The Devil's Smile

by Charly Rose

After her father's death, Hecate finds comfort in the arms of her former teacher.

The Best Kind of Muggle Potions

July 6th, 1996

She said, "Shut up and dance with me".

This is not what Remus meant when he said she needed to find a way to cope. Remus meant finding a hobby or going back to that wizard therapist he found in the muggle world all those years ago. He one hundred percent did not mean go to a muggle club, with the loud music and flowing alcohol.

Hecate could feel the vibration from the music from the floor surging through her feet all the way to the top of her head, the music loudly playing so her thoughts were drowned out. She loosely held her cup at her side, eyes closed, swaying slightly with the music. This wasn't the best way to cope with her father's death, the teachers, Remus, Molly, and Arthur, were all concerned about her stoical way of looking at things. They didn't understand, they wouldn't understand, she had already lost him once before, 12 long years of nothing. It wasn't like she got to see him while he was locked away in Azkaban, it was as if he didn't exist. Now it would just be a permanent scenario.

Hecate finished off her drink, placing the now empty cup by her side. This was now the third or fourth drink she finished, what was the point in counting, the drinks were doing what they needed to. Her shoulders weren't so tense, and her body almost felt like she was floating. She threw her head back and inhaled sharply.

"There you are". A deep, familiar voice rang out from behind her. Hecate tilted her head forward, without opening her eyes. She took a deep breath and let out a sigh, opening her eyes and turning her entire body towards the man speaking to her.

At this point, the third (or fourth) drink was making its way through her body. It was too late to care how she acted in front of anyone, including those who knew her. So, the taller, black-haired, black-eyed man in front of her, didn't bother her with his presence. She gave the man a small smile, "Remus must have been really worried about me to ask youfor help, Severus". His first name lingered on her tongue just long enough for his eyes to roll to the back of his head, and his brows to furrow in irritation. Hecate let out a small laugh at his reaction, "You're no longer my head of house or my teacher anymore, you can't expect me to call you Professor, can you?"

Snape crossed his arms at this, his face plastered with a no-nonsense look, the one, of course, he always wore. "Of course, not", he glared at her, obviously annoyed with her playful attitude, "Sir will do".

"Sir?" Hecate purred, smiling at Snape in a not-so-innocent way. Snape let out a huff and rolled his eyes once again. He uncrossed his arms, to place one of his large hands around her small wrist. "You know what I meant, stupid girl. Now let's get you out of here, and back to Remus". Hecate put on her best pouty face and tried to push his hand from her wrist while mumbling a few don't wanna go as Snape pulled her towards the door. Hecate gasped excitedly, a thought crossing her mind. The gasp cause Snape to look at her questionably but caused him to stop walking. "I have an idea!" The excitement from her gasp followed out with her voice. Snape sighed, but let go of her, allowing her to continue.

"I'll make a deal with you" Hecate started, placing her hands on her hips, in a poor attempt to look more confident. Snape continued staring at her, raising one eyebrow slightly, which she took as a go-ahead to move on with her thought process.

"If you stay and have a few drinks with me, and share one dance, I'll come quietly". Hecate wiggled her eyebrows at him playfully. Immediately Snape answered with a resounding "No". Hecate crossed her arms and pushed out her lower lip. Pouting was never something Hecate did sober, but if she thought it would help her case this time around, she was going to try it.

"Please? Pretty please? Two drinks, one dance. That's all I am asking for. Then you can take me back to Remus". Hecate put her hands in front of her, palms together in a begging position.

Snape contemplated for a minute, attempting to think of any consequences. Two drinks surely wouldn't do much harm, and if she drank more, she won't be able to dance anyways.

"Fine".

Hecate squealed excitedly, before moving herself to the bar to grab the drinks. Snape's only thought was how she moved reminded him of an overly excited dog, bounding to retrieve a stick. Hecate walked back over to him, her eyes focused on the drinks in her hand, trying not to spill them in her already semi-intoxicated state. She stopped and looked up at him, handing him his drink, watching him bring the cup to his lips, to take a drink from the glass. Hecate bought herself a shot and quickly threw her head back to drink it, before placing it on the table next to her. He gulped his down quickly, much to Hecate's surprise.

She grabbed his free hand and pulled him out to the middle of the bar area, where people were swaying and dancing to the beat of the music. Snape placed his drink down on the table quickly, so that he wouldn't drop the glass. "I thought we were drinking first, then dancing". His voice was low so that only she could hear him. Hecate smiled at him while shaking her head "I never said that". She grabbed his hands in her, interlocking their fingers, moving their hands and arms up and down, but in opposite directions. She wiggled while she did this, knowing Snape would never really dance along with her, therefore forcing him to semi-dance.

Snape rolled his eyes, only his arms moving up and down with her movements. The look on her face almost caused him to break his stoic expression. Hecate whirled herself around in an instant, wrapping herself in his arms, her back to his front. Snape inhaled sharply at the feeling. Hecate swayed her hips against his hips, causing Snape to unlock his fingers from hers and backing away. Hecate turned to him, another pout forming on her face. Snape shook his head, the one glass of liquor she gave him was putting a lot more into him than he had thought.

"Ms. Black -" he tried to start, stopping once Hecate began shaking her head. She gently took his hands again, wrapping herself in his arms, her back to his front. "Shut up, and dance with me". Snape allowed her a few more minutes, only until the song ended to continue wiggling her body on his. She moved away from him, once the song changed, back over to the bar before returning with another drink for both, in her hands. This time, she had two shots for them. She downed hers, whilst handing him his. He followed in her actions.

Hecate began once again dancing alone, swaying her body to the music, while Snape watched her movements. Her eyes closed once more, allowing the vibrations and sound to move through her. He watched her until the song changed once more, not being able to take his eyes from her. She was allowing the music to flow through her, and he was allowing the alcohol.

"Ms. Black, this is highly inappropriate behavior, regardless of whether or not I am still your teacher".

Hecate smiled and opened her eyes. She took a few steps towards him closing the distance, her head tilted up to meet his eyes.

"Let me have one night of bad decisions, Severus". She purred.

Neither one could tell you how they had gotten into the bathroom, her ass on the counter, Snape standing between her legs, which were wrapped around his hips, his hands lay on hers. Their lips interlocked with one another.

Snape thrusts up, rubbing his hardness still covered by his pants into her also still covered self. Hecate let out a gasp, allowing Snape access to her mouth, instantly pushing his tongue into the opening. Snape moved his tongue with hers for a few seconds, before pulling away and planting kisses on her neck, sucking lightly with each one. Hecate tilted her neck to the side allowing easier access. He moved his hands from her hips, and placed them just above her knees, slowly trailing up and under her dress. His long fingers, hooking themselves into the waistband of her panties. He began to slowly pull them down.

Hecate moved her head to place a small kiss beneath his ear, before talking. "There's something you need to know before we do this", she breathed into his ear, placing another kiss beneath it. Snape slowed down, letting out a grunt from his throat so that she knew he was listening.

"I'm a virgin".

Snape snapped his head up to her face, releasing his hands from the waistband of her panties. He looked at her with wide eyes, a look of confusion forming across her face. "Did I say something wrong?"

Snape shook his head, pulling her off the counter and pulling her halfway off underwear back up to their proper position. "Hecate, you are not losing your virginity in the bathroom of a muggle bar". A look of annoyance came over her face, she placed her hands on his chest and pushed him back.

"If you're not going to, I'll find someone who will". She tried to move past him, but he grabbed her arms, forcing her to look at him. "I said not here, I didn't say I wouldn't in a more private setting". He knew what he had to tell her to get her to come with him without a fuss. He placed her hands around his forearms, latching his hand over hers for safekeeping, before turning on heel and disapparating.

They both landed in a small dark house, Hecate almost falling to the floor, luckily Snape's hand had still been attached to hers, allowing him to pull her up. Hecate smiled at him, attempting to stand on her tippy toes to kiss him. Snape lightly brushed his lips to hers in response, whispering to her a 'not here', before pulling her gently towards a staircase leading her up to it, and a door at the end of the hallway.

Hecate giggled excited and drunk, and once in the door plopped herself onto the bed in the room, laying herself across it. Snape stood in the doorway, watching her with a soft but almost sad smile, having sobered up almost instantly at her confession at the bar.

"I just have to grab something from downstairs, I'll be right back", He spoke to her softly. Hecate raised her hands above her head, admiring the comfort of the bed, "Okay, Sir". She whispered. Snape walked out of the room, shutting the door behind him. Hecate squirmed a bit in the bed, still not believing how comfortable the bed felt under her.

She let out a small yawn and closed her eyes.

The Best Kind of Muggle Hangover

July 7th, 1996

"You're very attractive to me."

The bright light shone through the windows, waking Hecate up from her slumber. She blinked multiple times, trying to adjust to the bright lights. She looked down; she was covered by the comforter. She lifted it to look under it and was in a long black shirt she wasn't wearing the night before. She closed her eyes, trying to figure out what had happened the previous night. She remembered laying down on the bed, but after that, nothing. She sat up, threw the blanket off her, and swung her legs over the bed to stand up.

The floor was cold on her feet, the room wasn't any better temperature-wise. Her exposed legs were hit by cold air. Padding her way over to the door, her eyes raked over the room. Where was she? She exited the room, and quietly went down the stairs. At the bottom she peered around, looking for Snape. The smell of coffee hit her nose, and she followed it like a dog.

The kitchen had a small table in it complete with two chairs. Snape sat at the table, paper in one hand, and a cup of steaming coffee in the other. Snape one-handedly folded the paper over backward to peer at her.

"Good morning", his deep voice, quietly called towards her. He stood from his chair, walked over to the counter, and made her a cup of coffee. "How'd you sleep?", he questioned as he walked over to her and placed the black cup of coffee in her hands. She smiled at him, "Great", she replied, "Where are we?"

Hecate brought the coffee to her lips, not taking her eyes off Snape, who turned back and sat down in his original spot. "We're at my house". She took a big gulp, closing her eyes, the coffee instantly warmed her whole body. She inhaled deeply before opening her eyes. "In Spinner's End?" she commented. Snape who had been raking his eyes over her body, looked up at her. He had a confused look on his face. "Auntie Lily told me about it. She brought me to her parent's house when I was younger. She was mad at Uncle James, and Dad for lying to her about stopping their antics towards you in your seventh year". Snape stared at her blankly, before quickly changing the subject.

"You got up and vomited all over your clothes after you fell asleep initially. I helped you out of them, and into a shirt of mine. I didn't know what else to do." He shrugged before continuing. "I promise I didn't look at you any more than I needed to". Hecate smiled lightly, and let out a small laugh, causing Snape to furrow his brow in confusion.

"We tried to have sex with each other in the bathroom of a muggle bar last night, Sir. I think we got past the feeling shy about our bodies part". Hecate moved closer and sat down in the chair across from him, once more bringing the coffee to her lips to sip. Snape let out a quiet sigh and looked down at the table. If she hadn't known better, she would've thought he was embarrassed.

"Yes, I'm sorry about that" he started, lifting his head to look at her. "I doubt in a sober state, sleeping with your former head of house and potions teacher was on your list. I took advantage of you in your inebriate state". Hecate who had her cup of coffee pressed to her mouth, let out a sputtering laugh. The coffee from her mouth, spraying back into her cup.

She wiped her mouth and smiled at him. "With all due respect, Sir. I did want to have sex with you, that wasn't an inebriated state of mind thing". She stood up and placed her cup in the sink. She waved her hand over it, to have it clean itself and put itself back to its proper place. "You're very attractive to me", she quietly whispered.

Snape's whole demeanor changed. His body tightened up along with his jaw, and his eyes darkened if such a thing were possible. He stood up from his spot at the table and walked over to the back of the kitchen door where her clothes were hanging. He pulled them down, brought them over to her, and shove them into her hands. His voice coming out husky, "You need to leave, you can give me back my shirt later". It was now Hecate's turn to look at Snape in confusion. She pulled her clothes, close to her chest. "Did I do something wrong?" she questioned him. He shook his head at her, "No, I have guests. You need to leave."

Without another word, Hecate disapparated out of the house.

Hecate landed just outside the Weasley's garage. She quickly stripped herself of Snape's shirt and threw on her clothes from last night. She flipped her curly head of hair over, shook it, and flipped it back. This was the best she was going to get. She placed a shrinking charm on his shirt and put it in the front of her shirt. Nothing happened between the two of them, but it sure looked like it from an outsider's view.

She walked around the garage and headed to the front of the house. She didn't notice Remus standing at the front door, an irritated look on his face. When she approached him and finally noticed he was standing there Hecate gave Remus an ear-to-ear smile, and when the look on his face didn't falter, she dropped the smile from her face.

Hecate nervously bit her lip, before speaking to him. "How much trouble am I in?" Remus moved to the side, away from his previous position in front of the door, allowing her to go inside. This signaled to her that Remus was not going to be the one doing the yelling this time.

Stepping over the threshold of the door, Hecate looked at all the faces of everyone sitting at the table. The two youngest Weasley kids, Tonks, and Arthur were sitting at the table. Around the corner, Hecate could see the shiny blonde hair, which could only belong to Fleur Delacour, the new girlfriend of the oldest Weasley boy. Ginny gave her a sympathetic smile, knowing that her coming home the way she did was not going to go well with the matriarch of the household. It was only a matter of time before Molly rounded in on her.

Arthur gestured for her to sit down in the empty seat beside him and filled her plate with breakfast foods. Hopefully seeing her sitting at the table for breakfast with the rest of the family would grant her some leeway. The sound of Molly's footsteps coming down the stairs made Hecate hang her head over her breakfast, and quickly shove a mouthful of food in her mouth. Remus had taken a spot down at the farther end of the table, not touching his food, and keeping his eyes on Hecate as if she were going to disappear again.

"Arthur? Did someone come in? I thought I heard some-" Molly's voice falters upon seeing Hecate's mane of black hair. Her face previously with a lighter expression turned dark. "Hecate Hope Black!" Hecate winded at her full name being called. She turned her head and smiled at Molly. "Hiya Ma", she quietly spoke. She bit her lip nervously, her leg shaking under the table.

"Where have you been?!" Molly exclaimed, her eyes raked over Hecate's body, noticing her revealing party clothes. "And what are you wearing?" Her eyes met Hecate's once more, and Hecate stood up, crossing her arms over her chest. "I went to a muggle bar near Cokeworth". If there was one thing Hecate never did was lie. She always thought it was better, to tell the truth in the first place, and only get in trouble for the thing she did wrong, instead of getting in trouble for lying and the thing done wrong when it is found out. Usually telling the truth kept her out of trouble, the adults in her life didn't want to discourage her from telling the truth. This was something the therapist Remus sent her to when she was young told Remus to do.

"Professor Snape found me, he let me sleep off the drunk in one of his spare bedrooms", the air in the room changed. Everyone, except Molly, gave her a confused look; she couldn't tell if they were confused by the fact, she spent the night there or if the fact he had let her, was the more confusing part. Molly's eyes softened a bit, knowing that she was safe and secure with a professor, albeit former Professor seemed to improve her mood. "Go upstairs and get changed Dear and come back down to finish your breakfast". Hecate nodded and bounded up the stairs to her and Ginny's shared bedroom.

Once in the room, Hecate quickly changed her clothes. She pulls the door open, ready to leave to see Remus with his hand up as if he was going to knock on the door. Remus puts down his hand and smiles at Hecate. "Everything alright Pop?" she asked, looking up at him. Remus nodded, "Anything happen at Snape's house? He wasn't …." His voice faded, unsure how to ask the question. Hecate laughed, "Weird?" Remus nodded once more. Hecate shook her head, remembering what happened before getting to Snape's house. "No, he was a perfect gentleman". With that Hecate grabbed Remus by his wrist and pulled him back down the stairs.

Beyond the Midnight Hour

July 13th, 1996 – Early Morning/Afternoon

"Did you want to talk about Dad?"

Dumbledore dropped Harry off shortly after midnight. The younger Weasley kids, Harry and Hermione were in Fred and George's old room. Hecate could slightly hear them talking above her, mostly conversing about Bill's girlfriend Fleur. They didn't seem to like her very much, cultural differences. Hecate shook her head and sat up from her bed, it was the morning after all. She pulled on some shorts, and a tank top, something Molly wouldn't give her too much grief for before heading down the stairs. Fleur passed her going up the stairs, a tray in her hands, followed shortly by an irritated Molly. Hecate slipped past and headed out the front door. The land outside of The Burrow was always beautiful to Hecate. She would spend her time in the Garden or watching the boys play Quidditch in the Orchard, even sometimes joining them. She walked over to the rundown outhouse where the brooms were kept, opened the door, and reached up and grabbed a book she had stored up there. The book was old and well-loved.

She walked to the Orchard and found a tree to lay back on, with a nice amount of shade. Hecate flipped open the front cover of the book, "To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee", with scrawled handwriting on top: Property of R.J. Lupin. One of the books she took from Paw-Paw's house, Pop never minded much when she took his books, he never read them much anymore. She flipped open to the first page and began to read.

Hecate awoke with someone shaking her leg. She groggily opened her eyes; she must have fallen asleep while reading the book. A head of black, messy hair is the first thing she had seen. She stretched and smiled at the boy in front of her. "Hiya Potter", she adjusted herself, so she was sitting up properly. Harry sat down in front of her, legs crossed, and close enough so that one of his knees was touching hers. This was normal for both, living together for a short period of time made them both realize that they were just like their fathers when it came to each other. It had gotten to the point Ginny was upset with her because she had thought that she and Harry were dating. Hecate had to pull Ginny aside and tell her that Harry was like her long-lost little brother, and nothing romantic was, or would ever be between them.

Harry sat in front of her, looking at his hands which were sat on his lap, one holding the other, not speaking. Hecate reached forward and placed one of her hands over his, the other lifted his chin up to look at her. "Did you want to talk about Dad?" her voice was barely over a whisper, only loud enough for the two of them to hear if there was anyone else lurking about.

Harry took a deep inhale and exhaled before speaking. "Not really", he bit the bottom of his lip. Hecate nodded, and released his face, but keeping her hand on his, squeezing it slightly. They sat in silence for a while before Ron came looking for them.

"Mum said it's lunchtime" he nodded his head towards the house, before retreating the way he came. Harry stood up first, holding his hands out towards Hecate to help her up. Hecate took his hands and stood up herself. You would never know Hecate was almost 3 years older than Harry, he nearly towered over her, he was tall like his father, nearing five foot eleven and she got the short genes from her own mother, only standing at about five foot three. Harry patted her head and grinned, Hecate slapped him in the arm and walked towards the house.

Lunch went by quickly, everyone chattering. The younger kids planning a Quidditch match after lunch. Hecate stayed behind to help clean up the kitchen with Molly. They worked along in silence once the kids left to go outside. Hecate finished drying the last dish, drying her hands off by wiping them on her shorts, getting a look shot at her by Molly. Hecate smiled at her and raised her hands in defense.

"I was thinking about visiting the boys at the shop. Would that be, okay?" Molly looks at Hecate, thinking about it for a minute. "I don't see why not, no disappearing acts though". Hecate smiled and kissed Molly on the cheek. "Thanks, Ma. I'll be good". Hecate had taken up calling Molly 'Ma', and Arthur 'Pa' because it had been hard living in a house with seven other kids and hearing them call the two Mum and Dad. Hecate already had a Mum and a dad, even though her Mum was dead, and Dad was in Azkaban. It seemed fitting, and Molly and Arthur didn't seem to mind. "I am going to say by to the kids before I go". Molly nodded, and Hecate walked through the door to head to the Orchard.

The kids were already on their brooms playing the game. Hecate stood under them, hand over the face to block the sun. She watches Ginny score a few goals over Harry and Hermione who were on the other team before they realize they had an audience. They came down from their brooms, Harry the only one getting off his. Hermione's knuckles were white from gripping the broom so hard, not a fan of flying but unwilling to be left out and leave the teams uneven. "I'm heading to the shop. Just saying goodbye". Harry swung an arm around Hecate's shoulders, and the rest waved. Hecate reached up on her tippy toes and patted Harry on the head, which caused the rest of the kids to laugh. Harry unwrapped his arm, mounting his broom once more and flying up. Hecate disapparated on the spot.

Hecate landed in diagonalley, just outside the boys' shops. The rest of the shops were vacant and empty, this shop was bustling with children looking for their prank toys. She entered the shop and looked around for her favorite red-headed twins. One of the two approached her, a smile from ear to ear, wrapping his arms around her enveloping her in a warm hug. "Hiya, Georgie", she wrapped her arms around his waist returning the hug, "I need to talk to you guys". George smiled at Hecate and pulled her towards the back room. He stopped before the door and looked around for Fred, who he waved down, before entering. Hecate looked around the office, a single desk sat in the middle of the floor, the walls filled with boxes of product. Hecate looked around, before turning to look back at the door which had opened and shut quickly. A beaming Fred Weasley had entered the room, being next to envelope Hecate in a hug. She returned the hug in full before pulling away. George sat on the corner of the desk; one leg still planted firmly on the floor. "What did you want to talk about?" George asked inquisitively.

"I almost slept with Snape".

Once Again, A Bad Decision

July 13th, 1996 – Late Afternoon

"Am I crazy if I want to go back and finish what I started?"

"Yes!"

The situation at hand wasn't that funny, but if Hecate could record the smiles dropping from the twins' faces, and the confusion that followed she would have. The silence in the room was deafening, Hecate awkwardly stood in front of them waiting for a response. George opened and closed his mouth a few times, not saying a word. Fred looked very confused but spoke first, "You did what, with who, now?" Hecate looked at Fred and smiled slightly, "Almost slept with Snape", she muttered. George looked at Fred, and Fred looked at George and returned to look at Hecate at the same time. Hecate sighed, "Long story, or short version".

"Short", the twins announced at the same time.

Hecate nodded, and in one breath said, "Went to a bar in Cokeworth, Pop asked Snape to find me, Snape found me, told him I would leave after he had a few drinks and a dance. Ended up in the bathroom".

Silence ensued the quick storytelling, the twins looked as confused as ever. "We didn't because he didn't want to" – Hecate made quote signs with her fingers – "Take my virginity in a muggle bar bathroom". The twins still said nothing, allowing her to continue, "He brought me back to his house, put me in a bedroom, and I fell asleep. Although, to be honest, I think he did that on purpose". Hecate stopped talking for a minute, scrunching her brow in thought. "He did seem to have sobered up a bit after I had said that", she shrugged as if shrugging the thought off.

George spoke first this time, "Does anyone else know?". Hecate shook her head, "The adults know I spent the night after he found me, but not the kissy parts". George nodded, "You know us Hecate, we're your best friends, we won't tell anyone". Hecate smiled, and moved over to the boys, wrapping an arm around each of them, and placing a kiss on their cheeks. "Am I crazy if I want to go back and finish what I started?", the boys glanced at each other over Hecate's head.

"Yes!", the twins once again spoke in unison.

Hecate backed away, a disappointed look on her face, she crossed her arms "You two are no fun", she paused, "Or completely sane". She knew it was a bad idea to go back to Snape's house, just for the intention of getting what she wanted. He was her former professor, former head of house, he went to school with her Father. Not only that her father and Uncles tormented him in school, but also, not without fault on Snape's part. He was soon to be her colleague; she had accepted Dumbledore's offer last summer on taking a teaching position at the school. Although it was just a facade to have her follow Harry around.

A knocking on the door took the boy's attention off Hecate's face for a moment. George walked over to the door, opened it, and whispered to the employee behind it before shutting the door. He walked back over to where he was standing originally, "We have to head back out onto the floor", he glanced at Fred, "As much as a bad idea as it sounds, if you want to head over, we'll cover for you, and we won't tell anyone". Fred smiled and nodded before hugging Hecate, "It's weird but we love you", he patted her on the head before stepping around her, flinging the door open, and exiting. George smiled at her and hugged her next, "Yeah, what he said", he mumbled in her ear, before following Fred out the door.

Hecate smiled to herself, in her head this was an 'Okay' from the two people, whose opinion mattered most to her.

So, she turned on the spot and apparated.

Hecate landed in Spinner's End, not realizing that she apparated right into and right out of Snape's house the last time she was there. She had no idea what house he lived in, and it was incredibly rude to just apparate into someone's house. She walked down the road a bit, looking for any house that stood out. She came upon one that almost looked blurry to her until she got closer to it. She walked through an odd barrier, confused at first until it clicked in her head. Of course, there was a barrier, Snape would of course have protection on his house, and because she was already in the house, the barrier wouldn't work for her.

Hecate confidently walked up to the door, raised her first to knock, and stopped in her tracks. Her confidence was gone, she was nervous suddenly, her palms were sweaty, and it felt like her heart was going to come out of her chest. Why was she here, and why would she think that Snape would want her to come back? He sobered up quickly that night and wouldn't even continue. He sent her to bed like a badly behaved child, kicking her out shortly after awakening. What if he didn't have people stopping by and he just made her leave because he didn't want her there? The questions swirling her head stopped when the door opened. Her fist still raised, she looked up at the figure who had opened the door.

Snape.

Snape was looking down at her, an odd look overcoming his normally blank features. "Miss. Black?", he asked. Hecate put down her fist, but continued staring at him, her thoughts now completely blank. Snape poked his head out of the door, glanced around, before grabbing Hecate's wrist and pulling her inside, shutting the door behind her. He continued pulling her, moving her into the kitchen, and gently pushing her shoulder, making her sit in a chair.

Hecate immediately tried to stand up, and Snape pushed her back down. "I shouldn't have come here", she finally spoke to him. Snape's face had a look of curiosity on it, unsure whether to ask her if what she had meant. Snape sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes, fighting with himself.

"What did you come here for Miss. Black?" He opened his eyes and removed his hand from his face. Hecate stood from the chair, Snape backing away from her so that she could. She took a deep breath before talking, trying to rebuild the courage that escaped her so quickly on the doorstep. "I wanted to finish what I started".

Snape looked at Hecate with a look that said, you wanna do what now? she kept eye contact with him, reminding herself that confident people don't shy away.

"Miss Black, I understand that now that you are an adult and out of school you are allowed to do as you wish but sleeping with your former head of house is still wildly inappropriate". Snape looked at Hecate with a completely blank expression, his statement-making Hecate finally look away. Hecate nodded while looking at the floor. "Okay", she murmured. Without looking at Snape, she turned towards the kitchen doorway and headed to the exit.

A few footsteps followed behind Hecate and an arm wrapped around her waist. A body behind hers and a pair of lips moved close to her ears, "I guess I could let you make a bad decision". Hecate froze up, her breath hitching in her throat. Snape unwrapped his arm from around her waist and gently turned her around. He looked down at her, her eyes round like a full moon. Snape let out a small laugh, amused at the fact he had put her in a place of shock.

"Miss Black, I thought you wanted to finish what you had started?", now his voice was almost mocking, in a teasing way. His statement shocked Hecate slightly out of her frozen state, only enough to nod slightly. He leaned down and latched his mouth to hers, igniting a fire within her body, thawing the rest of her body. She reached her hands up wrapping them around the back of his neck. Snape wrapped his arms around her, hands wrapping under her ass, pulling her up. Hecate wrapped her legs around Snape's waist, and he began walking towards the stairs up to his room.

In his room Snape set Hecate on the floor, finally breaking away from the kiss. Their lips were plump and red from the long kiss up the stairs. His hands moved to her hips, holding her in place. "If we're going to do this, there need to be some rules", he started. Confusion spread on her face, "People have rules when they …", her voice trailing off, her face turning a darker shade of red. Snape nodded slightly, trying to figure out how she didn't know that. Of course, she had announced to him she was inexperienced in the bar, but surely, she had talked about the ins and outs of having sex with her friends. Hecate pushed his hands off her hips and moved back and sat on the bed behind her, she looked up at him and waited for him to speak. He took a deep breath before continuing.

"First off, we need a safe word. Something to let you or I know the other one wants to stop.", he crossed his arms in front of him. "Some people use the muggle stoplight colors." He raised his eyebrows, unsure if she would understand what he meant. Hecate smiled at him, "Red means stop, yellow means caution, and green means go, right?" He tilted his head curiously at her. "I made fun of Pop's for having a muggle driving license, so he made me get one", she shrugged as it wasn't a big deal.

Snape nodded at her understandingly, amused that she possessed a muggle license. He shook his head, "Do you want to use that? You have to tell me if things are uncomfortable or heading that way." Hecate stood up and moved closer to him. She rose on her tiptoes, and gently placed a kiss on his lips. "Yes, I want to do that", Snape opened his mouth to speak, before he could Hecate cut him off, "And before you ask, I do understand consent, so yes. I do want to do this."

A smile released from Snape's face, and he leaned down again to kiss her. He placed his hands on her hips, slowly raising them higher on her body. He grabbed the bottom of her shirt, and pulled it over her head, only unlatching his mouth to get the shirt over her head. He cupped his hands over her breast, massaging her over her bra. Hecate reached behind her, and almost eagerly unclasped her own bra, allowing it to drop off her shoulders. Snape release his hands from her and allowed it to hit the floor before reaching back and pinching one of her nipples, before trailing down her body and unbuttoning her trousers. He released her lips from his and leaned down to push her pants and panties down to the floor. Snape stood away from her while she stepped out of her clothes, admiring the view.

Hecate crossed her arms over her chest, aware that he was looking at her. She wanted this, why was she being shy about it now? Snape gave her a gentle smile, "Go get up on the bed", he directed her. Hecate turned and crawled up on the bed, aware Snape was still watching her every movement. She turned around sitting on the bed. She glanced at his still fully clothed body, although his pants seemed uncomfortably tight on him now. He leaned over the bed, grabbing her ankles, and pulling her down to the edge of the bed, Hecate now in a laying position. Hecate's eyes widened, and she let out a nervous giggle, and almost immediately slapping her hands over her mouth.

"It's okay, you can make noise. No one can hear us.", Snape spoke softly. Hecate removed her hands from her mouth. He leaned over her body, catching her lips in a kiss, then moving to her neck, sucking at her collarbone. Hecate let out a soft gasp, causing Snape to smile into her neck. He proceeded to kiss down her body, sliding his tongue over each of her nipples before continuing down. Hecate propped herself up on her elbows, curiously watching him, unsure as to why he was going farther down on her. He got all the way down, and looked up at her, meeting her eye. He smiled a devilish smile and leaned his face in swiping his tongue along her core, stopping to circle her clit.

Hecate moved off her elbows lying flat on her back, moving her hands to grasp the sheets under her. She held her breath, unsure what to do, with her hands, with her body, with her voice. Snape unlatched his mouth and looked at her. "You know, people do like breath play, but for someone as inexperienced as you that should be a later lesson". Hecate took a breath and brought her head up to look at him. "Ha-ha" she faked chuckled at him, trying to steady her breathing from holding her breath. Snape waved his hand gesturing her to move back up on the bed, he undid his pants and dropped them along with his boxers.

Oh, did Hecate try not to stare, but she couldn't help it. Snape was hard, long, and girthy. His manhood stood erect and was touching his lower abdomen, where his shirt stopped. Her eyes grew wide, shocked at the sight in front of her. Snape looked at her, looked down to where she was staring, and then back at her. His smile formed once more, "N'thing to be afraid of", he spoke quietly. He climbed over her, both hands on either side of her shoulders. He leaned down and captured her lips, running his tongue over her lower one. Hecate opened her mouth, allowing Snape to push his tongue inside. His tongue flicked around with hers, distracting her. He balanced on one hand subtly, moving his other hand between them, sliding down to her core. He ran a finger through her folds, causing her to let out a gasp. Snape pressed his lips harder on hers, before gently pushing one finger into her. Hecate snapped out a hand gripping his shirt, the sensation was new and uncomfortable, but shortly disappeared after he pumped his finger a few times.

He detached his mouth from hers and moved it over to her ear. He kissed slightly under it before asking "Color?". Hecate's voice had a small shake to it, "Green", she answered. Snape looked into her eyes, and added another finger, receiving another gasp from Hecate. Her eyes scrunched shut, waiting for the uncomfortable feeling to disperse once more. She reopened her eyes to see Snape looking at her with a small look of concern on his face. "Green", she reassured him, with a small nod and a smile. He smiled back and removed both of his fingers from her. He brought his hand up to his face, and with maintaining eye contact with her places his two fingers that were inside her in his mouth. He licked his fingers clean, "You taste heavenly".

Hecate could feel her face getting red from blushing, Snape kissed each of her cheeks. "Are you ready to do this?", he looked into her eyes, waiting for another sign of consent. Hecate gave him a puzzled look, scanning her eyes over his still covered upper half. "Aren't you going to take off your shirt?", she inquired of him. Snape looked down at himself and sighed. "Are you going to be okay seeing what is underneath?" Hecate lifted her head and kissed his lips softly, "Of course". Snape sat up a bit and pulled his shirt off.

Some scars marked his chest and abdomen, and a very pronounced death eaters mark on his left forearm. He waited for Hecate to speak, or to judge. She turned her head and lightly kissed his forearm, before sitting up and kissing one of the scars near his collarbone. "Scars of the Past", she whispered.

Snape leaned down and kissed her fiercely this time, the passion behind the kiss, as if her acceptance of what she had seen igniting a fire in his bones. Hecate returned the kiss with the same passion behind it, wrapping her hands around the back of his neck, one hand finding its way into his hair. Without breaking the kiss, Snape ran his member along her folds, a signal he was going to start. Hecate broke away to nod her head at him one last time, giving him the okay before returning to his lips. He positioned himself in front of her hole and pushed the tip in.

Hecate let out a gasp, it was a lot more than his fingers were. He slowly pushed deeper inside of her, and she scrunched her eyes closed, pulling away from the kiss. "Color Hecate", his voice was concerned and demanding. He stopped pushing into her to wait for a response. "Yellow", she whispers, afraid of upsetting him. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Okay, just give it a minute to adjust, I am only about halfway in". She opened her eyes to look at him and looked down between them to see where they had connected themselves. The pain slowly subsided, and Hecate whispered "Green". Snape kissed her forehead once more and pushed deeper. The worst part had already been over with the initial thrust, and not sensing more distress Snape pulled out, and immediately pushed back in. Hecate let out a moan this time, the feeling was confusing, pain than pleasure, and comfort being connected at the hips. Snape moved his hand between them, placing a thumb on her clit and rubbing circles into it. Another moan escaped Hecate, she moved her hand over her lower abdomen, it felt like the pressure was building up inside of her.

