Chapter Fourteen

The Chamber Has Opened

A/N: I'm not proud of this one, so I apologize in advance.

Disclaimer: I only own Aurora and any other OC's. Remember, I will occasionally use quotes from both the books or movie, depending on the scene; I do know own direct quotes or phrases.

~ oOo ~

"As you learned this during your First-Year Potions, the Wiggenweld Potion cures minor damage and replenishes minimal stamina to the individual. However, the effects of this brew are multiplied in the concoction known as the Grand Wiggenweld Potion; this is what you will be focusing on today, and by the end of October, I expect a perfect potion to be brewed during Midterms. You will find the necessary ingredients and brewing instructions on page thirty-six; you have one hour."

As a few weeks had passed since term began, Aurora was currently pacing the classroom which held her Second-Year Medicinal Potions class, watching as they worked individually on completing their current assignment. Aurora found this new course to be exciting, as she missed teaching the demanding art, though she found the students were split; some seemed to enjoy learning only Medicinal brews, whiles others wished they only had to take Severus' course. She understood, of course, but knew this course would emphasize the importance of basic First-Aid in the wizarding world.

As she patrolled the front of the class, her students were all focused on their texts, using the different ingredients, while some were talking. Taking a seat at her desk, the witch used this time to look over and grade the assignment they submitted at the beginning of class. With bubbles brewing in different cauldrons and the murmurs of students discussing the potion with their friends, Aurora glanced up, peering at her students on occasion to ensure they were, indeed, completing the potion at hand. Neville had just raised his hand as she lifted her head once more, and she moved around her desk, walking towards the student.

"P-Professor…?"

"Yes Neville, how can I help you?"

"W-Well…the textbook states the m-main ingredient is salamander blood, but I looked in the cabinet and there wasn't any l-left. H-How can I finish the assignment?"

This caused the woman to raise an eyebrow in alarm, knowing she had purchased more than enough ingredients for all her courses to last until the end of the next month. Stepping towards the ingredient storage, she rummaged through the labels categorized in alphabetical order and realized that her student was speaking the truth: all her vials of salamander blood were gone from their specific location. Closing the storage and whispering a locking spell, she walked to the front of the class.

"Students, I must run down and speak with Professor Snape for just a moment and then I'll return. I better not see any lollygagging or disruption when I return." Walking out the door, she could hear the silent murmuring increase, but ignored as she walked by several doors until she was at his classroom and firmly knocked, though she knew he didn't have a class at that moment.

"Enter," the voice from the inside answered. Opening the door, she saw Severus at his desk, glancing through a pile of parchment with a quill in his hand. Without glancing up, the man asked, "Don't you have a class to teach, Aurora?"

"Yes, though I have a favor to ask. May I borrow some vials of salamander blood? One of my students can't complete his assignment because there wasn't any remaining in my stores."

Quill halting in mid-stroke, Severus raised his head and peered through narrowed eyes. "What do you mean? I was there when you purchased all your ingredients, you shouldn't be out already. What potion are they brewing?"

"The Grand Wiggenweld Potion." Grasping his nose, Severus stood from his chair, the wooden legs grinding against the stone as he walking to his own personal ingredient storage. Grasping half the vials of salamander blood he had, Severus handed them to Aurora who was shaking her head in exasperation. "This infuriates me. It had to have been one of the students in my class. We haven't used this ingredient so far this term…"

"Aurora…" Severus said warningly. "Are you going to do something about this?"

"Of course I am! Bloody hell, I paid for all this."

"But if it was a student, how will you punish them?"

Frowning, she turned her back on the male professor, cloak swirling as she moved. Sighing Aurora stepped towards the door, as she placed one hand on the frame and peered back at Severus. In a quiet voice, she answered, "I'll figure something out. Thanks, Severus," and then she was gone. Shaking his head at the aggravating woman, Severus couldn't understand why she couldn't be more severe with her students. Knowing that argument was meant for another day, the wizard returned to his seat and began correcting the assignments of his students once more.

Stepping through the open door to her classroom, Aurora was surprised to find her students were all doing the assignment as she left them, though she noticed Draco and his friends kept glancing at Neville's back, causing the woman to wonder. Stepping in front of Neville, she handed him a vial and said, "Balance the amount you need, then hand the vial to me as soon as you are done."

"T-Thank you, professor…"

Smiling at the stuttering boy, she retreated towards the ingredient storage, unlocked it and placed the salamander blood where it needed to be. Curiosity eating away at her mind, Aurora began moving vials and glass jars aside, wondering if it was somehow misplaced. Come on Aurora, you know the truth, and Severus was right: it was one of your students. Peering through each shelf one last time, Aurora squinted her eyes on the top layer, moving jars and vials aside, before her eyes finally landed on the remaining stash of salamander blood.

"Bloody hell," she whispered. Putting the ingredient in its correct spot, she sighed, the witch agreed with her mental self and resumed her seat, waiting for the class to finish their potions and bring her a sample of their individual brew. The students knew that once they were done they had to remain in their seat until the allotted class time was over, and for this reason, she was glad she'd instated that rule.

The rest of the class passed fairly quickly, and one by one, individual students paraded towards her desk, filled vials in hands as they gave their assignment to their professor. Each student resumed their seat once finished, and as she was given the last vial, she placed them all in a labeled bin to be graded later. Glancing at each student cleaning the remains of their cauldron and ingredients, Aurora finally stood to her feet and braced herself in front of the students. Why is this so hard? Dammit, Severus is right. I don't like punishing my students. But if one of them did move the ingredients I bought with my own money… Aurora groaned. No, Aurora, this has to stop.

