Chapter 23- Darkness

-

"Severus, let me explain."

Expecting to be shocked into silence, he was distantly surprised to find the voice to say, "Explain what? That you have been making a fool of me all these months?"

"It wasn't like that."

She reached out a hand. He took another step back. "You slept in my bed." His bitter laughter in the forest had been jolly compared to the mirthless chuckle that now escaped. "You let me make it up to you."

"Please, try to understand…."

"I understand," Severus assured. "I am quite capable of discernment, once the truth is shoved beneath my nose." His gaze travelled over her. "I had heard Animagi transform into animals closest to their personality, but you even look like a Siamese with your blue eyes, fair skin and brown points. Did you enjoy being petted in cat form as much as human?"

Arms crossing defensively, she said, "It isn't the same. Your hands on my fur feel good but not…."

"What? Arousing? You purred loud enough for me to wonder."

Blushing, she shook her head. "I was happy to be with you. All those times you took care of me, I got to see a side of you that made me want to be with you in other ways."

How did she manage to transform her guilt into a virtue? Eris really was tops at Transfiguration. Still reeling emotionally with the revelation that he'd been deceived for so long, he looked away. "Can we be together after this?"

"Severus, give me a chance to explain, please!"

Briefly, he glanced at her face. It was streaked with tears. Keeping his tone hard, he said, "Explain."

"I wanted to tell you so many times. At Christmas, on the train, but I couldn't. You would've told Lucius." Her lips twisted. "He already suspects me. In fact, I've been waiting for him to owl you, or drop by to pour poison in your ear. Earlier tonight, I was wondering how I could tell you myself and convince you to persuade him he's wrong."

"Why?"

"The Knights…they would expect me to spy for them…and I won't do that."

"But you can lie to me easily enough."

Eris cried, "I'm sorry, can't you forgive me? I didn't lie to you about who I am or how much I care for you."

Not willing to speak about emotions, Severus abruptly turned the discussion in another direction. "You keep following the werewolf into the forest. Why?"

"Because I have to try and make sure he doesn't hurt anyone. He'd be sent to Azkaban for sure."

"What possible concern is that of yours?"

Her face crumpled. "It's my fault that Remus is a werewolf." In tears, she confessed, "Uncle Fenrir boasted he'd turned Lupin because I'd told him that he stood by and did nothing when Black was harassing me."

"When did that happen?" demanded Severus. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"I…I don't know. I complained to Uncle over a year ago, and he told me at King's Cross last summer so…maybe over Easter Holiday a few months before that?"

"Impossible," he denied flatly, "Lupin has been visiting his sick mother and using every other excuse under the sun to hide his monthly illness since first year. If your uncle is responsible for his condition, he did it for a reason other than to defend your honour." Watching her sway, face bleached of colour, Severus asked, "How does it feel to know everything you thought true is a lie? That someone you trusted deliberately misled you for selfish purposes?"

"I'm so sorry."

The girl's broken whisper blunted his anger. Looking down, Severus noticed that her toes were turning blue from the cold. Curtly uttering a warming charm, he ignored her meek 'thank you' to question, "Are you?" An idea had arisen, a way that she could earn forgiveness.

"Yes."

Gazing into her eyes, he challenged, "Prove it."

"How?"

He almost smiled. Confident of her willingness make things right between them, Severus said, "Come with me, right now, to the Headmaster's office. Tell him how you witnessed James Potter, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew leaving the Shrieking Shack with their pet werewolf on several occasions, endangering lives with reckless disregard." A smile broke free as he exulted, "Dumbledore will not be able to dismiss your testimony the way he would mine. The Gryffindors will be brought in for questioning, forced to answer truthfully, and then…expelled."

Taking her hand, he tugged gently. She came with him a few steps and then halted. "I can't."

"Why not?"

"I didn't witness James Potter, Sirius Black, or Peter Pettigrew leaving the Shrieking Shack. I never saw any boys in the forest, so I can't tell Dumbledore I did, no matter how much I want to prove to you I'm sorry."

