Hopefully I don't have to explain that I don't own Severus Snape or any other characters from Potterverse. Only original characters.
Experienced Potion Brewer
A.M
I first arrived at Hogwarts 9 years ago at the age of 12, I arrived a year late as I had been struck down by an "illness". An illness whicfh the healers at St Mungos still weren't sure of. They knew the symptoms well, but only because of the amount of time I spent there. I was the only person they knew of to have such symptoms. They said it was like I was permanently under the influence of the draft of living death. My organs apparently shut down and I'd collapse. Being able to hear and understand everything that was going on around me but not being able to breath or move. It was hell, being there for 7 months unable to do anything. Having the embarassment of needing magic to empty my bladder and.... you get the picture.... otherwise I'd have been covered in filth. I owed so much to the healers of St Mungos. They did everything and didn't mention a thing when I finally recovered. They're still not sure what did it but one day I'd just sat up, taking gasping breaths and blinking profusely. My heart was beating faster than it ever had, making up for the 7 months I suppose. I'd gone to Hogwarts that September, not bothering with first year as I'd already had some informal education at home. The only lesson I'd never had any education in was Potions, so Professor Snape had, begrudgingly, agreed to give me some extra potions lessons. I like to think that I impressed him with how quickly I caught up. Somehow, I'd managed to do a whole years worth of potions in 3 months. Of course I'd spent almost every waking moment researching potions when I didn't have other homework. That meant that I didn't have many friends. Not that I'd minded, I'd been placed in Gryffindor and didn't really get along with my fellow students. By my third year I wfas considered extremely gifted in the areas of potion making and Defence Against The Dark Arts. I was elected a prefect and was soon using the prefects bathroom as a place to brew potions. When I was unable to be there but was still brewing a potion I would use my skills in charms to create illusions that the old, sturdy table I used wasn't there. Obviously at one time I mustn't have checked my watch because a livid Severus Snape stormed into the bathroom and saw me, face red and shining with sweat, bent over a cauldron in the stifling hot room. He had marched over to me and demanded to know why I was not bothered about attending his lesson when he had spent so much of his own time teaching me. I merely smiled and nodded to the cauldron. I'd just finished my most challenging potion to date. "My God" He'd muttered "It can't be." Yet he tested it, and without doubt I'd done it. I was fifteen years old and had brewed a perfect batch of Felix Felicis. Almost immediately the colour drained from his face and he looked different, excited I would venture to say. I think it was that day that his respect for me was confirmed. I bottled the potion and handed it to him, asking if it was possible for me to refresh myself before coming to his lesson. He had only nodded dumbly and left the room. That was the happiest day of my life.
Well, almost, I was returning to Hogwarts after three years away. Professor Snape had decided, in his infinite wisdom, that he would be less trusted if he took up the post of Defence against he dark arts. I sighed, walking up the driveway to Hogwarts cost me more energy than it used to, I'm sure. I finally got to the front doors and pushed one open, I sighed again and walked through. I walked straight to the headmistresses door and muttered the password she had told me in a letter, I knocked on her door and entered when she permitted me to. "Ah, Miss Marcellus, welcome!" said a woman who looked older than I remembered. "Prof. McGonagall" I said and nodded my head to her. I took a seat opposite her and waited for her to begin. "I trust you have everything you need for your lessons? Lesson plans, books, creatures?" I nodded and told her I did. "Very well, as you know your belongings have been moved to your rooms. There is a staff meeting at 4 and then the sorting at 5.30. Good day." I stood up and left the room, Prof. McGonagall had never really liked me. I was never a "true Gryffindor". Oh well. I got to my quarters and saw my official Hogwarts travel case and opened it with the intent of unpacking. However, upon opening it I saw that the clothes inside weren't mine. Everything inside was black. Who do I know that only wears black robes? I chuckled and closed the case again. I wondered if Prof Snape lived in the dungeons... Where else would he live? I levitated his case and opened my door and proceeded down the stairs.
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S.S
Why had I turned down defence against the dark arts? Damn Minerva McGonagall for talking me out of taking my dream post. I dont give a damn about not being trusted. It was proved that Albus asked me to kill him! I don't even know who will be taking my post away from me... I sighed and went through to my bedroom where my case had been left. I opened it and stared. I cursed under my breath as I realised that the houselves had given me the wrong case. I closed it and looked for the name tag. There wasn't one, damn the idiot who didn't have a name tag on their belongings. I opened the case again, trying to find something with a name on. I spotted a small notebook and took it from the case, I opened it and my heart missed a beat as I saw my own name. Sort of.
