Chapter 6
A Win, but Also a Loss
A/N: Oh, this chapter was fun to write. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did. This focuses on the growth between Severus and Aurora, but it's only just the beginning my dearies.
Also, I'm getting married this weekend! I'm posting this now and I'm taking my computer on my honeymoon but I may/may not have "time" to work on it. But trust me, I will finish this story, I have it all planned out!
Disclaimer: I only own Aurora and any other OC's. And you'll notice within this chapter that I used quotes directly from the movie. From here on out I will occasionally be using quotes from the movies/books, depending on the scene and when I want to use them. But I do not own the quotes I use. Everything is still copyrighted to the lovely J.K. Rowling.
~ oOo ~
Since the afternoon she and Severus had spent in the Astronomy Tower, Aurora began to gradually notice a difference in her friend's actions. From that day forward, wherever Aurora went within the castle, she could sense as if a pair of eyes were on her, and, coincidentally, the sensation only crawled up her spine when she was in the same vicinity of the infamous Potions Master. On several occasions, she had caught his eyes watching hers, and when their eyes met, Severus simply looked away, but the witch would swear that a smile had graced his lips as he diverted his gaze and allowed his curtain of black hair to block his true expression.
In the weeks leading up to Halloween, Aurora had received a letter from her mother every several days discussing her health and always reminding Aurora to not worry. But how could the devoted daughter not? Aurora was worried that something would happen while she was in the midst of teaching and that she wouldn't be granted a final moment with her mother. The thoughts distressed the witch to the point that she had missed dinner several nights in a row – in which she didn't even attend the feast in the Great Hall – and Severus had stopped by her quarters afterwards each time.
And each time he had visited, he found his old friend cuddled in one of the armchairs facing the fire with tears flowing from her eyes.
The first night she wasn't at dinner, Severus wasn't aware of what he should do. Should he let his friend be in her solitude, or should he be by her side in her apparent time of need and desired comfort? That first night she wasn't present, the Potions Master, on a whim, stayed by her side when he found her in her quarters and merely listened to the pain deep within her heart. Aurora described her fear and how it was keeping her up at night; she couldn't focus, she had difficulty grading papers and noticed that it was interfering with her ability to teach her students. Knowing that she needed rest, Severus simply gave her a Draught of Peace, followed by a Dreamless Sleep Potion. He watched his old friend as the sleep potion took effect as her eyes closed, and her breathing became slow and steady. Knowing he couldn't leave the poor female in her chair, Severus gently lifted Aurora into his arms and walked into her bedroom and laying the witch on her bed.
It took Severus several moments to leave her personal quarters as he stood beside her sleeping form, simply gazing at her peaceful features.
Just as they talked in each other's quarters after dinner within the first few weeks of school, this became routine for some time as well. Up until Halloween, Aurora had realized that it was becoming easier to be aware of her mother's sudden decline in health, and not have it affect her work at Hogwarts as it first had several weeks prior. From the first night, up until the week of the holiday of the dead, Aurora was very thankful that Severus was by her side; the thought that he was simply there made the witch giddy on the inside knowing that he was there for her.
When the morning of Halloween appeared, Aurora had awoken in her chambers refreshed, relaxed and happy. The letters she and her mother had been sharing still deeply troubled her, but the witch knew that her mother would not want her to brood about it day-in and day-out. With the thought in mind, she dressed in her usual blue dress attire and stayed in her chambers for breakfast before heading up into the castle to attend her first class.
Halloween had fallen on a Friday and the students in all her classes were excited for the feast that was to occur at dinner that night. Aurora could tell that her students were occupied and she decided to release each class early; her students were ecstatic and she stated that it was her Halloween gift to them and to enjoy the feast and the weekend. Several students on their way out of the classroom thank her, which only made Aurora smile. On the way towards her own quarters, some of her students lingered in the hallways and she overheard several conversations where some students stated that she was "an awesome professor". These comments made the witch chuckle even more as one thought passed through her mind.
