Unforgivable (A Severus Snape Love Story)

Chapter 21

I imagine death so much it feels more like a memory. But this? This feels brand new.

I'm falling, being caught only by the air whipping at me and the wind caressing me. I hear a shout and a cry above me. I hear screams below me. But in my immediate vicinity, there is nothing. Just blissful silence. Air rushes past my ears. I think of doing a flip, but have no time to do it. I need my body to be as perfect as possible for my burial.

The ground gets closer, the to of the tower gets further away, and I smile as my eyes close and I'm ready to accept my fate...

I stop suddenly, but feel no pain. I'm not dead. I'm floating motionless in the air. No!

No! No! This can't be happening! Whoever used that spell on me will pay dearly! I think to myself as my body drops a few inches to the ground.

"Fuck!" I shout. A large group of students gathers around me and people are asking if I'm okay.

"Who the Hell stopped me?!?" I demanded. People looked around and then someone behind the large crowd cleared his throat. The sea of black cloaks parted and I sat up to face Albus Dumbledore.

"I did, miss Richter. I suggest you don't stand up yet. Professor Snape should be coming in about..." He looked at his watch and held up a hand to count down the seconds.

"Three... Two... One." Running footsteps were heard. A baritone voice barked for people to move and he sounded distraught.

"Where is she?!? Posey!!" I heard him scream. I took one look and was on the ground next to me, holding me and sobbing into my neck.

"Posey! Thank Merlin you're alright! What were you thinking?!?" He was weeping in front of almost all the students in Hogwarts.

"Severus, why don't you and Atropose meet me in my office."

"Welcome back, sir," several students said to Dumbledore as he walked away.

"Never do that again!" He ordered. I remained silent. I simply allowed him to yank me to my feet and drag me towards the Headmaster's office.

Once inside, I was embraced by Professor McGonagall, of all people.

"Oh, Miss Richter! Thank goodness! Why on earth would you jump from the astronomy tower?!?"

"What makes you think I won't try again?" I asked harshly. Severus grabbed my arm and held it so tight I may have bruises. I glared at him.

"Why did you stop me, Dumbledore? I'm an adult. Can I not decide when I should die?!?"

"You saw the memories, didn't you?" He asked calmly. I nodded, tears welling in my eyes. He sighed. "Miss Richter, I had the ability to stop you from dying. Allowing you to hit the ground would have torn my heart out. I am, after all, a soft old man." I was weeping now.

"DO YOU SEE THESE SCARS?!? THESE MARKS I MUST CARRY FOREVER?!? DO YOU HAVE ANY CLUE THE HELL I AM FORCED INTO EVERY WAKING MOMENT?!?"

Dumbledore sat calmly, allowing me to finish my screaming. The lights began to flicker and suddenly all the empty chairs flew out and away from me, hitting walls and shattering. I crumpled to the ground, my body being wracked with sobs. Severus picked me up and held me I  his arms as I cried.

"Just let me die," I begged. "Please." McGonagall placed a hand on my shoulder and spoke.

"We can't just let you die, dearie."

"It's either that or I become a Death Eater at this point! I don't have a choice!

"It's true," Severus whimpered. "The Dark Lord found out about her abilities and requests an audience with her as soon as her schooling is completed."

"Does he know of your relationship with her?" Dumbledore asked him. McGonagall looked surprised.

"What? Severus, you had a significant other and didn't tell me?" She gave him a sly smile.

"So, you're going to ignore the fact that she's a student?" A figure in one of the paintings asked.

"Oh, like you didn't have a romantic relationship with a student!" Severus shot back at him. "And no. He does not."

"Good. Keep it that way."

"I either die or be forced to become a Death Eater, sir. If I say no to You-Know-Who, hell have me tortured and killed anyway."

"Miss Richter, please consider an alternative to leaping to your death. Think it through. Spend some... Quality time with Severus. Then come back and we'll discuss this." I hated him, but I couldn't hate him. Dumbledore was right. As usual.