Green Grows the Lily O

Godric got up and stretched, Rowena stopped reading her book and looked up towards him.
"Forgive me, Rowena. The hour grows late and I am tired."
She neatly placed the bookmark back inside the pages and closed the cover.
"You are right, it is late. I think we should all depart for bed." Rowena got up and placed the worn book under her arm. I confess I had not been listening well to the story she had told. The stories of Nimeuh and Morgan La Fey being common enough in my house, after all, they were Welsh tales. I tidied away the cloak I had been repairing and put the thread and needle into my sewing set. Salazar got up; picking the scrolls and documents he had been studying from the table. He went to the door and opened it, Godric beamed and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Goodnight, Salazar."
"Goodnight, friend."

Godric kissed both Rowena and I on the cheek and bid us goodnight.
"So the moon and sun depart to bed." he said.
Rowena chuckled and jovially hit him with her book, "That's enough poetry from you."
I hid a yawn behind my hand, not wanting to appear rude, but just feeling very tired.
"Come, Helga is weary," Salazar moved over to me and put my arm on his, I was too tired and full of food to argue.

"I am perfectly able to go to my own rooms, Salazar." I said as we mounted the stairs towards my own chambers.
"Forgive me for acting the gentleman."
"It is late; you should depart to your own. I have no desire to keep you from them." I said, hiding another yawn.
"I am not as tired as you and a few minutes from my bed shall not harm me." Salazar kept his eyes focused on the nearing doorway and my outer chambers. The room was cast in shadows, the fire in my grate having fallen low, the moonlight slipped between the heavy brocade of the curtains. He took me to the door, head kept lowered and when we reached the dark wood, he dropped my arm but lingered there.

"Salazar…are you well?"
He rubbed the back of his neck, "Aye, quite well." He said, his voice sounding forced and pained. I reached out towards his arm, Salazar jolted away from my palm.
"Salazar?"
He momentarily closed his eyes as though my voice hurt him and shifted away when I tried to put my hand on his arm again. I dropped my arm by my side and sighed, I always found him strange and at times incomprehensible. His strange moods and long silences meant I was never at ease with Salazar.
"Well goodnight." I said and he gave a small, formal bow and marched from my chambers. I shrugged and went into my own room. It no longer worried me greatly that I could not understand him.

I was lying underneath the warm sheets, the cover a similar colour to my cloak with my embroidery decorating the outside edge, patterns of golden daises and roses, I had attempted sewing four badges at the end without magic, but resorted to using it to stop them looking like dogs. My mind had troubled me for some time as to what Salazar had meant, but I had pushed the thought away and now let the warm comfort of my bed and the small fire in the grate lull me to sleep. I felt myself beginning to drift and the heaviness of dinner and working hard in my gardens encourage me, but then my mind suddenly pushed forth another image. It was strange, as though I was standing apart from myself, watching myself.

Salazar and I stood near the rosebush, his fingers holding onto my chin once more and though I was apart from myself, I could feel myself blush at the thought of his touch. Well that was ridiculous, I thought, why would his touch embarrass me? Nay, that was folly. It cannot solely be his; I easily blush at any gesture of kindness…Yet his was not a kind gesture, he had told me my face was too rounded. From this angle perhaps he was right, my face was definitely round, but not fat. I folded my arms over my chest and jutted my chin out proudly again. Until my face burned bright red and I opened my mouth in shock. He had lowered his head and kissed me/her. Well that did certainly not happen! Was this a dream or idle thought? Surely it could not be a dream, as I was aware of my being and that this was not a dream? Idle thought…no, it could not be that. I had no desire for that…but then I was thinking it. These were my thoughts in my head. Oh this was too complicated.

I opened my eyes and rolled over to the other side of the bed, my heart hammering in my chest. Little thoughts still creeping into my head. What would it be like to kiss him…this bed was too large and cold to lie in alone…what would it be like to be held against him. My cheeks flamed scarlet once more and I whispered furiously for my mind to shut up. I found it unnerving to look at Salazar as it was, day dreams of hurried kisses would not help things further. I scowled furiously and attempted to fall asleep, ignoring the temptation of going back to the memory of standing by wild roses and that ache I knew I had for him. We were too different. How could I even consider kissing someone who was so cold and apart from everything else? If he couldn't see the value of beauty, then love would be beyond such an understanding.

