Disclaimer: Harry Potter and Co., as well as the wizarding world, does not belong to me in any capacity, the only character that I do own are Aelladora Lyra Black! This story is not making any money and will never do so. The wonderful world of Harry Potter belongs to Ms JK. Rowling.
Authors' note: I have revised this chapter. It felt too short and I really wanted to emphasise their relationship more. I hope you enjoy the revised editions; it's only chapters 1-5 that are getting a revamp.
Songs used:True Colors by Cyndi Lauper(1986)
Aelladora spent the next five days packing her plants with Severus during the day and sneaking out at night to meet Onyx. He was so familiar but she couldn't put her finger on it. She shook her head and went downstairs throwing on the white button up shirt Severus had left that night over her outfit.
Narcissa was in the kitchen watching her niece absent-mindedly touch her neck every once in a while and sigh.
"What's wrong little dove?" Narcissa asked as this wasn't typical Aelladora behaviour.
"Have you ever met someone and wondered..." Aella trailed off, not sure what she was trying to ask. "Nevermind I shouldn't keep Severus waiting. Tell Draco I will see him on the first of September. Love you, Aunty." Aella stood up and kissed Narcissa on the cheek before disapparating to Hogsmeade.
Her luggage trailing behind her lost in her own thoughts she bumped into something solid. She gasped expecting to hit the hard ground until she felt a warm hand on her lower back catching her between her unbuttoned shirt and the skin of her lower back exposed because of her black crop top and low waisted light blue jeans. She gasped at the feel of the warm hand and long slender fingers that gripped her hip to the person's body and a deep chuckle.
Aella shivered before opening her eyes. Silver met obsidian and she relaxed. "My apologies Severus I was lost in thought."
Severus chuckled again before helping her stand straight, "It's quite alright Aelladora. I was just waiting here for you so I could show you to your rooms." He held out his hand like the gentleman he was.
Aella smiled, "Just Aella, please? I mean after the last few days." She spoke softly but he heard her. A nod was all that was given and she threaded her fingers through his as they set off to the castle. Neither saw the two twinkling blue eyes over crescent moon spectacles watching them from the headmasters' office as they were in their own world Severus was retelling her the previous year's antics of the "Golden trio" and they were both laughing.
Aella needed a distraction as she was tempted to run into the woods and search for Onyx. Severus led them down into the dungeons and to his portrait of the great Fenrir. The wolf turned his green eyes to Severus who said "Amaterasu," the portrait flung open.
Aella's eyes lit up when she walked into the sitting room and the bookshelves that lined the walls. Severus chuckled as he watched her act like a child in a candy shop, knowing she was letting her guard down little by little around him. Aella giggled and ran over to the books.
"There's so many Severus where do you even begin?" She gasped in wonder at all the potion books.
"That's a question for another day dear, now let's get your stuff put away and we can either cook lunch or get some from the kitchens." Severus steered her towards two doors next to each other. "That door leads to my personal chambers," Pointing to the door on the left, then he opened the door to the right. "This is your room."
Aella gasped in surprise thinking it would be Slytherin-themed but it was even better. There were white and light grey walls with pale red accents. The walls and ceiling above the bed were charmed so she could see the lake above her.
Her four-poster bed had white and grey blankets. There were green and grey satin pillowcases, the furniture was themed to the wall colours and she loved it. The colours reminded her of her wolf and it brought her comfort. To the right was a door that was cracked open to reveal a gorgeous bathroom. Aella whipped around and gave Severus a hug. "Thank you, it's amazing Severus," she said in a low whisper, placing a kiss on his cheek.
Severus stood there with a grin appearing on his face. "You are very welcome, now let us head back into the sitting room and talk."
Aella let go of him and nodded with a grin.
They made their way back to the grey couch and as soon as they sat down the fire roared to life. Severus groaned as Aella growled and ducked behind the couch. Surprised by her behaviour, Severus was looking between her and the fireplace as Albus' head popped out.
"Albus this is not the time," Severus growled out, watching Aella run to her room.
