A/N: While I'm still in the Christmas spirit I thought I would post this little story. It's set in Harry's fifth year at school but none of the trio are involved in this one. As ever, I don't own any of the characters, except for the ones I invented, nor am I making any money from the story. I hope you enjoy! Dx

Sophie sat in her room, trying not to cry. She sat at her dressing table and looked at herself in the mirror. She was a pretty girl, she had been told. She knew she wasn't completely stunning but she was attractive enough, she supposed, with short blonde hair and big blue eyes that sparkled when she smiled; except today she wasn't smiling and her eyes were red-rimmed from the tears that kept threatening to break free. Her figure was average — not too thin, not too fat — almost classic hourglass, although if she was honest she had never been happy about her large breasts and spent most of her time trying to conceal them with well-cut clothes that disguised their size. She sighed and rose from the dressing table, dropping onto it the letter she had just read. Rubbing at her itchy eyes, she turned and walked to the wardrobe to look for some clothes.

She honestly couldn't see anything she wanted to wear. She sighed again and sat down, this time on the bed. She wished she had left reading the letter until after breakfast. Maybe she would have been better able to deal with it then . . . although maybe not, considering what it contained. Looking again at the wardrobe, she opted for a baggy track suit teamed with a hugely oversized round-necked t-shirt. Neither the track suit or the t-shirt would be her usual choice of attire as it had a tendency to make her look a bit fat and lumpy, but she had brought it to school last year in case she decided to do some jogging. Until just now it had sat completely undisturbed in the bottom of her wardrobe. It wasn't stylish, was hideous in fact, but after the letter she didn't want to look like her usual self in any way. Having made sure her body was adequately covered, she headed out and made her way down to the Great Hall to join her friends. Steph, her best friend, joined her on the next landing. She looked at Sophie with concern as they walked together.

'Are you okay, Soph? You look dreadful!' Steph said worriedly.

Sophie stared at her friend with a small frown on her face. 'Cheers for that, mate,' she said, trying to laugh but failing miserably. 'You really know how to make a girl feel good, don't you?'

Steph grinned as she plucked at the massive t-shirt. 'I didn't mean it like that, sorry. But what the hell are you dressed like that for? You look like you're wearing a sack . . . and have you been crying?'

Sophie shrugged. 'I'm fine. Don't worry about me. I was having a wardrobe crisis this morning and couldn't find anything to wear so I just dumped this on for quickness. Not exactly stylish, I know, but as it's Sunday and we're only going to be lazing around all day I don't think I really need to get the crown jewels out.'

They entered the Great Hall and made their way to the Gryffindor table, pausing to chat to a couple of friends on the way. Fred and George Weasley offered the girls seats opposite them, but Sophie couldn't face the twins' jokes this morning and instead opted to sit at the end of the table.

'Are you sure you're okay?' Steph asked, looking at her friend worriedly as they sat down.

Sophie sighed. 'I'm sorry, Steph. I had a letter from my father this morning that rather upset me. I can't face the twins and their stupid jokes at the moment. I'm finding them a little grating right now.'

'Why did it upset you?' Steph asked, looking at her friend with worry. 'There's nothing wrong at home, is there?'

Sophie gave a tiny shake of her head, then glanced piercingly at her friend for a moment. 'I'm really sorry, Steph, but I just don't want to talk about it at the moment.' She filled a goblet with pumpkin juice and took a sip.

Steph nodded good-naturedly. 'Okay, hun, I won't push. But if you change your mind and need someone to offload on, you know where I am.' She helped herself to some toast and opened her copy of the Daily Prophet, which had just arrived with the post owls.

Sophie poured herself a cup of tea, not sure she could manage any food, and closed her eyes for a second before looking up at the head table. Everything was as usual and she could see the Headmaster talking to Professor McGonagall. Many of the other teachers were also in conversation but Professor Snape was concentrating on eating his breakfast, looking up occasionally to check on the studenttables as he always did. For a second their eyes met as he looked towards the Gryffindor table, but he soon looked back at his plate, not taking any more notice of her than any of the other students in the room.

Sophie knew from the sick feeling in her stomach that she wasn't going to be able to eat anything so she said goodbye to Steph and made her way back up to her room, glad that as a senior Prefect she finally had a room to herself so no dorm mates would feel the need to pry into her private affairs. Once safely inside, she picked up the letter from the dressing table and threw herself down onto the bed to read it once more, hoping she would find the contents had changed but knowing she wouldn't. It wasn't a magic letter, and however much she wanted to hope the contents weren't true, a little part of her deep down inside knew they were.

She had realised it was something serious when the owl turned up at her window first thing in the morning rather than waiting to deliver at breakfast as it normally would. For a moment her heart was in her mouth and she was scared to open the missive, worried that it was bad news from home — that she would discover someone was seriously ill or, worse still, that they had died. She had definitely not expected to read what the letter actually contained, and after taking in the words that chilled her through and through, she couldn't help but wish it had been about illness or a death in the family. Anything would be better than the words she had been forced to read.

