It was mornings like these that the morning light was so bright; it even permeated the lake, making the Snape's bedroom shine a bright green color. They didn't seem to notice though because after the night they had, sleep came to both of them without them even trying. So there they were, still clothed and sleeping away. In fact, all of the Slytherins were still sleeping, save a group of older girls.

Mariana Winthrop: a platinum blonde eighth year, Faith Giovanni: a tan, brunette seventh year, and Chelsea Collier: a golden-haired seventh year. The girls had gathered in the common room early in the morning expecting to see at least one of their Heads of House preparing for the start of term on Monday.

Not seeing anyone, they congregated on a sofa to the far left of the room and had a conversation about their new professor. 'I hope she isn't a total dictator like Snape.' Chelsea commented.

'Do you not remember her, Chelsea? She was Head Girl when you were a second year.' Mariana responded back with a rather humorous look about her.

Chelsea looked affronted. 'No way. That can't be Jordan Brooks. She's a bombshell. The Jordan Brooks I know was a fair looking bookworm who never associated with anybody but her teachers and Charlotte Pendragon.'

'Well, that's her. Do you know what I wonder though?' Faith said, leaning into the group.

'There are many things I wonder about them, but go on.' Mariana chided.

Faith gave her an exasperated look and did so. 'I can't help but wonder if they weren't together while she was in school. I mean come on, Snape always used to give her special treatment, more than he ever gave any of us.'

Chelsea thought for a moment. 'I don't know… I can't see Snape fucking a student. He's a total tosser, but he has some type of moral conscience doesn't he?'

'Yea, I don't think they were anything but mates at best, Faith. She was up his butt a little during her last year, but she was Head Girl. She kind of had to be. I do think she's the one Rita Skeeter thought was with him though, because they found those letters on his person the night of the battle. They had to get together at some point over the past four years, haven't they?'

Faith and Chelsea both looked at Mariana with an expression of realization. 'Oh my god! I bet she was! I wonder how stupid Skeeter feels now that their engaged?'

'Probably has been trying to get into Hogwarts all morning.' Chelsea commented with a grin.

Faith stood. 'Well, I'm going to breakfast. You guys can follow if you like or you can sit here and talk about our teachers, but I'm going to eat.'

The other two giggled and went to follow her. 'Or we could do both!' Chelsea blurted out as they past the two offices halfway down the hall. As they went to walk out of the stone wall, they were almost ran over by their illustrious Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.

'Oh. Pardon us Draco. We were just going to breakfast.' Mariana commented, blushing at the young wizard she had once fancied.

'Yea, yea you do that.' He said as he brushed by them seemingly in a hurry. The girls saw him franticly knock on the Deputy Headmaster's office door and not thirty seconds later, Caroline was at it looking up at him. Her gaze then dropped to the girls down the hall and for a second, they could see her eyes flash like that of her mother and father. Draco swiftly turned to look at them. 'Off you go.' He spat.

They seemed reluctant, but left anyway as Caroline let Draco in. 'I really wish people would knock on Mum's office door so the doorbell didn't go off in my room. This is the second time I've been woken up by it tonight.'

Draco chuckled at her. 'If your father's not careful people may begin to think you actually are his with an attitude like that so early in the morning. Should you go get them, or should I?'

Caroline shrugged. 'I'll just go. I'll spare you the look of them.' She leaned into him. 'They never seem to wake up in pajamas. It's quite the sight.'

An evil grin spread across Draco's face. 'Is that so?'

'Yup.' She responded as she opened her parent's door to find them both still fully clothed and facing each other. As cute as they were, she still giggled when she saw that her father had seemed to capture her mother because his legs were wrapped around her.

Climbing up onto the edge of the massive canopy bed, she tapped Jordan's shoulder. She wasn't dumb. Who in their right mind would try to wake her father from a peaceful slumber? Her mother may be brave enough, but she sure wasn't.

A few pokes later, Jordan rolled over and almost crushed Caroline, the resulting squeal jolting both of them awake. Severus' head flew off the pillow to see his daughter trying to conceal her giggling. 'What are you doing in here you little miscreant? Aren't you completely exhausted like the rest of us?'

Suppressing her giggling for the time being she spoke. 'No, Daddy. Professor Malfoy is in the study waiting for you and Mum.'

His whole body flew back onto the mattress like a child that didn't want to get ready for school. 'Tell him to go away. We're busy right now.'

Jordan laughed. 'Yea, because we're getting so much done in here.'

Severus shot his eyebrow up at her. 'You better watch yourself, Mrs. Snape or I may have to take things into my own hands.'

Caroline erupted in laughter. 'Daddy, stop it! He's waiting!'

Stopping his head as he was closing in on his wife's mouth, he looked at her and rolled his eyes. 'Very well.' He said as he rose. Jordan tried to get up as well, but Severus shot her a look. 'You are to stay in bed. I'll be right back.'

