His words

by Cecexdxd

Summary:

What if Y/n went on to become an Auror even after Professor Sharp tried to talk her out of it?

He told her not to do it. And after she visits him for a questioning, he gets reminded why he was so scared to let her go.
She reconsiders her plans, but what if the ministry doesn't let her go?

Chapter 1: “Talent and resolve are a potent combination.”

Notes:

Heyyyyy, this is my first fic on AO3, I hope you guys like it. Also; please be nice, English isn't my first language XD.

Professor Aesop Sharp was hunched behind his desk, grading papers of fifth years. He sighed as he looked up into the empty potion classroom. As usual only a depressingly small amount of students were able to keep up with his expectations. He remembered her, starting Hogwarts as a fifth year and yet being perfectly able to succeed in his class.

It had been a year and a half since Miss Y/ln graduated. He knew she went on to become an Auror. He found himself thinking of former students more often than he’d like. Wondering how they were doing, whether they were happy with their life.

He certainly wasn’t. And from time to time he was scared. Scared that it would always stay that way. Scared that loneliness would one day catch up to him, if it hasn’t already. His glory days were far behind him and he was only in his thirties. What could the future hold for him, if not only bitterness?

He dismissed the thought and continued grading papers. The one in front of him was surprisingly well written. He looked to the upper left corner to find the name Charles O’Donell. Of course, he thought to himself. O’Donell had a habit of surprising him, just like Miss Y/ln always had done.

Once again his mind wandered. Was she safe wherever she was? He had tried to talk her out of becoming an Auror the moment she offered up the idea. Personally, he enjoyed his time as an Auror. If it wasn’t for his injury, he’d still be working in the field. He had seen and experienced it all first hand. The adventure, the adrenaline but also the pain and loss that comes with it. As much as he had loved his work, it evidently broke him physically and in conclusion nearly mentally.

He had talked to Miss Y/ln in private nearly two years ago. “You’ve seen the danger Y/ln. Why would you run after it?”, he had asked her. “You will see and feel worse as an Auror, than you have here. Please reconsider your plans.”

She had only smiled, before she said: “My biggest strength is magical combat. You should be glad I’m willingly becoming an Auror. I’m sure I will be safe.” And she was right. There could never be enough talented Aurors in this world. It simply shouldn’t be her.

“Sharp”, he heard someone call. He looked up to find Headmaster Black standing at his door.

The potions professor stood up. “Professor Black, a rare sight to see you in my classroom.”

“Indeed it is”, he glanced across the room, still full of smoke of a failed potion from earlier today. “And it won’t become more frequent. Anyhow, I am here with a visitor from the ministry for you.” The black-haired headmaster turned to the person, that wasn’t in Professor Sharps sight yet. “Don’t make me short a faculty member, will you?”

“That will be for me to decide but I would not worry, Professor Black.”

Sharp's heart nearly jumped out of his chest. He recognized that voice.

The unknown person stepped in front of the headmaster and immediately closed the door, separating Professor Black from the classroom.

Sharp's assumption was correct. “Miss Y/ln”, he greeted her, eyebrows raised in surprise.

She smiled at him, as she made her way to his desk. “Professor Sharp, I’m glad to see you again. How have you been?”

He was still standing at his desk, unable to say a word. She had changed since he last saw her. Her face was pale, her eyes red and even though she was smiling, it seemed as if every emotion had left her face. One and a half years ago she had the ability to lighten up an entire room with her presence. Now it felt like she wasn’t even fully here.

She grabbed a nearby chair and was about to place it close to his. “May I?”, she looked up at him.

He nodded. “Yes, of course. Please sit.” He slowly guided himself into his own chair.

The woman next to him cleared her throat. “I assume you know this is not a social call.”

“I suspected as much.” He leaned back. “You did become an Auror, I see.”

Miss Y/ln crossed her legs. “Auror in training, but yes, I did.”

“Where’s your partner?”

“Pardon?”

“An Auror in training does always have a partner with them. Where are they?”

She folded her hands together. “She has to do an interview with someone else. And since we’re in Hogwarts, she deemed it as safe. I am only here to ask you a few questions anyway.”

He narrowed his eyes. “What crime might I have committed?”

She held her stomach as a glimpse of pain crossed her face. It was gone too fast for Sharp to notice it as something worth mentioning. “There was an incident last week. The ministry thinks it involves an ex-auror, taking things into their own hands. You’re one of the top-suspects, actually. There were smugglers, trying to…well…smuggle shrunken heads. My partner and I had trouble fighting them and nearly lost, hadn’t it been for the spells coming out of the trees. We never saw someone, but the spells were clearly not meant for us.”

He leaned his arms onto his knees. “And the ministry thinks that, because the case involves shrunken heads, it was me.”

“Precisely.”

He took a deep breath. “Alright, ask your questions.”

“I want to make this as short as possible.” She leaned forward as well. Their eyes met. He had to bite his tongue to keep himself from smiling, once he noticed that spark in her face again. The spark she always had one and a half years ago. “It all happened last Thursday on approximately 1pm.”

He kept eye contact. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

There it was. She smiled. Her entire face lit up. Aesop felt something he hasn’t felt in a long time. And he was unsure whether he liked it.

“Well”, she raised her eyebrows. “Where were you last Thursday at 1pm?”

“Here, probably even in this exact chair.” He stood up to walk to the other side of the table. “I’ll give you the timetable for all of my classes. Show this to the ministry and tell them they shouldn’t dare to start questioning students. This is evidence enough, no need to stir up rumors.”

“I’ve missed you.”

He stopped in his tracks. His heart started to beat at a completely new pace. “I’m glad to see you as well”, he smiled as he sat back down.

She reached for the papers, only to stop midway. She breathed in sharply, as she, once again, held her stomach.

His right hand went to hers, only to hover inches above her arm, before he retreated. Touching her would make his head fuzzier than it already was. As much as he hated to admit it, but he couldn’t deny that she had an impact on him. Always has had. “What’s wrong?”, he finally whispered.

She didn’t look at him. “Nothing, it’s nothing.” Her body curled into the chair.

“It is clearly not nothing.”

She waved him off. “It’s fine.” Her breath was shaking. “Ugh, shit!”

Sharp pain shot through his leg, as he kneeled down in front of her. “It’s neither fine nor nothing.” His hand was shaking before he gently touched her knee. “I’ll get you some Wiggenweld.”

Y/n looked at him. What she saw nearly shocked her enough to take away her pain. His usually harsh face expressions were soft. His eyes were full of worry. In her fifth year she fought with him side by side. Even with his injury he was composed and angry, rather than scared, throughout the fight. Fear in his eyes was a completely new sight for her. Before he could stand up, she guided him back down by his shoulder. “No need. It’s already getting better.”

They were sitting like this for a while. His hand on her left knee and her hand on his left shoulder. No one dared to move. This was the closest they had ever been and it might be the closest they will ever be.

She loved him, dearly. He was her escape. He had been the minute she stepped into the halls of Hogwarts. He had been the only professor, apart from Professor Fig, who actually cared. When she came back from another fight against the poachers late at night, he was there. When it was all too much, he was here, brewing potions with her. He knew she needed distraction, so he gave it to her. Without question.

After Professor Fig's death, she became a daily visitor to him. And in a matter of weeks he knew all about her and she lots of him. Now all he knew was, that she became an Auror and was clearly in pain.

He tried to stand up, but fell back to his knees. She grabbed his arms to lessen the impact. He gave her a thankful look. Both smiled at each other before she burst out laughing. “Look at us”, she said, still holding him.

Aesop couldn’t help but chuckle as well. She was right.

“An ex-auror and a not-yet-auror trying to have a conversation without being in pain.”

He tried to stand up again, this time with the help of her arms. He successfully sat back down into his chair. His smile faded and turned back to worry the moment her arms left his. “Which is exactly why, I told you not to become an Auror.”

She shrugged. “I wouldn’t dare to study the most challenging and hazardous subject taught at this school.”

He crossed his arms. “So you did listen to me.” He audibly breathed in. “I would still prefer you studying a challenging and hazardous subject over you sitting in front of me like you are right now.”

She let her hands fall into her lap. “Why? Am I sitting wrong? Should I sit closer?”

She played dump, Aesop could see it. “You know what I mean.”

Once more Y/n quoted him. “’Talent and resolve are a potent combination’, I won’t let that go to waste.”

“Stop quoting me.”

She leaned forward again. “I’m just trying to prove a point.”

“What point, Miss Y/ln?

“That I listened to your words. That I strongly considered your words and still chose to become an Auror. This is not your fault!”

No one spoke as she took the timetable of Professor Sharps classes and put them into her brown leather bag.

He stood up with her. “It was Crucio, was it not?”

Her eyes immediately went to the floor. “Yes. More than once, which is why I cannot seem to get rid of the after effects.”

Aesop straightened his back. He didn’t want to imagine how horrible her screams must have sounded. How she must have looked, being curled up on the floor as criminals bombed her with that curse. “When did this happen?”

Y/n took all her courage and looked up at him. “Three weeks ago.”

“Did you report this?”

“That I was hit by the Cruciatus curse, yes. That I still struggle with after effects, no.”

He pinched his nose. “Why not Y/n?”

Her body shuttered by the sound of her first name. “I-I don’t know. I just assumed it would go away.”

He stepped closer to her. “May I see the impact wound?”

Y/n swallowed hard. There where mere centimeters between them. She pulled her tugged shirt out of her green tartan trousers. It revealed her bruised stomach and rips.

Aesop gasped. “This is three weeks old?” She nodded. “Someone really wanted you to feel this. Wait here.” He limped into his office.

Y/n let out a breath. She was here to ask questions and questions only. She only wanted to speak to him, to see him again. This was exactly what she didn’t want to happen. Once again he was there when nobody else was. Once again she let him see things that nobody else saw. It was like a curse itself. She couldn’t help it. The moment she was alone with him, she opened up like a dam waiting to break. She wanted to leave and run away. This day would make it all worse than it already was. She missed him so much, it hurt. She could have fallen for anyone else…but it had to be him. Of course it had to be him. He was unreachable. In no way possible would this man love her back.

“Y/ln, drink this.” She jumped at his sudden voice. He handed her a little flask with black liquid inside. “That’s what the ministry would have given you, if you had reported your problem.”

She gulped it down. Her body immediately wanted to bring it back up, as she tasted it.

Aesop chuckled. “I know, it’s not the tastiest of potions.”

Her body relaxed as the liquid took every last bit of pain from her. “Thank you, Professor, but I should really leave.”

“Not so fast.” He waved her back. “I am not done with you yet.”

“Professor I re-“

“No need for that title.”

“Alright…Mister Sharp…or Aesop, you have done enough. I am not under your protection anymore. You don’t have to do this.”

