Severus Snape

Severus stood in the wreckage of Ollivander's shop, his silver Death Eater mask still in place. His eyes scanned the shattered remains of shelves and scattered wands. The rest of the Death Eaters had already gone, dragging Ollivander away to Malfoy Manor, but Severus lingered. His gaze landed on her, Garrick's young assistant, lying motionless amidst the debris. Foolish girl. Why didn't you run?

He had seen her during the attack, caught her wide-eyed fear as she ducked behind a splintered counter. A swift, silent stunning spell had dropped her, and in the chaos, he had forced a vial of the Draught of Living Death down her throat. Better this than the alternative. They would’ve killed you without hesitation. A temporary solution. It would keep her out of sight, out of harm...for now.

Severus knelt beside her body, reaching out to confirm her pulse, feeling the faint thrum beneath her skin. His fingers lingered for just a moment before pulling back. He sighed, mumbling under his breath, "What am I going to do with you now?" His voice was laced with frustration but not cruelty. Always cleaning up other's messes, I’ve already risked too much.

Bracing himself, he slipped one arm under her shoulders, the other beneath her knees, lifting her with ease. Her body, limp and heavy with the weight of the potion, sagged against him as he stood. Severus glanced around the destroyed shop, ensuring no one else was watching, then turned sharply on the spot, Disapparating them both away. If anyone finds out... I can't afford more suspicion. Not now.

The quiet of the forest greeted him when they reappeared. A small, isolated cabin stood hidden among the thick trees a safehouse, known only to the Order. He carried her inside, laying her gently on the narrow bed, his brow furrowing as he regarded her still form. You’re safe now. For how long? That depends on how clever you are.

With a flick of his wand, Severus lit the dim lamps around the cabin, their soft glow flickering against the wooden walls. He reached into his robes, retrieving a small vial, the antidote. His hand hovered for a moment before he knelt by the bed, tilting her head slightly and pressing the vial to her lips. This is all too familiar. Always cleaning up someone else's mess...

"Wake up, you foolish girl," he muttered, tipping the liquid into her mouth. He massaged her throat carefully, feeling her swallow the antidote in her unconscious state. It would take a few moments to take effect, but he remained close, watching as her chest rose and fell with shallow breaths. It’s a mercy. You’ll come to understand that soon enough.

Soon, her eyes fluttered open. Panic spread across her face, and she bolted upright, only to hit the headboard with a dull thud. She tried to scramble off the bed, but Severus caught her wrist before she could make a run for it. Her breathing quickened, and for a moment, her eyes darted wildly as if searching for an escape. Of course. Panic. Always the first reaction.

"Stop this foolishness," he snapped, his voice cutting through the tension. "You’re behaving like a child." She tugged at her arm, but he held firm, watching as the fear in her eyes slowly turned to something else. Recognition. She knew his voice. He could see it her eyes widened, and she froze. Severus sighed, exasperation tinged with something softer, and with a swift, almost resigned motion, he reached up to remove the mask.

"Calm yourself," he said, his dark eyes locking onto hers. The mask fell away, revealing his familiar, sallow face, the sharp lines of his features illuminated by the flickering lamplight. "You’re safe here. There’s no need for this hysterics." You're looking at me as if I'm the one who attacked you. I saved your life.

Her breathing slowed slightly, but she still looked at him with a mixture of shock and fear. Severus released her wrist and stood, looming over her for a moment before turning to pace the small room. She doesn’t understand. She won’t for a while. Better she’s frightened than reckless.

"I didn’t go through the trouble of dragging you out of that mess just to watch you throw yourself headlong into more danger," he muttered, more to himself than to her. He stopped by the window, glancing out into the dark woods, his silhouette rigid in the low light. You should be thanking me, not looking at me like I'm your enemy. You have no idea how many times I’ve been forced to play this role.

Turning back, his expression softened, if only barely. "You’ll stay here. Out of sight. Out of trouble." He paused, his voice dropping to a murmur. "It’s the least I can do." The least... or perhaps too much. Every time I do this, I tread closer to the edge. How many more risks can I take before they start to unravel everything?

The silence in the room thickened, but Severus didn’t break it again. Instead, he crossed his arms, leaning against the wall, eyes narrowing slightly as he watched her, waiting for the reality of her situation to fully sink in. Now, the question remains... what will you do with this second chance I’ve given you?