Disclaimer: Just like everyone else who doesn't go by the name J.K.
Rowling, I don't own them.
A/N: I would just like to sincerely apologize to everyone who has been reading this fic. I was in a play this summer and that pretty much took up all my free time, and once that was over, I had to get ready to go back to stupid college. I've been working on this part since mid-August, and the next chapter is already underway. I just want to warn everyone now that I have an unholy amount of research papers to do this semester, so there may not be as many updates as I would want. But really, 2 months is an unholy time to wait for an update, and I hope you all can forgive me! Anyway, enjoy!
Shame. Rosemarie felt as though her entire being was consumed by shame. Her faced burned in the darkness of her room, and her cheeks were hot to the touch. She had spent almost her entire life being exposed to the stigma attached to half-bloods. Rosemarie had fought to keep the muggle side of her hidden. It was never something she was proud of, and as she got older, Rosemarie promised herself that she would never be ashamed of who she was. Knowing Severus and his family's opinion on wizards who were not pure blooded, Rosemarie had dodged the question of her heritage every time it came up. Severus had just assumed that she was a full-blood, until she finally felt comfortable enough to tell him. He hadn't said much of anything, and had just continued mixing up whatever potion he was working on at the time. He never mentioned it again, until that night. For the first time in years, Rosemarie was ashamed of her parentage. She was also ashamed by her behavior; how could she have allowed herself to cause such a scene in front of the children? Rosemarie could never forget the horrific fights her parents would have in front of her and Helen. Eventually, she had just become immune to it; Helen retaliated by becoming cold and distant, while Rosemarie had thrown herself into her schoolwork. She didn't want Simon and Emma to be exposed to the same sort of atmosphere she and Helen had grown up in. Rosemarie could tell that her attempts to reconcile the children and Severus to each other were doing more harm than good. If the children saw them fighting, it would only make them feel as though they had to choose sides, and if Rosemarie's hunch was correct, she was fairly certain the children would choose her over their father.
That was the last thing Rosemarie wanted. The children deserved to have a father, and she had already screwed their lives up enough. She and the children had decided that the three of them would spend the Christmas holidays at Hogwarts together. As a professor, Rosemarie was "highly encouraged" to remain at the school over the holidays and the children had naturally wanted to spend Christmas with Rosemarie. She realized now that no matter how badly it would hurt to be away from the children for Christmas, it was the best thing for them. She needed to settle her unfinished business with Severus before she involved the children. Until the day he died, Rosemarie resented her father for the way he treated his family; as much as she hated Severus right now, she refused to allow her children to hate their father in that same way.
So when Simon and Emma slipped into her room via the secret passage an hour later, Rosemarie told them they would be spending Christmas with Aunt Helen. "But Mum, I thought you couldn't leave Hogwarts over the holidays?" Simon stared confusedly at his mother.
"I can't. I know that you two aren't going to like this, but I want you to spend Christmas without me this year. You already have too much hatred towards you father, all of which is completely my fault." She cut off the children's protests. "I hated my father, and the house I grew up in was an unhappy one. I refuse to have you two suffer the way I did."
"What good is sending us away going to do?" Emma's tones were petulant.
"It will give me time to work through my issues with your father. That way the next time we have a family gathering, I won't be inclined to throw plates." She allowed a wry grin to flit briefly across her face.
Emma grinned back at her mother. "That was quite wonderful Mummy."
Rosemarie made her expression stern. "Be that as it may, it was still no excuse for my behavior. Now, the winter holidays begin in one week. I already sent Aunt Helen an owl to let her know you two are coming this year, and she promised to make it one of the best Christmases you have ever had." She gave both Simon and Emma a hard hug. "Now go on back to your dormitories, we all have classes tomorrow morning."
The next week passed in a blur. The only time Rosemarie saw Severus was at meals, and since that tended to arouse unpleasant memories of the last time they were together, Rosemarie really had little contact with him. She refused to speak to him, and it didn't help that every time he saw her, she was treated to one of his sardonic glares. Rosemarie managed, however, to control her burgeoning rage towards him until the first day of the holidays.
