you say someone left you broken
The following week unfolds with Leonora Lesso noticeably absent from her usual post in the Hogwarts potions classroom. Instead, she focuses on her recovery in her chambers, her movements hindered by the persistent pain in her leg, even after Severus’ potions. Clarissa, though not directly involved, can't help but feel a sense of responsibility and concern for her colleague.
One afternoon, as the shadows lengthen in Leonora's chambers and the last classes have taken place, Clarissa finds herself seated across from the redhead, on the same chair she brought to the bedroom mere days ago. The air is heavy with unspoken words, a tension that Leonora breaks as she begins to explain the origins of her debilitating injury hesitantly. Following an extensive and rather lively discussion with Severus, who neither can nor desires to be constantly present, he has encouraged her to disclose at least a portion of her history to the Transfiguration professor.
"It was a serpent," Leonora begins, her gaze distant as she recalls the traumatic event. Dressed in black silk pajamas and with her hair all over the place, she appears far less threatening, a stark contrast to the woman Clarissa first encountered in the Great Hall at the beginning of the term. “Ironic, isn’t it? The head of Slytherin being bitten by a serpent? It was highly venomous and Severus did what he could when I was unconscious for days. The venom had already spread too much by the time he got to me. He managed to confine it to my leg to prevent further damage, but the blood vessels and nerves were already destroyed."
Clarissa listens attentively, her eyes reflecting a mix of empathy and concern. The revelation leaves a lingering silence, the weight of the information settling between them.
“May I ask when it happened? How long have you been living with these… flare ups?”
She takes a moment before responding, "The Battle of Hogwarts, five years ago. The pain flares, the stiffness— they come and go, but the damage is permanent." She glances at her cane, a symbol of both support and limitation. “Still, I was rather lucky. Others died. Severus suffered similar injuries, but he was prepared. He had already taken a previously brewed antivenom tailored to the creature’s poison. I, on the other hand, was foolish and didn't suspect I would be one of the targets. I’m sure you can imagine the lecture I had to endure the moments my eyes cracked open.”
"To a certain point, yes. He must’ve been terribly worried. Why didn't you tell anyone?" Clarissa finally asks, her voice soft.
Leonora's eyes meet hers, a glint of reluctance in her gaze. "There are certain things best kept hidden, Clarissa. Not everything has to be shared. It's a scar I bear, a consequence of choices made in the past, and I alone am responsible for it.”
Clarissa takes a deep breath, her empathy driving her to delve deeper into the matter. "Is there anything that can be done? A potion, a spell, anything to alleviate the pain or slow down the progression? I know Severus is doing everything in his power, but I am surprised that even his skills can’t produce relief."
Leonora's lips curve into a bitter smile. "I've explored every avenue and Severus has been invaluable in his assistance. But the damage is irreversible and—” she pauses, furrows her brows, “in some way it is humbling. I appreciate your concern, Clarissa, but some battles can't be won. This is one of them.”
The days pass and Leonora remains in her chambers, struggling to deal with both physical and emotional pain. The corridors of Hogwarts echo with the absence of her sharp presence and, much to everyone’s surprise, even the students notice the void left by their Potion Mistress. Clarissa, despite the earlier boundary between them, finds herself drawn to Leonora's chambers and her, even if the redhead sleeps and she finds a book to read by her side. Clarissa insists that she’ll heal noticeably faster with good company and maybe a bit of Fairy Godmother magic, but that is something she keeps to herself.
Sometimes, when the Potion Professor is awake, alert and willing to hold a conversation, the blonde woman continues to ask questions. To Leonora the activity is unnerving, as she prefers not to be constantly reminded of the pain she is going through, but on the other hand someone is showing genuine interest in her and, as she soon figures out, Clarissa is not the worst person to have a proper conversation with.
On other days Clarissa seeks out Emma. They sit together and have tea, play chess, or take a stroll through the Hogwarts grounds. This time, as they walk along the cobblestone path towards the lake, the cool breeze carries the scent of mystery, a reminder of the recent disturbances and the fact that, as peaceful as it might seem, something is lurking in the shadows.