Goosebumps danced over his entire body. How beautiful his name sounded. He wanted to hear it again and again, only spoken by her. “I still have some cream that I would like to give you. For the impact wounds.” He opened a shelf under his desk and pulled out a metal container with a pale blue cream inside. He stepped closer to her. “May I?”, he signaled to her stomach.

Oh no, she thought to herself. Oh no, no, no. “Of course”, she said, drawing up her shirt.

He was so close, she could feel his breath on her face. His hands gently brushed over her bruises. If she wanted to kiss him, she would only need to move an inch forward. And she wanted to. She wanted to kiss him, hug him, stay with him forever. But she didn’t move a muscle.

Aesop could hear his heartbeat ringing in his ears. His fingertips were electrified by her skin. “I know you’re not under my protection as a student anymore. However, you are under my protection, because I chose to protect you. Because I want you to be. And I have quite obviously failed at that the past year.”

She quickly shook her head. “Aesop, don’t you dare.”

His hands stopped. He pulled away as if her skin somehow became boiling hot.

Her eyes became watery. “Don’t you dare blame yourself. You tried to talk me out of this life. You did all you could have done.”

Now it was his turn to shook his head. “No.”

“No?”, she raised an eyebrow.

“No, I didn’t. I could have…should have begged you to stay.”

She took a step forward, cupping his face in both her hands. She could feel any kind of pressure leaving her body, as their eyes met. She could feel his beard tickle her palms and his face muscles spasm with every move he made.

His breath trembled. Having her so close, chest to chest, made his body react immediately.

She demanded eye contact. “I need you, to not blame yourself. I need you…to be happy. Please?”

He had to stop himself from frowning. She cared? For him? She cared for an old cripple? “Otherwise?”

She swallowed. “I can’t leave you, knowing that it’s eating you up from the inside out. Stop caring about me, please!”

“Pain can eat you up from the inside out, and it has already started feasting on you. Looks like we’re at a standoff. You cannot leave until I stop caring, which will never happen, as much as I hate to admit it. And I can’t let you run of into danger again. I suppose you have to stay.”

She smirked. “I’m sure you’d like that, Aesop”, flirting with him, as if she had a chance.

Aesop's body started shaking. “Don’t say things like that, while you’re holding my face.”

Her hands traveled to his neck. She could see him fighting to not close his eyes. Could it be? Did he feel the same as her? So little touch and so much impact, she thought as she could feel herself getting wet. “Why not? Would you rather have me at arm-length?” When he didn’t say anything, she stepped back.

The loss of her touch pained him physically. “Y/n, I can’t let you go”, his voice was merely a whisper. He didn’t mean to say it. But his mind was too busy fighting the urge to touch her, that the words just slipped out.

“What else do you want me to do? Being an Auror is all I can do. I only came here to ask you questions not for you to change my life around”, she snapped at him.

He let his shoulders fall. “Professor Hecat is leaving next school year. You could take over her class. I could arrange for you to become my assistant as well.”

“You know, I really missed you! I really, really did. I practically begged my partner to let me come here alone. I had to see you.”

Aesop clenched his jaw. “Don’t play with me.”

The realization hit her like a Bludger. He didn’t believe her. He didn’t believe he could be loved. “Trust me, I am not. But I can’t work here…for that exact reason.”

He raised an eyebrow. “I don’t understand.”

“In one moment you seem like you don’t want anything from me at all and in the next I see that glimpse. That glimpse that gives me hope, you might actually feel something more for me. But I have to move on. This…visit was supposed to set my mind at ease. I thought: What could go wrong? We’ll just talk. And now…now THIS happened. And I’m sorry, be-“

He touched her shoulder. “Y/n, I am a cripple.”

“I don’t see how that would change anything. I’ve met you after your injury. I fell for you. I fell for who you are now. And trust me I already regret every word I just said.” She turned away from him. “At least you know that you’re loved now.”

Before she could move one more centimeter away from him, he turned her back around. “Tell me you lied. Please tell me you lied.”

“Why would I lie about that?”

“Because I could not live with that, once you walk out that door, still being an Auror in the making.” His hands made their way up from her shoulders to her face.

Unlike him, Y/n allowed herself to close her eyes for a moment. His hands were warm and it felt like her face fit into his hands like two fitting puzzle pieces.

His face came closer and closer. Not to her mouth, but to her ear. “I want you. I really do”, he whispered.

This was nearly enough to make her moan, to push him into his chair and kiss him until the sun rises again.

He looked at her, pupils dilated so much, his eyes appeared black. He wanted to retreat, but Y/n held him close by his jacket.

“I’ll give up my career by tomorrow if you promise me, that once this day comes to an end, I’ll stay yours.”

Aesop's eyes shot to her lips. He slowly leaned forward. She stopped breathing, as his beard touched her face, before he finally gave in.

He pushed his body against hers. Their lips pressed painfully against each other. She drew her hands through his dark hair. Aesop pulled her up and sat her down on his table, without ever parting their lips. She held herself up by the collar of his jacket.

A knock on the door made them jump apart. Y/n nearly didn’t make it of the table in time, before Professor Black entered the room. “Miss Y/ln, you’re still here. I hoped I could speak with Professor Sharp after your conversation.”

She brushed down her shirt. “As I said, Professor, no need to worry. You won’t be short a faculty member.” She turned around to Aesop to pick up her bag.

“I don’t deserve you”, he whispered.

“Yes, you do”, she grinned. As she walked down the classroom, she laughed: “In fact, Professor Black, if you’ll have me, I’d gladly take Professor Hecat's position once she resigns end of this year.”

Professor Black glanced to Aesop and back to her. “I would in fact consider you a fitting candidate. What about the ministry?”

“I’ll give them the evidence, which proves Professor Sharp to be innocent. And then I’ll quit. Turns out I prefer a less dangerous life to being an Auror.”

Y/n gave Aesop one last smile before she left the room with Professor Black.

Notes:

Hey, you made it till the end. I hope you enjoyed it <3.

In case there is anything you wanna tell me, the comments are open XD.

Chapter 2: "Fate is what one makes of it."

Summary:

It's time. Y/n is coming back to Hogwarts, this time as the defense against the dark arts professor. Let's just say; her and Aesops first evening together turns out much different to what Y/n expected...or wished for.

Notes:

Heyyyy, I made it! I planed out a little story. I am a slow writer tho, so bear with me XD.

Six months, it’s been six months. Six months, since she last saw him. Six stupid months of arguing with the ministry. Six months of: “Miss Y/ln this case is really important!”, and: “One last job before you leave for Hogwarts, please.”

But the day was finally here. She breathed in the warm evening air, standing in front of the giant gates of Hogwarts. With her bags in both her hands, she pushed the doors open with her shoulder.

“Oh dear, let me help you”, a woman assisted her get through the gates.

“Professor Garlick!”, Y/n laughed, as she realized, who helped her, happy to see her former herbology professor.

“Mirabel, please, dear. I am so happy to see you”, the ginger pressed her into a tight hug. “I am so glad you made it in good time for the new school year.”

Y/n smiled back at Mirabel. “Me too, but having a week to prepare is already quite late; or so I heard.”

Mirabel took one of her bags into her own hands. “Really? Did Aesop tell you that?”

Y/ns eyes widened. “W-what? No, Professor Weasley asked me to come in a week ago. W-why would Aesop have told me that?”

Mirabel nudged her body playfully with her arm. “Love is especially beautiful once it blooms in the most unlikeliest of situations, is it not?”

Y/n could only nod, as Mirabel guided her to the faculty tower. Has it been that obvious? Even in her time as a student?

They stopped next to Professor Garlick's room. “Here we are”, Mirabel signaled to the door. “Your private room.”

“This was Professor Figs room”, Y/n stated blankly.

Mirabel held her shoulder, like Y/n would fall to the floor, if she’d let go.

“Yes, it was. Matilda thought Eleazar would want you to have his room. And I think she is right. It’s next to mine as well. We could have tea every now and then. Should we open the door?”

Both Professors entered the room. Y/n was relieved that the room did not resemble Figs anymore. It was completely rearranged with new furniture to her liking. She couldn’t bear the thought of coming into this room, looking like Fig had left it. Like visiting a ghost. A cold shower ran down her spine.

No, this was completely different. She smiled to herself. This felt like an appreciation of him and her, as a team. Living on, *blooming* on, she thought, as she noticed a small Venomous Tentacula in the left corner of her room.

“Oh that’s right.” Mirabel rushed to the plant. “Do you remember the Venomous Tentacula, we planted in your fifth year?”

“Of course”, Y/n laughed.

“This…”, she drew a big circle around the plant. “…is her daughter, so to speak. I thought it would be a nice addition to your room. I know you will take great care of her.”

Y/n put down her bags, next to her bed. “That is very kind of you. Thank you. What do you think? Should I call her Mirabel?”

Mirabel clapped her hands together. “Would you really?” she gasped. “Aww thank you”, she rushed for another tight hug. “Do you want to go eat dinner? It must be time by now. Unless you want to unpack first, of course.”

“No, dinner would be perfect”, Y/n smiled.

Once both entered the great hall, Professor Weasley hurried to them. “Y/n welcome back to Hogwarts! What a surprise! I really feared you wouldn’t make it in time for this school year.”

“I’m glad to be back, Professor Weasley. I quite literally fled the ministry”, she giggled.

“It’s Matilda now. I hope this doesn’t mean we’re expecting trouble?”

“Oh no, not at all. I quit six months ago. What they were doing with me after was…just the aftermath of something else entirely. Nothing to worry about, I assure you.”

Mirabel looked her up and down. Y/n swallowed. Mirabel was extremely perceptive. The ginger knew, whatever Y/n was talking about, was in fact, something to worry about.

Professor Weasley did not catch her lying undertone. “Very well, you may already sit down. Your seat will be between Mirabel and Abraham.”

-

Slowly but surely every professor sat down at their place to eat dinner. Every professor except Aesop. Of course…of course Aesop fucking Sharp was the only one not to show up.

Y/n stared at her nearly empty plate of fried potatoes. She was fairly starting to feel concerned. No one knew she would arrive today, including Aesop. Which means, she didn’t expect to be greeted by him. But him not being around at all, didn’t sit right with her. No one seemed bothered either. Has it become normal for him to skip meals? Was he just eating alone and she was overreacting?

Mirabel must have seen Y/n staring into nothingness, as she said: “He rarely shows up for dinner. Don’t worry. Matilda already persuaded him to always eat lunch with us. I suppose he just prefers eating while working.”

“Who are you two talking about?”, asked Abraham Ronen.

“We were talking about Aesop”, Mirabel smiled. “Because he is absent.”

Abraham's eyes lit up. “Y/n, he will be overjoyed to see you! I would love to see his face. A pity, he isn’t here. But as Mirabel already told you, it is nothing unusual.”

