Infatution || Severus Snape and Aurora Pierce

Christmas Eve Miracle

Aurora's POV

I knew I shouldn't look his way. It was completely irrational. But it was so difficult not to when I could feel his burning stare on the right, four seats down. Watching—analyzing to see my every move. If I were in his position I would have done the same, yet I was not. My head turned just briefly to catch eyes with his. Severus rubs his hard chin, as Pomona talked to him but his eyes still landed on mines. Anyone would have been uncomfortable by his stare. Seeing on the children's faces was good enough evidence to prove such.

I was selfish for wanting his attention knowing I shouldn't dare ask for it. No business of mine should acknowledge him. He was a colleague after all—nothing more.

Yet as I see him and he sees me, we both know it's more than that. Especially after the little theatre play, he did weeks ago.

No one knows I've been bloody beaten.

Except him.

I used to hate when others never saw my pain even if I had to hide it. Merlin, I wished I grew some strength to say something. But I was a coward.

You are a weakling Aurora, everyone knows that.

Doesn't change that you have a pretty face.

It grew on me. Today, I could hide it better than before or at least try.

One of these adults besides me always seems to want to crack me open. They almost had—did. I admire their fellowship but curiosity kills the cat. These wizards and witches knew better.

Lupin. Awe yes. Where was I in this deep conversation?

"Please never let me drink again dear. My bloody shoes are gone." He wasn't a very good whisperer.

I smiled against my drink. "Christmas is coming up very soon Lupin. I'd gladly buy you a new pair."

"Gracious as ever, has anyone ever told you, you look amazing in red?"

My eyes rolled, because yes I have heard that before. I mentally smiled to myself because Luna happened to be that person.

"Oh someone has. . Mm curious. Well, I suppose being great pals with them with help boost your confidence."

My mood was up again. I enjoyed conversations with him. He was so easy to talk to. Friendship was everything to me. As I watch him, I realize he was eyeing me and my plate.

"You haven't eaten anything." His head dipped down. Lupin always cared about what I eat and didn't.

"I'm not very hungry this morning."

The truth was I didn't have an appetite. Who would after finding out how the person you loved died? I felt out of place this morning.

Lupin gaped at me—and then behind me. Whoever he was glancing at, obviously didn't smile at him because he quickly moved his head to the front. I looked behind me seeing Severus narrow his eyes.

Men.

••••

Severus's POV

One-touch is all it would take. Just a pop and he would be gone. I despised the way he smiled at her and talked to her like every normal man would. My hands gripped the fork in a non-gentlemen way. Oh, I was no nobleman for the thoughts that ran across my mind. This is why I am the way I am. Why people can't stand to be near me because of the face I give them. I didn't give a bloody dam. I only thought about three things.

Aurora.

Her attacker.

Getting Lupin as far away from her as possible.