Clearing her throat, all thirty students peered their head forward. "Alright everyone, before I release you from class today, there is something I need to bring forth. It was brought to my attention after I gave the assignment that one of the ingredients necessary for today's potion was completely out of stock. As I am the individual responsible for purchasing the ingredients with my own money, this causes some concern." Peering at her students, a majority of them had no idea what their professor was discussing, but the faces of Draco and his friends caught Aurora's eye.

"I first assumed a student stole the ingredient straight from my storage. However, I discovered the remaining vials hidden behind other jars on a separate shelf. This is completely unacceptable behavior. Would Professor Snape accept such behavior in his classroom?" Visibly, some students shook their heads while some shuddered, knowing Severus would never allow such conduct at all.

"Now, I am giving the student responsible fifteen seconds to come forth and admit their wrongdoing. If the student doesn't admit their transgression within that time, each student in this class will, on ten scrolls of parchment, explain the discovery of salamander blood, its attributes and its importance with this potion. Now, does anyone want to come forward?" Heads glanced around, questioning who it could be, but none stepped forth. "Ten seconds," Aurora asserted.

No one.

"Eight seconds."

Not a single hand raised.

"Five."

It would seem the student responsible is willing to allow the rest of their class to suffer, the witch assumed.

"One…"

"Bloody hell, ten scrolls for someone simply moving a stupid vial?!"

Smirking as she narrowed her eyes, Aurora moved to the side of the student tables, her sight focusing on Draco Malfoy, his intense gaze never leaving hers. The boy thought he was untouchable simply because of the influence his father has and the last name attached to his existence. The witch was forced to suffer from Lucius' behavior while she was a student, she was not about to let his son run rampage across Hogwarts saying and doing whatever he bloody thought he could get away with.

"Mr. Malfoy, is there something you'd like to say?"

Twenty-nine heads turned in his direction as Crabbe and Goyle fidgeted by his side. "You found the vials, who cares if they were misplaced."

"Is that an admittance? Are you the one responsible for moving them from their proper place?"

A sneer crossed his face as Malfoy stood to his feet. "Are you accusing me? Wait till my father hears about this!"

Shaking her head as she crossed her arms, Aurora couldn't understand, as she so desperately wanted to knock some sense into the arrogant boy. "There is no accusation on the table, Mr. Malfoy. Now, unless you and the rest of the class want to complete the ten-page assignment, which would be due in two days' time at our next meeting, I suppose you tell me right now whether or not you're the one responsible."

"My father…!"

"Yes or no, Mr. Malfoy."

Aurora could see the words forming, what he truly wanted to say was on his lips, but the boy was at least smart enough to not even mutter it. Taking a seat, Draco gritted his teeth before muttering, "Yes, I was the one who moved the vials."

Aurora smirk grew as she strode to her desk. "Oh, perfect! Well thank you, Mr. Malfoy for your honesty. Class, the assignment is off the table, you are all dismissed. Draco? You stay." The eerie silence was lost as the students gathered their school belongings and walked out the door, their mouths whispering, questioning what punishment their professor would give Draco. Aurora questioned the same concept; how should the boy be punished for is indiscretion? Grabbing her quill and quickly making note of the points she was deducting, Aurora stood and strode over to Draco's seat, as everyone had already left the room.

"Mr. Malfoy, what was your reasoning? Why did you move the vials?"

"Tch, why not?" The boy crossed his arms and peered at his professor, as if begging her to say anything against him. Grabbing a spare chair, Aurora sat in front of the male student and leaned forward on her elbows.

"Draco, I don't care why you thought what you did was acceptable. Those ingredients? I purchased myself, spending enough galleons so you and the rest of my students would be able to brew the necessary potions for this course."

"And you're wanting me to care because…?"

"O chará mou kalosýni…" Aurora rubbed her temple, exasperated at this student, annoyed by his attitude and currently wanted to strangle his father, knowing Lucius was the main influence on this boy's insolence.

"Mr. Malfoy, tell me why you did it." Draco refused to open his mouth, causing the professor to sigh in annoyance. "Professor Snape is right down the hall; you can talk to him as your Head of House, or you can talk to me. It's your choice."

Leaning back into his chair, the blonde Second Year crossed his arms before muttering, "Crabbe and Goyle wanted to prank Longbottom but were too weak to do it. I moved the vials so he couldn't get the ingredient he needed to finish the assignment."

"But why? Why would you hinder him like that?"

"Because I bloody wanted to, that's why," the boy snarled in irritation, raising his eyebrow in his professor's direction, as if to say 'try and stop me'.

Shaking her head, Aurora released another sigh, not even wanting to know why they were pranking their classmate. "Mr. Malfoy, regardless of what you deem perfectly acceptable, whatever is in this classroom that is not strictly yours, belongs to me, that includes everything in the storage. If I see you, or any other student for that matter, removing vials or jars from their place when you haven't been given permission, don't expect to get by with just a warning." Without allowing his professor to finish her statement, Draco grabbed his school bag and walked towards the door, muttering beneath his breath. "Oh, and Mr. Malfoy?" The blond turned, aggravation evident upon his features. "Twenty points from Slytherin; you're excused."