Damn straight I'm awesome.
Between the ending of her last class and the evening feast, Aurora spent her time in her quarters catching up on grading assignments, papers and continue in planning for the next few weeks. Much like her students, Aurora was just as excited for the annual Hogwarts Halloween feast. Just thinking of the food and then the sweets to follow troubled the professor because she found it difficult to concentrate on the stack of parchment atop her crowded desk. Looking to the side, Aurora noticed that Sapphire was asleep upon her normal pillow and chuckled; the witch swore that her dragon slept more than she did.
Then again, she had trouble sleeping lately, mainly because she was worried for her mother, but also because a certain black-haired Potions Master was continuously on her mind. Day-in, and day-out, all Aurora saw, all she thought, and all she wanted to do was speak with Severus Snape. At night, over the last few weeks, the witch had imagined that he was in bed with her, with large, coarse hands tightly holding onto to her waist as he pulled her against his chest. But each morning she would wake, knowing that it had only been a dream, and that her love for him was one-sided.
Because she knew that he was still in love with Lily Evans Potter.
~ oOo ~
The several hours Aurora has spent cooped up in her room had finally paid off as she stood in front of a mirror in her bedroom looking at her blue dress. Grabbing her wand, she waved her hand around in front of herself and watched as her blue dress magically changed to orange to celebrate the holiday, as well as her normal black tights began etching intricate spider web designs, all the way from her thighs down to her ankles which disappeared into her black boots. Smiling in the mirror, Aurora was very pleased with her visual representation of the mystic holiday. Her black on orange ensemble was "loud" and that made her proud.
Making her way upstairs, Aurora noticed that some of the other professors had gathered in the Great Hall as well and stopped her as she passed by. They commented on her attire as she gracefully smiled and found her seat. Sitting at the staff table, Aurora took in the sight of the dozens of floating pumpkins that covered the air within the hall. She knew that Professor Flitwick had worked on the enchantments in preparation for the feast; it was just the same as when she was a student and Aurora basked in the memories before she heard the scraping of the chair beside her.
Opening her eyes, she noticed that Severus had claimed his seat next to her as he nodded in her direction, an eyebrow slightly raised as he glanced over her outfit, a hidden smirk plastered across his face. The man had asked another professor a question before returning to the witch to his right, the only individual who he wanted his attention to occupy. They spent the time talking before the students entered the Great Hall, followed by Albus giving his usual pre-dinner toast when their meals appeared upon the table before their eyes.
It had been a great evening and Aurora was enjoying the time she spent talking with those around her. Several had commented on her option to change the colors of her dress and she had to explain that Halloween had always been one of her favorite holidays growing up, besides Christmas of course. Looking down the staff table, Aurora noticed that the seat next to the left of Severus was empty. Huh…I wonder where Professor Quirrell? He's not one to miss dinner. Just as she was about to ask Severus about the professor's absence, the massive doors to the Great Hall ruptured and the individual in question stormed through. The sudden interruption petrified Aurora in her spot and didn't realize that she'd reached her hand out and latched her fingers onto Severus' sleeves; his gaze found hers, but were averted once Quirrell's frantic voice echoed across the hall.
"TROLL! IN THE DUNGEON! TROLL IN THE DUNGEON!"
All staff stood from their positions at the head table as each gazed upon Professor Quirrell who was clearly disturbed. As Albus opened his mouth to speak, the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher spoke once more.
"Though you ought to know."
Before fainting and collapsing to the ground, a thunderous clap of thunder shook the entire stone hall. One by one, all the students began screaming in fright, as they stood from their table benches and rushing to the door to head to their Common Rooms. But none were allowed to leave as Albus' voice boomed across the Great Hall.
"SILENCE!" All students ceased to move as they starred up at their Headmaster, eager to await his orders. At this point, Aurora had let go of Severus hand, but as they stood from their seats, the witch noticed that the Potions Master had placed himself in front – as if he was protecting her from any danger. Her hand had reclaimed its original position when Quirrell fainted, but both looked towards Albus, awaiting to hear what was to be done of the situation. "Everyone will please, not panic. Now, prefects, please escort your house back to the dormitories. Teachers will follow me to the dungeons."
