Everyone was already seated when Professor Snape came sweeping into the class room, his cloak billowing dramatically behind him. The door slammed shut. I jumped, startled at the noise. Apparently I wasn't the only one. With a wave of his wand, instructions appeared on the board.
" You will be brewing Oratio Soluta today. While it is not considered an important potion, it will come up in your NEWT practical because every single step has to be followed precisely for it to work." He threw a challenging look at Harry and Ron, who both squirmed un-comfortably in their seats. " If you fail to follow the instructions written on the board then you may find yourself spouting utter nonsense for a day or three. " I smiled, suppressing my laughter. Hmm, maybe I could slip some to Draco when he wasn't looking. Raising an eyebrow at me, the Potions Master sneered,

" Yes, Miss Blackwood, " So that's how it was going to

be ? " Even more nonsense than usual, although I find that difficult to believe possible. Now, start brewing ! "
As the students worked Professor Severus Snape found his eyes wandering to me. Married. And pregnant with my child. A vision of my belly swollen with his child filled his mind. What in the damned bloody world did I get myself into ? Groaning to himself, he looked up. Only to be caught in the Emerald green depths of my eyes.

Something compelled me to look up from the Absinthe leaves that I was crushing. I was confronted with deep dark brown pools of sin. My breath hitched as my thoughts were caught in a whirlwind. Shaking my head, I returned my attention back to the monotonous task at hand.

Sitting down at the Slytherin table I noticed an empty seat next to Pansy.

" Not that I mind, but, where's his royal highness ? "

" You mean, Draco ? " Pansy asked. " What do you want with him, Blackwood ? "

" Of course Lord Ferret. " I snapped. " None of your business as to what I want with him, Pugface. "

" There he is, " Elisabeth Brownleigh, a fellow seventh year, offered. There in the door way stood his royal highness, the Brat Prince of Slytherin, Draco Malfoy. I gazed up at the blonde Lothario as he made his way to the House table. His topaz blue eyes met my emerald ones. A smirk graced his face.

" Like what you see, Blackwood ? " He smirked. If he had a much better personality, I would probably have said yes. I patted the seat beside me.

" Why don't you sit here next to me instead of

Parkinson ? " I smiled. He just stared at me. " I promise I won't bite, well, unless you want me to. " I prayed this would work. Eying me warily, Draco sank into the seat next to mine.

From the head table dark eyes narrowed as they watched the scene before him. What was Absynthia playing at ? That bastard raped her ! Not to mention, she's my wife. Correction, was my wife. A vein throbbed in Professor Severus Snape's temple as he watched me cuddle up to Draco.

A pair of emerald green eyes watched me as well.

" What does Abbi think she is doing ? " Harry hissed.

" I don't know, Harry, " Hermione answered. " I thought he had attacked her. "

" Evidently, she must have liked it. That's probably where she's been, mate, " Ron pointed out. Harry just glared at me.

I turned to Draco. Now was the best time to do it. Here goes.

" Draco, could you pass me the mashed potatoes, please ? " He turned towards Pansy on his other side. Quickly, I slipped the brown vial out from inside my robes. I poured the entire contents into his pumpkin juice. He would be babbling for the rest of the week. I smirked. Once empty, I sent the vial to the head table so that Severus wouldn't become too suspicious of my actions.

" Thank you, Draco. " He shoved the dish at me and grabbed his goblet. He finished the contents off. I just smirked.

" You're quite welcome, Abbi. But, I miss my teddy bear so I'm going to go and keep it company. Off to beddy-bye. " I smiled, suppressing my laughter as everyone around us exchanged confused looks. Once Draco was gone, I couldn't help it any longer. Laughter spilled out of me.

" You, Bitch ! " Pansy's voice rang out.

" That's Queen Bitch to you. Thank you very much, tramp, " I shot back. She shot to her feet, her wand pointed at my throat.

Harry leapt to his feet, vaulting across the Gryffindor House table. Wand at the ready, he flew at Pansy Parkinson.

" HARRY !!!! " Hermione and Ron shouted, leaping to their feet.

Albus and Minerva exchanged glances, then, the headmaster nodded. The Transfiguration Mistress rose to her feet the same time the Potions Master did. Trailing behind Severus Minerva McGonagall sought one of her best students.

" POTTER!!!!! " They yelled in tandem. But, Harry wouldn't back down until Pansy had put her wand down. The expression on the girl's face wavered when she saw not one, but, two professors bearing down on her. Slowly, her wand lowered then clattered onto the stone floor. Harry dove for it. Scooping it up the boy had it plucked from his hand the moment he stood.

