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: Hello, fellow Potterheads! Welcome to our world. This story is very much not canon; however, there will be some scenes that follow canon lore. Please feel free to give me feedback so that I can improve what I'm are doing, and I would love to hear what you have to say! Email me at nyphtyswritingcorner.21
Aelladora sat on her bed thinking over the last few days Severus had left early that morning after the third night of uninterrupted passion courtesy of his place. He would bring her back to her bed before leaving. She enjoyed their alone time together. Aella walked down to the kitchen finding her boots where she left them.
"Papa! I'm ready to go back." Aelladora called out from the kitchen where she had just finished pulling on her thigh-high dragonhide boots. As she was walking into the living room she pulled her hair up into a high ponytail and slipped on her quidditch jacket with her last name and Slytherin crest on the back. Never noticing she was revealing the mark Onyx had placed on her collarbone claiming her weeks ago.
"Use the floo powder to Severus' chambers little pup. Also, keep an eye on your brother." Lucius gave his daughter a hug noticing her brighter mood and the mark on her neck but smiled and didn't say anything.
Aella threw the powder into the fire yelling "Severus Snape's Quarters" she disappeared into the green flames.
Lucius turned to Narcissa, still smiling. "Do you think they will figure it out by Christmas or the end of summer?"
Narcissa smiled back, "Definitely by Christmas but they won't make it official until summer, my love."
Aella stumbled through the fireplace into Severus' quarters blinded slightly by the soot. "Severus, love, I'm home!" She yelled happily, rubbing the soot from her eyes.
Severus came out of his room with his onyx black hair dripping from the shower and leaned against the wall by his door placing one hand just above his black joggers. "Welcome back my dear." Aella turned towards the sound of his voice and blushed deep red.
"S-Sev?" She gasped taking in the way the water dripped down his tan chest littered with scars. She walked over to him placing her hands on his chest standing on her tiptoes placing a loving kiss on his lips. She breathed in his calming scent before gasping.
"What's wrong, Parvulus?" Severus asked quietly, not wanting to scare her.
"N-nothing I missed you after you left this morning. I really enjoyed our nights together the past few days." She whispered, covering up her sound.
"I enjoyed them as well, I missed you too love. Leaving you in the morning was really hard to do. As for now," he paused, staring at her collar bone before shaking his head and smiling at her. "Would you mind taking a note to Mr Flint? I believe your brother will be the new Slytherin seeker and they need to practise."
Aella nodded her head "S-sure Severus, I can do that." She shook herself out of her daze and looked up into his obsidian irises. His eyebrow was still raised but right behind the shields, he kept in place the love he had for her shown through just for her to see. Lifting a hand she softly caressed his cheek almost as if in a trance. He bent down and kissed her again wrapping his arms around her waist pulling her flush against him. She threaded her fingers through his hair letting out a whimper of pleasure.
There was a knock on the door that startled both of them out of their own little world. Severus nodded to her door and blushing bright red she dashed behind her door peeking her head out to hear.
Severus growled before stalking over to the door opening it. "Albus, what can I do for you?"
"Severus, am I interrupting something?" Albus asked, peeking into the room.
"No, again what do you want?" Severus snarled, not in the mood for the old man.
"I was wondering if Miss Black had returned yet. I know she's due back today though it was never cleared through me I have to wonder why?" Albus' asked, his blue eyes glinting with suspicion.
"It was not cleared with you as she is no longer a student here. It was cleared with me, her master by her father as you caused the poor woman to have a full-blown anxiety attack. She destroyed everything in her room." Severus refused to let Albus into his chambers. "She is here for one reason, Albus, and one only. To become a Potions Mistress. Not to be your spy, and most certainly not to be attacked mentally by you. There is nothing I repeat, nothing in her mind that you need to see. I told you to back off your crusade of her. I will not lose her the same way we lost her mother. We are done here." Severus was seething by the time he slammed the door in a shocked Albus Dumbledore's face.
Aella dashed over and wrapped her arms around his waist burying her face into his back. Tears were running down her face, no one had ever stood up to Albus for her before. She hated seeing Severus this upset, "Please, calm down, please?" She whispered.
