Chapter Text
Aurora stared at the documents before her, tired and aching eyes scanning each word with attentiveness. After the attack at the library, the young alpha has poured all her energy into the documents she took from her parents. She didn’t sleep much in favor of keeping up with the news and seeing if there was any change with Ghostface. So far, it seemed that the killer was staying local. No murders matching the ones in Hogsmeade were made outside the town which gave her a breather.
She narrowed it only to Hogsmeade and the amount of documents she had to read shortened. Of course, the alpha knows that the crimes her parents committed were not limited to their home town, it only took one glance at the size of the files to see that. Aurora would like nothing more than to question her parents, to demand answers for what they have done. But that was something she will have to save for later, right now, she needed to put all her focus on Ghostface.
Since the attacks were only in Hogsmeade, Aurora looked for the families in town who had or have a loved one in Legacy Hospice . From there, she would search if that loved one had been on the list for organ trafficking based on the files she found in her dad’s office. It was tedious work, she barely even made a dent to it but she was getting somewhere. Once she finishes that, Aurora will begin studying each file and see if she could find a pattern.
Having the potential list of victims helped a lot, but there was only so much she could do if she didn’t know who would be struck next. For a moment she thought about age but that didn’t fit, gender and secondary gender were also thrown out the window. There had to be a specific pattern Ghostface had been following so far. Once she has that figured out, she will be able to predict who the next victim will be.
All the alpha had to do was follow that person and not only save their life but also catch Ghostface in the act. All her problems would be solved once that bastard was behind bars.
Movement from the corner of her eye called her attention. Glancing, she sees Smith look through some of the files she had given him earlier. Aurora had planned to do this by herself, there was no need to drag anyone into her problems. But the pile of work kept getting bigger and there was only so many times Aurora could skip sleep before it affected her. Her parents were starting to get worried, though their meetings with future business clients kept them away from home more often these days that they didn’t bother asking if she was alright.
It was fine.
Getting Smith to help her had been a risky move, especially with how much of a low opinion everyone had of him. Aurora had been lucky to even run into him that day, though she did feel a bit of pity on his behalf. She knew about his crush on Severus, how could she not when Smith made it so obvious? It must have hurt him to see the boy he liked in the arms of another. Aurora had been surprised at the scene when she got there, never once expecting much less even envisioning Severus with one of the marauders.
Guess they managed to convince him with all the time they spent together.
Smith had not been her first choice as a partner. If she was still in speaking terms with Charity and Severus, Aurora would have preferred their company. Both omegas are smart, they would have probably already found a pattern this past couple of days. Though, if she really thought about it, she wouldn’t have involved them anyways. They would be horrified at all of this. Her parents’ crimes would have been a bigger concern to them than Ghostface.
She had to do with what she has, even if Smith was her last choice, he had yet proven to be useless. It has only been a couple of days but the alpha had quickly adjusted to Aurora’s demands when she told him her part. At first he had been horrified at the discovery of why Ghostface was killing. Aurora had a tough time trying to dissuade him from going to the police. After striking a deal that satisfied both, they got to work.
Smith won't say anything about the organ trafficking because Aurora will take care of it once they deal with Ghostface. He also had to keep quiet about helping her, he wasn’t allowed to tell anyone, especially not Mrs. Rosier or his parents. The last thing Aurora wanted was for a lawyer to be sniffing around. Aurora will help him prove his innocence with the information she dug up and speak on his behalf. It was a win-win for her. The next part was setting a place to meet up since Smith couldn’t go out in public and if he was seen with Aurora, it may do more damage than good.
They decided it was better for Smith to come to her house whenever her parents weren't home, which was often. They will spend the rest of the day working through each file and separating them. Which ended up forming the list of families Aurora had on her board.
Oliver
Brown
Baker
Avery
Those were the first four families that Aurora found with ties to Legacy Hospice . The list kept getting longer much to her horror, at some point she even wanted to add Green and Jones onto it but decided not to. They hadn’t found any files on them yet. Aurora hoped not to find any. To the left of that list was another one with Pince’s name and Smiths’ name, that list was specifically for victims that had no ties to the nursing home.
Though, with the luck they are having, Aurora won’t be surprised if they had to change Pince’s name to the larger list.
“Did you find anything?” She asked. Smith shakes his head, “Only more names to add, though nothing on Jones or Green.” Aurora sighs, why couldn’t Ghostface just do the regular kind of revenge? The one in which he hunted down her parents instead of others? It was dark thought to have but she didn’t take it back. “What about you? Any new connections?”
“Nope, though I prefer it that way.” While Smith focused on listing any family in Hogsmeade with ties to Legacy Hospice , Aurora was the one looking to see if their loved ones were killed for their organs. It was a long process, one in which she would hold her breath and pray that the family she was looking into didn’t become Ghostface’s new victim. “I still don’t get why Ghostface is doing this, wouldn’t it be more convenient to go after your family?”
“He is going after my family. Killing four people with ties to Legacy Hospice is his way to send my parents a message only they will understand. The police have yet to find out or if they have, they haven’t explored that connection between those four victims because the rest of the victims aren’t tied to that place.” Which makes it more obvious that he killed them to buy himself time. Still, something told her it was more than that.
Just as he had a specific reason to kill people connected to the nursing home, he must have a reason to have killed Green and Jones along with attacking both Smith and Rosier. There was also his attack on Severus. Had Ghostface really attacked Severus because he was friends with Aurora? What about Smith? Rosier wasn’t even supposed to survive the attack, yet he came out of it alive.
“It’s not a simple revenge, if that was the case then everything would have been more simple. He wants to call into attention what my parents have done and at the same time, build despair within them.” Her parents were already on edge, if the police bothered to check any deeper, it might lead to them uncovering their illegal business. Ghostface wants them to feel despair, to have them look over their shoulders at every moment.
Ghostface wants blood but he also isn’t going to show mercy as he hunts them down.
What he did to Aurora was just a bonus. She probably never meant to survive her attack and much like Rosier, got lucky. If only the blonde alpha would wake up. According to the news, Rosier was still in delicate condition, but for now was out of the red zone. Police were hoping to question him and see if he had more information but Rosier hasn’t woken up.
