-1Chapter 9: The Lovers in the Locket

The rest of the week passed with little disruption. Severus found himself spending more time avoiding Tristessa, however, then he did studying. The days that followed his little outburst in the hallway were a series of dances involving Tristessa approaching him and Severus claiming he needed to be somewhere else.

Friday morning brought the surprise of a letter adorned with the Malfoy family crest. Severus opened the envelope and read the card inside. An invitation to the yearly Halloween Ball at Malfoy Manor. Looking around Severus noticed a few other Slytherins received the same letter. He also noticed that at the bottom of the invitation the words "Costume Mandatory" were printed.

Severus sighed as he put the letter back into its envelope and put the envelope into his pocket. Thankfully this weekend was a Hogsmeade weekend - it would give him the perfect opportunity to find a costume.

Severus' family was not wealthy - it hadn't been for years. His father, though blessed with a good name, was not blessed with any sort of sense of money. This condemned Severus and his mother to a life of near-poverty. Severus learned at an early age that his mind could help him make money. He tutored some students for a small fee, did essays and homework assignments for a larger fee, and for a rather hefty fee he has been known to help brew certain potions to help one in life… and in love.

Severus didn't particularly care about the moral implications of his actions. All he knew was that his abilities helped keep his pockets full of Galleons - money that he needed - especially now.

Saturday morning came and Severus made sure he was one of the last students to arrive in the courtyard that morning. Normally he would go into town with Tristessa and Bella, but after the fight he and Tess had he didn't really want to face her. Not yet. Deep down he knew he should stop his childish behavior of avoiding her. It wasn't her fault that Simon was teaching her privately. He really did owe her an explanation as to why he reacted the way he did - an explanation, and an apology.

He decided then that when in Hogsmeade he was going to pick up something for her. Some small token of his affection to aid in his groveling. He just hoped he could find the perfect gift.

He watched from the doorway of Hogwarts as Tristessa, Bella, Narcissa and a few other Slytherin girls made their way up the path. Severus covertly shielded himself behind a rather loud group of Gryffindors and joined the procession.

Severus had never realized how difficult shopping was until today. He must have visited a dozen different stores - none of which carried what he thought appropriate to give to Tristessa. He thought flowers to traditional, candy to hokey. The Jewelry store had possibility but nothing in it seemed to suit his needs.

His wanderings finally found him in front of "Second Hand Rose", a small second hand thrift store that was a favorite among certain muggle borns who called themselves "Punks". Severus walked in and milled about, poking and prodding at the apparent Muggle clothing that seemed to be in decent condition - all though apparently used.

He made his way to the back of the store to where a large glass case stood along, covered with hats and small statuettes of what looked like wide-eyed, weeping children - each one doing something different. A large sign that said "Precious Moment Figurines: Half Price" sat next to them.

Severus moved on of the hats to the side and peered into the case. There was some more figurines, a few boxes - nothing to spectacular. But a small cherry-wood box sitting on top of the case caught his interest. He reached over and opened it, glancing inside to find the box empty. He closed the box again and lifted it, turning it over to inspect it fully. He heard a soft "Clunk" as he turned it on its side. Puzzled, he turned it over again and heard the same "Clunk". He shook it gently and heard, whatever it was inside, move back and forth. Opening the box again he was even more confused. Just as before, the box was empty. With the lid still opened he shook the box again, still hearing something inside shift. He reached inside and poked the bottom of the box and found that the wood shifted slightly. He pressed down on the bottom left corner and the wooden slat serving as the bottom popped up, revealing a small space between it and the real bottom of the box. Inside the space was a long, tarnished silver chain and a silver cameo locket. He picked up the necklace and ran his finger over the ivory face adorning the front. He clicked open the locket and found two pictures inside - one of a cherub-faced red-headed woman and one of a fair-haired man with pointed features. He watched as tears spring to both of their eyes and they cried out to each other with joy. It was apparent that this locket had not been open in some time and that the two photos had not seen each other in the darkness.

Severus found himself speechless. He made to close the locket but stopped half-way - he didn't want to put them into darkness again. Reaching into his pocket he produced his wand. A simple variation of the Lumos spell and a small, glowing light appeared. Severus brought the locket to the light and, has he closed the locket, trapped the orb inside.

"See anything you fancy?" an old, withered woman in a long white robe asked as she approached Severus.

"Um," Severus said, "I would like to buy this locket,"

The woman nodded and took the locket from Severus. She smiled as she dangled it in front of her.

"Is this for someone you love?" the woman asked with a wispy grin.

Severus had no intention of lying to the woman - but for whatever reason his mouth opened and he could not stop the words from flowing.

"Yes, my girlfriend."

Almost immediately he chastised himself. His girlfriend? Hardly.

