I.

"Okay, I will do it as soon as we get back," Syrulia replied over her shoulder. As they rounded the bend, a hand suddenly pulled her backwards. "That's not good enough," Avery said angrily, turning her to face him roughly. His hand slid around her throat, his grip tightening. "I want you to go back to the castle and do it now," he hissed, his eyes narrowed. Syrulia knew she couldn't speak, so she nodded the best she could. He finally let go of her throat and a ragged breath entered her lungs. She coughed as she started to walk back past him. "Where is my kiss", he questioned. Silently she turned back and kissed him gently on the lips. "That's better," he smirked.

Syrulia pulled the collar of her cloak up to hide the marks she was sure were already starting to appear. Tears stung her eyes as she walked quickly past the lake. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Severus staring at her from his spot under a tree. She hoped he hadn't seen that display, but suddenly sensed him moving behind her. She realized that he had gathered his things and was trying to catch up. A bit reluctantly she slowed her pace, allowing him to catch up.

He came into stride beside her and she asked, "What do you want, Severus". Her voice was a bit colder than she would have liked, and the rasp in her voice remained. "I just wanted to see if you were okay," he said in his normal cool tone. "I am fine," she said, pulling the cloak up tighter. "Sure you are," his sarcasm seeped out. As they approached the steps, Syrulia looked over to him and could see the concern hidden in his gaze. "Really Severus, I am fine. It's not any worse than normal," she confided. "Will you let me look at it," he asked, "Maybe I can help". "Fine", she sighed as they climbed the main stairwell into the castle.

They made their way to the Slytherin common room, where Severus gave the password and allowed Syrulia to enter first. 'At least he is more kind than most of the Slytherin jerk-boys… or men in general', she thought. Syrulia led the way to an empty corner of the room and set her bag on a chair. Severus followed suit and then pointed to her neck. She sighed again and reluctantly lowered her collar. Severus pulled out his wand, looking over the bruising that had already begun to form a handprint. "Is it that bad," she asked. "Not really," he lied, feeling a pang of sadness and forcing it from his mind. "Hold still", he warned as he began to cast the healing charm.

His face was especially close as he began inspecting her neck for further bruising. She breathed in lightly, the scent of potions ingredients, parchment, and a slight mustiness filling her nostrils. She found the scent to be comforting in a way. Warmth crept into her face as he lightly pulled a strand of hair away from her neck, his fingers lightly brushing her skin. He straightened back up, reassuring her, "I got all of it." He noticed the redness in her cheeks and wondered what had happened. "Thank you, Severus," she said, with a small smile. She picked her bag back up and turned to leave. "Syrulia," his voice stopped her dead in her tracks. She turned to face him, "Yes, Severus?" "Why do you put up with him," he asked her. "I could ask you the same thing," she retorted before heading back towards the female dormitory.