Grip tightening, he manoeuvred her beneath an enchanted torch and stared into her eyes, warning, "Open your mind and don't try to lie to me, because I'll know." Eris nodded, shoulders slumping as she gazed at him sadly. Images sprang before his mind's eye.

A cat was sneaking up the stairs to find a werewolf alone in a derelict bedroom of the shack…Hiding in the underbrush, the feline watched a werewolf pad deeper into the forest…A black dog was chasing the cat…The scenery was a blur as the Siamese ran full out to try and escape the pursuing animal. Seeing the boy headed toward her, wand outstretched, she leapt into his arms…Inside a faery ring, the cat hissed at a barking dog before running to the boy who had stepped within the magical boundary…

"I'm not lying when I say that I never saw a boy in the shack or in the forest." Brushing his cheek with the backs of her fingers, Eris added, "Even if I had, I couldn't turn them in so coldly."

"They deserve it for coldly trying to murder me fifth year." Catching the disbelief in her eyes, he sneered. "Oh yes, your friend James may have lost his nerve at the last, but when Black told me how to sneak into the passageway beneath the willow, he was sending me to my death and they were all in on it!"

"I don't believe it! Not James or Remus…."

"You don't champion Pettigrew or Black, I see, but the other two are no different. How can you think two could plan for me to fall victim to a lethal prank and not four? Aren't they all for one and one for all?" Her faith in the Gryffindors was galling.

"No, Severus, talk to James, you'll see…he's got friends that make bad choices…just as you do!"

Pulling his hand out of hers, he stepped back, looking away from her beseeching face. "It is apparent that this entire conversation has been a bad choice on my part. One I intend to rectify by returning to our house and attempting to spend what is left of this night in sleep." Stiffly, he requested, "I wish to be alone. Please wait before following." Gruffly, he added, "And transfigure some slippers, for Merlin's sake."

Turning on his heel, Severus strode toward the Slytherin corridor. Hearing Eris' muffled sob, he clung to his resolve and kept walking.

Inside their chamber, Tom lay propped up in bed, reading a text. One glance at his roommate's expression was all it took to keep whatever comment the boy had been about to make unspoken. Flinging his cloak over the back of his chair and throwing open his trunk, Severus rifled through the clothes, picked the first pair of pyjamas he came to and slammed the lid back down. Engaging the ward in a manner that caused smoke pour from the lock, he stalked into the lavatory.

Hot water pounded over him, warming his skin without reaching the coldness that seeped from the inside out. He'd trusted Eris and she'd deceived him. He'd counted on being able to use her feelings to his advantage and gained nothing. What was he supposed to do now?

After remaining in the shower until his fingertips resembled prunes, Severus towelled off and got ready for bed. His relief that Tom had not waited up to question him was short lived. Once the illumination orbs were extinguished, the other boy asked quietly, "Did you and Eris break up?"

It was hard to speak. His throat ached in a way that reminded him of a small boy huddled in the corner, futilely wishing his father would stop drinking and shouting and making his family cry. Turning over and away from dark memories, he said, "Can you break up with someone you were never actually going with?"

Tom was silent for a long time, in consideration of the question or the raspy tone. Eventually, he said, "Dooant worry, Tyke, there are plenty other birds to snickle."

"I don't want to snare another 'bird.' I want my cat back." Severus closed his eyes and willed himself to sleep.

Before he drifted off, he thought he heard Tom say, "I'll see what I can do."

-

-

Watching Severus walk away, Eris thought hysterically that at least her secret was out and nothing worse could happen.

"Are you all right?"

She whirled around, eyes searching the empty corridor. "Who's there?"

"Oh, sorry, forgot about the cloak." Removing an Invisibility Cloak, James Potter stood unsuccessfully trying to smooth down his hair, confessing, "I…erm…was about to leave when you came in with Snape. I apologise for eavesdropping, but, well, it explained a lot."

