Chapter 7

The Christmas ball had now dawned on Hogwarts, only about five minutes had passed, Liza stood beside the refreshments table, talking animatedly with her niece, Kayte. The seventeen-year-old was once again confused and asking about the young men in her year.

"Kayte, it's pretty simple with some of the guys," Liza began, "If you want to get them into bed, lower your neck line, and hit on them. If you want a relationship, you flirt with them a little, make yourself known."

"What did you do to get Severus?"

"What?" Liza nearly jumped, not expecting that particular person to become involved.

"What did you to ask Severus out?"

"Uhh...he asked me out. I simply said yes."

"Did you like him before?"

"Only as a friend dear, but, things then changed."

"Oh." Kayte sighed, slightly disappointed that she hadn't gotten the answer she wanted. "Okay..I'll just do my best." Liza smiled down at her niece, she patted her shoulder before the seventeen-year-old hurried off across the room. The woman sighed lightly, wondering where the other supervisor was, she soon got her answer. Severus came up behind her, placing his soft hands on her hips, then kissed her neck lightly. She turned around quickly.

"So you were planning on coming." She greeted, smiling.

"Only if you were here." He replied, they walked over to the small table in the corner, "There were a few students rule breaking that I came across on my way here, I had to deal with them."

"It's fine." Liza sat down just as the chess board appeared. Severus sighed heavily as he sat opposite of her.

"You all right?" She looked over at him, blocking out the noise of the ball. He looked up,

"I'm fine." A small smile spread across his face, "You do know that you look extremely beautiful tonight right?" Liza's cheeks flushed slightly, she glanced down at herself. It was a plain dress, spaghetti strapped, orange, with a black ribbon around the waist.

"Thank you Sev." She responded using a nick-name that he hadn't heard for a long time.

"Anytime." He replied before they started the chess game. The game continued on until the ball was slowly ending, students were mingling in the hallways and entrance hall, which Filch was busy taking care of. The chess game ending, Severus won, as usual, the two looked up as the board vanished.

"It appears that everyone has left already." Liza stated, standing up and stretching out her back.

"It does." Severus replied, also standing up. He walked over to the woman, placing his hands on her slender waist, she clasped her hands behind his neck in response, stepping closer to him. Severus leaned toward her, kissing her softly, when they departed, Liza spoke.

"I wish you had done that sooner." She whispered, kissing his cheek.

"So did I." He replied, "Would you care to come for my rooms for a cup of tea?"

"Of course." The man then took her hand in his and led her through the castle, taking her down to his rooms.