Sighing she fell back onto the bed, happy that he had told her to stay. Caroline climbed over her as Severus left the room.

When the door closed, she took it upon herself to situate her body into the crook of Jordan's. Before she even knew it, her mother had scooped her up and was proceeding to kiss her cheeks. She shrieked and squealed, but that only seemed to egg Jordan on.

Soon she stopped when she planted a huge kiss on the center of her cheek and let it go with a pop. Laying her upper body back, she pulled Caroline into her and progressed to go back to sleep.

However, Caroline took it upon herself to use this time alone with her mother for some very personal questions. 'Mum?'

'Yes?' Jordan responded without moving at all.

'Do you and Daddy have sex?'

It took a second for what she had asked to register. 'I'm sorry. What did you say?'

She propped herself up on her mother's chest. 'Do you and Daddy have sex?'

Jordan studied her face. 'Do you even know what sex is, Caroline?'

She thought for a second. 'Well, last night, Sam had a realization that he and one of the boys Daddy took to see Professor McGonagall had been having sex when the other boy found him. I was confused because I didn't know what he was talking about. He told me that it's different for him, but usually the boy and the girl lay on top of each other and the boy sticks his penis in the girl. Is that true?'

Jordan's mouth went dry. 'Well, he's not wrong. I don't know how I feel about him telling you this though.'

'Why?'

She huffed. 'Well, sweetie, that is something that's mine and Daddy's responsibility to tell you.'

'So you do have sex?'

Before Jordan could answer Severus came billowing back into their room with a scowl on his face. Taking off his teaching robes he thumped down on the bed beside them.

'Sev? Is something wrong?' Jordan asked trying to change the subject quickly.

They didn't receive a response immediately. After about a minute he rose up and looked at her. 'Minerva has received seventeen howlers this morning. Guess who all but one is from.'

Jordan shook her head. 'A really angry parent apparently.'

He deadpanned. 'Yes. Your angry parent.'

She rose up. 'Oh god. Is Minerva ok?'

Chuckling he turned over on his back. 'Yes, she's fine. She's having Hagrid burn them out back. It's turning out to be quite the sight. Your mother is fuming.'

She too drifted back onto the mattress. 'We knew it was going to happen sometime. I'm shocked she didn't see it coming.'

Caroline looked at them both, landing on her mother. 'So do you do it here or?'

'Oh my god. Do you have to do this now?' Jordan spewed.

Severus looked from one to the other, raising an eyebrow. 'What are you in a tizzy over?'

Caroline turned straight to Severus. 'Do you and Mum have sex?'

He looked a little taken aback. 'I admire your bluntness, but why do you need to know?'

She huffed. 'Because! How will I know the mechanics of it if I don't have the advice of people I trust!'

'Why do you need to know the mechanics of it right now anyway?'

'Dad! How will I know how to have sex if no one tells me?'

Severus looked at Jordan with wide eyes. 'I honestly, don't think you need to know that for at least a few more years.'

'But Dad, Sam's having sex!'

'Not on my watch he's not. I've given him and Colin Vance two weeks detention because of that little situation and I will not repeat that punishment with you.'

She slumped. 'It's just not fair.'

Severus and Jordan both laughed. 'Not fair? There is no reason why Sam should even be doing that at his age. You aren't matured enough.'

Shaking his head in agreement, Severus looked at Caroline. 'Indeed. Why the sudden fascination though? Two weeks ago, you didn't want to know anything.'

'Yes, but that was before- well never mind.'

Jordan and Severus both laughed and grabbed her wrists as she tried to make a break for it. 'You're one funny kid if you think you can get out of it that easily with us.' Jordan chided.

Caroline sighed. 'I'm going to be in trouble for it…I know I am.'

Severus shot an eyebrow up. 'Well you might as well come out with it because you're not going anywhere until you do.'

She looked at them both apprehensively. Jordan cocked her eyebrow up too and Caroline knew she was on the verge of becoming angry with her. 'Well…I changed my mind because…because…I can't say it.'

'You just asked us if we had sex. Now you become shy?' Jordan asked.

'It's not that I'm shy. He's just going to get in so much more trouble.'

Severus stared intently at her, thinking he knew what had happened. 'Say it now, or I'll double your punishment. You've been caught, so you might as well take the fall.'

She sighed, defeated. 'I changed my mind because Sam showed me his penis. It's not his fault though! I asked! Please don't give him more punishment, Dad! He'll know I told you!'

Severus did not falter, although he felt like erupting and stringing that little brat up for taking his daughter's innocence so young. 'Curiosity is not a sin, Caroline. However, you must exercise caution. I want you to go to your room and start reading for Monday's lessons while your mother and I think of a punishment suitable for you.'

Her head dropped. 'Yes, sir.' She then hopped off the bed. Severus leaned up and called her. Turning he could see she thought she had disappointed them and for once Severus couldn't take that look on a child's face. 'We still love you more than anything.'