Sophie knew she needed to talk to someone about it but she wasn't sure who would be the best choice. Not her Head of House, Professor McGonagall. Sophie had never been very close to the teacher, and this was far too embarrassing and personal to discuss with her. For a moment she considered talking to the Headmaster about it but she knew that would be even worse, especially if he turned those kind blue eyes on her. Really, there was only one person she could discuss it with. Her mind made up, she picked up the letter, tucked it into her pocket, and headed back out of Gryffindor Tower to make her way to the dungeons. When she reached the Potion Master's study she hesitated for a moment, then gathered her courage and knocked gently on the door. She waited until she heard his voice, then opened the door and entered the room. Professor Snape was sitting at his desk writing on a parchment, and after a moment he looked up, appearing rather surprised to see Sophie, and indicated that she should sit down.

'Why are you here, Miss Carter?' he asked curiously, his voice rich like silk. The scowl on his face was less defined than usual.

Sophie didn't speak but passed him the letter and waited while he read it. Once he finished he passed it back and looked at her appraisingly.

'Is it true?' she asked quietly.

Snape continued to look at her without speaking for a moment and then nodded, his face serious. 'It is. However, I obviously had no idea it would be you.'

Sophie wasn't sure what to say next. She fought to stop the tears that were threatening to fall again. 'Does it make a difference that it's me?' She looked at the teacher hopefully.

'No.' Snape's voice was dark and sombre. 'The bargain was struck many years ago and payment is due. It is unfortunate that you are one of my students, but ultimately it makes absolutely no difference.' He paused for a moment, then asked, 'When is your eighteenth birthday?'

'Tomorrow,' Sophie whispered.

'Ah. And you learnt of this when?' Snape looked at her in concern.

'The letter arrived this morning, sir.'

A look of annoyance settled on Snape's face. 'Your father only gave you one day's notice?'

Sophie nodded sadly.

'Well, I really am very sorry about that, Miss Carter,' Snape said, trying to sound consoling although he wasn't sure he managed it. 'It is rather unfortunate that he didn't give you more warning, but I'm afraid there really is nothing to be done.'

Sophie looked desperately at Snape. 'So what will happen?' she asked.

'You will need to come to me, here, tomorrow evening. Enjoy your birthday first.'

Sophie laughed bitterly. 'I don't think that's going to happen now, is it?'

Snape's scowl increased but he didn't say anything.

Sophie looked at him for a moment more but knew she would get nothing further from the taciturn teacher. She tucked the letter into her pocket as she stood up.

'I'll see you tomorrow evening, then,' she said, her quiet voice trembling with emotion. She was trying hard not to cry. Then, without saying anything further, she headed for the door.

Snape watched Sophie go and for a moment considered calling her back. But he knew that realistically there was nothing he could say that would comfort or improve the situation for her, so he didn't do anything. After she left he sat for a long while, considering things. Finally he Flooed the Headmaster and requested to see him.

Albus Dumbledore looked at the Potions Master with concern. Snape's scowl was more pronounced than usual and he obviously wasn't happy.

'You wanted to talk to me, Severus?' Dumbledore asked gently.

Snape sighed and looked at the Headmaster morosely. 'I have a problem, Albus,' he stated, his voice sounding dull and flat.

Dumbledore looked at him, waiting for his friend to continue. Snape put his head in his hands for a moment, then looked up again and stared bleakly at the Headmaster.

'Many years ago, when I was a Death Eater, I helped another wizard and his wife to get away from the Dark Lord. I don't really want to go into the details as it wasn't very pleasant, but it left this man very much in debt to me. Unfortunately for him he had no way to repay the debt, and in desperation he bonded his daughter to me.'

He looked at Dumbledore, who nodded thoughtfully but kept quiet, waiting for Snape to continue.

'It definitely wasn't one of my finer moments, Albus, but I was young and selfish,' Snape admitted with a bitter laugh. 'Well, younger and more selfish, anyway, and the idea of a beautiful young woman to grant my every wish was obviously very appealing at the time. The bond was made legally binding. Being the person I was then, it would suffice to say that there is absolutely no way it can be broken, and of course every possible loophole for her escape has been covered. The girl becomes my legal property, and under one of the terms of the bond my lover, on her eighteenth birthday.'

Snape stopped talking and stared at Dumbledore, who looked at him without any trace of emotion on his face.

'Continue, Severus,' Dumbledore said quietly after a few seconds of silence, once he realised Snape was waiting for him to say something.

'I have had no contact with the family in question since that day — part of the deal that would help to ensure their anonymity and stop any chance of them being found by any who may suspect that I helped them. I had in truth almost entirely forgotten about the agreement, although peripherally I was aware that eventually the debt would become due and the young woman would be sent my way. I am not sure why the possibility never occurred to me previously, probably because I hadn't thought about it for many years, but this morning I discovered that my future lover is one of our students. She came to see me a little while ago, having just received a letter from her father informing her of the bond.'

