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.

17. Chapter 17

Chapter Seventeen

Birthdays Shouldn't Be Filled With Regret

A/N: Oh my! Am I updating a chapter? Why, yes I am!

I'm sorry! For those who read my Attack on Titan story (and for those who don't – you should!), you already know, but if you don't, I took December off because I was suffering from writer's block and wanted to focus on the holidays. Fast forward to January and this chapter was given me some problems, so I wrote the latest piece for my AoT story, and was then finally able to create this magnificent beast!

Are any of my readers smut lovers? If so, ya'll will enjoy this! :)

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 not own direct quotes or phrases.

~ oOo ~

Severus Snape and Aurora Warrington found themselves overly tired and exhausted within the weeks after the Dueling Club incident. They, and the other staff, increased their patrolling of the castle at night, keeping a wary eye for student's past curfew and any other individuals' behavior. The professors were beginning to worry as the night after the Dueling Club, another student, Justin Finch-Fletchley, along with Nearly Headless Nick, were found petrified within one of the main corridors, by none other than Harry Potter.

Aurora was beginning to think whoever was petrifying the students had the ability to sneak anywhere within the castle.

Nevertheless, classes continued as normal with Albus keeping the School Board at bay, though Aurora was slightly skittish when the holidays grew closer, but once she began decorating her chambers for Christmas, she was able to forego the anxiety creeping along her spine. As the weather grew cold and unfriendly, with snow falling every day, the witch was able to push her worries to the back of her mind while dragging Severus around the white grounds for late afternoon walks. Mind and heart at ease, Aurora knew something worse would happen before the end of second term, but wanted to simply enjoy a moment of silent peace.

And just as time quickly passes when one isn't paying attention, the Christmas holiday came and went, leaving the few remaining students and professors with smiles on their faces at the gifts they received and the warm food filling their bellies. Celebrating on their own, Aurora and Severus spent the day in the male's chambers, leisurely lounging around, enjoying each other's company by the fire with his knitted blanked around their shoulders. Gifting a present towards the other, Aurora gave Severus a hand-knitted scarf and glove set to match the blanket she gave him the previous year. She even placed some of his favorite chocolates into his stocking. He wouldn't admit it, but the wizard had a sweet tooth, though not as bad as his lover.

And Severus' gift to Aurora?

Brand new books she'd been wanting were wrapped individually and tied with string, her squeal of joy became music to the man's ears. Upon opening her last gift, Aurora retrieved a small, black suede back and, undoing the tied strings, poured a trinket into her hand. The trinket was a thin, silver chain bracelet with two small charms, one of a dragon, and the other, a cat. Smiling, Aurora was near tears when the black-haired male took the bracelet from her fingers and clasped it around her wrist. To say Aurora was thrilled with her present would be an understatement. She was overjoyed and happy.

Severus, on the other hand, was troubled.

Guilt weighing heavily on his conscious, the Potions Master walked around the castle after Christmas with a sulk on his face, but only when Aurora was not by his side. His eyes were always narrowed and a headache usually accompanied him whenever he was not in the witch's presence. Students tended to avoid close range when walking in the halls, but after the holidays, they avoided the male professor all together. The scowl was deeper, his stare harder, and his presence was made known to all who saw – Severus Snape was infuriated. The question is, with who?

With himself.

Every moment his eyes landed on Aurora was like he was seeing her for the first time in ten years, just as it had been the previous summer. His heart would tighten, the very air he breathed left his lungs as he consumed the aura that was his lover, the only person in his world who desired to know him for who he was, who he had been. The woman accepted his past as a Death Eater, even forgave him for the pain and inexcusable behavior he bestowed during her final school year; Severus led her to believe that he reciprocated her feelings of love during her Seventh Year, but the confusion he held was due to Lily Potter. With the knowledge that Lily was not the one he truly loved, Severus now gave everything he had for the one who captured his heart. He wanted and desired to prove Aurora was the one he loved all this time, and that he, in fact, was the dunderhead who hadn't noticed it before.

And yet, guilt sure was a tricky emotion to conceal when, deep in his heart, Severus Snape knew he did not deserve the yearning, the passion, nor the lust consuming him for Aurora. Believing the witch deserved an individual stronger than he, Severus weighed his options, yet the same conclusion was the only reasoning his foolish brain could accept. However, would the man be able to do it? Would the man be able to let go of the only light in his life to better protect her from himself?

Severus Snape was infuriated to lose the only woman he had ever loved him. The problem was, he would be the reason to lose her.

~ oOo ~

"S-Severus!'

"Aurora!"

"Ngh, please...please...!" Flat upon her back, the female lay sprawled open for all to see, but only for one specifically. Legs held tightly by the ankles and spread wide by none other than the man driving her crazy, Aurora huffed and gasped, cheeks burned red with unbridled passion. With no control over the hardened thrusts Severus pounded into her heated core, she could do nothing but stare in awe at the man before her.

"T-Tell me what it is you want!" roared Severus, pulling the woman from her thoughts. Withholding her ability to hide, Severus dropped Aurora's legs, cupping her face as he increased his speed. Sweat trickled down his skin as Aurora stared up at the man, eyes now wide for her very soul to be seen. "You...you like it fast when you're close," the man grunted, his warm breath tickling her neck.

"Yes," she mumbled in a hot mess.

"Tell me...how close are you?" the man groaned, as the witch tightened her muscled core, knowing Severus could release just off of that alone.

"R-Really close!" Moaning loudly, Aurora turned her head just enough to kiss the inside of Severus' palm. Barely a second later, a high pitch squeal emitted from her throat as the bundle of nerves lit on fire, igniting her entire body ablaze as her entire body tensed.

Severus, of course, being the culprit.

Thumb rubbing against her sweet spot, the wizard continued to lunge his body forward and back before being met by the intensification of heat and liquid. Teeth clenching into a bite on his hand, Aurora pulled a scream from her throat, the pleasured tension burst, electrifying her entire form into a limp body of tingles and calmness. Following closely after, Severus dropped his neck to her neck as he stalled his hips, emptying his release for the woman he loved.

For the woman I don't deserve, he thought.

Heavy breathing and loving kisses, the couple fell upon the bed in a heap of sighs. Silence fell for a few moments while the female steadied her ever-beating heart. "Now...that's what I call a birthday surprise," she giggled.

"As it is my birthday, there was really only one thing I wanted," Severus stated honestly, smirking as he grabbed Aurora's ass, giving it a tight squeeze while earning a slap in return. Thinking back to earlier that evening after dinner, Severus had to speak with Albus before making way towards his chambers to see Aurora placing a cake on his table. Once through the portrait, the wizard scooped the witch into his arms and carried her to the bedroom where he spent most of the night with his head between her moist lips, fondling her soaked heat until she was shoving him away from her overly sensitive clit.

And that was all before they had gotten to the main course.

"Considering we didn't do much for your birthday last year, I'm glad to be of service," she said with a giggle.

