Disclaimer.

J.K Rowling went out one day so I took her characters out to play.

We ran around, they laughed with glee,

All this fun and she works for free!

Here we go, the first chapter post HBP. I must say, this book was my least favourite. Not because of the ending per say. Just generally; and besides the ending, I think this might be an incredibly boring movie. Nuff said about that.

Thanks to the few who reviewed. Silver 1, Shadowknight, jagqueen2, Helen, Mark Darcy. I'm not a review hound for praise, I generally enjoy feed back good or bad and I just want to know who is reading.

Jagqueen2, hope your assignments are up to date – there will be a bit more action coming up.

The ball ends in an admission of a truth?

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

Draco made his way to his favourite tower to think. His house and he himself had been publicly embarrassed by Gryffindors and Harry Potter. Snorting in self derision, he ran his hand through his carefully groomed shoulder length hair before sitting on the parapet.

"Why couldn't you loan me the money, Draco?" asked a sullen female voice.

With start, Draco turned and peered into the shadows, "What are you doing here, Pansy? Snape allowed you to go the dance only until the auction bids were awarded then you had to go back to your dorm." Draco snapped at her.

"What difference does it make? He's too busy with his Muggle piece to notice." She retorted.

"You know, I used to think you were fairly clever; now…. Don't you think he has wards up telling him where his students are, you stupid cow?" he derided her as he stood and approached her shadowed corner. "Go back to your room little girl, you annoy me."

Pansy began to cry, "Don't do this to me Draco. Don't turn away from me. I nnneed you." She sobbed.

"What for? You've got enough going with your usual clientele. I don't choose to associate with whores." He looked at her with disgust but quickly looked away as she crumpled into a ball in the corner alcove.

"I don't like what I do. I hate what I've become." She sobbed even harder.

Draco crouched and looked at her tear streaked face. "Then why do you do it Pansy? Why did you start what you did over the summer hols? Nott told me about the party."

Taking a breath, Pansy looked up at the boy she worshipped. "I had to. I owed money to Tracey Davis. I had to pay her so she wouldn't tell my parents about the trip."

Draco frowned. "What trip?"

"The trip to Muggle London." She replied quietly. "We went to shop for some things we saw in a magazine; sexy, lacy shreddies. When we got back, her brother was in The Leaky Cauldron. He took all her money and mine to keep quiet about it. It was the money for my school books."

"Why did you owe her money though?" he asked.

"It turned out her brother blackmailed her all the time so she knew enough to hide some away. She had enough to pay for both our books and I had to pay her back. I didn't have any more money and I couldn't ask my parents for more. They already warned me. So she said find it some how and bring it to the party the following weekend." she pushed herself up and leaned against the wall. "I went back to her brother and begged for some money back to pay Tracey. He told me I had to earn it at the party. He showed me how to earn the money when I arrived at his parents and told me I could earn enough if I pleased his friends. So I did."

"Pansy, why didn't you contact me then?" Draco asked.

Pansy shoved him away. "Because I'm a stupid cow; I didn't know what I would be doing to earn the money until I got there." She yelled.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Donning her teachers' robes once more, Phaelan accompanied Severus on his rounds of the castle in search of hormonal teens seeking sheltered nooks for bouts of nooky. They spoke quietly together as they walked through the darkened hallways, stopping before several known hiding spots and finding only two Hufflepuffs who were petting heavily behind the statue of Boris the Bewildered.

"Mr Hopkins, Miss Jones," Snape began as he looked down at the entwined couple in the deep alcove. He waited until they hurriedly pushed themselves apart and stood rearranging their clothes. The young gentleman had the good graces to face away from Phaelan as he fastened his pants; too quickly by the sound of his pain filled groan.

Glaring at them, Snape pronounced sentence. "By all appearances, neither of you has learned anything in the way of privacy charms to prevent your primal moans from besmirching the blissful silence of Hogwarts halls in the evenings. I have no desire to witness the pathetic, prurient pawing of pupils who, I have been informed, are poised on the cusp of adulthood. Take yourselves back to your common room and on the way take twenty-five points off your house – each – for public displays of amatory concupiscence." He narrowed his eyes, as the students stood frozen to the spot. "Move….NOW!" he yelled breaking their trance.