I dressed and ate hurriedly that morning; I did not eat with the others as I normally did. I claimed an early start was needed in order to examine the rarer plants in the herbology houses, a subject I was particularly looking forward to teaching when our students arrived. There was some truth in the matter, the Lovage, Fluxweed and the Flitterbloom all needed pruning and tending to. In all truth I did not wish to see Salazar, for I knew no matter what I did I would still feel flustered and embarrassed by what I had thought of last night. When I arrived in the warm, glass houses I excused the blush on my cheeks for the heat and kept my hands busy. But even with my mind devoted to the careful placement of manure, watering and pruning, occasional thoughts of Salazar's hands pressing on my stomach, his chest leaning against my back, his mouth…

"Oh now, Helga. Stop this. It is ridiculous. Of all the foolish notions…"
"Though I doubt talking to yourself is any better." I nearly dropped the pot I was holding on hearing Salazar's voice. He smirked at my surprised expression and walked into the greenhouse.
"You…you made me jump."
"Forgive me, silent tread has been a fortitude of mine for many years. I have some need of Motherwort, if you have any to spare."
"That's in herb patch number five."

I took off my gloves and picking up a pair of shears guided Salazar to the separated herb patches.
"I was unaware we had so many herb patches." he said.
"Seven in all, for each year." I said, he nodded. We reached herb patch number five and I had no difficulty in locating the Wort.
"How much do you need?" I asked.
"A couple of sprigs."
I neatly cut the springs from the lower base and handed them up to him, he put them in his belt.
"Where were you at breakfast? I asked Godric, but a sensible answer from that man is nigh on impossible." Salazar muttered.
"I needed an early start, I did not have time for debates and I did not want to appear rude in leaving breakfast early. So I ate in the kitchen and then came out here."

Salazar nodded and then a faint smile came to his lips, "You have dirt on your cheek."
"Oh…" I blushed almost instantly and quickly went to brush it off, but Salazar caught my hand and drew it away. His thumb carefully stroked my cheek. It was as though his touch burnt me and I could feel my throat constrict slightly at the deft tracing of his hand.
"There we go, Madam Peasant."
I bit my lip and swallowed. I mustn't think of anything, if any of those thoughts came to my head…I did not want his touch or seek his affection, I was merely being foolish. I drew my head away from his firm hand and walked back to the greenhouses.

"Why do we always do this?" I heard him call to me.
"Do what?" I turned to look at him, but when my gaze reached his eyes I looked down to my feet. I heard his steady tread up the path and then his hand under my chin, forcing me to look up at him. I blinked several times and cast my eyes away from his dark gaze.
"Helga, look at me." he commanded.
I tried to breathe evenly, but my stomach felt twisted into a knot and I could feel my heart slamming against my ribcage.
"Look at me." Salazar's voice was cold and I finally lifted my eyes, his eyes hit mine and my mind swirled at his gaze. I staggered a little and his arm quickly came around my waist, but I did not feel any steadier with his palm resting on the small of my back.

"Why do you always fly from me?" he whispered.
"I don't." I muttered, shifting my gaze away again.
"Do not lie to me." I heard the tremor of anger within his voice, even though it remained cool and steady. A chill ran through my spine and I shivered. Salazar moved closer towards me, the grasp of his arm tightening. If I went any nearer I would be pressed against his chest, his hips resting just above mine.
"I don't mean to…It's just we are all so busy and you…I never really thought I would hold much interest for you." I stammered.
His lip curled upwards into a smile, "Nay, Helga. You fascinate me." he breathed and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up as the coolness of his voice trickled over my skin. "Godric, for all his bravado, appreciates book learning as much as Rowena and I. Yet you…How is it a witch can find such pleasure in such simple things? Hands caked in mud, weeding her garden, or baking bread and crafting stews in the kitchen."

"I like reading…" I mumbled and was glad I only heard his snicker, instead of having to look upon the grim smile upon his face, "It is what I have always done, it is habit. I lived in a muggle village; after all, gardening and cooking could not be done by magic. I feared the risk of being interrupted by a muggle and having to explain how my carrots could chop themselves."
"Yet why continue it now? It seems half wasteful when your talents could be spent on better things."
I felt a slither of anger slide into my stomach, I fearlessly looked up, "I do not consider them wasteful. I take pride in nurturing my plants and those people around me. Now, if you would kindly let me go…"

