Chapter 30 - Golden Hour

The sensation of solid concrete against their bodies jarred Serena and James from their dazed state, though they remained unable to move or protest due to the spell. The cold, hard ground beneath them and the sound of chains and metal clinking ominously in the background hinted at a grim environment—likely a cell of some sort. Their unseen captors spoke with a casual cruelty that sent shivers down their spines, despite their inability to shiver.

"Careful with them, they're valuable merchandise," one voice chided, a tone of greed underlying the feigned concern.

Another voice scoffed, callous and uncaring. "They'll be cleaned up before the show anyway. A few bruises won't make a difference."

The third voice grumbled about finances, "I've already paid Ben for the tip-off about these two. I'm nearly out of galleons. You lot better pay up your share."

Their conversation continued, with the two revealing more than they realized. The name 'Ben' struck a chord with Serena; the shopkeeper from Borgin and Burkes, she only knew his name because he was someone she had interacted with, someone she had multiple counters with as Severus. 

"He said that the boy's an Alpha," the uncaring voice boasted, dripping with avarice. "I felt his aura earlier. Gave me one heck of a headache. He'll fetch a high price. Alphas always do."

"Vampires love their blood. They say all Alpha's have an alcohol effect on their kind. What creeps." 

"Don't remind me."

"And the girl?" Asked the third voice in curiosity.

"A Beta with a pretty face. Perfect for the perverts out there," snided the second voice. 

Laughter, cruel and delighted, filled the air as the three captors reveled in their anticipated profits. Then, their footsteps receded, leaving Serena and James alone in the echoing silence of their prison.

Inside her mind, Serena's thoughts raced. How dare they? Anger burned within her, but also a calculating coolness that had been honed in her past life. She was glad her Omegan status was hidden, or else who knows what danger might come her way. She was one hundred percent sure that it was going to be way worse than their current situation. 

She needed to stay calm, to think. Whoever these people were, they were dealing in the most reprehensible of trades—human lives.

James, though equally immobile, was a tempest of emotion. His sense of duty, his protective instincts, all of it was useless against the relentless magic that kept him prisoner. But beneath the frustration, a determined resolve began to take root. They would not be victims. They would find a way out.

~~~

As the numbing effects of the Petrificus Totalus spell finally waned, Serena and James quickly removed the coarse sacks from their heads, their eyes rapidly adjusting to the dim light of their surroundings. They found themselves in a dark, dank cell, the air heavy with the must of mildew and the oppressive weight of the earth above them.

James' first instinct was to ensure Serena's well-being, moving as close as the chains would allow. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern, ignoring their messy appearance. Their clothes stained with dirt and wet substances from the cold ground. 

"I'm fine," Serena assured him, though her attention was already on their predicament.

"We need to stay alert and look for an opportunity to escape."

James nodded, running a hand through his hair, making it messier. "Agreed. We can't let them sell us off like—like objects." 

Serena felt a swell of solidarity with Potter at that moment. They were wandless and the metal at their wrists suppressed any magic they tried to do without. The cell was sturdy, designed to contain magical folk, but the absence of a guard was a small mercy they needed to capitalize on.

"We likely have some time before they come for us," Serena deduced, her voice low and urgent. "They'll want us presentable for the auction... if that is indeed their plan."

James' heart sank at the mention of a slave auction, a vile gathering he had only heard about in hushed, horrified whispers. 

"Do you have any ideas on how we can get out of here?" he asked, depending on her intelligence. He had multiple plots in his head, but he digressed. He convinced himself that Serena's ideas might be more practical and logical. She had already proven herself countless of times from her achievements alone.

Serena's lips curved into a confident smile, blinding James at the rare sight. "Of course I do," she said, and it was then that she called out a name that seemed to belong to the realm of fairy tales. 

"Bowe."

From the depths of her silky black hair, a small, green creature emerged—Bowe, the bowtruckle. Its twig-like fingers shyly waved at James, who could barely suppress his astonishment.

"You have a bowtruckle?!" he whispered in disbelief, his mouth hanging open.

"That's wicked.."

Ignoring James and without diverting her focus, Serena instructed Bowe with precision and care, her tone imbued with the urgency of their situation. The bowtruckle set to work, its nimble fingers deftly manipulating the locks of their chains and the cell door.

As they waited, James bombarded her with questions about her plan, each answered with a revelation more surprising than the last. Disillusionment without a wand, basic wandless magic, the ability to apparate—all of these were skills far beyond what he'd expected from a fellow second-year student.

Serena's nod in response to his question about apparition was matter-of-fact, a testament to her extraordinary capabilities. But there was no time for awe or questions; she hushed him, taking his hand in hers. She couldn't trust nor fully rely on chance to determine whether James would attract more trouble or not. Locking hands with him will hopefully prevent that. 

"Don't do anything stupid," she warned. "Stick with the plan. We don't know who, what, nor how many we're dealing with."

James found himself entranced, not by the softness of her hand, though that was undeniable, but by the fiery determination in her eyes.

Bowe successfully unlocked their anti-magic restraints and the cell door, and they both whispered their thanks to the tiny savior.

With their newfound freedom, they had to move quickly and quietly.

"Stay close to me," Serena instructed, as Bowe perched onto her shoulders. 

James squeezed her hand in understanding. She focused her energy, drawing upon her innate magic to cast a wandless Disillusionment Charm over them. The charm wasn't as strong as it would be with a wand, but it would suffice for their escape.

They crept out of the cell, invisible to the naked eye, Serena leading the way with a hand still clasping James'. As they navigated the dark corridors, the gravity of their situation was not lost on him—their lives depended on Serena's plan and her extraordinary talents.

James had thought he knew Serena Snape—Prince, but in this moment, he realized there was much more to her than meets the eye. And as they moved together in silence, James saw Serena in her golden hour. 

She had no fear in her eyes, and her presence commanded respect and awe. Though their situation was dire, how can James tear his eyes away? It was like Serena had casted a powerful enchantment on him. 

And in that moment, something clicked inside James' head. An alarm sounded, warning him. 

But the warning signs are always too late; by the time his brain alerts him, it has breached his defenses and reached past his guarded walls.

That this girl—this tiny, little girl, who was holding his hand, currently on a mission to save them, had come to capture his heart.