Notes from the Half-Blood Prince.
Levicorpus - Dangles person upside down from ankle. (Tested on Frank Justban)
Sectumsempra - Slashes victim, copying hand movements. (Tested on dead rat)
Muffliato - Helpful, people can't hear you. (Tested on Fred and George W)
Langlock - Sticks tongue to the roof of the mouth. (Tested on Percy W)
I stared, dumstruck that this person had used my spells. I flicked through tryig to find a name and on the last page I found it. Amorita Marcellus. I gaped at the book. She was going to be the new DADA teacher, and not only that... She had used my spells... My head reeled, did she realise they were my spells? She couldn't.. Could she? I heard a knock on my door and quickly put the book back where it was, I flicked my wand at the door and it opened. "Hello?" I heard her call. "Come" I called through to her, I turned expecting to see her and saw only my case hovering in front of her. When she lowered it I was shocked. She had grown up a lot. Her dark brown hair was a lot longer, she was still pale and delicate but her eyes were harder than they used to be. Her waist was slimmer which accentuated her bosom and hips. She wore fitted, black robes which managed to show off her body whilst remaining "classy". Her hair was pulled back from her face and tumbled down her back in loose curls. She wore no make up that I could see, and looked beautiful. "Miss Marcellus" She smiled and said "Sir" She hovered at the doorway, obviously unsure as to whether she should come in. I jerked my head to show she should come in. She followed me as I walked to my bedroom and closed the lid on her case. "You know you should really put a name tag on your case" I gently scolded her, she cocked her head to one side and smirked "You know, so should you" I turned around so she couldn't see me smile and levitated her case towards her, we swapped cases and she set hers down behind her and sat on it. "So, how've you been sir?" In a rare moment of truthfulness I blurted out "I nearly died, how do you think I've been?" The corners of her mouth turned down as she said "Ah, not good then?" I stared at her and realised that she was never phased by my attitude towards her. Even more so now that shes a teacher, I supposed. "Have you had any side effects from the antidote?" I shook my head at her, confused. "Nothing at all? Nothing happening now that never used to?" I thought for a minute, and said "Not exactly a side effect I dont think but..." She sat up straight, suddenly more interested "But what?" I glared at her "Why are you so interested?" She rolled her eyes and said "Im trying to help you... I made the antidote that saved you."
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A.M
He stared at me in shock and... was that pride? "Well then, Miss Marcellus, I owe you my most sincere thank you. I wasnt told who made the antidote, or even what it was. Thank you." He held his hand out for me to shake it, but I shook my head as I stood up and hugged him. "Couldn't let my favourite teacher die could I?" I said and smiled, he smiled slightly back and undid the top buttons of his robes. I must have looked confused so he explained "You asked for any side effects... This damn wound won't heal." I moved closer to him and pushed him backwards so he was sitting on his bed. I pulled the dressing off gently and grimaced at what I saw. Deep puncture marks where Naginis fangs had entered him. The wounds were wet, not bleeding or covered in pus, but wet. I thought back to the potion and cursed, suddenly realising I had missed out an ingredient. I had obviously alarmed my old potions professor because his head turned sharply to the right to look at me. I turned his head back forwards and mumbled an apology. "I forgot to add an extra ingredient to the potion. I forgot that the powered bicorn horn would prevent the wound from closing. One Second" I said and ran out, I went to his store room and hoped he wouldnt mind considering I was helping him. I rummaged through until I found what I was looking for. I took out the glass jar and dipped a clean cloth into it. I ran back over to Prof Snape and told him to lie on his left side so I could attend the wound easily. I dabbed the cloth onto the wound and let out a satisfied sound as the wound hissed a little as it steamed. I wrung out the cloth so that the liquid covered it. I then applied a new dressing to it and told him he could sit up. I knelt in front of him staring up into his face, looking for any signs of bad reaction. I saw none so I stood up and tidied up the mess I had made in the store room. I came back out a little while later and he stared at me. "Moondew" He mused as I sat back on my case. I nodded and explained "I travelled to Africa and was bitten by a Boomslang, highly venomous and when I administered the anitdote the wound wouldn't heal. I'd been studying Moondew to find out more characteristics when I discovered that it induces the skin to heal and grow incredibly quickly. I came to the conclusion that Nagini must be some sort of Boomslang as their venom does the same things, prevents wounds from closing, dissolves stitches etc... But, you're going to feel awful later on. Side effects of using Moondew without mixing it with a counter ingredient. It should only last for a few hours though..." I grinned at him and he smirked "You truly are an incredibly witch" I blushed, I actually blushed! "Thanks sir" He shook his head and said "Come, we are no longer pupil and teacher, we are colleagues, call me Severus" I smiled at him again and said "I suppose you'd better call me..." "Amorita, I am well aware of your name" I laughed a little and nodded. I glanced at his clock and jumped up "Oh, shoot, staff meeting starts in two minutes! Are you coming?" He nodded and stood up, I ran to his side as he swayed and wrapped my arm around his waist and held onto the arm that was around my shoulders. "I think I should ask if you can be excused..." He went to protest but his eyes rolled into his head and he slumped onto his bed. My heart pounded with worry but I realised it was all part of using Moondew. I moved him as best I could onto his bed and covered him with a cover before racing out of his quarters to the staffroom for the meeting.
