Slowly she entered the empty Potions, hoping to find an old friend; Severus was not there. Aerabella sighed and exited. She had really wanted to see him and decided to go and chat with one of her other former classmate.

"Aurora, how have you been?" Her smile was soft and kind as always.

"Good and you." she replied softly offering Aerabella a cup of tea. She accepted and tried to pick up a conversation. It was no use; she couldn't stop thinking of Severus.

"Oh God Aurora, I screwed up." Her hands shaking as she sat the teacup down. She stared into to keep Aurora from knowing that she was crying; soon it was obvious by the way, Aerabella's shoulders trembled.

"Aera, darling what's wrong?" Aurora went to her and wrapped her arms around her. "please tell me, please."

"I hurt him!" She choked up on her words, as tear fell from her eyes. Aurora stroked her hair, trying to comfort her. "I told James that …if…if he… tried to …impress her…"

"Oh, it's ok love. You were young, and." She looked down at her.

"I hid a letter she wrote to him. God, I am a horrid person." She cried out, as the tears still flowed down her cheeks. "…And I told him in a letter. I just…" The door to the lounge opened and there stood Severus. Before Aurora could say anything, Aerabella stood and looked at him; he looked away. "I am so sorry."

He ignored her. Slowly she walked towards the doorway; her heart shattered as he brushed passed her. She reached into her pocket emptying the contents onto a small table and left.

Aurora stood and walked to the table and picked up a envelope. "I believe this is yours." She said and left the room.

Severus waited till he was in his quarters a few hours later to open it. It was from Lily, and the seal not broken. He took a deep breath and carefully opened it.

Dear Sev,

I forgive you. And yes we still are friends .I heard you had a crush on me and Sev I love you dearly but we, we can not be together. Forgive for not doing this myself; I couldn't to see you hurt, so I asked Aerabella to do so.

Sincerely

Lily

Severus dropped the letter; holding his face between his hands and began to cry. He missed her, oh how he missed her. 'Lily.' He looked around his empty room he thought he heard her.

No, it was only Minerva knocking at his door. He didn't answer, just stared at the door.

"Severus, I need to speak with you." Minerva sighed and turned on her heel to leave, bumping into something. She looked at a younger woman that she knew so well. She went to open her mouth but a slender hand hushed her.

Severus heard a click and face his door, Aerabella stood against it. Her slender figure moved towards him.

"I don't believe I give you permission to be in here." He growled looking sharply at her.

"I didn't ask." She replied meekly.

"Get out." He hissed.

"I can't –"

"Out!" He growled.

"Severus please, I must-"

"Are You Deaf? OUT!" He rose and stalked towards her.

"Stop yelling at me!" She cried "Just wanted talk to you."

He went off on her, screaming at her for everything. He was treating her worse than a student with his insults. She had started to yell but stopped.

"Severus I'm sorry, and I am a horrid person, but I had too!" She whimpered.

"Why?"

"You were my friend, and…and I cherished you. You were so young, and so fragile, you would have been so hurt, and…"

"And what?" He asked annoyed.

"I didn't want to lose you! And obviously I already have." She wiped her eyes and looked at him. "I'm sorry, I never wanted to hurt you, and I just wanted to protect you." She moved passed him. "Good-bye Severus. I will miss you" She whispered letting herself out.