A/N: I wish I owned more than just Andraste and the plot, but I don't. Kinda sad for me. Good for JK Rowling tho. Oh, and Alan Rickman, cuz I'm not sure he'd like me owning him. (Deep sigh. Yummy)

Chapter 19

"You're late." Snape said, matter-of-factly. Andraste mentally grimaced at his rough tone, but decided to let him have his fun until they got to dinner, maybe she would even play along.

"I'm sorry, sir. We were stuck in..." Harry said.

"Andraste interrupted him, a serious look on her face that impressed even Severus. "There will be no excuses, Mr. Potter. I think you all should know that your parents have been contacted, considering the nature of this detention. With the exception of you, of course, Harry. If I contacted the Dursley's, I don't think they'd like what I have to say to them; so I spoke with you're head of house instead. I'm sure she'll have plenty to say to you when you see her next." The panic stricken looks on their faces almost made Andraste break out laughing. The students were clearly wondering what they had done that was that bad. "Now, we will be taking a portkey to the location that we will be spending the evening, as we have decided to allow the three of you to serve your detentions together." The looks of relief on their faces were mild, but still there.

Amazingly, Severus was the one to notice the apprehension in Harry's eyes. "It will be quite alright, Mr. Potter; I made this portkey myself," he said, pulling out an old postcard with a picture of the Mediterranean.

"I seem to be sensing a pattern, Professor Snape," Andraste said, seeing the card. He smiled in response, holding it within everyone's reach. Once he was sure that everybody had a firm grasp, he activated the key. Andraste reopened her eyes once she knew that they had reached their destination, starting to say that portkeys made her nauseas, only to have her words disappear. The look on her face matched the amazement of the three students beside her. The small boat Severus had taken them too was actually a yacht that had to be at least 30 meters long; complete with a five man crew.

"We're in the middle of the ocean!" Ron exclaimed.

"The Mediterranean Sea to be exact, Ron. Now, your mission, should you choose to accept it..." Andraste began, eliciting snickers from Hermione and Harry, who were apparently familiar with American films.

"Tell me we don't have to clean this whole boat!" Ron interrupted incredulously.

"I assure you, Mr. Weasley, that my boat is quite clean." Snape said, his voice sounding only slightly offended.

"Bloody hell!" This is yours?"

"Yes, this is mine. And I would appreciate it if you would watch your language." Andraste took the short moment of silence as her opportunity to continue. "If you two are quite done, I believe I was explaining the terms of detention." The students giggled at hearing someone reprimand Snape, but quickly gave her their full attention. "The truth is, all you have to do today is enjoy yourselves. Oh, and don't discuss Professor Snape's part in this with anyone. I think he rather enjoys his reputation as a bastard."

He gave her a dirty look and then focused on the kids in front of him. "She is quite right. This is not to get out."

"So why are we here?" Harry asked, eyeing the two professors nervously.

"Isn't it obvious, Harry?" Hermione said. "Professor Andraste thought we deserved something special, and Professor Snape offered his boat."

Andi looked at Severus, smiling. "How does she do that?"

"I have yet to figure it out." Just then an older man with a French accent approached them. "Monsieur Snape, It is such a pleasure to see you again. And you have brought company."

"Yes Edward, this is Andraste, Hermione, Ron, and Harry. The children are students, and Andraste teaches with me at Hogwarts."

"How delightful, Sir. Shall I tell the cook you have arrived?"

"Please, and tell Alex the kids may be up soon." Edward bowed slightly and turned away, so Professor Snape refocused his attention on his guests. "Dinner will be served at 6:30. in the meantime would you like a tour?"

"That would be delightful, Professor." Hermione replied, "but could I have just a moment with Harry and Ron first?"

"Absolutely, Miss Granger." Andraste walked to the railing with Severus to give the others a moments privacy, noticing that the boat was solid black.

"It's beautiful, and very fitting for you."

"Yes, it is," he said, his eyes never leaving her face. "So, what do you think they're talking about?"

"Judging form how much she's waving her hands around; I'd bet those boys are getting a lecture."

"I love you, Andraste. I don't think I've mentioned that today," he said softly.

