Elsa jolted upright from her slumber. Where am I? She allowed her eyes to adjust, and panicked when she did not immediately recognize where she was. Looking around her she ascertained that she was in a lavish bedroom suite, with a large fireplace, an oversized oriental rug, and the biggest bed she had ever slept in. Getting up quietly, she noticed that in one of the arm chairs was the sleeping form of Severus Snape. Am I in his room? She left his side and wandered around the space. Antique, well worn books lined the north wall, adding a touch of hominess to the place. She walked over to a large window and watched as dawn broke over the school grounds, leaf strewn by the impending autumn. Turning towards a small movement near the fireplace, she smiled thoughtfully as Severus Snape woke up.

"Good morning" she said cheerily, walking up to him slowly. She knelt beside his chair and delicately lifted her hand, letting it slide through his hair. Very soft. He stared at her, furrowing his brows, and caught her hand in his.

"How...how are you this morning?" He asked quietly. She noticed that he did not let go of her hand, nor did she want him to.

" I should ask you the same question. You slept on a chair..." She gestured with a smirk.

"I see that your ability to state the obvious has not been lost" he scowled as he slowly rose to his feet, pulling her along to a mirror near the corner of the room. Placing her in front of it, he stood behind her, watching her reflection.

Elsa stared at the blonde woman in the mirror. Her fair skin was bruised and cut all the way up her arms, and, as she turned her head, she saw additional darker bruises lining her neck, trailing down to her chest. She touched the spots, momentarily confused, and looked at Severus's reflection quizzically. He looked distraught, and warily looked back at her.

"These are from..." She started, realization dawning on her, but was cut off abruptly.

"From me. I did that to you… Please forgive me, Elsa." He said, unable to look at her face. Elsa closed her eyes, remembering what had transpired only yesterday. His touch, his mouth on her, all flooding back in a wave of emotions. She walked up to him, touching his arm.

"Look at me". She murmured. He turned to face her, eyes downcast. Her right hand snaked up into his hair, gently coaxing him to move his gaze upwards.

"Severus, you do not get to feel guilty..."she started, "you saved my life. And this" she gestured to the bruises lining her neck "this..." She stammered and then turned her back, flustered and flushing a soft red. She started again, speaking more quietly.

"No one has ever... Kissed me before. It felt..."

Severus felt his face pale. So innocent. How is it that no one ever got near her, as beautiful as she is? And you, Severus, you took that away from her. He was disgusted with himself and felt mildly disoriented. She turned back around, red faced, to stare up at him. Her fingers were knotted in each other, and she appeared nervous.

"Good. It felt... Good" she looked down at her twisted hands, noticing that a few stray snowflakes had escaped them.

"I know you couldn't possibly have felt... How I felt... Yesterday, you could hardly look at me. I just... I don't want you to feel guilty, Severus. I was in a position where I was… Imposed upon, I know this. And… I might not enjoy covering this up, or certainly the way it came to pass" she gestured to herself "but, I do not regret the person who has caused it".

Severus Snape had been truly surprised very few times in his life. This was one of them. He stared hard at the clearly embarrassed girl before him. Her cheeks brightened, highlighting her clear blue eyes. She was nothing short of stunning. And smart. And brave. And try as he might, he could ignore her no longer. Bending his body around hers, he lifted her chin to stare into her eyes. He smiled as he felt her arms slide up to touch his face, pushing her body marginally closer to him. Divine. She is divine.

"It has been too difficult to stay away from you, Elsa..." He whispered, and pulled her chin up to plant a soft kiss onto her lips. He felt her smile as she kissed him back leisurely. Their connection was electric, and he felt her pull closer to him, wrapping her thin arms around his neck.

A knock on the door interrupted their moment of serenity. Severus backed off her slowly, smiling down at her. She returned his smile, and tucked a stray hair behind her ear.

