Disclaimer: Harry Potter and characters are not mine.

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Ch. 14

Are You Asking Me Out?

Mumbled voices reverberated through the closed-door to where Severus stood in the hall. Miriam mentioned that he was welcome in her classes at any time. He finished teaching his classes, and what would it hurt to quietly observe? Severus flicked an imaginary speck of lint off his robes and pushed the door open.

The voices became louder without the barrier of the door. Severus noticed the students paired off to practice turning vinegar to wine; a dangerous charm if cast incorrectly. Miriam walked among the pairs, her grey eyes watchful. She glanced at Severus and gave him an imperceptible nod. Severus understood, and walked quietly over to a corner where he could watch.

"Class, you have five more minutes," Miriam stated as she stopped to help a pair that was having difficulty. After five minutes, Miriam clapped her hands and walked to the front of the room. It impressed Severus that the students lapsed into silence, clearly waiting for their next bit of instruction. Miriam's eyes flickered over the room before she spoke, "Excellent work today! Not a single flask exploded. Clean up, and be seated. You have earned your Free Five."

Severus frowned at the excited looks on the students' faces. Evidently, this 'Free Five' was something they looked forward to. The students cleaned up in record time and returned to their seats. Miriam conjured a wooden stool and perched herself on it. "Before we begin, we must not forget our manners. We have a visitor," Miriam said as she nodded at the back of the room.

All eyes turned on Severus, and in unison the class responded, "Hello, Professor Snape." Severus gave a dismissive wave of his hand and nodded at Miriam to continue.

"Now remember, you have five minutes," Miriam said as she tapped the sand timer on her desk. "You may ask anything you want; I reserve the right not to answer. You may begin."

Several hands shot in the air. Miriam pointed to a round-faced girl, who beamed at being picked first. "Where did you get your shoes?"

Miriam laughed and looked down at the soft brown leather boot. "Petite Mendigote, in Paris. Next," Miriam said as she pointed to a skinny boy in the back.

"Is it true that we get to learn how to cast a Patronus? My brother said it's wicked. Is it really that hard?"

"Ah, I was wondering when this would come up," Miriam said. "Yes, starting next week we will begin to cover the Patronus Charm, and will visit it intermittently throughout the year." An excited murmur rippled through the class and Miriam held up her hand for silence. "However, you must understand that almost none of you will walk out of here at the end of term with a corporeal Patronus. In fact, most witches and wizards go their whole lives being unable to produce one. Nevertheless, it is an important charm to understand, and that is why we study it."

A small, mousey girl tentatively raised her hand, and Miriam nodded at her. "Can you produce a Patronus, Professor?" the girl asked softly.

Miriam nodded slowly. "I can."

"Will you show us?" asked the skinny boy as he sat taller in his seat. Several excited nods followed as the students looked expectantly at Miriam.

Miriam looked around the classroom before she slid off the stool. She drew out her wand and closed her eyes. The class sat quietly, anxiously waiting to see what would happen next. Miriam exhaled and opened her eyes. She raised her wand and circled it above her head several times before pointing it towards the center of the room. A silvery wisp floated from the tip, and the class collectively gasped as a large, resplendent hawk filled the air. Miriam smiled as the bird shook out its feathers and flew several circles around the room before disappearing through the window. The class clapped enthusiastically until Miriam held up her hands for silence.

"I'm afraid our time is up, but before you go, here is your assignment for next class. You will write eight inches of parchment about the Patronus Charm, from any reputable source, which you must cite. Please include three 'ah-ha' items that you found interesting about Patronuses. Class dismissed," Miriam concluded as the students finished writing their assignment down and headed out the door.

Severus waited until the last student left before he turned his gaze back to Miriam. She leaned against her desk, her grey eyes watchful as he crossed the room. When he stopped in front of her, Miriam placed a small hand on his chest and arched up to lightly brush her lips against his. When she leaned back to look at him, Severus said, "So, you let your students ask anything they want?"

"They can ask; it doesn't mean I will answer," Miriam replied cheekily. "I only do that with the sixth and seventh-years, and only when we are working on something difficult or dangerous. It's an incentive."

"I see," Severus said. "You seemed pleased with your Patronus. That certainly wasn't true the last time I saw you cast it."

Miriam nodded slowly as she remembered. It was in charms class when she cast her first corporeal Patronus; she fled the room in tears much to the surprise of her fellow classmates. "My Patronus is the same as Ian's - he learned to cast one quite early. It upset me greatly when I saw something I so readily associated with him burst forth out of my wand. I wanted a Patronus of my own, something unique to me," Miriam said softly.

Severus' eyes widened. He did not know, otherwise he would have never brought it up, and he said as much. "It's all right," Miriam said. "Albus believes I share Ian's form because he is the only person I know that genuinely cared for me - loved me - as I am. It took awhile, but I have finally made peace with my Patronus. Besides," Miriam added with a smile, "I think the memories and feelings you use to conjure it are much more important than the form your Patronus actually takes."