Following their Headmaster's orders, the students filed in line and walked behind their designated prefects to make it safe and sound back to their Common Rooms. One of the professors had another agenda to follow. Severus turned and passed Aurora as he opened the back door behind their seats, taking a secret passage to another location within the castle, knowing that another individual would be there as well. Severus' eyes caught the glance of Aurora before he shut the door, but all the Potions Master did was narrow his eyes and shake his head in her direction, causing the witch to nod in understanding as the door shut completely.
Following the other professors, Albus separated the staff and Aurora was instructed to head with Minerva and Quirrell – who had magically come to his senses – to the floors above while the others searched the dungeons. The entire way towards the grand staircase, Aurora held her wand at the ready, but questioned how a troll had made its way into the castle. She knew that trolls were not the wisest of magical creatures and wasn't aware if there was a troll population anywhere near the castle. So, the question still remained:
Where in the hell did it come from?
As the three professors increased their flight within the castle, Aurora suddenly stopped in her tracks – something deep within her was urging to go in a different direction. When Minerva noticed her hesitancy, "What is it, Aurora?"
"Minerva…I don't know but I think we need to go this way?" The professor pointed towards the corridor to her left, which led to several classrooms and the only girl's bathroom on floor they were on.
Not wanting to stall any longer, Minerva replied, "Let's go. It doesn't hurt to check all nooks and crannies in this castle." Following in her stead, the other two professors walked briskly behind the head of Gryffindor House, their feet grazing the door as they moved quickly within the castle. No one had said a word; that is, until all three stopped on their heels when a thundering bang grasped their attention and all began running straight towards the noise.
Right into the girl's bathroom.
As they walked in, all were flabbergasted to see a swirl of dust clouding the space within the bathroom; a troll lay unconscious on the floor while Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter stood off to the side, staring at the fantastic beast. Minerva gasped as she threw a hand to her heart. "Oh…my goodness! Explain yourselves, both of you!"
As the words left her lips, Aurora couldn't grasp the situation, but as she was pondering her thoughts, a flicker of movement caught her attention as she noticed Severus entered, a surprised look appeared on his face. He turned in her direction before looking at the troll.
With Minerva's demand, Harry began to speak. "Well, what it is – "
"It's my fault Professor McGonagall." Hermione interrupted.
All four professors turned their heads towards their star student in disbelief. "Miss Granger?"
"I went looking for the troll. I've read about them and thought I could handle it. But I was wrong. If Harry and Ron hadn't found me…I'd probably be dead."
Aurora noticed that Harry was focusing on Minerva before his attention was averted to glance down at Severus' leg. Her eyes followed his and noticed that his pant leg was torn and the skin around his thigh and knee was swollen and bloody. Severus noticed the boy's attention as well as he grabbed his cloak and draped the fabric over his leg. Turning her head away, Aurora bit her lip, knowing full well where the Potions Professor had trekked when he left the Great Hall.
With a stern look on her face, Minerva focused on her attention on Hermione before glancing at the two boys. "Be that as it may, it was an extremely foolish thing to do. I would have expected more rational behavior on your part and am very disappointed in you Miss Granger. Five points will be taken from Gryffindor, for your serious lack of judgement. As for you two gentlemen…" Harry and Ron both looked at their Head of House and swallowed. "I just hope you realize how fortunate you are. Not many first-year students could take on a fully-grown mountain troll and live to tell the tale. Five points…will be awarded to each of you." The boys smiled at each other with the award they had received.
"For sheer dumb luck." Minerva added before she gathered the end of her robes and left the bathroom, leaving the others to deal with the damage.
Shaking her head at the crisis that had somehow been diverted, Aurora motioned for Hermione to move away from the troll, as well as Harry and Ron. "P-Perhaps you ought to go. M-Might wake up." Quirrell's voice reverberated through the bathroom as the students made their way towards Aurora.
