Venus Rising (Snape/Student Story)

Chapter 19

Later that day, Venus' POV
I was finishing up getting ready for The Task, along with packing all of my belongings up bit by bit for when term ends.
I smiled to myself.
Who the hell would have figured I'd be going to live with Professor Snape?
Based on the beginning of the year, I sure wouldn't have.
This was not how I had expected things to turn out. But sometimes, the unexpected can be what you need.
I felt better, and complete with Professor Snape in my life like this.
Sure, he was still a mystery to be uncovered, but I was willing to do the work.
I stuck my wand in my boot, and made my way out of my dorm, and down the stairs. Natalie was waiting for me by the door, smile on her face.
"Can you believe the year is already ending? It feels like yesterday when we met each other." I said, linking arms with her, walking out of the common room, and into the hall.
Natalie laughed. "Time flies when you're having fun, it would seem."
I nodded in agreement, as we finally made it outside, and followed the crowds of students to the location of the Last Task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament.
When we entered, I noticed the huge maze as the center point, all the champions milling about, preparing for the final task. Students continued to file in, as the band continued to play.
My eyes scanned the area, and I saw Severus sitting amongst the other teachers. His back was to me, so he couldn't see me.
Nonetheless, I smiled a little to myself.
Eventually, the music died down, and Dumbledore started to speak.
I tuned out, a strange feeling taking over.
I felt as if something terrible was going to happen.
I shook myself out of my thoughts, just as Filch fired the cannon, and the champions entered the maze.
My heart was beating, and I felt nervous for them. I know I wouldn't have been able to take part in these events.
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Time was dragging on, but night had fallen. Everyone was anxiously watching the maze, and every once and a while we would hear a spell or a sound coming from it. The only two champions left now were the two from Hogwarts: Cedric Diggory, and Harry Potter.
I'd never spoken to either of them this year, but both seemed relatively intelligent.
I held my head up with my hands, as I watched with boredom. My gaze flickered to Severus, out of habit.
After a couple seconds of watching him, I saw him tense up, his whole body going stiff.
I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion, as I watched him quickly, but gracefully, stand up, and start the leaving the arena.
I turned to Natalie, telling her I was going to the bathroom, and I would be right back.
I hurried out of the place, and looked around for Severus, feeling rather concerned.
I spotted a figure of black robes at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, hunched over against a tree.
I hesitantly approached him, and cleared my throat to make myself known.
His head snapped to look at me, and I was taken aback by the emotions swirling in those depths.
It scared me a little.
"Are you alright, sir?" I asked, seeming to forget that propriety was irrelevant in this situation.
He didn't answer, but I watched him wince in slight pain, as he clutched his left forearm.
I stepped in front of him now, and I let out a gasp, because I could see it as clear as day.
The Dark Mark.
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