He gestured her towards his desk, smiling. "Happy Valentine's Day, Maunrose." He then threw off the cloth to reveal the Water Leaper and the large bottle full of potion.
Maunrose looked stunned and pleased. "Oh Severus! You didn't have...."
"These are for you...I'm sorry it's not flowers and candy, but I...I thought you would want to get started on the lesson and since it was my fault for the delay..."
Ironically, she wasn't the only one not paying attention. The minute Severus saw the words "Annual Walpurgis Ball" scribbled on the memo, he wanted to ask Maunrose to go with him. But he was scared to ask her, knowing that he hadn't been the nicest of company to her at times.
"...he says, he don' care how much money it is, jus get it...He give me another sack o' galleons and a keg o' meade. Says it's for me troubles, and actually says thanks?" Maunrose thought, hearing Hagrid's voice.
Maunrose glanced at Severus to find that he was glance at her. They exchanged smiles. Knowing that he had gone through so much trouble to get her the Water Leaper, meant so much more to her now. He had changed so much from when she had first met him.
Severus couldn't help but replay the memories of how he had mistreated her. From demanding her removal as professor of the dark arts to telling her she was inadequate to teach the class. "She would never go to the dance with me." He thought, shaking his head in sorrow.
"Her lips--gently curving over that dangerous smile--look so soft and sweet, like a rose in the spring--Never mind the piercing thorns! I yearn to taste her sweet nectar...I miss the way the early morning rays shine from behind her, crowning her perfect head in glorious golden tones, that I myself feel unholy to be in her presence...And if I should rest, I pray the sweet blossoms vapor cast a spell over us, That I may touch her very soul, and never exist without her again." Maunrose remembered giving a sigh. How much she liked reading those words. They had been haunting her ever since she had read them.
"...he says, he don' care how much money it is, jus get it...He give me another sack o' galleons and a keg o' meade. Says it's for me troubles, and actually says thanks!" She thought again.
At that moment, she heard Professor McGonagall state that it was mandatory for all of the faculty to attend the Ball. She suddenly found herself wishing that Severus would ask her to go with him. Even though they were going to have to attend.
"But she has forgiven you for your shortcomings." Severus thought to himself, glancing at Maunrose once more. "Do you know what you do to me? Do you know how much I want to tell you everything? How much I want to be with you?"
Maunrose looked at Severus to find him peering back at her. The moment she did she could hear Romlie say, "...you just don't like him, do you?..."
"You have to ask her Severus!" He told himself. "You are a man, it's time you start acting like it. Ask her. Ask her....Ask her!"
When the meeting ending, Severus gathered his courage and said, "Professor Weiss? May I have a moment?"
"Yes, of course professor Snape. What is it?" She replied feeling her heart begin to beat rapidly.
"I was wondering...Well...If...If maybe you'd like to go together? You know to the Ball?" Severus asked, finding himself holding his breath.
Maunrose looked at him and smiled, "Yes, I'd love to."
"I can understand why you may be hesitant and...er...what?" He asked, not believing her reply.
"I said, yes, I'd love to."
"Really?"
She smiled and nodded.
"Why?" He asked, completely dumfounded and shocked.
"Because you asked." She laughed.
"Oh." He replied blushing
"I'll meet you in front of the marble staircase at six sharp. And don't be late, potion boy." She said, exiting the room.
Severus stood there watching her leave, a stunned, yet happy smile crossed his face. He couldn't believe she had said yes.
A couple of days later they had announced the date and time of the Walpurgis Ball. The students that could attend were excited. For weeks, the days were full of flowers coming out of wands and conjured popping balloons filled with creative messages of "Will you go to Walpurgis with me?"
When the ball drew nearer, they had quieted down, much to the relief of the professors.
Hermione was in her Defense Against the Dark Arts class, fuming over the letter she had received from Viktor, that morning.
Professor Weiss, like always, had them pair off and practice self defense moves that she had gone over several minutes before. As it turned out today, her partner was Ron.
While he held up the padded target, she kept envisioning Viktor's face on it. She hit it hard, letting out all her frustrations. She was going to tell him what was what, and he was going to have to crawl to her, begging her forgiveness this time.
"Ow! Hermione, what gives?" Ron asked, rubbing his arm.