And never again, Severus thought, yet grinned in her direction as she smirked before quickly rolling over, kissing his cheek and cuddling into his side, one arm draping over her skin as they both lay there. It took the lovers awhile and after some time passed of enjoying the simplicity of being with the other, Aurora pulled her wizard from the bed, and after dressing, dragged him into the kitchen where she surprised Severus with the small cake she made just that morning.

Consuming the entire dessert, the couple grabbed a bottle of Fire Whiskey, two glasses and a blanket before moving their party to the couch placed in front of the fire. Wrapping themselves in the furry blanket, they happily drank as Aurora gifted Severus his birthday present, smiling the entire time he opened the small box wrapped in green and silver. Just as the man slid his finger under the wrapper, Aurora grasped his hand, wanting him to stop as he peered up at her from the corner of his eyes.

"This, uh...your present Severus, it's more...m-more for me than you," she quietly mumbled, avoiding eye contact. Severus noticed the red tint covering her neck, embarrassment evident as the man grinned, ripping the paper and tossing it aside. With the box lay bare, he pulled the lid off and slowly moved aside the tissue paper, cursing the damn thing to oblivion for being such a waste. Inside, he found two more wrapped items, one large and one small. Opening the larger packet first, Severus placed the open wrapping upon his lap as he leisurely lifted his present into the air. Or, as Aurora had stated, the gift that was truly meant for her.

Staring wide-eyed at this gift, Severus finally understood what the woman meant.

Smooth as a feather, Severus carefully touched the sheer fabric, tracing the floral designs of the lace. It took the man a few seconds, but once he pulled the second item from the same wrapping, he instantly realized what he was gifted. In his hands, Severus Snape held a lace babydoll and lace panties. Raising an eyebrow, the wizard turned to see Aurora shaking in embarrassment, face beat red as she held a pillow against her chest. Clearing his throat, the man was, indeed, unexpectant of such a present for his birthday, but with the growing bulge in his pants, the man could say that was very appreciative for the gift.

"I see what you meant," was all he said, clearing his throat while trying to hide his smirk.

"I'm sorry!" Aurora blurted, completely hiding her face behind the pillow. Voice muffled as she continued to speak, Severus grabbed the cushioned square and took it from the woman so she wouldn't hide herself from him. "I-I-I...you're really hard to shop for, you know that?!" was her only statement.

"Aurora..." Holding the items up against her body, Aurora gasped as the male laughed. "You're really into lace, aren't you?" he chuckled.

Blushing profusely, Aurora nodded. "Yes," she whispered. "This...I wanted to give you something different and we..." Rubbing her neck, she took a deep breath. "We've become a little more intimate in the bedroom and I got this to be...a little more...hot for you. And those," she pointed to the underwear as Severus held them up in the light, enjoying the green and silver of the lace and ribbons. "...those are c-crotchless panties."

"Aurora..." Placing the items and unwrapped present onto the side table, he grabbed her face, wanting her attention on him. "You didn't need to gift me this just to be hot for me. You are already beautiful and...hot...at the same time."

Widening her eyes, she feared he didn't like the gift and frowned, eyes growing teary. "I'm sorry...I just wanted to give you something fun and different that we could both like..."

"Aurora," Severus stated firmly. "Don't apologize, I never said anything about not liking it. I'm surprised, is all. However..." Grasping the panties, Severus held the minimal amount of material, fingers moving over the floral design. "Were you wanting to use these tonight?" he asked eagerly, eyebrow raised.

Laughing while wiping her cheeks, Aurora shook her head. "Nope! I'm actually gonna take these with me and surprise you with the entire outfit, so you won't be expecting it."

"Bloody hell, Aurora," Severus moaned, moving the material of his pants around, his erection growing uncomfortable by the second. Blinking, the blush Aurora wore turned brighter as she was the one to smirk. Removing any remaining wrapping off the couch, the witch dropped to her knees in front of Severus, the flames of the fire against her back igniting a sudden desire to which she had never done before.

Moving her hands leisurely up his thighs, Aurora ghosted her fingers over the zipper of her lover's pants, currently restricting the problem she wished to reach. Lowering the metal trinket one by one, the witch raised her blue orbs to Severus' obsidian as she bit her lip, removing the tight material from his hips, the male lifted his from, all the while watching the female. Smiling at the male's black boxer briefs, she lowered the thin material as well, his erection springing forth with such force, the muscle nearly whacked Aurora in the face. Never removing her eyes from his, Aurora lapped her tongue against the thick muscle, feeling the body beneath hers quiver and shake in anticipation. Sighing, Severus forced his vision to stare upon the woman running her tongue along his length. Her blue eyes wide, tongue silky wet and his erection strained even further just at the sight.

Engulfing his member completely, Aurora latched her mouth over his head, soaking the muscle as her saliva dribbled down her chin. Its head hit the back of her throat and she pushed even further until the entire length lay against the flat of her tongue. Fingers intertwining in her hair, Severus gently pulled, throwing his head back as she tightened her lips, sucking the air from within, thrusting her head back and forth whilst wrapping her tongue around and around his member.

Groaning uncontrollably, Severus switched between keeping his head against the couch and watching his lover suck him off, her eyes occasionally seeking his out, as if she was daring him to consume her actions. Using a free hand, Aurora grasped his balls causing the wizard to pull tighter on her hair, hips lifting slightly off the couch. Voice lost and heavy breaths leaving his lips, Severus clenched his teeth in preparation, as the time was nigh.

"Aurora!"

Sensing the twitch in his cock, the witch clamped his lips tightly, closing eyes as Severus howled, hips convulsing as he released his load into her mouth. Swallowing greedily, Aurora released her mouth, his seed dribbling down the side of her mouth as she scooped the remainder with her finger and then licking it clean. Spent, the wizard observed her actions, a slow grin forming on his face before pulling the with towards his face, forming their lips together. Pulling back, she pecked his cheek and said, "Happy Birthday, Severus."

With a sigh and a smile, he replied with, "And what a birthday it has been."

After cleaning and rearranging clothing, Severus and Aurora found themselves once again wrapped within the blanket, the two held a silent conversation on different subjects, mostly steering away from the issues within the school. The night had swept away where the two continued to talk, discussing their time as students at Hogwarts, after they graduated and much more. Finally, when Aurora realized it was after midnight – though not caring as it was now Sunday – and looked at Severus with a proposition in her smile.

"What're you thinking?" he asked lowly, the depth of his voice both arousing and calming.

"Let's play Twenty Questions!"

Straightening his posture, Severus raised in eyebrow, not knowing what to say, not expecting her to say that. "What...the bloody hell did you just say?"

"Twenty Questions! You've never heard of it?"

"...by my lack of silence, you're to assume I do not, Aurora."

His statement made her chuckle. "Of Severus, snarky as ever, it seems. So! There are two types Twenty Questions, but the one I'm referring to is usually played between two people and they each ask a total of twenty questions to the other person, starting with questions that are fairly simple and easy to answer, before dreading into areas that are...more dangerous and difficult."

"And why would we play that...?"