Larger warm, rough hands covered her own as he sighed. "I swore I would not let him hurt you and I keep my oaths," he paused before turning in her arms. "My little love, I meant what I said I will not lose you to the same insanity we lost your mother to…."
"Why? Why are you so protective of me? You know I couldn't stand it if anything were to happen to you because you were protecting me!" her silver eyes moist from the tears she was crying stared into his.
He breathed in sharply, raising a hand gently to tuck the hair that had come loose from her ponytail behind her ear. Before it trailed down to her collarbone and traced the mark on her perfect skin. "I told you I'd love you always parvulus. I suppose we have our secrets, but in time I hope you will feel comfortable sharing them with me." He gave her a rare smile and kissed her forehead before wrapping her in a hug. "Thank you little one, I needed this," he whispered against her forehead.
Aelladora whimpered "I don't feel safe walking out there now that I know he's looking for me." She hugged him tighter. He sighed his fingers tilting her chin up so she was looking him straight in the eyes.
"I will accompany you to the common room. I believe Flint is gathering the Quidditch team there waiting for my note. Parvulus you are stronger than you give yourself credit for. I wish you could see the same woman I do because she is a magnificent creature to behold." he whispered a smile working its way across his face. She smiled back at him.
"Maybe someday I will see her," she said quietly. They left their quarters and walked in silence to the Slytherin common room.
Severus wrapped his long slender fingers around her wrist pulling her towards him. He gently brushed the stray curl that had worked its way out from behind her ear again. "Parvulus es amatur*. Don't let that old man bring you down." He whispered tracing his finger down her cheek, before placing an official-looking scroll with the Slytherin house seal upon it. "Remember what I said, my love." He placed a gentle kiss on her lips before turning around and proceeding to prowl the halls.
Aella smiled softly before saying the password and entering the common room.
"There she is!" Cried a tall dark-haired boy, "Our fearless leader. See Draco I told you that you had big shoes to fill." Turning to Aella he gave her a big hug. "You realize since you graduated we haven't won a single match?"
Smiling Aella hugged him back. "Awe Flint did you miss me?" She smirked. "You're still a good chaser, that's why I picked you. Now Professor Snape gave me this to give to whoever is on the field. Let's go boys, it's time to practise, maybe I can give you some tips." She winked at Flint as he laughed.
"There's our Captain!" Flint beamed at her.
"Let's go." She chuckled before thinking about it. "Hang on, let me go grab a few things real quick." She led them to her and Severus' chambers before walking inside, changing into her old quidditch uniform and grabbing her brand new Nimbus Two-thousand and one. As she was coming out of her room fixing her quidditch gloves, Severus had entered the chambers with a puzzled look on his face.
"Why is the entire Slytherin quidditch team outside our door my dear?" he asked before looking at her in her old quidditch uniform that now clung to all her curves as she got older. "Something I should know?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Aella blushed fidgeting with her gloves. "I miss it, so I told Flint I'd help with training. I also heard we haven't won a single cup since I left school." He nodded a grim expression on his face. "Well, I'm gonna change that, Draco has trained with me every day since he could hold a broomstick. I won't let you down, Sev."
A small smile appeared on his face. The old Aelladora was coming back, the one he hadn't seen since her second year. He walked over to her and caressed her cheek. "Nice to see the fearless Aelladora back. Maybe, this is just what you need to recenter yourself. You always seemed at home in the quidditch pitch. Go my Parvulus, be free, forget your worries and be the champion I know you are." He whispered softly to her.
Aella leaned into his hand before giving him a quick peck on the cheek and running off to lead the team to the pitch. Her thoughts were on his words. Be the champion I know you are.
Once at the pitch they noticed the Gryffindor team practising. She smiled, sure Potter may have talent but so did Draco.
"Flint!" Aelladora recognized that voice it was Oliver Wood same year as her friend Marcus Flint. "This is our practice time! We got up specially! You can clear off now!" Marcus Flint was even larger than Wood. He had a look of trollish cunning on his face as he looked to Aelladora and she nodded back to him grinning.
"Plenty of room for all of us don't you think Ollie?" Aella said sweetly.
"Aelladora? W-what are you doing back here you haven't played in three years since you left school." Wood took a step back by now the entire Gryffindor team had joined Wood and the older ones were staring at Aella like they had seen a ghost.