"Severus", she spoke quietly, "Somethings happening". Snape continued his thrusting and circling, "Let it happen, you're doing so good taking my cock pretty girl". Hecate did as she was told, allowed the pressure to build and build. Snape felt so good inside of her, why did she wait so many years to do this? Snape kissed her lips, "You waited for me to be able to be inside of you". Hecate looked at him wide-eyed, she had forgotten he could get inside of her head. The pressure broke inside of Hecate, her back arched, her eyes closed, and her head tilted back. She let out a loud moan, "Severus...". Severus continued thrusting into her, "Such a good girl", he whispered, his thrusts became sloppy, and his hips stuttered. He pushed as deep into her as he could, and his warm seed filled her up.

He fell to the side of her, disconnecting their hips from one another. Hecate looked at Severus and pushed the hair out of his face that had fallen. He looked at her and smiled, moving his face to kiss her lips softly. He sat up and pulled them both under the comforter on his bed. Hecate rolled over, pressing her back into the front of him, his arms wrapping around her waist.

"Thank you, Severus,", she whispered as they both fell asleep.

Birthday Celebrations and Grisly News

July 31st, 1996

"Sometimes I think people lie about not holding on to old grudges"

After the events of that night, Hecate woke up the next morning in his bed alone. She had gotten up, tossed her clothes on from the previous night, her core still sore. She went downstairs, found him sitting in the kitchen once again with a mug of coffee. He had once again made her another cup sat her down and waiting for her to finish. He told her that what had happened the previous night was a mistake, never to be repeated. Hecate had many emotions follow through with his statement, used, torn, confused. She was very good at masking, plenty of practice, so naturally, she smiled at him, and agree. She left her cup sitting on the table and left.

She went straight back to The Burrow, no one had questioned her whereabouts, assuming she spent the night with the twins. She went upstairs and collapsed on her bed. That was how she spent the rest of the days at the house, sleeping, or interacting with the kids. They were excited when she had broken the news that last year Dumbledore offered her a teaching assistant position. She was going to follow the sixth years around to their classes, she didn't tell them that she knew the real reason behind Dumbledore offering her the job. He wanted her to follow Harry around, assuming her loyalty to him was as thick as her and Harry's fathers were to each other, he had assumed correctly.

Harry's birthday had come around quickly, Hecate was finally excited to spend time with him on his birthday. She hadn't gotten to ever really. Everyone celebrating with cake, and of course Remus brought bad news to the table. Igor Karkaroff was dead, Ollivander and Fortescue taken from their shops. This was felt like the last one with everyone disappearing.

Hecate remained curled up on her spot on the couch. Everyone sat around eating, chattering, the owls arrived with school lists and Molly spoke of planning a trip to get the supplies. An extra owl arrived for her and landed on the arm of the couch next to her. It wasn't one of the school owls, she took the letter off the owl's leg, patted it on the head a bit before it shot off through the window again. Remus gave her a curious look, the only one noticing the owl was not from the school. She shot a look back that signaled to him to mind his business. She opened the letter and began reading it.

Hecate,

I should not have dismissed you the way I did.

I wish to see you.

S.

Hecate folded the paper up, stood up, and moved to the fireplace. She tossed in the parchment, now really conflicted in her feelings. She avoided these types of situations; she never did do well with her emotions. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. Something touched her shoulder, which caused her to jump. "Don't do that!" She spun around, only to see Remus standing behind her. "Pop, you shouldn't sneak up on people like that". She crossed her arms, trying to give him her best-annoyed look.

"Who was the letter from?" Remus' eyes glanced around her and into the fire behind her. Hecate shook her head, "Snape. He wanted my help with something". Remus blinked a few times, before proceeding with his line of questioning.

"Help with what?"

"Getting ready for school."

"He can't do that alone?"

"Maybe he just wants to prepare me for my duties in September."

"Maybe he wants to prepare you for something else."

Hecate huffed at this, no longer teasing Remus with an annoyed look. "What's that supposed to mean?" she snarled at him. Remus shrugged and put his hands out innocently as if he meant nothing by it. "Just want you to be careful is all." Hecate shook her head, Remus turning around and walking away from her. She watched as he said something to Harry, before walking away from him too. Sometimes Hecate believed that parents really did know everything, even if they didn't say anything.

Harry walked over to her next, it was his birthday, but of course moody as ever. She smiled at him and pulled him into a hug. For the two of them, no words were needed. He hugged her back and pulled away. "You okay?" she questioned him. He smiled at her and nodded. "Evil wizard has been trying to kill me since I was only a year old, people are dying, and being taken. It's fantastic, Happy Birthday to me." Hecate smiled and shook her head at him. He may look like James, but Lily came out when he talked all sass and sarcasm. "Want me to sneak you some Firewhiskey?" She spoke a little bit louder this time, Molly turning to shoot her a look. Hecate smiled at her, just kidding, she mouthed. This made the corners of Harry's mouth turn into a small smile. Mission accomplished.

Harry glanced at the remains of the letter in the fireplace, and then met her eyes. "So, Snape sent you a letter? What did he want?" Of course, Remus sent him over. "Trying to get information, Potter?" She rolled her eyes and turned back to face the fireplace once more. "Yeah, Remus thinks Snape wants more than help with paperwork", he quietly said, not wanting anyone else around to hear them. "Sometimes I think people lie about not holding on to old grudges", she sighed.

"I'm sure that's all he wants Harry, don't worry about it too much."

Letter's To Each Other

August 1st, 1996

S,

I'll try to keep this letter back to you as short as possible.

The emotions I went through that morning, were the reason I had avoided

those types of things before. I'm not sure I want to come back.

I understand the need to push me away, what would people think?

Now all the sudden, you want me to come back.

What's the catch?

Hecate

August 2nd, 1996

Hecate,

No catch. I was mistaken in my previous judgment. Allow me to fix it.

I convinced Dumbledore to allow me to help you with your

new position once we return on the 19th.

See you soon.

S.

Returning Before the Train

August 19th, 1996

"I didn't want to talk to you at all."

Snape's last letter made her angry, this time she tore up the letter before tossing it in the fireplace. Not that it had accomplished anything, besides grief from Remus about being secretive. How dare he think he could decide that she was to hear him out. She spent the next two weeks not thinking about it and avoiding Remus' Snape conversations, by spending time with the twins in their shop.

She had told them she had been successful in her endeavor, although the twins tried to hide their looks of disgust, it was very hard for them to do so. She understood of course, so she just didn't look at their faces. She also told them about the letters he sent. Of course, they were confused, she had been in Snape's house, Slytherin, he knew that telling her directly to do anything would just backfire. Times were different now, she had to set an example, she kept reminding herself.

So here she sat, dark green heals, a dark green dress with black lace that had long sleeves and reached down to her toes, a black cloak, a Sirius Star choker necklace and a silver snake ring, the latter two keeping some of her originality with her. Her arms were crossed against her chest. She avoided the dungeons completely, and got to the school earlier then the meeting, and went straight up to back room, behind the Great Hall where the meeting was being held.

Dumbledore and McGonagall sat in the room with her, glancing at each other and then back at her, small smirks on their faces. McGonagall spoke first, "I told him not to tell you that Dumbledore assigned him to be your mentor". McGonagall was holding back her laughter, the two of them knew that Hecate would still be defiant, even as a teacher. Hecate shook her head at both. "Neither one of you are funny", Hecate mumbled, although a smile started forming on her face.

There was only 15 minutes before the meeting now. The door opened behind Hecate. "Sir, Miss. Black did not show -", he paused talking seeing a mane a black hair in front of him, "—Up", he finished his sentence, and Hecate could feel his eyes boring a hole in the back of her head.

Hecate turned around and flashed a smile at Severus. "Oh, you wanted to meet up before the meeting. I didn't know", her eyes turned into innocent puppy dog eyes, feigning ignorance. Severus' eyes glanced over McGonagall's and Dumbledore's face, they both still trying to hide their giggles. Snape pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. He walked around the left side of the scattered chairs and sat on Hecate's left side. "Afterwards then", Severus said matter-of-factly. "Anything you say Severus", she slowly rolled his name off her tongue. He gave her his normal look off annoyance, that he reserves for the children he teaches.

"Hey that's the Snape I know!" Hecate let out in exclamation, clapping Severus on the back, causing McGonagall and Dumbledore to let go of their fits of giggles.

The meeting went by relatively quickly, Dumbledore announced the new teachers, Horace Slughorn as the new Potion's Master, Severus as the new D.A.D.A teacher, and Hecate as a teaching assistant. He also mentioned the new rules in place, due to the war, teachers would be checking people as they came in, anything from Weasley Wizarding Wheezes, which caused all the Professors to shoot a look at Hecate, who was smiling guiltily.

At the end of the meeting everyone got up and left, including Dumbledore and McGonagall this time, leaving Severus and Hecate alone. Hecate stood from her chair, and without sparing a glance at Severus walked to the door. Her hand touched the handle, turned it, and opened it, only for it to slam shut. She glanced up the door, to find what had shut it. A hand placed firmly on the door, she turned around, her back on the door and smiled up at the person it belonged to.

"Enough games", he growled. His face covered in irritation, and he pushed himself off the door back into an upright position. He crossed his arms across his chest, and stared at her, almost as if waiting for an explanation from her.

"Can I help you?" Hecate's voice was innocent and sweet sounding, her smile only getting bigger. Severus' stared down at her, "I wanted to talk to you before the meeting". Severus stepped back from her and uncrossed his arms. Hecate dropped her smile, and rolled her eyes, her now crossing her arms over her chest.

"I didn't want to talk to you at all".

Severus looked taken back, it was Hecate's turn to look annoyed with him. "I didn't expect a relationship, but I also didn't think I was just going to get dismissed the way you did" she continued, hurt seeping through her voice. She told herself that she wasn't going to sound like a dramatic schoolgirl when the topic came up. She knew she was going to have to face him eventually, and she promised herself to stay strong.

She was pinching herself where her hand was hidden under her arm, to remind herself. Severus' face changed, "I told you I made a mistake". He moved closer to her and placed a hand on her cheek, stroking it gently. Hecate forgot everything she told herself and closed her eyes leaning into it, enjoying the feeling of his hand on her face. A pair of lips touched hers, an exchange for his hand that wrapped around her waist. Severus stepped forward, keeping his lips connected to hers, forcing her to step back. Her back was against the door again, her eyes opening wide upon hearing the door lock.

Severus detached his lips from her, looking down at her outfit. "You didn't make this outfit easy to get under did you", he seemed slightly frustrated, but it could have just been the uncomfortableness in his bulge pressing against his pants. Hecate shook her head, "I planned on walking away at the end of the conversation", she shrugged, pushing him back slightly. "Doing this here is likely to get us caught though".

His face flashed in an instant, he had forgot his surroundings. He was in a school setting, with his former student. She hadn't even been out of school two months yet. Regardless of whether she was an adult now, and his colleague, wouldn't matter to anyone looking in. They would assume that the relationship started before school ended, not just days after. He backed away putting more distance between them. What was happening to him? He smoothed out his shirt with his hands, his eyes turning back to how he looks at all his students.

"Right, Miss. Black, I should show you to your quarters". Hecate blinked in confusion, his suddenly changing moods throwing her off. Severus stepped around her opened the door, and walked out, expecting her to follow him.

Hecate had never been in the wing where the teachers slept before. She would never go as far as to prank the teachers in their home setting, offices, classrooms, of course, never where they slept. She had to pull George and Fred off the mindset of coming down here, a lot. She still was behind Severus following him, although from a distance. She didn't want to fall victim to another one of his mood changes. He stopped in front of a door, turning on his heel to look at her. He grabbed the handle and opened the door.

"This is your quarters", he began, before turning and pointing to another door. "My room is right there", he pointed at another door, "and Minerva is right there".

Hecate nodded and poked her head inside of her door. It looked like a mini house. She stepped inside, waving her hand, igniting the candles around her. It was a simple set up, a small kitchen, a small dining area with a table only big enough for two, and a small living area, with a couch, a coffee table, and a few nightstands. There was a door on the back wall in front of her. She strode over to it and opened it. A bedroom. A decent sized bed sat in the middle of the floor, two nightstands on either side, a chest at the end of it, and multiple storage areas on the wall. Another door inside the bathroom, was already semi opened. She peered inside, a decent sized bathroom. A bath sat against one wall, and the toilet and sink on the opposite ends.

She walked back out to the living room, where Severus was perched in the doorway, leaning against the frame, arms crossed in front of him. "All set?", he asked, his face remaining stoic. Hecate gave him a small nod, looking around the room again.

"I shall take my leave then".

Hecate turned her head, but only quick enough to see the door shutting behind Severus. She sighed, and retreated to her bedroom, to tired and confused to unpack now.

Sleepover

August 30th, 1996

"Yes Snape, you're oh so dangerous".

Hecate chose to remain at the school until the beginning of the school year. It wasn't like she had anything better to do. She didn't have to come up with lessons, she was only the assistant, meaning assist the children when needed. She mostly stayed in her room reading. It was quiet, and there was no one around, but that was how she usually liked it. She received letters from Harry, Hermione, and the twins, which gave her something small to do. Severus had been avoiding her, and when he was around, he was looking at her the same way he did his students, brooding and miserable, and would only talk about her 'duties' this year at school. Hecate never tried to get more out of him, she knew how Snape worked. He would change the subject or just leave the conversation. That was who he was. She could only imagine the type of life that man led, miserable and lonely. The one time he was open to her it seemed like, was when she opened her legs for him.

She sat upside down on her couch, reading a book. The blood was rushing to her head, but it was always comfortable for her. This time it was her old Advanced Potions book. The pages were frayed, falling apart, the binding loose and writing was everywhere. Her main goal in her life was to be a potioneer. She wanted to create a potion that could cure Lycanthropy and even went as far as talking to Damocles Belby about his Wolfbane potion. She could tell then, just by looking in his eyes, a cure was an impossible goal. She still wanted to pursue the path, but nothing made sense in following anymore, there was a war and more important things at hand than her dreams.

A sharp rapping noise at the door pulled her away from her thoughts, and the book that was hovering in front of her face. "Come in!" she spoke loudly, not moving from the position she was in. She kept her face covered by the book, not looking at whoever was coming into the room.

"You know, Miss. Black. You should always be aware of your surroundings. Inviting someone into the room you're in, without so much as a glance, could be dangerous".

Hecate rolled her eyes, "Yes Snape, because you're oh so dangerous".

The book flew out of her hands, she finally sat up, less than graceful, almost toppling to the floor, to look the man in the face. He had caught the book with one hand, before setting it on the table next to him.

"What do you want?" she mumbled, taking her eyes off him, and moving over to the small kitchen. She pulled a glass out of the cupboard and pour herself a glass of the Firewhiskey that was sitting on her counter already half gone. She gulped down half the glass before turning around to look at Snape, awaiting an answer.

Snape looked at the glass in her hand and then at her. "That's mature behavior, drinking as a teacher".

Hecate huffed and finished what was left in her glass, turning only enough to set the glass down on the counter behind her. "I'm only an assistant", she crossed her arms in front of her, "and it's Friday, the kids won't be here until Sunday. I figure I can have the rest of the bottle gone before then." Once more she turned her body around, grabbed the Firewhiskey, and filled her glass, bringing the cup to her lips.

She didn't know he had moved closer to her until she felt warmth on her back. His hand reached around to the front of her and pushed the glass down onto the countertop and removing her hand from it. He used his other hand to push on her shoulder to spin her around. She placed a hand on his chest, half trying to steady herself and a half to push him away. "You're t'close", Severus had now noticed the slight slur to her speech. The first glass of Firewhiskey going through her blood, she had already drunk a glass or two before he came in.

"How many have you drank?" Severus' voice was low and quiet, he still didn't release her hand. She looked at the bottle and back to him. "I started that bottle today", she gave him a half-smile. Her eyes turned to look at his hand that was on hers. "I don't really wanna hold hands with you, Snape". She shook her hand trying to release his. His grip on her only tightened. She took her hand off his chest and stopped shaking her other hand in defeat.

Severus moved suddenly, pulling her towards the door leading to her room. Hecate pulled against him, "I don't want to do that either!". Severus stopped in his tracks and turned around and looked at her. A look of disgust was on his face, confused in her words. "I'm putting you to bed you dunderhead" venom dripped off his tongue, insulted at what she had implied. She stopped resisting and let him pull her into her room.

He let go once they were in the room with the door shut, flinging her arm away from him. She sat on the bed, staring at her feet. She hadn't meant to insult him, it just came out that way, or did she mean it? She was mad at him for the way he was treating her. Not that he was treating her any different than from when she was at school, of course, that could be the problem.

"I'm sorry", Hecate murmured, her voice barely audible. Snape was standing in front of her, watching her. "C'mon", he walked over to her and pushed her up on the bed. She quickly stripped down to her shirt and underwear, before pulling the blankets down and laying down in bed, she pulled the blankets up to her chin. Snape moved over to the side of the bed and looked at her. "I want to speak with you when you sober up." Severus turned to move away from the bed, Hecate reached up and grabbed his arm. He looked down at her, curiously.

"Stay please".

August 31st, 1996

The bright sunlight shone through the windows of Hecate's room. The sun the next morning was always worst after drinking. She rubbed her eyes, and put her hand down on her side, instantly pulling it up, feeling something off. She looked under her arm and down her side. An arm was over her side, her eyes trailed up the arm to the person it was attached to. Hecate rolled herself over as quietly and as quickly as possible, to not wake the sleeping man. She reached up and brushed the black hair out of his eyes.

Severus slowly opened his eyes, looking at the face in front of him. "It's rude to stare", he mumbled before closing his eyes again. Hecate let out a small laugh, tucking his hair behind his ear. "You didn't have to spend the night with me you know". Severus shrugged his shoulders, his eyes still closed. Hecate looked down between them, Severus was stripped down to his boxers, curled under the blankets next to her.

She smiled deviously, slowly snaking her hand down in between the two of them. She gave a quick look at his face, making sure he still had his eyes closed and back down to her hand. Hecate pressed her palm against his half-hard member, rubbing it slowly. Severus' eyes opened wide, looking down in between them, and then looking back at Hecate. She smiled at him and moved her hand up and under the waistband of his boxers, pulling him out from the confines. She rubbed her hand slowly up and down his shaft. Severus' eyes closed again, his head tilted slightly back, his mouth semi-opened. Severus shifted his hips, to be flat on his back in the bed. Hecate moved down the bed, sitting between his legs, continuously stroking him.

Severus' hips thrust up slightly towards her hand, enjoying the feeling of her hand wrapped around him. Hecate watched Severus' face, and moved her head down, closer to him. She curiously stuck her tongue out and licked the pre-cum from his tip. Severus' head shot up to look at her. She winked at him, before tucking her own hair behind her ear, and leaning farther down to take him into her mouth. She hallowed her cheeks and bobbed her head up and down. A hand reached down and grabbed a fistful of her hair, moving her head farther down for her.

Hecate made a gagging sound once it hit the back of her throat, she put a hand on each of his thighs, tightening her grasp on them. She allowed him to bob her head forward and thrust into her face. "Tap my leg twice if you can't breathe my pretty girl". Hecate looked as far up as she could at him, questioning what he meant before he roughly shoved himself down her throat as well as thrusting up. The tip of him hit the back of her throat but this time he held himself there.

This is what he meant by not being able to breathe, she thought to herself. Hecate attempted breathing through her nose, being able to, but barely. She held herself for as long as she could, before tapping his leg twice. Severus loosened the grip on her head, going back to bobbing her head. The saliva from her mouth was drenching her cheeks, not being able to swallow it all. She continued swirling her tongue and sucking her cheeks in while he moved her head. His thrusts became sloppy and began stuttering.

"I'm going to -"

A warning was barely let out before Hecate tasted something salty spill into her mouth. He thrust through his orgasm, allowing her mouth to milk every drop from him. He let go of her hair, and stilled his hips, allowing her to pull her mouth off him. She quickly swallowed what was in her mouth, before looking at him. Severus was breathing deep and heavy, an arm thrown over his face. Hecate could tell under his arm his face was red. "Was that, okay?" she asked him, tilting her head slightly, concerned with how he was acting.

Severus took the arm off his face and propped himself up on his elbows to look at her. "Are you sure you've never done that before?" Hecate smiled at him, moving back up the bed, laying down next to him.

"Nope."

Worried Teachers and Teaching Manners

September 1st, 1996

"Sleeping with the man your father bullied in school would attest to that".

The evening of the first came a little too quick for Hecate's liking. She had hoped that the few weeks she spent before would have been a little slower. It probably didn't help that she and Severus spent the previous morning laying together in bed. Only laying close to each other, bodies intertwined. It was odd how easy it was for the two of them to just exist the way they did. Hecate was glad they made up. No more Miss. Black or Snape, dripping like venom from their tongues. They were almost caught; however, they had been lucky enough to be up, dressed, and sitting at the table sipping tea when McGonagall knocked on the door. There was nothing out of the ordinary seeing two (now) colleagues having tea.

She had always found the sorting boring, even as a student. She politely clapped with the rest of the teachers whenever someone was sorted. She was nervous sitting up at the teacher's table, her leg shaking under the tablecloth. It didn't help that she still hadn't seen Harry sitting at the table with Ron and Hermione, the latter looking equally as nervous. Dinner was almost done before Harry walked into the room. A lot of kids watched him as he took his place at the table, it wasn't long after that Severus sat beside her at the Staff table.

"Where were you?" she quietly spoke, not turning her head to him. Severus snapped his head to look at her, before rolling his eyes and facing foreword again. "I had to go retrieve Potter from Tonks. He seemed to be unable to arrive with the rest of his peers." Hecate shook her head and glanced at the hourglasses behind them. "Did you have to take so many points from him?"

The dinner foods disappeared from the plates, replaced by different desserts. Severus did not acknowledge her question, turning his back to her to speak to Dumbledore. Hecate aggressively served herself a piece of dessert and ate in silence. Dessert finished and Dumbledore stood up to give his usual after-dinner speech. He introduced the new potions professor, Horace Slughorn, who stood up in acknowledgment of his new post, and then introduced Severus Snape as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, murmurs following the announcement with a loud "NO!" coming from the Gryffindor table. Hecate places her head on her hands, knowing that the sound came from one of the ones she knows. If Severus heard it, he didn't acknowledge it. He didn't stand like Slughorn did, only waving his hand, it seemed like only the Slytherin table made noise for him.

"—and we have a new Teacher's Assistant this year with us, to follow around some of the sixth-year classes, she will also be available for tutoring sessions during her free periods. A lot of you older students will recognize her as she was sitting in your same spots only a few months ago, Miss. Hecate Black". Hecate looked up from her hands, and smiled half-heartedly at the students, taking a page from her former head of house and remaining seating. Until a firm hand, that happened to be attached to the same head of house, pushed her arms up, forcing her to stand. A few Gryffindors made whooping noises and were clapping loudly. Of course, both Weasley's, Potter, Granger, and a few of their friends were the ones behind it. Hecate smiled, almost as if embarrassed, and sat back down.

"These new kids are going to be confused, they're going to think I was in Gryffindor", Professor Burbage beside her let out a small giggle. Severus looked down at her, not hearing what she had said, only hearing Professor Burbage giggle. He furrowed his brows, before turning to face forward to listen to Dumbledore's speech.

Soon everyone was dismissed, the kids scrambling out, the first years following their prefects. The teachers stood up and headed out themselves once all the kids had parted from the room. Dumbledore waved Hecate over to where he was now standing with Slughorn and Snape. She took a deep breath and strode over to him.

"—as I was saying Horace, this young lady is the daughter of the late Catrin Rees and Sirius Black". A lump caught in Hecate's throat hearing her father's name. She pushed down the feeling, giving a small smile to Horace who was looking at her inquisitively. Horace beamed at her, "I remember your parents when they were in school!", he exclaimed. "I had all of the Black's in my house besides your father". Hecate remembered her mother talking about Horace Slughorn, who liked to collect special kids, he had a knack for it.

"Too bad you didn't stay Horace, she was in Slytherin, and her best subject was Potions".

This time Snape spoke, Horace turned his face towards him, his smile getting bigger. Hecate flashed Severus a look, confused, he almost sounded like he was boasting.

"Ah-ha! I missed out!" Horace laughed before turning back to Hecate. "We'll have to get to know each other this year Miss. Black." He nodded curtly at Snape and Dumbledore, "Alas, I must get to bed. A long day in the morning". Snape and Dumbledore gave him a slight nod back before Dumbledore turned his head to look at Hecate.

"You have a free period in the morning before Defense Against the Dark Arts class I believe Miss. Black. If you need to, consult McGonagall to find out Mr. Potter's schedule." Dumbledore smiled brightly at Hecate. "Be a gentleman Snape, and make sure she makes it back to her room." He clapped his hands together almost joyfully and walked away. Hecate looked at Severus, brow furrowed, "Why does he want you to walk me back to my room, like a child?"

Snape looked down at her, "He and McGonagall do not believe you are handling your father's death appropriately". He began walking towards the door, not waiting to see if she would follow him. Hecate strode slowly behind him, arms now crossed. She spoke quietly and under her breath.

"Sleeping with the man your father bullied in school would attest to that".

Severus stopped in his tracks and turned to look at her, his eyes filled with daggers. Hecate's eyes had opened wide, and she stepped back. She didn't think he would have heard her.

"Let's go." He huffed, turning back around and walking again.

He ignored her the rest of the way to her room. He strode fast, keeping distance between them. Hecate allowed the distance, knowing she probably hurt him with her words. Severus did not stop at her door, he continued to his. He turned around and looked at her, a softer expression than what he previously wore. Hecate stopped at her door and looked at him, not wanting to go into her room for the night. Severus pushed open his door, not moving to go inside, his eyes flickered, contemplating his next move. He looked up and down the hallway, before gesturing for her to come into his room. Hecate smiled brightly and bounded over into his room.

She had never been in Severus's room before. She looked around, it was the same living space as hers, but decorated like Severus. Dark walls, dark wood furniture, dark colors altogether. Hecate turned around to look at Severus who had entered the room and locked the door behind him.

"You don't like bright colors do -"

She was cut off by him striding over to her and pressing his lips forcefully to hers. He picked her up by her waist and walked to his bedroom. His bedroom matched the rest of the small living area, dark everything. Severus detached his lips from hers, gracefully tossing her on the bed. Hecate looked at him confused and pushed herself up closer to the headboard as he stripped off his cloak, shirt, shoes, and belt, and tossing them on the floor in a not-so Severus way.

"You need to be taught a lesson about hurtful words".

His eyes were dark, and he spoke firmly as he did in his classes to those who spoke out of turn. Hecate gulped; she didn't realize how much just him talking dirty turned her on. "C'mere", he quietly spoke, not moving towards the bed. Hecate climbed off the bed and moved to stand in front of him.

"Get on your knees".

Hecate followed his instructions, slowly, Severus had never acted like this before. He always gave gentle instructions; these were more forceful.

"Hands-on your lap and don't move unless I say so".

Hecate placed her hands firmly on her lap, gripping her pants, forcing herself not to move them. Severus slowly unbuckled his pants, maintaining eye contact with Hecate. Hecate wanted to see what he was doing with his hands, but too afraid that would break the no-moving rule. Severus let his slacks and his boxers hit the floor, he stepped out of them moving closer to Hecate. He held his member in his hand, promptly smacked her face with it.

Hecate's mouth opened into an 'O' shape, surprise taking over. Severus took the opportunity to push himself into her mouth. He let go of himself, using his hand to wrap around her hair. Hecate continued looking up at him, her grey eyes, wide open.

He slowly and gently pulled her back and forth on his member by her hair, before roughly forcing the entire thing in her mouth and down her throat. Hecate's eyes watered at the sensation, taking her hands off her laps, and pressing them against his thighs.

"I thought I told you not to move?"

Hecate looked at him through watering eyes, breathing the best she could through her nose, he still didn't let up his grip up; keeping him shoved down her throat.

"I told you I was going to teach you a lesson about hurtful words".

Enough had been enough, Hecate tapped his thigh twice, she felt like she was going to pass out. Severus jerked her completely off him, tears running down her face in full. He let go of her hair, and she looked down at her knees, sniffling and crying. His voice spoke to her in a softer tone this time.

"Color?"

Hecate looked up at him, still sniffling, but no longer crying. "Green", came out in a harsh tone, her throat burning her. Severus raised an eyebrow at her not entirely convinced at the 'Green' she had spoken to him. He grabbed the back of her hair once more, her eyes turning as big and round as a full moon.

"Oh. You thought I was done with that throat of yours? I don't think you've learned your lesson quite yet".

Hecate placed her hands back on her lap, opening her mouth wide for him, tongue hanging out of her mouth. Severus smiled at her and thrust back into her mouth. He bobbed her head for her, Hecate swirled her tongue along his member. Severus let out a groan, tilting his head back, no longer watching her. She hallowed her cheeks around him, and naughtily reached up and cupping his balls with her hand.

Severus released her hair, although keeping his hand on top of her head. She bobbed up and down on his member, switching between sucking and swirling. She used her other hand to wrap around the part of him that her mouth couldn't cover unless he was shoving it down her throat. He thrust his hips gently in time with her head moving, her still massing his balls.

His thrusts got sloppier, and his moans were hitching in his throat.

"Hecate, I'm going to cu-"

He once again didn't finish his sentence, gripping her hair, and pushing deep into her throat once again as his seed filled her mouth. She swallowed it hungrily smiling as she released him. She placed her hands back on her lap and waited patiently for him to come down from his high.

He furrowed his brows and looked down at her. "You weren't supposed to move", he huffed, taking her hands and pulling her up to her feet. He moved over to his closet and pulled out a fresh shirt and handed it to her. Hecate quickly undressed and pulled his shirt on. They both crawled in bed and got under the covers.

They only have done this with each other a few times, but it felt right to her. They faced each other and she curled into his chest. She placed a small kiss on his chest, moving slightly up to place a kiss under his ear, before speaking in a quiet voice.

"Are you going to take points away from me, Professor?"

Red, Yellow, Green

September 2nd, 1996

"This only works if we communicate. I don't have the right to enjoy myself at your expense".

Hecate awoke to a dark room, only a sliver of moonlight protruding from behind the curtains. She rubbed her eyes and looked at the sleeping man next to her. His back was to her, and his breathing was slow and steady. Asleep. Hecate carefully pushed the blankets off her, crouching down blindly searching for her clothes. Of course, the house-elves would have grabbed them. She gave Severus one last glance, before padding out of his living quarters and over to hers.

Hecate stripped herself of his shirt and her underwear. She hummed to herself as she waited for the shower to warm up. It was three a.m. when she left his room, she promptly passed back out in her own bed for a few hours, getting up at seven. The teachers were only required for dinner meals anyways. She stepped into the shower, sticking her head completely under the water. She remembered his response last night "I don't take points from my house, remember?". She had laughed at that, before falling asleep next to him. She pulled her head out and pushed her hair back away from her face and inhaling deeply.

"You know we're not children, we don't have to sneak out of each other's rooms in the middle of the night, right?"

Hecate jumped, almost slipping in the bathtub as she spun around. Firm hands grasped her arms, steadying her from falling. Her eyes moved up from the floor, across naked thighs, a hard naked member -which her eyes widened at- up across a naked torso, to a smiling face of Severus Snape.

"You scared me!" Hecate took a small step back, swatting at his arm. He let out a soft chuckle before forming into an almost pouty face. Hecate never saw this side of Severus before. It was nice.

"We've barely been doing this a few days, Severus", Hecate paused, choosing her next words carefully, "I didn't know if we wanted to announce it or not". Severus blinked and leaned down capturing her lips briefly.

"If they find out, they find out. We don't have to announce it." Giving a half shrug, speaking in a convincing voice, although Hecate wasn't sure if he was trying to convince her or himself. Hecate smiled at him, standing on her tiptoes to kiss him. He leaned down and captured her lips in his, pressing them on hers hard, and wrapping his arms around her waist.

She pushed her naked body closer to his, before he leaned down, picked her up, and pushed her back against the tub wall. Hecate let out a gasp, at the sudden pickup. He planted a kiss on her neck, before sucking harshly. Hecate let out a quiet 'oh', wrapping her arms around his neck, reaching her hand through his hair, gripping it softly.

Severus let her drop slightly, sitting her folds on top of his hard member. He rocked his hips slowly, running it between her folds, Hecate buried his face into his shoulder, making it so only he could hear her moans. Severus moved forward far enough, aligning himself with her hole, poking it teasingly.

"Don't tease Sev", Hecate whispered in his ear.

Severus lightly bumped her head with his, forcing her to look at him. He looked her straight in her eyes, "Sev?" Hecate shook her head, murmuring an apology. He gave her a quick peck to her lips, "I like it". He pushed his hips up, inserting himself into her. Hecate let out a whine, tightening her grip on his hair. Severus lowered her the rest of the way onto him, before bucking his hips and repeatedly thrusting into her.

"You're so tight pretty girl", he spoke softly, moving his head to plant kisses on her neck. Hecate whimpered in response. Severus pulled out of her and set her down on the floor of the shower.

"Turn around and bend over".

Hecate listened to his orders, bending over, and putting her hands against the wall to prop herself up. Severus grabbed her hips and thrust into her once more, not allowing her to adjust, before pounding into her from behind. He removed one of his hands from her hips, wrapping it around her throat and pulling her upright. He reached around with his fingers rubbing circles over her clit. This time, she let out a louder moan, an odd but familiar feeling building up in her abdomen.

"Sev" she whimpered; he planted another kiss on her shoulder blade. "Go ahead pretty girl, taking my cock so well". Hecate allowed the feeling to overwhelm her, washing over her, forcing her to close her eyes and grabbing Severus' wrist. "Such a good girl", Severus moaned loudly finishing himself, using her to milk him dry.