Severus nodded slowly as he absorbed Miriam's words. His eyes lighted on Miriam's stack of papers, and he leaned around her to pick them up. "Let's drop these off and head to dinner, shall we?" Severus asked as he inclined his head towards the door. As the pair fell in step, Severus asked, "Are we getting together later?"

Miriam grinned as several images flashed through her mind at that question. Merlin, could she use a get-together to unwind after her hectic day. Instead, she sighed and replied, "I can't tonight. I need to finish my grading before tomorrow, and work on a few business proposals. Will is coming over to discuss some dealings. But I am free tomorrow evening," Miriam said softly as they reached the door.

Severus grumbled. Miriam slipped an arm around his waist and pulled him closer for a slow, heated kiss. When they broke apart, she asked, "Are you still cross?"

Severus wanted to, but her kiss dampened his anger. "No," he huffed and Miriam smiled. Severus opened the door, and after Miriam passed through, he let it shut on the empty classroom.

The next day seemed to drag on for Severus. After what seemed like the longest two hours of his life, he dismissed his last class and headed for Miriam's. He sat down on the couch to wait with a book when Nosferatu jumped into his lap. Severus scratched between his ears, and Nos purred loudly. Severus moved to his smooth black coat as the feline curled up in a ball. The portrait swung open, and Miriam bounded in. She sat down next to Severus and slipped her arm around his shoulders. Her free hand pulled the book from his grasp and she gave him a small kiss on the cheek. "I didn't think you'd be here already," Miriam said with a smile.

Severus shrugged. "Classes are over for the day, so I came to see you. You seem quite pleased with yourself," Severus added.

He didn't think it possible, but Miriam's smile grew. "Oh, I am," she said excitedly. "I got an owl this morning from my grandmother. She is coming next week to visit!" Miriam exclaimed.

Severus smiled. He knew Miriam did not have much contact with her family, and her maternal grandmother was basically the only one she stayed in touch with. He remembered Mrs. Barousse quite well; for her age she was still a saucy, energetic woman. Exactly what Severus pictured Miriam would be like in several years. "That sounds like a visit you will enjoy very much," Severus said.

Miriam nodded enthusiastically. "That's not all," she continued. My meeting with Will was very productive, but even that held a surprise. Inga made the trip with Will today, and I found out she's pregnant!" Miriam slapped her leg for emphasis, which startled Nos off Severus' lap.

"Ahh," Severus said softly. He didn't know what else to say, he supposed a baby was a good thing. Miriam certainly seemed happy about it, though he found her enthusiasm odd given her own situation. Does a person offer congratulations in a moment like this, he wondered? Fortunately, Miriam was oblivious to his silence and continued talking.

"She's due in May. I can't believe it, another god child! I'll need to speak with Albus about Filius covering for me when Inga goes into labor. I need to find my book of baby names, too" Miriam added as she twisted her head to glance at her book shelves.

Severus frowned. "Why is that?"

"Oh! Well, Inga and Will have an arrangement. He names the boys, she names the girls. Fortunately, before Ian was born Will realized he is awful at picking out names and handed the task over to me. Since they never find out the gender, I'll need to have a name ready."

"I didn't know you named Will's sons," Severus said as he tucked a curl behind Miriam's ear. It pleased him to see Miriam so happy. He just wished she would direct more of her attention his way. Severus ran his fingers down Miriam's arm, trying to bring her focus back to the here and now.

Mia's eyes came to rest on Severus' face. She was so wrapped up in sharing her news that she forgot Severus was here to spend time with her. A small thrill raced through her as she took in his intense stare and the warmth of his hands. She rested her hand on his cheek and placed a lingering kiss on his lips. His arms tightened around her, and she really had no other option than to sit on his lap, or so she told herself.

Severus kept Mia pleasantly occupied until it was time to head down to dinner. "Are you staying here, or am I meeting you in the dungeons?" Miriam asked as she ran her hands through her tangled curls.

Severus paused buttoning his frock coat to look at Mia. "I thought you would come to my rooms," Severus replied.

Miriam hesitated. "All right, that's fine." She finished pinning her hair, her lips pursed to a thin line. As they left, Miriam was oddly quiet.

The pair walked down the hall, the silence heavy. Severus sighed. "It's easier, you know, in case something crops up -"

"I know," Miriam cut him off. "Head of House responsibilities…" Miriam abruptly changed topic and gave Severus a sideways glance. "I was hoping you would be agreeable to take tea with my grandmother. If not, I understand," Miriam said, her voice tight.

Severus noticed the change in Miriam's mood. He knew she was upset about their arrangement. True, he needed to keep an eye on the students, but it wasn't his only reason for wanting Miriam to stay in the dungeons with him. Severus felt he would be relinquishing too much control if he stayed with Miriam in her rooms. Still, he wasn't stupid. Severus realized that when Miriam was happy, he benefitted. He would need to find a way to help smooth things over, but for now he could do this simple thing. "I would be agreeable to tea with your grandmother," Severus answered.

