Unexpected Fate (Severus Snape x Reader)

𝟐𝟗 - 𝓢𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓦𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓼

The day of the farewell ceremony had finally arrived. Hogwarts was abuzz with activity, students and staff alike bustling around, preparing for the grand event. Decorations were being hung, tables were being set, and a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air. Despite the celebratory atmosphere, there was an underlying current of sorrow, for this ceremony was not only a graduation but also a time to say goodbye to Cedric Diggory.

As I made my way through the castle on crutches, I couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration at my slow pace. My injured foot, still healing, reminded me of my limitations. Every step required careful consideration, ensuring I didn't put too much weight on it.

In the Great Hall, students were arranging chairs and setting up decorations. A large banner reading "Congratulations to the Graduates!" hung prominently at the front, its cheerful message contrasting with the somber mood. As I navigated the bustling hall, I spotted Cho Chang standing near one of the long tables. She seemed distant, lost in thought.

"Cho," I called out, hobbling over to her. "How are you holding up?"

Cho turned to me, her eyes red-rimmed and glistening with unshed tears. "I'm... I'm trying," she said, her voice trembling. "It's just... hard, you know?"

I nodded, understanding the weight of her grief. Cedric's loss had affected everyone deeply, but for Cho, it was a personal tragedy. "I know it's tough," I said gently. "But remember, it's okay to feel this way. Cedric was a wonderful person, and it's natural to grieve for him."

Cho's composure cracked, and she burst into tears, her shoulders shaking with sobs. I instinctively pulled her into a comforting embrace, my crutches awkwardly clattering to the floor as I held her close.

"It's okay," I murmured, gently rubbing her back. "Let it out."

Through her tears, Cho managed to speak. "I miss him so much," she cried. "It's not fair that he's gone."

"I know," I whispered. "But Cedric wouldn't want you to be sad forever. He'd want you to remember the good times and keep moving forward."

We stood there for a few moments, the noise of the preparations around us fading into the background as I focused on comforting her. Gradually, her sobs subsided, and she pulled away, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

"Thank you," she said, her voice still shaky but steadier than before. "I needed that."

"Anytime," I replied with a small smile. "You're not alone in this, Cho. We're all here for you."

Cho nodded, taking a deep breath. "I know. It just hurts so much sometimes."

I gave her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. "Take it one day at a time. And if you ever need to talk, I'm here."

"Thank you," she repeated, her gratitude evident. "I'll try to remember that."

As Cho walked away to join her friends, I retrieved my crutches from the floor, wincing slightly as I adjusted my position.

I made my way to the hall on crutches. As I approached the entrance, the grandeur of the hall struck me, and I paused to take it all in. The usual long tables had been replaced by rows of chairs facing a raised platform where the teachers and Dumbledore stood, ready to address the assembly. What caught my eye the most was the ceiling, which was unenchanted and devoid of any magical charm. This was highly unusual for such a ceremony, as the enchanted ceiling typically mirrored the sky outside, adding to the hall's magical ambiance. Seeing it stripped away from all magic gave the hall an oddly stark and solemn atmosphere.

The students filed in, dressed in their finest robes, and took their seats. There was a palpable mix of excitement and melancholy in the air. This was a day of new beginnings, but also one of remembrance. Cedric Diggory's presence, though absent, was felt deeply by everyone.