Snape looked furious now. 'The bastard didn't even have the decency to tell her of her destiny earlier, Albus. He waited until the day before her eighteenth birthday to inform her that her life is no longer her own.' Snape shook his head, not understanding how a father could do such a thing to his daughter. Bleakly he added, 'So tomorrow she turns eighteen and legally becomes my property and my lover — even though she obviously has no desire to be either.'

Dumbledore stared at his friend, considering for several seconds what he had just been told. 'And there really is no way to break the bond?' he asked quietly.

'None, I'm afraid. The terms of the bond were very specific and completely legally binding. Being the idiot I was then, I employed the use of some extremely old and complex magic to ensure that she couldn't get away from me. My views on such an arrangement have now changed, but unfortunately neither of us has any choice in this.'

'May I ask who it is?' Dumbledore asked carefully.

'Sophie Carter,' Snape replied bleakly.

'Ah.' Dumbledore stroked his beard as he thought. 'She certainly is a lovely young woman, Severus.'

Snape scowled again as he snapped, 'Yes, thank you, Headmaster. I'm already well aware of that . . . and young is the operative word. When I was only just older than she is now it never occurred to me just how young she would seem when the bond became due.'

The two men sat in silence for a while. Then Dumbledore said, 'So what are you going to do, Severus?'

'What can I do? I've asked her to come and see me tomorrow evening. I had hoped she could enjoy her birthday first but of course, as she so eloquently pointed out, I've completely ruined any chance of that for her.'

'Well, if there really is no choice then I suggest you do everything you can to make her happy. Perhaps you can do something to celebrate her birthday.' Dumbledore smiled as Snape continued to scowl. The Headmaster gave a small sigh. 'A departure for you, I know, Severus, but I'm sure you could do something nice for her, especially as she is bonded to you.'

Snape thought for a moment. 'One of the terms of the bond allows me to free her, if I wish it, after . . . .' He broke off for a moment as if embarrassed at what he was admitting to. 'After we have consummated the relationship, so to speak. I therefore intended to break the bond after tomorrow night. I thought maybe it would be for the best.'

'So you intend to sleep with the girl and then cast her off like a common whore?' Dumbledore asked sharply.

Snape's scowl deepened. 'That wasn't quite how I saw it, Albus.' He sounded pained. 'I just thought she might prefer her freedom rather than being stuck in a relationship with me. If I could grant that without the sex I would, but it's not possible. There really is some very old and complex magic involved in this bonding.'

Dumbledore looked shrewdly at his friend. 'I think perhaps you might be better off waiting for a few days before you consider breaking the bond. Sophie is a sensible girl and will no doubt have resigned herself to her fate by tomorrow. Casting her away after one night as your ward might cause more harm than good in the long run. But please, Severus, do me a favour and find a way to help her celebrate her birthday. I think that really would be the best thing you could do for her at the moment.'

Snape nodded curtly and the Headmaster stood up.

'Perhaps you should take her out to dinner,' he suggested with a smile. 'I am sure a nice evening out would help everything go much more smoothly, especially if you have a lot of explaining to do.'

That evening Sophie sat in the Library, where she was hiding from her friends and trying to do her Herbology homework, but she couldn't concentrate. All that kept running through her mind was her conversation with Professor Snape. The letter from her father had been bad enough, but to find that not only was it true but there was nothing that could be done to stop it — no: nothing the Potions Master would do to stop it — was a nightmare. Surely if Professor Snape wanted to he could let her go. He obviously just didn't want to.

Sophie, in common with most of the students, had never been very keen on Professor Snape. Like most Gryffindors she had been on the receiving end of his sharp tongue several times over the years; he seemed to have a special reserve of vitriol for students from her House. And things had definitely got worse since Harry Potter joined the school.

She thought about what she was going to have to do the following night and shuddered. The only person in the school with whom she would less like to have sex with was Argus Filch, who really gave her the creeps. Professor Snape was almost as old as her parents, incredibly ugly, even more ill-tempered, and so sarcastic that people were scared to say anything around him in case they caught his sharp tongue. In fact, he had no redeeming qualities at all as far as she could see, and now it appeared he had a thing for teenage girls on top of everything else. Sophie couldn't help but shudder when she thought about someone like him being a teacher. How many other poor girls had he taken advantage of over the years? Well, perhaps if she refused to do what he wanted he would change his mind about her and release her. She could only hope so, anyway.

She still couldn't believe her father had done this to her. What on earth could he owe to Professor Snape that he would sell his own daughter to him without a fight? Surely nothing could be that important. She rubbed at her eyes, which itched with unshed tears, then gave up on her homework. There was no way she could concentrate. She had a headache, she felt sick, and the sense of impending doom was growing as the clock ticked closer to midnight and the start of her eighteenth birthday . . . the start of her enforced bondage to Professor Snape. She packed her bag and wandered back to her room, where she lay in bed trying not to think about the awful man she was about to be stuck with for the rest of her life.

