Chapter 17
“Can’t we play a little while longer?” The children whined.
Severus grimaced, the familiar sound whisking him back to moments spent with a younger Draco and his friends, before they were entangled in Slytherin politics.
Merlin chuckled fondly, the sound as light as a breeze. Rising gracefully, she extended a hand to assist Severus, the gesture heavy with an unexpected intimacy. Amidst the bustling tea party, no one seemed to have notice their absence, happily engrossed in their own conversations, until Sir Vector once again approached, paying Severus no heed.
“Your Highness, it is time for you to receive your gifts.”
Merlin gently squeezed Severus's hand before releasing it, offering a serene smile as she proceeded, acknowledging Sir Vector with a nod. Suppressing a smirk at Betty's overt attempts to catch his eye, Severus followed suit, re-joining the festivities.
The guests had brought their Princess a variety of gifts for her birthday, from high quality fabrics to rare tomes to chests of jewellery. They showered her with their love and all the while Merlin smiled gratefully and earnestly accepted them. It was a stark contrast to the calculating politicking that Severus had grown accustomed to within the Slytherin ranks.
Finally, succumbing to Betty’s curiosities, Severus turned to face her, unsurprised to see two other maids looking up at him.
“Ya came back on the Princesses’ arm.” Betty needled.
“I also returned with a gaggle of children, what of it?” Severus raised an eyebrow.
“Come now, Silviana. Every one knows the Princess loves children. Never ‘as she been seen holding someone’s hand!” One of the two maids simpered, falling into the other in a sort of controlled swoon. Much to Betty’s chagrin, who muffled a groan into her hands.
Severus rolled his eyes, “Oh no! Hand-holding, how scandalous!”
The second maid scoffed, “Maybe it’s not much for ya, but I’ve worked for the Princess before. She held ya like the royals an’ knights try with ‘er.”
Severus pursed his lips and turned away. Betty and the maids, sensing his withdrawal, exchanged knowing glances before returning to their tasks. Severus appreciated the respite from their prying gazes, allowing him a moment of solitude to collect his thoughts. Severus wasn’t oblivious; he knew how Merlin looked at him, this version and the real version both. It wasn’t hard to understand that part of Merlin’s magic recognised him, especially with how everyone else seemed surprised with the way Merlin was treating him.
He was here for a quest, though, and so neatly packed away all the distractions away. Aside from the manner of which Merlin was treating him, Severus had no doubt that the events of the day was in someway important for the quest. He ran through the day in his mind, desperately trying to find the answers in his memory.
As if to spite him, a crash broke him out of his concentration. The attention quickly turned to the lady, the remains of her tea cup scattered around her feet. She was staring, pale and wide-eyed in the direction of the forest clearing.
“There’s something coming!” Her warning was too late.
Screams began to fill the garden as the guests registered the sight of a falling Sir Vector. Severus saw it in slow-motion; the moment something - a blade? No. What was it? - pierced through Sir Vector’s abdomen from behind. Sir Vector gasped, the sound twisting into something guttural as blood spurted out of his mouth. With one arm clutching his bleeding abdomen, the other roughly shoved a boy back, the boy falling as he gaped at the knight. Finally, Severus watched with ringing ears as Sir Vector crashed onto the floor, blood pooling around him.
“Kale!” Merlin screamed, dragging the fallen boy - Kale, sweet, timid, soft-spoken boy - back as a group of Knights surrounded their fallen comrade.
Merlin sprang into action, her commanding presence immediately taking charge of the chaotic scene. With firm determination, she swiftly gathered the young boy close to her, as she issued clear orders to the surrounding knights. Some were directed to escort the guests and the fallen Sir Vector to the safety of the manor walls, while another group was dispatched to scout the perimeter for any further threats.
Passing the stunned boy into the protective embrace of a knight assigned to escort her to safety, Merlin remained steadfast in her resolve, refusing to retreat until the situation was under control. Her unwavering gaze surveyed the unfolding events, ready to intervene if needed.
Despite the urgency of the situation, Severus remained rooted to the spot, his thoughts consumed by the grim reality of the scene before him. His eyes transfixed on the pool of blood that stained the ground where Sir Vector had fallen, sword abandoned from the rush to escape. Distantly he could hear Merlin’s voice, sharp with unwavering clarity, each word carrying the weight of her authority.
