Snape would have rather gone without meals for the next week than sit through this supper. Ron would stare at him as though he wanted to bore holes through him, and then whisper to Hermione. No one else seemed to be particularly enjoying themselves either. Molly and Arthur continued to make forced conversation, no matter how hard everyone tried to resist. It was odd, really, when Severus thought about it. Except at the best of times, Sirius was moody after he started staying at the Order, tending to let his angry moods rub off on others within a ten foot radius, yet things were much worse without him.

Finally supper ended and they got to the twins' and Percy's induction into the OotP. All that happened was that they were sworn to secrecy and service. No matter how annoying they were, Severus was grateful the twins were here. While they didn't trust him any more than their younger brother, they at least lightened the mood a little. During the ceremony, he let his mind wander as he had been doing quite frequently.

It was their fifth year, exactly one year after Severus' and Clytemnestra's first date. They had been going out ever since Severus asked her out that one day. Aside from the fact that Clytemnestra was a nice and beautiful girl, he felt a savage pleasure that he had a girlfriend, and James, his enemy, couldn't get the girl he liked to look at him with anything other than hatred.

They were sitting in the library doing all the extra homework assigned because of OWLs at the end of the school year. When they were almost finished, Sirius came over and sat next to Clytemnestra. He was looking at a book, but Severus doubted he was actually reading it. Heck, sometimes he doubted that Sirius could even read. Sure enough, he started flirting with Clytemnestra, even after she told him to get lost. Severus decided to take things into his own hands.

"Knock it off, Black."

"I'm just talking to Artuary," replied Sirius.

"She told you to back off, so save us the pain of having to deal with you, and take her advice," Severus retorted.

"I'll do whatever the hell I want Snivullus." Appearing at his side was James. Severus noticed Lupin was at the back of the library, pretending not to notice anything, yet trying to talk Pettigrew out of helping in the fight. Clytemnestra stood up.

"Oh, I see, you don't do anything without James to help, do you?" she snapped.

"Why do you go out with him? I've asked you out many times before?" Sirius exclaimed.

"First, you can have any other girl you want, so bother someone else. Second, you're a show-off and I hate you and your friends. Let's go , Severus." He followed her out of the library.

As soon as they were out of ear shot, she whispered, "Thanks for standing up for me." Severus gave a hollow laugh.

"You could beat them up better than I could any day. Besides, you helped me first, since I started it."

"Naw, Black started it, as soon as we started going out. His been asking me out since then." Seeing, the look on his face, she continued, "I didn't want to tell you, but I guess he's jealous."

Severus shook his head. "No, I think the only reason he flirts with you is 'cuz you're going out with me. No offense." She laughed. "Way to make a girl feel good about herself, Snape." And they kissed, not even bothering to check for anyone else.

AN: Im sure all the Maurader fans are going to get me for that one, but o well. I had writers' block, and thats how I solved it, so deal with it. I dont think that will play a big part however.