A Turning Point
Severus was in the forbidden forest. It was a location he typically avoided. The muddy ground stained his billowing cape, and those damned spiders gave him the creeps. But he'd run out of wormwood, and he knew of a thatch growing in the forest, so circumstances demanded this outing.
The path curved, and Severus followed, walking into a cloud of rolling fog. His steps slowed as he tried to recall where the plant grew. But as he walked deeper, he found something else entirely. Shrouded by the thick fog, he didn't see them until he was right upon them: three witches. Not just any witches either; it was the Black sisters. Narcissa, Andromeda, and in the middle, Bellatrix stood tall and proud. Her black curls cascaded down her back. Her pale skin was flushed pink, and her eyes looked glassy. Her black lace gown hung to her frail frame.
"Are you alright? What are you doing here?" Severus questioned.
"Hail Severus, Professor of Potions!” Narcissa called out.
"Hail, Professor of Dark Art Defense!" Andromeda declared.
"Hail the future Headmaster!" Bellatrix added cackling. "All you must do to secure your future is kill the current holder of this title, Dumbledore himself!"
Severus stared at the women, his mouth agape. "Bella, what the fuck makes you think I want to be Headmaster?"
She frowned. "Uh, you don't?" She looked between her sisters and him. "Wait just a sec, ladies," she said, holding up a finger before pulling Severus aside. "Why are you busting my balls right now, Severus? This is a fucking mission from the Dark Lord. You don't question it. You say, 'Thanks, creepy witches in the forest,' and you fuck off and obey. Besides, you are always whinging about that old goat." Her voice took on a deep tone, and she began speaking slowly and Severus realized she was doing an impression of him. "Dumbledore doesn't appreciate me; Dumbledore trusts eleven-year-olds with tasks far beyond their emotional and magical capacity, blah blah blah."
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yes, Bellatrix, but that doesn't mean I want his job! Have I ever done anything that made you think I enjoyed children? For Salizar's sake, I hate those sticky little brats. I don't want to lead them!"
Bellatrix glanced back worriedly at her sisters, who were tapping their toes. "Lower your voice. You are gonna get us both fucking killed. We were supposed to mysteriously disappear ages ago."
Severus nodded. "Ok, fine. Go. Message received."
Bella returned to her sisters, who all predictably began cackling. He rolled his eyes as they vanished in a puff of black smoke.
Severus shook his head. "That's it. I'm joining the Order."