" I'll take that, Potter, " Professor Severus Snape snarled.

" Now, Severus, we are going to be fair about this, aren't we ? " Minerva McGonagall asked. The Potions Master snorted. " How about I take Miss Parkinson and you take Mr. Potter ? " The Transfiguration Mistress smiled sweetly.

" Very Well, Minerva. " He turned back to Harry.

" Come with me, now. Or I'll deduct twenty points from Gryffindor. Miss Blackwood, you will come with me, as well. " I watched my husband stalk out of the Great Hall Harry following in his wake. I couldn't resist the smile that crept across my face.

" Miss Parkinson, would you come with me please ? " There was a note of steel in Professor McGonagall's voice. Wisely, the Slytherin brunette trailed her to her office. I made my way over to the Gryffindor Table.

" Like Malfoy, Blackwood ? " Ron taunted.

" Oh, grow up, Ronald, " I tossed back.

" Why were you sitting with Malfoy, Abbi ? " Hermione wanted to know.

" let's just say that Ron's brothers would have luved me, " I smirked.

" Huh ? " A confused look crossed Ron's face.

" Of course ! " Hermione exclaimed. " What exactly did you do, Abbi ? " A sly grin spread across my pale peach lips.

" Let's just say we'll be hearing utter nonsense for about a week, " I smiled sweetly. The pair just looked at me.

" What ? No one messes with me and gets away with it. Especially, if they rape me. "

" WHAT !!!??!!! " They practically roared.

" Malfoy has not seen the last of me, " I vowed. Sadly, Hermione shook her head. Candlelight glinted off my left hand. Her eyes dropped to it, then widened. She stared at me. I shook my head negatively fiercely. She took the hint.

" Later, " I mouthed. Louder, I said, " I need to go before Professor Snape has my head for disobeying him. " I hurried down to the dungeons, hoping that my husband would be understanding.

Smiling lazily, I went to stretch, but, found out I couldn't. Turning, I saw black hair on the pillow next to me. His breathing was slow and deep. Severus was still asleep. Slowly, I moved under him trying to get out of bed. His arm tightened around my waist pulling me back against him. His lips covered mine. Rolling me over he kissed me thoroughly.

" Good morning to you, too, " I murmured. His hands traced over my still naked body.

" Morning, " Severus said sleepily. Then his hands parted my thighs and he settled himself in between my legs. With a thrust he buried himself within the welcoming wet heat of my body. Then proceeded to drowsily make luve to me.

Finally, we made it out of bed. As I rose from the bed, something else rose up, too. Making a wild dash for the loo I barely made it in time. Dinner made its presence known. Once through I flushed the evidence away. I stood up and rinsed my mouth out. I just stared at my tummy. Was I ready for this ? Was Severus ready to be a daddy ? The door flew open.

" Absynthia? " The man in question asked filling the doorway. " Are you all right ? " His eyes met mine in the mirror.

" I'm fine. " His dark eyes narrowed at that.

" Really. I am fine. " Now that there was nothing in my stomach I was fine. Physically.

" You are sure ? " He raised an eyebrow at me.

" I am not dealing with you until after I have had

caffeine, " I replied.

" You do remember the ball is tonight ? "

" Ball ? " I asked.

" The Valentine's Ball ? " He reminded me.

" Today's Valentine's Day ? "

" Don't tell me that you haven't heard a whisper about the festivities tonight ? " Biting my lip, I looked down.

" Now, there is the Ball tonight. I, " He paused. His dark eyes caught mine. " I would like for you to be present with me. " Silence met his statement. Was that supposed to be a question ?

" Well ? "

" Very well, " I acquiesced.

" Then, I'll see you at breakfast. " He left me in the bathroom. Sighing, I wondered what I was getting myself into.