Slamming the heavy door as he exited, Aurora growled as she strode towards her desk and claimed the seat once more. Rubbing her temples again, the professor wasn't understanding the boy's attitude. Bloody hell, I wish there was more that I could do. But whatever I do or say, he's just gonna cry to his daddy and complain about me, Dumbledore and the school. "Doesn't help his fathers on the bloody board doesn't bloody help either…"

"My, my…such language, Aurora." Peering to the side, the professor noticed Severus stood against the door frame, watching her at her desk as she aimlessly scribbled across a spare bit of parchment. "If I am assuming correctly, you found your culprit?"

"Yes, it was Draco."

Severus released a groan as he stepped towards her desk, wrapping an arm around her shoulder as she leaned into his chest. "So, he admitted to stealing the vials?"

"Fortunately, they weren't stolen." Handing the spare vials Severus had given her earlier, Aurora said, "These are yours. I checked my storage one last time after I left you and discovered Draco had moved them behind other jars on a different shelf. I threatened the students that if the culprit didn't step forward, they would all have to write a ten-page assignment due by next class."

"And he stepped forward?"

"In a way, but he admitted his mistake in the end. I lectured him that he moved my property but the boy didn't give a damn about it, so I took twenty points from Slytherin."

"You couldn't have taken away less?"

Peering up at the man, Aurora shook her head and resumed to doodling on the parchment. "I'll stop taking away so many points from Slytherin if you do the same to Gryffindor." Aurora could see Severus avoiding her eyes, causing the witch to smile. "Then it seems we have come to a stand-still."

"That is does," Severus replied coolly.

It grew quiet between the two as the wizard observed his witch, watching her hand carve the quill into the parchment, interested in what she was creating. But it was nothing, as Aurora simply needed a distraction. "Hey Severus? Would Draco actually tell his father all the wrongdoings he thinks he's receiving from his professors?"

Groaning, Severus rubbed his chin in concentration. "I wouldn't put it past my godson to do something like that. Most likely, Lucius told Draco to report any and everything happening to his son, whether it be something that's happened to him, or something Dumbledore's done."

"Bloody hell, if I receive a letter from Lucius on how I'm reprimanding his son, I'll…wait." Swiveling in her chair, Aurora placed her hand on Severus' chest, not quite sure what was prodding her mind. "Did you just…no, no you couldn't have. Could you?"

"Depends, but you need to speak, Aurora."

"G-Godson…? Draco…Draco Malfoy is your godson?!"

"Obviously."

"Obviously my ass, Severus. How could you not have mentioned this too me?!"

"Is it really that important to cause such a reaction from you, Aurora?"

"This…well, I…" Standing to her feet, Aurora paced from one side of her classroom to the other, question and thoughts escaping her lips as she wrapped her head around this devilish piece of vital information. "Good gracious…I mean…" Stopping her feet, she looked up at Severus who had closed the gap between them, grabbing her hands until he wrapped them around his neck.

"I am Draco's godfather. Does this information bother you?"

"Bother me? Well, no, Severus, not at all. Surprise the hell out of me? Mmm, yeah. I mean, thinking back on your friendship with Lucius, I can see where he and Narcissa asked you to be the godfather, just…"

"Speak, Aurora, don't make me guess your words."

"I just have to ask: does it bother you when he gets into trouble? Like what happened in my class and I'm the one who took House Points away?"

"I'm not the boy's father, but do I like it when he gets into trouble? No, as he is part of my House. And I especially don't like it when he's the reason Slytherin loses House Points. I'm not bothered if it's necessary, and from what you told me, I find the points you took to be necessary. But do be warned: Lucius might owl you."

"Then tell Draco to stop misbehaving in my classroom."

"If you want the boy to start thinking there is something between us, then sure, I'll tell him for you."

"Wait…that's not…Ugh, damn you Severus." Standing on her toes, Aurora pecked Severus' lips, but the man wanted more. Grasping the back of her neck, Severus pulled the woman forward, pinning their mouths together, moans bouncing of each other. Running a hand down his cheek, Aurora pulled back and smiled. "You know Lucius doesn't scare me."

"If you weren't scared during your first year as a student, he's not going to scare you now."

Kissing the man on his cheek, she turned towards her desk before turning back around. "But seriously…Draco Malfoy is your godson…?"

"Bloody hell, Aurora…"

"No, no…I find this…really endearing, it's actually cute."

"Cute?"

"Mhm, cute."

"This information is…cute."

"Yes, sir."

Sighing, Severus wrapped his cloak around her shoulders and pulled Aurora against his chest, her back to his front. Kissing the top of her head, the Potions Master whispered, "What in the world am I going to do with you?"

"Love me?" she answered automatically.

"Depends on your definition of love, Aurora."

Rotating in his arms, Aurora grasped the man's larger hand, having his fingers cup her breast through her attire. Groaning, Severus' pupils dilated, lust consuming all senses as his fingers tested the waters by squeezing while his other hand gradually slid up her thigh underneath her dress. "You last class doesn't start for another fifteen minutes," she whispered seductively.

Smirking, Severus pulled her legs around his hips as he took over her chair. "My dear, I think you need a dictionary; your definition of love seems to be off."

"Then teach me afterwards. After all, this is a place of learning, and I want to learn how you love me." Reaching down, Aurora pulled Severus' hardened erection from the confines of his trousers and moved her underwear to the side before plunging the man into her soaking depths.

