"Ouch." Lucia said halfheartedly as Severus attempted to pull her onto the dancefloor. "My shoulder." She stuck out her bottom lip in a pout that may have seemed innocent if her eyes weren't flickering with mirth.

"Your shoulder is perfectly healed. Even Madam Pomfrey said you would be fine." He replied, raising an eyebrow at her poor attempt at evasion.

"It's still swollen." Lucia complained.

"I happen to have an excellent view of your shoulder and it has never looked better." Severus said. In fact he had quite a good view of most of her.

When Lucia arrived in his chambers earlier that evening and took off her cloak to reveal her dress he had been momentarily unable to say anything. Or if he did say anything, he couldn't quite remember exactly what he said.

He hadn't known Lucia to dress particularly provocatively. Even her dress for the Yule Ball had shown only a bit of cleavage and leg. This dress was an entirely different matter. The metallic fabric of the bust made it look like her breasts were being displayed on a chrome platter. The entirety of her right leg up to her hip was exposed by a long slit, with the rest of the fabric gathered around her hip and then flowing back into a small train. The bodice was fitted tight, showing off her narrow waist and the curve of her hips. He was quite pleased that this was his date.

Severus was so enamored that he almost didn't even notice her hair was straight, pulled back in a sleek bun. He wondered how long that had taken her considering she was not at breakfast that morning and when he had knocked on her door earlier she had yelled something along the lines of "Unless you have a razor and a wig you're wasting my fucking time."

"It's a lot, isn't it." She muttered, trying to pull the slit closed. Her smile was nervous and he noticed the red lipstick he liked so much had been replaced by a soft pink.

"Only if you don't intend on being the most beautiful woman there." Severus said. He only realized how cheesy the remark was after he had said it.

"Oh I am sure Narcissa will have that crown already placed on her immaculate blonde head. I have no desire to steal her crown." Lucia laughed, waving a hand flippantly.

It was only after they had arrived at the celebration that he realized having an attractive and extremely exposed woman as his date wasn't entirely a good thing. It seemed like every single member of the ministry had tried to have a conversation with her while they were being served cocktails and appetizers. Severus had taken to wrapping an arm around her waist, something he hadn't done in front of anyone before, just to ward them off.

In fact Lucia and Severus hadn't done much of anything physical. She had been injured and tired for the few days after Christmas and then preoccupied with rehearsal. He had offered company while she practiced but she quickly rejected that idea, claiming he would be a distraction. Severus thought that was entirely the point but gave up, happy to see her for an hour or two in the evening where she occasionally leaned up against him as they read or would grab his leg absently when they were talking. He had considered kissing her of course but the catastrophic smashing of faces that was their first kiss had made him feel like he needed to make the second kiss exponentially better. And what was better than a midnight kiss?

Severus wasn't quite sure how sentimental Lucia was about those kinds of things. Her opinion on valentines day indicated a possible indifference to all romantic traditions, but surely there would be one or two she had appreciation for.

Now in the ballroom of the Malfoy manor, Severus dreaded kissing Lucia in front of all these people. The romance of the moment seemed to dissipate more and more each time a leering man approached her and inquired about her relationship with the Malfoy family.

At some point in the night Lucia had taken it upon herself to wrap her hand around Severus' arm permanently, leaning closer every time someone approached.

"It's like they can't tell we are a couple." Lucia scoffed, taking a bite out of the cheese stuffed pastry that was being passed around before quickly summoning another one from the waiter's tray.

Severus glanced down at his attire. It was the same set of robes, though they were his least worn out pair. He had tried to wash his hair and even pulled it away from his face with a tie, something Lucia had immediately complimented. But he knew he didn't look quite the part that Lucia did. Despite her tattoos, she looked like she belonged in a world of opulence where beauty was valued and appreciated. She was beautiful. He was… well he was Severus.

"Most people assumed I would be a bachelor for my blissfully short life. I think they are confused that I'm neither dead nor alone." Severus shot her a smile. "Also I did hear Wilkie Twycross say something about me possibly paying you to be my date."

