When All is Lost One is Found

Chapter 9: His Penance for Her

When All is Lost One is Found

Author: Rinoaebastel

Chapter 9: His Penance for Her

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and gain no profit from this fanfiction other than writing practice. Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling.

AN: This story may contain scenes taken from the Harry Potter movies and books, but it's not exact dialogue, just rewording of dialogue or omission. It is not marked.

Warning: Talk of Suicide. May be triggering.

His body slammed into the muddy ground and he remained there for a few seconds before pushing himself up, his hands sinking down in the ground as he did so. The cold rain was relentless in hitting him, chilling him down to the bone. Scotland's skies had decided to cry with him or were assisting him in hiding his tears.

Taking a deep breath, he managed to stand. He spotted the gates of Hogwarts in front of him. The gates opened to him as if they'd noticed his need to enter and seek help. Tonight he'd accomplish the last good deed he'd ever do in his unworthy life.

He didn't know how much longer he could handle her loss, but he would for as long as it took to at least talk to Dumbledore. The castle doors opened to him and the candles lit themselves as he got to each one. The castle was helping him.

Him. A Death Either. Or a former one. He still couldn't be sure.

"Mister Snape?" A rough female voice came to his ears. He halted his steps. "Is that you?"

"Yes, Professor McGonagall." His voice was a whisper, and he hid his face from her. "I need to talk to the Headmaster, please. It...It's urgent." He tried to keep his voice steady, but he failed miserably.

She nodded and grabbed his arm. In her eyes he saw pity. He hated pity.

"Follow me, Mister Snape," she said with a soft voice and let go of his arm.

They didn't talk as they walked, so only the echoes of their steps filled the castle corridors. It made him walk a little lighter and breathe a tad easier.

When they reached the gargoyle statue, she muttered a few soft words and invited him to follow her with a gesture of her head. At least she wasn't judging him like she did when he was a potential Death Eater under her tutelage.

When he put a foot on the stairs, they moved alone, carrying them until he saw the door to the Headmaster's office. She pushed the door open after knocking twice, and he stepped in after her.

It was time.

The last time.

"Minerva?" The old man looked up from his parchments with confusion until his eyes directed at him. "Oh, I see you have company with you. Severus, what can I do for you?"

His breath stalled and his eyes widened. Apparently, he was still oblivious to the events that took place that night. Merlin, it wasn't bad enough that she'd died. Now, he had to tell Dumbledore.

"The..." He tried to control the moisture forming on his eyes. He didn't want to cry in front of them. "The Potter's are dead. Their child is alive."

McGonagall gasped. "That's not possible. They had a filius enchantment and Mister Black would never—"

Dumbledore interrupted McGonagall's words when he lifted a hand.