Aurora would have liked to pay him a visit, if only to see if he would wake up but it would be near impossible. The Rosier family has ensured that their son was protected at all times, that meant no one outside of family could see the boy. Aurora will just have to do with what she has.
Smith grabs another file and frowns, “Sinistra, what was the name of your other friend? The one with blonde hair?”
“Charity Burbage, why?”
Smith cursed under his breath and turned the file to her. “Her grandmother had been in the nursing home for around two years before she died.” Aurora snatched the file from his hands, heart beating fast as she looked over the pages. “No, no, no…” Quickly, she looked over at the files she got from her dad, dark eyes looking for Charity’s last name. For a moment, Aurora almost felt relief. She couldn’t find any file with the blonde’s last name, maybe Charity’s family hadn’t been screwed over.
It was that same hope that ended up crashing everything.
“Fuck!”
Before her eyes was a file titled Burbage . Aurora didn’t want to click on it, she already knew what awaited her. For some reason, she could stomach opening the file of a stranger. Aurora would feel remorse for them but it wouldn’t hurt because she didn’t know them. With Charity it was different, she had known the blonde girl for years. Her parents had set up play dates when they were younger. Their parents had always gotten along, Aurora always considered them each other's friends.
Charity’s grandmother, Isabella Burbage, had always treated Aurora like a grandchild. The young alpha never got to meet her own grandparents since they had been long dead by the time she was born. Grandma Isabella had been the closest thing she had to a grandmother. When the alpha had gotten sick and the Burbage family could no longer look after her, it had been Aurora’s parents who offered to take her in at Legacy Hospice . She never thought they had ulterior motives.
How the hell was she supposed to look Charity in the eye knowing what her parents did? When Grandma Isabella had passed away, the blonde omega had been in shambles. For days she would stay in her room and barely speak, not even her favorite shows could make her come out. Aurora had been there, she had helped Charity process her grief and was next to her when it was time for the funeral. Aurora had cried alongside her, and had reassured Charity that Grandma Isabella wouldn't want them to cry for her, that she would prefer to see them move on and keep her alive through their memories together.
Swallowing the knot that had formed in her throat, Aurora clicked the file and braised herself. “Smith…” She said after reading the first few lines, tone hollow. “I want you to look for files named Potter, Black, Lupin, and Pettigrew.” She didn’t want to believe that her efforts in cutting out her friends were for nothing. She had to make sure, if either of the boys’ names are there, Aurora will have to work out who Ghostface is fast.
She will not risk the safety of Charity and Severus.
The next few days had gone by as uneventful as it could be with a killer on the loose. Charity had finished riding out her heat and much like Severus, stayed indoors for two days. Mr. Burbage had decided to drop by to his home to check on his wife, promising the two omegas that either he or Mrs. Burbage would drop by later to check on them. Since it was the weekend and both Sirius and Remus were busy with their own things, Severus decided it was about time he and Charity spent some quality time together.
He had been itching to fill her in on what happened while she was out. He also missed being able to speak with her alone. While he did enjoy Remus’ and Sirius’ company, there were some things he couldn’t speak about to them. He has known Charity for a couple of years, and has grown to trust her with his secrets. She was the only one he could confine certain things to.
Maybe over time he will have that kind of relationship with the rest of his pack.
“So the three musketeers of fuckery finally got the green light? Huh, here I thought it would take them longer.” Charity popped a chip inside her mouth. “Though, I am not surprised either, they had been behaving well.”
Severus huffed, “I still need to speak to James, preferably before my mother has to leave.” During these past four days, Legacy Hospice had called him, informing him that they had received the paperwork and that everything was in order. By next week, Eileen should be dropped off or the nursing home could send someone to go pick her up. Severus hadn’t decided on that yet. He wanted to drop her off himself in order to spend as much time as he could with her but he also didn’t have any means of transportation.
Charity nods, blue eyes glancing at the end of the hallway where Eileen’s room was located. “I could drive both of you there.” Severus shakes his head, “No. Your parents and my mother wouldn’t allow us two to make a two hour drive by ourselves.”
“Then I can ask my parents, or make Adam take us!”
“Sure, and have their already planned weekend interrupted?” He added sarcastically. The blonde groan. “Don’t remind me, I have no desire to be there for that catastrophe in the making.”
The past four days had been mostly uneventful, the key word being mostly. While the main topic was Ghostface, there had been other things that had changed. Other than his newly started courtship, Adam apparently had been courting Rita Skeeter herself. Why Adam, someone who is the complete opposite of Skeeter, chose someone like her is beyond him.
“I can’t believe he is bringing Skeeter over for dinner! I knew that one day he was going to court someone, but Skeeter of all people? Anyone, even a blind person, would be able to see that Skeeter is only with him to get information on the Ghostface investigation.” Charity rambled on. “Mom and dad seemed happy about Adam and Skeeter, hell, they were the ones to suggest we have dinner with Skeeter. I for one don’t even want to be there!”
Severus can’t blame her. The Burbage couple had invited him and Eileen as well but he declined. While some may have forgotten about Skeeter’s earlier judgment of him, the omega had yet to forget or forgive. Sure, she may have done it because she wanted people to pay attention to her news, but Severus didn’t care. Plus, Charity had a point, Skeeter was probably with Adam in order to gain more information.
Adam is well liked, he honestly could get anyone he wanted. His kind nature attracted a lot of positive attention, though Severus could admit that the older alpha tended to be oblivious in certain aspects.
“Maybe I can convince them to let me drive you.”
“They won’t, plus Adam will be upset if you skip out on the dinner.”
“Ugh.”
Severus would have to call Legacy Hospice two days in advance before Eileen’s last day at home. It would cost him out of pocket but that was fine, he could pay for it. The omega would just make sure to spend as much time as he could with her.
Charity popped another chip into her mouth, “At least things are starting to look up even with a killer on the loose.” Severus raised an eyebrow. “I mean, Evans came up to you and asked to be friends again, that’s good for you.” Charity pouted. “I still don’t like her much, but she is an important person in your life, I will try and get along with her.”