For some reason, Rosemarie had won over her class of Sixth year Gryffindors. Ever since the fight between Professors Bacall and Snape outside the Potions dungeons at the beginning of the year, the Sixth years had looked on Rosemarie with something akin to awe. It was no secret that Snape loathed the class of Sixth year Gryffindors, particularly because Harry Potter was one of them. Rosemarie knew all about the hatred that Severus Snape and James Potter had for each other, so it didn't surprise her in the least that Snape continued the grudge with the son. So when Snape took it upon himself to insult Neville Longbottom by calling him "Even more dense than that sorry excuse for a Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor" word got back to Rosemarie very quickly. She was determined, however, not to let him provoke her. Rosemarie knew exactly what he was doing-trying to find the fastest route to getting her even more furious.
It was the last day of classes that was her real test.
The day seemed to go pleasantly. If Rosemarie's students were whispering or gossiping behind their hands during her classes even more than usual, she never noticed. It wasn't until a very perturbed Minerva McGonagall caught Rosemarie on her way to dinner that she had any inkling that something was amiss.
"What is it Minerva? Is everything alright?" Rosemarie was instantly alarmed to the fact that something was wrong, as Professor McGonagall had a distinctly harried look about her.
Professor McGonagall pulled her aside. "Rosemarie, I thought you were going to be discreet about all this. Naturally it came as a great shock to Albus and myself."
What on Earth was she talking about? "I'm terribly sorry Professor, I have no idea what you're talking about. Is something wrong?"
Rosemarie was granted one of Professor McGonagall's famous looks. "It is all over the school that you were once engaged to Professor Snape. Bad enough that he is a member of one of the most influential full-blooded families, you are also the mother of his two illegitimate children, who are currently posing as your niece and nephew. The final little tidbit is that Professor Snape was seen leaving your room at 2:30 in the morning just a week ago." Professor McGonagall closed her eyes, as if to regain her composure. "Rosemarie, you know that Albus and I were disappointed when you had your falling out with Severus all those years ago, but don't you think it's a little improper to continue the relationship now, especially with the children so close by? I would have thought you would be more discreet about the whole matter, and not let gossip and rumors fly so quickly."
Rosemarie was utterly horrified. "Minerva-Professor McGonagall-I swear I never said anything about the children's parentage or my relationship with Professor Snape. I wanted to be discreet about it. I have been discreet about it."
McGonagall looked uncomfortable. "Rosemarie, I understand that, well, you cared very deeply for Severus once. Perhaps you have cared for him all these years. Perhaps now, seeing him suddenly, old feelings have begun to resurface." She cleared her throat, and a slight blush tinted her cheeks. "Obviously, you and Severus slept together, considering you have Simon and Emma, and I understand that naturally, when in the throes of passion, people tend to be less than discreet."
This was too much to bear. "Professor McGonagall. Please, I beg you, don't say anything more. I am absolutely mortified by this entire situation, not to mention the fact that I am receiving a sex talk from one of my former Professors. Believe me when I swear to you that I have not said or done anything to draw attention to my relationship-past or present-with Professor Snape." Rosemarie chose to ignore the fact that Severus had been in her quarters a few nights ago and they had not been having a simple chat.
"Very well dear." Professor McGonagall stiffly patted Rosemarie on the arm. "Perhaps you had better have a discussion with Severus about this whole situation."
"Don't worry, Professor. I will."
When Rosemarie had finally gathered enough courage to walk into the Great Hall, she was aware that most of the students were openly staring at her.
Professor Snape, however, looked smug, and utterly pleased with himself.