The bizarre conversation was keeping her from breaking down, at least. "Like what?"

"Like why a Siamese would cuddle up with a werewolf, or follow one around the forest."

"I wasn't cuddling. I was too petrified to move."

"You moved fast enough when Padfoot came into the room."

"He's more dangerous than any werewolf." Eris hadn't meant to sound so bitter, but after what Severus had told her, and what she'd observed first hand, Sirius Black was the type whose friendship did more harm than good.

"No, Sirius is the best mate anybody could have. We'd had a few beers at the Hogs Head, celebrating the end of OWLs, that night he told about the willow. He didn't mean to do anything more than scare, no matter what Snape believes."

Eris wasn't so sure. "Maybe he didn't, but I just got chased through the forest by a dog doing his best to rip my head off, so I won't be following anymore."

"I understand." James gave a half smile, moving closer to ask quietly, "Did you really think your uncle turned Remus?"

Feeling stupid on top of tired and miserable, she nodded, biting her lip. He reached out and hesitantly patted her shoulder. "What you did, becoming an Animagus, keeping our secrets, trying to help Remus…." He paused before saying earnestly, "If there's anything I can ever do for you, besides keep your secrets, I will."

Tears welled and spilled down her face. He looked panicked and then hesitantly put his arms around her. "Don't cry. Things will be better tomorrow. Whatever else he is, Snape's not stupid, and he'd be a bloody idiot to break up with you."

He was patting her back as she leaned her forehead against his shoulder and tried to regain control when a voice cried, "I told you Professor! I told you your Head Girl and Boy were up to no good!"

It was the caretaker Argus Filch. His greyish skin blanched to an even more unattractive shade as Eris lifted her head. Behind him, Professor McGonagall, in a tartan bed robe, said brusquely, "You have done your work. I will handle matters from here. Good night."

"Meeowww."

Eris was tempted to hiss at Filch's cat, who had chased her several times through the castle, but the man snatched Mrs. Norris up and stomped off, muttering bitterly, "No thanks and no chance of punishing wrong doers. It's not fair, my precious…."

Professor McGonagall's lips firmed to hear the complaint and the cat's accompanying yowl. Inhaling sharply, she held up a hand when James started to speak. "Save your explanations for the Headmaster, Mr. Potter. Due to Miss Greyback's involvement, the matter has gone beyond a remonstration from your Head of House."

The woman turned sharply to lead the way, posture stiff and intimidating. Eris followed, blinking away new tears from the look of combined disappointment and disapproval slanted her way. She'd never realised how much McGonagall's approval had meant to her until she lost it…like Severus'.

Hearing her sniff, James stepped closer and whispered, "Uh…that warming charm's still working, isn't it? I'd give you my cloak, but it would make your body invisible…and it doesn't warm for shite anyway."

The corners of her mouth lifted. "I'm fine."

"This way, if you please," the professor requested, indicating a stairway guarded by gargoyles. Her icy expression thawed slightly when she noticed Eris wiping tears and became concerned when she saw bare feet. "Gracious, child, why aren't you wearing slippers?"

"I…I forgot."

Brow furrowing in consternation, the woman said briskly, "Then transfigure some, immediately."

"I can't," the girl returned, keeping her eyes straight ahead while she admitted, "I don't have any…erm…spare items of clothing."

The teacher's eyes widened as she looked at Eris' robe and replied, "Something from nothing is beyond even the best student's capabilities." Transferring her gaze to James, she said, "Your socks will do, Mr. Potter."

"My socks?" he repeated, hazel eyes alarmed. Immediately bending to slip off a shoe, he said with an apologetic look, "I've been wearing them all day, so I hope they're not too sweaty or…uh…."

"Malodorous?" McGonagall suggested dryly, taking the proffered items with two fingers, performing a cleansing spell before transfiguring the socks into slippers.

"Thank you, Ma'am…James," Eris whispered, putting them on.

McGonagall nodded and moved toward the stairway.