Emma glances sidelong at Clarissa, a curious gleam in her eyes. "You've been spending quite a bit of time with Lesso lately. Anything I should know about?"
Clarissa, adjusting the strap of her satchel, offers a small smile. "Just trying to understand her better,” she says. “She's... rather intriguing. Like, you know, a riddle asking to be solved. And you know how much I like them."
Emma chuckles, a sound as light as the breeze rustling through the trees on their right side. "Ah of course, Leonora Lesso. A puzzle wrapped in an enigma, that one. But I've seen the way you look at her, Clarissa. There's more to it than curiosity about a colleague, isn't there?"
Clarissa's cheeks tint with a faint blush, but she doesn't deny it. There is no point anyway, Emma knows her better than anyone else. "She's not as bad as everybody says, really. Just going through something difficult. And I want to help if I can."
The history teacher raises an eyebrow, her gaze probing as they continue their walk. "Help, or something else? I promise, I won’t make fun of you."
Clarissa hesitates, then admits, "Maybe both. She's not exactly an easy person to get to know, but there's something beneath that harsh exterior. It’s the same with her than it is with Snape. He might be harsh and come across stoic, but you won’t believe how gentle he can be. I saw it when he was caring for Leonora the other day."
Emma nods knowingly. “Just please be careful, Clarissa. Getting involved with someone like her can be... complicated.”
The warning lingers in the air as they continue their walk, the surroundings of Hogwarts casting shadows on the cobblestone path as the sun begins to descend behind the hills. Clarissa, however, is resolute. "Em, she's more than just her reputation. There's a vulnerability there, a pain that she's trying to conceal. I can't just stand by and watch her fall apart, even if she rejects me.”
Emma sighs, understanding the determination in Clarissa's eyes while being worried about her best friend at the same time. "Leonora Lesso is not one to open up easily. If you're going to get involved, be prepared for a complicated journey."
As they round a bend, the imposing silhouette of the castle looms before them, its turrets reaching toward the sky. Clarissa straightens her shoulders. "I believe she's worth it."
Emma squeezes Clarissa's shoulder in a gesture of support. "You’re too good for this world, Rissa, quite literally. People like her can consume you if you're not careful. She is a Slytherin through and through, wicked and ruthless. Slytherins can be charming and cunning, and they often know how to get what they want. You have a good heart and I don’t want to see you fall apart because of her.”
“As surprising as it sounds— I trust her, and I don’t mind which house she was in, or is in, or believes in.”
“I know. But there is a reason for them, and there is a reason why most dark wizards and witches have been sorted into Slytherin. Please just be careful.”
_____
As the week progresses, the Hogwarts staff gathers once more for a meeting. The air in the room carries tension, ever so slightly increased by the recent events that have unfolded within the castle's enchanted walls. Leonora, determined to resume her responsibilities, makes her presence known. However, the visible weight on her cane hints at the ongoing battle with her own affliction and, even with her trying to hide it, Clarissa can see that she continues to struggle.
The Potions Professor enters the room with deliberate steps, the echo of her cane tapping against the stone floor punctuating the silence. The rest of the staff, caught between curiosity and concern, watches as the tall woman takes her seat. Her gaze, usually sharp and unwavering, now holds a weariness that goes beyond the physical but her appearance is per usual outstanding and without a flaw.
McGonagall, presiding over the meeting, addresses the assembly with a solemn expression. "I understand that the recent events have raised concerns among the staff and students. Unfortunately, we now have another victim to the creature in the Forbidden Forest."
A murmur ripples through the room and Leonora's eyes narrow slightly, a flicker of frustration crossing her features. The Forbidden Forest, with its mysteries and dangers, once again deepens the shadow of unease that looms over Hogwarts. Under different circumstances the teacher would have enjoyed the challenge, eager to dive into the mysteries and address the issue herself, but her aching leg serves as a constant reminder of limitations. The woman huffs.