Suddenly, everything became very clear to Rosemarie. What better way to get revenge on Rosemarie than by airing her personal business in front of the entire school? Regardless of the fact that he had fathered illegitimate children, the story didn't truly mar Severus' character in any way. Like the Muggle aristocracy of years past, illegitimate children were an accepted part of life in the older, full-blooded Wizarding clans. Severus came from one of the most established families, so naturally he would have a few bastards running around here and there. Though mindsets were slowly changing, Rosemarie would still be regarded as a shameless hussy who spread her legs and threw up her skirts without a second thought. And since this was all happening right before the holidays, Rosemarie could bet that parents would be hearing about her indiscretions as well. It was only a matter of time before they started calling the school, demanding that she give up her post.
Oh yes, Rosemarie would most certainly be having a talk with Severus Snape this evening. Calmly, Rosemarie sat in her usual seat next to Professor Sprout. The Herbology professor gave her a timid but kind smile before resuming her meal. Someone, at least, was on her side. Professor Trelawney looked at her from down the table, left eyebrow arched, as if to question Rosemarie's daring to present herself at dinner. Rosemarie returned her stare, eyes frosty, daring the Divination professor to say something. Professor Trelawney simply looked amusedly at Rosemarie, before turning back to Professor Flitwick. Snape never once looked in her direction, but his smug expression remained in place throughout the entire meal. Rosemarie knew she had to think of a way to pay Severus back for this new humiliation, but for once, she was at a loss as to how to proceed. He was familiar with all her usual means of exacting revenge, and screaming never got her anywhere with him. It never ceased to amaze Rosemarie that, where Severus was an expert at getting a rise out of her, she was rarely able to successfully rattle him. In the past, he always seemed amused by Rosemarie's insults and screaming fits.
It was then that Rosemarie had her epiphany. Since Severus was clearly attempting to anger her further, she decided not to give him the satisfaction by reacting. No, she was just going to pretend that this little escapade had no effect on her at all whatsoever. That way, she would at least be able to maintain her composure, and perhaps irk that twit a little.
At the end of the meal, Rosemarie breezed right by Snape, and out of the Great Hall with her head held high. Had she turned back to look, she would have seen Severus Snape watching her with a look of pure confusion and rage on his face.
Rosemarie headed straight for Professor McGonagall's office. Since the Transfiguration Professor was still on her way back from dinner, Rosemarie waited patiently for her in the hall. "My, my, Rosemarie. It seems as though all your dirty secrets have been lain out for everyone to see." Snape's voice was a spine-tingling combination of mockery, and anger that she had not reacted to his mud slinging thus far. He leaned closer to her. "Maybe now everyone will see that sweet Professor Bacall isn't really as sweet and innocent as she seems."
Rosemarie turned around and gave him a cool look. "Oh hello, Severus." She spotted Professor McGonagall making her way to her office. "Would you excuse me, I have to talk to Professor McGonagall." She walked towards McGonagall, leaving Snape enraged and staring after her. "Minerva!" She called loud enough for him to hear. "Do you have a moment? I need to speak to you about arrangements for Simon and Emma over the holidays."
If Professor McGonagall noticed something was amiss between Rosemarie and Snape, she didn't let on. "Of course Rosemarie. Why don't we speak in my office? Severus." She acknowledged the other professor, before following Rosemarie into the office and closing the door firmly behind her.
Simon and Emma left early the next morning with the rest of the students who were going home for the holidays. Rosemarie refused to let herself cry, until she was back in the privacy of her own room. She already missed them terribly, and they probably hadn't even made it onto the Hogwarts Express yet. Rosemarie had little time to indulge in tears, however. It wouldn't be long before Snape realized that Rosemarie had sent the twins home without letting him know first. She could hear him now, railing at her that even though he didn't have as much of a relationship with them as she did, as their father he should have at least been consulted in the matter. Rosemarie was not looking forward to that particular confrontation, especially since she was becoming less and less adept at controlling her anger. All of the pent-up frustration and rage that she had been dealing with since the disastrous family dinner was in danger of spewing forth at any moment.
Sure enough, half an hour after the children had left, Snape exploded into Rosemarie's room. "What the bloody hell do you mean by sending my children away without consulting me." He said in the silk smooth voice of ultimate rage.
