It was the 23rd December. Gregory entered the Great Hall to have breakfast and saw Medusa playing Wizard's Chess sitting at the Ravenclaw table. They were drinking hot chocolate and eating a toast at the same time.
They really seemed focused in their game and terribly amused.
- You just lost a tower. – Said Athena with a victorious smile. In a quick movement Medusa's bishop gave a slap to Athena's horse, banishing it from the board.
- And you just lost a horse. – Medusa looked into her daughter's eyes. Athena trusted her for her mother never cheated and her natural intelligence never permitted it. Medusa was extremely fair. Medusa taught Athena how to lose and properly learn from that experience.
- How could I miss it?
- Whether I would finish your Horse or your Bishop, you didn't have much of a choice, really. See? I could kill your Bishop with the Queen in a blink of an eye.
- Yes, but you would lose your Queen because I have my other tower here.
- You're right, you learn fast! – Athena smiled. Gregory stepped near them.
- Good morning. Mind if I join and watch you play?
- Please do, Professor Lious. – Gregory sat by Athena's side.
- A Wizard Chess game between two Ravenclaws... That's promising.
- Hum... – And they continued to play. Gregory observed every move. At the end Medusa blocked Athena's King and did a clean Check Mate.
- You won.
- Yes, your mother won. But in no time you'll win too. I am sure that you will be a wonderful Wizard Chess player just like her. I never won a game against her. – Said Gregory.
- Really, Professor Lious?
- Yes. Your mother is rather merciless and highly competitive when it comes to chess. Now that you finished I have something that I want to tell to your mother, could you give us a moment?
- Is it school related?
- Somehow.
- You can say it in front of my daughter; she won't run and tell everybody, unlikely some other people. – Gregory filled up himself with courage, stood up, tiding himself up, and took a deep breath.
- Professor Medusa Snape, will you do me the honour of being my waltz partner in the Yule Ball? – He said this in a voice tone rather high. Some students heard and giggled. Medusa blushed.
- Waltz partner? You mean...like in a date?
- If you want to see it as such, yes. – Gregory was red as a tomato. Medusa didn't know what to answer.
- Well, mum... Say yes. It will be fun. Do accept. You work too much. – Gregory thanked Athena from the bottom of his heart.
- Alright then! I-I'll dance with you.
- I'll meet you there. – Gregory had his breakfast looking at Medusa that was still talking to her daughter. He couldn't be happier.
- I shouldn't go.
- On the contrary! You must! You have been spending your days working in your office, studying until late. You deserve to have some fun. And I want you to be the most beautiful teacher at the ball. – Medusa laughed lightly.
- Will you come with me to London and find a dress?
- Yes, mother.
- You put me in; you get me out of this mess. – Athena giggled.
They went to London where Athena made her mother try some gowns at Diagon Alley where they also did the Christmas shopping. Athena bought some gift to her mother, and Medusa did the same.
They came back some hours later to Hogwarts by floo powder right in Medusa's office's fireplace.
They dressed a dummy with the new dress and observed it.
- Why you don't come to have a Christmas tree in here?
- Do you think I should?
- Of course! – Medusa smiled and with her wand in hand, she grew a pine tree from a seed.
Then she reached for a red box that contained all her photos and she attached them to the tree. Athena observed every single one of them. She saw her father and her mother together sitting in a couch, hugging and kissing. She saw her uncle standing in from of her mother and smiling to her mother. She saw herself in her Uncle Severus lap, kissing him after receiving a magical toy. It was one of her favourite toys. Then she observed the only photo that Medusa kept from her youth days with Gregory. Her mother looked so happy with him. And no doubt they looked perfect together.
- You look pretty in this picture.
- I don't look pretty. I look happy. – Medusa poured the tea to the tea cups in the table. Athena smiled.
- He was so handsome. Did other girls fancy him?
- Some.
- He loved you, I can see that...
- Yes.
- He was happy with you and he wants you back. – Medusa smiled. – Will he have you back?
- Perhaps. – Athena smiled.
Athena seemed satisfied with her mother's choice, but Medusa felt rather nervous. So many years passed since she had been with Gregory.
But it was Gregory, not some Ogre! Why was she so scared and nervous? She would have to face it! She would be dancing with Gregory next night.
When she went to bed, Severus observed her with curiosity.
- What's wrong, Medusa?
- Gregory invited me to dance with him.
- Is that a reason to worry...
- Severus, you know bloody well that it is...
- Medusa, it had to happen someday...
- It's too soon...
