Christine didn't know what exactly had come over here. She had actually smiled at, and then complimented Severus Snape! She had only complimented one or two people before in her life, and that was only due to there potions ability. But no, she had complimented him on his hair! And she had smiled at him, a very happy, a very bright, and a very joyful smile. She didn't even know she could smile like that. She turned her attention back to her shower, letting the water dance over her skin. She was reluctant to get out, but she had used up all of the hot water and the shower now felt as though a ghost was haunting it. She stepped out and got dressed, wanting, for some odd reason, to look a wee bit nicer than usual. She got dressed and walked down to breakfast, thankful to hear that the twins and Fredrick were spending the day in Knockturn alley and Maxine and Ashley were spending the rest of the day at some friend's house. It would only be Lucius, Severus, and Her for the rest of the day.

'Thank God! Who knows, maybe the twins will find another house to stay at during the holidays.'

She had put a plate together of egg's and ham and cinnamon toast but just moved it around the plate, lost in thought. The two boys did notice however, but choose not to say anything, seeing as how they had no idea how she would react. Her behavior that day had proven to be less than normal, and them being of the male species, immediately chalked it up to be nothing more than an odd side effect of PMS and so decided to venture no further into the subject. Christine however, noticed none of the looks she was earning, still deep in thought about the events this morning. What had caused her to act like that? Her mind kept reverting to her swim the previous night. Perhaps that was it; perhaps she was still so overjoyed that she was able to swim for that long that it had simply carried over to her conversation with Severus.

'Yes, that is the only logical explanation.'

'Why does the explanation have to be logical? Not everything the heart does can be explained by the mind'

'Oh goodness me! Who are you and what are you doing in your head?'

'I am your mind. I just haven't been able to come out very much; I'm your heart in a way.'

'Oh great, i've lost it, i've completely lost it!

She pulled out of her thoughts and put a few bites of egg in her mouth then got up to go read when she realized that her book was still outside. She shot up and bolted out of the room, running toward the lake, praying to God her book was ok.

Severus and Lucius stared at each other, with the same look of utter confusion written on their faces, just after Christine had unceremoniously bolted out of the room, mumbling something about a book. Lucius was the first to get back to his breakfast.

"Seems that girl has finally lost it."

"Yes, she is exhibiting odd behavior this morning. But I dare say you fancy her no less?"

"Of course, she has always been an odd one. So I fancy her no less."

Severus took a swig of orange juice and scoffed. "I find it hard to believe that you fancy anything on that girl, with the exception of what she keeps covered up."

"Well then, it seems you posses even less intelligence and wit than what people give you credit for. I intend to marry that girl, not that she would have much of a choice, and I am, after all, the only available suitor."

Anger flashed in Severus eyes, "You would do well to quell your arrogance Lucius. She would rather die shamed and scorned as an old maid than marry you, and you know it. You like your women dim witted and quiet, qualities she does not possess."

Lucius' trademark Malfoy smirk inched its way onto his face as he cut up his ham and egg sandwich.

"She will be when I am finished with her."

Severus' eyes blazed in anger, how could Lucius be so arrogant? Severus tried to calm himself; Lucius was aiming to get a rise out of him, which he would not do. It had always been best to keep things strictly verbal with Lucius. When Severus spoke, his voice was filled with malice and conviction.

"If you hurt her in any way, shape, or form, know that I will kill you without a second thought. You will not turn her into a mindless trophy for your own sick pleasure when she has the potential to be great!"

"Why Severus, is that jealousy I hear?"

"What are you getting at Lucius?"

"You fancy her, amazing, I never thought I would live to see the day."

"You might not Lucius; I do not fancy her in the least bit."

"Pity, it would have been nice to have some competition."

Lucius got up and began to make his way out of the room.

"I feel like a walk by the lake, see you later Severus."

Severus watched as Lucius walked out of the room, the smirk still playing on his lips. 'I hope she pushes him in.'

Severus finished his breakfast in a welcome silence. His head was teaming with new thoughts. What Lucius said had completely taken him by surprise. He had never thought that he might fancy her, he had, in truth, never thought of her as an option before. Maybe he did fancy her; it would explain why he felt the need to protect her constantly.

'Damn it! Lucius got to my head, stupid git. I do not fancy Christine Stebbins; I just don't want the last pure girl in our house to be added to his list of conquests.'