Thank goodness for Owl Service. I was able to procure an elegant gown for this evening from Madam Silkman's Enchanted Evenings in Hogsmeade. The gown was wrapped in brown parchment paper. Sinking down onto the dark green velvet counterpane I pulled the twine holding the paper together. The paper fell off revealing deep dark red velvet. I could see something glittering amongst the dark red. Gingerly I picked them up. They were actually the straps. Rhinestones strung together were the straps to the gown. I put it down and reached for my wand. Wingardium Leviosa ! With a swish and flick the dark red gown floated above my bed. A gasp escaped me. It was gorgeous. No, it was perfect !! The gown would be floor length for it swept the counterpane. Deep dark red velvet floated down from rhinestone straps. The velvet neckline plunged into a small v, but underneath was a simple chiffon, a-line sheath with a square neckline. Surrounding the chiffon neckline more rhinestones winked in the light. The gown was very simple, but, incredibly elegant and classy. A knock sounded at the door. I opened it to reveal Dobby, the house elf, bearing a tray laden with breakfast. Severus knew me too well. Smiling, I thanked the house elf. After shutting the door behind Dobby, I took the tray over to the bed. Putting it on one side I sat down. Taking off the silver lid, I uncovered steaming piles of eggs, potatoes, kippers, and biscuits. The biscuits were smothered in peppered creamy gravy. I dove right in. After I was through, I flued the kitchens. Dobby came back and retrieved the dishes. I thanked him again.

" Master Snape's orders, " Dobby said.

" Master Snape told Dobby that Dobby is to make sure that Mistress eats everything on that plate. "

" I'm sorry, Dobby. Everything was delicious. But, I couldn't eat it all. I did get full, though. " The house elf beamed at that.

" Dobby wishes that you get better soon, Mistress. "

" Thank you, Dobby, " I said, shutting the door behind a beaming house elf. With a smile on my lips, I shook my head. I didn't know whether I should kiss Severus or hex him. Kissing him would be more rewarding.

Laying down on the bed, I drew the covers over me. Over head, thunder rumbled and rain poured down.

Stretching, I opened my eyes. Only to be greeted by the sight of deep dark brown ones. He smirked down at me.

" Sleeping the day away, are we ? " He asked. In response I yawned. The covers slipped down revealing that I had taken my dressing gown off and wore nothing. Those deep dark brown eyes darkened even more. I smirked back,

" See anything you like ? " Next thing I knew those thin hard lips were devouring mine. His body pressed against mine. I could feel his reaction to my nakedness pressing into me. My thighs parted and he sank into the cradle. I could feel his length rubbing me through the black woolen material of his trousers. Coming back to himself, the Potions Master slowly ended the kiss.

" As much as I regret this, I must stop. I have a potion that needs tending. We shall definitely explore this venue, later. " Those dark hungry eyes roamed my body leisurely. I shivered beneath his passionate gaze. " Have you been able to procure a gown ? " A wicked grin spread across my face.

" Yes, dear, " I replied. " Now, I thought you said that you had a potion that needs tending ? Because I have a dance that I need to start getting ready for. "

" Are you attempting to kick me out ? "

" Now would I do that ? " I smiled sweetly.

" Hmm . . . " With that the Potions Master stalked out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Men. I shook my head bemusedly.

I gathered what I would need for a nice long soak in the bath tub and entered the bathing room.

Turning the taps on I added vanilla-scented bath salts and my usual vanilla bubble bath. As the tub filled, I conjured a side table complete with everything to do my nails. Turning the taps off I sat on the side of the tub and applied a clear base coat, then a deep dark red colour, and a clear top coat to my toes. I muttered a drying charm and sank beneath the bubbles. Leaning back against the bath pillow, I sighed.

Sitting up, I snapped my fingers. A bath tray complete with clear strengthening base coat, a clear, sparkling top coat, and the same deep dark red that I had applied to my toes appeared across the tub in front of me. First I applied the base coat, then, the dark red. The sparkling top coat was last. Waving my hands, I muttered the drying spell. Then I made the tray and side table disappear. I pulled the plug, letting the water drain.

Wrapped within dark green towels, I went back to the room. Finding the vanilla body cream I wanted I let the dark green towel about me drop. I followed it with my signature scent, Knowing.

Going over to the dresser, I pulled out a light rose lace thong, sheer black stockings, and light rose satin garters edged with black lace. I slipped into a light rose satin dressing robe and settled at my vanity. I conjured a set of hot rollers. Then, dried my hair straight. I rolled my hair under with the rollers. Once they cooled off I took them down. Brushing my hair out, I parted it on the right, making sure that the ends curled under beautifully. I smiled at my reflection. Perfect.

Thinking about the deep dark red colour of the gown I conjured a lipstick of the same colour. I applied a flawless porcelain foundation and magickally air brushed it smooth. Then set it with baby powder. I applied a light oak on my lids, a honey oak in the crease, and a real light vanilla on the browbone. I finished them off with a liquid dark brown liner. Finally, I added about seven to eight coats of black mascara after applying false eyelashes and curling them. Then, I applied that deep dark red shade to my lips. Over it I applied a light shimmery silver, vanilla-flavoured sealant so that the colour would last all night.