Severus’ gaze drifted back to the forest clearing, the haunting image of Sir Vector's fall replaying in his mind like a relentless echo. There had been no assailant in sight, no tangible threat to identify, only the sudden violence that had shattered the tranquillity of the moment. Whatever had pierced Sir Vector had been swift and elusive, disappearing before Severus could fully comprehend its form, but it looked almost like —
“-iana, Silviana! Oh, not again. Girlie!” The urgent voice pierced through Severus' thoughts, jolting him back to the present with a start. Betty’s hands shook his shoulders vigorously, her concern evident even amidst the chaos.
“Betty,” Severus murmured, his voice barely audible above the clamour in his mind.
“Come on, lass. We need to go!”
“No.” He was shaking his head, probably. “No. That - that thing, that was-”
But his protests were drowned out by the frantic pleas of Kale, struggling against the knight's firm grip. “Let go! Let me GO! No, please. My Grandmother!”
Severus’ sharp eyes were quick to spot the thing slithering faster and faster and faster in their direction, it’s grotesque form twisting and writhing in its malevolent pursuit. At the sight Kale fell silent and the knight made the mistake of turning back to see why the boy had stopped. The thing reared as if to strike. Reacting on instinct, Severus drew his wand with lightning speed, unleashing a slashing spell aimed at the looming threat - the root - and though the slashing spell could not make it out from his throat his wand aimed true, with a swift motion, the spell severed the root-like appendage just before it could strike, sending it crashing to the ground in a tangle of foliage.
“You have Magic.” Betty breathed in awe, her eyes widening with realisation.
“Yes,” Severus affirmed, urgency lacing his tone as he urged Betty towards safety. “Go, go! I will stay and assist.”
As Betty hurried towards the manor, Severus turned his attention back to the unfolding chaos. Kale seemed to take the opportunity as the knight stared at Severus in shock to jump from his grasp and run back to the tables, screaming for his grandmother who seemed to have fallen and gone unnoticed.
And this time, Severus was too late to notice how the main body of the root regenerated and sped to the unguarded boy’s back. His heart constricted as he watched helplessly, the bloom of flowers bursting from the root's girth as it claimed its twisted prize. It dropped Kale, diving into the ground and vanishing out of sight, just in time to avoid his spell.
He stumbled over to the part of the root that fell from his first spell, eyes tearing up when he spotted the single, small bloom.
A shiver ran down Severus’ spine as he felt a pair of eyes upon him, turning to meet Merlin's solemn gaze. In that moment of shared understanding, Severus saw the weight of responsibility etched in her expression, a silent acknowledgment of the grim reality they faced. With a determined nod, Merlin swiftly took charge, her resolve unyielding as she draped her coat over Kale’s lifeless form. Severus could just about make out the clench of her jaw before, without hesitation, she dashed into the forest.
“Watch out!” The knight from before screamed, his sword slashing another root that had aimed straight for Severus. Severus readied his wand, prepared now for when the root would regenerate, the root lay motionless at his feet, severed by the knight's swift strike.
“…What?” He asked but the knight had already moved on.
Confused, his gaze flitted across the battlefield, where knights battled against the encroaching roots with ferocious determination. Strangely, Severus noted that while the roots nearer to the forest regenerated relentlessly, those further away remained dormant.
The roots attacked mercilessly - No, Severus watched closer - The roots weren't attacking indiscriminately. The roots defended and protected the forest. Mostly, Severus realised with a lurch, they seemed to be homing in on him with alarming precision.
His mind worked overtime as Severus rushed to Kale's side, his breath catching in his throat as he peeled back Merlin’s coat to reveal the boy's still form. Placing a trembling hand upon Kale's forehead, Severus channelled a whisper of magic through the child. He snatched his hand away, breathing heavily as he took in the chaotic scene again.
Recalling the events leading up to the tragedy, Severus pieced together the puzzle with growing horror.
Sir Vector had been the first casualty, he had fallen and Merlin issued the commands to retreat. Why had the root attacked Sir Vector when the Lady had been closer? Unless…
There had been a second person with Sir Vector, Severus remembered; Kale had been with him, talking excitedly about the gift his family had prepared for Merlin. The first target hadn’t been Sir Vector at all, he had unfortunately been in the wrong place at the wrong time, because the target had been Kale.
Kale, whose body had felt as if he had never had any Magic.
He covered the body of the innocent child and stood, lips set in a grim line. As he ventured in the direction of the forest the roots made to attack him, each attempt more desperate than the one before. While the knights did their best to keep them away, some got through and were met with his wand, burning with the flame of his wrath.
“They seem to be attracted to mine and Princess Merlin’s Magic,” he told the Knights as he marched, kneeling to retrieve Sir Vector’s sword to use along with his wand. “Retreat to the manor, I will bring the Princess back.”
He didn’t look back as he entered the forest, following the trail to the clearing he had been just moments ago.