"I'm Professor Snape's new apprentice. It's been four years but that's beside the point." She smiled, being the only female ever chosen for the Slytherin quidditch team was special as it was typically only made of all boys. Though Aella had never had any trouble getting them to listen to her.
"But I booked the Field!" Said Wood, positively spitting with rage. "I booked it!"
"Ah," said Flint. "But I've got a specially signed note here from Professor Snape. 'I, Professor S. Snape, give the Slytherin team permission to practise today on the Quidditch field owing to the need to train their new Seeker."
"You've got a new Seeker?" said Wood, distracted. "Where?"
Aelladora stepped back and Draco appeared beside her "He's right here." She smirked watching the faces on the Gryffindor team.
"Aren't you Lucius Malfoy's son?" said Fred, looking at Malfoy with dislike.
"Funny you should mention their father," said Flint as the whole Slytherin team smiled still more broadly. "Let me show you the generous gift he's made to the Slytherin team." All eight of them held out their broomsticks. Eight highly polished, brand-new handles and seven sets of fine gold lettering spelling the words Nimbus Two Thousand and One gleamed under the Gryffindors' noses in the early morning sun.
"Very latest model. Only came out last month," said Aelladora carelessly, flicking a speck of dust from the end of her own.
"I believe it outstrips the old Two Thousand series by a considerable amount. As for the old Cleansweeps" Flint smiled nastily at Fred and George, who were both clutching Cleansweep Fives "sweeps the board with them." None of the Gryffindor team could think of anything to say for a moment.
Malfoy was smirking so broadly his cold eyes were reduced to slits.
"Oh, look," said Flint. "A field invasion."
Ron and Hermione were crossing the grass to see what was going on.
"What's happening?" Ron asked Harry. "Why aren't you playing? And what's he doing here?" He was looking at Malfoy, taking in his Slytherin Quidditch robes.
"I'm the new Slytherin Seeker, Weasley," said Malfoy, smugly. "Everyone's just been admiring the brooms my father bought our team. Ron gaped, open-mouthed, at the eight superb broomsticks in front of him.
"Wait, why are there eight of you?" Ron asked.
"Because I was the old Seeker and captain and my Master has granted me permission to use my free time on the quidditch pitch with my old teammates," Aelladora growled, stepping slightly in front of Draco protectively.
"Good, aren't they?" said Malfoy smoothly ignoring Ron's comment about his sister. "But perhaps the Gryffindor team will be able to raise some gold and get new brooms, too. You could raffle off those Cleansweep Fives; I expect a museum would bid for them." The Slytherin team howled with laughter.
"At least no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in," said Hermione sharply. "They got in on pure talent."
Aella looked at the girl, "Are you implying that I, the only female seeker and captain. Had to buy my way in? I have just as much talent as your golden boy over there! Tell them Ollie how for six years no one could touch the Slytherin team with me as their seeker and later Captain" Aella was snarling at the suggestion that she bought her way onto the team.
Oliver hung his head and groaned at the fact that Aelladora was a force to be reckoned with on a broom, no one could touch her.
The smug look on Malfoy's face flickered to rage at the fact his older sister was not only insulted, but the bushy-haired know-it-all had questioned her ethics on how she got on the team. "No one asked for your opinion, you filthy little Mudblood," he spat.
Aelladora could feel the energy turn in the instant the words left his mouth. There was a flurry of movement that left her stunned.
Flint had to dive in front of Malfoy to stop Fred and George from jumping on him. Alicia shrieked, "How dare you!"
Ron plunged his hand into his robes, pulled out his wand, yelling, "You'll pay for that one, Malfoy!" and pointed it furiously under Flint's arm at Malfoys face.
A loud bang echoed around the stadium and a jet of green light shot out of the wrong end of Ron's wand, hitting him in the stomach and sending him reeling backwards onto the grass.
"Ron! Ron! Are you all right?" squealed Hermione.
Ron opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead, he gave an almighty belch and several slugs dribbled out of his mouth onto his lap.
The Slytherin team were paralyzed with laughter. Flint was doubled up, hanging onto his new broomstick for support. Malfoy was on all fours, banging the ground with his fist.