Severus gently pulled himself out of her, keeping ahold of her. "Are you okay?" He whispered. Hecate nodded, turning around to look at him. Severus pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. He kissed the top of her head before releasing her.

"I need to finish my shower", she mumbled, looking down at the bottom of the tub. He pushed her wet hair from her face, "Are you okay?", he repeated now concerned about her tone of voice.

"Yeah Sev, I just need to finish". Severus nodded at her, kissing her forehead and stepping out of the tub.

Hecate waited to hear the door shut before sitting on the floor of the tub. She pulled her legs up to her chest, wrapped her arms around them, and placed her head on her knees. She felt like she was on fire down there. It was uncomfortable and almost painful, but slowly disappearing. She took a deep breath, unwrapped herself, stood up, and turned off the water. No point in finishing her shower now, she wanted to be early for her first class.

Hecate wrapped a towel around herself and walked into her bedroom. She pulled on her clothes. She chose high-waisted black slacks, a grey sweater, a green long jacket, and black heels. Different attire than what she chose to wear to the staff meeting. She thought that dressing like the older women at the school would feel good. It didn't, dressing like Hecate felt good. She looked at herself in the mirror and tapped her head to instantly dry her hair. She flipped it over and flipped it back, ruffling it up. She shrugged at her reflection in the mirror, mostly satisfied with how she looked, and moved into the living area.

Hecate walked into her living area head down, she brushed her hands down her torso smoothing invisible wrinkles. "Miss. Black?" a women's voice rang out, causing Hecate to stop her hands in their tracks and snap her head up.

Professor McGonagall

A cold chill ran down her spine, seeing that Severus was sitting next to her. They both casually sat at her small table. Hecate forced a smile, "Professor, what a wonderful surprise?" She didn't like the way the phrase rolled off her tongue. It made her sound suspicious. McGonagall stood up and moved closer to Hecate.

"I came by to let you know about a schedule change. Mr. Potter is now in Potions, the class is right after lunch, as well to let you know that this week will be just watching the Professor teach, then you will be able to help as necessary".

McGonagall pursed her lips before continuing. "I planned on waiting in here for you, not thinking it would be too much trouble. Until I saw Severus come out of your bedroom". McGonagall moved very close to her now, leaning down to whisper in Hecate's ear.

"Is anything going on you don't like?"

Hecate shook her head, "No, ma'am". McGonagall nodded and moved back from her. "Severus admitted to your relationship". Hecate cringed at the term, relationship, they hadn't put a title on it yet, not even she knew what this was. They technically only had sex twice unless

you count the two times Hecate 'helped' him out. Severus looked down at his hands like a caught child. McGonagall was his professor at some point too.

"It didn't happen until after school ended, and I am an adult". Hecate spoke firmly, crossing her arms with a huff. Severus snapped his head up this time. He looked at her like she was crazy, talking to McGonagall like that. McGonagall smiled, "Okay. That's really all I needed to know", she paused, "I will have to tell Dumbledore". Hecate rolled her eyes, "Of course you do". McGonagall nodded and headed towards the door. She turned and looked at Hecate the last time, "Hecate?". Hecate met her eyes once more. "You know my door is always opened, right?" Hecate nodded at her. McGonagall turned back to the door, walking out and shutting the door behind her.

Hecate uncrossed her arms and looked at Severus with narrowed eyes. "Don't you have a class?", she muttered moving over to the kitchen, filling a kettle with water, and heating it on a flame. Severus stood up and walked over to the kitchen, grabbing Hecate's shoulder and turning her gently around. She raised an arm, shrugging off his hand.

"Alright", Severus' eyes narrowing in annoyance now, "You've been acting like this since the shower. So, I know it's not about McGonagall finding out. What's your problem?" Hecate shrugged at him, now remembering the annoying burn-like feeling between her legs.

"It hurt".

Severus' look of concern returned, placing a finger under her chin, turning her head towards him. "What did?" his voice was soft. Hecate pulled her head from his finger and moved away from him. "What we did in the shower. It hurt. It feels really raw down there". Severus blinked a few times before answering, "Why didn't you tell me?", he whispered. "I would've stopped". Hecate grabbed the kettle and poured the water into a cup, proceeding after with plopping a tea bag in it. "You were enjoying yourself. I didn't want to ruin it for you".

He grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him now. "This only works if we communicate. I don't have the right to enjoy myself at your expense". Hecate flashed him a small smile, before pushing up on her tiptoes to plant a kiss on his lips. He pulled her in quickly, wrapping his arms around her.

He pulled away, "We're going to be late". Hecate grabbed her cup and took a sip out of it. She waved him along, "The teacher shouldn't be late. The sixth years should remember I don't listen to you". Severus shook his head, kissing her lips lightly, before furrowing his brow and turning back into Professor Snape before her eyes. She let out a small chuckle as he walked with purpose out to the sixth-year class.

Hecate took her time finishing her tea and cleaning her cup before heading off to her first class. She walked slowly through the hallways, humming to herself. She could do this now without being put in detention for not being in class. She made her way up to the third first classroom where Defense Against the Dark Arts class was being held. She quietly pushed open the door and slipped in, almost feeling like a late student. A few eyes flickered toward her but quickly back at the former Potions Professor at the front.

They were talking about Inferi. It was a quick conversation, Severus only told Parvati Patil to assume they would be used again by The Dark Lord - doesn't he know only Death Eaters use that term? – this time around. He quickly moved onto asking about Non-Verbal spells. Only Hermione's hand shot into the air, Severus reluctantly called on her, she told him exactly what a nonverbal spell was, only to have him dismiss her for repeating it directly from the book. He looked at Harry while talking this time, mentioning how hard it was for some wizards to do this, due to lack of abilities.

Hecate grimaced. She had forgotten how irritating he could be as a professor. She moved towards the front of the class; this time Severus looked at her. "You're late", he simply stated, raking his eyes up and down her body. Hopefully only she caught onto it.

"You're not my head of house anymore, Severus. It's not like you can give me detention".

Severus inhaled deeply and responded by turning his head back to the class. A snicker came from the back of the room, it sounded a lot like a Potter snicker. Hecate shook her head and moved to sit down at Severus' desk. If they're doing non-verbal spells, she was going to stay out of the way.

He split them up into pairs to practice. Neville and Hermione were together as were Harry and Ron. Of course, Hermione was able to do it after a few minutes of trying, and of course, Severus ignored her. Hecate muttered 20 points Gryffindor under her breath. She bit her lip from laughing at the expression on Ron's face. He was trying too hard and needed to relax a bit, although she didn't tell him that, McGonagall's words ringing in her ears "this week is only watching". So that is what she did. Watch. She watched Severus walk over to Harry and Ron, she watched as he told Ron to watch him do it, and she also watches as Harry used a verbal Protego on Severus, knocking him back into a desk. She put her face into her hands, not wanted to watch anymore. Only hearing Harry sass Severus in such a way that her dad and Uncle James would be proud of. Hecate looked up to watch Severus give him detention and dismiss class.

Hecate waited for the entire class to leave; Harry flashed her a smile before leaving. She gave him a small one back. Sometimes she thought Harry was trying to revive the Potter-Black chaos duo. Severus looked at her as she smiled back at Harry, a look of annoyance forming over his face. She stood up from the desk and moved over to Severus, whose arms were crossed across his chest.

"Are you okay? That desk looked like it hurt", she moved close to him now, pulling his arms from their crossed position, and pushing up on her tiptoes to kiss him. Severus huffed before brushing his lips quickly over hers.

"My next class will be here soon", he whispered.

"Then give me a real kiss so I can leave you alone".

Severus obligated, wrapping his arms around her, and kissing her quick but hard. Hecate smiled pulling away. "Good class today Sev."

Secret of the Kissing Man

September 9th, 1996

"…Suspenders?", she questioned, a small grin on her face.

A whole week of classes passed before she knew it. She had spent the week sleeping in her own room, much to the chagrin of Severus. She didn't mind the having sex part, or the being together part, but this was still all new to her. A few dates with Oliver Wood, the previous year wasn't a whole lot of experience. It never became anything more than that, it wasn't a relationship, they didn't even kiss at the end of the night. Either way, from what the girls in the Slytherin common room said, clinging to someone who wasn't your official 'person', was wrong.

Hecate laid in bed, on her back tangled up in the covers. Her hand reached for her watch on the table next to her, patting it a few times before finding it. Six A.M. She groaned and sat herself up, flinging her legs over the edge. Long gone were the days she could sleep until 5 minutes before her class, now she was going to bed later and getting up earlier. She pushed herself up from the bed, pulled her red button-up nightshirt down, and padded out to her kitchenette area. She filled the kettle with water and put it on the flame, before moving to her couch and flinging herself onto it. She thought about writing letters to George and Fred, maybe later when she was in the mood. What would she say to them? School sucks, work sucks, blah, blah, blah.

As the kettle started whistling, someone knocked on the door. A loud groan escaped her lips as she continued walking over to the kettle she yelled, "Come in!". She didn't spare a glance at the door as she reached for a cup, flung a tea bag in it, and poured the water over the top of it. She stared into the cup as steps approached her from behind. A pair of arms wrapped around her, and a pair of lips grazed her cheek.

"Why have you been avoiding me?"

Hecate rolled her eyes, and gently pushed back to be able to turn around and face him. "I haven't been avoiding you. I just don't need to be shoved up your rear end". She reached back and grabbed her teacup, and brought it to her lips, not breaking eye contact with Severus. He took a step back away from her. Hecate gulped down the hot liquid, and put her glass in the sink, not bothering to clean it. She walked back over to the couch, and once again flung herself onto it, laying down on her back, and closing her eyes, resting one of her forearms on her head.

She heard his steps again, moving over to her. The couch sunk under his weight. He must be hovering over her; she could feel his breath on her face. She opened her eyes and was shown she was correct. His dark eyes investigated hers, his face almost close enough to put his face out of focus.

"Yes?"

Severus didn't speak right away, just stared into her eyes. She placed a hand on his chest and pushed him up, breaking eye contact. She sat up quickly. "Stop doing that!" She put her head in her hands, resting her elbows on her knees. He muttered a 'Sorry', before standing up. She rubbed her eyes and looked at him. She stood up as well to look at him.

"I should be the one who is sorry. I've heard a lot of girls say they shouldn't cling to those who don't belong to them. I didn't want to get hurt if you wanted to see other people and I had got too far along".

A blank look crossed his face before he erupted with laughter. Hecate looked at him confused; a laughing Severus Snape was not something she had seen before. "Are you really laughing at me?" She crossed her arms across her chest. A few seconds went by before he stopped, and when he did, he pulled her arms down from their position across her chest and pulled her close.

"When have you ever seen me with anyone?" he questioned her.

Hecate shrugged, "Never, I guess. You've always been private about your life". Severus planted a kiss on her lips, hard and needy, pushing her back towards the couch. Her knees hit the back and she sat down, breaking this kiss. He had a knee on the couch next to her and both hands on the back of the couch, towering over her.

"If you think we're going too fast, we can slow down", he started, kissing her gently when he paused, "I know we haven't done much or been together too long, or even put a label on this, but I don't have eyes for anyone but you". Hecate smiled, her head and heart felt the reassurance she needed, sitting up and kissing him lightly. He sat himself up and plopped on the couch next to her.

Hecate took advantage of this, and flipped over, straddling his lap. "Well that certainly changed your -" Her lips cut him off by pressing into his and wrapping her arms around the back of his neck. His hands found his spot on her waist. Her tongue slid over his bottom lip, wanting entrance. Granted. She slipped her tongue in, and flicked it over his, tasting him.

A hard object slowly grew under her and between her legs. He was fully dressed, and the growing strained against his pants. She slowly rocked her hips over his bulge, making him pull out of the kiss and groan. She continued the rocking motion over his bulge. His hands grabbed her hip tightly, helping her continue the motion. The build-up was getting unbearable for him. He picked her up by her waist and laid her down on the couch, hovering himself over her.

He stood up and pulled off his robes. Hecate's eyes flickered over him, "Suspenders?", she questioned, a small grin on her face. Severus stared her down, and slowly unclipped them from his pants. "I've worn them since after my fifth year", he said matter-of-factly. Hecate's grin wiped from her face. Her father and Uncle James during their O.W.L.S strung him upside down and threatened to take off his pants. Whether they did or not, she never actually found out.

Hecate sat up on the couch, hooked her fingers into the loopholes of his pants, and pulled him closer to her. "They look good on you", she licked her lips and smiled at him. Severus paused for a second, contemplating whether she was kidding him or not. A mischievous smile formed on his face, and he finished getting undressed.

"Lay back on the couch".

"Yes sir", she obeyed laying herself back on the couch. He crouched on the end of the couch, bending over to kiss her stomach. A kiss hit her hip, and then her thigh. His hand moved between her legs pushing them apart, his tongue gently licked her core. Hecate looked down at Severus in between her legs, his eyes meeting hers. He stuck his tongue out again, pushing deeper between her folds, the tip flicking over her clit. She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. Why was he teasing her?

"Severus" she whined, "Stop teasing me". A smile formed over his face before he pushed his head right between his legs, wrapping his lips over her clit. A hand sat on her waist, preventing her from bucking her hips up. Her head leaned back enjoying the sensation, and her hand moved to wrap her fingers in his hair, as he always did to her. The hand not holding her waist down, moved to where his mouth was, pushing two fingers into her core. A groan escaped her lips, as he thrust his fingers in and out of her.

A knock on the door should've made Severus stop what he was doing. Instead, he detached his lips from his attack on her clit and moved up to her face pulling her into a kiss to muffle her moans. He moved his thumb to resume playing with it, as he continued thrusting his fingers in and out of her center. Another knock knocked on the door, and Hecate detached her lips from his. "Severus, the door", she muttered as he kissed her once more. It was a quick kiss, "I'll stop when you come all over my fingers, my pretty girl".

Hecate's core heated up quick, hearing those words 'my pretty girl' he spoke as if she belonged to him. At this moment she was, and she didn't care if at any other time she was either. "Sever-" His lips caught hers as her orgasm poured over her. Her core clenched his fingers, he continued thrusting in and out riding out her high. He released when the clenching stopped, detaching his lips from hers. He pulled his hand up to his face and licked his fingers clean. She watched him do this, once he was done, he grabbed his wand, dressing them both instantly.

A third knock on the door brought Hecate to her senses, she hurriedly walked over to the door and pulled it open.

"Hiya Hecate".

A blank stare came across Hecate's face, before regaining herself and smiling. "Hiya Harry". A smile was over Harry's face, "I know students aren't supposed to be in the teacher's areas, but I figured you wouldn't mind. Can I come in?" Hecate smiled and nodded. Opening the door more for Harry to step through. Harry eagerly looked around the room, before setting his eyes and furrowing his brow at the sight of his Professor Snape. Severus had a similar face on, reverted from the smiling man before turning back into Professor Snape. Harry turned to look at Hecate, his eyes flickering over what she was wearing.

"Snape's my 'mentor'" Her fingers raised and made the air quotes, "Assigned by Dumbledore himself. He came over early before I had time to get dressed". Hecate moved towards her bedroom door, "Can you two behave while I get pants on?". She didn't wait for an answer, only going into her room.

Hecate threw on pants and a different shirt, as well as socks and shoes. She grumbled to herself, about James Jr and Severus reverting to his sixteen-year-old self, blaming Harry for his father's behavior during their school years.

"Shouldn't you be at breakfast?" Harry questioned Snape, bitterness in his tone. A small smirk formed on Severus' face. "I already ate." Hecate put a hand to her mouth to compose herself from bursting out into laughter. Shaking her head, she headed back into the living area where Severus and Harry were glaring at each other. She ignored Severus completely focusing on Harry.

"Did Remus send you to check on me again?" Harry's eyes snapped away from Snape, softening as he looked at her. Harry shook his head, "Maybe he should have", there was no poison in his voice, a slight joke on his lips. Of course, he wants to make jokes. Understandably, why wouldn't she have gotten dressed before allowing Severus into her quarters? Most people would, although, Hecate had a history of not being ashamed of her body, and Molly forcing her to change because she showed too much skin.

Severus moved past the two of them, an annoyed look on his face. "I'll see the both of you at class", he announced before leaving the room.

Hecate shook her head, looking at Harry. "Want me to show you around?"

Letters Part Two

September 14th, 1996

Freddie,

Just figured I would send a letter to check in with you. I haven't heard from you or George since before the school year. I've been stuck at the school since the 19th, unfortunately by choice. They banned the stuff from the store here. Unfortunately. I was hoping to use some puking pastels to get out of class. Miss you.

Tee

George,

How's the shop? Sorry I haven't been by to visit. I've been busy with the job. I don't know how the teachers do it with all these children. We weren't this bad, were we? Anyways, Miss you.

Tee

September 25th, 1996

Tee,

Sorry about cramping our replies into one letter. It's been busy here at the shop, and we've set up a new service to allow people to get our products into the school. Don't say anything to your former teachers, I mean colleagues (traitor, you're one of them). We both miss you as well (now that you're not a pain in our hindquarters).

Much love from the Twins. (Or just Fred because I wrote this letter)

P.S We were worse. (Love Georgie.)

October 1st, 1996

Hecate,

When is your first Hogsmeade weekend?

I want to come visit with you and see how your work is going?

-Remus

October 2nd, 1996

Remus,

The first Hogsmeade trip is the weekend of the 2nd of November. I must supervise this one, so naturally I will be in The Three Broomsticks. Although, it's barely a week after the moon. Don't push yourself.

-Hecate

October 5th, 1996

Hecate,

I'm supposed to worry about you, not the other way around. I will see you then.

-Remus

We've Come So Far

October 31st, 1996

"If you told me, I could have sulked with you."

15 years had gone by already since Voldemort killed Harry's parents. Ever since Hecate's sixth year, and Harry's fourth year, on Halloween, Harry had not allowed Hecate to mope on this day. 'They wouldn't want us to mope around Hecate. They would want smiles on our faces'. Of course, that day he dragged her down to the feast, his name was called as a Triwizard Champion. Hecate rolled her eyes at the thought as she sat on her couch at five p.m., while dinner was going on. With Harry's parents now long gone, and her father gone, attempting to change and remain happy on this day was long gone. A glass of Firewhiskey sat in her hand, and she swirled it around her cup watching it lap the insides of the glass.

She put the cup to her mouth and tilted her head back, the rest of the Firewhiskey pouring down her throat. She placed the cup on the counter, throwing herself onto her couch. She laid on her stomach, arms under her head. It was too comfy not to resist falling asleep.

"Tee?"

"Hecate…"

"Hecate!"

"HECATE!"

Hecate fell off the couch. A slew of swearwords quietly escaped her lips as she pushed herself up, still sitting on the floor. She turned her head to look at the person the voice belongs too. A smiling Harry peered down at her. "Sorry", he put his hands forward and shrugged in defense. He reached out a hand, Hecate grasped it and pulled herself up. She turned away from Harry without saying anything and went over to her kitchenette.

"You didn't come to the feast". It wasn't a question, just a statement of facts. A hum escaped Hecate, as she fumbled around with two mugs, and grabbing the kettle to fill up. She refused to look at him, acting extremely busy getting a cup of tea ready. This was a task that needed all her focus, not something she did every morning when she got up before classes. The water finished boiling, and she pour the water into the cups. She took the cups to the table and sat down, waving her hand, gesturing for Harry to sit in front of her. Harry moved with her hand wave and sat down, grabbing the tea in front of him. Harry had watched her silently as she had made the tea, feeling as if interrupting her methods would cause her to snap or something.

Finally, Hecate looked at him as he sat down. "I felt like sulking this year". She put the mug to her mouth and sipped on the tea inside of it. Harry bit his lip, before putting his own cup a tea to his lips. A silence followed between them, both of their eyes focused down, not at each other. Harry put his cup down first. "If you told me, I could have sulked with you". His eyes still focused down as Hecate turned her eyes up to look at him. Another moment of silence passed. "I miss him", he muttered under his breath. Here it was. The moment Hecate was waiting for. He wanted to talk about Dad. She set her cup down on the table and grabbed one of Harry's hands in her own.

"I miss him too".

Harry turned his eyes up to look at her, his eyes looked wet, but nothing was dripping down his face. She waited for Harry to want to talk more, but he stared at their hands that were intertwined. Maybe she was wrong. A long silence between the two of them passed once again, Hecate absentmindedly stroked the back of his hand with her thumb.

"I think I want to go to bed". Harry finally spoke up. Hecate raised her head to look at him, standing herself up and pulling him with her. Harry removed his hands from hers and snaked his arms around her enveloping her in a hug. Her arms moved around his waist, placing her forehead on his chest, "This is an inappropriate student teacher relationship Potter". A chuckle rumbled up from his chest, and out his mouth. A chuckle from her was soon to follow before she pulled away from him. "Inappropriate, you say?" He paused for a moment, "Like Snape being in your room while you're barely dressed?" Hecate huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "I told you, I didn't have time", she explained, "It's not like you could see anything".

Harry raised an eyebrow at her before smiling lightly. "Did you take your potion this morning?" Hecate threw her arms in the air and growled in exasperation. "I told you we weren't…" she paused and watched Harry's smile fade. "No, I didn't. I forgot this morning".

Harry shrugged and gave her another quick hug before turning to leave. "Do you want a teacher escort?" she asked. Harry smiled and nodded. "I guess, it's past curfew now". Hecate waved her hand, gesturing for Harry to walk out of the door.

When the Ball Drops

November 2nd, 1996

"Your theories are dumb Remus".

Hogsmeade was bustling with students and people. The air was crisp, as the temperature was dropping steadily as the colder months were approaching. There wasn't any snow yet, but it felt like it could start any minute. Hecate wore a simple green long sleeve shirt and a grey skirt. She also had a dark grey wool cloak, black over-the-knee boots, and hand warmers that Molly had knitted her. She had walked down to Hogsmeade with the teachers, watching the children walk ahead of her. This felt weird to her, as just last year she was one of those children. McGonagall, Sprout, Snape, and Hecate were the teachers supervising the trip this time around. Hecate had secretly hoped that Snape was not one of the teachers this time around, due to Remus coming to visit. He never missed an opportunity to say something snarky.

The adults made their way into The Three Broomsticks and tucked themselves into a back corner to watch the other tables and the door. This was most of the 'supervising' the teachers did. McGonagall and Sprout turned to each other and began their conversation again. Severus and Hecate sat quietly, not speaking to each other or putting themselves into a conversation with the other two teachers. Their eyes were focused on the room, the only sounds that came from them were them sipping from their cups occasionally. Hecate had spent yesterday feeling nauseous, eventually vomiting. She had walked over to Severus' room to ask him for a potion. It had led to Hecate falling asleep in his bed and spending the night with Severus. Getting up late, scrambling to get clothes on, Severus leaving his room first to make sure she had a clear spot back to her room. He had made it down first, stoic and professional as ever, she followed soon after, arriving right as McGonagall announced it was time to go. McGonagall had shot a look between the two with a knowing smile faintly on her face. Either she hadn't told Dumbledore, or he doesn't care enough to pull them into his office. Too busy with other things perhaps. Thankfully.

The bell above the door went off as it opened, Hecate flicked her eyes over to the door. A man walked in, his brown hair coated with grey and his normal shabby coat. Hecate stood from the table and excused herself politely before moving towards him. Remus' eyes scanned the room, before landing on Hecate who was moving toward him. He walked a few steps before being close enough to greet her with a hug. They pulled apart, and Hecate gestured over to the table with the teachers. Remus' eyes furrowed at the sight of Severus, eliciting an eye-roll from Hecate.

"Why is he here?" Remus questioned, looking down at her. Hecate looked at him as if he took a babbling beverage. "He's one of the teachers supervising", she replied before walking away from him back over to the professors' table. Remus followed her, taking a seat across from where she had sat back down. McGonagall and Sprout gave Remus a small acknowledging smile, before continuing with their conversation. McGonagall's eyes flickered between Hecate, Severus, and Remus, pausing on Hecate longer than she liked. Hecate looked down at her hands until McGonagall had looked away. Severus' eyes continued to remain focused on the room, ignoring Remus and Hecate.

"How's sch—work going?" Remus spoke first, initiating the conversation. Hecate smiled and rolled her eyes, "School is fine Remus", sarcasm rolled off her tongue. "It's different, depending on which side of the desk you on", Hecate's tongue poked out slightly, in thought. "It's nice being on the professor's side of the desk, seeing how the professors teach and being able to go through the motions of their methods". Remus nodded in agreement, before turning to Madam Rosmerta to give her his drink order. As she walked away Remus turned to Hecate once again.

"Have a boyfriend yet?" he questioned, causing McGonagall and Severus to simultaneously choke on their drinks. Hecate flickered her eyes towards the two of them, scrunching her face in annoyance, "What has gotten into you two?" she asked disdainfully. They were going to give something away to Remus that she wasn't ready for him to find out. Once their coughing fits were done, they resume their normal positions. Hecate shook her head, "No, Remus. I do not", she answered. Remus pursed his lips before shooting a look at Severus. "You know my theories", he mumbled, looking back at her.

Hecate huffed and took a sip of her butterbeer. "Your theories are dumb Remus". She finished her tea, stood up, and handed money to Madam Rosmerta. "I am going to supervise while walking around", she announced to the other adults. McGonagall looked at her, "We usually do that in pairs, take Severus with you". A mischievous smile formed across her lips. "I planned on taking Remus with me", Hecate stated. McGonagall raised an eyebrow, "We stay in pairs as Professor's Hecate. Please, take Severus with you and Remus". Hecate closed her eyes and let out a sigh, before opening them and nodding. Her eyes met Severus', "Well? Let's go", her voice filled with annoyance. Severus and Remus stood up at the same time, following Hecate out the door that she already walked over to.

Once all three of them were back onto the bustling street of Hogsmeade, Hecate looked around, unsure of where she wanted to walk to. She didn't have a plan now; her original plan being getting Remus away from Severus before he came to his own conclusions.

"So, Lupin", Severus sneered, causing Hecate to turn to look at them. "What are your actual intentions of being here?" Remus turned to Severus to address him, "I don't think that is any of your concern, I came here to visit Hecate". Hecate rolled her eyes and began walking away from the two of them, deciding almost instantly that this was going to be her 'Plan B'.

Severus and Remus stared at each other for a few moments before realizing Hecate had walked away from them. They turned away from each other and followed her to a desolate end of Hogsmeade. Hecate turned around and leaned on the fence now behind her. "Why did you all of a sudden want to visit Remus? You didn't even do this while I was at school". Remus paused, a guilty look crossing his face for barely a moment. "McGonagall sent me a letter", he started, "Then I received one from Harry". He moved away from Severus and closer to Hecate. "They both seemed concerned about the relationship you have with your former Head of House and Professor". That would be why Dumbledore hadn't said anything to the two of them. She didn't go to Dumbledore; she had gone straight to Remus.

"Oh yeah? What did they say about it?" Hecate inquired, flickering her eyes to take a glance at Severus, who was moving slightly away from the two. "Well, McGonagall said she caught Snape coming out of your bedroom and Harry said he visited you, Snape was there, and that you were barely dressed. He looked at Hecate with accusing eyes. Hecate cowered slightly, feeling as if once again she was a little girl in trouble. She reached for Remus' hands, holding each one of his in each one of hers, tightly. "Are you going to get mad if I tell you the truth?" Remus' eyes shot daggers at her. Already upset without hearing the truth. Remus' daggers quickly faded, remembering that being mad about anything wouldn't help. He nodded slowly, gripping her hands just as tightly back.

Hecate took a deep breath and started at the beginning. How when Severus found her at the bar, she had made a proposition with him, and they had both gotten a little too not sober and made out in the bathroom. When she went and visited George and Fred, she snuck over to his house again to 'finish what she had started. How he told her the day after that it was a mistake, and it was never to be repeated. Remus' hands gripped tighter on her at the mention of this. Also, that the letter that Remus had seen her receive was an apology letter for what he had said. Finally, that they had slept together a few more times, and even spent the night in their rooms together.

Remus' face turned stoic as he tried to keep his composure. Hecate glanced at Severus, who had his back turned to the two of them, probably to hide the look on his face from her telling Remus the truth. "Did this happen before school – ", he cut himself off, not finishing his sentence. Hecate shook her head, "No Remus, this did not start before school ended. Not from him anyways". Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Severus turn around to look at her. She didn't look at him, keeping her eyes on Remus. "I was going to attempt to sleep with him before Dad died, to piss him off, but I thought better of it. I didn't want Severus to lose his job or have to expel me". Remus looked at Hecate with a look of disgust, "It's Severus now?" Hecate let go of Remus's hands, "I just told you I've been sleeping with him, and you're upset that I first named him?"

Hecate sighed and walked past Remus. "I'll send you a letter later, we can discuss this more then". She continued walking past Severus as well, not waiting to hear what he had to say about the matter.

Just Like Her Mother – Sort of

November 4th, 1996

"I know, nineteen years old, I feel so old"

Monday came around quick; Severus had snuck into Hecate's room at midnight to give her a birthday present. Which meant Severus had snuck in to make Hecate come multiple times to the point she couldn't keep her eyes open. When she finally woke up at her normal time the next morning, she was exhausted. She groaned and flipped herself onto her other side, moving closer to the man that was positioned behind her, snuggling into his chest. Severus moved his arm sleepily, adjusting himself around her.

After Hecate had stormed away from Remus, Severus and Remus talked. At least no wands were pulled, according to Severus. Remus had practically forced Severus to admit that he had no plans to harm or upset her, and if there was an accidental pregnancy, he would be there. Severus had no problem agreeing with him, this wasn't where he thought they would have been at this point. Initially, he would stick with his previous belief that having sex with her was a mistake, never to be repeated. How did it come to this? Sharing a bed, sex almost every night, and even when there wasn't any, and they were too tired to touch one another, just peace and relaxing company.

After their talk, Severus had followed Hecate, finding her doubled over a bin vomiting. Luckily, he had kept a potion in his pocket for her, just in case her nausea came back. She had stayed in bed all day on Sunday, sleeping. Only getting up to trudge herself down to dinner. She managed to keep it down, allowing for Severus to give her, her birthday present. They had stayed up until at least three a.m., enjoying each other.

Hecate looked up at the man tangled around her and reached her arm up to brush the fallen strands of hair out of his face. He didn't like her staring at him while he was sleeping, but she enjoyed the look of his face peaceful as he slept – or pretended to sleep. Severus' eyes slowly blinked open, he reached his own hand up to push her hand away from his face, and to scratch his chin where his scruff sat. He promptly put his arm back over her, forcing her not to be able to reach up, and closed his eyes once more. Hecate wiggled herself up just enough to plant a kiss on his chin, the only part that she could reach in the position she was laying. Severus let out a groan, and flipped himself over, pinning her underneath him. His eyes were still droopy from being tired. This however released both of her arms, her hands snaked up and held his face for a second before pulling his face down to hers for a kiss.

"Happy Birthday. . . Again", he muttered into her lips. She moved back away from his lips and a mischievous smile rose on her face, "I know, nineteen years old, I feel so old". Severus rolled his eyes and rolled off her. "You don't know what old is", he flung an arm over his eyes, Hecate sat up and flung her leg over his hips straddling him. "You don't either. What are you like forty?". Severus removed his arm, to this time glare at her. The smile on her face didn't fade, she only leaned down to kiss him again.

Her lips barely touched his before she sat straight up and climbed off him and jetted to the bathroom. Severus could hear faint sounds of vomiting. He shook his head and pulled himself up, moving over to his cloak. He pulled out another vial of potion and walked to the bathroom. Hecate appeared at the door, white-faced and sickly looking. He silently handed her the potion, which she gratefully drank.

"I think you should stay in bed today", Severus reached and pushed her hair off her forehead. As the color returned to her face, she shook her head, "No, the potion will hold me over for now. If I puke again, I'll go to Madam Pomfrey". Severus observed her briefly before walking over towards his clothes. He got dressed quickly, "I need to go get ready, I'll see you at breakfast". Hecate nodded and retreated into the bathroom to take a shower.

Hecate had kept to tea and toast for breakfast this morning. Severus had shoved another vial of potion into her hand under the table, allowing his hand to linger slightly longer than he should have. McGonagall had caught it and gave them both a small smile. Breakfast went by quickly and Hecate went back to her room for a small nap before Defense Against the Dark Arts class.

Hecate arrived before the rest of the class for once, only Severus was in the room. He sat at his desk, scribbling grades on parchment. Hecate moved over to him and leaned down slightly to plant a small kiss on his cheek. Severus turned his head, meeting her lips with his. She smiled into the kiss, as he snaked his arm around her waist and stood himself up, pressing himself against her. She enjoyed the kiss but pulled away, "Class soon" she murmured, kissing his lips once again gently. Severus moved away from her, sitting back down at his desk. Hecate perched herself on top of a desk that was empty during this period.

The class soon filed in, Hecate gave small smiles to Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville. Neville had taken a liking to Hecate last year after Bellatrix murdered her father. That gave them something in common. The former three returned her small smile, but Neville excitedly waved not looking at where he was going, tripping over a desk leg. Soft laughter was heard around the class, until Hecate had given them a death glare, before looking at Severus and giving him the same death glare to make sure he didn't say something snarky.

Hecate stayed perched on the desk, as Severus walked around teaching the class. She wasn't paying any attention to what he was saying, her head felt like it was spinning. She rubbed her temples, and closed her eyes, willing the feeling away. Attempting to will the feeling away. Her sense of hearing came back slowly, and only enough, to hear a quiet "Miss Black?", from Severus. She lowered her hands and opened her eyes, looking at a Severus who looked slightly concerned for her well-being.

"Yes, Professor Snape?" Severus' look of concern faded, and he continued with the class. "Can you assist me in a demonstration?" Hecate nodded, slowly pushing herself off the desk, putting her feet on the ground gently. She stood up; her head felt like it was spinning fast.

The next moment was all black.