Miriam smiled. "Thank you," she said.

Dinner was a quiet affair. So quiet, that Severus wondered if Miriam would come to him later. She excused herself early, and Severus retired to the dungeons shortly after. Severus waited on the couch somewhat anxious, doubting if he made the right choice. He absently rubbed the arm of the couch as he gazed unseeing into the fire.

Miriam arrived in his chambers later that evening, and she came to sit beside Severus on the couch. For a moment, it looked as though there was something she wanted to say. Severus didn't feel like talking, though. Instead, he pulled her close and kissed her. Miriam's arms wrapped around him, her hands twisted in his hair. Severus took his time with her, his kiss slow and his caress deliberate. He fanned the flames of her desire until she couldn't stand it anymore. She finally climbed on top of him and claimed his mouth hungrily while she pleaded for him to stop teasing her.

Something inside Severus always seemed to ignite when Miriam uttered the word 'please', her voice laced with want and need. He simply couldn't deny her. Wrapped around each other, they stumbled to his room to collapse on the bed in a tangle of limbs and robes. A quick spell uttered, and clothes piled on the floor. Miriam's voice rose in sweet counterpoint to Severus' dulcet words as desire took them over the edge.

Severus rolled to his side, pulling Mia's trembling body close as he wrapped her in his embrace. He closed his eyes and ran his hands through her curls and down her back. She kissed his chest lightly as she squeezed him back. For several minutes they laid there, content to simply bask in the afterglow. Severus smiled faintly as Mia's leg slipped between his; he found he rather enjoyed having such intimate contact with someone. He relished the nights they spent together, and not just for the sex. No, Severus found he enjoyed waking up with his arms around Mia, her hair teasing his face, the scent of her perfume on his sheets. He frowned, unsure if this was normal behavior for someone in a casual relationship.

Severus shrugged it off. He wasn't going to concern himself with what was 'proper' in a situation like this. He had a more pressing issue - he wanted to make sure Mia stayed happy with their arrangement. Abruptly, a thought popped into Severus' head. The more he mulled it over, the better it sounded. "Mia?" Severus asked. She hummed in response and he continued, "Would you be interested in an excursion away from the castle?"

Mia looked up at Severus as he adjusted his grip so she could rest against the pillows. "I suppose I might be. What type of excursion are you referring to? Do you mean collecting ingredients?" Miriam asked with a frown.

Severus chuckled. "No, that's not what I had in mind. We would actually be out in the muggle world. Simply the two of us enjoying each other's company," Severus added as he traced her cheekbone with his finger.

Miriam bit her lip deep in thought. "Severus Snape," Miriam said sweetly as she ran her hand through his hair, "are you asking me out on a date?"

He spluttered. "I didn't mean - I suppose if you want to call it that - "

A slender finger pressed against his lips as Severus heard Miriam laugh. Her eyes danced merrily as she took in his discomfort. "I would like to call it that. And I would enjoy going with you very much, wherever we go," Mia said softly.

Severus smiled. As Mia snuggled against him, he congratulated himself on navigating away from her earlier discontent. He knew eventually he would have to relinquish some control and stay at her place, but not now. With a sigh, he embraced Mia and allowed his eyes to drift closed.

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Severus frowned, his body tense, as his senses attempted to gather information. His right hand drew out his wand as the other reached out, batting at the darkness. His fingertips brushed against cold, rough-hewn stone. He cast a lumos and squinted into the thin stream of light, only making out more stone. He was in a large passageway. The air was dank and musty. Off to his left, he could hear water dripping through a crack in the stone. Severus took a step forward, and heard water splash against his boots as well as wet gravel scratching against the stone floor.

Cautiously, Severus inched forward, his ears strained to hear anything. It went on this way for several minutes, Severus slowly moving forward, his eyes looking for any clue to where he was. Then, Severus heard it. He froze, unsure if it was his mind playing tricks or a genuine noise. It came again; a distant, broken sob. Severus hurried forward, compelled to reach the source of the noise. He came to the end of the corridor as the sob came again. It was distinctly female, and Severus turned left to continue towards it. He quickened his pace as the sobbing continued. Suddenly, Severus felt nothing but air as his feet slipped out from beneath him.

With a jolt, Severus' eyes flew open. He realized it was a dream, which was odd for him. He felt the bed shift, and he quickly glanced down as Miriam moved against him. He sighed in relief when she stayed asleep, glad that he did not wake her. What the hell was that about, Severus thought as he frowned at the ceiling. He shook his head slightly and rolled over. It was probably nothing. He pulled Miriam closer and let the sound of her breathing lull him to sleep.

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A/N: Happy 2014! For some reason, the words just ran on the paper and I finished this chapter much sooner than expected. :) I have a few more chapters of groundwork before my next 'plot twist'. Oh, keep your eyes out for a one-shot from me on the ninth. I was able to string together a few words to celebrate our Potion Master's birthday :) Enjoy, and thanks for reading!