Chapter 18
Minerva returned to Hogwarts just before the start of the new school term. The castle, usually lively with the energy of students, was now quiet and still in anticipation of their return. As she walked through the familiar corridors, memories of Severus whispered around her like echoes of a past she couldn't quite grasp.
The grand halls and empty classrooms seemed to reflect the absence of his presence. Each step she took felt heavier, burdened with the weight of grief and loss. The portraits that lined the walls observed her with silent sympathy, understanding the sorrow that clouded her heart.
Passing through the Great Hall, Minerva paused briefly by the long tables where soon students would gather again. She recalled Severus's reserved demeanor during feasts, his intellect and wit ever-present among the staff. His absence now left an irreplaceable void.
Climbing the staircase to her office, Minerva sought refuge in the quietude of Hogwarts. The castle, typically bustling with life, now offered a sanctuary of memories and solitude. Closing her office door behind her, she settled at her desk, surrounded by remnants of conversations and shared moments with Severus.
Sitting in contemplative silence, Minerva couldn't help but dwell on Severus—the friend, colleague, and companion she had lost. Hogwarts, bathed in soft light from the windows, seemed to hold their shared history within its walls. In this moment of solitude, she grappled with the enormity of his absence, knowing the upcoming days would present their own challenges without him.
Minerva ran her fingers over the smooth surface of the silver bookmark—the last gift Severus Snape had bestowed upon her. Surrounded by memories of their time together and the lingering presence of his absence, tears streamed down her face.
Unable to contain her grief any longer, Minerva clutched the bookmark to her chest, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. It was a cathartic release, the weight of loss mingling with the bittersweet memories of a man who had carved out a permanent place in her heart.
Having notified the staff of Severus's passing, Minerva braced herself for the start of term, knowing that while the students' return would bring joy and excitement, her heart still carried the sorrow of her recent loss.
As the school term began anew, Minerva found solace in throwing herself into her duties at Hogwarts. The routine of teaching, mentoring students, and overseeing the school's affairs provided a semblance of normalcy amidst the lingering sorrow. Yet, in quiet moments alone in her office or during walks through the corridors, memories of Severus Snape would surface, bringing with them a mix of emotions—nostalgia for their shared moments, sorrow for his absence, and a bittersweet longing for what could have been.
There were moments when she would turn towards the dungeons, half-expecting to hear the faint stirrings of cauldrons bubbling with potions, only to be greeted by a silence that echoed his absence.
The castle, though bustling with the energy of students and the rhythm of daily life, held echoes of their time together—moments of understanding, unexpected kindness, and a connection that defied easy description.
Throughout it all, Minerva was supported by the staff of Hogwarts. Their kindness, empathy, and shared dedication to the school provided her with the courage to carry on. Each day, as she walked the grounds and interacted with students and staff, she drew strength from their collective support and the memory of Severus, knowing that his legacy would forever be intertwined with the spirit of Hogwarts.
The end