Unexpected Fate (Severus Snape x Reader)

𝟒𝟎 - 𝓡𝓲𝓭𝓭𝓵𝓮𝓼

We Apparated directly into the atrium of the Ministry of Magic, and an unsettling chill washed over me as we arrived. The usually bustling space, filled with the chatter of Ministry workers and the rustling of official papers, was eerily quiet, its emptiness magnifying the tension that crackled in the air. The grand fountain, normally a symbol of peace and harmony, seemed cold and lifeless under the dim light. There was no time to hesitate; we had to move quickly if we were to stand any chance of saving Harry and his friends.

Remus was at my side, his wand drawn and his eyes sharp with focus. The usual warmth in his gaze was replaced by a steely determination that mirrored my own. "This way," he murmured, leading our group through the deserted corridors. We passed through the halls like shadows, our footsteps muffled on the stone floor, every sound amplified by the oppressive silence. The closer we got to the Department of Mysteries, the thicker the air felt, charged with the sinister magic that permeated the place.

As we reached the door to the Department, my heart pounded with a mix of fear and determination. The heavy wooden door loomed before us, a barrier between us and the unknown horrors that lay beyond. I exchanged a tense glance with Remus, both of us silently acknowledging the gravity of what we were about to face. With a deep breath, I steeled myself, tightening my grip on my wand as we pushed the door open.

The moment we stepped inside, my blood ran cold. The vast circular chamber was dimly lit, the torches on the walls flickering weakly as if struggling against the darkness that filled the room. But it wasn't the eerie atmosphere that chilled me—it was the sight that greeted us.

Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Luna, and Neville were huddled together, surrounded by a dozen Death Eaters, their black robes swirling like shadows as they tightened their circle around the children. The Death Eaters' wands were raised, pointed directly at the terrified students. Harry stood at the front, defiant despite the fear in his eyes, shielding his friends with his own body. Bellatrix Lestrange stood opposite him, her lips curled into a cruel smile, her eyes gleaming with sadistic delight.

"There they are!" Bellatrix hissed, her voice high-pitched and dripping with malice as she spotted us. Her gaze flickered over our group, a twisted grin spreading across her face. "The Order, here to play hero again. How touching."

Without hesitation, we sprang into action. "Protego!" I shouted, casting a powerful Shield Charm that deflected the curse aimed at Harry. The barrier shimmered in the air, absorbing the dark magic and sending it ricocheting harmlessly off the walls. The Death Eaters recoiled, momentarily caught off guard by our sudden arrival.

"Get the kids out of here!" Mad-Eye Moody barked, his voice rough and commanding as his magical eye whirled wildly, scanning the room for threats. His wand was already raised, ready to strike at the first sign of danger.

Remus and I moved toward the children, our wands at the ready. "Harry, stay close to us!" Remus ordered, his tone a mixture of urgency and concern. His eyes flickered over the students, quickly assessing their condition. "We need to get you out of here!"

But Harry shook his head fiercely, his eyes blazing with determination that was equal parts bravery and desperation. "No! We can't leave without the prophecy. It's what Voldemort wants!" His voice was strained, laced with a mixture of fear and defiance.

There was no time to argue. The Death Eaters, regaining their composure, regrouped and launched a barrage of curses. I raised my wand again, deflecting a Stunning Spell that whizzed dangerously close to Neville. "Stay behind us!" I shouted, positioning myself between the children and the advancing Death Eaters. My heart hammered in my chest, the weight of responsibility pressing down on me. These children were counting on us, and failure was not an option.