Chapter 5

The day after Severus and Liza had kissed, they did not speak normally for nearly two months. Liza had gone back to her rooms thinking 'What have I done? He left me at the altar . . . how on earth could I go back to him? I've been driven crazy by lust . . . it can't happen again until I get my head cleared up.' And thus, had not gone back to help out with Snape's classes for two weeks. When she did turn up again, she and Severus were very awkward toward each other. They rarely spoke, and when they did, avoided each other's eyes, their cheeks flushing.

Now however, the Christmas season was approaching them, holly, trees, and garland decorated the halls and classrooms, some, like Severus, remained un-festive. Liza spent her time working in Defence Against The Dark Arts and sitting at the back of the Transfiguration classroom talking with Minerva while Hermione taught.

There were only a few days before the Christmas break, and the Christmas ball. Liza sat at the back of Minerva's classroom, a saddened expression on her face, as she was still utterly confused. Not even a second before class started, Minerva whipped into her classroom, taking a seat beside her niece as Hermione began the lesson. McGonagall looked over at the younger woman.

"What's wrong?" Liza looked over at her, breaking her thoughts.

"I don't really know." She sighed, looking down, "I'm more confused than anything."

"Severus?" Minerva waved her wand, placing a silencing charm around the area they were in so they weren't heard by others.

"Yes."

"You said you were falling in love with him again . . . what happened?"

"I don't think it was love. I mean, I enjoy being with him and all, but once we kissed, I felt like half of me was ready to leave. I think it could just be lust."

"You kissed?"

"Yeah."

"When?"

"October." Liza looked up, "Sorry for not telling you sooner, it was just kind of awkward."

"Ah." The older woman replied.

"Anyway," She waved her hand, "Any ideas on what I'm supposed to do?"

"Well . . . " Minerva paused, "There's only one thing that might work . . . and I think you know what I mean." Liza raised an eyebrow, it was odd for her aunt to mention things on such a topic.

"That's interesting . . . " She sighed, leaning back against the wall, her eyes glanced at Hermione, as if surveying her body. Minerva saw this, and gently slapped Liza's arm.

"Don't." The woman warned.

"Don't what?"

"I saw that look in your eyes. Miss Granger is only twenty, she was still a student three years ago! You're not doing anything."

"Is she straight?" The woman asked, a seducing tone coming from within her.

"I don't know!" Minerva shrieked, "And Liza, please don't."

"It's only a possibility." Liza replied, standing up, "Besides, it'll help me distinguish how I feel about Severus."Her aunt sighed, rolling her eyes. "I'm off now." The younger woman waved, leaving the room.