It was more than not liking her. Charity had expressed her disapproval of Lily defending the marauders at certain points. It wasn’t often the beta did it, only when Severus seemed to go on about how much he disliked them. It wasn’t even because she liked Potter. After her revelation and explaining why she tried to paint them in a good light, Severus could admit Lily only had his best interest at heart. Though, she could have gone at it in a better way.
Severus won’t hold it against her, both of them had been fifteen, young and stupid.
Charity was probably more worried at being thrown out now that Lily was going to be in his life. The blonde often called herself his best friend and made sure people knew it. After what happened with Sinistra, Charity was probably worried Severus would forget about her. Severus glanced at her, the omega was still pouting. Shaking his head fondly, he grabbed her free hand and gave it a squeeze.
Blue eyes looked at him, then she squeezed back.
Severus wouldn’t do that to her. Sure, Lily has a special place in his heart, but so does Charity.
“Tell me about the shovel talk your mother gave Lupin and Black.”
Deciding not to dwell on the change of topic, Severus launched into an explanation on how Eileen cornered both alphas and laid out what she thought of them along with what would happen if they stepped out of line. By the end of his explanation, Charity had abandoned her bowl of chips in favor of holding her sides as she laughed.
“I wished I had seen it!” A snort left her laughing body. “Ah to see the all mighty Black tremble before a woman who is shorter than him! And Lupin! With someone of his height, one would think he would be intimidating Mrs. Snape, instead, he is the one getting intimidated!” Severus' own chuckles filled with mirth mixed with Charity’s crackling.
“The only person left is James, though I have yet to talk to him.”
“He’s still condemned indoors?” Charity wiped away the tears of laughter. Severus nods. “Mayor Potter is still being cautious.”
“Then how the hell is Black managing to sneak out?”
That had been what Severus had asked Sirius when he had dropped by for the fourth time. The alpha only smirked and replied that he was currently staying at his parents’ house. “His parents are out of town, surprisingly since they had a fit about him courting me. Since he doesn't want his brother to be alone, he is staying there until they return.”
“Lucky him. Has the whole house to himself and can leave whenever he wants.”
In all honesty, it was surprising that Sirius had yet to throw a party. Then again, maybe the mutt was actually using his brains for once. Severus had heard about the parties Sirius would throw in his house before he left to live with the Potters. He always considered them reckless, who would want to get shit face drunk on a school night?
“Hopefully Potter figures out a way to see you.”
“Why is that?”
Charity smirked, eyes bright with fire. “So I can see the way Mrs. Snape corners him. It’s about time someone takes him down a peg or two.” Of course she would want to be there for that. He just shakes his head in exasperation. Since they were on the topic of his rather questionable love life, might as well ask her about her own.
“How are you and Peter?”
Charity pauses, her hands about to reach for her bowl of chips. “...What about Pettigrew?” Severus rolls his eyes, “You know what I’m asking.” Charity bites her lower lip and retreats her hands, leaving the bowl on the coffee table. “We have been getting along…” He raised an eyebrow, obsidian eyes looking at clear blue eyes.
“He’s good company, surprisingly.” She scoffed but it lacked the usual fire she put in it when it came to the plump boy. “He is a good listener, doesn't judge me for being overly violent or chastises me for speaking my mind. He isn’t afraid of doing things considered ‘too omega’ with me.” She starts to fidget with the sofa pillow, “Two weeks ago he accompanied me to buy makeup. He…he seemed very attentive when I explained what each product was and how to use it.”
Her face took on a soft shade of pink, “Then, three days later he gave me my favorite brand of waterproof mascara because I forgot to bring mine. Apparently he had it with him since he knew I sometimes forget to bring my backup makeup, especially my backup mascara.”
Severus could see the conflict within her, see how she fights the blush slowly taking over her face. He can hear how her tone softens slightly when speaking about the blonde beta, and how hard she tries to keep her voice nonchalant yet affection makes its way through the cracks.
He had that same conflict as her at the beginning with the marauders. At that time, Severus had chalked it up to being unused to their kinder treatment. He thought it was an act, a way to get him to lower his guard. The big gestures never caught his attention, anyone could give a fake compliment or give fake kindness. That’s why he never paid them any mind when they did flamboyant gestures, especially in public.
It was easy then, keeping his resentment close to his chest. It helped bury the guilt he felt whenever he rejected either of them harshly and they looked like he had personally killed their pet. Severus didn’t even feel guilty about it in the beginning, he took pleasure in the way James would look stunned then hurt when Severus threw away any gifts given to him.
Severus rejoiced in how Sirius looked ready to snap whenever the omega ignored him when he tried to talk to him. He liked seeing Remus’ guilty and disillusioned expression when Severus scoffed and mocked his attempts at wooing him. It was his way of taking revenge, seeing them all look clueless and hurt.
It was his only way of getting back at them without getting in trouble. Plus, emotional damage always hurts more than physical damage. Let them grovel at his feet, he didn’t care if he trampled over their hearts.
Then, things slowly changed.
It started with small things, insignificant things to the naked eye.
James would carry plain black ties for Severus since the omega disliked his hair getting in the way during chemistry class. Severus would often forget to bring his own, James had noticed and made sure to have extra with him just in case. And not just any hair ties, he specifically carried the soft yet thin ones because they didn’t tangle his hair, the same brand Severus carried with him.
Sirius has also begun carrying an extra jacket with him because Severus tends to get cold in the middle of the day despite already having his own jacket. It was black and plain, just like how Severus liked his clothing. It wasn’t extravagant, Severus would never wear something that expensive because he wouldn’t feel comfortable, it was a simple brand yet soft to the touch.
Remus carried his favorite brand of dark chocolate. Severus tended to be picky about candy, the alpha had picked up on it and carried the specific brand Severus liked. He didn’t buy him the expensive kind because Severus would never accept it and he didn’t get just any kind because he paid attention to the specific brand the omega likes.
It was those small gestures that began to crack down Severus. He had tried to ignore them, to focus on all their undesirable qualities and it worked for a while. Until he could no longer fight back the flutter his heart did whenever Remus handed him a chocolate bar when he saw the omega looking tired and needing a boost. Or when he noticed how he allowed James to tie his hair back without flinching. Or Sirius would let him keep the extra sweater, not once asking for it back.
