A Sharp Sensation

16

By some miracle, Marge hadn't spread the false news throughout the students and faculty. Even Georgina Fig kept to herself once you had clarified the situation and you suspected she was keeping Garreth Weasley in check as well.

"Awful cold out," Noreen grumbles, pulling her fur lined coat tighter around her.

It was finally December, snow had visited the highlands and everyone was preparing for the Holidays.

"It's not even that cold," Marge quips as you walk through the courtyard. You've since learned that Marge Blainey does not ever wear coats or sweaters, she sometimes even refused to wear shoes.

In the past month you had grown closer with your friends and coworkers. Classes were going seemingly and after learning everything about Aesop, and happening to confess your feelings, the days seemed brighter. Except today, for tonight would be the first full moon since you had learned about the lycanthropy.

"Everything looks fine here, let's go back inside!" Noreen pleas, her nose red and runny.

You were checking the castle alongside your coworkers. Now that you're in the loop, you've learned the drill. The day before the full moon teachers checked the entirety of the castle for any hazards and house-elves were dismissed from their daily duties outside of the kitchens for their safety. Everything was fine, everything would be fine...

Why did you feel not fine?

"Stop chewing your lip," Noreen nagged as your entered the warm castle.

You hadn't seen Aesop since breakfast yesterday, he's been hard at work trying to replicate and refine his past potion. Everything was tense, like a rope ready to break. You felt stressed and stretched beyond your means.

"I just don't want him to hurt himself again," you murmur, expecting no one to hear, but Marge did. She hears everything apparently.

"He'll be fine, he's never gotten hurt before! That was most likely just a one time incident," She quips, actually meeting your eyes in an attempt to show her sincerity. You gave her a thankful smile but her words did nothing to soothe your worry.

After your morning classes, you barge into Aesop's living quarters without knocking; you had been doing that more and more recently. You felt welcome and trusted and above all: appreciated and admired.

"Hullo love," you say in a faux English accent. Aesop was concentrated, hard at work over his personal potioneering station.

"Aesop?" you ask gently once you were closer.

"I think I've finally replicated it," He says, stirring the cauldron contents counterclockwise. "Now I've just got to figure out how I can make surplus and store this for future moons."

"Would an ice box help?" You ponder.

Aesop peers over his glasses. "A what?"

"An ice box, it's something the no-maj, sorry, muggles use." You explain. "It keeps things cool, it's like a cellar only much smaller and can go in any room."

"They're quite clever, creating these contraptions," Aesop replies, carefully ladling the potion into a glass vial before turning to envelope you in a hug.

"You're warm," you murmur, snuggling closer.

"And you're a bit cold, were you outside?" He asks, rubbing your back to share his heat.

"Perimeter checks, I wanted to be helpful," you explain, resting your forehead on his chest.

"You shouldn't have to," Aesop sighs. "I'm sorry."

You clench your jaw, leaning back to glare at him. "I chose to help ensure the safety of my beau, I will not have you apologizing for that."

"Your beau," he ponders. "I do like the sound of that."

Besides that first night, where you both stated your intentions, there wasn't any serious conversation; you were both far to busy snogging  to talk it out.

"Well it only makes sense," you reply. "I don't know any friends who kiss as much as we do."

"I do believe Margaret and Noreen were very good friends," Sharp says definitely.

"Touche," you mumble, grinding at the thought of your overly affectionate friends.

Marge, for a social recluse, was surprisingly unfazed by public displays of affection. You'd encountered many a Marge in a hidden alcove, peppering her embarrassed lover with kisses.

You stand on your toes, kissing the top of Aesop's nose. "You be careful," you plea.

Aesop was quiet. While he was relieved you knew now, it was still a sore topic. You could tell he still felt guilty and ashamed. You wished you could erase his negative feelings...

"You've got to keep at it with your potion so I could stay with you next full moon," you murmur.

Aesop cringes. "Absolutely not, it's too dangerous."

"I don't want you to hurt yourself again," you clasp his hands, though they were much bigger than your own. "Aesop, please."

"I don't want you to get hurt (Y/N), I love you far too much," he whispers back.

You felt your cheeks burn. It has only been a month, but it was certainly a quick one. Everything felt right, like a puzzle finally solved or a bit finished. That being said, there were hardly any serious words exchanged, certainly none as serious as love. You stare into his beautiful mahogany eyes, silently pleading with him go say it again.

"I truly do love you (Y/N)," he whispers, as if performing legilimency, "I want yiu to know that."

You did know that, and you loved him too, which was why you solemnly swore to search for a way to stay with him when he turned.