Lucia frowned at that information. "You couldn't afford me on a professor's salary. He should know that."

The joke was lighthearted but he could tell she was still displeased by the way she squeezed his arm and looked around a bit.

"Are you quite sure you don't want to dance?" Severus asked for what felt like the tenth time that night.

Lucia sighed. "I'm sure I don't want to, but I will if you insist." She said. "Besides I had to beg Flitwick to charm my heels." She opened up the slit and lifted her heel off the ground to show off the muted gold stilettos. "I can't help if my upper body looks like shit, but at least my feet will be doing the right thing."

Severus hardly thought anyone would be looking at her posture with her breasts on display in the way they were but kept his comment to himself.

They waited until a slower waltz came on before walking onto the ballroom floor.

"Chin up, shoulders back no gooseneck." Severus whispered to her as they clasped hands. "And stop pulling on my robes."

"Sorry" She grimaced, relaxing her grip and trying to prevent herself from being a further embarrassment.

Lucia spent a majority of the dance with an expression that combined fear and anxiety with intense concentration. When Severus muttered in her ear that he was going to spin her, the only reply she could muster was a quiet squeak as he twirled her in front of him, the train of her gown flowing around her like an ocean of chrome.

When the song ended he asked if she would like to dance again and she quickly rejected that idea, nearly dragging him off the dance floor and back into the crowd.

Narcissa had greeted them earlier in the evening. She was sporting a sparkling black gown with silver trims that did indeed put even Lucia's gown to shame.

"If it isn't my favorite couple." Narcissa greeted, her hands clasped in front of her.

Lucius merely nodded in acknowledgement before his eyes began to wander the ballroom as people began to arrive.

"Hello Narcissa, Lucius." Severus greeted them both with his hands clasped behind his back.

"Hi." Lucia said nervously, flashing a smile. She never quite got used to these social functions, even less so without a drink in her hand. "Thank you again for the dress." She added, resting her hands on her stomach. Lucia had sent a thank you owl the day after Christmas but felt like she needed to thank her in person as the dress was incredibly beautiful and likely expensive, though what would constitute expensive to people like the Malfoy's was a mystery to Lucia.

"Of course darling. Now we really must greet the rest of our guests, but perhaps we will chat later, after your performance that is?" Narcissa said, grasping Lucius' arm and smiling sweetly at the other couple.

Lucia was due to sing at around eleven pm. By the time they exited the dance floor it was nearly ten thirty and she excused herself to go prepare.

Severus quietly retreated to the back corner of the ballroom where he spotted Draco and Blaise Zabini, two of his former students. He had been meaning to have a conversation with Draco for a matter of months it seemed like but could never catch him outside his rooms. He had become a bit of a recluse after the war.

His long blonde hair which was normally slicked back neatly was a mess around his face, looking nearly stringy with all the grease that he had put into it. A glass of what looked like hard liquor, possibly ogdens old, was clutched in his hand as he sneered out at the people.

"Hello Draco, Blaise." He offered up.

"Hello Snape." Blaise replied, looking every bit the haughty slytherin that Severus remembered him to be.

"You may be out of school but I will still be addressed as professor." Severus drawled, allowing a heavy dose of acidity to trickle into his tone.

Blaise started for a moment, ready to argue before he stood down. Snape was, after all, a far more accomplished wizard than he was.

Draco was a bit less respectful. "Who was the slut you arrived with." The sneer seemed to be a permanent addition, Severus mused. He really should have tried to meet with Draco sooner.

"That, you insufferable boy, is Lucia Sometimes, transfiguration professor and my date. I trust you will not make the mistake of insulting her again." Severus spit.

"I've heard that name. Your mum told my mum that she's some distant cousin of mine. American witch." Blaise said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Indeed, Narcissa is quite fond of Lucia." Severus added, looking pointedly at Draco. "I'm sure she would be disappointed if she knew anyone was treating her like less than she deserves."

