HP: Let professors walk towards the light

I didn't go to see Hermalena again, but I could hear her crying.

We just stood there facing each other.

"I'm sorry, Severus... I need you..."

She didn't curse me, she didn't get angry, and she didn't turn away.

Why would you need me, I can't even bring you anything.

"Why... apologize?"

"If I wasn't such a conceited jerk, I wouldn't have screwed up like that...

There is nothing I can do. What’s the point of having so much useful information? Potter can destroy the Horcrux… Maybe you are right. I was not needed from the beginning…”

No, that's not what I meant.

"But... I don't want to witness such a tragedy again... I don't care about anything else, I just hope you can be alive and well..."

"What you should hope for most is to live a good life. This is the view of interests that a Slytherin should have. You should judge the situation and seek benefits and avoid harm," I said.

Hermalena gave a wry smile.

"You want to push me away." A very sure tone.

"How irresponsible! How despicable..."

……

Hermalena left, leaving behind such a casual remark that was not even an insult, and left the dim basement, slowly closing the door, taking away the last ray of light.

Is it already dawn outside?

This cellar really doesn't let in any light at all.

Dark, cold, and wet...

?

Time passed quickly, and I hardly saw Hermalena again except for the day of the Potions exam.

I only remember that she sat in front of Porter and her operation was perfect. No matter in which aspect, I thought she would get a good score on the day the results were announced.

After taking the exam and doing the potion, he left and I haven't seen him since.

I asked Draco, but he didn't know either. They often fooled around together, but they were of no use at the critical moment.

He asked me why I was looking for Hermalena. Now that I think about it, I can't even give myself an answer that convinces myself.

I deliberately pushed her away and even used such bad words. Now that she is staying away from me, isn't this what I want?

These things can be Potter's, Dumbledore's, or mine, but they will never be Hermalena's. It is the best outcome for her if she realizes this and does not get involved with us. Otherwise, Voldemort will not let her go.

If she can hide it from Dumbledore, she can also hide it from Voldemort. Except for Dumbledore, no one knows how special Hermalena is. She will definitely live out her life in peace.

"Will you go undercover again?"

There is usually no one on the sofa in the office, but Hermalena often sits on it. She once asked me this question, but I didn't answer her.

Why did I go undercover? Because I was the most suitable person to be undercover, and I was the most controversial person, because I had followed Dumbledore to victory.

why?

To atone for sins.

But my sin is unforgivable.

[“How despicable…”]

Yes, it was just to make myself feel better, complete the undercover mission, die and be free from anything, so it seems that I am really... despicable...

[“If you can’t find a reason to live, just live so that your old professor can have another outstanding student…”]

She didn't realize there was a Hermalena until she died, and she was lying in front of her in such a miserable state. And I asked her to live for me. Is this something I would say?

It's ridiculous. This world is still as cruel as ever.

“Irresponsible.”

……

“I committed suicide.”

……

【“It’s none of your business.”】

……

["Severus, I'm leaving here."]

Herma Lena... Lena...

I'm back at Spinner's End, and I remember what I should have remembered earlier.

Where is that book...?

Title of the book...Title of the book...

"Here comes the 'Magical and Useful Everyday Magic Potions'!"

From the top shelf, a tattered book flew over to me, and I reached out and grabbed it.

The most basic potion book.

The first potions book I got other than my mother's.

It's Hermalena.

Opening the book, in the middle, there is a flower that has been pressed flat - a fairy bell.

When I saw the memories of Hermalena, I clearly remembered that at that time, I thought I was seriously injured and would never come back. When I knew it was Hermalena, I was relieved.

Is it because his former mentor has become his student that he suffers from selective amnesia?

Snape, you really care about your reputation.

But what's the point of digging it out? It's just a product of time travel.

I flipped through the pages aimlessly, thinking about the ring in the old Gaunt house.

But only Hermalena knew how to get in. She probably wouldn't mess around again.

The book in my hand was very thin, much thinner than other advanced potion books. I should have put it down long ago, but the last page said "We will definitely meet again."

Did I write this?

No, it was written by that simple-minded and foolish boy who yearned for the beauty of the magical world.

When did I start to forget? I don't remember.

The unbearable past in my memory has already swallowed me up bit by bit.

Lily... Lily is all I have...

There is really only Lily...

["Severus, I need you."]

But I killed Lily.

[“Severus must become a very powerful person.”]

but……

"Severus!"

A shout suddenly brought me back to reality. It was Dumbledore.

"What are you thinking about? I'm almost in front of you." He frowned slightly.

"Nothing, what are you doing here?"

"I didn't find you at school. Something unexpected happened. There's your student."

"Hemalena?!"

I stood up suddenly, overturned the chair, and lost my composure, but what happened to Hermalena? What happened?

"Don't be so nervous, Severus, it's not that serious." Dumbledore was a little surprised, and I quickly adjusted my state. After all, the news came a little suddenly, and I thought...

Following Dumbledore back to school from the fireplace, he asked me to bring the truth serum to his office and said he had found Peter Pettigrew.

So that's what happened. It seems I really forgot about that guy in Azkaban.

But, could it be that Hermalena did this?

"This is not a simple matter, but no matter what the situation is, I still hope you can remain calm. Of course, we all should do the same."

Dumbledore said coldly.

He should have guessed the result. Although I already know the truth, it doesn't mean that I will let him go, Peter Pettigrew, the most damnable guy.