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M.M
The door burst open and Amorita Marcellus stood there, breathing heavily and clutching her side. "Sorry" She gasped "Was helping Prof Snape and lost track of time" She sat down and got her breath back before explaining. "Prof Snape isn't feeling too well, but didn't wish to go to the hospital wing. I had to go to his quarters because I'd been given his travel case instead of mine. I'd just given him a potion I'd brewed when I noticed the time." She looked around at everyone, smiling at people she knew. "Yes, well, thank you for making it at least." I said and gave her a strained smile, I still don't know how she ended up in my house. Gryffindor is a house for brave, proud people. She seemed to be neither. More suited to Slytherin or Ravenclaw maybe. What did she do against Voldermort? Even Snape was on our side in the end. Not even her parents helped, they were here last time, knew what it was like and they just ran when he came back. I was not happy about letting this girl teach in Hogwarts but unfortunately, there was no one else qualified for the job. She didn't speak much in the meeting and when we adjourned for the sorting assembly she jsut sat in her seat, not really interacting with anyone. There were extra students this year, due to the disruption of death eaters teaching in the school I thought it prudent to have an extra year. If any student who started school in 1998 or was in school during this time they were eligible to repeat that year, so as a scool we will have extra students for seven years. A great strain on us as teachers but it had to be done. Eventually Mr Filch told me the first years were assembled so the sorting began. This year there was no doom and gloom from the hat, he was happy that we had all united againt Voldermort. "We have a new teacher this term, I'd like to introduce Professor Marcellus as your new Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher." She stood up and smiled around the room, people seemed shocked that such a young girl was teaching, but desperate times...
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A.M
I grinned around the hall, so happy that I was here again. It seemed strange that I hadnt been there for three years. I saw the strange looks I was getting and laughed a little, I would soon be teaching people who I'd gone to school with. The oldest pupils here had been in their 4th year when I'd left. I knew immediately that they would try and take advantage, I also knew that they wouldn't get away with it. I sat through the assembly, ate my dinner in a rush and left as early as possible. I briskly walked back to the dungeons and found the door as I'd left it. I opened it and walked through, when I got to his room Severus was sitting up in bed, his fingers stroking his neck where the wound was/is. He looked at me, puzzled as to how I got into his quarters. "I put my own spell on the door, so that I needn't close it but no one else could get back in except me or you." He rolled his eyes but I could see a smile playing at his thin lips. I walked back over and sat down beside him, I gently pulled the dressing off and satisfied myself that the wound was almost healed. I was just about to put the dressing back on and move away when I noticed the end of a scar. "Severus..." I felt him gulp as my fingers traced the top of it. I undid the to buttons of his robes and he stiffened. "Relax" I muttered "I won't take advantage, don't worry." I felt him laugh a little and gently pulled his collar back. "Oh My Word... Why haven't you done anything about this?" He looked down slightly ashamed and said "I couldn't reach and didn't want to risk injuring myself more." I growled irritably and said "You realise that's what Madame Pomfrey's here for, don't you?" He didn't answer so I stood up and pulled him to his feet. I went to his store room, calling over my shoulder "Take off your shirt and lie on your stomach" When I came back he was still sittin where he was and was doing his buttons up. I rolled my eyes and said "I'm trying to help you!" The glare in his eyes was quite unnerving, even now when I wasn't a student anymore. "Whilst I apprectiate your trying to help me, I don't make it a habit being half naked infront of former pupils." I rolled my eyes again and shrugged "Fine, be that way." I put the paste that I'd just made onto the table next to his bed, I levitated my trunk and walked out of his quarters, calling "Bye professor" over my shoulder.
