The Vow Stealer

4

This is impossible, Ellery thought to herself, her soft brown leather bound journal open on her lap. It was early, dusty sunlight beginning to rise over the edges of the trees. There was a fine layer of mist over the lake. She could see it all from where she sat, in the Astronomy Tower. The cool morning air ripples through her damp hair, lifting it off her neck and across her face. She smoothed the page she was staring at in the journal back down. The Unbreakable Vow was written there, along with some notes she'd made. There were also possible ideas for how to take it, but none of them seemed realistic. If Snape broke the vow, he would die. Ellery would not be responsible for the death of another human being, Death Eater or not. There had to be a way. There had to be.

Drawing in a lungful of the refreshing air, Ellery moved the journal off her lap and stood, drifting over to the railing. The sun was peeking over the edges of the trees by now, so she stood there, basking in it's glow. She closed her eyes and leaned more heavily on the rail. Was being Draco's sworn protector always going to be this hard? It was worth it; she would never have doubt about that. But it was exhausting and Ellery could feel the weight of the task at hand on her shoulders.

It was right then that she realized that she'd never felt so alone. She couldn't ask for help, she couldn't say a word to anyone. It made her wonder how Draco felt about all this. Surely he must feel weighed down also. The whole idea was sickening.

Suddenly there was a rustling noise behind her. Ellery opened her eyes and turned just as the tall figure of Professor Snape swept onto the balcony. He came to stand beside her, saying nothing at first. Confused, Ellery resumed her leaning position, sneaking glances at the man every few seconds. Finally, Snape inhaled softly.

" I heard about the blood bond. I'm sorry it didn't work out," he said.

" Oh," she answered, looking at him side long, " Don't worry about it. I don't mind really.  It's kinda nice having something to do besides sit around by myself." 

There was another short silence. Ellery looked down at her moccasin slippers and then looked out on the lake again.

" Listen, I know that you're aware of Draco's situation. Please don't get involved. He wouldn't want you to get hurt, you know." Snape said softly. Ellery half smiled.

" I'll make no promises. I do happen to care about him as well, Professor, therefore I feel obligated to help him. However, if it makes you feel better, I will keep a low profile while doing so. The Dark Lord doesn't scare me." 

" You could die." There was a note of impatience in his voice now.

" Death doesn't scare me either. Enjoy the rest of your morning," she said. There was an air of finality in her words, so Snape said nothing else. Ellery gathered her journal and left the tower, leaving the Professor up there alone.

When she arrived back at the dorm, she didn't say anything to anyone. She was busy thinking about how Snape knew that she was in on Draco's dilemma. It didn't help that her head was spinning wildly and all she wanted to do was sink back into her own thoughts.

" Ellery?" Pansy came up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. Ellery half turned.

" Yes?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.

" Nothing, it's just that you look like you're not feeling too well. Are you okay?" There was a level of concern in Pansy's voice. Though they didn't know each other too well yet, Ellery, Pansy, Robbin and Blaise were beginning to become close. Of course Ellery was always going to be better friends with Draco, but they'd had a whole summer together to become good friends. Ellery smiled at her and patted her hand.

" I'm fine. All of this is still brand new to me, remember? I just need time to adjust." 

" You're sure?" Robbin chimed in from her bed. Ellery nodded.