"I don't believe you have, Professor Snape. I love you, too." She leaned forward and kissed him, thinking how perfect her world was at the moment.

"EEEEEWWWWWW!" Andraste pulled away from Severus red-faced. Apparently the kids were done talking.

"Oh really, Ron!" Hermione exclaimed. "They were just kissing."

"But he's our teacher!" Harry interjected.

"Technically, Harry, we're both your teachers," Andraste pointed out.

"Yeah, but you're cool!" he retorted, before he realized what he had said.

"Have you spoken with any of the third years today?" Professor Snape asked. "I doubt they'd agree with your assessment anymore, Harry."

He was too stunned to register the question. "Did you just call me Harry?"

"Yes, I did. Last I checked we weren't in school. Would you rather I didn't?"

"Yes. No. I mean, it's fine." Harry's chin only dropped further when Professor Snape laughed in response.

"Well, that settles it Harry. Now I believe I owe you four a tour."

"Where we are now is the upper deck. If you follow me downstairs..."

"There's a downstairs?" Ron asked in disbelief.

"Of course there is. Not much place to sit up here, is there?" The followed him down a set of winding stairs. Severus was rewarded with three audible gasps when he opened the double doors at the bottom. The lower cabin was decorated with glass and dark cherry wood. The furniture was all a soft cream colored leather, and the large number of mirrors only served to make an already huge room look even bigger. "The kitchen, usually called the galley, is through there. If the three of you would like to explore a bit on your own you'll find the crew to be very accommodating. The man I spoke with earlier is Edward, and the captain is Alexander. Dinner is in 20 minutes, so try to be back by then." The threesome darted back for the stairs, clearly very excited. "Oh, and one more thing before you go." They froze in their tracks and turned back around towards Professor Snape. "Yes, sir?"

"Please don't fall overboard. I'd hate to have to explain that to your parents."

"We'll do our best, Professor Snape," Harry said, a very genuine smile on his face as they disappeared up the stairs. Severus walk ever to the bar, and Andi settled herself down on the couch, discovering it really was as comfortable as it looked.

"I could fall asleep here."

"Please don't. I'd hate to have to deal with those three alone."

"Oh, stop it. You know that they're great kids."

"Andraste, we've had five and a half years of animosity between us. You're not going to be able to change that in one night."

"But it's a great start. I'm very proud of you Severus."

"For what?"

"Being nice."

"I haven't been feeling very mean the last few days."

"Is that such a bad thing?"

"Not at all, but God pity the people around me when you leave," he said, putting a glass of wine in her hands and sitting down beside her.

"When I leave? You say that as if I'm planning on it next week."

"Andi, I hold no illusions that you'll be with me forever; that you'll give up the lifestyle you've had your entire life."

"Severus, my lifestyle has not been my choice. And I promise when I leave you it will not be voluntarily."

"When you leave?" he retorted, the smile on his lips not reaching his eyes. "You say that like you're planning it next week."

"Severus, we've discussed this. Either way we're together now and that's what counts."

"Yes it is, beautiful."

"I love you."

"What is that boy doing?" Severus said, noticing out the window that Harry was standing n the bow of the yacht with his arms spread out, Hermione was having fits of laughter, and Ron was looking very confused.

"Reenacting scenes from "The Titanic," but the looks of it."

"The Titanic? Wasn't that a muggle boat that sunk? He's not going to jump is he?" Severus asked, his voice slightly panicked. It took Andraste a minute to stop laughing long enough to answer his question.

"No, I mean, yeah, but it's a movie too. He's probably out there yelling 'I'm king of the world!' as loud as he can."

"I'm very glad I wasn't raised around muggles."

"I'm very glad I was," she returned. "But like I was saying; I love you."

"I love you too. With all of my heart." Their privacy was interrupted by Edward, carrying a large tray. "What can I get you and your guests to drink, sir?"

"I think we're fine with our wine. The children will have butterbeers."

"Very well, Monsieur Snape. Would you like me to tell them that dinner is ready?"

