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

[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].