Chapter Seven
(Dancing, Dancing, Dancing)

The weeks leading up to the Yule Ball were tense and exciting. The school was decked out in festive decorations preparing for the holidays. Everyone was busy making plans and getting ready for the big party. The girls had no problem picking out the boys they wanted to take and unlike the boys, they didn't put off asking them until the last minute.

The night of the Ball, everything was perfect; Dumbledore had reserved a nine piece band/quartet (half chamber music and half rock 'n' roll.) The girls were beautiful in their robes and the boys looked handsome.

Professor Snape stood at the bottom of the stairway that led to the Great Hall waiting for Professor Lee to join him. All he could think about were the weeks before, spending time with Julia, teaching her and learning from her. He cherished the talks that they had together, learning about each others lives and sharing their sadness. But she could always make him smile, with her childlike innocence and just by the sheer fact that she was always so happy about life. She had said to him that no matter how sad she felt, life had so much more to offer and it was just wasteful to sit and mope. He was truly surprised by how much she had really experienced. As a bounty hunter she had been around the world and back, battling demons and such. He would begin to feel that his life was insignificant. Then she would just say something like, 'I could never have walked in your shoes, so don't be so down. You have experienced things that I hope I never will. Unless of course, I go insane or something, then sure, point me to the Dark Lord.'

He smiled to himself as he watched the students file past in pairs. His back was to the stairs when, of all people, Draco Malfoy looked up and gasped.

Snape turned to see what Malfoy was reacting to; what he saw took his breath away. Julia was walking down the stairs wearing a scarlet corset top with silk straps that resembled strings of roses hanging off her porcelain shoulders. She stopped to adjust the buckle on one of her strappy black shoes and Severus could see that her corset was backless except for the silk scarlet ribbon that was laced across her back. Her skirt was black with a slit up to the middle of her right thigh with a Spanish ruffle that ran along the bottom hem. She had a rose tucked in her dark hair that was done in soft curls that cascaded down her back, a black silk choker around her soft white throat and her body shimmered like she was iridescent. Her lips matched the color of her corset and her blue eyes sparkled. She looked at him in his simple black robes as if he were the most delicious thing she had ever seen, and he began to think that maybe they should skip the dance all together.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she tripped on the last step and fell into his open arms. "Well, how embarrassing was that? I can tell you know, these," she points to her shoes, "will not make it thru the night." She smiled at him and he had to use every ounce of his will to not grab her and kiss her madly. Instead, he offered her his arm and lead her into the Great Hall.

The Hall looked wonderful with the main area empty for dancing, little tables dressed in holiday trappings were set up around the edges for the students to sit at. Julia and Severus had apparently made such an entrance that except for the music, the room went silent.

"Looks like no one else knew about our little secret. Everyone seems a bit shocked," Julia whispered.

"At Hogwarts, that is truly a magical feat," he replied, knowing how rumors and information traveled at the school.

Once they arrived at the High Table, Dumbledore got up and walked over to Julia.

"Excuse me my dear, I know it is impolite to not have the first dance with your escort, but would you mind entertaining an old man and giving him the pleasure?" he asked through twinkling eyes.

She looked at Snape for approval, and when he nodded, she turned back to Dumbledore, "Well Great Grand Uncle, I think we can make an exception for you." She got up and took his hand. He walked her to the dance floor and put his hand on her waist. The music began a slow waltz and they swayed along with the music.

"You look beautiful tonight my dear. Severus is a lucky man," Dumbledore complimented.

"I guess there are no keeping secrets from you," she smiled. "Only I feel like the lucky one. I have never been treated like this before. He is wonderful to me."

"Severus has been alone for so long and now that he knows happiness with you, he will not let go of you so easy," he stated.

She looked at him questioningly, "Why would I want him to let me go? I don't."

"I know you don't, dear, but I want both of you to be happy. In my eyes you are both my children. The same way I feel about Harry and his friends, I love you all and would never want to see any of you hurt," he said with a smile, but something behind his eyes made her think that he had more on his mind. She placed her head on his shoulder. She knew he was not about to share.