She looked them over to see if they weren't hurt, and once she was satisfied, she pushed them in the direction of the door. "Come on you three, head up straight to your Common Room, alright?" They all glanced at her before nodding their heads, leaving together to trek up to the seventh floor. Taking one last look at the troll herself, Aurora shook her head before heading out, Severus soon following behind.
Severus caught up to Aurora within a matter of seconds, but she noticed that his leg must have been worse than she thought for he was limping pretty badly. She had waited until they reached the dungeons to even utter a single word. "So…was Fluffy's bite worse than its bark?" The Potions Master whisked his head around with eyes narrowed in her direction.
"Do you mock me, Aurora?"
It was her turn to narrow her eyes. "No, Severus. I'm not one to ridicule others when they are down, I was just trying to make light of the situation. They had walked towards his chambers, but the witch grabbed his hand and dragged him downs towards her quarters. With the password in mind, the portrait opened as they walked in. Pulling Severus towards one of the arm chairs, she instructed, "Sit," as she disappeared into her bedroom, but the Potions Master stood in his spot, not wanting to listen. Aurora returned with several rags with Severus noticed that she had quickly changed out of her outfit into an oversized t-shirt and capris sweats. He raised an eyebrow knowing his cheeks were growing warmer by the second. Severus had to admit that whether she was in her dress or a t-shirt, Aurora was simply stunning in whatever she wore.
But she noticed his look and smiled, then noticed that he was still standing. "Hey! Sit, now. And place your leg up on the table." Then he did as he was told as she pulled her wand out and muttered Diffindo as the front portion of Severus' pant leg cut through the fabric and fell as it hung from the remaining attached portion. Scowling, Severus opened his mouth to bark at Aurora but she raised her head up at him; her glare alone forced the man to shut his mouth and to face the inevitable. As she dabbed his leg with a cloth, Aurora sighed and placed some hair behind her ear.
"Severus…are you going to tell me what happened?"
"Hmph. You act as if you already know."
"All I know is that you disappeared when we were instructed to look for the troll. Then you appear at the scene after we did with your leg torn and bloody. I know where you were; but why?" Her fingers slowly brushed against his skin, aiming to clean off the wound around the edges to see where it began and ended. She could hear Severus wince and suck in his breath several times, causing the woman to look into his eyes. "Severus you've dealt with curses, jinxes and the Cruciatus Curse. But you can't handle a gash on your leg?"
But Severus turned his attention away, not wanting to discuss his time as a Death Eater, though the man assumed that Aurora knew more than he could tell. "There are just some things you come accustom to, Aurora."
Letting the subject go, Aurora waited for a response towards her original question, but she doubted that she ever would. As she cleaned the wound, the witch noticed that it wasn't as deep as it could have been, but the force of the bite would leave the skin swollen and tender for several days. There would definitely be bruising, but she could always provide Severus with the necessary potions to clear that up; unless he had some stocked in his own personal wares.
Noticing the tension in the air, Severus grasped the bridge of his nose before laying his hand across his leg. "So, your prognosis?"
Grinning in his direction, all the witch said was, "Eh, I think you'll be ok."
Damn this insatiable woman!
"Severus…" Aurora stood to her feet to go a wet the second cloth she brought as she wanted to ensure that there wasn't any remaining saliva from the three-headed dog. "I've had the discussion with Albus – I know what's on the Third Floor. Please tell me now, as I need to know: you aren't…you aren't seeking what's there, are you?"
Looking up at her figure towering over him, Severus realized that his long-time friend wouldn't let the topic go unless he provided an answer. Despite how he wanted to keep this between him and Quirrell, the sulky professor knew that he needed to speak of the matter. Shaking his head, Severus mumbled, "No, Aurora. I am not seeking the Philosopher's Stone."