When Sophie woke the following morning, for a few happy moments she completely forgot what the day was going to bring. But before she had even had time to wake up properly Steph was banging on her door shouting, 'Happy Birthday!' Sophie's heart sank. Oh yes: today was the day she had to give up her freedom. Worse still, she was going to have to have sex with the snarky Potions Master.

She opened the door and tried to smile at her friend, but Steph wasn't fooled.

'What's the matter, Soph?' she asked worriedly. 'You've been upset since yesterday. Is it still something to do with the letter from your dad?'

Sophie nodded but didn't answer. How could she tell her friend what her life had just become? Steph would surely be disgusted as well as sympathetic, and Sophie didn't think she could cope with all the pitying looks her friend would be certain to throw her way. Nor did she want everyone else to find out about her shameful secret, which they would, as Steph had never been the most subtle of people.

'Well, whatever it is, put it out of your mind for today,' Steph said soothingly as she followed her friend into the bedroom. 'It's your birthday and you need to celebrate!' She gave Sophie a hug, then handed her a brightly wrapped parcel.

She dumped herself onto Sophie's bed and watched excitedly as the birthday girl opened the box and gasped with delight when she saw the beautiful dress Steph had bought her. Sophie had seen the dress and tried it on the last time they went to Hogsmeade and had admired it greatly, but never seriously considered owning it as she was unlikely to have anywhere to wear it; sadly there had been no hint of another ball happening at the school. The gown was a beautiful shade of forest green, a figure-fitting wrap-over design in a silky material that draped perfectly, accentuating her best features. She grabbed her best friend and gave her a huge hug of gratitude. The wonderful present was, for a moment, enough to make her forget about her problems. She looked at herself in the mirror as she held the dress up in front of her, once again thinking how beautiful it was. Then she put it on a hanger and the two of them made their way down to breakfast.

When they reached the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall Sophie was surprised to see a huge pile of cards already on the table by her usual seat. She was greeted enthusiastically by her housemates, especially the twins, who each gave her a big kiss before showering her with all sorts of goodies. She began to open the gifts and cards but finally had to admit defeat, overwhelmed by the quantity which continued to grow as more friends arrived at the table, all wishing her a happy birthday. With laughter she pushed them all to one side and instead tucked into a hearty breakfast, realising that she was starving after her lack of food the previous day.

Snape sat at the head table and occasionally looked in Sophie's direction, watching her as she celebrated her birthday with her friends. He was glad she appeared to be having a good time and that the bad news she had received only the day before hadn't completely spoiled her special day. He glanced at the Headmaster and saw that he, too, was looking at the young woman, an unreadable expression on his face.

Once Sophie finished eating she got back to opening her cards and presents, thanking her friends profusely for their generosity. Upon opening one particularly thick envelope she found an elegant yet understated birthday card that was a completely different style from the others. She looked at it in interest, then opened it. It was from Professor Snape. She caught the signature, and not wanting her friends to see it, she rapidly closed it and put it at the bottom of the pile of cards she had already opened. How could she explain to them why the Potions Master was sending her a birthday card without giving away the secret she didn't want anyone to know about? She quickly glanced at the head table but Professor Snape was busy conversing with Professor Sinistra, so she looked away before she raised suspicion amongst her friends and was soon drawn into a conversation with Lee while she finished opening her cards and presents.

Sophie took her gifts to her room before going to the first lesson of the day. She dropped them on the bed and picked up the card from Professor Snape and opened it. She looked at the message and felt her heart hammering in her chest.

Sophie,

Please accept my warmest congratulations on your eighteenth birthday. It will be my pleasure to take you to dinner this evening to celebrate. I will meet you by the school gates at 8 p.m.

Regards,

Severus (Snape, Professor)

Sophie sighed and threw the card onto the bed with the other items. She really didn't want to go to dinner with Professor Snape, but did she have any choice? Why did he want to take her? Did he think she would succumb to him more easily if he gave her a nice meal first?

She grabbed her bag and ran out of the room, realising she was going to be late for her first lesson — great, and it was Potions with her now least favourite teacher, too! For a moment the thought ran through her mind that he wasn't likely to give her detention if he was going to be taking her out tonight. She almost laughed at the thought that a Gryffindor would finally get away with rule-breaking in his class. But of course nothing was certain with Professor Snape. He could just as easily decide that detention would do equally as well as a meal — after all, they would still be alone together. She really didn't fancy getting detention on her birthday. She ran down the corridor toward the classroom, just managing to catch the back of the queue as the class filed in. Professor Snape looked at her as she slid into her seat, but she busied herself determinedly looking in a different direction.

The lesson went more quickly than Sophie had expected. She had thought maybe the Potions Master would pay more attention to her and dreaded being singled out, but if anything he ignored her more than normal. Of course, it helped that the twins were causing mayhem in their usual fashion, completely ignoring the potion they were supposed to be making in order to concentrate instead on one of their own. At the end of the lesson Sophie was one of the last to clear up and was still packing her bag when Professor Snape appeared at her desk.