There were more roots on the way, tangled together in dark and murky knots. Finally, emerging into the clearing, Severus found himself confronted with a sight that left him momentarily breathless. Before him, Merlin’s magic unfurled in a breath-taking display of power and control, weaving through the air like threads of liquid light. Radiant tendrils of energy danced and shimmered, casting an ethereal glow upon the surrounding foliage.
In the midst of the spectacle, Merlin stood like a beacon of strength and determination, her presence commanding the very elements themselves. Her eyes blazed with an intensity that spoke of untold depths of power, her will bending the forces of nature to her command with effortless grace.
He stepped in, paving a path to stand back to back with her, a grin playing on his face despite the situation.
Merlin's back pressed against his own, her movements fluid and precise as she unleashed torrents of magic upon the encroaching roots. Despite the ferocity of her attacks, the resilient roots seemed to regenerate with unnerving speed, a relentless tide against which they struggled to hold their ground.
Merlin's lips curled into a snarl as she continued to fend off the relentless onslaught, “My Lady, may I have this dance?” She quipped.
In the midst of the chaos, Severus couldn't help but bark a laugh, his voice mingling with the crackle of magic and the rustle of leaves. With each swing of his sword and surge of magic, he fought alongside Merlin.
“It would be my honour, your highness,” he retorted, his words tinged with a hint of mockery.
They danced.
As the battle waged on, Severus began to notice a pattern. The roots regenerated faster when struck by magic compared to when they were cut by his sword.
“Merlin! Cover me!” Severus's voice cut through the chaos, his tone urgent as he dropped his sword and sliding his wand back into its hidden sheath in his sleeve. With a swift motion, he reached up to his hair, fingers brushing against the small bloom that Merlin had enchanted with her magic
Merlin’s breathing harshened as he spread his Magic further to compensate, “Silviana, is everything okay?”
Ignoring her question, Severus clenched his jaw in determination, plucking a petal from the enchanted flower before channelling his magic into it. This time, however, he found himself unable to pluck another petal.
He gritted his teeth and seized his sword once more, steeling his resolve. “Merlin, you must retreat!” he insisted, his voice unwavering despite the gravity of the situation.
Merlin moved to protest, but Severus silenced her with a firm hand. “The roots grow stronger with each dose of magic they absorb,” he explained urgently. “We cannot defeat them with magic alone, and you have no other weapon. Go! I will hold them off.”
Merlin’s eyes caught on the flower in his hand, a gasp of horror escaping her. “This was my fault.”
Severus tightened his grip around the hilt oh his sword, defending them against the onslaught as Merlin gave in to her horror.
“No, this is no ones fault. You hadn’t known and I, too, made it stronger with Magic. Now, go!”
With a heavy heart, Merlin hesitated for a moment before nodding in reluctant agreement. With a final glance at Severus, she turned and disappeared into the dense foliage, leaving him alone to face the encroaching horde.
Despite lacking any formal training with a sword, Severus pressed on, his determination outweighing his lack of skill. With each swing, he fought against the relentless tide of roots, his movements fuelled by sheer grit and determination. Sometimes he barely managed to slice a root in the nick of time, his efforts bordering on desperation as he struggled to keep pace with their rapid regeneration.
As the battle wore on, Severus couldn't shake the sinking feeling that they were fighting a losing battle. The roots continued to regenerate with alarming speed, each slash slowing their advance only momentarily before they surged forward once more. It was as if they were too late, as if the roots had already absorbed an insurmountable amount of magic.
He shook his head to shake the thought, he had to stay firm, the knights had already retreated and so he was the only one who could help.
Suddenly, a presence pressed against his back, causing him to flinch instinctively. Whirling around, his heart pounding with apprehension, he was met with the reassuring sight of Merlin's familiar face. Relief flooded through him as he locked eyes with her, her grin infectious despite the dire circumstances.
Merlin wasted no time in joining the fray, her sword flashing as she brought it down on a desperate root with practised precision. Her teasing remark cut through the tension, drawing a scoff from Severus.
"Your form is horrible," she chided playfully. "Have you had any training at all?”
Severus rolled his eyes, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Not all of us are royalty," he retorted. Despite the chaos around them, the banter between them provided a brief respite from the relentless onslaught.
"The Manor walls were closed shut," Merlin continued, her voice tinged with frustration. "I could not reach for any aid, nor did I wish to waste any more time."
Severus clenched his jaw, the weight of their isolation settling heavily upon him. With the Manor walls sealed tight, they were left to fend for themselves, their only allies the dwindling reserves of their own strength and determination.