He grasped me tighter to him and his hips jutted into mine, the slither of anger was replaced by a slither of desire. I felt a gasp pulled from my lips and heard his soft laugh.
"Did I ever make mention to you, Helga, I am an accomplished Legilimens?"
I felt my mouth drop open once more and I quickly shut it again, "You bluff."
"Perhaps…you are quite easy to read. But shall I tell you of what I did last night?"
"I have no need to find out." I muttered furiously and tried to pull away from his tight grip, when he did not let me go my hand went towards my belt. But he was too quick for me and grabbed my hand in his.
"You'd draw your wand on me?"
"No…Please Salazar, I have no desire for this."
He drew nearer me, his body pressed against mine, his mouth inching closer to my ear, "I saw what you saw, I know full well what you desire…I have often found it enjoyable, lying with women and hearing them beg…"

I took my chance and slapped him forcefully across the face, he staggered back and I couldn't quite believe I had had the nerve and gall to strike him.
"Don't you ever do such a thing to me again." I said, fury making my entire body shake and the grip on my wand tremble. I clung on tighter, trying to prevent my trembling looking like fear. His hand had lingered on his face and though his eyes glanced at his wand, I saw him decide against it. I almost ran up the hill and into the castle, making my way to my room and locking the door. My breathing was heavy but not from the quick pace I had taken up towards my chambers. I poured myself a glass of water and quickly drank it down; finding my throat relax and my heart begin to slow. I sat by my bed and pulled my cloak around me, taking comfort in the familiar warmth and the smell of Lily-of-the-Valley. I knew I was frightened, yet strangely drawn to him, desire bubbling up in my throat. I was scared of him and scared of desiring him.
"No good can come of this." I muttered.

I sat by the fire for a while, gazing into the flickering flames. I did think of going to the library, where Rowena would almost undoubtedly be, or back into the grounds. Yet I decided against it, the library was a favoured haunt of Salazar as well and although there was the chance Godric might be in the grounds, finding him would be another matter entirely. I lingered in my rooms, safe and secure behind locked doors, until there was a gentle tap on the door and my entire body stiffened.
"Helga?" his voice whispered through the wood. I remained still and quiet. He repeated my name again, "Helga? I know you are in here, please let me in."
I did not make any movement towards the door. I heard him inhale deeply as though the words pained him to say them.
"I am here to apologise…I should not have threatened you like that within the grounds."
I drew my wand out and muttered the incantation to release the door, it swung open and Salazar stood there. He at least looked repentant.
"I am sorry." he muttered.
"You frightened me." I said boldly, he lowered his head and dug his thumbs into his belt.

I turned to look at the fire once more and he approaches me, his footfall heavy on the wooden floor. I nervously shift away from him and he looks ashamed once more. It is a strange expression on his face and although I have seen it in a milder form, this one is of true shame. He kneels beside me and gently takes my hand in his.
"What I have done is…is foul and unkind, I would never wish for you to fear me. I would ask for forgiveness, though I know in many ways this crime is unforgivable."
He raises the knuckles of my hand to his lips and kisses them; I am surprised how firm the gentle kiss seems. His eyes glance up to mine and I sigh and look away. I am torn, his bid to gain my forgiveness should earn it…yet why does my heart fear such an act? I press my lips together, yet when I look at him I know instantly that I must. There is none of the usual coldness or malicious teasing within them; he would never seek this forgiveness with anyone else.

"I forgive you, just promise me you won't ever do that again and if you can perform…Legilimency you will not use it against me again."
"I swear it." I frown a little at his unusual declaration, but he swiftly rises to his feet and gives me a well-practiced bow. I get up myself and stow away my wand.
"We shall not speak of this to the others; it would be better that way." I say, he gives that restrained smile once more.
"Good, I am glad to hear it."
We stand in silence once more, his careful, dark eyes watching me…his expression almost one of observation.

"Did you make use of the Motherwort? It will wilt otherwise." I ask and his smirk returns.
"Alas, that was merely an excuse."
I frown, "For what?"
"For this," his hand reaches to my cheek and I stop myself from flinching, but I cannot stop my gasp when he lowers his head and softly grazes my lips with his. His skin is warm and for a moment he rests his forehead against mine, slowly breathing a sigh on my lips. I long for more kisses almost as soon as he draws his mouth away and I was grateful for the bedpost behind me. I curse myself for it, but I cannot help the small whimper fall from my lips. Salazar smiles easily and walks away from me towards the door.
"I will see you at dinner." he says before he leaves. I mutely bow my head, unsure of what I should say. His lips burned my mouth; the twisting in my stomach has become a desperate ache. I want him.

Sorry for the delay, I've recently decided to rewrite one of my older fanfics, so I'm busy with that. But when that's done, I'll be posting/writing more of this.