"Because I asked." Aurora scooted closer to Severus. "And because you love me." And closer. "And I think we could have fun." Unknown to Aurora, the male inhaled deeply and exhaled, knowing this is the moment he'd been dreading.

He was ready for his world to darken.

In a sigh filled with regret, Severus nodded in agreement as the witch by his side squealed with delight. And thus, their game began. Both asked the other simple questions to start, such as: what's your favorite color, least favorite subject while at Hogwarts, the worst injury either had received, what would you change your name to, and many, many more. As Aurora stated, the questions being asked were becoming difficult to answer, as they were more personal, both something neither the witch nor wizard had fully explained in detail to the either before.

"It's your turn, Severus."

"We're not done?"

"Nope!"

"Bloody hell," he murmured, grasping his nose. "Alright...oh, here's something. Last year during your mother's funeral, Rose thanked you for something but never stated what it was. What was she thanking you for?"

"Ah," she said, taking a sip of her spiced drink. "You could probably tell, but Rose is from America, the reason for no accent. We met during our apprenticeship at St. Mungo's after she graduated from Ilvermorny and moved here; she didn't have a place to stay and we became fast friends, so I invited her to live with us. When my mother's health decreased, I hired her as a live-in caretaker for my mother. After my mother passed, I told her she was more than welcome to stay in my house while I was here teaching for the year, since that was already her home."

"I will admit, Aurora, that was very admirable of you."

"I wasn't about to kick her out simply because she wouldn't be a caretaker anymore, but she now she works at St. Mungo's. Alright, my turn! Let's see..." Grasping her chin, the witch thought for a moment before glancing at Severus from the corner of her eye. "Hmm, alright. You don't have to answer but here goes: I...I have the general idea of what Tobias did to you, but...what did your father really do, Severus...?"

Unknowingly, Severus tightened and unclenched his fists several times, glancing anywhere than at the woman. As students, even as colleagues, he had provided bits and pieces of his abusive past with his father, but nothing other than vague details. "My father, that vile man..." Abruptly standing, he stalked towards the mantle, gripping the brick as he finally faced Aurora with his answer. "My father abused my mother when I was a child before he beat me. When I grew older, he took to beating me with his belt, to throwing beer bottles at me when he was drunk. The beatings became worse when I returned during break from school, but he died shortly after I graduated."

"Severus..." Aurora said gently, regretting her decision to ask.

"What of your father, Aurora?"

"...hm?" She tilted her head.

Kneeling before her, Severus grasped her hands, studying her skin, tracing the thin, some thick, white scars across her fingers. He knew there were more, having studied her naked body from head to toe, kissing each wound he could see. "How did your father abuse you...?"

Wrapping the blanket tighter around herself, Aurora inhaled to prepare an answer as she countered Severus' question with her own. "How didn't my father abuse me? He..." Swallowing her fear, she should've known Severus would ask the same towards her, but she was still scared. Severus knew she was abused by her father as well, but never what he'd done, never how he mistreated her. "He would punch me, kick me. He threw me down the stairs one time, leaving my arm broken. But the worse was when he was drunk, much like your father. The man liked to chase me with a broken bottle after he attacked my mom, that's how he got me on my stomach and my legs."

Shaking her head of the memories, Aurora returned her smile as she said, "Alright, I'll question you next." Remember, you're the one who suggested this game.

"Aurora..."

"I'm fine Severus," she muttered quietly. Taking a breath, she resumed. "Let's see...um? Ah...why did you..."

When she quieted down, Severus resumed his seat next to her. "State your question, Aurora."

"Alright, what...what was the real reason you switched sides?" Slightly recoiling, Aurora most likely didn't realize Severus' change in demeanor, or was ignoring just until she spoke her entire question. "Why did you go from being a Death Eater for Voldemort, to becoming a spy for Dumbledore...?"

Tightening his lips, Severus inhaled, slowly exhaled and then stood, never once glancing at the woman he loved. "...that is a question I'm not sure you want the answer to."

"It is," Aurora stated adamantly. "Severus...I want to know everything about you and I...I have an assumption about the reason, but...feel I deserve to know." Her initial question hadn't been out of pettiness, but seeing Severus' actions, had the woman questioning if she was still competing with a dead woman.

"What is your assumption, what do you already know?"

Tightening the blanket for comfort, the female was quiet with her answer. "You switched sides after Lily's death, and...I could only assume because Voldemort killed her."

"...that is, somewhat correct."

The air evaporated from her throat as Aurora curled further into the very blanket she made him the previous year. Since growing into a relationship with Severus, the voice in her head occasionally screamed that he was still in love with Lily, and it had always been her. If this was a confession, she deserved to know the absolute truth. "Severus, are you...?"

Consuming more Fire Whiskey than needed, Severus paced around her living room, doing everything he could to avoid direct eye contact. Aurora was correct, she had the right to ask and know the truth. She'd known all along, learning as a student, that he had become a Death Eater but then became a double agent for Dumbledore. The depth on the matter had never been disclosed, and as he gripped the brick mantle of the fireplace, the wizard sighed, remembering the wonderful memories he had with Aurora over the past year; though, Aurora beat Severus to destroying what they had.

"...it's still Lily, wasn't it?"

"Yes," he instantly replied. Hearing her muffled voice, the man turned just enough to see the female cover her mouth, blue eyes wide and blurry, an onslaught of tears threatening to fall.

"This entire time..." Standing with the blanket falling to the ground, Aurora separated herself from the man she suddenly knew nothing about. Feeling a wave of nausea creep within her throat, Aurora closed her eyes, willing as hard as she possibly could for it to disappear, but nonetheless, the revolting feeling won.

Quickly turning to the kitchen sink, Aurora gripped the counter, releasing the contents of her stomach, upchucking her dinner and the birthday cake she made. She could hear the heaviness of Severus' footsteps approach her, but she held up a hand behind her, not wanting the man to have any physical contact with her. In between bouts of dry heaving, Aurora was able to growl, "Don't you dare touch me!"

"Aurora..." Backing away, he respected her demand and gave the woman her space. It was silent for a few minutes as she cleaned the sink and washed her mouth.

Once she was able to collect herself, Aurora fully turned her body, narrowing her expression to one of animosity. "Don't you even think of touching me," she whispered. Gripping both elbows tightly around herself, as if she wanted to hide the very body Severus had pleasured, Aurora, in a voice so unlike hers, admitted as fact, "You used me..."

"No," Severus grounded his voice, stepping forward to grasp her arms, but she avoided his touch. "It was never like that – "

"Then what was it?!" Screaming, Aurora moved around the living room. "Severus Tobias Snape – tell me the truth. All this time, you were using me as if I was Lily. Thinking I was here, holding me like I was here, having sex with me as if I was her; it's always been about her!"