After they had danced for a few minutes they were tapped on the shoulder by Professor McGonagall, who was waltzing along with Severus. He did not look pleased and was only too happy to cut in and take Julia in his arms. Apparently McGonagall saw them dancing and decided to ask Snape to join her.

"Thank you for saving me," he hissed. "I'm not really fond of dancing, the only one I know is the waltz."

"I can show you how dance," Julia smiled. "I can teach you a lot of things."

He looked into her eyes feeling the sexual tension between them, it was almost unbearable. He had been able to be a gentleman with her whenever they had spent time together, but he was finding it harder and harder to keep himself in check. She, too was beginning to find it difficult to not grab him by the hand and run to the nearest closet. But silently they both wanted it to be a romantic and special event.

After the song had ended the band struck a cord on the electric guitar and the rock began to play. The teachers disappeared off the floor quickly as the students rushed out. Snape felt a tug on his arm and realized that Julia wanted to stay and dance with the students. He was not comfortable with this and she caught on quickly. She pulled him to her and whispered in his ear, "Then watch me dance." No one was looking so she kissed him quickly, sucking lightly on his bottom lip. Kicking off her offending heels she turned and headed to the dance floor. His eyes shone with excitement and he smiled at her and quickly took his seat.

The band played cover tunes of all types of music, both Wizard and Muggle, and they took requests, with a special charm they sounded just like the original artists. After hearing a few songs, Julia requested 'Deeper and Deeper' by Madonna. The music started and she began to move. Severus watched her with a building desire, he wanted her to keep dancing for him and yet he wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her fiercely. She was amazing, her body moving rhythmically to the hypnotic beat. She had her back to him and was dancing with a group of students, when she turned he could see the perspiration on her cleavage and he wanted to just eat her up.

After awhile, Dumbledore came over to speak with Snape, "She is quite extraordinary, isn't she, Severus?"

"Ummm, yes Headmaster, she is," he said, a little uncomfortable with this situation, seeing as he was currently having dirty thoughts about a woman that the Headmaster looked at as a granddaughter.

"She is quite taken with you, Severus. Do not hurt her," he stated, then patted him on the back and started to walk away. He stopped and added, "You don't have to stay for the whole dance, and you may leave early." And he then returned to his seat. Snape knew what Dumbledore meant. He knew that his being allied with the Order and his false alliance with the Death Eaters could cause trouble. Julia knew all about his past and she knew of his present but he did not tell her of the danger that he was constantly in. He did not want her to know of the things he had to do, nor did he want her to worry every time he had to disappear for a few days; he just hoped that she would forgive him the depression and foulness of his mood when he returned. But he knew in his heart that those moods wouldn't linger as long as they used to, she had such a way of making him smile.

"Won't my father be interested in this bit of news," smirked Draco as he came up to Snape's chair. "Looks like the Potions Master has himself a girlfriend."

"Draco, do you really think that your father would even care? He knows that she is nothing to me. You should worry more about your studies than my personal life. Or should I just take 20 points from Slytherin?" he retorted feeling a little uneasy.

Malfoy left quickly and went over to the bandstand. He quickly whispered something into the lead singer's ear and when they were done the singer announced, "This song is for two special Professors. May they find happiness together."

The band started playing and the song was 'American Woman' by The Guess Who. Julia saw Malfoy smirking in her direction so she blew him a kiss and began to dance to the song, mouthing the words. She began to think that maybe this should be her theme song.

When the song had ended she actually got applause from the High Table. Professors Dumbledore, Flitwick, McGonagall, Snape, Sinistra and the other professors were clapping, Hagrid was cheering. This just infuriated Malfoy to no end so he grabbed his date's hand and walked off the dance floor. Julia walked over to the table and leaned across it to drink a glass of water.