"Bloody hell Aurora!" Grasping her hips, Severus plunged himself deeper, feeling the slickness of his lover's arousal seep through her opening and coating his trousers until he was almost as soaked. Pulling her face forward, the man hovered his lips over Aurora's, whispering soft, lustful words into her ear. "Let's start with how much I love your slickness." Hands griping tighter against her hips, Severus drove himself deeper into her depths. "You are…always so bloody wet when I touch you."

Gently caressing his thumb over her clit, Aurora clutched the front of his frock until her fingers turned white, the voiceless screams released from her open mouth as Severus continued. "I love the expressions you make. Your face tightens whenever I touch you…" His thumb increased speed to see her face do just as he said. "Your face glows red when you're tortured with passion." Opening her eyes, she sought Severus' as they gazed into one another, their breath mingling as the wizard thrusted his hips beneath her. Moving faster, the man threw his head back and groaned as Aurora tightened her womanhood on reflex. "Oh fucking god! I love it when you tighten around my cock!"

"Severus!" His last words pushed the woman over the edge, her thighs quivering while her body jolted in pleasure head falling upon her lover's shoulder. Muscles clamped down upon Severus, who roared, not a single care in the world knowing he silenced the room. His hips halted as one last lunge spurred his orgasm, his seed bursting forth and coating her inner walls.

Echoes of gasping filled their ears as Aurora pulled back to stare into the most beautiful obsidian orbs she loved. Severus smirked upon seeing her face glow, but leaned forward to kiss her slightly sweaty brow, causing the woman to giggle as she removed herself from the man's lap. Waving her wand, the blushing female cleaned the stickiness between her legs while the male waved his hand to erase the evidence on his lap of their lovemaking. Chuckling, Aurora stated, "I did not foresee this occurring in my afternoon."

"Neither did I, Aurora. But I must thank you for your company, I have just enough energy to suffer through my last class of the day."

Leaning forward, Aurora pecked his lips that she could not get enough of. "It was my pleasure, Severus. Now, I don't mean to shag you and leave, but get out, I'm meeting Hagrid for tea soon," she couldn't help but laugh at her own statement as the words fell from her lips.

Tightening his lips to not smirk, Severus couldn't resist but to release a small chuckle of his own. "Tch, I see how it is."

"Hey, I got some and so did you, we're both happy, right?" Pulling her towards his chest, Severus kissed her temple, knowing deep down, he was indeed happy. And it was all because of the woman in his arms.

Kissing her one last time, Severus asked, "So you're headed to see Hagrid?"

"Yes. You know we usually try to have tea once or twice a week."

"I remember Aurora. I have to get to me class, so I'll see you at dinner." Walking out of her classroom together, Severus turned left while Aurora turned right, headed towards her room so she could place the stack of homework assignments onto her desk and take Sapphire with her. With the dragon perched upon her arm, left her quarters and began the trek up through the dungeons until she was on the main level of the school. Smiling at students and faculty she passed, Aurora glanced through a glass window and smiled at the warm sunlight pouring through. Deciding to take the scenic route, the witch maneuvered past students as she wondered towards the open courtyards, rubbing her hand down Sapphires spine, feeling the small dragon purr against her shoulder.

"You are just like Merlin, aren't you?"

Walking through several corridors, Aurora found herself outside and released a relaxing sigh; the weather was still warm and comfortable, though the coolness of the upcoming winter had the witch questioning how long this warmness would last. Students passed by and others were seated with friends and classmates, going over lecture notes, preparing for an exam or practicing a new spell. Viewing each student caused the woman to smile, but in reality, what didn't put a smile on Aurora's face?

Moving between the corridors, Aurora eventually found herself in one of the larger courtyards, and as she exited the hallway entrance, she wasn't too shocked to see the tail end of the Gryffindor Quidditch team pass by. As she entered the stone aisle's surrounding the spacious quad, Aurora stepped back as she saw both Gryffindor and Slytherin teams barred against the other. Watching from the side, she delicately placed a hand among the stone pillars and watched from afar; as the words heated between the two teams, the female professor could see Hermione and Ron leave their belongings, rushing to Harry's side.

Watching from afar, Aurora was curious what the teams were discussing. She had a conversation with Harry as he arrived in her class earlier that afternoon and stated his house had practice, so why was the Slytherin team dressed in their appropriate gear? Watching as Marcus Flint held a rolled parchment for Oliver Wood, Aurora could only assume the note was signed by Severus, stating the team had the right over Gryffindor to practice on the field. Raising an eyebrow as to why, the witch was surprised when Draco Malfoy stepped forward, arrogantly displaying his new Nimbus 2001.

Looking through the silver and green coated team, Aurora was shocked to see Terence Higgs, the teams Seeker, was nowhere to be found. Hmm, suppose that means Draco's been instated as the new Seeker then. Severus…did you give your team the right to train Draco when the field wasn't theirs? On her shoulder, Sapphire gently pecked her skin, but the woman simply petted the creature, eyes focused on the scenario before her. Stepping closer, Aurora treaded around the pillar, her range of hearing increased as she could comprehend the now heated conversation.

"You see, Weasley, unlike some, my father can afford the best," Draco stated as he sneered, looking down at his new broomstick to Ron's stoic façade.