'I would like a quick word before you leave, please, Miss Carter.' Snape's voice was dark and smooth, like molten chocolate, and for a change held no hint of sarcasm.

The twins both stopped at the door and looked at Sophie and with a wave she motioned to them to go.

Once the two of them were alone in the classroom Snape said, 'Happy birthday, Sophie.'

'Thank you, sir, and thank you for the card.' Sophie looked into his dark eyes but could see no sign of any emotion.

'You saw the message, I trust?'

'Yes, sir.' Sophie tried not to look or sound as unhappy as she felt, but she knew she wasn't a particularly good actress and probably wasn't doing that good a job of hiding her feelings.

'You don't want to have dinner with me tonight?' Snape's voice was now silkily seductive.

'No, sir . . . I'm sorry.' Sophie frowned, suddenly feeling bad for not wanting to have dinner with the Potions Master. He was obviously trying to make an effort rather than just taking what was now legally his.

Snape gave a small, bitter laugh. 'No, I suppose you don't,' he said musingly. 'However, I was hoping to use the occasion both to celebrate your birthday and for us to get to know each other better.' He looked at Sophie as if making a decision, then added, 'but of course if you really don't want to dine with me, I suppose we can just meet in my study as previously agreed.'

When Sophie didn't answer Snape added gently, 'I really would prefer to take you out to dinner if I can persuade you.' He smiled at her and Sophie realised that when he wasn't scowling he actually wasn't anywhere near as ugly as she had always thought. A smile definitely did improve some people.

She nodded and made the effort to smile, too. 'I'll see you at the gate at eight o'clock, then,' she said as she picked up her bag and made for the door. Turning, she added, 'Should I wear anything in particular? I'm not really used to going out to dinner and I suppose my school uniform won't be suitable.'

Snape stared at her for a second as if surprised by the question, then replied, 'No, I don't think the uniform will be suitable. Perhaps you have a nice dress or something? The restaurant is a good one.'

Sophie nodded, then headed out the door to make her way to her next lesson, wondering what she had just let herself in for.

Just before eight o'clock Sophie rapidly made her way out of the castle and down towards the gates. She had slipped out quietly so no one knew where she was going, after spending an hour avoiding Steph, the twins and Lee. She knew they were probably wondering where she had got to as they most likely wanted to continue celebrating her birthday. She honestly didn't want anyone to know she was going to dinner with the snarky Potions Master. If nothing else they would wonder why she was doing so, and she had absolutely no intention of telling anyone what her parents had done to her.

She reached the gates just after the set deadline and saw that Professor Snape was already there. His pale face was the only part of him visible in the dark, dressed as he was in his customary black frock coat which was covered in this instance by a good quality travelling cloak of the same colour. He greeted her briefly and led her outside the school gates, explaining that he was going to use Side-along Apparition to take them both to the restaurant. Sophie wasn't keen on Side-along Apparition — she didn't really want him touching her at all — but she knew it was the only way to get there. She had no idea where it was so she couldn't make her own way there. She was pleased with herself for managing to refrain from making a disgusted noise when Professor Snape wrapped his arm around her waist, the somewhat intimate gesture making her feel extremely uncomfortable. The world spun away and a few seconds later they were standing at an Apparition point in an area she didn't recognise. Snape held out his arm, and reluctantly Sophie took hold of it. He led her down the road to an expensive-looking restaurant called the Black Dragon.

When they entered the restaurant Professor Snape gallantly took Sophie's cloak from her. Underneath she wore the green dress Steph had given her for her birthday. She had wondered whether she would be overdressed, but it was immediately obvious from looking around her that the Potions Master had brought her to a really top-class restaurant. If anything, without jewellery the dress was a little plain.

Snape looked at her, that attractive smile back on his face. 'You look beautiful,' he said approvingly, his quiet voice rich and dark.

Sophie couldn't help but smile back at the compliment, although a small part of her felt uncomfortable at the idea that Professor Snape thought her beautiful.

After depositing their cloaks and having a quick conversation with the maitre d', Snape took her hand and led her to a lavishly decorated table in a quiet corner of the restaurant. After seating them both he ordered drinks from the waiter, who joined them immediately, whilst Sophie looked around her. The restaurant was obviously extremely expensive and reeked of class. She had never been anywhere like this before in her life. And to think she would never have had the chance to come here if she hadn't been bonded to Professor Snape. That thought soured the experience a little. He was obviously using the expensive restaurant as some kind of payment for her sleeping with him. It didn't matter how good the restaurant was, it wasn't worth that.

Snape noticed the change in Sophie's demeanour and took hold of her hand. 'Please don't think that I brought you here as some sort of payment for you being my . . . companion. I merely thought that as we were going to celebrate your birthday we may as well do it somewhere nicely decorated, with decent food and drink.' He smiled at her again, then let her hand drop, aware that she still didn't feel comfortable in his company.

The waiter appeared with a bottle of champagne and two crystal flutes. He poured the wine, then left the table.

