A/N: Slightly shorter chapter this time simply to avoid it becoming obscenely long, action in this one continued in the next chapter!

Holiday Season

That Monday afternoon after the potions lesson had been the beginning of happier times for Eva. She had finally realised that moving on from Cole had been a huge step in the right direction and had been something she needed to do for such a long time and it also left the way open for her to indulge in her obsession for Severus.

That evening had also been the beginning of something between the two of them that seemed to make them both happy. Eva no longer simply had to imagine what it would be like to kiss him she could really do it, and did fairly often. She'd linger after potions lessons just to spend sometime alone with him and Severus allowed her to.

He'd been sceptical to begin with about what he'd started, wondering if what he'd done that evening had been such a good idea. Perhaps he hadn't thought about it quite as hard as he thought he had, thinking more into the future as to what would happen after. It had started something and there was no turning back from that, he'd known it would but had he really thought about what it would entail.

Admittedly he enjoyed the attention, the little fantasy he could actually play out and to actually kiss her was like a dream. But was she expecting more than he could offer her?

Eva however wasn't so deluded about that fact, nothing serious was going on between them because they both knew that it couldn't. It would land both of them in trouble, in fact if anyone found out about the make out sessions they were having they would be in trouble, but anything more would just be asking for trouble. Yet that didn't mean that she didn't want it.

While to begin with just kissing him was fabulous, he could make her toes curl, take her knees out from under her and leave her breathless all just with his lips on her own, on her face on her neck. But weeks and weeks of the same became less than satisfying. To the contrary it left Eva hungry for more. Desires that caused her nothing but frustration, it had never been a problem before she'd never been interested in Cole in that manner something had just not been there, but Severus she found so alluring it was almost enough to drive her mad.

But you know that you can't, she'd remind herself yet again after coming back from another Thursday evening lesson with Severus. Lessons that had taken on a far more interesting turn since they'd become involved with each other. Between them they had managed to salvage Eva's Felix Felicis potion, it had been hard and tentative work but it had been done. After that Eva admired Snape even more, his skill in potion making was startling one of the very few things she had learned about him. He was so very mysterious and intriguing but so very unwilling to share with her, maybe he has something to hide?

That evening Eva had been more persistent than before in trying to get more out of Severus. Between the fears of being expelled and him losing his job at the very least, and actually getting what she'd never wanted like this before Eva's teenage hormones were definitely ruling her decisions that night. She'd finished her work quickly, as she always would do these days, placed her cauldron back onto his desk and stalked around to his chair. She walked in what she hoped was a sultry manner, swaying her hips as she moved and climbed into his lap.

He arched an eyebrow at her, intrigued by her actions, but she fastened her lips to his before he had a chance to question her. She kissed him hard and earnestly, winding her arms around his neck and draping herself all over him. Severus however remained suspicious, his hands rested lightly on her hips as he allowed her to kiss him he would get a chance to question her when she finally came up for air.

Eva finally broke away from him, gasping with pure desire, eyes smouldering with lust. "You are very forward tonight." Severus spoke softly.

She shuddered in his arms as his voice caressed her, he must have no idea the power his voice had over her, she even had to stifle a small whimper from escaping her lips. She'd never wanted anything in her life so much as she wanted him at that moment. "I've been waiting all day to see you." Eva replied, her voice breathless and husky with want.

She leaned in to kiss him again, this time her hands going for the fastenings on his robes. But Severus had anticipated her movements and he pulled her hands away. He pulled his lips away from her, picked her up and stood her back on the floor.

Eva pouted and moaned in complaint but he fixed her with a stern gaze and shook his head. "Eva, we cannot start this, you know that." He said firmly.

She continued to look sulky but could hardly deny that what he was saying was the truth. Eventually she sighed, "I know, I know. It's wrong, we'll both get into trouble blah blah blah!" She said slumping down into the chair opposite his at the desk. Further away from him was probably better, where she couldn't indulge in her desire to touch him.

"Yes that's right. Don't get me wrong Eva the thought is certainly appealing, but I value my job here too much to jeopardise it like this."

She sighed, casting her eyes down to the floor. She knew what she was getting into from the beginning so why did it still upset her so when he expressed more desire to keep his job than he did for her?

"Do not sulk Eva, I'm not about to just push you away. But you know too much is at risk to take things any further than this"

"I know and that, perhaps, is part of the trouble. The more I see you the more I want, and it is so frustrating to keep stopping." She looked up and shook her head, "I've never wanted anything so much before and it drives me crazy. But I know you're right and I'm just going to have to deal with it."

