Halloween Treat for Perverse_Idyll
Gift for: perverse_idyll
From: magnetic_pole
Title: In His Darkest Hour
Characters: Eileen Prince, Severus Snape
Rating: G
Summary: Driven out of Hogwarts, Severus Snape returns home and discovers a truth about mothers and sons.
Notes: Inspired by the comment of an old and very dear friend; proofread by S. A very happy Halloween to you, P! More notes at end.
"If you knew what it was like--"
Face down beneath the blankets, Severus groaned.
"--consumed with worry--"
"Mum."
"--rumors everywhere--"
He rolled over, sat up, pushed the blankets aside with his good knee. An unfamiliar chill filled his childhood bedroom. A hint of dawn illuminated her profile.
"Aha! You're not asleep after all."
"It's the middle of the night, Mum."
"Let me see. It's why you're home, right?"
He showed her the injury.
"You should go to a healer," she said.
"I'm fine."
"No, you're not."
He rose gingerly. They stood by his old desk, where his ingredients were stored. She gestured at what he’d need, murmured instructions. He began to mix the potion.
"I'm not staying," he clarified. "I'm still needed."
"You always sacrifice yourself," she said, reproachful but proud.
"All in the name of a greater good."
"If you say so, Headmaster." Her fond smile warmed something deep inside him, even though the title no longer applied.
"I'll leave soon as I'm done," he said.
"Give my best to the Dark Lord."
"Always." Childishly, he wished he could hug her. Or she, him.
Almost dawn. She flickered, faded into the bedroom door, disappeared.
--
[Thanks for suggesting these characters and supplying the prompt "hauntings," P. I was honored--and a bit terrified--to write for you. Hope you enjoyed it!]