Relaxing her tense shoulders, Aurora released a breath she hadn't realized she withheld within, and took a step forward to soak the other cloth; but Severus reached out a grasped her wrist, bring her back towards him. "Aurora, why do you worry so?"
She couldn't contain the tiny smile that grew on her face at his statement. "I've stated this before, Severus. You are my friend and I care deeply for you. Besides, as someone who did work as a Medi-Witch, it's also in my nature to help those who've been hurt." As Aurora walked past Severus, she added, "You are no exception, Severus." But she was not expecting a reply.
"Despite everything I've done, you still care?"
Lifting her head, Aurora stared off at the stone wall of her quarters, her mind suddenly lost in thought. Walking to the sink in her small kitchen, Aurora dampened the cloth, then reached into her personal medicinal cabinet and retrieved two separate potions and another cloth. Returning to her seat, she used the damp cloth to remove any remaining dried blood and saliva, as she wanted the wound to refrain from attracting any form of infection. With her mouth, Aurora pulled the cork off of one of the potions and dapped its contents into the still damp cloth; her fingers gently tracing the edge of the wound before her voice filled the silence.
"Of course, Severus." Lifting her gaze towards him, she smiled in the hopes that she would believe her. "Despite everything, I still care. Before – well, you know…you were my friend first." Opening the second potion, Aurora slowly drippled its contents directly onto the wound, causing the man in question to tense his leg, in which she grasped his ankle to keep him steady as she poured all the liquid into the wound. The first potions use is to assist with any pain while the second is to close all flesh wounds within several hours. Whispering the Accio spell, a bundle of gaze flew to her hand as she wrapped Severus' leg to ensure the potions continues to seep only into the wound. Once done, she mumbled Reparo and the pant leg stitched itself back together, as if nothing happened.
Moving his knee from the table, Severus gently touched the spot of his injury, glad at the potions she had used. He knew what they were the instant he saw what she had; the wizard knew his leg was still going to be painful, but as he glanced towards the fire, Severus knew that he was due to suffer. As he watched the flames, the wizard asked, "Only friends…"
"Well…there could've been more than that, but you chose someone else, if I remember correctly."
Turning their gazes upon each other, Severus witnessed the pain swirling within her eyes, and the wizard was able to see firsthand how his decision years ago had affected her so. With a lump in his throat, Severus, too, could feel the regret and heartbreak within his own memory. He remembered her crying, and cursing at him too; but more importantly, he remembered that he had lied.
Standing, Severus carefully stood to his feet and grasped Aurora's hand, pulling her up towards his height. "Aurora…tomorrow if the first Quidditch Match of the season. Would you please join me?"
Not wanting to ruin the situation with remembering the past, Aurora snuck between the wizard's arms and wrapped hers around his waist. A few moments passed before she decided to pull away, but Severus placed his arms around her in that instance. Giggling, the witch replied, "That sounds wonderful Severus. It's Slytherin against Gryffindor, if I'm not mistaken?"
"You are correct." His profound voice produced goosebumps all over her body, and Aurora had to refrain herself from kissing him once more. Though she had desired the act more than she could admit. Pulling away, the witch held a smirk across her face as the wizard merely raised an eyebrow at her oddness.
"Oh, good. I can't wait for my house to kick your houses ass."
~ oOo ~
With the first Quidditch Match held on the first day of November, Aurora was profound at how chilly the air was. She was not surprised as winter was just around the corner, and expected snow to begin falling upon the grounds with the next few weeks, if that. But as she sat in the higher tower stands meant to staff and parents, she pulled her thick grey cloak closer around her body and tightened the scarf around her next.
The witch had been excited for the match for multiple reasons: she was ecstatic that Severus had asked her to go; it was Slytherin versus Gryffindor and she was surely hoping that her house would beat Severus', in which they had made a bet of ten galleons the previous night; and finally, she was excited to see Harry Potter, a first-year, play as the new seeker for the Gryffindor Team. Minerva had expressed that he's the youngest seeker in a century but knew the boy had talent, just as his father had. Aurora knew that all too well as was a chaser on the house team for six years and had played alongside James Potter until he graduated.