"Did you see that little shit? He thinks that he can push my buttons, hah. Just like his father. A couple of drama queens," she said, using her favorite description of the Senior and Junior Malfoy. Snape stood up and walked around the table toward her. He took her hand and walked to the dance floor. She was stunned but she followed him. He whispered something into the singer's ear and the band began to play 'Wonderful Tonight' by Eric Clapton. She smiled as he took her in his arms and they began to dance. She thought to herself, a bit cliché, but sweet none the less.

A few couples joined them on the floor and even Hagrid was dancing, with young Hermione. She looked pleased with herself, as though she knew it would cheer up the gentle giant who had come to the dance alone.

Severus whispered in her ear, "I hope you haven't tired yourself out too much, I still have a surprise for you."

She replied, "Too tired? Honey, I could never be too tired for a surprise from you."

He took her hand and led her off the dance floor toward the great oak doors. Once out in the hall he pulled her to him and kissed her. He had waited all night for this kiss and he craved the taste of her mouth. She welcomed his kiss and ran her hands up his back under his cape. He stopped and looked at her, pausing to take in her beauty. Then he took off running with her in tow toward his surprise.

* * *

Severus and Julia were heading toward the Dungeons, hand in hand; he was leading her to his surprise. When they reached the door to his chambers he pulled her to him once again and kissed her deeply. They were so lost in each other that they never heard the quiet footsteps in the shadows, never knew that they had a spy.

"I need you to know something before we go any further," she said. "I think I'm in love with you and if that scares you and you want me to leave, I'll go."

He smiled at her and replied in a soft voice, "Shut up, you silly girl, I love you too." Then he kissed her and began to fumble with the door. He stopped kissing her long enough to tell her to close her eyes, he then led her to his bedroom. When he told to open them again she could not believe what she was seeing. The room was completely different from the last time she had visited his chambers. There were furs draped over the bed and candles floating around the room. The fire was roaring and he had a silver tray with chocolates and champagne. He was standing behind her and she turned and placed both her hands on his face.

"This is beautiful, you did this for me? So there is a romantic under all that dark and broody-ness!" she teased.

Then he kissed her and she pulled him with her toward the bed. She began to unbutton his shirt and he started to tug at the ribbon at the back of her corset. She was almost finished with his shirt but as she began to push it off his shoulders to bare his chest and arms, he flinched and pulled away a bit.

"Don't..." he started to say, as but she had already seen the scars on his body, and the mark on his arm.

"Don't make me stop. I know who you are Severus, I know what you have done. Don't you realize I don't care? That was your past and if you let me I want to help those scars to heal." She leaned into him and softly kissed the scars on his chest. She ran kisses up to his neck and down his left arm. She kissed the Dark Mark. When she went back to kiss his lips she could see that he had tears running down his face. "I didn't mean to make you cry," she whispered, and then in attempt to make him smile she added, "Hey, it's not fair. You're the only one with their shirt off."

He smiled at her comment and pulled the final piece of ribbon free; he slid the corset off of her and gently touched her skin. She felt like silk and all he wanted to do was to taste her. He pulled her to him and they fell back on to the bed together and very slowly and sweetly they made love.

***

The fire in the hearth was still burning as Julia lay stroking the arm of the man whom only a few months ago thought of her as a childish twit. She never wanted to leave this bed, never wanted to leave his arms, she wanted to pretend that the world around them did not exist and that there was no war impending, that it was only them.

Severus lay with his body scooped up behind her with his arm draped around her, smelling her hair and drinking in the warmth of her body. He never would have believed that he could have found someone like her. Never would have believed that someone like her would actually love someone like him. And she did, she loved him, he swore to himself at that moment that nothing would ever hurt her. He would be her protector from everything because she loved him. Silent tears ran down his face, but they were tears of joy.

They stayed together through the night, holding and loving each other. They talked and cried and laughed. They made promises and plans. But sometimes plans are better left unmade and promises are hard to keep.

