Halloween Treat for Teddyradiator
Gift for: teddyradiator
From: theimpossiblegl
Title: Push the Sky Away
Characters: Severus Snape, Hermione Granger, Argus Filch
Rating: G
Warnings: Mention of character death
Summary: Argus has passed beyond the veil on Halloween, leaving Severus with solemn thoughts as he tolerates the revelry until a perceptive witch acknowledges his loss.
Notes: Teddy, this took a turn away from comedy and towards a character study with the first spark of something lighting up the battered heart of Severus Snape. I hope you enjoy it, my sweet friend.
The bonfire crackled, and Severus could scarcely hear the soft singing around him. That suited him, truth be told. He had been closer to Argus than his colleagues realized. The man had been a father to him; his death shook Severus to the core of his withered heart. He held onto an old, scarred mug filled with spiced wine, silently marking enough acceptable time before he could run back to the safety of the dungeons.
Would this night always be marked with his worst memories? But the old man had wanted it this way, almost willing his death to be on what Argus thought to be the best day of the year.
There were no tears among the smiling faces around him. Severus sighed and lifted his eyes from his drink, catching the curious look on Professor Granger’s face. As though she could see into his mind she nodded, slowly raising her shining red mug to her eyes before taking a drink. Before he could stop himself, Severus did the same.
Warmth crept into his chest, from the wine and from an emotion he couldn’t name. He made a note to keep his eyes on this ever so perceptive witch.