James smiled slightly. "Anytime."

Once inside the circular office, the enchanted paintings of former headmasters grumbled to have their rest disturbed. Entering the room from his adjoining private chambers, the wizard currently in charge of the school looked around and admonished, "Be quiet or be gone to one of your other paintings. I will brook no interruption."

Silence fell. Moving to sit behind his immense desk, Dumbledore's smile was kind as he waved the students to the two chairs before it. One clap of his hands caused another chair to walk its way over and stop beside the desk.

After being seated, McGonagall stated, "Filch informed me that the Head Girl and Boy were breaking curfew and behaving inappropriately in a corridor. When I arrived, it was not Miss Evans, but Miss Greyback with whom Mr. Potter was consorting, so I brought them immediately to your office."

Hands that had been clasped spread wide as the Headmaster asked, "Were you consorting with Miss Greyback, Mr. Potter?"

Shaking his head violently, James said, "NO! I mean, I was out for a walk, after curfew, which I'm allowed as Head Boy, and I met Eris, who was upset, but I wasn't consorting." Cheekbones tinged with red, he added in a low voice, "If by consorting you mean trying to get on with her."

Blue eyes twinkling, Dumbledore stroked his white beard while responding, "Yes, that is the general implication." Turning his gaze to Eris, he inquired, "What brought you to that corridor, Miss Greyback?"

He was much subtler than Severus, but she felt the Headmaster gently probing her mind. It was harder to cling to mirroring only what she wanted him to see--her encounter with James after he'd removed the cloak--but Eris managed. Aware that he'd be able to detect a lie, she chose her words carefully. "As he said, I was upset. It was wrong, but I left my house, for personal reasons. James was only being nice, and shouldn't be penalised for it. I was the one who broke curfew. I'm the one who should be punished."

Leaning forward, Dumbledore asked, "Did you leave Slytherin to meet someone, my dear?"

Keeping her eyes on his, Eris replied, "I didn't break curfew for romantic reasons. I know it looked compromising, my being in a robe, late at night, in a corridor, with James, but I just met him there and…." She closed her eyes, out of emotion and to escape a probing stare. In Slytherin manner, she allowed Hufflepuff tears to roll down her face unchecked. As a distraction, it worked fabulously.

"There, there, child. Albus…the Headmaster will find a resolution to this matter," McGonagall said while reaching out to pat her hand with cool fingers.

Eris' gaze met the old wizard's. Inadvertently, the memory of the couple beneath mistletoe flashed into mind. His eyes widened. Lips curving mischievously, he said, "Minerva…Professor McGonagall is correct. I have decided that this matter was, like one of those plays you learnt about in Muggle Studies, Much Ado About Nothing." Eyes glinting merrily, he said straight-faced, "Mr. Potter, you are to be commended for your selfless act of kindness."

Turning to Eris, he said gently, "Regardless of reason, you broke curfew, Miss Greyback, and consequently will serve a week's detention with Professor Slughorn." Standing, he inclined his head graciously. "Return to your houses, and may you each have pleasant dreams."

She nodded along with James, although Eris knew full well that her dreams would be dark. Saying goodnight in the main corridor, the professor and students went separate ways.

"Are you to be expelled?"

About to enter the Slytherin corridor, Eris turned and told Filch, "No. I broke curfew, but it wasn't to meet Potter, so I have detention for a week."

Taking a step further into the entry, he said angrily, "Detention? That's all?" Looking her up and down, he sneered, "You must be a mighty good liar if the Headmaster was fooled. No girly goes out for just a stroll dressed like a strumpet."

"I wasn't lying. Good night." Turning abruptly, she hurried away from the odious Squib.

His mocking words followed her down the passage. "Be sure your sins shall find ye out, girly."

-

After a restless night, Eris dragged herself out of bed and slowly headed for the shower. Her lagging steps brought her to the Hall when breakfast was half over. Passing the Hufflepuff table, she heard a first year say, "Is that her? She doesn't look like a…." Another girl's hand muffled whatever else had been said.

