The next day was busy with last minute term preparations and the chaos ensuing from students returning to Hogwarts. Marya did not see hide nor hair of Severus Snape until dinner that evening. Professor McGonagall had already begun the announcements when he swept in without so much as a glance in her direction. He swept out again as soon as the main course was finished, leaving her with no chance to speak to him.

After dinner Dumbledore waved her down. "Marya, a word, if you don't mind." She followed him to the deserted staff room.

"Did you get a chance to think over what I talked to you about?" he inquired.

"Yes. I royally blew it, didn't I?" Marya said quietly. "It was such a knee-jerk reaction.... You trust him, and I knew that, and after all the time I spent with him the last couple month, I should have at least given him the benefit of a doubt, should have listened..."

"Marya, it isn't like it is entirely your fault. Severus knew your history, and there would probably have been several more diplomatic ways of broaching the subject he could have chosen." Dumbledore shook his head. "But the question is, how do you feel about him now? Do you feel you can still work with him?"

Marya looked frankly into his kind face. "I still prefer to not think about the possibility that he was there that night. It is... too hard. But I don't hate him. That lasted for only a moment. I can work with him."

"Good, good" Dumbledore said, "Now mind you, I can't promise anything because it isn't just my decision to make, but I think you are ready to join the Order. I will discuss it with some of the other people concerned."

Marya looked confused. "Why now?" she asked.

Dumbledore patted her on the shoulder. "Marya, before you would have joined just because you hate the Death Eaters so much. To me, that reason is... not good enough. I want you to fight for something, not just against something. But last night, you took a step into the right direction. I can see it in your eyes." He escorted her to the door. "Did you get a chance to talk to Severus yet?"

"No," Marya answered with a sigh. "I think he is avoiding me. With good cause."

"Well, don't let it go too long. Better to resolve this soon...." He watched her walk away with a bit of trepidation – he knew only too well how tenderly Severus Snape could nurse a grudge.

The situation did not at all improve with classes starting up again the next day, so later that evening, Marya nervously made her way down to the Snape's dungeon. As she stuck her head into the classroom, she saw two very sullen Third Years who had somehow managed to draw detention on the very first day of class. They were up to their elbows in something green and slimy. The Potions master was nowhere to be seen.

"Is Professor Snape around?" Marya asked.

"He's in there," one of the Third Years answered, grumpily jerking his head in the direction of the office door.

Marya gently knocked. "What is it now?" an irritated voice hissed from inside. Taking that as permission to enter, Marya opened the door, her heart beating frantically.
"Hello, Severus," she said softly. He quickly rose from where he had been sitting marking parchments. She obviously wasn't whom he had been expecting.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" asked Marya.

"I was under the impression that you did not wish to speak to me," he answered, his face hard like flint.

"Please, let me explain.."

"No explanations are necessary." His voice was like ice - brittle, cold, and sharp.

"Severus, please – I went to see Uncle Albus last night, and he told me... anyways, I wanted to..." Marya stopped. The cold immobility of his face flustered her.

"I see no need for any further discussion."

"Let me explain – you caught me off guard, and I didn't know the whole story, and I just wanted to let you know that I am sorry.."

"Miss Morava," he interrupted her, in a soft, dangerous voice, his lips curled, "let me disabuse you of the notion that I am interested in an apology. You made your opinion of me quite clear, and you are certainly more than justified in your assessment of my person. As not to insult your sensibilities with my presence, I will not require your assistance with potions work any longer, so feel free to make other plans for your day. I suggest we observe basic civilities as is becoming to colleagues. If that is all?"

With a dismissive gesture, he resumed his seat and picked up his quill.

Marya stood there for a second, her shoulders sagging.

"So this is it, then?" she finally whispered.

"I do not know what you are talking about. Good day, Miss Morava."

As she finally turned and left without another word, the sharp pang of loss he felt as she walked out the door caught him completely by surprise.

A/N: Sorry it is taking longer to update - I have company, and it is harder to find time to write right now.

Serena the goddess, morwen24, Morrolan, Hippy Gypsy, Crazy Physco - thanks for reviewing, you have been so nice :-)

BoBi - I am glad you think Snape is in character - I think it is hard to write a romance that keeps him completely in character, but I am trying!