Those gestures spoke louder than anything flashy or loud. It meant that they were paying attention, that they were willing to learn small things for you because they wanted to.
Charity was no doubt facing the same dilemma he had been facing before taking that leap of faith.
“B-But he is my packmate! It means nothing!” Charity announced, averting her eyes to the tv. Severus sighs, he was never good with emotions or comforting others. Lily usually did that, Charity was a pro at it, even Sinistra. Severus didn’t know how to deal with someone crying or asking for relationship advice. But damn it, Charity needed to know that he wouldn’t hold it against her if she wanted more with Peter.
Look at Severus! He was allowing his bullies to court him! He has no room to judge or argue.
She was probably dealing with guilt at feeling attraction to someone who used to hurt him with words. Severus wouldn’t feel betrayed, it’s not like Charity was dating Peter behind his back during the time the marauders still made his life hell.
“You’ll make a decent couple.”
Charity freezes. Severus winced, yeah that did not come out like he planned. This is why he avoided giving any sort of advice or heart to heart conversation.
“If you want to be with him, go ahead. I won’t think any differently of you.”
“Severus! He hurt you! He said so many hurtful things to you!”
“I know, but so did James, Sirius and Remus.” He gestures down at the sweater he was currently wearing. It was James’ from the many clothing items the alpha had given him during his heat. “I would be a hypocrite if I judged you for liking Peter.” Charity clenched her jaw. “Plus, he apologized early on when we entered the pack.” At this, the blonde girl’s eyes widened. “He…he did?” Severus nods.
It had been during their free period. The three alphas had things to do and Charity had been in the music club room looking for her a book she needed for her next class. Severus had been under a willow tree reading over his chemistry notes when Peter approached him. The plump beta looked nervous and a little green that for a moment Severus was worried he would throw up.
Before he could ask Peter if he was alright, the beta began to speak. Apology after apology left his shaking body. He wasn’t yelling them out, even so they felt loud. It wasn’t flimsy or last minute. Severus had been stunned, more so because Peter actually approached him alone.
He explained this to Charity along with how he had accepted the apology. Though, he had accepted it because the boy looked ready to faint. Not that he told that to Charity, she would think that he hadn’t actually forgiven Peter.
He has, he just wasn't going to say it out loud.
“Like I said, who am I to judge? Go out with him if you want.”
Charity stayed silent, then without warning threw herself onto him. Severus grunted from the force, his body almost falling over the edge of the sofa. Cursing, he wraps his arms wound Charity and holds her close while she cries. Do doubt she feels relieved now that she knows Severus wouldn’t be angry. He pats her back awkwardly, letting her cry it out.
After a while, she pulled away, skin flushed and eyes with a tint of red. “Sorry.” She said, voice slightly cracking. “I just didn’t want you to think I was betraying you.” If they had still only been a pack of three and Severus never gave the marauders any attention, he might have been. Before James had made it clear that he only liked Lily as a friend, he honestly thought Lily had a crush on James and vice versa.
He had felt betrayed at that, thinking how could she ever like a boy who found joy in humiliating him.
Guess he shouldn’t have spoken too soon considering said boy was going to be courting him once Severus got the chance to speak to him.
“Like I said, I am not one to judge considering who I am willingly letting court me.” Charity laughs, “I’ll speak to Petti-Peter soon then. I know he wants to ask me out but hasn’t said anything since I…I always made sure to make it clear we are nothing more than friends.” Severus allows a small smile.
“And Charity?”
“Hm?”
“Just because I am on talking terms with Lily again, doesn't mean I won’t want you in my life.”
Her blue eyes widen, then she nods, relief washing over her. “You claim that you suck at reading emotions, but I think you're just too good at it.” Severus doesn't say anything to that. In a way she is correct, the omega isn’t good at reading emotions, however, reading the human body has always been something he is good at.
Not because he wanted to know.
Severus just had to learn when Tobias was angry in order to prepare for bruises and broken bones.
Though now, it was used to comfort Charity because as much as she always expresses herself, the blonde tended to keep things to herself if she believed them to be a burden.
That was one of the many things both omegas had in common.
Stretching, Severus groans as his back pops. It had been a few hours since Charity left with her dad, claiming that she didn’t want to intrude more than she already had. Severus knows it’s because she plans on how to talk to Peter. He doesn't call her out on it and simply wishes both omegas good night. After that, he checked on Eileen and then retreated to his room.
While he had enjoyed having people over, the omega missed having the house to himself and Eileen. With so many guests, he had to divide his attention which hardly left any room for him to do his thing. With everything that was going on, he missed having some alone time.
Blowing a strand of black hair from his face, Severus looked at the sketch he had been hunching over the past few hours after Charity left. He was still undecided on what to specifically draw for the portfolio but decided to sketch a few ideas that may come of use. Obsidian eyes traced over the details on the stag drawn on his sketchbook, looking at the shading and lighting.
What Sirius said about animals being symbolic and how Remus explained his choice based on a movie of werewolves had made him curious enough to start his own research about it. He had thought about starting with wolves, maybe even dogs, something that was more well known. However he ended up getting distracted and interested in the mythology and folklore of places around the world.
Which is how he came to know about deer omens. Sirius had already explained what a doe represented and stags tended to represent the same thing. However, the Hebridean folklore he had read said that if one saw a single deer in a location where one would not usually see deers, then it was a bad omen. For some reason, that had struck a cord and soon he found himself drawing a stag.
It was supposed to be a quick sketch, something simple to get him started.
He ended up drawing a doe in front of the stag, then a wolf, then a dog. In the end, the sketch was of a doe on one side, looking at the stag who had the wolf and the dog flanking either side of him, neither canine attacked the stag or doe. From an outsider's view, it looked like the stag was the leader while the other two followed. The doe, in Severus’ eyes, seemed weary, not knowing whether to trust the stag and his two companions.
It didn’t represent obsession, though he wasn’t sure what it could represent.
Knock, knock.
Startled from his thoughts, Severus turned to face his window, a crease in his forehead. His window was closed and locked, the black curtains having always been drawn since he didn’t want anyone looking into his room. It has always been like that in fear of someone seeing something of his and trying to break in. The omega didn’t move from his place, body tense.
Knock, knock.