Their evening had taken rather a down turn, for the best she knew, but she didn't have to enjoy the way the conversation was heading. With a sigh she stood up, "I should go." She said flatly taking up her cloak from where she had draped it over the back of her chair.

Severus stood from his chair and pulled her into his arms before she could reach the door, "Don't pout, it is highly unattractive." He kissed her quickly, not wanting her to leave on that low note. Just because they couldn't do everything Eva wanted didn't mean that he didn't want to. To have her offer was like a dream come true, had he been even further deluded by his fantasies of Lilly he'd a lain her across his desk long before now. But he knew he couldn't and his debt to Dumbledore for helping him so much in recent years was really the only thing keeping his grip on reality so tight.

Besides he knew only too well that she wasn't really Lilly and he really couldn't bring himself to sleep with Eva under that pretence. Kissing was one thing but sex was in wholly different territory and he was considerate enough to not want to do that to her, being so young, impressionable and emotional. Let alone not wanting to torture himself with even greater delusion. No it was far less complicated to just keep saying no. But how long do you really think you can keep that up for?

Eva had managed to leave with a small smile back one her lips at his parting comment and the quick kiss he'd planted on her lips. It was frustrating yes but deep down she did know that it was for the best, and it was comforting to know that if it wouldn't lead to trouble then he wouldn't refuse her. Maybe it could happen, if they could make it last until the school year was over. Think you can really wait that long? A little voice niggled at her, it certainly was a question to consider. She then knew just how Cole must have felt all those times that she refused him, it made her feel a small amount of sympathy for him but she certainly did not regret her decision she would have hated herself had she given in to him.

Another thing that certainly seemed to be a blessing was Severus's control and willpower. A wonder what those few short years out of school had done for him, any boy her own age surely wouldn't have had the willpower to refuse somebody so blatantly throwing themselves at them. Again it made her wonder just what he had gone through after leaving Hogwarts, she really wished he would share a little more about himself.

But perhaps it was the sense of mystery that kept him so very exciting, they continued to see each other in those few fleeting moments after classes and one evening a week. It was enough for then and Eva had finally managed to reign in her desires. It had also helped to focus her mind, her studies were coming far more easily now that she was not worrying about Cole and embarrassing herself in potions. And unlike many of her peers she wasn't fawning over a boyfriend either, or at least that was how it appeared. This was all well and good until Christmas began to approach and the prospect of a formal, winter themed dance was pressed upon the upper years of the school.

Formal usually meant couples, or at least that was how everybody was reacting to the news. All excited wondering who to ask to go with them, or hoping that a certain someone would approach them. All except for Eva for whom the prospect was positively depressing. A month or two ago she would have gone with Cole and had a miserable time, as it was he seemed to be dating a new and younger girl Eva had never met before. She was blonde and seemingly brainless, the perfect partner for someone like Cole.

The one person she would actually like to go with it wasn't even an option and Eva was not overly fond of the idea of going alone because she was bound to be the only one. Wonder if attendance is mandatory?

Apparently it was. A week before the ball Eva found herself amongst another group of excitable witches in the only clothing store in Hogsmeade, there to pick out their dresses for the dance. Cringing at the squeals and squeaks of delight at the many fluffy and foul looking ball gowns Eva strolled around the racks in desperate search of something that didn't remind her of a meringue. Something tasteful, and in a colour that wouldn't clash with her hair that had always been a problem. She'd loved reds and oranges but it gave the impression that she was on fire, not a good look.

Almost giving up hope that there would be anything suitable for her Eva headed towards the final rack at the back of the shop and stopped in her tracks. There it was, hidden near the back and slightly creased, the perfect dress. Understated, tasteful backless halter neck with a fishtail skirt in emerald green. That was the dress for her. Quickly Eva snatched it off of the rack and headed towards the fitting room, with a few magical alterations it was perfect and it cost a pretty penny too. Eva felt a little guilty about spending so much money on a dress but she could perhaps sacrifice some of the other things she'd been wanting, ask for less for her birthday or something. If she was going to have to suffer the evening she might as well look good while she did.

In her final Thursday evening potions session before Christmas Eva had been putting the finishing touches to her Felix Felicis potion and was delighted to see the surface of it finally dancing and spitting like a vat of pure molten gold. "Very nice work Eva, even after the trouble it seems to have been completed correctly." Severus said, looming over her shoulder as he so often did. "If you can complete the others in such a fashion I expect great things from your NEWT results."