Rosemarie forced herself to stay calm. "First of all, most normal people knock when entering someone else's rooms, they don't just burst in. Second, watch what you say, as there are still some students here. Finally, they are my children. Yes you are their biological father, but I am the one who gave birth to them, raised them, and basically did everything for them."
Rosemarie didn't think it was possible, but Snape became even angrier at her words. "You took them away from me. I really didn't have a choice in the matter, you Bitch Queen from Hell."
Rosemarie raised an eyebrow, and borrowed a line from one of Emma's favorite Muggle movies. "Sticks and stones, love."
Snape let out a roar of pure rage. Before Rosemarie could even react, he grabbed her by the wrists, and pulled until her body was flush against his. His mouth came down hard on hers, and the kiss was filled with anger and lust. She felt that all too familiar surge in the pit of her stomach that assailed her every time he so much as touched her. She had to put a stop to this now, before things got out of control. For Rosemarie, sex had always been connected to love. While she believed deep down that Severus had loved her once, she knew that he really didn't care for her in that way now. To him, she was just one of many who were able and willing to fulfil his needs. The last time she slept with him was a mistake, and Rosemarie was not going to make that mistake again. She pushed away.
He stared at her, breathing heavily, his eyes dark "You're so hot when you're angry; let's go to bed."
"No." Was that thin, faltering voice her own? "No." She said, her voice stronger this time.
He actually laughed at her. "Don't be silly, Rosie." His voice was like melted chocolate, and she had to try hard not to throw herself at him. "This is what we do. This is what our entire relationship has revolved around for years. Don't try to fool me Rosie, I know everything about you. I know when you're lying and I know when you're keeping something from me. I know that a finger stroked along your collarbone sends you over the edge, and I know just how you like to be kissed." He paused, and moved closer. "And the best part is, you know how to do all those things to me. Don't you know what you do to me? How could you not? I'll bet you even knew that I was hard as a rock during your fit of plate throwing. When I walked into the Great Hall that night, and saw you for the first time since you left, I was furious." He grinned, and pulled her up against him again. "Then I was just turned on."
Twelve years ago, Rosemarie would have willingly fallen into bed with him after a speech like that. Now she knew better. For Severus, their relationship was just about sex-love had nothing to do with it. Rosemarie wasn't a child anymore; she was 32 years old, and she wanted more out of a relationship than just sex. Even if it was mind-blowing sex with Severus Snape who, despite everything, Rosemarie still wanted and loved deeply. Gently this time, Rosemarie once again pushed herself away from Snape. "Yes, you knew everything about me at one time, Severus, but don't you think that I would have changed somewhat in the past eleven years? I want more than just sex from a relationship; that's just not enough for me anymore. I need love. Fourteen years ago, a lifetime of loveless sex with you would have been, and was, enough for me, but it's not anymore. I fell in love with you when I was eighteen, Severus, and I don't think I've stopped loving you since. Even so, I can't settle anymore. I need someone to love me, and I know it's not possible for you to love me again." She gave a bitter laugh. "That is, if you ever loved me in the first place. You never told me you know, that you loved me. I used to tell you all the time." Rosemarie looked into his expressionless eyes. "How could I not? Love you, that is." Her eyes started brimming, and she had to look away.
Snape stood there, saying nothing. Finally, he spoke, his voice as expressionless as his eyes. "Are you done now?"
"Quite." It was all she could manage without bursting into tears.
He gave a barely perceptible nod, then turned and walked out of the room.
It didn't take long for Rosemarie to realize she was in a bad place. She had bared her entire soul to him, and left herself completely vulnerable. He knew for certain that she still cared about him, and that gave him tremendous power over her. To make matters worse, there was still the issue of the children to deal with. It was only just the beginning of vacation- plenty of time for Rosemarie to remedy the situation. The only problem: how to fix what was in essence, a situation that could not be fixed. Rosemarie sat idly in her chair, pondering over possible solutions, when suddenly a brilliant idea hit her. Suddenly, it was completely clear to her how she could regain the upper hand and prove to herself that her world no longer revolved around him.
