Title: Waiting into Midnight
Challenge: “Wait” (Snape100 LJ community)
Word Count: 100
Characters: Dumbledore and Snape (implied)
Author’s Note: Written nearly three years ago, but just now decided to share.

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He remembers the child, clever but not vain, unkempt and distracted. “But you know what Black did.” Pride warred with the sting of shattered faith.

He remembers the youth, tearless face buried in shaking hands. “You can’t possibly know.” The cracked voice of one broken by darkness. Lost. Untouchable.

Tonight, he remembers the man, wondering what he suffers in the cruel midnight shadows. “You do not need to know.” Payment in blood and soul.

And he waits for the halting scuff of boots and the reluctant rap at the door, tangled white beard wet with muted tears for the child.