* * *

few days after the Yule Ball, and that special night that Severus and Julia spent together, Julia was in her classroom working. She was using a large Muggle punching bag. There was a box sitting on the table near her. She had found the box in Tokyo. It looked and acted like a CD player, actually playing CD's. But since nothing electronic could work within the walls of Hogwarts, it had been charmed to play music. She was currently listening to 'Short Bus' by Filter. She liked listening to angry music when she worked out. It put her in the mood to fight. She had yet to find any wizarding music that worked. Next to the box was a stack of CD's, 'And Justice for All' by Metallica, 'Never Mind the Bollocks' by The Sex Pistols and a few others. The music was quite loud and she was really working hard. She never heard anyone enter the room. She never sensed anyone near her. She would never make that mistake again.

She faintly heard someone whisper behind her, "Petrificus Totalus." Before she could react, her body went stiff and rigid. She could still see and hear, but she could not move. Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder and a prick on her arm. Then a painful warm rush as something was injected into her. The gloved hand turned her around and pushed her hard against the nearest wall. A walking stick with a silver serpent slammed down on her CD case. The music didn't stop, it just got quieter. The man had on a hooded cape so she could not see his face but she recognized the stick.

"You'd fight and you were right, but they were just too strong..." the music played on.

He leaned into her and pushed his face close to hers. "So, my son tells me that you like Death Eaters. And that you have become a toy to a certain Potions Master. Well, I like to play with toys too. Maybe, I'll test you out and see what all the excitement is about," he hissed in her ear. He ran his gloved hand up the back of her leg and emphasized his comment by roughly grabbing her backside. "See, I only want the best for Sevvie. I couldn't have him falling in love with you. He needs to learn a lesson and you, my sweet, will be his lesson."

"They'd stick it in your face and let you smell what they consider wrong..."

He brought his hand around, and with a quick swish he released the binding spell and let her fall to the floor. "Sorry for the needle, but I couldn't have you fighting me. What fun would there be in that? Don't worry. It's just a little belladonna. I had Sevvie cook me up a batch. Too bad he didn't know what my true intentions were. Don't worry, it's not permanent. Just enough to weaken you, but it will wear off. But by then I should be done with you."

"That's why I say hey man, nice shot..."

He reached down, grabbed her hair and pulled her to her feet, pushing her into the table knocking the CD player to the floor. The music stopped. He pulled his arm over his head and back handed her across the face. She fell again.

The only thoughts in her head were; Why he is doing this? Why the hell didn't I hear him? Damn music, damn me, I should have known better. Why was I so stupid? She started to think of how she could get out of this. Maybe her body hadn't betrayed her. Maybe she could fight a bit. But all she could do was stand up weakly and lean against a desk. She needed her wand. She tried to reach around and grab it. But even if her arms had worked properly she could feel that the weight of the stake was not there. She assumed the wand wasn't either. She wanted to cry but refused to let him see her in pain. She tried to yell out for someone, anyone, to hear her, "HELP! HELP!"

He reached over and slammed her hard in the face again. "No one is around to hear you. Stupid girl!"

She thought she saw a wisp of smoke float by the door, but it was gone. She felt defeated as he began to push her to the floor. He began to pull at her clothes. Stopping only to hit her again.

Suddenly, he was pulled back and she couldn't see what was happening. Then she saw Minerva run to her, and pull her to the corner out of the way. "My dear, oh my sweet dear, what did he do to you?"

Julia knew she was safe. She closed her eyes and cried. She didn't want to see anymore. She could hear fighting, knew that Severus had come to save her but she couldn't watch. She just wanted to sleep. She felt arms around her and a familiar warm smell, it was Severus. He scooped her up and ran with her. He brought her to the hospital wing and immediately Madam Pomfrey took care of her. "I will not give her a sedative, not until the belladonna has worn off. Are you sure he that he only gave her belladonna?"

"He didn't say. He had a portkey with him and I could not get any information. I did find the syringe, it looks like belladonna. That bastard," she heard Severus reply. "He did this because of me. He hurt her because of me."

