Fan Fiction ❯ Everlasting Sacrifice ❯ Release that which was never aged ( Chapter 12 )
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, got that? (Nor do I own the song…)
A/N: Wai! I'm updating this…I know its getting really good and this chapter should be no exception… (This is the longest running story I've have, its kind of cool I've stuck with it this long!) Anyways, this chapter has a slight warning…
Warning: Crystal won't be acting like herself near the end…she'll be acting a little like she used to act… and there's fluff…romantic fluff in this chapter…more than any other, and depression… there's a lot of depressing stuff here too. Hey, but at least its an Evanescence song again, eh?
Release that which was never aged
Crystal
Tonight is the Yule ball. It's this big thing for the tournament. Dumbledore sent me a dress yesterday and told me to wear it today, so, I have it on now. It's black but seems to shimmer in faint light. I had done my hair down and had just pulled it back slightly so that it was out of my face. I could see well enough now, the contacts that Madam Pomfry adjusted for me a while back were working wonders now for my sight. Anyways, George was taking me to the ball, mostly because he wanted to have a date seeing as how Fred had asked Angelina already and she had said yes. So George had asked me. I think he was just afraid of going alone while his twin had a date and when I asked him he told me I didn't know what I was talking about and then I pointed out he had an embarrassed blush and he walked away quickly…coming back to remind me he'll come and fetch me a half hour before we were supposed to head down.
"I don't know why I do the things I do…" I said, sighing, "I'll just have to enjoy myself, that's all…"
"There you are!" George exclaimed, "Just like I told you! A half-hour before the Yule ball."
"Yeah, I'm here George," I said, "Now what?" I think he was ignoring me because at that moment he was looking me up and down.
"You are stunningly beautiful in that dress," he said, "Simply amazing!"
"Thanks… I think," I said, "Is it almost time to go?"
"Listen… Crystal…" he said and pulled me close to him, I glared at him and he released my arms, "Sorry, well, I overheard something the other day…"
"What did you overhear?" I asked.
"Snape," he began, "Couldn't get a date…"
"That's the important piece of news?" I asked, "Is that he couldn't get a date?"
"Well, yeah… I thought you'd want to know," he said.
"I thought it'd be kind of obvious he wouldn't want to get a date," I pointed out, "Seeing as how he still loves me…"
"Oh, right, well, should we get going down?" he asked and I nodded with an amused smile.
"Yes, I think we should," I replied and he took my hand and led me to where everyone was gathering to watch the entrances of the champions and their dates.
"Do you know who Krum is taking?" George asked me.
"Hermione," I said simply, "She told me so last night… I had to promise not to tell anyone else though…"
"You just told me!" George exclaimed.
"So?" I asked, "They're going to be making an entrance soon and then everyone will know!"
"Oh," he said, "But I still could ruin the surprise…"
"But you won't," I stated.
"But I won't…" he agreed, "Wait, I won't?"
"No, you won't!" I said with a grin, "Because I know you…"
"Alright then," he said, returning the grin, "Hey, look, Snape!" He pointed towards the dungeons and I saw Severus coming up out of them, going to join the teachers on the other side near the great hall entrance. He had on his more than usual robes, although his cloak seemed to have a different patter on the back of it. It looked like there was a serpent etched on the back in shiny green and golden threads.
Flash
"Merry Christmas!" I said and handed Severus a package, "It's our first Christmas together as husband and wife, so I though you might like this…"
"I suppose I shall!" he said with a laugh and began to unwrap it, "I assume it's homemade?"
"Why do you think that?" I asked with a mischievous grin.
"Because most of your gifts are thoughtful and homemade…I like them though," he said and finished unwrapping, "Now let me see what this is…" I watched him open up the box and lift out a midnight black cloak, one I had been working on for the longest time. The back of it had a serpent sewn onto it, made of deep green and golden thread. The golden thread was actually something I had gotten a long while ago from a peddler from the stars. It was star thread so it had a wondrous glow to it.
"Well?" I asked a little nervously but smiled when I saw him take off his cloak and put the one I had made him on.
"This one is amazing love," he said and swept me up into his arms, "It must've taken you forever to make it!"
"No, not forever…just a little while!" I said with a grin and he kissed me softly on the lips, releasing me quickly and handing me a box as well.
"Now, open mine…I think you'll like this one…" he said and I tore of the wrapping paper with a wolfish grin.
"Alright then," I said, opening the box to see a black dress, it looked old and gothic and had the hanging sleeves I loved.
