chapter 28

 28: Breaking point

Severus woke in his bed at the Fiery Dragon. A light sleeper, he almost never slept more than six hours unless exhausted by some physical ordeal.

The blackness of pre-dawn blanketed the inn like the first snow of winter—quiet and promising.

Severus swung cold feet onto a small rug beside the bed. Can't sleep any more… He threw on the same wizard robes he'd worn when the Death Eaters took him in Hogsmeade. They hovered a shade between carmine and burgundy with just enough brown in them to be neither.

He retrieved Augustus' watch from the nightstand. Its gentle tick showed him the time. Twelve after six. Not too terribly late. The Prince family crest—a hawk, wings spread in flight, crowned nobly—hovered over a majestic "P". I finally have someone sane to call family. I suppose I'm technically related to most of the pureblood families, anyway. Second cousin to the Blacks, grandnephew to Abraxas Malfoy—but I wouldn't consider either of those connections worth anything.

Princes aren't just pureblooded—we're pureblood royalty. He sighed and plunked onto the bed again. Another glance out the window showed no sign of the sun yet. Yesterday must have taken a toll. I'd never have slept this late otherwise—and I even retired early last night.

Severus secured the watch loop and tucked it into his pocket. He brushed a stray hair off his robes. I hope Lily didn't lay awake all night worrying… She shouldn't have to endure that. Should I have let her sink so deeply into this? Should I have invested such confidence in her? Not knowing would make such situations as this far easier on her. Too late now… A bit of selfishness surfaced. She was right. I wanted her—and I doubt breaking up with her even now would stop her worrying about me. It was my choice to do things differently this time—to trust someone—to be the best person I could be regarding her.

What should I say to Augustus? Not much sprang to mind. Only one thing. I hope he won't object much to my request.

Seven o'clock crept around. Downstairs, the kitchen and front hall opened, and wafts of fresh coffee met Severus in the hall as he went to get a stout cup. Ministry employees too busy or too inept to make their own breakfast drifted in for whatever the Dragon had on the menu this morning.

Barely five seconds after Severus poured his coffee Augustus grabbed a mug too—his coffee strong and black. "Good morning." He sat across from Severus, tucked into a small corner table. Augustus wore wizarding robes like Severus'—and nothing like the Death Eater blacks he'd sported the day before.

"Morning." Severus sipped his mug to fill the awkward silence.

Both ordered breakfast but didn't say a word to each other. Muttering from other wizards and the wall clock's crisp tick enhanced the tension until both finished the last bite of their meal and sipped a second cup of coffee, the steam still rolling off both mugs.

"So…" Augustus made the first attempt. "Seventeen yesterday."

Severus didn't miss the strain in Augustus' voice. He too was a man of practical words, but with limited time, such an impractical opening sufficed.

Severus nodded. "Yes."

"A spectacular birthday." Augustus' words were as inept as a child who'd just loudly asked his mother why the woman across the room was fat.

"I could have done with less excitement," Severus said dryly. "Alastor Moody likes to make people feel so at home."

Augustus chuckled. "To be captured by Death Eaters on a public street and trick this century's most powerful wizard was child's play, I presume?" He smirked. "I wouldn't want to be a Death Eater, especially right now."

"Fury doesn't begin to describe Voldemort's current sentiments."

Both laughed, but it devolved into sadistic mirth.

"Imagine his face with he realizes I tricked him," said Severus.

They both laughed again.

Voldemort's shocked face rose in Severus' mind. Deceived in front of his Death Eaters. He chuckled to himself. "In trouble is nowhere near an adequate explanation of my situation at the moment."

Augustus snorted. "Boy, if the average Death Eater had half your brains we'd be in real trouble. Hmph! Though I suppose we are in significant trouble now." He sobered.

Severus nodded. "I'll be under Dumbledore's protection, but what about you? Do you have anywhere to go?"

"I have a plan," said Augustus. "I thought perhaps it was time to leave the country for a little while."

"Indeed." Severus nodded. "… About that. I have a request."

"I'm listening." Augustus leaned forward and folded his hands atop the table.

"It's wise to assume I'm preeminent on Voldemort's hit list. I outsmarted him, openly double-crossed him, and made him look like a fool."

Augustus nodded.

"He will employ all means necessary to get to me. I have no family outside of Hogwarts for him to target, but Lily Evans—my girlfriend—does. Not only that, but she's muggleborn. Her family can't protect themselves."