- I don't think so. I think that this is the right time. You both waited twenty years for this. I think that's enough waiting, don't you think?
- I still think this wasn't supposed to happen. I don't want it to happen, because I know I'll just have to tell him once again that I can't... I can't give him hopes, I would crush him again...
- You can't choose what your heart wants or not. You don't get to choose those kinds of things... You love him and that's final. If he asks do accept...
- You know I can't do that!
- You have to. Medusa, think about the days you had with him, think about what you shared, think of how much you want to be with him and now tell me, can you deny him that, and can you deny it to yourself? Tell him you love him, tonight. You can't run away anymore.
- I suppose...
- Medusa, I want you to be happy. I know I described him like the worst of the spoiled boys of his time. That bloody Gryffindor could afford doing whatever he wanted. He could afford have his own books, uniform and live like a king, in my perspective. We were very poor. I hated him for his house, his possessions but I couldn't fully hate him because he loved you as much as I did. He proved himself to be worthy of your hand, of your love, of your soul. And you sacrificed it all to keep him from helping you.
- Wouldn't you do the same to keep the people you love out of danger?
- I don't know. You tell me.
- At some point I think that you did.
- Yes. Now I'll tell you this. I'm not going to be around tomorrow. The other pictures invited me to chat. So, don't be surprised if I am not here by the time you go to bed.
- Alright.
- But now, shall I read you a bedtime story?
- What is it going to be?
- Let me see... Do you prefer the Amortencia or the Skele-Gro? – Medusa laughed.
- The Skele-Gro, definitely. But I would rather have now a Calming Drought. – And Severus started to lecture her about how to make the Skele-Gro potion and the ingredients needed as if she was telling her a fairy tale. She could even feel a small wind around her hair, like a warm hand caressing her head provoking the effect of a calming balm. After he finished, Medusa fell asleep. His soft velvet voice kept her from nightmares.
The other morning, Medusa got up and dressed normally. She went out for a morning walk in the snow. Her black winter cloak swept the snow and only showed her white skin and her red lips. Her hair was floating at the strong wind that was whirling around the Scottish hills. Her cheeks were rosy from the cold wind. She saw some students that stayed in school for the holidays play with the white element that was falling from the sky. It was a wonderful Christmas Eve morning in her opinion. She observed the lake. Life was different now and that winter was telling it.
She went back in, crossed the Gallery and entered the Great Hall cutting the air with her quick footsteps. It was warm in the Great Hall. The fireplaces were all lighten up.
- Merry Christmas, Professor. – Medusa smiled at the student.
- Thank you, Miss Rowland, a very pleasant Christmas to you too. – She said.
Medusa sat at her place in the teacher's table and started breakfast. Everyone seemed to enjoy their morning. Although she seemed nervous, she was in a good mood.
After eating, she went to her office experimenting antidotes on her own blood. She cut her finger and took a sample of her blood to a vial. Then she grabbed a microscope and observed her cellules. They were different from other human beings. It contained venom. She sprinkled bezoar powder into it and the cellules changed but not for too long. She noted the results into a notebook with a quick movement of her hand with a quill between her fingers.
She was disappointed. This time she would try with dittany. She cleaned the glace plate and added a new sample of her own blood adding dittany this time. The result was the same. Maybe the answer was not the blood...
- Stop working! It's Christmas Eve! – Said Minerva entering the office.
- I had nothing to do, so I guessed I could do some researching... – She said putting a strand of hair behind her ear. It was growing quite fast and long.
- Just stop it for a while!
- Can I offer you something to drink?
- No dear, thank you. Is it true what the rumours say? – Medusa smiled.
- About me going to waltz with Gregory tonight at the Yule Ball?
- So you know about it.
- Yes, it is quite true as well...
- So this means you finally are letting your guards...
- I can't change what happened and what is happening, Minerva. I only can make the best of it. I want to go to the ball with Gregory and spend some moments with him. – Minerva sat at her side.
- You're nervous. You're shaking.
- Yes, I don't deny it.
- Well, everything's going to be alright. Never fear. Gregory will be more than happy. – Minerva hugged Medusa who smiled widely.
The afternoon passed really slowly. Medusa went back to work when Minerva went out to solve some problems. She noted all of her experiences in her notebook with drawings and schemes.
That evening, the dinner went well. Medusa touched Gregory's hand to get his attention.
– I'll be here in an hour. – Gregory smiled at her and caressed her shoulder.
- I'll wait patiently. I'm going to change too.
