BOOK 2: CHAPTER 13

The following morning, Snape reluctantly unlocked the laboratory door and pushed it open, inch by inch. Just as reluctantly, she peered inside for a split second and then stepped back against him.

"Still yellow?" he asked glumly.

She nodded slowly. "Yes. I'm sorry."

"Yellow…why would someone use yellow as a weapon?"

She shrugged and looked down. "Someone who wants us to be separated, I suppose. We can't work together in there. I'll be sick five minutes into it."

"What the hell is the significance of yellow?" he wondered aloud. "Why would that scare you? I mean, I know it's a horrid color, but other than that, why?"

She shrugged. "I hate yellow. I hate it more than anything."

He nodded. "Any reason you hate it?"

"No. I just feel like it's…gaudy and loud and surrounding me…awful."

He smiled. "It is awful. I've ruined you with all of the black."

She smiled dreamily. "Black is wonderful. You're very right to wear it."

He laughed and kissed her .

Shuddering, she slipped her arm around him. "I'm nervous, though. If I'm not crazy, then Draco may be behind this – which means he's out there somewhere."

Snape nodded. "Pity some owl didn't eat him, but I'm afraid you're right."

"But how on earth will we find him?" she asked in frustration.

"We may need help," Snape answered pensively. "Perhaps I'll pay his mother a visit. We're old friends."

She paused and eyed him curiously. "You are?"

He swallowed hard and adjusted his collar.

"What do you mean 'old friends?'" she probed.

He smiled archly. "You are the most jealous woman I've ever known."

"Hopefully, you haven't known too many," she grumbled, playing with the ties on his cloak.

"Oh Amelia, it was nothing. I used her a couple of times when Lucius was off trying to destroy things."

"What?" she gasped.

"I've made no secret of my dark past." He smiled smugly.

She looked down. "…was it spiritual?"

"It was purely physical. You know, like what we have…but better."

"Thanks, so much," she sulked.

"Thank God you didn't die that night," he chuckled. "It's so much fun whipping you into a frenzy. It really is."

Laughing, she blushed and looked deep into his eyes. "I know you think it's spiritual. I understand that men just can't say those things."

"That's it, precisely."

"May I come with you to see her?" she begged.

"Why?" he asked. "You don't know her. What interest would you have?"

She smiled. "Oh, we've met."

"What?"

"We had a lovely chat after you'd been attacked."

His eyes narrowed. "Really?"

She smiled. "Yes."

His eyes narrowed further. "What did you say to her?"

"Nothing much, really."

His eyes darkened suspiciously. "Amelia…"

"I really can't remember specifics, Severus, but I'd love to see her again."

"I don't like the sound of this," he muttered.

"I'd love to see her house. You've told me how scary it is."

His smile faded. "Amelia, she's dangerous – and crazy. I don't want you going there."

"I'm more dangerous than she is. And crazier. Please…please let me come."

He eyed her curiously and then nodded. "No explosions. Promise?"

"I'll do my best." She smiled sweetly.