"I apologise for scaring the poor girl. I was just curious about her and why she is here." Albus stepped through the fire. Severus glared at the man.
"Let me go check on her. She's been travelling alone the last four years to different monasteries and she hasn't had a lot of human interaction." Severus got up and knocked on Aella's door. "Dear are you alright?" he said gently.
The door creaked open to reveal a wide-eyed Aelladora. She shook her head no.
Severus dragged a hand through his hair. "Would a walk help?" he asked, watching her twitch like she was going to run. Aella looked up at him and nodded. "There's a trail around the Black lake you can take. Go get some fresh air, He will be gone by the time you return I swear." Aella gave him a quick hug before dashing out through the portrait and out of the castle.
Once Aella was away from the castle she started to calm down. There were things she needed to work on in her head so when her feet brought her to the edge of the forbidden forest she shifted without a second thought. Her wolf knew to go to the one spot she felt she was safe.
Severus was furious he turned back to Albus. "Was that absolutely necessary Albus?"
Albus just peered at Severus through his half-moon spectacles. "Who is she to you, my boy? You never bring women here." Albus was trying to figure out their relationship.
"I do not have to explain anything to you about my personal life but, if you must know, you just scared my apprentice off." Severus turned around and strode toward the door. "You can see your way out. I'm going to see if I can calm her down."
Severus went looking for Aelladora, he couldn't find her but knew not to push it she would come back when she was ready. He decided to go for a run, as he was shifting he felt eyes on him. He turned his head and flattened his ears growling. Severus turns back to the forest and takes off running towards the cave.
Upon entering he saw Aiyana cowering in the corner, Aiyana, my dear, come here love.He immediately laid down until the she-wolf let him come closer.
Onyx? Aiyana calmed down, taking in his scent. Come closer, please. She whimpered.
Onyx slowly got up and walked over and laid behind her, licking her cheek. What's wrong with you love?
I was waiting for you and wasn't sure who was at the entrance. She calmed instantly into his side. I've missed you but I wasn't sure if it was just a dream or if it was real. She purred when he started licking her ear.
I assure you my dear I'm very much 's only been a day though since we last saw each other it was just last night my love. He licked his mark on her collarbone. I won't leave you, I'll always be near you.
She rolled over onto her back placing a paw on his muzzle and slowly licked his cheek. Just as I will always be with you. They leaned into each other and pressed their foreheads together. We always have this cave. I have to go back but I will return for you. They both whimpered but gave each other a lick before Aiyana took off.
Aelladora was running towards the dungeons hoping to get there and Albus would be gone. She stopped at the portrait and smiled.
"Hello Fenrir, Amaterasu" she whispered. The wolf seemed to bow his head to her before opening the door.
Aella walked over to see Severus by the mantle having a drink of Firewhiskey. "Severus," She whispered tentatively. "Is he gone?"
Severus looked up at her and nodded as he sat down on the couch. He spread his arms over the back. "Yes, that meddlesome fool is gone. Come sit we need to talk about a few things dear."
Aella nodded and decided to sit on his lap. "What is it?" she asked gently, running her hands through his soft black hair.
"How bad is your depression? I notice you have your shields up all the time." He asked, letting out a soft groan as her fingers ran through his hair. He wrapped his hands under her white shirt feeling her skin underneath. He smirked at the fact she wore the shirt he left purposefully for her the first night they slept together.
"Some days it's better than others... As I wrote about in my letters sometimes… well you saw with Albus." Aella looked down at his chest not wanting to see his reaction. She gasped when she felt his warm fingers on her chin lifting her head up. Silver eyes stared into Obsidian.
"I would never presume to judge you, I just want to know how to help you, maybe not have to use your shield constantly as it will eventually drain your magic. You also spoke about nightmares in your letters recently. I will not ask you to share everything with me right now, but how about we have two nightly sessions a week and we go through your memories about school. I won't go into any other memories unless you let me." Severus spoke gently to her, he understood her trust issues. Aella nodded and placed her hand on his leaning into his touch.