Y/n nodded, changing the subject to more general topics. She didn’t really listen, while Mirabel and Abraham talked about this years O.W.L.s. She bit the inside of her lip. Something was wrong. He had always eaten in the great hall in her time. Maybe it became usual after she had left but it was definitely not because he simply prefers to eat alone.

As Professor Black stood up to leave, she saw her chance and wished every one a good night, before leaving as well.

She stored all her clothes away and arranged her desk with important documents and notes. Before she left her room, she straightened her clothes in front of a mirror. It’s alright, she told herself. He had nearly taken her on the table, while she had looked like a vampire, close to death, because of starvation.

Y/n chuckled at the thought of that night. Her hands began to shake, her heart to race. Finally, she would see him again. Finally, she would be able to hold him again.

-

She knocked at his door. How often she had passed this door, wishing to one day get invited in. She gave up counting a long time ago.

She frowned. No one answered. She knocked again.

“What is it?”

Y/n froze at his voice. It was shaking so much, it was barely recognizable as his. Her first instinct was to try to open the door. It was locked. Her breath got caught in her throat. She started sweating.

“Matilda, what is it?”

“Aesop, it’s me”, her voice was shaking as well.

Nothing happened for what felt like an eternity. She could hear her heartbeat in her ears. The moment she heard the lock click open, she rushed into the room.

What she saw shocked her to her core. But she had to keep it together. For him. She slowly pushed the door closed with her back.

He was sitting in his chair in front of a big fireplace. His broken leg was resting on a small, round stool. He was only wearing his white shirt and his dark trousers. But he was crying. His eyes were red. Dark circles under his eyes made his skin appear pale. Very pale. Even though it was relatively dark, she could see his entire body tremble.

Y/n could see regret creeping up his face, as he choked up on upcoming words. She rushed to him. Without a second thought she fell to her knees in front of him and pulled him into her arms. Her heart shattered to pieces, as he started sobbing. She could feel his emotions shutter through his body.

“It’s alright”, she whispered, stroking his hair. He only shook his head, as more sobs escaped his throat. With every sob of his, she felt her heart break more and more. Y/n was scared he’d hyperventilate. Never in her life had she ever been this scared, not even while fighting Ranrok, not even as Professor Fig lay dying in her arms. Her own tears dropped on his shirt.

“Yes, it is Aesop. It is. No matter what happened, it’s alright.” She cupped his face, wiping his tears away with her thumbs. “No matter what happened, it’s not worth your life, alright? Breathe.” Surprisingly, he immediately started to breathe with her, never looking into her eyes.

His breath slowly became steady again. A smile sneaked up his face, as he pressed his forehead against hers. “How?”, he whispered, his voice braking, even at this short word. “I’ve never needed you like this. And here you are, knocking on my door. I-”. He wanted to confess. He wanted to confess how much he loves her, that his life is nothing without her. That she became essential to him. But he rather swallowed the words.

As an answer, she pressed a kiss on his forehead. “You’re shaking”, she stated, wrapping her hands in his.

“You too.” Both laughed through the last tears.

Y/n stood up. “Do you have anything sweet in here? We need to get your blood sugar up again.”

As she walked through the door to his sleeping chambers, Aesop called out: “Y/n, wait! Don-“

But it was too late, she had already opened the door. Her arms fell to her side. Her legs were the only thing keeping her up and even they were as wobbly as chocolate pudding. His table and his shelvs were full of notes, ingredients and potions. That wasn’t what she was staring at though. Blood. She was staring at blood. A lot of blood. There was blood under his chair. Blood, was the only word she could repeat in her head. His blood.

She was afraid to speak, so she just slowly turned back to Aesop. Now she saw it. There was blood on the stool as well. His trousers were leaking blood onto the floor.

Y/n wasn’t scared anymore. She was in full panic, still trying to contain herself.

He wasn’t looking at her. “Aesop”, she choked. “You need to tell me where exactly, how much and why. Now.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t be. As I said: It’s alright. But I cannot let you bleed out.”

He cleared his throat, now looking at her. “I am not bleeding out.”

She signaled to his leg. “May I?”

He clenched his jaw, nodding. No one, except a few doctors, have ever seen this scar. It felt right to show her, but he was still scared. Scared, she’d leave. Scared, she’d think he is too much…work.

Y/n slowly folded up his trouser, as she kneeled before the stool. He was bleeding so much, she could hardly make out where it was coming from. “Alright, do you have bandages somewhere?”

He waved to a small shelf next to the fireplace. “Which is why I’m sitting here. I wanted to…fix it.”

She wordlessly stood up and came back with enough bandages for a Hippogriff.

He couldn’t help but giggle. “It’s just my leg, you know.”

“Hmm hmm, I know. Want to tell me what happened?”

His smile faded, while he straightened his back. “I tried…yet another cure. I had a lot of hope this time. Long story short; it…ripped my scar open.”

She bit her tongue, while she was filling water into a glass bottle. Don’t cry, she told herself. Do NOT cry. “Are you in pain?”

“Used to it by now.”

“That wasn’t my question.”

He rolled his eyes. “Yes. Yes, I am. And there is nothing you can do about that. Nothing works, believe me, I have tried.”

It’s part of the curse, she made a mental note. She wet a rag and gently started cleaning his wound. “Is that alright?”, she searched for pain in his face.

He looked at Y/n with the softest expression she had ever seen on him. “My dear, this is more than I could ever ask for. It is more than alright.”

Her heart made a full stop and she was unsure, whether it ever started beating again. She smiled at him. “I appreciate you saying this. But it is not more than you could ever ask for. In the future, I want you to ask, alright?”

He nodded.

She stood up, once she was done with cleaning and bandaging his leg. “This should last the night. And you should change into other trousers, preferably your nightwear. I will go into the kitchen. As I said before: We need to get your blood sugar up.”

Aesop laughed, as he slowly put down his leg. “’Preferably’ yeah?”

Y/n smirked back. “Yes. I can help you change as well.”

He waved her off. “No need. It would also not be the best idea today. I want *that* to happen some other time, a happier time.”

She felt a sense of pride in her chest, thinking about him getting hard, because of her. “Oh and don’t touch the blood on the floor. I’ll take care of that in a second. But first: the kitchen.”

-

She was already on her way back, as Professor Weasley crossed her path. “Y/n? Still walking about?”

Y/n tried to hold onto everything, the house-elfs gave her. “Ehm…yes.”

Matilda immediately broke into laughter as she saw all the snacks in her hands. “Where are you going with that?”

She grinned, as she looked at the snacks. “To Aesop…quite funny actually. At first the house-elfs didn’t really know what to give me, until I mentioned his name. I only wanted some pumpkin juice and maybe something else as well. But I got all of this.”

“Shall I help you carry this upstairs?”

Y/n's eyes widened. “Oh no, no need. I got it.”

Matilda's laugh went away. She looked at Y/n's trousers. “What happened?”

Y/n was unable to look at her trousers, but Matilda's face said enough to know, that they were full of blood. “Oh that! I know it looks like blood, but it’s really not. Also a very funny story, but I really have to go or this will all fall out of my hands.”

The ginger started to smile again. “Alright, alright. Then a good night to you…and Aesop”, she winked.

Oh no, Y/n thought. Everyone knows. Great. “You too, Matilda.”

-

“Hey”, she came into the room again. “Got you some stuff. Also; the house-elfs must really like you.”

Aesop came out of his bedroom. “Why – oh. Yes…well. I do often ask for…sweets. Helps me think.”

“I figured”, Y/n chuckled. “Sooo I got some pumpkin juice…”, she started to list all the things she had in her arms, while putting them on his bedroom table. “…some lemon drops, custard, strawberry cake and some crisps.”

His arms reached around her hips. He closed his hands in front of her and pressed her back against him. Y/n held his hands, as she closed her eyes and leaned into his chest. His smell of Earl Grey, parchment and oddly enough cinnamon, was all around her. It felt like coming home. “You know, you should sit down.”

“I like it this way though.”

She turned to him, holding his neck and smiling like she never had before. She looked him up and down. He was wearing a normal black shirt and long, black trousers. Y/n took a step back, as she traced her hands along his exposed arms. “Well look at you Aesop Sharp, you look sharp indeed.”

An honest laugh escaped his chest.

Y/n got closer to his arms. “Honestly, do you still work out?”

Aesop was still laughing. “I’m trying my best.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Well then you’re going to be disappointed once I undress…a bit more.”

“You can’t actually mean that.”

Y/n shrugged. “Everyone has their problems, I suppose. Anyway…”, she turned back to the table, only to swing around once again. “…drink your pumpkin juice. Your hands are still shaking. Would you mind if I sleep here tonight?”

He nearly choked on his pumpkin juice. “No, not at all.”

Y/n grinned proudly. “Perfect, I’ll be back in a minute, just going to go change and brush my teeth.”

-

She wasn’t gone long. But it did feel like a year had passed before she came dancing into his room again.

“Aesop”, she looked at him, sitting on his bed, and back at the spot that was full of blood minutes ago.

“Cleaning spell. Don’t worry I didn’t scrub it away on my knees.”

“Very funny.” She walked around his bed, also sitting down. She was wearing a long, dark green nightgown. It might be long, but it did expose her arms and some cleavage.

Now it was his turn to stare at her. He had never seen someone so effortlessly beautiful. And that someone was his.

“The colour is only for you”, she teased. “Can I have another look at your leg?”

He lifted up the blanket.

Y/n decided it looked fine for now. “I know this will destroy the mood…but can I ask, why? You told me it was fate. For me, that meant you accepted it. So, why?”

He breathed in. “Fate is what one makes of it. And I will be honest with you, because I need you to know, what you’re signing up for. I don’t think I will ever accept this. It’s a constant reminder of-“ He stopped talking.

“Guilt”, Y/n whispered.

“Yes, that”, he forced a smile for her. Aesop lifted the blanket again, this time to invite her in.

Y/n instantly put her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around him, as he was covering them with the blanket. With a flick of his wand, the lights went out.

Both fell into a deep, well-deserved sleep.

Notes:

This was inspired by Aesops actual in-game room btw. When you go to the very back of it, you can see red spots on his floor, surrounded by flasks and potion instruments. I figured it might be blood and had to give him some comfort XD.

Annnnd I know only head-teachers sit where Y/n is sitting in the great hall, but I didn't want her to sit anywhere else.

As always kudos and comments are very appreciated, love you all <3

Chapter 3: "But survival is not guaranteed for any of us."

Summary:

Y/n receives a letter, forcing her to leave Aesop behind and run of into danger again.

Aesop woke up to the smell of Earl Grey and warm strawberry cake. He could feel his bed move, as someone sat at his side. When that someone lifted up his blanket to expose his leg, he shot up, grabbing their wrist. His gaze softened instantly, once he saw who was sitting at his side. Y/n.

“Good morning”, she smiled at him. “I just wanted to have a quick look.”

Aesop relaxed his grip around her hand. “Apologies. I wasn’t quite awake yet.”