Her mouth rose a bit and she turned around and left the room. Severus looked at Jordan and blew. She still had a look on her face that screamed fury. 'How could that little shit talk to me so casually after exposing himself to my daughter? I should go string him from Ravenclaw tower for doing that to her.'

Severus sighed. 'I share your sentiments completely. However, she did ask for it.'

Jordan shook her head. 'What are we going to do?'

'I thought about giving her the same punishment the other two got, but I don't know if it's enough.'

'Just do that, Severus. Instead of her being with those boys, she can be with me. I need to get my classroom situated anyway. Anything else would just make her have negative connotations about sex from here on out. That's not what I meant though. If she is this curious at twelve, how wild is she going to be at sixteen?'

'Enough to kill me apparently.' Severus remarked as he rested his head on Jordan's chest.

'That's not funny, Severus.' She mused as her hand came up to stroke his head.

'I know. I know.' He then moved his head to look at her. 'We'll deal with it as it comes, but for now, I'm hungry so do you want to go to breakfast or call Winky?'

'Preferably call Winky. That way she can bring something to Caroline instead of us having to stop her from reading. Plus, that means I get to lay in bed with you longer.' She rolled him over and kissed him on the nose before snuggling into his chest.

'Yea, that'd be nice.' He responded before snapping his fingers in search of their house-elf.

Five minutes later they smelled the sweet smell of eggs, bacon, and toast. There was also a faint hint of fruit in the air. Rolling out of bed, they made their plates and sat down in their high backed chairs at the end of the room.

'So, what exactly did Draco say earlier?' Jordan asked as she drank her morning tea.

Severus swallowed. 'He didn't have much to report. Thorpe went willingly. He kept telling Draco how he and I were both traitors, but I'm not too concerned about it. He's shit at dueling and potions.'

'Ah. He doesn't sound like much of a threat to me. So, what's on the agenda today?'

'Well, I need to go sort some ingredients for class on Monday, but you're welcome to join me if you like.'

Eating her last bite of egg and draining her tea, she stood. 'That'd be nice dear, I need to finish working on my lesson plans anyway. Should we pop in and see how everyone's settling in as well?'

He sighed with a grin. 'If we must. It is one of our duties after all.'

'Super. I'm going to run to the loo and I'll meet you in the study.' She bent down to give him a kiss and he obliged, standing and pulling her into him. 'How are you liking the job so far? Are you sure you don't want to just get a Ministry job? We can have a nice little flat on the Cape and I can Apparate in and out every weekend.'

She giggled. 'No. Although last night was a roller coaster in every sense of the term, I enjoy it. Plus, I'd miss you too much.' She said with a slap to his rear.

Walking across the room, she eyed him. 'And where would you be without my sexy little body ready for you at a moment's notice?'

'Certainly doing more productive, yet less pleasurable things.' He mused as he walked out into the study.

Caroline was sitting on the sofa in front of the fireplace, her books spread out all around her. She had parchment and a quill and was scribbling away, taking notes.

He smiled as he was reminded of a young Jordan, studying in her third floor reading nook. One of his fondest memories of her was brought to the forefront of his mind as he went to sit down in one of the high backed chairs across from her.

~February 16th: Jordan's second year~

Jordan was only a second year at the time. He walked past her and she didn't even seem to notice him. When he stopped and stood there for a second with his arms crossed, she still went about her business seemingly unaware of his existence.

He decided that if she was this enveloped in her studies she was in no way out after curfew on purpose. He came over and leaned against the ledge across from her books.

It was a moment before she realized there was a puddle of black fabric in front of her and she slowly rose up to look at his face, wry smile and all. Her eyes widened as she took him in. 'Professor Snape.'

'Hello, Ms. Brooks. Do you happen do know the time?' He drawled in his usual tone.

She instantly looked down for her watch, but seemed to remember something. 'Well, shit- I mean... Darn…'

'You've seemed to realize something?' He said raising his eyebrow.

'Yes! My watch was broken in Herbology today. Charlotte was pulling out her Mandrake and cracked the face right open.' She then seemed to realize something else too. 'I'm out after curfew aren't I?'

Severus crossed his arms. 'About two hours after.'

Her face fell into her hands. 'Oh no…' Her eyes then rose to his. 'How many weeks?'

Severus looked at her seemingly confused. ''How many weeks?' Are you insinuating that I would give you detention for losing track of time while studying?'

'No offence, sir, but yes. That definitely sounds like something you would do. You gave Charlotte a whole two weeks in the infirmary for going to the bathroom after curfew a month ago.'

'Yes, but I caught her snogging Ernie Figgins behind a gargoyle along the way. You should really impress on her the tactics of telling the whole story when she's speaking to you. I hear her spouting off dribble anytime she's around.'

'You listen to our conversations?' She asked with a worried look.

'Not because I want to, Ms. Brooks.' He responded with a sarcastic sheen on his face. 'Now, what has you so preoccupied this evening?'