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S.S
I groaned and regretted letting her help in the first place, meddling witch. I stood and looked at myself in the mirror, although I looked older than my thirty-nine years I didn't yet look "old". I know realised that 38 was far too young to die. Minerva had told me to "get out more" but I couldn't see how I was meant to do that when I'm in Hogwarts for ten of every twelve months. Plus, not all of the Dark Lords followers were captured. I am a traitor. They're not kind to traitors. I'm safe in Hogwarts. The worst that will happen here will be glares and insubordinance from students. I can cope with that. I looked up as I heard a thud on the floor above, I noticed light filtering through floorboards that I had never noticed before. I frowned and wondered if it had ever happened before. "Ungrateful, bitter man. I was only trying to help." I heard Marcellus mutter above me, I glared at my ceiling and her floor. I heard her groan as bed springs creaked and surmised that she had thrown herself on her bed. I cast a silencing charm on my room and hoped that it would work both ways, her not being able to hear me and me not being able to hear her. No such luck. I heard her open her trunk and start putting her things away. I grimaced and made a note to ask her to put a silencing charm on her room. I relaxed onto my couch as I heard her no more until suddenly my fire started to crackle loudly, I opened one eye and saw her head appear in my fire. "Severus, Minerva wants to see us. Staff meeting, quick." I sighed and stood up, walked out of my quarters and strode to the staffroom as quickly as possible, so as not to have to walk with Amorita. I was surprised to see her there before me, sitting with Flitwick discussing charms. She had taken off her robes and had on a pair of black trousers that hugged her legs tightly, these were tucked into black leather boots with a small heel. Stiletto heel I think it's called. She had on a tight green shirt with black buttons and stitching with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. She wore an intricate bracelet around her left wrist which partly covered a small tattoo. I sat down close but far enough away so that she wouldn't notice me looking at her, she looked at me when I entered the room and smiled at me. I sneered back and she tried not to laugh and turned back to Flitwick. I kept looking at her, trying to reason what was strange about her. Green. She was a Gryffindor, what on earth was she doing wearing all slytherin colours? Without realising I was doing it I glided into her mind and only noticed what I was doing when she forced me out. She frowned at me and I tried to look apologetic. She smiled again as Minerva stood up. "Myself and Albus have been in discussion for quite some time about having some time for the new students...and staff... to get to know each other. As such, there will be no lessons for the first two days." I saw Amorita sit up in her chair and frown "Minerva... it's Friday. Are you telling me there will be no teaching for four days?" I asked "Indeed" replied Minerva, tersely. I groaned and saw to my surprise that Miss Marcellus looked annoyed. "When was this decided?" she demanded "Well, a few days ago. I don't remember exactly" Miss Marcellus sat up straighter and said "And yet you waited until now to let us know? We had a staff meeting today and you couldn't tell us then?" Minerva looked flustered and I inwardly smirked, it was good to see someone other than myself agitate Minerva. "I would have thought you would be happy to have two extra days. I...we thought you would like to meet your new colleagues" I was enjoying this far too much. "I could be spending these days with my family, an extra four days when I'm not going to see them until Christmas is a lot of extra time, and I'm sure that I would get to know my new colleagues in due time without two days of us being foisted on each other. I don't mean that to be offensive to anyone, I'm not saying that I do not wish to spend time with you but... it's my family" She finished lamely. "Well, I'm glad that you feel you can say your true feelings" Minerva stated sarcastically. Miss Marcellus glared at her and said nothing more. This was looking to be a very interesting year.
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A.M
I walked quickly back to my quarters when the meeting finished, I was so angry! I could be spending time with my nephew and my brother! Coming back to Hogwarts was bittersweet. The castle felt like my home but I would miss my little family terribly. They were all I had left. I got back to my rooms and threw myself onto my bed again. My lovely, comfy, warm bed. My eyes drifted closed and I dreamed of the term to come.