She waved him off, as she stood up again. “How do you like your tea?”

He cleared his throat, still choked from sleep. “With nothing.”

She stood at his bedroom table, raising her eyebrows. “Without milk?”

He nodded.

“Without sugar?”

He nodded again.

“Without lemon?”, she frowned.

He moved to the edge of the bed. “Yes, dear. Just tea.”

Y/n chuckled. Her heart, once again stopping at her nickname. “That is extremely cliche of you, you know that?”

Aesop just raised an eyebrow.

“The mysterious, untouchable, Slytherin-Professor, in his dark potions classroom, only drinking black tea. Black tea, as dark as his soul”, she laughed, while she got closer to him.

He pulled her onto his lap, his eyes focused on her lips. “And how do you drink your tea? Lots of milk, two sugars, hardly any tea left in the cup?”

Y/n smirked at him, resting her arms on his shoulders. “No. Only milk, no sugar. Anyway, I wanted to make you tea”, she tried to push herself of his lap.

“Not now, I can wait for my tea”, he pulled her closer by her waist.

His stubble tickled her chin, before his lips pressed on hers. Y/n’s hands were drawing up to his long hair, as she was pressing their bodies together. She couldn’t believe this was happening. In her seventh school year, she was hoping for a hug, a hand on her shoulder, a touch…anything. She couldn’t believe, that she was allowed to be the one he wants.

Y/n inhaled sharply, as his tongue caressed her lips. Every centimeter of her body, that could touch his, was touching his and yet she wanted to have him closer, much closer.

She heard something knock in the distance, but wouldn’t have paid attention to it, hadn’t Aesop stopped kissing her. Something was knocking on glass.

She rolled her eyes, while she stood up. “A bloody owl, of course.”

Aesop slowly followed her. She had already opened the letter, once he walked into the room. He watched her, reading the letter, to figure out what it may be about. Her nostrils flared, her face turned to stone. She swallowed hard. Was it anger he could see? He held himself up by a small table next to her. No, he thought. That wasn’t anger on her face.

She folded up the letter and glared at him with the same false smile, she had six months ago. She was scared.

“What is it?”

“I-I don’t…I-“, Y/n tried to form a sentence. She wanted to tell him the truth of what was written in this letter. But it was either hurting him…maybe even losing him so soon after it barely started, or lying. “Ominis…was sent to Azkaban”, she lied. Please don’t ask questions, she prayed in her head. By all the Gods do NOT ask questions.

“Ominis? Why?”

Shit. “It doesn’t say.”

“May I?”, he reached out his hand.

“It only says Ominis was sent to Azkaban and they want me to vouch for his release. Today.”

Surprisingly Aesop took that lie well. Maybe because he trusted her enough to believe anything…but she buried that thought before it could break her heart.

He crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Do you have an idea what he might have done?”

“No not r-“, her eyes widened. “Yes actually, I do. Remember the suspected Ex-Auror I told you about? Once all our suspects had believable alibis, Ominis was in the talks.” A lie. They dropped the case.

Aesop scratched his chin. “But sending him to Azkaban for that? A bit extreme, don’t you think? Unless there is something you’re not telling me.” Y/n already wanted to protest, before he added: “There were unforgivable curses involved, weren’t there? Not just from enemies side.”

Y/n just nodded. Yeah that was it…not anything else at all. “I’ll be back soon, alright? I promise.” Another lie. She couldn’t promise shit. But he wouldn’t let her go, if he knew where she was actually going.

He stepped forward, taking her hands in his. “I assume as much. The ministry is not one to torture their Ex-Aurors or witnesses.” Aesop knew she was keeping a secret. Once again she was forcing on that particular smile, that never reached her teary eyes.

“I just won’t be back tonight…don’t freak out, but once I’m already at the ministry I want to take care of something.” A half-truth.

He did as he was told: Not freak out. Even though he would really like to. “Y/n promise me something, please. Answer my next question truthfully.”

She squeezed his hands, as she nodded.

“Whatever you’re taking care of, will it be dangerous?”

Y/n pressed her lips together.

Aesop turned around, running his hands over his face.

“I’ll make it. Because truthfully…”, she emphasized on the last word. “…fighting Ranrok face to face, ALONE, was way more dangerous than what I am trying to do now.” That was the truth…maybe. Possibly. Hopefully.

He swung back around. “Then tell me, what you are doing.”

“I’ll tell you when it’s done. When I am back.” The fact he didn’t argue with that, made her stomach curl. He trusted her…he trusted her, even when it was so hard for him to trust anyone. And she abused it, not even days into their new found relationship.

This would be the last lie, she ever told him. And for that, it was worth it. After this was over…she’d settle down in Hogwarts. She’d see her students grow, have tea with Mirabel and maybe one day marry the man she loves so much.

But before that could happen, she had to live with that lie for a little longer, had to live with that danger lingering a little longer.

-

Y/n was sweating like the newest Quidditch Seeker after the biggest match of the year, as she was climbing up another stupid hill. Why did the Highlands actually have to be high?! It was way too hot to be noon. She practically jumped from one shadow to the other. Thank the Gods for trees, she thought.

She had already dismounted her broom. She didn’t know where their first camp was. And when she learned one thing in her Auror-training, it was, that fighting head-on is not always the best idea. Especially now that she had her ancient magic contained below Hogwarts.

Y/n actually felt some kind of relief, once she heard voices from around the corner. With her wand at the ready, she crouched in front of a fence, analyzing the Goblin- Camp. Alright, she thought, counting six of them. That would be doable. She cast a Disillusionment charm, before entering.

Hiding behind a tent, she cast a basic spell against two barrels a few meters ahead of her. Four of the Goblins left their spot to investigate. Well…that was easier than expected. Just as all four of them where at an acceptable distance, she whispered: “Bombarda!” The barrels exploded and with them the Goblins as well.

“Who is there?”, called out one of the remaining two. He was walking right in front of her.

“Petrificus Totalus”, she mumbled. The Goblin fell motionless onto the grass. The other Goblin ran to his friend. Really? Alright…”Petrificus Totalus”, she whispered again.

“Show yourself!” She turned around, seeing a wand pointed exactly at her. She counted six...there were six…not seven.

Y/n did as she was told and revealed herself. Only now she realized who was pointing the wand at her. Tears shot into her eyes. Her own wand slipped from her hand to the floor. “Lodgok”, her voice not more than a gentle breath.

He lowered his wand. “It’s you!”, he laughed.

Y/n fell to her knees, pulling him into her arms.

As they went apart again, he straightened his brown apron. “That was quite a reaction.”

Y/n was still in shock. This meant one less to have died in the battle. One less who gave their life for her. One less to feel guilty about. One more who survived.

“I heard you left the Ministry. What are you doing here?”

She started to find her voice again. “I…I did leave. I told the Ministry what was going on. They didn’t believe me, of course. I wanted to become the new Defense Against The Dark Arts Professor but this…”, she signaled around the camp. “…got in the way.”

“You’re here on your own?”

“The Ministry did give me permission to go here. But…it’s all a bit complicated. To put it in a nutshell, yes, I am here alone.”

He nodded, as he looked around. “We should keep this camp. At least for the night. We need to make a plan together. I’ll tell you what I know, you tell me what you know. And then…we attack.”

They barricaded all entrances and exits with barrels, wooden planks and protection spells.

“Where did you get that wand anyway?”, Y/n asked Lodgok, who was currently building something at a wooden table.

“Poachers. Some are still around. Not many, but some.”

Y/n walked up to him. “What are you making?”

He held a piece of metal up into the sky, inspecting it carefully. “We’ll need to transport it back to Hogwarts, once we get to it. I know you planned to be the transport box, so to speak. But I don’t think that is safe. So I’m making a less dangerous alternative.”

She raised her eyebrows. “That makes a lot of sense. Thank you.”

The piece of metal was thrown onto a little pile of other pieces. “Don’t mention it.”

She cleared her throat and leaned onto the right side of the table. “Lodgok…how did you survive?”

He took another slice of metal into his hands. “Why wouldn’t I have?”

Y/n frowned. “A wise man once told me ‘survival is not guaranteed for any of us’. I saw you being thrown against a wall and you did not stand up again.”

Lodgok smirked. “This wise man must not have met many Goblins then. We are made to survive. All that we do, is to survive.”

“I’m sorry…for my kind. You shouldn’t need to simply survive.”

He tapped her arm. “I know you are. But you’ve done enough for this world Y/n Y/ln. You won’t change how the majority of them looks at us.”

Y/n stepped from one foot to the other. “I am also sorry for…I-“ The words got choked up in her chest. “I killed your brother.”

This piece of metal was apparently deemed to be useful, as it was put on the other side of the metal pile. “Don’t be ridiculous. He might have been my brother, but he was not family.” He looked at her. “You were. I will always fight for my friends and family, as I am doing now.”

“Thank you Lodgok, I appreciate you saying this.” Gods, she was grateful to have him back. It still felt like a dream, but he was here. Alive. And she wouldn’t have to do this alone. A warm feeling arose from her chest. It felt like she could relax just a little more, now that Lodgok was with her.

“Now, who was that wise man, you were talking about?”, he asked inspecting the next metal section.

Y/n swallowed. “Aesop Sharp. He was my potions professor.” Her heart started beating faster at his name. By Merlin, she fell hard for him.

“Potions? Interesting. I might know him. What does he look like?”

“He is pretty tall. He usually wears a black jacket, a green vest and a white shirt. He has dark brown, shoulder-long hair. Ehm…brown eyes. A scar.”

“What kind of scar?”

“It looks like lightning, that struck his entire left side. Most notably is that it covers most of the left side of his face, I’d say.”

Lodgok stopped working, as he turned around to Y/n. “A lightning, you say? Does it impact a single body part in particular?”

Y/n raised a single eyebrow. “Yes, his leg. Why?”

“I know that kind of magic.”

Her eyes widened. “What?! You know which curse was cast on him?”

“I do. It was a curse, made by a Goblin in the first Goblin Rebellion. Which is why, Wizardkind would not have any written records of it. Or rather not any helpful records.”

She bit the inside of her lip. “How do you-“

“I saw your face, when you talked about him. You like him. This curse is a huge burden to carry. You know he is in pain and you want to fix it.”

Once again she was speechless, staring at him with big eyes.

“It was a curse, called Fulmen Perdat. Once Goblins weren’t allowed to use magic anymore, this curse died with it. I am very surprised it was cast. Do you have any details of the incident?”

Y/n shook her head. She still didn’t know what to say. Aesop had worked on a cure for so long. He had taken uncountable risks and here she was. Talking to a Goblin, telling her it could be cured. “N-no he doesn’t really speak about it. But I know where he keeps his notes of everything he has tried and why.”

“That would be perfect! I don’t need much information, but we’ll get to that once I have his notes.” He turned around to continue his work, as if nothing happened.

