I ran past the Great Hall late at night, my heels clacking on the loud floor of Hogwarts. I was still in my gown. I attended Slughorn's Christmas party earlier that evening. Emeralds and onyxs cascaded down my body in an elegant fashion. Trust me to show Slytherin support in a fancy dress. Sobbing I rushed up the changing staircases towards the Astronomy Tower roof. When I arrived, I looked over the top down all the way to the snow on the ground.

I heard movement behind me on the roof. "Stop." A silky voice commanded. I dreaded that voice above all others. "Miss Rayborn, that was an order." His tone grew harsher, if such a thing were even possible.

I didn't listen. I took another step toward the edge.

The Potions Master sighed. "Miss Rayborn, please. Consider what you are doing."

"I have considered this." I told him boldly. "It's the only thing I can think about lately."

I heard him sigh again. "I know it is not all you think about, Miss Rayborn. Come down from there and speak with me privately, of course."

I turned back toward Snape to see his black orbs shoot me a pleading look.

"Please..." Severus implored, a concerned gaze on me.

"You don't have your wand, Professor. You can't stop me." I replied crossly.

I was about to jump when a black cloud surrounded me and I felt as though I was being sucked into a vacuum.

The next moment I was in the DADA classroom and Severus was in front of me, a troubled expression on his face that I had never seen before.

He took a deep breath. "Tell me, Miss Rayborn. How long have you experienced these unspoken desires for me?"

"How...how did I get here?" I wondered aloud.

Severus scowled. "I apparated us here. Now, tell me. Or shall I penetrate your mind for further answers myself?"

"How do you know? These...were private feelings, sir. No one knew, especially not you."

Snape crossed his arms and began to circle me. "Please give me more respect. I am an exceptionally skilled Legilimens, Miss Rayborn. And with your record of all Outstandings in every class, you know this as well."

My heart was pounding as the man finally stopped circling me. His gaze upon me was direct and intense. "I apologize for those vulgar wishes, professor."

Severus let out a deep sigh. "Why did you attempt to jump from the Astronomy Tower, even after I confronted you?"

"I felt worthless. I knew it was forbidden to feel those things for a professor, sir. I knew you didn't return my feelings." I answered with regret.

"Miss Rayborn, these are technically serious concerns in a relationship such as ours." The black clad wizard pointed out. "We are to remain only Professor and student, nothing more. You were extremely fortunate tonight. Had I not delved into your mind during class today, you would be dead. Death is never a solution to heartbreak. However, I would like to express my gratitude for your honesty."

I was silent.

Severus looked at me and sighed loudly. "I know this seems cruel to hear. I do take great pride in you as one of my finest students."

I turned away from him and stormed out. I could not bear to hear more. I tried to hide the tears without success.

Sighing heavily, the dark professor began brewing his usual vial for Dumbledore. The Headmaster had been infected by a poison recently and with an intricate potion, Severus was effective at slowing the progression of the poison.