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S.S
I smirked as I watched Miss Marcellus leave, Minerva marched up to me and started talking to me about brewing surplus potions for Poppy while I wasn't required to teach. "Why, Minerva, I thought this time was to be used getting to know knew staff... I think perhaps my time should be spent with Miss Marcellus" I knew I was provoking her further but Miss Marcellus wasn't the only one angry at the revelation of 2 days off. Admittedly I had no family whom I wished to be with, but I could be at home, away from these halls - from these children who seemed to be more brainless each year. I took the list of potions to be made from her hand and swept away from her. I meant to go straight to my quarters but instead found myself outside Miss Marcellus' rooms. I knocked gently on the door and it opened slightly. I frowned and pushed the door open further. "Miss Marcellus? Amorita?" I called to her, I heard nothing and walked in further. I saw her bedroom door open and walked forward uncertainly, I sighed when I saw her sprawled on her bed and went to turn away when I shifted my weight and a floorboard creaked underfoot. She sat up immediately, pointing her wand at me. She smiled sheepishly when she saw it was me. She lowered her wand and said "Sorry, old habits die hard and all that" I nodded and smiled slightly. "I was passing your rooms and saw the door was open" She nodded and sat up properly "And where were you going?" She asked, her eyes glinting with mischief. "I was...." I groaned, there was nothing on this floor except for her quarters. She grinned and stood up. Quick thinking, Severus, come on! "I was coming to see if you would care to brew some potions for Poppy with me?" She smiled and seemed genuinely pleased as she said yes. She walked out of her bedroom and picked up the robes which had been thrown on the back of a chair. She put them on and smiled "How do I look?" She asked, laughing. "Like a quite respectable teacher" She frowned and said "Damn... I was going for experienced potion brewer" I laughed despite myself and led her out of her rooms and waited as she put wards on her door. We didn't talk as we walked to the dungeons, but it wasn't awkward. I cast some secret glances at her and she was smiling. "So, Mister Snape, what changed your mind about me?" I looked at her, confused. She went on. "Well, this afternoon you all but kicked me out of your quarters and now you're inviting me back" I thought for a moment and decided she was only teasing me, I decided to return the favour. "Well, I'm trusting that the experience potion brewer won't attempt to undress me as we brew something as mundane as blood replenishing potions" She laughed and cocked her head and smirked before saying "But if we were brewing something more exciting you'd expect me to?" I felt my cheeks warm as I blushed and suddenly developed a stutter. "I...I.. That is to say... I didn't mean..." I glared as she laughed, holding onto my arm to stop herself from falling. She went to lean against the wall and before I had a chance to warn her she had fallen through a tapestry with a thud, I pulled back the tapestry and found her lying on the floor, tears of laughter streaming down her face. I felt a smile pull at my face and a laugh erupted from my lips as I crouched to help her up. I wiped the tears from her face before feeling awkward, as though I'd crossed some unspoken line. "No, this afternoon I was already in a bad mood after discovering that my case had been switched. You were trying to help, I know, but you must understand that no one has seen the extent of my injuries. I didn't mean it as a personal dismissal of you. You were an amazing young witch in school and I wish to see how much more amazing you are now..." I stopped and stared at her, realising I'd just said that outloud. She smiled and put her hand in mine as I offered it to pull her up. I let go of her hand and she put her arms around my neck and pulled me tight. "I missed you" She breathed, I stiffened before sliding my arms around her waist and hugging her. I inhaled deeply, my face close to her neck and I smelled her sweet, flowery perfume. I placed a small kiss on her neck and pulled away from her, "come, let us go inside" I took the wards off my door and guided her in with my hand on the small of her back. "I have to put wards on my classroom aswell as my chambers now, damn brats kept stealing ingredients." She walked confidently over to a stack of cauldrons and took two down. She placed them on the work bench and looked at me expectantly. "Well, what am I making?"
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A.M
I tried to concentrate on my footing as I walked to the cauldrons, but all that was going through my head was he kissed me, he kissed me, he kissed me! I set the cauldrons down and waited for him to tell me what to make. He asked me to make blood replenishing potion and a pepper up potion. Simple. Well, it should have been but all I could think of was his lips on my neck. I felt a blush creeping up my neck and throat as I thought of what else he could do. I froze. I'm thinking these things about my old professor! He's known me since I was twelve! It was affection, not attraction that made him kiss me. "Miss Marcellus? Are you ok?" I blinked and looked at him. "Amorita" He smiled and said "Amorita, are you ok?" I scolded myself mentally and nodded at him. "Quite alright thank you" I said and tried to smile, unfortunately I think it came out more like a grimace. He looked at me strangely before shrugging slightly and turning away to concentrate on his cauldrons. I breathed out silently in relief, I shook my head and went back to work.