~~~

Cautiously ascending the rough-hewn stone steps towards the main floor, Serena and James moved with the silence of shadows, their disillusioned forms barely stirring the air. The sight that greeted them as they passed cell after cell was one of despair.

Young witches and wizards, some appearing no older than themselves, were caged like animals, their eyes wide with fear and confusion. The sight fueled a burning anger in their hearts, a silent vow to themselves and to those imprisoned that they would not let this injustice stand.

Serena's footsteps halted, the echo of her boots against the damp stone floor ceasing abruptly. Her heart, which had been hammering in her chest from the adrenaline of their escape, now seemed to stutter in its rhythm. The flickering torchlight on the walls of the underground cells cast ominous shadows, but none darker than the one that now enveloped Serena's heart.

Through the rusted bars of the cell before her, a girl not much younger than herself huddled in the corner. Her face, though marred by grime and fear, was unmistakable to Serena. 

Charity Burbage—yet not the professor she had known, but a girl, a student, her green eyes wide with terror.

Memories crashed over Serena like a rogue wave, each one a suffocating reminder of a past life's failures. She saw Charity again, as Severus Snape, bound and suspended in the air at Malfoy Manor, pleading for life before the cold gaze of Lord Voldemort and the jeers of the Death Eaters. As Snape, she had done nothing, had watched the light fade from Charity's eyes as the Dark Lord's serpent struck. The guilt had been a shadow, a constant companion to Snape, and now it was hers.

Gasping for air, Serena's hands clawed at the cold stone walls as she tried to steady herself. She scarcely heard the clatter of chains or the soft rustling of Bowe's leaves as the little Bowtruckle reached out towards her, a silent offer of comfort. Was she hyperventi—?

"Serena?" 

It was James' voice, filled with concern as he moved closer to her side. His arms enveloped her, strong and sure, a contrast to the trembling of her own body. His scent—fresh grass, cedar, and nutmeg—mingled with the damp earthiness of the dungeons, creating a strangely calming effect.

"Hey—We'll be fine. You're okay, you're okay," he reassured her, clumsily patting her back as he hugged her body.