"I switched sides when I discovered the prophecy that would destroy Voldemort!" Severus roared, his own rage taking over, and the man could do nothing but direct it towards the woman cowering in her own skin. "I learned of Voldemort's plan to kill Lily and her family, so I sought Albus' help. In turn, if I spied on Voldemort for him, he would grant his protection for Lily – he guaranteed it." Aurora said nothing, patiently waiting as best she could to hear the validity in his words.

"When they were betrayed and Voldemort killed Lily, I turned to Albus due to his failure. From then on, I remained a double agent for whenever the Dark Lord returns, to protect the Order and Lily's son."

"...and now?"

"I remain a double agent."

"...for Lily."

"...it was always for Lily," Severus voiced quietly, collecting his thoughts on the matter that was cleaving his heart out.

Tasting blood on her tongue, Aurora realized she'd bit her cheek in irritation. Frustrated, she ran a palm against her face, ridding herself of tears that didn't deserve to fall. "And what of this past year..." Finally, she raised her gaze to meet his, staggered to find his expression neutral, entirely void of any emotion at all. She knew Severus was a master at guarding his emotions, to never wear them upon his sleeve, but even she was surprised to note that their discussion wasn't fazing him at all. "Did nothing we experience mean anything to you?!"

Silent for only a few seconds, it seemed the man already had a response formed on the tip of his tongue, as he smoothly answered her question. "Not in the way it meant to you." Gasping, Aurora's face fell, hand covering her mouth as her body shook from various feelings and sensations; betrayal, repulsed, violated, but worst of all?

She felt used.

Used for sex, used to fill in a hole that she could never fill.

"I never loved you, Aurora." The strength she held as a witch and as a human all but vanished. How could the power of language be so destructive? Such a phrase pierced her very core as those specific words utterly destroyed the very air she breathed. "I cannot love anyone other than Lily."

"No, Severus; it's not that you can't, it's that you won't." Standing firm, Aurora leaned forward towards the table and grasped her wand, knowing full well the second chance she gave her heart hadn't been worth it. Moving towards Severus, the closer she grew, Aurora could see the fear in the man's eyes. His body quivered slightly and the hands at his side were clenched and twitching. "You are so caught up in the past thinking she was the most amazing person in our world. But guess what? She's dead. And the only person who truly loved you is standing right here; but no more! You want to love a dead woman? Be my guest, I won't stand in your way any longer!"

Moving to leave her quarters, Severus clutched her arm, wrapping his fingers tightly around her skin. "Aurora!"

"Let me go, Severus!" Ripping her arm away, Aurora growled, emotion clearly written across her body as she struggled to remain impassive. "You have no right to touch me anymore! You used me while you loved another woman. You lied to my face, you bloody coward!"

"I never wanted to be with you because what we had wouldn't last!"

"So why did you try? Why did you give me this on Christmas?!" Hastily removing the locket from around her neck, Aurora threw the trinket at Severus as she also removed the bracelet from her wrist.

"I..."

"Don't even try to give me an answer. You've made your case and this only proves I was the fool for thinking you truly loved me. Ten years ago, you broke what we had for a woman who never loved you, and now I leave you because you're still in love with a dead woman, still partaking in your duties to appease her corpse." Hiccupping as the swirl of reactions exploded the dam, she trembled in pain as her eyes flooded with a stream of undeniable anguish. "Severus Snape..." Straightening, Aurora turned her back on the man as she made her way to leave. "We're through...and outside of our professional relationship, I don't ever want to see you anywhere near me."

And with the quickness Severus knew Aurora held, she was gone, the waviness of her brunette hair the last image he had of the woman he genuinely loved with his entire being.

Falling to the ground in a heap of pitifulness, Severus gently grabbed the bracelet and necklace off the ground, holding the items close to the lifeless heart still thumping to keep him alive. The wizard had never been one to cry, the man barely shed a tear when he found Lily Potter in a heap on the floor in her son's room, the cold clutch of death having taken her long before his arrival. In the present moment, however, Severus Tobias Snape, bat of the Hogwarts dungeon, clenched his eyes shut, face stained with the waterworks of sorrow, heartbreak and selfishness.

I did what I had to protect Aurora...She's too bloody perfect and I'm...I'm too stained. I can't drag her into the grave that has become my personal hell.

Having lost track of time as the man knelt against the ground in his kitchen, Severus stood on two wobbly legs, bracing himself against the loneliness forcing itself into his personal space, and his heart. Weakly waving his hand to extinguish the fire, Severus did a double-take as he glanced back towards his table, noticing a small package still wrapped with a bow on top. Sighing heavily, the wizard tenderly seized the package, questioning if he had the right to even open such a gift from the person he purposely let go.

Removing all clothing before changing to sleep, Severus sat on his bed, fingers tracing the intricate pattern of the wrapping. His integrity was screaming he had no right to open the gift; nevertheless, Severus found his fingers digging under the folded corners, ripping through the paper until the box hidden underneath was discovered. Removing both lid and tissue paper, the wizard inhaled deeply, eyes moving back and forth across the gift before him.

Upon his lap, Aurora had gifted Severus a photograph of them, an image he had never seen before in black and white. From what he could tell, it was taken within the last few weeks and as he watched the two of them, Severus recalled the night perfectly. They had returned from the Great Hall and he asked Aurora to dance; slowly around the room, he held her hand as he pulled her back into his arms, smiling down at her perfect face before planting a kiss into her hair. His smile was nothing compared to the one Aurora was wearing, her eyes beaming happily up at the man as the picture continued on an endless loop. Somehow, the witch had this taken without his knowledge and framed it, just in time for his birthday.

Growling at the memory, Severus tenderly placed the picture upon his nightstand before curling into his bed, now lonely without the warmth of Aurora by his side. Covering his eyes, Severus knew that this night would happen, but he wasn't expecting such a night to occur this quickly. With thoughts of ending his relationship plaguing his mind since summer, the wizard knew he was doing right by Aurora. He didn't want her in his life if he knew hell was upon his door. Albus was correct that Voldemort would return, and when he did, Severus would become a double agent once more.

Even with all the love he held in his heart for the woman, Severus did not, could not, bring himself to force Aurora into such a world of darkness, destruction and death. She was not meant to see such atrocities, and if he only saw such monstrosity for himself, then he be damned, as long as it was to keep Aurora Warrington safe.

~ oOo ~

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months; for Severus Snape and Aurora Warrington, time no longer existed as each day didn't matter to either magical being.

Since Severus' birthday in January, neither witch nor wizard had spoken outside of their professional relationship. At dinner within the Great Hall, she resumed her seat by his side, though she neither spoke to, nor instigated conversation with the man unless he did first, but even then, her replies were curt or nonexistent at all. When Aurora stated she did not want anything to do with Severus Snape after that night, she truly meant her words.

Both individuals worked their bodies to death in order to escape the grief overflowing their hearts. Passing by in the halls, they would sometimes nod their head in acknowledgement or completely ignore the other, even glancing away at some points. As the weeks flew by, Severus grew angry at Aurora, and even angrier at himself, knowing he held no right to hold such fury against her. It was he who decided enough was enough, to end their beautiful moment before it truly had a chance to bloom. Severus was angry at her silence, angry at her disdain for him.