"Oh that is so sweet," The old woman said, "I have always been an admirer of young love. This is in need of some cleaning, though,"

Severus just nodded as the words swept over him. Why had he said that? What had made him think to lie to this woman? The same thoughts were flowing through Severus' mind as he left the store with the locket tucked away in his pocket. Now all he had to do was find Tristessa…

"Well, well, well," an aristocratic voice said, "as I live and breathe - it's Severus Snape!"

Severus smiled as Lucius Malfoy approached him with two house elves in tow. Each elf carried a large parcel of what seemed to be Lucius' recent purchases. The elves strained under the weight but Lucius seemed to pay them no mind.

"Lucius," Severus said shaking his hand heartily, "it's been too long."

"Too long indeed!" Lucius said, "Here I thought I was going to have to wait until Halloween to see you."

"Things have been," Severus searched for the words, "hectic lately. I'm afraid I haven't gotten away as much as I would have liked."

"That brother of yours keeping your leash short, is he?" Lucius chuckled, "No matter - no matter. So where are you headed?"

"I…er…" Severus stumbled, not wanting to reveal too much to Lucius about his recent fight with Tristessa. As much as Severus hated to admit it, he knew his brother was right when he had once called Lucius "A manipulative man". He was sure that Lucius would find some way to try and help reconcile he and Tristessa - and then asked for some seemingly small favor in return.

"Lucius!" a feminine voice came from across the road.

Severus sighed and silently thanked Narcissa who was slowly making her way towards them.

"Narcissa my love!" Lucius said merrily with open arms, "what a radiant sight!"

Narcissa sped up slightly and met Lucius where he was standing. The two fair-haired aristocrats embraced each other warmly, though Narcissa's hug seemed more heartfelt. Severus swallowed hard as he watched Bella strut slowly towards them - Tristessa following close behind.

"And if it isn't the raven-haired beauties of Slytherin," Lucius said greeting them both with a kiss on the hand.

"Please Lucius," Bella said coyly, "surely you must mean of Hogwarts - there isn't another in any house that compares to my - our, beauty."

"But of course Mademoiselle," Lucius said "pardonnez-moi mon amour," and he placed another kiss on Bella's hand.

"So what were you boys chatting about over here, all by yourselves?" Narcissa asked, "You weren't asking Severus for advice on my birthday present, now were you?"

Lucius chuckled, "Ah mon lapin, I fear nothing of such interest. Besides, I have all ready purchased and had the house elves wrap your present. Shall we do lunch? My treat?"

Lucius bowed and extended his arm, indicating the ladies should lead the way. Bella and Narcissa giggled and walked on ahead, Tristessa following them and carefully not meeting Severus' eye.

"You have no idea when her birthday is, do you?" Severus asked in a low voice.

"Not a damn clue. Be a sport and tell me?" Lucius said smiling.

"October 30th," Severus said, "And she favors rubies to diamonds."

"Ah Severus my boy, what would I do without you?"

Lunch was delicious and filled with laughter. Severus made sure he was seated as far away from Tristessa as possible, which wasn't a problem since Lucius seemed to make an effort to sit next to her. As Severus conversed with Narcissa, who was asking him questions about the gift Lucius got her (She was sure he had told Severus), Severus noticed that Lucius had leaned down to whisper into Tristessa's ear on more than one occasion. What concerned him more than this seemingly intimate contact was that one, no one else seemed to notice, and two, after every whisper Tristessa simply nodded her head and looked increasingly uncomfortable - if not upset.

When the time came to settle the bill Lucius threw a few galleons onto the table and escorted Narcissa and Bella out of the front door. Severus stayed behind as Tristessa slowly fastened her coat.

"Is everything all right?" Severus asked stepping towards her.

"Oh, now you're talking to me?" Tristessa asked looking up.

"Look," Severus said, "I'm sorry - I really am. I didn't mean for this to go on as long as it has."

"But that's what I don't understand, Severus," Tristessa said, "what has gone on this long? Why have you been so angry? What is it I have done?"

Severus sighed and looked into the sapphire blue orbs that were her eyes. He owed her the truth and he knew it.

"I was jealous," Severus admitted.

"You were jealous?" Tristessa repeated, "Of what?"

"Of you and Simon. He refused for many year to tutor me outside of classes on the Dark Arts - when I found out that he was helping you it… it stung a bit."

Tristessa's face softened.

"All I have in this world is Simon - and you. The thought that the two of you were off doing something together… without me…"

Tristessa stopped him by placing two fingers on his lips. She smiled softly and took a step toward him. Severus reached up slowly and took Tristessa's hand from his lips, but not before placing a firm kiss on them. He lowered both of there hands and took a step closer to her.

"Are you two coming or what?" Bella's shrill voice came from the doorway.

Tristessa took a step back and let go of his hand.

"Coming!" She yelled, and giving Severus one last unreadable look, grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the doorway and out of the restaurant.