"At least no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in," Hermione interrupted, a small smirk upon her face as she knew what she was saying was the truth. "They got in on pure talent." From the sidelines, Aurora watched the interaction as Draco soaked in Hermione's words, but as he stepped forward, the witch instantly knew that words about to fall from the mouth he inherited from his father.

"No one asked your opinion, you filthy little Mudblood!"

"Draco Malfoy!" Stepping away from her hiding spot, Aurora was to hide no more, as the anger within grew, knowing one student had used the discriminatory word on another. From what she knew, Albus had banned the use of the word on Hogwarts grounds, and since she was there, she was not about to let the Malfoy heir to slither past a rightful punishment. Heads turned in Aurora's direction as she stepped forth, arms crossed as she peered down at the boy. "What on earth is going on here?!"

Marcus Flint caught her attention as he sneered, "Just step back, professor, this doesn't concern the likes of you." Beside her, the Gryffindor team gasped again at the treatment of the professor before their eyes.

Exasperated, Aurora raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me, Mr. Flint? Care to run that by me once more?" But no one on the Slytherin team spoke forth. "I didn't think so. Fifteen points from Slytherin for your behavior, Mr. Flint – and don't even try to weasel your way out of this one. As for you, Mr. Malfoy," Moving her gaze towards the smirking boy, Aurora returned the same smirk as she resumed with, "I think another thirty points from Slytherin for your use of language against a classmate. And detention with me tomorrow night, eight o'clock sharp."

"That's fifty points you've taken from me today! Wait until my father hears about this, he'll have you sacked!"

Bending at the waist until she was eyelevel with her student, Aurora looked Draco dead in the eye, her patience wavering as she whispered darkly, "Let me tell you something, Mr. Malfoy. Your father will not always be there to pick up the pieces of your mistakes. The word that you have chosen is against school rules; take it up with the Headmaster if you wish to make a complaint."

But as she straightened her back still glaring down at the blonde student, Aurora could see from her peripherals as Ron raised his arm, wand in hand. "You'll pay for that one Malfoy. Eat slugs!" But the curse backfired through his broken wand, sending the poor boy nearly ten feet as he crashed against the ground. The Gryffindor team raced to his side as Aurora fell to her knees, her hand against his shoulder, waiting to see what the curse would bring. Behind them, the opposing team laughed, watching with amusement in their hate-filled eyes.

"You okay, Ron? Say something!" Hermione coaxed her friend as she was on his other side. The poor boy raised to his knees before fall onto his hands, his facial features showing signs of distress and gagging, before he threw up all over the grass, but what fell from his mouth was the slimiest slug Aurora had ever seen.

Standing, she held Ron's arm as he threw up once more. Looking towards the other two, she quickly state, "Let's get him to Hagrid's quick!" Letting go, Harry and Hermione grasped their friend's shoulders headed in the direction of the grounds. Shaking her head, she looked up at the Gryffindor team and stated, "Fred, George, I'm headed to Hagrid's to keep an eye on your brother. But I need all of you to find Professor McGonagall and tell her Professor Snape gave permission to the Slytherin team to use the field for practice. That way you can get back on the list. Alright?" All heads nodded in understanding as Aurora followed the path of the trio to find Hagrid. As she passed the students dressed in green, she said disdainfully, "Don't you have some training to do? Keep lollygagging and I'll give the field usage back to the Gryffindor team."

Though she could hear muttering and sneers as she walked away, Aurora brushed it off and increased her pace to jog towards Hagrid's hut.

Once upon the large door, she knocked several times before opening the heavy wood on her own. Before her, Hagrid had given Ron a large bucket as the poor boy held it close to his chest, just beneath his chin. Glancing at Hagrid, he nodded in her direction. "I 'eard you were there, Aurora."

Taking a seat in her normal chair, Aurora nearly collapsed, rubbing a temple and closing her eyes. "I was. I just… Den boró na pistépso aftó pou mólis eída. Aftó eínai entelós aparádekti symperiforá." Noticing all eyes were staring in her direction, their trance was broken when Ron bent his head, another slug bursting from his mouth; the poor boy was pale and most likely would be throwing up normally once the curse was over.

"Aurora? You're doin' it again."

Blinking, Aurora shook her head. "I was speaking Greek, wasn't I?" Hagrid nodded but smiled in her direction. "Ugh, I'm sorry, you know how I get."

"Don' be, my dear. Now, Ron," Looking in the boy's direction, Ron slowly lifted his head before burying it inside the bucket once more. "This is the specialists equipment, Sadly, there's nothin' to do but wait'll it stops, I'm afraid." As he released yet another slug, Hagrid added. "Better out than in. Who's Ron tryin' to curse, anyway?" As he looked between Harry, Hermione and Aurora, he noticed the young female had grown quiet, staring off into the distance, not looking at either one of them.

"Malfoy," Harry answered. "He called Hermione…um, well, I don't – I don't know exactly what it means."

At the last of his words, the female stood to her feet, crossed her arms and walked towards the door. The tension only grew in the air. Aurora crossed one leg over the other and played with her fingers, not wanting to repeat the scenario, as it was one she had experienced all too often growing up within Hogwarts. Hell, she had just been called the words before term started by Draco's father nonetheless. "He called me a Mudblood," Hermione admitted quickly, her voice thick with tainted venom.

Her answer caused the friendly giant to gasp. "He did not!"

"What's a Mudblood?" Harry questioned quickly.