"Do you like it?" he asked and I ducked into the bathroom for a minute and changed into the dress. It was a perfect fit and I smiled as I looked at myself in the mirror. I came back out and Severus sucked in a breath.
"I love it!" I said and hugged him close to me.
"I knew you'd love it," he said, "I looked for it for the longest time for you…"
"Oh Severus!" I said with a laugh and he kissed be again, "I do love you so…" He laughed a deep seductive laugh and kissed me with all the fire and passion he could. Severus could be so thoughtful sometimes!
Flash
"Crystal?" George asked worriedly, "Are you okay? You spaced out for a minute!"
"I gave him that cloak…and he gave me this dress…on our first Christmas together as husband and wife," I said softly.
"How do you know that?" George asked.
"I just had another one of my flashbacks…it was a tender, loving one…" I said and sighed. I had felt such love at that moment, so much I didn't want it to fade.
"Well anyways, its time to head down and eat," he said and I took the hand he offered to me and we made our way into the great hall. I had missed the entrance of the champions entirely.
I wanted you to know
That I love the way you laugh…
Dinner was nice. We sat at a table with Fred and Angelina and some other people I didn't know as well. I had potato soup as my order and it tasted really delicious. I had a feeling I knew I would like it. I finished it slowly, savoring each bite.
"Hey, the champions are dancing now!" George whispered and I lifted my head to look. I saw Harry and his partner, and Cedric and his, Fleur and hers and Krum with Hermione. I almost gawked but I closed my mouth in time. Hermione had her hair slicked back into an elegant bun and her dress robe was simply beautiful.
"That's something!" Fred said, but he seemed slightly more focused on the table where the judges were, glaring at Ludo Bagman.
"Hey, want to dance Crystal?" George asked, "I mean…c'mon, just for a little bit!"
"Alright then," I said and took his hand. Everyone else began to come onto the dance floor as well and I found myself comfortable with letting George lead through the dance. I was actually enjoying myself, only occasionally looking to see where Severus was, and it looked like he was enjoying his wine most of the time. I danced for George for a while and then he said he and Fred had some business to try and take care of so he left me alone to wander, so I made my way to walk outside for a while. There was a chill in the night air but other than that it was a nice night.
"What are you doing out here?" a cold voice asked and I turned around to see Severus and some other man, I think he was one of the judges, the headmaster of Durmstrang or something like that right behind me.
"I was just walking a bit sir, is that against the law?" I asked and I think Severus had to collect himself because he recognized the dress. He actually might've thought it that I was his wife (which in a way I was) but he seemed to shake off the thought as quickly as it had come.
"No, it isn't but get out of our way!" he said and brushed past me. The other man did as well, and I could've sworn some sort of recognition went across his face as well. I wondered what business Severus had with him, unless he was just being bothered. I watched him round a corner and let out a small sigh of longing and eventually continued my walk.
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain away
I keep your photograph…
George seemed to have forgotten me and I found I didn't care much. My walk around the lit and beautified grounds was wonderful and I was content to sit in a corner and sip the punch. The dance ended around midnight and I found myself unable to bring myself to leave the great hall as everyone had left. I looked around the dimly lit room, hoping no one would find me and tell me to leave, because I didn't want to leave at the moment. I saw a slumped figure either sleeping or passed out or something on a small table in the corner and I stood and made my way over to see who it was. It was Severus!
And I know it serves me well
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain
"Sir, are you okay?" I asked and gingerly touched his shoulder. He raised his head and looked at me. He seemed drunk in a way, almost in a trance.
"I'm just fine…what are you doing here?" he asked, and I didn't think he knew who he was talking to.
"Its past midnight Professor, I think its time for bed," I said slowly and he sat himself up wearily. Maybe he was sleepwalking or something?
"…" he said nothing and I sat down next to him, unsure of what I was going to do or why I was doing it.
"You promised me you'd never get drunk…" I began, feeling myself being controlled by that unknown force again.
"And you promised me you'd never die on me…" he said, "You promised me you'd never leave me…"
"I keep all my promises…" I continued.
"Then why aren't you here with me?" he asked bitterly. He must think this was some kind of dream!
Because I'm broken, when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you've gone away
"But I am here," I said softly and touched his shoulder. He looked at me; I really think he thought this was a dream.
