Healing His Heart

Chapter 7

Waking up with a beautiful witch in his arms was something Severus had only ever dreamed about.

Waking up in the arms of a strong, handsome wizard was something Helena had always longed for.

"Mmm g'morning Sev'us" Helena mumbled causing Severus to laugh.

"Good morning sleepyhead," Severus teased as he kissed her temple.

Helena sat up and rubbed her eyes, "I don't want to get up, but I have to go and work on the potion in an hour."

Severus slowly got out of bed and tugged on his usual black attire which he had gone back to wearing, except today he pulled on his cloak which meant he was going somewhere.

"Where are you going?" Helena asked him as she made her way over to her closet and searched for what she wanted to wear.

Severus smiled, "I'm going to have breakfast with Minerva. It's about time I apologise for shutting her out these past two months."

Helena smiled as she grabbed out a pair of dark blue jeans and a bright red shirt, "That's excellent Severus! Now turn around so we can continue this conversation while I get changed."

Severus turned around, "Minerva has been nothing but loving to me for twenty seven years and then I treated her like shit."

Helena shook her head as his informality as she quickly got changed into her clothes for the day.

"Severus you can't beat yourself up over this, plenty of people shut others out when they find out they're dying. I used to see it all the time at work," Helena said as she moved to the bathroom to apply her makeup.

Severus watched her as she quickly applied foundation, powder and mascara, "How do you always know the right thing to say Helena?"

She smiled at Severus's reflection as she brushed her hair into a hair ponytail and used magic to straighten the strands, "I don't know to be honest."

Helena pulled on her white runners and laced them up before her and Severus left her chambers, "Have a good breakfast, and tell Minerva I said hello."

Severus nodded before making his out of the dungeons and Helena went to opposite way.

The potion was turning out very well Helena noted as she set it over the fire. She had a couple more ingredients to add today, before she had to let it sit for another two days.

So far it had been ten days since she had arrived at Hogwarts and started working on Severus's cure. Her and Severus had become friends in that time and she was thankful for the opportunity to cure him. Also, if she was being honest, Helena knew that she had developed feelings for the older wizard.

Helena added powdered unicorn horn to the cauldron and watched as the potion turned a bight pink colour. Helena smiled over how exceptionally it was working out.

After an hour of working Helena wiped her sweaty brow and headed back to her chambers to find Severus laying on her sofa with a book in his hands.

"Hey, how was breakfast?" Helena asked as she flopped in a nearby armchair.

Severus closed the book and sat up, "It was lovely. Minerva and I had so much to catch up on and it was good to finally talk to her freely after all the years I played spy."

Helena smiled, "That's wonderful Severus."

She got off the armchair and went over and sat gently on Severus's left, the wizard wrapped his arms around her waist, "Are you okay?"

Helena nodded and turned to him, "I just felt like a hug. I've never really had friends in my life because I was always so dedicated to my job. I'm so glad I met you," she said happily.

Severus pulled her tighter against his chest, "I only ever had one real friend but I ruined that. You're my second chance Helena, and I promise I will never hurt you."

Helena was curious as to what happened to his last friend, and why he was promising to never hurt her, she knew he wouldn't.

"Severus, what happened to your last friend?" She asked him cautiously.

Severus sighed, "Someday I will tell you, just not today. I'm not ready just yet."

Helena nodded and kissed his smooth cheek, "I understand Severus."

~

That night, Helena sat alone by the the Black Lake thinking about a certain dark wizard.

Helena wondered what would happen once Severus's potion was ready and he was back to full health. She was worried that he would carry on with his life and that she would have to leave, never to see him again.

"Helena, are you alright?" Minerva asked as she came up behind the young witch causing her to jump.

Helena stood up and shrugged, "Oh Minerva, I can't stop thinking about what will happen once Severus returns to full health."

Minerva patted the girl's shoulder, "Well I was hoping that Severus would resume his role as Headmaster, which leaves the position of Potions professor open seeing as Horace is once more retiring."

Helena's eyes lit up, "Are you saying that I could potentially remain here and teach?"

Minerva nodded and went to respond but she was cut off by Helena flinging her arms around her, "Thank you," the young witch breathed.

When they broke their embrace Minerva sensed that something still wasn't right with Helena, "Is there something else dear?"

Helena sighed and ran her hands through her hair, "I um- I have feelings for him."

Minerva smiled, "Ah, young love. It will all work out Helena, I promise. Goodnight," the older witch said and then turned on her heel and walked away.

Helena groaned, "I hope it does."

~