"I'm sorry, Ron." She blushed realizing that she had gotten carried away, "It's just . . . you know how the Walpurgis ball is in two days?"
"Yeah, I'm aware of it." He nodded, bringing up the padded boxing target for her to punch.
"Well, I got a letter from Vik this morning telling me he can't go." She explained, hitting the target hard, knocking Ron back again.
"Ow. Hermione!"
"Sorry Ron."
Rubbing his arm again he said, "How about you hold the target and I punch."
"I said I was sorry."
"Yeah, I know. Twice!" He replied holding up two fingers. He then noticed her expression and knew what she was thinking. Giving a sigh, he then said, "You must've really wanted to go. So why can't he come?"
"He said there was some press event that became mandatory for him to go to. And because of it, I have to miss out on the biggest dance at Hogwarts!" She said, punching the target that Ron had just barely managed to bring up in time.
"Then go with me." He shrugged, continuing to hold up the target.
"What?" Hermione asked shocked.
"Go with me."
Hermione looked at him for a few moments and then asked, "I thought you already have a date?"
"Nah, you know me, I haven't even looked for one, yet."
Hermione thought for another minute. "All right then."
"What?" Ron said, dropping the target as Hermione's fist hit him square on the nose.
Hermione gasped, watching him hit the floor.
Holding his nose and groaning in agony, he asked, "Uh...Pig you ub at seben?"
The day of the ball Hogwarts was filled with anxious anticipation. The students attending couldn't focus on their classes as images of them dancing, floated in their minds. When evening came everyone rushed through dinner and ran to get dressed.
Maunrose stood in front of her mirror admiring her gown made of velvet and silk. She sighed sadly, knowing that she was going to have to hide it under her witch's robes until all the formalities were over with. Grabbing her witch's robe of velvet she put it on. She admired the quality of the design, and was grateful that the tailor had taken the extra step of enchanting it to be light and cool, so she could wear it tonight.
When she came to the entryway to the marble staircase, she paused to see Severus pacing nervously, awaiting her arrival.
She was taken a back by his appearance. He looked so different with his hair tied back in a ponytail. His wizard robes were of a different style and yet they seemed a bit off their normal color. For the life of her, she couldn't figure out why.
Clearing her throat, she entered on to the staircase.
Severus turned to see Maunrose coming toward him. She looked lovelier than usual, dressed in her dark-green velvet witch's robe. It wasn't the most stunning dress he had seen but it had a simple elegance that she carried very well.
Her hair was twisted up into a matching simple, yet elegant bun.
As soon as Maunrose was close enough to talk to him, she found out why the color seemed off, it was!
"Oh my . . . Are you wearing blue?" She asked shocked.
Severus smiled and replied, "It's something that the tailor called Navy Blue. I thought I'd do something out of the ordinary. Nothing drastic, But different all the same."
Maunrose smiled. "It suits you."
He beamed, offering her his arm. "Shall we?"
Maunrose nodded, taking his arm.
When they entered the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall came to greet them.
"Good evening professor Weiss and profess...PROFESSOR SNAPE??" She said in disbelief. "My...you...you...you're looking different tonight."
"Thank you." Severus said dryly.
"Uh...right, well take your places in line." She mumbled, staring at Severus and shaking her head in awe, "Dumbledore will be opening the doors shortly."
Meanwhile, Ron was pacing back and forth waiting for Hermione in the Gryffindor common room.
He was dressed in his formal wizard robes made out of the finest Dragon skin. Having spent all afternoon buffing them to make sure he looked his best.
He wanted everything to be perfect, for tonight he was going to tell Hermione how he truly felt about her. He hoped that she would realize that she and Viktor were completely wrong for each other.
"Though," He thought to himself, "If you hadn't been so stupid in the first place you wouldn't have to convince her." He let out a frustrated sigh as he angrily flopped onto the couch in front of the fireplace.
If he had just asked Hermione when the Yule ball had first been announced, things could have been completely different. They could be dating by now. But no, being the dumb 4th year he had been, he had to go with a "pretty girl". And because of his stupidity he had almost missed out all together.
His mind began to replay his pathetic attempt of pleading with Hermione to go with him at the last minute.
"Hermione, Neville's right–you're a girl."
"Oh well spotted." She had replied acidly.
"Well you can come with the two of us!"