He leaned to her ear and whispered, "Please forgive me, love. I will make this right." He turned and left before she could even register what he had said.

Julia opened her eyes and tried to sit up, her body still not letting her. "Albus, I need my Uncle. Minerva, stop him, please," she said to McGonagall, who was still at her side.

"He is here now dear, you just relax," she said, pointing to the door.

Julia turned her head to see her Great Grand Uncle walking to her. She immediately started, "Stop him, please stop him."

"Julia, dear, relax. Lucius is gone, he can't hurt you now," Dumbledore tried to assure her.

They didn't understand, she thought. "No, Severus. Said to forgive him, he would make everything right. He is going to do something bad."

Dumbledore's face changed. He realized what she had been saying and immediately left. He was heading for the Dungeons when he stopped to listen to a soft sound coming from the stair. He followed it to find Severus leaning on the rail halfway down the steps, sobbing. Dumbledore put his hand on his shoulder.

Without turning Severus said, "I should have known that he would try something like this. I should have known that she would be in danger. I let her into my world, knowing the consequences, and now she is hurt."

"Julia, too, knew the consequences. Though, it does not make this right. You cannot go and change what happened, only try to help her from here," he replied. He knew what Severus was capable of. He did not want him to travel that road again. "He is not worth it Severus, but she is. What would she want you to do?"

He was silent, his rage boiling under the surface. "I will go to her. She needs me. I need you to contact the Ministry to report the attack. If I do it will get back to Voldemort and it could cause more problems for the Order. I refuse to risk all that you have worked hard for, Albus. It is bad enough that Malfoy has a black eye that he is going to have to explain. I don't think he will point a finger at me, yet."

"Very well, go to her and make her better. We have two weeks before the students return and she has to be well for her classes. Once the potion he administered has worn off you may take her to her chambers and care for her," he said, then squeezing his shoulder. He added, "This was not your fault. No one could have predicted that such an attack would have happened in Hogwarts."

* * *

"Did'ja hear me cry for help?" Julia asked McGonagall. "I couldn't fight him."

"No, dear, but Sir Nicholas did and he went immediately for Severus. I was on my way to see you and saw him running to your room. I am sorry I didn't come sooner," she paused to wipe her eyes. "I stopped to yell at Peeves for throwing cauldrons down the stairs. If I hadn't I may have stopped..." she broke off.

"Don't blame ya self, I know better than ta block out all my senses. If the music hadn't been so damn loud... I would've heard him. I am supposed to be teachin' kids how to defend themselves and I can't even defend myself," she cried her voice full of frustration. "Hell, I've never even let a demon get the better of me like that. I've had my ass kicked more than once, but that was just sheer stupidity on my part."

Severus had entered the room at that moment. He took the chair next to the bed and held her hand. "I am so sorry. I broke my promise. I swore that nothing would hurt you. I hope you can forgive me," he said, looking at her with sadness in his eyes.

"You didn't break your promise. Ya can only control so much. Don't ya blame ya self either. I'm a big girl. I shoulda been able to kick his ass. If he ever comes near me again I will," she tried to smile, but the bruises that had formed around her jaw and mouth made it difficult. "I shoulda known better than to underestimate the pretty boys. They're always the most devious."

"Even after all this, she still makes jokes," smiled Albus, as he entered the room. "I have contacted the Ministry, and they will be getting in touch with us soon, about this matter. But I fear that it will be to no avail, for I was informed that Lucius Malfoy has been at the Ministry all day speaking with Amelia Bones. Apparently the younger Malfoy has been hexing house-elves."

"I knew that bastard would sneak out of this. I guess Madam Bones is going to punch him before the day is through," Severus fumed.

"Don't worry. This will get taken care of. No one attacks anyone in my school, let alone my 'niece' and gets away with it." Dumbledore said with an evil twinkle in his eyes. He turned to Madam Pomfrey and quietly asked her, "Will she be okay, Poppy?"

