Meddling with Potions

by DragonGoddess629

Aurora-Nyx is asked to return to Hogwarts to teach a new Potions course. Now in the presence of Severus Snape, she must remember a past neither are ready to face. In time, both come to terms with their grievances, working hard to rekindle their friendship and face the love they once held. But with the threat of Voldemort's return, she must decide where her loyalties lie.

3. Chapter 3

Chapter Three

New Year, Stronger Relations?

A/N: My goodness, I'm sorry it's been awhile since I updated. It's been difficult for to me find the energy to work on all my stories as I've been going through some personal struggles. But I'm doing ok! I hope this chapter makes up for it as we start the new year at Hogwarts! Yay! I love comments; they make me really happy so please tell me what you think. I love all forms of criticism, but please be nice.

Disclaimer: I only own Aurora and any other OC's.

~ oOo ~

Sipping her hot tea, Aurora held the warm cup between her fingers; it was something to grasp as she was slightly shaking from nerves. Both Severus and Aurora had barely taken a seat within the Leaky Cauldron and their drinks and food were already ordered, but Aurora was still quiet, not understanding what she was doing with the Potions Master. Taking another sip, the witch attempted to smiled; tea had always been her mother's secret to calming nerves, but Aurora suddenly wished she had a shot of fire whiskey.

Not a bad idea, she thought as a smirk crossed her face. But the low depth of Severus' voice interrupted her thoughts as she lifted her eyes to watch him.

"Did you order tea to calm your nerves, Aurora?"

The witch chuckled. "Of course, you would remember that, Severus."

Severus held his cup firmly, occasionally dipping the tea bag into the steaming water. "Just because we haven't seen each other in nearly ten years doesn't mean that I forgot anything you told me, Aurora." Biting her tongue, Aurora averted her gaze to glance upon the other witches and wizards within the establishment. She saw numerous families with their soon-to-be-students as packages of various sizes lay around them. She couldn't help but remember the day she had received her letter – along with a visit from Professor McGonagall directly. Both her mother and step-father had been surprised of the information, but were nonetheless supportive of the direction their daughter was headed. Knowing the waterworks were forming in the corners of her eyes, she shook her head and turned her attention towards the other professor; his gaze watching her closely.

"Severus, why have you asked me to join you?"

Sighing, the wizard placed his cup down and grabbed the bridge of his nose. His voice was quiet when he spoke. "Aurora…we'll be working alongside each other this next year. With this chip on your shoulder…"

"What chip on my shoulder, Severus?"

"You know bloody well what I speak of, Aurora." Severus' voice dropped even lower, and Aurora was more worried about the effects it had on her body than his harsh tone. Looking upwards, he captured her eyes with his, and Severus had to intake a quick breath. After all these years…her beauty stands far among others, his mind raced. "Look…when you graduated and left Hogwarts ten years ago…we didn't leave on a friendly note and neither one of us has spoken until you arrived in Dumbledore's office a few weeks ago."

Taking a sip, Aurora answered quietly, "If you're asking to speak about what happened ten years ago, I'd rather keep that under the table."

"Aurora…"

"No, Severus." Narrowing her eyes, Aurora glared at the Potions Master. The feelings she had felt ten years prior were escaping deep within the confines of her heart. Ultimately, she had forgiven Severus as much as her heart allowed, but she had never forgotten. "If anything, we should move on from this point forward. We are to be working together throughout the year, I assume? We need to be at least on friendly terms."

Sighing, Severus downed the rest of his drink, ignoring the slight burning sensation the steamy water cascaded down his suddenly parched throat. In a sense, she was right. But, there was one thing Severus needed to say before they could move on permanently. "Aurora…" Looking away, Severus could feel his cheeks burn. Damn this insatiable woman. No even Lily could succumb me to such embarrassment. "I want to respect your wish, but just know that we do need to speak of it at some point."

Grinding her teeth together, a tear slipped past her guard and cascaded down her cheek before she rudely brushed it aside. Ten years had passed, and the witch couldn't tell her the burning anger deep within was directed towards Severus – or herself. "Severus, I…"

"Listen to me, I want to be given the chance to explain…Aurora, for this is the last I'll say of the matter…" Reaching across the table and grasping her spare hand before the witch could blink, Severus tightened his hold and looked deep into her blue eyes. Afraid of what he might see, Aurora closed her eyes and looked away. Please don't look at me…she pleaded to herself. Don't look at me the way you used to look at her.