"You want me to take them with me out of the country?" Augustus raised a brow. "Muggles?"

Severus sucked in a breath and gave one crisp nod. "Yes. They're good people. They helped care for me when I was alone."

Augustus shifted in his seat and laced his fingers together tightly to preempt a cringe.

"You have a problem with muggles?" said Severus as though his request were the most normal thing in the world.

"They're… well… muggles." Augustus studied a tiny chip in the table's enameled top.

Augustus isn't a bad person, but it seems an old pureblood like him isn't quite ready to accept muggles as equals yet. "Would you leave them to die?" said Severus as smoothly as if he'd just asked about Augustus' taste in wine.

Augustus frowned. "Don't take that tone with me. I've seen what you can do—how you manipulated Voldemort. And now you turn that tactic on your own grandfather?! I should teach you a lesson."

"You didn't know you had a grandson until now," said Severus. "And an orphaned one at that. Don't you think you owe me? What was the last thing you said to my mother? You didn't like her falling in love with a muggle, did you?"

Augustus reddened, teeth clenched.

He's caught, and he knows it.

"This… Lily Evans… that was the young woman you were with last summer, was it not? The red-head?"

Severus nodded.

"And what are your feelings towards her?"

It was Severus' turn to fold his hands. "Lily… is my oldest and best friend. I've known her since early childhood. Often, she was my only friend. And I love her. No matter what, I won't let anything happen to her. As for her family, I', indebted to them. They looked out for me when no one else would."

Augustus sighed. "Very well," he said, defeated.

Oh? I'd anticipated him needing more arm-twisting.

Expression stiff, Augustus said, "I see you're counting on spending the rest of your life with this girl."

Well… I hadn't thought that far ahead yet… The only conclusion I've made so far is that I will protect her at all costs. I do love her and want to stay with her forever, so I suppose that's a logical conclusion. "Yes," he said, slightly stunned at his own admission.

"Then I will assume the Evanses are future family. Muggles or not, I'm in no position to lecture you about your choice in this." He snorted. "You're far more of an adult than others twice your age."

"Thank… you."

Augustus' stern facade broke into a grim smile. "Severus… we only met six months ago, yet you're all the family I have. I will never be able to talk to Eileen again, or work things out with her." He bowed his head, eyes closed. "My last words to her were… very angry ones… I said if she married that man she shouldn't bother coming home—that there'd be no place for her in my house. I suppose she took those words to heart…" Pain lined his face.

What would've happened if I'd told him the truth… that she hung herself –in her own kitchen? "That… is the past. Let us keep it in mind, and, hopefully, we can use that knowledge to make better decisions in the future," Severus said.

Augustus slowly nodded. "Indeed…"

"Watch out for Lily's sister, Petunia," Severus muttered. "She's not exactly easy to get along with."

Augustus raised a brow in question.

"I know it can be hard but do try to treat her nicely," Severus said.

Augustus' other brow rose to join the first. He appeared to be asking himself what trouble he'd just thrown himself into. "I'll do my best," he said and cast a glance behind Severus. "Ah! Good of you to come so early." He motioned someone to the table.

A shabbily dressed man shuffled over. Strands of what appeared to be fur covered his clothes, and feathers were braided into his hair. He held a medium-sized bird cage.

"Happy seventeenth birthday," said Augusts with a grand gesture toward the caged owl.

"But you already gave me a gift." Severus reached for the pocketed watch.

"I don't care what you call it—compensation for wasted years, a thank-you for saving my life, a practical way to keep in contact." He nodded to the shabby man—who Severus now realized was probably the owner of an animal shop. "The money I'm going to put in your vault is your right as my heir."

The man set the cage on the table between Severus and Augustus and left.

A defeated smile took over, and Severus shook his head. Little use in arguing with him over these extravagant gestures. Might as well save my breath.

The caged owl blinked at Severus. It wasn't big—about the size of a crow—practical. Its sharp, yellow eyes were small for an owl, but still held all the distinctness and sharp wit of its species. One thick, black stripe framed each side of its white face, and white spots dotted its dark brown forehead. Stripes the color of fresh mud streaked its snowy breast.

"A female Northern Hawk Owl," said Augustus. "Swift, intelligent, and nearly invisible in the air. They're one of the most social breeds of owl." He stroked the bird's head through the cage bars. "It's the only owl breed I've ever used. An owl should be practical, not gaudy and impressive." He eased the cage toward Severus.

Cautiously, Severus slipped a finger into the cage and stroked the bird's head. She purred. "What's her name?"

