Chapter 15
Minerva embarked on her quest to find Severus immediately after the term concluded at Hogwarts. She began by visiting familiar magical haunts like the Leaky Cauldron and Knockturn Alley, quietly asking about a man matching Severus Snape's description. Her approach was marked by persistent inquiries and attentive listening, her brows furrowing slightly as she scanned every face and listened intently to every whispered rumor.
Days turned into weeks, and Minerva's search expanded. She ventured into other wizarding communities, where she would often be seen with a determined look in her eyes, occasionally stopping to observe her surroundings thoughtfully before discreetly questioning contacts and old acquaintances.
In addition to magical locales, Minerva also ventured into muggle towns and villages. Disguised subtly to blend in, she approached locals with a gentle yet focused demeanor, her expressions shifting from concern to hope with each new piece of information she gathered.
One sunny afternoon, in a quiet muggle town nestled amidst rolling hills, Minerva approached an elderly man sitting on a bench outside a quaint cafe.
"Excuse me," she began gently, "have you seen a man recently, dark-haired, perhaps dressed in darker clothing? He may have seemed troubled."
The old man adjusted his spectacles thoughtfully. "Aye, miss, I recall someone like that. Kept to himself mostly, didn't say much. Left as quietly as he came."
Minerva nodded appreciatively, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and determination. "Do you know where he went?"
The old man pointed down a winding lane toward an old house nestled among the trees. "He didn't say, but I saw him head that way. Said he needed a place to clear his mind, he did."
"Thank you," Minerva replied sincerely, feeling a renewed sense of urgency.
Minerva cautiously approached the old, solitary house, the only dwelling for miles around. She rapped on the door with a sense of trepidation, hearing only the echo of her own knock in response. With a deep breath, she pushed the door open and stepped into the dimly lit interior.
Inside, the house was sparsely furnished, almost barren. It seemed as though it hadn't been inhabited for quite some time. As she wandered through the rooms, Minerva's eyes fell upon a lone piece of paper sitting on a dusty desk in what appeared to be a makeshift study area.
The letter, a simple admission notice from a muggle hospital, was left forgotten, its contents revealing the hospital's name and location where Severus had recently been admitted. Minerva took in the information calmly, a surge of determination replacing her initial concern as she now had a definitive lead on Severus's whereabouts.
She folded the letter thoughtfully, tucking it into her pocket with a sense of solemn resolve. Leaving the quiet house behind, Minerva's thoughts were consumed with the prospect of caring for him once more.