The Gryffindors were gathered around Ron, who kept belching large, glistening slugs. Nobody seemed to want to touch him.
Aelladora smirked and chuckled a little. "Now boys, let's go practice. Someone might want to get him some help." She hopped on her broom and kicked off the ground feeling the wind whipping around the high ponytail. She was pleasantly surprised the outfit still fit her after four years. Once in the air, she had the Slytherin team do their normal practice routine before putting them through some of her older ones that always won. Below her, in the teachers' box, she saw Severus snape watching her. For the next hour, she commanded the team just like she had in the past as their captain. Flint was amazed that she never lost any of her skills over the last four years.
Severus was curious how she would doon the pitch so he threw on his grey scarf and walked out there. He had very much fallen for the woman but wished she could see the strong, fearless leader he knew her to be. Watching her command the team as if she never left was a sight to behold. She flew around with Draco by her side showing him how to spot the snitch and even evasion tactics made him wonder if being a professional quidditch player was somewhere in her future. He smiled when she spotted him, the colour in her cheeks made him inhale sharply as the emotions coming off her shields were nothing but joy and bliss. Yes, he would let her come out and teach the team whenever she wanted if this was how peaceful it made her.
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Aella was laughing at something Flint had said as they were walking back to the common room. She walked in and sat on one of the couches by the fire smiling when Draco sat next to her and leaned into his sister's side. She kissed him on the top of his head before wrapping an arm around him.
"I missed you while you were gone, sis. Why did you leave for so long?" Draco's small voice floated up to her as his grip tightened on her arm. She sighed pulling the smaller boy onto her lap and resting her chin on his blonde curls.
"Papa wanted me to get married after school, right after everything that happened with Bill I couldn't. I needed to trust again, to find who I was as a person. I'm sorry I didn't tell you why I left. After a few months of sending papa's owl to Severus who understood where I was coming from as he had witnessed the majority of it, I was gifted with a beautiful raven. We continued to write over the course of my absence. We grew closer I started opening up to him about what had happened." She sighed running her fingers through his hair. "It wasn't easy but after four years our friendship has blossomed into something more." She paused for a moment. "I've finally found someone who loves me for who I am not who they want me to be. It's a bond we nurtured these last four years we haven't kept any secrets from each other except one." Draco looked up at his sister's face around anyone else he would have shoved her off but he missed his big sister who taught him how to fly and brew simple potions. He also knew where she ran to feel safe.
"You haven't told him about Aiyanna yet have you?" He whispered, knowing how hard it was for his sister to trust. "When you're ready it will come, sissy. I promise Godfather will understand I know he will." He raised his head and gave her a peck on the check.
"Thanks, little dragon. Now, go get some lunch I'll join you in a little while." She helped him up and gave her baby brother a hug. "Remember Dragon you have a dire wolf protecting you always." She whispered in his ear before letting go and walking out of the common room.
She made her way to hers and Severus' chambers greeting Fenrir with a big smile. Fenrir bowed once she said the password and allowed her access. "Severus? Are you in here love?" She called out making her way over to their kitchenette humming while making herself a cup of coffee. She squealed when his rough hands wrapped around her waist.
"Did I startle you little one?" There was a grin on his face and laughter in his voice. She sank into his warmth.
"Just a little bit. Do you want to go into the great hall for lunch?" She looked up into his dusky charcoal eyes tipping her head back to do it.
"I suppose it would hurt to make an appearance once in a while to keep that old fool off our backs." He kissed her on the nose affectionately. Walking her over to the door her coffee secured in her hands. He chuckled the woman loved her coffee.
They sat down at the head table she looked out over the students when a sea of redheads huddled close together got her attention. She sighed and poked at her food, sipping on her coffee trying her best to avoid reading their conversation from their unguarded minds.
Severus raised an eyebrow at them and they broke apart quickly. "Was Percy near you in grade? I can't recall I know You were a year between Bill and Charlie." He asked gently not wanting to send her into a spiral he had worked so hard over the years to get her out of.
Aella sighed, taking another swig of her coffee scrunching her face slightly. "Bill was a year ahead of me, Charlie was a year behind and Percy was in his first year during my fifth and then Fred and George were first years during my seventh. So as far as I know Percy and Charlie were the only two that knew about my relationship with Bill." She looked away and went back to picking at her food.