November 9th, 1996 – Evening

Hecate awoke with a jump, sitting straight up in the bed she was in. It was dark, and it took her eyes a bit to adjust to seeing her surroundings. Beds lined next to her, glass door cabinets on the wall filled with various medical supplies. Why was she in the hospital wing? Hecate pulled the covers off her and put her bare feet down on the cold concrete floor. She felt a whole lot better than she had but had no idea how she had gotten here. The last thing she remembered was Defense Against the Dark Arts class. The door creaked open behind her, causing Hecate to turn. A tall figure stood in the doorway and slowly made its way to her. Hecate stood up, squinting in the darkness.

"How are you feeling?" A low familiar voice whispered.

Hecate picked up a candle and move towards the figure. "Fine, Severus", she whispered back. Severus moved quickly toward her, wrapping her arms around her. Hecate was quick to move the candle as not to burn him. "What day is it?" She asked as they detached themselves from each other. Severus looked uncomfortable, not sure how to explain to her what had happened. Hecate sat back down on the bed, "What day is it?' She asked a different question this time, hoping it would make explaining a bit easier.

"It's the ninth", he spoke as he sat down next to her. Hecate looked at him confused, "What happened to the rest of the days? All I remember is being in class with you". Severus grabbed one of her hands and sighed.

"You had a miscarriage Hecate".

Her heart stopped in her chest; a buzzing filled her ears. It felt like it took forever for it to stop. Hecate stared at the floor, before mustering a "What?". Severus didn't speak, he had not expected to have to explain to her what had happened, he had hoped she would have still been asleep. He placed a calming hand on her upper back and rubbed small circles into it.

"I had my period". Severus shook his head, "Madam Pomfrey believes that is when you miscarried. It caused an infection, that's why you were so sick. The potion I was giving you was only masking your symptoms". Hecate leaned over, laying herself back into bed. Severus stood up, leaning over her to cover her up with blankets. He placed a kiss on her forehead, taking the hint she didn't want to talk about it anymore. "I'll stop by in the morning", he whispered in her ear. Tears began dripping down her face.

An Inconvenient Flame

November 25th, 1996

"Do you like my dress, Severus?"

Severus had indeed stopped by the next morning. He joined McGonagall, Dumbledore, Madam Pomfrey, and Slughorn by her bedside. Of course, being her former head of house and checking in on her with the other teachers would raise no question marks. Madam Pomfrey worked her wonders before she had even woken up, gotten rid of the infection, and made her healthy again. Although, with everyone standing around her, the question remained, who was the father?

She watched in almost horror as McGonagall pulled aside Dumbledore, and finally told him about seeing Severus come out of her bedroom. Dumbledore occasionally shot glances at Severus, and once at her meeting her eye. Hecate watched as Severus looked at her with a confused look, that had faded quickly – he never showed emotion around anyone – and turned to look where Hecate had been staring at. Dumbledore had caught his eyes and gestured him over. His eyes furrowed in a Professor Snape-Esque way as he walked over. Dumbledore spoke to him quietly, Severus only nodding at his questions.

Dumbledore still had a small smile on his face as he spoke, holding his hands in front of him calmly. Once he had finished, he moved back over to her bedside, and with a "She needs her rest", the other Professors left. Other professors meaning Slughorn, and Madam Pomfrey moved into her office and closed the door. Leaving, McGonagall, Dumbledore, and Severus in front of her.

Severus sat at the edge of her bed and took one of her hands in his. Hecate threw him an odd look, wondering why now he was so opened in front of the two. Of course, she knew, she knew that is what McGonagall had told Dumbledore. There was no point in hiding it, he would find out eventually. If he had asked Severus, Severus would have told him right then and there.

"Miss. Black", Dumbledore's soft voice spoke out, causing Hecate's focus to change from Severus to Dumbledore. "Yes, sir", she responded her voice slightly above a whisper. Dumbledore sat in the chair beside her bed, getting closer to her eye level. "McGonagall informed me, backed up with confirmation from Severus, that he was in fact the father of your child". Hecate nodded, tightening her grip on Severus' hand. "Now, I must ask you a few things about this relationship". Hecate didn't speak, she just nodded again. "Is this consensual?" Nod. "Did this relationship begin after you had left school?" Nod. "Are you sleeping with Severus for the sole purpose of apologizing for your fathers' actions towards him while they were at school?" Hecate didn't nod this time, giving Dumbledore a look of disgust. She finally spoke, "No, that is not the reason I am sleeping with him", she paused, "I thoroughly enjoy Severus' time, I don't need to have sex with him to do so".

Dumbledore raised his hands to settle her down. She glanced at Severus, who had looked at her with a mini-second of admiration before changing back into his stoic face.

That was weeks ago now. Hecate sat once again in Defense Against the Dark Arts class, perched on the same empty desk. Her legs were crossed, and she kept fidgeting with her dress. An olive-colored long sleeve wrap dress, that had a slit at the front where the material crossed over. If she moved too much, the material fell across her thighs revealing too much. Severus was sitting behind his desk, grading papers from other classes, as he decided to give the class a pop-quiz. Even Hecate sighed at the announcement, eliciting a few snickers from the students, and hastily thrown an apologetic look at Severus.

One of the students kept looking at you and then Severus as if he knew something that the rest of the students didn't. Draco Malfoy. Draco was Hecate's second cousin, her father and his mother being first cousins. Cousins did not bring the family close together. Hecate was mean to him in school, as another student, having to change her ways now as an adult. It was all with good intentions; she had seen him diving straight first into Regulus' – her biological uncle's – footsteps. He was going to get way too deep, and not be able to find his way up.

Draco caught her eye and held eye contact with her for a good minute before smirking and flicking his gaze to Severus, insinuating more than a professional relationship.

"Eyes on your own paper, Mr. Malfoy", Hecate's voice rang out. Draco looked at her and glared before looking back on his own paper. Serves him right. Hecate glanced over at Severus who was looking at her with a questioning look on his face. Hecate carefully, as to not expose herself to the whole class, jumped off the desk and walked over to Severus. She crouched down next to him, as to be able to speak privately from the students.

"He keeps looking at us like he knows something", she whispered. Severus looked at Draco who once again was looking at the two with a smirk. "He thinks he knows something", Severus drawled before going back to his work. Hecate placed a hand on Severus' thigh, grasping it for balance. "If he thinks he knows something, he might as well know something. It only takes one rumor, Severus".

Hecate stood up and moved back to the desk she was sitting on. This time not bothering to sit back on it. She glanced at her watch, only a few more minutes until class was dismissed.

"Drop your quills", Hecate's voice rang out once more. Everyone put their quills down and began packing up their bags to get ready for the next class. Except for Harry, who immediately upon hearing Hecate's instructions, looked at her mischievously and dropped his quill on the ground. The class began to leave, and Hecate waved her hand, the papers flying right onto Severus' desk. She strolled over to Harry, whose quill was on the ground, bent down – like a lady – and picked it up. She smiled at him and handed it back.

He packed up the rest of his things and smiled at her. "Thanks, Miss. Hecate". Hecate promptly reached up to swat him around the ear, causing Harry to jump back, and let out a laugh. "Alright, alright, I'm sorry". She pointed at the door and Harry followed her gesture to leave.

"We're not supposed to hit students", Severus grumbled from his desk, still hovering over papers. "Family shouldn't count", she retorted, moving over to his desk, and perching herself on a corner. Severus looked at her, and then at her now exposed legs. The students were gone, Hecate didn't have to cover herself anymore. "Do you like my dress, Severus?" she spoke in a low seductive voice. Severus raised an eyebrow to her and turned back to grading papers, mmm, he vocalized to her. No longer showing any interest towards her.

Hecate sighed in frustration and hopped off the desk. "Never mind, I'll see you later". Severus grunted loud enough for her to hear as she walked out of the classroom.

The rest of the day went by quickly, Hecate opted not to go to dinner with the rest of the professors and students. She stripped out of her clothes wearing only her earth green colored underwear and decided to lay on the floor in front of her couch, with a bottle of Firewhiskey and a joint. She hadn't smoked in a few months now, she had made it a habit to have a 'smoke session' with her father when they both were at Grimmauld place, cutting herself off completely when he had died.

Hecate placed the joint to her lips and inhaled deeply, blowing the smoke straight into the air. Smoking and drinking all because of Severus. He had barely touched her or looked at her since she had woken up in the hospital wing a few weeks ago. Naturally, since McGonagall and Dumbledore knew about the relationship, somehow, the rest of the professors soon found out. The looks Hecate received were greater than the amount Severus received for it. She tried to not let it bother her.

As she put the joint to her lips once more, a knock on the door thumped through the apartment. She continued with her inhale once again blowing into the air before her. The knock brought her to her senses a bit. Her throat and eyes felt dry and felt slightly dizzy upon sitting up. She waved her hand moving the smoke around but not getting rid of it. Another knock came on the door.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming", she spoke to the door. She grabbed the bottle of Firewhiskey off the floor and put it on the counter in the kitchenette, pinching the tip of the joint to put it out and placing it next to the bottle. She walked over to the door, not opening it yet, reaching for the black silky robe with lace she hung by it to cover herself. She let it hang open, Firewhiskey and a joint usually leave her without any dignity. Grasping the handle, she pulled open the door.

"Hello, Severus", she mumbled, leaning slightly against the door frame. Severus' eyes raked over her slowly, before lightly pushing back on her and coming into the room and closing the door.

"Hey!"

A protest barely escaped her lips. "I didn't say you could come in", she turned around and walked back over to her kitchenette and popped the top of the Firewhiskey open, taking a swig of it. "You weren't at dinner". It wasn't a question, just a statement. She turned on her heel and glared at him. "I didn't know I had to be", she shot back.

Severus returned her glare in frustration. "What is your problem?", he raised his voice in exasperation. "My problem?" her voice was barely above a whisper. "MY PROBLEM?" going to a louder voice this time.

"Ever since I've gotten out of the hospital wing, you've barely spoken to me", she moved closer to him. "Nothing from you, no looks, no sex, no speaking". She took a deep breath. "I understand we're not together, and I have no right to act like I am your girlfriend who should be able to get these things, but for crying out loud Severus, you knocked me up, and then ditched me. I should at least mean something to you".

Severus' eyes showed no emotion. "You're right", he spoke in a levelheaded tone, no longer yelling. Hecate looked at him, calmer now.

"Thank yo—"

He waved his hand to silence her. "I wasn't finished", his arms folded across his chest. "You are right. You're not my girlfriend. You do not have a right to act in such a way". Hecate's eyes shot daggers at Severus, her face turning red with rage. "I don't owe you anything, pregnancy or no pregnancy".

Hecate stayed silent for a long while, having a staring contest with the cruel man in front of her. She turned and faced away from him.

"Get out".

Severus took a step towards her, his head tilted. She was speaking in a low voice and could barely hear her. "Come again?" he asked.

"GET OUT!"

She turned to look at him once more, this time her voice screeched through her room. Severus stood up straight, turned, and walked out the door.

Letters Part Three

December 1st, 1996

Tee,

We haven't spoken since we left school back in June. I feel bad about not keeping up with you after it was all said and done, especially after your dad's death. I want to make it up to you. I heard you're teaching at Hogwarts now, or something like that. Can we meet in Hogsmeade? I am free the 15th in the evening if that works. Let me know. Looking forward to hearing from you.

-A.

A,

Wow, I almost forgot you existed. All jokes of course, it's been too long. You were right about my teaching position at Hogwarts. I follow around the sixth-year students. Don't worry about anything, life moves on quicker than any of us would like to admit. The 15th sounds great, I would love to meet up with you. We can decide on a place when we get there. Meet me next to "our pole" around 7? Missed you.

-Tee

Degree of Fancy

December 15th, 1996

"He's Snape, no more problems than normal"

Hecate never allowed a lot to phase her on the outside. She held a lot in, it was just better this way. So, not speaking to Snape (yes, they were once again on the last name basis), didn't really show on the outside how much it bothered her. She felt a connection when she talked with him, she had gotten used to being connected to him mentally and physically.

She had pushed her thoughts aside as she sat through another staff meeting. Dumbledore leading it as normal, the professors watching him with almost boring faces. It was over as soon as it began, with a hand wave Dumbledore dismissed the professors.

Hecate stood from her chair and moved quickly over to Slughorn. It was her turn to do rounds tonight with Snape, but she needed to have the night off to go into Hogsmeade. "Horace!", she called out, causing him to stop and turn to her with a smile on his face. "Yes, my dear?" he answered sweetly. She had seen Snape look at her from behind Horace out of the corner of her eye but pretended she didn't. He was standing listening to a conversation between Dumbledore and McGonagall.

"Is there any way you can do my rounds tonight? I'm supposed to be meeting up with a friend in Hogsmeade. I can do yours on your next night". Horace waved his hands, dismissing her offer. "Miss. Black, I have no issue doing your rounds tonight, don't worry about doing mine. Just make sure you come to the Christmas party I am having on the twentieth". Of course, the slug club Christmas party. "I can do that", she nodded quickly, with a smile on her face. "Thank you, Horace, I do appreciate it. She moved away from him and past Snape. She would pretend that she didn't see the glower in his eyes.

Hecate had run straight to her room to change. She opted for a black pair of jeans, a tank top, a knitted sweater Ma had made her, and winter boots. Simply and easy. She flipped her hair over, and ruffled it a bit, as much as she could without making it frizzy.

She checked the time, six-thirty p.m., and walked over to her door to leave. She pulled it open and walked out, not seeing the man in front of the door with his hand raised.

Hecate let out an 'oof' before taking a step back to see who was in front of her. Snape. An eye roll took over her face before she could stop it. "Yes?" she asked, now irritated. Snape stood back from her, "It is our night to patrol, is it not?" Hecate shook her head, pushing him slightly back to close the door. "No, it is not. Horace will be your second tonight. I have a date". She knew he had heard the conversation; she was unsure why he was here asking her nonsense questions.

"Date?" he questioned; an eyebrow raised at her. Hecate looked at him before walking past him down the hall, not bothering to answer his question. She could hear Severus behind her, catching up quickly with his long strides. "Are you not going to answer me, Miss. Black?" Hecate let out a frustrated grunt, throwing her hands in the air and turning on heel to look at him.

"We've already had this conversation. We – "she waved her finger, pointing to the two of them, "—are not together". She glared at him, "You don't get to ask me what I do in my spare time. We haven't talked, I'd wish to keep it like that". She turned around once more, practically jogging away this time.

Hecate stood at the pole in front of The Three Broomsticks, leaning against it. She fiddled with her fingers as she waited.

"Tee?" A voice rang out to the left of her. Hecate turned to look for the voice, walking over towards it, and wrapping her arms around the boy's shoulders. "Hey, Adrian". Adrian Pucey. He was in the same year as Hecate at school and one of the only Slytherins she liked. With the twins being her bests friends as well, it made things a little difficult. The twins were on the Gryffindor team, Adrian (and Hecate second and third year) were on the Slytherin team. They were also both Slytherin prefects in their fifth years, and he stuck by her side when her father escaped Azkaban.

He returned her hug wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her tightly to him. "I've missed you", he muttered next to her ear. They hugged for a few seconds before pulling apart. "Let's catch up in the pub, shall we?" Hecate nodded with a smile and wrapped her arm around his and walked in with him. They both were known to look and act like a couple at school. They weren't, even though Adrian did ask her out once in their third year. She turned him down, letting him know that dating was out of her plans until she left school. Her mother once told her as a child, 'Books before boys because 0boys bring babies.'

She unlatched from him, sitting down at the table across from him. Madam Rosmerta came over to take drink orders, or to take his drink order, as she brought Hecate her usual Firewhiskey. Adrian ordered the same, shaking his head. "Some things never change" he commented as she took a sip of her drink. She sipped, put down, and smiled at him. "I don't like change" she laughed. Madam Rosmerta sat his drink in front of him, smiling at the two, "Call me over if you two lovebirds" – she made quotation marks with her fingers – "need anything".

Hecate shook her head. "So... A teaching assistant?" He questioned. Hecate sighed, "I thought I told you that Dumbledore offered while we were still at school?" Adrian nodded, "You did say he offered, not that you took it". Hecate's eyes widened at him, her mouth making an 'O' shape. "I really thought I told you" She paused to take a sip, "You didn't tell me what job you took". She raised an eyebrow at him, waiting for an answer. "I took a job with Puddlemere United, reserve chaser". He quickly brought his drink to his mouth to avoid the smirk going over her face. "You're on the reserve team with Oliver Wood?", she breathed out slowly, preventing herself from bursting out into laughter. "Alright Tee, laugh it up". Hecate shook her head, "I think it's cute, inter-house unity".

Hecate laughed as she watched Adrian's eyes float to the door that had just opened with a ring. "Who are you looking at, your girlfriend?" She jested as she turned to see who it was. Snape. It was Snape. Hecate turned back around in her seat, eyebrows furrowed, grabbing her cup to take a big gulp finishing it off, and set the glass down on the edge of the table. It wasn't busy, so Madam Rosmerta walked over with a fresh bigger cup, taking away the old one. "Thank you", Hecate told her as she walked away, "Any time dear", she waved her hand.

Adrian looked back at Hecate. "Problems with Snape?" He asked as he flicked his eyes to Snape once more. "He's Snape, no more problems than normal". Adrian lifted his hand to wave to Snape. "I wonder what he's doing here, tonight's our night to do rounds". Adrian put his hand down, "Then how did you get out of it?" He asked. "I asked Slughorn to do it tonight so that I could meet up with you". Adrian finished his drink too but kept the cup near him. "He the new D.A.D.A. Professor?" Hecate shook her head and finished her second drink, also keeping it close to her. "No, that's Snape. Slughorn teaches potions".

Familiar footsteps approached their table before Adrian could reply. Adrian looked up at the person now towering over the table. "Professor Snape, how nice to see you", Adrian spoke in a neutral tone. "Mr. Pucey, a pleasure", Snape's tone remained neutral as well. Snape turned to Hecate, "Miss Black", he acknowledged her. "Why aren't you on rounds?" She questioned him, not turning her head to look at him.

"Not that it is any of your concern. I asked Minerva to take mine tonight. I have a date". Hecate's heart dropped. Stop that, she reminded herself. Her face remained neutral, and she nodded at him. "Good for you", she spoke quietly.

"Unfortunately," he began, "We're needed at the school, so I actually came to fetch you". Hecate closed her eyes and sighed. When he opened them, she shot an apologetic glance at Adrian. "I'm sorry, we'll have to catch up another time". Adrian smiled, and stood up, walking around to her side of the table and grabbing her hands to help pull her up. He embraced her when she was on her feet, his arms wrapping around her waist. Hecate returned the hug, her arms around his neck. "I'll send you a letter in a few days", he whispered in her ear. His lips close enough to brush against her ear. She turned his head to kiss his cheek, before turning to walk to the door without Snape.

Hecate moved through Hogsmeade, hearing the light tread of Snape behind her. She was thankful he was keeping his distance and not keeping up. They got to the school after a decent walk back. She turned to Snape once they approached the doors. "Did something bad happen?" She asked, Snape, look down at her, and shook his head. Hecate sighed and turned back around and headed through the doors.

Snape moved around her and walked ahead of her towards The Great Hall. The meeting must be in the area behind where the Professor sits. She followed Snape silently. She was right, Snape headed into the great hall, and through the door. Hecate followed suit, closing the door slowly behind her.

There was no one in the room. The room was barely lit, candles enchanted to float above a small table in the center of the room. The table was covered with a green cloth, a single purple hyacinth in the middle. A few of the candles were floating low and close to the table for light. Two bowls with steaming stew, with two glasses of red wine next to each bowl.

Hecate stared at the table confused. Maybe this is where Snape was planning to have his date and didn't have a chance to clean up. Hecate felt uncomfortable, if it was in the school, his date would have to be another professor. Her heart sunk once more. Nope, stop it. She once again reminded herself.

"Snape?" She called out, "Where is everyone?" Of course, he had disappeared. Hecate rolled her eyes, annoyed. Snape appeared around the corner, completely changed out of the robes that he wore to get her. He had on a simple black sweater, and black slacks, except, his hair instead of hanging down in his face was slicked back, nice, and neat. Hecate tilted her head sideways to look at him, flickering her eyes up and down him.

"Why was I needed, Snape? To show me what you planned for your date? I don't need to see this." Hecate huffed this all-in-one breath. Snape stared at her before closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose, letting out a sigh of frustration. He removed his hand from his nose and opened his eyes to look at her. "I'm sorry", he walked over to where she was still standing and took her hands in his. Hecate looked at him with a confused face, "I'm not repeating what I said".

Snape shook his head again, "No" he sputtered getting slightly more frustrated.

"I am sorry. For what I said".

Hecate formed an 'o' shape with her lips, "Oh, alright, no worries". She turned her head away from him to look around the room once more. "You still didn't have to show me where you were having your date or bring me back to the castle to apologize", she paused, "Which is weird, by the way, bringing me to where your date was to apologize, I hope she doesn't find out". Snape blinked a few times, his face emotionless.

He removed his hands from her and placed them on her hips. He pulled her hips to his and crashed his lips to hers in one fell motion. Hecate's brain did not process what was happening. He apologized; but did he think that things could just go back to how they were? Before she could finish her thoughts, Snape pulled away from her. Hecate brought her hands to his and gently took his hands off her waist and took a step back.

"You slept with me, knocked me up, I miscarried, you ignored me and when I told you my feelings, you basically said just because I got knocked up and had a miscarriage with your child, my feelings were irrelevant".

She spoke slowly and carefully. The look of lust that was in Snape's eyes faded. He looked… well guilty. "I said I was sorry", he apologized while looking at the floor like a child who just got caught.

"Sorry just doesn't fix things", she sighed, "You need to prove you're sorry, not just say it". He lifted his head to look at her. "I did this for you", he waved his hand around.

That's when it hit her. She was meant to be his date. He came to her room earlier to get her for rounds because he already had it planned out. He found a dumb excuse to come to Hogsmeade to get her. The hyacinth. The damned purple hyacinth. She reached up and covered her face with her hands and rubbed her eyes. When she was done rubbing them, she pulled her hands down.

"So, what are you doing here, what is your motive? Is it just an apology? Or do you have something else you wanted to do?"

Snape moved closer to her, grabbing her hands in his once again. "I want you" he spoke quietly. "Not just for that, I want you. To see your face in the morning. To banter while wrapped in each other or drinking our morning coffee". Snape paused, seemingly in thought. "I don't know what this is, I don't understand my feelings, but it sucks when you're not there".

Hecate smiled at Snape, "Okay, we'll try it out – us".

Crystalized Pineapple

December 20th, 1996

"Nice choice of shirt".

The bright light shone through the crack in the curtains, pouring over Hecate's face. She squeezed her eyes tighter, in hopes to block it for a few more minutes. When she realized it was useless, she opened them, feeling out for her surroundings. She was in her bed, a heavy arm laid over her waist and her back was against something solid. Severus. She could hear the light sounds of his breathing as he slept behind her and felt the air hitting her head. They had spent the last few days in bed 'making up', of course, after Severus brewed a rather large cauldron of a contraceptive potion. 'I don't want to put you through that again, he had muttered as he handed it to her. She wasn't upset with him about it, she thought it was a great idea. Having children was never on her list of things she wanted to do. If it had happened, it would happen, but taking preventive measures was best.

Hecate leaned over just enough to grab her watch off the stand, trying not to wake the sleeping man behind her. She pulled the watch to her, pausing before looking at it, taking the time to rub her eyes.

"What time is it?" a low sleepy voice spoke from behind her. She finally brought the watch to her face. "10:37" she mumbled to him. She put her watch back and relaxed for a minute, before sitting straight up in bed. "What day is it?" she asked in a panic. "Friday" he responded. She jumped out of bed, and picked a shirt up off the floor, throwing it on. Severus slowly sat up in bed, watching her amused. She scurried over to her dresser, pulling on underwear and a skirt, and the first pair of shoes she found. She looked at him, "Don't you have a class?" she asked. Severus shook his head, "Not until after lunch". Hecate rolled her eyes as she ran around the room. "I'm supposed to be in Transfiguration!" She heard Severus let out a laugh, "Don't hurt yourself, she won't be to cross with you", as she ran out the door.

Hecate ran to the Transfiguration classroom, buttoning up the shirt she was wearing and rolling the sleeves up as she went. She got to the door of the Transfiguration classroom and paused to take a breather, catching her breath. She opened the door and crept in. The room was quiet, and she shut the door quietly behind her.

"Nice of you to join us, Miss. Black". Hecate's head fell forward, before turning around to look McGonagall in the face. She gave McGonagall her best I'm sorry smile, "I overslept". She walked over to the small desk near McGonagall's and sat down. "Nice choice of shirt". McGonagall had her head pointed down at her desk grading papers and was talking quietly enough for only Hecate to hear. Hecate looked at McGonagall confused, before looking down at her shirt. The shirt she was wearing was a black button-up. She mistakenly put on Severus' shirt in getting dressed. McGonagall peered up at her over her glasses, with a small smile on her face. Hecate felt her cheeks get red.

The rest of the day went well. None of the other Professor's noticed that her shirt didn't belong to her. Well, of course, except Severus. When she sat down in the Great Hall with him during lunch, he could barely hold a smirk. She whispered to him that McGonagall had noticed, making his smirk visible. Hecate finished the rest of her lessons for the day. She went to her room to get dressed for Slughorn's Christmas Party. She chose the sparkly black dress that she wore to the club, black heels, and a grey shawl.

She walked alone to the party. Unsure where Severus was, she had not seen him since lunch. She brushed it off and walked into Slughorn's office. There were pretty Christmas-themed decorations everywhere and a whole lot of people. She made her way over to Slughorn, to greet him before mingling with anyone else.

"Miss Black!" Slughorn greeted her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Glad you came!" Hecate gave him a polite smile. "Beautiful party Horace". He smiled back and removed his arm from her. "Go mingle! There's plenty of free people here tonight!" He winked at her. He didn't know Severus and she was back together, or whatever it was. She walked away to a corner of the room to observe. A waiter passed her, offering her a drink she so graciously accepted. She watched as Harry came in with Luna Lovegood, which brought a smile to her face. Watching as Slughorn noticed him almost at once and pulled him in. Introducing him to the author fellow and his 'pet' vampire. She pulled her attention away from him momentarily to scan the room. She was looking for Severus. Not that she could openly greet him as her, whatever they are, the students did not and could not know about their relationship. When she didn't find him, she turned her attention to Harry, who was now being talked to by Trelawney and Slughorn. She moved from her corner, to go finally greet him. She made her way over to Harry, who greeted her with a wide smile. She lifted her hand to a small wave.

Slughorn had seemingly pulled Severus out of thin air, into the conversation. Severus made normal Severus comments about Harry's potion abilities, and his desire to be an Auror. Hecate rolled her eyes. Severus looked at her for a brief minute, scanning his eyes up and down her body hungrily, causing a faint red to appear over her cheeks. Only taking his eyes off her when Argus Filch stormed into the room, with an annoyed Draco Malfoy. Draco knew how to suck up to Slughorn like it was his job. Slughorn of course, shooed away Filch, telling him it was okay for Draco to join the party, followed by Severus pulling Draco away from the party to talk to him.

Hecate moved away from the few minutes of entertainment that had happened back into a corner of the room. She finished her drink and swapped it out with the waiter for another one. Hecate didn't know how long she had to stay at the party before it was no longer rude to leave. She was only there because she swapped with Slughorn, and he insisted. She finished the rest of her second drink and gave it to one of the waiters that passed by, but this time without taking another one. She let out a sigh, closed her eyes, and tilted her head far back.

"Wanna get out of here?" A voice whispered, seemingly hovering above her face. Hecate's eyes flashed open in an instant. It was Severus, with a seemingly irate look in his eyes, and a mischievous smile on his lips. Hecate lifted her head and spun around to look at him. "You have no idea", she whispered back.

~Smut~

Hecate and Severus did not make it to their rooms before their lips touched one another's. They made it slightly past the door to the Professor's sleeping area, before glancing down the hallway and crashing into one another. They kissed as they walked down the hallway, stopping to push the other against the wall. They made it to the wall by Hecate's room, her back against the door. She tried to grab the handle to allow them inside when Severus pulled his lips away from hers. "No, not your room. I've wanted to see that dress on my floor since day one". Hecate could feel her heart beating, well everywhere, on her body. She pushed against him, attaching their lips again, moving towards his room. He leaned over, attaching his hands to her thighs and lifting her. She wrapped her legs around his waist for support, and he carried her the rest of the way to his room. Through his living area, through the bedroom door, and plopping her onto the bed.

Severus stripped himself of his robes, his shirt, and shrugged off his suspenders without unlatching them from his pants. He climbed up on the bed, hands, and knees, over top of her. He placed a single kiss on her lips, moving down to her neck, her sternum, her stomach, skipping over the place she needed the most attention, pushing her dress up just enough to kiss each one of her thighs, traveling down one leg. He placed a kiss on the top of her foot, and pulled off her right shoe, before continuing with the same on the left, allowing both to clatter to the floor.

He slowly moved up her body, hooking his fingers into the waistband of her underwear. She lifted her hips for him, and he pulled down her underwear, tossing them near the shoes. He laid flat on his stomach, putting each leg over one of his shoulders, and instantly attacking her core with nibbles and licks. She groaned with each flick over her clit. He slid his tongue up her folds, before moving her legs and moving back up her body with small kisses peppering her torso. He stopped at her neck, sucking love marks into her collarbone. He pulled at her dress, lifting off above her head, and throwing it to his floor. The rightful place for the dress.

"Severus…" she pleaded, bucking her hips up to get friction back. "So, needy", he whispered in her ear. He ran his hard length against her folds, gently thrusting his hips to prod her teasingly. Hecate let out a groan of frustration, that turned into a moan as Severus thrust deeply inside her with one thrust. "You fill me up so good, baby", she moaned, reaching up to run a hand through his hair. Severus licked his lips before kissing her gently. She pulled back and pushed on his shoulders. "Wanna be on top", she whispered. In one swift motion, Severus flipped the two of them. Severus laying on his back, and Hecate straddling his hips. She smiled mischievously at him. Severus gave her a curious look.

Hecate bounced up and down a few times, before stopping. It was Severus' turn to groan. He placed his hands on her hips, gripping them tight. "Move it or lose it, Miss. Black". Hecate raised an eyebrow, she pulled his hands off her hips, and brought them up and over his head, leaning her chest on his. He went to remove his hands from hers, but with some quick wandless magic she tied his hands above his head and to the bed. This time Severus glared at her. She placed a gentle kiss on his lips, "Good boy", she murmured before sitting straight up. She gently rocked her hips back and forth, watching the expression on Severus' face. She slightly leaned back, cupping his balls in her hand, continuing her agonizingly slow pace. She watched Severus close his eyes tight, not saying a word. "You feel so good inside of me baby. Do I make you feel good too?" she spoke low, leaning down on her last bit of words to talk into his ear. She nibbled on his earlobe, before kissing and nibbling on his neck.

Severus nodded in response; his eyes still shut. She finished sucking a mark on his collarbone. "Nuh-uh, use your words, or I'll stop". She made a small popping sound with her lips on the last letter. "Yes, Miss. You make me feel good". He whispered to her. Hecate removed her hand from his balls to lean forward once more and move at a quicker pace on his member. She moved her hand down to her clit and began rubbing on it. "Open your eyes and watch me touch myself while riding you". Severus squeezed his eyes tighter before opening them and looking down at where her hand was. "Look at you go in and out of me, it's such a nice sight, isn't it?" Severus glanced up at her, "I didn't tell you to look at me, did I? Just asked a question", his eyes tore back down to where they were connected. "Such a nice sight Miss". She could feel him throbbing in her, Severus closed his eyes again, "Miss, I'm going to -". Hecate slowed her pace, almost to a stop. Severus opened his eyes, a whine escaping from his lips from the loss. "Did I say you were allowed to cum?" Severus shook his head, "No Miss". Hecate resumed her fast pace riding him, copying the movements to her clit. She tightened around him, cumming around him. "Beg", she told him, "Beg for your release". He watched her fingers work herself up to her second orgasm, "Miss, please. I want … no, I need to cum". Hecate felt herself tightening up once more, "Cum, Severus, cum with me, fill me up with your seed". Severus' eyes closed once more, he bucked his hips up, meeting her downwards thrust, pushing into her as hard as he could, filling her up as she came crumbling down on him. She laid on his chest, waving her hand lazily to release his binds. He moved his arms down, wrapping them around her, and placing a kiss on the top of her head.

"Good boy".

Christmas Tidings from the Snape's

December 25th, 1996

"Too bad he only gave us enough for one night".

Christmas Day was always a big event for the Weasley's. Molly made sweaters for all the kids, now mostly adult kids, and listening to Celestina Warbeck on the radio. Christmas lunch went by swiftly, with a surprise visit from Percy and the Minister. An owl came shortly after lunch, addressed to Hecate. This brought on a bought of confused looks by everyone, not including the Twins or Remus. Hecate placed the package in her lap, not opening it in front of anyone. She got up, excusing herself quietly, and moving to the front area just outside the front door. She brushed the ledge off with her sleeve and sat down. She slowly unwrapped the package, making sure nothing would fall out. A letter and a book. Moste Potente Potions. She flipped the inside cover open and looked at the inside cover. It was a first edition copy, signed by the author. She closed the cover to open the letter next.

Merry Christmas,

Is there any way for you to sneak off to visit? I would like to see you.

-Severus

Hecate finished the letter, and it was promptly grabbed out of her hand. "Hey!" She stood up, watching Remus, the grabber, reading her letter. "Are you going?" He spoke quietly, allowing Hecate to grab the letter back, stuffing the letter into the front of the new book. "Am I allowed?" She huffed, crossing her arms in front of her. He shrugged, "You're an adult. You're allowed to do whatever you want". Of course, he was giving her the runaround, not wanted to tell her he didn't want her to go visit. "I bought him a present too, I should go and give it to him". She wrapped her arms around herself now, the cold air hitting her. "I'll go in a few hours, spend some time here first". Remus nodded, walking back into the house with Hecate in tow.

As Hecate told Remus she waited until right before dinner to announce her departure. She told them she was visiting a friend, which caused the Twins to laugh to themselves. She grabbed the present that Severus gave her, and his present from her, and disapparated once out the door. She landed in Spinner's End and walked swiftly to Severus' house. She looked around a bit, before knocking. The door pulled open, no one behind it. She stepped inside, kicking her feet off and taking off her shoes. "Severus?" She called into the house. A faint "Kitchen," rang out, so that was the first place she headed.

