Campfire Smoke
Severus trekked across Gloucestershire, searching for any sign of their camp. He knew time was limited, and the sword he carried was heavy, both in weight and purpose. He needed to deliver it to Potter before it was too late. He grew weary in his travels, eager to progress the war and finally be able to rest his poor, torn soul.
He knew he wouldn’t survive to the end, and he honestly was pleased with that outcome. He was just so tired. So tired of fighting, of being owned...of his life debt. He wanted to rest.
Still, he traveled. He focused on the bitter cold in the air, the sting and bite of the frost that nipped his face. The crunch of the snow beneath his boots. He’d have to remember to clear his footprints, lest he be discovered.
He knew they’d be hidden from sight, at least, he hoped they were smart enough for that, at least Granger was. He had taught her to be vigilant. These months apart from her had torn his very soul. At first, he was furious that she went against his orders to stay hidden in his safe house he had set up for her; Hogwarts wasn’t safe for a muggleborn. He had helped her to hide her parents, so she couldn’t remain in her childhood home. Spinners End was well known amongst the death eaters…. the safehouse he had procured for his witch was her best option.
Still, in her typical Gryffindor bravado, she left him a note on her side of the bed, explaining she had a duty, just as he had his. She expressed her love for him, and apologized for leaving while he slept. She just couldn’t bear to look in his eyes...to see the hurt she had caused.
And so she left to help the boys.
Now, he searched for her. His anger was long since gone. He knew she couldn’t share their mission, it was too big a risk if the Dark Lord managed to penetrate his shields.
The spy had just about given up, prepared to set up camp when his talented nose picked up a scent. A warm aroma of cooked food hung in the air. The scent of cedar embers from a flame that had long since died. His eyes burned the closer he got.
Campfire smoke.
He picked up his pace, lengthening his stride as he made his way towards the smell. Finally, he saw her, standing outside the wards and smiling at him with tears in her eyes.
“Severus,” she whispered as she ran to his arms. “You found me.”