A/N: I would just like to sincerely apologize to everyone who has been reading this fic. I was in a play this summer and that pretty much took up all my free time, and once that was over, I had to get ready to go back to stupid college. I've been working on this part since mid-August, and the next chapter is already underway. I just want to warn everyone now that I have an unholy amount of research papers to do this semester, so there may not be as many updates as I would want. But really, 2 months is an unholy time to wait for an update, and I hope you all can forgive me! Anyway, enjoy!
Shame. Rosemarie felt as though her entire being was consumed by shame. Her faced burned in the darkness of her room, and her cheeks were hot to the touch. She had spent almost her entire life being exposed to the stigma attached to half-bloods. Rosemarie had fought to keep the muggle side of her hidden. It was never something she was proud of, and as she got older, Rosemarie promised herself that she would never be ashamed of who she was. Knowing Severus and his family's opinion on wizards who were not pure blooded, Rosemarie had dodged the question of her heritage every time it came up. Severus had just assumed that she was a full-blood, until she finally felt comfortable enough to tell him. He hadn't said much of anything, and had just continued mixing up whatever potion he was working on at the time. He never mentioned it again, until that night. For the first time in years, Rosemarie was ashamed of her parentage. She was also ashamed by her behavior; how could she have allowed herself to cause such a scene in front of the children? Rosemarie could never forget the horrific fights her parents would have in front of her and Helen. Eventually, she had just become immune to it; Helen retaliated by becoming cold and distant, while Rosemarie had thrown herself into her schoolwork. She didn't want Simon and Emma to be exposed to the same sort of atmosphere she and Helen had grown up in. Rosemarie could tell that her attempts to reconcile the children and Severus to each other were doing more harm than good. If the children saw them fighting, it would only make them feel as though they had to choose sides, and if Rosemarie's hunch was correct, she was fairly certain the children would choose her over their father.
That was the last thing Rosemarie wanted. The children deserved to have a father, and she had already screwed their lives up enough. She and the children had decided that the three of them would spend the Christmas holidays at Hogwarts together. As a professor, Rosemarie was "highly encouraged" to remain at the school over the holidays and the children had naturally wanted to spend Christmas with Rosemarie. She realized now that no matter how badly it would hurt to be away from the children for Christmas, it was the best thing for them. She needed to settle her unfinished business with Severus before she involved the children. Until the day he died, Rosemarie resented her father for the way he treated his family; as much as she hated Severus right now, she refused to allow her children to hate their father in that same way.
So when Simon and Emma slipped into her room via the secret passage an hour later, Rosemarie told them they would be spending Christmas with Aunt Helen. "But Mum, I thought you couldn't leave Hogwarts over the holidays?" Simon stared confusedly at his mother.
"I can't. I know that you two aren't going to like this, but I want you to spend Christmas without me this year. You already have too much hatred towards you father, all of which is completely my fault." She cut off the children's protests. "I hated my father, and the house I grew up in was an unhappy one. I refuse to have you two suffer the way I did."
"What good is sending us away going to do?" Emma's tones were petulant.
"It will give me time to work through my issues with your father. That way the next time we have a family gathering, I won't be inclined to throw plates." She allowed a wry grin to flit briefly across her face.
Emma grinned back at her mother. "That was quite wonderful Mummy."
Rosemarie made her expression stern. "Be that as it may, it was still no excuse for my behavior. Now, the winter holidays begin in one week. I already sent Aunt Helen an owl to let her know you two are coming this year, and she promised to make it one of the best Christmases you have ever had." She gave both Simon and Emma a hard hug. "Now go on back to your dormitories, we all have classes tomorrow morning."
The next week passed in a blur. The only time Rosemarie saw Severus was at meals, and since that tended to arouse unpleasant memories of the last time they were together, Rosemarie really had little contact with him. She refused to speak to him, and it didn't help that every time he saw her, she was treated to one of his sardonic glares. Rosemarie managed, however, to control her burgeoning rage towards him until the first day of the holidays.