'I was reading a book on carnivorous plants in potion making, but it's a bit too advanced for me at the moment.' She said holding up a copy of Carnivorous Plants and How to Use Them.

He took it from her, holding her place with his finger as he flipped through the pages. 'I should say so; this book could barely be deciphered by a fourth year much less a second year. I may have something a bit more appropriate for you in my collection. I can give it to you during your next class.'

She didn't say anything at first so his eyes rose up slowly to see her gaping up at him. 'What?' He spat.

She shook her head and lowered her gaze, blushing. 'Nothing, sir…Thank you though. I'd like to borrow it if I may?'

He shook his head and handed the book back to her. It was then that he noticed a copy of The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie. 'You read muggle literature?' He asked with intrigue.

Her hands instantly shot down to her book. 'Yes, I enjoy it quite a bit. My Nanny, Carla, is a squib and she likes muggle literature. She says Agatha Christie's novels are the best to mend the soul.'

He was silent for a moment. 'Why does your soul need mending?'

She stared at him, straight faced for quite some time, seemingly deciding whether she wanted to tell him or not. Looking down she saw a candy bar she had yet to open and although she doubted what she was about to do would turn out well, offered it to him. 'Do you want to split this with me, Professor?'

He gave her a rather nasty looking sneer and looked right up into her eyes. 'Why chocolate?'

She squared her shoulders. 'Chocolate mends the soul too, sir. That's why they give it to people who have undergone Dementor attacks.'

His brow furrowed. 'Do you think I don't know that?'

She smiled at him. 'Of course you know that, you're the most intelligent professor Hogwarts has got.'

His resolve quickly melted, yet his face stayed the same.

Dropping her head she opened it and broke it in half, handing it to him she winced. 'Perhaps I was a bit too forward.' As he took it she went on. 'My uncle Pius tells me I'm the epitome of a romantic.'

His gaze rose. 'Pius Thicknesse?'

She brightened up as she took a bite. 'Yes. He's my Godfather. Do you know him?'

'In a past life…' Coming to his senses he looked up at her. 'Now, you were going to tell me about your wounded soul?'

She nodded her head. 'Right. Well, I don't know if Professor Dumbledore or McGonagall have told you, but my parents and I don't get along. My father hasn't spoken or even been looked at me since I was sorted. My mother sends letters once a month, but I'm beginning to believe it's only to keep tabs on me. She's so busy with her research she seems to not have time for Benedict or me. I'm alright with them not talking to me, but Benny is taking it hard. Anyway, over Christmas Mum and Dad got in a row. Father's polls are down and he's blaming it solely on me. Apparently no one will vote for a wizard whose family has no loyalty to a certain house… I think I'm going to stay here over Christmas holiday next year. Maybe, that will lessen some of the tension and it'll give me time to read without interruptions.'

Severus looked at her. 'Ms. Brooks, I don't mean to prod, but I notice you're wearing a glamor.'

Her hand instinctively rose to her cheek. 'It's been taken care of, sir.'

'Yet, you're still living with them?'

'I don't have a choice, sir. Professor McGonagall offered for me to come stay with her over the summer holiday, but my mum refuses to let me live with someone else. They like to parade me about, the disappointment I am.'

His head shot up. 'You are not a disappointment. They are fools not to recognize how immensely intelligent you are.'

Her cheeks blushed. 'Thank you for saying so, sir. That means a lot to me, but it's just because I'm in Slytherin. Had I been in any other house, I would have been their little princess. I don't want that though. Yes, I was shocked I was sorted into our house, but I wouldn't give that away for anything now. We have an air about us that no one from any other house has. I'm proud to be in Slytherin, even if it means that my father beats me to a pulp everyday.'

His gaze dropped. 'You shouldn't say things like that. Should the wrong person hear, it could be taken perversely.'

'You're the only one I've ever told that. Of course Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall know, but that's only because I accidentally shot a stinging hex at him after he hit me. There was supposed to be a trial, but Professor Dumbledore took care of it.'

Severus was holding in a huge smirk, knowing that she had retaliated. 'I cannot believe that they would leave you there with them. As your Head of House, I promise to fight this to the death, Ms. Brooks. No child in my house will be beaten on my watch.'

'Honestly Professor, it does nothing, but build character. However, I'm flattered that you care about me so much.'

His sneer was back again. 'It's not a matter of caring, Ms. Brooks. It's a matter of duty. Don't flatter yourself too much. Now, I do believe we need to get you into a bed. Minerva would hex me if she knew I caught you out after curfew and didn't send you to bed right away much less punish you.'

As she packed her things away she chuckled. 'Luckily it's not her job to do so, is it?'

He nodded his head. 'You're right. It's not her job. Now, come along Ms. Brooks.'

~Present~

'Daddy?'

Severus shot up and his eyes locked with his daughter's. 'Yes?'

'You've just been staring out into space forever. Mum's ready.'

