CHAPTER 10

She had everything she needed for the following three weeks in the burrow. Clothes: check, books: check, her father's journals: check, Christmas presents: check.

But still she found herself wandering around the castle as if she were missing something. Her bags where already on the train, so she was just carrying her messenger bag. She had to meet with her friends on the main hall at a quarter to nine. 9:25. Shit! As she was hurrying towards the main hall she realized where she was. The dungeons. Double shit!

She dreaded the thought of running into him, but also the thought of leaving without seeing him again.

As if he would have been summoned Sophie bumped into Snape as she passed his office.

"Is it so hard to walk that-" He changed his tone as he saw whom he was talking to. "Miss Miller, what are you doing her?" He sounded was startled and a hint of hope was barely perceptible in his voice.

"I-" His eyes never left hers, she had to look down so as to speak. It was a mistake, he had said it, don't act like a silly schoolgirl, compose yourself! "I'm sorry sir, I didn't mean to trouble you." Her eyes met his firmly.

"You didn't, it was my fault as well."

Was he smiling? And had he just admitted it was his fault as well?

"Will you be staying for the holidays?" please say yes

"No" She could see his face darken a little. "I'll be staying with the Weasley's, they had invited me over for the holidays" His face darkened completely.

"I'm sure Mr. Weasly is overjoyed" His voice was now plain.

As she laughed his smile returned.

"I must leave, the train will leave in a few minutes. Have a nice holiday sir" with that being said she gave him a peck on the cheek and left to the main hall to meet her friends.

"You too Sophie" His voice was barely perceptible as his fingers trailed the place where her soft lips had met his cold skin. A soft pink color invaded his face as he saw her walk away a little awestruck.

Compose yourself Severus! You are acting like a stupid schoolboy!

The train ride home passed very quickly. She had sat with Fred, George and Angelina. They were all really amusing. George and Angelina kissed most of the time as she was going to France for the holidays and wouldn't return two weeks after classes had resumed, and the idea of being away from each other for that long was unbearable to both of them.

As the smuchingfest occurred Sophie admired the landscape with Fred's arm around her. His body felt hot and strong. It was reassuring for her to be by his side, she felt safe with him, as if he would fight for her even if he couldn't win. She felt butterflies on her stomach as he whispered into her ear.

He could make her forget about everything that surrounded them, Voldemort, Hogwarts, even Snape.

As they spent more time together she begun liking him more and more. But her little run into with a certain teacher still turned her stomach upside down.

Mrs. Weasley welcomed Sophie, Harry and Hermione as if they were her own children. She was as sweet and thoughtful as she remembered, also as loud.

"Ronald Bilius Weasley how many time have I told you not to leave your things scattered on the floor! Specially when there are visits here!"

"Fred and George Weasley, for the last time I say, don't you dare trying any more of your pranks on poor Errol, you're getting the poor owl even clumsier"

Just thinking that the voice that was so warm most of the time could send chills down your spine at times.

When they got to the burrow Remus was already there with Tonks so as to introduce her to Sophie. It was no surprise to him that they got along really well as they both had the same sense of humor. Sirius was also there, watching a certain young lady a little too much for Remus's taste.

Sophie was sitting at the window bay sofa watching the snow fall. After dinner she had stayed until late talking with Ron, Harry, Ginny and Hermione on their bedroom. Hermione was sleeping on the mattress by Ron's bed and Sophie on the one between her and Ginny who slept on the one by Harry's, She couldn't help but to feel like the odd one out.

It was 10 A.M. and everyone but her and Molly where awake. Arthur had already left to work; Molly was on her bedroom knitting a scarf with an S on it. This year she had decided to knit hats to the boys and scarves to the girls with their initial on it as usual.

Sophie was sure that everybody was going to get up soon, after all they were still used to getting up at seven sharp.

A week had already past since she had last been on Hogwarts and couldn't help but to miss it a little, yet she was happy to be able to have breakfast after nine and with her pajamas still on. Tonight was Christmas eve and she couldn't help but to feel a little sad by not having her parents with her.

"Come with me" A husky voice startled Sophie. She turned around to find Fred's handsome face staring at her. He was dressed like Sophie, long pajamas, warm sweater, socks and Ugg boots.

She took his hand and went downstairs to get their coats and rain boots.

"How'd ya sleep?" His arm was around her, making her warm.

They had spent a lot of time together the past week, they would hug, take hands, walk together.

"Good, the room is a little over crowded so we keep warm" It was true, the room was meant for two, three people as much, and yet there where five of them sleeping there. She was glad neither Ginny nor Hermione moved or kicked on their sleep.

His laugh was tender and catching.

"I've been, um, wanting to make you a question for a while" He scratched the back of his neck as he usually did when nervous. "Well, ever since you walked into the kitchen for the first the first time."

Sophie couldn't help but to smile at how cute he looked when he got nervous.

"Would you, um, would you like to be my girlfriend?"

His eyes were filled with expectation.

"I would love to" She liked him a lot; he was sweet and kind and funny and very attractive to her. She hadn't had much experience with boys as she had been home schooled, but she was glad he would be her first boyfriend, and consequently, her first kiss.

Both of their smiles broadened. His hands went from her shoulders to her hips, getting her closer to him. Her eyes were filled with anticipation and so were his. He gently kissed her on the lips. They could feel each other's smile. Their kissed lasted a minute.

They returned to the house hand in hand to find everyone eating at the breakfast table. Remus, Tonks and Sirius were coming to dinner tonight due to Christmas Eve as well as many other Order members.

"Oh dear! I'm so happy" Molly hugged Sophie thrilled. The hands and the smile on their faces must have given them away.

"Finally" Fred rolled his eyes and said with a piece of toast on his mouth.

Severus,

We would love if you could join us tonight for Christmas Eve for dinner.

You know where to come. The celebration should start at six PM.

I sincerely hope you can make it this year.

Love,

Molly Weasley.

It was a quarter to eight and Severus couldn't stop thinking about the letter he had received from Molly. He was pacing back and forth.

She'll be there. It's been a week. I must see her. God Severus how can you be so weak! She is probably better off without you. I'll go, I must socialize with other members of the order! Socialize? God.

"Sophie dear would you mind getting the door?" Molly said from the kitchen where the golden trio stood with Ginny and the twins who where helping her set the table.

Sirius sat by Remus and Tonks and would goggle her from time to time. Few other members of the order were there. Alastor Moody was talking to Kingsley Shacklebolt.

Bill Weasly sat by his fiancée Fleur and was listening to a discussion between his brother Charlie and Hagrid about dragons.

She couldn't help but to drop her jaw a little when she saw who stood at the door.

"Professor Snape" Her voice trembled a little and her cheeks blushed. He found it cute. "Please do come in"

"Thank you" He knew she would be there but he hadn't thought she would be the one to receive him. He didn't wanted to admit it but he had missed her. Her voice, her smile, the sight of her, her smell of orchids and cherries.

She couldn't help but to look at him as he walked away, she had missed his voice and the way he imposed himself as he walked, the grace he had. Did he come because I was here? No, it's impossible, he wouldn't remember, besides I'm with Fred now, it wouldn't matter.