For some reason, Rosemarie had won over her class of Sixth year Gryffindors. Ever since the fight between Professors Bacall and Snape outside the Potions dungeons at the beginning of the year, the Sixth years had looked on Rosemarie with something akin to awe. It was no secret that Snape loathed the class of Sixth year Gryffindors, particularly because Harry Potter was one of them. Rosemarie knew all about the hatred that Severus Snape and James Potter had for each other, so it didn't surprise her in the least that Snape continued the grudge with the son. So when Snape took it upon himself to insult Neville Longbottom by calling him "Even more dense than that sorry excuse for a Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor" word got back to Rosemarie very quickly. She was determined, however, not to let him provoke her. Rosemarie knew exactly what he was doing-trying to find the fastest route to getting her even more furious.
It was the last day of classes that was her real test.
The day seemed to go pleasantly. If Rosemarie's students were whispering or gossiping behind their hands during her classes even more than usual, she never noticed. It wasn't until a very perturbed Minerva McGonagall caught Rosemarie on her way to dinner that she had any inkling that something was amiss.
"What is it Minerva? Is everything alright?" Rosemarie was instantly alarmed to the fact that something was wrong, as Professor McGonagall had a distinctly harried look about her.
Professor McGonagall pulled her aside. "Rosemarie, I thought you were going to be discreet about all this. Naturally it came as a great shock to Albus and myself."
What on Earth was she talking about? "I'm terribly sorry Professor, I have no idea what you're talking about. Is something wrong?"
Rosemarie was granted one of Professor McGonagall's famous looks. "It is all over the school that you were once engaged to Professor Snape. Bad enough that he is a member of one of the most influential full-blooded families, you are also the mother of his two illegitimate children, who are currently posing as your niece and nephew. The final little tidbit is that Professor Snape was seen leaving your room at 2:30 in the morning just a week ago." Professor McGonagall closed her eyes, as if to regain her composure. "Rosemarie, you know that Albus and I were disappointed when you had your falling out with Severus all those years ago, but don't you think it's a little improper to continue the relationship now, especially with the children so close by? I would have thought you would be more discreet about the whole matter, and not let gossip and rumors fly so quickly."
Rosemarie was utterly horrified. "Minerva-Professor McGonagall-I swear I never said anything about the children's parentage or my relationship with Professor Snape. I wanted to be discreet about it. I have been discreet about it."
McGonagall looked uncomfortable. "Rosemarie, I understand that, well, you cared very deeply for Severus once. Perhaps you have cared for him all these years. Perhaps now, seeing him suddenly, old feelings have begun to resurface." She cleared her throat, and a slight blush tinted her cheeks. "Obviously, you and Severus slept together, considering you have Simon and Emma, and I understand that naturally, when in the throes of passion, people tend to be less than discreet."
This was too much to bear. "Professor McGonagall. Please, I beg you, don't say anything more. I am absolutely mortified by this entire situation, not to mention the fact that I am receiving a sex talk from one of my former Professors. Believe me when I swear to you that I have not said or done anything to draw attention to my relationship-past or present-with Professor Snape." Rosemarie chose to ignore the fact that Severus had been in her quarters a few nights ago and they had not been having a simple chat.
"Very well dear." Professor McGonagall stiffly patted Rosemarie on the arm. "Perhaps you had better have a discussion with Severus about this whole situation."
"Don't worry, Professor. I will."
When Rosemarie had finally gathered enough courage to walk into the Great Hall, she was aware that most of the students were openly staring at her.
Professor Snape, however, looked smug, and utterly pleased with himself.
Suddenly, everything became very clear to Rosemarie. What better way to get revenge on Rosemarie than by airing her personal business in front of the entire school? Regardless of the fact that he had fathered illegitimate children, the story didn't truly mar Severus' character in any way. Like the Muggle aristocracy of years past, illegitimate children were an accepted part of life in the older, full-blooded Wizarding clans. Severus came from one of the most established families, so naturally he would have a few bastards running around here and there. Though mindsets were slowly changing, Rosemarie would still be regarded as a shameless hussy who spread her legs and threw up her skirts without a second thought. And since this was all happening right before the holidays, Rosemarie could bet that parents would be hearing about her indiscretions as well. It was only a matter of time before they started calling the school, demanding that she give up her post.