A sideways glance showed that everyone at Gryffindor table seemed to be whispering furiously. The small group who wasn't didn't look very happy to see her. James smiled and waved half-heartedly. Lily gave a measuring stare. Eris' hand rose and fell before she hurried on to sit by her friends.

While she peered down the table to where Dani was smiling determinedly at her and Severus' attention was focused on his plate, Claire demanded, "What have you been up to? The entire Hall has been gossiping that you were caught out with Potter last night and almost got expelled. Is that true?"

Someone had been busy making sure her sins found her out, it seemed. No wonder Severus' hair was obscuring his face. Merlin only knew what he was thinking.

Swivelling to find herself the subject of intense scrutiny, she looked from person to person, saying, "I left the house last night and got caught, but I didn't go to meet Potter, and I was never in danger of being expelled. Whoever said I was is a liar." Eris hadn't meant to make the declaration so emphatically, but her words were loud enough to reach the end of the table. Severus looked up briefly and then resumed eating. She wanted to throw a plate at his head. She also wanted to hex Argus Filch.

"Eris?"

She turned to see Lily Evans and wanted to slide under the table. If the situation had been reversed, she'd hex first and ask questions later. Thankfully, although bold enough to come over, Lily wasn't vengeful like a Slytherin. Pushing to her feet, Eris said, "You want to go talk about…Transfiguration?"

"Something like that."

Unnatural silence befell the hall while the girls walked out. The whispers began the moment the doors began to close behind them.

"That's one of the things I won't miss about Hogwarts," Lily said, making a face.

"I think gossip is universal."

They walked on and in silent accord chose a statue to talk behind.

"I can't stand old Gregory." Lily pointed upward. "Too smarmy."

In fond imitation of Professor Kettleburn, Eris said in a tone of discovery, "Hence the name…."

The other girl smiled a bit. "Remus does good Kettleburn impersonations too. He was the second to tell me not to listen to rumours."

"I hope James was the first."

"Yes, he was." Lily nodded. "He was waiting when I descended the girls' staircase. James told me he'd got off detention, gone to make sure his friends were all right, and what happened after he met you in the corridor." Crossing her arms, the redhead said, "He also told me how you've been a friend this year, helping him out with advice when he didn't know how to show me that he'd changed, and how he felt." Green eyes were frank as her tone. "If you tell me you don't go for James, that you're going with someone else and had a fight, like he said, I'll be fine with you being a friend."

"I think James is a great person, and really sweet, but I go for someone more complicated and Slytherin, even if I don't know if he'll want to be with me anymore." Stupid, weak tears caused her voice to thicken and made her vision blurry. Uncannily mirroring her boyfriend, Lily hesitantly put her arms around Eris and said, "Don't cry."

A huff of watery laughter sounded. "I won't, although people would just think you hexed me and I got what I deserved, being a Slytherin slut."

"Oh, you heard that?" Stepping back, Lily said, "Why is it that boys of every house act like Slytherins are the only sexy girls around? It's really irritating."

"Maybe it's because we're infamous for sexy bad girls." Looking appraisingly at Lily, she said, "You could make Gryffindor famous for sexy good girls, if you wanted."

"You really think so?"

"I know it."

Lily's eyes gleamed in a way that made Eris glad the Gryffindor wasn't an Animagus. She'd be a tiger, for sure. In a deliberately casual manner that was almost Slytherin, the Head Girl said, "I don't suppose you'd have any ideas how to go about that…"

Surprised to find that she could smile after all that had happened, Eris nodded. "As a matter of fact, I do."

-

-

He'd asked Tom to resume his original seat in DADA to punish Eris for her many offences, but it seemed he was the one suffering most. The day after he'd left her in the corridor, Severus had entered the Great Hall and heard the rumour about James and Eris.

