enchantement - SOULBOUND I̲̅ || SS/HG ✔️

63. Bewitched

While a weeping witch allowed her tears to flow - her quivering body unable to contain the shudders from her spasming muscles - in a far end outside of the majestic castle stood a dark figure, it's cloak floating like smog behind him, twisting and curving like waves - the winter wind interlocking its gust with the jet cloth.

The ground was covered in dead leaves, it's home now welcoming the wintertime with a tremor. Branches had fallen while birds had flown away, leaving the cold weather for a suitable habitat. The Forbidden forest was silent, no sound erupted from its tranquillity other than the faint whispers of the wind. No creature arose from the obscure lake to welcome the newcomer, who's clenched jaw and murderous gaze stared into the distance as if behind his lustrous obsidian eyes flashed images of his past, his present, and future.

Holding his back straight, his shoulders heavy - as if an unbearable weight had been placed upon them - destabilizing his strength, Severus allowed one small tear to form around his glazed eyes, before rolling down his cheek. Losing her had become his greatest worry since they had started their adventure, the fear of loneliness and waking up in the morning without a woman's love - her love - was parting his heart. It was selfish of him to want her to stay, to remain eternally by his side, overcoming together the dangers that opposed to them. Yet, as he turned around and looked up to the imposing castle taking over the scenery - making the forest seem dull beside its strong unbreakable walls - Severus knew he wouldn't be able to live with himself if she were to die because of his greed.

Taking a deep breath, allowing the chilled air to seep through his nostrils and temper his burning heart, he walked back to the castle, to her. Although he had years in the perfectionism of self-control, Severus had been taken aback by the blast of frightening new discoveries concerning Hermione, leaving him paralyzed and trapped in the depth of his mind, sulking. He hadn't meant to leave in a hast, mislaying his abilities and granting the roots of sorrow to flourish in his fractured soul. As his steps led him into the entrance hall Severus cursed, remembering the agony in her usually enamoured amber orbs, the suffering that shone through them as he left her side, abandoning her.

Wondering where she could be, Severus entered the infirmary, his eyes roaming around the area, searching for her. All he could see as empty beds and regrets, the veins in his neck showing as he inhaled sharply, before calling after the matron.

"Severus?" She appeared a few seconds later with her usual attire, her hair neatly arranged in a small bun, "if you are searching for Ms Granger she left an hour ago. Before you taunt me with your questions I do not know where she is, only that she was such in a hurry that I couldn't analyse her a second time. You see something isn't quite right..."

Noticing the way her voice trailed off, Severus raised an inquiring eyebrow, waiting for her to explain. "In other words Severus it seems to me that the only reason why I cannot get a result out of my testing is because a modified disillusionment charm is concealing her from my healing magic."

Upon hearing her words Severus recognized the work of a death eater, having himself used this particular charm various times while trying to hide someone's aspect from others, the dark magic secretly sucking the life out of the victim. Gasping in fright, he thanked her and ran out towards his quarters - pushing students as we went by - before entering his potion cabinet, seeking for the one special ingredient that was used to complete the spell and have it pass unnoticed - like a chameleon - before even the best and most skilled potion master at Hogwarts.

The sound of a door closing distracted him followed by small steps, seemingly undecided, crossing his living room towards him. Scurrying out, Severus closed the door behind him, forgetting to look after the ingredient and collided instantly with a tall woman, her raven hair blinding his vision temporary.