Oh yes, Rosemarie would most certainly be having a talk with Severus Snape this evening. Calmly, Rosemarie sat in her usual seat next to Professor Sprout. The Herbology professor gave her a timid but kind smile before resuming her meal. Someone, at least, was on her side. Professor Trelawney looked at her from down the table, left eyebrow arched, as if to question Rosemarie's daring to present herself at dinner. Rosemarie returned her stare, eyes frosty, daring the Divination professor to say something. Professor Trelawney simply looked amusedly at Rosemarie, before turning back to Professor Flitwick. Snape never once looked in her direction, but his smug expression remained in place throughout the entire meal. Rosemarie knew she had to think of a way to pay Severus back for this new humiliation, but for once, she was at a loss as to how to proceed. He was familiar with all her usual means of exacting revenge, and screaming never got her anywhere with him. It never ceased to amaze Rosemarie that, where Severus was an expert at getting a rise out of her, she was rarely able to successfully rattle him. In the past, he always seemed amused by Rosemarie's insults and screaming fits.
It was then that Rosemarie had her epiphany. Since Severus was clearly attempting to anger her further, she decided not to give him the satisfaction by reacting. No, she was just going to pretend that this little escapade had no effect on her at all whatsoever. That way, she would at least be able to maintain her composure, and perhaps irk that twit a little.
At the end of the meal, Rosemarie breezed right by Snape, and out of the Great Hall with her head held high. Had she turned back to look, she would have seen Severus Snape watching her with a look of pure confusion and rage on his face.
Rosemarie headed straight for Professor McGonagall's office. Since the Transfiguration Professor was still on her way back from dinner, Rosemarie waited patiently for her in the hall. "My, my, Rosemarie. It seems as though all your dirty secrets have been lain out for everyone to see." Snape's voice was a spine-tingling combination of mockery, and anger that she had not reacted to his mud slinging thus far. He leaned closer to her. "Maybe now everyone will see that sweet Professor Bacall isn't really as sweet and innocent as she seems."
Rosemarie turned around and gave him a cool look. "Oh hello, Severus." She spotted Professor McGonagall making her way to her office. "Would you excuse me, I have to talk to Professor McGonagall." She walked towards McGonagall, leaving Snape enraged and staring after her. "Minerva!" She called loud enough for him to hear. "Do you have a moment? I need to speak to you about arrangements for Simon and Emma over the holidays."
If Professor McGonagall noticed something was amiss between Rosemarie and Snape, she didn't let on. "Of course Rosemarie. Why don't we speak in my office? Severus." She acknowledged the other professor, before following Rosemarie into the office and closing the door firmly behind her.
Simon and Emma left early the next morning with the rest of the students who were going home for the holidays. Rosemarie refused to let herself cry, until she was back in the privacy of her own room. She already missed them terribly, and they probably hadn't even made it onto the Hogwarts Express yet. Rosemarie had little time to indulge in tears, however. It wouldn't be long before Snape realized that Rosemarie had sent the twins home without letting him know first. She could hear him now, railing at her that even though he didn't have as much of a relationship with them as she did, as their father he should have at least been consulted in the matter. Rosemarie was not looking forward to that particular confrontation, especially since she was becoming less and less adept at controlling her anger. All of the pent-up frustration and rage that she had been dealing with since the disastrous family dinner was in danger of spewing forth at any moment.
Sure enough, half an hour after the children had left, Snape exploded into Rosemarie's room. "What the bloody hell do you mean by sending my children away without consulting me." He said in the silk smooth voice of ultimate rage.
