Secrets (A Severus Snape Story)

Chapter 31 - The Man With The Snakes

"The Druid."

I froze as I stared at the man with wide eyes. He's talking about me. I'm the Druid. I'm the one he's looking for. Who is this man?

Everyone seemed to go quiet as the mysterious man continued to sniff around the room. "So precious, this Druid. So innocent... so small." He mumbled under his breath as he ran his hand along the silky cloth on the table.

I wanted to blurt out that I am not so innocent or small (okay maybe I am) but I decided that I shouldn't. Not the right moment.

He examined Severus curiously. "I can smell their scent on you, but yet, you are certainly not the person I am looking for." He hissed, narrowing his eyes at Sev.

Who exactly is this man, talking to my Sevvy like that?

The man glanced at me and walked towards me quickly, the look of determination clear on his face. "You... you are the Druid. Child of Mary Clearwater. You are a precious little one, aren't you?" He leaned closely from across the table, his snakes continuing to hiss at me. From what I can tell, they were completely harmless... to me.

I didn't reply, but simply stared at him. I don't know what to do. Do I introduce myself? Do I do some kind of secret handshakes that Druids only know how to do?

The man gave a low bow. "My name is Kirin Hachurui, you are?" His strange behaviour from before seemed to disappear as he politely looked up at me, a kind smile forming on his face.

"Raven H-Hellstrand." I replied, unable to say anything else other than my own name. This man had a vibe to him, like he's way to sophiscated. He made me even more self-conscious than I usually am.

"Ah yes, the Hellstrand family. I cannot believe Mary married that fool Alexander and took after his last name." He stated, a slight hint of malice in his tone. I let out a scoff as I nodded in agreement. I couldn't agree with this man more.

He looked back at me. "Forgive me for my behaviour. It has been quite a while since I have seen another Druid after they all... died out." He said softly, his accent strong. I still can't place what accent he has... What what did he say? Died out?

Before I could ask what he meant by that, Dumbledore cleared his voice. "Welcome Kirin, now, if you do not mind, I would like to speak to you two in private." The old wizard stated, indicating to Kirin and I.

"If you excuse us, our company and Miss Hellstrand will be taking our leave." Dumbledore announced as he set a gentle hand onto my shoulder.

He gave a pointed look over to the whispering trio behind Sirius. "You three, I suggest you go to your dorms before Mr. Filch finds you out after curfew." He winked towards them.

Harry merely nodded before he looked over to Hermes and the Orange One. They nodded in agreement before they walked out the Hall, themselves whispering to each other. They were suspicious of what all... this was.

Dumbledore pointed at a rather drunk Sirius and an annoyed Remus. "Remus, make sure Sirius gets to his chambers safe." He then looked at Tonks with a small smile. "Tonks, please make sure Remus doesn't kill Sirius." Tonks merely nodded, a smirk on her face,

Dumbledore put a firm hand on Kirin and I's shoulder. He began to lead us down the dark, empty hallway. I think we were going to Dumbledore's office.

I looked back to see Sirius talking to Severus... well, more like arguing. I looked back forwards and looked at my feet as I walked up the stairs to his office. What were those two talking about? Was it me? Does Sirius suspect Severus and I... are- can I say we're together? I mean, I've been thinking about this for a while now, but we've been sharing kisses and stuff. Isn't that what people together do? I'm not experienced in anything romantic or in that... category.