The next day was January 10th and I was on my way to the Great Hall for breakfast.
Once I got there and sat down my eyes wandered up to the High Table.
A pair of obsidian orbs were fixed on me intently. Our eyes met and stayed on each other for seemingly an eternity before Severus turned and spoke briefly to Professor Sinistra.
I watched his shoulders rise and fall as he sighed, eyes tight on me.
I ate my breakfast and went to my first class.
I enjoyed Charms and Arithmancy about as much as Potions. After I took my surprise test in Charms I was ready to go to Potions.
I sat at the next to last table and waited for Severus to storm through the door.
The door was thrown open and in marched Severus in all of his black glory. His eyes darted to me swiftly before standing in front of the class.
He sighed before beginning his usual drawl. "I do not expect most of you to actually succeed in brewing this potion."
"However..." Severus looked toward me. "One or two of you may possess the skill and talent to pass this class."
I blushed.
"Today you will be brewing Amortentia. Can anyone of you tell me the ingredients?"
Severus cast a glance at me. "Miss...Adams."
"Ashwinder eggs, rose thorns, peppermint, powdered moonstone, and pearl dust." I said confidently.
He smirked. "Correct. I have brewed here a cauldron of Amortentia. Do any of you know what Amortentia is used for?"
Hermione raised her hand and Severus glared at her. "Miss Granger."
"Amortentia is the most powerful love potion in the world. It is distinctive for its mother-of-pearl sheen, and steam rises from the potion in spirals. Amortentia smells different to each person, according to what attracts them."
Severus had everyone step up to the cauldron. When it was my turn, he looked at me knowingly.
The smells I received were of books, potions, and linen. It was odd to me but then again I should've expected that.
At the end of class, Severus called me back.
"I am certain you must know why I called you back here, Miss Adams."
"Was it because I smelled definite aromas?" I asked.
"As in which aromas, Miss Adams?" He fixed an intense stare on me.
"Books, potions, linen..." I trailed off.
He was ghost white after the words left my mouth. Severus sighed, circling me in the center of the room. "I suppose I should not be surprised."
My eyes widened.
"Because I smelled the potion before your class started and..." Ebony eyes peered into mine. His nostrils flared as he took a deep breath in, hissing into his lungs. Severus sighed it out of his lungs slowly. "The aromas match your smells." A pause lasting several beats. "I smell lavender, vanilla and fresh rain."
"What does this mean?" I wondered aloud. "That you-"
"That I..." Severus paused. "Love you. It is supposed to mean this, however I question these feelings. Perhaps because you have shown me kindness that I have not seen in years, Miss Adams. I am not...certain that these feelings would benefit you in any way." A loud sigh escaped his lungs. "I believe you can do much better than me. You are young...and there are many boys your age that could give you a future that I cannot. There is no future with me, Elodie, only heartache." He looked at me somberly. "As much as I would like to be with you, it is not possible."