Healing His Heart

Chapter 6

Three days later Helena was sitting in the newly repaired library reading a Potions journal when a black clad figure came into view from the corner of her eye.

"Severus!" Helena said with surprise as he made his way over to sit with her.

Severus smiled and plucked the book from her hands, "Ah the famous journal of Libatius Borage the famous potioneer and author of Advanced Potion-Making."

Helena watched as Severus read the page she had been reading, he black hair fell in front of his face and she couldn't help but reach out and tuck in behind his ear.

"Borage is actually an ex-student Of Castelobruxo did you know?" Helena asked him as he set the book down.

Severus nodded, "As is João Coelho the Captain of the Tarapoto Tree-Skimmers Quidditch team."

Helena raised an eyebrow, "Do you follow Quidditch?"

Severus shuddered jokingly, "I absolutely despise Quidditch. That was probably my least favourite part about working here, I had to attend the Quidditch matches on a Saturday morning."

Helena laughed at his dramatics, "Naw poor little Severus."

Severus took her by surprise went he let out a deep, velvety laugh.

When the pair stopped laughing Severus stood up and held out his arm, "Will you accompany me outside? I've decided that I need to face my fears and finally see everything. I can't stay hidden in my chambers forever."

Helena nodded and stood up, "I'm proud of you Severus," she said as she took his arm.

The two friends slowly made their way through the halls of Hogwarts, occasionally stopping to look at things. The rebuilding process was well underway inside of the castle, but outside was still strewn with rubble. Thankfully it had rained a couple of times and so blood had been washed away.

Severus inhaled sharply as they took a step outside, he came to a halt and Helena feared he was going to collapse. Helena let go of his arm and instead wrapped one of her arms around his waist, "Severus we can go back inside if you'd like."

Severus shook his head and continued walking, Helena still had her arm wrapped around his waist. Severus pressed closer to her like a frightened child and Helena wondered if it was good for his mental health to be out here.

"Severus do not feel pressured to do this, we can go back to your chambers if you wish," Helena said while rubbing his hip.

"I want to do this Helena, I need to do this," Severus said firmly, not at all convincing his companion.

The walk was long and slow. Severus would occasionally halt and each time Helena would rub his hip reassuringly. Helena let the older wizard lead the way, she realised that he needed to be allowed to control the journey.

They finally stopped not far from the Whomping Willow, Severus moved from his friend's hold and slowly sat down on the grass.

Helena sat down beside him and took his hand in hers, "What is this tree Severus?" She asked him.

"This is the Whomping Willow, it's been on these grounds for Merlin knows how long. It attacks anything that gets within a certain radius of it," he responded informatively.

Helena absentmindedly inched closer to him for protection, "Why are we sitting so close to it then?" She asked fretfully.

Severus chuckled and wrapped an arm around her, he pulled he close to his chest, "Relax Helena, we are not close enough for it to cause us harm. I'm a little tired and need a rest, and also I'm contemplating something."

Helena snuggled against his chest, "What are you contemplating?"

Severus sighed, "See that entrance in the tree trunk?" He said pointing to a small entryway near at the base of the tree.

Helena nodded.

"Through that entrance is the Shrieking Shack, the place where I almost died," Severus replied softly.

Helena sat up and looked at him, "You want to see it don't you?"

Severus sat in silence for a couple of minutes contemplating his answer, finally he shook his head, "No I don't. I just want to go back to the castle. Can I come to your chambers? I'm a little sick of mine."

Helena kissed his cheek, "You don't have to ask Severus, you're welcome in my chambers at any time."

Severus smiled gratefully at her and then helped her to stand up. They walked back up the castle and then spent the afternoon reading in Helena's chambers.

~

After dinner, Helena noticed that Severus was being very quiet, well quieter than usual.

"Severus what's wrong? You're very quiet," she asked him worriedly.

Severus shrugged, "Seeing the destruction today just brought back some unwanted memories and information that I have to process."

Helena was still worried about her friend, but she knew he would come to her if he needed help.

"Helena?" Severus asked hesitantly.

Helena nodded, "Yes Severus?"

"Can I please stay here tonight? I don't want to be alone," he murmured awkwardly.

Helena smiled, "Of course Severus. I'm going for a shower and I'll leave it running for you."

Severus smiled at the young witch and realised that he was beginning to develop feelings for her. She was so beautiful and so kind, and he was slowly falling for her.

Severus shook his head and then went to get clothes from his chambers. When he came back he didn't expect to see Helena walking to her little kitchen in only a towel.

"Severus the bathroom is basically where yours is, the water is still running and a towel is on the vanity," she said while getting a glass of water.

Severus said nothing as he quickly headed to have a shower leaving Helena to gasp at what she had done.

She hadn't even realised that she was still in her towel when Severus came back in. She quickly hurried to her room and pulled on a grey singlet and a pair of black shorts.

She climbed into bed and waited for Severus to join her. Severus stepped from the bathroom in his boxers and Helena couldn't help but once again look at his scarred chest.

"You know Severus, you actually look a lot better since we went outside. The sun has given your skin a nice colour, it's no longer a sickly white," she said happily.

Severus smiled and climbed into her bed beside her, "I feel a lot better too. Oh and by the way my bed is so much softer than yours."

Helena rolled her eyes, "Yes well you're a staff member and so you get a softer bed."

Severus chuckled and decided to test the waters by kissing her cheek, "Goodnight Helena."

Helena inched closer and rested her head gently against his bare chest, "Sweet dreams Severus."

~