Heredity vs. Solidarity (S. Snape)

Chapter Twenty-One

Selena saw nothing but darkness. She couldn’t hear anything, or sense anything around her. It was just a bland, impartial darkness. The day’s events were slowly coming back to her. She could remember Michaela and Severus, and jumping in front of the spell in order to protect Severus, and then their short talk on the way to the castle.

She had been so shocked by his protectiveness, and though he had promised her that, she was still surprised that he followed through. He had been so kind to her, not to mention had been so patient. She wasn’t used to that side of him – it was like finding a whole other person in the span of a day.

Slowly, her senses began coming to her. She could feel soft blankets and a hard surface beneath her – a cot. Could feel the familiarity of being in a space within the castle, with a cool draught, and comforting air.

Gradually, Selena felt a faint pressure across her stomach, followed by the feeling of pain. She groaned, hand automatically touching her stomach, but was surprised when her fingertips found something else instead.

Slowly, her eyes fluttered opened, noticing that the sconces on the walls were lit, and judging by the dim light, the sun had already set across the grounds. Selena’s eyes settled on what her fingertips had touched, and was shocked to see a mane of black hair pressed down on her stomach, with the black eyes closed, and mouth slightly ajar.

Severus Snape was currently seated by her side, but somewhere along the way, he must have fallen asleep. His fingertips were curled into a fist by her side, his head lying softly against her stomach. Slow, even breaths escaped his slightly parted lips, and he slept on peacefully.

For the longest time, Selena stared. He was innocent in his sleep. His eyes weren’t tainted with hate or any despicable emotions, and the crease between his brows was leveled and currently absent of any expressions. So gently that it was barely existent, Selena brushed her knuckles against his cheek, feeling the warm, smooth skin, and she released a soft sigh at the small opportunity.

“Mr. Snape!”

Selena jumped, which in response, Severus jerked awake. His head whipped up, and he blinked several times before seeming to finally remember where he was, and what had happened. His eyes didn’t turn towards the Matron who had called for him, but they instead looked to Selena, who was smiling slightly at the sight of him, awake and alert.

“You’re okay,” he sighed. “Good.”

“Visiting hours are over, Mr. Snape,” Madam Pomfrey continued, ignoring the small, sentimental moment. Perhaps if Madam Pomfrey knew how rare such an occurrence was, she would’ve given them a moment. But, alas, she didn’t pay attention as to how certain students behaved at the school, and therefore knew nothing about Severus Snape’s mannerisms.

“Right,” Severus stated, eyes not leaving Selena. “Well, I have to go… I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Severus,” Selena whispered, catching his hand as he stood to leave. He looked to her questioningly, waiting for her to finish. “Find Marcy tomorrow and tell her? Could you do that?”

“Tell her what, exactly?” he asked quietly. “Surely not everything…?”

“No,” Selena shook her head faintly. “Just that I’m in here. I probably won’t tell her much…”

“Or anything at all,” he suggested, though judging by his brief smirk, he was only joking… or that’s what Selena hoped, anyway… “But, yes, I’ll talk to her.”

“Thank you,” Selena whispered, squeezing his hand in a grateful manner. “I mean it.”

“I know,” he nodded, and before the two could continue their conversation, he turned on his heel, and strode towards the door. He was out of the room in a good five seconds, and feeling alone, Selena sighed softly.