Chương 85: Clash
Snape's brows furrowed, his dark eyes narrowing as he studied the boy. There was something oddly familiar about him, though he couldn't quite place it. Before he could speak, the young man's expression hardened, and he raised his wand, firing an Impediment Jinx without hesitation.
Snape reacted on instinct, deflecting the spell with a sharp counter-charm. The boy, however, didn't let up, unleashing a rapid succession of spells—Petrificus Totalus, Expelliarmus, Stupefy—each cast with precision and speed. Snape parried them one after another, his wand flashing as he shielded himself with a Protego charm and retaliated with curses of his own.
The boy moved with surprising skill, dodging Snape's counterattacks with quick, almost inhuman reflexes. Spells he couldn't evade, he blocked with expertly timed shield charms. Sparks flew, and fragments of stone ricocheted as the hallway filled with flashes of light and debris.
Snape's patience wore thin. This wasn't an ordinary student. Deciding enough was enough, he began putting more power behind his spells. Yet the boy held his ground, matching him move for move. The clash between their magic sent dust and stone swirling through the corridor, creating a chaotic storm.
Then the boy charged forward, his left fist pulled back as if he was gathering energy. Snape's instincts flared—he felt the force radiating from that punch, heavy and almost tangible. Reacting swiftly, he cast a slicing curse aimed to intercept. The curse met the boy's fist mid-air, exploding with a burst of raw energy that sent both combatants flying back.
Pain lanced through Snape as he hit the ground. He struggled to get up, but the boy recovered first, springing to his feet with an acrobatic flip. Without a moment's hesitation, he fired a stunning spell straight at Snape.
Snape barely raised his wand in time, frustration boiling over as he braced himself for the inevitable hit. But before the spell could land, a figure stepped in front of him, blocking the attack with a shimmering shield charm.
"Alex, what are you doing?" Dumbledore's calm but firm voice cut through the chaos as he lowered his wand, standing between Snape and the young Slytherin.
Alex, still gripping his wand tightly, met Dumbledore's gaze with a defiant glint in his eyes. He shifted slightly, his focus still locked on Snape. "I saw him in a picture," Alex said, his tone cold and accusing. "A Death Eater."
Snape's expression darkened, his face hardening as he glared back. With a sharp scoff, he stood and dusted himself off, trying to appear unaffected. Dumbledore, however, raised a hand, his tone soothing but firm. "It's a misunderstanding, Alex. Severus is with us. I can vouch for him."
Alex hesitated but didn't lower his wand immediately. His eyes remained wary, darting between Dumbledore and Snape. "If you're sure, Headmaster…" he muttered, though his tone suggested he wasn't entirely convinced.
Dumbledore's smile was gentle but knowing. "Stay calm, Alex. Severus has proven his loyalty many times over." His gaze shifted to the debris-strewn corridor. "It seems the past few days have been taxing for everyone."
Snape's expression tightened, his voice icy. "It appears I am not welcome here, Albus. Perhaps I should reconsider my position."
Dumbledore chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling. "Ah, Severus, Hogwarts has always been full of surprises. I'm sure it will grow on you, as it always does."
With a wave of his wand, the damaged corridor began to repair itself. Stones lifted from the floor, broken walls mended, and soon the space looked as though nothing had happened.
Alex watched, reluctant admiration flickering in his eyes. Once the corridor was restored, Dumbledore motioned for him to follow. When they reached the headmaster's office, Alex sighed, his earlier anger giving way to unease.
"You have questions, don't you?" Dumbledore asked, his tone kind but thoughtful.
Alex hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, Headmaster. I don't know what to make of all this."
Dumbledore gestured for him to sit and waited patiently. Alex took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "This summer… Sirius. Is it true? Was he really involved?"
Dumbledore's face softened, his expression tinged with sorrow. "Sirius was captured and sent to Azkaban. He didn't deny the accusations against him."
"That doesn't make sense!" Alex's voice was filled with disbelief. "Could he have been pretending all along?"
Dumbledore's gaze turned distant for a moment before he answered. "Life often defies our expectations, Alex. Sometimes, the truth is harder to face than the lies we wish to believe. We trusted Sirius, and he betrayed that trust."
The words hit Alex like a blow, though he still struggled to believe them. "So it's true?" he asked quietly.
Dumbledore nodded, his tone solemn. "Yes, it is."
Alex's mind raced with thoughts and questions. "Headmaster… can I see him? Speak to him?"
Dumbledore hesitated before replying. "Azkaban only allows visits from Aurors, high-ranking officials, and members of the Wizengamot. Perhaps one day, if you prove yourself, you'll have that chance."
Alex nodded, though disappointment flickered across his face. "I understand."
Dumbledore placed a hand on his shoulder. "Sometimes, we must focus on the future, even when the past weighs heavily on us. The Potters were dear friends to you, and I know you'll want to attend their funeral."
Alex's expression fell, his voice tinged with sadness. "We've lost so many this year… too many." He paused, then asked, "And Harry? Is he safe?"
Dumbledore smiled gently. "Lily's sacrifice has protected him. No one can find him, not even those who wish him harm."
Alex's shoulders relaxed slightly, though a lingering doubt tugged at him. "Headmaster… Snape." His tone was cautious as he remembered their earlier encounter, how Snape's hex had barely missed him.
Dumbledore chuckled softly. "Severus despises the Dark Lord as much as we do. He has risked much to help our cause. I know it's hard to trust him, but he's on our side."
Alex frowned, recalling the night of the Potters' attack. Dumbledore had mentioned receiving the news from "other channels." Could it have been Snape? The thought gnawed at him, but for now, he set it aside.
After a moment of silence, Alex nodded. "I understand, Headmaster. I'm sorry if I caused trouble."
Dumbledore shook his head, a kind smile on his face. "No one would blame a child with your heart, Alex. Hagrid will let you know about the funeral. And don't forget to join us for dinner tonight. There's an important announcement."
As Alex left the office, Dumbledore's gaze lingered on him. "Hope is a powerful thing, Alex. Even in the darkest times, it has a way of surprising us." His eyes twinkled as though hinting at something unseen.
Walking back to the dormitory, Alex's mind spun with thoughts. Sirius' betrayal, Snape's role, and Dumbledore's enigmatic words all swirled together. Despite his doubts, a tiny glimmer of curiosity remained. Maybe, just maybe, there was more to the story than he understood.
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