- I'll meet you here then. – Medusa went down to the Dungeons to prepare herself. and Athena spent some moments with her mother before the Ball. She helped her getting ready. Athena helped her with her hair, combing it and trying to find a hairdo that would match the occasion.
- I wish I could see you tonight.
- I know, but the ball is for the teachers, champions, the older students and their friends. You will attend one someday and have fun with your friends, ok?
- Alright, mother.
- Now go to your house. Sleep well, my dear. – Medusa kissed her daughter goodnight and Athena went away and received a kiss in her cheek.
Then she looked in the mirror and decided to take off the monocle. The sight of her missing eye almost filled up completely the mirror. She touched the sad scar on her face and remembered the pain and the blood. She observed the monocle again. – I am not going to need you tonight. – She combed her fringe, covering her right eye.
She perfumed herself and looked at Severus portrait hoping to see him there.
But he wasn't, causing her to remember. She got dressed, put on the shoes she bought for the occasion and got out. She climbed the stairs to the Gallery and hesitated to open the Great Hall's heavy doors.
She wanted to just go and hide in the Dungeons but she stopped herself. She couldn't be a coward! Not now! Not there!
She shook the slight dust from her dress and straightened her back and head. She opened the doors and there it was the party.
This time her footsteps didn't cut the air, this time she crossed the Great Hall with elegance and poise.
The room was decorated in shades of silver and blue. The Christmas trees had a glow and the snow was falling from the enchanted ceiling. Everyone was dressed in their best gowns and dress robes. She was wearing a navy blue long sleeved dress with a boat neckline.
At the end, the teachers were observing everything and checking if there was something missing or out of place.
Gregory was standing at the bottom of the Great Hall. He was staring at her. He started to walk towards her with a huge smile on his lips.
- Medusa... I almost didn't recognise you. – She smiled.
- Why? Do I look foolish?
- No, no! You are beautiful. – Medusa blushed what you could notice well for her pale skill denounced her. Gregory made a rose appear and he gave it to her.
- Thank you, Gregory. – She said smiling widely. They observed each other's eyes.
- Good evening to you both. Am I interrupting something? – Minerva asked.
- No, of course not!
- I need you to go and find the champions and their dance partners while we get ready. We can't start the ball without them. And tell those students out of the Great Hall that they need to get in, please.
- Very well. – Medusa got out with Gregory and they both prepared the Champions.
- Where is your partner, Mr. Yovan?
- She must be arriving in anytime. Oh! There she is!
- All the champions in a line with their partners! Now, Professor Lious and I we are going to enter the Great Hall and you will wait 50 seconds before you go in. Understood?
- Yes, Professor.
- Good. Now, have fun. – Medusa and Gregory entered and placed themselves in the bottom of the room along with the other teachers. He barely could take his eyes from her.
The champions entered the Great Hall and all applauded.
The dance started with a very soft waltz dance. Every champion was dancing but suddenly other people joined.
Gregory approached her and all gazes focused on them.
- May I have this dance? – He asked. Medusa smiled and gave him her hand. He touched it and felt its softness. He led her to the centre of the room.
Gregory put her other hand in his shoulder and put his available hand around her waist.
They joined the students in the dance. They didn't take their eyes from each other's faces. Their bodies were close to each other. Their smiles were flying above their lips. They were so happy to be with each other that no one dared to ask if they could dance with one of them.
Later on, Gregory and Medusa were still dancing slowly with some other couples around.
Minerva was sitting in a bench observing those two with a smile. Madam Maxime was at her side.
- They make a lovely couple...
- Yes. – Minerva agreed. They observed those two people dancing. Gregory spoke at Medusa's ear and she laughed.
- They seem so attached. I would say they're lovers. – Medusa laid her head on Gregory's shoulder.
- They were once, a long time ago. – Minerva reminded the young couple beneath a tree in the spring days, Medusa with her long black hair and Gregory decorating it with daisies. Their smiles were priceless.
- What happened? – Gregory made Medusa make a turn and grabbed her again.
- Life played them some dirty tricks.
- I hope they will be back together soon. They are a lovely couple. Do you think they still love each other?
- I think that soon we'll know the answer to that. – Said Minerva smiling seeing Medusa smile of satisfaction.
- We should go for a walk. I have something to tell you. – She agreed.
Medusa and Gregory left the Great Hall and went out for the Gardens. It was cold and snowing. The night was calm. The moon was bright shining above their heads, illuminating their paths. Medusa didn't have a warm coat.