Severus knew Draco was secretly a bit of a mommy's boy. If anything could get his behavior in line it would be the threat of his mother's disappointment.

Draco let out a huff, taking another large gulp from his glass and rubbing a hand through his hair.

"Sna-Err I mean Professor, we've been meaning to ask you something." Blaise said once realizing his friend was not going to apologize.

Severus looked at him blankly before he continued.

"Draco has been having a hell of the time leaving the house. Everything he does is being scrutinized and documented by The Daily Profit." Blaise offered up.

"If he thinks I will sympathize with him then he forgets I am in the exact same situation." Severus replied, unimpressed with the conversation so far.

"Of course. Well we were thinking that we could brew some Polyjuice potion and he could pretend to be me when he needs to get out of the house. You know, go to Diagon Alley, maybe ride his broom around, go into London."

Draco looked over at Severus with mild trepidation. He hadn't told his parents about this idea and nor did he intend to. They would tell him he should be proud of his family and his name.

Severus looked at them thoughtfully for a moment, considering the situation. Normally he did not like providing potions such as the polyjuice potion. Very rarely did people use it for anything besides mischief. But the drawn look behind Draco's eyes and his palore made Severus think that perhaps this would be beneficial for the boy.

If Severus ever thought he would have children, that time had long passed. Besides when three hundred sniveling teens and preteens were his responsibility, why would he want one more? But Draco had always been a bit more than just a student to him. He was the child of some of his most loyal friends, at least as close to 'loyal' and 'friends' as the Malfoys and Severus were capable of, respectively.

"Fine. Though I expect I will hear of no funny business occuring because of either of you." Severus snapped.

"Of course sir." Blaise said, grinning at his friend.

Snape began wandering away when he overheard Blaise mutter "See, I told you he'd be easier to convince now that he's getting laid."

Before Severus could turn around and lecture the boys, a swell of orchestral music rose above the din of conversation. The lighting dimmed, save for the orchestra and the lone figure standing in front of it.

Lucia looked serious and composed as she clasped her hands in front of her. The music behind her played a dramatic melody before fading out as she began to sing.

The language was French, or so Severus thought. He didn't pretend to be an expert on languages but based on his knowledge, it sounded like french. It took him a moment to notice that there was a scrolling of words above her head translating it to English. The letters seemed to appear from mid air, rolling out like ribbon above her.

"Ah, cruel one.

You understood me too well.

The gods bear witness to me.

These gods who in my side

Kindled the flame that is fatal

To all my blood.

I languished.

I died amid tears.

I withered.

I despaired before the fires of your charms.

Oh, such anguish your eyes

Inflicted upon my entire soul.

Ah, cruel one!

Tell me how I may expiate

A sin so profound,

Always renewed;

I can resist no longer.

Oh, Gods, deliver me!

This fatal flame

Illumines my death!

Behold my heart!

Behold my heart!

Here is where your hand must strike.

Behold my heart. Strike.

Ready your sword. Strike!"

Lucia's brow was furrowed as she finished out the song, a tight smile appearing across her lips as she finished the melody. There was a roar of applause. Severus could not blame them. She sang with conviction and precision, her practice clearly paying off. When she hit the high note at the end of the aria, he could feel the air still around him as the crowd took a collective breath. In his limited experience, he knew the note was quite high. Though she did assure him when he questioned her about the difficulty of the song that it was actually the melody that she found challenging, stating it was a challenging melody to memorize because the logic behind it wasn't clear. Whatever that meant. Despite being no expert he was under the distinct impression that her performance was close to, if not entirely, flawless.

He felt a hand clap on his back, sending him jolting forward before he turned around to see a familiar sight.

"My boy, what a lovely companion you have for this evening. You simply will have to introduce me." Horace Slughorn said, keeping his hand on Severus' shoulder.

"Horace." Severus acknowledged, noting that Lucia was busked away by Narcissa to a group of people beside the orchestra.

