Please note, that I do not own the character of Severus Snape, or any other magical lingo.  This is a Severus/OC story.  Samantha is my own creation.

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Chapter 7:

            Enwrapped in his warm embrace, Samantha melted away.  She cleared her mind of all troubles and dangers.  She breathed in his clean scent and lazily dragged her fingertips across the soft hair at his neck.  His arms tightened around her and slowly released her.  The look on his face was again apologetic.

"Master?"  Buttercup was peeking in the room, the door open only a crack.

"Yes, what is it?"  Severus took several steps away from Samantha and put a hand to his face.  Samantha shivered, missing the heat radiating from his body.  She looked down to her feet.

            "The Headmaster comes.  Should I bring him in here?" 

Severus' head snapped to attention and he nearly sprinted to the door.  He opened it widely, to present a tall, slender old man.  He stood in the shadows of the hallway, and slowly took a step into the soft firelight of the room.  Samantha immediately identified the man from the fire.  His hair and beard were dripping wet, yet his robes impeccably dry.  In his hand, he held a beautiful, tall pointed hat.  He adjusted his glasses and stepped towards Severus.

            Samantha's eyes widened as she watched Severus revert to looking like a small boy, confused and afraid.  The Headmaster stood in front of him and smiled softly, enveloping the young man in a hug.  When Severus pulled away, it looked like he was wiping away tears.  He pulled out his wand and dried the Headmaster's hair with a spell.

            "This moment seems oddly familiar, does it not?"  Dumbledore chuckled, his eyes twinkling at Severus.  They both seemed to forget that Samantha was even present.  Nodding his head, Severus grew tall, and resumed his usual dark poise.  He turned and held an arm out towards Samantha, gesturing for Dumbledore to speak with her.

            "Yes, my dear Miss Smill."  Dumbledore approached her slowly, and she also felt herself shrink, feeling like a small scared girl, needing comfort and protection.  As strong and capable as she was, she felt helpless.  This man radiated fatherly love.  She swallowed twice, trying not to cry or collapse.  He stood tall in front of her, just as he did to Severus.  She shook with the need for a hug.  Dumbledore smiled down at her and pulled her gently into his arms.

            Samantha broke down crying into his chest.  She squirmed, as if trying to get away, but at the same time trying to bury herself deeper in his protective embrace.  Her sobs echoed loudly in the library.  Her knees shook, and she trembled all over, until Dumbledore pulled her away from him.  He put his arm around her shoulders and guided her to the chairs by the fireplace.

            "My dear girl.  Poor dear.  I'd never have guessed this sweet thing to be a Dark witch."  At this, Samantha let out a small moan.  "No, not at all.  Come, let us sit and discuss some matters."

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            Samantha sat still and silent.  For the past hour, Dumbledore sitting in Severus' usual chair, had listened to Samantha recite her entire story, detailing everything she could remember.  The Headmaster was quiet, lost in thought.  Severus had stood by the side of her chair, the entire time, mostly observing and reflecting, and slightly shaking.

            She'd explained what she wanted now.  She explained her fear of becoming a monster, losing herself to the pull of the Dark Arts, as she had before.  She'd help the Ministry, she'd help Dumbledore.

            "The Ministry, my dear, has given me reasons to doubt their abilities."  He gave a meaningful look up to Severus, who seemed to understand what he meant.  "But I, myself, would certainly appreciate your help."  He continued to explain that he would not turn her over to the authorities, but he could make no promises regarding her future.

            "Headmaster, forgive me, I did not play the proper host.  Would you like some tea?"  Severus moved from Samantha's side to the far end of the fireplace mantel.  He put his arm up and leaned his forehead against it.

            "No, Severus.  But I would like to speak to you about several matters."  Then, eyeing Samantha, he said, "Alone."  Samantha stood up, but looked to Severus for direction.  Where should she go and wait?  He gave no answer.  He didn't even move.  She looked back to the Headmaster, her mind spinning.  Dumbledore sighed softly, the twinkle from his eyes and soft smile gone. 