"No, I can't." She said.
"Oh come on." He said pleadingly, "We need partners, we're going to look really stupid if we haven't got any and everyone else has . . . "
"I can't come with you," She had said again, "Because I'm already going with someone else."
"No you're not! You just said that to get rid of Neville!"
Ron found himself shaking his head as his mind vividly remembered her reply.
"Oh did I?" Her eyes flashed a dangerous gleam. "Just because it's taken you three years to notice, Ron doesn't mean no one else has spotted I'm a girl!"
Oh how much those words had haunted him, especially when she mentioned her recent letters from Viktor. The truth was he had always noticed her, he just hadn't always been comfortable with it. Including his jealousy toward Viktor.
More memories flooded through Ron's mind as he felt his stomach tie up in knots.
"What are you doing you idiot?" He asked himself. "You're lucky she even acknowledges you. Who do you think you are, asking her to go with you to this ball? She's not even your girl!"
Fear began to mingle itself in with the endless knots. He should just leave and forget he ever had feelings for her. He should forget everything except their friendship. All he had to do was . . .
"Ron?" Hermione's voice said behind him.
Ron stood up and turned to see her. When he did his stomach jumped up into his throat.
For years he had remembered the way she had looked on the night of the Yule ball. She was beautiful then, but tonight, angels looked ragged in comparison.
Her hair was twisted up and fell in cascades of soft curls. Her red silk robe accented and defined every curve gracefully.
She was the loveliest creature he ever laid eyes on and all he could say was, "Wow."
She laughed softly. "Thank you, Ron. You don't look so bad yourself." Taking hold of his arm she said, "We'd better get going, or we're going to be late."
Ron nodded numbly while Hermione led them out of Gryffindor tower.
Like all social events the Walpurgis Ball had its own set of traditions and formalities. The first being, the faculty must greet each and every student attending. It was a daunting task, but one that Maunrose found amusing. Especially standing next to Severus.
It seemed every student gave the same reaction as professor McGonagall. Severus, being uncomfortable with it, glared at the students. They moved on quickly down the rest of the line, if only to escape his disapproving glare.
Once the last student's hand was shook, having been properly greeted, Dumbledore came to the front of the Great Hall. He rose his hands and a silence fell over the hall as he began to address the gathered crowd.
"Welcome, everyone, to the Annual Walpurgis Ball. Tonight holds great significance for all of you.
For some, it marks the end of your years, here at Hogwarts. And though we have seen our share of strange events, I am confident that many of you will go on to become some of the greatest influences in our world. I am proud of all that you have accomplished and I look forward to seeing where you will go.
For others, it marks the end of daunting exams. Though tired and exhausted you may be, you too have accomplished many great things and for that I am proud of you. I look forward to seeing your progress in your remaining years here at Hogwarts.
In closing, I would strongly encourage each of you do your best to endeavor for peace. Which, at times, may prove difficult. However I believe, it can be done.
Now, let us enjoy ourselves. Let the dance, begin."
Applause and whistles rang throughout the hall and the band began to play, while Dumbledore casually strolled over to the gathering group of professors.
The second tradition, Maunrose soon discovered, was that the professors greeted each other and gave their congratulations on jobs well done.
As the students shimmed and shook to the sound of the beat. She was greeted by several professors, one of which she had never met and one she would clearly never forget.
Professor Trelawney, with giant thick glasses, gave a short greeting and then proceeded to tell Maunrose that her aurora was the clearest and most beautiful she had ever seen, but to be weary of a student that had evil intentions toward her. As though that was an unusual thing.
Maunrose nodded her head and smiled, feeling relieved when she wisped away to another professor.
It was then she was greeted by professor Dumbledore. Taking her hands in his, he smiled warmly at her and said, "Professor Weiss, I have admired your skill in teaching the students, you have exceeded my expectations. You're mother would have been so proud of you."
"Really?" She smiled.
He nodded. "I would hope that you'd consider staying on another year." He smiled, patting her hands before he left to speak with Madame Hooch.
Maunrose found herself wondering what her mother would say, how she would look, and what she would do if she were there right then. A touch of sadness filled her, wishing that she could be here.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Severus asked if she'd dance with him.
"I'd love to." She replied happily.
The moment Severus offered his hand, Professor Flitwick, came over to congratulate him in teaching potions.
