Chapter 20: Christmas Vacation

Thanks for the reviews! I can't tell you how long I've waited to write this chapter…yay! Ok, on with it:

Ebony quickly hade her way into Snape's room. Not ever bothering to knock, she strolled in only to find him gone.

"Damn it!" she screamed and rushed towards the dungeons. She knew that he would be in his classroom.

Barely holding back a new surge of tears, she slammed open the door to the potions room. The noise reverberated like a gun-shot and echoed even louder. Snape, who had been researching a new potion for his third years, sharply turned around.

"I don't know who you think you are but you DO NOT slam any door in this school!" he yelled, rather angry at being interrupted. He was on a ladder, looking down. As his vision was from a distance, he could not discern the hurt in Ebony's eyes.

"And YOU of all people should know better." He commented when he recognized the student, standing a few feet away from where the ladder was positioned.

"S-sorry…I…I just…" and with that she burst into tears on the floor. It was then that Snape realized that something was truly wrong. Climbing down the ladder as quickly as possible, he made his way towards Ebony.

When she felt him put his arms around her, she felt a surge of relief sweep through her. At least someone care… she thought through her tears.

Snape, not really knowing what to do simply rubbed her back and continued to tell her that everything was going to be alright.

When no more tears would come, she sniffed and then looked up.

"Thank you." She sniffed again, suddenly realizing how close their faces were. As soon as she realized this, her body went stiff, he could feel it. Purposely, he continued to hold her steady.

"Your welcome." He could smell her and it was driving him crazy.

"I really didn't mean to fall apart on your floor, I just-just…" her heart was hammering. Has he ever looked at me like that? She found herself wondering.

"It's ok, I just hope that you are alright." He smiled, "I wouldn't want my star pupil to be indisposed." He hoped that this humor would relax her. To both of their surprise, it did.

"Well, maybe I should be going-" she began, but was cut off.

"Why?"

"B-because." was all she could think of.

"You are aware that this is technically Christmas break and that you are supposed to accompany me for the next two weeks." He replied, trying to keep the conversation professional. He didn't trust himself otherwise.

"Yes, yes I am, but it's like 2 AM."

"So, you can sleep at my place." He told her, getting up finally.

As he relinquished hold of her, she could till feel the warmth. It was somehow comforting and nerve racking.

"Ok, let's go."

Draco, upset and cranky, searched the castle grounders. Everywhere he could think: But no Ebony. By the time he returned to his bed it was 3AM. Luckily, there were still some party-goers hanging around or else he would have been given detention for being out so late.

When he returned, Ginny was awake, sitting on his bed, obviously pissed.

"Where the hell were you for so long?" she asked, annoyed that she had been left alone with nothing to do.

"I had to go for a walk." He told her and sat on the bed.

"To see that Ebony-whore?" she asked disgustedly, "you know she fucked Ron, it's all over school. Blaise saw them." Ginny saw his reaction and knew she had hit a sore spot.

For comfort, she slid her arms around his neck. "Poor baby. Well, I'm here to keep you company." And with that she latched her mouth onto his.

Draco had to hold back a wave of nausea as he let her assault his mouth with hers. When her mouth released his and started to wander, he just sat there, feeling nothing. Might as well let her believe…he thought, Ginny circling his mind.

And when he filled her and he could hear Ginny beneath him, it was Ebony he thought about.

Ebony was thinking about Draco as the train made its way towards Bath. After changing her clothes, Snape had led her to the nearest train station, just outside of the school grounds. They were to make their way to the city of Bath by train. Once there, they would take a coach to Snape's house.

Snape could tell Ebony's mind was occupied, but he didn't want to invade her thoughts. The mind could be a sanctuary he mused as he stared at her. In the short amount of time he had known Ebony he had developed more feelings for her than he had for any other person.

Not all of them were romantic, mind you he thought. He admired her strength and confidence, detested the fact that she felt she had to do everything on her own, was attracted to those sexy lips and dark eyes…

Finding himself increasing uncomfortable with his own thoughts, he rose.

"Are we there yet?" she asked, noticing a movement behind her.

"No," he brushed her off. He tried to leave, yet found his eyes meeting hers as she turned to face him.

What she saw scared her. It was desire, ripe and hot. She knew it was for her and that's what scared her the most. She looked away as he left the compartment, not wanting him to see how he affected her.

When they reached Bath the morning air was frosty. By the sun Ebony guessed it was some time after 9 AM. She had spent little on the train and now realized how exhausted she was.

The coach ride was short and soon they had arrived at Snape's house. It was immaculate. The outside was all stone and old, to put on the appearance of a castle. As they entered, Ebony wondered how many generations this house had belonged in his family.

Instead of posing her questions out loud, she simply asked where she was staying.

"On the room to the left." He told her as he led her to the door.

"If you need anything, my room is two doors down.:" he told her and went to put his things away.

Ebony loved his room instantly. It was dark and seemed to have been made for her. Not bothering to change her clothes, she flopped down on the bed and went directly to sleep.

Hours later, she woke, hungry and refreshed. She knew it was night and thought Snape would probably be asleep or busy. So, tip-toeing as quietly as she could she left the manor to hunt and feed. She loved the feeling of the crisp night air on her neck, and the thrill of the hunt.

When she came back, well fed and happier than she had been in the last twenty-four hours, she planned to go straight back to bed so she would not disturb her host.

"Where are you going?" Snape interrupted her as she made her way across the linoleum floor to her room.

"Oh, I thought you were asleep." She blushed, despite her already-blood-filled cheeks.

"No, I woke some hours ago. I see you've fed, good. Now, we've got much to discuss. Sit." He commanded and Ebony made her way to the living room.

Draco sat in his own room. He was home for Christmas and detested it. He wanted to see Ebony; he was itching to talk to her. To do what? He asked himself. To accuse, to question, to yell?... he wasn't sure. All he knew was that being apart was driving him crazy.

"Master Draco," his house elf interrupted his thoughts.

"What Mipsy?" he asked, annoyed.

"Your father wishes to talk to you. He said it was important."

"Ok," Draco breathed, then headed to his father's study.

A/N: Hope you guys like. I know it's really OOC, but I like it! Plz R&R