"I'm afraid I've always been rubbish at such things, but I have a weakness for Shakespeare, so it's Desdemona."

"Then I'll call her Mona." Severus stroked the owl again, this time with a whole hand. "Thank you."

"Not at all. I own her mate, Othello, so she'll always be able to find me. I'm sure your red head will be happy to be able to contact her family. I shall expect weekly updates from you."

"If Lily's family is with you, that could easily be daily if she has anything to say about it," said Severus.

"I know these people matter to you, so I will try to treat them with respect, but if I'm to be holed-up with muggles, I'll need you to write me some sensible letters." Augustus crossed his arms. "Or I just might lose my mind."

"I'll make my utmost effort to write you often—to give you a diversion." Severus smirked. Minutes later he set Mona to use and sent a letter to Lily's parents, explaining the situation. He remembered to include his lie to Augustus about his mother's death and asked them to keep up the pretense that Eileen was happy. He also requested they all have suitcases packed by day's end.

As Dumbledore's deadline loomed, Severus and Augustus parted ways. Augustus began arrangements for his and the Evanses' hasty departure.

Severus dared not venture outside at the risk of being spotted, so, he picked up a copy of the Daily Prophet. An article about the Death Eater attack in Hogsmeade caught his eye, as well as a list of this week's missing people, and another article that offered tips on coping with loss. He quickly tired of the paper and moved on to the few books the Dragon kept.

He could have flooed to Dumbledore's office early, but he dreaded the conversation waiting for him there, so he used the remaining hours to prepare himself.

When the clock struck two, he still wasn't ready, but he shoved aside his hesitancy, gritted his teeth, emptied his mind, and steeled himself for Dumbledore's inevitable questions.

Severus flicked the green powder into the lit fireplace and called, "Albus Dumbledore's office, Hogwarts." Seconds later, he stepped from the floo to find the Headmaster seated at his desk, waiting expectantly.

"Ah, Mr. Snape." Dumbledore smiled as he always did, with that irritating twinkle, but behind it lurked traces of worry. "So good of you to come."

"Headmaster." Severus nodded.

"I trust you and Augustus were able to say all you needed to for the time being?"

"Yes, sir. We won't be seeing each other for a while."

"I expected as much," Dumbledore said as sadness sparked his face. "Both of you are at the top of Voldemort's death list, I should imagine."

"Yes, sir."

"Please, have a seat." Dumbledore gestured to the chair in front of his desk.

Severus sat.

"Lemon drop?" The Headmaster held out the little bowl.

Severus frowned at the sweets and bit back a shudder at the thought of so much sugar congealed into one tiny bite.

Dumbledore smiled at Severus' response and set the bowl in its place. He folded his hands and rested both elbows on the desk, expression now serious.

"Mr. Snape, Alastor Moody already informed me of everything he believes he's discovered, but I would like to hear the story from you." He leaned forward just enough that his long beard brushed the desk. "If you don't mind."

Not that I have a choice –if I want to avoid constant surveillance and the distrust of the entire school staff. Dumbledore already knows everything anyway.

Severus relayed the entire story, beginning with the Death Eater attack in Hogsmeade. He ended the tale with his apparation to Auror headquarters.

Dumbledore chuckled, the twinkle returning to his eyes before he turned serious again. "Mr. Snape, what am I supposed to think of or do about you? Best we put all our cards on the table, isn't it?"

Severus blanked, hiding every emotion while he considered the situation.

Dumbledore sighed. "I suppose it's only fair I should begin. I've had my eye on you for some time. Your outburst last June didn't go unnoticed, and neither did your change of attitude afterward. Priorities shifted—friends changed—and quite abruptly, I might add. Others tell me you've found a new burst of confidence." The Headmaster smiled again. "Horace is quite happy with you—so much in fact it's proven difficult to keep him quiet. I'm led to believe a certain girl may have something to do with this shift, and I believe congratulations are in order."

Severus pushed a little smile through this emotionless barrier.

"Since I'm sure she's part of the reason for your sudden change, I've decided you're not a threat. So far. That you have such feelings for others makes this old, foolish man happy, and relieved. I don't believe you're doing any deliberate harm. Does that ease your concerns?"

Severus nodded.

