The Healer // Severus Snape Love Story

16

I open my eyes as I am gently placed onto a soft, forest green chesterfield. My body shivers uncontrollably, desperate for warmth.

"W-what, w-where am I" Looking around the around the room, I take in my surroundings. The room I sit in is almost like my own but slightly messier, with books strewn about.

"I was disinclined to disturb Poppy by taking you to the hospital wing, bearing in mind the insufferable holiday such as Christmas is tomorrow.." Severus stands in front of me with a scowl across his handsome face. I realize I'm in his private chambers.

"How could you be so stupid!" He raises his voice at me, his eyes full of anger and what seems to be concern.

Wrapping the thick cloak around my body tighter, I try to reply but my mind is frozen as I shiver harder unable to make a sound. He kneels down in front of me and grabs my shoulders tightly.

"You could have gotten yourself killed you impetuous girl!" He grabs my wrist from beneath the cloak and points his wand to the deep scratch marks the siren had left. My body is so numb I nearly forgot about it as he closes the cuts with a spell.

"Dumbledore should have assigned someone like you a babysitter.." he mutters harshly.

Cringing at the words that leave his mouth, I open my own to rebuttal but nothing comes out. Not because of the cold this time but because his words stung me hard.

He's right.. someone like me.. I don't belong here. I don't belong anywhere. I am useless. A freak..

Still shivering, I let a tear roll down my cheek. His expression softens remorsefully as he picks me up again from the couch. He walks closer to the stone fire place and kneels down to the ground next to it, with me still in his arms. The warmth emanating from the fire slowly begins to warm my body. My eyes close as I rest my head against his chest and sob quietly.

After a couple minutes, the tears stop but my heart still feels heavy.

Severus lets out a low sigh, "Your..not useless Reselda." He says hesitantly. I can sense he isn't very good at comforting people but he's trying, which makes me feel somewhat better. I remain quiet for a moment thinking to myself.

"You should have left me down there.." I whisper thinking about the turbid water of the lake.

"And why should I have done such a thing..?" He drawls.

"I don't belong anywhere. I can't protect myself. Maybe I was destined to perish there.." I choke out feeling my voice fill back with emotion. He pauses for a moment, contemplating my words.

"Your a remarkable girl. You will find your place." he simply replies. "I-I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't intend to hurt you.." he adds, hesitation creeping back into his voice.

"It's ok." I sigh, smiling at his apology. He does seem genuine, which means a lot coming from him. I have never heard the man apologize to anyone in my time here. I lay in his arms for a few more moments, saviouring the warmth of his body as his every breath calms me immensely. I wonder if what I feel for the man is the same to him about me. Sometimes when I look into his eyes it almost seems like he's is having an inner battle with himself. Especially when the moment is emotionally intense, making me yearn to feel his lips against mine. Suddenly I feel sad for him. What made him so doleful and hard..?

"You need rest." He says, snapping me from my thoughts.

I nod my head not wanting to leave this moment in his arms but also understanding how tired I am.

Severus stands and reaches out to help me up from the ground. Although, still weak from the cold, my body feels one hundred times heavier than it is. I whimper as I nearly fall back to the floor before Severus can catch me.

He sighs as he picks me up bridal style and carries me to a cozy looking bed in the corner of the room. His bed. He removes the cloak from my shoulders and I smile weakly watching him avoid looking at my body, precariously covered by my thin night gown. I lay down on the soft bed, underneath the forest green comforter that matches the sofa.

"Seeing as your in no condition to walk to your room, you may sleep here. I'll stay on the sofa." He coldly states.

He turns to leave but I reach my hand out from the covers and lightly hold onto his sleeve. He turns to me with a confused expression on his face. Feeling nervous at my sudden daring action, I bite my lip lightly, "stay..?" I hopefully look into his onyx eyes.

The inner battle behind those dark eyes flares up again as he clenches his jaw, staring longingly at me, almost deciding what to do. The usual coldness in his voice falls ever so slightly..

"I really shouldn't.." he begins but I smirk and pull at his sleeve.

With as much energy I can find, I move aside in the bed and stare at him with a slight pout gracing my lips. He gives in and lays down very tentatively next to me. I boldly bring a shaky hand up to his face letting my fingers trace his jaw line.

"Whatever is going on in your beautiful mind right now.. just stop worrying so much. For one night." I smile.

His hand grabs onto mine, both of ours resting on his face. He sighs and turns towards me, pulling me closer to his chest.

"Goodnight Reselda.." he whispers as I nestle myself into his body.

My eyes become heavy as I close them, focusing on his rhythmic breaths. A small smile spreads across my lips.

"Happy Christmas Severus.."