"The roots are regenerating slower than they were before," he acknowledged, his tone grave. "But it's still too fast."
Despite their best efforts, the roots continued to close in, their relentless advance unabated. With each passing moment, Severus felt the pressure mounting, the weight of responsibility bearing down upon him like a leaden cloak.
"We need to find another way," he declared, his voice resolute. "We cannot keep fighting them head-on. There must be a weakness we can exploit, a way to break their hold on this forest."
Merlin nodded in agreement, her expression determined. “I think I saw the main body before, but I could not get to it.”
As Severus and Merlin pressed deeper into the heart of the forest, their progress was hindered by the relentless onslaught of roots. Each step forward was met with fierce resistance, their path fraught with danger at every turn.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of battling through the tangled undergrowth, they stumbled upon what was surely the main body: a massive root, adorned with a profusion of vibrant flowers, encircling a pristine bird bath. Unlike the other roots, this one remained still, its attention focused elsewhere.
Merlin's expression darkened as she surveyed the scene before them. "It's worse than I thought," she murmured, her voice tinged with concern. "The bath is enchanted to always remain clean and full. If the root had tapped into that, then it is much stronger than we thought.” She said between their efforts to defend themselves.
Severus's eyes widened as a memory from earlier that day flashed through his mind, igniting a spark of inspiration within him. Drawing upon what he had learned during that fateful breakfast, he spoke aloud, his voice tinged with urgency. "If it is made of Earth and Water…"
Merlin's eyes lit up with understanding as she quickly grasped the implication of his words. "…Then perhaps we can overwhelm it with Fire and Air!" she finished, her voice filled with excitement. "Brilliant."
He met Merlin’s eyes, “I can do Air.”
“Fire and I have an understanding.” She replied cryptically. “How should we do this?”
Severus sighed, the weight of their task pressing down upon him as he released his grip on his sword. With a determined resolve, he turned to face Merlin, his movements deliberate as he reached out to twirl her around to face him. Drawing her closer by her waist, he felt a sense of comfort wash over him as he curled into her body and dropped his head onto her shoulders. “Do you trust me, Your Highness?”
Merlin returned his embrace, dropping her sword before her arms wrapped around him as she leaned into his embrace. "With everything, My Lady," she replied, her words soft yet with unwavering conviction.
Severus summoned his magic, intercepting the root that had threatened to pierce them. Instead of striking out in retaliation, he guided it with precision, manipulating its tendrils to wind around them in a protective embrace.
More roots converged upon them, ensnaring them in a web of entwined vines. Severus felt a shiver run down his spine as he sensed the roots beginning to leach their magic, their strength slowly draining away with each passing moment. Flowers began to slowly bloom across the girths of the roots.
He smiled when he felt Merlin let her Magic loose, the feeling of fire warming him up as he felt the Air around them and allowed his Magic to become one with it.
What began as a slow blooming of flowers soon escalated into a rapid crescendo, each blossom bursting forth with vibrant colours and radiant energy. The flowers multiplied and multiplied, their petals unfurling with a frenzy as they intertwined and overlapped. Severus and Merlin watched in awe as the flowers spread like wildfire, their combined power overwhelming the network of roots that had once threatened to consume them. The roots became obscured beneath the riot of colours, their once menacing presence now softened by the beauty. With each petal that unfurled and each burst of colour that illuminated the clearing, the roots that held them captive began to wither and weaken, their once formidable grip loosening with each passing moment.
Severus and Merlin felt the tendrils of the roots slacken, the oppressive hold that had bound them now dissipating. The roots shrivelled and contorted, their strength sapped by the overwhelming force of nature's renewal. With a collective sigh of relief, Severus and Merlin felt themselves released from the tangled embrace of the roots, their bodies free to move once more. They stood amidst the sea of blossoms, finally safe.
Startled by the soft touch of a hand grasping his own, Severus snapped his head back to meet Merlin's gaze. The sight of her gentle smile and the warmth in her eyes took him aback, his breath catching in his throat as he found himself momentarily speechless.
Merlin's smile widened as she brought his hand to her lips, pressing a delicate kiss to the back of his hand. The sensation sent a shiver down Severus's spine, his heart pounding in his chest as he struggled to find his voice.
“Severus Tobias Snape.” She said and Severus felt his jaw drop. “Congratulations on completing your quest.”
Before he could utter a word in response, Merlin pressed a single bloom into his hands, the delicate petals cool against his skin. Then, in a flash of blinding light, Severus found himself standing once again before Rowena Ravenclaw, the book floating open before him and the flower still clutched between his fingers.