Maunrose didn't mind the distraction. It gave her a chance to finally be rid of her formal witch's robe. She quickly removed it to reveal the stunning dark-green velvet corset dress underneath. She laid her robe over a chair and took Severus' hand.
Severus was annoyed and desperately tried to think of ways to get rid of Professor Flitwick as the professor showered him with compliments. When he felt Maunrose take his hand he said calmly, "Thank you professor, now if you'll excuse me I've asked Professor Weiss to dance."
Professor Flitwick looked past him to Maunrose and smiled, "Oh! Yes, yes, indeed. Excuse me."
Severus gave a sigh of relief as he watched him leave. He turned around to apologize for the interruption. But instead he found himself incapable of speech. He felt all the air leave his lungs when he gazed upon the Venus that stood transformed before him.
Her perfect figure was radiantly displayed in the most tempting of ways. All he could do was stand and gape, completely forgetting his name.
Maunrose smiled, his reaction was better than she had hoped for.
Severus could feel his head pound when she moved closer to him. It was then that he realized he hadn't taken a breath since he first saw her in this new dress.
Maunrose fought desperately to hide her laughter as Severus began panting. Apparently this dress was having quite the effect on him.
"That-that-that is a nice dress." He found himself stuttering like a buffoon.
"Thank you." Maunrose chuckled softly. "So are we going to dance?"
"Huh? Oh . . . uh . . . Right!" He replied suddenly remembering that he had in fact asked her to dance. Escorting her out to the dance floor, he found a spot to dance. Turning to face her he was about to put his hand on her waist when the slow song ended and a fast tempo song began.
Severus, didn't know what to do as students around him bounced and swayed to the beat. He looked at Maunrose to find her smiling at him.
She laughed, "Oh come on! You can't tell me that you don't know how to cut a rug."
He knew she was challenging him and never being one to step away from a challenge, gave her a cocky grin. He put his hand boldly on her waist and sharply brought her close to him. "You'd better keep up." He said.
Maunrose gulped, from the way he grabbed her. It was the last thing she expected him to do, let alone the way he expertly guided and spun her to the beat of the music. He really could dance! Fighting her surprise, she did her best to keep up with him.
At the end of the song Severus spun Maunrose around into a dip. The song ended to applause and Maunrose suddenly realized that they were surrounded by admiring students shouting, "Well done, professors! Well done!"
Maunrose and Severus blushed as he let her up. A love ballad began to softly play.
"Well I'll say one thing," Maunrose said out of breath, "You are full of surprises."
He smiled, "Perhaps, but I know I'm not the only one." He then asked, "Care to?" Making a gesture to dance.
She nodded, feeling him softly place his hand around her waist and take her other hand in his. She felt her heart start to beat in a funny way when he smiled at her.
The melody played on as the words of the ballad began to sing to their hearts.
"...And then you looked at me, and I always see what I have been searching for. I'm lost as can be, then you looked at me, and I am not lost anymore..."
Severus could swear the singer was reading his thoughts as she continued to sing.
"...though lost I have been, I find love again. And I am not lost anymore..."
Maunrose found herself laying her head on his shoulder, never knowing when she had ever felt so comfortable in anyone's arms.
Severus closed his eyes, being swept away by the moment and the music, he found himself leaning his cheek against her head, letting out a sigh of bliss.
Nearby, Draco was watching the professors intently and suddenly he knew how he was going to get his hands on the Cherished Star. He smiled maliciously, bringing Pansy in closer to him. Looking around he noticed Weasley with that know-it-all mudblood, Granger. Getting and idea he whispered his plans in Pansy's ear and anxiously waited for the song to end.
Off in the corner of the hall, Professor Dumbledore watched his niece dance with Severus.
Severus was as dear to him as any son he had. He had been noticing the growing attraction between the two of them and was happy to see them together.
He scanned the dance floor and saw Harry dancing with Ginny, and to his surprise Ron Weasley was dancing with Hermione Granger. He smiled, another growing attraction that had yet to be discovered.
Close to them he noticed Draco Malfoy, the smile wiped off of his face as it was replaced with concern. In the months since Christmas there had been a noticeable change in him. And one not for the better.
He had his hunches about him, but nothing that could be certain.