"Come in" Severus called with a scowl, dropping the ward on his door. He was irritated with the interruption, and wanted only to get back to what could only be a beautiful delusion with the clever young woman who stood by his side.

Albus Dumbledore entered the room with a cheerful grin, wearing a ridiculously bright purple and gold robe. He looked at the scene in front of him, Elsa leaning cautiously into Severus's side, and couldn't help but feel a little smug at their casual intimacy. From the moment he met Elsa, he felt as though she would complement his dear friend, despite their age gap. And they do look like a pretty pair, I daresay. He smiled as Elsa placed her small hand on Severus's back fondly, looking expectantly at Albus.

"I came to check on you both, but it appears as though you are doing perfectly fine together" his emphasis on together was not lost on either of the younger people. He winked at Elsa, and then, before departing, turned to Severus directly, staring at him with a grin.

"Don't forget about the Autumn ball tonight my friend. I am sure, with the addition of such a stunning partner, even you may enjoy this one". And with that, he vanished in a small puff of smoke and laughter.

Elsa smiled up at Severus after Dumbledore had left them. Grazing his cheek with the back of her hand, she turned to touch the door.

"Please, from now on.." she said earnestly, cocking her head to the side. Snape's eyes lit up with eagerness and moved swiftly to the door, pushing Elsa softly against it. He reached down and pulled her body close to him, covering her mouth with his.

Kissing Severus confirmed to Elsa what she already knew deep down, that she was falling in love with him. Her body was on fire from where he held her, kissed her, and looked at her. And she thought that he felt the same, making it all the more wonderful and surprising to her. Breaking free of him softly, she glided out of the room without looking back, conscious of his eyes trailing her.

Back in her private room, she took the time to really assess the damage that had been done the night before. Her legs had acquired several new bruises, and, wincing, she discovered a soft spot on her head from where she hit the wall. Her muscles still ached a bit, but otherwise she felt alright. Looking at herself once more, she realized how lucky she was. This could have been so much worse. She smiled ruefully at the fact that Severus Snape had saved her in such an... unconventional way. She let her mind wander as she showered and brushed her long hair out. Hearing a knock on her door, she jumped in surprise, and, donning her bath robe, opened the door to five Slytherin teenage girls.

"Queen Elsa!" They all spoke at once. A tanned brunette girl took the lead and started in a sing song voice.

"We were wondering if you would help us get ready for the ball tonight? Please say yes!"

"You always look so lovely, please please!" Another one chimed in. Gesturing, Elsa led the girls into her room. For the better part of the day she helped transfigure dresses, charm faces, and arrange hairstyles. She noticed that all of them wanted to wear a pale blue color, which apparently was due to her influence. Sitting with girls only a couple years younger than herself, she felt as though the age difference was more vast. They were sweet girls, surely, but their interests varied greatly. It was nearly five o'clock when the students were satisfied, leaving Elsa alone to contemplate her own attire.

Severus Snape arrived in the Great Hall at precisely 6. He walked quickly and quietly towards the Head table, narrowly avoiding large groups of children, dancing and chatting. Looking out from his vantage point, he noted that a majority of the female students were wearing what could only be described as Elsa-esque attire. Little clones. Even a few of the female teachers had chosen a soft blue color, and he thought wryly that the Autumn Ball looked far more like winter than fall. Moving his gaze left, he caught Sybill Trelawney in a painfully orange satin dress walking towards him. Sighing, he bowed slightly to the woman.

"Sybill." He said with a disinterested look.

"Oh Severus, always so loathsome of balls. You will be dancing tonight. I require a partner, and I it appears as though you are not otherwise engaged". She drawled. He annoyedly looked away, unwilling to commit to an answer, which is when he saw Queen Elsa enter the room.

Severus stared as the beautiful woman drifted into the room. She wore a deep emerald silk dress which clung to her lithe frame. Her hair was pulled into a thick braid, which hung down around her left shoulder. Her face brightened as the students smiled and waved at her as she passed, and she sweetly waved back, acknowledging them. He was struck by the fact that she looked quite like something he had seen out of a fairytale book as a child.