"Love at least eat some toast you got sick after breakfast. I just want you to keep up your strength, How about you lay down after lunch and I'll join you once my detentions are over for the day." He whispered in her ear, drawing circles on her hand with his thumb. She nodded finished off her coffee and began to nibble on a slice of toast.
She never saw the cold suspicious eyes of Albus Dumbledore watching her, nor the concerned glance from Minerva. "Severus, I'm going back to our chambers would you mind walking me?" Her voice was soft as she spoke. He nodded a flash of concern swept through his eyes before he stood up and then helped her up as she swayed he caught her.
"Come on little one, I'll get you some fever-reducing potions and a sleeping draught." He spoke gently to her worry evident in his voice. He got her just outside the teacher's entrance to the great hall when she threw up in a corner. He held her hair back and made soft cooing noises to keep her calm. "You may have just caught a flu bug love, it will be alright." He whispered rubbing her back gently. Once she was done he waved his wand making the mess disappear and lifted her up bridal style walking swiftly back to his chambers.
Laying her down in his bed, he dashed out of the room to grab the potions he needed. Sitting beside her he tipped both potions so she could drink them without dropping them. She whimpered softly as the sleeping draught started kicking in. She reached for his hand as he stood to leave.
"Don't go please?" Her voice was drowsy due to the potion he ran a hand through her curls before laying his cloak on top of the blankets he'd already tucked her into bed with.
"I'll return shortly little love. Get some rest and I'll be back before you wake up." He kissed her forehead and waited for her grip to relax on his wrist before leaving.
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Sunday morning arrives Severus and Aella are curled around each other. Severus wakes to Aella's whimpers of distress and her body on fire. He jumps out of bed and grabs a fever-reducing potion and tries to get her to drink it absentmindedly sending a Patronus to Poppy to come as quickly as possible. "Hang on little one, Poppy will be here shortly." Concern was very evident in his voice as he spoke to her.
"What is wrong Severus? I almost didn't recognize your Patronus until it spoke," Poppy paused looking at the scene in front of her and the frantic Severus hovering over Aelladora Black. "When did this start Severus?" She asked while rushing over to the woman's side touching her forehead.
"Yesterday she couldn't keep her breakfast down. Then I got her to eat some toast and she threw that up as well. I gave her some fever-reducing and a sleeping draught thinking it would help." He began to pace worrying about Aella.
"Well, you did what I would have done. Has she been in the rain recently for longer than normal?" Poppy asked giving Aella a potion to help with nausea.
"I took her out on a date Wednesday night after we finished our meal it was raining pretty heavy as we booked it back to Spinner's End." He explained a lot calmer now that Poppy was here.
"She just has a mild cold accompanied by a slight fever. You did everything right before turning to me, She'll be fine by tomorrow. I gave her something for nausea so when she wakes as much as she might protest it at least a slice of dry toast." Poppy patted him on the shoulder on her way out. "Also Severus did you know your Patronus is a dire she-wolf?" He whipped around quickly at her last comment.
"What?!" He couldn't believe it.
"I didn't recognize her until your voice came blaring out. Yes, your Patronus is no longer a doe but a beautiful she-wolf." WIth that Poppy left a very confused Severus behind.
"S-sev? What's wrong with me?" Aella's weak voice broke through his confusion he went back to her side.
"It seems while we were running through the rain you caught a twenty-four-hour bug. Nothing to worry too much about, Poppy gave you a potion so you could try to eat something you want to try your coffee and toast again?" Concern shining in his dark eyes. Aella nodded and tried to sit up succeeding after a few tries.
"You should be ok after some rest by morning. I'm going to go make you some food and I'll be right back don't move love." He kissed her burning forehead before leaving the room. Aella sighed, she hated being sick and not able to care for herself. Severus returned shortly after with her coffee and toast summoning a small table so she could eat comfortably.
"What do you have to do today?" She asked quietly nibbling on her toast.
"I have papers to grade, my rounds throughout the day, and some potions to brew for you and Poppy. I hate to leave you alone though with you feeling like this." He thought hard for a moment trying to figure out a way so she wasn't alone.