The sense of being sidelined, unable to proactively engage with the unfolding situation, intensifies the frustration etched on Leonora's face. The Forbidden Forest, with its secrets, now stands as both a tempting puzzle and a looming threat, just out of her reach, and it bothers her to no extent. Her magic produces sparks against the cane and only then does she realize how hard she is gripping the handle.
Eyeing her from the side, McGonagall decides against addressing the issue directly and continues with the announcement. "I urge everyone to exercise caution and refrain from unnecessary ventures. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. The ministry is working closely with Mr. Scamander to take care of the issue."
Leonora, though physically present, remains silent, her eyes fixed on the table as her thoughts race. The notion of the Ministry getting involved doesn't sit well with her, and a subtle tension tightens her shoulders. The desire to handle matters in her own way, unrestrained by external interference, fuels a quiet sense of frustration within her.
In the aftermath of the staff meeting, she seeks out Minerva McGonagall for a private conversation. The request is straightforward and doesn’t sit well with the elderly Headmistress.
"I need to see the victim's remains," Leonora states, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. “If there are any, of course. Don’t let the damn ministry interfere, you know too well that they are a bunch of useless bureaucrats meddling where they shouldn’t.”
McGonagall, a seasoned and wise witch, looks at Leonora with a knowing gaze. "Leonora, I understand your concern, but I cannot allow you to go alone. The forest is dangerous, especially with this creature on the loose, and if a member of the ministry sees you there they may even blame everything on you. They haven’t been willing to rule in your favor in the past and upsetting them won’t do any good."
Leonora's eyes narrow, a subtle flicker of frustration evident. "I can handle myself. I don’t need your protection."
She leans forward, her expression firm. "This is not a request, Leonora. I've lost too many good people over the years, and I won't risk losing you as well. Neither to the beast nor the ministry."
Leonora's jaw tightens, but before she can voice her protest, a head covered in golden curls appears behind one of the large chairs by the fireplace. Clarissa, having overheard the conversation, raises from her sitting position hesitantly and approaches the two witches.
"Professor McGonagall, if I may," Clarissa interjects. "I can assist Professor Lesso. This way she won’t be blamed if anyone is present."
Leonora, though visibly displeased with the idea of having company by the way her eye twitches, recognizes the practicality of the situation. "Fine,” she mumbles and runs a hand over her face, careful not to ruin the perfectly winged eyeliner. “But I won't be held responsible for your safety."
McGonagall nods, her stern demeanor softening briefly. "Very well. Be cautious, both of you."
As the door closes behind them, Clarissa glances at Leonora. "I know you don't want me there, but it was the only way."
Leonora, acknowledging the truth in her words, grumbles a quiet “Thanks,” followed by, "Just don't get in my way or I will hang you by the thumbs."
The threat makes Clarissa chuckle.
In the days that follow, days used for preparation on Leonora’s part and anxious waiting on Clarissa’s, the Potion Mistress finds herself entangled in another bout of pain coming from her injured leg. This time, the flare occurs unexpectedly on the stairs to the dungeons, after a trip to the Room of Requirements to collect books Severus had stored there. As she ascends the steps, her knee buckles beneath her, sending a shock of agony through her body.
Caught off guard, Leonora begins to tumble downward, the ancient stone steps promising a painful landing with her cane already on the way down, potentially stabbing her at some point. However, in the nick of time, Dovey's quick reflexes come to the rescue. With urgency in her voice, she calls out a powerful "Arresto Momentum!", which halts Leonora's descent and freezes her in mid-air just above the unforgiving steps. The relief is palpable, but the pain etched across Leonora's features tells a different story.
"Leonora, are you alright?" Clarissa inquires, genuine concern etched on her face as she hurries closer and steadies the Potion Mistress with her wand. The old leather-bound books stack themselves neatly in the air right next to them.
Leonora, managing to suppress a hiss of pain, nods in response. "I'm fine. Just a momentary lapse." She tries to stand on her own but her leg protests, causing her to wince.
Clarissa, realizing the severity of the situation, offers a supportive arm. "We should get you to your chambers. Come on."