Professor Trelawney stared at Professor Snape, waiting for an answer. She followed his averted gaze and watched with curiosity as his eyes were tracking Queen Elsa while she walked through the hall. In moments, Elsa too was at the Head Table, only to be immediately accosted by Remus Lupin, who led her out to the dance floor. Sybill watched Severus's face darken.

"Professor Snape" Trelawney called again in agitation. Severus glance back at the woman, and frowned as she grabbed his arm and dragged him to the dance floor.

Elsa watched with interest as Severus was forced to dance with Sybill Trelawney. It was a most amusing partnership, and she smiled as Severus's face went from a look of displeasure to a pointed scowl at the woman he was holding. Although she was amused by the sight before her, she was also a bit disappointed that he was not her partner. She quieted the small jealous thought and instead concentrated on Remus. He was an enthusiastic dancer and they whirled around the room, laughing and chatting. As the song ended, she felt a strong hand at her back, causing her cheeks to warm. She turned to face Severus looming over her protectively.

"I believe this next dance is mine, Remus" he said acidly. Professor Lupin smiled darkly, kissing the back of Elsa's hand, and then turned away to find another partner. Elsa felt the palpable tension between the two men. She whirled to face Severus, and he grasped her hand to begin the waltz, moving his other hand to push her into him. He stared down pensively at her, causing her to flush further.

"What... Was that?" She said at last, as he spun her around gracefully. He really is an excellent dancer.

"I do not appreciated the way he looks at you" he said quietly. He watched as her left eyebrow raised, then a smile appeared on her face.

"Well... I did not enjoy the way that Trelawney looked at you..." She said sweetly. He frowned mockingly in return, enveloping her further into his arms. Elsa leaned her head to lay directly onto his chest, and sighed.

"I do enjoy this, however" she murmured, closing her eyes as the song slowed. He observed that several students and teachers were watching them with keen interest. Among them, he noticed specifically that Minerva McGonagall had an amused smile cross her face.

"I think, my Queen, that you laying on my chest as you are will inspire some interesting rumours." He felt her cheekbones rise into a smile on his body, and she moved her head to look up at him, batting her eyelashes suggestively.

"Oh dear. We wouldn't want that, now would we?" She bit her lip, contemplating the man who held her. As the song ended, he lifted his index finger to lovingly graze her cheek, and then turned abruptly, stalking off the dance floor. Elsa smiled at his departing figure, and, as she turned around, noticed a line of men who had formed to ask for a dance. Best get this over with Elsa, she thought, forcing a smile as she was claimed yet again on the dance floor.

Severus Snape walked silently around the perimeter of the room, training his eyes on Elsa and her numerous dance partners. He did not particularly like watching her with the others, however, he did notice that she seemed a bit disinterested and distracted, which helped him to push his jealousy aside. It was hard for him to believe that she could possibly want him as he wanted to her, and he was feeling almost sure that he had but dreamt up the past twenty four hours. And yet, scanning the room again, he caught her eye, and he felt a palpable, tangible connection between them. Catching his breath, he walked out of the hall and into the chilled autumn air.

Walking through the school gardens, Severus saw several young couples lost in one another. Normally he would condone the activity, but tonight he too was lost, in his own reverie. He walked along without purpose, but stopped abruptly when he heard his name. A pair of older students that he recognized from his class as being rather subpar were gossiping as they rested on a large willow tree.

"Queen Elsa couldn't possibly like Professor Snape" the boy whined.

"Did you see the way they looked at each other, Neville? I thought... Well hmm... I thought it was sort of romantic. And he is sort of handsome you know..." The blonde girl replied.

"But she's so beautiful. And he's so old. Don't go around telling me that you think Snape is handsome. Disturbing, Luna". Severus Snape watched as the boy rolled his eyes. Stepping out into their line of sight, he glared at the boy, who, upon seeing the very teacher he was just talking about, nearly choked.

