The next morning,
I woke up in Severus's arms. I listened to his breathing. It was rhythmic. I heard the air whoosh in and out of his lungs. He took a deep breath in and his black eyes opened, staring down at me.
Severus quickly unwrapped his arms from around me. "It is already five. I shall be late."
He sighed. "I will see you in class."
The Potions Master walked into the private bathroom and began showering. I got out of bed and went into the room. Severus was shocked to see me step inside the walk in shower.
"Are you still ok?"
"Cassandra, I have classes to teach. I have a house to run. I apologize but there will be plenty of time this evening." The dark haired man finished in the shower and turned the knobs.
He stepped out first and held a hand out for me.
"The Halloween feast is tonight." I reminded him. "We can have our own party after it."
Severus drew in a deep breath and blew it from his lungs. "We shall see. I would like that very much, Cassandra."
He watched me a moment and then walked out the bathroom to dress.
The potioneer slipped into his heavy black robes. He turned to me after I was in my uniform and sighed. "I would like you to know that no matter what happens today, I still feel the same about you."
"Why would something happen?"
Severus sighed again, deeper. "I must maintain my reputation as well."
My face fell. "So you have to be cruel to me?"
He took a deep breath. "I love you, Cassandra."
Severus gazed at me, then turned and waved his wand at the door to unlock it.
I saw the back of his long black robes as he hurried out into the corridor.