Bound

Chapter Twenty Seven

My body lays still on the padded and fluffy mattress. My head resting on it's side, almost touching my own shoulder. My body jolts awake, eyes wide open and adjusting to the early morning light of the room. I blink my eyes a couple of times to help them get used to the dim light leaking in through the blinds. I turn my head to the left and find Severus asleep in an infirmary chair.
His elbow resting on the arm of the chair, and his head resting against his hand. I watch as his chest rises and retreats as he sleeps. I slowly begin to push my body forward. Pain shoots through my legs and up into my torso. My eyes shut quickly and my lips curl as I try to fight back the noise. A small groan escapes, waking Severus. He jerks awake, looking frantic.

"Darling!"
His voice low, trying not to cause a commotion since I experienced a lot of trauma the night before.

"Severus..where's..where's Amanda?"
I swallow hard as the pain radiates.

"I'm going to get Madam Pomfrey to help with your pain and I'll explain everything darling."

I watch as he gets up and in a jog heads to Madam Pomfrey's office. A few seconds later they both emerge from around the corner.

"It's good to see you awake my dear."
Says Pomfrey in a gentle tone.

She gives me a reassuring smile as she pours something in the empty glass that sits on the table next to my bed.

"Drink this. It will help with the pain for 48 hours. You should be good as new afterwards."
She passes me the cold glass.

The liquid inside is dark, almost the color of coal. I bring it to my lips and the smell of licorice fills my nostrils. It tasted like apples. A more subtle kind of apple juice. My body begins to relax and the tension begins to fade as I finish the last of the drink.

"It's kicking in already. The pain will diminish completely within fifteen minutes. You can leave if you please but it's up to you."
Madam Pomfrey smiles again, takes the glass and walks back to her office.

"I'm so happy you're awake. I've been so worried."
Severus wraps both hands around my hand that nearest to him. A tears slips from his eye and lands on my finger.

"Sorry....I can't help it..I've been crying a lot."
He drops his head, embarrassed.

"It's okay love."
I turn to my side and rest my fingers on his chin. Picking his head up to look at me.

Bags sit in shades of blue and purple under both eyes. They look tired. The corners of his lips curl slightly into a smile.

"Do you remember any of it?"
Severus asks.

"Yes. Once I changed back to my human form, I remember having a seizure but can't remember anything after."

"I'm just glad you remember me...."
His eyes become sullen.

"Of course I remember you."
My voice becomes a tone higher.

"After Blaise deflected Amanda's attack, she flew back into the basement wall. She attempted to use  Obliviate on you to erase all memory of us together. If this followed through, you would think of me as just your potions teacher..."
More tears begin to fall.

"But, as you can see that didn't happen. When Blaise deflected it, the spell bounced back and hit Amanda. She has absolutely no memory of who she is, or any of her friends, or even being a witch and being enrolled here. Since this spell can't be undone, Albus sent her parents a letter explaining what happened and she was sent back home."

"What did her parents have to say about all this?"
My tone curious. I had always heard that her parents weren't really supportive of her powers.

"They're happy to have her home and very apologetic for what she has done. They can't punish her since she would have no idea what they're talking about. After tons of therapy to re-teach her things, she'll be sent to a muggle school."

"Mhm."
I truly don't know what to think. I'm glad she's not here causing me more trouble but in a way feel sorry. I saw how happy she was with friends and being here. She won't ever get that back.

"Are you alright?"
Severus' voice cuts into my thoughts.

"Yes darling. What time is it?"
I ask, slowly feeling sleepy again.

"It's 5:26am. Are you feeling tired love?"

"Yes."
My voice quite and faded.

"Get some more rest darling."
His hand rests on top of my head. His thumb stroking my hair.

"You'll be here when I wake up right? You're not going anywhere?"

"I promise I'll be right here when you wake up."
He leans forward and plants a kiss on my cheek.

My eyes, close slowly as they become heavy. All my focus is on Severus. His face and all his features. The way the early morning light hits his skin in such a way it looks like he's sparkling. The last thing I see before my eyes shut again, are his beautiful full dark eyes staring back at me.