"Aurora…I'm sorry."

Eyes widening, the witch lifted her chin and felt the heat from Severus' fingertips imprint her skin as he pulled away. Wait…did he just…apologize to me? Ten years…ten years and he apologizes…? Clutching a hand to her heart, she took a deep breath; in that moment, she realized that, although her heart had been broken all those years ago, she had been nothing but petty since reuniting with Severus; she was the one who had brought up the issue that had ended their friendship a decade ago. Turning towards an oncoming waiter, she outstretched her hand to grab their attention, and was successful.

"Two shots of fire whiskey, please."

"Of course," the waitress bounced towards the kitchen. Severus slowly raised an eyebrow in her direction and Aurora offered him a small smile. Not even a minute later, the waitress returned and dropped the shot glasses off at their table and let the professors be. Grabbing one in her hand and giving the other to Severus, she held hers up and waiting until Severus copied her motion.

Slowly lifting the glass, Severus asked quietly, his voice hoarse as he stated, "Aurora…?"

"Severus…ten years ago I never thought I would be offered to teach at Hogwarts where I would see you again. Maybe we'll have the chance to speak and maybe we won't, but…I would like to start this friendship with a fresh start." If the Severus Snape can apologize ten years later…then maybe it's time I share with him the reason I hold this matter so deeply in my heart. "Here's to the new school year." With eyebrows both raised, Severus clinked his shot glass against hers. As both maintained eye contact, they dipped their heads backwards and allowed the crisp, burning alcohol to consume their nerves, ignite their frustrations, and burn the past. As the Potions Master and the new professor held eye contact, they both knew the friendship they once had could not be restored to what it once was; but maybe, if they allowed their hearts to beat, they could establish a stronger connection.

~ oOo ~

Staying for nearly another hour at the Leaky Cauldron, Severus and Aurora parted ways, where the witch expressed she needed to finish packing as she wanted to leave for Hogwarts before the end of the day. Severus merely nodded, but as he turned, he stated in a whisper that was loud enough for her to hear, "I hope to see you in the Great Hall for dinner tonight, then." And with that, the wizard turned on his heel, midnight black cloak following his every move.

Sighing, Aurora could feel an unexpected weight lift from her tense shoulders as she apparated home. Giving her mother a hug when she arrived, the witch retreated to her bedroom where she spent the next hour packing all her remaining items, including the fresh ingredients she had just purchased from Diagon Alley. Glancing through her trunk, she realized she had everything she needed, when she heard a sudden knock on her door.

"Aurora?" Glancing up, she realized it was Cassandra, her mother, who was holding a parcel within her hands.

"Hey mom. How're you feeling today?" Glancing at her mother, Aurora held nothing but love and admiration. Not only had she been through a rough childhood – before she had discovered that she was a witch – but her mother was just as strong as she. With her mother's declining health, Aurora had to accept several years ago that her mother only had so much time left in her life. The doctors couldn't explain the illness she had, but Aurora had to figure that she was suffering from a broken heart. When her step-father passed away in the middle of her Sixth Year at Hogwarts, her mother had suffered greatly, if not more than the witch.

"Oh sweetie, I'm doing as good as I can be. Tired and a little slow, but Rose is keeping me up and moving around. But, this came for you only a moment after you came home, but I wanted to give you some time to finish packing." Walking inside her room, Cassandra sat next to her daughter on the bed and handed the parcel to her. Pulling at the card, Aurora opened it and instantly recognized the handwriting. Inside, she read: Thought you may need some help with your basics.

Oh, you cheeky bastard, Aurora thought; nevertheless, a small smile formed against her lips and she couldn't help but feel giddy on the inside.

Her mother's words cut into her thoughts. "Do you know who it's from?"

"Oh yes, yes I do." Smiling at her mother, Aurora ripped apart the wrapping and was surprised to find a book in her lap; but not just any book. Holding the text with her hands, she read the title. "The Basics of Potion Making: Simple Brews for Young Children."

