Chapter Eight

Death Eaters and Dance Teachers

Classes dragged on the day. My first class was with the Gryffindor and Slytherin houses again. Hermione had pressed me for where I was the other evening, but having a strong will helped me avoid answering it. After my first class I have an hour and a half to myself before lunch.

Sitting at my desk I looked over the letter I had received from my father. The door opened again as Minerva and her class of Hufflepuff students came in.

"Take your seats. Quickly now." She instructed. I smiled up at her.

"Professor." I greeted. She gave me a small smile leaning over my desk, talking in alow voice.

"Professor Snape will be along to collect you shortly." She smiled a bit wider. I blushed and looked away from her. I knew that smile she gave me. It was that small suggestive smile she always gave when she knew there was something special going on. I was about to question her when a voice interupted us.

"Professor." it was one of Minerva's students obviously tired of being ignored. McGonagall turned to face her class.

"Yes, yes of course." McGonagall started her class and another half hour later the door to the room opened and Snape stepped through. I stood from my desk saying a quick good-bye to McGonagall I followed Severus out of the castle and toward the forbidden forest.

It was a beautiful flush Autumn day. A warm breeze blew my long hair back from my face. Severus glanced at me occasionally.

"Where are we going?" I asked slightly confused. Severus let a smile claim his features.

"Why does it matter? Do you wish to go back?" I blushed profusely. A smalldeep voice, hardy chuckle came from his chest.

"No, of course not." Snape took my hand and held it tight. I squeezed his hand encouragingly. I smiled as hints of a small garden came into view. A small blanket was layed out in the middle of the small square garden. It was absolutely picture perfect. The sight took my breath away.

"It's beautiful." I said calmly. Severus smiled and my heart fluttered. He placed a hand on the small of my back and walked me to the blanket. He took off his thick outer robe and my heart did flips. He wore a wonderful black shirt that showed of every muscle in his body. The sun shone brightly threw the opening in the tears and it felt warm upon my skin. I laid back sprawled out on the blanket enjoying the warmth. Severus moved so that he was sitting beside me. I could feel his dark eyes upon me.

"Jasmine, there is something we need to talk about." I looked up at him and a look of seriousness claimed his features. I propped myself up on my elbows and looked at him.

"What is it?" He looked away quickly and then meet my eyes once more.

"It has come to your father's attention that you are connected to Voldermort because you are his daughter." I nodded knowing this part. "Dumbledore thinks that if you were to connect yourself or Bound as some wizards refer to it as, The bound will not be as strong and maybe harder for him to track you." I sat up indian style in front of him.

"So what's the point your trying to make here Severus?" I asked impatiently. Severus looked away and then stood reaching out his hand to me. I took it only to pull him down and practically on top of me. I blushed as he sat across from me. Sighing he placed a gently hand on the side of my face. My heart did flips as he leaned closer to me brushing his lips over mine.

The kiss was soft and barely noticeable, but then his tongue came out to gently explore my mouth. I pulled away blushing deeply.

"Severus we shouldn't be doing this." He sighed and ran his hand down my arm. I could feel frustration and worry rolling off him.

"Jasmine, Dumbledore has connected me to you mentally. To complete it we have to give ourselves to each other willingly." Shock had come over me. This was wrong, but that kiss had felt so right.

"But," I couldn't find my words. "Why wasn't I consulted about this. He should have asked me." I was almost hysterical. This wasn't right. Although I found Severus attractive. I didn't feel as though I could love him. That what I wanted to marry for was love. Severus looked shocked not knowing what to do. He reached out again and tried to sooth me. Who was this man. It was not the Severus I had known. The mean and despicable man that had taught me. I was scared for my life and for my heart when Snape told me this news. I stood and moved away from the blanket, turning away from him. I heard Severus stand as well and I felt his arm wrap around me and hold me tight to him. I turned in his arms and pushed against his chest.

"No I don't want this. This isn't fair!" I was practically sobbing. Finally calming down Severus held me close to him and I wept into his chest.

"Your father was only thinking of how he could keep you safe Jasmine. You needed to be connected to a Death Eater and I was the only logical one he knew that wouldn't force this onto you." I looked up at him Anger still a factor in me.

"What about you. This isn't fair for you." Severus looked down and meet my eyes.

"As I found out years ago nothing is ever fair." Severus took a small glance at his watch then dried my tears. "You have class in a few minutes. Come let's get you back to the castle." he took my hand leaving the blanket for some house elf from the school to come and collect later.

The walk to the castle was quite. I wouldn't allow him to touch me. I wanted nothing to do with him. On the way back to the school I thought of everything that had gone wrong this year. It was past Halloween and yet I doubt my year could get any better. The guy whose eye I was hoping to catch over summer Vacation suddenly disappeared. As we approached the castle I stopped and looked at Snape.

"If I must go through with this promise me one thing?" Snape nodded and watched me carefully I looked away and out toward the lake. "Promise me that you'll never hurt me?" Snape said nothing just took my hand and lead me into the castle.