His sight focused beyond her and he saw Jordan's smiling face, a rucksack of books on each arm. 'Ah. I'm sorry to keep you waiting. I was just thinking of a time long ago.'

'I can see that.' She said with a chuckle. Turning to Caroline she said, 'No, friends until all of your preliminary work is done, correct?'

'Yes, ma'am.'

'And no friends in here. You have a common room. Use it.' Severus drawled as he took Jordan's rucksacks from her and walked toward the door. 'If there are any emergencies send them to the Potions classroom. We should be back before dinner.'

'Yes, sir. Have fun…I know I will be.' She drawled sarcastically.

Jordan looked at Severus with an overwhelmed look on her face. 'It's like they truly did combine our personalities together into one little human, Miraculous.'

Severus chuckled and led her through the door.

Walking down the corridor, they could see the common room bustling with people; some were reading, others were chatting, there were a few groups of boys horsing around until they saw the look on Jordan's face. She giggled inwardly as she and Severus walked past them.

Turning around to look at him, she noticed her rucksacks were gone. 'Where are my rucksacks?'

He stepped up to where they were side by side and looked a little too proud for her liking. 'I sent them ahead of us.'

'How exactly?'

'A transportation charm of my own invention. Think about it, dear, in all of your years did you ever see me carrying anything out of my labs?'

She thought about it for a second. 'Now that you mention it… That's quite handy if I do say so myself.'

'You have no idea. It definitely helps keep up the surliness of our position. Which, by the way may I say you wear remarkably well.'

'Well, I did have plenty of years to practice. Do you want to go through boys dorms, while I check the girls?'

He leaned into her, whispering in her ear. 'If it'll get me alone with you quicker then of course.'

She playfully hit him in the chest as they parted ways, winking at him as he turned to badger two boys for lazing about instead of unpacking.

Jordan shook her head at him as she descended the stairs to the girl's dorms. She chuckled as she saw the looks on their faces. She might as well have been a snake slithering down the dorm corridor by the way they were acting. One student caught her eye, however. Instead of practically hiding in her room, Mariana Winthrop gave Jordan a small smile toward the end of the corridor.

Approaching her, the girl's smile only broadened. 'Do you need my assistance, Ms. Winthrop?'

'Actually, Professor, I seem to have brought too many robes.' She leaned forward as if to tell her a secret. 'I remember you being very good at extending wardrobes.'

Jordan turned her head to make sure no one was watching her. 'Very well, Ms. Winthrop.' She walked through the door to her dorm and looked around for the wardrobe. 'Why exactly do you continue to bring so many robes, Ms. Winthrop?'

'I seem to get carried away when packing. There was one girl who took over for you after you left, but she's working at the Ministry now.'

Jordan pressed her hands to the wardrobe and opened the doors. With a flourish of her wand, she stepped away. Another wave and Mariana's robes were in their rightful place. Jordan then took the hanger from one end and threw it. Assorted robes appeared and disappeared, one right after the other.

Proud of herself, she stepped back and admired her work. About that time she heard Mariana swear under her breath. Jordan turned to see Severus standing with his arms crossed giving her a look that made her feel like a student again. Before she could act like a child, she remembered that he was her lover. She'd seen the face that now bore a sneer, distorted in pleasure because of her. How could she be scared of him like she hadn't seen that side? Raising her eyebrows to his she smiled. 'Yes, dear? Do you need me?'

Although his outer face didn't move at all, she could see him slightly soften a bit. He glanced down at Mariana who was looking at him with her usual terrified expression. 'I should punish you for this… I've been telling you for years to cease from elongating your wardrobe.' He then turned to Jordan. 'And I've been telling you to quit doing it for them longer than I care to remember. Five rolls of parchment on my desk Monday, Ms. Winthrop.'

Mariana sighed. 'On what, sir?'

Severus looked at her as if she was daft. 'On the process of elongating your wardrobe, of course. Now, if you would excuse us, we have planning to do.' He then waved his wrists and the wardrobe was back to normal. He swiftly turned and marched away with an impassive look on his face.

Jordan looked at Mariana. 'He could've taken points too. So, count yourself lucky.'

Mariana nodded her head and plopped down on her bed. Jordan came around to comfort her, but before she could Severus popped his head in yet again. 'Jordan. We do have work to do, could you quit dallying?'

She shot him a look. 'Would you please cool it? I'll be there in a second.'

'Honestly, Jordan, I think she'll be alright. It's just five rolls.' He spat back to her.

'Severus. I said I'll be there in a second.'

Rolling his eyes, he huffed and walked back along the corridor.

Jordan then turned back to Mariana. 'At the back of the library there is a sculpture of an owl. Behind it, you'll find a book that will help you.' She eyed her to make sure she knew she was helping her on the down low.

Mariana smiled and nodded her head. 'Thank you, Jordan.'

She cleared her throat and raised and eyebrow. 'Professor Snape.'

The eighth year nodded her head. 'Yes. Forgive me… I hope I didn't get you in trouble, ma'am.'