“Lodgok…you’re telling me he can be cured?”

He shrugged. “Yes, easily. It’s not a complicated potion. But I have to give him credit, no one could simply guess the right one without knowing the curse.”

She was still frozen to the spot. “Right…easily.” Aesop went through so much pain to be cured ‘easily’? Lodgok’s words were still flying around in her head, never truly registering. A smile slowly creeped up her face, before she started laughing out of pure joy. “He can be free of pain…by Merlin Lodgok this is…this is…”

“The least I can do for you. If you say he is worth saving, he is worth my time.”

Notes:

Well, well I hope you enjoyed this chapter. We're finally getting some plot going XD.

Also; ignore the bad Latin translation for the spell I made up.

As always kudos and comments are super appreciated. Thanks so much for reading <3

Chapter 4: "Shortcuts only ever lead to shortcomings."

Summary:

Aesop talks to Matilda, while Lodgok and Y/n are working out a plan.

The last two days killed him. He had waited for her for a far longer time before, but this…this was different. It felt like time was haunting him. Anywhere he went, he could hear seconds, counting in his ear. Aesop had been alone for most of his life and yet, he had never felt as alone as he was feeling now. He even began hating silence. Silence had been his safe space. Silence meant peace. It meant relaxation. Now it was only a reminder of her absence.

Aesop’s leg was hurting more than usual, as he was walking up the last set of stairs to his room. Whether it was because of his constant worry or because his wound hadn’t fully healed yet, he couldn’t say. Possibly both.

As soon as he closed the door to his room behind him, he pressed his forehead against it. It’s been 61 hours, he sighed. When he wakes up tomorrow it’ll be 72 hours…three days.

An owl knocked at his window. Aesop pushed himself of the door and to the black owl. “What do you have for me at this hour?” He exchanged the letter with a little dried cricket before he send the dark owl on its way again. Aesop sat down into his chair in front of the fireplace to read the letter.

Dear Professor Sharp,

I have to say, I was rather surprised, reading your name on the envelope. Although I could have guessed, that a letter from you may not just be a checkup on your former student, I was shocked about what you had written me.

The Ministry did not talk to me about anything. Least of all about imprisoning me in Azkaban. So to answer your question whether I was released, I can only say I’ve never been in Azkaban. Neither as a prisoner nor as a visitor. In addition to that I can say, that I have not seen Y/n the last few days, especially not at the Ministry.

I do hope Y/n is alright and that this was just a misunderstanding. She told me she would be the next Defense Against The Dark Arts Professor. I assume she has already arrived. When you see her, I would appreciate, if you could remind her, that she promised me a letter.

Sincerely,

Ominis Gaunt

Aesop’s hands folded up in front of his mouth and nose. He didn’t want this to be true. She was the only person, that was left for him to fully trust. He stood up, throwing Mister Gaunt’s letter into the flames. As if that could erase what he had read. As if that could undo his razing mind. He felt betrayed and angry but at the same time he felt scared and even more worried than he was before. Whatever she was up to, it was way more dangerous than he initially thought.

He limped to a closet, taking out a black cane. Shame started creeping up, but his knees felt week and his leg felt like it was being stabbed at every step he took.

Aesop grabbed the silver handle, like it would stop his shaking, like it would stop his emotions rising up.

There was nothing he could do to safe her. He knew nothing. Not where she was, what she was doing or why she was doing it. He clenched his jaw, as he was taking his first step.

It’s been 61 hours. 61 hours and in every minute of those, she could have been killed. His breath got caught in his throat. He knew what this meant…a panic attack. He got down to his knees, his hands still holding onto the handle.

He hadn’t had those in ages. The last time he was close to one was, when Y/n was running of with Eleazar to beat Ranrok. He knew what triggered them. Helplessness.

The first time he ever felt this kind of panic, this kind of helplessness, was when he had lost his partner. When Aesop had been bleeding on the floor, crawling out of the ship, as he was bombed with several curses. One of them being the thing that ultimately cost him his ability to walk without pain. To be without pain.

He looked up through his arms into his bedroom. Something looked…odd. Still breathing heavily, he heaved himself up to his feet again. His whole body clenched at the pain that shot through his leg.

Aesop slowly stumbled to his bedroom. It hit him like the Hogwarts train. All of his notes were gone. Not a single piece of paper was to be found. He approached his remaining vials and ingredients. Someone clearly only wanted his written records. But why? All tests and student records were in his classroom. Those notes merely contained his attempts to finding a cure for his leg.

His eyes scanned the room. An uneasy feeling filled his chest. There was a letter on his bed.

He slowly lowered himself onto his bed. He started shaking again. It was the letter that caused her to leave. Either she had been here and wanted him to receive this or someone wanted to send a message…unknown if it was a call for help or a threat.

-

“Lodgok”, Y/n called out at the entrance to their camp. “It’s me. I got the notes.”

With a flick of his wand he lifted the wooden planks up in the air for her to go through. “How is your back?”

She put down the notebooks and her brown bag full of documents. It all basically fell out of her arms onto a blanket on the floor. “I’m not sure. The pain is bearable but I am still very stiff.”

“Let me look at it again.” Lodgok lifted up her black shirt. “Hmm yes. The bruising got worse compared to yesterday. But this should be the worst day, so nothing to worry about.”

Y/n’s face twitched in pain at the memory of what had happened yesterday. They had already located three other camps, leading further up the mountain. The last camp was quite crowded and she got hit by some sort of a Depulso. Her body was stopped by a stone right behind her.

Lodgok and Y/n figured that the final camp couldn’t be far, given the amount of Goblins. So they decided to lay low for another day. Firstly because the transport box wasn’t done yet and because of Y/n’s injury.

Lodgok pulled down her shirt again. “If your pain is not too bad, you should be able to fight again tomorrow. I’ll get the box ready. Meanwhile you could search his notes.”

“We have to fight tomorrow…we can’t wait any longer. I left Aesop a clue. He might join with the other Professors”, she sighed. Without her ancient magic this could be a lot more difficult. “Anyway, what should I look for?”, she signaled to all the paper in front of her.

“I need every little information you can find about the incident itself. Apart from that I’d like to know what he tried the last time and I need to know whether any of his recipes contain Boom Berry. Considering he tried to heal his leg, I am assuming they do. I need an exact number.”

They both started working. The silver box just needed a few more minutes to be completed. Lodgok already started to cut some ingredients for the potion, when she was still hovering over his recipes. She tried to look over all of them quickly but many of them caught her eye. There were some she didn’t understand, even when she tried to and others shocked her to her core. They made her stomach curl, let tears shoot into her eyes. He really tried…anything. Anything from a heavier healing potion to a poison, purposefully breaking his leg, only to drink another healing potion to fix it again.

“I looked at everything.” She handed Lodgok her own notes.

“Yes, as I thought. It was Fulmen Perdat.”

After reading all of his attempts this meant even more than it did before. “Do you have everything you need or should I rob the stores of Hogwarts?”

He laughed. “No, no need to rob anything. I’ll prepare as much as I can tonight and I will finish this potion when we’re done fighting. It needs a lot of concentration and exact timing. A second too late for any ingredient and we can start again. This sort of potion needs to be brewed somewhere safe.” He held up his hand, signaling her to be quiet. “Speaking of…someone is coming.”

She packed up all of Aesop’s notes and books as fast as she could, while Lodgok did the same with his materials.

Y/n straightened her back, making sure she was ready to fight. Pain shot through her body. This would turn out…interesting.

“Y/n”, Lodgok whispered. “We need to sneak into the forest.”

She hesitated.

“Our hands are full with important information and materials. You can’t fight like you usually do. The only thing we can do is confuse them. Come on!”

They both sneaked out of the camp. Lodgok was right. The other Goblins tried to get their camp back. “Shit”, Y/n breathed out. “There are like twenty of them. We shouldn’t have waited a day.”

Lodgok pulled her further into the forest. “Nothing we can do now. We had no other option. Come on, we’ll sleep in the forest tonight. Tomorrow at dawn we attack their base-camp.”

-

“Matilda open the door! It’s urgent”, Aesop knocked on Professor Weasley’s door.

She was in a red bathrobe as she let Aesop inside. “By Merlin Aesop, what happened?”, she asked, looking at his cane.

He tried to ignore that his former professor and now colleague is wearing absolutely nothing but the red bathrobe. “Here”, he gave her the letter. “Read it. Out loud.”

Matilda frowned as she took the letter into her hands. She put on her reading glasses and started reading.

“Dear Miss Y/ln,

We have carefully considered your evidence regarding Goblins being in possession of Ancient Magic.”

Matilda stopped reading to look up at Aesop. He signaled to her to continue. She cleared her throat.

“We do believe that this might be the case. However at this given time the evidence you have presented is not enough for us to believe that Goblins want to cause harm with said magic. The only evidence we have in that regard is your word and as you expressed it ‘history that is not even a fucking decade old’.

Therefore we are sorry to inform you that we cannot act on the given evidence. Considering that you are the only known person alive to be able to wield this magic, you may investigate further and give us the evidence we need.

You are hereby allowed to act as an Auror, as long as you do not claim to be one or disobey any laws that have been presented to you at your time of training. This statement is only applied to you. You must not inform others of your doing.

Kind regards,

The Ministry Of Magic”

Matilda slowly lowered the letter, to glance at Aesop. “Aesop…I didn’t know this. I am sorry. She told me she was just getting supplies.”

He nodded, clenching his jaw. “I didn’t expect you to know. That letter was placed into my room by someone. Possibly her. She is asking for help. We must listen!”

“Aesop, we don’t even know where she is.”

“Turn the letter around and fold it back to how it was.”

Matilda did as she was told. A map. Y/n had drawn a map. “Is this… Feldcroft Region?”

Aesop took back the letter. “I assumed the same. Matilda…if SHE asks for help it’s urgent.”

“I know but-“

“No! No buts! I knew you would listen to the bloody Ministry. Do you understand what this means?!” He was holding the letter up to her face.

The ginger took a step back. “I do. Which is why we cannot help her.”

“THIS means, that she is helpless. She doesn’t have her Ancient Magic anymore. She is not trying to simply collect evidence anymore. She knows how quick Goblins are. If this was the reason she was only able to join us now, then this investigation has been going on way too long already. She HAD to act. And she is doing it alone.” He gently grabbed her left shoulder, trying to calm himself. “Matilda…she is trying to single-handedly take down a second soon-to-be Goblin Rebellion. If we don’t help, she will die.” He nearly choked on those last words.

She bit her tongue, pinching her nose with her fingers. “Alright, you’re right. Let us talk in the morning. We won’t safe her tonight. If we search for her at night, we could make it more dangerous for everyone involved. Especially because…” She looked at his cane.

He let go of her shoulder. “I can still fight. But I agree, we need to wait until morning.”

With that he went to bed.

