His Wife | Severus Snape x OC

seventy-six

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‹ MiraaChe ‹ has posted a new chapter!- ͙۪۪̥˚

┊❛ welcome to chapter seventy-six❜┊˚ ͙۪۪̥◌

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The soft glow of candlelight flickered against the walls of Dumbledore's office, casting long shadows across the room. Dumbledore, dressed in his worn dressing gown, stood by the window, his troubled gaze fixed on the dark night outside. 

Behind him, the room was filled with a tense silence, broken only by the occasional shuffle of feet. Harry sat nearby, desperately trying to catch the headmaster's eye, but Dumbledore seemed intent on avoiding his gaze.

"...In the dream, were you standing beside the victim or looking down on the scene?" Dumbledore asked, his voice low and full of concern.

Harry hesitated, glancing over at Ron, who had been joined by a pale and subdued George, Fred, and a clearly frightened Ginny. All of them were dressed in their nightclothes, their faces reflecting the same growing dread Harry felt.

"Neither," he finally answered, his voice faltering. "It was like I... I..."

Dumbledore closed his eyes, understanding the depth of what Harry couldn't yet articulate. The headmaster's silence only made the knot in Harry's stomach tighten further.

"Professor, please... just tell me what's going on," Harry pleaded, moving forward in a desperate attempt to force Dumbledore to look at him.

But Dumbledore, his heart heavy, turned away, addressing one of the many portraits lining the walls. "Everard."

The sallow-faced wizard in the portrait opened his eyes, blinking at Dumbledore.

"Arthur was on guard duty tonight," Dumbledore said gravely, and Harry's heart sank even further at the mention of Mr. Weasley. "Make sure he's found by the right people."

"Sir...?" Harry tried again, his voice breaking, but once more Dumbledore did not meet his eyes. He turned instead to another portrait.

"Phineas," Dumbledore continued. "Go to your portrait at Grimmauld Place. Tell them Arthur Weasley has been gravely injured and that his wife and children will be arriving shortly by Portkey."

Phineas gave a solemn nod before disappearing from his frame. Harry, however, couldn't remain silent any longer. His heart pounded, and his frustration surged.

"Sir, please!" Harry cried, stepping forward once again, but before he could say more, Everard's voice broke through.

"They've got him, Albus," Everard gasped, clearly out of breath. "It was close, but they think he'll make it. They're taking him to St. Mungo's now."

Dumbledore visibly relaxed, his shoulders sagging with relief. "Thank heavens."

Harry, desperate for answers, could no longer hold back the storm of emotions inside him.

"LOOK AT ME!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the room.

The office fell deathly silent. Dumbledore, startled by the intensity in Harry's voice, finally turned to face him, his blue eyes locking onto Harry's with a mixture of surprise and fear. For a brief moment, the fury in Harry's eyes was so intense, so wild, that it was unclear whether it belonged to Harry or someone far more dangerous.

"What's happening to me?" Harry whispered, his voice suddenly fragile, the fear seeping into every word.

Dumbledore, clearly anguished, turned away from Harry once more. As the silence stretched, the door creaked open, and Severus appeared in the doorway, his dark eyes as unreadable as ever. By his side, Rosabelle entered quietly, her presence calm and steady, though a flicker of concern crossed her face as she took in the scene before her.

"You wished to see me, Headmaster?" Severus' voice was as calm and measured as ever, though his gaze lingered on Harry's distressed expression.

"Yes, Severus," Dumbledore replied, his voice tight with urgency. "I'm afraid we daren't wait even until morning."

Rosabelle glanced at Harry, her gaze softening momentarily. She stepped forward, her hand brushing against Severus' arm in a gesture of quiet reassurance as the room seemed to hold its breath. Severus shifted slightly, his arm protectively around Rosabelle as if bracing her for what was to come. 

Dumbledore continued, "Harry will need to be trained. And it can't wait any longer."

Harry, still trembling from the intensity of his earlier outburst, looked between the adults, bewildered and frightened. He knew something had shifted. Something important. But as the weight of the moment settled over him, he couldn't help but feel the cold grasp of dread tightening around him.

Rosabelle's grip on Severus' hand tightened as her eyes flicked between Harry and Dumbledore. Without hesitation, she stepped toward Harry, and the boy immediately rushed into her arms, trembling as he clung to her tightly.

"We'll figure this out, Harry," she whispered gently, stroking his back soothingly. "You're not alone in this. We're all here for you."

Harry's grip on Rosabelle's robes tightened, his voice barely above a whisper as he confessed, "I'm scared. What's wrong with me, mum?"

Rosabelle pulled back slightly, her eyes filled with warmth as she gently brushed his hair from his forehead. "There is nothing wrong with you, Harry," she said firmly, her voice steady with reassurance. Her gaze, however, hardened as it shifted toward Dumbledore, who still refused to meet her eyes.

Frustration simmered within her, but she kept her focus on Harry, determined to offer him the comfort he needed.

"Severus will help you with your training later," Rosabelle said with a reassuring smile. 

Harry's lips quivered as he asked, "Will you be there as well?"

Rosabelle hesitated, her gaze flicking toward Dumbledore, who subtly shook his head. Her eyes narrowed briefly in response, but she turned back to Harry with a soft smile. "Of course, I will," she promised, her voice gentle but firm.

Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a word, Severus stepped forward, discreetly stopping him.

"Let them be, Headmaster," Severus muttered quietly, his tone sharp. "After all, Potter could use this moment, especially after you've done enough by avoiding him and leaving him to wander around like a lost puppy." His voice was low enough that neither Rosabelle nor Harry could hear the remark.