Persephone had dozed off again after Molly left with an empty tray. In fact Molly wouldn't let her sleep until she had finished eating everything. She hadn't realized just how tired she was, but as soon as her head hit the pillow Persephone was in a deep sleep. She didn't even notice that the door had been left open until people started to move back and forth through the hallway.

"Who is that?" She heard a young female voice asked.

"I don't know, mum just said to keep it down. Fred told me that Snape carried her up here." A young man replied. "Come on, Harry should be here soon."

"Snape?"

"Apparently he's resorted to kidnapping women." The boy laughed.

"Ronald, that's not funny." The girl replied as they continued down the hall.

"You're right, it's really sad more than anything else."

Persephone stirred, but ultimately decided to just go back to sleep. She wasn't overly concerned with what teenagers thought about her… or what they thought about Snape for that matter. It was a few hours later when she stirred again. Something had woke her and it took a moment to realize that it was someone entering the room.

"Persephone?"

"Severus?"

"You're awake." He handed her the vial with the remaining healing potion.

"Mmm hmm. What's happening?" She asked, sitting up slightly as he removed his outer coat before sitting on the edge of the bed to face her.

"Well—" Snape paused, feeling the sensation of someone watching them, turning quickly to the door. Persephone too turned to see what had distracted him. Standing in the hallway was the boy himself, Harry Potter. Jet-black hair, bright green eyes, basically the combination of James and Lily. He was looking at her intensely, almost with a hint of disgust, before turning back to Severus.

"Need something, Potter?" Snape asked, glaring at the boy.

"Nothing." Potter answered in a curt tone.

"Then I suggest you move along." Snape waved his hand and the door slammed shut. "Brat."

"Not the only one." Persephone mused with a smile. "I heard two of them earlier, seem to be under the impression that you've kidnapped me. Or at least brought me here via brute force."

"No, per usual you came willingly, stupid girl."

"I'm going to start interpreting that as a term of endearment."

"As close as you'll get."

"I seemed to be closer to something else earlier this evening." She drank the last of the healing potion, handing back the vial. "So, I assume there was a meeting of the Order."

"Which you promptly slept through. The boy is to remain here for the duration of the summer. As are you."

"And you?"

"Coming and going, try to hide your displeasure."

"What will I do without you to brighten my days?" She asked with a grin, leaning back against her pillow.

"I'm sure the mutt would be more than pleased to—" Persephone cut off his bitter comment by pulling him down on top of her. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Finishing what was started earlier, before you disappear for who knows how long."

"Now really isn't the time, Persephone." Severus managed.

"I know." She shrugged, her arms relaxing around him as he settled to the empty space next to her.

"I can't begin to understand why you're so eager to waste your time with me. There's a mutt downstairs practically whimpering for your attention."

"And yet here I am whimpering for yours. Must you question everything, Severus?" She asked, closing her eyes as he draped an arm over her middle.

"Yes. I must. You don't live up to your name."

"How so?"

"Persephone, kidnapped by Hades, taken to the underworld. Not only do you go willingly, you skip along the way."

"I'd hardly call you Hades although I might manage some suspicion if you try feeding me a pomegranate."

"We'll see if you feel the same way after a summer with this lot."

"I've known you how long now? I doubt anyone in this house could shock me with new information about you, Severus. Face it, you've got a champion in me. Goodness knows why considering the way you treat me."

"I treat you like everyone else."

"True. Though I do occasionally receive a glimmer of kindness now and again."

"I'll be sure to put a stop to that right away."

"Please. Won't do for anyone to think you have a favorite."

"You should rest."

"Not tired." Persephone countered, despite her eyes starting to close.

"Persephone?"

"Hmm?" She muttered, not looking up at him but pulling him closer.

"I grudgingly appreciate your support, even though I haven't asked for it."

"Was that difficult for you to say?"

"Yes."

"Thank you. Stay with me?" He just nodded, starting to drift off himself, it had been a long day and it seemed as though there would be more difficult days to come.