Entitled

Chapter 64*

The Nightmare Before Christmas

The night before the Yule Ball, you find yourself deep asleep in Severus' bed, enveloped in warmth and comfort. However, your dreams take a dark turn, morphing into what feels like a vivid nightmare.

In your vision, you see Voldemort standing in the boathouse on the Hogwarts grounds, now fully restored to his terrifying form and clad in green robes. His presence is chilling, and you can feel the power radiating from him. You hear his voice, filled with frustration and malice, saying, "The wand resists me."

Severus is there, standing tensely beside Voldemort. "There is no wand more powerful," he insists. "Ollivander himself has said it."

You are a helpless observer, unable to intervene, and a sense of mortal danger for Severus washes over you. Explosions sound in the background, echoing through the boathouse. Time seems to stretch, each moment dragging out in agonizing slowness. Voldemort's hand twitches, gripping his wand, and the tension is palpable.

Finally, you will yourself to wake up, gasping for air. Severus stirs beside you, his concern evident. "What's wrong?" he asks, his voice thick with sleep.

"Just a nightmare," you lie, not wanting to burden him with your vision. "Go back to sleep."

Severus looks at you with concern but eventually nods, lying back down. You get up, throwing a robe over your pajamas, and slip out of the room for a walk, trying to shake the unsettling feeling.

Wandering through the castle, you find yourself near the clock tower, where you encounter Professor Dumbledore pacing thoughtfully. He stops when he sees you, his expression kind but curious. "Can't sleep?" he asks gently.

"No," you admit. "I had a nightmare."

Dumbledore studies you for a moment, then says, "Have you ever considered time and how useful it could be?"

You look at him, puzzled. "I've considered time and the manipulation of it," you reply. "How I would use it to go back and do things differently."

He nods, his eyes twinkling in the moonlight. "What if it couldn't be used in that way, but what if you could slow it down in choice moments to weigh your decisions?"

You ponder this, realizing the immense value such an ability would hold. "It would be an invaluable tool," you agree, the thought bringing a sense of clarity.

Dumbledore smiles, a mysterious glint in his eyes. "Invaluable indeed. Goodnight, Miss Y/N."

"Goodnight, Professor," you respond, watching as he continues his pacing.

Feeling a bit more grounded, you make your way back to Severus' chambers, the lingering dread of your vision still present but tempered by Dumbledore's words.

The Text

In the morning, as you dress in Severus' chambers, your mind is preoccupied with the vision from the night before. You feed Mary and Barry, your sugar gliders, while readying yourself for the day. Severus watches you closely, sensing your distraction.

"What is on your mind?" he asks, his voice gentle yet probing. "I can't read it."

"Time," you reply, your thoughts drifting back to the nightmare. "And how I need more of it."

Severus raises an eyebrow. "What do you need more time for?"

You hesitate, recalling the fear in Severus' face during the vision. "Everyone needs more time, not just myself," you say, deflecting slightly.

He gives you a curious look. "Is this your way of saying you don't have a dress for the ball?"

You manage a small smile. "No, I have one. But I have other things to take care of in the meantime."