Jordan chuckled. 'No. Between you and I, I don't think he could stand to be angry with me for more than a few hours.'

Mariana's eyes widened and she gave her a knowing smile. 'Ooh, Professor. Maybe I did you a favor…'

'I can't say you didn't.' Jordan mused as Severus once again was back in the door.

'Jordan.'

She turned in a flush of robes. 'For Merlin's sake, Severus. WHAT?'

'Would you come? Now please.'

Jordan smiled. 'Sweetie, you know I always come.'

At this, she heard Mariana behind her trying to suppress her laughter. Severus looked at the two of them as if they were crazy.

Jordan looked back at Mariana and winked. 'Have a nice day, Ms. Winthrop.' She said as she approached Severus, taking his hand and escorting him from the room.

Mariana fell back on her bed. 'God, I bet he's fantastic.' She picked up her wand and slammed the door, locking it. Her hand then drifted down to her thighs as she imagined her Professors. She felt completely disgusted about what she was doing, but at the same time, she just couldn't get the image of her Potions Professor viciously plowing into the girl, well woman, she had always looked up to.

Now making their way out of the common room, Severus' grip on Jordan tightened and he situated himself beside her. 'What was that about?'

She giggled at him. 'It's nothing you need to worry about, dear. Mariana and I were just sharing a joke.'

'Made at my expense…' Severus drawled as he opened the door to the Potions classroom for her.

She turned around to gape at him when he brushed by her and went into the storeroom to get ingredients. Propping herself up on the storeroom door, she grinned. 'Severus, you can't possibly be upset with me because of that. It was not made at your expense. You just happened to be the only one present who didn't hear what I said beforehand.'

He sat down the vials in his hand and spun around in one fluid motion a sneer firmly implanted on his face. 'And what exactly did you say that was just so humorous, my dear? Please. Enlighten me.'

She stepped up to him and stroked down his buttons. 'It was childish really. Surely you understood my innuendo.'

Looking straight forward into the classroom, Severus spoke stiffly. 'Yes. I'm not daft. Although I wish I knew why you thought it necessary to be so crude in front of a student.'

She pushed herself into him. 'Because I know it drives you mad with lust.' He didn't move or say anything for a moment, yet she could clearly see his breathing change. 'It does drive you mad doesn't it?' She leaned up on tiptoes and breathed on his neck. 'Perhaps not as much as I thought.'

Before she could take her next breath he had closed the storeroom door and pinned her up against it. His black orbed eyes staring down intently into her auburn ones. 'Is this what you wanted, witch? Me to fuck you up against my storeroom door?'

She smirked. 'I can't say I didn't want it.'

He exhaled forcefully as he reached down to pull her dress up. She bit her lip and reached down to undo his trousers. He immediately swatted her hand away, yanking down her knickers and pulling her legs up onto his shoulders. 'Do you enjoy making me look like a fool?' He spat.

Her features instantly softened. 'Of course not, Severus. I would never wish to-'

Interrupting her, he shoved her against the door with a clang. 'It would seem that you need to be punished, Jordan. Breaking rules with a student and demeaning my authority there after.' Bringing his hand up to cup her core, he firmly squeezed, causing her mouth to drop and making her hips grind into his hand.

'You are never to act that way in front of a student again. Do I make myself clear?' He whispered, venom dripping from his lips.

She opened her eyes and looked at him. Not being able to speak, she merely nodded her head in agreement. Knowing full well that she would have laid into him, had he not had her in this position.

That evil little grin spread across his face. 'Good. Now, I don't think I've eaten enough today. What do you think?'

Somehow she found her ability to speak. 'Do you even have to ask, Severus?' She mused with a painful look on her face.

He didn't even have to ask why. As he glanced down he could see her dripping with want. Smirking, he looked back up at her face. 'Even through my anger, you find a way to make yourself wanton. I dare say you are unable to resist me?'

Jordan reached down suddenly to grip the loose fabric of his teaching robes hard. With his undivided attention she spoke low, her need for him emanating throughout the small room. 'Please. Severus. Eat your fill.'

With that he seemingly disappeared from view, but Jordan could feel his nose thinly grazing her inner thighs, teasing her even more than he already had.

Becoming exceedingly frustrated with him, she tried to reach down and grab his head and guide his mouth to its rightful place, but as she did, she began to fall.

He growled in frustration as hands came up to cup her buttocks. He propped her up on the door again as he finally made contact with her quim.

It was so unexpected that she yelped in ecstasy, making him hum in approval. At feeling this, her hands flew up again, resulting in a loud crack and sharp shooting pain to her right palm.

She immediately tried to get his attention, but she couldn't utter a thing but a resounding 'Oh my God!' before her legs had tightened around his cheeks and she was spiraling into the heat of her orgasm, her head grinding against the doorframe.