There it was again. Scowling, Severus slowly moved to his bedside table and opened the drawer where the handgun was. There was no way he was going to open the blinds to see what it was. He lived in the bad side of town, hearing and seeing crime was something he got used to, especially at night. Now that a killer was on the loose, it would be purely idiotic to take the risk and open them.
Severus loves horror movies and novels, doesn't matter how bad the movie may be, he liked to see them because it was a hobby. He always made sure to not mix movies with real life, those were two separate things. Sure, some things in horror films could happen in real life –example A being Ghostface– but murder was always going to happen one way or another.
However, there were a few solid rules he lived by that always applied to horror movies, rules that he ignored when he went into that dark alleyway and almost got killed.
- You may not survive the movie if you drink or do drugs
- You may not survive the movie if you say I’ll be right back, Hello?, or Who’s there?
- The past will come back to bite you in the ass. Whatever you think you know about the past, forget it. The past is not at rest! Any sins you think were committed in the past are about to break out and destroy you.
- The killer always has something to do with the past.
- Keep alert
- Don’t leave your apartment/house
If he had remembered those rules, then Ghostface would not have targeted him next. Then again, Smith had been his coworker, for all Severus knows the bastard would have targeted him anyways. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed the cold handle of the gun, finger ready to switch the safety off.
Knock, knock, knock.
He refuses to end up as Skeeter's next journalism project.
“Severus? Can you hear me?”
The omega paused, hand still holding the gun. “Shit…did I get the wrong room?” There is more mumbling, then a yelp and the sound of someone bumping onto the outer wall of the house. Letting go of the gun and closing the drawer, Severus cautiously approached the window.
“...James?”
The mumbling stopped, if he squinted his eyes, he could see a silhouette of the bespectacled boy. Or was it James? Stepping back, he opened the drawer and held the gun. “Sev? So this is your room!” The person on the other side sounded cheerful. Severus pressed his lips together, they sounded just like James.
“Could you open the window? It’s kinda cold out here.” They let out another startled yelp. “Fuck! Why are there so many bugs?!” The tension in his shoulders eased a bit. James, despite never backing down from a fight or challenged, had always been frightened of bugs. He could handle butterflies, bees, hell, even wasps. However, the alpha could never seem to be able to handle spiders or anything that seemed to crawl at night.
Still, from what the reports on Ghostface had said, the killer liked to use a voice changer and seemed to always know how to lure his victims towards him. There was no way Smith knew about James’ fear of bugs, or where he lived.
Unless Smith already knew.
“Sev? Are you there?”
“How do I know it’s you?”
The person paused, “What do you mean?” Severus swallowed, “If you are James, then why don’t you simply knock on the door?” Why go through all the trouble of locating the window to his room? It wouldn’t be the first time James came over to his house, even if it was only to drop him off.
Not to mention, James was supposed to be under house arrest. So how was he even able to be here so late at night without Mayor Potter knowing?
“I wanted to surprise you! After your heat started I wasn’t able to come check on you. Dad’s been keeping me at home and while I could go out, he would want me to have some form of body guard. I didn’t want to draw attention, I know you would have hated that.”
No one else knew about him entering in heat other than his pack and Charity’s parents. Plus, it wasn’t public knowledge that James was under no circumstances allowed outside. “Plus, other than surprising you, I wasn’t sure if you were asleep or if your mom was resting. I didn’t want to disturb her rest if that was the case. I saw the light on from this window and hoped that it was your room.”
Biting the inside of his cheek, Severus fought off the blush that was taking place. It was clear that the person could be James, but he had to make sure. Eileen was too weak to fight back and Severus was not going to let what could possibly be Ghostface into his house.
“What did we do when my heat started?”
The Maybe-James choked on what Severus could assume was his saliva. “W-What?” The omega didn't repeat himself, obsidian eyes focused on the back drapes. “We…well we k-kissed.” He sounded nervous, Severus felt his mouth go dry. “Made out in…in m-my car.”
“...What else?”
A whine was heard, then shuffling. “We humped on each other, and I know I should have stopped you but I lost some of my s-self control.” His face was burning, “After you c-came, I managed to get you inside and I left my black sweater with you.” Obsidian eyes glance at his nest, in the middle with other articles of clothing, sat that sweater. Huffing, Severus leaves the gun inside the drawer and closes it before making his way to the window.
Pulling the black drapes slightly, he is met with James’ beat red face and messy dark hair. Letting out a sigh of relief despite the embarrassment coursing through him. Sliding the window up, Severus glares at the alpha. “Are you an idiot? Why couldn’t you knock on the front door like a normal person?”
James looked even more flustered, “I wanted to see you.” Was all he mumbled. Huffing, the omega stepped back. James gave him a nervous smile and climbed through the window. Once he was inside, Severus closed and locked it before turning to face the alpha. Hazel eyes scanned his room and for the first time, Severus realized that he had another alpha in his room.
Not once since he started to officially allow Remus and Sirius to court him had Severus allowed them inside his room.
“James, why are you here?”
“Because I wanted to see you. Padfoot and Moony have gotten to hang out with you, and I would have been able to do the same if I could leave the house.” James pouted, his eyes back at Severus. “Plus, Sirius had been bragging about having these movie dates and going out to the store together. Remus even joined in to tell me that you two take walks to the park or how sometimes he takes you out to eat.”
The alpha began to rant, walking back and forth. Severus simply stares at him, arms crossed, amusement dancing in his obsidian eyes. “I wanted to call you and ask if I could come over but like I said earlier, my dad would have wanted to send some protection and I know you hate unwanted attention, especially with what Skeeter has been writing about.” He growls at the last part, eyes flashing.
“So I thought about sneaking out to see you, but then if I did the press would probably follow me all the way here and you would have gotten angry. Not to mention, I didn’t know when your heat would end and a-after what happened I wasn't sure if you even wanted to see me.” His face turned red again, Severus didn’t say anything. “I only managed to send some of my scented items because Wormtail offered to deliver them.”
“James.”
“But then Sirius said your heat was over and I really wanted to see you but dad was still keeping an eye on me, especially after the Ghostface attack.”
“James.”
“And since Padfoot is staying with his brother, I have been alone and bored. Remus is busy helping his parents and even when he is not, he can’t come see me often since we live far from each other.”