Phaelan watched as the couple trotted off down the hall towards their rooms; the girl carrying her sling back platform shoes in her hand. She began to chuckle and watched as Snape began to smile in his usual demonic fashion after terrifying a student.

"I think you enjoy that far too much." She announced.

"It took many hours of practice before the mirror to get my technique perfected." He replied with a straight face causing Phaelan to laugh harder.

"Oh Severus, when I first met you, I would never have guessed you had such a sense of humour." She told him as she caught her breath.

"Madam, I never jest." He replied in mock seriousness before pulling her into the same alcove and his arms.

"Don't forget the charms, Professor." She teased.

Taking out his wand, Severus cast a Disillusionment Charm over them and then pulled Phaelan to him to kiss her deeply.

As she ended the kiss, Phaelan reached up and stroked his face. He captured her hand and placed a kiss on the palm.

"I didn't mean to get you upset tonight Severus. I just wanted you to want me enough to dance with me a little." She told him while stroking his now shoulder length even hair.

"Phaelan, a sexy dress or a potato sack; it matters not what you wear to me. It is you I want and that is all. For as long as you want me, I will see no other as I see you. I just…I don't…"

"Severus, someone told me you would have learned to dance as a youth. Why won't you even dance a waltz with me?" she asked.

Severus looked past her and recalled his teenage years at Hogwarts. "Too many taunts and insults have made me lock away many things from public view Phaelan. It's hard to change a habit once you've made it a ritual."

Phaelan turned his face to hers once more. "I never thought I would give myself completely to a man again until I met you. Now, there is nothing I wouldn't do for you if you asked it of me."

Severus looked at her and frowned. No one had ever made a declaration of such magnitude to him since Dumbledore had taken him into the Order. Reaching up, he touched her face, running his thumb over her lips and brushing her lashes lightly with a fingertip.

"I have been a miserable bastard for more than half my life. You make me do things and see the world in a new way. Or perhaps, I just forgot that there are people that are not out to make me look foolish." He told her.

"Happiness is not rationed Severus. We are all allowed to share. Tell me, what can I do for you that would make you dance with me tonight? Just one dance." She looked at him hopefully.

"Let me think as we finish this patrol." He decided and smiled a smile of promise for her as he removed the charm before leading her out of the alcove.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Phinnius sat in Hogwarts dungeons far below the party, wondering at the creative genius of the great Dumbledore who could set such sublime torture for him, while no one except his degenerate partner in crime was present.

After dining on the flatulence producing food, the loyal Irishmen were offered Guinness by the pint. After the third had appeared, Phinnius had figured out that the old bugger was going to make them suffer by their own physical weaknesses. He left off the stout beer and sat back. Liam on the other hand thought he had landed in some kind of insurgent's idea of heaven. He supped back each pint of the Black Pork Chop in a Glass each time his empty mug was magically refilled.

Liam lay back on the cot that had been set up for his bed and began to sing, ad nauseum.

"I've been a wild rover for many a year

I've spent all my money on whiskey and beer

Now I'm returning with gold in great store

And I swear that I'll play the wild rover no more

And it's no, nay, never

No, nay never, no more

Will I play the wild rover

No never, no more."

"For the love of God Liam, shut up." Shouted Phinnius in exasperation.

"Phinnius, we are a lucky pair of bastards." Liam announced. "Look at us, in prison, eatin' better than we did by our own hands and supping on stout."

The drunken man staggered to his feet, still with a pint in his hands, and made his way to the bars separating him from his cohort.

"A toast Phin, a toast to our captors." Liam decided. "GOD BLESS ALL IN THIS CASTLE." He shouted before downing the rest of his beer.

"Oh, Phin, I supped too much." Liam groaned. "WHERE'S THE BOG?" he shouted.

Buggit the elf suddenly appeared and led the drunken man to a commode in the corner of the cell where several rolls of toilet paper were hung on the bars. The small creature helped him unfasten his pants to sit, which he did with a relieved moan.

Phinnius sat in his own cell at the point furthest away from the suffering man. The noises and odours emanating from that source, wafted towards him and Phinnius tried to bury his nose in a pillow.

Just to make total misery complete, Buggit again opened the armoires to release the Boggarts. For Liam, his mother appeared once again to torment him; for Phinnius, the Boggart wavered between Voldemort and a toilet bound Liam, complete with sound and smell. Phinnius and Liam both began to groan and weep in their misery.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

The crowd in the Great Hall were swaying to the sounds of Roberta Flack and 'Where is the Love'. Tonks had arrived looking like a reject from the Cyndi Lauper fan club replete with Doc Martin's. Regardless, Remus held her close as they danced to the sensuous music, pausing now and again to kiss the top of her head.

