A Decision

[eucritta]

Title: A Decision
Author: Eucritta
Word Count: 100
Rating: G
Characters: Severus Snape, a snidget
Challenge #218, Cauldrons and Snitches


The snidget shivered at the bottom of the cauldron, its plumage fouled with cobwebs and dust. It fluttered as Severus's hand cupped round and collapsed into his palm, as light as a dandelion clock.

He'd encountered words of greater substance.

By law he must report it to the Ministry. There would be forms to fill, intrusive questions, and like as not a home inspection. It would not be pleasant.

So fragile a life. If he closed his hand, none would know.

Bile rose to his throat. He swallowed.

'Sowerby's Solution to start,' he told the bird. 'And then we'll see.'

Comments

[brr]

I really like it, especially when he's talking to the bird at the end and how he decides not to report the bird because it wouldn't be "pleasant" for him. That said, I'm not sure I know at all what's going on, but at the same time I don't really care that I'm confused. I like it as it is.

[eucritta]

Thank you! I did try to put too much into it -- just imagine a bird who's supposed to be in Somerset, blown far off course to the north [g].

[severed_lies]

Oh, I do so like that we are left to speculate upon Severus' age. I can see him behaving in such a protective manner, at many stages of his life, using practicality to veil his tender feelings. Quite beautiful and delicate, just like the snidget itself.

[eucritta]

Thank you! That bit of ambiguity is because I couldn't decide myself!

[esmestrella.livejournal.com]

I like! Yay for choosing not to kill a tiny fluffy helpless thing just because it would be easier and no one would know.

[eucritta]

Thanks! I think it's fairly clear even in canon that Snape wouldn't, too!

[bohemianspirit]

Whenever this takes place, clearly it's at a time when his conscience has matured enough for him to choose what's right over what's easy. And I would count not reporting to the Ministry as part of "what's right," for himself and for the poor bird. ;-) Heal it and set it free!

A beautiful little story, so telling about the side of himself that Severus tries so hard to shield from the world.

[eucritta]

Thank you! That's exactly what I was trying to say [g].