Disclaimer -

All things not Allosia belong to JKR.

Ch. 45 - in which Allosia asks the same question all of you have bee.



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It took Snape a moment to realize that she wasn't apologizing because she was about to leave. She was apologizing for doing this to him. She was staying. Actually, considering these were her rooms, he supposed he was staying. Slowly, he wrapped his arms loosely around her, and then she threw her own arms tightly around his shoulders. Relief. Safety. And a vague warning to himself. The Veritaserum was still in his system and would be for another few hours. He would have to watch his tongue to what degree he could.

"'Sia," he said, leaning back to get her to raise her head. "I need to lay down. This stuff makes me feel awful. May I stay?"

She got up quickly, "Yes, of course," and then held out her hand to him, to lead him to the bed.

He lay down with less grace than was typical of him, and a loud sigh of relief.

"Is there anything I can get you? Tea?" she asked.

"Gods no. Just, come, sit by me," he said. She did, and with his eyes closed he found her hands and placed one at each of his temples. "There. Now rub. And don't talk."

She smiled at his crankiness, and for a while, did as she was told. Eventually, she whispered his name to see if he was still awake and got a "Hmmm?" and an arched eyebrow in response.

"Are you furious with me?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not while under the influence of Veritaserum."

"Alright."

"I'll forgive you. I understand why you did this, but never forget that the vial is not empty, that this night will come back to you somehow, some way."

"I won't."

"Then consider the matter closed."

"Thank you. May I ask you something else?"

"Why waste my perfectly good misery. Go ahead."

"What did happen between you and Hana?"

"Is it Hana now?" he asked with a chuckle. "We had an arrangement. It was rather," he paused, searching for the right word, "dramatic. Eventually she decided I was getting sweet on her and ended it. Personally, I think it was an exercise in projection on her part."

"Were you?"

"Was I what?"

"Sweet on her."

"If you use those words, I suppose I was. But I was not in love with her."

"She's still rather fond of you."

"Hana merely finds me funny, Allosia, which I assure you, as one who has been laughed at his entire life, is something quite other than being fond."

"No, really, she is. She says I make her worry about you less."

"Hrmph. Really? Certainly seems like I was right about the projection then."

Allosia smiled. Why argue. Then, remembering, "you're not going to use Obliviate on me now, are you?"

"I think my wand would explode if I touched it right now. Consider yourself saved."

"So when are we going to do the deed?"

Snape laughed, then winced. "Ow! Don't make me laugh right now, please? And as soon as Goblins stop digging vaults in my brain."

She chuckled. "So that;s next year then?"

"Hardly. You're not safe from me anymore."

"No," she said softly, "I suppose not."