I do not claim ownership to any of J.K. Rowling's characters, and I'm not making any money from this. It's simply for a larf. Please R&R. Thanx. ~ZiMsta~

THE TRUTH

During Genevieve's next Herbology lesson, she overheard a rather strange conversation between Draco and Harry. Harry was at the station across from her, and Genevieve was doing her best to try and pay attention to her Cafernine Blossoms, when Draco made a brief stop behind Harry.

"So, Potter. Looks like your Cafernine was pulled from a girl's toilet. Much like those hand me downs Weasley sports." Malfoy taunted. "Bugger off, Malfoy. Shouldn't you be jumping off of a tower or something?" Harry asked, playing the part perfectly. Malfoy grinned, starting away, but not before smiling at Genevieve. She surprised herself by glaring at him, then focused back on her plant.

Something was amiss here. Genevieve ran Draco and Harry's brief encounter over and over again in her mind. They had both mentioned a place in their sentences. A girl's lavatory, and a tower. She had been attending Hogwarts for 7 years, and she knew where virtually every girl's toilet was. There was only one that was in a tower. The east tower. Draco and Harry were planning something.

****

Genevieve was sitting by the fire that same evening, studying for her final exams. She took a moment to re-read the letter that she had received that morning from Ezzie.

Gen~

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I'm in Ireland. You're the first person that we have told, but Oliver and I got married! I know, I know. I didn't tell you about us, but we had to keep it a secret because he's a teacher. I took my N.E.W.T.S. a few days before Voldemort reared his ugly head. So I have no need to return to Hogwarts. Oliver and I have bought a house here, and we want you to come visit as soon as school is over. Send me an Owl!

Love, Ezzie

Genevieve smiled to herself, happy to hear from Ezzie at last. She was surprised to find out about her and Oliver Wood. She had never even suspected that they were together. And she found it ironic, Ezzie's reasoning for keeping it secret, as Genevieve was in the same position herself. This thought brought her attention back to her present surroundings. She looked up from her studies and to the far corner of the room. Severus was crouched over his desk like usual, hard at work.

"Everyone in bed. Immediately." He said without looking up. The few Slytherins that remained in the common room began collecting their things and filing up the stairs to the dorms. Genevieve moved at a slower pace, waiting for a moment alone with Severus, as they had not been alone together for nearly 2 weeks.

"Are you busy, sir?" She asked him, standing before his desk. He continued to search his books, and write on his parchment, appearing to be planning his next lesson. "What is it, Miss Hemlock?" He asked, setting down his quill, and looking up at her as he messaged his right temple. Genevieve shifted the massive books in her arms as she cleared her throat.

"UmI thought that I might let you knowI think that Draco and Harry may be planning something." She said quietly, looking around to make sure that they were alone. Severus didn't seem too alarmed by the news. "And why do you suspect that, Miss Hemlock?" He asked, folding his hands in a very professional manner. "I suppose it would be what you call a hunch. They were speaking to one another in Herbology, but in a very strange way. As if they were trying to force hatred toward one another. I think that they were speaking in a sort of code." She tried to explain. Severus sighed, staring up at her.

"Well, as strong as this 'hunch' may be, you have no real evidence. You don't know when or where this plan or meeting or whatever will take place, let alone what the plan is." Severus shot her down in a very tired, unenthusiastic voice. "I believe that they will be meeting in the East tower. In the girl's toilet. And you're right, I don't know when or why. But I find it odd that Draco and Harry are suddenly so friendly toward one another. Something is going on." She tried to stress the importance and worry in her voice.

"That may be, but what exactly do propose I do about it?" Severus demanded, growing irritated. Genevieve straitened up, looking at him in defeat. "Nothing. Forget that I said anything. Good evening." She moved away from his desk and headed for the dorm room steps. "Genevieve." Severus called her back. She stopped where she was, and faced him again. He had stood from his desk and was walking over to her.

"I understand that you are concerned, and I have no doubt that you are correct in your observations. But there is little we can do without proof." He said in a much calmer voice. Genevieve nodded. "I know. I just wanted you to be aware. Not that you need another matter of worry on your plate. I'm sure it's rather trivial in comparison to what you are already deal with." Genevieve sat down on the steps, sulking slightly. Severus crouched down in front of her.