"It means dirty blood." Twirling until she faced the other faces in the room, Hermione struggled withholding the tears, but several fell, her pain evident. "Mudblood's a really foul name for someone who is Muggle-born. Someone with non-magic parents. Someone like me. It's not a term one usually hears in a civilized conversation."

Sighing, Aurora leaned against the back of her chair as Hagrid explained in further detail the distasteful significance of the term. "See, the thing is Harry, there're some wizards, like the Malfoy family, who think they're better'n everyone else because they're what people call pure blood."

"That's horrible!"

And another slug was released from Ron's stomach. "It's disgusting…"

"Sadly," Aurora began as Harry turned in her direction. "There's been discrimination in the wizarding world for some time." Looking up, the witch could see the apprehension across Harry's face.

"If you have the ability to use magic, why should it matter what your parents are?" he asked innocently.

"Now you see how our society is split. Some people believe you're a better wizard if you derive from a long line of witches and wizards." Groaning, Aurora fiddled with her fingers, the topic was uncomfortable to speak of, but knew her students had the right to ask.

"Aurora's righ', and it's codswallop, to boot. Dirty blood… Why, there isn't a wizard alive today that's not half blood or less. More ter the point, they've yet to think of a spell that our Hermione can' do. Come here," Hagrid held his hand out, waiting for Hermione to take as he wanted to console the young witch. As she stepped forward, her small hand in his larger one, the giant softly said, "Don't you think on it, Hermione. Don't you think on it for one minute, eh?" The witch smiled at her friend as she leaned forward, wrapping her arms around his beard-covered neck.

Wiping her eyes, Hermione turned towards her professor, who smiled empathetically in her direction. "Professor, might I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"If I may, unless I'm prodding, where do you stand?"

Tightening her lips, Aurora looked down at her lap, tinkering with the lace on her dress. Lifting her gaze again, she replied, "I'm Muggleborn, just as you, Hermione."

Nodding to the answer, Hermione said, "I knew it."

"So…is that why you were given the new course position last year? Because you're Muggleborn?" Harry asked innocently. The professor laughed as she shared a look with Hagrid; there were times she had to remind herself that Harry had lived a Muggle life despite being born into a magical family.

"I asked the same question to Professor Dumbledore last summer, Harry, because I had assumed the same thing. But, that wasn't the reason. I was told it was because I had traveled the world in the time I graduated Hogwarts and began working as your professor."

Occasionally swiping a random tear, Hermione's curiosity was uplifted, her need to question on the rise. "You've traveled? Where too?"

Eyebrows lifting, she questioned, "You really want to know?" Hermione nodded, as did Harry and Hagrid, while poor Run hung his head inside the bucket. Aurora chuckled as she counted on her fingers every place she had been. "Let's see…I've been to Scotland, Ireland, Romania when I worked with Dragons, Egypt when I went excavating, to the American wizarding school when I became the apprentice for their Potions Master…"

"Wow…" Harry whispered, glancing between his professor and best friend, who was still upchucking slugs, but the effect was slowing down.

"Then there's Italy, Greece, Russia, China Australia, Iceland…and several different countries between Africa and South America. Oh, and my favorite place to visit is Japan, I've been there several times."

"You've been all over the globe, professor!" Hermione exclaimed excitedly. "You must've had fun with the people you traveled with."

Aurora's bright smile faltered. "Not exactly. As I'm from a Muggle family, I knew nothing of this world, and struggled with my identity when I was a student here at Hogwarts. After I graduated, I traveled for work opportunities, the rest were personal adventures." Leaning forward, resting her arms against her thighs, Aurora looked up, straight towards Hermione who was watching her inquisitively. "Hermione…as you saw, I was not far from you when the bantering occurred. I want to apologize for not stepping in earlier, I had no idea Draco would call you such a name."

But the young female only shook her head. "You had no way of knowing, professor, please don't blame yourself for his actions. Though, if I am allowed to admit, the thirty points you took was well appreciated."

Glancing at Hagrid, who smiled, Aurora couldn't help but mimic his reaction as both staff members laughed. "Oh Hermione…I shouldn't be laughing, but I had a feeling you would say that."

~ oOo ~

Since the afternoon Ron reluctantly cursed himself when attempting to teach Draco a lesson, Aurora had been keeping her eye on the Slytherin boy. He had served detention with his professor, though he made it known his father would hear about the way he was being treated. Though it made her uneasy that she may, or may not, be contacted by one Lucius Malfoy regarding his son, Aurora knew she was in the right for her actions and didn't question the detention she gave the boy. She did fear, however, in what way Severus would react as she know knew he was the godfather to Draco Malfoy.

Thankfully, Severus remained impassive on the matter, soothing her anxiety that she herself would be reprimanded for her actions. The wizard knew she was protecting the other students, and even applauded the woman for taking action when it was needed. Severus admitted he wasn't thrilled she had removed the large amount of House Points, but when the situation was explained, the wizard simply nodded and dropped the matter.

In the time since the quarrel occurred between the Quidditch teams, several weeks had elapsed, and Aurora was content knowing there hadn't been another interaction revolving the trio of friends and Draco Malfoy. It seemed peace had settled across her students, and when the month of October rolled through the grounds, bringing cooler weather and beautifully colored leaves, Aurora felt the year had a sketchy start, but wondered if the peace she had seen would last throughout the remainder of the year.

