Unhappy Endings

74: Jumping Ship, As They Say

As he closed his eyes painfully, he dropped the rose in his hand and rushed back down the stairs, pausing once he left the tower, unsure of what to do next. So many emotions were bubbling to the surface; heartbreak, loneliness, anger, betrayal. He couldn't go back to his classroom or even his quarters; no, not when he felt this way. He started to make his way towards the lake, knowing how late it was, he assumed most students were probably on their way to the Great Hall for dinner. He'd be free of company at the lake, free to clear his head and forget the embarrassment he felt. His love for Lily was great, yes, but had it really eclipsed the entire relationship? Were you unable to devote yourselves to each other because of his own obsession? Had he ruined it before it even began?

Peering back out the window, you heard the door close as Karkaroff left you to your thoughts. Where was Severus? He was usually never this late. Leaning on the windowsill, you looked down, knowing you'd finally see movement disturb the mellow scene before you. Severus was your only interest. The first you had ever truly had. The only person you would give your life for, not only to fulfill your promise to Dumbledore, but out of respect, admiration and dare you admit it... love.

Finally, the door below opened and you watched as the figure left rather rapidly. He'd moved so fast in fact, you almost missed the fact that it wasn't Karkarkoff who'd left the tower. The person you'd watched sweep across the grass was dressed in all black, his jet-black hair bouncing behind him, falling just above his shoulders with every step he took. Severus.

But if he was in the tower, why didn't he come in to see you? Why was he running away so feverishly as if he'd just witnessed the murder of a helpless animal? You could see him clear as day heading towards the lake, so you quickly grabbed your wand and made your way over the door with the intention of getting some answers and easing your worry.

Closing the door behind you, you turned to quickly make your way down the stretch of stairs you between you and pursuit when a bright red drop of color caught your eye. As soon as your vision focused on the strange misplace of color, you realized it's a rose. Picking it up, you wondered if Severus had come and then changed his mind. Does he really feel he is betraying her? Your eyes widened as the conversation you had with Karkaroff echoed in your mind. Severus always had the knack of jumping to conclusions and assuming the worst, so if he had heard your conversation with the Durmstrang Headmaster, he, no doubt, had metaphorically jumped ship.