"I miss you luv'" she told Remus. "I wish I was here instead of Kingsley."

"I do too, Dora, but the ministry decided who to send." Remus reminded her.

"Say that again Remus." She requested with a smile.

"Say what?" he asked.

"What you called me," she said as she looked up into her lover's face.

Remus pulled her closer and bent to her ear and murmured "Dora, I love you."

Tonks stopped dancing and looked at Remus in surprise. "You what?"

"I love you Nymphadora Tonks. You are the light of my pathetic life. Will you stay here tonight?" he asked in an innocent tone.

Tonks nodded, her pink hair bouncing in the light. "Yeah…Yeah I'll stay. Tonight, tomorrow next year, forever." She laughed quietly and pulled him to her body to begin dancing again. "I love you Remus. With all of my heart." She suddenly pulled back and looked at him. "Just one thing; I will not clean wolf hair out of the drains, that's your job."

Across the hall, Ron and Hermione were holding each other, oblivious to the actual music; just enjoying the feel of each other's bodies and the shared closeness.

"Hermione, do you remember this past summer, I asked if you would mind if I asked to court you?" asked Ron.

Hermione was resting her head on his shoulder with her eyes closed enjoying the feel of his arms around her. "I remember Ron. I also told you I loved you so, I guess that means we're courting.

"Ah, not quite luv." Ron began, not sure how to proceed.

Hermione opened her eyes and looked at him. "What do you mean?"

Ron cleared his throat, as he was ever wont to do when faced by a challenge, "Well, our customs say I have to speak to your family to ask permission to formally court you. It's a very old tradition of Purebloods."

"Ron Weasley." Hermione began sharply, "Since when did you hold with that Pureblood rubbish. I thought you were better than that."

"Hermione, please." Begged Ron, "Just hear me out." Looking around Ron spotted an unused table in a corner. "Come on, let me explain before you knacker me."

Ron led her to the table and bid her to sit.

"Hermione, courting is an old custom. Muggles used to do this too. But, we have such a small community, we kept the tradition." Explained Ron.

"Since when did you instruct me, Ron?" Asked Hermione, completely befuddled at her boyfriend.

"Dad said you wouldn't understand." Ron told her as he looked at his clasped hands.

"Alright, explain. What is your custom?" Hermione asked to humour him more than anything else.

"Hermione, I love you and I want the world to know what I feel. I want to protect you and I want you to know that I will not look at another woman as long as I'm with you. When we are courting, there are old spells created by our promise to each other that connect us." At this Ron faltered. "I really don't know how to explain it more. My mum probably could."

"Is it a betrothal?" Hermione asked trying to place it logically in her brain.

"Not quite." He replied, "but more than going steady in the Muggle world; my dad explained that." Ron smiled.

Hermione mulled over what Ron had told her. She had no reason not to jump into the courtship but her parents were Muggles and they might have problems.

"You need to speak to my parents, right?" she asked.

"Yeah, if I can." He replied.

"Then we need to speak to Dumbledore." Hermione told him while she shared a smile of love.

Cccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc

Severus and Phaelan continued their stroll through the castle finding a few more couples in compromising situations though none as flagrant as the first Hufflepuff pair. Phaelan had her arm linked with his as they made their way to the last tower; Phaelan's favourite. As they approached they heard voices. Suddenly a girl's voice rang out clearly in the still corridor.

"Because I'm a stupid cow; I didn't know what I would be doing to earn the money until I got there."

Snape looked at Phaelan and said, "Parkinson; she should be in her room." Before he swept up the stairs to confront the truant girl.

Phaelan followed. The girl sounded distressed and unlike her usual brash self.

"Miss Parkinson, why are you not in your house and abed? I gave you explicit instructions." Said Snape in his most intimidating voice. "And you Malfoy; are you encouraging your house mate to disobey?"

Draco looked at his god-father. "No sir, I was about to escort Pansy back to Slytherin as you arrived. She had some…concerns she needed to speak about." He offered in an attempt to defray Snape's anger.