'A toast for your birthday,' Snape said. He handed Sophie one of the newly-filled glasses and raised his own with a smile. 'Happy eighteenth birthday, Sophie!'

They both drank.

Snape looked as if he had just remembered something. He patted his pockets and finally brought out a beautifully wrapped gift, classically elegant and understated just as the card had been. He passed it across the table to Sophie.

'A birthday gift for you.' His dark voice was soothing as he gazed at her.

Sophie took the present and looked at it. She really didn't want a gift from Professor Snape, but she was far too polite to upset him by refusing it, especially in public. She slowly unwrapped it, taking time to make sure she didn't rip the beautiful paper. Eventually a black leather box was revealed. When she opened the lid she was astonished to see the most gorgeous gift, a pendant necklace and matching earrings. They were exquisite.

'Emerald, diamond and platinum,' Snape said gently as she stared at them in wonder. 'I wondered whether the colours might be wrong. I'm sure you would have preferred rubies and gold.' He grinned at her disarmingly. 'But fortunately they'll go perfectly with the dress you're wearing.'

Sophie was speechless. The jewellery was stunning — but what had he said? Emerald, diamond and platinum? She couldn't accept something so expensive from him, regardless of what their relationship now was.

'They're beautiful, sir,' she murmured. 'But I really can't accept them. They must have cost a fortune.' She looked at Professor Snape a little sadly.

'Of course you can,' Snape said, smiling once again. 'You must wear them now. Go on, put them on.' His voice was firm but light, but Sophie realised he expected to have no argument from her over this. 'And you must call me Severus when we're alone,' he added.

Sophie removed the necklace from the box and placed it around her neck. Professor Snape was right: it was a perfect match for her dress. She added the earrings and suddenly she no longer felt under-dressed. The jewellery added that final finishing touch, and Snape nodded in approval. Taking another sip of the delicious champagne, she turned her attention to the menu.

Snape made a few recommendations; he had obviously eaten there several times before and Sophie took his advice. The teacher ordered for both of them, then settled back with his drink while they waited for the food to arrive. He looked at the young woman in front of him, admiring her. She really was very attractive and the beautiful dress she was wearing added to that attractiveness. He smiled as he looked at the jewellery he had chosen for her. It had been a fortunate choice and really did go very well with the outfit.

He had debated long and hard whether to give her a gift and then decided that he should. As soon as he saw the set he knew they would be perfect for her. They had belonged to his mother and had been sitting, with so much other stuff, in his vault at Gringotts. Such beautiful pieces deserved to be worn and Sophie was the perfect person to wear them. She was completely opposite to his mother in colouring, but she had the same quiet strength about her.

The starter arrived and the couple made small talk, Snape enquiring about her day and about her other gifts; he had noticed the pile at the breakfast table. When the main course arrived he briefly turned the conversation to more serious matters.

'Sophie, I need to explain the terms of the bond to you,' he started, his dark voice as soothing as he could make it. 'However, if you don't mind I would prefer to enjoy the meal first and discuss it with you when we return to the school.' He looked at Sophie, who frowned slightly. 'Of course, if you would prefer to discuss it now we can.'

Sophie thought for a second, then shook her head. 'No, let's enjoy the meal first.' She smiled at Professor Snape. 'Thank you, Severus. For bringing me here and for the present . . . although I still don't think I can keep it.'

The rest of the meal was spent in general discussion. Sophie was surprised to find that the Potions Master had a wide range of knowledge on many subjects, not just potion-making, and was an interesting conversationalist. It turned out that they shared a favourite Quidditch team, Puddlemere United, and they spent a considerable amount of time in happy discussion about the team's performance and their chances in the coming season, especially knowing that former Gryffindor Keeper and Sophie's good friend, Oliver Wood, had joined their reserve team.

By the time the meal was finished and it was time for the couple to make their way back to school, Sophie was surprised to discover that she was enjoying Professor Snape's company and was somewhat disappointed to be leaving, although she knew that partly this was because of what was to follow. This time she was happier about holding onto his arm as they walked to an Apparition spot. She expected him to hold her round the waist again in preparation for their Side-Along Apparition, but surprisingly he told her he would meet her back at the gates, allowing her to Apparate on her own. Once back on school grounds they rapidly made their way to the dungeons, using a route Sophie had never seen before. She had heard that there were secret passages in Hogwarts, everyone had, but only the twins ever seemed to have found any. However, they were obviously using one now.

Professor Snape ushered her through to his private quarters. Once there he poured each of them a glass of brandy. Sophie gratefully accepted hers, even though she was feeling a little tipsy from the wine at dinner. She sat on the sofa, half expecting the Potions Master to join her there; she was certain it wouldn't be much longer before he attempted to collect on his debt. However, he continued to stand, moving in front of the fireplace and gazing at it as if watching a film. Eventually, just when Sophie was beginning to wonder if she should leave, he turned to face her. His face was serious but he was making an obvious effort not to scowl.