"I can't say I'm not surprised. Never took you for the type to… well you know. Doesn't mean I'm not happy for you! You must be quite proud." Horace continued.

"I can hardly take credit for her accomplishments." Severus said, purposefully misinterpreting his comments. If this evening had done anything it had confirmed that he was woefully undeserving of Lucia Sometimes' attention and everyone knew it.

"I would have said hello earlier but there are so many people that I haven't seen in years. Quite the event." Horace said absentmindedly.

"Yes, I suppose so."

"I must admit I was quite chuffed when you decided to take the position of potions professor again. Not that I resent you, mind you. I just thought perhaps you might want to take a break."

"Really? I was under the impression that you were happy to go back into retirement. Besides, you're getting so much attention for being a war hero after leading all those Slytherin's into battle." Severus commented, keeping his judgement to himself. Horace had spent the last seven months capitalizing on all the status he had earned during the war. The only reason he was chuffed now was because the attention was starting to slow down.

"Yes well, if you ever consider stepping down know that I would be happy to take up the post again." Horace offered, a look of shame hiding underneath his friendly smile.

Severus looked down at the man for a moment in consideration. Lucia was leaving after this year. She kept mentioning a vacant building next to the Weasley boy's shop. Though he was loath to be close to them and their brood of a family, he had to admit that brewing potions alone all day sounded a lot better than teaching. She'd hint occasionally about wanting a low stress job, something like running a shop, and mentioned perhaps applying at Flourish and Blotts, stating she had a lovely conversation with one of the witches working there. Severus thought it might be a pleasant life if Lucia and he had a potions shop of their own. No it would be especially pleasant with Lucia.

Severus looked at Horace thoughtfully, considering the man's offer. "Perhaps. I have been considering an early retirement as of late."

Author's Note (please read, important information to follow)

The song is Salammbo's Aria. It's from Citizen Kane and isn't technically from an Opera but it's really fucking good. And also really difficult to learn. I know I've got one classical singer reading. I would recommend taking a listen to the version by Venera Gimadieva. It's probably my favorite aria ever and I've been personally working on it for the past 6 months with nowhere near the level of perfection that this song demands.

So I mentioned in the last post that I had 2 story ideas for this that I plan on following this one with as it comes to a close. Well now I have 3. All of them would be continuations of this universe so Lucia and Severus' story would be part of canon for the other HP stories I write. Let me know which one, if any, you'd be interested in me writing first. All these are working titles and plots and may be modified.

The Problem with Polyjuice
Draco Malfoy/OC (Cecilia Prescott)
It's hardly Draco's fault he got in this situation. All he was trying to do was find a way to get out of the manor unrecognized and Blaise had offered him his identity as a scapegoat for excursions around the city. He didn't intend to go on a date with a half-blood. He wasn't planning to trick her into thinking he was someone else entirely. And he certainly could never have predicted that he'd fall in love with her. No, not his fault at all.

Here Be Dragons
Charlie Weasley/OC
If Sylvie wanted to get married, she would have stayed in Paris where the men were at least clean. She had far more important things to focus on. As a healer in training she didn't have time to focus on silly wizards and their propensity to get burned by oversized fire breathing lizards. Fortunately for her, Charlie didn't want a relationship either. He was already married as far as he was concerned, to a bonny lass named Norberta. Didn't mean they couldn't have a bit of fun though, did it?

A Brief History of Film
Sirius Black/OC
Sorcha reviews movies and drinks. Those are the only two things she does and that's fine with her. She might be dying but at least she's doing it with a press pass and a beer in hand. After meeting a man at the pub who has not only never seen The Godfather, but literally any other film, Sorcha makes it her personal mission to make him fall in love with movies the same way she has by showing him every film in her list of Sorcha's Top 100 Favourite Films Ever Made. Hopefully they have enough time to get through it before she... well she doesn't want to think about that. She'll just have to live long enough to finish off the list.