So, confused and hopeless, Samantha walked towards the doors.  She left the library quietly, looking back at Severus, to see him still standing, head against the mantel.  Closing the door behind her, she heard Dumbledore start with "Severus, my dear boy, we're in trouble…"

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            The house elves made themselves extremely scarce.  Samantha wandered around the first floor, looking for someone.  She wanted a glass of water.  Her throat was dry.  Too much crying, she supposed.

            She wanted to open all the doors she could find one the first floor to distract herself.  Maybe she'd even get lost.  She easily discovered the dining room, where she'd eaten breakfast with Severus. 

Several doors led to the kitchen, including one from the dining room.  It was a vast expanse of granite tiles and counters and cooking equipment.  There was a long scrubbed wood table in the center of the room, with two matching benches along each side. 

She also found three bathrooms, spaced evenly throughout the first floor.  Each was decorated differently, yet elegantly.  This house doesn't seem to see many guests, but was overly prepared. 

There were innumerable closets, some filled with coats and boots and umbrellas, others containing black storage boxes, others with potions.  She found one small room dedicated to first aid.  Like a little miniature infirmary.  She wondered why he'd need so many bandages, healing potions, and medicines.

Samantha also discovered the great dining hall Severus referred to, and indeed it was far too large and formal for meals alone.  She stepped into the room and large floor-to-ceiling windows ran around three walls.  They let in plenty of gray-blue light from the stormy weather outside.  Thick green and silver curtains framed each window, adding an air of glamour to the room.  The floor was a rich walnut hardwood.  In the center of the floor was spread a long rectangular green, white, and black rug.  The intricate design of the piece was detailed with silver thread, looking very majestic. 

An enormous long table spread all the way from where she stood to the far wall, sitting directly centered over the thick carpet.  There was easily seating for 100 people, tall formal chairs upholstered in deep green velvet.  Three silver chandeliers hung over the table, spaced out evenly.  Though they were not lit, she could imagine Severus, in the head chair, gracefully hosting a feast for all his exclusive and intelligent friends.  She closed the massive double doors, turning thoughtfully back to the hallway.

Samantha wandered back to the library and tiptoed up to the door.  Quietly, she pressed an ear to the wood and listened.  She caught Severus' voice, nearly in tears, saying "I failed, Headmaster…I cannot save that blasted Potter…Lily.  Merlin, they even have a baby!"

Samantha backed away from the door quietly, knowing that they were still discussing important things.  Potter.  That name echoes into the deep recesses of her mind.  She knew that name.  Her brow wrinkled in thought.  Potter…It'll come to her.  She'll think of it later.

Samantha turned to search for the entrance hall.  She went up the stairs, the candles soft and flickering on the wall.  She turned left, knowing that's where "her" room was.  She peeked inside to see the bedroom freshly cleaned, a small fire in the fireplace.

  She looked at the door across the hallway and opened it.  She found another large bedroom, decorated similarly and just as clean.  Most likely, a guest room.  she closed the door and continued down the hall, away from the stairs. 

She found that the small door next to her room that lead to a sitting room, of some sort.  There were three sofas, making part of a square, with a fireplace completing the final side.  The room was cold and lightly decorated.

Samantha found the bathroom, and seeing the faucet only reminded her of her thirst.  She'd go back down later and call for a house elf.  She walked back towards the stairs and looked down the rest of the hall, to the right of the stairs. 

Curiosity getting the better of her, she walked towards the closed doors that beckoned her.  At each end of the hall, there was a giant floor-to-ceiling window, flooding the hallway with dim light.  Candles in holders also lined the walls, giving everything a soft glow.  She found a few more guest rooms, and a few more bathrooms, and another sitting room, and a small study, probably Severus' place for reading and working.