"It's late, we should head to bed, Severus." Aella was very tired and was sure tonight of all nights her shield would fail her, she was not looking forward to the aftermath. Severus nodded as he placed a soft chaste kiss on her lips. They walked in silence to their rooms and went to bed. They weren't in the 'I love you' stage but they definitely had wandered into the in between friends and lovers stage.
An ear splitting scream awoke Severus out of his dead sleep. He ran out of his room not caring he was just in a pair of sweatpants. The screams were coming from Aella's room. Severus opened the door and shot over to her bed. "Aella, my dear wake up. It's just a dream." Nothing he said or did woke her. She was scratching the air as if something was attacking her.
"No… What are you doing? BILL!" She was screaming and twitching like she had been cursed with the crutiatus curse.
Severus scooped her up into his arms and held her. Aella's screams turned to low whimpers. He knew something about him made her feel safe. "It's ok little one you're safe now." He whispered in her ear as her hands shot up and wrapped around his neck. She pulled herself up to tuck her head under his chin.
"Sev, is that you?" Her small voice whispered in the dark.
"Yes, Aella it's me." he tried to lay her back down but she whimpered.
"No, they will come back, please stay with me please?" Her grip tightened and the shaking was gone she had stopped trembling in his arms. She started to fall back asleep against his bare chest listening to the lull of his heartbeat. She felt safe in his arms. Severus pulled the blankets up over them, he laid her on her side but wrapped an arm around her to keep her safe.
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
The next morning Severus woke first, smiling down at the beautiful woman curled up to his chest. He rubbed his hand up and down her back tenderly thinking about their relationship the last four years, how it had grown from student-teacher to close friends, and now whatever the hell they were at now. Though he wasn't complaining, it had been a long time since someone had trusted him the way Aella did or even wanted to touch him.
She moaned softly, cuddling closer into the warmth next to her. She could feel his heart beat signalling he was awake. She could also feel his fingers running up and down her spine tenderly. Her silver eyes looked up and met his gaze. She smiled glad he had stayed with her.
"They only happen every once in a while, Severus. They started up again after Diagon Alley. After running into the Weasley's." She whispered groggily, laying her head back on his chest. Running her fingers through the patch of soft black hairs he had on his chest.
"You said you dreamt of me most of the summer, what started that?" He spoke softly and continued to rub her back enjoying the sensation of her fingers on his chest.
"Prior to coming home I realised why all my short relationships had failed the last four years." She chuckled when she heard a deep growl coming from his chest. "Chill Sev, I tried to date but my heart kept holding me back. I figured it out once I got home the last letter you sent to me wishing me safe travels and to let you know the moment I was home. Yes, we've developed the closest friendship I've ever had in life but it's growing into something more. Isn't it?" She lifted her eyes to meet his gaze not because she thought he would reject her but because she loved staring into them and getting lost in a trance.
"I would never presume to mess up the best thing that's ever happened to me. To date, the closest best friend I had was your father. Though I can honestly say it is definitely slowly growing into something more. I wouldn't say love just yet, but a deep fondness for you and an urge to protect you against everything. The fact I can make you squirm at my touch and by the sound of my voice is a bonus." His eyes held a glint of playfulness in them as he rolled her onto her back and was kneeling between her legs. He hovered over her chuckling at the way she arched her back when he grabbed her hands and pinned them above her head. "How about coffee with just a splash of cream and a hint of peppermint?" He teased her neck just above the small howling wolf mark, he nipped it before jumping off the bed and striding quickly out the door.
Aella laid there her entire body throbbing with a need for more of his touch. She screamed in frustration before hopping into the shower. Severus let out a laugh hearing her screech feeling only slightly bad. Today was a new day. They had to get her plants organised and figure out what she wanted to study as part of her apprenticeship. He was curious about how often she had nightmares but didn't want to push her to give him an answer.
Aella emerged from her room wearing a pair of denim shorts and Severus' white button up shirt. She was just finishing buttoning it up just above her bra before removing the towel from around her hair. Severus watched her from over his cup of coffee enjoying how safe she felt as she wasn't paying attention to her surroundings.
