Zora almost gave herself a pat on the back. It was just so rewarding to leave Severus Snape open-mouthed in surprise. She didn't quite think he would even kiss her! But, there they were, snogging each other intentionally.

Zora would have still been enveloped in her thoughts if an owl weren't pecking at her bedroom window that she had now walked into. Zora hastily opened the window and an elegant, deep brown owl dropped a letter on her bed than quickly flew out.

"Wow, must be in a hurry. Didn't even ask for a treat."

Zora shrugged and walked over to the letter and opened it, it seemed to have been very quickly written:

Dear Sweetums,

/That was her father's pet name for her/

I'm terribly sorry to inform you that your mother has passed away. The doctor said she had lung cancer because of her constant smoking and a week after he said this, she died. The funeral will be in New York in two days. Please be there, I won't be able to make it through without you. I love you so very much.

Love, Dad

Zora dropped the letter and watched it hover a bit then fall at her feet. Then it had hit her, her mother's dead. She started to sob uncontrollably. She needed to go to Severus.

***

Severus sat on his bed, his head in his hands. He needed to think. He had just snogged Zora and he didn't know how, why, or what will happen next.

Before he had enough time to really think it through, the doors to his bedroom burst open and a crying Zora ran through screaming, "She's dead! Dead!"

***

Zora ran to Severus, she needed him right now. Severus' eyes opened a bit wider with concern and confusion. But, he hesitantly wrapped his arms around the blubbering girl. He made circular patterns on Zora's back and whispered in her ear, "Shhh, it's going to be okay. Tell me what's wrong. Stop crying, it will be okay, I promise."

Zora looked up at Severus, mascara running, face flushed, tears still falling from her soft eyes, she managed to say, "O-Okay." She sat down on the bed and told him her mother was dead.

"What was the cause of death?" Severus knew this question was a bit pushy, but Zora had to get it all out.

"Lung C-Cancer. She smoked an awful lot."

"How much?"

"Two to three packs a day."

"Bloody hell." Severus never smoked; he thought it looked a bit trashy.

"This means I have to go. Now. I'm sorry Severus. You've been such a doll for letting me stay, but the funeral is in two days and I need to see my father." Zora got up and gave Severus another hug. She gave a brisk kiss on his chin and said softly, "Maybe another time." Severus' jaw clenched and said, "You better start packing."

Zora tried to shield her expression of hurt, but it didn't work. She fled out of the room and started to pack, like Severus said to.

***

Severus didn't want her to go, he really didn't.

A/N: Sorry for having a chapter so late! It's also really short, but you lucky you! You get chapter nine also. ^_^