She last door, near the window, was locked.  This must be Severus' room, she thought.  She turned back to the stairs, thinking that in a way she was glad that the room was locked.  Her emotions were carrying her away.  She needed to stay grounded, at least until she got a clearer idea about her future.  She can't trouble Severus forever.  He has his own life, his own work.

Snapping herself back to reality, she found herself at the bottom of the stairs, she sat down.  Resting her elbows on her knees, she covered her face with her hands.  If they stayed in there much longer, the two men she found she could trust, leaving her alone in the hall, she'd go crazy.

            Folding her hands in her lap, she looked to her left arm.  Her sleeves only reached her elbow, leaving the Mark in plain view.  She held her left arm up and groaned, disgusted with it and herself.  She did notice that the Mark had faded considerably since it was conceived.  The pain she had endured just to be Marked was indescribable.  It made the torture that followed seem like tender caresses.  She shuddered, burying her face in her hands once more.

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            The door finally opened.  Dumbledore stepped out first, looking very tired and very disappointed.  Severus followed, looking oddly expressionless.  His blank eyes stared straight ahead, not seeing anything.

            "I must go now, Miss Smill.  I think it best if you hide here until I find a safe course of action for you.  Severus is willing to keep you for a week, that is, if you are comfortable here…"  He paused, reading Samantha's face.  She looked to Severus, who was still staring off, not registering anything.  She closed her head and nodded. 

"Good.  I will return in 7 days.  Please do not worry until then.  There is a small matter, which Severus will explain to you.  Severus will have to test you.  To see where your loyalties lie.  Accordingly, he'll also take you to London to buy you a new wand and anything else you may need."  Dumbledore placed the hat to his head, and a house elf scurried into the hall to open the door for him.  He gave a great sigh and looked at Severus.  Severus forced himself to look back.

            "Severus, do not fear.  I will see what I can do.  And please be ready for when school commences again."  Again he gave Severus a sharp meaningful look.  Meekly, Severus nodded.

            Samantha stood, helpless, as she watched Dumbledore stepping over the threshold.  She squeaked, raising a hand as if about to stop him from leaving.  He turned and looked at her.  Though he appeared old and weary, she could see the strength and power in his eyes.

            "We shall meet again, my dear.  Please remain safe until then.  Contact me through the fire, if you must.  Goodbye."  He walked slowly into the rain and apparated a safe distance outside of the gate.  Samantha stood in the doorway, the side of the head resting against the door jamb.  The cold rain swept into her face and seeped through her thin black dress.  This time, the house elf squeaked, begging her to come inside.  Samantha stepped back into the house, and the elf closed the door and ran off in the direction of the kitchen.

            Severus stood at the bottom of the stairs, his hands on the banister, his head resting on his hands.  He seemed so…defeated.  Samantha took a careful step towards him, and the soft sound of her boot on the floor caused him to stir.  He lifted his head, as if it were incredibly heavy.  He turned slowly to look at her, his eyes dark and flashing.  He looked extremely tired and distressed.  Samantha's heart ached looking at his hopeless eyes and his shattered composure.

            He said nothing to her.  He stood there for several minutes, gazing off at the wall, while Samantha, two steps away, stared at him.  Seven days.  She'd have seven days to spend, allowed to pretend to be normal, in this house with Severus.  She felt as if she were being rewarded for the biggest mistake of her life.

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Whee!  I fixed the paragraphing problem.  I still have a personal problem with making paragraphs too long and I apologize.  This chapter was a little bit longer (or so it seemed to me) and a little slow and pointless (the searching of the house).  We'll see a little bit more about that later. 

And there's an important reason why Severus' door is locked.  Samantha's curiosity and intrigue with the man will draw her towards that locked door.  But anyway, more to come.

What'd you think of Dumbledore?  Warm and fatherly, strong, yet exhausted and worried.  Everyone looks to him for solutions, and we'll find out later that this night he came to Severus for advice and help.