My Worst Enemy Challenge #222: Snape Times Two Title: My Worst Enemy Author:bluestocking79 Paring: Snarry Rating: PG Word Count: 100 x 3
Severus knew better than to explore Grimmauld Place's dark corners without Harry’s assistance.
The house was still lousy with dark magic, tainted with the madness and menace of previous inhabitants. There was no telling what (and who) might be found within its walls; even mere housekeeping was best done in pairs.
Still, as Severus turned to examine the rumbling of the cupboard, professional arrogance in his duelling skills led him to ignore precautions.
The assailant caught him unawares.
Severus recognised the menacing glint of a silver mask, the merciless sneer and soulless eyes, before panic arose and swallowed him whole.
The first sign of trouble was Severus' strangled scream from downstairs.
Harry’s breath caught in his throat. He’d never heard Severus scream, except the once—that horrible time when Nagini had—when he’d nearly—
Harry couldn't Apparate fast enough.
Yet when he arrived, Harry found no snakes or rogue Death Eaters. Instead, Severus sat upon the floor, pale and paralysed with horror, being menaced by… himself?
No, Harry thought, not Severus at all. This monster wore Severus' form, but cruelly distorted: a sneering assassin, dressed in a Death Eater's costume.
Raising his wand, Harry spoke the words to end the nightmare: "Riddikulus."
Severus couldn't have said when the Boggart was subdued, or how. He was already too preoccupied with the spectacle of his worst possible self, the man he glimpsed in every reflection: hideous, twisted, a remorseless bringer of death and pain.
How could Harry stand the sight of him?
"…okay?" Severus blinked. Harry was kneeling next to him. "Are you okay? I locked the Boggart away."
Severus shook his head, not trusting his voice. "How did you know?" he finally whispered.
"Which one was you?" Harry pulled Severus into a sudden, fierce embrace. "There was never a doubt in my mind."