For a moment, she allowed herself to lean into the embrace, to draw strength from his presence. But the shame of her past, the self-loathing that surged with the memories, pushed her away. With a strength born out of desperation, she shoved James back, her eyes avoiding his.

"I'm fine," she lied, her voice steady but her eyes betraying the turmoil within. "We need to keep moving."

James' gaze lingered on her, filled with questions, but he nodded. Together, they moved forward, but as they passed each cell, Serena couldn't help but glance inside, her newfound resolve hardening with each step.

When they reached Charity's cell, she couldn't help but move towards her. Serena's voice was soft, but firm. "I'm getting you out of here. Hold on."

The younger Burbage looked up, hope flickering in her eyes. "Who's there?" She crawled closer to where the voice was coming from but saw no one. "He-Hello?"

But Serena already pulled back, quickly promising to herself that she would get everyone out. 

She walked forward once again, and James, who was quietly observing her, followed behind her. 

~~~

As they finally reached the main floor, they heard the cacophony of noise was overwhelming. The cries of magical beasts and the shouts of their captors filled the space, creating a chaotic symphony that drowned out any chance of Serena and James being heard. They clung to each other, finding a strange comfort in the other's presence amidst the horror.

James' sharp eyes caught sight of a room that seemed out of place—a storage area, perhaps. He pointed it out to Serena, who nodded in agreement, and together they made their way towards it. Bowe, still under the Disillusionment Charm, proved his worth once again by deftly unlocking the door, allowing them to slip inside unnoticed.

James' eyes swept across the room, looking for any clue, any indication of where they might be. That's when he noticed the small window, grimy with the dust of neglect, but offering a sliver of the world outside. He crossed the room with haste, his fingers prying at the edge of the window, trying to widen the view.

"Serena," he called softly, "come take a look at this."

Curiosity piqued, Serena joined him at the window, pushing aside the remaining grime to peer through the glass. The sight that greeted them was oddly mundane—a building across what appeared to be a private grass yard. 

There, clearly visible, was a sign for "The Dene Coffee Shop," the words "Best coffee's in London!" emblazoned cheerfully underneath. It was a lifeline, a beacon in the dark that offered them more than just the promise of good coffee—it gave them a location, something concrete to grasp onto in the swirling uncertainty.

"We're still in Great Britain," James murmured, a wave of relief washing over him. With this reference point, they could Apparate to safety, they could get help, and they could lead the Aurors to this location and free the others.

James committed the image to memory, the quaint sign of the coffee shop etched into his mind. 

They moved quickly, rummaging through the belongings. The room was a treasure trove of confiscated items, a sad testament to the lives disrupted by the kidnappers. It wasn't long before they found their wands and belongings, a surge of relief and power flooding through them as they gripped their familiar handles.

As they prepared to escape, James and his uncanny luck stumbled upon a ledger—a list of 'merchandise' for the night's auction. His hand trembled as he flipped through the pages, each entry a life, human or beast, reduced to a commodity. Serena's gaze met his, and without words, they understood the weight of what they held.

Taking his hand once more, Serena's eyes conveyed a serious intent. "Hold on tight," she instructed. "Apparition can be unpleasant, especially your first time."

When the ledger and their wands hung in midair caused by disillusionment magic on their bodies, the door burst open, and then closed with a resounding bang. 

A dark haired wizard came in, took two steps forward, and paused. His eyes sharp and senses honed, took in the scene immediately. His gaze snapped to the floating items, and his wand was out in a flash.

Unfortunately for him, Serena didn't hesitate. With a swift motion, she sent a Stunning Spell towards him, but he was quick, darting aside with an agility that spoke of experience. "Fuck—!" 

James stood ready beside her, his wand gripped tightly as he prepared to back her up.

The dark wizard retaliated with a curse of his own, a bolt of purple light that Serena deflected with a well-timed Shield Charm.

Their disillusionment faded the moment Serena's focus was replaced by the fight.

The room filled with the sound of dueling spells, the crack and hiss of magic clashing.

"Protego!" Serena shouted, her shield shimmering into existence just in time to repel a cutting hex. She was in her element, her previous life's dueling skills coming to the fore, her movements fluid and precise.

James fought with a bravery and intensity that only an Alpha would possess, his spells weaving seamlessly with Serena's, creating a dynamic and formidable defense. Their captor was skilled, but the two young wizards were a testament to the strength of unity.

"Expelliarmus!" James tried to disarm the dark wizard, but the man was ready, his wand moving in a blinding pattern, deflecting the spell and sending a counter-curse that James narrowly avoided.

Serena saw an opening and sent a series of quick jinxes, trying to unbalance their opponent. However, the dark wizard was relentless, his wand a blur as he cast spell after spell, seeking to overpower them.

