Sorrow & Light

Sorrow

        Pain was the first feeling that registered in his mind. An unimaginable pain that took root from deep within his soul and echoed out through the rest of his body. This was unlike anything else he had ever felt and yet he knew it would only get worse.

        No, Severus Snape was not dying though it felt to him as though he might as well have been. He, along with Albus Dumbledore, had finally arrived at Hogwarts where he knew they would be safe. Safe to speak and make plans for the future, one which had been undoubtedly cast with a seemingly permanent sadness.

        Severus looked up at Albus while cradling the only thing he had brought with them in his arms. It shifted a bit but thankfully did not do much else.

        "Albus I implore you to keep the most stringent safety measures —"

        "Not to worry Severus, everything is already in place. I have personally seen to every safety precaution that we have at our disposal."

        "Of course I'm going to worry, this is my —"

        "Severus please. I am fully aware of the incredible importance and gravity of this situation. I would never make light of what has transpired this evening and the years to come."

        He swallowed thickly, feeling his anguish due to the current events, and relented his arguments. They hadn't the time for them anyway; the death eaters had known something was happening and they'd had to run as soon as they were able.

        Dumbledore cleared his throat and raised a brow in question. Snape sighed and nodded.

        "Get on with it then. You said there was a prophecy?"

        "Indeed there is. Though there may be a possibility that I am incorrect, I do believe this prophecy could pertain to your family. It is as follows:
              'The ones with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approach... a girl born from sorrow and a boy filled with loneliness, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark them as his equal, but they will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... the ones with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies....'

        This prophecy was given to me only a week ago, and already some of this seems to be fulfilled. I suspect Voldemort will be trying to seek these children out and once he has made his decision, the prophecy will be put into motion."

        "Please Albus, I cannot lose more than I already have. I cannot lose her too."

        "What happened to your wife...what happened to Mari was a tragedy. She will be missed by everyone and rightfully so. She was a light where there was darkness, a beacon of hope. And she will have a proper memorial when everything is calm once again. That I promise you. As for this," Albus Dumbledore motioned to the bundle in the other man's arms, "I will make sure that she is protected at all costs."

        Severus nodded in acknowledgment and looked down at the face of his daughter, who was only hours old. She looked so much like her mother. Tears rolled without restraint down his cheeks as he gazed into her opened eyes.

        "You, my daughter, are..."

        And as Severus talked to his daughter, she looked up at him in what could only be described as love and awe. She knew not what awaited her after that day, or for the years to follow. One thing, though, was certain: Evangeline Rose Evans was not going to have an easy life.