"She is a bit shaken. Except for the bruises, she is fine. He didn't get very far with his attack, for that, I am grateful. She is such a lovely girl, but I have seen her working with the students. I am glad that I am not Lucius Malfoy," she replied.

* * *

A week had gone by and Julia was out of bed and back to working out, without the loud music, but with a very concerned Sir Nicholas sitting in the corner watching. She needed time alone, for the past week everyone had visited her and tried to make her feel better. She didn't really like all the over-protectiveness. She wasn't a child; she just made a stupid mistake and let her guard down. The only proof of the attack was the yellowing bruise that was left on her right jaw. She still winced when Severus bumped her accidentally when he kissed her. The thing that hurt her most was that he continued to blame himself.

"Good show, Miss Lee," Nearly Headless Nick cheered as she rounded on her left foot and kicked the bag with her right forcing it to swing up and hit the wall.

She turned and bowed. "Thank you, I'm done for the day, Sir Nicholas, I am going to clean up. Would you mind letting Severus know."

"Not a problem," he smiled and floated out of the room.

She hated using the ghost as her personal messenger service, but until this matter could be taken care of, she was never left alone for long. She headed up to her chamber and began to gather her things to take a shower. She could hear Severus enter the class and start toward the stairs that lead to her chamber. He let himself into the room. She looked out of the bedroom and smiled at him. His eyes still looked pained. She couldn't wait for this bruise to finally fade so he would stop looking at her like that.

"Hey, big boy, wanna take a shower with me?" she said flirtingly. "I may need some help reaching that little spot on my back that you love to kiss."

He smiled at her and quietly followed her into her private bathroom. They disappeared for an hour and when the water turned cold they continued their fun in the bedroom. They were supposed to setting up their lesson plans for when the students returned, but sometimes things just come up.

* * *

They had just finished getting dressed and were planning on visiting the Great Hall to get something to eat, when there was a knock at the door.

"It's open," Julia called, zipping up her hoody. Severus gave her a glare that said that she should be more cautious. She glared back at him with a smile on her face and replied, "Bad guys don't knock."

"I am sorry ta bother yer Julia, but Dumbledore wants ta see yer," Hagrid said as he entered the room. "He says Professor Snape should be there, too."

"We'll be right there Hagrid, thank you for getting us," she said smiling at the giant. He too winced at the bruises.

* * *

Dumbledore sat at his desk rereading a letter that had been owled to
him over the summer. It read:

June 21, 1997

Dear Great Grand Uncle Albus,

I hope all is well with you. I have heard you had quite an adventure this past year. Well, so have I. That's what I am writing to you about.

I need help, and you are the only person I can turn to. You now that I have followed into the family business. Maybe, I have been too successful. I was hired to go after a group of Ishler demons that were terrorizing the locals. So I go and slaughter the lot, like a good Bounty Hunter. Well my informant, someone I have trusted for many years, had taken a payoff and lied to me. I ended up slaughtering a group of Ishler-e'tai, the spiritual sect, they were peaceful. They didn't even know what hit them.

Turns out the town didn't like the sight of them. This group of so-called educated wizards paid to have them murdered. Fortunately I wasn't charged. They called it reckless misfortune. I call it: the Judge was one of the people who wanted them dead. I was forced to promise that I would never speak of the incident. Obviously, I am breaking that promise.

I can't do this any longer. , I tried to talk to Dad, but he has been so out of it since Mom died. He is useless. I don't know what to do. You are my only hope.

Please Uncle Albus, please help me find a new direction with my life. I can't keep on killing like this because I think I enjoy it too much.

Desperately,

Julia

He folded up the parchment and placed it in his desk. He thought to himself, maybe his idea of a 'new direction' may have been a mistake. Maybe she should never have left her father. He had made a lot of mistakes lately. Maybe Julia needed to get away from all this pain. But in his heart he knew he couldn't protect her from pain any more than he could protect Harry Potter.