"Thank you Sir, I hope I can make you happy." She replied, smiling coyly at the hidden meaning within her words. Although she usually addressed him by his first name now, when involving school matters she stuck with calling him Sir or Professor, not only did it prevent any confusion in the classroom the reminder of his authority and power over her was also a slight thrill.

Severus shook his head but couldn't keep the smirk from his lips, best to change the subject. "I take it you are looking forward to the ritual torture that will be this Christmas ball tomorrow?" He asked scathingly.

"Not particularly." Eva replied, her words much to his surprise.

"No? I thought it was the sort of thing that girls lived for."

Eva cringed at his words, he always referred to her as far younger than she actually was, or perhaps it was him making out that he was older than his 21 years. On seconds thoughts the latter seemed to be more accurate, it would certainly explain the extent of maturity he seemed to display. "They do usually." She shrugged, "They get excited about the dress and their hair and makeup, the dancing…who they're going to go with…" Her words tailed off. While she had found her dress and would at least make the best of being there, it was still a little depressing to think that nobody had even asked her to go with them.

Severus arched his eyebrows towards her, "And the prospect of this does not excite you?"

"Not particularly. Going alone isn't exactly appealing, and I even brought the most wonderful dress."

A slight wave of relief washed over Severus at her words. It had surprised him to feel a hint of jealousy rise in him at the thought that she would be going to the dance in a couple with somebody else. But shouldn't she? It's not like she could actually go with you.

He averted his eyes, pretending to become interested in a stack of essay's on his desk in case she should find any hint of relief or glee in his eyes. "So you've not found some doting male to take you then?"

Eva didn't fail to notice how he wouldn't look at her as he spoke those words. She rose from her chair and headed slowly towards him. "No, I'm not. If you must know nobody asked me. But even if they had it wouldn't have made a difference." She paused and stood before him, waiting until he raised his head to look at her. Her face was strangely serious and possibly even a little sad, "Because I can't actually go with the one person that I would like to."

Severus sighed, this whole situation was certainly trying on the both of them, so many obstacles to overcome. He took her hands and pulled her down into his lap, she settled in close to his chest and lay her head on his shoulder, breathing in the scent of him that had become so comforting, always the same a strange mixture of cut grass and cloves. "Just because we can't go together, doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy yourself." He purred, stroking her flame like hair.

"I know, but it's just not the same."

***

Classes finished early that Friday, the last day of school before the Christmas holidays would begin and of course the night of the dance or ball or whatever it was people were calling it. When the bell rang signalling the end of lessons Eva made her way, with the rest of the swarming crowd, back to their common rooms to dress and beautify themselves.

Eva was one of the few that wasn't particularly excited about the night ahead, she was however dying to get into her dress. She'd just love to see Severus's face when he saw her in it, like to see him resist me in that, she thought to herself with a mischievous grin on her face.

She slipped on her dress, caressing the deep green satin over her hips as she studied herself in the mirror. It was definitely a good purchase despite the money. She fixed her hair up on her head, allowing a few tendrils to fall around her face, curling them with a flick of her wand and then holding it all in place with a light misting of a potion that was far more effective than muggle hairspray. Eva thought she looked pretty good, even if she did say so herself. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all.

The Common Room had become slowly more and more deserted as Eva finally emerged from her dormitory, others far more eager to make their way down to the Great Hall for the start of the festivities. One person that was still in the room however was Cole, must still be waiting for his date to be finished piling the slap on her face. Eva felt strangely confident and pleased with herself as she strolled gracefully down the stairs.

He heard her coming and looked up expectantly wondering if it was his date finally ready, handsome as ever in his neat dress robes, shame his looks couldn't ever have overcome his foul personality. When he noticed the flame red hair and the bright green eyes of Eva his jaw almost dropped, she'd never once dressed up like that when they'd been a couple, who was she trying to impress?

"Eva, you look very nice tonight." He ventured to say in a very forced, civil manner.

Eva frowned at his words, they seemed a little strange and uncalled for given that they hadn't spoken to each other once since their break up. But he was at least making and effort to be nice. "Thank you, as do you." She replied curtly.

"So…who are you going to the dance with?"

"Nobody," Eva said, as brightly as she could muster. She really didn't want Cole to feel like he'd won some kind of victory in this fact. "I didn't particularly want to go with anyone, I'm enjoying being single again." She smirked at him as she uttered those words. Scathing and petty maybe but she really didn't want to admit to him the truth.

"Well I suppose I'd better go down to the hall, no sense in waiting here for nobody." She said with a broad and false smile as she passed him on the way to the stairs.

Time for the party to begin.