Rosemarie forced herself to stay calm. "First of all, most normal people knock when entering someone else's rooms, they don't just burst in. Second, watch what you say, as there are still some students here. Finally, they are my children. Yes you are their biological father, but I am the one who gave birth to them, raised them, and basically did everything for them."
Rosemarie didn't think it was possible, but Snape became even angrier at her words. "You took them away from me. I really didn't have a choice in the matter, you Bitch Queen from Hell."
Rosemarie raised an eyebrow, and borrowed a line from one of Emma's favorite Muggle movies. "Sticks and stones, love."
Snape let out a roar of pure rage. Before Rosemarie could even react, he grabbed her by the wrists, and pulled until her body was flush against his. His mouth came down hard on hers, and the kiss was filled with anger and lust. She felt that all too familiar surge in the pit of her stomach that assailed her every time he so much as touched her. She had to put a stop to this now, before things got out of control. For Rosemarie, sex had always been connected to love. While she believed deep down that Severus had loved her once, she knew that he really didn't care for her in that way now. To him, she was just one of many who were able and willing to fulfil his needs. The last time she slept with him was a mistake, and Rosemarie was not going to make that mistake again. She pushed away.
He stared at her, breathing heavily, his eyes dark "You're so hot when you're angry; let's go to bed."
"No." Was that thin, faltering voice her own? "No." She said, her voice stronger this time.
He actually laughed at her. "Don't be silly, Rosie." His voice was like melted chocolate, and she had to try hard not to throw herself at him. "This is what we do. This is what our entire relationship has revolved around for years. Don't try to fool me Rosie, I know everything about you. I know when you're lying and I know when you're keeping something from me. I know that a finger stroked along your collarbone sends you over the edge, and I know just how you like to be kissed." He paused, and moved closer. "And the best part is, you know how to do all those things to me. Don't you know what you do to me? How could you not? I'll bet you even knew that I was hard as a rock during your fit of plate throwing. When I walked into the Great Hall that night, and saw you for the first time since you left, I was furious." He grinned, and pulled her up against him again. "Then I was just turned on."
Twelve years ago, Rosemarie would have willingly fallen into bed with him after a speech like that. Now she knew better. For Severus, their relationship was just about sex-love had nothing to do with it. Rosemarie wasn't a child anymore; she was 32 years old, and she wanted more out of a relationship than just sex. Even if it was mind-blowing sex with Severus Snape who, despite everything, Rosemarie still wanted and loved deeply. Gently this time, Rosemarie once again pushed herself away from Snape. "Yes, you knew everything about me at one time, Severus, but don't you think that I would have changed somewhat in the past eleven years? I want more than just sex from a relationship; that's just not enough for me anymore. I need love. Fourteen years ago, a lifetime of loveless sex with you would have been, and was, enough for me, but it's not anymore. I fell in love with you when I was eighteen, Severus, and I don't think I've stopped loving you since. Even so, I can't settle anymore. I need someone to love me, and I know it's not possible for you to love me again." She gave a bitter laugh. "That is, if you ever loved me in the first place. You never told me you know, that you loved me. I used to tell you all the time." Rosemarie looked into his expressionless eyes. "How could I not? Love you, that is." Her eyes started brimming, and she had to look away.
Snape stood there, saying nothing. Finally, he spoke, his voice as expressionless as his eyes. "Are you done now?"
"Quite." It was all she could manage without bursting into tears.
He gave a barely perceptible nod, then turned and walked out of the room.
It didn't take long for Rosemarie to realize she was in a bad place. She had bared her entire soul to him, and left herself completely vulnerable. He knew for certain that she still cared about him, and that gave him tremendous power over her. To make matters worse, there was still the issue of the children to deal with. It was only just the beginning of vacation- plenty of time for Rosemarie to remedy the situation. The only problem: how to fix what was in essence, a situation that could not be fixed. Rosemarie sat idly in her chair, pondering over possible solutions, when suddenly a brilliant idea hit her. Suddenly, it was completely clear to her how she could regain the upper hand and prove to herself that her world no longer revolved around him.
