Once dessert was over and the dishes had disappeared Headmaster Dumbledore stood again and the entire Hall fell silent.

" Well, now that we are all digesting another magnificent feast, I beg a few moments of your attention for the usual start of term notices. I would like to remind you of the rules. They are posted on the door of Mr. Filch's office if you forgot to read them when they were sent out this year. He wanted me to remind all of you that certain items are not permitted in this castle. For a full list, please, see the caretaker. First years ought to note that the forest in the grounds is out of bounds to students. And a few of our older students ought to know better, too. " Harry, Hermione, and Ron exchanged smirks. " Let's welcome back a familiar face, Professor Remus J. Lupin. Professor Lupin has agreed to take up the Defense Against the Darts position again.

I need to remind one and all, there is to be no magick performed within the halls. Before we all trot off to bed and that wonderful place, dreamland, I have one last thing to say, As you all know, Lord Voldemort is growing stronger. But, Hogwarts is the safest place at the moment. So Everyone need be on their guard. Please, be very careful with whom you trust. " There was a distinct foreboding in the air when he said this. " And now, let us adjourn to our beds ! " Headmaster Dumbledore finished, still beaming.
Then, talking began to fill the air once more.

" Erin, you coming ? " Hermione asked.

" I'll be along shortly, " I answered.

" Are you sure ? I know that you don't know your way around the castle. "

" Really, mum, I'll be fine, " I teased. " I'm just going to explore the castle and learn the lay of the land, so to

speak. "

" Do be careful. The new pass word's Godric's Sword. "

" Godric's Sword ? " I repeated.

" Uh, huh, " She replied. " I'll see you upstairs in the room. Good night. "

I stayed behind until the faculty rose from their seats. Professor Severus Snape was fascinating. But, he was a teacher. Professor Lupin was pretty dreamy, too. But, I preferred my men on the Gothic side. A sigh escaped me as I pulled my copy of the Marauders' Map out of my vanilla needlepoint backpack. Time to go exploring. Little did I know that I was being watched.

What the devil was Erin MacLaine doing out of bounds ? She should be on her way up to Gryffindor Tower. Not gallivanting about the castle. Professor Severus Snape crept behind me. Where, the blue blazes, is she going ? The only thing this way is the astronomy tower. Was the girl meeting someone ?

Since I had the map with me, I checked it again. Sure enough, Professor Severus Snape was right behind me, staying in the shadows. A smile lit my face. All was going according to plan.

I had just entered the observatory and was leaning upon a windowsill gazing out into the night when he grabbed my shoulder.

" Just who are you supposed to be meeting up here, Miss MacLaine ? " Should I tell him the truth ? A smile played upon my dark red lips. Knowing the man as I did, he wouldn't believe me. The Potions Master would call me a liar, dock Gryffindor house points, and probably give me a detention. Detention, hmm. " Well, I asked you a question, Miss MacLaine, " He hissed. I closed my eyes as shivers raced down my spine as his velvety voice wrapped itself around me. That large hand was still on my shoulder. His hand began to play within the fiery strands of my unbound hair. " Well ? "

" Who do you think ? " I snapped. That hand playing with my hair stopped. Without warning it yanked my head back, sharply. I winced at the pinpricks that were shooting all over my head. An arm snaked about my waist pulling me into him. Moonlight shone in, softening his sharp features. I drank in the sight.

" It would be well within my authority to take house points away for the total lack of respect that you seem to be displaying towards me tonight. " That voice shot through me and began spreading warmth throughout my body as warm honey on just baked, fresh bread. My heart began to beat a wild erratic tattoo.

" Yes, sir, " I said. " I, I . . . " I was beginning to get lost in the dark brown depths of his eyes. This close I could see just how long and sable his eyelashes were.

" Yes, Miss MacLaine ? You, what ? " That arm tightened around me as the hand tangled within my hair pulled back a bit further. My breath caught in my throat. " Uh . . . " My mind was racing a mile a minute. What was the subject ? What were we talking about again ?

" Erin ? " He asked. Slowly his eyes traced over my features coming to rest on my lips. I could feel his hard body pressing into mine. His arm around my waist pulled me closer, until the only thing separating us were our clothes. My heart was racing a mile a minute. Tiny pinpricks of fire danced over the entire surface of my skin. The next thing I knew his lips were upon mine. They brushed once, twice across my lips, before pressing firmly upon them. His tongue plunged past my lips as his arm pressed me even closer into his deliciously hard frame. The hand that was tangled within my hair eased. It ran down my back to my waist. With both hands encircling my waist he pulled me flush against him. I was on fire. Any minute I would blow up. I never knew just how strong and hard Professor Snape was. I went up in the flames consuming my body. I moaned in the back of my throat at the feel of his hard length pressing against my belly. A hand came up, cupping a breast. I arched up into it as I returned the kiss. Our tongues dueled for possession. I, finally, ceded to the Master. Our lips lingered upon each other's before he pulled back slightly, ending the delicious torment that was called a kiss. My eyes flew to his. The deep dark brown depths smoldered with desire, intensity, and fire. I was trying to remember how to breath after that torment he had just put me through.

