Severus was in a cheerful mood on the way back to his classroom. That is, until he saw the thick pink smoke billowing from the open door. He coughed violently as he made his way through the pink-purplish haze. "Cordelia!" Severus yelled between coughing. I was by the cauldron at the front of the room when he spotted me through the rosy cloud.

"Scourgify!" Severus practically spat as he waved his wand at the cauldron and everything was cleaned.

"I'm sorry, Severus." I said apologetically. "I was trying to help clean a few things and keep an eye on it at the same time."

He coughed, giving me an icy glare. "You know you must pay attention while brewing. Any mistake, whether small or large could be your last, Miss Wainwright."

I started to leave when Severus reached for my shoulder. "Forgive my temper, Cordelia. You know how I feel about you. Potion making is an art you excel at in my class."

"No, I don't know." I retorted back.

Severus sighed. "I told the Headmaster you saved my life. I do love you, Cordelia."

"I love you too, Severus." I kissed him quickly.

Severus coughed, clearing his lungs. "Will you stay?"

"Are you okay, Severus?" I asked with concern. There was still smoke in the classroom.

"I shall be much better once this smoke has cleared." He coughed again, waving the white smoke from his face.

"I should go."

The professor sighed, getting out another cauldron. "Stay and brew another batch for me under supervision, of course."

"Here." I stopped him, placing my hands on his back.

Severus looked at me curiously. "Yes?"

"Inhale."

He gave me a defiant stare but obeyed, inhaling deeply into his lungs.

"Exhale."

Severus sighed heavily from his lungs.

"I know you feel better, so you may as well admit to it."

"Yes." He did the exercise a few more times and I massaged his back.

"Can I make it up to you?"

"What?" Severus asked.

"For not watching the cauldron."

He sighed. "You have done more than enough, Cordelia. You are already helping me a great deal."