Chapter 15: Snatched

Snape sulked for the rest of the week in his dungeon. He'd never been more upset in his life since Lily had died. He had a pile of exams on his desk that needed marking but he just couldn't face them. He'd tried but his thoughts just kept wandering back to Lucy. Looking at her in her Petrified state just made him miserable so instead he lounged on his chair and wondered how life could get any worse for him.

His job was at risk because of an attacker and with no vacancies he groaned at the thought of moving out. But if they couldn't revive Lucy then there would be no point in a job, he'd have no purpose. He supposed he could move to another school until the next incident but it wouldn't be right without her. He didn't know if his heart could take another catastrophe.

Before he could groan about the unfairness of life anymore there was a rapid knock st the door. Snape glared at it but it just came again. He huffed, got up and stomped over to the door before yanking it open. To his surprise McGonagall stood there.

"Professor, you need to come to the Great corridor immediately; another message has been left."

Snape said nothing and instead followed her with large strides. He didn't know what to expect as he reached the corridor where the other teachers were already gathered. He was hoping that perhaps this message was obviously going to be in McGuire's writing and he finally had solid evidence to get her expelled.

Instead, when he came to a halt all teachers looked at him as he read the message on the wall:

"Her body will remain in the chamber forever," he murmured.

Dumbledore approached Snape in an unnerving manner. "Severus, I'm sorry but Lucy has been dragged into the chamber by the creature and Madame Pomfrey has been Petrified."

Snape's mouth opened to speak but no words came out.

McGonagall placed a hand on Snape's arm sympathetically but he shrugged it off.

Dumbledore continued. "Madame Pomfrey, we believe, saw the creature as it entered the hospital wing. But it took none of the other students, only Lucy."

"Why her?" Snape finally asked.

"We have no explanation at this time," McGonagall shook her head. "I'm afraid it's not safe anymore at Hogwarts for anyone."

"I'm deeply sorry," Professor Sprout turned to Snape, her voice soothing.

But Snape ignored her, he turned to a different Professor instead. "Professor Lockhart." Snape's voice was quiet but smooth. "Weren't you boasting not so long ago that you thought you knew where the entrance to the chamber was? Now is your chance to announce your superstition."

Lockhart, who'd been totally idle from the conversation, spun around looking as white as Snape was. "Well, sort of, I — "

"Good," Snape butted in. "Be quick about it, won't you?"

The Professors only heard the sarcasm in Snape's voice. None of them detected the sadness there, even after he strode off and could no longer offer their condolences.