"You are now…but you died, I watched you die in my arms…" he said, "So you'll be gone again…I know you can't stay…"
"You're wearing the cloak I gave you," I whispered, "And I'm wearing that dress you gave me…"
"You look beautiful in it," he said and let out a little hiccup. I watched him hold his breath for a minute to get rid of any future hiccups and he took my hands into his and I didn't know what I should do. The presence inside of me was controlling all my actions, all my voice!
"I thank you," I said and leaned forward, "How come you didn't dance tonight?"
"You weren't there," he said, "You know I won't dance with anyone but you…" My heart felt pity and love at the same time…it cried out for him and longed for him.
"Aye, I know that love," I said and scooted slightly closer to him, "I love you…"
"I miss you," he said, "Please don't leave me…why did you have to go?"
You've gone away
You don't find me here anymore
"I died protecting you," I said.
"You shouldn't have had to suffer for me!" he said and I felt tears well up in my eyes, "No, don't cry love, please don't cry!"
"I can't help it…I miss you so much!" I said and I fell into his arms. He held me close.
"You were the best thing that happened to me, you know that?" he asked and I could hear him choke back tears, "And I never truly got to say goodbye to you!"
"I knew you loved me, even if you never said goodbye…" I said.
The worst is over now and we can breathe again
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain away
There's so much left to learn…
"I still…wanted… to tell you goodbye…" he said, "Now… you're gone…and I really have nothing left…"
"Yes, yes you do," I said and he held me tightly, "You have a life to live now…"
"But I feel dead without you and you know that!" he cried.
"But I'm here now, aren't I?" I asked, trying to dry my eyes and give him some comfort.
"But you'll disappear soon, and I don't want that… I don't want to loose you again!" he cried and I slipped out of his arms and took his hand.
And no one left to fight
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain
"Then shall we have a dance together?" I asked, "Just one last dance…who knows when we shall meet again…"
"If I have but one dance with you I will be too much," he said, "Too much pain…"
"Don't think then…" I said, "Feel…" I wanted this… I didn't know why, I couldn't explain it; I just wanted it, this moment, to feel safe in his arms… I couldn't remember… but I knew…
"My love," he murmured and I led him onto the dance floor.
`Cause I'm broken when I'm open
And I don't feel like I am strong enough
`Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away…
We danced to a music that was only for us, something no one else could hear. It was soft and sweet and he held me close like he used to.
"My Cat," he murmured, "my love…" Those words were like the sweetest perfume, the sweetest candy.
"I love you," I whispered, "I really do…"
"I don't care anymore if this is only a dream, just to be able to hold you like this…" he muttered, "Is like heaven."
"Heaven in a hell where being without you is torment…" I continued for him.
"And hell… the place where you are gone and I am alone," he finished and we stopped moving. I brought his head down to mine for a kiss and he brushed his lips slowly against mine, once, twice and pulled away.
"What is it?" I asked, my eyes searching his face.
"I must be real drunk right now…I'm sorry, I must reek," he said and I let out a laugh. His breath did smell of alcohol and I smiled up at him.
"That's just fine…" I said.
"I think you'll be going now…aren't you?" he asked, "I feel about ready to wake up…or my stomach can't take anymore…"
"…" I didn't know how to reply to that and he turned away from me and began to retch. I knew I couldn't help him, if he realized I was just Crystal then I would be in trouble.
"Goodbye…" I whispered and made my way to the door. Once outside I ran up to my room and onto my bed I began to cry, I really began to cry.
"I want to remember," I whispered, "I want to be with him…"
`Cause I'm broken when I'm open
And I don't feel like I'm strong enough
`Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away
Severus
I picked myself up from the floor and wiped my mouth off with my sleeve. I was more sober than before, and I wondered what had just happened? Did I just dance with my wife or mistake someone for her? God, I'm so pathetically lonely…
"Cat…why did you leave?" I asked the air helplessly. I exited out of the grand hall and made my way back to my quarters. Tonight had reminded me of how much I missed her. If she was there I would have danced with her without question, not caring what anyone thought. Merlin, I was a fool. She'd never return to me…I'd never see her again…
`Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away
Crystal
I'd return to him…I'd regain my memory…and we'd dance…we'd dance like we did tonight…and that time we danced, the next time… he'd remember who I was, he'd remember he loved me.
You've gone away
He'd remember me, and we'd be together, happy. Remus had said this was going to be a unique year; something was happening…something…
You don't feel me here, anymore…
TBC
A/N: Might not have been my best of chapters, but there it is! Let me know what you think! In a way the plot really wasn't advanced much. I really just wanted to update soon so I could begin on getting the even better chapters started! Please let me know what you think! I love getting feedback!