Halfway through October, Aurora was seated next to Severus during dinner one Saturday night enjoying her pudding as the evening was coming to an end. Both professors had been busy throughout the last two weeks as they were preparing for midterms but agreed to spend some time together that evening after dinner, and Aurora was excited to be alone with her wizard, even if it meant sipping Fire Whiskey close to the fire. Hell, even heading to Severus' quarters and cuddling in his warm comforter was causing the witches stomach to flipflop in excitement and anticipation.

As the Headmaster excused the students back to their respected dorms for the evening, the faculty left after all students departed the Great Hall. Side-by-side, Severus and Aurora were speaking with Minerva when they noticed the whispering and murmuring of students increased as they rushed down one specific corridor leading to the second floor. All faculty members glanced towards each other before Albus instructed them to follow as they walked alongside the student body. As they moved alongside the other professors, Aurora quickly brushed her fingers against Severus who glanced at her from the corner of his eye. As they slowed their pace, heads turned forward as concerned whispers echoed across the stone corridor before Albus began to speak.

"Argus! Argus I…" The Headmaster froze in his tracks, eyes swiftly moving over the scene before him as he noticed the writing on the wall. Covering hear mouth as she gasped, Aurora accidentally lost her step as she fell into Severus by her side; the wizard grasped her shoulders and held her until she gained her posture. Peering at one another, the professors moved their attention towards the corridor, Albus' voice booming over those of the bewildered students. "Everyone will proceed to their dormitories immediately. Everyone except…you three." Albus waved his finger around Harry, Ron and Hermione as the Prefects gathered their students and ushered them away. Seeing the caretaker in distress as he gazed lovingly as his frozen pet, Albus reassured his staff member by saying, "She's not dead, Argus. She has been petrified."

"Ah, thought so!" Everyone turned their heads towards Gilderoy, who had walked closer to Mrs. Norris, inspecting her current state. "So unlucky I wasn't there. I know exactly the counter curse that could have spared her." All the staff narrowed their eyes at the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, knowing the man was bluffing to seem respectable.

"But how she has been Petrified, I cannot say…" Albus questioned.

Removing herself from Severus' side, Aurora moved closer to the wall, her eyes widening upon realization the statement painted on the stone was written in blood. "The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the heir…beware," she stated, reading the quote aloud. Quivering, Aurora rubbed one arm as a snake slithered down her spine, leaving her muscles twitching in its wake as the words escaped her mouth. Shaking her hands, she twirled to meet the obsidian eyes of Severus as he had been watching her.

"Ask him," Argus accused as he pointed a finger in Harry's direction. "It's him who's done it. You saw what he wrote on the wall!"

But Harry looked directly into his Headmaster's eyes as he defended himself. "It's not true sir, I swear. I never touched Mrs. Norris."

"Rubbish!" Argus bellowed.

Aurora had opened her mouth to speak when Severus' words spoke through first. "If I might, Headmaster? Perhaps Potter and his friends were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time." Aurora raised an eyebrow in his direction at his statement. "However," Severus continued as he walked towards the trio. "The circumstances are suspicious. I, for one, don't recall seeing Potter at dinner."

"I'm afraid that's my doing, Severus." Gilderoy interrupted. "You see, Harry was helping me answer my fan mail."

"That's why Ron and I went looking for him, Professor. We'd just found him when he said…" Hermione looked towards Harry for help.

"Yes, Miss Granger?" Severus asked, peering inquisitively at the young witch.

"When I said I wasn't hungry," Harry added as he looked Severus in the eye. "We were heading back to the common room when we found Mrs. Norris."

Severus turned towards the Headmaster as he said, "Innocent until proven guilty, Severus." The wizard smirked and rolled his eyes as Argus' tearful expression pulled everyone's attention towards him.

"My cat has been Petrified. I wanna see some punishment!"

"We will be able to cure her, Argus. As I understand it, Madam Sprout has a very healthy growth of mandrakes. When matured, a potion will be made which will revive Mrs. Norris." Albus said as he stepped towards the caretaker, placing a hand on his shoulder, but continued to speak as he looked across his staff before landing his gaze on Harry in particular. "In the meantime, I strongly recommend caution…to all." Dismissing the three students, Albus turned towards Minerva and began speaking with her.

Aurora, on the other hand, turned back towards the wall, looking closely at the writing, eyes searching, glancing between each individual letter. The blood was thick as numerous letters drippled down the etching of the stonework. Casting a charm upon herself, Aurora levitated herself into the air, fingers inching forward as some of the staff called her name. Ignoring their calls, Aurora gently placed her fingers against the thick liquid, skin crawling as the gooey fluid felt cool and warm at the same time. Releasing the spell, she floated down towards the ground, glancing up at the Headmaster.

"I don't think Mr. Potter is the culprit, Albus." He nodded for her to continue. "The blood is still wet, meaning this was done…I would say within the last hour, maybe two." Waving her clean hand over the tainted one, the blood disappeared as she shared a glance with Severus. "Gilderoy, how long was Harry with you for detention?"

"About four hours, straight through dinner," the self-absorbed professor answered.

"Albus, if Harry had just left his detention, he wouldn't have had the time to complete this. Besides, how could a mere Second Year petrify an animal? Someone who, we must remember, had lived in seclusion from the wizarding world up until last year." The other staff murmured against each other and Aurora's explanation; the witch just hoped they considered her theory before jumping to accusing Harry simply because he was the one to find Mrs. Norris before all others.