As she began to come down she felt a pain in her head as well as her palm. She pulled her right hand down to see about six or seven porcupine quills sticking out of her reddening hand as well as the clear sheen of the glass she had busted over her head.

Her breathing was once again heated as she started hitting him with her left hand and gasping out his name. 'Severus, stop. Stop! I've hurt myself! Stop!'

His head instantly appeared again and his eyes widened as he saw the broken jar above her and the small trickle of blood that rolled down the side of her forehead.

He removed one of her legs from his shoulder and cradled her as he opened the door with his other hand.

Sitting her down at the station closest to the front he flew over to the cupboard where he kept emergency supplies.

He came back over to her with a thick stack of gauze, two vials and two sets of tweezers. Opening one of the vials, he tilted her head back. 'I know it tastes horrible, but you have to drink it.'

Her face twisted up as she swallowed the putrid tasting potion. She looked up at him with those puppy dog eyes he hated seeing because he knew it meant that she was truly hurting.

Taking a deep breath he turned and uttered a spell that usually made his skin crawl. 'Expecto Patronum!' With a flourish of his wand Jordan saw a small, blue fox fly out from the end of his wand. She saw his expression change as if this was a new development. He then glanced at her and quickly turned back to the small creature. 'Fetch Poppy in the infirmary and tell her where we are. Don't let anyone else see you.'

Turning back to her, he took her left hand. 'My hand is good, but Poppy's is better. Plus, this is going to fucking hurt, and I can't bare not being able to comfort you.'

She nodded her head in understanding and tried to lean in towards him, but he stopped her. 'Eh. No. You have quite a bit of glass in the top of your head, dear. Doing that will only make it worse.'

About that time, Poppy came bursting through the door. 'I came as quick as I could, Severus. Is she-oh, merlin's beard!' She said rushing over to Jordan.

As Poppy looked to check her condition, Severus updated her. 'I administered pain potion, but I don't think it's going to do much good. I could have tried to take the glass out myself, but she tends to squirm.'

'No matter, Severus. I can take it out. It looks to be too deep for me to use magic, so muggle methods will have to do.' She leaned back to look at Jordan. 'This is going to hurt a lot, my dear; but try to work through it. The pain potion Severus gave you should help a bit, but I'm afraid a good amount of pain will still be present.' Turning to Severus she eyed him. 'Should I even ask how she got this way?'

'I hardly think that's important at the moment, Poppy. You never ask your students how they got themselves in predicaments, so why ask your staff?' Severus spat.

Poppy's hands flew up in front of her. 'I figured as much. I'll remove the quills first if you don't mind. You might want to go fetch some blood-replenishing potion. She'll need it by the time she's done.'

Severus shot up and took a thin, brown vial from the cupboard of supplies and took his place beside her again. He took her hand as she started to whimper. Rubbing the top of her hand, he gave her a look of sympathy. 'I know, sweetie, but I promise it'll be over before you know it. Just focus on me.'

Nodding her head, she looked deep into his eyes.

Poppy noticed how much Severus seemed to care for her seeing as he never even tried to comfort others he brought to her.

He eyed her warily as she picked up a pair of tweezers and laid Jordan's hand down flat. 'You know Severus, himself, once came to me with this same affliction and he was nowhere as calm as you are, Jordan. He's always been the worst patient when it comes to treating him.' Pulling out a quill, she heard Jordan cry out only to hear Severus cooing her from beside.

She simpered as she went to remove another, hearing Jordan again. Severus switched his hand he was holding hers with so that he could rub her back. 'Shhh, sweetie. It's ok. I'm here. It's ok.'

Poppy couldn't help but swoon a bit at how sweet Severus was being to Jordan as she went to pluck another quill from her hand. 'You're lucky to have a partner who loves you as much as Severus does, Jordan. I've never seen him so caring. You know how he tends to brood.' She took out another and Jordan cursed under her breath.

Severus still kept talking to her as she continued to take out the remaining quills. Although Jordan could have killed him for causing this in the first place, she couldn't help but feel thankful for his menstruations. He was making small circles on her back with his hand like he did before they went to sleep. It was extremely calming. She couldn't tell if she was getting sleepy or she had now lost enough blood to pass out; but she reached for the bottle near his hand anyway.

Knowing she wouldn't have grabbed for it unless she needed it, Severus uncorked the vile and guided it to her mouth. She drank it back like a shot, knowing how horrible it tasted and instantly felt better, aside from Poppy plucking the last piece of glass from her hand. 'Fucking Christ, Poppy! Do you have to dig so deep to get it out?' She spat in her rage.

Severus rubbed her back again and gave her a warning look. 'Jordan, your Severus is showing.'

'Oh shut up, Sev. Didn't Poppy just say how horrible of a patient you are-Ouch! For fucks sake, Poppy! At least warn me.' She spat yet again as the matron was rubbing a stitching ointment on her open wound.

'Forgive me, Jordan.' Poppy said as she eyed them both. Wrapping her hand, she moved on to her head. 'I can only imagine how headstrong she'll be in labor, Severus. We'll both be in for a treat.'