Dumbledore's eyes went back to watching Severus holding his niece closely to him. Things were getting too dangerous.
He knew the Dark Lord was getting suspicious of Severus and it worried him whenever he had to go to a meeting. The thought of losing him troubled him greatly, especially since he had finally found someone to make him happy.
His eyes then glanced back at Harry while remembering his meeting with Hagrid and the Centaurs earlier that morning.
They had attempted to seek their aid in the fight against Voldemort once more, only to have them refuse again. Though, they did say that they would do all they could in protecting the forest and Hogwarts Castle, it didn't give him much comfort.
Especially when he wondered why they had gone from looking out for themselves, to offering to be the protectors of Hogwarts. Had they seen something in the stars?
Dumbledore was snapped out of his thoughts as the end of the song brought more applause from students. Burying his thoughts he smiled, happily clapping along with the students.
Maunrose reluctantly lifted her head off of Severus' shoulder. When he lifted his head, their cheeks brushed together and suddenly they were very aware of how close they were to each other.
For what seemed like seconds, they held each other's gaze seeing in each other's eyes a passion that had never been there before. Their hearts began to race, feeling an invisible force drawing them in closer and then...
"NO, RON! STOP!" Hermione shouted desperately.
Ron was red in the face with rage. Hermione was trying to hold him back from a victoriously sneering Malfoy.
"ONE OF THESE DAYS, MALFOY!" Ron seared.
"I'd like to see you try, Weasley." Malfoy laughed at his enraged face, delighted that his plan of ridiculing Granger on her missing boyfriend, Viktor Krum, had worked so well.
"Come on Ron, let's get some air." Hermione said, noticing professor Snape storming over.
Draco, continued to sneer until he heard a familiar cold voice say, "Mr. Malfoy, explain yourself!"
When Draco turned he saw an even angrier professor Snape glaring at him with more disdain then he ever knew was possible, and he wasn't the only one. Professor Weiss, though a knockout in that American gown of hers, looked like she was about to behead him there on the spot.
"Uh...er..." Draco said nervously.
"It was all stupid really." Pansy said quickly, "Draco was trying to compliment Granger on her dress and Weasley got jealous."
Severus glared at her and said coldly, "When I want your opinion, Miss Parkinson, I will ask for it."
Pansy, let out a pained squeak as Severus turned back to Draco.
"My patience is wearing thin, Mr. Malfoy."
"It's exactly how Pansy explained it." Draco said quickly. "I was simply complimenting Miss Granger on her dress and Weasley got cross with me. I won't hold it against him."
"I'm happy to hear that you are so forgiving, Mr. Malfoy." Severus replied coldly, "I on the other hand, am not. You will serve a detention for disrupting this dance."
"But..." Draco said in protest.
Severus' eyes gleamed threateningly, "You will report to Mr. Filch tomorrow."
Draco sighed in bitter defeat, watching the professors turn and walk back to where their seats were. Angry at the way he had been treated, he now more than ever looked forward to his plan of getting the Cherished Star. He was going to make them pay if it was the last thing he ever did.
Ron escorted Hermione outside to the gardens. "I'm sorry that Viktor couldn't make it." He said softly.
Hermione looked at Ron and shrugged. "It couldn't be helped. It's the life of quidditch player. They always have some game, charity function or press conference to go to. But I am glad to be here with you." She said smiling weakly at him, trying to put on a brave face.
Ron came closer to her. Wishing he could tell her that he loved her, instead, he found himself asking, "So have you two made any plans?"
Hermione laughed, nodding her head while she was looking at the garden. "Oh yes! In June Viktor's press agent is scheduling a press conference to announce our engagement. Then there's the photo shoots, publicity events, charity functions and of course the wedding. Viktor wants it to be before the next quidditch season starts..." She gave a sigh looking down at her hands and then said softly, "It'll be a very busy summer."
Ron looked at Hermione's expression, he knew she was feeling overwhelmed and confused. He came in closer to her until their shoulders were touching. "So what happens after?"
Hermione gulped, trying desperately not to cry. "I will become Viktor's wife and will travel with him, watching him play. It'll be good he gives a lot to charities and it'll be nice to play a part in that..."
Ron could see the tears welling up in her eyes. Grabbing her by the shoulders he turned her to face him. "What about you, Hermione?"