Crossing his arms, Snape sneered at Malfoy. "You dissembled better as a second year." turning to Pansy, he asked. "Well, Miss Parkinson, I'm waiting."

"I…I…." she stuttered.

"Let me begin for you, Miss Parkinson, by paraphrasing, 'Because I'm a stupid cow; I didn't know what I would be doing to earn the money...etcetera?" Snape looked at her frightened visage.

Pacing away from her to the parapet, Snape turned and asked, "I have heard some disturbing stories about a seventh year girl in my house, Parkinson. Would you care to enlighten me?"

Licking her lips, Pansy looked at Draco who stared straight ahead. "I'm not sure what you mean Professor." She replied.

Snape snorted. "Did you know there is an open book on you to bid on when you will fall pregnant and with whom? Do you think I hold my head high in pride when I hear of the Slytherin Slut who offers discounts for frequent customers?"

"It's not true," cried Pansy, "I only give blow jobs and hand jobs….." she faded out at the look on Snape's face. "You didn't really hear those things. You made me admit…." The last was lost in sobs.

Draco closed his eyes once and opened them again to look at his house master who had turned to look out over the dark grounds. Snape had heard rumours but had hoped that was all they were. He hadn't dealt with such a blatant admission before.

"Pansy, "called Phaelan but was ignored by the distraught girl. "Pansy. "she said again louder. "How long has this been going on?" she asked.

"Since summer." Pansy told the Muggle.

Snape turned back once more to look at the young girl he had known as a toddler. "Let's take this to my office." He told them as he led the way.

The small group made their way to the dungeons in silence. When they entered Snape's office, Phaelan made her way to the side counter leaving the two students to stand before their Head of House.

Snape sat behind his desk and with a wave of his hand caused two chairs to slide behind the youths.

"Sit." He ordered. "Start talking, now."

Pansy looked once at Draco who nodded and then began to retell her story. At the end of it, Severus looked at her once more before pinching the bridge of his nose.

"There is one thing I do not understand Parkinson, why do you continue if you have paid back the money." he demanded.

Pansy looked at the ceiling, trying to maintain her composure. "Because….because I only have ten galleons from my parents for the year. They made some…" at this she stopped and looked at her Muggle Professor. "some donations and they only have enough to live on until the rents come from the crofts next spring."

Sighing, Snape understood that her father had given money to Voldemort and left the family virtually penniless.

"Alright, Malfoy escort Miss Parkinson to the house. This is not over, but any and I mean any consequences are to come from this office. Am I understood?" he pointedly asked Draco.

"Yes sir." He replied.

"Oh, Miss Parkinson, one last thing, "Snape continued, " your excursion into private enterprise is now over. Don't think of trying to get it past me again. You will report every evening to me and when not in the library, attending class or the Great hall, you will be in your chambers for the foreseeable future."

"But sir.." She cried.

"Perhaps you would prefer expulsion? A meeting with the Headmaster and an examination with our Mediwitch?" Snape asked with a raised eyebrow. "No, I thought not. Good, now get out." Snape ordered. With a jerk of the head he dismissed them.

Phaelan watched as Severus slumped in his chair when the students had left.

"How bad is it Severus? How many others are being pushed to find a means to make money in your House?" Phaelan asked gently knowing he held a fierce pride in Slytherin.

"Not all in Slytherin come from wealthy Pureblood families, Phaelan. My own childhood was spent making do on whatever a small trust fund my mother had as an income to provide for us. My Father had backed the wrong side during the rise of Grindelwald and when he saw his investment evaporate with his great leader, he decided to spend his days in dissipation." Leaning forward on his arms, he thought about his students. "Those blindly faithful to the Dark Lord are passing more and more money to him for Merlin knows what kind of folly he would have them sponsor. The progeny who suffer are the ones least used to going without."

Phaelan thought for a moment, worried about what she wanted to say. "Severus, I know you are resistant to the idea but shouldn't you discuss this with Albus. I'll bet he already has an inkling of what is happening anyway."

Coming to his feet suddenly, Severus rounded on her angrily, "I thought you had some common sense in that pretty head of yours. I don't trust Dumbledore any more than I trust my other Master. What is the difference between a malevolent Master and benevolent Master? Do you know?" he shouted.

"Severus.." Phaelan looked at him, taken aback by his outburst.