-

The second the sun touched the horizon, he stood up. Aesop did not sleep for a single second. He knew it was way too early to expect an answer from Matilda. But he had to leave. He had to make sure, she was safe. So he wrote a note, slipped it under Matilda’s door and left with his broom.

Aesop felt very unsteady in the air. It had been a few years since he had last used his broom. He was unsure whether he could still fly it. But it worked…for the most part. With his black cane in one hand and his leg still in pain, it was rather hard to keep his balance.

But sooner or later he found the spot she had drawn on the map. He got of his broom, already seeing a camp nearby.

Aesop slowly approached the camp. He counted 19 Goblins. So many in the first camp? And if this was the first camp, where was Y/n?

A shiver went down his spine. A piece of paper with his handwriting was right at the entrance. They had to know where she was.

 

Without thinking about a plan he shouted: “Expulso!”, as he entered the camp, throwing three Goblins against the wooden fence.

-

“Did you hear that?”, Y/n stopped in her tracks.

Lodgok looked behind them. “Indeed I did. And I still do.”

Loud noises echoed from the mountain. “Should we investigate? It may be the other Professors.”

He shook his head. “From what I can tell, the noises come from our camp. It’s too far to turn around. We must not lose time. If it actually is help, they will make it up here, just like we did.”

-

The only Goblin left, crushed his cane. Aesop stumbled back, before he fell to the floor. The Goblin came running to him. Out of reflex Aesop took out his pocketknife and protected his chest. The Goblin landed on the knife, crying out in pain. Aesop threw the bleeding Goblin of his chest.

“Where is she?”, he exclaimed, holding the knife to his throat.

It was too late. The Goblin had already taken his final breath.

Aesop laid down into the dirt. He had nothing to go of anymore. He ran his hands over his face. How often had he told his students ‘shortcuts only ever lead to shortcomings’? Uncountable amount of times. He thought with his experience, he shouldn’t make these kind of mistakes. But here he was. So close to every information he needed. Only for his chance to vanish into thin air because of a stupid mistake. Because of a shortcut…

Notes:

I don't have much to say about his chapter tbh XD.

The next chapter is gonna be a *bit* more eventful, so stay tuned <3

Edit: I am currently working on the next chapter. Because Uni started, I have much less time than before. I also only want to upload the next chapter once I am half way through the last chapter. There are somethings I am not sure of yet. XD So don't worry, this has not been abandoned XD

Chapter 5: “Success can make one complacent if one’s confidence is not tempered by humility.”

Summary:

Y/n and Lodgok find the main-camp while Aesop tries to reach them.

The way further up the mountain felt like it would never end. Aesop’s pain slowly became unbearable. It wasn’t only his leg that was hurting anymore. It shifted through his hip to his entire back. He had to take a break. Leaning against a tall stone, his leg began to cramp up. He clenched his teeth in pain, looking up to the mid-day sky.

His attempt to save her was pathetic. He was barley able to get to her. How was he supposed to fight for her? He could hear loud bangs, echoing from the mountain. The fight had started. And he was still here. She was doing it alone…again. Aesop wanted to be there for her. He wanted to shove her behind him and tell her that she was protected. That she was safe. But he couldn’t.

He was a pathetic image of an Ex-Auror. Unable to protect those he loved. She didn’t deserve him. She deserved someone younger, someone less broken. She had seen enough bad of this world. She deserved someone, who could protect her from the rest of it. That wasn’t him.

He was a selfish monster, taking advantage of her. He was taking away a young woman’s life for his own happiness.

The loud bangs still continued to ring in his ears.

A Goblin came running around a corner. Aesop drew his wand. The Goblin held his hands up. “No, wait! Are you here for Y/n? My name is Lodgok. We need help!”, he pleaded.

Lodgok, Aesop thought. That Lodgok? His death and Eleazar’s were the ones Y/n especially talked about with him. “Lodgok is dead”, Aesop stated, still pointing his wand at the Goblin.

He stared at Aesop’s scar. “You’re Aesop Sharp. I know Y/n thought I was dead. I am not. I helped her get up the mountain. She told me about you and that she left a message for you. Please, lower your wand.”

Aesop put his wand away. “Where is she now?”

“She send me to check whether any of her colleagues got the message and came to help. There are more Goblins in the main-camp than we expected. We cannot do it on our own.”

“So you left her alone?”

“I understand your distrust. She insisted for me to leave. She told me she could hold up until I come back. And from what I’ve seen, I believe her. She doesn’t make many mistakes.”

He pinched his nose. “Which just makes it more dangerous.” Aesop pushed himself of the stone to continue to walk up the mountain.

“Of course it’s dangerous, but why would her absence of mistake make it more dangerous?”

“Success can make one complacent if one’s confidence is not tempered by humility. She is pushing it too far. We have to get to her, as fast as possible”, he frowned.

Lodgok inspected Aesop’s limp as he followed him. “She was right about you, Mister Sharp.”

Several thuds could be heard behind them. Aesop drew his wand again.

-

She was hiding behind a barrel, only to breathe for a second. The base-camp was through a big tunnel, leading to the inside of the mountain. It would have been a beautiful place, hadn’t it been for the reason she was there. Trees were growing in the big hallow place, turning the cave into a small world of its own.

She ran from one hiding place to another. She had been hit by an axe a few seconds ago. Blood was running down her left arm. And there it was…making the cave a little brighter. Her magic. She checked her pocket for Lodgok’s container, sighing in relief as she felt it under her palm.

The Ancient Magic had been placed on some sort of white column in the middle of the camp. She just had to get to it.

The floor started to shake under her feet. She knew that rhythm. Trolls. She looked up to find two of them in black armor. They were hard enough to beat without armor. Why did they have to wear armor?

“There she is”, shouted one of the Goblins.

She started sprinting towards the Ancient Magic. One of the trolls threw a stone, the size of herself, right in front of her. “Expulso”, she screamed, hoping this would put some distance between her and the troll. Luckily the troll stumbled backwards. She threw a Diffindo, a Confringo and a Depulso towards it. It hit its head on a tree, as it fell down.

She breathed hard. The troll didn’t get back up. Goblins were surrounding her. She fought like she was being controlled by someone else. No second thought behind any spell she cast. It was pure luck this troll didn’t kill her. Stupid luck. The Ministry and now her colleagues as well, were counting on her luck. If luck failed her today, there would be a Goblin Rebellion. If luck failed her today, hundreds maybe thousands would die. If luck failed her today, he would die. Aesop Sharp would die.

Hot tears fell down her cheek, while still fighting without control of her actions. This time she asked for help and still no one showed up. Maybe she should have tried harder? Maybe she should have screamed for help?

The huge club of the remaining troll hit her full force, throwing her against the stonewall of the cave. She struggled to breathe. Her back was aching. She couldn’t get up. Hastily she searched for her brown bag full of Wiggenweld-Potions. A pained moan escaped her, as she saw her bag being crushed by the troll. There was still a good amount of distance between her and the troll, until it ripped out part of a huge tree.

“Help”, she whispered, closing her eyes, waiting for the impact.

But the impact never came. She slowly opened her eyes again. Matilda gave her a worried look, while she hit the troll with the wood.

Tears of joy and relief streamed down Y/n’s face. Still unable to get up, she laid on the floor, letting her emotions wash over her. Mirabel threw at least a dozen Chinese Chomping Cabbages at goblins, while Abraham cast Bombarda.

Y/n could feel herself drifting off. Her sight became blurrier by the second. She could make out Aesop’s silhouette, crouching down before her. “Stay with me”, his voice whispered. His hands wrapped around her face. “Look at me. Please, look at me.” Her eyes rolled into her head. She was unable to see, smell, feel. She wanted to hold on. She wanted to tell him that she was fine. It felt like a darkness pulled her down with a force she couldn’t withstand. She drowned in it, as her muscles went numb. “No, no, no. Y/n LOOK AT ME!”

-

Aesop gave her all the healing potions he had brought with him, as he held her in his arms. Mirabel had bandaged Y/n’s hurt shoulder.

Lodgok had already collected the Ancient Magic. It was safely sealed away in his self-made silver box. Mirabel was combing Y/n’s hair with her fingers, whispering wishes under her breath, as if they were incantations that would wake her up.

Matilda was guarding the entrance in case of an attack and Abraham was searching the camp for Gods know what.

Out of nowhere Y/n inhaled sharply and clung to Aesop’s arms. She tried to get up. Aesop pushed her back down on his lap. “Absolutely not”, he demanded. “You stay here. The magic has been stored away. There is no need for you to get up.” He swallowed. “You’re safe.” Not because of him. He basically had been carried up the hill by his colleagues. Hadn’t it been for him, maybe they would have been faster. Maybe she hadn’t been hit by the troll.

“I don’t feel any pain”, was the first thing Y/n said.

“I gave you more than enough potions for that.”

She looked down, as she noticed his eyes. They looked sad, disappointed, betrayed. “I know, I was stupid to do this on my own. But trust me, my confidence has just been tempered by humility. So no worries. I won’t repeat this ever again.”

Lodgok smiled at her, giving her the silver box.

She looked back at Aesop. “Can I stand up now?”

He nodded, barley noticeable. “But carefully.”

Mirabel guided Y/n up with her arms. “Thank you”, Y/n said. “Genuinely, thank you all so much. I really thought I was going to die today.”

Aesop clenched his jaw. She would have. Had she decided, she could do this alone, she would be dead now. And he would never have known why or how. She would have disappeared, having left him with a constant hope of her one day returning. Her body would have been rotting away in this cave, while he would wait for her till the day he died. It was for the best...he tried to choke down the thought. He focused the floor, as tears shot into his eyes. It was for the best to keep distance between them. She deserved someone better and he couldn’t bear to get hurt again.

“Y/n, can I talk to you?” Lodgok pulled her to the side. Once they were far enough from the others, he continued: “I’ll bring you the cure for him tomorrow evening. Let’s meet at the forbidden forest.” He glanced to the silver box in her hands. “Let’s bring this to where it belongs.”

She smiled. “Thank you so much, Lodgok.”

He waved her off. “No worries. Oh and do you remember the day you and your partner from the Ministry had help from someone unknown?”

Y/n frowned. “At the forest? Yes? The Ministry tried to figure out who it was.”

“Well they obviously didn’t. Because they looked for human suspects.” Lodgok grinned.

Y/n’s mouth fell open. “No! No way! I don’t know what to say. Thank you once again.”

“See, for that you can thank me.” He guided her back to the rest. Abraham and Matilda were back.

“Are you alright, dear?”, Matilda asked, holding out her hand.

Y/n took the hand of her former transfiguration professor. “Yes, just about. I’m sure to visit the hospital wing, once I bring this magic to the rest of it.”

“And you Lodgok, be careful”, Matilda smiled at him, before apparating with Y/n.

