Prohibition | Severus Snape

The Sea

Sofia waited for a second more. It was now ten past 11. She could no longer think of an excuse to stay and wait for Severus to show up. Especially since she had a more important matter to focus on. She had never been to Azkaban. She knew that it was an extremely difficult process just to get there. She had never been in contact with a Dementor either, except for that one class during D.A.D.A. She had only seen images of the prison, to her luck she had recently found out that Dementors were no longer used as guards, therefore that thought calmed her a little. Until recently she never even thought she would have to step foot on that island, but now she was looking over a rough note with the station names and train times. She knew that in theory, she could have just apparated onto the island, however, she was worried her powers alone would not be enough for such a journey, especially since she had to think hard of the place she wanted to apparate to. She decided to go east via train to get herself closer to the North Sea, from where she would eventually have to apparate. Taking in a deep breath, she braced herself for the journey. She decided not to wear her wizarding robes as they always seemed to annoy her on long trips. She wore a black coat that stopped at her knees, black jeans and a black sweater. Just perfect for visiting a prison, she thought. Tying her hair in a ponytail, she pulled out her small coin pouch which she had enchanted with an Undetectable Extensions Charm. She placed her book in it, some food for the journey, her glasses and wand. Firmly she stepped out of her room, locking the door behind her, making her way over to the train station. 

Meanwhile, Severus sat in his room staring at the clock. He knew that if he wanted to see Sofia he would have to go now, and quickly as he was already late, but something held him back. With his right hand placed over his chin, he sat there in silence. She's probably already gone, his mind wondered. It suddenly hit him: he had to go either way as to his knowledge Sofia had never previously been to Azkaban, therefore she would struggle to apparate into the middle of the North Sea. The last thing he needed was the image of her in the middle of the sea, stranded. The thought of that was enough to remind him what he truly wanted. Quickly getting up and grabbing his wand he walked out of his room.  

Sofia silently stood at the train station. The wait made her anxious. The longer she stood there the more she continued to think about her father and the horrible interaction she was about to place herself into. She scratched at her forearm aggressively as she waited for fo the train. After exhaling another deep breath to calm herself, she felt someones gaze burning through her. She darted her eyes to the side refusing to turn her head. She breathed in again hoping it was just someone passing by. She could hear slow footsteps approach her. Suddenly she noticed a tall man out of her peripheral vision. Severus had soon walked up next to her, also looking out into the train station. She didn't look up at him. Even though inside she was extremely grateful that he came, her mind was too focused on her father. Severus stole a quick glance at her before speaking. 

"Why are you at the station?" His low voice spoke into nothing. 

"Thought the closer I get to the sea, the easier it would be for me to apparate." She cooly responded. She heard him sigh. He slowly pulled up his left arm offering it to her. She looked up at him for reassurance as he gave her a slow nod. She linked her arm with his. As she watched him momentarily shut his eyes she felt her whole body twist in pain. She saw flashing lights and darkness, as her whole body felt like it was being twisted from the inside out. Suddenly she felt ground under her feet once more. She leaned over gripping at her coat and knees, taking in deep exasperated breaths. She felt Severus' palm gently touch her back.

"Give yourself time. Not many can handle such a journey." He spoke. She continued raggedly breathing for a second. After she had calmed, she stretched her neck. Straightening her back she looked around. She saw a huge black stone building in front of her. Her thoughts were interrupted by the loud splash of waves behind her. She looked back to see endless darkness and black water. The sea and the sky seemed to blur together, darkness overcoming her. She shivered at the cold salty breeze. She squinted her eyes trying to remember the last time she saw the sea, it felt like years. She loved the water. The strong waves hitting the shore. The sound of seagulls, the sun, but unfortunately this was a completely different experience. She looked back at Severus who was intently watching her, his hands clenched together. He nudged his head towards the tall building without saying a word. Sofia nodded back and followed him in.