Most importantly, Severus was angry at himself and hated what he had done, despite trying to shelter her from any future harm.

Each night since, the wizard would crawl into bed, one arm falling upon the spare side, hoping, wishing she would return into his arms, protecting the remaining warmth he held in his heart. And every morning he woke up, Severus would accommodate the situation that he was to be alone, so very alone, and there was no way he would ever receive another hug or kiss from the woman who meant more to him than Lily ever did.

Aurora was the same as Severus, if not worse. As soon as class finished, she stayed for any lingering students, but would do her best to hide within her chambers, only removing herself when her skin wasn't stained red from the constant crying. Each time, she dreamt of Severus' birthday, the way he watched her as he stated he could never love her, and it was always Lily. Though Severus was the one to end their connection, Aurora blamed herself, knowing she was a fool for thinking the wizard to truly be over a woman dead in her grave for almost twelve years.

The only comfort she seemed to find was the love she received from Merlin and Sapphire, occasionally taking both for walks through the snow and then the bright sun when spring canceled winter for the remainder of the year. She'd take her beloved pets out to the lake where they would walk around, sometimes to sit upon a blanket and read in the solitude of the area, or even to Hagrid's, where they would converse, drink tea, and enjoy each other's company.

Surprisingly, she had also been requested by Hermione to assist with her investigation regarding the Chamber of Secrets. The younger witch explained their somewhat success with the Polyjuice Potion over Winter Break – Hermione having admitted she accidentally used cat hair instead of human hair – and how she felt there was more to know before anyone else could become petrified. Aurora was concerned the young witch was treading into dangerous territory, but couldn't convince herself to tell the female to give up on searching for the unknown. If anyone had told any of the famous witches and wizards to stop their meddling in the past, none of the would have made groundbreaking discoveries.

Secretly, Aurora asked Hermione to meet at her personal chambers where the professor presented the student with her rarest book: Hogwarts: The Creation and Destruction of the Legendary Founders. Book in hand, the professor allowed the student to read the chapter regarding the Chamber, in which Hermione asked question after question, where they both deduced hypothetical answers based off their knowledge from the text.

Feeling as if she could trust her professor with more than she'd already discussed, Hermione admits the truth to Aurora about what had happened throughout the year with Harry, even discussing the events with the blank notebook he found in Myrtle's bathroom. Aurora is concerned, but Hermione begs her professor not to mention anything to their Headmaster, to which she complies.

Even the regular meetings she had with Hermione weren't able to fully occupy Aurora's mind. Everything she saw, all the staff and students she spoke with on a daily basis reminded her of Severus – everything she had and everything she lost, all at once. Daily tasks became hard, but the witch continued to move forward, knowing there were students who needed her help, and she didn't want to disappoint them or Albus as this was her job.

One night, several weeks into March, Severus, after internally debating with himself all day, decided to speak with Aurora and briskly walked from his chambers to hers, surprised to see the portrait still allowing him access.

Upon entering, he saw no sight of Aurora; a bare living room with the fire dwindling on its own, the light creating a soft glow across the room he hadn't seen in weeks. Walking through the open room, the wizard was surprised to see how out of place her belongings seemed to be. The once organized and spotless space was cluttered with parchment, quills, clothes and other random objects not in their correct spot. Noticing a faint glow from Aurora's opened bedroom door, Severus tentatively stepped forward, quietly making his way through to find Aurora snuggled into her bed, arms wrapped around herself as she lay in the fetal position, body slightly shaking from the cold.

Moving as close as he could without waking her, Severus realized she wouldn't stir when he noted the empty bottles upon her nightstand, belonging to a Dreamless Sleep potion. Watching the steady rise of her chest as she breathed, Severus draped the comforter over her small frame, noticing Aurora sighed as she snuggled into the warm fabric. Leaning over, the wizard couldn't resist to drop a kiss on her temple, delicately whispering, "I'm sorry," only noticing the thick book by her side as he straightened.

Taking the book within his hands, Severus thumbed through the pages, surprised to find it was a scrapbook from her time as a Hogwarts student, containing mementos from each year until she graduated. Letters between her and her parents, notes from friends, class schedules, course grades and pictures. Turning each page, he was surprised at the photos of Aurora and how much she grew in her time as a student, especially the three years he didn't see her before he became a professor during her final year. A smile grew on the wizards face as he witnessed the woman he cherished on each page.

That is, until he reached the last two pages.

With a photo of Severus and Aurora the day of her graduation, the wizard was surprised to see the two hugging, he remembered the day as if it just happened – it being the same day he ruined everything between the two for the next ten years. Next to the photo, for the first time, Severus read the message Aurora wrote regarding their first breakup, finally realizing, from her written point of view, the hurt he caused her that day. Finally, turning to the last page, he saw the same portrait Aurora gifted him weeks earlier for his birthday where they were slow dancing in his chambers. And just as the previous photo, this one was also accompanied with a description of how Severus ended their relationship.

January 9th, 1993

Severus Tobias Snape broke my heart. AGAIN.

On his birthday, we celebrated; we made love, drank by the fire and he opened his gifts. I didn't realize until after I left that he had only opened one gift, one which I regret. The other...who knows what he'll do with it. He may burn the picture or destroy it, whatever he wants – the picture of us doesn't matter anymore as we are no longer together. Severus Snape, apparently, was still in love with Lily Potter the entire time we were together. Through every embrace, every kiss, every intimate moment, Lily was on his mind. If he wants to love a woman that will never come back, I won't get in his way; but am I not good enough...? Am I to lose all the people I hold dear, all those I love?

My father beat me, my step-father died, then my mother died, and now...the one man whom I have loved since the moment I saw him the night of the Sorting my First Year – and yet, I still love him even after what he said. He played me for a fool and I completely fell for it, becoming a fool in the end. But...am I a fool for thinking Severus is lying? Am I that hopeful he would return the same love in return?

Nevertheless, I was never good enough. Lily Potter was the only angel Severus Snape had eyes for. I was never the one he wanted and I will never be the one he wants.

Reading her handwritten never several times, Severus glanced up towards Aurora's sleeping form, whispering her name as he closed the book, placing it back in the spot he found it. Kneeling, with Aurora turning to face him just as he landed on his knee, Severus brushed his fingers over her silky skin, remembering the warmth of her flesh against his own. She was just as beautiful in her sleep and the professor inhaled sharply, sensing the burning sting within his eyes as he kissed her cheek before standing. Walking out the door, he grabbed to close the wood as he found it before glancing towards the sleeping female once more.

"I am...so sorry, Aurora...You deserve much better than a git like me, someone who...will shield you just as much as I desire to." Knowing there was more to say, Severus knew he had no right to be there, so he gently pulled the door closed and exited her chambers, slowly making his way towards his own. What Severus wasn't aware, however, was Aurora waking up the moment her portrait closed, sensing there was another individual within her quarters. Severus fell into his lonely bed as Aurora clutched a pillow close to her chest, both whispering the name to the person they missed most.