Hogwarts appeared before her eyes. Her fellow professors show up next to her one by one. “Aesop.” She walked to him. It felt like forever without him. She wanted to show him how much she missed him. How much it hurt her to be without him. But he was distant. Never looking into her eyes. “Can you help me with this?” She signaled to the silver box in her hand.

He nodded, following her to the place her magic was hidden below Hogwarts. He didn’t say a word and he didn’t seem like he wanted to. So Y/n stayed silent as well.

Her heart felt like it was beating out of her chest. Did she hurt him? She lied to him…of course she hurt him. Fuck, she thought. She knew there would one day be a price, some kind of karma for her actions. It just shouldn’t be him.

They entered the huge hall, being lit up by the contained magic, hovering above them. She made quick work of it. She opened the box and let the little glimpse of magic out. Y/n held up her wand, making it fly through the air into the ocean of ancient magic.

She turned to Aesop. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have lied. I just didn’t want you to worry.”

He still wasn’t looking at her. “That is not the problem.”

“Then what is?”

“You nearly died. You promised me to stay safe. You promised me that your work with the Ministry was done. You promised me that you are safe. Yet you ran off into danger, that would have killed you, hadn’t it been for a small decision you made.”

“Aesop, this was it. One last danger. I am s-“

“No. I’m sorry Y/n but I don’t believe you.” He finally looked into her eyes. “I can’t protect you. Today you would have needed my protection. I couldn’t do it. Whatever this was between you and me has to end. You need to put your trust into someone better.”

Her heart felt like it was cramping up, hardening like stone and shattering on the floor. “There is no one better than you.” She chocked on her words, holding back tears.

“I knew you would say this and I disagree. I’m sorry Y/n.” He turned around.

She was glued to her spot. She wanted to go after him, stop him from leaving her in this room alone. “Aesop, don’t you dare leaving. I gave up my career for you, I gave up my future for you! Please, don’t leave me standing here.”

Tears fell down his face, hidden from her sight. ‘I gave up my future for you’, he repeated in his head. This was precisely why this was the right decision. She could still get back on track. She could still form her future. It wasn’t fair to keep her. Now she was free to build the future she wanted. Free of the burden, having to love him.

The huge gates fell closed, as her legs gave in. Her face showed no emotion, except the tears that ran down her cheeks. The emotional pain she felt was so overwhelming, she couldn’t react to it. So she was kneeling there. Her magic, towering over her. And she was alone. Actually alone. Alone with her thoughts, her fears and the ghost of her past. The ghost that held Professor Fig as he lay dying in her arms, right where she was sitting. Alone.

Notes:

Heyyy, how have you guys been?

I hope to have the last chapter out by Sunday, but I can't promise anything XD.

Btw. do you guys like the Y/n-thing? I was thinking about giving her an actual name. What do you guys think about that?

Also; I already wanted to say thank you. This fandom around Aesop Sharp build itself up so quickly and I've truly never been part of a more beautiful, talented and kind fandom. So thank you to every last one of you! I have seen so many people say: This is my first fanfiction, this is my first time drawing fanart or this is my first time commenting.
I just love the fact that because of a lack of content of our favorite character we all came together and did it ourselves. I am so proud of all of us and it warms my heart to see this fandom build itself further. Love you all, truly <3

Chapter 6: "A potion and a poison may be a mere breath apart."

Summary:

Y/n confronts Aesop about his avoidant behavior and does not get the reaction she wanted to have.

Notes:

So ehm....this chapter has been done for like 2 weeks but I just didn't really like the ending. So I spend two weeks trying to fix it (also because I really wanted to end it in smut- spoiler: that didn't happen). So I decided to just publish the ending I have and whenever I feel like this deserves an epilogue with smut, I will write one XD. If you want to read some smut you can go to my one-shot, called "His Pain" ;)
Anyway long story short: Have fun with this last chapter <3

Today was the second day of the school year. Y/n was glad that she finally had some distraction. The castle felt alive again, roaming with students.

She had picked up the cure for Aesop five days ago. Lodgok had told her, Aesop should only take a few drops first. Apparently because some wizards could be allergic to the combination of ingredients. Those few drops should have made it easier to walk already.

She had mixed it into his morning tea, as she had passed his chair at breakfast. That was two days ago. And from what she could tell from afar, nothing had changed. She had already contacted Lodgok. Unfortunately there was nothing he could do. If this cure didn’t work, Aesop’s injuries were incurable.

Y/n didn’t see his injuries as a burden. She would have helped him and cared for him until the day one of them died. But she did want him to be free of pain. This was the only reason she was trying to heal him. She would give the world to see his body untense, his face soften, without a hint of pain lingering behind his eyes. He was fighting a battle day by day and Y/n wanted him to feel peace.

So here she was in front of his classroom. She didn’t want to give him false hope but maybe he knew why the cure wasn’t working. She knocked.

“Come in.” He was sitting at his table, inspecting potions that were brewed by students.

“Aesop.”

He stopped breathing, his eyes fixed on the green liquid in front of him. “Y/n”, he swallowed, standing up from his chair. “What can I do for you?”

She nearly stumbled back at his cold expression. His face looked like it was made out of stone. “You could talk to me.”

“I’ve said everything I wanted to say.”

Anger sneaked up her chest. He said everything he wanted to say? Had it been so easy for him to leave her? “Well, I didn’t.”

“Alright. That is fair. What do you want to tell me?” Aesop made fists with his hands. Why did he have to let her in? He knew this kind of stuff only ever ends with him getting hurt.

She cleared her throat. “What I said a few days ago…that I gave up my career for you…that wasn’t meant as an accusation. I wanted to show you how important you are to me and that I don’t care for you protecting me. I care for you and you only. I’m staying, because I chose you. I will not change that decision.”

He stayed quiet, just staring at her for what felt like hours until he turned away, sitting back down. “A potion and a poison may be a mere breath apart.”

She crossed her arms in front of her chest. “And you are the poison that I misjudge for a potion?”

Aesop nodded. He seemed so unbothered, so unfazed, it made her anger flame up to a blaze.

“Oh is it that easy for you? Aesop Sharp the mysterious potion professor. The one that is always so collected. Fuck you Aesop! Because while it might be so easy for you, crawling back to where you feel comfortable, to where no one reaches you, it hurts me. It hurts me so much I want to rip out my stupid heart that I gave into your hands. I’ve never…” Her face was so full of emotion, it was hardly recognizable as hers. “…I…I’ve never…loved anyone like I love you. And I hate to disappoint you, but my love for you doesn’t care whether you think it’s best for me to let you go. Because I won’t. Even if I tried, I wouldn’t be able to. It’s always been you and it will always stay you.”

His gaze was once again glued to the green potion in front of him. A single tear dropped onto the paper underneath it, smudging the black ink. “It shouldn’t be me”, he whispered under his breath.

“You know, when I was a student I tried letting you go.” Her voice became quieter again. Like a blizzard turning into a soft breeze. Like anger turning to deep pain. “I became an Auror to prove to myself that my life doesn’t revolve around you. Even then you were my first thought when I woke up and the last before I drifted back to sleep. So believe me, I’ve tried. If you don’t want me, then I’ll have to live with it.” She wanted to say so much more, ask so much more. But instead she turned around and left before the tears started falling.

-

Y/n sat on her bed, looking into nothingness. He knew it now. He knew how much she depended on him…how pathetic she was without him. Her eyes drifted to his notes on her table. She let out a bitter laugh. How naive of her to think she could take away his pain. If anything she just added to it.

His avoidance was his way of telling her, how much he was actually hurting. She knew this was his defense mechanism. And yet, she let her emotions take over, telling him it’s easy for him to leave her.

She let herself fall onto her bed, just to shoot up again. “A potion and a poison may be a mere breath apart”, she recalled, whispering to herself.

Jumping up, she rushed to his notes. She sat down, going over them again and again, like she didn’t just cry her eyes out because of him.

Of course, she thought, he needed a poison. There were so many long-lasting ingredients in his system. They might prevent the actual cure to work.

-

Aesop couldn’t sleep. He couldn’t bear to feel alone. And at night, knowing she is in the same building but not with him, he felt empty…lonely. He let his hands run over his face. Loneliness caught up to him. And it was his choice. He chose to be alone.

Sighing, he stood up. He had to brew a few more healing potions for the hospital wing anyway. Like usually at the beginning of the year. So he decided to make his way to his classroom, passing the time until he gets so tired he passes out.

Arriving at his classroom, he noticed that the door was slightly open. Carefully he made his way inside. “This will be at least 30 points from your house. Come on out.”

Y/n looked around the corner of her old potion station, she had always used as a student. Of course she could have gone to the Room of Requirements. But in his classroom she had always felt his presents and she craved that right now. “That would be 30 points from Y/house then, Professor Sharp”, she giggled, overplaying how much she cursed herself out for coming here in the first place. She should have guessed this man didn’t sleep.

“Y/n…what in Merlin’s name are you doing here?” Aesop leaned against the door frame, trying to hide a smile. Seeing her in this room again made him feel some kind of calmness. Like he didn’t completely lose her.

“Brewing”, she answered briefly.

“I figured. But what are you doing here?”

A smile twitched on her lips. “You cannot leave a hot cauldron simply anywhere.”

He walked closer to her, trying to inspect what she was brewing. “Did you memorize every single word I’ve ever said?”

She shrugged, her grin getting bigger. “Maybe, possibly. But probably not.” She put her cutting board on her notes. Because…those weren’t really her notes. They were his notes with some remarks of her own scribbled on top of them.

He smelled the smoke that escaped the cauldron. “A poison? It smells very irony.”

She nodded. “Yes, I’m experimenting a little.”

“With a poison?”

She rolled her eyes. “What are you doing here anyway?”

“I could ask you the same. You are in my classroom after all.”

“Yes, well. I like it here. I can concentrate in here. And I need to brew a poison. Also; it is the middle of the night, so I wasn’t expecting anyone here.”

“You know, experimenting with potions is dangerous already. Experimenting with poisons is a whole different kind of-“

“I’m not stupid. I know what I’m doing. This is not a new poison. I’m just not sure whether it will have the effect I want it to have once it’s done. The brewing itself is safe.”

He walked around the table, focusing an already bottled up potion. “What is this?” He picked it up, inspecting the silvery liquid inside.

“A healing potion. Don’t open it.” No need for him to smell out potential ingredients and connecting the dots to what she was doing.

Aesop playfully put it down, holding up his hands, as if she was pointing her wand at him. He walked up to her, leaning his right side against the table. “What do you want the poison to do? I might be able to help.”

Her hands began to sweat. He was too close to her notes.

His eyes wandered across the table. He reached out his hands to move the cutting board.

“Aesop.” She immediately spun around, touching his shoulder. Her hand burned at the touch. His eyes went away from the notes, to her face. Shit. She had to say something now. Anything. “I really appreciate your offer, but I want to try this alone for now. Also, my question still stands; what are you doing here?”