"My, isn't that interesting…should I question who…" Cassandra stared at her daughter who ran her fingers along the front cover of the text.

"Oh mother, this…" Turning to the right, she said, "This came from Severus."

Blinking, Cassandra had to think for a few moments, but her daughter's words finally triggered something within her memories. "Severus? The Severus" Aurora nodded. "Now, just to be clear, this is the same Severus who…"

Aurora nodded. "Yes, this is that same Severus. Remember how I told you he's the Potions Master at Hogwarts and he was my Potions Professor during my Seventh Year?" Her mother nodded. "Well, we'll be working together once term starts."

"Oh…oh dear." Placing a hand on her daughter's shoulder, she asked, "Are you ok with that? You never mentioned this when you first accepted the job."

Looking into her mother's eyes, she replied, "To be honest, my minds been going blank about that fact since I took the position. We ran into each other at Diagon Alley today and we had lunch together."

"Oh my! That's something new. And…?"

"And…? It went fine, I guess?"

Smirking, Cassandra shook her head and placed her cheek in her hand. "Aurora, Aurora, Aurora…"

"Mother, mother, mother…" She mimicked.

Cassandra only chuckled. "Sweetie, is this going to be hard for you? I don't…I don't want you to be upset like you were when you graduated. You haven't seen him since then, have you?"

"Well, I ran into him when I met Albus at school several weeks ago." Growing quiet, the witch scratched her head, sudden nerves encasing her entire body and the experience she was about to undergo within the next year.

Leaning over, Cassandra pulled her daughter into her arms and gave her a simple hug. "I just want to see you happy, sweetheart." She kissed the top of her head.

"I know mother…I will admit it has been difficult…extremely difficult, if I have to be honest. Mom, I'm…" Looking up at her mother's face she suddenly realized the predicament she was entering with taking this position. "I'm starting to get the same feelings again when I'm around him. It's…" she lowered her voice. "…it's as if they never went away."

"Sweetie…" Stroking her daughter's hair, Cassandra sighed, not knowing what to do or say. Love was a difficult situation, and a topic that had been problematic for Aurora. "Look, you are old enough to take care of yourself as I'm just your mother, but don't let your heart guide every action you make in life ok? If something does bloom between you and Severus, then so be it. Just be careful."

"I know…" Straightening her back, Aurora kissed her mother's cheek. "I love you so much mom."

"And I love you most, my little goddess."

Laughing, Aurora fell back onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling. "Oh goodness, not that nickname again."

"What? You know you were named for two Goddesses! It only fits!"

Remembering from other times her mother explained this aspect, she added, "And it also has nothing to do with the fact that I'm part Greek and all the females in our family have been named after females within Greek history."

"Well, Nyx is the Greek Goddess. Aurora is Roman. That's why your name is hyphened. I couldn't choose between the two!"

"Don't worry mother, I love my name."

"Good." Standing, Cassandra looked at her daughter's trunk and smiled sadly. "So, are you leaving soon?"

Following suit, the witch stood to her feet as well and ran a hand along the trunk. With a nod of her head, she said, "Yes. I'm fully packed and ready to go."

Standing, Aurora took one last look around her room before closing her trunk. Her mother stood as well and noticed a box of treats on her desk, grabbed them and handed it to her daughter. "You're taking Sapphire, right? I think you'll need this."

"Can't believe I was about to forget these."

Looking around the room, Cassandra asked, "Is Sapphire here?"

But the witch shook her head. "I let her fly off to Hogwarts before I left." Noticing the look her mother held, she further explained. "Albus is aware that she will be with me throughout the year and stay within his office until I get there." Placing the box of treats in her trunk, she locked it for good before pulling it off of her bed. Glancing at her mother, Aurora smiled and nodded; it was now or never to begin the next step of her life.