"I will make note of that, Aurora, thank you. As of right now, we have no evidence to claim Mr. Potter committed this act. I think it best if we all head back to our quarters and sleep for the night. I am requesting all staff meet tomorrow before lunch to discuss the matter at hand. Goodnight, everyone." Each faculty bid the others farewell as each headed in their own direction; Severus and Aurora left in the opposite as all others as they scurried through the dungeon towards the witch's personal quarters. As soon as the portrait had opened, Aurora bound through, brushing through her quarters towards one of the numerous bookcases, fingers tracing the spines of numerous books. Aurora skimmed her eyes over different volumes and various texts as Severus stood off to the side, arms crossed as he silently waited for her as he made his way towards the couch.

It took the witch several minutes before she exclaimed, "Ah ha!" and bounced her way towards Severus, taking a seat at his side.

Pulling the thick cover back, Aurora quickly flipped through the pages before Severus gently grasped the hardbound leather cover and lifted it so he could read the title. Blinking to ensure the man read the title correctly, he slowly asked, "Aurora…how did you acquire this book?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," she answered, eyes still glued to the pages, flipping through each one, searching for something specific.

"Aurora…this book is several centuries old, if not more. Some say it's the only copy and you had it on your shelf?"

She nodded. "Yes sir. On my travels up in Scotland, I came across a random bookstore and the store owner had this book locked in a glass case. He wouldn't sell it, claiming it was the most unique book he owned, but after much negotiating, he reluctantly sold it, and made quiet the profit on his end."

"How much did you spend."

Glancing to her side, Aurora smirked. "Let's just say the equivalent to our Wizarding currency was almost two-thousand Galleons."

This caused the man to sigh and as he continued to watch her find what she was looking for. "All for a book," he muttered, but ultimately laughed as he looked into Aurora's eyes.

"It's not just a book, Severus! This is the book that inspired Bathilda Bagshot to write Hogwarts: A History. This is Hogwarts: The Creation and Destruction of the Legendary Founders." Still flipping the pages, Aurora gasped as she landed on the chapter she was searching. "This book contains the first know account of the Chamber of Secrets. Look," she said, holding the book in his direction as he glanced at the aged ink drawing of what the author thought the chamber looked like.

As Aurora read aloud of small portion of the text, the author described fallout Salazar Slytherin had with the other founders of Hogwarts, and the supposed chamber he left behind was meant for his heir to purge the wizarding world of those who didn't derive from an all magic family. She wasn't sure how many times she had read the book, particularly this chapter, but was always left chilled. Though the words didn't leave her lips, she read the remaining part of the paragraph she had vocalized, her eyes soaking in the words written in ink. The beast born from the will of Slytherin will conquer the world for those who are his enemies.

Thankfully, Severus spoke, noticing Aurora's rigidness, his hand grasping hers as she tightly held the edge of the ancient book. "Aurora, why are you reading this?"

"Because of what transpired tonight! Severus, don't you find it eerie Mrs. Norris was petrified with words written in blood about the Chamber of Secrets on the wall? This isn't a prank from the Weasley twins. I don't think any student here could have pulled this off."

"Is that why you're reading this book? You think the myth is coming to life?"

"It's been claimed as a myth, something to elaborate the tension between Salazar Slytherin and the other three, but it's a legend that's been passed down in the last thousand years. Legends and myths don't force the staff and Headmasters to search the castle from top to bottom; there's some truth with Salazar Slytherin leaving the other founders."

Sighing, Severus grasped the thick book from Aurora's lap and placed it on the small table before pulling woman into his arms. "Remember, no chamber has been found in all the searches the school has conducted. Aurora, I know you and I know what you're thinking." Pulling her onto his lap, the man felt her trembling. Rubbing a hand gently up and down her back, the wizard knew she was afraid. Aurora's instincts were usually on point, so if she felt uneasy about something, Severus knew to be suspicious.

"The chamber's opened before, Severus; you know the story just as well as I do. Who's to say it won't open again?"

Tightening his arms, Severus couldn't do anything else other than stare of into the roaring fireplace. Though her instincts were sharp, the woman was easily pushed into fear, and the wizard couldn't understand why. She was one of the strongest witches he knew and she was fearless in a duel. Looking down at the female, Severus was filled with nothing but unconditional love for her. The woman drove him nuts; she was bubbly and danced to her own beat; she had her own demons but pushed through each and every day because she wanted to.

Kissing her head, Severus whispered, "I won't let anything hurt you. I will not let you become petrified."

She giggled at his statement but appreciated it nonetheless. "You better promise. I don't think I'd look pretty if I was petrified."

Smirking against her hair, Severus answered with, "You might be prettier, to be honest." Turning in his lap, she slapped his arm before standing, but it caused her to smile, so she leaned forward and placed a simple kiss on his cheek. Standing to his full height, Severus quickly picked up the female at her legs and moved towards her bedroom, dropping the two of them onto the mattress. Though she was expecting a quiet night, Aurora wasn't complaining when Severus leaned down, distracting her thoughts her he kissed his way down her neck.

I hope you keep your promise, Severus.

~ oOo ~

"Den boró na pistépso aftó pou mólis eída" = I can't believe what I just witnessed

"Aftó eínai entelós aparádekti symperiforá" = This is completely unacceptable behavior

This was a troubling chapter, but I appreciate any and all criticism. Just be nice.

Chocobocolina :3