The smell of a spaghetti dinner hit her nose the closer she got to the kitchen. She walked in, looking at Severus. He had his hair pulled back, and his sleeves pushed up to his elbows. He wasn't in school robes, instead sporting loose black slacks, and a loose black sweatshirt, of course, with suspenders. She set down his present on the table and raked her eyes up and down him. "Smells good". She commented, rolling up her own sleeves. She moved behind him, wrapping her arms slowly around his waist. She placed a kiss on his back. "Do you want help?" she asked him, resting her chin on him. He shook his head, "No, I want to make you dinner." She shrugged and released him, moving over to sit at the table. He waved his hand lazily, a wine glass placing itself in front of her, and a floating bottle of wine pouring into it.

When it was done pouring, she took a small sip. She watched Severus chop, cut, and put together. It was half an hour sitting in silence as he cooked before he waved his hand once again, the table setting itself. The plates of hot food, setting themselves before her. He finally sat across from her, pulling his chair close to the table, and looking at her. He didn't have a smile, but his eyes were softer than normal. "They let you slip away from them?" Hecate nodded, "I told them I was visiting a friend, but Remus knows where I am". Severus raised his eyebrow at her, popping a bite of noodles into his mouth and chewing them before speaking. "How did you like your present?" Hecate's eyes opened wide with excitement. "I loved it, very thoughtful". She spoke earnestly. "I got you something too", she pushed the box over to him. "Hmm", he started, pulling the box over to him. "Let me guess, a Holiday Blancmange?" Hecate smiled brightly. "How'd you know?" Severus rolled his eyes and peered into the box. "You've gotten me the same present since your third year". Hecate tilted her head, "I don't know enough about you to give you anything else". She finished her food, waving her hand to send her plate to clean to the sink to clean itself. "I made this one, this time. Does that count as different?" Severus looked at her, an amused look spreading over his face and nodding. He stood up, bringing his plate to the sink. As he passed by her, he leaned down and placed a kiss on her head.

"How do you want to spend the rest of your Christmas?" he finally spoke after clearing up the kitchen with a wave of his hand. Hecate stood from her chair and moved over to him. She wrapped her hands around his suspenders pulling him to her. "Hmm… How about we start a fire, turn off all the candles, and cuddle on the couch under a blanket?" Severus wrapped his arms around her waist, "You mean, enjoy one another's company? Who does things like that?" Hecate furrowed her brow, letting go of his suspenders with a snap and crossing her arms in a pout. He smiled at her, kissing her forehead. "Of course, we can do all that, c'mon."

He unwrapped his arms, taking one of her hands and pulling her into the living room. She plopped down on the couch, sitting upright, waiting. He started a fire in the fireplace and put out the fire of the candles so that only the fire from the fireplace lit the room. He sat on the couch next to her, pulling her into him. A wave of his hand brought a blanket down over them. Hecate nuzzled herself into him, warm and sleepy now. Severus watched her as her eyes flickered close.

December 31st, 1996

Hecate,

Sorry about the late Christmas present. I wasn't sure where to send it. Whether to The Burrow or to your new lover's house. Hope to see my granddaughter soon.

Love Pah-Pah

A small package had landed in Hecate's lap along with the letter she had just read. She glanced at Severus, who was sitting at the other end of the couch, his nose buried into a book. If he noticed the owl that knocked at the window, that she had let in, which he most likely did, he didn't show it. Hecate set the letter down beside her unwrapped the package neatly, without tearing any of it. She tossed the wrapper into the fireplace, watching for a second as it burned up. Her focus moved back to the small box. She pulled the lid off. A smile danced across her lips, as she reached in to pull out a small ring. Another note sat underneath where the ring sat.

P.S.

This is a purity ring. I can only cross my fingers that'll you'll use it. Not that it is any of my business. Although you did make it past your fathers age from when you were born. If you can't hold off, there is another present underneath the letter.

Love, Pah-Pah

Hecate moved the letter from out in front of her face to peer in the box once more. The sight alone was enough to send her into giggles. Severus finally looked up from his book to see what she was giggling about. Hecate looked Severus straight in the eye and flipped the box over between them. About five or six muggle condoms plopped onto the couch. She set down the box and gestured to them with a wave of her hand. "These are from Pah-Pah. Merry Christmas!" Severus looked at the condoms and looked back at Hecate. Severus book his book down and stood up. He moved over to where Hecate sat and looked down at her. He leaned over, placing a hand on the back of the couch, and put his face close to hers.

"Too bad he only gave us enough for one night."

Severus' voice was deeper than normal. Hecate could only smile and lean up to peck him on the lips. She brought her hand up, "He also gave me a purity ring." The silver metal glinted from the lights. Severus looked at it and turned his attention toward her. He gave her a small smile that sent shivers down her spine.

"Good, you'll need that. After all the ways I plan to defile you, you'll need to be made pure again."

A lump caught in Hecate's throat, making it hard to swallow. Severus leaned down to press a kiss to her lips.

"Severus?"

Severus detached his lips from Hecate's, turning his head towards the kitchen. "Mother?" he called out, putting himself standing again. "Mother?" Hecate whispered to herself. Severus shot her a look before walking towards the kitchen. Hecate waved her hand, putting the condoms back into the box, and straightening herself up a bit. She didn't move from her spot. It was almost like Hecate forgot parents were a thing. She didn't have any left, so why wouldn't she have assumed that everyone besides Remus had dead parents. She had never thought to ask about Severus' family, she didn't ask him about a whole lot. This is probably why she didn't know so much about him.

Hecate heard footsteps, not just Severus' footsteps, walking from the kitchen. Low voices talking to each other. Hecate watched the doorway and stood up, her hands together nervously. Severus walked in, followed by a woman who looked just like him. She stood a bit shorter than he did, but taller than Hecate was. The woman looked right at Hecate.

"Oh, Severus. If you told me that you have a guest, I could have come back another time."

This time Severus looked nervous. "That's all-right Mum. This is Hecate – Hecate Black." Severus' mother moved towards Hecate holding out a hand. Hecate grasped her hand back, shaking it politely. "Hello, Mrs. Snape, it's so nice to meet you". The woman raised her hand, shaking it with a smile. "First off dear, call me Eileen, or Ms. Prince. I haven't gone by Mrs. Snape since my bastard of a husband died." She paused for a minute; a realization crossed over her eyes. "Black did you say?" Eileen turned towards her son. Severus nodded at her, "Yes, Black". Eileen furrowed her brows deeper. "As in Sirius Black? The boy that bothered you in school?"

Hecate intervened this time, Severus looked nervous or ashamed, or both. "He's my father, Ms. Prince. Sirius Black was my father." A confused look crossed over Eileen's face. "How old are you dear?"

"Turned nineteen last month."

Eileen looked at Severus, "So if she is no longer your student, and the daughter of the man that bullied you in school, why is she here." Severus looked at his mother, unsure of how to proceed. Eileen's eyes widened at her realization. "Severus Tobias Snape, are you sleeping with a former student?!" Severus flinched at his mother, and slowly nodded. Eileen turned to Hecate, "Is this consen—" Hecate cut her off, "Yes. I initiated it. After school ended of course." Eileen's face lightened slightly, and she inhaled deeply. "That's better than what other things I had thought," she moved around Hecate, sitting on the couch.

"Well, let me hear all about it."

Crucial Interventions

January 6th, 1997

"I need you to stick with him."

Everyone had returned from the holidays over the weekend. Students and Professor alike. Hecate spent the last few hours of New Year's Eve talking with Eileen, which after calling her Ms. Prince the first few times, Eileen had told her to just call her by her first name. You're dating my son; first names are in order. Hecate had involuntarily grimaced at the word dating, causing Eileen to furrow her brows, but not questioning her anymore. Midnight had hit after what seemed to be forever, and Eileen had excused herself to the spare bedroom. Severus kissed Hecate on the forehead, and without another word, moved himself to his room. Hecate remained up for hours after, falling asleep on the couch watching the embers in the fireplace die down.

Severus was cold to her for the remainder of the week, he would talk with her politely with his mother watching but would ignore her the rest of the time. He would disappear, and leave her with his mother, not telling either one of them where he was going. Eileen would smile at her apologetically, pat her leg, Unfortunately, he gets those traits from his father. Especially the brooding traits. Hecate would return her polite smile. It only took until about the second of January, two whole days before Hecate packed her belongings, while he was gone and left. Leaving Eileen with an It was nice to meet you, and an apology for her abrupt departure.

Here it was, Monday morning, Hecate sat at a desk as if she were a defiant student. Her chin sitting on her fist, her elbow propped on the table. Severus walked around, watching his students, making sure their eyes were focused on their pop quiz. Hecate refused to make eye contact with Harry, who she knew kept flicking his eyes at her. They have not spoken since she left on Christmas day. A knock on the door made Hecate look up, Severus glided his way over to the door, scowling down at a poor first-year Gryffindor. The first year whispered something to Severus his eyes flickering towards Hecate. Severus held out his hand, the first-year handing whatever it was to him and scurrying away.

Severus walked over and dropped a letter on her desk, not bothering to look at her or stop walking as he dropped it. Hecate rolled her eyes and unfolded the piece of parchment.

Miss. Black,

I understand you are in a class right now, but I need to discuss things with you. Please show Professor Snape this letter, he should not give you much of an issue.

Albus Dumbledore

p.s. I enjoy lemon drops.

Hecate stood from the desk and walked over to Severus. He scowled down at her like he did the first year. She shoved the parchment into his hand, and without waiting for him to read it, strolled out the door.

Hecate was annoyed walking towards Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore was pulling her from classes, Severus wasn't talking to her, for whatever reason. Fine. Everything was going to be fine. Or so she told herself. The walk seemed like it barely took any time at all to get to Dumbledore's office. "Lemon Drops," she spoke, watching the Gargoyle turn into a set of stairs. She climbed up, hesitating before knocking on the door.

The door swung open, without her having to knock. Dumbledore looked down at her a small smile on his face. "Come in, Miss. Black." Hecate moved past him, "I'm not a student anymore, you can call me Hecate, Professor." Dumbledore's smile widened a bit, "Only if you agree to call me Albus." Hecate shrugged and plopped down in the chair in front of his desk, waiting for him to take his seat. Albus strolled slowly to his desk, not taking his chair behind it, but sitting next to her. "What do you need Albus?" His name rolled off her tongue weird, she never thought she would get to this place with her former headmaster. Keep it together, it's just his name, you weirdo. She chided herself, attempting to give him a polite smile.

"I need to talk to you about Severus." Hecate rolled her eyes, "Did he send you to do his bidding? He hasn't talked to me really in about a week, he had to use you –" Dumbledore raised his hand, quieting her. He shook his head.

"I need you to stick with him."

Hecate's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Stick with him?" she repeated his words, hoping to catch on to what he was telling her. She didn't. Dumbledore waiting patiently, the smile not fading from his face. "Yes, stick with him." Dumbledore stood up, moving over to Fawkes, not looking at her. "If something were to happen, where Severus was to… Let's say, leave the school –" He paused as if he were thinking over his next words. He wasn't. Hecate knew this, the man was calculated, he would have figured out what he wanted to say before calling her in here.

"I would need you to treat it as an Order mission and follow him."

Hecate involuntarily grimaced once more. "Does he plan on leaving the school?" Dumbledore stroked Fawkes, not answering right away. "Not that I am aware of." Hecate glared at him, "Obviously he will plan to in the future, or you wouldn't be telling me to follow him when he does." Dumbledore stopped stroking the Phoenix and turned to her. "There are things I cannot say that I do not know myself. I need your word that you will follow him." Hecate bit her lip, "I have more questions before I say yes." Dumbledore nodded, folding his hands in front of them. "If I can answer them, I will." Hecate was more than frustrated with Dumbledore's lack of information, people would just follow him blindly. Lemmings.

"How do I follow him if he is done with me. He won't even speak to me right now." Hecate stood up, not letting Dumbledore answer. "He does this, just stops talking to me for weeks, and then all the sudden he wants to 'talk'-" She made air quotes with her hands.

"He's upset with you about your facial expression when his mother referred to your relationship as dating."

Oh, that does it, the bastard. Hecate's eyebrows furrow in anger. "So what? I made a face, we established that we wanted each other, and we didn't need a label, so sorry I made a face about being called something were not!" Dumbledore let out a laugh this time, "You're also his former student, and the daughter of the man that bullied him at school, not to mention the uncanny resemblance to that man." Hecate crossed her arms and huffed. "It's not my fault."

"Which part? The face or being Black's daughter?"

The voice didn't come from Dumbledore. Dumbledore was looking over Hecate's head towards the door where the voice came from. Hecate spun around, looking at Severus, who was standing in the doorway, arms crossed. "Both." Venom dripped from her mouth as she spoke. He doesn't get to do this, not anymore. Severus looked past her at Dumbledore, "Did you really call her up to discuss with her why I was upset with her." Dumbledore's arms bent at the elbow, his hands pointing up in defensive innocence. "I don't like it when Professors can't work together." So, Severus, why don't you bring Hecate back to her quarters. She has a free period right now, along with you." Severus got the point immediately; he was not to teach his next class. Dumbledore waved his hand, shooing them both out. Turning and walking over to his desk, sitting down behind it, and looking through paperwork as if they had left already.

Hecate didn't allow Severus to walk her to her room as Dumbledore wanted. She stormed past him and strolled down the halls her hands in her pockets. Furious. Why was she so furious? "Hecate." His voice called to her, him quickening his stride to catch up to her. "I was wrong." He had caught up, his hand wrapping around her arm and spinning her around. Hecate looked up at her, her brow furrowed. How much did he hear? Did he know that even if this didn't work, she had to make it work? Of course, it would come down to her following Dumbledore's orders blindly. Of course, Dumbledore found a way to make her. She forced her face to lighten up. She got up on her tiptoes, pulling him down towards her, and kissing his lips gently. "It's okay. I shouldn't have made that face." He wrapped his arms around her, happy with her answer.

"I do have to ask now, what are we?"

Following Orders

January 9th, 1997

"Nothing is too expensive for the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black."

Albus,

The answer is yes.

-Hecate

Did Hecate feel guilty for telling Albus, 'yes'? Yes. Sort of. Her feelings were confused and all over the place. She felt like she signed over her rights to her love life to Albus Dumbledore. If they were to call quits, she would have to put a stop to it and continue with the relationship regardless. That is what it is called for. Thankfully, for her, for Severus, for whoever she didn't want to call it quits, not yet at least.

Severus told her that dating was the best way to go about putting a label on anything, that way it didn't seem too formal, and they didn't have to use any other labels. Just dating. Of course, he would choose to use that after the fact that she had made it at his mother when Eileen called it that.

Hecate stood in Severus' quarters alone and at the kitchenette. He was still out teaching his classes and Hecate requested a day off in advance from Dumbledore, telling him she wanted to spend the day making Severus' birthday special for him. Dumbledore agreed with a smile. It worked out for her, in the sense that his birthday fell on a Thursday, and she only was in his 6th year D.A.D.A class on Mondays.

She stepped out long enough to eat breakfast and allow the house-elves that do the cleaning to get in and clean up for the day. The bedroom needed the most attention, she returned the favor that he gave her for her birthday. Midnight sharp she was in his room, making his birthday all about him.

She wore a long sleeves black wrap-around dress, and her old Slytherin slippers. She had a pair of red heels, and a black choker necklace with a red heart stashed under the sink. The dress was chosen as it would be easy to slip off, revealing her red and black lace lingerie underneath. A surprise for later. Hecate had a hearty beef stew in a cauldron over the fire, the smell permeating around the living area. A bottle of 1975 Château La Tour Haut-Brion sitting on the counter. Hecate went through the process of making him another Blancmange, trying out another set of flavors for it, using simple strawberries and blueberries to decorate it this time. The table was set with a green runner tablecloth, a few candles hovering lit over it. It was already set with plates and utensils and wine glasses. An almost replica of the date he had set up for her. Except, instead of a Hyacinth, she put down a small pot of African Violets. A gift wrapped in black wrapping paper with a green bow sat next to the wine.

A knock on the door broke her from her gaze that was lingering on the flowers. Severus wouldn't knock to enter his room. She furrowed her eyebrows before walking over to the door and opening it. "Ah, Minnie!" she spoke, her face lightening up at the Professor in front of her. Minnie had a small smile on her face, "You requested me to come and give my input, so here I stand". Hecate moved out of the doorway, allowing Minnie to be able to step through. Minnie walked through the door and instantly sniffed the air, "Beef stew?" she questioned, receiving a small nod when she looked at Hecate. "Smells delicious." She walked over to the table and looked at the settings, and moved over to the kitchenette, picking up the bottle of wine. "1975, good year."

Minnie turned to Hecate, "He'll love it." Hecate let out a breath, one she didn't realize she was holding. She didn't know why she was so nervous. Probably because she didn't think anyone doted on him like this, ever, she didn't want to make him uncomfortable. Minnie pulled out her small pocket watch and looked at the time. "Classes will be out soon; I'll direct him to here instead of the dinner table." Hecate smiled and nodded. Minnie walked to the door and left. Leaving Hecate all alone once more.

Minutes went by, or was it hours? Who was counting before Severus finally came into his room? His first step was to stop and look around as he pushed the door shut behind him. Hecate stood in front of him, still in her dress and slippers. Severus looked her up and down, and at the table. His face remained stoic.

"Happy Birthday Severus."

She moved toward him, hiking herself up on her tiptoes to kiss his lips. Severus returned the kiss in full, arms wrapping around her waist pulling her in for a deeper kiss. Fire shot through her, hitting all ten fingers and ten toes. She had to remind herself to save it for later. Dinner had to come first.

"What is all of this?"

A confused look overtook Hecate's face. The candles, the table, the wine, the smell. "Dinner?" It wasn't supposed to come out as a question, she knew he was going to act this way, at least a little bit. "You copied my date idea?" A laugh escaped Hecate before she could stop it. "I figured you liked your idea of a date, so, yeah. Although I plan for your birthday to be better than how mine went." Severus raised an eyebrow, before leaning down to kiss her once more. "Shall we?" Hecate nodded and waved for Severus to take a seat. She walked over and grabbed the wine, popping the cork and moving over to the table to pour it into cups for Severus and herself. Severus grabbed her arm when she was done pouring, tilting his head to read a bottle. "1975 Château?" She nodded pulling her arms away to bring the bottle back to the kitchenette. "I heard it was one of the best red wines out there." She moved back to the table and plopped herself down. Severus nodded, "One of the most expensive, you mean." Hecate waved her hand, to start the stew to serve itself.

"Nothing is too expensive for the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black."

Sarcasm dripped off her tongue, causing a small smile from Severus.

Dinner had gone easily, small talk and full faces. Nothing but compliments from Severus on her food-making skills. All made the muggle way. She would retort, provoking an eye roll from him. She shooed him off in his room to get comfortable, telling him she would clean up, and get his present for him. Severus kissed her cheek and retreated to his bedroom. Once she was sure he was in there for good, she waved her hand to allow the dishes and the food to take care of themselves, allowing her to get ready. She kicked off her slippers, leaning over to grab them and shove them under the sink, pulling out her choker and her heels. She quickly slipped on the heels and latched them, following by latching her choker around her neck. Untying the dress, pulling it off and folding it underneath the sink with the slippers, and closing it. She took a deep breath, looking down at the red material she was now dressed in her hands roaming over the lace. He was going to give her shit about the red, and she knew it. Picking up the black wrapped box, and held it to her chest, walking over to stand in front of his doorway. Now it was time to wait.

The door crept open; Severus walked out his eyes on his wrist fiddling with the fabric of his nightshirt. "So, what did I get for a present?" Hecate remained silent, waiting for him to look up. When he finished fiddling, his face contorted with confusion, and looked up. His eyes didn't meet Hecate's at first. Instead, they scanned her body, his confusion turning into pure lust. She moved over to him, enjoying the look on his face. She waved the box under his nose, "Here's your present Severus." Severus' eyes looked at the box, then up to meet hers. His hands reached out taking the box from her. It wasn't a fair game she was playing. Eyes moved to look over her body, as his hands pulled the bow apart. The lid came off slowly after.

Eyes finally found its way down to the box, he tilted his head at the gift inside. He pulled the gift out of the package. A pocket watch, with the crest of Slytherin on the outside. He clicked it open. Multiple clocks face on one side, with a picture of them dancing at the yule ball on the other. If anyone was the king of indifference, it was Severus. The pocket watch was turned over in his hand multiple times, his face remaining the same. Now Hecate was nervous. Her bottom lip was between her teeth, her hands fiddling in front of her.

"It's beautiful", barely a whisper came out of his mouth. He met her eyes, before placing it back into the box. "As are you. I love my gift, thank you." His face may remain indifferent but the look in his eyes was nothing but adoration. Arms snaked around her waist, and lips moved to meet hers. Her lips lingered on his, enjoying it.

She broke it apart after a minute, looking him once more in the eyes. "Do you want your other present?" Severus paused for a minute, "Only if that present is you, in my bed, out of the red stuff you're wearing." A smile formed on Hecate's face, "I like the red stuff I'm wearing." She grabbed his hand and pulled him into his room.

-Smut-

She pushed him towards his bed, and waved her hand, pulling his clothes off instantly. Severus looked at her with confusion. "I learned a new spell." She smiled at him, proudly. "On the bed." A voice change made him listen to her. He got on the bed and laid down. Another hand wave snaked ropes around his wrists, tying him to the bed. She crawled on top of him, not bothering to undress. "I don't like this present Hecate." She straddled his hips, rubbing herself on his already half-hard member. "It doesn't seem like that to me." A pout lingered on Severus' face, she leaned down to press her lips to his.

Her lips moved to press a kiss under his ear, "Tell me what the birthday boy wants." Severus' eyes were closed, and his face was scrunched up in pain, pleasure? Who knew, she wasn't going to stop until he said 'Red'. "Inside, inside you." It was barely a whisper. "I'm sorry, couldn't quite hear that." Severus was fully hard now, Hecate stopped rocking. A displeased grunt left his lips, and his hips bucked slightly. "Inside, I want to be inside of you." Hecate raised her hips, reaching down and moving her panties to the side, before sliding down on his member. He released a groan a pleasure this time. Hecate bounced slowly, tortuously on him. Slowly enough to be painful, not fast enough to get him to his high.

"Hecate" he pleaded. "The birthday boy only said he wanted to be inside of me, nothing more. I'm doing what was asked of me." Severus moved his arms slightly, releasing his hands from the bindings. His eyes were now open, a devious look twinkling in his eye. His hands grasped her waist and flipped him over on top of her. A gasp released from Hecate's lips, a pout forming. "Birthday boy wants to fuck you." He spoke, his voice raspy and low. "Okay", came out in a whisper, from her this time. Severus began to thrust hard in and out of her, moving his lips to suck on her nipple, using his opposite hand to reach between them to rub her bud.

"Severus" Hecate moaned, reaching to grab a fistful of his hair. His lips detached, moving up to kiss her lips. Hecate moved her hips higher up, to force his thrusts deeper into her. A knot was tightening in her stomach ready to burst. "Severus, I'm…"

"Wait."

Hecate clenched herself. She didn't know how to hold it in. "I'm almost there, I want to come together." Hecate held her breath, trying her hardest to keep the knot tied.

"Now."

His voice was commanding but allowed her to release the knot that had to be held together tightly to release, a moan escaping her lips. The feeling of her clenching and unclenching and him twitching inside of her was new. Euphoric in a sense. Severus had leaned down, pressing his head into her shoulder, doing his damndest to continue thrusting through their highs. His hips were stuttering and slowing to a stop. Stopping only when the last of his seed was milk dry from him and she was no lingering clenching around his.

His breath was trying to catch up. Hecate released her grip, moving to stroke his hair instead, wrapping her other around his shoulders. "I didn't intend to make you do all the work for your present." She whispered to him. Severus looked up at her, kissing his lips softly. "I didn't like the space I got into last time you tied me up." Hecate furrowed her brows, concerned. "We have safe words for a reason Severus." He bit his lip slightly before speaking, "I enjoyed what we were doing, more than I wanted to. It was like I gave myself all to you, and it left me in a vulnerable position I didn't like. An afterthought if you will."

Severus detached himself from her hips and laid on the side of her. Hecate turned facing her body to his. "Okay." She whispered, moving her hand back to stroke his hair. Severus closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling. Allowing Hecate to watch him fall into a slumber for once.

Letters Part Four

January 10th, 1997

Hecate,

It's your favorite Weasley child. I am going to be in Hogsmeade the weekend of the 18th. I figure I could come visit you and the children I call siblings. Are you free? Let me know.

Charlie

January 11th, 1997

Charlie,

Of course, I'll come to Hogsmeade to visit you. I need to hear your theory as you why you think you are my favorite Weasley kid. I'm on "patrol" that day. So, I'll be in the three broomsticks. Can't wait to see you!

-Hecate

Tee

In my defense, work has been busy. Also, that last meeting ended weird. Miss you.

-A

-A

Quidditch busy? In winter? I can't believe it. If I could write sarcasm I would. I also could have sent a letter to you as well. Sorry about the last meeting. A lot has happened. Miss you too.

-Tee

Hecate,

Long time no talk/see whatever. How have you been? I'm doing great here, still a reserve keeper alongside Pucey. I love it. Either way, I seen him writing a letter and got nosey. Figured I could send you one too. Want to meet up?

-o.w.

-Oli

Everything is good with me. Glad it took Pucey sending me a letter to get you to. I'll be in Hogsmeade on the 18th and 19th. Charlie will be visiting the 18th, but I don't think he would mind seeing you. Let me know.

-Hecate

Freddie,

I miss you. Part of me wishes I took off with the two of you when you left the school. Maybe things would be easier/different. Ever feel like your sinking? Miss you

- Tee

George,

How have things been with the shop? Booming I suppose. I see kids with your 'supplies' all the time. Don't worry, I don't confiscate anything. Not even the love potions. Which are against my better judgement. Hoping to visit soon.

- Tee

Hecate spent most of her Saturday sending out and replying to letters she received. It made her feel a little bit better, connecting with people her age, and not with the older teachers that she was around constantly.

Letters: Part Five

January 12th, 1997

Hecate,

The 18th sounds great can't wait to see you.

-O.W.

Tee,

Also in my defense, I didn't know he was going to send you a letter. Be careful, he was joking about whisking you away from me. I know were not in school anymore, but I can't deal with these bone-head competition seeking Gryffindors. We all know you would choose me first.

-A

Tee,

Sending you a colliding letter again. Sorry. The shop is great, thank you for not confiscating anything. You keep us afloat. We miss you so much, maybe keep your lips off S. long enough to visit. As for the feeling like you are sinking, are you taking your potion? I haven't heard you talk like that in a while. Maybe take George's advice and keep your lips off S. long enough to ask for a stronger dose. You know you'll have a job here if you want to jump ship.

Much love, The twins

Charlie,

Just a warning. May have invited Oliver Wood to visit. To be honest, didn't want to be alone when he visited. It's been to long. Figured if he's too much of a pain, you'll boot him for me.

Much love, Hecate

Tee,

How dare we not send a letter to each other in all this time? I miss you. Been busy, talking to the boys about getting a job at their shop. I was working with Dad, but I don't like having to be so serious all the time.

Yours, L. Jordan

Lee,

I miss you, and you are right. We are slacking on the friendship aspect of life. I hope you do start working with the Twins. You three were unstoppable. By anyone but me. Much love.

Forever yours, Hecate

P.S. I'll be in Hogsmeade on the 19th if you have time.

Secret Admirer and Guests

January 18th, 1997

"You're all wrong, I like my men jealous, brooding, and almost twice my age."

The 18th came along after not too long. This time Hecate was up and ready to go 15 minutes before departure. McGonagall smiled at her, with a head shake. "Who are the teachers besides us?"

"The same as last time, us two, Severus and Pomona."

Hecate nodded. "Did you plan a visit again?" Hecate nodded, "Charlie and Oliver Wood wanted to visit." McGonagall who had faced forward snapped her head to Hecate with a raised eyebrow. "Really?" Another nod came from Hecate, seeing Severus come down the hall with Pomona. "Oliver saw Adrian writing me a letter and decided to send one too. He thinks there is a competition to win me over apparently." McGonagall turned her head back and gave a small wave to the other Professors. "This should be a fun trip then."

All four professors had escorted the students down to Hogsmeade and took their places at the table in the back of the pub. Madam Rosmerta served their drinks, and Hecate kept her eyes on the door.

"Expecting someone?"

Severus spoke low and didn't turn to talk in her direction. "Charlie and Oliver are coming to visit." His head turned to look at her then. "Oliver Wood?" Hecate nodded her head, "He wanted to visit, apparently, there is a competition on who is going to win me over between him and Adrian Pucey." Minnie and Pomona stopped their chatter to look at the two. "I'm betting on Pucey," Minnie spoke first. "Nah, she's already kissed, Oliver," Pomona spoke next. Severus turned to look at them both, "She's kissed Mr. Pucey too."

Minnie and Pomona simultaneously rose their eyebrows. "You're all wrong, I like my men jealous, brooding, and almost twice my age." Minnie and Pomona laughed and turned back to their own conversation. "I am not jealous." Severus huffed, before pausing, "Or twice your age!" Hecate almost spat her drink back into her cup, "I said almost." Severus rolled his eyes, before scanning the room again.

The bell over the door rang, Hecate's eyes flickering over to it. A burly man with brown hair walked in. Hecate sighed she had hoped Charlie would come first. Oliver scanned the room looking for her, she brought up her hand slightly to catch his attention. Once Oliver caught on, he walked over to the table. "Professors! How wonderful to see you!" Minnie and Pomona smiled at him and said their polite hellos back. Severus turned into Professor Snape, brooding and glaring.

Hecate could see Oliver gulped as he sat in front of her. "Wow, you haven't changed a bit." A smile formed over Hecate's face. So, he sounded less creepy in person than in his letter, thankfully this was the Oli she remembered. "You haven't either. How'd Puddlemere?" As she listened to him speak, a hand touched her thigh, gripping it. Hecate's hand rose to cover her mouth, forcing herself to keep her eyes on Oliver.

The door rang again, this time a mop of fiery red hair walked through it. "Charlie!" Charlie looked towards the voice, seeing Hecate at the table already with Oliver. Charlie moved over, giving Minnie and Pomona small hugs, and sitting next to Hecate. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Hello Hecate. Professor Snape." Severus looked at Charlie, "Mr. Weasley."

"Good to see you again Oliver," Charlie spoke, his arm resting on the back of Hecate's chair. "Hi Charlie, good to see you." The air was tense, the kiss on the cheek felt like Charlie peed on her to mark his territory. She wanted to laugh at the whole thing. Severus stood from the table, "I'm going to patrol." Hecate looked at him, "We're supposed to do that in pairs." Severus shrugged and walked to the door. Minnie watched Severus leave, "We'll go with him. You catch up." Hecate nodded gratefully, as she watched Minnie and Pomona leave.

"So how are our babies?" she started looking at Charlie. Although, she did see the odd look from Oliver out of the corner of her eye. Charlie pulled out three pictures and laid them on the table for Oliver to see as well. Hecate looked at Oliver and pointed at the pictures. "This one is Cadmus, a Common Welsh Green", she moved on to the next one, "This one is Kai, a Hebridean Black", and the next one, "and this one is Kaida, a Ukrainian Ironbelly, our only girl. Gringotts uses her for protection." Oliver let out a laugh, "I thought you meant actual babies." Hecate shook her head, "Nope, our dragon babies. I was with Charlie when he got them, and we named them together. It freaked people out when I was telling people I had three kids at 16." Charlie shook his head and took a sip of his drink. Oliver grinned at Hecate, "So, got a boyfriend yet?"

She knew the question was coming. She just knew he wouldn't be able to resist the chance to ask. Hecate shook her head, "Not technically. I'm dating someone, but we don't put labels on it." To her shock, Charlie didn't seem surprised that was her answer. An "Oh" escaped Oliver's lips. "Adrian?" Charlie spoke this time, "She doesn't have to answer you, Oliver. Is this all you came for?" Katie Bell appeared behind Oliver, her meeting Hecate's eyes, Katie's cheeks turning red. "Oliver!" Katie exclaimed, breaking eye contact with Hecate. Oliver turned around, and stood up, hugging his former quidditch teammate. "I'm going to visit with them."

"Alright."

Charlie looked at Hecate once Oliver disappeared. "So, Snape huh?" Hecate turned to him, "Who told you?" A laugh escaped Charlie, "I'm surprised Mom hasn't written a letter. Remus told Mom, who told Dad, who mentioned it to Bill, who sent me a letter." Hecate took a sip of her drink, "Bunch of old gossips. I'll await her letter. Pah-Pah sent us condoms when he sent his Christmas present. Remus is probably telling everyone." She moved her chair closer to Charlie and leaned her head on his shoulder.

Charlie let out a laugh and kissed the top of her head. "Wanna go patrol? I'll go with you." Hecate sat up and nodded. Both dropping coins on the table, standing up, and leaving the pub.

Letter's: Part Six

January 19th, 1997

Tee,

Sorry, I won't be able to visit today. Got the job at the shop with the Twins. Very busy. See if you can take a day off and meet up with us for dinner when the shop is closed.

Yours, L. Jordan

Lee,

How dare they keep us apart again. I am happy for you. The chaos trio together once more. Let me know when you guys are free, and I'll put in a request.

Forever yours, Hecate

One Kiss Less

January 19th, 1997

"We don't have to talk about sex after every time we have sex."

"Forever yours huh?" Hecate jumped, startled by the voice behind her. She folded up the letter and stuck it into the envelope. She turned and looked at the man behind her. "It's a joke we've had since our fifth year. Right person, wrong time scenario." Severus hiked up an eyebrow at her. "What does that make us?" He snaked his arms around her waist pulling her close to him. "I don't know, you're the philosophical one." She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. He leaned down to meet her lips. "Wrong person, right time." Hecate looked at him confused, "What does that mean?" Severus kissed her lips again and unwrapped his arms from her. He moved closer to the door leading out of her room. "It means that we are where we want to be in our lives, but with the wrong person. It's been almost six months now, and we're getting comfortable with each other. Causing us to stay together." He finished with a shrug, his hand on the doorknob.