- It's freezing! – Gregory took his own cloak and put it in Medusas shoulders.
- Thank you, Gregory. – She said smiling.
They sat in the stone stairs observing the sky, close to each other.
- I had a wonderful time tonight. I needed something like this. What about you?
- I enjoyed it very much.
- And you only danced with me.
- Nobody else asked me to... – A wind blow put her fringe aside and showed her injured eye for some few seconds. She covered it with her two hands. She felt ashamed that he had seen it.
- Don't hide it from me...Let me see it.
- Please don't make me show it.
- Medusa, there's nothing wrong with it. It's just a scar. – Gregory grabbed her hands and then, calmly he held her face in his hand and the moonlight illuminated her missing eye. The other eye was looking at him with fear and shame. – I almost forgot how wonderful your eyes were...
Gregory smiled and kissed her scar, and then her cheek and her forehead.
- You should have forgotten.
- Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could come back to the past?
- We can't even have a future, Gregory... – She stood up and got away from him. Gregory followed her.
- Medusa. I don't care what others may say or that you think you're dangerous. I just know that you made me happy like no other person did and I know you were happy with me. If you wanted we could be happy together and end this circus. This won't lead us anywhere. Please! Stop! – Medusa stopped near a tree.
- As much as I wanted and I do want, I can't! I couldn't ruin your life by resuscitating our past. Believe me; it still hurts me after all this time! We shouldn't love each other...
- But we do. At least I do love you.
- Oh, Gregory, I crushed your heart and let you down... – He caressed her face.
- Medusa, that is forgiven and forgotten. I don't care whether you have a child from another man or you are a dangerous witch. I love you just the same that I did, twenty years ago.
- I am sorry, Gregory...
- Don't be. I was happy that you could find some strength to recover and start a new life. We have two completely different stories but I still want them to become one.
- It was not fair for you and I should never...
- You did what you thought was best. Now you can make it up for me by never going away from me again. Please, Medusa...Will you?
- I-I love you, Gregory. – Gregory forced himself to her lips and kissed her holding her against him. He could taste a light and fresh flavour of peppermint in her mouth and lips. The lingering kiss lasted for long minutes and ended when both felt the necessity to breathe. They smiled.
- I missed you so much, Medusa. – He held her close to him.
- I missed you too, Gregory. Never let me go again.
- I won't let you go this time. Even if you cast an expelliarmus spell to stop me...
- I deserve that. My bad... – He laughed.
- It's nothing. You were pissed off that day. - She felt sad. She even let her head go down.
- You look sad...
- I'm scared... – Gregory caressed her face and put her long fringe behind her year, observing her black eyes.
- Please, do smile. I can't stand to see you like that. Let's forget about fear for a moment. We're together now and that is the happiest thing that happened to us for a long time. – Medusa smiled lightly. They kissed again. Gregory observed the place where they were. He recognised their tree, the testimony of their love. He saw the little carving with their names made by his wand, twenty years ago. It was somehow worn-out. Gregory grabbed his wand and revived that mark. Medusa observed all the process and smiled.
- Our past is alive after all...
- It never died.
- You told me we had different stories. You know mine but you never told me yours.
- After we broke up, my father saw that I would never get married if I couldn't have you and wanted me to take over his caldron business, but I was too heartbroken to work with people and you passed in that street almost every day. I couldn't let you see me like that. So I changed my life, I moved to Ireland and worked as a cattle keeper. Nothing very magical as you can see. – Medusa smiled. He grabbed her hands and caressed them. - I returned when Minerva sent me an owl asking me to teach here, in Hogwarts. And then I saw you, in all your splendour and here we are now...
- Never to part again?
- Do you promise?
- I'll do my best.
When entering the Castle, there was no light. Everybody was already asleep.
- We're late, party's over. – Gregory smiled.
- Come with me. – She almost dragged him to the dungeons.
- Where are we going? – They entered her room. - You never change, Medusa, you silly girl. – She closed the door. Medusa let his cloak fall on the floor. He kissed her neck and they fell into bed. He took off her dress and she helped him with his clothes, sitting on his lap. He kept kissing her shoulders and neck. He let her hair down, taking her hair pins from her head. Finally, they laid down and Gregory covered both their bodies with the white sheets. They smiled to each other stopping kisses for a while to looks at each other's eyes one more time.
- Some time has passed since you saw me like this. I am forty now and I had a daughter. I am no longer a girl, I am afraid that my looks are a little disappointing.
- You're a woman now and still as beautiful as the girl I knew. Are you sure...?
