Bound

Chapter Twelve

I've been up since putting Severus to bed. Not feeling tired in the slightest. Energetic and excited to get on with the day. I sit on the chair I have on my balcony, watching the world around us. This mornings sun rise was the most beautiful I've seen it. The sky flooded with different shades of yellows, pinks, purples, and blues. I just wish Severus was up to witness it with me. My door behind me opens with a squeak.

"Good morning darling. Did you get any rest since we arrived?"
His hand sits on my shoulder, his fingers moving in tiny circles as he massages my tense muscles.

"None. It's rare I get a full nights sleep."
He sighs.

"Is it like that every night?"
He pulls the other chair next to me and sits.

"Unfortunately. I've gotten used to it though. Nothing I can't handle."
I smile and drop my head, laughing at myself.

"You're so strong Lilith."
He says while staring out into the distance.

"Darling, what did you have planned for us this weekend?"
I ask, making him turn his head.

"I was going to take you to this secluded crystal park. It's a small clearing in a forest I discovered by accident."

"Well, your plans are still on."
I say smiling.

"How? We can't leave."
He asks, a singe of pain in his tone.

"The small forest in my backyard is where I find all my crystals. It's safe back there. My father has the charm on a few acres around the manor."
I watch as Severus' smile comes back. His eyes lighting up when he realizes he can still make his weekend work.

"That's wonderful."

I rise from my chair and he follows me back inside. I close the doors and lock them.

"I don't have any spare clothes to go out in Lilith."
He says sheepishly. I know no one will see us but I can tell he wants to look nice for me.

"Don't worry one bit about that."
I walk over to my closet. I open the door and pull out a stack of his clothes.

"How? Did you manage this?"
He raises his eyebrow waiting for an answer.

"Don't be mad but after you fell asleep. I went back over to your place and grabbed a few days worth of clothes for you. As well as some toiletries."

"Lilith! Thank you but do you realize how dangerous that was?!"
His tone a bit sharper than I've ever experienced, even at school. I squint my eyes and turn away.

I stay quiet, unsure of what to say. I walk back to my closet, picking out clothes for myself. I step backwards, colliding into him. His hands now on my shoulders.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't of raised my voice. I thank you for getting my things but promise you won't do that again."
He says in my ear.

"I promise. I'm sorry."
My voice nothing but a whisper as I decide on a shirt to match my long skirt.

His lips connect with the back of my head. I feel as he walks towards the bathroom to get ready. Once I hear the door shut, I get dressed. My skirt is black with a mesh sleeve on top that has blue peonies on it.  I go with a plain blue tank top to match the flowers. A knitted white sweater in case it gets chilly. My white socks feel good on my cold toes. And lastly, I strap on my Mary Janes.
We come out of opposite rooms at the same time. Severus went with black pants with a black button up. I'm speechless as this is the first time not seeing him in his usual robes. My face becomes hot.

"I-Uhm. Have to brush my teeth, and then we can go."
He smiles at me as I rush around him, nervous. Once I shut the door, I swear I heard him laugh. I come back three minutes later and we head to the backyard. He holds my hand as we walk through the trees.

"It's so beautiful."
He says in awe.

"This isn't even the best part."
I smile.

Another fifty yards we arrive at the river. We sit down on the large flat stone that sits a foot away from the water.

"This is truly amazing. A secret hideaway."

"Sev?"

"Yes darling."

We're looking at each other, eyes lost in each other's. I place my hand on his cheek, pulling him towards me. His lips find mine.

"Well well. What do we have here?"
A gruff voice comes from behind a tree. A voice I hate to say, that I recognize.

Severus stands up, pushing me behind him. He takes a defensive stance in front of me. His wand out and ready.

"What are you doing here?!"
Severus says defensively.

"Oh Severus. That's no way to greet someone."
He says.

I whip my wand out, pointing it at the man.
"Crucio."
I say. Light emits from my wand, his body curls into a fetal position as his cries scare away the birds. After a minute, I stop.

"It would be smart to answer his question...Barty."
I say as I push myself in front of Severus. My hand in front of him, keeping him securely behind me.

"And what if I don't?"

"Are you sure you want to test me right now? I mean, your life is in my hands, literally."

"I know something that would be of dire use to you."
He sits up. Mud and moss now sticking to his damp coat.

"And what might that be?"
I ask, stepping closer. I feel Severus tug on my sweater.

"For starters, for us not to kill you."

"That's not good enough."

"Freedom then."

"Are you crazy Lilith? He was locked away in Azkaban for a reason."
Says Severus. His voice straining as he tries to remain calm.

"Oh just a little bit. Now tell us. What you know."
I say, my wand now resting on his neck.

"Pius."
He mutters.

"What about Pius?!"
I snap.

"He plans on betraying your father."

"How can we trust you?"
Severus questions.

"Do you really think I'd waste four days trying to find you just for a joke?"
I can see in his eyes that he's telling the truth. In the many years I've known Barty, he's never lied to me.

"Do you have any proof?"
Severus now stands beside me.

"I have the letter he sent to me while I was still in Azkaban. It's stated in the letter."
Barty goes to grab the letter from his pocket but Severus goes for it, pulling it out before Barty gets it.

"Lilith. I know you trust me."
Our eyes lock, the anger slowly disappearing from my face.

"Darling? What does he mean by that?"
Severus looks at me with a tinge of anger in his eyes.

"Shut up Barty!"
I say, becoming defensive over myself.

"Whoops. I struck a nerve. Ask her about it Severus."
A smug smile stretches across Barty's face, pissing Severus off more.

"I said, shut up!"
I snap, I dig my wand deeper into his neck, making it red and purple.

Severus' hand is around my wrist, pulling me away from Barty.

"What is he talking about Lilith."
I'm scared to turn around, to see the anger on his face. It's too long of a story to explain right now when my father is in danger.