her under their wing, offering silent yet palpable support. They viewed her as more than just an employee; she had become an ally in their quest to change Gotham. For the first time in years, Severina felt a genuine connection, a semblance of family that she had long yearned for.

Yet, the shadow of her past never fully vanished. Nightmares continued to haunt her, the faces of those she had lost blending with those of her new friends. "Why did you leave us?" a voice would whisper in the darkness, and she would wake in a cold sweat, the truth weighing heavily on her chest. But with each new day, she rose with the hope that perhaps, just perhaps, she had found her place in this tumultuous world. At 24, she was ready to embrace her role, to fight for those she now considered family.

Ultimately, when the Wayne family hired her as a maid, it was more than just a job. It was an act of trust, an acceptance of her past while offering her a future. Severina, with her magic and her story, was now bound to them by an invisible thread of loyalty and love, a thread she would never break.