the_debt_of_time

the imminent threat of death. Repeating it tonight in front of Death Eaters who either
witnessed or heard about the first occasion was close to suicidal!"
Another blue light emanated from the field, and Padfoot caught the scent instantly,
every bit of his soul urging him forward. Staying put was painful as the scent overpowered
him. He struggled to fight the instinct to dash forward, and only the sight of Harry and
Remus rushing out the door to meet Kingsley and Hermione finally stopped him.
He watched closely as Harry enveloped Hermione in his arms. As though she knew
exactly where he was, he felt her gaze immediately upon him. She looked exhausted but
grateful to be alive. Padfoot stood, moving uncertainly on all fours until she shook her
head at him from over Harry's shoulder, silently requesting that he stop. He whimpered,
physically aching from not being able to go to them both, but obeyed her—this time—and
retreated into the shadows.
"Where's George?"
"He lost an ear," Remus said.
"Lost an ear?" Hermione repeated in a high voice.
"Snape's work."
"Snape?" Harry shouted. "You didn't say―"
"Severus lost his hood during the chase. Sectumsempra was always a speciality of
his. I wish I could say I'd paid him back in kind, but it was all I could do to keep George
on the broom after he was injured; he was losing so much blood."
Sirius had seen the Sectumsempra Curse in use before, and the memory caused him
to shake with anger. Not only had the filthy Death Eater betrayed and killed Dumbledore,
but he was now using his old favourites to attack teenagers. Unable to contain himself any
longer, Padfoot growled loudly at the mention of Snape and his betrayal.
"Did you hear that?" Harry spun at the noise, pointing his wand at the shadows
where Padfoot remained hidden.
"Harry, pay attention! We need to wait for Ron and the others!" Hermione tried to
distract him, but Harry stepped forward, completely undeterred, his wand lit and aimed
ahead.
Padfoot flinched at the sight, immediately regretting that Remus had just insisted
the boy not hesitate to use offensive tactics.
"Harry!" Hermione called after him, rushing in front of her friend.