~ oOo ~

Four months later in May, Hogwarts found itself in the middle of spring, with finals only a few weeks away before the school year would be concluded for summer holiday. The students and staff were on high alert; no new attacks had occurred since before Christmas, but it didn't lessen the relentless fear etched within the school, as anything could happen. In regards to Severus and Aurora, these two were still trying to determine how they could live day-to-day without the other by their side.

Notably how both were sexually frustrated, and neither could be satisfied by their own hands.

Both professors would find the time throughout their schedules to please themselves. The shower, right as they woke up, right before they went to bed, after dinner, taking a break within their chambers – nothing would satisfy the desire, lust and passion that Severus and Aurora provided the other.

Whilst suffering, Severus had paid attention to the date on the calendar, counting down the days to May eighth, or more specifically, Aurora's birthday. She wouldn't want to celebrate with the man, but the Potions Master wanted to at least gift her a cake, knowing her love for chocolate was something that hadn't change in the months they refused to speak. On the night of the seventh, the day before her birthday, Severus allowed himself a few moments to compose his breathing before he held the cake in his hands and walked from his chambers to hers. Aurora's portrait noticed the man first, and before Severus could request the woman's attention, the painting fully opened, allowing him entrance. Conflicted, Severus tentatively stepped forward, calling Aurora's name, alerting her of his presence. No acknowledgment was heard, but the delicate sobs he immediately recognized as Aurora's penetrated his ears.

"Aurora?!" Severus urgently calling her name. Though she may not believe the wizard, he still adored Aurora deeply, and her despair weakened him. The female's brunette hair was visible from the top of her chair, and after dropping the cake onto the kitchen counter, Severus quickly stepped towards her side and dropped to one knee upon seeing the sight of her distress. Lifting her gaze as he fell to her side, Aurora recoiled when Severus went to move pieces of hair out of her red face, cheeks blanketed with a river of tears. "Aurora..." he whispered painfully.

Failing in removing her tears, Aurora avoided Severus by curling into the chair, one hand over her mouth as she continued to cry. "W-What are you d-doing here..." she muttered sharply, not wanting to speak directly at the man.

"Aurora..." he repeated her name, unable to see her in such a state of distress. Reaching forward to move more hair from her face, Aurora surprised the wizard by slapping his hand away, growling in defiance.

"Don't touch me!" she all but screamed. "You lost that privilege the moment you decided to end what we had!"

Swallowing his own despair, the wizard glanced around the room, still in disbelief the woman sitting before him was Aurora Warrington. Ending their relationship had destroyed Severus, but he never imagined possible it would destroy her in such a way. Hanging his head against the armchair, he knew it was a longshot, but stated his next words anyways, despite the known consequences. "I'm sorry...Aurora please, I'm..."

"You're...sorry...?" Shoving the man by his shoulders, Aurora stood to her feet, shaking the blanket from her frame as she watched Severus stand to his full height. Staring up as he stared down, the woman was glowing with pure rage, hatred with narrowed blue eyes, crackled with unbridled energy. She was a fierce witch and her power grew exponentially when her anger flared. "You're sorry?! You have no right to be sorry!"

"I-I know..."

"Tch you know? I don't think you do! Severus, you're the one who ended what we had – !"

"I'm aware of that Aurora!" His own fury bursting forth, Severus stepped back, not wanting his temper to be seen as if it was directed at her. Leaning against the stone wall with crossed arms, he could do nothing but speak his mind. "Don't you think I regret what I have done?! The words I said, how I treated you that day?!"

"Regret...?" Stomping her way closer, Aurora whisked the palm of her hand across Severus' cheek, sending his head flying to the side as a sharp sting erupted across their flesh. Breathy inhales separated the silence. "Never have I been so livid with you Severus...Never h-have I h-hated you so!" Gasping, she covered her mouth, the waterworks beginning once more as she turned away, just as he glanced at the only woman who could cause him to feel so human.

Back towards the very man who cast her into such a state, she straightened, refusing to turn and face him head on. "H-How can you regret your decision? You said it yourself: you never l-loved me and it was a-always L-Lily..." Finally rotating her body, her expression dropped from that of hatred to one of an eerie composure. Salted water spilt down her flustered cheeks as she stared at him in a way he missed, something he hadn't seen in months.

A stare filled with love and longing.

"So, t-tell me this," she stammered, her crying making it difficult to speak as clearly as she hoped. "How c-could a man who still l-loves a woman dead nearly twelve years after her death, r-regret ending his relationship with the one he claimed to love?"

Severus my boy, Albus' voice seemed into the wizards mind, from a discussion he held with the Headmaster several weeks prior. You did what you felt was right, but you should have discussed the matter with Aurora. She's known, from the beginning, your history; that you were a Death Eater and switched sides during the First Wizarding War. Aurora is a strong individual with a kindred spirit, being one of the smartest witches of our time. Don't you think she should've been part of this decision? To see whether she wanted to remain by your side after you discussed your fears, your concerns? Her answer would surprise you, Severus, I know this.

Remembering the Headmaster's words, the mighty wizard allowed a single tear to fall from his eye, never having shed such emotions in front of the woman he cherished. Raising his head to see Aurora with childlike features, their eye contact was the strongest it had been in months. Pushing himself off the wall and taking several steps forward, Severus was surprised to see Aurora remained in position, her stare raising the closer he walked. "The man you're speaking of regrets his decision because he lied. This man lied to protect the only female who honestly cared for his wellbeing, more than any other person in his entire life; more so, than Lily Potter, who this man thought he loved from childhood."

With each step Severus moved forward, Aurora took one step back, until there was no more room to do so and her back kissed the opposite wall of her chambers. Nowhere to go, Aurora stood, locked between the wall and Severus' body, his hands slowly reaching for hers as he held them against the stone, locking the woman in place.

"I broke up with you, Aurora, and claimed I never loved you because I was afraid, so very afraid to keep you in my life."

"W-What...?"

Tightening his grip, the man clenched his eyes shut tightly. In an agonizing whisper to state the truth, Severus exhaled; Aurora would either deny or accept his reasonings. "I never deserved you and...didn't want my past decisions to end your life. I'm afraid I can't protect you from myself." Head dropping in defeat, Severus fell to his knees, releasing his grip on her hands to cradle his face, repeatedly apologizing one after the other.

Falling onto her knees just as he did, Aurora hesitantly brushed her fingers against his, her actions baffling, as the woman knew not what overcame her senses. "Severus Snape." In a pit of hope which frightened her core, Aurora's fingers slowly worked their way over his arm to cradle his face, raising his attention towards her. Blue orbs collided with obsidian, allowing two disheartened individuals form into one; two broken hearts were given the chance to love once more.

"Aurora..." Lowering his forehead against hers, Severus sighed, groaning as he inhaled the scent of her hair. Fingers ghosting over her skin, his head lower further, lips landing on the junction between her neck and shoulder, causing the woman to exhale, breathy gasps of air leaving he mouth. "Your flesh is so warm...I have missed it so!" he cried, gripping her tighter against his form.

