Chapter Thirty

Glowing Embers

"Just think, it'll be our NEWTs next year." Kerry said.

"Let's not shall we?" I just wanted to concentrate on relaxing after a very odd school year, and a set of stressful exams. We settled on chairs by the fire, retiring from the scrum around the lists.

"Malfoy." Kerry warned. He was approaching from behind. I shrugged. Draco sat down on the chair to the left of me at right angles, and opposite Kerry. He had his hands together in a reproachful way.

"I owe you an apology." My eyes threatened to fall out of my head. Draco had just admitted to being wrong? "I flew off the handle when I saw you meeting Potter, when you were just talking about your parents. I didn't give you a chance to explain." Kerry gave a slight choke from her chair.

"Apology accepted. Is there any chance…?" We looked into each other's eyes. Malfoy leaned forwards and pecked me on the cheek. It answered my question, but all I had needed was a yes.

The three of us stayed up talking by the fire, watching the flames become embers. It was surprising how the dungeon still needed heating in the summer.

"So what are you planning over the holidays?" Draco asked. I paused, reaching forwards to prod the embers. "Oh, sorry, are you with muggles now?" I shook my head.

"No. I've got family elsewhere. They won't be ready for me until two weeks after the end of term, so I'm having to stay here." Draco laughed.

"You're joking, who is it, one of the teachers." Kerry shot me a look. I gave a slight smile. We were the only people left in the common room. I could tell him, or should I not? My stomach churned nervously. To make matters worse, the dungeon wall opened and we froze. We listened to the semi-silent footsteps crossing the room towards us. A hand went on the back of Kerry's chair and mine.

"Are you unaware of the hour?" Snape's face was lit in a ghostly way by the embers.

"Sorry Professor, we lost track of time." Kerry apologised, and went to stand up.

"No need Miss Alanis. I suspect you were discussing the term's events and your results."

"You seem in a good mood." I said quietly. Snape gave a slight nod.

"It's almost the end of term, and I get to be rid of you for several weeks, why shouldn't I be in a better mood Miss Amethyst? Oh no, I forgot, I won't get rid of you." Malfoy looked shocked.

"What- you're staying with-?"
"You seem amazed Mr Malfoy, but if you hadn't fallen out with Elixa you could have known all this much earlier." I looked round at Draco and shut his mouth with one of my fingers under his chin. Kerry and I started to laugh, and in my uncle's eyes I could see him laughing too, although his mouth didn't twitch.

"Your results were good if not commendable all three of you. I'm sure if you apply enough brain power and revise much more thoroughly next year Kerry that you'll at least pass Potions."

"If I don't will I be breaking your record of getting everyone through their NEWTs?"

"I don't think I've had a failure yet… but Miss Alanis if you feel that it is time I did-."

"Don't worry Professor, I'll study harder next year." Snape looked from Kerry to Malfoy and then gave a slight motion of his head towards the dormitories.

"Malfoy, we would rather you didn't crow about our family to the whole school." Snape told him. Malfoy nodded, put a hand on his heart and made a motion to zip his mouth. Snape gave a slight puzzled frown as he saw him do it.

"He means he won't say a word, if he does he gives you permission to kill him I think." Kerry told Severus.

"I'll bare that in mind." He said, and came to sit where Kerry had been sitting.

"Was the A legitimate that you gave me for potions?" I asked once they'd gone.

"Of course. You didn't ruin your potion, so you didn't lose too many marks. A couple just for observation of the procedure that's all. I thought I'd catch you all up, and we need to talk anyway about the last day of term." I nodded, poked the fire a last time and sat back.

"Pack all your things like everyone else, but don't bother to take anything out of the dormitory, just make sure it's packed. You've permission to go down to Hogsmeade to see the train off, and once it's gone, you'll walk back up with Hagrid. Meanwhile, your belongings will have been moved into an empty staff chamber, which is where you'll stay for the time you're here during the holidays. There's a couple of hours before lunch where the staff don't plan to do any work, we gather in the staff room to discuss things and decide what needs to be done. Just come up there with Hagrid. I'll explain the rest on the day. Any questions?"

"I don't think so. None that can't wait until another day."

"Good night then Elixa."

"Good night… Severus." We stood up together and Snape put an arm around me, and I felt a slight squeeze. He let go quickly, sensing I was a little uncomfortable if he didn't feel uneasy about it himself. He watched me walk into the dormitory. I watched him through the thin crack before I shut the door. Snape poked at the fire, and it sent out a blue flame and went out. He walked to the door and made a small movement with his hand that extinguished the green spherical lamps on the walls and tables before he left. I retired to bed.