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S.S
Why did I kiss her, why? Why? WHY? I looked up and saw her staring into nothingness. "Miss Marcellus? Are you ok?" I smiled as she told me to call her Amorita. she told me she was ok but it didn't take a genius to figure out she wasn't. I've fucked this up. Royally. I sighed and continued with my work, watching her from the curtain of my hair. She relaxed and carried on making the potions. "I wonder, Severus, if you would let me accompany you the next time you go to Hogsmeade? That is, I'm assuming you don't need to go for a while and I don't know where to go properly for DADA supplies..." I was startled from my thoughts by this request. I looked up and said "Of course, I would be more than happy to. In fact, why don't we go tomorrow? Neither of us have to work until Wednesday..." My breath caught in my throat until I saw her face light up with a grin "That would be great!" I smiled back and went back to working on my potion... Noticing too late that I hadn't grated the ginger before dropping it in. Determined not to let Miss Marcellus see that I'd got it wrong I hastily scourgified the potion and surreptitiously started again. I was determined not to look up because if I saw those glittering eyes smiling at me again I might just.... No I wouldn't lose my temper. I'd be embarassed. I do not get embarassed. I cleared my throat and tried to hurry along my work. "Finished" She called "What next?" I grumbled at how obvious it was that I shoulda hev finished my potion at the same time. "Have you decanted the potions?" She had. "Have you labelled them?" She had. "Well then, I suppose you'd better wait for me to finish this potion and we shall have a drink and catch up." I caught her grin in the corner of my eye and smirked. She made her way through to my quarters and I heard the leather of my couch squeek as she sat down. I walked in a few minutes later and saw that she had lit the fire, by the fact that there was soot on her cheek I guessed she did it manually. I smiled at her as she held out a glass of wine to me. "Wine? I wasn't aware I had any" She smirked and said "You didn't, I brought it. I made it myself." He raised his eyebrows appreciatively. "Not only experienced potion brewer but wine maker too? You have been busy!" I was teasing her. Was I flirting? She smiled and bowed graciously before sitting back down on my couch. I joined her and sipped the wine. "Wow, this is strong!" She grinned and slipped off her boots before pulling her knees up towards her chin. "Make yourself comfortable" I said sarcastically, she only grinned and sipped her wine. I heard her stomach growl and she dropped her hand to it and looked mortified. I smirked and inquired "Hungry? Oh, no wonder it's quarter to one in the morning!" She only smiled and called for a house elf. "Would you please bring a bowl of vegetable broth for me, Severus would you like anything?" I told the elf I would like the same and we talked easily as we waited for our food. We had steadily moved closer to each other on the couch and now we were almost touching when two elves appeared with a tray each with broth and bread. She accepted hers graciously and I was disappointed when she moved away to eat it. We ate mostly in silence and when we finished Amorita gave a rather satisfied sigh and moved back over to me, she slipped her arm into the crook of mine and lay her head on my shoulder. I moved my arm from her grip and she moved away slightly, before I slipped it around her shoulders. I felt her curl her body towards me to get more comfortable, I laid my head on top of hers and sighed "I missed you, I missed our conversations and our experiments... You have a husband? and children?" Her face twisted towards mine and she looked confused "No... As if I've had time with everything going on with the war..." I frowned "But... this evening, you said you should be spending time with your family...?" She laughed and little and nodded "Yeah, my family. My brother and my nephew. All I have left." I shifted so I could look at her better, she wasn't crying which was a mercy. "All you have left?" She nodded, eyes averted and said "My mother and father were killed when Death Eaters blew up the boat they were on. A boat full of muggles as far as they were concerned. My brother lost his wife. My parents were on their way to Africa, going to do the work that I ended up doing in their place." I was speechless. She carried on "My sister in law was killed by Lestrange while his twisted wife watched. No one knows the work I've done. I worked so hard in the memory of them. She lifted her left wrist to me and I saw three sets of initials tattooed on her skin. HM PM SM I took hold of her hand and stroked my thumb accross the tattoo. She smiled and pulled my hand to her mouth and kissed it before shifting again so she could lay her head closer to my neck and drape her arm across my stomach. She carried on, telling me stories of her parents and the work she did in Africa. Her brother was a squib but his son was showing promise of being a competent young wizard. Eventually she stopped talking and her breathing evened out as she fell asleep. I woke up a little while later as I felt her move, she was leaning forward and puttin her boots on, she picked up her robes and turned back to me. "Oh, you're awake! I was going to wake you and send you to bed." I groaned and muttered "Where are you going?" She stroked my cheek and told me she was going back to her rooms. "I'll see you in the morning at breakfast, then we'll go to Hogsmeade?" I nodded and stood as she embraced me briefly, kissing me on the cheek as she did so. Why was she affecting me so?