"Oh my god, Severus" Aurora cried as well, her lips seeking his, and just as they were to touch, she retracted, moving her face to lay upon his shoulder. Limbs shaky, more tears fell from her eyes, heart and brain internally battling the other for dominance to prove who was right. "S-Sev...we can't...this is wrong! How can I believe what you've said? That everything was a lie to protect me?"

"It would be wrong in asking you to trust me, after...everything I've done, but please..."

"I can't," she muttered, tracing circles against his cheek, slowly moving her face closer to his. "This is wrong...but, I...I've missed having you by my side..."

"Your skin, your warmth...the kiss you gave me every night, you sleeping by my side." Daring to do so, Severus kissed her cheek, kissing further towards her lips after each statement before landing on her mouth. "I was the fool, Aurora, thinking I could live my life without something as precious as you." Landing his mouth against hers, Severus risked receiving another slap if it meant he could taste her lips once more; and yet, Aurora pecked his as well, joining their lip locking in unison.

"Oh fuck, Severus!" she screamed, foregoing any morality needed for this situation. The woman missed Severus' muscled body against her bare-naked form, and if she so regretted the decision in the morning, then that would be an issue for tomorrow's Aurora.

For tonight, she wanted Severus Snape to fuck her brains out, to make her feel alive. The man was passionate incarnate and could please Aurora until her very nerves were numb. If the wizard was admitting the truth, then Aurora would have to as well: she was still in love with Severus. Madly, deeply, incorrigibly – however she wanted to think about it, all she wanted these past months was for Severus to be by her side.

For one night, consequences be damned!

Standing to their feet, Severus backed Aurora against the stone wall, a gasp escaping between their locked lips, though the man's actions never faltered. Lips already swelled, the wizard pecked her skin, dropping to her ear, the chin and neck before slithering his fingers underneath her t-shirt, moaning when the realization dawned that she was braless. Producing nothing but gasps and moans, Aurora encouraged Severus by grinding her body into his, pushing her breast forward, nonverbally seeking his touch where she demanded it most. To obey the woman's desires, Severus ripped the shirt from her frame, the torn fabric floating to the floor as he attached his lips to her nipple. Biting and sucking one while pulling the other with spare fingers, Aurora was a writhing mess as Severus lapped her taught nipples, moving between the two, then decided to head south.

Neglecting the foreplay, his hands pushed her sweats passed her hips, dragging the lacy underwear down her smooth thighs as well. As he lowered the garments, his body fell, trailing his tongue down her burning skin, igniting the fire of her loins in preparation for their copulation. Seeking her core, Severus leaned forward with his nose, deeply inhaling the heart scent he loved, and just as her hands attempted in pushing his face away, Severus took hold of her wrists and pinned them to her side. Tongue darting forward, seeking her pulsing clit, he deliberately ran the length of his muscle across her slit. Screaming in response, Aurora's body jerked in response, having not experienced such a sensation since she and Severus were last intimate.

And he never gave in.

Unable to move her hands, Aurora was a prisoner to Severus' erotic punishment and that damn tongue of his. She only glanced down when the man angled his head lower, sinking the slick muscle into her soaking depths, moving in and out, consuming all the wetness she was releasing before moving back to her swollen clit, switching back and forth between strongly sucking and running his tongue. He was rough and he was quick, but Aurora Warrington was shaking with an impending orgasm she hadn't been able to achieve on her own. Severus Snape was the only man who could soak her core and have her see stars, all the while her loins blossomed with the magic of a goddess. And that very magic burst forth unexpectantly as Aurora, on shaky legs, gripped Severus' hair tightly. Howls echoing across her chambers as her lower muscles convulsed and spasmed, all the while her orgasm tore through her frame, causing the woman to breath with shaky breaths.

Removing her juices while lapping his tongue, Severus smirked as the witch slid against the wall to the floor, her body still quivering from aftershocks. Whispering her name, he cupped her cheek, smiling as she met his gaze, her lips curving upward. Without the process of words between them, Severus scooped the woman into his arms, carrying her to the bedroom before he tossed her onto the bed, his erection hardened painfully within his trousers. Flopping on the mattress Aurora squealed, closely watching as the man stripped, unbuttoning his frock and peeling each layer off before becoming stark naked just as herself.

She knew this was a terrible idea and continued to repeat the phrase over and over to herself, yet Aurora couldn't divert her attention, refusing to shove Severus away as he pulled her by the calves towards the edge of the bed. Legs dangling off as she stared at his thick erection, and he at her soaking core, her wetness trailed down her backside towards the floor. Aurora hated to admit it, but there was hope deep within her heart. The words Severus spoke, his expressions and mannerisms; she knew the man and definitely knew he was a master of concealing from others what he didn't want them to know. Those emotions he displayed earlier was the rawness of his inner self, the side even Aurora rarely saw.

This was Severus Tobias Snape, the man she loved and she knew he was telling the truth. Still frightened, she would demand answers the following morning. But, for the time being, she was going to make love to this man with long black hair, a crooked nose and the most superb knowledge of the wizarding world. He was her equal, and she didn't want another man –

"SEVERUS!" Aurora roared.

Clenching thighs around his head, the witch squealed and squirmed, Severus having latched his mouth against her slit once again. The sudden onslaught on her oversensitive nerves was too much as she nudged the man's head away, to no avail. He was brutal, clenching her thighs apart and never letting the pressure of his tongue lesson. And to add fire to the fuel, Severus dragged his finger upward on her thigh, inserting, not one, but two digits and right away, sought her g-spot, firmly pressing against the fleshy muscle.

Within a matter of seconds, Aurora's second orgasm of the night erupted, causing her to go momentarily blind as she soared through a euphoric state. Tenderly lowering her legs, Severus observed the female as she curled into herself, twitching here and there, her heavy breathing held tiny whimpers before she gazed adorably up at the man. Though her body pulsed with pleasure, she crawled towards the wizard, wrapping her arms around his neck, locking her lips with hers in a kiss that took their breath away. She tried dragging the man down with her, but he had other plans. Allowing her to fall, Severus rolled Aurora onto her stomach, raising her ass into the air as he leaned over her back, ear against hers as he breathed, "I'm going to take you now." And just as she nodded in agreement, the man thrusted his cock in, relentless and powerful.

Sheets clenched tightly within her fingers, Aurora panted upon penetration. It was heavy, it was raw, and she was loving every thrust he pushed deep inside her womanly haven.

The ordeal was quick, but Severus was physically close, his stomach against her back, fingers curling into hers, holding the woman tight as he flexed his hips, whispering words of passion and tenderness into her ear. Leaning back, missing the friction of their bodies, Severus held her body close, before removing himself, allowing Aurora to push the male down, gaining her chance to straddle and ride her loving wizard. Using all the muscles of her thighs, she bounced up and down, grinding her hips against Severus as he guided her, holding on to her waist. Toes curling and heads falling backwards, they cried each other's names, their world consisting of just them.

