Buried History

Chapter 6 Subtlety Is the Name Of the Game

Okay, not a student..

Eliza's grip faltered and she dropped what she was holding.

"Wh-what?" She stammered.

This time Dumbledore really did spit out his drink.

"What happened?" The Headmaster asked, worriedly.

The seventh year boy shrugged.

"We don't know. He was found on the fifth floor, bleeding from everywhere." He said.

"Everywhere?" She asked.

The boy nodded. "His head, neck, limbs, torso."

"Of my goodness." She said. She cleaned up her mess and headed off to the infirmary, Dumbledore close behind.

She burst through the door and saw Madam Pomfrey tending to him.

He was surrounded by the other staff.

Severus shook and he was covered in blood.

His eyes were closed and he groaned in pain.

The curly haired witch ran to his side.

"No, no. Severus don't do this to me. Not again. Please, I just found you again."

His eyelids fluttered open when she brushed back his hair.

"Severus." She whispered. "It's me. It's Liezar. Remember?" She asked.

The injured wizard stared at her, watching her. Using all his strength, he reached out a hand and placed it on the side of her face.

She smiled as her eyes brimmed with tears and leaned into his hand gently.

"What happened to you?" Eliza asked sadly.

Severus shrugged. "It's stupid, really."

Eliza giggled softly at what he said. "Tell me, then." She said.

"I was on the fifth floor and I ran into Peeves pummelling a first year with marbles, it was unusually cruel, even for him. Therefore, I stepped in the way. The reason there is so much blood in because I have porphyria." He explained.

Eliza smirked. "Something similar happened when you were younger. Except, Peeves pushed you down a staircase. He doesn't like you, much."

"I noticed." He groaned.

Eliza really laughed this time. Severus smiled when she did.

He found her so stunningly beautiful when she smiled. Her happiness lit up all of her features.

"I got so scared." She said quietly. "I came as fast as I could. I was so worried."

"No need to be." He said. "I'm not that hurt. Quite a few bruises, but that's the worst of it, I think."

"And blood loss, you've lost quite a bit of it." Madam Pomfrey said sternly. "You aren't going anywhere until you're better."

"Oh, how I quiver.Big bad Poppy is going to keep me here until I heal properly." He mocked.

"Actually, I'm keeping you here until you heal properly. Now, you have something to fear." Eliza said, smiling slightly.

However, her eyes were full of worry and concern.

She brushed his jet black hair aside and observed him.

"What has become of you, Severus Snape?" She asked, barely above a whisper.

She stood up and walked over to the nurse. They exchanged a few words and Eliza walked off to get something, her black dress and cloak flowing gracefully behind her.

Dumbledore sat on the chair beside Severus' bed.

"You are lucky that she is here, Severus." The old man said quietly, so that only he could hear.

"How so?" The dark haired man asked.

Albus smiled and patted Snape's hand.

"Her love is the most powerful thing in the world. More powerful than a potion, or any spell or incantation." The Headmaster explained. "Her love spurs emotion within you , Severus. Something I have not seen in a long time."

The younger wizard sighed. "She's so mysterious. She lets on about all sorts of things, but when the time come to answer.... She doesn't." He said. "Is it true that we met before?"

"It is." Dumbledore answered simply. "And before you ask, you will learn in due time."

"It's aggravating!" Snape exclaimed. "I want to know! I want to believe her and know what she knows."

"You have to find it in yourself to remember, my boy. All good things to those who wait." The wizened man then stood up and left just as the witch returned.

She walked over to his side and handed him a goblet filled with a dark liquid.

"Drink up." She said.

He eyed the cup suspiciously and arched an eyebrow. He looked back to her and she nodded.

Tentatively and hesitantly, he took a small sip.

"That is bloody disgusting." He said as he finished the rest quickly, knowing what it was.

Eliza smiled wryly. "No one said it was Butterbeer. Blood replenishing potions are always the worst."

They sat in silence a few moments.

"I have to go prepare my lessons for Monday. I'll be back later, or tomorrow." She said.

She stood up and left rather quickly.

Madam Pomfrey watch her go, tears in her own eyes.

Poor thing. All she wanted was her love.

***

Eliza hurried to the dungeons as fast as she could.

On her way she ran into Garrett and Annalise sitting on a bench, holding hands.

Annalise still had her nightgown on. She had been asked to leave a moment, because of the amount of blood present in the infirmary.

"Miss Blackburn!" She called. "How are you faring?"

The blonde girl smiled at the teacher. "Much better, thank you for asking. My parents would like to meet you next weekend. Well, if that's alright." She added afterwards.

"Of course. If you'd like, you can head back to the infirmary. I've cleared up the situation." She said, turning to leave.

Garrett stopped her. "Professor, what happened to Professor Snape?" The raven haired boy asked curiously.

"He had an incident with Peeves the Poltergeist." She answered and started to walk away.

"That's it? Why was there so much blood?" He interrogated.

Eliza sighed and turned to face the nosy Headboy.

"He has a rare blood disease. Bruising leads to excessive bleeding from areas all over his body. Any other questions?" She asked.

Garrett approached her and quietly spoke, barely above a whisper. "Do you love him?" He asked.

There was a venomous look in his bright green eyes. "Because you aren't being very subtle."

He stalked off towards his girlfriend and led her back up the stairs to bring her to the infirmary.

Eliza entered her classroom, locked the door and leaned against it.

She took a deep breath and exhaled. Her breath shuddered slightly and she tried to steady it.

She really had to mind her actions more.