Too Far Gone (Don't Save Me Book 4)

Chapter 76: Shell Cottage

I said goodbye to everyone and left the manor, quickly returning to Hogwarts. I entered my chambers to find Severus already waiting there.

"How did you get in here?"

"I'm the Headmaster, now, darling."

I rolled my eyes and he quickly crossed the room, taking my hands in his. "Hey, what happened, love?"

I pulled away from him, taking off my cloak and tossing it over my chair.

"Darling, talk to me... what happened?"

I didn't know why I was ignoring him. All I could feel was rage at anything associated with the Death Eaters and seeing him standing here... knowing he'd killed Albus, knowing his friends (and my family) had just tried to kill Harry... it was enough to send me spiraling.

"Darling-."

I finally turned to face him. "You don't get to just come in here whenever you want!" I hissed. "I don't want to see you!"

"Darling, talk to me... what happened at the manor? Are you hurt?"

I could feel him approaching me and his hand gently grabbed my wrist but I quickly pulled away, crossing the room to get away from him.

"I don't want to see you," I repeated, tears slipping down my cheeks.

I could hear him sigh softly before he spoke. "We'll talk tomorrow... or whenever you're ready." He turned to leave and I could feel the guilt in the pit of my stomach as I turned to face him.

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

"I know," he murmured, smiling softly before opening the door. "Get some sleep and come find me when you're ready." With that he closed the door and I collapsed in bed, allowing my sobs to overtake me.

It wasn't long before a tapping sound filled my ears and I turned to see an owl perched on my window, one I didn't recognize. I took the letter from its leg and it flew off. I tore it open and only a few words stared up at me.

Please let us know you're safe.

Bill, Fleur, and Friends

I smiled softly, knowing what this meant. "Clever boy," I chuckled to myself, grabbing my cloak and heading to Shell Cottage where Harry and the others were waiting.

***

I arrived at Shell Cottage and Harry ran outside, jumping into my arms.

"Are you alright? Did he hurt you?"

I quickly shook my head. "I'm fine, Harry. He hadn't shown up yet. We got our stories straight and I left."

"A-and Snape... did he wonder what happened? I noticed he wasn't there."

"Severus was back at Hogwarts and yes, he does wonder what happened but I haven't spoken with him about it."

He nodded, leading me into the cottage.

"Did everyone make it out okay? When I saw her dagger... I- I was worried."

Harry's eyes filled with sadness and my heart sank. "Dobby... he... he didn't make it."

No. Please, no.

I wanted to scream at the world. I wanted to attack Bella for what she'd done. Dobby's face flashed in my mind as I remembered the small elf from countless visits to the Malfoys and the way he'd hidden with Severus and I when Lucius was looking for him. I took a breath, trying to calm my anger as the tears spilled from my eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Aunt Y/n."

I shook my head. "It's alright. I'm sorry you had to see that. Is he... is he at peace?"

Harry nodded. "We gave him a proper burial."

"Thank you, dear."

As we entered the cottage Bill and Fleur greeted me warmly and I thanked them for letting Harry and the others stay.

We conversed for about an hour or so and I learned that Remus and Tonks had their baby. I was overjoyed and Harry told me Remus had wanted to tell me himself but didn't know when he would see me again. Finally, the subject of the necklace was breached.

"I take it you destroyed it."

"How did you know that?" Harry asked.

"Because I think I felt it when it happened."

Harry looked at me curiously as he explained when they had destroyed it. It was the very same day I had felt the searing pain in my chest.

"What does this mean?" Harry asked as my mind wandered.

"I have no idea."