"However," Dumbledore continued. "That explanation doesn't answer many of my questions, and now, you've fooled the greatest, most dangerous wizard of this century. Excuse me if I find that a little suspicious." He leaned forward a bit more, so he looked Severus dead in the eye. "I think there's something you're not telling me. And I would very much like to know what it is. In your tale—which I do believe, by the way—I noticed several magical feats of such enormity that you shouldn't be able to accomplish them." Dumbledore held up a wrinkled digit. "First, the use of Occlumency. I'm aware Voldemort knows when people lie to him. He's an expert Legilimens. I see what you did. Your life mirrors Voldemort's—almost exactly. Clever to make him think he saw in you a younger version of himself. The story blinded him from the truth long enough for your ruse to stick, but I'm still certain you used Occlumency. And I wonder how you knew Voldemort and Tom Marvolo Riddle are one and the same."

Dumbledore reached finger number four in his list of curiosities pertaining to Severus' escape. "You transfigured Mrs. Lestrange to look like Augustus?"

"That, I did not do," Severus said, brow raised. "I only ensured she lay face down in a dark corner."

"Nevertheless, you did it in less than a second, without a clear view of her face." Dumbledore raised his thumb to complete the list. "And, you apparated, not only yourself, but five passengers into the Aurors' office. Despite my great power and experience, I couldn't have accomplished that at your age—and didn't until I was almost thirty-two. Still, I only mastered it with help. So. Care to share what you're hiding?"

Should I tell him? Severus met Dumbledore's gaze without so much as a blink. I suppose there's no reason not to. I want to keep Lily and everyone else I care about safe—not to mention the rest of the greater populace. Dumbledore can help—in fact, his trust would be invaluable. And I can be a valuable resource for him in the fight against Voldemort. He only wants what's best for everyone, albeit, his methods can be questionable. If I don't tell him… he'll consider me a threat and waste resources—that are needed far more elsewhere—keeping me under surveillance. "Very well."

"Oh?" Dumbledore's shock melted into relief. "Well, that makes things a lot less complicated. What secret have you been keeping, Mr. Snape?"

"I'm dead."

Dumbledore's question covered every inch of his face, but he waited for an explanation.

"In 1998, at thirty-eight years of age, I died and was sent back here—to be sixteen again." Severus crossed his arms in a silent challenge, daring Dumbledore to say he was mistaken or insane.

"That is a… unique situation," said the Headmaster.

"Well, it was that or spend eternity as a ghost."

Dumbledore's churning thoughts reflected on his face.

"You doubt me, Albus?" Severus used the old familiar tone he always used to employ when speaking with the Headmaster.

"No." Dumbledore didn't comment on the use of his first name. "I can't see why anyone would invent such a lie… Therefore, logically, you must be telling the truth. Last June, the day after your outburst, I received a visitor here, in my office. They provided me some startling information. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"

Might as well show him that too. Severus drew his wand. "Expecto Patronum." A silver doe sprang from the wand and pranced about the room before it dissolved into fine, silver mist.

Dumbledore's thoughtful silence filled the room as the Patronus dissipated. "I assume by this you wish to help in the fight against Voldemort?"

"I just want my friends to be safe."

"And you've already made all the mistakes of youth." Dumbledore shook his head. "I'm happy you've chosen to tell me this. Undoubtedly, you'll be a valuable ally."

"The same for you, Albus." Severus smirked. "Though I'd appreciate it if you keep this to yourself."

"No need to even ask," said Dumbledore. "I'm very good with secrets."

"Trust me, I know," Severus muttered darkly.

The hours flew. Dumbledore asked a host of questions, and Severus explained—but only what he didn't deem too personal. He recounted how Dumbledore and Voldemort taught him advanced magic but left out the real reason for his original turn from the Dark Lord—Lily. The Potters' son never entered the conversation either. However, Severus did tell Dumbledore about the Horcruxes and what the Headmaster said in his previous life—minus a few things.

Severus left the Headmaster's office just in time for dinner. As he neared the Great Hall, the din of students grew. He caught snippets of conversation—mostly regarding himself and the Death Eater attack.

The moment he stepped into the Great Hall, the nearest students stopped and stared. A wave of attention flowed toward him as everyone realized their neighbors were intent on something other than conversation.

Silence blanketed the Great Hall, so strained a mouse's whisper would have cracked it.

Clamor shattered the air as, all at once, everyone started talking again.

"Wasn't he taken by Death Eaters?"

"How are you here?!"

"Where did you come from?"

"Are you all right?!"

"I was there, I saw him get taken. I swear!"

The chaos grew in volume as students crowded Severus as though he were a celebrity just off the bus.