It was then that the dark wizard's voice rose above the din, the incantation of the Cruciatus Curse spilling from his lips with venomous intent. "Crucio!"

Time seemed to slow as James, who was momentarily distracted by protecting Serena, turned back to face the incoming curse. The spell's red light streaked towards him, a harbinger of pain.

Serena reacted on instinct, her body moving before her mind could catch up. With a desperate lunge, she pushed James out of the way, sending them both tumbling to the floor. The curse missed its mark by inches, striking the wall where James had stood and leaving scorch marks on the stone.

Pain exploded across Serena's side from the force of the fall, but she ignored it, scrambling back to her feet. She glanced at James, making sure he was unharmed before turning her attention back to the fight.

"Enough!" Serena's voice was a whip-crack of command, and her magic followed suit. With a flick of her wand and a surge of willpower, she cast a powerful binding spell. "Incarcerous!"

Ropes shot forth, wrapping around the dark wizard with unyielding strength. He struggled, cursing and spitting venom, but Serena moved quickly, her wand steady in her hand. She couldn't risk him alerting the others to their precise location, though it was probably already too late.

"Silencio!" she whispered sharply, and the wizard's voice cut off abruptly, his mouth still moving in silent fury. They couldn't leave him here with his memories intact, knowing that he could be a threat in the future if he recalled their identities or their actions.

Panting, Serena's eyes met James' for a moment, the gravity of the situation reflected in both their gazes. She turned back to the incapacitated wizard, her voice low but resolute as she cast the memory charm.

"Obliviate."

A gentle mist seemed to emanate from her wand, enveloping the wizard's head. His eyes, once filled with anger and malice, now glazed over in confusion. Memories of the past hour slipped away from him, leaving behind a blank slate where his knowledge of the escape had been.

James quickly pocketed the ledger, his movements precise and swift. "We need to get out of here, now," he said, urgency lacing his voice.

Serena nodded, she reached for James' hand, the familiar rush of Apparition tingling at her fingertips. She turned on the spot, the familiar crushing sensation enveloping them as they were pulled through space.

An instant later, they reappeared with a soft pop beside Gringotts bank in the bustling safety of Diagon Alley. The contrast was stark—the lively chatter of shoppers, the clinking of coins, and the warm sunset replaced the cold darkness and despair of their recent captivity.

Without missing a beat, Serena abruptly released James' hand, her frustration evident in her furrowed brows and clenched fists. 

"You imbecile!" she hissed, grabbing his crooked collar and pulling him down to meet her furious gaze. "What were you thinking, covering for me like that? You could have been cursed!"

Her words tumbled out, sharp and scathing. "It was reckless and foolish! I don't need your protection, Potter. I'm perfectly capable of handling myself—and you, if need be. We could have both been caught because you weren't watching your own back!"

James, still reeling from the suddenness of their departure and arrival, was taken aback by her outburst. For a moment, he could only stare at her in surprise before his own stubborn nature kicked in, and he retorted, "I know you're capable, Serena! But that doesn't mean I'm just going to stand there and let something happen to you if I can help it!" 

He continued, his voice softening, and the intensity of the moment giving way to something more sincere. "You're not invincible. You're human just like everyone else. You have moments of vulnerability too, no matter how strong you are. I care about you, I can't help it. It's not a weakness; it's just how I feel."

Serena's eyes widened in shock and her grip on his collar slackened. James' words left Serena momentarily speechless. She struggled to accept or adjust to the idea of someone looking out for her well-being. In her previous life as Severus, no one had ever offered such support and concern. The notion of someone caring for her was unfamiliar and unsettling.

Meanwhile, James couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness. He marveled at how she had risked herself to protect him, finding her fiery concern and anger extremely heartwarming and precious. Although he understood her resistance, he couldn't deny the warmth that filled his heart knowing how much she cared. 

The scene hung in a charged silence as they stared at each other, the air crackling with unspoken emotions. 

Serena composed herself first, letting go of his collar. "There won't be a next time, Potter," she finished, tearing her eyes away. 

Watching the girl in front of him awkwardly avoid eye contact, James softly smiled, "If you say so."

Serena cleared her throat, "We need to go to the authorities," she said, her voice firm. "They need to know what's happening."

They were free, but their ordeal was far from over. The ledger in James's hand was a reminder of those they had left behind, and the kidnappers who roamed free. They needed to act, and quickly.

James nodded, his resolve hardening. "Let's go. We'll make sure they pay for this."

Together, they strode towards the Auror Office, their steps determined. They had escaped the clutches of darkness, but now they would be the beacon, guiding the light of justice to those who had wronged them and the others still trapped in the shadows.