"You coming? We have another day of patrolling."

Severus spoke no more on his theory of the wrong person, right time. Hecate couldn't wrap her head around it, but let it go. They did their time at Hogsmeade, this time staying the entire time in the pub and only patrolling in bursts when they were supposed to. They made it back to the castle, right as it was going dark. The teachers made sure the kids made it back to their respective common rooms, before retreating to their rooms. Every teacher except Hecate, and Severus. Both were still on late-night patrol through the castle. They moved themselves to the top of the astronomy tower.

Hecate leaned over the edge of the railing. "This isn't patrolling Severus. This is avoidance of our duties." Severus said nothing but wrap his arms around her waist from behind her. "Severus. My knees are cold." He huffed in her ear this time. "I told you to put on pants or something underneath that dress." The dress in question was one of her mom's. An orange and white dress, with varying, orange-colored stripes. A dress straight from the '70s. Followed by her mom's coat, straight from the '70s. Knee-high brown boots, a brown belt that had a snake wrapped around it, and her Sirius star choker.

-Smut-

Hot breath was on her ear, "I can make you warm." Cold hands reached under her dress, gripping the waistband of her panties, and pulling them down. The sound of a zipper being pulled down and clips being unhooked followed. Severus pushed her forward over the railing more. The warmth of his member graced the presence of her uncovered head. His hips rocked back and forth, running his member along her folds.

"Severus…" The name came out in barely a whisper. The cold was kicking in more now that more of her was uncovered. Her body shaking slightly from shivering. A quick movement on his end pushed into her fast and completely, filling her up. A gasp escaped her lips, her hands now gripping the railing. His hands met her waist, using it and her as leverage to meet her hips with his thrusts. "Oh, Severus. We're going to get caught." She spoke a bit louder this time, attempting to control the moans that wanted to escape her throat.

"You got to be quiet then baby. Can you do that for me?"

A whimper answered his question as she bit harshly down on her lip. She pressed back against him, trying to feel him deeper in her. One of his hands left her waist to sneak around her. A finger pressed into her bud, rubbing it back and forth. The pressure that had already begun building reached its peak. "Severus… I need to…" The quiet voice that escaped her trailed off, her breathing turning harsh.

"Come with me baby, I want to feel you cum around my cock."

A squeal escaped her this time, as her knot broke around him. She could feel him throbbing inside of her. The thrusts continued, milking them both of every ounce of pleasure they could give and get. His head rested in the crook of her neck; his member still shoved in her to the hilt, softening slowly.

"Severus, are you okay?"

Severus nodded his head, while it was still connected to her shoulder. The warmth from their bodies that were keeping them warm, now slowly fading from them. "Isn't this what dogs do? Stay connected?" Hecate scoffed, "To breed.", a thought ran through her, this time her voice changing to a lower voice "Do you like your seed inside of me Severus?" Hecate could feel his breath hitch. "Are your thoughts filled with the thought of me swollen from a baby?" This time, he pulled his head up completely. Hecate felt it. His member re-hardened inside of her. She clicked her tongue.

"You didn't have to speak, your body betrayed you."

Severus pressed his forehead into her shoulder and began rutting his hips again. "Imagine that Severus. One of these times you filled me up so full, and I become so swollen from your baby." His thrusts moved quicker, small grunts escaping from his throat. "Is that what you want Severus?" Another grunt.

"Speak."

Pressure released from her shoulder as he picked up his head. "Yes. It's all I ever think about. I just want it to be inside of you." A smile appeared across Hecate's face, not that he could see it. His grunts and thrust became sporadic. "Fill me up Severus, fill me with your seed." His member twitched inside of her, filling her up once more. He rested his forehead once more. This time only for a few seconds as he caught his breath. Only after about a minute did he lift his head and pull out of her. His still cold fingers graced her legs as he gently pulled up her panties, smoothing down her dress.

-Smut-

"Well, we have other parts of the castle to patrol." He wasn't meeting her eye. She grabbed his hand and pulled him to the door. "Let's go then."

They finished patrolling the castle. Severus had released her hand once moving through the doorway from the astronomy tower. They didn't speak the rest of the time.

"Severus", Hecate spoke first. A grunt came from his. She pressed her back against his door, one hand high on the doorway and one hand low on the doorway, blocking his entrance. His eyes finally met her, his hand reached for the doorknob, turning it, and pushing the door open. He stepped back as Hecate fell through the doorway, landing flat on her back. Severus moved into his room, carefully stepping over her as he did. "Are we going to talk?" Rolling over, Hecate swiftly pushed the door closed with her foot. She pushed herself into a standing position.

"We don't have to talk about sex after every time we have sex."

"We do if you weren't comfortable with it." Shrugging his shoulders in response, Severus walked towards his bedroom, opening the door, and entering, not bothering to shut the door. He pulled off his robes, followed by his pants and underwear, shirt, socks, and shoes. Hecate's eyes scanned him top to bottom, a few scars raided his back. After all this time she never saw the back of him. Her head tilted as she scanned him. Admiring the view.

"Nice ass."

Severus stopped in his movements to turn his head to look back over his shoulder at her. A quick wave of his hand, and the door shut. Talking about it and joking were out of the question. After an eye roll, he couldn't see, she turned on heel, and left, slamming the door behind her.

Letter's: Part Seven

January 31st, 1997

Tee,

How about the 1st of March? They're shutting the shop down for the day. We can go shopping for Ron's birthday. That's when the twins decided to go anyway. Let us know!

Yours, L. Jordan

Lee,

Of course, leaving things till the last minute per usual with the twins. I'm sure I can get away from school on a Saturday. See you then.

Forever yours, Hecate

February 6th, 1997

Pa,

Happy Birthday!

I miss you, and I hope you have a fantastic day.

Love, Hecate

February 9th, 1997

Hecate,

I loved my book on basic electricity and the robot you sent me. Though Ma isn't impressed with it too much. I almost have it figured out to pour drinks for me. I hope you're having fun at your job. Miss you lots.

Love, Pa

P.S. Tell Ronald and Ginny, I love them

P.P.S. Ma wants to know if you can bring the cat with you to school. It doesn't like the robot either.

P.P.P.S. Forewarning, Remus told us about the new beau.

February 10th, 1997

Remus,

Telling everyone my secrets?

Hecate

February 12th, 1997

Hecate,

They were going to find out sooner or later.

-Remus

P.S. Why is it, Remus, all of a sudden?

February 19th, 1997

Remus,

Getting too old to call you Pops, I guess.

Hecate

The Reality of Romance

March 1st, 1997

"Jealous? Check. Brooding? Check. Twice my age? Still almost. Checkmate."

If there was one thing Hecate could never get used to, it would be Severus refusing to talk about things that upset him. After leaving his room that night and sleeping in her room by herself once more, the next morning Severus had pretended nothing had happened. It was a typical Monday for both. They ate breakfast together and he even gave her a full kiss after the kids dispersed from the sixth years D.A.D.A lesson. She just thought it better not to bring it up again. He continued to stay inside her longer than normal, followed by him practically shoving a contraceptive potion down her throat. The man was confusing, to say the least. But here she stays, continuing the cycle, albeit quietly, besides her moans and calling his name, talking dirty was apparently out of the question during their 'fun time'.

Hecate awoke early, excitement boiling over the thought of finally going out with the Twins and Lee. It had been too long since all four of them were together. She carefully removed herself from under the man's beside her, arm, trying not to wake him. A shower was the first thing in her head. Laziness overtook her after their night escapades, a quick cleaning spell before falling asleep but she still felt dirty. She opened and closed the door to the bathroom before putting some lights on. The lights would leak out of the doorway and onto the sleeping face of the man still in bed. Hecate turned on the water and got in, pushing her head under the water, letting it sit before pulling it out with a gasp.

A hand reached out and touched her lightly. Hecate jumped, once again nearly slipping. Her face looked up at a smiling Severus. "Stop doing that! Going to kill me slipping in the shower because of you." A response came in the form of pressing him pressing his lips to her. Hecate savored in the kiss for a second before pulling back. She reached up and touched his face, stroking the hair on his jaw. "I need to shower."

"Me too."

Reaching past him she grabbed for the soap and her washcloth. She put soap on the washcloth and set the soap back. His hands took the cloth out of her hands, moving the washcloth to create a lather before using it to scrub small circles on her shoulder.

"I can wash myself, Severus."

"I can wash you better Hecate."

His hands moved the cloth around her body, gently scrubbing her. "Besides", he stated, "I'm supposed to clean up the messes I make." A giggle escaped Hecate. Her hand grasped his, using her other one to pull the cloth out of his hand. She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him, dropping the rag to the floor.

-Smut-

Leaning down he wrapped his hands under her thighs and lifted her, pressing her back to the wall. Once she was secure, after she wrapped her legs around his waist, he removed one of his hands from her thigh, and reached between them, softly rubbing her bud before moving his finger to gently push inside of her. A slight moan left her mouth, and she pressed her lips to his again. "I need you, Severus."

Severus didn't stop his motions of thrusting a finger inside of her. He pulled his finger out far enough to allow a second one to enter. He continued pumping them into her. "You need to be lubricated more. You got hurt last time remember?" Heat spread in between her legs almost instantly causing her to moan out loudly. A skeptical look crossed his face, he was doing the bare minimum in getting her ready, but she sounded like she was going to cum any second with the moan that escaped her. She knew why she was turned on so quickly. He remembered. He remembered their last shower experience and cared enough to make sure it didn't happen again.

Hecate licked her lips before moving her lips to his ear and gently nibbling on it. "I need your cock, Severus. I need it so bad." The words came out in a whisper, causing Severus to breathe out harshly through his nose. The fingers removed themselves quickly. Something hard pressed against her, sliding back and forth between her folds. He was taking his time, teasing, lubricating it. She knew from experience what was coming next.

She was right, in the next instant, Severus pushed himself completely inside of her, filling her to the hilt. A gasp escaped her, a mixture of pleasure and pain exploded through her. "What color?" he asked, noticeably trying to keep himself still. Hecate pressed her lips to his, rocking her hips, "Green", she mumbled not detaching herself from him.

He pulled himself to the brink of detaching himself from her, only to shove into her fully again, repeating the action several times. Hecate moaned into the kiss, finally releasing his lips. "Stop teasing me, Severus." A wicked smile overtook his face, him pulling out to start a new rhythm of hard and fast. His arms wrapping under her thighs to keep her against the wall. The only noise between the two was their moans and their pants, as he thrust away. Both of their breaths began to hitch in their throats, Severus' thrusts becoming sloppy. "Come with me Hecate, come all over my cock."

Hecate placed her head in the crook of his neck, the overwhelming sensation roaring through her. The throbbing of his cock pulsing through her as he finished as well only intensifying the high. Soon his thrust slowed down to a stop, Severus leaned against her holding her to the wall, keeping himself inside of her. Once both were breathing at a normal rate, he pulled out of her.

-Smut-

Hecate looked at Severus once her feet touched the ground. He met her eyes, his hands attached to her hips. "I need to go get the potion." Hecate hands moved and wrapped around his wrists, holding him in place.

"We need to finish showering first, we have 24 hours to take the potion. We can at least finish showering." Severus looked at her contemplating her words in his head. Removing his hands from her hips, as well as detaching her hands from his wrists, he shook his head. "You need to take it now. I don't want any mistakes to happen." Without waiting for a response, he moved out of the shower. Hecate listened as he moved into the bedroom. She began to rinse the leftover soap off herself before turning off the shower and getting out. By the time she had the towel wrapped around her, he was back with the potion.

Hecate took the vial from his hand and swigged it down. She placed the vial in his hand and walked past him. He had set up a drawer for her in his room, allowing her to keep some clean clothes here. As the house-elves would pick them up and take them in the middle of the night, making it so she had to run from his room to hers in just a towel. She grabbed a set of muggle clothes from the drawer and began getting dressed in silence. A matching set of bra and panties, black with lace, and a pink floral design. Followed by a denim dress, with the same brown snake belt and brown shoes from Hogsmeade a few months ago. As well as a gold choker necklace with a heart that belonged to her mother.

Severus sat in the doorway of the bathroom watching her dress. "You're wearing that?" His voice was quiet, but his eyes widened slightly as if he was surprised by his own words. Hecate turned slowly to look at him. "What's wrong with it?" she challenged him, seeing if he could dig himself into a further hole.

"You're wearing matching underwear."

A look of disgust and confusion formed on Hecate's face. "And?" Hecate watched as Severus walked closer to her. "They say women who wear matching underwear are looking to get something more." The urge to place a red handprint on his cheek was growing inside of her. "All I have is matching underwear." She paused, to pull her dress hem up to her hips. Her fingers hooked into the waistband of her underwear and pulled them down her legs without breaking eye contact. She pulled them over her boots, and fully off, holding them in her hands as she adjusted her dress back down. Using her other hand, she grabbed his wrist and flipped his palm up, depositing the underwear into his hand.

"Problem solved. It can't be matching if I don't have underwear on."

Severus' eyes widened, his hand gripping the underwear in his hand. This time his normal sharp tongue failed him. He didn't know whether to be turned on that she was commando under her dress or if he should be annoyed that she is purposefully doing this to annoy him. He took a deep breath before speaking, his voice was low and deep. "If you don't put these back on, I am going to fuck you so hard until you're dripping my cum out of that pretty little cunt of yours. That is the only way you're leaving this room without underwear."

A smile came across Hecate's face. She reached over and plucked her underwear out of his hand, leaning down to slide them back on.

"Jealous? Check. Brooding? Check. Twice my age? Still almost. Checkmate."

Hecate stood on her tiptoes to plant a kiss onto Severus' lips. He wrapped his arms around her waist. His mouth detached from hers. "I am none of those things." She raised an eyebrow at him, "Sure you're not. That why you had an issue with me not wearing knickers out with my male friends. Sorry, I meant Lee." This time he planted a soft kiss on her forehead. "Fine, two out of three, but I'm not telling you which two." A chuckle escaped her lips, "Fine, jealous and brooding. Got it."

"I'm leaving now, do you need anything?"

Severus shook his head, allowing her to kiss him one last time before leaving.

Diagon Alley was bustling full of people as it would be on a Saturday morning. Lots of people were out doing the shopping they couldn't do during the week. Luckily the weather was decent out and walking around wouldn't be horrible. Hecate walked to the Twins shop, the lights were all off, a rare sight. She moved to the back where the door was to the employee entrance. She opened it and stepped inside.

"Freddie? Georgie? Lee?" she called out, moving her way to the ladder that led up to their sleeping space. "Hello?" A confused frown crossed her face. She had assumed they were all meeting here. They didn't tell her where they were meeting. "Guess I'll go back outside." She muttered quietly to only herself. Hecate turned to head back to the entrance.

"BOO!"

A scream escaped Hecate before she could focus on the person in front of her. Only laughter could be heard from the three boys in front of her. Hecate's hand moved to her heart, and she doubled over slightly.

"Really?"

"See boys, going to give the old lady a heart attack," George spoke first. An eye roll from Hecate followed. "You guys are jerks." She moved forward to wrap her arms around each one of them in a tight hug. "Shall we?"

They all walked around Diagon Alley talking and catching up. Hecate had already had her birthday present, a huge, signed poster from the Cannons. Fred, George, and Lee all went with her idea and got Ron matching Cannons gear. They decided to finish the night by drinking in the Leaky Cauldron. They got all into a small corner table. Lee and Hecate were on the bench and Fred and George sitting on the opposite side. Lee, Fred, and George all got a pint of Firewhiskey, and Hecate got a Butterbeer.

"So Lee, got a girlfriend?"

Fred broke the quiet once they were all done taking their first sips of the liquid. Lee's eyes flickered over to Hecate. He shook his head, "Nah, figured I'm still young. Don't need to worry about that right now." George looked at Fred, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I don't know why you're worried about Hecate mate." Lee looked at George, "I didn't say I was."

"Well, that's good, word is she is well taken care of at the school."

Hecate's and Lee's eyes snapped to Fred who finished George's thought. Hecate brought her Butterbeer to her lips as Lee's eyes turned and looked at her. "Got a boyfriend Hecate? That's good. Who is it?" Laughter erupts from the twins. Hecate whose eyes were focused on Lee's, took a moment to glare at the twins. Moving her eyes back to Lee she finally spoke. "Severus." A confusion crept upon Lee's face before realization kicked in. "Snape?" Lee sounded slightly offended. Hecate nodded, going back to drink her butterbeer. "That makes sense as to why you didn't want to date anyone in school." His tone was angry now. Fred and George both quieted down in the background. Hecate took a deep gulp, before returning her eyes to Lee, a sinking feeling in her gut.

"You were too busy getting bent over the desk by your professor."

Lee stood up and stormed out of the building. Tears were beginning to form in Hecate's eyes. "Tee…" A desperate sound came from one of the twins. They never knew when they took things too far until it was pouring over the edge. "We'll talk to him, we're sorry." Hecate finished her butterbeer and put the coin down on the table. "I have to go to the burrow to pick up Minnie. Love you guys."

The tears were cleaned up before Hecate made it to the Burrow. No point in crying about it really, Lee had no right to be mad at her, they weren't together, and Hecate knew that she was not with Severus at school. Hecate pushed open the door, Molly was standing in front of the sink cleaning dishes.

"Mollywobbles…" Arthur who just appeared around the corner cut himself off seeing Hecate in the doorway. "You didn't hear that." Hecate let out a laugh, "Your secret is safe with me, Pa." Molly turned and looked at Hecate. Wiping her hands off on her apron, she wandered over to Hecate pulling her in for a hug. "Oh, Hecate dear, it's good to see you." Molly's hug was tight, and she held on for what felt like a few minutes.

"Hi, Ma. Pa said Minnie didn't like the robot and asked to come to get her." Molly released her, keeping her hands wrapped around Hecate's elbows. A small cat that resembled McGonagall's Animagus form slinked itself around Hecate's ankles. "Are you sure you can take her? It sounds like you've been busy at the school." There it was. The moment Hecate was waiting for.

"Severus likes cats, Ma."

That might've been a lie, but Hecate didn't know what else to say. Molly shook her head at her, "What are you thinking sleeping with him? You know you're better than that." Hecate couldn't look her in the eye, she opted to lean down and pick up Minnie and look at her. "He treats me good. If that counts for anything." A scoff came from Molly. Hecate watched Arthur's feet retreat from the room.

"You can't find someone your age that will treat you well? What about Adrian or Lee?" Hecate shook her head. "Lee just practically called me a whore a little while ago, and Adrian is busy with work. Severus is there. Ready and available." A sigh escaped Molly's mouth. "Lee has every right to be upset with you. You've made your bed."

Hecate was on the verge of tears again. "Can I use your fireplace to get back? It would be safe than apparating with Minnie." Molly nodded and moved closer to give Hecate another hug. Hecate wrapped her free arm around Molly. "Love you Ma." Her voice was now shaking, fighting back tears. She pulled back and moved to the fireplace.

"Hecate Black's room, Hogwarts"

Hecate landed as gracefully as she could with Minnie in her arms. The cat mewled softly and hopped out of her arms, moving around to sniff out the place. Hecate remained seating on the soot. Wanting to feel as dirty on the outside as they made her feel on the inside. She took a few deep breaths, forcing herself not to cry. She gave herself a few seconds to regain herself, before pushing herself up and taking a shower.

Hecate had gotten herself cleaned up and pulled on a black dress matched with black heels and a simple gold necklace with a green charm on the end. She wore no undergarments this time. She petted Minnie on the head and left the room. She went over to Severus' room and knocked lightly. The door opened quickly. "You're back already? I thought you'd be gone past dinner." Hecate shrugged and pushed him back into his room.

"I'm only hungry for you tonight."

The Reality of Romance pt. 2

March 1st, 1997

"I need to distract myself from my problems."

Hecate had barely gotten Severus back into the room and shut the door before it swung open again. Stopping in her tracks Hecate turned on her heel to glare at the intruder. It was McGonagall. "Where have you been?" Hecate gave her a confused look; she had cleared the leave with Dumbledore the day before. "Diagon Alley, then The Burrow. I cleared it with Dumbledore yesterday. Why?" McGonagall took a deep breath, "Ron's been poisoned." Hecate's heart dropped, she released Severus' arm that she didn't realize she had still been holding. "Where is he?"

"Hospital wing."

Hecate bolted out the door without a second glance at either of them.

When Hecate got to the hospital wing, Dumbledore, Slughorn, Poppy, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny were near the bed Ron was laying it. She caught her breath and walked in as a calm cool and collected professional should be. McGonagall and Severus followed shortly after. Hecate moved close to Harry, who had wrapped his pinky around hers. Something they had started after her father had died. Hecate didn't really like big shows of affection, she dealt with it when it came down to it, but Harry was the only one who respected it.

"What happened?" she whispered to him.

"Romilda Vane gave me chocolate cauldrons filled with a love potion. I brought him to Slughorn, and Slughorn gave all of the poisoned mead, Ron took a drink first." Hecate looked at Harry, confused. "He didn't know it was poisoned." Harry quickly clarified. The door burst open causing everyone to look at the door. Hecate barely heard the girl talking, opting to ignore her, but knew who it was as 'Won Won' caught her. An eye roll and a sigh followed.

She watched as Hermione and Lavender bickered over Ron, prompted Lavender to storm out after Ron barely and almost inaudibly whispered 'Hermione'. Hecate tried hiding her giggles behind Harry, using him as a shield. "Hecate you are a teacher, that is unprofessional," McGonagall spoke to her, a slight smirk appearing across her lips. "Alright, let's give Mr. Weasley some space. Everyone can visit tomorrow." Harry detached his finger from Hecate's, moving over to Hermione and Ginny to walk with them upstairs.

"Miss Black. May I see you in my office." Dumbledore spoke quietly, before leaving the room. Hecate followed Dumbledore confused.

Once Hecate was in Dumbledore's office she sat as his desk, he sat on the opposite side. "So, I wanted to talk about our arrangement. How is everything going?" Hecate looked at Dumbledore with a much more confused look on her face. "What do you mean? You just asked me to follow him if he were to leave the school." Dumbledore gave her a small smile, "How do you plan on doing that if he decides to be officially done with you?" It clicked in her head. It wasn't just an Order Mission to follow him if he leaves, Dumbledore fully expected her to keep her relationship with him.

"So, what you're saying, is that, if I wanted to be done with him and not pursue the relationship longer, I would have to because I told you yes." Dumbledore nodded at her. "Unfortunately. Did you plan on stopping your relationship?" Hecate shook her head, "No, but it kind of sucks knowing I don't have the choice if I wanted to." There was a period of silence between the two. "I'm willing to follow orders Dumbledore. Don't worry." She stood up from the chair, and one last look at Dumbledore who nodded at her, satisfied with her answer, and she turned and left.

Hecate went back to the Professor's quarters, this time going to her own. She opened the door to have Minnie climb up her leg, her chest and curled herself around the back of Hecate's neck. "Hi Minnie." Hecate reached up and scratch the cat on the back. She began to walk to her kitchenette; she was hungry now that her focus was off everything else. A knock on her door came next. "Come in," she yelled, pulling things out of her cupboard. Minnie jumped off her shoulder, scurrying towards the opening door.

"Easy with the claws, Minnie."

Hecate glanced behind her to watch Minnie climbing herself up Severus, nestling onto one of his arms, which he had brought to his chest to cradle the cat. Hecate turned her face away from him to hide a small smile. Footsteps came up behind her, the arm not occupied with Minnie wrapping around her waist. "I thought you weren't hungry." He planted a kiss on her cheek. "I was being dramatic." Severus unwrapped his arm around her and moved to lean against the counter, absentmindedly stroking Minnie on his arm. "Everything okay?"

Of course, he was going to keep pressing the issue. She shook her head, "Lee and Ma practically called me a whore. I'm upset with Remus, Fred, and George. And to top it off, Ron is now poisoned. Healing, whatever." She could almost hear Severus furrow his brow. "I doubt they called you a whore." That was his best attempt at trying to help the situation. She put down the box that she was pretending to look at and turned to Severus leaning her hip on the counter. "Lee told me that the reason I didn't want to date in school was that I was too busy being bent over the desk by my professor." Severus' eyes widened, but Hecate continued. "And when I said something to Ma, she told me that Lee had every right to be upset with me because I made my bed."

They sat in silence for a few moments, Severus now focusing his eyes on Minnie who was purring and nuzzling her head into his hand. "At least I was right about the cat thing." Severus glanced up at her. "Cat thing?" Hecate rolled her eyes, "Ma made a snarky comment about if I could bring Minnie here with my now 'busy' schedule. I told her you didn't mind cats." A faint smirk fell across Severus' face. "Only two cats. Both named Minnie." Hecate moved closer to Severus, stood on tiptoe, and planted a small kiss on his lips. "Want some food?"

"Sure."

Hecate began cutting and chopping the ingredients she had pulled out and haphazardly throwing them into a pot. Severus backed away from her slightly. "Are you sure you want to cook? I can get the –" A glare came towards him, stopping him from speaking.

"I need to distract myself from my problems."

The sound of paws hitting the floor as Minnie jumped from Severus' arm was the only noise that followed. A warmth crept along Hecate's back as Severus placed himself behind her. He reached forward and turned off the burner. Hecate turned around looking up at Severus, "Yes?" Severus leaned down a placed a kiss on her lips. "I figured I could distract you."

Severus reached down, hiked up her dress, and placed his hands under her thighs, gripping them and lifting her up. Instinctively, Hecate wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. Pressing her lips to his in a deep kiss. He moved her to an empty space on the counter and placed her down. Detaching his lips from hers he moved to her neck, planting multiple kisses from the bottom of her ear to her collarbone. His tongue darted out and licked a strip across her collarbone.

"Severus, I need you so bad."

Severus stopped and looked at her. Confusion brushed across her face. "What?" He moved back slightly from her. "I'm going to ask the house elves to bring food." He turned to walk away from her. Hecate dropped down from the counter and moved quickly to grab his arm, stopping him. "What was that? Why did you stop?"

"I was taking advantage of you in a vulnerable state. You need food and to talk, not to ignore your problems and get fucked until you fall asleep."

Hecate furrowed her brow and crossed her arms. "I don't care if that's what I need, I want you, deep inside of me, allowing me to ignore my problems." Severus sighed and moved closer to kiss her forehead. "Food, then we talk, then if you're a good girl, I'll fuck you until you fall asleep."

"Fine."

Letter's: Part Eight

March 3rd, 1997

Tee,

We're so so sorry. We didn't think he would act that way. We thought he would just laugh it off with us.

We also talked to Mum. She shouldn't have gotten after you like that either. Don't take this the wrong way but none of us like your relationship with Snape, but we all could at least be happy that you're happy.

We love you.

-Fred and George

March 4th, 1997

Hecate,

I'm sorry for what happened when you stopped by. I don't approve of the relationship, but I should be more supportive. I love you.

-Ma

Tee,

I shouldn't have reacted that way. Fred and George made that clear and got after me for it. It just threw me by surprise. If you want, I can come to Hogsmeade to apologize to your face?

Yours? Lee

March 8th, 1997

Hecate,

Molly and the boys said you haven't gotten ahold of them. Please write them back to at least tell them you're okay. Molly cracked a comment about coming to the school. Hope everything is well.

-Remus

Tee,

Please send someone a letter back. Now we are getting worried. We usually hear back by now.

Love The Twins

March 10th, 1997

Remus,

Happy Birthday.

Love, Hecate

March 17th, 1997

Hecate,

At least we know you're alive. Can you write everyone else back now?

-Remus

Tee,

Fred and George said you haven't written them back either. Please send someone a letter.

Yours? Lee

Death Day

March 19th, 1997

(Nothing pure about what I do Pah-Pah)

Hecate requested the day off to visit her mother's and grandparents' graves. Today would mark 17 years since they were murdered by Death Eaters. Bellatrix Lestrange personally murdered her mother; Peter Pettigrew murdered her grandfather, and an unknown Death Eater killed her grandmother.

Hecate was just using today as a distraction. She didn't normally visit graves; she saw no point in talking to tombstones. What point was there to that? The piece of stone offered no comfort, no loving words. She could barely remember them now, just what she could recall from pictures, or what she could retrieve from memories.

As she stood in front of the gravestone labeled with Er coffadwriaeth serchog am. Labeled with their names, date of birth, date of death (all three the same). A blank look stayed on her face as she stared at the gravestones. She took a deep breath.

"I don't know how to do this. So, here we go. Mom, Grandma, Grandpa. I miss you guys so much. I've lived without you for so long I don't know if it would be better or worse if you showed up today."

Hecate lowered herself to sit on the ground.

"You know Mum, Molly has been great to me. But sometimes I wish that you could have been there for me. It would have made life so different. You wouldn't have kept Remus away as Walburga did. There could have been some normalcy."

Tears began forming in her eyes.

"The women who took you away also took Dad away. Snatched him away, almost as soon as he came back into my life. Where is the justice in that? He didn't even get to taste freedom. A dog needs fresh air."

A laughing sob escaped her throat.

"Happy Birthday Mum. You'd be thirty-seven today."

Tears rolled down her face steadily. Hecate got the gut feeling she shouldn't have come alone. It was too much for her. She took a deep breath before pushing herself up to her feet. Something touched her shoulder, causing her to jump and spin around.

"I figured you wouldn't want to be alone."

Hecate reached forward and wrapped her arms around Severus' waist, burying her head into his chest. He in response pulled her tight to him, lightly stroking the top of her head. "I shouldn't have come alone." A muttered reply came from her. "I know." He whispered. They stood together for a minute or two, Severus allowing her to cry into his chest. When she was finally reduced to just sniffles, she pulled back looking at him with teary eyes. "How did they let you leave too?" He shrugged, "They knew you needed me." Hecate gave him a small smile.

"What does that mean?" he pointed to the stone at the Welsh inscription. "In loving memory of… Remus had them put it on the stone. Dad didn't know Welsh; I was too young…" Her sentence trailed off, she pushed away from him. "How come you don't speak it more?"

"A fyddech chi'n fy neall pe bawn i'n gwneud hynny?" ("Would you understand me if I did?")

Severus furrowed his brow. That answered her question right away. "Wrth gwrs nad yw'n gwneud hynny." (Of course, he doesn't) The voice of another man spoke out from behind Severus. Severus spun around and Hecate moved slightly to look around him. "Pah pah!" Hecate moved away from Severus to embrace the other man. "Beth wyt ti'n gwneud yma?" (What are you doing here?)

"Doeddwn i ddim yn meddwl y byddech chi eisiau bod ar eich pen eich hun." (I didn't think you would want to be alone.) Pah-Pah paused and looked at Severus behind her. "Pwy yw hyn gyda chi?" (Who is this with you?) Hecate glanced at Severus. Her hand wrapped around Pah-Pah's pulling him closer to Severus and the gravesite. "Pah Pah this is Severus Snape, Severus this is Pah Pah, or as you would call him Lyall Lupin. Severus' face remained stoic and reached a handout to Lyall. Lyall gave him a skeptical look and reached forward to grasp his hand.

"Snape, why does that sound familiar?"

"He's the one Dad tried to feed to Remus in their fifth year." Lyall's head snapped towards Hecate and back to Severus. "You're the same age as Remus?" Severus hesitated, when he went to speak up Hecate cut in. "He's a few months older." Lyall and Severus turned their faces to Hecate. A smile crossed her face, "Remus didn't tell you who my new lover was?" A headshake from Lyall answered her. "I don't see your purity ring."

"Dim byd pur am yr hyn rwy'n ei wneud Pah-Pah." (Nothing pure about what I do Pah-Pah)

Severus spoke first, "I should go." He kissed Hecate on the top of her head and gave a polite nod to Lyall before disapparating. An eyebrow raised on Pah Pah's face, "You know I love you right?" Hecate stared at her feet and nodded. "I won't judge you. Only because I saw disgleirdeb yn eich llygad (a sparkle in your eye). Hecate looked at Pah-Pah and smiled.

"Listen… Send Remus and everyone you've been avoiding a letter, won't you? They all just worry about you."

Hecate nodded, "Okay."

Letter's: Part Nine

March 29th, 1997

Remus,

Getting Pah-Pah after me should be considered a trap.

Love, Hecate

Freddie,

No worries, it should've just been a laugh. Not your fault he didn't take it the way you and George did. It's fine.

Tee

Georgie,

Don't worry about Ma. I know she means well. Listen I won't be able to get time for Freddie's and your birthday's, but we have a Hogsmeade weekend on the fifth. Lee wants to apologize to my face, so I figured I would invite him too.

Tee

Lee,

Hurtful words can be forgotten eventually. Hogsmeade on the 5th? I have got to patrol anyways. Invited the Twins too.

-Tee

Ma,

I love you.

Hecate

March 30, 1997

Hecate,

All is fair in love and war. At least you're finally talking to people again.

Love, Remus

Tee,

We're in.

Love, the twins.

Tee,

I miss your sarcasm. Can't wait to hear your voice again.

Yours, Lee

Hecate,

I love you too. Glad using Pah-Pah worked.

Love, Ma

It Must Suck to Be You

April 5th, 1997

"As long as you promise not to insinuate, I am a whore again."

Over a month had passed after everything happened. It took 10 days before Hecate sent out letters to everyone after Pah-Pah told her to. The Hogsmeade trip came quickly, Hecate sat in her normal seat between Minnie and Severus. She never did get replies from the Twins and Lee on whether they were going to show up or not. It always took them forever to reply anyways. Her hand wrapped around her glass, drinking slowly as Minnie had given her a strict look when she had ordered a Firewhiskey. A hand that belonged to the man next to her sat on her knee, his other wrapped around his cup of tea. Severus had placed it thereafter repeated attempts to get her to stop bouncing her leg. She had resorted to playing with her fingers and staring at the door. Tapping them together around the glass.