Severus' head whirled. For once, I wish I were on staff again so I could order them to leave me alone. A headache threatened as more and more questions were hurled at him, and the sense of being crammed into a tiny room became irritating—maddening. When Severus stood on the brink of panic, salvation appeared from the most unlikely source.

"Out of the way!" James Potter bellowed and burst through the crowd, pushing them away like a strangling curtain. "Snape, you're with me." He grabbed Severus and yanked him from the Hall.

Safely away from the crowd, Severus tore from Potter's grasp. "And where do you suppose you're taking me?"

"Gryffindor common room," James said. "Before Lily tears the whole place apart. She's sick with worry about you."

A beat of silence, then Severus nodded. "Lead the way."

They hurried to Gryffindor Tower where Potter uttered the password and led Severus through the portrait hole.

Lily stood, staring into the lit fireplace, paler than Severus could remember. Remus stuttered and flitted around her like a nervous hummingbird.

"Lily," said Severus.

She raised her head. "S-Sev!"

He rushed to her. "Lily!" he repeated like an idiot and hugged her tight.

Lily burst into tears, as if she'd held back a lake full of them all day. "You idiot! I thought you were dead! Dumbledore said you'd be back at two, and now it's six! Don't you know how to look at a clock?! Merlin, I was left to think you'd been hurt!"

"I'm sorry," said Severus. "I'm fine now. See? I'm right here."

"You're still an idiot!" Lily scolded as she clung so close to him Severus wasn't sure he could squeeze a sheet of vellum between them. "That's the second time you've left me out when there's danger." She choked back a sob and buried her face in his chest.

Severus tucked his fingers into her beautiful red hair as Lily cursed and swore at him through hitched sobs. What have I reduced her to? She protects people—mostly me as of late. But I can't put her in danger, so I'm forced to leave her behind when I must face it. "Lily…" he whispered. "I need you to consider… Am I worth this? First, I had to escape Death Eaters over the summer, then, I was taken captive and faced Voldemort himself. There will be a third time, Lily. I won't be able to rest until I know you're safe, and that means ridding the world of Voldemort—permanently." He eased up her chin, so she met his gaze. "What could happen next when I leave Hogwarts?"

"Then don't leave me out!" she demanded, face wet with tears and annoyance flashing in her red-rimmed green eyes.

"I can't do that…" Severus whispered, voice so hoarse he could almost hear the horror rising in his gut at the thought of bringing her along in such a situation. Terror, unlike anything he'd ever experienced, gripped him. "I want one thing. To keep you safe. Nothing else matters."

"You're so stupid!" she hissed. "I'm not leaving you. I'll fight through every one of Voldemort's Death Eaters! Has it ever occurred to you I want to help? Want to fight? And I'm certainly not leaving!"

He pulled away; the iron determination and passion in Lily frightened him. And she'd do it. She'd die to protect the ones she loves. She's… scared for me—for my safety. His earlier plea to his grandfather returned—about how his connection to Lily put her and her parents in danger. No… I never should've done this—never shared this burden with her. It was all a mistake! If I don't fix it now, I'll never be able to do it again… There will be no peace until Voldemort is gone for good, and I'll not see her go to battle for me. I fear only for her life, not mine… "You must do this, Lily. I can't—can't watch you die a second time. I just can't!"

"What do you mean?" said Lily.

"I can't do this. We can't be together. You must let me go."

"Sev, I still don't understand."

He closed his eyes, head bowed. "I'm… breaking up with you. Please, stay away from me."

"What? Sev, you don't mean that. You're—you're –"

"Perfectly serious and clear-headed," he said. "I can't believe I didn't see this until now. Merlin, Lily. You're so young, and you know what I am. It's not right." Everything snapped into focus—especially the wrongness of it all. "Nothing about this is right. Nothing at all."

Lily's confusion manifested in a vague smile. "You're joking. You almost had me there, you know."

Severus shook his head. He reached out and brushed her wet cheek one last time. "Stay away from me…" he whispered, sad, but terribly serious as he met her emerald eyes. He turned away and took slow steps toward the common room exit. Don't look back. Don't, or you'll be begging her forgiveness. She'll hate you in the morning. His shoulders sagged as he approached the portrait hole where Potter waited.

"She's right, you know," Potter said softly as Severus started to leave. "You're an idiot. She really loves you, and I think you care a lot about her."

Severus buried each feeling as they rose like white-capped waves—harsh and unforgiving.