“I wanted to brew a few healing potions for the hospital wing.”

“At midnight?”

“You’re brewing a weird looking poison at midnight. I don’t see your point.”

Y/n raised her eyebrows. “’Weird looking’? This is a perfectly fine looking poison”, she smirked.

He chuckled, touching her hand on his shoulder with his own hand. “It really is not.”

“Alright. Without looking at my notes, what do you think I did wrong?”

“It’s green.”

“Your point?”

“It smells like iron. But it’s green. Y/n, I don’t need to look at any notes to know what’s wrong. And you shouldn’t need to either.”

“Well, if you hadn’t interrupted, I would have added this”, she pointed at two spider fangs in a jar. “Turns out I forgot to do so as you entered the room.”

Aesop’s lips curled upwards just slightly. “Do I make you that nervous?”

Her smile vanished, as she pulled away her hand out of his grip, making her way to the spider fangs.

“I’m sorry, it wasn’t my intention to-”

“I know. Don’t worry about it. Old habits die hard, I suppose.” She squeezed out the juice of the fangs.

Aesop pushed the cutting board to the side. His body turned to stone. He couldn’t move a single muscle. His notes. “Y/n”, he whispered, not turning his gaze away.

“Yeah?” She looked up at him. Oh. Oh no. No, no, no, no.

“I thought you stole my notes to get my attention. I thought you didn’t give them back out of spite. Not for…this.”

She rushed to him. “I can explain, because this is different. This might actually work.”

“Everything I have ever tried could have actually worked.”

She breathed out in relief. He didn’t sound angry. Sad, disappointed maybe, but not angry. “Yes, I know. However I know what curse hit you. Lodgok brew a cure for that. But because you have so many longer lasting effects inside of you and effects from potions you take every day, I need to make a poison to get rid of those effects first”, she babbled.

He finally looked at her again. “Which curse?”

“Old goblin magic. It’s called Fulmen Perdat. Which is why Lodgok was able to help me with the cure.”

Aesop looked back at his notes. “Why are you trying to heal an old man, Y/n?”

“Aesop…you’re not dying of old age. Please stop acting like you are. I am aware of how old you are and how old I am. I really do not care.” She let her shoulders fall, as she didn’t get a single reaction out of him. “I am not trying to heal you to get you back. I am not trying to heal you, to make it easier for me. I am trying to heal you because I’ve seen your pain.” Her body shivered, as she remembered what she had read in his notes. “I have seen to what kind of extremes you went to be free of pain. I’ve said it before, but I feel like I need to remind you; I fell for you after you got hurt. I love you with it and I’ll love you without it.”

“Can you stop using that word?”

“What? Love?” He clenched his jaw. “Absolutely not. I love you”, she teased.

He formed a fist, turning away from her. “I love you too and you really don’t make it easy not to”, he mumbled under his breath.

Her mouth fell open. Had she heard that right? She slowly walked closer to him. Step by step. Her hand drew up his back, stopping at his shoulder. He was shaking.

Aesop turned back to her, his eyes sparkled with upcoming tears. He cupped her face.

She completely let herself drown in his touch.

He pulled her closer, placing his lips on hers. Y/n pushed him against the wall behind him, pressing her lips closer with such a force, it hurt. But it didn’t matter. Nothing but him mattered to her.

She gently pulled away, taking a few breaths. Aesop chuckled, pressing his forehead against hers. “Shit”, he breathed. “Now you know.”

It felt like her heart started beating again. Like it was the first time in her life, she could actually breathe. She took a step back. “Now I know. And from now on I will not let you avoid me anymore. You’re stuck with me now. But we can continue this…”, she signaled between them. “…later. I still need to brew this poison. That is, if you want me to.”

He hesitated for a second. He wasn’t used to people helping him. Yet alone helping him without him having to beg. “Of course. Can I do anything?”

She shook her head. “You can brew your healing potions.”

Aesop put down his chair in ingredients across from her.

-

It’s only been an hour as Y/n stepped away from her workstation. “What do you think? I think it’s done.”

Aesop came closer, carefully smelling her poison. “Yes, this looks promising indeed. For one, it is not green anymore”, he teased.

She pushed her shoulder against his. “Very funny. I’ll go get an empty bottle.”

He was already filling up his healing potions as she came back.

“Alright, here you go.” She put the bottled up red poison in front of him. Her palms were sweating again.

“Y/n before I swallow this…”

“Oh yes”, she rushed to the other side of the table. “This is Lodgok’s cure. I would say we give the poison ten minutes to really settle and then you can take this.”

Aesop grinned. “That was why you didn’t allow me to touch the bottle. But…”. His smile vanished as fast as it had appeared. “…that wasn’t what I wanted to say. I need you to promise me something. Actually promise me something. If you cannot promise me, tell me that you can’t.”

She swallowed down the upcoming guild. “Alright.”

He stepped closer. “When I saw you on the floor in that cave, I thought I’d need to bury you. I’ve never felt as much fear as I felt that day, having you laying numb in my arms. Can you promise me, that you will never run off into danger like that again?”

To know she made him feel like that, made her heart cramp. “This time, I can promise. It’s finally over. No more Ministry and no more danger. I guarantee you. ” She nervously played with the cure in her hands. “But this cure isn’t supposed to keep me with you. I’ll stay with you regardless. Your decision to take it should not involve me whatsoever.”

“I know. I just had to hear it, before other emotions take over.” His hand was shaking as he reached for the poison. Before she could say anything, he downed the entire bottle. Aesop slowly lowered himself into his chair.

“Are you alright?” Her voice was quiet.

He grabbed his left thigh with his left hand. “It’s definitely working.”

“I’m sorry. This will only last ten minutes…hopefully.”

He waved her off. “I’ve felt worse.”

She looked at his notes across the table. “I know.”

His gaze followed her. “Right, you’ve read them.”

Y/n could see his face muscles harden, his body tense up. Gods she hated this look on him.

Aesop clenched his teeth. “I didn’t think my potions were preventing that much pain”, he pressed out through controlled breaths.

She kneeled down in front of him, taking his right hand into hers. “Press it, press it hard. And if you brake my hand, I don’t care.”

He shook his head, closing his eyes. Still his hand closed around hers, pressing only lightly. Sweat formed on his forehead.

“Aesop, I meant what I said, brake my hand!” He still didn’t press harder. “Do you want something else to brake? Anything?”

Again, he shook his head. He slightly moved forward in his chair while pulling her closer to rest his forehead against her shoulder. Her presence alone calmed him down. She made him feel safe. She felt like a healing potion itself. He didn’t know how or why, but his pain did become less as he lay in her touch, her fingers stroking his hair. No matter whether this cure worked or not, she had to stay with him. Under no circumstances would he abandon her again. He had always been alone with his pain and never had he imagined this woman to stay with him, guiding him through it.

They stayed like this. The whole ten minutes. Sometimes his body tensed up, as he breathed in sharply when a wave of pain hit him. She held him even closer when that happened. “Aesop”, she whispered. “It’s time.”

He straightened his back again. Y/n stood up, grabbing the silvery cure, giving it into Aesop’s hands. He swallowed it all, trying not to bring it back up. Why were healing potions the ones to taste like utter rubbish?

Both held their breath, waiting for something to happen. “Oh”, he exclaimed. “That is interesting.”

“What is?” He didn’t answer. “Aesop, what is?”, Y/n repeated her question. She took a step back as his scars started to shine in a silver light, making it look like a river flowing through his entire body.

Aesop gently pushed himself out of his chair only to stumble forwards, grabbing the edge of the table.

Y/n reached out for him but never touched him, scared it would hurt him or stop whatever was happening.

The light vanished in the blink of an eye. His scars were still there. Nothing had changed. Aesop straightened his back, taking a first step. He was still limping. Y/n clenched her jaw. It didn’t work. Why? Why didn’t it work? It didn’t make sense. “I’m so sorry. I really th-“

He stopped her apology by lifting his hand. He took a few more steps. This time only with a slight imbalance. “Y/n”, he said, with his back to her.

She hurried to him, holding his hands in hers as she faced him.

“It worked.”

“Wh-what? B-but your scars? And you’re still looking quite unstable.”

Aesop nodded, looking into her eyes. “I don’t feel any pain. Not even a hint of it.” He let out a small chuckle. “I think my body isn’t used to walking straight anymore.”

Tears of joy formed in the corner of her eyes. There it was. The look in his eyes she had wanted to see for so long. His face was completely untensed. Finally, he looked like he was at peace.

He walked a few more steps, while she was still holding his hands. Aesop pulled her into the tightest hug, he had ever given. She could hear his heart beating against her ear and the vibration of his deep voice as he said: “Y/n, I don’t know how to thank you.”

Her smile disappeared. “Stay.”

He gently pushed them apart, looking into her eyes again. “Why wouldn’t I?”

She swallowed hard. “Because you’ve always said, you’d go back to being an Auror, if your leg is healed.”

He was speechless for a few moments. She had gone through all this trouble to heal him, while thinking he would leave if it works? “I will never go back there. Not after I’ve seen how the Ministry treated you. And I would be proper stupid to leave you, when I was the one to tell you to come here in the first place.”

Her smile came back, lighting up her whole face. “Good, then that’s enough for me. I also don’t want you to think you’re in any debt to me. This cure was a gift from Lodgok and me to you.”

Aesop pulled her into his arms again, resting his chin on her head. “I love you.”

The tears of joy finally escaped her eyes. “I love you too, so, so much.”

He gently wiped away her tears as she looked up at him. “It’s 1am, we should go to sleep.”

“Could I…you know? Sleep in you room?”

His laugh made her whole body vibrate against his. “Of course, dear. You don’t have to ask for that anymore, Y/n.” My Y/n, he added in his mind.

-

Y/n sat on the edge of Aesop’s bed, combing her hair, already in her green sleeping gown. He came into the room, wearing what he usually wore when going to sleep; a black shirt and black, loosely hanging trousers. “It still feels odd”, he stated, sitting down next to her.

“Your leg?”

He nodded. “Healing my leg was my main goal for nearly ten years. It’s done now. I will wake up later with nothing to worry about. I never thought I deserved feeling like I am feeling now.”

Y/n took his hands into hers. “How are you feeling now?”

He smiled down at her. “Happy. At peace. My pain is gone, you’re with me. Odd, really was the best word to describe it.”

“When you had to fight for your entire life and then the fight suddenly stops…surely can feel odd.”

He reached up to her shoulders, placing a small kiss on her lips.

Their fight had stopped today. Both of them gave each other the gift they wanted most: peace. And they were lucky enough to find love in that. Love for themselves, each other and their future.

Notes:

So here we are at the end.

Thank you guys again for reading and commenting on my story <3
I loved writing for Aesop and this fandom, but I already told you that in the last chapter XD
Love you all truly <3

PS: I know the "poison" is technically an antidote, so don't come for me XD