The Love Of A Wizard

CHAPTER 39
Hogwarts

It was night, dark and lovely, as eleven people stood huddled together on the lawn over looking Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It was the most beautiful thing Claudia and her friends had ever seen. The castle sitting on the hill played on every fairytale Claudia had ever heard. They all turned in circles looking up at the brightly lit castle and the grounds surrounding it.
“Freaky.” Rod said.
“Are we in somebody’s brain?” Bones asked. “I don’t wanna be in nobody’s brains…”
“Shhh.” Hermione frowned at him. Nervous laughter. Severus pointed to a figure standing just underneath a tree near a dark and foreboding forest.
“Over here.” He lead them to the figure and Claudia realized with a jolt that she was looking at another Severus standing in the dark. His face was set like stone and he had dark circles under his eyes. He was dressed as Claudia remembered him from their first meeting. Long, flowing black robes, hiding any hint of what she knew was underneath.
“That’s you!” Chester said, pointing to him. Severus eyed Chester and Claudia felt a rude comment coming on so she elbowed him in the rib as Hermione “Shhhed” them again. Severus pointed his finger and they all followed his gaze at another form approaching them. It was Dumbledore. A few people made exclamations of surprise. Harry, Claudia noticed, stood directly in front and watched Dumbledore approach as if he expected him to turn around and speak to him.
“This would be a good time to listen.” Severus said. And they all stood back and watched a frightful conversation between Severus and Dumbledore.
Dumbledore approached Severus in the dark and dimly lit his wand.
“You wanted to see me?” Severus asked in a bored voice. Dumbledore smiled and nodded.
“Yes Severus. I wish to know what you have learned. I wish to know what you think it is young Malfoy is doing?” Dumbledore eyed him intently.
“I do not know. He will not confide in me-” Dumbledore cut him off rather rudely.
“Then you are prepared for when the time comes? You have sworn to protect him. You made the unbreakable vow Severus.” Dumbledore’s eyes were harder than Claudia had ever seen them.
“You are aware that I will protect him. But you take too much for granted! Maybe I do not want to do this anymore. Potter needs you here. The Order needs you…not me.” His voice became quieter. But Dumbledore raised his.
“Severus you have sworn it to me! Need I remind you?“ He lowered his voice to almost a whisper. Everyone leaned in to hear him speak. “You agreed to protect him and the other students at any cost. And you will. You have sworn to me and also his mother.” Dumbledore’s voice was harsh and colder than anyone had ever heard it.
“And what will you do?” Severus said defiantly.
“That is not important. I am not what is important anymore. You and I both know that I sustained an injury that will take my life from me soon enough. I know I will be gone soon Severus. What is important, is that you make more investigations into your Slytherin house! You can not continue to hound on Draco Malfoy as if you suspect him. That is too dangerous for him! You must make other inquires, with other students, in order to gain his trust.”
“You and I both know Potter is right that Draco is behind this. But he will not confide in me.”
“Then you must find a way. For if you do not, I will hold you to the oaths you have taken. You will be forced to act.” Dumbledore said quietly. “Do we understand each other Severus?” Severus nodded curtly and Dumbledore turned to go.

Everyone watched as Severus stared into the night and Dumbledore walked towards the castle. The present Severus spoke to them all.
“That is all. Let us go.” He gripped Claudia’s and Nick’s arms and she felt like she was falling again. And then she wasn’t.