"Well, let me enlighten you since I have so much experience of both. Propaganda, Dogma and Promises. They both spin a wonderful tale of greatness and freedom; of redemption and retribution. In the end, it's all the same. Follow me, I have the right way. I shall lead you into a great new world of prosperity where you shall receive your just rewards and recognition." Severus then seemed to loose all of the energy behind his outburst and threw himself back in his chair.

"At least, the Dark Lord is honest enough to admit his desire for domination of Wizardingkind and the extermination of impurity's as he sees them. Dumbledore wants to make over the world in light and love and lemon drops. Now, you tell me, who is more deluded?" he looked at her.

Phaelan understood the feelings of ambiguity the dark wizard was feeling. She had battled them for a long time before coming to Hogwarts. "Yet you choose to stay and serve both after a fashion. Is it your way to ensure a place regardless of the victor?" she asked coyly.

"I serve myself, madam, and my purposes are my own. That I would entrust this knowledge to you should be proof of my trust in your good sense. You have already seen what Dumbledore would prefer of his little army and stood fast against it." He reminded her quietly while watching her through hooded eyes.

Phaelan looked at him thoughtfully. Severus Snape, the dark mysterious wizard still lurked in her lover. "You scare me sometimes, Severus." She told him.

Standing, he came around and faced her. "Phaelan, you are my Lady that I have sworn to protect and cherish. I consider it no less binding than any oath I gave to my masters. Regardless of the outcome, you will be mine for as long as you choose. I will not let you sway me from my chosen path however, and when I require it, you will submit to my will concerning the Dark Lord. I will not allow you to fall to him."

For some reason, the dungeons felt warm and Phaelan began to sweat as Severus stood near. It was the same energy release that accompanied her introduction to Magic."

"What are you doing to me Severus?" she asked as she wiped her forehead.

Snape smiled, "Just testing our oath. It has created a deep bond between us, even deeper than I suspected. I had just tried to think of another woman in your place and you sensed it."

"Is there another Severus?"

"There is no one and never was one before you. If the elements are kind, there will be no other." He hinted before kissing her gently on the tip of her nose.

Pulling his wand, Severus muttered a charm while passing the wood over her face and hair, leaving her feeling refreshed.

"What was that?" she asked.

"It's the charm mothers use to clean up untidy children." He told her with a small smile.

Phaelan frowned "Where would Severus Snape, master of Slytherin have learned a domestic charm and why?"

He snorted. "I am in charge of a house of children playing at being grown ups. They get dirty and untidy. Someone has to clean them up before meals." He opened the door and led her out. "I have become quite adept at a French Braid."

Vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

The ball was winding down for another year. Couples were leaving to find a quiet spot to say their good nights. The singles were ensuring the elfin made food didn't go to waste and were quietly stashing plates of food under jackets and wraps to return to the common rooms.

Harry and Ginny were swaying contentedly to Endless Love sung by Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross. Ginny had her head resting on Harry's shoulder and he rested his cheek on her soft hair; both had their eyes closed. It was perfect. Suddenly, Ginny yawned and sighed.

Harry lifted his head and looked down at her, "Are you tired Ginny? If you are we can leave." He told her in a gentle voice.

"Yeah, I'm ready to go but can we take the long route back?" she asked as she looked up at him, her eyes shining.

Harry smiled and wondered not for the first time why Ginny hadn't made it into Slytherin. She was brilliantly cunning and usually had her brothers under her thumb.

"Just what do you have in mind young lady?" he teased.

"I thought we could talk, walk maybe more?" she replied, "I don't care as long as it's with you Harry."

"Me neither, come on." He decided as he took her hand and led her out of the hall just as Phaelan and Severus entered. Muttering their goodnights, the younger couple escaped the suspicious glare of the potions master.

"Up to mischief no doubt." He spat at their retreating backs.

"I wouldn't mind some myself." Phaelan teased at his scowling face.

"Hmn." He replied as he turned to look around the Great Hall. Minerva and Albus were taking a turn about the floor. Luna and Neville were dancing staring attentively into each other's eyes. It appeared the young lady was capturing the mind of Neville with her tales of creatures heretofore considered mythical but of which she was firmly convinced existed.

Remus and Tonks were approaching them, totally engrossed in each other. Tonks giggled over something Lupin said just as they met up with Phaelan and Snape.

"Wotcher, it was a great party this year, eh?" Tonks said as she saw them before her. "I didn't even need to find a costume; I had all this in my trunk for my dressy clothes at home."

