Chapter 27

Severus had woken up early in the morning and made his way to the Great Hall. He half expected to find Lily or even Remus at the table since they were the usual early risers of the group, but Severus was quite pleased and very surprised to find Louis nursing a cup of tea at the Gryffindor table and talking to a disheveled Potter.

Both of them looked to be exhausted as they talked in hushed whispers. Severus's couldn't make out what they were saying, but based of the annoyed displeasure on both of their faces, it wasn't pleasant.

As Severus neared, he could barely make out the end of the conversation.

"... is planning something. I don't know what, but if the conversation in the corridor means anything than we need to be ready," whispered Louis, but cut off the rest of his thought when he noticed that Severus there.

He looked a little sick now that Severus could see him better. His skin was a bit duller, as were his eyes that were wide and filled with shock. Louis wasn't planning on seeing him this early or at all, Severus supposed.

In the brief moment that they stared at each other, Severus noticed that he lost a lot of weight, probably from missing so many meals. His eyes, while they had widen in shock, there was a glimmer of light in them, but it had soon died away again. His mouth was agape and his lips were chapped and almost purple in color. There were bags under his eyes as well. At this point, Louis had seemingly lost his splendor. A frown made its way to Severus's face.

Had that been because of him? Pandora had suggested as such .

A deep guilt filled Severus. He knew of Louis's affections and had plenty of time to address them, but he didn't. And now, he was obviously pained by what happened at the Yule Ball. He hadn't realized how much it would hurt him. And for whatever reason, he talking to the very person that aided in his misfortune, who had been to drunk to even know what had happened. But when Louis caught sight of him, Severus could practically see his face crumble.

Severus was no poet, but Louis was a very bright and happy individual that practically shine radiance. He was sun, but almost everything shined brighter than him now.

Clearing his throat, Louis offered him a pained smile, very awkward in shape.

"How have you been old chap?"

Severus could see James in the background, sipping his tea and watching the interaction between them with distrustful eyes. He looked very sick with an almost white complexion and red nose and eyes. It was a miracle that Madam Pomfrey had let him out at all since he still looked terrible. But that was probably because Potter had sneaked out instead being given permission to leave.

Focusing his attention back to Louis, Severus felt a lump in his throat, but he hid it well with a blank face that barely showed his concern for Louis.

"I think you should be asking yourself that question. You look like shit."

For a minute, Severus couldn't believe that just came out of his mouth since it had just happened naturally. But Potter choking in the background assured him that it did.

However, before anything else could happen, Louis's eyes crinkled at the corner and a soft laugh escaped him. His eyes were filled with bit of mischief and affection.

"Thank you, glad I can alway count on you for your honesty, Severus."

Meaning to or not, Severus felt that comment was like a double edge sword. But before Louis could possibly flee or if either one of them loses their wits, Severus captured his attention.

"Louis, could we possibly discuss some things." Looking at James who was about to speak, Severus continued with narrowed eyes. "Alone."

Louis looked at him with a curious expression, watching him with his blue eyes. After a brief pause, Louis nodded and gave him a soft smile. However, before they left, Louis had grabbed two muffins and offered the banana nut one.

Nodding his head in thanks, they both walked out of the Great Hall and made their way to the courtyard. The walk was silent, if a little awkward, but it had also felt nice to be in the presence with other once again. Severus only hoped that Louis felt the same.

When they arrived, there was not a single person there. By now, it was later in the day and a lot more people were getting ready or making their way to the Great Hall for breakfast. Leading Louis to a stone ledge, they both sat down and enjoyed the cold the winter offered. While Louis had always flourished in the sun, he was a lover the cold as did Severus. They watched the wind blow into the trees and the few birds that flew overhead. It was truly comforting here.

When the sun was high in the sky, Severus began to speak.

"Louis, before I get into anything else, I would like to apologize how I have been treating you. You are not very subtle and you're very flirtatious so I had ignored your possible…. attraction towards me as you being... you. However, when you had helped me, I began to take great pleasure in our times together and see you as a very trusting and caring individual. It was also then, had I realized that you had liked me more than I thought. And instead of approaching you to talk and discuss your feelings, I had taken advantage of them since I had liked the attention and had hurt you in the end. I cannot make up for the pain or the mistakes I might have caused, but it is vital that you know that I am sorry. I never meant for this to come so far or to be so damaging. I wish, that we can go back to the way things were, but if you request that I not be near you for the time being, then I will comply. I only wish to go over this first because out of all things that I wish to speak to you about, this is the most important."

Louis was silent throughout his speech, thinking carefully about the words that Severus had said. Neither one looked at the other or address each other during this time as they both kept to themselves, but Louis broke the silence.

" I forgive you. I have always known that you might not have returned my feelings, but I had hoped that you would in the end. I care very deeply for you, Severus. I wish to remain friends. I had talked with Pandora and spent days thinking about our relationship. I don't think I will ever get over you. Our time might has been short, but I have seen things about you that no has ever bothered to look for. I found a courageous, an intelligent, and caring man. If friendship is the only thing that you can offer me, then I will gladly accept it."

They were silent again, but it was not awkward. They knew that neither one had to continue this conversation. What was said was said and it had finally cleared the air. Severus still wished to talk to him about the second task, but he did not dare ruin this moment that they had created. There was always dinner time. However, that had also laid the question as to what he and Potter were talking about when he had entered the Great Hall.