Hermione looked up at Ron, she could hardly see him through the tears.
"Is this really what you want?" He asked bringing his face closer to hers.
"Of course it is! Why wouldn't it be?"
Ron let out an exasperated sigh saying, "Because Hermione, in the last seven years I've seen you do the most amazing things. What about your dreams? What about you?"
Hermione could feel herself begin to tremble as Ron stepped in closer to her, his face just inches away. He gently wiped the tears from her cheek, whispering, "I think you're better than that Hermione." Their eyes met. "I think you can do anything."
For a moment neither one said anything.
Hermione could feel her heart pounding, it was like Ron was peering into her very soul.
Ron could see her confusion. His heart was beating so rapidly he thought he was going to faint as he found himself being drawn closer to her. All he wanted to do was to let her know how much he cared...
Hermione trembled when Ron's lips softly brushed against her own. She felt her heart leap, knowing it would never beat the same way again.
Ron felt like he had been hit by lightening the moment his lips touched hers, before he knew it he found himself holding her face in his hands while he kissed her.
Hermione's head was spinning as Ron's lips moved over hers. For the first time in weeks she felt at peace and happy and yet...VIKTOR!
Hermione quickly pushed him away, her heart pounded even harder while a deeper confusion set in. She knew he was looking at her with a bewildered expression.
"There you guys are!" Said Ginny, suddenly coming outside holding hands with Harry. They were both grinning from ear to ear as they came towards them.
Ron cleared his throat while he and Hermione stepped back from one another. The feel of the kiss still lingering on their lips.
"You missed out on Professor Snape giving Malfoy another detention." Harry said.
"I swear Professor Weiss was the best thing that ever happen to Hogwarts." Ginny giggled.
"I Agree."
Ginny, then looked at her brother and Hermione. "Hey what's with the two of you? Did you have another fight?"
Hermione and Ron blushed.
"No, we were...just...just talking." Ron said quickly.
"Oh? Anything interesting?" Harry asked.
"Just my plans for the summer. The wedding you know." Hermione said casually.
"Any luck finding your dress, yet?" Ginny asked.
"As a matter of fact I have." Hermione said excitedly, completely forgetting that Harry and Ron were standing right there. "I found the perfect one when I was shopping for this dress. Oh Ginny it's gorgeous, Vic is going to faint when I come up the aisle." The two of them burst out into giggles.
Ron, felt his heart sank as he listened to his sister and Hermione talk about the wedding.
Harry, knowing how Ron felt about Hermione, had noticed the change in his look and pulled him aside. "Hey is everything all right?"
"It's over Harry." Ron softly said, looking gloomily at his shoes. "She's in love with Krum. I'll never be anything more to her than a friend."
Harry looked apologetically at him, knowing that he was devastated.
Ron then looked at Harry and cleared his throat saying, "Uh, could you do me a favor and walk Hermione back to the tower. I'm not feeling so well. I...I need to go and ly down." He then moved past Harry and quickly went inside.
Hermione stopped giggling when she saw Ron leave. Harry and Ginny exchanged worried glances at each other while Hermione suddenly felt as though a part of her had been ripped away.
After the dance had ended, Maunrose and Severus were the last to remain in the Great Hall. They had gotten caught up in talking about potions, classes and stories. Noticing the hour was getting late, they rose to leave.
Severus walked past the black Grand Piano nearby and absently ran his fingers over the keys
"Do you play, Severus?" Maunrose asked holding her Witch's robe in her arms.
He shrugged and said, "Yes...I play a bit."
"Would you play something for me?"
He looked at her, "All right, as you wish."
Sitting down on the wooden bench, he flexed his fingers, and moments later began to play.
The music swelled from the piano like a sudden summer storm; it was dark, moody, and powerful.
Maunrose leaned against the body of the piano, staring transfixed at him. His eyes were narrowed in concentration, as the hair that escaped from having been pulled back swished around his face. She marveled at how expertly his fingers danced over the keys.
When Severus finished playing, he slowly turned to her, wondering what she'd say.
"That was wonderful" Maunrose breathed. "I never figured you for a musician! And was that Bach?"
Severus smiled, starting to play a softer melody. "No, I wrote that piece myself." He paused, giving her a wry smile. "Don't you think it fitting of my... persona?"