"Cool." Phaelan replied, lost at what to think about Tonks wardrobe.

"Well, I'm off to see Dora to her room. Albus invited her to stay the night." Remus told them.

Snape raised a skeptical eyebrow and offered "Indeed. Is it on the school floo?"

"I wouldn't know." Snapped Remus, "You have far more experience in that area than I, Severus."

Phaelan elbowed Severus gently, "Well, we'll see you for breakfast then." She said trying to smooth the ruffled feathers.

"Maybe, maybe not." Remus replied. "Good night." He nodded and led Tonks out.

Phaelan sighed. "Can't you turn it off for one night." She commented on the long standing enmity.

Severus looked at her and answered "No."

Phaelan let it drop by leading him further into the emptying hall. The DJ announced the last song pulling the remaining people out of their seats to either dance or return to their dorms. Looking at Severus who was now speaking to Goyle about his successful bid, Phaelan took the moment to approach the stage to speak to the DJ who was packing up. She leaned close and asked the man a question to which he nodded. The music suddenly faded to a new tune which the DJ announced was a request. Phaelan was tired of waiting and walked up to Snape to tap him on the shoulder.

"I believe you owed me something." She told him as she slipped off her teachers' robes and took his hand. As she pulled him a step forward onto the floor, Phaelan stepped into his space and took up her stance to dance.

Severus opened his mouth to object until he listened to the lyrics of The First Time by Surface when he finally wrapped his arm around her and danced while the music worked its own magic in the room. The lyrics seemed so appropriate.

"You know I won't forget the times we shared together holding hands
And walking in the park
Sometimes we'll have to do it all again
We were so happy then
I have no regrets
Can't you tell from the look on my face
That I love you more today

The first time I looked into your eyes I cried
Do you remember?

The first time we fell in love
You looked into my eyes
Wiped the tears away
The first time
When we fell in love

Although some time has passed
I still remember just like it was yesterday
But time is moving fast
The love I have for you
Time won't ever change
I'll always feel the same
Now until the end
Memories we share will live forever
Deep inside my heart
I know I'll never forget

The first time I looked into your eyes I cried
Do you remember?

The first time we fell in love
You looked into my eyes
Wiped the tears away
The first time
When we fell in love

Oh when we fell in love

The music ended and they stopped moving but still stayed in each others arms looking into one another's eyes. The great hall stood empty except for them; the DJ had packed and left in less than five minutes. Dumbledore had shooed out the stragglers and closed the doors behind them as they all left, warding against any entry until morning.

Phaelan found her voice first, "Thank you. You dance well Severus; I would dance with you anytime."

"Phaelan, the music; what the song said…" he began quietly.

"Yeah, I thought it was a nice slow piece." She smiled and looked away to cover her nervousness. Spying her robes, she made to walk to the chair they were lying on only to be held back by a hand on her waist.

"The lyrics were not by chance Phaelan. Look at me?" he asked gently as he cupped her face to turn her towards him. "Do you?" he finally whispered.

Phaelan swallowed and reached up to touch his lips with tentative finger. "Yes." She replied.

"Phaelan….Phaelan….I….I…." he breathed deeply "No one has loved me since my mother died." He told her as he closed his eyes.

"Severus, I love you just as you are. I don't ask anything more from you. I just wanted you to know." She told him and looked down.

"Foolish woman; I don't know why I put up with you and your Muggle ways." He teased her gently as he pulled her face to his. "I have never said this before. If I make an error, you should at least be forewarned. Phaelan," he began before kissing her forehead, "I am deeply and totally in love with you. At times, it overwhelms me so I can scarce breathe. I can't imagine you not being here; you have so infiltrated my very being. I'm not a romantic by nature and I will likely hurt your feelings uncounted times. I hope you can see past that."

Phaelan smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Do I look like a candy and flowers type girl to you Snape? I'll settle for a heated argument with a good fuck to make up in your bed over chocolate and roses any day."

With a genuine smile, Severus kissed her thoroughly and at length, allowing their desires to mount. "Come." He finally told her as he led her to the fireplace of the Great Hall. "Lupin was right about one thing, I do know the school floo better than he does." Then he threw a small packet of floo powder into the flames and called his chambers before sweeping her into his arms to carry her to his bed for a night of bliss.