Reluctantly, Leonora accepts the assistance, leaning on her colleague as they make their way back down the stairs. She is thankful for the lack of students in the hallways as most of them are either still in class or outside to enjoy the remains of summer, and without much fuss the two professors soon arrive at their destination.
As they reach her chambers, Leonora's condition worsens. The waves of pain intensify, and her consciousness wavers, threatened by the agony that courses through her body. The breath catches in her throat, each inhalation a struggle against the throbbing pain. She manages to press out her password, “Licorice”, before her body gets heavier by the second.
Clarissa, alarmed by the woman’s visible distress, helps Leonora right to the couch, aware that possibly raising the limb would do more good than making her sit on one of the wooden chairs. The air in the room feels heavy with tension, and the walls seem to close in as Leonora's breaths become shallower, her grip on Dovey tighter.
“Lie down,” she instructs gently and heats up an abandoned cup of tea on the small table right beside the couch with a snap of her fingers. “Your leg is getting worse, isn’t it? It wasn't this bad at the beginning of the term. Does it have something to do with what is happening outside of Hogwarts? Do you think the serpent that bit you is still out there? Could it be the monster in the forest?”
Leonora, reclining on the couch, winces as another wave of pain courses through her leg. The room is silent for a moment as she contemplates how much to reveal. Her theories dance at the edge of her consciousness, but unwilling to share them she just closes her eyes and takes a deep breath through her nose. Exposing the truth would mean revealing the Dark Mark, and that's a territory she is fiercely protective of and unwilling to expose.
"None of your concern, Dovey," she retorts, her voice tinged with defensiveness. "The serpent is long gone, and what's happening outside is none of your business. I will inform you when I’m heading out to investigate and you are either ready to follow or stay put where you are.”
“Leonora—”
“Back off” she hisses, albeit it doesn’t come out as sharp as she intended to. “And leave it be.”
Without waiting for a response, Clarissa leaves Leonora's chambers, the door closing behind her with a soft click. Of course Leonora does not inform her of her departure just a day later, she goes by herself in the evening and returns by herself in the morning, right before class. Minerva is informed of her trip by a letter from the ministry that greets her during breakfast and her lips, pressed to a thin line, have never been thinner. That is what Emma says when she sees the sour look on her face.
“This insufferable woman” she curses quietly and lets the letter disappear. “Clarissa, did you know about Leonora’s plans?”
Clarissa, caught off guard by Minerva's question, shakes her head. "Unfortunatly not, no. She didn't share her plans with me."
Minerva's expression tightens further, frustration evident in the furrow of her brow. "This is becoming increasingly difficult to manage. The Ministry should have informed me directly instead of sending a letter. She went to the Forbidden Forest alone, despite explicit warnings. This is unacceptable, especially given the recent incidents. I had hoped your influence might encourage her to act more responsibly."
Clarissa, feeling a pang of guilt, replies, "I've been trying to understand her, but she's not easy to figure out. I didn't know she was planning on going so soon. When I saw her the day before she wasn’t in any state to venture out and search for the victim’s remains, Minerva."
“I need to have a word with her” the headmistress mumbles more to herself than anyone else. “And with Severus. These two will be the death of me.” Then she turns to Clarissa. “I would like for you to be present, Clarissa. She agreed to go with you and I was sure she would follow my orders, at least this time, but it appears as if we all have been disappointed once again. Please meet me in my office this afternoon at three.”
“Of course” the other woman says and nods, her eyes nervously darting from Leonora’s empty seat to Emma, back to Minerva, as concern is rising inside of her. “But she is alright?”
"I assume so. If a member of the staff is in no shape to teach I am usually informed, and these are rules Leonora quite strongly adheres to. Even if it is sometimes Severus who needs to communicate on her behalf," Minerva states, her tone carrying a mix of authority and concern, before she excuses herself and disappears.
Emma just shrugs when she looks at Clarissa and reaches for her cup. “I told you she was a handful. Are you really surprised that she went without you?”
“Yes!” Clarissa almost cries out. “You should’ve seen her! She barely managed to walk and almost passed out in my arms! Ugh, Lesso!”