"I believe you both will be going inside now" he said acidly. The boy nearly tripped as he ran away, but the girl leisurely traipsed past him with a knowing smile. Frowning, Severus sauntered over to the tree, placing his back to the cold bark.

Looking up, he watched as Elsa appeared around the corner, intently searching the garden. He observed as the moonlight reflected gracefully off her pale skin, highlighting her slender shape. He saw her bite her lip in frustration, an interesting quirk of hers that he found quite pleasant, further driving his desire to close the distance between them. As she turned her back, he walked silently and stealthily up to her, and stopped only inches short of touching her body.

"You look lovely this evening" he said quietly, startling her, and she turned to face him.

"I have been looking everywhere for you" Elsa whispered, a smile playing on her face. He noticed that her body seemed to relax at the sight of him. With a long finger, he pushed back a tiny piece of hair from her face.

"And why is that?" He spoke casually, dropping his hand down to his side. Her wide eyes searched his, and she put a delicate hand on his.

"Because I don't wish to be parted from you" she said frankly, eliciting a momentary look of surprise on his face.

I would never wish to be parted from you, dearest, he thought. Such an amazing, brilliant woman. He pulled her hand up to his mouth, softly kissing each smooth knuckle. His eyes warmed to her smile, and he dropped her hand slowly, encased in his own.

"Do you have any idea how much I care for you?" He said at last. He heard her inhale deeply, searching his eyes in the moonlight. She moved forward, closing the gap between them, and, stretching up on her toes, kissed him softly, letting her hands rake through his hair.

"And I you..." she breathed between each kiss. And, opening his eyes, he watched mesmerized as a field of bright red roses bloomed around them. Severus saw Elsa open her eyes and stare in wonderment at her creation. He knelt, picking one of the flowers between his long pale fingers, and twisted it around, admiring the perfection in front of him.

"Severus..." Elsa said quietly, gesturing with her finger "I believe we have company". Turning from her, he observed several students staring agape at the proximity of the teachers, then at the field of flowers which had appeared before their eyes. He grimaced, walking quickly in the direction of the children, but Elsa ran ahead, putting a small hand on his chest, successfully stopping his progression. Raising her other hand, she spun on her feet, facing the students who had not yet moved.

"We... We'll leave..." The young boy started, touching the arm of the girl on his left.

"That is quite unnecessary..." Elsa said smoothly, looking back at Professor Snape, "we will let you enjoy your evening in peace". And with that, she spread her arms out and down, creating a gentle breeze of colorful flower petals which permeated the space. The red haired girl smiled, grasping at a flower in delight, lifting her eyes thoughtfully to Queen Elsa. The girl watched as the young blonde woman returned her smile and walked away, being led by Professor Snape. It was probably the only time that she had not been afraid of the dark, tall man who walked into the distance, and it occurred to her that the two teachers, while very different, looked very complimentary when walking beside one another.

Elsa and Severus walked briskly through the dark halls of Hogwarts side by side. At the fork which split their destinations, Severus swept her up into his embrace, placing her back softly against the cool stones and kissed her fervently. Too soon, he released her and watched amused as she flushed, overwhelmed with pleasure. Regaining her composure, she smoothed her dress and hair back to their rightful positions, conscious of his gaze. He bowed gracefully to her, taking her hand in his and softly brought it to his mouth.

"It has been my pleasure..." He whispered, staring deep into her eyes. And then, turning on his heel, he stalked down the right corridor into his private rooms.

Elsa lingered in the hall watching Severus's form disappear into the shadows. She felt bereft without his presence, and wondered how she could possibly fall asleep with her heart pounding as it was.

"Severus Snape..." She muttered quietly to herself, her fingers coming up to touch her red lips. She turned after a minute more and walked leisurely to her rooms, humming as she went. Opening the door, she quickly changed and threw herself into bed, falling asleep with a smile on her face.