" Go back to Gryffindor Tower, Miss MacLaine, " He growled. " Now ! "

" Planning on letting me go ? " I asked, batting my lashes. Abruptly, he released me. Then, turning on his heel, Professor Snape strode out of the astronomy tower.

" Godric's Sword, "I said and the portrait swung open. I could see the outline of someone by the fire. Tentatively, I approached. He turned towards me and I saw the firelight glinting off his glasses, as well as setting his chest hair aglow. It was Harry all right. I could see the angles and planes of his chest and stomach. That's when I realized that Harry did not have a shirt on. I sucked in a breath of much needed air. Quickly, I turned my eyes to the fire. A sigh escaped me. Opening my eyes, I met Harry's Emerald gaze. We stayed that way, staring into each other's eyes. Then, somehow, his lips were upon mine. His lips were soft and the kiss a safe one. Opening our eyes, we broke apart, smiling at each other. He looked down at his watch.

" It's after one 'o' clock. I need to get on up to bed. " Slowly, we got our feet. " Good night, Erin. "

" Good night, Harry, " I said. Then, I made my way to the girls' stairs and found the room that I was sharing with Hermione. Disrobing, I found a black satin chemise and slipped it over my head. I couldn't believe that Harry Potter and I had kissed down in the common room ! I couldn't believe it ! Two kisses in one night. I fell onto the ornate draped canopy bed. S. S leapt atop the ornate bed. He padded over to me, looked into my eyes, then, licked the tip of my nose. A laugh escaped me.

" Feeling left out, are we, Sevie, baby ? " Yellow-green eyes stared into green-blue ones. I lifted him atop my tummy and laid back, stroking the black fur. S. S rumbled to life, I could feel the purring against my stomach.

That scene up in the Astronomy Tower kept replaying over and over in my mind. Sighing I laid back against the pillows. What I wouldn't give to feel those lips on mine again. Closing my eyes I let myself drift back to the Astronomy Tower.

The sound of a foghorn cut through the misty, sleepy haze that prevailed throughout my mind. Even though the drapes were drawn, the sun peeked through. Flinging an arm out I batted around until I found it. That infernal, damned, bloody alarm clock. It was too damned bloody early ! I groaned in frustration, rolling over.

" Mer, row !!!! " S. S complained loudly.

" Sorry, Sevie, " I mumbled. He wriggled out from under me and moved to the pillow. He curled up next to my face.

There was an answering moan from the other bed in the room. I could tell that Hermione was just now waking up. I stretched lazily, enjoying the softness of the mattress. Between the rumbling purr and the soft mattress I nearly passed out again. Mmm, I could stay here forever.

" I agree, " I moaned aloud.

" What time is it ? " She asked, her eyes still closed. My eyes sought the clock in between our beds. I was barely able to focus on the white numbers.

" Just after six ' o' clock, Mione, " I told her, my voice husky from sleep.

" I'm not waking up this early. " I agreed with her. I didn't feel like moving one iota. " Is the sun even up ? " She asked. I grinned at that.

" There's a great big ball of fire up in the sky that woke me up and I don't think it's the moon. " Hermione pulled the covers up over her head.

" I'm going back to sleep, please wake me up at half past, " Hermione asked, pulling the bedclothes up over her head and burrowing under. I thought I was lazy when it came to getting out of bed. I just shook my head.

Finally after about fifteen minutes S. S batted at my hair.

" Mmmff, " I muttered. His paw hit me in the face.

" No, " I said. The cat was certainly persistent. Finally, S. S just put his face in mine and licked my lips. I shot straight up.

" Thanks, Sevie, " I said dryly. I certainly didn't need an alarm clock. I had S. S to wake me up. He never let me sleep me in. Finally, I made it out of bed. A quick glance at the clock told me it was a quarter until seven. Whisking the chemise off, I shrugged into my dark green satin dressing gown. The black satin landed on S. S. Laughing,

" Sorry, Sevie. " I moved the chemise off my cat. After grabbing my toiletries I headed straight for the showers. Since it was before seven, I had the shower room all to myself. The pounding water felt good against my tense tired body. Slowly my muscles started to relax underneath the pounding warm water. A giggle could be heard as the other girls started trailing in. That was my cue to leave. I turned the water off and grabbed the dark red towel hanging beside the stall. Drying off, I wrapped my hair up in the towel. Pulling my dressing gown about me, I left for the room.

Back in the room, I found my Jasmine-scented body cream. Slipping off the dark green satin, I massaged the cream into my porcelain skin. Drawing the dressing gown back on, I glanced at the clock.

" Hermione ! "

" What ? " She asked, poking her head out from beneath her covers.

" You need to get up. "

" What time is it ? " She moaned.

" It's after seven. You need to get out of bed. "

" SEVEN !!??!! " She shrieked. She shot out of bed and bolted to the loo. Chuckling at her antics I went and sat down at my desk turned vanity. Slipping the ruby red towel off an auburn waterfall cascaded down. Parting my hair down the middle I braided the hair over my shoulders. I applied my usual porcelain foundation and set it with baby powder. Then, I went to work. On my lids I used a silver, a darker silver in the crease, and on the browbone I used a real light silver. I finished my eyes with a metallic silver liner and black mascara. A light rose pink on my lips and I was ready for the day. Rising from the chair, I went over to my lingerie trunk and found a pair of vanilla satin thongs and slipped them on. I slipped out of the wrapper. Next came the matching corset.

