The Love Of A Wizard

CHAPTER 22


Blissful sleep. A she lay, comfortable and warm once again, Claudia tried to fight her way back from the fog. She had just relieved the worst day of her entire life. The day her husband Joe had died. She felt the emptiness and the physical pain just as she had the day he did died. There were moments, when she felt the loss of Sirius more acutely as well. The two were twisted with each other. The pain and the memories meshed in her mind.
Voices. Far away as if down a tunnel. Claudia struggled to listen to them as they came closer.
“What I don’t understand is how you were able to be there Severus…” That was Molly’s voice.
“They were lucky. Very quick on the uptake to cover their mouths like they did.” A man’s voice Claudia couldn’t place.
“Do we have chocolate to give her when she wakes?” Mmm, chocolate. She really wanted some chocolate. “Ahh. She’s coming to.” Claudia felt a hand on her forehead. “Claudia, can you hear me?” That was Dumbledore’s voice. She moaned and fluttered her eyes.
“Severus…” Her voice was tight and hoarse.
“I’m here.” Relief washed over her hearing his voice.
“Where…” She lifted her hand and reached out for him. A moment later, she felt his hand in hers and she pulled him closer. She felt his weight on the bed next to her. Claudia opened her eyes more and saw faces, lined against the wall. Molly, Arthur, Remus and Dumbledore. “Was it Dementors?” Claudia asked.
“Yes.” Dumbledore answered. “You were lucky Severus was able to come to you when he did.” Claudia nodded and nibbled on a piece of chocolate Severus handed to her. She saw Molly in the corner, tears falling from her eyes. Claudia attempted to smile at her, but failed. Dumbledore turned to the others and spoke to them.
“Perhaps, you would be so kind as to give us a few moments alone.” Everyone nodded and turned to go. Severus got up but was stopped by Dumbledore. “I’ll ask that you stay Severus.” Severus sat back down and they waited until the door was shut.
The three of them sat in silence for a few minutes trying hard not to look at one another. Dumbledore broke the silence.
“Well, I ask you to indulge me for a moment. I wish to know what the real reason is that you Severus, were able to come to Ms. Moore’s aid in the moment she needed you the most.” Claudia looked at Severus. He stood and spoke softly.
“Headmaster. I…we…” Claudia grabbed his hand and looked up into his face. For such a strong willed man, he really wasn’t very good at confessions.
“I think,” Claudia said. “that Dumbledore already knows. Don’t you?” She gave Dumbledore a knowing look and he flashed a smile.
“Yes, I have a shrewd idea. Just, I can’t put my finger on the connection you have forged between you two.”
“Coagmento Pectus.” Severus said. Dumbledore’s eyes widened a fraction and he laced his fingers together.
“That is a most ancient potion. I assume there were no side effects?” Claudia shook her head and Severus said, “No.”.
“May I see them?” Dumbledore asked looking ever bit as curious as a child. Both Claudia and Severus produced matching necklaces with a vial attached. Each vial glowed bright pink. Dumbledore stared closely at them and hummed under his breath.
“Love is the best magic we have. I will leave you to your recovery.” With that, he winked at them and left the room. Claudia turned to Severus and beckoned him to her.
“I’m so sorry.” She said as he held her.
“I know. As am I. For everything.” Those last words were spoken so quietly that Claudia knew that was truly how he felt. “I have to go Claudia. But we need to talk soon..” He kissed her and left.

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A few days later, Claudia was admiring the room Dumbledore had vacated. Apparently, that Umbridge woman didn’t last long at Hogwarts and Dumbledore was able to return to his post as headmaster. Well, now I have an extra room. Whatever will I do with it? Claudia thought. But her thoughts were disrupted by loud voices yelling. What now?
Claudia ran and stopped dead. There was Dumbledore being supported by Nick and Bones. He looked weak and pale. He couldn’t stand, but he clutched one arm to his body.
“Severus…I need him…” His voice sounded as if an old man had invaded Dumbledore’s body. It wasn’t the Dumbledore she knew.
“He’s not here. What can I do?” She ran to him.
“Must…get to…Severus…” His voice was strained and he looked as if he was in pain.
“How? I can’t floo? I can’t apparate. No one is here! I…” Claudia stopped talking when she realized Dumbledore was pointing his wand at her. What?
“I am sorry Ms. Moore. But I must…” He aimed a curse that landed not more than a foot away from Claudia and she jumped to the side. She was shaking with fear and confusion. What would Dumbledore try and hurt her? Bones and Nick immediately let go of him and produced an array of guns and knives. Dumbledore aimed his wand at her again.
‘This time I will not miss.” He aimed at her face and her heart fluttered in her chest. A moment later, the front door burst open to reveled Severus with his wand at the ready. He surveyed the room and walked purposely toward Dumbledore.
‘Ah, Severus. Just the man. I think…I am in…need of your…help.” Dumbledore was still on the floor where Bones and Nick had dropped him. Severus pocketed his wand and helped Dumbledore to his feet. Claudia realized what was happening and helped him stand.
“I am sorry Ms. Moore, I needed Severus quickly.” Claudia nodded her understanding and looked at Severus as she helped them outside. He looked overly concerned and his mouth was a thin line. He nodded to her and apparated with Dumbledore a moment later.
Claudia stood and thought. She had to send her daughter away because of increasing threats. Severus is forced to spy, almost it seemed, against his will. And what he told her, probably to his demise. Harry and others have no parents, or other family members due to these dark wizards. Sirius was dead. Now, Dumbledore arrives on her doorstep near death. Claudia felt her rage take over and she formulated a plan. No more deaths for the good guys. Not now anyways. Claudia turned back into the house, her face set and met seven pairs of eyes. Claudia’s voice was hard as nails as she spoke.
“Get your gear on.” She said.
“Yeah baby! It’s time to release the hounds! ‘Bout time too.” Bones cried. His words were followed by “Arhoooos” and barks. Finally, months worth of anger and grief have erupted into an explosion even the best wizard in the world couldn’t smother. It was their turn to cause a little mayhem.