"Are you done staring?" She quipped, staring at his shocked face. "Yes, I knew you were there. I've become very aware of my surroundings while studying abroad." She continued to dry her curls while walking towards the table where he was sitting.
"Do you need help brushing your curls out?" He asked tentatively, as he handed her coffee over.
She nodded, handing him a brush while she savoured her coffee a splash of cream and hint of peppermint. He had been spending the mornings with her so he picked up on how her house elf made her coffee.
He started brushing her hair never realising how long it actually was when the curls became wavy. After about fifteen minutes he got her waist length curls detangled. He pulled her hair into a quick braid, setting it over her shoulder once finished.
She sighed happily after he placed the braid over her shoulder "Thank you, it's hard to get it to cooperate with me sometimes." She took another sip of her coffee. He wrapped his arms around her waist nuzzling her neck.
"I figured it would be easier to organise your plants if it's out of the way." his deep voice vibrated through her back.
"Yes, it will. Finish your coffee with me?" She whispered sweetly, tapping on the seat beside her. "What else do you want to do today?"
He sat down next to her sipping his coffee. "I was thinking we could spend the afternoon organising your plants then possibly talk about your apprenticeship project." He rubbed his thumb against her cheek lovingly.
She leaned into his touch, "I think that's a great idea, maybe after we can watch the sunset by the black lake?"
"I think that could be arranged. We could get a house elf to pack a basket after we work in the greenhouse. I suppose you're ready?" He moved his hand away from her cheek and downed the rest of his coffee. He waited for her to finish hers before holding out his hand to her. "Shall we go?"
They made their way through the castle, hands intertwined ignoring any surprised stares they got.
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
After hours of laughing and organising her plants by region she obtained them from. They each had dirt smudges on their faces from joking around with the soil. Stumbling into the castle laughing they ran into Albus and Minerva, the laughter died rather quickly at the icy stare Aella was receiving from Albus. She looked down and noticed in their playfulness a few buttons on her shirt had come undone.
"You guys seem like you had fun," Minerva said with a smirk. Aella and Severus looked at each other smiling then nodded to Minerva chuckling.
"Yes, ma'am we got all my herbs organised and labelled. There may have been an incident with the soil that resulted in a war." Aella smiled at Minerva, the two women chuckling.
"There's no need to call me ma'am anymore dear, you graduated four years ago. I believe Minerva will suffice. It's good to see our usually dour professor smile and laugh." Minerva liked the young woman and the effect she was having on Severus. A cough brought the four adults attention to Albus, who was still giving Aella an icy stare.
"I believe you should control your apprentice Severus. Wouldn't want students to think anything is suspicious." Albus raised an eyebrow at Severus completely ignoring the now bristling young woman next to him.
"I don't have to control her, as she is an adult of twenty years old. Second, what would be suspicious about me lightening up and not acting like a complete arsehole all the time?" Severus wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her closer to him to calm her down.
Albus raised an eyebrow at his words and actions. Severus was not one for physical contact with anyone.
"We should go Severus, besides we still have to figure out my potion project. Though I have a good idea of what it is I want to create." Aella practically melted into Severus' side looking up at him and ignoring the headmaster's icy looks.
Severus chuckled, "Of course, you already have an idea. Now Albus, Minerva, if you will excuse us we have research to do and dinner to eat." He smirked at the shocked looks on the older professor's faces. As he led Aella away she whispered something to him that had him letting out a deep, rich laugh.
"I don't trust her, Minerva look at who her parents are!" Albus hissed and Minerva scoffed.
"No Albus, you don't like her because you can't manipulate her as you do to poor Severus. I think they are perfect for each other. He needs someone to make him laugh, challenge that high intelligence of his. Someone who won't use him as you have." Minerva replied in her heavy Scottish accent.
Aella didn't like Albus Dumbledore the way he worked nor the way he treated Severus. She knew all about it as Severus had told her in their letters they laid everything bare to each other. 'Happiness comes from honesty' she had once told him.