I pulled my favourite dark hunter green dress out of the trunk at the foot of my bed. Donning a few petticoats, I slid the dress on. I grabbed my black leather satchel and school robes. Sliding into matching slippers I called,

" Hermione ! "

" Just about ready ! " She yelled from the water closet. Finally she came out and we headed down. We made our way to the Great Hall where we found the guys.

" Erin ! " Harry called. " Over here. " I went and joined Harry at the Gryffindor House table, Hermione trailing me. She sank down next to Ron. I joined Harry on the other side. Harry's hand settled on my thigh. I just shot him a look, reaching for the silver coffee pot. I poured myself a steaming cup of the precious hot liquid. Enjoying the rich aroma, sip by sip, I began to finally wake up. Ahh, ye, es. Much better. Without warning something fell into my coffee cup, nearly scalding my skin. I grabbed the paper shaking the coffee off. Glancing down I read: First period, Advanced History of Magick; Second period, a free period; Third, Advanced Transfiguration; Fourth, a free period, as well. Then after lunch, Advanced Potions, double; then, Seventh period, Advanced Herbology. Hopefully, it should be only boring reviews. Otherwise, I was screwed. I was only a muggle, after all. I wasn't supposed to know about magick and the wizarding world. But, I did.

" What do you have, Erin ? " Hermione asked.

" The same as you, I suspect. All advanced. " Then I began reading my schedule out loud.

" First period, Advanced History of magick. Second period, a free period, Third, Advanced Transfiguration, and Fourth a free period, as well. Then after lunch, I have Advanced Potions, double, then, Seventh period, Advanced Herbology. "

" How did you manage all Advanced Subjects, Erin ? "

" Just lucky, I guess. Really, Independent Study. I read and researched everything on my own. "

" You should have been in Ravenclaw instead, " Ron butted in.

" Well, the hat didn't put me there, now did it ? "

" Here, Erin, have some more coffee, " Harry grinned, pouring me another cup.

The bell sounded and we headed to our first class, History of Magick. Which was nothing, but, a boring review. Thank Merlin.

Slowly, I made my way through the castle. I couldn't make my mind up if I should go on up to the Common Room or to the Library. In the end, the library won out.

I wasn't looking where I was going. I nearly walked right into a stone wall. Strong arms encircled my waist pulling me away from the stones before I crashed into them.

" Really, Miss MacLaine, you should pay more attention to where you are walking. " My heart stopped a minute, then, began pounding wildly. The last person I expected, Professor Severus Snape. Visions of last night danced through my mind. I could still feel the softness of his lips. Mmm.

" Sorry, sir. Thank you. I just, well . . . " He fought the smile that emerged.

" Well, what ? "

" Nothing. " An eyebrow arched. " Nothing, sir. "

" Nothing had you nearly walk into a stone wall. Come, Miss MacLaine, surely you can do better than that ? " I'm sure I could come up with a witty excuse. But, at the moment my brain didn't seem to want to function.

" Of course I could, " I snapped.

" Don't take that tone with me, Miss MacLaine. "

" Miss MacLaine, is it ? Just last night it was Erin. " My eyes were starting to ice over in anger. " If I wanted to hand you an excuse I could probably come up with one in about five minutes. " I glared up at him.

" Excuse me ? "

" I said . . . "

" I heard what you said, Miss MacLaine, " The Potions Master sneered. This was getting us no where. I turned to leave before he could see the very annoyed look in my eyes.

" Where do you think you are going ? "
" I was heading to the library, " I snapped.

" You are supposed to be in class, Miss MacLaine, not wandering the halls. "

" I am not wandering the halls, as you put it. I was on my way to the library. Now, if you don't mind ? " I turned on my heel, but, was spun against a stone wall. I gasped at the feel of the stones hitting my back. That's when Professor Snape's lips claimed mine. His arms tightened around my waist pulling me into his hard frame. His tongue demanded a response. Tentatively, I brushed my tongue against his. Fire crackled to life low in my belly. His hands ran up the length of my back and tangled themselves within my hair. Pulling his hands back slightly he angled my head for a better possession. Moaning in the back of my throat, I allowed him to tug my head back. Hesitantly, my hands ran up his chest stopping upon his shoulders. Molten fire coursed throughout my veins as tiny pinpricks of flame danced upon my skin. One hand untangled itself and skimmed the length of my back. Then, traced over a hunter green-clad globe. The sensation made me tremble. Intrigued by my response his other hand joined the first. I jumped when he started kneading the globes of my arse. Moaning, I offered myself up to the Potions Master. The slamming of a door broke us apart. His deep dark brown eyes smoldered with intense fiery desire as they gazed into my sea-coloured eyes. Whirling away from me, Professor Snape continued on his way.

My eyes followed the swish of his black robes. Looking down at my watch, my eyes widened. Transfiguration ! I was going to be late, way late. Hopefully, Harry had saved me a seat.