“James.”
“Ah! About that, don’t worry about me making my way here on foot. Dad is busy with a few of the higher families, something about security. I took my car and parked it near here. I also made sure no one followed me.” James turned around, he looked nervous. Another thing Severus learned as he spent time with James was that the alpha tended to rant about anything when he was nervous.
The bespectacled boy’s eyes widened as he finally took a good look at Severus. The omega looked down and felt his face heat up again. Right, after Charity left, Severus hadn’t taken the sweater off. He had liked being able to smell James’ scent since he hadn’t been able to see the boy after his heat. Deep down, he had missed him but he wasn’t about to say that to either Sirius or Remus. For one, Sirius would have laughed and teased him while Remus would look at him with understanding and probably offer to speak to James on his behalf.
“Y-You're wearing my sweater.” It was not a question, not with how breathlessly James said it. The alpha turns to look at Severus’ bed/nest, his cinnamon scent becoming a bit more noticeable. “Yes, that is something I will be doing often since you're courting me James.”
The raven alpha looks at him, eyes shining his face still red but no longer from embarrassment. Severus felt a shiver run down his spine, not of fear or anxiety, it was something else. James stepped forward, “You called me James.” His tone was soft, almost a whisper. The omega shrugs, “It’s your name. I’ve always called you by your name.”
“But you always called me Potter.”
“Well, I’ll start calling you James as well.”
“You're also accepting the courting.”
“Yes, I’ve already spoken to the other two, I…agree to let you three court me.”
Fuck, he already said this more than once yet each time those words leave him, Severus can’t help but feel a thrill of excitement and nervousness. James smiled and Severus stared back in shock. He had seen James smile before, yet this smile directed at him felt different.
“James?”
Severus’ room wasn’t very big, like the rest of the house. It was small but it was enough for him. Having James in his room made it smaller, having the alpha walked towards him in what seemed two steps made it shrink. Before the omega could protest, James grabbed him by his face and pulled him into a kiss. Severus stiffened, the only time he kissed James had been when he was in heat, it had been filled with lust and a burning desire to let the raven alpha claim him.
However, this one was soft, even when it was full of excitement and want. His warm lips coaxed Severus’ own to move, his callused and firm grip going from his face to his waist. Severus closed his eyes, allowed himself to slowly dive into the kiss and James’ scent. The omega kissed back while wrapping his arms on the other boy’s neck to pull him closer. He could feel James smile, could feel the way the alpha almost purred as Severus returned his affection.
This time, Severus could enjoy the kiss, there was no lust guiding him, only the desire to feel more of James, to be able to taste the alpha as much as James wanted to taste him. The alpha nudged him back until the back of Severus’ knees hit the edge of his bed. James paused but didn’t stop kissing him, waiting to see if the omega would protest. Severus didn’t, instead, he held onto James and pulled him down with him.
The small gasp he let out as his back hit his bed allowed James’ tongue to enter. Severus let James explore his mouth as the omega did the same, any small sound he made the alpha swallowed it. The omega tangled his fingers on the teen’s messy nest hair, slightly pulling, causing James to groan into the kiss.
In response, the alpha broke the kiss, both boys panting, skin hot. Severus licked his lips, watching how James followed the movement with his eyes. The hazel color turned a shade darker before leaning down and trailing hungry feathery kisses down Severus’ chin and throat. The omega sighs, eyes fluttering shut and allows the boy on top of him to continue.
James growled softly, burying his nose onto the raven’s scent gland and inhaling. Severus tensed slightly, he wasn’t used to having someone’s mouth that closed to his neck. Even if Sirius and Remus buried his head in the same place, neither alpha had kissed him there. James pressed a small kiss onto the gland, causing Severus’ breath to hitch, then moved to a spot under his jaw and nibbled.
Severus’ hold on James’ hair tightened, he knew that if he let the alpha continue he would leave a mark in a place impossible to hide. He wanted to do that, to pull him away yet his hands ignored what his brain was telling him and instead pushed the alpha’s face closer. Biting his lower lip, Severus did his best to muffle the whimper that left him as James sucked on that spot, his tongue feeling hot yet soothing.
Opening his eyes, the omega panted, James had pulled away and gazed at him. There it was again, that same look the alpha had given him when he declared his feelings for him. His stomach fluttered and his whole body warmed up. It wasn’t the same warmth that the kiss brought, it was different in that nature.
James chuckles as he presses their foreheads together, his soft strands of hair tangling with Severus’ own raven hair. “I’ve been dying to do that for a while.” Severus grunts, his arms still wrapped around James’ shoulders. “You better not have left a mark.” The alpha just grins and captures his lips again. Just as callused fingers touch the skin made available when his shirt rode up, someone clears their throat.
Severus snaps his eyes open and shoves James off him as if the alpha was on fire. James yelps, crashing onto the floor with a grunt of pain when he lands on his behind roughly. The omega winced but no words leave his mouth when obsidian eyes lock onto his mother’s unimpressed gaze.
She looks at Severus, whose hair was a mess, lips red and no doubt swollen from the make out session, clothes wrinkled, and face bright red. Her gaze trails to the alpha on the floor, looking just as disheveled as Severus, and crosses her arms.
“Potter, what a pleasant surprise.”
Her tone did not indicate she was pleased at all.
James swallowed and smiled nervously. “M-Mrs. Snape, good to see you…” He trailed off as Eileen’s glare turned icy. Severus opened his mouth, then closed it. No words could describe how mortified he felt at this very moment. Had he been so wrapped up in James’ embrace that he didn’t hear his mother get out of bed, much less come into his room?
No matter how much he wanted to explain himself, there was no way to soften the blow. Both boys had been in bed, kissing and touching one another. Eileen didn’t have to watch for long, just one look would tell her everything. His mother turned to look at him again, an eyebrow raised.
“At least I got to experience what it feels like to walk in on my son and another boy he snuck into his room.”
If his face was not red before, it was boiling now.
“Potter,” Both boys flinched, James looked like death had come for him early. “A word.” The older beta didn’t wait for a reply and left the room leaving the door open. James got up and dusted his jeans, nervous hazel eyes looking at the doorway then at Severus. “She…she won’t kill me…right?”
