To Tame A Wild Heart || Book One (An Open SS Fan fiction)

CHAPTER 21 : Solitude*

The trio were staring at Florina intently. She kept staring at the ground terrified. She was petrified by Augustus's maniacal laughter in her head. Something about Agrippa's pleasure was filling her with unimaginable fear. But she couldn't understand why.

'What are you laughing at?' she croaked terrified of his answer.

'Oh...I...will...' he couldn't form a complete sentence from his constant laughter.

'I won't be ruining the surprise,' he sing-sung once he stopped laughing 'I have to say however, you are an easy target to manipulate. Rose didn't teach her carrier well. Didn't your mother teach you not to talk to strangers,' he paused 'Oh...right...you don't have one. Tut tut. Poor girl.'

She was filled with rage but couldn't speak. She wanted to warn the three beings that were staring back at her with confusion but she couldn't warn them. Her mind wasn't cooperating with her limbs. She remained a stiff board with a blank stare. 

Whenever she tries to open her mouth to speak, her lips would go limp. They were held shut by massive force. A force that petrified her whole body. Her mind however was very active and angry. 

'I...I won't let you hurt...hurt them,' she croaked. Little by little, she lost control over her mind as well. It began fading away and she was in a haze.

Augustus sighed. 'Oh how I wish you were there to stop me,' he said 'But I guess you will be aware enough to watch.'

'Wa..Watch?', Florina asked feeling dizzy her eyes drooping.

'The death of your friends of course' Augustus said maniacally 'They will wilt in front of you. Like a dying flower. Every drop of blood sucked out of their useless bodies. Beginning with the cold bastard. The one who thinks he is such a genius. He was even easier to trick. Just keep your eyes open and watch. I hope you enjoy the show.'

Severus's POV:

After Florina dropped her blood drop in the cauldron, her demeanor changed. She was stiff and shivering. 

Was there something that scared her? Maybe cutting herself triggered her. I knew I shouldn't have let her do it by herself! 

Even the tiniest of cuts could bring back old memories. Look at her state!

I felt instantly guilty for the witch. She said she cared for me the least I could have done is care for her as well.

"Woods, are you alright?" I asked trying to keep my voice impassive.

She kept staring at the ground fear evident in her eyes. I gently placed my hand on her arm and gave her a tender shake trying to bring her back to her senses. She however remained lifeless and unresponsive. I stood in front of her and shook her with both hands with much force. That didn't faze her either.

I turned to the ghost who remained confused and he too stood in front of the witch staring at her. He turned to me and shrugged.

"Does that happen to her on occasion?" he asked eyeing Florina.

I shook my head. "Not like that no."

Suddenly, Florina came back to life and casually raised her head giving me one of her most purest smiles.

"Is everything alright Sir?" she asked gently.

I stared at her bewildered. What's gotten into her? If she was alright from the beginning why didn't she just say so instead of giving us a heart attack.

I glared at her, "I should be the one asking you that Woods."

She shook her head and giggled. "Oh I'm fine sir. No need to worry yourself about my well-being. Isn't that what you always tell me sir?"