He knew the pair hadn't been meeting secretly, but it was proof she was aware Potter snuck out on full moons, yet refused to tell Dumbledore. That morning, he'd asked Tom to switch seats. Eris had paused to meet his stony gaze with a sad one, but she hadn't protested. Sutton, of course, had been overjoyed to have her sit next to him.

Even more bitter than watching Clive fall over himself to try and gain Eris' attention was the times he'd seen her speaking with Evans and Potter. In the days since his disillusionment, the pair appeared to go out of their way to show that the rumours were false. Severus couldn't help but feel that every smile she gave to James was one stolen from him, and it only worsened his temper.

Anytime Eris tried to approach, he retreated. Every note was returned unopened and he refused to look at her during meals. When Dani had asked him why he was being so mean, he began ignoring two sets of entreating blue eyes.

His small acts of revenge should have dispersed his ill will toward his former girlfriend, but it didn't. Her friends rallied around, treating Eris like some bloody tragic heroine. Every male in her proximity now opened doors and offered to carry books, like she was a frail waif who needed protection.

His 'Squire' Kendrick, had made a murmured comment about knights and chivalry, but otherwise kept his tongue between his teeth. The same could not be said of his roommate. After rumours flew in the Great Hall, Wilkes had begun making comments that the Gryffindors needed to be shown who had the real power. That same night, he'd left the chamber at eleven and not returned until after one in the morning. Severus tried to tell himself that Tom was meeting Claire, but he knew that wasn't the case. The boy was wickedly pleased afterwards, not just cheerful.

Suspicions were confirmed last night.

Sitting at his desk, Wilkes twirled a quill between his hands before saying, "Hey Tyke."

"Don't call me that, and hey what?"

"If you're on the lookout for another bird, there's one who grows more interested by the day."

Attention fully on the other boy now, Severus looked up from his Arithmancy and demanded, "What do you mean?"

Tom leaned back in his chair and sent his quill floating with a waggle of his fingers. "A certain Gryffindor's girlfriend has been…shall we say…unable to stop herself from noticing you. It started with a few startled glances, which have become lengthier, and more numerous, and more guilt stricken by the day. She's got a strong will, so I give her until tomorrow before mindless passion strikes."

"You didn't."

Laughing gleefully, Tom sent the quill winging over to write on the other boy's parchment, "I did."

Severus' gaze was riveted to the words, mind whirling with the possibilities of ultimate revenge against Potter…and Eris….

-

Severus found that contemplating diabolical acts was far easier than committing them, however. An inconvenient conscience kept prodding, making him unsure of what actions to take. His mood was so foul by time of doubled Potions; he looked forward to trailing certain Gryffindors to class. As he'd hoped, Black denigrated Pettigrew by saying that they'd see him after his 'Nancy-Boy Divination' class.

When Potter and Black strolled off, he seized the opportunity and said, "What fine friends you have."

Jerking in surprise, Peter watched him approach, stammering, "Wha…what do you mean?"

"Do they appreciate your loyalty, or avail themselves of your expertise in Divination?"

The boy's sharp nose twitched. "No…no they don't."

Looking into the Gryffindor's watery eyes, Severus "saw" Peter's envy and longing to be popular and important, and his fear that he would never be either. Using his most persuasive voice, he slid a card into the other boy's hand. "There are those who would give you the recognition and respect your talents deserve. In the future, you will find the key to gaining your desires at this address."

Leaving Pettigrew staring raptly down at the Malfoy Enterprises, Special Projects Division, card, he quickened his steps in order to arrive on time for class.

Eris was already gathering items for the day's potion. The satisfaction over his success with Pettigrew turned to ashes. Severus decided to pretend he was alone at the table.

"Why won't you talk to me, or read my letters? How will we ever work things out?" When he refused to answer, she whispered brokenly, "If you wanted me to suffer, I have. I miss you so much. Don't you miss me too? Won't you forgive me?"

He couldn't ignore the scent of lavender on her skin or the sound of her voice. It was too much to take. Standing, he called out, "Professor Slughorn."