Severus pressed his lips into a thin line. “Go before she comes for you.” James nods and with anxious steps, follows after the older woman. Severus waited until he heard his mama’s room door close.
Plopping onto his bed, he brought his pillow to his face and screamed.
Severus doesn't know how long his mama speaks to James, but he is sure it’s much longer than when she spoke to Remus and Sirius. After letting out his embarrassment onto the pillow, he laid down, eyes looking at the ceiling and at the glow in the dark stars Eileen had put there when he was younger.
To think his mother would walk in on him in such an unsavory situation…
Just thinking about it brought a fresh wave of shame and embarrassment. There was no doubt Charity would find out and make fun of him. Eileen would tell Mr. Burbage who will tell his wife, who then would tell Charity and Adam. He could already picture it, the blonde omega laughing her ass off as she tried to imagine Severus’ horrified expression.
He doesn't know how long he lays there. By the time James comes back, he looks like he went through three different wars and barely came back alive. Severus turns to his side, watches how the alpha leaves the door open and takes a seat next to the omega.
“Your mother is a terrifying woman.”
Those simple words break down the tension. Severus grumbles in agreement, “Sirius and Remus said the same thing.”
“Wait, she already spoke to them?”
“Yes? They didn’t tell you?”
James shakes his head. Severus had told them that he would be the one to speak to James about the courtship, other than that, they were free to tell him anything else. Before he could stop himself, the omega began to laugh. The bespectacled teen pouts, “They didn’t tell me on purpose!”
“I presume they wanted you to suffer the same way they did.”
“When I get my hands on them…!”
Severus covers his lower face with his pillow as he continues to laugh. To think both alphas would be that petty. He could see Sirius doing that since he had been the first one to talk to Eileen, but Remus? The raven guesses even he had a petty side he didn’t show often. James huffs and lays next to him, both of them facing each other.
“What did she tell you?”
“That I am an inconsiderate mongrel who knows nothing about respect and pretty much listed the reasons why she disapproved of me.” He props his head onto his arm, “She also said she didn’t care who’s son I am, and that I will pay the consequences if I step out of line.” So pretty much the same things she told Remus and Sirius just wording it differently. James sighs, “I can see whose glare you inherited, I thought she would turn me to stone with the way she was looking at me. Finding me on top of you was just the cherry on top.”
Both boys blush again. Severus lays on his back again, “Did she let you stay?” He was still surprised James joined him after getting caught. The alpha nods and scoots closer to the omega. Since Severus had yet to pull away, James wrapped him in his arms and nuzzled his face onto the teen’s neck.
“Yes, but only for an hour. She wants the door open and that I leave the way I came in.” Essentially, Eileen is making James do the walk of shame. Charity was going to have a blast. Severus fiddled with James’ hair, feeling the way the boy melts into him.
They stay like that for a few minutes, basking in the comfortable silence. The omega blinks lazily, feeling his eyes grow tired. James’ cinnamon scent and body heat were making him sleepy, the comfort the alpha provided was nice. He had cuddled with Sirius multiple times, mainly because the curly hair teen tended to be more physically affectionate. Remus was more reserved, he waited for Severus to make the first move unless Severus made it clear that he wanted to cuddle.
Each of their hugs was different yet the same in a way. It provided him warmth and comfort different from when he and Charity would get into cuddle piles. It was more…intimate in a way.
“Sev? You still awake?” The omega hums, he had stopped playing with James’ hair but kept his hand buried in the messy nest. “Remus told Sirius and I that you were going to send your mother to… Legacy Hospice .” Severus nods, guessing Remus did tell them some things. It didn’t bother him, they were bound to find out at some point. James’ breath hits his skin softly.
“I’m not going to pry or anything, but if you need someone to talk to, I’m here.” A kiss was pressed on the side of his neck. Severus knows what the alpha means. A few years ago, when Severus had been eleven, Mrs. Potter had been sent to a nursing home by her husband. Skeeter had been the one to cover the news, and considering past experience, Severus didn’t fully trust everything she said.
What he remembers of it is that Mrs. Potter had been ill for a while. Mayor Potter had done everything in his power to ensure she was well taken care of in his home by hiring nurses and private doctors. It was like that for a few years. Severus doesn't know much but he is certain Mrs. Potter had been in poor health earlier on. People like to gossip about how she had gotten ill after giving birth to her son and how over time, it got worse.
Severus could only imagine how James must have felt. To see your mother get sicker each day was torture, he would know. Maybe that’s why he never fully listened to the gossip people spoke of them after Mayor Potter sent his wife away. It was expected in all honesty since the Mayor is a private person, but it was still unsavory.
“It may not be the same, but I’m sure you know that my dad had sent my mom away when we were kids. Despite what people may think or say, he didn’t do it because he couldn’t deal with her. Those two loved each other to the moon and back…it pained my dad to make that decision.” James’ hold tightened, “The thing is, my mom was more than just ill. From what my dad told me, her side of the family had a history with schizophrenia, her grandmother and her great-grandmother both had it. My grandmother never had it and for a while, both of my parents thought my mom wouldn’t either.”
No wonder Mayor Potter did what he did. It was one thing taking care of someone who was ill, but another thing completely when it came to schizophrenia and dementia. There is medication, but depending on how ill Mrs. Potter had been, it could have done her more harm than good. Severus wrapped his arms around James’ body, burying his face onto the nest of hair.
“Then after a family doctor did his usual evaluation, it turned out she did have it. I didn’t know back then, even when mom would speak about hearing voices or seeing things, I just thought she was ill and needed rest.” His dad probably hid that fact until James was old enough to understand. “I was not allowed to see her by myself, I didn’t think much of it back then and just chugged it up to my dad being protective of both of us. If something happened to mom I wouldn’t be able to get help fast enough, in my mind, it made sense to have a nurse on stand by.”
“It was like that for a year, then one day when I came back from school, dad told me that mom was too ill to see anyone. A couple of days later, he broke the news that he would be sending her to a nursing home. I was upset, in my mind I thought we could take care of her ourselves. We have the money to do so, but my dad wouldn’t change his mind.”