"It is not trivial, Genevieve. It is important to you, therefor it is important to me. " He said, his eyes filled with compassion. Genevieve grinned at him, closing her eyes. She felt his fingers graze against her cheek, and she looked up at him. "Such an enchanting smile you have." He whispered. Genevieve couldn't help but smile wider. "So do you. When you let yourself." She told him, tilting her head. "Even with my, 'crooked yellow teeth', as Mr. Weasley so bluntly warbled?" He asked, trying to look amused, but failing miserably. "They aren't crooked. But if you don't mind my saying so, a little toothpaste wouldn't hurt." She teased with a smile. Severus raised that infamous eyebrow, but was smirking as well.

"Well, to let you in on a little secret, my teeth are actually a pearly white." Severus revealed as if he had been dying to tell someone that for ages. Genevieve laughed in amazement. "Why on earth do you keep them yellow?" She asked, completely bewildered. "It is all part of the, "Incredibly sleazy git' disguise. It is part of my weapon. A defense if you will." Severus informed her, grinning all the while. "How very clever of you." Genevieve complimented him. She stood up, drawing closer to him, but he stepped away.

"Not here. Not now." He said, but he was not angry with her. She knew that he was right, but it was still rather depressing, not being able to be close to him. She nodded, backing away. "Stop!" Severus whispered urgently. He grabbed Genevieve's arm, pulling her to the darkest corner of the room. "Severus" Genevieve started, but he put his hand over her mouth. "Silence. Someone's coming." He whispered, his lips touching her ear. He pulled out his wand, pointing it at Genevieve's books. "Accio books." He rasped, and the books zoomed from the steps just as a cloaked figure appeared.

"Malfoy." Severus' voice was almost inaudible, his lips still pressed against her ear. They watched on in silence as Draco made his way cautiously across the common room, and eventually out the door. "Not that I am entirely astonished, but it seems that you were right, my love." Severus said in a normal voice as soon as he was sure that Malfoy was gone. "What should we do?" Genevieve asked. Severus tucked his wand away, looking at the common room door. "Follow him. But you will stay here." He directed, preparing to leave. "If you don't mind, I would rather come with you." She said. "I do mind." He tried ending the discussion. "I'm coming with you." Genevieve stood next to him defiantly. Severus didn't look at all pleased.

"We are wasting time, but if you must." He muttered. With that, they set off after Draco. He was nowhere in sight when they left the common room, but that was not a problem, as they knew very well where he was going. "Let us not have a repeat of your prior attempt at keeping quiet." Severus taunted, but was dead serious. Genevieve was paying little attention to him, growing more nervous with each step they took down the deserted hallways.

They reached the girl's toilet in the East tower just as Malfoy was shutting the door behind him. They proceeded forward with great stealth, Genevieve holding her breath the entire way. They stopped only a foot from the door, Severus putting his finger to his lips, signaling for Genevieve to be silent. He removed his wand once more, pointing it to his ear.

"Secrentina Sinaruim." He whispered, then his face turned to extreme concentration as he listened in on Harry and Draco's conversation. Genevieve wanted desperately to hear what they were saying, but was left only to watch Severus' face instead. The only problem was that Severus was very skilled in the art of revealing nothing in his facial expressions. He would have been a great Poker player.

After roughly ten minutes, Severus bolted away from the door, grabbing Genevieve's hand. He dragged her behind a large statue of a Griffith, securing a hiding place and standing as still as the statue. Genevieve heard the girl's toilet door open, followed by the sound of shuffling feet and low murmurs.

"It will have to be done by the next half moon, or we're all done for, understand?" She heard Draco whisper to Harry. "I'll do whatever it takes. I have to." Harry responded. The rest of their conversation was too muffled as they disappeared down the hallway. Genevieve realized that she had been staring at Severus the entire time, waiting for him to tell her what he had heard. He, however, was looking at the floor. Pondering.

"What did they say?" She asked in a weak voice. Severus finally brought his eyes to meet hers. "Voldemort. They are working with Voldemort." He said, looking more shocked and bewildered than she had ever seen him. "What? I don't get it. Draco, I get. But Harry?" Genevieve questioned, completely baffled. "It's quite simple. Ronald Weasley and Hermoine Granger. Voldemort is using them, and their families as ransom." Severus told her flatly.