"Do you think Minerva would mind spending the day with me? So you don't worry so much, she can even send a Patronus if I need another dose of the fever-reducing potion." Aella didn't like the idea of being alone most of the day any more than he wanted to leave her side.
"I think that would work out well let me ask her." Severus walked over to the fireplace and threw floo powder into the fire. "Minerva's Office."
"Severus, is everything alright?" The concern was evident in her voice.
"Aella caught a flu bug and I have a lot of work today that I can't put off. Is there any way you could hang out with her while I'm gone? I don't feel comfortable leaving her alone while she still has a slight fever." Severus' eyes never left Aella's now sleeping form. "She's sleeping now."
"Let me grab my papers I have to grade and I'll be right over," Minerva said quickly. He sighed in relief that his little witch wouldn't be by herself. A few moments later Minerva came through the floo. "Right, now where is the little dearie?" She smiled warmly at him.
He moved to the side showing Minerva a sleeping Aella clutching his billowing outer robes for dear life. He walked over to her side and felt her forehead sighing in relief. "Her fever has dropped significantly since she woke this morning. I will leave a fever-reducer and another sleeping draught for you to give to her as well as something for nausea so she can keep food down." Minerva watched the younger man stroke the smaller witch's face love shining brightly in his eyes for her, she smiled. "I gave her a cup of coffee and two slices of toast with butter she seems to be keeping it down." He looked up at Minerva who was observing him.
"You two love each other very much don't you?" She spoke quietly. He looked down at Aella and smiled before looking Minerva in the eyes.
"Yes, I would do anything for her. Which is why I don't like the idea of leaving her, but I have papers to grade potions to make and rounds to do." He sighed there was a lot to do today.
"Severus is she not your apprentice? Leave the papers that need grading here all of them. When she wakes up it will give her something to do to make her feel productive." Minerva said with a grin.
"You're right should I leave all seven-year classes for her?" He seemed to relax as a huge stressor was taken off his shoulders.
Minerva nodded, "This way you can relax while brewing and do your rounds later tonight I will be here with her if she needs help, though I doubt she will." He gave Minerva a grateful smile before bending over and kissing Aella's forehead.
"Get some rest love there will be plenty for you to do when you wake up." He received a soft whimper and she rubbed her forehead against his cheek.
"Send me a Patronus if she gets worse please?" Severus pleaded with Minerva.
"I will take care of the little dearie you go brew your potions." She waved him off while summoning a table and chair next to Aella's side of the bed and started grading papers.
He sighed and left relaxing slightly knowing Aella had someone to watch over her. He made his way to his potions lab never realizing he wasn't wearing his scary billowing outer cloak.
❛ ━━･❪ ❁ ❫ ･━━ ❜
An hour goes by before Aella wakes up, Minerva heard her moving around. "S-Sev?" Came from the younger witch as she looked around their bedroom.
"He left about an hour ago dearie, would you like some coffee?" Minerva kept her voice soft mother like remembering from her conversations with Severus Aella was easily startled. Aella looked up at the older witch and smiled.
"You came, I bet he was relieved. Thank you, Minnie, and yes I would love a cup of coffee. Did he mention how I like it?" The older witch chuckled at her nickname for her but shook her head.
"My dear I will make it however you want, and there's no need to thank me he left you some work to do as well while he was gone. I should say I made him leave you something to do to take some weight off his shoulders." Minerva smiled at how Aella perked up at being able to be useful and give Severus less to do. She summoned a lap desk and all the first years' potions work. "There are six more stacks where that came from. Now how do you take your coffee? I'll also bring you some toast with butter to nibble on." Aella beamed at having something to do besides sit in bed and rest.
"A splash of cream and peppermint extract it's in the cupboard above the coffee pot. My house-elf brings a new one every month from my peppermint plants back home he loves to take care of." Minerva nods and walks out to the kitchen she lets out a soft laugh listening to the excited squeal coming from the bedroom and the beginning of furious quill scratches.
Minerva quickly made her a cup of coffee and some toast. She brought it back to the younger witch smiling as she watched her attempt to put her curls up into a bun.
"I'm about to cut it all off!" Aella screamed out throwing her hands in the air. Minerva chuckled as she walked over setting the coffee and toast in front of her.
