Learning of Worlds-Private

[HopesWings]

Another short story

Sage was in the library, at a table, her head in her hands. She was so tired, so exhausted. She had thrown herself into her studies, trying to avoid everyone and everything. It was her sixth year at Hogwarts, but the world felt so different, she wasn't sure the school was still the same place she had once loved. Severus wasn't making things any easier, Sirius either. She hated them both in this time of weakness.

Sage felt a hand on her shoulder, but she did not look up. She didn't want to see who it was. It was either another person offering their pity or someone else who wanted to bash her for her brother's decision. When the pressure did not disappear after several minutes, she finally looked up. She was surprised to see Professor Dumbledore standing there, gazing down at her. Without a word of explanation, he sat down in the chair beside her. Several more minutes of silence followed.

"You're still angry at Severus." It was a statement from the professor, not a question. Sage nodded as she looked away anyway. She was more than angry; she was furious. How could Severus have done such a thing? How could he...How could he have left her?

"Severus made his own decision, Sage. You must make yours." Dumbledore's voice was gentle, but it felt like a slap to the face for Sage. She didn't want to think about this right now. She didn't want to feel anything or think about anything. She just wanted to be, an empty shell.

"Severus is my brother, Professor. He's all I have. I just don't understand how he could have joined the Death Eaters. I don't understand what he thinks he will gain from being on their side. I don't understand," Sage chocked up. "I don't understand how he could have left me."

Dumbledore wished he could think of a way to comfort the girl. She had always been so happy, so cheerful. A light in the darkness which others circled around. She had always offered hope. Now, she was only despair. "I know you don't understand why he did what he did, but you still have your own choice to make Sage. A war is coming, a war which no one can stop. You must choose where you will stand, just as Severus has chosen where he will stand."

Sage bailed her fists, anger consuming her. "I will not fight Severus, Dumbledore. He is my family, my blood. Nothing changes that. Family is all we have in this world. What is the point of me fighting a war if it means I lose the one thing I am fighting for?"

Dumbledore regarded her with new respect. "And what of yourself Sage? What if you lose yourself?"

Sage raised her gaze to him, studying the ancient face. She knew what he said was true; she feared she would lose herself in this war. She was not one to sit by and let others fight her fight. She never had been. She may not have been a Gryffindor, but she was brave. She was smart. She was Sage Snap.

"I cannot give you an answer yet, Professor. I don't know if I can give you the answer you want. But you're right; I have to make my choice."