"That would be wonderful, Edward. Thank you." The older man retrieved three icey bottles from what Andraste assumed was a well hidden refrigerator. After placing the drinks on to the table, he disappeared through a doorway, only to reemerge moments later with the trio into. Once everyone had seated, Edward removed the covers from the trays he had placed on the table, revealing a selection of food that the teens were obviously very impressed with.

"Is that real lobster?" Ron exclaimed.

"No, Ron. It's cleverly disguised brussel sprouts," Severus replied dryly. The students just glanced at each other in amazement. Had Professor Snape just made a joke? Dinner passed very pleasantly, as Severus and Andraste listend to the trio talk excitedly about all the things they had seen on the boat. "Have you met Alexander yet?" Severus asked.

"No," Harry replied, "but Edward showed us the engine room."

"Well then, when dinner is over we shall remedy that. If you'd like I'm sure that he would let you each take a turn steering the boat." Ron and Hermione quickly expressed just how much they would like that, but Harry fell quiet; his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"Why are you suddenly being nice to us?"

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed.

"No, Hermione, it's quite alright, and a perfectly fair question," Snape replied. "
For one, Harry, we are not at school, so I am not your professor right now; and I hope you all understand that this does not mean I'll be any easier on you in class." The children looked slightly disappointed, but nodded in agreement. "Secondly, I am sure that you all recall from your summer at the Order, that I am a spy for the light side." More nods of understanding. "Due to recent circumstances, I can longer serve in that fashion."

"You mean you saving Professor Andraste, right?"

"Right," Severus said, slightly annoyed that these three seemed to be told everything. "Because of that the need to keep up appearances; which often meant being particularly hard on you, Harry, is gone. And lastly, in all honesty; Professor Andraste's presence has made some small changes in my disposition." He paused for a second, reaching under the table and squeezing Andi's hand. "Does that answer your question, Harry?"

"So you got shagged?" Ron asked casually.

Andraste was the first at the table to recover from the shock of what the red headed boy had just said. "That, Mr. Weasley, was a thoroughly inappropriate comment, and absolutely none of your business.!"

"Would you like me to throw him overboard?" Harry asked hopefully, his irritation at what his friend had said almost matching that of his professors.

"That won't be necessary," Snape replied. "But I would strongly suggest that you never even think something so disrespectful again, Ron, or I may reconsider Harry's offer.

"Yes, sir," Ron said, clearly embarrassed.

"On that not," Severus continued, standing from his chair, "we all appear to be done, so why don't I take you up to the captain?"

"That would be wonderful," Harry said, and the trio followed Severus back towards the stairs. When he returned, Andraste was laying on the couch, eyes closed.

"No one falls asleep that quickly," he said, standing over her.

"Of course not." She sat up just long enough to grap him by the cloak, knocking him off balance and pulling him down on top of her. "I love you Severus."

"I love you too, Andi."

"Sev."

"Don't call me that."

"Okay, Sev."

"Are you going to insist on doing this again?"

"If only..." she said, her meaning clear in her eyes.

"Soon, my darling," he whispered, gently biting her earlobe. She responded to that the only way she knew how. She pushed him off the couch. He pulled her down after him and set about finding a ticklish spot. He had her trapped on the floor laughing uncontrollably when the students walked it.

"Really, children," Harry admonished in his best Snape voice. "Do we have to constantly supervise you?"

"Seriously Professor Andraste," Hermione said. "Who is this man and what have you done with our potions teacher? This man is much too nice to be Professor Snape." Without warning Severus jumped up, a look of death in his eyes. He quickly strode towards the panic stricken girl, swept her up over his shoulder, and bounded up the stairs. Andraste ran after Harry and Ron, who suddenly looked very concerned. They arrived to the upper deck to find him holding Hermione out on the other side of the railing, dangling above the water.

"Take it back!" he shouted at her. Hermione, now realizing she was in no actual danger, was laughing and trying to claw her way up his arms and back onto the boat.

"Take what back?" she screamed.

"You said I'm nice. Take it back or I'll drop you!" he insisted, drooping her a little lower over the side.

"FINE! You're mean! You're awful! I hate you!!" He smiled triumphantly and set her back down in the boat, turning to face a very amused Andraste.

"Do you feel better now, Severus?" she asked, chiding him with her tone.