* * *

When Julia and Severus entered his office, Dumbledore ushered them into his sitting room. Once settled, he turned to Julia. "I have some news for you, and it is rather unpleasant. Your father has taken a turn for the worse. He had apparently gone out to visit your Mother's grave and he never came home. They found him there with his arms around the tombstone. He died from exposure." There were tears in his eyes.

"No, he would have owled me," she replied, panic thickening her voice. "I told him that if he got lonely to send me an owl and I would come help him. Why wouldn't he have?" she looked at Dumbledore, wanting him to answer. "Why would he just let himself die?" she asked, knowing the answers already. She sat quietly, thinking, not quite believing, "I...I need to go. I need t-to go to New York t-to take care of things. I-I need...," she broke down.

Severus put his arm around her and tried to comfort her. She put her face in his shoulder and wept.

"I have already made arrangements for you to leave immediately. Severus may join you," Dumbledore offered.

"No," she said, straightening up, wiping the tears from her face. "I'll go alone. Severus is needed here. I won't be gone for long." And before anyone could protest she got up and left to get her things.

"Sir, she shouldn't be alone, please persuade her to let me go." Severus tried, but even he knew it was futile. She had her mind set and would not change it. She would be safe in New York. He needed to be here.

"Go see her off Severus. We will be okay with out her and she will be back soon enough," Dumbledore stated with warmth in his voice.

Severus got up to leave, but grabbed his left arm as a searing pain ran through it. "The Mark," he cried, looking at Albus. "He calls."

"Then you must go, too. Be safe Severus, and do not be foolish," Dumbledore pleaded.

He left and headed straight for Julia's chamber to say goodbye. He decided he would not tell her that he too is leaving, but he needed to kiss her; to tell her that he loved her. When he reached her room she was gone, a spray of floo powder on the floor.

* * *

Sometimes life heals the open wounds of our souls with unexpected surprises. Sometimes these surprises only complicate the problem. Or add to the fear.

When Julia returned from New York the day before the students were to return to Hogwarts, she headed straight to Dumbledore's office.

"My dear, I have missed you these last few days. Are you well?" he asked her.

"I have felt better, but Dad's happy now, right? He's with Mom," she began. She could feel the tears burning her eyes. "That is what he wanted. He was lost and now he is with her again."

Dumbledore stood and walked over to her and hugged her tightly. She placed her head on his shoulder and let him embrace her. "I have known your Father all his life and he was never truly happy unless your Mother was by his side. I am happy for him, and jealous that I myself have never found such a love."

"Thank you for letting me leave on such short notice. This has definitely not been the best Christmas holiday I've ever had. I think I should go tell Severus that I am back. I missed him," she said, trying to look strong.

"Severus had to leave minutes after you left and has yet to return. He has contacted me to assure us that he is alright. He was questioned by Voldemort for Malfoy's black eye," he told her, his voice serene.

"Do you think he will be back soon? Voldemort wouldn't risk him being found out, would he?" she asked, her voice taking on a maniacal tone. "I need to talk to him. Something has happened and he needs to know."

"Dear, do you want to tell me something too?" he inquired, his eyes piercing hers.

She hesitated, knowing the powers her 'uncle' had over the mind. She cleared her thoughts and replied, "I need to talk to Severus first. I'm sorry Great Grand Uncle, but soon. I'll tell you soon."

He could see the pain in her eyes. He hated that he could not end that pain. He could not help but feel guilty. She has had a lot of pain in the past few weeks.

She leaned close and hugged him tight and whispered in his ear, "Don't worry. I think it is a good thing." She smiled and turned to leave. As a second thought she added, "You have known my family for four generations, right? You may be around for the fifth."

Before he could reply she had already shut the door behind her. He reflected on her words, the twinkle returned to his eyes. Smiling, he thought to himself, Severus is definitely a lucky man.