Maunrose laughed shaking her head as she came and sat down on the bench next to him. Placing her Witch's robe on her lap she said softly, "You know, my father used to play the piano for my mother. He wrote this song for her and I remember she used to beg him to play it. I used to love watching them sit at the piano, my dad wrapping his arm around my mom to reach the high note."
Severus noticed her smile fade to sadness, feeling the need to tell her about his past he said, "Maunrose, there is something..."
"She was killed by Death Eaters." She said suddenly, not noticing that Severus had said something. "I was mad at her that day, she said she had things to do and couldn't come with us to Diagon Alley. And then when we came back..."
Severus swallowed nervously, watching her fight back the angry tears.
"If I ever came across one of them, I would kill them nice and slow reminding them what they did her."
They sat quietly on the bench. Severus didn't know if he should hold her as he watched her wipe the tears from her eyes shaking with emotion. He understood her feelings, and yet he felt guilty and scared to tell her the truth about himself. God only knew what she might do to him.
"I'm sorry, Severus. I didn't mean to go off like that...It's just..." She said softly. "I'm sorry. Uh, were you going to say something?"
"Oh it was nothing," He lied, now feeling even more guilty for lying. "Um, it is getting late. Shall I walk you up to your office?"
She nodded.
They walked together in silence , neither one knew what to say.
Maunrose felt stupid for going off like that, she didn't know why she had. And she felt miserable because she knew it had bothered Severus.
Severus' mind kept having visions of her beautiful face glaring at him moments before a brilliant flash of green light clouded his vision. "It's not exactly a terrible of a way to go...But you've got to tell her Severus!" A voice inside his head screamed.
When they reached her classroom door she turned to him. "Thank you Severus, I'm sorry about what happened back there, I don't know what came.."
"No, I understand. It's all right."
Maunrose unlatched her door and stepped into her chamber. She turned once more to him, giving him a soft smile. "Thanks Severus, good night."
"Good night." He replied, suddenly feeling the urge to ask her to spend the day with him in Hogsmeade.
Before she could close the door, he stopped it with his foot asking, "Um....would you like to accompany me to Hogsmeade tomorrow ?"
Maunrose smiled wide, "I'd love to Severus."
He smiled back. "Good, shall we meet at the castle entrance directly after breakfast?"
She nodded, "I'll see you then....good night"
He bowed this time as she slowly shut the door.
On her side of the closed door, Maunrose sighed happily. She was glad that he asked her to go to Hogsmeade with him. He seemed so quiet after she had told him about her mom, she thought she may have scared him off. Giving a satisfied sigh she made her way to her bed chamber.
Severus stared at her closed door for a few moments, wallowing in agony and despair thinking to himself, "How am I going to tell her....how can I?"
Bowing his head in frustration. He turned, heading for his quarters; hoping that he could summon up the courage to tell her the truth that he was in fact, someone she could hate enough to kill.
In an abandoned house, Lord Voldemort sat in a worn out armchair, listening to the relentless information of the so called progress of his plans. Getting annoyed at listening to the same excuses and reports of delays he became enraged.
"I want results not excuses!" Voldemort bellowed.
"But master, Dumbledore is a very powerful wizard, killing him will not be easy." A man's voice replied.
Voldemort glared at him, "I want it done Fudge. I don't care what you have to do, or how you have to do it, just get it DONE!"
Cornelius Fudge cringed when Lord Voldemort stared at him menacingly.
"Wormtail." Voldemort said turning to Pettigrew. "Inform the young Malfoy that we make our move tomorrow night."
"But master," Pettigrew said, looking at him in shock, "We haven't finished clearing the tunnel. The element of sur..."
"I SAID TOMORROW!" Voldemort hissed getting up from his seat. "I am tired of waiting another day. I no longer care about killing the girl. I want the Cherished Star within my hands and Harry Potter dead, by this time tomorrow." He then came withing inches of the two of them and snarled in a low threatening tone, "And either we move tomorrow night, or I will be forced to educate you in the ways of a torturous death. Are we clear?"
"Yes, master."
"Good, that's more like it. Now leave me!"
When the door closed an excited flutter filled his stomach. "At last I shall have my revenge and the with the Cherished Star I shall regain my power." He thought, laughing and relishing in the thought of Dumbledore and Harry Potter being dead. Things were finally falling into place.