- Yes. – He invaded her lips. With soft gestures and caresses they made love. It was the first tender and private moment they had shared since they were students in Hogwarts. She rolled with him on bed, she was held high in his arms and fell on his body, but never, in any circumstance she took her lips from his and if she even tried Gregory would have stopped her. Having waited long for a moment like this it was undeniable that the waiting turned out making it even more special.
With the untidy sheets and their naked bodies, hold so tight and laying on bed, they were still caressing each other's skins with the tips of their fingers, staring at the ceiling.
- Gregory?
- Yes, love? – They smiled.
- Please, stay with me.
- I should go, tomorrow everybody will wonder what...
- Please.
- What about your brother's portrait? What will he say when he finds me here with you?
- I think he knew somehow that this would have happen. Let's not disappoint him. – Gregory laughed and kissed her cheek.
- Oh, Medusa, I missed you. – She smiled. – Oh! I almost forgot!
- Forgot what? – He laid across her body and tried to reach his trousers to take something out of his pocket making her laugh.
- Your Christmas gift!
- Oh, you silly man! I didn't get you anything!
- That's not important. I didn't get you anything either... It was already here. – Gregory grabbed her hand and placed a ring in her finger. She remembered that ring. He gave it to her when he proposed.
It had flowery branches in white gold engraved and two diamonds and an aquamarine incrusted on it.
- I remember you liked it very much, when I first proposed to you, despite what happened. Before I bought it, I would always pass by the shop and think of you when I looked at this ring. It's simple yet beautiful. It waited twenty years to come off the little blue velvet box. In those days that I would miss you more, it kept me company. It still fits your finger. It's meant to be yours, no doubt.
- Oh, Gregory...
- Did you like the surprise, dear?
- It's perfect, Gregory, thank you.
- I want you to wear it every day.
- Gregory, this doesn't mean we're engaged...
- No, this is just a Christmas gift and the proof that I missed you and loved you for the twenty years we were apart. – She kissed him.
- I missed you too. Thank you, love, thank you very much. – He kissed her warm and soft shoulder while they were hugging. - I promise I won't take it off. Now let's sleep, Gregory. Good night, darling– He kissed her forehead and hugged her.
- Goodnight, Medusa. – And they fell asleep like everybody in the school.
The sun raised and illuminated Hogwarts on the top of the hill. Medusa was still asleep and Gregory was already awakened. He had her in his arms and was stroking her hair, softly.
Severus had come back to his portrait and observed Gregory laying there with his sister. He grinned and decided to embarrass him a little bit, just for the fun of it.
- Well, well, a Gryffindor in the Dungeons? Worse than that, in my sister's bed... Came to have a Potions class... Gregory?
- Hush, please! She's asleep!
- I can see that!
- Look, whether you like it or not I love your sister, I always have. Don't be a bastard for once in your life and let her be happy!
- I want her to be happy! She's my sister, you imbecile!
- I would do anything to keep her by my side, Severus! You know me! I am not some guy that appeared now in her life! We almost married. You and I, we almost became relatives. I know you never liked me much but let's put our differences aside and work together. I don't want any problems with you, after all who knows if I might be your brother someday... – Severus didn't show emotions in his facial expression.
- She loved you very much, in spite of everything. She was prepared to be your wife and have your children if she could. But believe her when she says she has her reasons. If she doesn't want to keep your relationship official, don't be offended. She's only protecting you from something that could hurt you and take you from her. She would kill herself if something happened. Yes, she loves you to that point. If you have the unhappy idea of hurting her somehow you'll wish you were never been born! I may be a painting but I am capable of making your life a living hell.
- I believe you.
- And cover yourself, for God's sake! – Severus disappeared. Gregory smiled lightly and looked at Medusa. Her face was peaceful.
At breakfast everybody looked at them rather strangely. They couldn't help noticing their tender gestures towards each other and their smiles.
Medusa seemed very tense. Gregory noticed it and softly grabbed her left hand interlacing their fingers. She still had the ring in her finger.
Some students saw the tender gesture and started to talk about it.
- Is it everything alright? – Gregory asked.
- Yes, Gregory, everything is fine. – They smiled at each other.
Minerva knew that something was different about them. She decided to talk to Medusa in her office.
- You summoned me?
- Yes, Medusa. I want to talk to you about something. Please, sit. – Medusa sat in the chair right in front of Minerva's desk. – Do you realise that you put all teachers looking for you? You and Gregory disappeared and never returned. You got me worried sick! And Gregory!
