hphalloween_mod (hphalloween_mod) wrote in hp_halloween, @ 2016-10-31 13:18:00 |
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Entry tags: | !2016, #gen, *magnetic_pole, ^horace slughorn, ^regulus black, ^severus snape, rating: r |
Halloween Treat for valkyriekat
Gift for: valkyriekat
From: magnetic_pole
Title: The Strongest Curse I Have Discovered Thus Far Is Love
Characters: Severus Snape, Regulus Black, Horace Slughorn, OMC
Rating: R
Warnings: Disturbing content
Summary: Even Slytherins act on behalf of others. Like everyone else, they can rarely say why.
Notes: Title taken (out of context) from salazar_kat ’s fliclet There Is a Crack. Dark Arts in a graveyard was inspiring, valkyriekat. I hope you enjoy seeing these two again. And thanks to our wonderful mods for hosting the party!
The graveyard was empty when he locked the gate at twilight, the groundskeeper was certain. The air was unseasonably warm. Eileen Snape’s grave, still fresh, was untouched.
He returned after midnight because he heard yelling. Kids, he thought, and grabbed a torch.
In the graveyard the temperature had dropped. Eileen’s corpse slumped against its own headstone. A thin figure crouched nearby, breath rattling loudly.
The blow came from behind. By the time he came to, the sky was pink, the graveyard empty, and the grave intact again.
*
Severus Snape woke nauseated, disoriented. Regulus rested in the armchair under a soiled cloak.
“Morning,” Regulus said.
Severus’ mind swam. The last thing he remembered was seeing Father’s handwriting on the envelope.
No: unfolding the obituary inside.
No: red-hot anguish. Rage. Determination.
He eyed Regulus warily.
“Midnight Quidditch,” Regulus said. “Potter knocked you off your broom. All right?”
Severus sighed with relief.
*
Funny, Slughorn thought, I haven’t opened that cupboard in years.
“Professor?” Black stood at the door, prefect badge shining. “You said to be discreet.”
Necromancy. The student who had given this book to him was now in Azkaban.
Slughorn swallowed. So forgetful these days. “No harm done, I hope?”
Black smiled. “None.”