"Sev...! P-Please!" Aurora begged, needing another release.

Raising his back from the bed, Severus wrapped an arm around Aurora's back, grasping the bottom of her neck, lowering her lips to his. Hips thrusting upwards to meet when she forced her body down, their breath mingled as one, their joining arriving towards its peak of a much-needed connection. "I-If you don't believe me, Aurora, I'll respect your decision," the wizard breathed heavily, sweat trickling down his skin. "But I love you. I love you from the bottom of my black heart – agh!"

Squeezing her core muscles tightly, Aurora gripped Severus' cock from within, silencing the man. "You have a beautiful heart!" Wailing, her arms pulled his head forward, kissing the man more, as if this would be the last taste she would ever have. The building vibrations of her pleasure was making it difficult to speak with a slight stutter. "I'm hurt, S-Sev, but you complete me! Ahhhh!" Speaking while fucking was difficult, but Aurora needed to speak her voice. She would face the consequences in the morning, but if they were to speak of their failed relationship, she wanted the man to know what was on her mind. "You broke my heart, and yet, you're the only o-one who can mend it! You w-were a bloody coward for w-what you did without speaking to me, but if that's the truth, I can respect and understand your decision."

"Aurora...!"

Slowing her pace, the witch knew their finale was nigh, though she needed to state everything on her mind. Placing their foreheads together, her next words were soft, causing her now dried eyes to become teary once more. "I adore you, Severus Tobias Snape. You becoming a Death Eater meant nothing to me because you r-redeemed yourself. Regardless of who it was for, you still switch sides and have risked your life for the past twelve years and will c-continue to risk your life! Whether your statements are truth or n-not, my heart will always love you, for you mean so much to me!"

"Aurora-Nyx Helen Warrington," Severus stated her full name, pecking the corner of her lips. "This is why I don't deserve you! I wasted four months of my life thinking I could live my live without you, believing what I did was the best way to protect you. Please...I will do whatever it takes to prove my love, to prove everything I said was a lie. Lily Potter remains a memory, but you, beautiful, have my heart and always did." Holding her tightly, Severus flipped them over until she was flat on her back. "Please," he asked with a thrust. "Let me prove that I deserve to be yours, to treat you like the angel you are." Quickening his pace, the man accelerated until Aurora was whimpering uncontrollably, her hands plastered against his slick chest.

"Tell me why you deserve another chance!" she howled, tensing her muscles in preparation for what's to come.

"Because I love you!" he cried, pouring all that he could into their intimate coupling. "Because I never felt this way about Lily, only you! You've known from the beginning the type of person I was, what I've done and you still wanted to be near me, you still fell in love with me!"

"I-I'm close, Severus!"

Smashing his lips into hers, Severus poured all his energy, refusing to halt as their senses surged, the bubbling feeling within their lower bellies growing, the dam ready to burst. Gripping tightly against the other, Aurora bucked her hips, wanting to warn the man but her head fell back against the pillows, mouth wide open in a voiceless scream. Muscles clenched tightly nearly suffocating his cock, Severus growled with the released of her juices. The pulsing of her third orgasm had the man on edge, and with three more thrusts into her core, he roared with such intensity, emptying his seed deep inside her womb, shaking uncontrollably as he was racked with spasms from his release.

Coming down from their high, Aurora cradled Severus to her ever beating heart. Pulling out, they held each other throughout the night never letting go, for this was either their final night to remember what they had or the first night to embrace their future together as one. Aurora was the first to slip into the land of dreams as Severus watched her as sleep gradually claimed him, their hands linked together, never letting go.

~ oOo ~

The following morning, the questioning couple found themselves embraced, curled together with hands formed as one. Both witch and wizard blushed as their eyes connected, as the events from the previous night erupted within their memory; guilt flooded their cheeks, diverting their gaze but refused to let their hands go. Neither individual regretted their decision. Nevertheless, today would be a day of truth; one would speak, the other would listen. The ending result of their relationship lay in the balance, though the lovers decided to push aside the much-needed discussion for another time. Why?

It was Aurora's birthday.

Haphazardly throwing some clothes on, Severus and Aurora entered the kitchen for something light to eat. There was a Quidditch Match that morning and they weren't appealed by eating in the Great Hall beforehand. Spotting the cake on the counter, Aurora questioned its origins with Severus stating it's his gift, his reasoning for stopping by last night. Setting the cake on her small table, she stared at the chocolate frosting, stomach growling in hunger and appreciation. She thanked the wizard, but requested to save it for later that evening, as it was something they could share whilst their time was occupied with a certain discussed that needed to be had, to which Severus agreed wholeheartedly.

In unison and on similar terms, the two went their separate ways for the day; Aurora asked Severus to give her until that evening as she needed to consider what occurred, along with the statements he provided the previous evening. Complying to her request, Severus lovingly caressed her cheek before leaving, telling her Happy Birthday and that, regardless of their discussion that night, he would respect and love her, no matter what.

Several hours later, Severus locked the door to his classroom, having spent some time grading assignments that had been stacked on his desk for some time. As he climbed the steps from the dungeon to the school's main floor, the wizard was caught off guard with the quick pace of Albus who was headed straight in his direction. A neutral expression was coated upon his face, though Severus thought nothing of it, knowing the pressure the Headmaster was under with the School Board and the attacks.

"Severus!" he called frantically. "I'm so glad I found you."

"I was just making my way to the Quidditch Pitch for the match, Albus. Are you headed that way too?" They continued walking and as they reached the Great Hall, Albus redirected the Potions Master towards the Grand Staircase, the younger male following along, unaware of Albus' intentions.

"No, no my boy I'm...afraid not," the older man sighed, brushing his beard.

Raising an eyebrow, Severus was now questioning the Headmaster's façade. "Albus, has something happened?"

Peering through his half-moon shaped glasses, the Headmaster pulled his most loyal friend to a stop. Just at the Grand Staircase, Severus tightened his lips, knowing what Albus was about to say. "I'm afraid, there's been another attack."

Sighing, Severus shook his head and grasped his nose, frustrated how the year had turned. Aurora warned him from the beginning that it would only grow worse. Whoever the Heir of Slytherin was, he, or she, was determined to complete their mission. "I had a feeling another attack was to happen. May I ask who it was? I must tell Aurora, she's going to be troubled if it's another one of her students."

The Headmaster was unable to give his reply, for he looked away from the man who was his loyal spy.

"Albus? You stated there was another attack; who is it?"

Sighing in distress, Albus took hold of Severus' shoulder, gripping the man tightly as he peered into the Potion Master's obsidian eyes. "I'm sorry, Severus..."

Taken back by an apology, the turning of wheels within his brilliant mind turned, immediately creating an answer the Headmaster had yet to state. "No..." Severus said gravely.

"Aurora's been petrified."

~ oOo ~

I'm so proud of this one!

And please, don't forget to review! I love any and all comments they make me so happy 3

Chocobocolina :3