Severus does not blame him, if he had been in that position, he would have felt the same. Even now, he doesn't want to send Eileen away but knows he has no choice. If he had the money, he would have hired help, been able to give her the medication and treatment she needs. After all, a child, despite being just that, a child, wants nothing more than to protect their parents and care for them in any way they can.
“When I turned fourteen, dad finally told me why he sent her away.” James chuckles bitterly. “Even if I finally understood why, it didn’t stop me from feeling hopeless. We visit her during the weekends despite Legacy Hospice being two hours away. I made sure to send her letters daily and small gifts so she knows I still think about her.”
Severus feels his skin grow wet, he holds tighter to James but lets the alpha continue talking. “Things were as fine as they could be…then during winter break my dad got a call informing him that my m-mom had…she h-had passed away.”
The omega rubs his back in soothing circles, the same thing he always did when Charity was upset. He isn’t good with words of comfort, or any form of comfort but he tries. “They told us that she hung herself with the bedsheets.” James stops, a sob leaving him as he digs his finger onto Severus’ sides. The raven held on to him, knowing that right now, all the alpha needed was someone to hold on to.
Severus had heard about this from The Daily Prophet . The nursing home didn’t say much about it, patient confidentiality and Mayor Potter had requested to keep it private for the sake of his family. The bits that were released to the public was that an investigation had been conducted before it was ruled as a suicide. Many just assumed Mrs. Potter had grown tired of being in the state she was in and decided to put an end to it, others speculated that the nursing house did it.
It had been dark moments for the Potter family.
“Dad asked if the schizophrenia had been the cause and it had been. Apparently mom had begun to have violent outbursts as of late and they put her on intensive watch. One of the nurses doing the usual rounds found her. The rest is a blur to me…” James sniffed, voice wavery. “But I never once blamed the nursing home, they did their best when it came to her. There had been accidents in the past and they always made sure to never have a repeat of it. If anything, I was glad mom had good friends there.”
A wet laugh leaves the alpha, “Some of the letters mom used to write would have snippets of her day and of other nurses she befriended. When we held her funeral many of them showed up…I miss her a lot.” Severus doesn't know how it feels to lose a mother, but he does know how it feels watching her slip away. Mayor Potter wanted to spare his son that pain, and in a way he did. In a way, Severus was glad. At least James remembers all the good his mother had done and all the wonderful memories they shared.
“My point is, I know how it feels to send your mother away. It’s tough, and I am sure more for you since you have been watching over her.” He pressed his lips together, it was true. Severus wants to keep his mother with him, but he can’t. Based on what James said, maybe Eileen would make some final good memories? She used to have friends before marrying Tobias, even after her marriage, she made new ones until the abuse started.
The majority of her life had been like that. If she bonded with the nurses and patients, maybe she could make good memories that while not changing the bad ones, could balance them.
“...Thank you.” He mumbled into his hair. James didn’t have to tell him something too intimate about himself but he did. The alpha did it in order to reassure Severus, to let him know that his mother would be in good hands and that James would always be there if he wanted to talk. James hums, his hold loosen as he brethren in the omega’s scent. Severus hadn’t even noticed he had released calming pheromones.
They stay in each other’s embrace during the duration of their time together.
Aurora stared at the list she had made earlier with Smith, new names had been added, and by the end, it had been finalized. Thankfully it wasn’t a long one, only a few more names that they filtered out. At the end, it was completed, though it did nothing to soothe her worries.
- Oliver
- Brown
- Baker
- Avery
- Burbage
- Black
- Roberts
- Johnson
- Longbottom
- Potter
With a shaky hand, the young girl crosses out a few of the names.
OliverBrownBakerAvery- Burbage
- Black
- Roberts
- Johnson
- Longbottom
- Potter
Six people in Hogsmeade who could possibly be the next victims. One of them being Charity, the other two being people who she thought could protect Severus and Charity. Despite the lack of light in her room, the lights from the lamps outside her house helped her see a question written on a sticky note in bold letters.
Earlier, before her parents came back, Smith had asked something Aurora hadn’t even considered. She had wanted to dismiss it at first, but when she thought about it, it made sense. Just thinking about it made her sick to her stomach.
What if Ghostface is one of the people on the list?
Smith had told her that if Ghostface already knew about her parents’ side job, about the organ trafficking, and if he was killing people who had been in his position, then there was no doubt that Ghostface was one of the people they listed. Not to mention, Ghostface was only attacking in Hogsmeade, the killer had to be one of the townsfolk with the way he managed to get away before the police arrived at the crime scene.
Aurora already knows it’s not Charity, the blonde girl will never kill anyone.
That only left Roberts, Johnson, Longbottom, Black, and Potter.
Roberts and Johnson had been put in the clear soon after. Mainly because both of them were elderly and there was no way they could overpower teenagers who did sports, even those who didn’t do sports could take both of them down. Longbottom, Black, and Potter were the only ones left. Aurora hugs her legs tighter to her body, nails digging into her pants.
Longbottom is an only child, he plays in the rugby team, he is an alpha who is around the same height as the killer. Black has a younger brother who also plays rugby, both of them are strong and despite the older Black being at odds with his parents, he has a good relationship with his younger brother. Both are around the same height as Ghostface. Potter is an only child, plays rugby, is well liked, and is around the same height as Ghostface.
No matter how she looks at it, either of the three alpha could be the killer.
It didn’t help that all three of them had connections. They had everything they needed to launch a revenge plan that elaborate. As much as she tried to excuse it, Aurora knows that they are her three main suspects as well as potential victims. The worst part of it all, Aurora may have single handedly handed over Severus and Charity on a silver platter to Black and Potter.
If either of those two alphas turned out to be Ghostface, then she has no doubt that they would be working together.
If it was Longbottom, then he was either working alone or had an accomplice who didn’t mind getting their hands dirty.
Smith and her had figured out one part of the puzzle, the next one was going to be difficult. They knew who the possible victims were, now they had to find out the order in which they would be targeted. While doing that, they also had to keep an eye on all three suspects, especially when two of them were now officially courting Severus.
If Lupin was already chummy with the raven omega, there was no doubt the other two would be as well.
She just hopes that for Severus’ sake that neither Black and Potter are Ghostface.