'I am sure you think I am being unfair by holding you to the bond that was made with me by your father,' he began. Sophie opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say anything he held his hand up and continued starkly, 'Of course you do. Anyone would.'

He looked at the young woman in front of him, his eyes full of pain. 'Believe me, if there were any way I could release you from the bond, Sophie, I would do it in an instant.' His dark, rich voice was mournful. He turned back to the fire for a moment as he took a sip of his drink and then faced her once more, his voice firmer now. 'I will not go into the reasons the bond was made. If your father wanted you to know he would have told you. Personally, I think he should have told you, just like he should have warned you sooner about what was going to happen to you . . . but that is his own decision and not one I can do anything about, unfortunately.'

Once again Sophie opened her mouth to speak, and for the second time Snape cut her off before she had a chance. 'Sophie, please give me a chance to explain without interruption and then at the end I will answer any questions you have . . . assuming I can answer them.' He gave a rueful grin.

Feeling a little embarrassed at his gentle rebuke, Sophie nodded and gestured for him to sit next to her on the sofa. But Snape shook his head and stayed standing in front of her.

'As I said, the reason for the bond is not important; however, the terms of the bond are. The agreement that was made legally binding was agreed on by all parties, but it effectively stops me from freeing you unless certain conditions are met.

'Unfortunately, when I was a younger man I was not the person I am now. I thought the idea of a young mistress would be wonderful. Of course I had no concept at that young age, barely older than you are now, just how young you would now seem to me. Plus, of course, at that time I had no idea I would be a teacher and that it would be one of my students who would end up bearing the brunt of this agreement.'

He broke off and took a large gulp of his brandy, then moved to the cabinet to refill his glass. He waved the decanter to offer more to Sophie but she shook her head in refusal.

'As your father informed you, under the terms of the bond you became my property the moment you turned eighteen. As he also intimated, in effect this means you are to become my lover and I can do with you whatever I wish.' He let the words sink in for a moment, ignoring the unhappy look that had once again taken up residence on Sophie's face. He stared at her intently. 'This is the important and difficult bit. Due to a complex piece of bonding law and several extremely ancient enchantments, I am unable to free you unless we have consummated the relationship; and even then I will need to specifically agree to the bond being broken. I could choose not to become intimate with you and keep the relationship on a strictly platonic level, but although that may seem to you at this moment to be the preferable option, in reality it would leave you in an awful situation, I'm afraid, Sophie. You would not be able to marry or even have a romantic relationship with anyone else as you belong to me exclusively, and that would continue to be the case until such time as the circumstances I mentioned a moment ago are met.'

He looked unhappily at Sophie, aware that the expression on her face matched his. 'So as you can see, we are stuck in something of a catch-22 situation here. Either I don't attempt any intimacy with you and thereby condemn you to being stuck with me until such time as that situation changes, or I make you my lover in more than just name and then release you to live your life as you wish it. I am well aware that neither of these options is particularly palatable to you.'

Sophie's brain was spinning as she took in his words. So this bond that had been made wasn't a new thing that had happened recently, as she had assumed. It dated back to when Professor Snape was young, almost as young as she was now. As she considered it she realised she must have been a baby when the agreement was struck, and it chilled her to the bone to think her parents had never mentioned anything at all about it to her throughout her entire life, had never even alluded to it. Had they ever loved her, or had they always just considered her as Professor Snape's property that they were looking after until they could pass her on?

The sense of hurt and betrayal was already descending on her as the stark realisation dawned that there really was no way for her to escape the bond her parents had sold her into without going to Professor Snape's bed, and then only if he decided to release her. Pain tore through her heart — hatred for her parents and their actions and horror at the thought that she was so thoroughly tied to the snarky Potions Master that she might never be free of him. There was hatred for him, too, that he had chosen such a despicable form of payment, regardless of how long ago it had been or that his feelings had changed in the years since.

Snape watched Sophie's face carefully as she digested what he had told her. He knew she wasn't happy, that had already been made perfectly clear the day before; even the nice meal hadn't been enough to dull the horror of what was expected of her, especially now that she knew the specifics. He turned to face the fire once more as he debated what to do. If he could have freed her he would have done it, and the more he thought about it the more convinced he became that the best way to sort this was to get it over and done with as soon as possible. He didn't want this any more than Sophie did; it seemed pointless to drag it out. But then he remembered Albus' words about waiting. Suddenly he knew what he was going to do. Turning, he moved to sit next to Sophie. Before she could stop him or protest he took hold of her hand and looked deeply into her eyes.

Panicked for a moment that he was going to attempt to seduce her, Sophie almost dropped her drink. She managed to recover a little when she realised he wasn't going to touch her, just talk to her again.

'Sophie, I have decided that the decision must be left in your hands. We can consummate the bond now and then, if you wish it, you are free to go. I will hold no further claim over you. Or if you prefer, things can remain as they are, although I have to remind you that you will not be able to have any relationship other than with me.'

