"I'm sorry I couldn't be more for you," Snape whispered, his grip tightening on her hand.
Alvira's tears fell freely. "You were everything... everything I needed."
He gave a bitter smile, though his eyes held nothing but sorrow. "Not enough."
His vo...
Content Warning: This story contains themes of violence and emotional abuse.
My head pounded as I woke, sunlight streaming through the window. It took a moment to piece together last night—Ron and I dancing, being pulled back to Hogwarts, and, of course, the terrible fight we'd had. Guilt gnawed at me, so I resolved to sneak into the Great Hall later, hoping a long shower would clear my mind. Once I felt somewhat alive, I stumbled toward the Great Hall, my legs still shaky beneath me.
"There you are! I've been looking for you. We were worried," Ron said, his voice full of concern.
"Ron, please, I'm not feeling well. Can you speak more quietly?"I pleaded, my head throbbing.
"Oh, sorry! I just wanted to know where you went last night. You vanished."
"Yeah, I'm sorry," I muttered, wincing as another wave of pain hit my head. "I didn't feel good, so I went to bed."
He raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical, but before he could press me, he nodded. "I won't disturb you. Enjoy your breakfast, and if you need anything, I'm here." He smiled as he walked away to join Harry. I made my way to the Great Hall, grabbing a cup of black coffee and a plain toast. I couldn't risk upsetting my stomach further. As the coffee jolted me awake, I felt a pair of dark eyes on me. I glanced up, only to quickly look away, my heart racing. He still looked angry and disgusted, and I wasn't ready to confront the fallout from our last conversation. Turning to leave, a voice stopped me.
"Miss Blackwell. Lovely to see you. Your parents asked for your presence today. They said it's urgent, so you can floo back home from my office."
"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore," I replied, trying to mask my anxiety.
"Follow me, please."
His office was filled with secrets hidden in every corner, and I wondered if he knew about my troubles. "Lemon drop, Miss Blackwell? Flooing can upset the stomach," he offered, his eyes twinkling.
"Yes, thank you, sir." I took one, appreciating the small comfort it provided.
Once I entered the Floo Network, everything spun wildly. Time lost meaning until the familiar scent of candles welcomed me home.
"Alvira, good to see you're finally here." My mother's voice lacked any warmth.
"Mother, I heard it's urgent. Is everything okay?"
"The only thing that's not okay is you. You look terrible," she remarked, her tone cutting.
"Yes, I'm still getting used to the Floo Network," I replied.
"We don't have time for excuses. You need to get ready." She pointed to my room. "A dress is prepared, and the house-elves are waiting to make you look presentable."
"Yes, Mother, and what for if I might ask?" I replied as kindly as I could.
"Your introduction into society. You turned 18 yesterday, after all."
While that might sound exciting to many, I knew the society my parents belonged to.
In my room, a stunning dress awaited me, and Elly, one of our house-elves, greeted me cheerfully.
"Miss Blackwell, Elly will help you get ready," she said.
"Thank you, Elly. I'm sure I'll look wonderful with your help."
As Elly finished, I caught my reflection in the mirror. I barely recognized the polished version of myself, my hair neatly pinned and a conservative yet flattering dress that wouldn't scare off potential suitors.
Descending the stairs, I heard the same conversations about politics and power echoing in the air. Everyone looked alike, draped in dark colors, their expressions weary and hollow. Here and there, a few stood out as Death Eaters, their malice evident.
"My beautiful daughter, Alvira!" my father announced proudly.
I greeted the guests with a curt nod, the weight of their expectations heavy on my shoulders.
"As she turned 18 yesterday, it's time for her to find her place in society. To a bright future, Alvira!" My father raised his glass, and the others clinked theirs in agreement, except for one—a certain Potions Master who fixed me with a piercing gaze, his expression unreadable. The evening dragged on, the same banal conversations wearing me down. My job was merely to listen and nod, to accept whatever was thrown at me.
"What a smart daughter you have, Acheron," a man named Barnabas Cuffe remarked as I offered him a kind smile. As the night wore on, guests began to leave, and my father approached Snape.
"I hope you enjoyed the evening, Severus."
"It's always a pleasure to meet old friends," Snape replied, his tone flat.
"It's always a pleasure to have you here." My father replied. „ I would like a report on Alvira's life at Hogwarts," my father said after a few seconds of silence, his gaze sharp. As they retreated to his office, my mother called for me. "Alvira, your father wants to see you in his office."
Panic surged through me. I opened the door to find my father and Snape seated, both nursing glasses of Firewhisky.
"Alvira, come in. Professor Snape has just informed me about your time at Hogwarts," my father said, his voice cold and accusatory. I remained silent, dread pooling in my stomach.
"He mentioned you prefer drinking with your friends over studying. Is that true?"
I held my breath, unable to respond.
"I ASKED YOU SOMETHING!" He slammed his glass down, causing the flames to flicker.
"It was only because of my birthday, sir. I'm sorry. I won't do it again."
"No, you will definitely not." He leaned closer, eyes narrowed like a predator assessing its prey. "He also mentioned your grades this year."
I braced myself as he moved in.
"Are the Blackwells lazy?" He slapped my face.
"No, sir."
"Are the Blackwells idiots?" Another slap.
"No, sir."
"Are you a whore drinking with filthy Mudbloods?" A third strike.
"No, sir."
"You are embarrassing your family!" A final slap sent me reeling, tears welling in my eyes, but I refused to show weakness.
I stumbled out, my heart heavy with shame and fear. As I retreated to my room, the tears finally fell. I felt the betrayal keenly—not just from my father, but from Snape, too. I had thought he might protect me, might understand the struggle I faced. Instead, he had become another instrument of my family's cruelty.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with similar issues, please reach out for help. Support can be found through local counseling services, hotlines, or trusted individuals. You are not alone, and there are people who care and can help. Stay save <3
