The soft sound of running water drew Lyria out of her slumber. After a few moments of drearily blinking away the sleep from her eyes she realized where she was, and what had happened the night before. She became aware that while she was missing her top, the dark green silk sheet had been draped over her chest. Snape was ever the gentleman it seemed.

There was only a hint of light coming through the window, but Lyria found herself quite awake as she replayed the night's events in her mind.

He had seemed to truly enjoy what they had done, but Lyria couldn't help but wonder exactly what he had thought about it. Was it too much too soon? Was she not as good as his previous lovers? Is that what they were?

Cuddling into the soft pillows, Lyria wished she could stay in his bed forever, never thinking about the consequences, never thinking about all the other things in her life, just lay there with him.

As she tried to shut her eyes to the outside world reality seemed to set in and she realized how much she had to do that day. Perhaps an early start wasn't a bad idea.

Conjuring a purple rose, she lay the flower on his pillow before setting off to find where exactly she had left the rest of her robes.

Peering around the corner, Severus found the bedroom empty. He had already dressed in his usual robes, unsure if his appearance in a towel would be quite welcome should Lyria be awake. Although it seemed he had nothing to worry about, she was gone. Did she regret last night? Is that why she left? Had he made her uncomfortable? Severus ached to feel her again, those full lips wrapped around him… her hands…

He scolded himself, enough! She had gone… obviously- but then his eyes came to rest on his pillow. He strode to where the purple flower lay, picking it up and twirling the thorny stem in his fingers.

A purple rose, a symbol of desire…

In that moment Severus made up his mind. No more doubting, Lyria had made him feel that good last night for a reason, she had wanted to, and he wanted her in return, more than just physically.

Snape moved quickly out the door, heading to the kitchens to gather a few things before making his way to Lyria's room.

"Coming!" Lyria twitched her blouse into place before hurrying to answer the door. Breakfast wasn't for another hour, who could be knocking so early?

When she opened the door Snape stood there looking a bit flustered. The sight of the infamously stern potions professor looking nervous was quite amusing.

"Severus? Oh, Good morning." He gave her a nod of acknowledgment, seemingly unable to form words.

Where had all the confidence from a few minutes ago gone? He chastised himself as he attempted to force his lips to move.

"Would you like to come in?" Lyria held open the door a bit more and he nodded again before moving into her room, a silver tray floating behind him. Closing the door behind him she turned "So? What's all this?"

Snape looked a bit sheepish, "I brought you breakfast. I wanted to talk to you and you didn't get much dinner so I thought…" he stopped speaking and Lyria smiled at his nervousness, somehow it gave her confidence.

"I may not have gotten dinner," She crossed her arms and moved towards him slowly, a wicked grin spreading across her features, "But I had a lovely dessert."

Her words shot straight through him and suddenly he had to touch her. Severus closed the distance between them and pressed his lips to hers, feeling her melt beneath him. They stayed that way for who knows how long before Snape broke away, this time it was he who had a wicked glint in his eyes. "Perhaps tonight it will be my turn to get some dessert."

Lyria felt her core tighten at the implication and a blush spread across her cheeks. She gave an enthusiastic nod before Severus said "Come, let's eat."

Severus pulled the chair from her desk and Lyria sat in her large armchair as they ate. They didn't say much, talking here and there about their project, but mainly they were simply enjoying each other's company.

When Lyria's clock chimed 8 they reluctantly charmed away the dishes and moved to the door to head to the Great Hall. If they didn't show up it would look suspicious.

Before Lyria could open the door Severus grabbed her arm and spun her to him, crushing his lips to hers in a fervent display of passion. Her arms circled his neck and he pushed her against the door as their need overtook them.

Moving his kisses down her neck, Lyria gasped at the sensation but tried to reel herself in. "Severus… Severus we have to-" He was making it difficult to form a coherent sentence. "We have to go Sev." She gently placed hand on his cheek and brought his lips back to hers before pulling away to look at him.

"Tonight okay?"

"Very well." She nodded at his response and moved to turn away, "Lyria wait."

She looked up into his eyes which, where a moment ago she had seen hunger, there was now a sort of earnest tension.

"Yes?"

"I have something to ask you."

"Alright… is everything okay?" She looked concerned and he quickly reassured her.

"Yes everything is fine. But I just need to ask," Lyria was expecting another question about whether or not she is really attracted to him, perhaps another inquiry as to if she was okay with what was happening, instead he looked her directly in the eyes and softly but sincerely said "Will you go to the Yule ball with me?"

Pure shock shot through her. She had been so sure he wouldn't ask her, she hadn't even thought about what she would do if he did. She tried to grasp at some of the thoughts swirling through her head.

"But I - I wasn't in Slytherin, do you mean for me to-?"

"Yes I do." He sounded so sure, "You represent the best qualities of my house, you're clever and resourceful, that and the students adore you." She blushed at the compliment and he continued. "Besides," He smirked, "It would take a real Gryffindor to appear at the Yule Ball with a Slytherin."

She smiled up at him, meeting his gaze again. "I guess that's true."

"There's one more thing, I want you to be there to represent my house with me, but more than that, as my partner."

"Severus are you sure? People will suspect-"

"I don't care and neither should you, we can do what we please, as long as we are able to continue in our positions."