Sophie took a large gulp of her brandy and almost choked as the burning liquid made its way down her throat. She knew the quickest thing would be to give in and get it over and done with. But when she did do it she would be giving up her virginity, and she didn't want to give that away just for the sake of having to do it. She just wasn't ready. The fact that it would be Professor Snape taking it was bad enough. She had no boyfriend and was not looking for one for the foreseeable future, so maybe it would be better to wait. Perhaps time would make the Potions Master seem more attractive to her . . . although she suspected not.

She could see him looking at her as she considered the situation. Eventually she replied, 'I think I would prefer to wait, sir.'

Snape nodded his assent, his emotionless face masking his surprise. 'Please, call me Severus,' he reminded her. 'There is no point in formality under the circumstances.' He stared at her intently for a minute as if gauging something. 'So we are agreed that I will not make any overtures towards you unless you request it; and should you do so you will be released from the bond immediately afterwards, with no argument from me. Please be reassured, Sophie, that this will not change on any whim of mine; the fact that we are agreeing to this makes the choices I offer completely and legally binding. You are free to change your mind at any time should you decide you wish to end the bond.'

'Thank you, Severus,' Sophie said gratefully, feeling massively relieved that she wasn't going to have to sleep with the teacher that night.

Snape caught her look of relief and looked away briefly, trying not to feel hurt at the knowledge that she so obviously didn't want to do with him what she would eventually have to. There was no way he could stop it from happening. Sophie started to undo the necklace, meaning to return the jewellery to him, but he stopped her.

'No, please keep it,' he said, his warm voice sounding a touch wistful. 'They were my mother's and I have kept them in my vault for many years waiting for someone to give them to. They deserve to be worn and they look good on you.' He smiled at Sophie. 'There are plenty more where they came from — I can probably cater for any occasion.'

Sophie smiled back at him and let the clasp fall. The jewellery really was very beautiful and it seemed a shame for it to be locked away, especially when it went so well with her dress.

'Although we will not be conducting an intimate relationship, I do intend to spend time with you, as we are a couple to all intents and purposes. Therefore I will expect you to spend your evenings here after you have finished your Prefect duties. This will serve the dual purpose of keeping you away from the temptation of a relationship elsewhere and also giving us a chance to get to know each other better.'

Sophie wasn't keen on this idea but knew she didn't have a choice. She now belonged to Professor Snape, whether she liked it or not, and so would have to live by his rules. If she tried to challenge this he might well change his mind about allowing her to make the decisions in their relationship and force her into having sex with him, with no guarantee that he would release her afterwards. Feeling unhappy still but also somewhat resigned to her fate, Sophie nodded her assent, and she saw the Potions Master relax a little as he released her hand.

By now the alcohol was making her feel rather tired. She tried to stifle a yawn, not wanting Professor Snape to see it. But of course his eagle eyes spotted it immediately and he sent her to bed, apologising for keeping her up so late.

After Sophie left, Snape sat in a chair by the fire drinking another glass of brandy. He closed his eyes and thought back over the evening. He thought it had gone quite well under the circumstances. The meal was nice, he had eventually managed to get Sophie to accept his gift, she looked beautiful, and he was sure he had managed to explain the situation to her sufficiently well that she had been able to make a rational decision. Although he was aware the young woman had no desire to make love with him, he was slightly surprised that she hadn't decided to get it out of the way and gain her freedom immediately; although he was aware that he was unlikely to be anyone's first choice of sexual partner, especially someone as young as Sophie. A few minutes later a head appeared in the fireplace; it was Albus Dumbledore, wanting to talk. Snape invited him in and poured him a glass of brandy. Dumbledore settled down in the chair opposite Snape and looked at him appraisingly.

'So how did the evening go, Severus?' His voice was light yet questioning.

Snape looked at him and raised an eyebrow. 'You're here, so I'm sure you know how it went.'

Dumbledore laughed. 'I meant the meal. I have no idea how that went.'

Snape proceeded to tell his friend about the meal and the gift he had given Sophie. Albus nodded approvingly.

'I take it Sophie chose to wait rather than get out of the relationship immediately?' Dumbledore's eyes were sparkling.

'That was the agreement,' Snape said. 'However, I did tell her she could change her mind at any time.'

'And what if you change your mind?' Dumbledore asked seriously.

Snape stared at the Headmaster for a moment as if assessing the question. Finally he responded stiffly, 'I will not take advantage of Sophie. Nothing will happen unless she requests it.'

He turned to stare moodily into the fire, making it clear that he didn't want to talk about it further.

'I didn't mean to upset you, old friend,' Dumbledore said quietly, trying to soothe Snape's ruffled feathers. 'I just wanted you to be aware that there is that possibility.'

'No, there won't be that possibility,' Snape said gruffly, determined that this would be the case. He had no intention of taking advantage of Sophie, whatever happened in the future.

The two men sat talking quietly for a while longer before Dumbledore finally said goodnight, leaving Snape to go on his usual rounds of the corridors.