"Ransom for what?" Genevieve asked. "Voldemort is using them to get inside of Hogwarts. They have been ordered to bringsomeone to him. They did not say whom or for what reason, but the reason is fairly obvious." He started away from their hiding place and back toward the dungeons. "Voldemort hasn't told you anything about these plans?" She asked, trying to catch up with him. He shook his head.

"He has not relayed any of this to the Death Eaters. But whoever they are after has very little time. The months half moon is next Tuesday." Severus picked up his pace, becoming more rigid. "Who do you think they may be after?" Genevieve continued the questioning. Severus answered willingly. "Under normal circumstances, I would say that he was after Potter. But that is obviously not the case." He deduced. Genevieve's body shuddered as a disturbing thought entered her mind.

"Severusdo you thinkthey could be after" Severus stopped, spinning around to confront her. "Don't! Please, do not ever let me hear those words from you mouth." He stood still a moment, turning his face away from her. So he had been thinking that same thing. Draco and Harry were to kidnap her, and bring her to Voldemort. All Genevieve could think was 'why'.

"Maybe they're not. Maybe they're after someone else." Genevieve said meekly. Severus shook his head, still looking away. "There is no sense in avoiding the truth. We must find a way to prevent it. We will speak to Dumbledore in the morning." Severus turned and began his swift pace again, as if her were trying to run away discretely. Genevieve hurried after him.

"We can't know for sure that it's me they're after, Severus." She tried to comfort him, striding along beside him. He stopped cold in his tracks. "It is you, Genevieve! I heard them speak your name! They-are-after-YOU!" Severus' face was full of anguish, his eyes glistening with tears. Genevieve's throat tightened as she looked at him, crying. Her heart seized as she felt his pain, poring through his eyes. She threw her arms around him, holding him tight.

"It's going to be alright." She choked as he held her head to his shoulder. "I will protect you. I swear that I will do everything within my power to protect you." He whispered. Genevieve sobbed as she clung to him, tighter still, not wanting to ever let go of him. "I know you will." She closed her eyes, praying that it would never come to that.

****

They finally made it to the dungeons, walking hand in hand the entire was in silence. They stood in front of the common room door, neither of them making any motion to open it. Genevieve kept her eyes downward, small tears rolling down her cheeks. She gripped Severus' hand a little tighter.

"Don't leave me tonight." She whispered. She still didn't look at him, but felt him watching her. He said nothing, speaking with his body as he pulled her away from the door. They walked farther and farther into the depths of the dungeons, until they reached his private chambers. "Genevieve Hemlock." Severus spoke her name in true sadness, opening the door to his chambers.

They stepped inside, Severus letting go of her hand and walking to the fireplace. Genevieve went strait to the large maple bed, climbing under the plush black covers. She felt more of an ache in her chest, rather than joy when she inhaled the smell of the bedding. It smelled very much like Severus, which brought more tears to her eyes. Before, she had been afraid of losing Severus and having to live without him. Now she feared that she would lose her life, leaving Severus alone, his heart broken.

She listened closely as he moved about the room, unaware of what he was doing, but well aware of the pain that he was feeling. She opened her eyes slowly when she heard that his movements had ceased. He was standing at the foot of the bed, watching her solemnly.

"Please lay with me." She pleaded softly. He didn't move at first, but soon walked around to the other side of the bed, lifting the covers and crawling in next to her. They stared at one another for a long while, simply searching each other's eyes.

"Severus, you know how much I am in love with you, don't you?" she finally asked. "Yes. I do." He said, his voice frail. Genevieve nodded slowly. "Promise me that you will never forget that." She said. Severus moved closer, pressing his forehead against hers. "Even if my memory were to be erased, I could never forget you, Genevieve. I will never forget how much you care for me." He said, touching her cheek. "It's something that you will never have to recall, because we are going to be together for the rest of out lives." She sighed, wanting more than anything to believe those words. They were silent again, absorbed in one another, until Severus spoke up.

"GenevieveI want" He stumbled. Genevieve covered his mouth with hers before he could continue. She only wished to be with him, because he was all that she concerned about at that moment. She wanted him to make love to her. To be closer to him than ever before. Because he was her everything, just as she was his. Because they were in love.