"Much, actually."

"I'm so very glad. It's a shame I can't give you detention."

"It is a shame," he replied, taking a step closer. The look on hs face was enough to make Andraste take a step back.

"Andraste?" he began, still advancing on her.

"Yes, darling?" she said weakly.

"How do you feel about getting wet?"

"It's only okay if I'm in the bath, darling."

"How sad for you."

"Don't you dare!" she screamed as he quickly closed the space between them, and with one swift motion picked her up and launched her over the side of the boat. The three teenagers ran to the railing, staring at where she should have landed.

"She's not coming up! Where is she? Professor Andraste!" Harry called towards the water, panic clear in his voice.

"Right here," she said from behind them, causing all three to jump. When they turned to face her she was floating indian style three feet above the deck and glowing again.

"Bloody Brilliant!" Ron exclaimed.

"Thank you," she said, putting her feet onto the deck. "Now, we have to go back soon, but I'd like to do something first. Can we stand in a circle and hold hands?" The students all gave her an odd look, but obliged anyway. "Hermione, why don't you come over by me?" Andraste said, knowing that the young girl disliked flying on brooms, and thinking she'd be more comfortable with a direct link. "As a matter of fact, why don't you stand between Professor Snape and I?" Once all of the students were standing by and adult, Andraste grabbed Hermione's hand, closing the circle. Immediately the glow that had enveloped her spread to the others, and they began to lift off the ground.

"We're flying!" Harry exclaimed. "Without brooms!"

"It's bloody incredible!" Ron retorted.

"Now, I want you to all listen very carefully. We're all going to let go of each others hands. Don't worry, you won't fall."

"Yes, I will!" Hermione responded, terror in her eyes.

"No, you won't, Hermione." Snape said. "And even if you did, it's not even a meter drop." Hermione looked down, breathing a sigh of relief when she saw how close she still was to the deck.

"OK, I'm ready."

"Very well." They released each others hands, and just as promised they all hung there in the air. The look on Hermione's face, Andraste thought to herself, was well worth all of this. It was the least she could do for the girl that had saved her life. "Now, to move all you have to do is think about where you want to go." She demonstrated her point by moving in a small vertical circle, and then a small horizontal one. "Now why don't you try it?" The three began to move around a bit, Hermione mastering the moves almost immediately. "I expected as much," she quietly told Severus. "This is just thought, and thinking is definitely one of Hermione's talents."

"This is incredible, Professor Andraste. It's nothing like flying a broom!" Hermione said excitedly. Soon everyone was confident in their ability.

"We can go out further for a while if you want. Just don't go too far, and keep a good distance from other boats." Ron responded to that by darting past Harry and smacking him.

"Tag, you're it!"

Andraste went over to Severus and the two watched as the children flew in large circles, chasing each other. The conversation had turned to the next days potions classes when Harry, quite literally, strode up to them as if walking on solid ground. "Professor Andraste?"

"Yes, Harry?"

"You're it," he said, quickly tapping her and flying back the direction he had came from.

"Well, you'd better go get someone," Snape told her.

"I guess so," she said, leaning in and kissing him. She flew about 3 meters away, and then turned back to Severus. "Hey, honey?"

"Yes?"

"I believe you're it now." The look on his face, in her opinion, was priceless when he realized that her kiss had had an ulterior motive. Signing in resignation, he took off for the closest person, which just happened to be Ron.

The students were amazed when they saw just how fast Severus was, and he quickly took over a very astonished Mr. Weasley. The game continued on for 20 more minutes before Andraste landed on the boat and called them all in. "It's getting pretty dark, guys. WE need to go back." Her decision was met with disappointed faces, but they quickly accepted their fate; and soon they were standing back in Professor Snape's office.

"So, when do we get another detention like this?"

"I don't know, Harry," Andraste said, only half joking. "Maybe after you save the world?" The trio laughed and headed back to Gryffindor tower. As soon as the kids were gone, Andi jumped into Severus' arms, wrapping her legs around his waist.

"Tired, darling?" he asked.

"No, Severus, but definitely ready for bed." She kissed him passionately as he headed into his rooms. They, however, never made it past the couch.