- We went for a walk in the Gardens.
- At night?
- Yes.
- I noticed something different about you both this morning. What happened between you two last night? – Medusa was speechless and blushed. The moments she spent with Gregory last night came to her memory and refused to leave. She simply shrugged her shoulders and looked another way. – I see... You spent the night together...
- We're two grownups, Minerva. I believe that what we did is in our entire responsibility...
- I understand Medusa, believe it or not. What about now? Are you going to stick with him?
- He made me promise I would but I am not sure about all of this, Minerva.
- Simply tell me this, are you willing to destroy his and your heart again?
- No!
- It's clear that you still love each other and it's a terrible shame if you do it!
- Minerva! We both know why I have doubts about this! And we both don't know when it will happen!
- That doesn't mean you can't have a normal life!
- It means exactly that! I can't have a normal life! I am a monster and I'll die a monster! And I'll die like the other two women, assassinated by the Ministry because they didn't have a place for them in this World! We can't even go to Askaban because we can petrify Dementors! And hell! The worst is if one of us becomes an honorary member of the fallen Death Eaters that aspire to rise again. They don't even care that we are actually people baring a curse.
- Give him the opportunity to try to help you; it's about time to tell him everything. I am sure he'll understand.
- You definitely want me to kill him. If he's not petrified he will die of heart attack! However, I assure you that it won't happen, Minerva! That is a consolation that I hope to take to my grave!
- Don't be stubborn, Medusa! Listen to me! – Minerva sat near her. – I know you have been researching and none of your experiments were successful, but tell me, since you are so convinced that you'll die when the transformation is complete, can you just try? Will you lose something if you ask him for help...
- I want to be with him for a while before I tell him. – Minerva noticed her ring.
- You have a ring.
- It was the ring that he gave me when he proposed. I returned it to him when I refused. He gave it to me last night when we got back together.
- So, you're engaged to him?
- There is nothing official between us yet.
- Make it official! Don't you think that you both suffered enough? Don't you think you already wasted a load of time? Make him happy while you're here. Ask him for help, that way you have more chances of being successful. Don't give up just now. Do it for him and for Athena. You're always thinking about your daughter and how much you regret not being able to provide her with more time with you because of this curse...
- When he asks, I'll tell him my answer. – Minerva smiled and caressed her hand.
- Are they still searching your brother's house?
- Yes, they won't tell me anything. He died six months ago and I still don't know about anything. I know he lived in our parent's house. He didn't like it there but he didn't want to come and live in the farm.
- He was right, the house was so little...
- Yes... I miss him very much. He would like to see me now.
- He would like to see you happy.
- Precisely. – Medusa giggled.
After that conversation, she went to find her daughter to go to Hogsmead and have a butterbeer and exchange Christmas presents.
Medusa found her daughter and they both went out for the day.
Athena noticed something strange in her mother's face. Something was bothering her. She smiled. Athena had some gifts to her. A box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and some Chocolate Frogs where in the paper bag that Athena handed to her mother.
- Oh! I don't one of these for ages! I'll have one bean now. – Medusa took a bean out of the colourful package and put it into her mouth.
- What's the flavour?
- I got lucky this time; I think it's...Blueberry pie.
- There is still something in the bag. Open it! – Said Athena, really excited.
Medusa took a pink flask from the bag and observed it carefully.
- What's this? – Medusa observed the flask. Athena got apprehensive because she knew that her mother's face was telling her that it made her slightly sad. – Is this a love potion?
- Yes, I thought you could use it...
- I don't need a love potion, sweetheart.
- Why?
- Because I'm already in love and the person that I love, loves me back. – Athena smiled.
- It's Professor Lious, isn't it?
- Doesn't matter...
- It is Professor Lious!
- You're right. I can't lie to you, can I?
- Will you stick together? Will you marry him?
- I don't know, Athena.
- Did he give you that ring? – Medusa approached her hand from her daughter. They both observed the jewel. – He must like you very much.
- He gave me this ring twenty one years ago. He used it to propose to me.
- Why did you say no?
- I'll tell you someday. I regret every word I uttered that day.
- Since when?
- Since yesterday. - Medusa turned her eyes to the pink flask. – This doesn't even cause true love. It's only capable of a certain infatuation and obsession. It's nothing compared with felling true love for someone. But, thank you honey. – In exchange Medusa offered her new flasks and potion ingredients for practice and some plants. The butterbeer warmed them up. Mother and daughter would soon be returning to Hogwarts to play a Wizard Chess game.