Smirking at the memories, Aurora glanced to her left to see Severus scanning the grounds, in search of something, but she did not know what. They had met earlier that morning at breakfast and, after acquiring warmer clothes for the match, headed to the stadium together, discussing the different payers on each team. Severus expressed that he had wished Harry luck during breakfast which caused Aurora to question his motives. The wizard simply smirked and stated that he hoped Harry was better at Quidditch than he was at Potions, causing Aurora to swat his arm as she laughed.
The cheering of the crowds brought their attention back towards the oncoming game as Lee Jordan appeared on the enchanted amplifier to provide information and stats on the game at hand. "Hello! And welcome to Hogwarts first Quidditch game of the season! Today's game: Slytherin versus Gryffindor! The players take their positions as Madam Hooch steps onto the field to begin the game!"
"Now I want a nice clean game…from all of you." Madam Hooch stared at all the players upon their broomsticks before she opened the chest, releasing the Bludgers as well as the Golden Snitch.
"The Bludgers are up. Followed by the Golden Snitch. Remember the Snitch is worth one-hundred and fifty points. The Seeker who catches the Snitch, ends the game." Madam Hooch held the Quaffle in her hands and gracefully tossed the ball into the air, in which the chasers rushed towards it. "The Quaffle is released…and the game begins!"
Aurora watched in awe as players from each team zoomed and sped back and forth across the field, determined to beat the other team. Both Gryffindor and Slytherin had been adversaries when she was in school, but Aurora could tell that the rivalry had increased since she was last a student. Within a few moments of the game, Gryffindor scored, followed by another not long after that. They were in the lead by twenty points before the captain of the Slytherin team decided to reduce the competition. He grabbed the club from one of his beaters and slammed a Bludger into Oliver Wood, causing Gryffindor's Keeper to crash into the goal post behind him and fall straight towards the ground, knocking the Captain unconscious.
Turning her head to the side, Aurora glared her eyes at Severus who casually turned his gaze towards her. "Severus! What are your Slytherins thinking?!"
"Madam Hooch didn't call against it."
"Forget Madam Hooch. Your Slytherins are being slimy!" She crossed her arms across her chest as a gust of wind blew past them, her hair billowing against the draft.
"They're being slimy?" Severus left the small smile on his face as Aurora's cheeks grew red.
"Yes, you heard me: slimy."
But as they continued to watch the game, Aurora realized that with Oliver as the Gryffindor Keeper gone, they had the ability to score points, in which they tied the game with an even twenty against twenty. Two Slytherin players cornered one of the Gryffindor Chasers and caused the poor girl to fall in between a stand tower and the House banner, falling straight to the ground as her Captain did, lying unconscious on the ground. Aurora once again turned towards Severus, whose eyes were narrowed at the situation.
"Severus Snape," she whispered in a harsh tone, not wanting to bring attention from the other staff members seated around them. "Do you allow your Slytherins to behave in such a manner?"
"No, I don't condone this behavior, Aurora. Will it make you feel better if I speak with Marcus Finch after the game is over?"
"It would make me happier, yes. But please don't do it on my behalf; do it because what he has done is not right. What if those students are severely injured?"
"I highly doubt that."
Swatting his arm, Aurora huffed. "That's not the point and you know it!" But Severus stayed quiet as his eyes fixated on the game, but Aurora could see the subtle change of expression in his eyes. Aurora followed his gaze and noticed that Harry began swerving around on his broomstick while attempting to fly. His broom swiveled up and down, veered right and left, even twirling, eventually causing the poor boy to be thrown over as one hand tightly gripped the polished wood.
Covering her mouth with a hand, Aurora couldn't believe what was happening. Without knowing, she reached out and grasped Severus' hand, seeking comfort at the sight before her. She felt Severus tighten his grip around hers, causing the witch to turn her head towards the man she was still in love with and froze. The man was stock-still his eyes fixated on the match, but his mouth moved as no sound was produced from his lips. Following his gaze, she noticed that he was intently focused on Harry's position, who was still dangling from his broomstick. But as she turned back towards Severus, she could that Severus was silently casting a Counter-Curse.
