Severus inhaled deeply, his eyes still closed. Instead of the musty smell of herbs and the dampness of his quarters in the dungeon, he caught the scent of cinnamon? Why the hell did his room's smell of that spice?
His eyes fluttered open as he sat up, silk material kissed his skin with his movement. He looked around the unfamiliar room and spotted a dark figure in a chair near his bed. He strained his eyesight, trying to make our mysterious figure. His mind went into defensive mode as the obscured figure stirred. Looking around, Severus grabbed the first object closest to him.
Fighting a yawn Regina through her cover off and moved to check on Severus. She gasped as a pillow hit her hard in the face.
"What the Hell was that for?"
Switching on the light, Severus let go of the pillow and met the glare of the Evil Queen.
Why was it always him?
"Forgive me, Regina. I'm afraid I wasn't thinking straight. "
Regina huffed as she sat back in her chair.
"I'll say." The annoyance in her eyes faded as she asked how he felt. She looked different, more open.
"I feel fine, Regina. Thank you for taking care of me. Forgive me for intruding your privacy last night. "
She reached for his hand but paused when he flinched. Occupying her fingers with a loose thread, she spoke.
"It's alright, Severus; I'm sure you would have done the same for me."
Severus nodded in agreement, unused to such open affection displayed for him he flinched. He regretted his action immediately. The soft expression in her eyes disappeared, and her features closed off.
"Your robes have been cleaned and are ready for you to use. Would you like to join me for breakfast?"
Regina observed the panicked look that crossed his face.
"On second thought I think it would best if you returned to your chambers. We wouldn't want the children or Dolores to see you here."
She left the room quickly before he could speak.
Once in his chambers, he made a move to change the silk pajamas back to his robes. Rubbing the silk between his fingers, he placed them back on his bed. He rarely indulged in anything. He would keep what Regina had made for him.
A rare smile graced his lips as he walked into class. Although it scared him to think someone could care for him, it felt nice as well.
Stunned whispers from the students pulled him from his thoughts. "Why is he smiling? Maybe he finally lost it mate? That is so creepy."
His usual sneer returned with a vengeance. "If you are all done with your frivolous conversations turn to page 394. Now! "
The days became darker and shorter as time passed. The late drinks and talks by the fire ceased as the dark lord summoned Severus more often. Regina had always been alone even after she adopted Henry. She was flush to think her friendship with Severus would last. He had distanced himself from her ever since he had shown up at her door.
Leaving her last class, Regina dropped off the essays in her hand. She needed to talk to someone...
This was the moment! He was determined to tell her his feelings today! Then after his declaration, he would take her into his arms, staring intently into her eyes and kiss her with all the love he felt.
"Gandalf?"
Even though he was sure his heart would break if she rebuffed him, he would kiss her. If only to have the memory of her full lips against his and her warm body flush against his own.
"Gandalf? Are you alright?"
Minerva took hold of Gandalf's face in her hands. The warmth of the object of his affections hands pulled him from his thoughts.
"Are you all right?"
Gandalf struggled to concentrate when be noticed how close she was to him. He could make our flecks of gold in her emerald eyes.
"Forgive me, my dear, my mind was elsewhere."
Gandalf bit back a sigh of disappointment as she pulled away from.
"Yes, I could tell from the silly grin on your face and the odd twinkle in your eyes. What in Merlin's name were you thinking of? "
Gandalf's famous courage failed him as she looked at him. He began to stutter, and a deep blush covered his cheeks.
"Minerva... I-"
The door opened, and the dark, sweeping figure interrupted Gandalf's attempt.
"Regina, how lovely to see you!"
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
Gandalf smiled, "No, of course not. I was leaving."
"
Taking pity on her poor friend, she leaned forward and kissed his cheek gently. "Thank you for your lovely visit. You are kind to my old friend."
Gandalf blushed brightly, bowing to both of them as he departed. At least he had gotten a kiss this time.
"I don't understand him, Minerva. We were finally getting along and-" Regina trailed off in frustrated confusion.
Minerva patted her hand gently. "He pulled away. Regina like you Severus has issues trusting others and I believe he fears losing someone he cares for again. It is why I think he tends to keep his distance from others. If he is close to no one, how could their loss affect him?"
Regina looked at the wall past Minerva's head. "I understand, but one cannot keep away from everybody for fear they might die the next day. Everyone has an ending; it is unavoidable to lose someone you care for."
"Regina, don't you keep away from those in your kingdom for fear they too will betray you if you give them even a crumb of your trust?"
Regina glared at her aunt, "That is very different."
Minerva chuckled, "No, it isn't my dear. Correct me if I am wrong, but don't you rule your kingdom with fear?"
Regina looked away, "They will rebel if I don't."
"That may be, but you do it for a different reason. You fear that if you show them your heart, they will break it like the others who handled it before."
"I understand the point you are trying to make now. I will give Severus the space he needs."
"Regina, is there something going on between the two of you?"
Regina remained silent, contemplating her aunt's inquiry. "No, there isn't. We are far too alike to ever to have anything. At most friendship is all we can ever have."