Lyria couldn't believe what she was hearing, she had half a mind to try and talk it out more, but her excitement won out and all she could respond was "Yes Severus, I would love to go to the ball with you."

Snape entered the Great Hall first and Lyria followed a few minutes later. Try as she might Lyria couldn't wipe the small smile off her face. Even Snape was having a hard time scowling.

As they picked at their food Minerva noticed the two's odd behavior, when a Gryffindor in front of Lyria threw a biscuit at a Slytherin, instead of getting upset she simply walked over to the boy, quietly scolded him, and returned to her seat. Looking no less happy.

Dying for answers, and noticing that Dumbledore seemed to be watching the pair as well, McGonagall stood and moved to speak with Lyria.

"Good morning Minerva!"

"It seems so dear, what's gotten into you?"

Lyria blushed, "Nothing…"

Minerva rolled her eyes "Honestly you're practically glowing."

"Fine, let's just say you were right. I seem to have a date to the Yule Ball."

It was difficult for Minerva to remain professional, she smiled and gave Lyria's arm a squeeze. "I told you so."

"I know. I should know by now that's you're always right huh?" Said Lyria teasingly.

"Perhaps" came McGonagall's chuckled reply. They grinned at each other for another moment before Lyria came back to reality.

"Was there something you wanted to speak to me about?"

"Come to my office after dinner, we need to talk about next semester." Lyria's face paled and she quickly reassured the young witch. "Don't worry it's good news. Besides, we have to get you fitted for your dress." She shot her a wink before moving back to her seat, leaving Lyria even more excited than before. It seemed the day was off to a great start.

As breakfast neared its end Lyria finished off her coffee and made to stand when suddenly the enchanted ceiling above them began change. The winter sky was replaced by white fluffy clouds and from somewhere light violin music began to play as small hearts started to fall amongst the snowflakes. The hall looked up in confusion when suddenly the entrance to the Great Hall burst open and none other than Professor William Pendragon walked in.

Sporting a large grin, he wore fine gold robes and carried a frilly bouquet of flowers. Lyria felt a pit in her stomach as he eyed her, strutting down the hall in her direction.

Whispers broke out amongst the students as Pendragon ascended the stairs and approached Lyria's end of the table.

She was mortified, her face was ash white and she seemed unable to move as Pendragon stopped in front of her and thrust the flowers into her hands, she took them only because if she hadn't the Daisies would have spilled everywhere. Daisies, she hated daisies.

"Lyria Artemis," his voice boomed through the hall and the whispers quieted, all eyes on the pair of them. Even the teachers had stood and were watching, Snape of course seemed to be radiating anger but kept his mouth shut.

"It has come to my attention that you are not only a talented witch, but a supremely beautiful woman and every bit the lioness a proper Gryffindor should be. As a Gryffindor myself, as a visiting professor looking to showcase the best that Hogwarts has to offer, I must ask,"

He stepped back from the table and spread his arms wide in some sort of display of showmanship.

"Will you go to the Yule ball with me?"

The Great Hall had never been so silent. All eyes were on Lyria, she could feel the eager stares on the Gryffindors, the knives being thrown at Pendragon from the eyes of the Slytherins, the disheartened glances from the Ilvermorny girls and several Ravenclaws. Lyria acknowledges them all. She felt like a lion in a ring, all eyes on her, expecting some sort of display.

Her mind screamed at her to accept, to avoid the drama that would be caused by rejection, but her heart pulled towards Severus, the connection they had, and his own request for her to attend with him. She felt split between duty and what she wanted.

She felt like she was facing her father all over again, being asked to abandon her own feelings for the good of the group, to protect her image. Lyria couldn't betray her heart again…

She drew herself to her fullest height and put on her best diplomatic expression, a look of cool serenity that bordered on indifference.

"Professor Pendragon, I am honored by your request."

He beamed and bowed his head, seeing to take the comment as a yes. Lyria quickly jumped in.

"But I must decline." Holding the flowers out back toward Pendragon, the hall gasped at her answer.

Blank shock showed upon William's face for just a moment before it started to become red with anger. His fists clenched and his arms lowered to his sides.

"Why?"

Lyria could tell he was trying to hold in his anger as his voice trembled slightly. His question was a sweetly veiled attempt to calm himself.

"Someone as already asked me." endragon began to ask who but she held up a soft but firm hand to stop him.

"It does not matter with whom. My answers stands. I appreciate you asking but again," she placed the flowers in his hands as he stood shaking, angry and dumbfounded. "I must say no."

Lyria turned to leave, the pressure of all the eyes becoming overwhelming.

"It's you isn't it! You took her!" Suddenly William threw down the flowers and pointed accusingly at Severus.

Before Mcgonagall could raise her voice and other professors moved to take Pendragon away the Slytherins gave a great cheer. The other houses, including the Durmstrang and Ilvermorny students looked on in shock, trying to understand the sudden commotion.

It happened so quickly, Lyria didn't get a chance to fully react before Pomona Sprout was taking her from the room as Dumbledore stood, presumably in an effort to exert some sort of damage control. Snape looked on helplessly as Lyria fled, unable to follow without further incriminating himself and her. What had he done?