"Hecate…" A warning whisper came from Severus, his eyes focused on the tapping fingers. "You can't get everything you want Severus." She snapped while jerking her knee up, referring to the fact he already stopped her leg from bouncing. A huff of forced air came out of his nose, his head turning back to look at the door. The bell went off, two heads of red hair and a head of dark brown hair came through the door. Smiles crossed all their faces, their heads turning as they looked around the pub. Hecate pulled one hand away from her glass to rest it on his that was on her knee. He flipped his palm over and squeezed it encouragingly before letting go of it and her completely.

"Go." He whispered out the side of his mouth.

Hecate had risen to her feet and moved towards the group of boys. The people she always called her safe place. The smiles turned to expressions of stoicism as they caught her walking towards them. Lee stepped forward first, not saying a word, just wrapping his arms around her shoulders, pulling her into a hug. "I'm sorry." He murmured in her ear. Her arms wrapped around his waist, a subtle acceptance of his apology. They stood like that for a few moments before Lee pulled away.

"Does he always watch you?"

Hecate snapped her head around to look at Severus behind her. His eyes weren't focused on her, but the door they were standing next to. His eyes flickered up to her as he watched her turn to look at him. She gave him a small smile before turning back to the boys. "We're on patrol, he's watching the door." Lee, Fred, and George nodded slightly, accepting her words for truth. "Did you guys want to say Hi to Minnie? She's here too. We could sit with them."

"Sure, sounds great. I've missed the professors." Lee spoke up, almost too excitedly. The twins next to him exchanged a look. Hecate nodded before turning and moving back over the table, Lee, Fred, and George trailing behind her. "Minnie, your favorite students are back." Minnie looked up from the table, smiling at the boys. "Ah, my favorite escape artists you mean." Fred and George moved around to the back of the table to give Minnie a quick hug each. They quickly moved into a conversation with Minnie and Pomona as if they were all old friends. Hecate watched for a few seconds, dazed in her world. She moved to sit at the table, diagonal from Severus this time. Lee followed suit taking the seat in front of Severus but turning his body towards Hecate.

"Look, Hecate…"

Hecate reached across the table for her abandoned Firewhiskey, Severus pulled it away from her and sat in on the chair next to him out of her reach. He raised his hand to signal Rosmerta. Hecate turned to look at Lee, "Yes Lee?" Her voice was strained, annoyed with Severus for taking her drink but a flicker of a smile crossed her lips. His eyes flickered between her and Severus before moving on to talking again. "I am sorry. I shouldn't have said what I said." A light breeze hit Hecate's arm, a smiling Rosmerta standing next to them.

"What can I get for you two?"

Lee looked at Hecate and smiled. "Two Firewhiskey's please." Rosmerta nodded and turned around back to the bar. An attempt of a stifled laugh came from Hecate's mouth, her eyes glancing at Severus who rolled his eyes at her. Quickly Rosmerta came back with two filled pints of Firewhiskey. "What happened to your last glass Miss. Black. I don't remember taking it."

Hecate jerked her head over to Severus. "Severus is bogarting it." Lee raised an eyebrow at her. "He's trying to turn into the Firewhiskey's worst fear?" An eye roll from Hecate is what Lee got into the response as Severus pulled the cup back to the table and pushed it over to Hecate. Hecate picked up the cup and swallowed down the last few gulps before handing it to Rosmerta.

"You're dressed differently."

Hecate wore a green dress, with black leggings, black boots, a gold chain with a teardrop green crystal, her signature star choker, and her curly hair thrown up at the back of her head in a messy bun. Yes, for her this was different. This was adult Hecate or Miss. Hecate as the students took to calling her. She was no longer student Hecate, whose main goal was to play alongside their pranks, or bug the Professors.

"I have to dress professionally."

A slight nod came from Lee, a small smile lingering on his face. "You look nice." A smile crossed Hecate's face this time. "Thanks… kiss ass." A loud bit of laughter came from Lee. "I messed up; I need to fix it. I miss my Hecate. You haven't even been signing letters as you used to." Hecate's smile faded slightly, "Yeah, sorry. I haven't been acting myself lately." She took another sip of her Firewhiskey, another look from Minnie came from behind her boring into the back of her head. Hecate turned her head around and flashed a smile, "I can hold my alcohol, Minnie. Besides, my keeper has a close eye on me." Her eyes flickered to Severus and back to Minnie who was suppressing a smile.

"Your keeper?" Lee commented, finishing up his pint of Firewhiskey. The sound of the bell over the door rang behind Hecate. "It's a joke, Lee." A nod came from Lee, "We should do this more often. The four of us. Just like old times." Hecate finished her Firewhiskey next. Her cheeks now blush from the drinks. She crossed her leg over her other one. "Of course, you know you guys are my best friends. I love you guys." Lee's hand reached over and grabbed hers, the corners of his mouth curved into a smile. Hecate stared at their interlocked hands. "Promise we'll never fight again." A smile crept on her face as she turned her head to look up at him.

"As long as you promise not to insinuate, I am a whore, again."

The corners of his lips dropped at the comment, as well as his hand from hers. "Wasn't one of my best moments." She stood up, "I agree. All is forgiven. But unfortunately, I am obligated to patrol. Severus." Minnie's attention turned from the boys once more. "We can go Hecate. It's no worry." Hecate shook her head, "It's fine Minnie. I can't shirk from my duties." She moved over to Fred and George, kissing them both on a cheek and hugging them tightly. "Happy Birthday my boys." A whisper hit their ears. "Lee." He stood up and her arms snaked around his waist. "You know I'm forever yours." She pecked his nose. An uncomfortable smile crossed his face, his arms wrapped around her anyways. "Good to hear." She broke apart the hug and looked over to the brooding and jealous man still watching from across the table.

"Coming Severus?"

Hecate ignored the confused look on Severus' face as they walked out of the pub. She walked ahead of him slightly, glancing down the alley as she went. She was scoping them out for stragglers, or people in general. Most of them were sprinkled with a few adults that lived in the homes around the area. Except one, one Hecate knew was always covered. One that she also knew kids snuck off to kiss in. A quick look down and you couldn't see anything behind one of the brick buildings. Hecate swerved right down the alleyway, knowing Severus would follow her. She moved into the nook that was tucked away and leaned her back against the wall.

Severus stopped to look at her, still confused about everything. A mischievous smirk rolled over Hecate's face. "What?" her tone sounded almost innocent. "What was that back there? We could've waited a bit." Hecate shook her head, "You maybe. Not me." Before Severus had a chance to answer, Hecate reached forward and grabbed his robes, pulling him into her. His hands caught himself on the brick wall behind her head. She rose on tiptoes to press her lips to his.

-Smut-

The kiss continued until one of them, or both needed a breath. She removed her hand from his robes, trailing it down to the button of his pants. He shook his head and pushed himself away from her. "I am not having sex with you in an alley when we are supposed to be patrolling." An eye roll was the response. "Do you ever live a little?" She folded her arms in front of her. Severus raised an eyebrow at her. "I'm sleeping with a former student and the daughter of my childhood bully, that should count." A scoff escaped her throat. "Well, your former student wants to be worn out against the wall."

The best thing about the robes Severus wore is that they always covered his erection that pressed against his pants. Although, Hecate knew when it was there. Severus always had a certain look about him when he was uncomfortable from the pressure in his pants. "To be fair, it looks like you want to wear me out against this wall too." Her eyes flickered to the spot she knew was bulging on his pants.

"Come kiss me, Severus."

He shook his head defiantly, his eyebrow cocked at her. She moved forward slightly, going on tiptoes to peck his lips. His lips brushed hers, his face indecisive on the next plan of action. A smile crossed her face, "So, is it the fact it's an alley or the fact that we're supposed to be patrolling?" An eye roll from him made her giggle. "No more Firewhiskey for you during patrols." An eye-roll from her followed. Her hand reached down to his pants and ran her fingers lightly over the tightness of his pants, eliciting a quick inhale from him.

"If we were to do this, how would we? You have pants on."

A change in his tone caused a mischievous smile to appear across her face. She swirled around facing the wall, she lifted her dress, hooked her fingers in the waist of her leggings, and pulled them down, exposing her rear end to him. "No underwear?" Hecate shook her head and slightly turned the top of her body to look at Severus. He leaned back and look down each end of the alleyway for stragglers, students, or adults. Satisfied with the emptiness, he reached for his zipper and slid it down. "You make a single noise and we're done. Understood?" Hecate smiled excitedly and went back to facing the wall placing her hands on the brick to hold her up.

She listened to him fumbling with his pants and pulling his erect member from them. His hands clamped to her hips, and he moved closer to her. His member slid over her folds, teasing her slightly. She tucked her bottom lip between her teeth, stopping herself from moaning. He prodded her once, then twice, before pushing into her to the hilt. Her fingers scraped against the wall as she tried to find something to grasp.

"Remember, stay quiet or we stop."

She nodded at his words. His still-clothed hips slapped against her bare rear. He must have just pulled it out, unwilling to drop his pants. One of his hands left her hip to reach around and fumble with her now swollen bud. She clenched her eyes shut and breathed deeply through her nose. Using his forearm that was draped around her waist to play with her, he held her in place to continue his thrusts as he removed his other hand from her. It snuck up her body slowly, stopping to roughly pinch her nipple before continuing up. His fingers wrapped around her throat. "I see you're trying so hard to be quiet. Let me help with that."

Thrusts had gotten harder, his fingers tightening around her neck. "Open your eyes, I want you to look at me while I ruin you." Her eyes flashed open; she turned her head to catch his eyes. His dark eyes pierce through her. The familiar knot began to rapidly build inside of her. "Severus..." she choked out. "Do you want to come?" She nodded as best as she could with his hand around her neck and trying with all her might to keep quiet. "Come." He commanded in simple terms. A gasp rose from her, her hands reached to each of his wrists to grasp them as she clenched and released all over him. Severus pumped a few more times riding her through her high and too his before he spilled into her. His thrusts grew slower as he rode himself through his own, before stopping completely, still filling her to the hilt.

She felt his forehead on her back, his grips released from both her neck and her bud, gently resting back on her hips. Her hands went back to the wall, holding them up. Severus slowly pulled out of her, a whimper finally escaping her.

-Smut-

Once he had stood up without relying on her, she stood straight up, wiggling her leggings back up her legs and smoothing down her dress. She turned to look at him, watching as he tucked himself away and zipped himself. A smile crept over her face. She moved towards him and went on tiptoes to kiss his cheek. His head turned quickly capturing her lips with his. His arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her tight. "That was kind of fun."

"I know. We do have to patrol now, it's getting late." Severus nodded at her, lost in thought. Hecate began slowly walking back towards the road. "We should stop by the Apothecary before we leave." She stopped to look back at him. "Why?" she questioned. Severus gestured vaguely in the direction of her stomach. She tilted her head. "It can't wait until we get back to the school?" Severus shook his head, "No it can't." His answer was definite, he walked past her and ahead of her towards the building. Hecate kept her distance behind him.

They arrived at the Apothecary, and Severus stood outside facing her as she approached. "Well, go buy it then." Hecate raised her eyebrows, "You came in me and insist that this can't wait until we get back to the school where you already have a full stock. You go in and buy it." Air forced itself through his nostrils, as she stubbornly crossed her arms defiantly across her chest. "If I buy it, will you take it?" She shook her head, "Not here. When we got back to the castle."

"I don't want you to get pregnant again like last time."

"This is different Severus; we weren't preventing anything the last time. No potions, no spells, nothing. We're being more careful this time around. You act like I want to have your baby."

He said nothing to her as he walked past her. Her eyes round as she realized what she had said. "Severus…" she pleaded as she turned around. He was lost out of sight. She huffed and went into the Apothecary to buy the potion.

After she had gulped it down, she moved back out onto the streets. Minnie, Pomona, and Severus must have gone and brought the kids back to the school. The street was vacant. She sighed and began walking towards the school. She heard the distinct sound of the bell above the door of the pub chime, and she glanced at the door. Three familiar boys came tumbling out, laughing, and joking around. Smiling, she watched them for a bit, missing all the times she laughed and joked with them too. Her eyes must have sunk into Lee because he stopped and turned to look at her. "Oi lady. C'mere." Of course, they continued drinking after she had left. She walked up to the three, standing next to Lee who threw his arm over her.

"You should come to drink with us since the others left you."

She shook her head, "That's unbecoming of a professional Lee." The three of them scoffed at her. "She's gotten boring boys," Fred spoke, smiling at her. "Yeah, really boring. Won't even drink anymore." This time George spoke, egging her on.

"She doesn't love us any more boys!" Lee declared, loudly. She rolled her eyes.

"Fine. One drink."

Cheater, Cheater, Pumpkin Eater

April 6th, 1997

"Hecate… You feel so good around me."

The light from the window shone it hitting Hecate straight in the face. She buried her face further into the pillow under her head. A rush of memories flooded back into her. She never returned to the school last night. One drink turned into many, the four of them had gotten a room. Hecate groggily pushed herself up in bed, she had been laying on her stomach on top of the covers hanging over the side of the bed. She sat on her butt and looked at the sleeping boy next to her. Fred must have collapsed next to her. She turned her head to the other bed, George and Lee were sleeping soundly next to each other. She looked at the old-fashioned clock on the wall. Nine O'clock. She blinked.

Nine O'clock.

Shit.

There was a staff meeting at nine o'clock at the school. Here she was, in Hogsmeade, barely awake, hungover, and she never returned to the school. She hastily stood up from the bed, stirring the boy next to her. "What are you doing?" He grumbled, unimpressed he was being awaken. "Staff meeting." Fred grumbled something under his breath as she left the room.

Hecate didn't even bother to change her clothes. She was late enough as it was. It was quiet behind the door. A possible charm to prevent students from hearing what the staff was talking about? Maybe. Her hand wrapped around the doorknob, turning it and stepping inside and closing it behind her. All the teachers turned to look at her. Dumbledore was standing in front, his normal look of patience across his face. Minnie had a smirk threatening to appear on her face. Severus had his eyebrow raised at her. She was appearing late, in the same clothes as the previous day.

"Now that all the staff are here, we can start."

Hecate made her way to an empty chair towards the back of the room, not sitting in the one directly next to Severus that she normally sat on. Dumbledore's speech to the staff seemed to drone on. The air felt dense. Hecate was tired, hungover, itchy, overall uncomfortable.

It felt like hours until Dumbledore dismissed the staff. Hecate stood slowly and allowed the other staff to walk by her before heading to the door herself. "Miss. Black. A word." A rush of air came through her nose as she turned to the voice. Dumbledore, McGonagall, Sprout and Snape were standing relatively close to each other and looking at her. She moved closer to the group, a tired expression across her face.

"Yes?"

Dumbledore's hands were together in front of him, and he moved forwards from the other teachers. "Why didn't you return with the other teachers last night?" A moments compilation crossed Hecate's mind. "I had to stop at the Apothecary to get a potion. When I got back to where we were supposed to meet the others were gone." She licked her lips before continuing. "When I got to the Three Broomsticks, I was basically kidnapped by the Chaos Trio and fell asleep in the room they got."

Severus wouldn't look at her and McGonagall was focused on him. Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "Is sleep all you did?" A frustrated look crossed her face.

"Does everyone think I am a whore?"

It barely came out as a whisper. Severus' eyes snapped at her, as did McGonagall's. "I slept, next to Fred. Fully dressed, on top of the covers." It felt like something was caught in her throat, but she pressed on. "I don't make it a habit to sleep with more than one person during the day. Seeing as I was at the Apothecary for a contraception potion because I slept with Severus earlier that day." Her arms crossed in front of her. "If you don't like it, fire me."

Dumbledore smiled softly at her. "I just wanted an explanation. Nothing to worry about. I am glad you made up with your friends."

Hecate furrowed her brow let out a huff and walked out.

Hecate had made it to her room and stripped down. Tossing her clothes haphazardly on the floor in the living area, naked before even reaching her bedroom. She moved through the bedroom into the bathroom, getting into the shower. The hot water rushed over her, relaxing her muscles. The shower was mostly there to sit in, but she grabbed her cloth after a few minutes and cleaned herself off. The water went off, she stepped out of the shower and wrapped herself in a towel. Tonight, was one of those nights. Pulling out an already rolled joint from her bedside table and making her way out to the kitchenette where her half empty bottle of Firewhiskey was under the sink. She pulled that out too, pulling the lid off, not bothering with a glass, and moving to sit out to the carpet in front of her couch.

A few swigs of the bottle before lighting the joint and puffing slowly off it. Her body ached, she was tired, feeling older than her years. The joint left her mouth dry and her eyes itching, the Firewhiskey burned her throat. She only managed to puff a few times and took a few swigs before a knock at the door.

"Come in."

Her voice raised only enough to allow the person knocking in. The door creaked open and closed with a light snap. She hadn't bothered to turn to see who it was. The person didn't speak, only the light tapping of their shoes across the floor gave a signal that they were there. Maybe they weren't friendly, maybe they were there to take her out. She didn't care at this point. She pressed the tip of the Firewhiskey bottle to her lips and threw her head back for another swig.

"What if I were a murderer?"

The familiar voice made her lower the bottle, and finally snap her head to look at the person. "Charlie?" The second oldest red head chuckled at her. "I asked McGonagall to surprise you. Lots of security tryin' to get into the school." Hecate nodded and stood up. She left the bottle on the floor and pinched the tip of the joint between her fingers to put it out. "Don't stop on my account. I wouldn' mind having some." She moved closer to him and held out the joint skeptically. "I meant the Firewhiskey Tee." She nodded, placed the joint on the table and moved over to pick the bottle off the floor. She moved back to him and handed him the bottle. "No cup?"

"You going to do the dishes?"

Charlie took a swig from the bottle, the corners of his mouth turned up in a faint smile. Hecate watched him, "What are you doing here Charlie? Since when do you stop your dragon escapades to come visit?" Charlie lowered the bottle, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. "I visited a few months ago. Besides Mum wanted me to come convince you to stop seeing Snape." An eyeroll was Hecate's response. Charlie voice turned high-pitched as he began to mimic his mother, "If any Weasley can do it, it's you." They shook their heads simultaneously. "How did you plan to convince me?"

"I didn't plan on it. You're Hecate. One of the most stubborn women I know. Besides Mum. I can't convince you to do anything." He moved closer to her and hugged her. "No matter how weird it is." She wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her face into his chest. They stood like that for a few minutes before Hecate let go. "It doesn't matter right now; I think he's mad at me again." Charlie furrowed his brow and gestured over to the couch. They both sat down, and Hecate told him… Well, everything. Him finding her at the bar, ending up almost having sex in the bathroom. Her going to 'visit the twins' and going to his house to 'finish what she had started'. Him calling it a mistake the next morning and telling her it was never happen again. This caused a huff to come from Charlie. Then the letter, coming back to school, and the apology. The miscarriage, and his behavior after. Another huff. The apology. Then Christmas, new year's, skipping over Dumbledore's mission, and the apology. Skipping over the more graphic parts but including the lack of talking between the two of them about subjects that should be talked about. What happened between her and Lee, and her and Ma. The fact she ignored them for a good month. Finishing what happened with what happened last night.

Charlie's eyebrowed had remained furrowed throughout the conversation and he had just about finished the bottle of Firewhiskey. "Hecate…" Her drifted down to her hands, which were loosely clasped in her lap. "That's not what a healthy relationship is. You both sound like you're pretty bad for each other." Hecate rolled her eyes and reached forward to take the bottle from him. "It's not a relationship, we're just dating." Charlie looked at her and began laughing. "That's technically a relationship Tee. Are you exclusive?" She shrugged, "We've never talked about it." Charlie raised his eyebrow. "Never talked about whether or not you can sleep with other people?" She shook her head, "It never came up. Although he does get extremely jealous."

"How?"

She directed her eyes towards the ceiling, thinking about a specific incident. "When you and Oliver came to visit. We were jokingly talking – we as in, McGonagall, Sprout, Snape, and I – about who was going to win me over between Adrian and Oliver. It was a joke, but when Oliver showed up, he put his hand on my thigh and left it there. Then when you showed up and kissed me on the cheek he abruptly left. We didn't have to patrol for another hour."

Charlie leaned forward and pressed his lip to hers. It was quick and hard, and only enough to make her catch her breath. "He'd been really jealous if I had done that then. Wouldn't he?" Hecate cheeks felt like they were matching the color of the boy's hair in front of her. She nodded, "Very." Charlie nodded and stood up, holding a handout to Hecate. She grabbed it and allowed him to pull her up. The pull was hard enough to land Hecate into his chest, the hand not preoccupied with his braced against it. He smiled, wrapped his arm around her and kissed her again. This one was softer and more sensual, a reminder of the first kiss they shared in Romania during the summer between her sixth and seventh years. Her hand moved up from his chest and landed on his neck pulling him closer and more into the kiss.

The kiss lasted for what felt like forever before Hecate pulled away. "Bedroom?"

-Smut-

The towel Hecate had around her dropped to the floor as soon as they entered the bedroom. Charlie took a second to stand away from her and admire her as if she was a trophy on display. She had never seen a look in a man's eyes like that before, as if the sunshine was coming out of her ass. The feeling made her heart swell. His hands wrapped around her waist lifting her up and carrying her to the bed. He plopped her down, and crawled on top of her, still fully clothed. A hand pressed to his chest, "Aren't you going to get undressed too?"

Charlie smiled at her and stood up. He slowly began undressing himself, his hips shaking along to a quiet room. The shirt came off first, revealing a burn on his arm he received years ago. His hands ran down his own body, reaching for the button on his pants. A smile was threatening to form on Hecate's face from the display. She licked her lips nervously as he pushed his pants and boxers down revealing all of him to her. Her eyes cautiously ran over his member. It was different from Severus', a little bit shorter but thicker overall.

Her eyes must have lingered too long, "Enjoying the view?"

Her eyes snapped up to Charlie, who had a smile on his face. Hecate nodded as she licked her lips again. She brought her hand up and wiggled her finger gesturing Charlie too her. He moved over to her and sat on his knees at the end of the bed. "Lay back for me." His voice was gentle, giving way to her to disobey him if she wanted to. She laid back anyways, still watching his movements. Leaning over he placed a kiss on her abdomen near her belly button and made his way down. Even making a production of kissing the outside of her lips, before swiping his tongue along her. This was a change of pace from how Severus had sex with her. Severus was rougher and more commanding, whereas Charlie was gentle and sweet.

Charlie dove in deeper between her lips, massaging her bud with his tongue. Hecate reached forward and placed a hand in his hair, not pulling it as she normally would, but gentle stroking it. He paced moved quicker, the massaged turned to sucking. His hand reached up to spread her more, pushing the tip of his finger into her. Hecate's orgasm was growing slowly, but it still felt amazing. A groan escaped her lips when he added a second finger to pump in and out of her with. The knot in her stomach was tightening rapidly now, "Charlie…" she breathed out. He didn't stop to grant her permission or to tell her to hold it, he just continued his efforts of reaching her high.

It came over her slow and sensual, instead of the normal quick and hard she normally felt. Charlie lapped up the rest of the juices before pulling away from her. A grin was under the juice that were prevalent on his lips. He moved up to her and kissed her, a still gentle kiss. She could feel his member pressed against her, where his mouth just was. Charlie was rocking his hips slightly, rubbing him against her, prodding her gently.

"Ready?" he asked, it was quiet, but his face was close to her as it was. She nodded, slightly bucking her hips to him. He kissed her as he slowly slid into her. Charlie felt different inside of her, filling her up differently than she was used too. His hips were slow in motion, hitting her spot almost teasingly every time he did it. A groan escaped from him, forcing him to release her from his kiss.

"Hecate… You feel so good around me."

Hecate placed a kiss on his cheek and on his neck. "You can be rougher you know…" Charlie looked at her, "I want to make love to you…" Hecate smiled and kiss his lips again. Her orgasm built slowly once more but got to its peak when Charlie did. His thrusts became deeper as he went, slowing his thrust down even more. Linger inside of her, as if he wanted to be deep inside of her when his high crashed over him.

Hecate clench around him as he pushed deep inside of her, his member pulsing with the sensation of finishing. He held himself over her but allowed his head to nuzzle in her neck. Hecate reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him on top of her.

"Charlie…"

To Do Better Next Time

April 7th, 1997

"Would you prefer it if I yelled and screamed and told you how much I hated you and how horrible you were for doing it?"

The lights shone through the curtains, signaling another new day. A Monday of course. The bed was warm, and an arm was draped over her waist. She wiped her eyes and turned over. His mouth was slightly open, a quiet snore coming through his nose. She pushed his red hair out of his eyes, admiring his face. Until of course, she remembered Snape. Was their relationship exclusive? Did she just royally mess up. She removed her hand from his face and gently got out of the bed. She looked at the clock on the wall. Quarter til 10. She needed to get ready for Defense Against the Dark Arts class. She moved over to her wardrobe and pulled out a long black sleeve bodysuit, a black denim skirt with moons down the sides, black heels, and a green cardigan. She tied her hair up at the back of her head.

"They let you wear that to classes?"

Hecate turned around to look at the boy in the bed. She nodded, "Yeah, they do. As long as it looks semi-professional." Charlie got out of the bed in all his naked glory and moved to her, wrapping his arms around her waist, and gently kissing her lips. Hecate smiled nervously, and gently removed his arms from around her. A confused but knowing smile came across his face, he stepped back from her and turned around searching for his clothes on the floor.

"Dumbledore gave me a mission. I had to stay in a relationship with Snape, so that if something were to happen and Snape left the school, I could follow him."

It had slipped out; she didn't know why she was telling him this. Charlie who had found his pants and were pulling them on, turned to look at her. "And you agreed?" She nodded, "Yeah. I did…" She licked her lips, "But I was thinking… If I quit this job, I can come with you to Romania, and forget the mission." Charlie smiled, finishing getting himself back together. He moved over to her once more, placing a kiss to her forehead. "I enjoyed last night, but if Dumbledore gave you a mission… It's probably for a good reason. Stick to it, and if we both get out of this war alive, you'll be the first person I go to."

Hecate's heart sunk, she knew he was right, but didn't want to do what was right for once. She put on a smile and walked him to the castle doors.

She made it to the classroom a minute before class was to begin. She walked in, avoided eye contact with Snape, and sat down on top of her normal desk. She was nervous, but she knew she needed to tell him. The class felt like it had taken forever to end. She didn't even notice the silence that followed when all the students left. Only when a pair of black shoes appeared on the floor in front of her, did she look up.

"Hecate…"

"I slept with Charlie Weasley last night."

It came out quick, interrupting whatever he was going to say to her. She tried to gauge his expressions but of course, it was Snape, he didn't show any. He finally spoke, "Slept with, as in…" She nodded, "Yes. I had sex with him. He showed up to visit, we drank, he kissed me, it went farther. I told him I didn't know whether you and I were exclusive or not. We've never talked about it." She hesitated before continuing. "That's not an excuse. What I am trying to say is I'm sorry." Hecate could tell he was biting the inside of his mouth, "I have a class. We can talk later." He turned away from her, moving towards his desk but not sitting behind it. Instead placing his hands on the edge and leaning over it. His knuckles were white.

Severus didn't show up to lunch or to dinner. Hecate went back to her room once the day was done. She assumed he was avoiding her. She moved towards her room, walking slowly, watching the floor. She stared at the door for a few minutes before opening it. The room was dark, but she didn't bother with the lights. She knew her quarters well. She kicked her shoes off and pulled off her cardigan.

A light flicked on, causing Hecate to wince at the sudden brightness. A low voice spoke out. "If I were a murderer, you'd be dead." Hecate rolled her eyes at the man. "You know Severus, it's not polite to sit in someone's room when they're not home."

"It's not polite to let another man stick his penis into you when you're with someone else either."

Hecate nodded and sighed "I deserved that." She moved over to her kitchenette and poured two cups of wine, she had, had enough Firewhiskey the night before. She moved to the table Severus was sitting at and placed a cup in front of him and took her seat on the other side of the small table. He looked confused at the choice of cups, as she had handed him a mug full of wine and not a glass but picked it from the table anyways to drink. She brought her own up to her lips, taking small sips. They sat that way for a few minutes, sipping their wine and sitting in silence. Severus put his cup down first.

"I know you're young. So, I understand… Your need for… experimentation." Hecate looked at Severus. "It's not an excuse Severus. I feel horrible." Severus stood up and moved to her reaching his hand out. Hecate took his hand cautiously and allowed him to pull her up. "You're young, mistakes happen. If it doesn't happen again, we can move past this." His voice was hesitant in his words, as if he was convincing himself that was in fact true. He wrapped his arms around her and placed a kiss on her head in the same spot Charlie had earlier that day.

"You're being awfully calm about this."

"Would you prefer it if I yelled and screamed and told you how much I hated you and how horrible you were for doing it?"

She shook her head, "No, I guess not." Severus released her, a mischievous smile on his face. "So, how was it?" Hecate was taken back by the question. "What?" He shrugged, "You slept with someone else, you can at least tell me how it was." He paused, "Or I can look for myself?" This wasn't him being funny, this was an ultimatum. Either tell him, or he was going to invade her memories. Hecate could tell that this was going to be rough with him from here on out. "He wasn't you. He was slow and soft." She spoke through gritted teeth. He moved his head closer to her face, bringing his lips close to her ear, "Did he make you cum?" If Hecate wasn't nervous before, she was now. "Twice."

He sat back up and moved away from her. "Two orgasms while cheating. I think you owe me those. Come here."

-Smut-

Hecate obeyed and moved towards him. "On your knees." Severus sounded bored in his tone, but Hecate obeys anyways. Down on her knees she went. Her hands sat in her lap as she looked up at him. "Do I have to tell you how to do everything? A filthy whore like you should know what to do now." His voice turned into a cruel tone, mean, angry. Her hands reached up and undid his trousers, pulling them and his boxers to the floor. He was still soft; she reached for him and began stroking him until he became semi hard and putting him into her mouth. She bobbed her head on him, him responding by growing to his hardest. It made her gag hitting the back of her throat. She tried to use her hand as a buffer to make sure he didn't go too far, but he smacked her hand off him. "Mouth only slut." His hand moved to the back of her head, thrusting her all the way forward, burying her nose in his pubic hair. He kept her there, tears formed in her eyes as she breathed only through her nose. He moved his hips slightly rocking into her mouth, not moving enough to grant her a break, only enough for a bit of friction to get him off. She began to feel lightheaded; it was as if he was taking his time. She tapped his leg.

"If you pass out, I am just going to finish anyways. I suggest you find a way to stay awake."

The tears were fully running down her face now, not another minute passed by before a salty taste ran down the back of her throat and he released the hold he had on her. Hecate's palms dropped to the ground as she gasped hard, the air hurting her lungs as she refilled them. The tears didn't stop for a few seconds. "Get up." She looked up at him, confused. "That was only one, I'm not done with you." She looked at the floor, not knowing whether she should obey him or not. His hand found a way to her head, gentle stroking the top of it. She was relieved he was granting her another moment. The moment didn't last long, his hands twisted in her hair, and he yanked her up. Her hands moved to his, her legs scrambling to keep up with the growing pressure on her scalp.

"I told you to get up. Can you make it to your room without me dragging you?"

Hecate gulped and nodded. Afraid. This was pure fear. He released her hair, and she moved herself to her room. Severus followed behind her and shut the door.

"Strip."

Hecate's hands were shaking as she did what she was told. This must be how people stayed together after an episode of cheating. The cheater submits completely to the hurt party. No matter how rough and mean. She had never seen Severus like this. Rough, controlling, yes, never mean, and cruel. All her clothes pool at her feet, her completely naked body on display.

"Get on the bed, lay down, and spread your legs."

Obeying another order. Hecate did exactly as she was told. She stared at the ceiling, listening to the rustling of his clothes coming off and hitting the floor. The bed shifted as he climbed on top of her. He moved his hand between them, and ran a finger through her folds, making her shiver. He clicked his tongue.

"To bad none of this turned you on. It would've made things a lot easier."

He reached for himself, lined himself up with her hole and pushed himself in to the hilt. Hecate let out a squeal like a stuck pig, it felt as if he lit a fire between her legs. Tears formed in her eyes and her hands raised themselves to cover her face.

"That's not going to happen."

Severus reached for her hands and pulled them off her face as he thrusted himself in and out of her. "I want to see the pain in your eyes. The pain that you caused me in physical form."

His hips snapped, the tip of him hitting painfully inside her. Tears were streaming down her face now. "I don't know how you managed to get him in your bed. You're just a filthy whore, undeserving of anyone. You should be grateful I even slept with you in the first place. So high strung in your thoughts that the only reason you were still a virgin at eighteen was because you made it that way. Did it ever fill your stupid head that maybe kids your age didn't want to sleep with a filthy slut daughter of a convict?"

Hecate had enough, "R-"

His hand covered her mouth before she could tell him the safe word. "I don't think so. You owe me this." She didn't look at him, her head turned to look at the wall. She didn't know how long it took him to finish afterwards. She slowly snapped back into it when he pulled out of her.

-Smut-

He planted gentle kisses to her tear-stained cheeks, murmuring apologies into her ears. He got off her, got dressed and left the room. Hecate didn't bother to get up. He returned shortly after with a jar. He moved to her, places the jar on her bed and moved her knees so her feet were planted on the bed. The top came off, and Hecate felt his fingers rubbing the cool liquid from the jar over her swollen, red, and angry folds. Immediate relief came.

"Hecate?"

She waited a moment before moving her head to look at him. "Do you want to take a bath?" She shook her head, adjusting herself onto her side and curling into a ball. She felt the bed shift once more as he laid in bed next to her, his hand wrapped around her waist, and he pulled her into him.

Fluxweed, Knotgrass, and Lacewing Flies, Oh My

April 14th, 1997

"I get that I messed up, but I didn't deserve that. I don't want to do this anymore."

It had been a week since Hecate's 'punishment' from Severus. She woke up the next morning and he was gone, only to find him sitting at the teacher's table in the Great Hall. He didn't talk to her besides a polite greeting, waiting until the end of the day to tell her that he forgave her for what had happened. She had nodded and melted in his arms when he wrapped his around her and kissed him back as if nothing had happened. Her body shivered when he released her. She made it through the rest of the day, staying quiet, speaking only when spoken to. The previous night had taken a lot out of her. She was conflicted. She felt as if she deserved it. She also felt as if he took it away too far.

