Bound

Chapter Twenty

January fourth. We're back at school. Draco and I spent our Christmas break at my fathers. We both unwrapped some amazing presents from each other's parents. Blaise and Luna sent letters over break to update us on how everything went with meeting their parents. Blaise got along really well with Mr. Lovegood. It's hard not to love the guy. Mrs. Zabini was hesitant at first until she saw how much Luna loved her son. She is thrilled that Blaise has someone to make him happy. Severus came by on the 24th of December to drop off two small gifts to my father and Draco's parents.
The first day back was ordinary. Most of our Professor's asked us how our holidays went, while others just had us read quietly from our textbooks. Potions was tedious. Professor Snape went over the potions we'll be making in the new quarter and when upcoming exams will be.
Herbology was better. Professor Sprout was ecstatic to have everyone back and couldn't wait to share the exotic plants we'll be working with for the rest of the year. After going over everything, she had us work with Bouncing Bulbs. As I was re-potting mine, I hear a yell. I look over to find Draco being hit with his bulb. When they feel threatened, they use their bulb to hit their attacker. I hold my ribs as I watch Blaise attempt to pull it away from Draco, but being hit in the process.

"Ms. Riddle, please assist them in getting it back in the pot."
Professor Sprout says in between laughs.

"Yes Professor."
I say.

I approach slowly and confidently , not trying to frighten it more. I duck my head as it swings around in defense.

"Flipendo."
My wand emits a small light, sending the bulb backwards. I pick it up and place it inside the pot sitting in front of Draco.

"You have to move very slowly with them Draco. They frighten easily. Especially with creatures bigger than them."

"Thanks Lilith. I'll remember that. Do I have a bruise on my face? It feels like I do."
He picks his head up to look at me, giving me a better view of his face.

"Just a small one right under your left eye. Should go away in a day or two."
I reply, pointing to the spot.

He smiles at me and goes back to adding dirt to the pot. For the rest of the hour I'm going around helping other students with their Bouncing Bulbs.

At the end of the day, Draco and Blaise join me in the common room to work on our Astronomy assignment. We are making Star Charts that are due at the end of the week. I'm so glad we don't have any other homework to do today so we can finish this ahead of time.
At 6:30, we take a break and head to the Great Hall for dinner. We listen for ten minutes as Dumbledore gives his welcome back speech and hoped we all had a great holiday. Out of the corner of my eye I can see Professor Snape talking with Professor McGonagall. I wonder if they had a good break.
Dinner consisted of turkey, mashed potatoes, greens, and many different desert options. I picked at the turkey and had a few bites of a small piece of cheesecake. When we finished, we went back to the common room and finished our Star Charts. Draco and Blaise wanted me to check over there's to make sure they did it correctly. I told them what small improvements they needed to do before turning it in, but otherwise they came out perfect.
We packed up our belongings and called it at night around 9pm. After saying good night, we went our separate ways to our rooms. I place my bag down next to my desk and stacked my books on top, placing my parchment inside a folder to keep it from becoming wrinkled. I grab a clean pair of pajamas from a drawer and went to the bathroom to shower. Twenty minutes later, I'm out and brushing my teeth. Even over break, I haven't been able to get a full nights rest since before Severus ended things. Life hasn't been wonderful for me since then. Things with father, and my friends are great as usual but my mental state has declined rapidly and waking up has become a really tough challenge for me.
I climb into bed and pull my comforter up to my chest. It started to rain sometime during dinner but it's gotten heavier since then. The thunder and lightning are right above the school. As I turn over to turn my lamp off, I freeze. The picture of Severus and I is a painful reminder. I can't help holding onto a piece of us that I can't let go.
As I begin to turn the knob, there's a knock at my door. Probably Draco, or Blaise, or maybe Luna coming to ask me something. I flip my comforter off and go to open the door. The handle is cold to the touch. I pull the door open a few inches to find no one standing outside. But to my discovery, there's a small box with a letter next to it on the floor right outside. My name written in emerald green ink.
Severus.
I pick it up and close my door quietly. I sit down in bed. My hands are shaking horribly as I attempt to open the letter. Once I open the envelope, I reveal the parchment, and it says:

"My dear Lilith;
Over the holiday I have had time to think about my behavior on that wretched day. I realize how rashly I acted and knew I did it to protect myself.
It still does not excuse my actions.
I've missed you a lot since then and couldn't bare not talking to you or spending our weekends together. I would like for you to join me for tea on Saturday at 3:00. I will understand if you decide not to come, I wouldn't forgive myself easily either.
(I hope you like my gift, I made it myself.)
Severus"

I place the letter on my table next to our photo. My hands are still shaking but not as bad as I remove the wrapping. Inside is a small black box. I slowly lift the lid, revealing two pieces of jewelry. The first piece is a beautiful gold necklace with a small Garnet gem. The other item is a ring. It's gold as well and contains the same red gem. I put the necklace on and slide my ring finger through the loop. A small note that's inside the box says:
"These are my birthstone. I hope you enjoy them."

Both are absolutely stunning. Tears fall and hit my arm, shocking me. I didn't notice how emotional I got. I put the box on my table along with the wrapping. I turn the knob on the lamp, my room becoming dark. I hold my necklace and feel the gemstone between my fingers.
I hope this week goes by quickly so I can finally be alone with Severus.