"Where's a brush dearie, I can help." Aella sighed and pointed into the bathroom. Minerva went into the bathroom grabbing the hairbrush and hair tie. She walked back over to Aella smiling when she saw the toast was gone. "Let me see if I can tame these curls." She moved the pillows from behind Aella and sat behind her. She started to hum a Scottish tune while brushing Aella's curls into a tight bun so she could work more efficiently.
"Thank you, usually Sev helps with it." Aella hugged the older witch as she put the pillows back behind her surprised to see the stack of papers done and graded.
"Ready for the next stack dearie?" Minerva chuckled, the young woman would be a great Potions Mistress once she finished her training. Aelladora smiled up at her and nodded her head handing her the finished stack while sipping her coffee.
"How's my fever?" Aella looked up concerned she was definitely feeling better. Minerva raised the back of her hand to Aella's forehead before smiling at the young witch.
"I can happily say you little dearie are fever-free. Shall we let Severus know so he can relax and brew his potions?" Aella giggled and nodded.
"Let him know I'm holding the second serving of toast and coffee down too." Minerva nodded smiling at her. Minerva left to send the message to Severus and grab the second stack of papers, as she brought them back a beautiful silver dire she-wolf Patronus bounded through the wall. She jumped onto the bed and rubbed foreheads with Aella.
"Thank goodness you're feeling better little love I will relax now and finish these potions and my rounds so I can return to your side for the night." Severus' voice could be heard through the Patronus. She turned to Minerva and said, "Thank you Minerva for staying with her." She licked Aella's cheek before disappearing into the air.
"Well, that was shocking his Patronus has changed. You are a great influence on him dearie how about we finish these papers and surprise Severus with supper?" Minerva summoned the other five stacks of papers and set them down beside Aella.
"Yes, let's do that. So he will stop worrying about me." Aella grinned and got back to work.
Hours of working side by side the two women got all the papers graded. Aella stretched she had been able to hold down three cups of coffee, the two servings of toast and the broth Minerva got one of the house-elves to bring her for lunch.
"How about you go take a quick shower? I will clean up in here and then we will start cooking dinner." Minerva smiled at Aella as she nodded in agreement. Aella walked over to the dresser next to the bed and pulled out a crop top and pair of shorts before walking into the bathroom.
Minerva chuckled at the fact they were sharing a bedroom even though she knew he had created a room specifically for Aella. She cleared up all the papers setting each stack neatly on his desk in the living room when she heard the water stop.
Aella stepped out of the shower sighing feeling much better as the day had progressed. She dried her hair putting on new clothes she walked out of the bathroom into the kitchenette putting her hair up into a high ponytail. "Alright, Minnie, where do we start?"
The two women worked side by side until they had an entire dinner set up and three place settings on the table as Severus walked in. Aella rushed over, throwing her arms around his neck.
"Severus, we made dinner and I got all the papers corrected for you." Severus could see an instant change in her from this morning. He wrapped his hands around her waist swinging her around before kissing her on her lips.
"I'm so happy to see you feeling better little witch. Minerva, will you be joining us this evening?" He had almost forgotten she was there. Minerva smiled at the two of them before nodding and pointing to the third place setting.
"I didn't just teach her how to cook an entire meal from scratch. One of my very own recipes mind you and not sit and enjoy supper with you two lovely dears. Come on you two can tell each other about your day while we eat." Aella grabbed his hand excited to eat actual food.
They ate dinner and spoke about their day before retiring to the living room. Enjoying firewhiskey and wine, Aella curled up into Severus' side as he read her favorite book watching her drift off to sleep.
Minerva chuckled at how much more relaxed she seemed now that he was next to her. "I shall take my leave and let you get her to bed. It was fun watching over her Severus she was very enthusiastic about grading the papers. She went through all seven stacks twice to make sure she didn't miss anything." Minerva gave Severus a quick hug and kissed Aella on top of the head. "Good night you two." With that, she left their quarters as Severus was carrying Aella back to his room he curled up beside her when he heard her soft voice.
"I love you Sev." He smiled holding her closer to him as he whispered in her ear.
"I love you too Aella." They fell into a peaceful sleep.
*Parvulus es amatur means "Little one you are so loved" in Latin