The sound of water interrupted me from my toilette. My eyes sought out the clock. It was five forty-five ! Severus must be in the shower. A grin spread across my dark red lips. Quietly, I opened the door and slipped inside. The mirror was already steamed up. Steeling my nerves, I darted a finger out, tracing a heart onto the fogged glass. Then, just as quiet as before I slipped back into my room. Drawing the door behind me, I collapsed against it. The water stopped. Uh, oh !

Turning the taps off, he opened the shower door. Grabbing a towel off the rack he swiped it over his face, then, over his hair. Wrapping it about his waist, Professor Severus Snape grabbed a hand towel. He was about to wipe the mirror clean when he saw it, the heart I had drawn on the mirror. A smile curved across his lips. Perhaps there is nothing between her and Harry Potter. He then proceeded to wipe the glass clean save for the heart. Running a hand over his jaw, the Potions Master stared at his face. Then, picked up his wand. Muttering the Shaving Charm, the five 'o' clock shadow that covered his jaw disappeared. After applying a little aftershave lotion, he opened the medicine cabinet. After a look, he finally located the little black bottle. Uncapping it, he poured a minute amount into his hand. Rubbing his hands together, he ran them over his neck, down his chest, and finally ghosted what was left over his cheeks and jaw. Putting it back, he grabbed the comb. Yanking it through his hair, he coaxed the raven locks back. Locating a bit of black satin ribbon, he tied his usual chin length strands away from his face. Satisfied with what he saw in the mirror, Professor Severus Snape left the bathing room for his chambers.

I crossed over to the walk in closet which housed a floor-length mirror. With a wave of my wand, I accioed the dress to my bed. I slid off the dressing gown.

" Engarmentum, " I muttered. The elegant creation appeared on my form. I padded over to the vanity and sank back down onto the velvet bench. Rummaging through a side drawer, I found diamond earbobs, which I promptly put in. Shutting that drawer, I opened another. Finally, I found the perfect necklace, two diamond encrusted snakes formed a heart. Undoing the clasp, I slipped it about my neck. The snake-formed heart hit my breast as the clasp caught.

" Absyn . . . " Professor Severus Snape called out as he stepped into my room. Maybe I should move half of my things into his room and start thinking about a nursery for our little one. The Potions Master drew in a steadying breath.

" Is something wrong, dear ? " My emerald eyes met his in the mirror. In the mirror, I saw his reflection. He was dressed as he had been for the Yule Ball, elegantly clad in a three piece, double-breasted black suit with a black silk button up and a black ascot pinned at his throat with a silver snake. Severus inclined his head towards me, a question in his eyes.

" Shall we ? " He offered me his arm and we departed for the ball.

Rose-scented candles floated in the air above the small tables that dotted half the room. The Head table was gone, in its place a stage had been erected. A piano with a violin atop it stood next to a harp. Live roses and ivy clung to the stone walls. Up above, a full moon shone brightly down amid the twinkling of diamond stars.

Music started and Severus drew me close, his eyes never leaving mine. It was like he was staring into my soul.

" If there were no words,
No way to speak,
I would still hear you,
If there were no tears,
No way to feel inside,
I'd still feel for you . . . " He spun me out, then back into him.

"And even if the sun refused to shine,
Even if romance ran out of rhyme,
You would still have my heart

until the end of time,You're all I need, my love,

my Valentine . . . " His hands wrapped possessively about my waist as he pulled my body close to his.

" All of my life,
I have been waiting for,
All you give to me,
You've opened my eyes,
And showed me how to love unselfishly . . ." I could feel his heart beating in rhythm with mine. A warmth settled throughout my body as my breath caught in my throat.

" I've dreamed of this a thousand times before,
But in my dreams I couldn't love you more,
I will give you my heart,
Until the end of time...
You're all I need, my love,

my Valentine . . . " I could see something in those dark eyes. A flicker of emotion.

"And even if the sun refused to shine,
Even if romance ran out of rhyme,You would still have my heart

until the end of time,
'Cause all I need is you, my Valentine,
You're all I need, my love, my Valentine. " As the last note played Severus' dark eyes held mine. A shiver racked my body. Wordlessly, I let him pull me back down to the dungeons.