But why would he need to produce such a spell? Unless… Turning in her seat, Aurora gazed around the individuals near her and others she could see within the towers close by. She couldn't see others who could possibly by jinxing Harry, but there was must have been; otherwise, Severus wouldn't be trying to counter against something to throw Harry to his death. Tightening the grip on her hand, Aurora was wanting Severus to, hopefully, understand that she was right there and she was supporting him.
I doubt he knows, but I still want to try.
"Fire! You're on fire!" A gentleman behind Severus touched his shoulder, causing Severus to break his concentration and stand, stamping the end of his thick cloak to reduce the fire from spreading any further. Grasping her wand as she stood, Aurora said, "Aqua Eructo!" As a shot of water erupted from the tip of her wand and aimed straight for the fire, extinguishing it for good. Severus, ignoring his friend for a second, whipped the hair out of his face before glancing at Harry and noticed that the boy was able to pull himself back on top of his broom and chase after the Snitch.
Sitting back down, Severus pulled Aurora with him as they watched the rest of the match. While noticing Harry was keeping up with the Seeker from his house's team, Severus tentatively attempted to reach his hand back over to grasp her hand, but was caught off guard as the sound of gasps and cries could be echoed across the station; beside him, Aurora clasped her hands in front of her mouth, concerned that the boy Harry was injured.
But as the watched the Gryffindor Seeker pop the Golden Snitch out of his mouth, both Aurora and Severus could only hear Madam Hooch's whistle as she yelled, "Gryffindor wins!"
Cheers erupted within the stadium as the students began chanting Harry's name because he had allowed his team to finally beat Slytherin. Aurora stood to her feet and hollered at the victory Harry had brought for his team. She bounced up and down on her feet before turning and glancing down at Severus, whose faced held nothing but shock and utter disbelief.
Giggling, the witch held out her hand and said, "Looks like you owe me ten galleons, Severus!" The staff around them laughed as Severus pulled the gold coins from his pocket and gently laid them in her hands. Pocketing her winnings, she smiled at Severus as she reclaimed her seat and bumped her shoulder against his. He turned his head towards her and couldn't contain the smile that fell upon his face. She noticed the change and leaned closer into him, not even noticing as their hands grazed each other, both longing to be touched and held by the other, both wanting and wishing for something to happen that may never take place.
~ oOo ~
With Gryffindor having won the first Quidditch Match of the season, the students were lively at dinner that night, the Gryffindor table especially. Aurora was seated in her normal spot, enjoying her plate full of warm potatoes, bread, sliced met and several vegetables. The staff were just as lively as well, discussing the winning team's strategy, while some individual's questions what had occurred with Harry Potter's broomstick. Albus informed the staff that he would be speaking with Harry to question him about the occurrence, which allowed everyone to sit back and enjoy their Saturday night.
Aurora and Severus were fairly chatty themselves that night as they discussed each team's strategies, their strengths and weaknesses. Eventually, their conversation turned towards the next matches within the year where they each made bets, once again, on who would be the victor. Aurora had placed a fifty galleon bet that Gryffindor would claim their Championship with the Slytherin Team coming in second place.
As the night carried on, the dinner eventually turned towards dessert, and as Aurora was about to enjoy the first bite of a chocolate cupcake, the sudden screech of an owl shattered the noisy Great Hall and stunned everyone into silence. Sapphire, who had been curled around the witches shoulders, perked its head towards the enchanted ceiling, roared – as much as her tiny body could – then burst into the air, flapping her wings with all her might. The staff turned their heads towards Aurora, but the witch was eating her cupcake as she starred after her dragon, concern appearing across her face.