Not wanting to leave, Aurora spent another hour with her mother explaining how to reach her if needed. Her mother agreed that she would owl Aurora immediately if anything were to severely affect her health and that if she wanted her daughter to come home during the weekend, all she had to do was ask. After speaking with Rose regarding her mother's health, Aurora felt it was time to take her leave; as she stood with her travel cloak and trunk, she hugged her mother for several moments before giving one to Rose. Once done with the goodbyes – something that has always caused Aurora's heart to break – she apparated, and her destination led her to the same as before, as she stood directly in front of the main entrance into Hogwarts Castle.

Several hours later, Aurora stood inside the small living room space within her personal quarters at Hogwarts, Aurora twirled around and stared at the space she would spend her time for at least the next year, if not more. She hadn't brought up the conversation with Dumbledore for how long she would be a professor at the school; but nonetheless, the witch smiled as she twirled her wand around, unpacking all the possessions she brought from home.

Thinking back several hours, she and Severus had continued their conversation for another hour before they parted ways. In the time after he had apologized, Aurora could sense a calmness which settled within the pits of her heart, and memories. For ten years she had remembered the last time she had spoken with Severus; it was a memory that caused tears to form in the corners of her eyes within the past decade. There was something about their last meeting that she couldn't let go; her memories wouldn't allow her peace. She'd spent her time traveling and working with creatures and different individuals where she gained the knowledge she had been seeking since her time as a First Year student. But the moment Severus stated "I'm sorry," the witch could feel herself falling back through time to that day ten years ago. In all these years, I think I just wanted him to apologize for the pain, she thought.

Regardless, the witch seemed to truly smile when she thought about the Potions Master; her mind was not plagued by the harsh words he seared into her memory. Now, just thinking of working within the same environment made the new professor happy. She was excited to once again be around the person who had first captured her heart. Just the thought of being near him made her heart skip several beats. With the thought, Aurora's arm went limp as her wand fell to her side; the clothes she was folding mid-air fell amongst the floor, forgotten and lost as the witch stared into oblivion.

Sighing, she ran a hand down the side of her face. "You have got to be kidding me…" Gritting her teeth together, Aurora fell onto her couch and threw an arm over her face, her cheeks burning with embarrassment at the sudden thought. "It took ten years and one phrase for me to feel the way I used to about Severus. No…No!" Speaking to herself, Aurora wanted to hide, though she was the only individual within her quarters. But the more she denied, the more her emotions ran free and caused her heart to beat erratically. Freezing, Aurora sat up along the couch and leaned against the cushions, her eyes staring up at the stone ceiling. Closing her eyes, she could see all the memories she held dearly that contained her and Severus, her mind wondered into the last several years where she hadn't spoken with him. Several minutes passed as she wondered into the depths of forgotten memories from the time spent at Hogwarts, and the ten years it had been since she was last in the castle.

~ oOo ~

Standing in her quarters looking at herself in the mirror, Aurora pondered; today was the Start of Term Feast and the students were to arrive within the hour. Since she had arrived two weeks ago, Aurora spent her time working alongside the other instructors; reminiscing with her old professors and acquainting herself with the new. Looking at the reflection, the witch smiled; black and blue, of course, were, by far, her favorite colors, so that was what she decided to wear. Her midnight blue dress reached above her knees and with the arms converting to lace, extended towards her fingers, the end of the sleeve cutting into a triangle, while wrapping around the middle finger on each hand. Her black tights molded against her curvy legs and her feet snuggled into black ankle boots. To finish the look, her black cloak hugged her shoulders, with her lace-covered-sleeves still visible. Her brunette waves fell softly along the curve of her back, though she was tempted to braid the mass of hair atop her head.

Chuckling, the witch realized that her cloak was very similar to that of one Severus Snape. Grabbing her nose, she chuckled some more. Unbelievable, she thought. I've had this cloak for several years and I just now realize this?

Grabbing her wand from the table, she placed it inside her cloaks before heading towards the portrait door. "Thank goodness my mother was the one to purchase this for me."

Exiting her quarters, she began making her way down towards the Great Hall with the other professors before the student began to arrive. But as she made her way through the dungeons, her feet gradually slowed whilst her head turned in the direction of Severus' private chambers. Since the day they shared lunch in Diagon Alley, the Potions Master had been on Aurora's mind; whether she was reminiscing in distant memories, or rediscovering the feelings she still held for the man, he was still there.