* * *

Julia was in her room unpacking the few things that she wanted to keep that had belonged to her father. She wept softly as she opened his 'Hunting' kit and carefully looked at all the weapons, remembering when he taught her how to use them, reliving the moments she had.

Behind her she heard soft footsteps coming up the stairs. She smiled softly, recognizing them immediately. As soon as the door opened she turned and rushed the person entering.

"You're back," she cried and hugged him tightly, tears still streaming down her face. Severus pulled away a bit as if in pain. "What did they do to you?" she asked as she began to pull at his shirt. His chest was battered and bruised and there were two new wounds to add to his scars.

"Is this because of me? Those bastards, what did they do?" She began to cry again.

"I'm fine," he replied, fixing his shirt. "They were testing my loyalty, to see that I was only in love and not siding with Dumbledore."

"Ya needed ta be tested? As if it were unthinkable for you ta be in love for reasons other than being loyal ta Dumbledore. C'mere and lay down," she said.

He mused to himself that her accent always got a little thicker when she was upset. He let her lead him to the bed. She unbuttoned his shirt again and then she disappeared to get some rags and water. When she returned she leaned in and kissed him. "I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye. My mind wasn't with me that day, and I have spent this entire time missing you." She began to tend his wounds, wanting to tell him her secret but weighing her words. She did not want him to hate her, but this did complicate things. He was hurt defending his love for her; next he will be hurt protecting their secret.

"Don't apologize, I understand. Were you able to take care of everything?" he asked, bringing her out of her thoughts.

"Yes, my uncle will sell the house and I have an inheritance that I need to claim," she paused, "I just miss him. I spoke with Albus and we agree that he is happy again. To be with his wife, ya know." Her eyes began to well up again.

"Was that his?" he asked, nodding to the leather bag full of weapons.

"Yeah," she laughed softly, "he called it his 'Hunting' kit. Funny though, how he fought all those demons and it was love that really killed him. It is ironically beautiful, don't ya think?"

He sat up and took her in his arms. "Will you love me like that? I know that if something happened to you I would die. When I came into your class and saw you on the floor with Malfoy over you like that I thought you were already dead and my heart screamed. The thought of you gone, I couldn't even breathe. I only reacted when I heard you cry out after he hit..." he stopped. It was too painful to relive those thoughts.

"I have thought about you so much while I was away," she explained, "I thought of what I would do if something happened to you. I don't want to think about it ever again, I know that I would die just like my father."

She held him tightly as he stroked her hair, gently rocking her. He stopped and looked into her eyes. "Marry me. You can think about it, but please do consider it. I...I can't believe the changes that you have made in me. I never thought I could love anyone," he pleaded, then jokingly added, "I mildly dislike myself."

"I...really? You really want to marry me? I mean, we really have only known each other for a few months, and I not complaining. I just never...really?" she stammered, then stopped to collect her thoughts. "Severus Snape, you are such a jerk! You have made me miserable since the first day I walked into this castle. Then you made me love you. Then you got me pregnant. Now you want to marry me?" she smiled. "Yes...yes I will marry you."

"You will?" He hugged her tightly again and kissed her deeply. His mind reflected on what she had just said. Suddenly he stopped and looked at her, "I got you pregnant? How? When?"

"You are thick sometimes," she smiled. "Well, probably on the first night that we were together. You fertile bastard! Considering we have only been active for about two weeks. Do you really need me to answer how? I just found out yesterday. I just didn't feel right and my aunt is a witch, but works as a Muggle midwife. She saw the signs right away and gave me a test. That is why my uncle is taking care of the house for me. I needed to see you."

He reached down and placed his hand on her stomach, unbelieving and still in shock. "My child, you are going to have my child?" he smiled at her. He could not believe the joy that this woman has given him. But in the back of his head all he could think of was that Malfoy had beaten her and his child. Anger simmered under the surface but he refused to let her see. "I can't even begin to explain the love that I feel for you."

She poked him in the chest and he winced a bit. "I love you too, Lumpy."