Chapter 44

Severus thought the week would drag on forever until his Saturday morning detention with Leah. He spent his nights alone, in front of a crackling fire in his chamber, reading or grading parchments; he occupied himself with anything that would take his mind off of how badly he missed her.


Severus' Journal

Wednesday, November 29, 2006
10:40 p.m.

For the first time in many years, I am actually not dreading Christmas. While I know I must meet Leah's family and find some way to win their approval, I find myself curious about them and eager to know the people who have made her who she is. I am also very anxious to see James again and make my apologies in person. Leah assures me that he is not angry with me, but having had so few real friends in my life, I feel I must mend things with him face to face.

While the rumors about me 'losing my edge' are of some concern, I find myself experiencing a strange and pleasant sensation each morning when I wake. I look forward to the day's prospects, seeing my Leah, working with my more capable students, not taking things for granted any more. My life has not been a fairy tale, but it is infinitely more enjoyable without bitterness and disappointment as my constant companions.

As much as I love Leah, I often wonder if I possess the courage to tell her – or to make a life with her. The old me would have been afraid of the embarrassment I will surely suffer when all is revealed. However, the man I feel taking over does not care. He is only interested in being with Leah and becoming the man she deserves.

I have never had anyone else to consider; the impact of my actions, my choices and my past will all affect her, and I still find myself surprised that she is willing to take me on. Her strength is more than surprising.


Leah strode into Professor Snape's office on Saturday morning as he sat behind his desk trying to grade a few last minute assignments before their "detention".

"Good morning, Miss Manning," he said, looking up from his desk and closing the door with a flick of his wand.

"Good morning, Professor. I was wondering, could we spend a little time this morning working on something related to school? I need help with something and since I have an expert all to myself…"

"Of course. I like to think that you would use me as a resource whenever you need to and that perhaps you may have even learned a few things from me."

Leah stood behind his chair, running her hands over his shoulders and down his chest before leaning close to his ear. "I probably should have learned much more in your class than I have, darling. It's just that when I hear you giving out the day's instructions, all I really want is to do is misbehave so you'll ask me to stay after class for a reprimand. Your voice is quite a distraction."

"It is fortunate that you have such admirable self control. I find that I am less and less able to control myself in your presence. Only two weeks until break," he said, looking mischievous.

"I know. I've been counting the days," Leah said, curling into his lap. "The spells I want to learn aren't really related to the curriculum. I want to learn some defensive spells in case Peena-lope tries to jump me again. You can teach me those, right?"

"Probably better than most, unfortunately."

"On the contrary, I think it's quite fortunate. You and I could be a good team, kickin' ass and takin' names."

"Are you really worried that she will attack you? Have you heard something about Miss Wilder?" he asked skeptically.

"Nothing in particular, but she really hates me. I can see it in her face when we pass in the corridors, and it's been that way all semester. She always looks like she's ready for a catfight. I'm sure she'll drop Divination when she comes back from break and sees that I'm Trelawney's apprentice. I hate that, though. I don't like the thought that I would be the one to keep her from studying it. Although, I guess we're a nice pair, loose cannon Leah and the dreaded Professor Snape," she said with an amateur's evil laugh.

"Speak for yourself. I thought you said I was losing my edge."

"That reminds me, I think I may have thought of a wager for today's match. I propose that if Ravenclaw wins, you will have to make friends with Professor Weasley. When I got stuck with him that afternoon, he said you didn't seem as bad as he remembered."

Leah waited and watched Severus consider her proposal. She knew what she hoped to achieve, but wondered how transparent her scheme was. Leah had laid awake the previous evening for some time trying to think of a way to get Severus more comfortable with the Weasleys; she saw the look pass over his face last time they came up in conversation and sensed that he dreaded having to be with them in a social setting.

"So, you think if I'm nice to Charlie, that will smooth the way for us to be friendly with all of the Weasleys?"

"Us? Did you just speak of you and me as one entity?" Leah asked hopefully.

"Yes. Does that make you uncomfortable?"

He was barely finished speaking when Leah captured him with a fiery kiss.

"Does that answer your question?" she asked, catching her breath. "You see 'us' doing things and being a couple in the future tense. I am very comfortable with that. Girls love that stuff. And, yes, that is why I wanted you to be friendly with him. It wouldn't be that suspicious, would it? He's a Professor now, as he took great pride in reminding me. He's just a wee bit full of himself."

"Very well, I accept your wager. I'll be friendly to Charlie if Ravenclaw wins, and if Hufflepuff wins, you will help me clean out and reorganize my private stores next Saturday."

"Hot."

"Your wager isn't exactly steamy. Now, I suggest we begin on those defense spells before we get distracted. I would hate for you to be a damsel in distress."


As Gray and the rest of the Ravenclaw team celebrated their Quidditch win down on the field, Severus looked over at a satisfied Leah who gave him a slight nod. She watched as he turned to Charlie Weasley and began a conversation.

"Leah, did you just see Snape looking at you?" Charlie Mongomery asked.

"No. What do you mean? He was looking at me?"

Charlie gave her a grandiose, exaggerated nod. "And he was smiling. I didn't think he knew how."

"Well, maybe he won a bet or something. Look, he's talking with Professor Weasley, I bet they had a wager going on the match." Leah hoped her lie would distract Charlie long enough to escape or change the subject.

"Professor Shacklebolt, how are you today?" Leah asked as he approached, trying to deflect attention from herself.

"Freezing. How are you Miss Manning?" he asked with a smile.

"I'm cold, too, but it was a great match," she said, playing with the fringe on her scarf.

"Would you walk back to the castle with me? There's something I would like to discuss with you," he asked, suddenly serious.

"Is everything alright?"

"I think so. It's regarding the vision you asked me about." Once they reached the ground and got away from the crowd, he continued. "I mentioned it to Minerva because I was concerned, and I wanted her to be in on it in case anything happened."

"That's probably a good idea."

"She told me that several of your past visions involved you. Leah, do you think it could be you that I was carrying to the Hospital Wing?" Kingsley asked, deep concern marring his usually jovial face.

"I suppose it could have been. I wasn't able to make out any detail on the person being carried."

A cold shiver went down Leah's spine as she spoke, and she was suddenly glad she was working on defensive spells with Severus.

"I didn't mean to scare you. I'm sure everything will be fine."


Leah spent more time than usual studying with Marian in the library the following week. Deep into a review of the Goblin Wars for her History of Magic exam, Leah noticed Penelope out of the corner of her eye. Looking up, she saw her coming out of the restricted section looking terribly pleased with herself.

"What do you suppose she was up to?" Leah said, gently nudging Marian and tilting her head in Penelope's direction.

"No telling," Marian replied as Penelope shot them an ugly look.

"What's in the restricted section?"

"Lots of stuff, rare books, hard to find information, Dark magic. You need a note signed by a Professor to get in."

"What did you find, Peena-lope?" Leah said through her teeth as she narrowed her gaze.


Author's Note: My apologies for the delay in posting this chapter. It is most annoying when life gets in the way of your story. ;) In other news, I really am getting ready to post the Kingsley one-shot...it should show up under my profile as a second story. As always, thanks for reading and reviewing! -MK