"Yes?" responded the teacher absently, while perusing the contents of a box of chocolates.

"Greyback lost her text and I do not wish her to use mine."

The entire class turned to stare. At the front, Lily Evans gazed raptly, with a fixed smile. When their eyes met, her expression remained blank but her smile widened. It gave Severus the chills. Beside him, Eris rose and began tossing her things into a carryall. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her take a shuddery breath.

"Professor, might I be excused?"

"This is the last class before NEWTs, Miss Greyback. If you wish to have any chance of an Outstanding, I advise you to stay and share the text of whoever is amenable. I see Mr. Sutton raising his hand."

Shaking her head, the girl said huskily, "I can't stay…I don't feel well…I'm sorry."

Slughorn frowned in a rare show of concern. "Then of course you must leave, my dear."

After Eris left the classroom, a bird made of paper "flew" over to the desk and collapsed into a note.

I told her you weren't stupid. I was wrong.

Incinerating the paper with a wave of his wand, Severus sent the ashes toward the arrogant Gryffindor who'd sent it. James deflected them so violently, those around him began coughing.

When the rest of the class filed out, one Slytherin remained behind, vastly relieved that James had steered a reluctant Lily out of the room. The breath he exhaled drew in sharply when Eris stepped into the dungeon and closed the heavy door.

"We're going to talk."

Storing his things efficiently, Severus avoided her eyes. "There is nothing to talk about."

"Yes, there is. Lily Evans."

He turned sharply and found her standing too close for comfort. She stepped forward. Severus retreated and bumped into his stool, sitting down abruptly. "What about her?" His gaze travelled over her delicate features. Hell, she did look like a waif, with shadowed eyes and hollowed cheeks.

Her blue eyes blazed. The one in need of protection might be him.

"I know Tom's up to his old tricks. The way she acted in class today proved it. Did you ask him to put an entrancement spell on Lily?"

"No."

A slim finger poked him in the chest. "Good, because she loves James, not you, and never in a million years could she ever understand, or appreciate, or love you…." His heart thudded in his chest when her voice dropped to a whisper. "…like I do." Her hand raised and caressed his cheek with trembling fingers. "Don't throw away what we have for something fake…that will disappear with a counter spell. Please tell me that you forgive me, and want to be with me."

"Eris…." Her name was breathed like a prayer and a curse before he pulled her into his arms. Tom would damn him for not taking his opportunity for revenge, but Severus didn't care. He had what he truly wanted. Her face lifted eagerly, lips parting at the first brush of his. He tried to be gentle, but her passionate response destroyed his control. Eris' fingers gripped his shoulders while her mouth and body pressed seductively.

The heat of her kiss warmed inside and out. He'd missed hearing her breath hitch while his pulse pounded in his ears. Grasping her hips tightly, he pulled her closer before sliding his hands up to unfasten her robes. The play of lips and tongues intensified. Wrapped up in the scent and feel of Eris' skin and the pleasure they shared, the creak of the door opening went unnoticed. An angry gasp barely registered. Only when a curse was uttered did he lift his head in shock.

"Crucio!"

Severus watched in disbelief as Eris fell to the dungeon floor, screaming.

-

-

A/N: I always think of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers' song when I write rollercoaster of love chaps, lol. Hope you've enjoyed the ride so far. I promise a few more loops and curves before we pull into the station in the next and final chapter! Since I'm shameless and proud of it when it comes to plugging my stories, I wrote a Lucius/Narcissa one shot titled White Wedding that I posted and would love you to read! Those s'awful nice readers who not only read but reviewed and made my week were ♥ 40/16♥ cupcakeswirl ♥ die Loreley ♥ ElspethBates ♥ Embellished ♥ FNP ♥ gothic-wildhorse ♥ GraceRichie♥ Machiavelli Jr ♥ MamaLisa♥ NazgulGirl ♥ silver-pensieve♥ Slipknot-3113 ♥ sunny9847 ♥