She found herself outside of Dumbledore's office, staring at the gargoyle in front of it. She didn't want a part of the mission anymore. That's all she would have to say. It's not as if Dumbledore is Voldemort. She can back out and not worry about death. She hoped anyway, a lot of her faith was down in the drain at this moment in time. She muttered the password, watching the Gargoyle turn into a staircase. She trudged up the stairs, hands in the pockets of her jeans. There was no noise behind the door, Hecate knocked. "Come in." came a muffled voice, she reached for the doorknob and allowed herself inside.

"Ah, Miss. Black. How can I help you?"

Dumbledore didn't even bother to look up from whatever had his interest on his desk. Hecate moved forward to sit in the chairs in front of him, not speaking quite yet, playing with her fingers in her lap. Dumbledore finished what he was writing, and set his quill down, finally looking at her.

"Miss. Black?"

She bit her lip and released it before speaking. "I want out. I don't want to complete this mission." Dumbledore stood from his seat and moved to sit on the edge of the desk in front of her. She still refused to look directly at him. "Miss. Black, I thought I made it clear about how important -"

"He raped me."

Her head had lifted to look Dumbledore directly in the eye. "That is a serious accusation. When did this incident happen?" "Last week." "Tell me about it. I need to know everything."

Hecate left nothing out. Starting from what happened in Hogsmeade. Then about Charlie, admitting to Severus the truth. About what happened later that night, the details are enough to show fault but not enough to be graphic. "I get that I messed up, but I didn't deserve that. I don't want to do this anymore."

Dumbledore clapped his hands in front of him before standing up and moving towards an elegant cupboard. He opened the doors and pulled a shallow bowl-like object. "Do you know what this is Miss Black?" She nodded, "Orion had one in his study at Grimmauld Place. A Pensieve." Hecate stood up this time, moving towards the bowl. "Do you mind?" he questioned her, gesturing towards the bowl. She shook her head and pulled out her wand.

She retrieved from her head the contents he wanted from her and placed them in the bowl. She moved back to the chair as Dumbledore put his face in to watch her memories. Not that she wanted Dumbledore to see every bit of her and Severus, but it was the only way to prove that what she was saying was true. Dumbledore popped his face out of the bowl and looked at her. "That definitely what had happened." He paused, thinking to himself. "Do you mind if I call Severus up here?" Her stomach did a flip, but she shook her head anyways.

Dumbledore flicked his wand a silvery mist floating out of it and jetting out the door.

After what seemed like forever, a knock came across Dumbledore's door. "Come in." Dumbledore had taken his seat once more behind his desk, Hecate was playing with her fingers in her lap once more. Severus walked in his eyebrows furrowed in confusion at Hecate and Dumbledore but moved to stand near Dumbledore's desk. "I got your message, Sir."

Dumbledore made eye contact with Severus, "Ah, yes. Just a question for you Severus. Where were you last Monday eve?" Severus raised his eyebrow, "With you Sir." Dumbledore nodded, and Hecate looked at him with a confused look on her face. "Until when?" "Late Sir, technically it was Tuesday by the time I left here."

Hecate was shaking her head at this point. "That can't be…" Dumbledore had stood up and walked back over to the Pensieve. "Miss. Black here is accusing you of raping her. She has the memories to prove it." Severus was staring at Hecate, "Hecate… I would never." She flinched when his hand reached out to her. He immediately drew back. Dumbledore gestured to the Pensieve; Severus still had his eyes on Hecate. "Hecate… Can I… Do you mind if I… look?" She shrugged, she almost felt set up. Severus moved towards the Pensieve and dunked his head in. It took a few minutes for him to get through everything, but eventually, he pulled his head out.

"It was me she told her apology too, and me who had told her I had forgiven her the next morning. The rest of it was someone else." She didn't know whether he was speaking to her or Dumbledore. "Miss. Black?"

"Then who the hell raped me?"

Trial of the Senses

May 4th, 1997

"Can I try something before your next class comes in?"

Getting back to normalcy was never an easy thing. How does one come back from that? How does one fall back into the arms of someone they are with, even with the knowledge of 'it wasn't technically them'. It was his body, his voice, his face. She was beginning to feel bad every time she flinched when his hand got too close to her. The look on his face was always one of sadness. Two weeks they didn't talk, two weeks of flinching and sadness. Hecate finally got the courage to ask him to talk. Not in her room, of course, that was still too much. They had walked around the lake, the moon shone brightly in the sky above them. They walked in silence for about twenty minutes, he was so very patient with her. She asked if they would be able to start over from this. Just want things to go back to something normal. Severus had been in contemplation for a few minutes before responding with a 'we can, it will take time'. Hecate had suggested working back into being able to touch her without her flinching again. So, they had. Hecate would initiate, touching his hand or his arm. Severus would respond by gently touching her back. Over a few weeks they had worked up to handholding, and Severus could even initiate it himself.

Of course, another problem arose. Hecate found herself sitting on the edge of a bed in the hospital wing. She had begun bleeding a day or so ago, she didn't take a potion after Charlie or whoever the hell that was. Poppy was lecturing another student on the reasons they shouldn't do whatever they did that got them hurt in the first place. After a few minutes, Poppy made her way over to Hecate. "Sorry dear, you know how it is with students. Clumsy." A smile came over her face, "What did you need dear?" Hecate looked at her hands before looking back at Poppy to answer her. "I think I am having another miscarriage."

Poppy nodded, turning to pull the curtains closed around them. "Pull up your skirt dear and lay back." Hecate did as she was told, she allowed Poppy to navigate her legs to where she needed them to check. "I have to insert my fingers inside to check, is that okay?"

"Yes."

Poppy nodded and began her exam. Hecate flinched initially, but relaxed. She had to; she knew Poppy wasn't going to do anything to hurt her. Finally, Poppy withdrew, waving her wand to clean Hecate up. "At least you figured it out sooner this time. Do you want me to get Severus?"

"It's not Severus'."

Poppy looked confused and sat on the bed next to Hecate, who had curled herself into a sitting ball. "Do you want me to get the father?" Hecate shook her head again. "I don't know if it was Charlie's, or the man who…" She didn't have to finish, Dumbledore had told Poppy what had happened, and suggested Hecate get an exam to make sure that the person didn't do any damage inside of her. Poppy nodded, "I see…" She wrapped an arm around Hecate, briefly embracing her for comfort. "It's late, do you want to stay here for the night?"

"No, I'm good. Thank you, Poppy."

Hecate had made it up to her room and curled herself into her bed. She never slept well anymore, always waking up to nightmares. She always felt like someone was on top of her, it suffocated her. She tried though, every night to sleep in her own bed, and every night she ended up on the couch in her living area. It was ten p.m. by the time she had gotten to bed tonight, and it only took until eleven-thirty to find her way to the couch. She stood in front of the couch for a long time, staring at it. She didn't want another night on the couch. She also didn't want to sleep in her own bed. She moved towards the door and slipped her slippers on and left the room.

She found herself staring at Severus' door. Would it be too weird? Should she knock? Hecate found herself turning the doorknob. It unlocked at her touch; Severus must have kept it so that she could overcome the door's safety spells. She quietly entered the room, closing and locking the door behind her. The room was pitch black, and there were no lights coming from underneath the door to Severus' bedroom. He was either sleeping or not here. Hecate made her way through the room, minding the furniture. She cracked open his door to peer inside, listening for any noises. There was the sound of light snoring coming from the bed that she recognized to be Severus'. She kicked off her slippers at the door and moved to the bed. Pulling the covers off the unoccupied side of the bed and crawled in.

May 5th, 1997

Apparently, dramatics was on the menu for the next morning. Severus had woken her with a simple push of her hair out of her face, Hecate responded by jumping and falling out of bed. Severus had looked worried for her. "Are you okay?" Hecate who was still sitting on the floor nodded. "I forgot where I was." She stood up and crawled back into the bed. Severus moved closer to his edge, away from her. "It's your bed, you don't have to do that."

"What made you decide to sleep in here last night?"

"I haven't been able to sleep in my own bed, and I was tired of sleeping on the couch." Hecate's back was pressed against the headboard. "I had another miscarriage." She wanted to be able to talk to Severus about things while making up for what she had done. She figured open and honest was a start. He reached for her hand, grasping it in his. "I guess you're right. Unless I take a potion right after, I won't remember to do so." Severus tried to hide his little laugh, but it had escaped him anyways. Hecate flashed a playful glare at him.

"This is nice."

Severus nodded in agreement. "Want me to make you something to eat before class?" Hecate shook her head, "You don't have to do that." Severus gave her hand a squeeze and got up. "I'm making food anyways. You still have clothes in your drawer if you want to get dressed." Severus exited the room, Hecate made her way to her drawer and pulled on another one of her mother's dresses. A black dress with a white top that had a big collar, and simple pair of black heels. She pulled her hair into a bun at the back of her head.

She had gone into the living area and was hit with the scent of baking. Scones. Severus turned to look at her, "I figured a scone was easy enough to eat in a classroom."

"You don't let anyone eat in your classroom, Severus."

"Only the special ones."

Hecate smiled and watched Severus turn back to the oven to pull out the scones. "Do you want to walk down together?" He asked, turning to her once more. She nodded at him, "That would be nice." He smiled and moved past her to get dressed in his room.

The look on the student's faces when Severus and Hecate showed up together to class was almost priceless. Hecate wished she could take a picture. It was only a few months shy of a year since he and she went down this road, and only now that they walked into the classroom together, small smiles on their faces that they took a guess at what was happening. The class was over quickly, Harry, Ron, and Hermione all stayed behind.

Hecate moved towards them, "Everything alright you three?" She could feel Severus staring at the back of her head, Harry spoke first. "You and him?"

"Harry!" Hermione spoke next, but Ron's face was twisted in agreement with Harry's tone.

"You're only now realizing? Severus…" All three cringed at the use of his first name, "Makes me happy. Isn't that what counts?" Hermione nodded first, Harry and Ron exchanged looks. "Does Mum know?" Ron spoke this time, Hecate nodded, "Yes Ron, Ma knows. So doesn't Pa, Remus, Pah-Pah, Bill, Charlie, Fred, George, Lee, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and the rest of the staff. It's unconventional, but it works for me. That's all that should matter to you."

Hermione smiled brightly, "Okay Hecate." Without allowing the boys to speak again, Hermione had pulled them both from the room. "I thought you would've told Potter first." Hecate turned to Severus. "We're not our father's. I have my friends, he has his. Ron doesn't share everything he does with Fred and George, now does he?" Severus smiled, and Hecate found herself staring at his lips.

"Can I try something before your next class comes in?"

Severus nodded but didn't get up from his desk where he had been sitting. That worked out for Hecate, the height difference was a right pain sometimes. She moved swiftly over to Severus, she of course still had to lean down slightly, she pressed her lips to his. Severus knew to keep his hands off her, allow her to keep control of the environment. This was progress. After a few seconds, she detached her lips.

"Thank you."

She whispered, before leaving the room.

Long Road to Go

May 10th, 1997

"Hecate… Baby… Baby come back to me."

"Are you going to the match?" Hecate asked Severus as he pulled on his clothes. Nothing was said until he finished putting on his robes, "No, I have detention with Potter." Hecate rolled her eyes at him, "Of course you do." She sunk back down under the covers. "Don't roll your eyes at me. McGonagall thought I should have had him expelled after what he did." Severus moved over to Hecate and pulled the covers off her. Hecate sat up in the bed. "Harry said that Malfoy tried using an Unforgivable on him." It was Severus' turn to roll his eyes, "It's Malfoy's word against Potter's, and Malfoy was the one on the floor bleeding out."

They were both quiet for a few minutes, "You should go to the match. I won't be offended if you cheer on Gryffindor." A smile formed over Hecate's face, "That's what the plan was." Severus moved over to Hecate, "May I?". Hecate nodded lifting her face towards his. Severus leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "I'll see you later."

Hecate went to the match, Gryffindor won 450 to 140. Hecate made her way back to her room. She had made a habit of staying with Severus. It was easier to his face every day than to sleep or inhabit her own space. She walked into the abandoned place, of course, it didn't look like that, the house-elves kept the dust off everything. She just wanted to grab different clothes for Severus' place, she couldn't keep wearing the same thing repeatedly. She didn't feel safe in her own space and kept her wand gripped in her hand tightly. She made her way to her room. A wave from her wand lit the candles so she could see. She didn't bother looking at the bed, only made her way to her dresser. Another flick of her wand brought out another week worth of clothes. She had told the house elves to send any female clothes to this room when they found them in Severus' quarters, that way she was forced to come and get more. They left her clothes on her dresser for her to put away. She placed her wand on top of the dresser, slowly putting her clothes away. A creak on the floor behind her made her furrow her brows, she shook it off as a figment of her imagination her ears playing tricks on her. She finished putting her clothes away, grabbing her wand once more.

"Hecate?"

Hecate spun on heel, 'Levicorpus'. The flash of light from her wand was easily deflected, cast off to the side of her and whoever was in front of her. It took a few seconds for Hecate to recognize the face in front of her, she had already raised her wand again. The man in front of her waved his wand removing her wand from her. "Really? That spell?" Severus pocketed both of their wands in his robes. "It's not like I knew it was you. Just figured it would be hard to cast spells upside down." A step forward from him caused a flinch and a step back from her.

"Hecate…"

"Sorry… It happened here and out there. There's a reason we don't sleep in my room anymore." Severus moved closer to her, slower this time. He picked up the stack of clothes that she had grabbed and tucked them under his arm. "Off to my room then."

May 17th, 1997

Another Hogsmeade visit came around once more. The same Professors sat huddled in their corner of The Three Broomsticks. Minnie and Pomona sat as usual talking amongst themselves, while Hecate and Severus sat side by side, quietly and watching around the room. The Inn was quiet for a Saturday, most of the children weren't in the Inn trying to settle themselves down quite yet and the adults were avoiding being out at all. Death Eater attacks were becoming more and more frequent, and even Hecate was unsure whether Hogsmeade's visits should still be going on for the students. Of course, if anyone knew Dumbledore, everything should remain normal. Hecate had her elbow resting on the table, her fist sitting underneath her chin. She was staring at the bar, the bar out of focus. The bell above the door going off didn't register to her. "Did you invite friends again?" A nudge brought her back into focus. Hecate looked at Severus who was staring at the door, "What?". He nodded his head to the door where two boys with red hair stood along with a boy with dark brown hair. Hecate shook her head, "No. Didn't know they were coming." She locked eyes with Fred who was beaming at her and nudging the boy next to him with his elbow. They had reminded Hecate in that instant of Golden Retrievers. Normally, she would laugh at such a thought, but today wasn't a day for it. They made their way over to her.

"Hiya Hecate."

It wasn't one of the red-haired boys that spoke first, but Lee. "What are you guys doing here?" Niceties were not extended today, not to even the boys she called her best friends. The three of them exchanged looks, even Minnie and Pomona turned their heads to look. "Just in the area, doing some shopping. Figured if it was a Hogsmeade visit, we could see you." Fred spoke next, although his beam turned into an awkward smile. Hecate nodded, "Fun. Well, I'm sorry to ruin the fun…" Hecate stood up from her seat, "I have patrolling to do. Can't play around all day."

If there were any smiles remaining on any of the boy's faces at that moment, they were gone. Hecate stood up and swiftly headed to the door. Even the roads were quiet, children quickly walked from one building to another, always figuring they were safer inside. Hecate scoffed to herself, easier target more like it. She set off moving towards the quieter ends of the road, checking for children still stupid enough to wander off. She stood at the end of the road for a few minutes, just staring off in the distance.

"Hecate?"

She turned, her hand gripped on her wand in her pocket, hand twitching to throw a spell at an attacker. Lee stood before her, a concerned look on his face as his eyes moved from her face to where he knew her hand was clutched around the wand in her pocket. "First you greet us like we're nothing, then you almost pull a wand on me. What has gotten into you?" Hecate released her wand and crossed her arms. "I'm working. I don't have time for this. You three almost got me in trouble last time." She swiftly moved past him, walking back towards the shops. "Tee!" Lee exclaimed, following her, and catching up easily. He grabbed her shoulder to stop her. She turned to look at him, "What?". "Would it have been horrible for you to be fired? You could've worked at the shop with us…" He licked his lips before continuing to speak. "We could've given us another try." Before Hecate had time to respond, Lee leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips. She swiftly put a hand to his chest and pushed back.

"What are you doing?"

The voice that rang out wasn't Lee's or Hecate's, Lee turned around quickly, looking at the voice that rang out. Hecate knew the voice instantly; it sent a shiver down her spine. Severus moved closer to the pair of them, glaring angrily at both. Lee spoke first, "Sorry Professor, I figured she would be done with you by now." his voice taunted, walking around him but only moving slowly away.

Severus glared at Lee as he left before turning his glare on Hecate. Hecate cowered at the look he was giving her as if he was going to strike her any second. "You couldn't keep your mouth off another man for two seconds? Do I have to tell you how to do everything? - A filthy whore like you should know what to do now. – You should know that this isn't okay." His voice was mean and cruel again. Tears were streaming down her face; she was back there. She was in her room, shivering, but it wasn't cold. He was going to punish her again; she was sure it was going to hurt. She grabbed the front of his cloak, "Please…" her voice came out in a squeal, loud enough for Lee to turn around and watch. "He kissed me… I – I didn't. I didn't kiss him. I pushed him away… I promise I did good this time. Please don't hurt me."

Severus looked startled at the way Hecate was talking to him, he gripped her hands, "Hecate…" He looked around the streets, thanking whomever the streets were empty, even Lee had disappeared. "Hecate, come back to me. I'm not going to hurt you." His tone changed into a soothing one, trying to pull her back out of whatever his tone put her down into. She wasn't looking at him anymore, her eyes were clenched closed, and she was leaning back from him. "Hecate… Baby… Baby come back to me."

"I did good. I didn't kiss him. Please don't, I don't want to."

"I know baby… I'm not mad at you. Open your eyes and come back to me." Hecate adjusted herself to the point Severus could pull her into his arms without her falling. Hecate had tears pouring down her face, she was no longer resisting his touch. Her hands were balled in fists on his chest, along with her forehead resting on it. His arms wrapped around her shoulders, his hand gently stroking her head that flowed down her. "I'm sorry…" came out of her between breaths.

"Me too."

May 20th, 1997

Hecate,

I have business at the school on the First. I need to talk to you. See you soon.

-Remus

June 1st, 1997

Slughorn had been happy to take Hecate's spot on the Hogsmeade trip this time around, much to Severus' chagrin. It took a bit of convincing to get Severus to go and not convince another Professor to go in his place.

"It's just a visit from Remus, Severus."

"You shouldn't be alone."

"I promise not to sleep with him… Go."

"You know that's not what I meant…"

Severus had been sweeter to her as of late, and she hated it. She most definitely deserved his jealousy. She was the one who messed up, it wasn't even him who had hurt her, no matter what the person looked like as they did it. He had been calling her pet names, "Baby.", "Love.", "Sweetheart.". He even tried calling her 'Princess', until she cringed and told him that is what Dad and Uncle James used to call her. Ever since the visit to Hogsmeade, where he had to wrap her up inside of him to bring her back from her waking nightmare, she had been less likely to flinch when he touched her. Sometimes he would dramatically talk with his hands, and one of them would get too close to her face, but it was getting better. He could wake her up with kisses or hair strokes now without her toppling out of bed. Better.

Hecate waited for Remus in the clock tower courtyard. She had perched herself on the water fountain, a book in her hand. She hadn't sat like this since she left school, it was almost peaceful. The sun was shining, it was a nice temperature, and it was quiet. It felt amazing. Until a man covered her in his shadow. She looked up from her book, "Hi Remus." Remus sat next to her, watching her quietly as she closed her book to talk to him. "Hi, Hecate. How's everything?" Hecate smiled at Remus, "It's fine, but cut the crap, Remus. Why are you here?" Remus turned his head, so he didn't have to meet her eyes. "I wanted to talk to you about Snape." Hecate turned her head to look at the water flowing behind Remus, "What about him?" An awkward silence sat between them as Remus waited for the group of first-years to pass them. "Lee got ahold of me after he visited you in Hogsmeade and told me something very disturbing…" This time a group of second years passed them, causing him to pause his words once more. "He told me that he saw Snape yelling at you, and you bursting into tears and begging him for forgiveness and for him not to hurt you." An eye-roll came from her next, "Lee saw something and took it out of context."

"So, you were crying and begging him not to hurt you."

"I slept with Charlie."

A look of confusion came across Remus' face. "When?"

"At the beginning of April. Then I told Severus the next day because he should know. Then I hadn't seen him all day, and I went back to my room. Severus was there, waiting for me, or so I thought. Polyjuice is funny like that. Then not-so-Severus raped me. What Lee saw was Severus jealous because he – meaning Lee himself- had kissed me, and I reacted to Severus' jealousy. He was upset at what he saw, angrily confronted me, and said something to me that my attacker did. It sent me back, I was begging him not to hurt me or punish me because at that moment I was in my room about to be hurt again." Remus didn't speak, he abruptly pulled Hecate into a hug. Hecate wrapped her arms around Remus, hugging him close to her.

"Are we interrupting something?"

A woman's voice broke apart the silence that became between Hecate and Remus. The courtyard was now filling up with children hyped up on sugar from the sweets shop. Remus and Hecate let go of each other. The four Professors stood in front of the pair, Minnie and Pomona smiling, Horace uninterested, and Severus curious. "A girl can't share a hug with her Godfather?" Hecate returned Minnie's smile. The pair stood up, "I don't mean to depart so suddenly, but I do have a meeting with the headmaster." Hecate turned and hugged Remus once more before he set off to the castle. Three out of four teachers moved back towards the school, apparently done with interrupting Hecate. Severus stayed behind an eyebrow cocked at her.

"Have a nice visit?"

Hecate tilted her head towards the door, a gesture to talk while they walked back to their -his- room. They moved towards the door together. "To answer your question, it was alright. Gave him more information than I wanted." Severus looked down at her quickly but said nothing. They did a lot of walking in silence through the halls lately. Ever since their debut in the classroom, the students have made it their personal goal to figure out what a nineteen-year-old and a thirty-seven-year-old had in common. They made it their goal to make sure no one knew. It was a lot funnier for them to come back to the room at the end of the day and talk about the new things they heard about themselves.

They had made it to their – his- room semi-quickly. He allowed her in first and instantly moved to the kitchenette to pour them both glasses of wine. Hecate plopped down at the table, kicking off her shoes in front of her. Severus waved his hand, shooing them off towards the door. Something they never got along with was when things had to happen. She believed her bringing her shoes to the door after kicking them off could wait. Well, he couldn't. He sat down on the opposite side of the table, handing her the second glass of wine.

"More information than wanted?"

He urged her to continue what she had started outside. "Lee got ahold of him and told him that he had seen me crying and begging an angry you not to hurt me." Severus almost waivered his normally careful stoic expression. He took a sip of wine to hide it. "What did you tell Remus?"

"Everything."

"The cheating, the rape, and our reactions. You were right to act angrily towards seeing me kiss another man after what I did." Hecate brought her glass to her lips and took a sip. Severus reached over and covered her hand that was resting on the table with his. "As were you in your right to act the way you did. People act certain ways for certain scenarios. We just manage to push each other's trigger buttons at the same time."

"I didn't kiss him."

"I know, baby." His voice came out in a soothing tone, it was now the way he spoke to her when he realized something didn't come out the way he wanted to. Hecate smiled at him.

"We're getting better, right?"

"Right."

Kissed By Revelation

June 18th, 1997

"Why are you sorry? You hated my father."

One year had passed, one entire year. What was one year compared to twelve? Maybe the knowledge that he wasn't ever going to escape the veil like he did Azkaban. Hecate hated Godric's Hallow, she completely avoided the Potter's house and only looked at their graves long enough to put a single flower on each. Hecate plopped herself down on her father's grave., which of course was right next to Uncle James'. With her mom it was different, she knew there was a body in that grave. She sat for a long time just staring at the gravestone. She had sent out an owl to have it set up, as she was still in Hogwarts when he passed.

Sirius Black

November 3rd, 1959 – June 18th, 1996

Loving Father, Godfather and Partner

"You think the dead we loved ever truly leave us?"

It was short, sweet and to the point. She had Harry help her with what to write for a quote. One of her father's own quotes of course seemed to suit it best. She didn't know what to talk to him about, as it had only been a year. Of course, she had a lot to say, but yelling angrily at an empty grave wasn't a good idea. She was so angry with him. He promised.

"I just want to be able to go out for a stroll… A dog needs fresh air."

"Harry, Remus and I just got you back. Don't be trying to leave us again."

"I won't. I'm not going anywhere for a long time."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

The bastard. Being upset with him was the only thing she had left. It wasn't like she could talk to Remus, he was really bad at coping, diving headfirst into the werewolves' dens on 'order missions'. She couldn't talk to Severus because well, that one is self-explanatory. She couldn't talk to Harry… because well, he didn't want too. She sat for a few more minutes before picking herself up onto her feet, conjuring a beautiful red and gold wreath and placing it on his grave. Then, she disapperated.

Hecate found herself on the outskirts of the school. She stared at the magnificent castle. She remembered being eleven and coming to the school as a student for the first time. The nerve-wracking feeling, the feeling became worse as she was sorted into Slytherin. It took a long time to get over it. She took a deep breath and began to trudge her way to the bigger gate that was locked, for the safety off the school. She pulled out her wand and cast a Patronus towards the school. A dog burst from the end of the tip of her wand, circled her playfully a few times and bound forward towards the school. She waited patiently for someone to let her in, soon after a figure began walking towards the gate. It was already dark out, and she couldn't quite make out the figure in the dark.

A familiar face came into view shortly after their descent to the gate. "You're late. Did you forget we had a staff meeting?" A wave of his wand took off the charms to the gate, allowing them to swing open. "Must've slipped my mind."

The teachers sat patiently waiting for Severus to return with Hecate. Once again, the meeting was delayed due to her lateness. She didn't understand why Dumbledore couldn't start without her. It wasn't like anything new was going on, and that Severus couldn't just fill her in later.

"Ms. Black. I cannot keep allowing tardiness to happen. It is becoming unacceptable that I and the other Professors have to keep waiting for you."

Hecate looked at Dumbledore, "Fire me then."

She didn't care anymore. If he was going to call her out constantly in front of the other teachers, she was going to challenge him every time. "Ms. Black, you know I don't want to do that. Now, sit down so I can begin."

The meeting droned on, it's not like she was missing anything since she wasn't paying attention to begin with. Once Dumbledore finished Hecate was out the door. Severus caught up to her quickly, keeping up with her strides easily. "Hecate…"

"What Severus?"

She didn't bother to stop walking at such a fast pace, she wanted to lay in bed. That was her focus, that was her purpose. "Why were you late?" They had finally made it to Severus' quarters, she pushed her way through the main door, and making her way to the bedroom door before plopping on the bed. "I was in Godric's Hallow." He understood her instantly. "Today's been a year, has it?" She nodded and buried her face in the pillow. He sat down next to her on the bed and placed a gentle hand on her back, rubbing circles into it.

"I'm sorry baby."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why are you sorry? You hated my father."

Severus stopped massaging circles into her and opted to stand up and move away from her. "I am not completely heartless Hecate. I do care about you, and I care when you're upset." His teeth gritted on the last word, causing Hecate to get off the bed. She moved quickly over to Severus, grabbing his left arm, and began rubbing circles gently over it. "I have to go." Severus' voice was low and quiet, he avoided her gaze.

She put her finger under his chin pushing his head up slightly and placing a gently kiss on his lips. "Come back to me."

"Of course."

June 30th, 1997

It was the last day of school, it had been a long year for everyone all around. Severus woke up bright and early and of course woke Hecate up with him. The sun was barely up itself, casting the sky in reds and golds. He had cooked them both a full fry-up, complete with a cup of tea. Hecate sat and watched the man eat his meal, back straight, fork and knife complementing each other with the way he held them.

"Severus?"

A napkin was conjured almost out of thin air to Severus hand so he could wipe his mouth before he answered. "Yes?" She smiled lightly at his properness. He rarely ate when it came to Hogwarts food, she often forgot that he even ate. "Why are we up this early?" Severus had placed another piece of meat in his mouth as she spoke. The fork in her hand danced around the food on her plate, she was never fully hungry in the morning, especially not so early. "It's a good day. Tomorrow all the students leave, then we have two whole months of no dunderheaded children."

A smile crawled over her face, "Is that what gets you excited? No children?" Severus looked at her with a smile that she knew was a front for the sarcastic comment that wanted to pop out of his mouth. "Oh hush…" They finished their meal in peace.

After their breakfasts, Severus suggested a lie down. The best thing he could ever suggest to her. A nap. They curled up in bed together and slept until the afternoon. The sun was high in the sky now, coming through the curtains angrily as if scolding them for wasting the day in bed. Hecate woke first, blinking her eyes rapidly to adjust to the brightness. Her and Severus were facing each other, and she took the opportunity to push his hair out of his face. Her finger ran featherlike down his face. Over his large nose, that always seemed to be the first insult someone says to him. It never bothered her; it made his face her thumb coasting over it. Her hand found her way onto the scruff of his face, cupping her hand on his cheek. His eyes blinked open, a tired smile creeping over his face. "Enjoying the view?" he lightly spoke which was all they needed when they were sharing air space.

"Mm." came through as a rumble on her lips, "Very much so." He scooched closer to her, and placed his head on her chest, a subtle encouragement to stroke his head. She obliged with a small laugh. She twisted her fingers through his hair, his arm wrapping around her waist. He hummed appreciatively into her chest. The hum ran down her chest, awakening a feeling she didn't know was still there. As she questioned herself and her feelings, her strokes in his hair becoming stiller and lazier.

Once her hand completely stopped, he nuzzled once more before lifting his head. "Everything okay?" She nodded at him, looking past the top of his head and not at him. "Hecate?"

"Hmm?" The trance that had taken place on her broke, and she looked down finally meeting his eyes. His jet-black eyes bore into hers. "Are you okay?" he repeated. She contemplated for a minute, her eyes gazed off and her mouth open and shut a few times before she was ready to speak to him. "Can I—we try something?" He shifted in bed, raising himself on one elbow, his head propped up on his hand. "Sure."

She grasped his free hand in hers, and moved it to her chest, placing his palm over her breast. Her hand closed around his, forcing him to lightly grab it. Severus looked at her curiously. "Can you … play with it… I want to see if I can handle it." Severus didn't take his eyes off her, his hand massaged her breast gently before moving his hand slowly down to wrap his thumb and pointer finger around her nipple, twisting it ever so slightly. A moan inadvertently escaped her mouth. Severus pulled his hand back quickly, as a curtain of red crossed Hecate's face.

"Sorry… Your face in my chest made me feel something I haven't felt in months."

He nodded, understanding what she meant. It had been nearly three months since they have touched each other in that way. He had began taking matters into his own hands in the shower, pretending his fist was her. He always felt horrible after he had achieved his high, feeling as if he wasn't being sympathetic to her. He had needs too.

Hecate got off the bed and unbuttoned her top, dropping it onto the floor, following it by pulling her pajama pants and underwear down as well. She crawled back in bed with him, covering herself quickly. "Hecate… I don't want you to push yourself if you're not ready." Of course, his body betrayed him. The small glance he had gotten at her naked body -she also hadn't changed in front of him in months- erected him as a new statue, or a dog seeking a spot to put their bone. "I want to try. Please Severus?"

Something was tearing at him inside, a yes or no dilemma. Yes, became the answer, he could see the look in her eyes. He uncovered himself and stood up undressing himself slowly before getting under the covers himself. A few awkward movements between the two of them and he was on top of her, under the covers. He hovered over her, his hands holding his body up over her. He waited patiently for her go ahead to touch her. Her eyes wandered over his chest and arms, eyes quickly studying each scar and the black dark mark on his left forearm. She turned her head to each arm and placed her lips gently on the scars before bringing herself to look at him once more.

A small smile crossed his lips before he leaned down to press them to hers. "You can move Severus." As his eyes scanned her face, he propped himself on one hand, a balancing act of sorts before pushing his now free hand between them. He pressed lightly on her nub, rubbing it in gently circles. Hecate reached up wrapping her hand around his arm that was balancing himself. A moan escaped her lips, and he took that as a signal to run his fingers between her folds, lubricating his fingers. One of his fingers circled around her entrance, "You're treating me like a virgin all over again Severus." His named turned into a groan as his slid his finger inside of her. "Same thing, taking your virginity was a leap of faith and trust from you, as is now. You're rebirthing yourself by allowing me to touch you again."

"Poetic."

He pulled his finger out of her, gave her an eyeroll while and brought it to his lips and cleaned it off before setting his hand next to her head. She could feel his member resting on her thigh, "Ready?" As he asked, her stomach jumped nervously. "I think so…" Severus leaned down a pressed a light kiss to her forehead, "You need to know, I don't want you to do anything you don't want to. In fact," he paused before continuing, "If you want me in you, you need to do it." A curious look came over her face, they once again shifted awkwardly as her arm snake down between them. It was Severus' turn to moan as she wrapped her fingers around him.

She gently tugged on him pulling him closer to her, lining his tip with her hole. She lifted her legs up to wrap around his waist and push him into her. Severus smiled and kissed her lips. "Doing, okay?" Hecate nodded, as he slowly thrusted in and out of her. This was a change of pace from their pace before. This was sweet and slow, gentle. It was well needed before getting back to where they were. She had forgotten how the real Severus felt inside of her, looking back she could almost tell the difference between how the real Severus and not-so-Severus felt. Even if all the parts were the same.

A slow knot formed in her stomach, threatening to crash over at any point, teasing her. Their breaths were almost synchronized, neither one of them were moaning, just enjoying the feel of each other, and breathing hard. "Severus…"

"Me-too, go-ahead baby…"

Waves crashed over them both, Severus rode out their highs until he could no longer thrust into her. He collapsed half on top of her, half on the bed, his face nuzzled into her shoulder.

"I love you…"