Taking in a deep breath, Aurora decided that if she really wanted to start the year on friendly terms with her old friend, it should begin tonight.

Turning down the next corner, it only took her a few moments before Aurora was able to reach the all-too-familiar tapestry that hid the professor's portrait. Sneaking behind, Aurora lifted her gaze to that of the male portrait and before he could ask, she stated, "Could you please let Severus know that Aurora would like to see him?" Nodding, the portrait vanished for one second before returning once again, followed by the door opening itself before her eyes.

Severus stood on the other side, his eyes widened slightly as he looked upon her. "Aurora." His voice held wonder, but also confusion as his gaze swept over her new attire. "What…what brings you here?"

She giggled, his stammer or fluster was suddenly adorable and she couldn't resist the laughter that surged deep within the belly of her stomach. Raising an eyebrow, Severus stared her down until she drew breath and answered. "I was on my way to the Great Hall for the feast and…" Great, now it's my turn to stammer. "W-well, I wanted to see if you'd like to head there with me? Considering I live down the other corridor."

Smirking, Aurora swore she saw a hint of pink grace the professor's cheeks before he turned and beckoned her to follow. Hesitantly, she stepped inside Severus' quarters as a small smile fell upon her lips. Since the time she had first met the Slytherin, she had known that was a reserved individual who fancied the art of Potionry and the Dark Arts; but looking upon his private chambers, the typical mindset of Severus Snape washed away. From what was laid before her, the living quarters was fairly open. A couch and two reading chairs were positioned around the fireplace; a small kitchen and breakfast table drew her attention before she noticed the back door on the far side of this chambers, which most likely led to his bedroom.

Oh, Severus' bedroom, huh? Aurora blushed at the sudden, wicked, but refused to brush it aside. Turning her head away, she did not want Severus to see the red tint of her cheeks and conclude his own opinion on the matter.

With the sound of an opening door, she raised her head to find the Potions Master closing his bedroom door. Though his attire was the same, she could tell that his over shirt was cleaner, and had to suspect that he had been brewing before her arrival. Looking in her direction, Aurora swore that there was still a hint of pink gracing his cheeks, but the witch couldn't tell for certain. Turning in her direction, Severus asked in a low voice, "Well, shall we?"

Turning towards the portrait, Aurora smiled and responded, "We shall."

Leaving together, it took several minutes to travel from the dungeons of the castle to the Great Hall. In that time, Aurora and Severus spared only small talk, silence surpassing any form of conversation. Though she wished they were speaking, Aurora was content with the silence; it gave her several moments to ponder her thoughts as the next day would be the First Day of Term. Was she ready? Was she ready to teach and be a professor? All the notes she had created within the last few weeks were organized and within her chambers, separated by year and class.

But as they neared the Great Hall, the new professor took a deep breath and allowed some of the tension within her shoulders to dissipate. As she took the first step back into the hall where she shared distant memories for seven years, Aurora could feel a sudden, but very unexpectant, tear form in the corner of her eye. Brushing the damn menace aside, Aurora prepared herself for the next great adventure Albus allowed her to achieve.

As the two reached the head table, Aurora slowly eased her steps as Severus continued forward; standing off to the side, she had no idea where she should sit, as most teachers assigned their own seating each year – and she didn't want to disrupt that. Sensing her absence, Severus turned to find Aurora looking at the open seating, unsure of where her place should be. Looking down at his own spot, the Slytherin sighed, but internally growled at the growing confusion he felt within. Retracing his steps, he made his was back towards Aurora and extended his hand. Blue orbs meeting obsidian, Aurora was taken back when she acknowledged his gesture, but extended her own hand nonetheless. Fingers that had not touched in nearly ten years formed once more; both witch and wizard raised their eyes as a surge of electrical current transferred throughout their bodies. In an attempt to control her breathing, Aurora tightened her fingers around Severus' as he moved his gaze away, and led her to one of the corner seats at the table. Noticing the seat was already pulled away, Aurora gently nodded her head and sat, unaware that Severus began to occupy the seat right next to her.

