Meddling With Potions

The Most Important Question

A/N: And it's finally here. We're all almost done with Year Three!

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 ~

And so, the day had finally arrived and on their doorstep.

It had been several weeks since Buckbeak's Hearing. Aurora was, to a certain degree, able to accept the fact the poor magical creature was to be executed based on a misunderstanding. By the time she had returned that night to Severus, she had cried enough her eyes were swollen and blood shot from all that had happened. She fell into Severus' arms that night wishing she could've done more. Buckbeak didn't deserve such a fate for something that wasn't even his fault.

Aurora was adamant Lucius Malfoy had something to do with the decision. It was too coincidental he had been there at the Hearing and was able to stay within the courtroom while she and Hagrid had to leave during the proceeding to determine a final decision. He paid them; he threatened them. It did not matter because Aurora knew his hand would be stained in Buckbeak's blood come that evening. And he didn't even give a damn.

As it was Saturday, she and Severus spent the entire day in their chambers, as the female didn't want to be around the students or the faculty; especially Hagrid. The poor woman truly felt she had let her friend down as she had been so positive they would win the Hearing. So, she spent most of the day in her pajamas by the fire with some hot chocolate, her animals and tests she needed to grade. It wasn't the best situation she could ask for, but at least she was in the comfort of her chambers with Severus by her side.

Come evening, however, she was finally able to shower and dress, mentally preparing herself for what she was to see this evening. It was the night of Buckbeak's execution and she promised Hagrid she would be by his side, just as with the Hearing.

"Are you sure you're ok with this?"

She dressed in a pair of jeans, a simple cotton t-shirt and sneakers. Throwing her legs into the jeans, she glanced upward at Severus who sat on the edge of the bed, his hand currently occupied with petting Merlin. Sighing for the umpteenth time that afternoon, she shook her head. "No, but I made a promise. Plus, I would like to see Buckbeak one last time."

"You shouldn't torture yourself as much as you are, Aurora." Standing, Severus stood before the female, holding her arms in his hands. "Are you up to this?"

Standing with no shirt, Aurora leaned forward, kissing the stubble that was Severus' non-shaven chin. Moving towards the bed, she grabbed her shirt, tossing it over her head, throwing her hair into a ponytail. "I'm not ok with any of this. Buckbeak deserves better and you know that. Despite there being nothing else I can do, I can still support my friend."

Heavily sighing, Severus took the woman into his arms. "Though I am aware how strong you are, I sometimes forget how much." Kissing her head, he then asked, "Are you ready? I must stay here and finish grading some assignments."

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be." Glancing towards the bed, she whistled. "Sapphire, let's go see Hagrid." SQUEE! Wrapping around her mother's neck, Sapphire curled into Aurora's warmth, the woman smiling and hope the little surprise would bring a smile to her friends face. "Well...I'm off. I should be back before you go to bed, but if not, you don't have to wait up for me."

Severus kissed the woman once more. "I'll be here if you need me."

One more kiss goodbye and she was off. Trekking quickly, she nodded towards any students who waved in her direction, though she kept to herself most of the way. By the time she reached the entrance into the school, she soon found the infamous three headed towards the large doors from the opposite direction.