'I'll be in more trouble than you, Poppy. You won't be the one who put her in that situation. I only hope she won't hex my bullocks off.' Severus mused as he held her hand and took her right hand, kissing it and rubbing his fingers around the gauze over the wound.

She smiled at him before she gasped as Poppy removed a large shard of glass from her head. 'Shhh, sweetie. It will get worse before it gets better.' He cooed.

Her eyes looked onto his and boy were they desperate. 'Hum to me, Sev. Like you did when I broke my ankle in second year.'

He sighed and glanced up at Poppy. 'I don't mind, Severus. I've heard you before.' She mused laughing at her colleague's pride.

Jordan gasped again as Poppy removed another shard. Her grip on his hand tightened to the point where he couldn't feel his hand. 'Alright, Alright. Merlin, you've got a grip. Can I move her Poppy?'

She lowered her hands. 'Of course. Anything to make her comfortable.'

Severus scooted the bench they were sitting on out and motioned her over to him. 'Straddle me, darling, and situate your head on my shoulder so Poppy can get to the back of it.'

She did so and Poppy couldn't help, but sigh as Severus enveloped her into him, rubbing her back again. 'Squeeze as hard as you need to now, sweetie. I'm sure I've felt worse.'

Her grip around him tightened and he started to hum into her shoulder. As Poppy went on, she noticed how relaxed Jordan seemed to become after she moved to clutch onto Severus. Anytime the pain became too much for her she'd cry into him and he would pull her into him a little bit tighter and whisper words of encouragement into her ear.

Her tears were flowing freely now and she couldn't help but notice the deep furrow of Severus' brow anytime she sobbed into him. It was the most heartbreaking, yet sweet thing the matron had ever seen during her time as a healer. How this man who had caused so many students and adults so much pain could have comforted his fiancé in such a way was completely beyond her. She had never seen Severus so intent to make someone happy since… well she had never really seen him act like this. The only time he even came close were during his years at Hogwarts.

Poppy then realized to the full extent just how much they cared for each other. She knew Severus had fallen head over heels for Lily Evans when he was a boy and knew what he looked like when he was in love. And by Merlin, this was so much more than that.

Jordan, however, was a different story. Poppy had always noticed she never was with any other boy alone, even at Yule Ball. Although her curly haired friend surrounded herself with boys, Jordan seemed to be content being single. Poppy then realized how she was always around Severus when she was in school. Minerva and Pomona had spoken about it many times, but she had never thought anything of it, he was her Head of House after all.

Anytime Jordan was hurt over her time at the school, the first thing she always asked for was if someone had informed Severus. Poppy thought it was because she was his right hand person, but all of this hit her like a brick wall. They had been in love for years and she hadn't seen it. And now, here she was seeing it so blatantly in front of her own eyes it was a little too much to comprehend. In that moment, she vowed to always see that they were well taken care of. She hoped that because of this, she would be able to take part in their lives: birth their children, help them as they aged, and even birth their grandchildren given the chance.

As she finished, she tapped Severus' free shoulder. 'She's good as new, Severus. I would see that she rests her head for the rest of the day. Do either of you have rounds tonight?'

'No. We are free for the rest of the day. Would you proscribe alcohol once this pain potion wears off? She'll keep me up all night if I don't give her something.'

'Yes, dear that should be fine. Just don't give her too much. A drunken patient is worse than a crying one. Do you need me to help you all back to your rooms?'

He glanced over at his unprepared lab equipment and sent it a head of them with a snap of his fingers. 'No. I think I can carry her back.' He looked up to her and smiled. 'Thank you, Poppy. You don't know how much this means to me.'

This being the first thanks she had ever received from him, she grinned and shook his shoulder slightly. 'The pleasure is all mine, Severus. Seeing how much you love her has really put things in perspective for me. If there is anything else you both need, let me know.'

She then turned and opened the door to the classroom as she saw the shape of the storeroom beside her. Turning back to see him walking over with Jordan asleep on his chest, she realized what had happened. Or at least had an idea. With a wave of her wand, it was back to its original state. Severus nodded his head to her as he walked through the door with his most precious object in his arms.

Bidding Poppy a farewell, he started for their rooms. Hoping to god they didn't see anyone or anything along the way. He really would rather not explain this to anyone, but Minerva seeing as he knew she would find out somehow.

Looking down at Jordan, he smiled and felt a pang of guilt. It was he who had caused this whole debacle in the first place. However, he also knew she wasn't angry with him and for once, he dropped his self-doubt.

She was just so perfect as she slept in his arms. How could someone who loved him that much be upset with him after he cared for and endured the shame of asking someone else for help? He knew she would be nothing, but grateful to him when she woke and for some reason, that cured him of his long-time struggle. As he reached their door, he was in sheer awe at how much she had turned his life around. He kissed her forehead as he unwarded his office door and strode in.