As Severus began to speak with Professor Quirrell to his left, Aurora noticed more teachers began to arrive within the Great Hall and they all spoke with her before excusing themselves to find their seat. Albus spoke with the young witch and questioned if she was ready to begin the new year. Several professors around the pair listened on the conversation, awaiting her answer, but she replied that she was excited, but nervous all the same.

Before long, Minerva had excused herself before returning with the incoming First Years. Squirming within her seat, Aurora was so excited to see the faces that once resembled the eleven-year-old she was when she first ventured to Hogwarts. Pooling near the head table, the First Years looked uneasy while some had eyes that shone with wonder and amazement. Minerva began to call each individual student so the Sorting Hat could be placed on their head, in which their House would be revealed. Smirks and smiles fell upon her lips as Aurora watched the small children grew excited when their house was called. She was intrigued when she heard Lucius Malfoys' son, Draco, was instantly placed into Slytherin and wondered if it foretold his time within Hogwarts over the next seven years.

But Aurora's gaze was fixated upon Harry Potter when Minerva called upon his name. The Great Hall was vibrant with chatter, suddenly grew quiet when the elder students began whispering upon themselves at the mention of the boy's name. She had heard stories over the years and knew of what happened to hear parents during the first Wizarding World; but to see the boy in the flesh was entirely different. When the Sorting Hat eventually proclaimed his house was to be Gryffindor. Aurora clapped and was proud for the boy, while noticing that Severus barely moved his hands at all; though she had a feeling why. But once all the students were placed into their houses, Albus stood and provided the students, especially the First Years, with important information regarding the Forbidden Forest and the Third Floor Corridor. She had heard other professors mention the corridor as well, a noted that this needed to be something that she be aware of. However, as she was thinking through the information the Headmaster had granted the students, she had almost missed Albus calling her name.

"Please welcome – Aurora-Nyx Warrington!"

At the sound of my name, the screech of the wooden chair legs echoed across the hall as Aurora stood from her seat and raised a hand. The students clapped and cheered as a smile formed on her face; she wasn't expecting such a response from the student body. As she stood, Albus continued to speak.

"As you are all aware from you Hogwarts letters that were sent over the summer, there are several new courses that will be taught for the upcoming year, both of which will be taught by Ms. Warrington. Please give her a warm welcome this year!" The students clapped once more and the Headmaster held up his hands, ready to provide more information. "Also, I believe there is some information that Ms. Warrington would like to state before we begin the feast."

Chuckling to herself, Aurora raised her fingers to her lips and whistled as loud as she could, her eyes gazing up at one of the open windows high upon the peak of the Great Hall. Several of the professors, and most of the students, followed her direction, and within a moment, the echo of something mixed between an owl and a phoenix screeching. Down from the ceiling, a winged creature flew from the open window straight down towards the outstretched arm Aurora had raised. Upon realization, there were gasps and squeals from students when they realized that the creature had scales, shimmering in the light, as if they were bright sapphires. Wings folded against its side and leaned its head against Aurora's cheek and chirped, it was barely the size of a full-grown cat.

"That's a dragon!"

Aurora laughed as her pet, Sapphire, clawed up her arm and wrapped itself around her shoulders. "Yes," she answered the student within the crowd as she looked upon them. "This is Sapphire and she is my pet." She could hear the murmur from the students before she raised her hands. "Don't worry; she's harmless. I've had her for several years and she won't grow any bigger than what she is now. You're more than welcome to ask me questions if you would like to know more. But if you see her around the grounds, fear not; she will not harm you."

Turning her head to the side, Aurora could see Hagrid's eyes as they were ready to pop from his sockets. The groundskeeper could not tear his sight away from the beautiful creature that was Sapphire. Laughing, she said, "Yes Hagrid, I will bring her over one day and you two can play."

"And I will be awaiting that day." The students laughed at his statement, as the elder students were aware how Hagrid was very fond of mysterious and, if slightly unordinary, creatures of the wizarding world.

Taking her seat, Albus clapped once more for the new professor, as well as the rest of the staff and the students. "Thank you very much, Ms. Warrington; I am sure that Sapphire will be treated with just as much respect as you will." Turning towards the students, the Headmaster stated, "Let the feast – begin."