"I don't trust him, not one bit." Aella growled bristling again at the word 'control'. No one controlled her, she busied herself making a cup of peppermint tea to try and soothe her nerves.
Severus watched slightly amused at how quickly she was angered. He walked up behind her rubbing his hands up and down her arms, nuzzling her neck placing soft kisses along it. He felt her relax slightly in his hands.
"You keep that up Sev and we might end up in your bed with no dinner." She moaned at the feel of his lips on her skin.
"What if that was my plan? I can't stand seeing you angry, not if I can soothe the anger from you." He whispered seductively in her ear.
She let out a soft chuckle, turning in his arms. She locked eyes with him, raising her hand up to caress his cheek. "As much as I would love to submit to your touch. You promised to watch the sunset with me and have a picnic by the black lake." Not giving him a chance to respond she pressed her lips to his, then ducked out of his arms. She grabbed her tea and plopped herself on the couch in front of the fire.
He chuckled at the thought of her thinking she would ever be able to fight the urge to submit to him. He took a moment to contemplate the smell of peppermint tea, how it reminded him of two things: Aiyana and his Amortentia. Why did Aella making a simple tea bring it up and how did it connect the three together? He shook his head and walked over to the couch sitting beside her. She seemed at peace for the moment staring into the flames, he smiled at how the flames made her silver eyes seem almost gold in colour.
"Aella, what is your idea for your potion?" He asked quietly, not really wanting to disturb her calm.
Aelladora took another sip of her tea before answering. "I want to help those that have been hurt by the cruciatus curse. I want to find a way to cure the aftereffects years after they were exposed to it. Starting with Frank and Alice Longbottom." She slid her silver eyes over to him the flames dancing off her irises making them glow orange. There was a seriousness in her eyes that took him by surprise. "It's also a bit more personal than that I still feel the effects even though it was five years ago now. I still feel as though my body is trying to tear itself apart. In my nightmares, I-I honestly thought he loved me." She wrapped an arm around her legs shaking slightly.
"I see, any thoughts on how to start it? What cauldron we would need, the base, and most important the ingredients?" His deep 'professor' voice came out causing her to shudder.
She contemplated while taking another sip of her tea, "I believe either a gold or copper cauldron because they can take the higher heat better than silver or pewter. As for a base, I believe we should start with the mandrake restorative potion and work from there. This brings me to the ingredients I don't have fully figured out, just that the main ingredient will have to be stewed mandrakes." She took a breath blushing by the end she had been thinking of this potion as her apprentice work all summer.
Severus nodded his head agreeing with her words. "I believe that's a good start. We will have to mention it to Professor Sprout to get some mandrakes. I believe you have thought this over for a while am I right?" He smiled seeing her blush.
She nodded as she finished off the last of her tea. "Yes, all summer. I knew I wanted to do something no one else had thought of and I honestly am curious if my mother, step-father, and uncle really did hurt the Longbottoms." She stood up trying to hold the tears back because she genuinely missed her mother.
Severus sighed softly, as he walked over and hugged her to his chest. She turned in his arms, burying her face in his chest, her body shaking with her cries.
"I know you miss her, I will do everything in my power to help you with this potion. I promise," he took her face in his hands. "I promise you this now. I will always be here for you. Whatever you need from me whether it be just friendship, or…." he paused looking into her wet silver eyes seeing the hope that lay underneath the sadness. "Or whether you want me as your l-lover." he stumbled over his words slightly. "I will always be here for you." He bent down and picked her up setting her on his lap, placing a soft kiss on her lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck returning the kiss with everything she felt for him.
A knock on the door startled both of them. At some point he had backed her up into the wall between the kitchenette and the living room, one hand was up her now unbuttoned shirt. They stared at one another completely flustered and somewhat irritated.
"I know you two are in there, and to be honest I don't care what state you're in. May I come in for tea?" The distinct voice of one Minerva McGonagall could be heard. Aella groaned as Severus set her on the floor but not before sneaking another heated kiss from her. She whimpered as he pulled away smirking as he fixed his hair and shirt before opening the door.
