Meddling With Potions

In Need Of An Escape

Disclaimer: I only own Aurora and any other OC's. Remember, I will occasionally use quotes from both the books or movie, depending on the scene; I do not own direct quotes or phrases. UPDATE: I do not own any of the chapter pictures. All were found via Google.

~ oOo ~

The next several weeks at Hogwarts felt as if time sped through each day, like a child going through their birthday presents within minutes. Though each day passed with a similar routine as the previous, Aurora found herself more than happy that she had accepted the position and came back to the castle where she had called home for seven years. Every day she found herself sitting at the teacher's table in the Great Hall where she shared several words with Severus. She recalled that he was more talkative at night when they both were students, and it would seem, to Aurora, that time hadn't changed at all. In fact, the realization made her chuckle, which caused her to receive a curious look from the Potions Master when this thought occurred to her.

She loved both her classes dearly. The Muggles History course was with First Years only, and the longer the class progressed throughout the year, the more interested the course began to seem to the students. Her Medicinal Potions course was only Second Years, as she had proposed to Albus before the term began; as this course was still new, Aurora had decided one day that the course could be altered and split. She proposed the alternate idea with Albus several weeks into the term and stated that they still keep a course for Second Years to learn more basic medicinal potions, but another course would be offered for students in their Sixth Year if they wished to venture down the path of a Healer. Immediately Albus understood Aurora's reasoning for creating an extra course and questioned if she would agree to have Severus assist.

The witch smiled but relayed that Severus had to worry about the entire Potions course for all years; she didn't want to put more work on the professor than necessary. By the time she left, Albus had agreed and stated that this would be put into effect for the following school year, and Aurora swore that once she walked out of the office door, she could see a twinkly of mischief within the Headmaster's eyes.

Several nights later, Severus had invited Aurora over to his chambers once again for drinks, in which she agreed. They had discussed their courses and how the students were doing in each course when Aurora relayed her proposal to Severus who agreed that there was potential in her decision. Such nights continued to occur where either the witch or wizard would invite the other over after dinner concluded to discuss their day. Aurora found her nightly conversations with Severus to be pleasant and relaxing; she was able to speak her mind, and although they had several arguments regarding certain matters, it was a nice way to spend an evening. Their meetings grew in frequency as the weeks progressed, and each time she was asked by Severus, Aurora would grow red in the face and remember the night she had kissed him.

The kiss.

For the next several days after that night, Aurora found it to be difficult when speaking with the wizard. She would grow red in the face, her voice would rise several octaves, and her words would be lost within her through. Severus had noticed this as well and opted to not bring the awkward moment to the table. He had had his fair share of thinking since that night and agreed with himself that he should just let it be and move forward.

Aurora, on the other hand, found herself pacing in her private quarters several nights wondering what the hell she should do.

The night it occurred, she had admitted to herself that she was still in love with Severus. Each time her eyes laid upon the Potions Master, her heart quickened and her palms grew sweaty. There was something about his demeanor that always caught the witches eye; the man was stern, but she knew he had a gentle side.