~ oOo ~

When the feast was over, Aurora waited until all the students had left the Great Hall before she decided to retire to her own chambers. As she removed herself from the hall, she had wanted to wait for Severus before returning to the dungeons, but she didn't know how the Potions professor would feel. Despite the revelation she had several weeks earlier, Aurora had no idea what she wanted to make of it. During dinner, she could feel Severus staring at her throughout the night, but held most of his time occupied in speaking with Professor Quirrell; and she decided not to interrupt.

Walking back to her chambers, Aurora found herself walking slower and slower. Her footsteps echoed across the stone corridor and she pondered. Her thoughts ran wild as she began thinking about the school year and how everything would go. She was prepared and ready to teach as a professor, but was she ready at all to be a professor in general? She held no answer. All was silent around her; lost in the confusion she had brought upon herself, Aurora didn't even notice her name being called until a firm hand gripped her upper arm and she shrieked in terror.

"Aurora!"

Turning around with a hand held over her heart, she was obviously shocked to find Severus standing with his arms crossed over his chest. "My goodness Severus! You scared me!"

"If you hadn't been so absentminded, you would've heard me call your name the first time."

Blowing out a mouth full of hair, Aurora was still attempting to calm her ever-beating heart to its normal pace. "Bloody hell, I'm sorry…" She looked at the floor and muttered, "Don't have to be so grouchy." And she could tell that Severus raised an eyebrow at her comment but she smirked and was able to finally breath normally once again. "So…what can I help you with Mr. Potions Guy?"

"Mr. Potions Guy." The low extremity of his voice once again erupted a multitude of shivers that ran down the depth of her spine, and Aurora had to bite her lip as to not let any moans escape her throat. "How cute."

Aurora rolled her eyes. "Tch, well I thought it was. Now, were you needing me for something?"

"Yes, you were slowing your steps until you stopped in the middle of the hallway. You seemed dazed. Not very smart of a Gryffindor to do."

"Ha! So now we're back to the fun-making of the houses, are we?" Holding up her hands she said, "Alright, fine by me. But coming from the Slytherin, why bother even messing with a Gryffindor?"

Eyeing her, Severus raised his eyebrow once more, but Aurora noticed how he tightened the muscles around his lips in attempt to not crack a smile. Maneuvering his façade to display an emotionless face, Severus asked, "Since when did you have a pet dragon?"

Staring blankly, Aurora rebutted, "Really…? That's the question you ask?" Remaining silent as he waited for an answer, the witch sighed as she nudged Sapphire who was curled around her shoulder. Winking its dark eyes, Sapphire croaked as it yawned and looked directly at Severus. Clawing down her arm, Aurora held her appendage up until her dragon was face-to-face with the Potions Master. The dragon softly growled and displayed her sharp teeth; extending his hand, Severus allowed Sapphire to sniff his fingers, inhaling his personal scent. Raising her ears, Sapphire purred with delight and stretched her snake-like tongue out and licked Severus' fingers. Returning to her normal position, Sapphire closed her eyes leaving Aurora in disbelief.

"Huh, would you look at that." Scratching her dragon behind its scaly skin, Aurora raised her eyes to meet the man in front of her. "She usually approves of those around her, but she's only ever given that reaction to me…and now you."

"And you're surprised?"

"Not sure if I'm surprised or relieved." Turning to take her leave, Aurora continued on the path to her personal quarters when she heard the distinct noise of Severus' dragonhide shoes clacking against the stone floor. She had a feeling that he was purposely following her, despite how his quarters were next to hers, but as they passed his, Aurora began to wonder. As she reached her portrait, she turned towards Severus and their eyes met. "W-well…I hope you have a good rest of your evening and a good first day tomorrow." Her portrait opened as she stated the password within her thoughts and was about to step through when she heard Severus' voice speak to her.

"You…looked very beautiful tonight, Aurora." Briskly looking his direction, she was surprised to see his form vanishing as he walked down the corridor towards his own portrait. As she watched his form leave her sight, the witch had to wonder if she was to hear his statement at all, or if it was something that was meant to be a thought drifting on the evening wind.

~ oOo ~

That's it folks. Let me know what ya'll think! Until next time!

Chocobocolina :3