"Hello Minerva, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Severus sneered at Minerva.
"Oh hush Severus, I was once in love and you know what happened with that but the point of me coming here for some tea," she smiled. "Besides, just try to hide it better unless you're into that adrenaline rush." Aella came around the corner, her shirt unbuttoned but her face was flushed.
"I apologise, Minerva, all I have is peppermint tea. Severus and I haven't had a chance to make some tea out of some of my plants." Aella had hidden her puffy eyes with a glamour spell. Severus walked over to her, hugging her. "I'll be okay Sev, I just… I'll be ok." She tried to wiggle out of his arms to prepare the tea but he held on until she gave in and leaned on his shoulder.
"My dear you're not ok. You don't have to lie to me about it, what did we promise each other four years ago when we started writing to each other?" Severus didn't care that Minerva was listening to the conversation, his main concern was making Aelladora feel better.
"We promised to be truthful no matter how much it hurt. That happiness comes from honesty." Aella whispered, leaning her cheek against his chest.
Severus smiled and smoothed her bangs that had gotten free out of her braid. "Honesty little witch, that's all we've had between us. It's what has made our bond so strong. I know you miss her, we will figure out a way for you to see your mother." Severus kissed the top of her head as she nodded and released her to make the tea. It would help her calm down at least then they would go watch the sunset.
Aelladora made tea for all three of them. She sat down but thought about something. "Sev I'll be right back." He nodded knowing she would need time to herself to feel better.
"Is she okay, Severus?" Minerva looked concerned as the young woman closed the door behind her.
"I don't know if she will ever be okay Minerva. The girl has been through a lot since she was thirteen. Right now she misses her mother." Severus took a sip of tea. Raising an eyebrow at Aella coming out with a guitar and sitting in front of the fire.
"What's she doing?" Minerva whispered, but Severus just shook his head and placed a finger to his lips.
Aella started strumming her guitar, humming some tunes. She closed her eyes having already memorised the song as it was hopefully one she would be able to play for her mother. Severus recognised the song as he walked over to sit opposite her, she looked up at him.
"May I join you, dear?" He asked her gently. She thought for a moment before smiling and nodding her head yes.
She started strumming the beginning chords Minerva watched from the small table in the kitchenette; it had been a long time since she heard Severus sing anything.
Severus started his deep baritone voice vibrating through Aella as they stared into each other's eyes. Severus cupped her cheek as he sang gently rubbing his thumb along her jaw.
"You with the sad eyes / Don't be discouraged / Oh I realise / It's hard to take courage / In a world full of people / You can lose sight of it all / And the darkness inside you / Can make you feel so small"His voice went a pitch higher as he went into the chorus hope shining in his obsidian eyes as he said the words.
"But I see your true colours / Shining through / I see your true colours / And that's why I love you / So don't be afraid to let them show / Your true colours / True colours are beautiful / Like a rainbow" Aella kept strumming but her eyes told him everything he needed to know as he sang.
"Show me a smile then / Don't be unhappy, can't remember / When I last saw you laughing / If this world makes you crazy / And you've taken all you can bear / You call me up / Because you know I'll be there" She grinned joining him in the next part before they switched back and forth on the vocals.
"And I'll see your true colours / Shining through / I see your true colours / And that's why I love you / So don't be afraid to let it show / Your true colours / True colours are beautiful / Like a rainbow"Aella surged ahead and sang the next verse. Meanwhile, Minerva was in awe at how well they harmonised together.
"If this world makes you crazy / And you've taken all you can bear / You call me up / Because you know I'll be there / And I'll see your true colours /Shining through / I see your true colours / And that's why I love you"They switched between each other not a care in the world feeling the song in their hearts and letting it show in their eyes how they felt.
"So don't be afraid to let it show /Your true colours / True colours / True colours / Shining through / I see your true colours / And that's why I love you / So don't be afraid to let them show / Your true colours/ True colours are beautiful / Like a rainbow"Once done Aella set the guitar down and launched herself into Severus' awaiting arms. He held her tight to him as they both caught their breath.
