Please note, that I do not own the character of Severus Snape, or any other magical lingo.
This is a Severus/Samantha story. Samantha is my own creation.
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Chapter Three
Samantha cried hard into Severus' chest for a few minutes. Then he gently placed his heavy hands on her shoulders and squeezed reassuringly. When her sobs started to subside, she lifted her head and took a step back. With tears still streaming down her face, she looked into his eyes. He was, once again, displaying no emotions. Suddenly, Samantha straightened, and crossed her arms across her chest, a stance she used only when she was embarrassed.
"Sorry," she whispered. She looked to the floor as a stray sob escaped her lips. She was still shuddering from crying so hard. She thought she must have looked so pathetic. Severus' gaze never left her face. After a moment, she sighed, dropping her arms to her side and she looked up at him.
"I'm…sort of…in some trouble," she started. Severus raised an eyebrow, as if to say 'No…really?' Seeing that this made Samantha only more agitated, he nodded and walked over to the fireplace. He stood with an arm resting on the mantle, watching Samantha walk slowly to the chair she was sitting in earlier. She didn't sit down, but only stood, resting an arm over the back of the chair.
"I…I don't know if I should tell you," she continued, "Because it could put you in great danger. Just…just being here may put you in danger." Samantha watched Severus' reaction. He was staring into the fire, and finally he shook himself and looked at Samantha.
"Trust me, Miss Smill. I will be able to handle it. I have been in danger before. Probably far worse than anything you will ever see." His dark eyes shifted back to the fire. He stood there, pondering some memories, while Samantha debated with herself. What does this wealthy, powerful young man know about danger? There's nothing worse than…than this. What would he think? He'll probably kill her on the spot. At the thought, Samantha started shaking, her knees weak. Nearly fainting, she managed to move around the chair and collapse into it.
Tears flooded down her face again, silently. She became entranced by the fire, the same as Severus. It was a few minutes before either of them spoke.
"Alright, I will tell you," Samantha sighed. "It is Lord Voldemort." She looked quickly to Severus' face, which still displayed no emotions.
"So, you dare to speak His name…Er…What about Him?" Severus said, looking into her wet eyes. He sat down in the other armchair, nervously. He was fiddling with the sleeve of his left arm. Samantha didn't notice.
"I…I don't know where to begin. I…" Samantha took a deep breath. Making sure she had Severus' attention, she slowly pushed the black sleeve of her sweater up, revealing her left forearm. There on her soft, tan skin was a mark. The Dark Mark. With tears in her eyes, she searched Severus' face for a reaction.
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