Meddling With Potions (Severus x OC)

The Return of Lord Voldemort

A/N: I couldn't think of anything to write for these past few months. Every time I went back to this story, my mind went blank. But I started rereading the entire story and was inspired. Hopefully, some of you have been waiting for this. Year 4 is practically over.

And in Year 5, we introduce Umbridge. >:)

Disclaimer: I only own Aurora and any other OCs. Remember, I will occasionally use quotes from the books and the movies; I do not own direct quotes or phrases. The chapter images (ArchiveOfOurOwn, Quotev, and Wattpad) do not belong to me. I have found them on Google or Pinterest. I take NO credit.

~ oOo ~

With the Second Task behind everyone, the students and professors continued with the school year and pushed forward to the end of the year. Severus and Aurora were as busy as ever with their classes and teaching duties. Additionally, Aurora continued to meet with Harry, Ron, and Hermione to talk over shared tea and biscuits. Their conversations steered away from the Triwizard Tournament, but the closer the last task grew, the more Harry wanted to avoid the topic. When he did want to talk, he specifically sought information from Aurora about Barty Crouch, but that was one topic the witch absolutely refused to discuss. Even with the details she knew, she didn't want Harry to know the specifics.

And just like what they'd been doing for the last several months, Aurora and Severus were doing their best to become pregnant. Every time she felt successful, Aurora would use the pregnancy potion, eagerly waiting for the results she so desperately wanted. And every time, the liquid would turn black. Such news devastated the witch, but just as she had told her husband, she repeated to herself: such things take time.

But the more potions she completed, the more she silently cried on her own.

The rest of the second term flew by. Before those in Hogwarts knew it, the Third Task was upon the Champion's shoulders. Aurora knew Harry was stressed by the way he carried himself. Any time someone mentioned the task, he would divert the conversation to something else. The witch didn't know how to help him. Severus responded that if the boy was apprehensive about the topic, then she should let it be, and she did.

The Third Task was scheduled to take place in the late evening, which Aurora disagreed with, as it would be close to nightfall. The Quidditch Pitch had been groomed into a giant maze. No one was told what lurked inside the labyrinth, but it wasn't good. Aurora suspected that evil witchcraft was afoot, something that would consume the Champions. Severus agreed, sensing that something sinister was going to happen.

The evening of the task, the married couple walked hand in hand down to the field, alongside students, staff, and other onlookers who wanted to witness this magnificent event.

Magnificent my ass, Aurora thought.

Everyone filed into the stands, scooting closer together. Aurora refused to let go of Severus's hand on this auspicious night. Though she was scared, she didn't state it aloud, but her husband knew.

Aurora glanced at Minerva beside her. "How long do you think this will take?"

The Head of House was silent before sighing. "I do not know. It could go surprisingly quickly, or it could take longer than expected."

Aurora frowned. "What's waiting for them at the end?"

Minerva stared at the witch, her eyes screaming. "...eternal glory."

"Poppycock," Aurora spat.

Professor Flitwick began orchestrating the band, which instantly started playing the fanfare assigned for the tournament. As the music grew loud, Mr. Diggory ran through the gaps in the stage with his arms wide into the sky to greet his son at the front of the maze. Chants from different sections across the stands began for the four Champions as they pilfered through toward the cannon with their respective Headmasters by their side. There was a stand in the center of the open section where Albus took his position.