"Always?" Aella whispered looking into his eyes.
"Always," Severus answered, giving her a sweet kiss as Minerva started clapping, they pulled apart.
"I have not heard you sing in forever Severus, that was magical. What the two of you have is beyond words." Minerva gushed over the blushing pair. "Now why don't we have tea and decide how to keep Aelladora off Albus' radar," Aella grumbled a bit about being called Aelladora but spun around when Albus' name was mentioned and began shaking. Minerva looked shocked at the reaction. Severus on the other hand was quick to act, wrapping one hand under her shirt holding her waist and the other rubbing her arm.
"Little witch, calm he's not here. He will not hurt you here, I swear it." He whispered in her ear licking her wolf she melted at his actions. "Good girl" he nipped her neck as she whimpered.
"Severus, why…" Minerva started to ask but Severus cut her off with a look.
"I honestly do not understand why he affects her so. We haven't had a chance to go through her memories from Hogwarts as of yet, I have a feeling he had something to do with her and Bill's relationship." he led Aella over to the table sitting in the chair then pulling her onto his lap keeping his hand on her bare skin above her waist. "I know he is the cause of this, otherwise why stalk her around the castle? Why be so adamant to know why I brought her here the first day? There are more questions than answers. Something about her sixth year terrifies her to even mention his name."
Severus rubbed his thumb along Aella's rib cage in a soothing manner. He set her cup in her hands while summoning a calming draught from his cupboards pouring it into it. "To be honest until now she's been handling his presence around her rather well." He shifted his attention to the young woman on his lap refusing to drink her tea shaking like a leaf. "No Love, you need to drink this, please? It will make you feel better I promise."
She looked into his eyes as if asking something with them. "Yes, I will lay you in my bed should you fall asleep on me. Now love, please drink?" The response seemed to make Aella happy so she took the cup willingly making a sound akin to purring while curling up under his chin. "Good girl love." He sighed this was going to be a long journey to recovery but he would get her there.
"You're so good with her Severus, how did this begin?" Minerva watched him interact so gently with the terrified Aella.
"It started four years ago. I received an owl from at the time I thought was Lucius as it was his owl. It was Aelladora asking for a recommendation to the nearest monastery to study abroad. See she wanted to become my apprentice right after school. Something happened that summer that had her writing to me almost every day, until I purchased a raven for her as a graduation present." He looked down at the now sleeping young woman in his lap, her cup empty. He sighed lovingly. "Excuse me one moment Minerva, would you be so kind as to put this cup in the sink over there for me?" Minerva nodded, taking the cup from him while he carried Aella bridal style to his bedroom.
Severus laid her on his bed under his blanket, as he was tucking her in. A small hand shot out and grabbed his wrist. She didn't want him to leave. "You're safe love, I promise." He whispered in her ear.
Aella whimpered and shook her head trying to pull him into bed beside her. He chuckled. "Little love, I will be in shortly. I just have to ask Minerva to leave for the night. Would you like her to come back tomorrow?" She nodded her head. "Alright be patient, I will be right back." He kissed her forehead as she released his hand.
Severus walked back out to the kitchenette to see all three mugs washed and dried but also a note on the table.
Dear Severus,
It seems you have your hands full so I will let you sleep. I will keep an eye on Albus and try to steer him away from the little dearie. There's a basket all packed in the fridge to take the young lady out to see the sunrise in the morning. I'll keep Albus away from the Black Lake.
Minerva
Severus smiled at the woman's motherliness and he took the note back to his room. As he entered the room he saw Aella curled up around his pillow shaking. He stripped down and threw on a pair of his joggers before setting the note down on the bedside table. He crawled into bed scooping her up and setting her head under his chin as he wrapped one arm around her curls, the other under her shirt rubbing her back. He smiled when she relaxed into his chest he kissed the top of her head. He started humming as he knew she would fall asleep to his voice.