Severus obviously had not meant what he said because the next day he was changed toward me.

At breakfast, he did not stare at me and he did not pay any attention to me in class.

I decided not to go to our nightly meeting.

About a week before Christmas, I was walking to breakfast when a hand came out of the shadows in the dark corridor I was walking in.

When I saw the owner of the hand pull me toward them, I nearly screamed. Severus covered my mouth. I squirmed in his grasp. "I suspect you did not expect to see me alone ever again. Did you, Miss Jones?"

I mumbled into his hand angrily.

Severus glared at me. "You have been avoiding me. I wish to know why."

"Maybe if you'd release me, I could tell you." I growled into his hand.

Severus took his hand away from my mouth.

"Why, Miss Jones?"

"You ignored me, so I just took it upon myself to repay the favor." I retorted.

Severus frowned. "As my apprentice, you are to be present to help me at all times. Classes, detentions, evenings..." He paused, his face mere inches from mine. "Candidly speaking, anytime I see fit." His nostrils flared. "If I say jump, you are to obey my wish to do so."

"Then find yourself another apprentice." I replied crossly, turning on my heel and walking away from him.

Severus outpaced me until he blocked my path in the corridor. "No, Miss Jones. I want no other apprentice. It is either you or no one."

"Then I guess it's back to being alone." I snapped, giving him an evil eye and brushing past him.

Severus sighed loudly, the sound reverberating in the giant corridor as the breath withdrew from his lungs. "Miss Jones, please." He hurried up to me so that we were walking alongside each other.

I shot the professor another glare to which he sighed again. "I know I can easily accept another apprentice..." Severus exhaled deeply, giving me an intense look. "However, I need you."

I stopped. "In what way?"

Severus drew in a deep breath and sighed it quickly from his lungs. "You know, Miss Jones."

I figured he meant in a friendly way. But then again, friends don't kiss the way Severus kissed me one week ago.

"Fine." I succumbed to him.

Severus let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you."

I nodded and kept walking to the Great Hall.

Severus stormed ahead of me.

That evening at dinner, I walked in the Great Hall. I looked around to see delicate Christmas decorations.

I looked up at the High Table and spotted Severus watching me as usual. I saw his shoulders lift and drop as he sighed, peering at me intensely.

Severus observed me the entire dinner. Why did he not gaze at me last week? What had changed in a week?

I left the Great Hall and went to the dungeons.

When I reached the Potions classroom, Severus was already there waiting for me. Black eyes focused on me as I sat down at a table.

I needed a distraction. "How are you feeling, sir?"

Severus exhaled, ebony eyes directed at me. "Much better now that you are here, Miss Jones."

"Is your cough gone?"

He sighed, rising from his desk. The Potions Master walked quickly to the door, placing an enchantment on it so no one could come in on us. "Yes, although there is something I wish to discuss with you."

"I'm all ears."

"I do not know quite where or how to begin..." Severus breathed.

My brow furrowed.

"I suppose I have missed you, Miss Jones." Severus continued, walking toward me. "Perhaps that is why I shut you out. I know this can never end well. I know that we can never be more than this..."

I stood up as Severus started to circle me.

"...More than friends." He drawled out.

"I don't want to be more than friends."

Severus inhaled a deep breath and sighed it slowly from his lungs. "I fear it is much more complicated than that. I found myself wanting you and needing you here. It was a lonely week and I do not wish to repeat it. From this moment on, you are to assist me with everything. Everything from teaching to brewing."

"All because you missed me, sir?"

"Winter, what have you done to me?" He demanded, stopping suddenly in front of me. The dark eyes were filled with something I couldn't place. "What is this strange new craving I have for you? To see your face, to breathe you in, to hear your voice?"

He was so close now I could hear him breathe. "Have you placed a love spell or a charm on me?"

"I think you would know if I did."

Severus sighed. "I cannot explain it. I need you, Winter. Perhaps I have needed you since the day you saved my life."

I shook my head. "I don't believe it. You've never needed anyone. You enjoy being alone from what I understand."

Severus scowled. "Listening to the rumors about me again, Miss Jones?"

"You know you're not exactly the most pleasant person at Hogwarts. At least, not to the children." I replied smoothly.

Severus sighed deeply from his lungs. "Do you suppose it is easier or harder to teach the children who refuse to follow specific instructions?"

"Harder." I admitted.

"The point is, Miss Jones..." Severus eyed me. "I would very much like to see more of you."

I smiled. "Then you can spend Christmas with me."

Severus inhaled sharply and sighed. "I do not particularly care for Christmas myself. However, I suppose if I am spending it with you, perhaps I shall be happier."

"I hope so. That's all I want for you, is happiness. I really mean that, Severus."

Severus smirked. "Thank you, Winter."