A barn owl swooshed through an opening on the high ceiling of the hall and nearly crashed into Sapphire before landing on a high beam. Aurora could see that her dragon was using its snout to pick the parchment from the owl's beak. But before long, both screeched and hooted into the evening air as Sapphire flew down, landing on her master's outstretched arm.
Grabbing the letter, Aurora instantly noticed that the handwriting on the envelope was from Rose. Gasping, the witch simply sat in her chair, not knowing whether to open in in the Great Hall or wait until after dinner when she was in the secure confines of her personal quarters. Bu when Sapphire extended her neck and rubbed her hand, Aurora knew the letter was important and she had to open it. She could feel everyone's eyes one her, including the student's though they and the staff appeared to be eating while they looked out of the corner of their eyes. Beside her, Severus stood still, curious to see what would happen.
Taking a deep breath, Aurora knew that it was now or never. Ripping through the envelope, she grasped the letter and unfolded its pages, her eyes increased the moment she that it was, indeed, from Rose. Her eyes scanned the letters contents while her fist crumbled the parchment envelope; whatever happiness she had experienced throughout the day was evaporating, being replaced by detachment from those around her. Her insides clenched and her heart stopped, the breath she so desperately needed would not grant her comfort; in that moment, she was misplaced, wishing for hope but knowing that there was none.
"Aurora…?"
Upon hearing her name, she looked up from the paper to notice that her vision was blurred and swayed as her disorientation grew. As she raised her head, she could tell that all the staff were looking at her, but Severus was the one who had called her name. Clenching the disheartening letter with her fists, her chair screeched across the stone flooring as she ran around the staff table and passed through the aisles of the student tables before reaching the doors to the Great Hall, which quickly opened and closed just enough so she could run through.
Not even aware of what happened nor how long it had taken, Aurora found herself crouched against an armchair, salty tears falling down her faces and onto the floor. Sobs racked her body as it shook violently. Seconds minutes, moments passed and all Aurora could hear was her desperation; her sobs turned to cries, and her cries turned to screams as she clenched the armchair for life, seeking comfort that was not there, until…
"Aurora!"
Arms flew around her waist, picking her up from the floor; as she was brought to her feet, cold callused hands grasped her cheeks, removing any signs of her sorrow. Looking up, Aurora was able to distinguish that her oldest friend was there, just as she had always wanted. "S-Severus…?"
"Yes, Aurora it's me. What has happened?" But she could not even speak as Aurora flung her arms around her friend's neck, seeking the comfort he had been providing for several weeks, needing to know that despite everything, he would not leave her side.
"Severus! I…it…I-I can't…!" But her sobs continued to rack her body as she couldn't form coherent sentences. Severus knew that something must have happened, otherwise, Aurora would not have run out of the Great Hall in that manner that she had. His arms latch around hers, instantly pulling her close, knowing that she needed some relief. Since that day several weeks ago she had admitted her mother's condition was worsening, she had needed comfort more, and she had always sought to hug Severus whenever they were along. The Potions Master waited for Aurora to wrap her arms around him, because that meant he could do the same for her.
Wait a minute… Severus thought.
Pulling away, but using his thumbs to remove the excess tears that continued to fall, Severus looked straight into Aurora's glowing blue orbs. "Aurora, please tell me what has happened. What was in that letter?"
Shaking her head, more tears fell as she closed her eyes. But behind her lids, her reality seemed to slip through her fingers. Aurora could no longer run, no longer escape the inevitable truth. Opening her eyes, Severus noticed her glowing orbs had suddenly turned to a melancholy stare; the blue irises were no longer visible. "Severus…" Aurora whispered, her body slightly trembling. But as she lifted her head towards his, Severus didn't need her words, for he understood her pain and grief.
"My mother is dying."
~ oOo ~
I appreciate everyone who has read, favorited or followed this story. It really means a lot.
But I do have a question for my readers: do you think Severus may be to OC? I'm concerned that I am creating his character way when I want to keep his composure to stay true as it is in the books/movies. I would greatly appreciate responses!
Chocobocolina :3