~~~

The Auror Office was a bustle of activity, with uniformed officials moving briskly about their business, but the arrival of Serena and James brought an immediate stillness to the room with their disheveled appearance.

They approached the duty officer, their expressions serious, and recounted their harrowing experience. They were careful with their story, framing their presence in Knockturn Alley as an innocent mistake rather than an intentional visit.

James presented the book he had found, laying it on the desk between them. The Aurors flipped through the pages, their faces growing increasingly grim as they recognized the significance of what they were seeing.

"We've been tracking this operation for some time," one of the senior Aurors admitted. "The information you risked your lives for…. It will save more people than you can imagine." Behind him, multiple Aurors were arranging their departure and were preparing for their mission; to capture and rescue wizards who will be in tonight's auction, as soon as possible. 

They were thanked for their bravery and the invaluable ledger, and were told to return at a later date to provide a full testimony. The Aurors understood the gravity of the situation and assured Serena and James that their guardians had been summoned. 

As they waited, feelings of anxiety and guilt washed over the pair—guilt for the fear they must have instigated in their families. James hoped for a lenient scolding, while Serena braced herself for her grandfather's disappointment.

The Potters and Wilfred arrived in a tempest of concern and anger, relief flooding their features as they laid eyes on their children, safe and sound. The questions came in a flurry, each more frantic than the last, until the Auror stepped in to explain on behalf of the youths.

The news of their capture and subsequent escape left the adults shocked, the initial urge to scold softened by the undeniable courage they had displayed. 

Except for Euphemia who had visible tear stained eyes. "I'm- I'm at a loss of words," she said. 

But despite being at a loss for words, James' mother proceeded to scold the two children for the next 20 minutes.

James and Serena endured the inevitable reprimands, but it was clear that their actions were also a source of pride.

James couldn't help but sing Serena's praises, recounting her quick thinking and magical prowess. "She was incredible," he said with genuine admiration, causing Serena's cheeks to flush with a rare show of embarrassment.

Serena glanced at her grandfather, his eyes softening as he regarded her. "You have the makings of a fine witch, Serena," he said, a rare compliment that warmed her heart.

Eventually, it was time to part ways. They gathered at the Floo powder centre, each saying their goodbyes. 

The Potters, too, expressed their gratitude and admiration, Euphemia Potter squeezing Serena's hand gently. "You take care of yourself, dear," she said warmly.

With final goodbyes exchanged, Wilfred stepped into the emerald flames first, calling out the name of the Prince family mansion. Just as Serena was about to follow suit, James called out her name.

Serena raised her head in his direction. His parents waving goodbye behind him.

He stared at her with clear eyes that were full of rapture and recognition. 

Somehow, Serena felt a peculiar sense of foreboding.

I think he's about to spout something ridiculous again.

Waiting for him to speak, she gave him a questioning look.

And in all his dirty, worn out appearance, James beamed and gave her his biggest lopsided grin.

"You're it. You're my person. One day, I'll marry you!" He declared.

.

.

.

Her suspicion was right. 

James Potter was officially off his rocker and bat shit crazy. 

She let go of the sand substances, voiced her destination, and Floo Powdered away without any further notice.