DISCLAIMER: I don't know anything from the Harry Potter universe and am not making any money with this. I do own Marina however and the plot. English is not my first language so, if you find any mistakes, sorry for that, I tried to be as good as I can. Constructive criticism is always welcome, this is my first story after all. It will center around Professor Snape and my character called Marina. So, if you expect a lot of the usual Harry & co stuff, sorry, not here. You have been warned ;) Hope you like it anyway. Tell me if you are interested in this story at all, or if I should throw it away. I have another 2 chapters complete. enjoy the prologue.

Marina and Professor Snape had been travelling for days. After hours of arguing they had reached a point where they were ready to kill each other. Staring in each others eyes, it was Severus who sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. It would do them no good to continue like this, so finally they sat down and talked like human beings instead of just bitching at each other. This marked a turning point in their relationship. They took a step back whenever things got heated and finally managed to get along better and now after a couple of days they were actually beginning to trust each other - and not a minute too soon.

After another day of travelling, Marina was about ready to collapse. Her feet hurt and her whole body was aching.

„Enough for today", Marina complained as she sat down on a rock.

„We are nearly there", came Severus' reply, „but we can rest for a moment." He smiled at the blissful expression on her face when she stretched out her feet and relaxed.

Suddenly a bright blue light came out of nowhere and hit Severus right arm. He bent over and bit back a scream. „Go! Run for cover! GO!", he whispered to Marina and she scrambled to her feet, but instead of running she took out her wand and fired spells to where she assumed the attackers to be.

In the meantime Severus had recovered from the blow and fought by her side. Soon they could make out seven advancing Death Eaters.

Marina gasped. „Oh my God." She looked at Severus, her eyes wide with horror and fear.

„We can't run...so...we gotta fight! " Severus was already firing more spells at the advancing enemies. He looked at her worriedly as she wasn't joining him. She had to fight with him; he knew she could do it.

„I can't! " Her voice was filled with panic.

„Yes, you can! I know you can! I need you to fight by my side right now! "

He trusted her. She couldn't betray that trust. It shook her out of her hysteria and she started to fight with him. Together they managed to drive the attackers away. When it was over Severus almost had to drag Marina to the security of a nearby cave. Once inside she collapsed to the ground, shaking horribly.

„I hate fighting!"

„I know you do, but you did well, very well actually." He sat down beside her.

„I am exhausted, I am hungry and thirsty and dirty. I want to go home, Severus." She looked directly at him. There was a moment's silence as she had just called him by his first name for the first time.

His voice was low and calming when he answered her. „I know you do. You did great so far. Honestly. You surprised me. We will stay here the night, they will assume we hurried away from here and I disillusioned the entry of the cave. We should be safe for tonight."

She smiled at him feebly and tried to get comfortable on the hard ground. He made up his mind in a split second and pulled her to him. She tensed at first, suspecting their attackers had returned, but realizing that he only wanted to make it comfortable for her, she relaxed against him.

It felt so good, so safe, to be near him. He was shocked at his own actions. Why had he done that? This wasn't right. But why did it feel so right? She snuggled closer and he groaned inwardly.

„I am glad it was you.", Marina muttered before falling asleep, snuggled against his chest. For a second he didn't know what she meant, but then he remembered and smiled, tightening his grip on her.

When they entered the room, Dumbledore was already there. But he wasn't alone. Next to him were five people, all well-known to Harry and his friends. Remus, Tonks, Prof. McGonagall, Kingsley Shacklebolt and... Professor Snape.

Dumbledore coughed, „My dear friends, the war is getting worse and you aren't safe here any more. The headquarters will be transferred to Hogwarts. Alas, all means of magical transportation are under surveillance, which means you will have to travel the old fashioned way. You will have to walk. I decided to split you up, because it's harder to locate and attack five small groups than one larger one.

Each of you will be accompanied by a member of the Order." He waved to the five other adults. " They will protect and guide you.", He held up his hand when Harry wanted to protest, „I know, Mr. Potter, but it's for your own safety. Trust me on this! Nymphadora will go with Miss Weasley, Professor McGonagall will accompany Miss Granger, Kingsley Shacklebolt will travel with Mr. Weasley."All eyes darted to Harry, because there were only two Guardians left, Remus and Snape. „Remus offered to accompany you, Mr. Potter, while Professor Snape agreed to accompany Miss Solange. "Harry relaxed visibly and all eyes rested on Marina. She simply nodded to her Potions teacher and went to get ready.

Snape smiled as he remembered that night, already more than a week ago.

They had all started out from different places, but this was the first time they had been attacked. He pondered about their situation and couldn't help noticing how good she felt in his embrace. He was glad their trip would be over tomorrow. He began to enjoy her company, to crave her smile and that wasn't a good sign. He needed to keep his distance and she was too young. „Get a grip, Severus", he muttered and tried to go to sleep.

When Marina woke up the next morning, her legs were tangled with Severus' and she was lying against his chest, his arms around her. She was afraid to move, because she didn't want it to end – yet.

She felt safe and she hadn't felt safe in ages. But she knew that they had to continue their journey. Tonight it would be over, tonight she would be reunited with her friends. She should be happy, but she would miss this. When she moved just a little, Severus woke up immediately. He looked at her and closed his eyes again, before she could see what he was thinking.

„Good morning, Severus." Marina was suddenly really shy.

He looked outside, where it was already dark. „Good evening, I'd say" He winked at her and they both smiled.

They slowly got ready, careful of their surroundings and started on there last part of the journey

When they reached Hogsmeade, Marina stopped and looked back, thinking about the days she had spent in Severus company. Catching on to her wistful mood, Severus put his arms around her. „It wasn't all bad. "

„Not bad at all", Marina smiled at him and he returned her smile.