The evening of Christmas Eve was less than magical for us. Severus seemed to improve as the day progressed into nightfall. I could still sense that he was apprehensive in beginning a romantic relationship of any kind with me. He was different from any man I'd ever known. I did not see the point in him going to the Great Hall for the Christmas Eve feast but he was insistent that Dumbledore wanted him there.
"But we just had this conversation a few hours ago. I'm doing your brewing for the rest of the night and you're going to sleep." I told him firmly.
Severus would not have this. "As much as I despise attending this frivolous banquet of sorts, I do not see that I have a choice. The Headmaster usually demands my presence. If you would like to stay here and finish the potions for me, that will mean a great deal to me. However..." he paused a moment. "I would enjoy your company."
I rolled my eyes. "Company? I can't even sit with you."
"Isabella..." He took a deep breath and let it out in a sigh. "It is only for tonight."
I gave him a smile. I was glad he was feeling better. "I love you."
Severus hesitated as I looked at him longingly.
"You just said it this morning." I reminded him. I knew the words didn't come easy to the dark wizard.
The professor sighed deeply. "I love you, too. But there are...complications to this relationship. Complications which I did not give you full details to."
Severus walked past me and into the store room. "If you prefer, you may finish the potions for me after the feast."
"It sounds like you plan on telling me everything tonight. Am I right?" I questioned.
He gave me a slight nod. "Yes...I need to further elaborate on a few things." Severus coughed, setting out all of the ingredients we would need.
"Should I be nervous about something?" I asked, a little worried.
Severus sighed. "Isabella, you are the best thing that has happened to me in several years. I need you and I promise you have absolutely nothing to worry about."
I smiled and made my way back to the Gryffindor dorm to get dressed for the feast.
I wore a red velvet dress with red pumps and gold jewelry and left the dorm after I was ready.
Once in the Great Hall, my eyes darted toward the High Table where of course, there sat Severus whose eyes were fixed on me as well. Black orbs met hazel. Hermione gestured for me to sit with her, Harry and Ron. I glanced up at Severus to see a confused look in his eyes. He visibly sighed and continued eating. I could see Dumbledore speaking with him at times. Severus did not approve of my friends.
"So did he give you detention today?" Hermione pressed.
"No." I answered. "He only took house points and I'm supposed to brew his potions after dinner."
"On Christmas Eve?" Harry piped up. "I wouldn't put it past him. He's the worst professor here."
"By worst..I think you mean the worst subject you have." I chimed in.
Harry laughed. "Yeah, I suppose so."
We continued talking until the feast was over. Then I went back to the Potions classroom and started brewing.
"What was that about?" Severus questioned as he entered the room, robes sweeping behind him closely.
"Could you elaborate with me, please? Tomorrow will be too busy."
Severus looked at me and released a heavy sigh. "Very well, Isabella."
I glanced at him curiously.
Severus took a deep breath. "I have not been in love since I was 21. Not since Lily Potter."
It seemed as though this was difficult for him to speak of. But wait a second. Lily Potter as in her best friend's mother?
The Potions Master continued. "We grew up together in Hogwarts. Soon our friendship became a one sided romance."
"I'm sorry, Severus." I said quietly.
He sighed. "It does not matter anymore. She died many years ago."
I nodded. "I know. Everyone knows the story, sir."
The potion I was brewing looked ready so I doused the flame. It was smoky in the room after I collected the potion in a container. Severus coughed, looking up from his essays to mark. "Isabella, it is not usually this caliginous in here." He sighed and stood, opening the door to let some smoke out. "Please be careful from now on."
