Disclaimer: Everything familiar belongs to J.K. Rowling; everything else is mine.



Secrets ― Chapter 7



"Soulmates." The word rolled off my tongue. I know it's hard to believe the heartless Potion's Master, in love and loved in return. Don't deny it; even I had difficulty believing it. I couldn't think of anything else to say, so I just wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close. She returned the embrace, and placed her head on my shoulder. No words were needed. She practically melted into my arms. We eventually moved so that we were both lying side by side on the bed. Silence surrounded us, but it was soon broken.

"Severus?"

"Yes."

"What are we going to do?" She propped herself up on one elbow so she was looking at me.

"About what?" I placed one hand on her hip, relishing the feel of her skin.

"Us." She rolled over so one leg laid over my legs and her chest was resting on mine.

"Regarding?" She was having trouble getting to the point, and if she didn't stop squirming her question would have to wait a while.

"Situations such as this. You can't give me detention every Friday; people would certainly get suspicious. And I highly doubt the Headmaster would approve. I know my Head of House would frown upon it all." I pictured Minerva walking in on us, frowning.

"I shudder to think what the woman would do to me." When I was in school, I'd heard rumors of Minerva placing a spell on a boy and girl who'd be caught. Supposedly the boy was impotent for the rest of the year. And the girl…month long menstruation. Not something I want to think about.

"I'm serious, Severus."

"Me, too. I could fear for my manhood." She smiled.

"Terrible loss for the both of us. But really, what will we do?"

"Well you are going to continue being brilliant. It is what you're good at, after all. As Head Girl, you don't share a room with anyone so occasionally you could come visit. With Potter's invisibility cloak."

"How did you know?"

"Some things are just predictable. James Potter had one, so I assumed Dumbledore gave it to Harry. There are also weekends. But your studies come first. Speaking of that, have you given any thought to what your focus will be on?" As you know the Head Girl and Boy are supposed to apprentice themselves to a teacher, I hoped she'd work with me. "It was discussed at the staff meeting that you hadn't finalized anything yet. Dumbledore said something about two different proposals?" She blushed.

"Last spring, I couldn't decide what I wanted to work on. Two subjects intrigued me: Arithmancy and Potions. But I think I've made up my mind."

"Oh."

"Arithmancy." She took one look at my face and laughed. "You really should see your face, Severus. It's priceless. I was kidding. I'm choosing Potions. Do you really think I'd choose Professor Vector over you? Honestly." She tried to look offended, but her eyes defied her. They were sparkling.

"So perhaps we should hold you apprenticeship on Friday afternoons? Would that be suitable?" Her smile finally appeared. "I take that as a 'yes' then?" She nodded.

"That would be wonderful."



So that was how that first semester went by. About one night a week she would sneak down to my quarters and spend the night with me. Then on Friday afternoons she would work on Potions, and then spend Friday night and Saturday morning with me. Everything was going great; no problems at all. At least that was what we thought. However, trouble arrived with Christmas Break…in a form we never expected.











A/N: I'll try to get another chapter done before this weekend; but if not, there won't be anything until after the 24th. I have Spring Break, and I won't have my computer with me.

What do you all think of it so far? Am I doing okay?