"I just want to see her happy," Potter said. "If that means being with you, I'll accept that. I'll move on. I admit it. I probably misjudged you, and for what it's worth, I'm sorry."

"She'll come around to you eventually," Severus muttered. "Treat her well, with respect. Love her. That's all she really wants, and when she does come around, protect her with everything in you, because I'll never forgive you if you let her get hurt." Without a trace of feeling in face or posture, but barely able to contain his tears, he stepped through the portrait hole. He didn't dare look back.

The moment he entered the corridor, he ran, but barely reached the end of the hall before Lily called after him, "Sev! Sev, come back!"

He stumbled around the corner, but as he turned a flash of red hair, thrust half-way through the portrait hole, burned into his peripheral vision as Remus held Lily back so she wouldn't rush after him.

Severus faltered, stopped, fought the urge to go back, and then took another step toward the Slytherin common room. Each stride was agony. He bit his tongue until the bitter tang of blood intruded on his senses. How could I be so blind?!

When he reached the Slytherin common room, he barged in, heedless of anything except the need to go—to distance himself from Lily.

"Severus!" Penelope hurried to him. "Are you all right? What happened?" Fatigue and worry etched her face, and a bit of fear hovered just beneath a thin veneer of bravery. Her hair, usually in two braids, fell free and unruly around her shoulders.

A memory—vague—flashed to life.

Kill the mudblood.

Severus' breath caught. Penelope. The nightmare. The girl I killed without even knowing her name. "You're—y-you're muggleborn!"

Penelope gasped and leaned close. "How did you know?" she whispered "Shh!" Her finger flew to her lips. "Don't tell anyone. They'll tear me apart."

He stumbled back as though seeing Penelope for the first time and finding her terrifying. Severus covered his mouth in shocked realization.

"What's wrong?" Penelope prodded.

Nausea wrenched his stomach and threatened to return anything still in it. I… killed Lily—indirectly—even though I tried to save her. I murdered Penelope in cold blood, with my wand. The group of muggleborns Voldemort ordered Severus to kill returned to him, and a young girl with long brown hair and glasses gripped his memory. I thought I didn't know her—and back then I didn't care. But it was her. It was Penelope!

Severus floundered for purchase on something—a chair, wall, table—but swiped dead air. He stumbled away from Penelope, toward the stairs. How could this happen? How could I have deemed myself worthy of anyone?! The things I've done! I'm a murderer!

He escaped to his dorm, but the moment he locked the door, safety vanished as the spot beneath his bed pulsed with rage—Voldemort's rage, focused on Severus because of the humiliation dealt the Dark Lord due to Severus' deception.

The Horcruxes' energy hammered like two anvils crashing together.

"SHUT UP!" he roared.

To no avail. They refused to bend to his will and threw every ounce of fury at Severus. In his distress, he couldn't raise a proper Occlumency shield to block the Horcruxes' onslaught.

He dove under the bed, took the diary and diadem. They invaded his mind, raiders on a battered ship. Images seared his vision.

Voldemort, a volcano if fury, erupted. "CRUCIO!"

An unfortunate Death Eater standing too close crumpled in agony.

"I WILL HAVE MY REVENGE! I WILL HAVE IT!" the Dark Lord seethed.

Nagini hissed and bit into a second Death Eater's neck.

"No one makes a fool of me! NO ONE!"

Severus yelped and flung the Horcruxes away. Shocked out of his stupor, he barricaded himself within Occlumency. Every emotion drained away, leaving him cold to the world. His hair fell into his eyes, one last black shield. He stood, heedless of the curtain of hair as he retrieved book and crown.

Go ahead. Rage all you want, but I will find you all. And I will destroy you.

Composed, Severus returned to the common room. No one paid him any mind as he left.

His journey took him to the stone gargoyle guarding the Headmaster's office.

"Albus, let me in," Severus demanded of the motionless stone. A few seconds ticked by before the gargoyle sprang aside and allowed Severus passage to the stairs leading up to Dumbledore's office.

The Headmaster sat at his desk, waiting.

"Here." Severus tossed both items onto the desk. "Two of the Horcruxes. I can't have them tempting me anymore." He hid behind his emotionless wall. "There are four more—three Horcruxes and Voldemort himself. Do whatever you believe necessary."

Severus left, emptier than he'd been in a long time. Fury's dark shadow grew inside him—a hatred-filled determination coursing through his entire being. With each quick step, some of the darkness leaked onto his face.

Now, I must look more like my old self than ever…