Disclaimer: I own nothing but plot and characters.
A/N: Ummm... Mushy lovey dovey stuff...Yeah. You all knew it was coming sooner or later. oh no! few chaps left! (about 7 or less.) I had a dream last night and all I did was stare into Snape's eyes and then we flew away on his broom. D'ya think I'm writing this too much? yeah, me too. and then, to top it all off, I met that stupid jackss Fudge. OH Hi nice to meet you why don't you GO AWAY...book murderer. damn you and your crap-ss ways. what? I'm not defending HP books or anything.
Ok-read this-FIRST book I mentioned stuff about voldemort and stuff but not much. I'm going to tie it into the next chapter and whenever I need it so I can finally say there was a purpose for putting it there. It might be a really stupid thing, but voldemort is cut off after year three because I said so. hehe for this fanfic anyway.
Chapter 32: Hide and Sneak
Being in love was something I could have never prepared myself for. Even worse situations have cornered me now, leaving me in a tough bind. It was Friday morning and still the day after I and Snape ...Let those three little words fly out of our mouths. The problem was not with him, but with everyone else. Would we make it seem as though nothing happened? How would I tell Hermione and the others? Would I tell the others? So many questions and only one way to solve them: Go through the day calmly and rationally, not getting nervous whenever something is about to leash out into the open.
The silver necklace was still delicately wrapped around my skin, shining through like the stars in the sky, or the charm on the chain. I put my black teacher's robes on and curled my long hair towards the ends. So what if I wanted to be pretty for Sev? No one would notice if I added a little pink lip gloss and black eyeliner. Or mascera. Ok, so maybe I overdid it a bit with the glitter eyeshadow, but no harm done.
I waited until ten past seven to leave my room. If I knew Sev, he wouldn't want me hanging all over him like some dirty rag. The Great Hall was just as packed as always, and people stared me down as always. Not in an attracted way, but more of a I-hate-you-for-no-reason stare. My seat was the same, so nothing new yet. I couldn't figure out why I thought everything was going to change today.
"Morni--" Mione noticed the gloss, the shadow, the mascera, and the necklace, "Maranda!"
"Shhh!" I looked in her eyes and said firmly, "I will explain everything later tonight in the lounge. Bring the gang."
I began to tear away at my breakfast when Sev turned to me and mumbled, "Nice hair."
Hehe, I knew he'd like it. "Thanks," I gazed at him with the normal Maranda-toSnape-stare and added, "I need to talk to you before classes."
"So do I," He half-smiled and went back to eating breakfast.
A few more minutes went by with no real conversations. Sev was actually talking to Draco for a moment about how annoying Lockhart is. Hermione had to go over the schedule of the day with McGonagal, which left me talking to no one. I hurried up and finished breakfast so I could leave.
While I walked down the dungeon halls, I figured waiting in Snape's room would be no big deal since he already knew I needed to talk to him. More importantly, the Advanced Potions class was second, right after the first year class. So there I stood, beside his desk, glancing down at the papers. I admired him so much. Severus was so smart, wise, charming-even if he didn't plan to be, and just...helpless. I wanted to help him out of whatever terrible thoughts ran through his mind.
"I see you've let yourself in," Sev started emotionlessly.
When I looked up he was already in front of me, folding his arms. I hated how he could be so intimidating.
"Umm," my words flowed freely, "I was just wondering if I was going to teach the Advanced Class today, and if I'm still allowed to help with the first year's too."
He towered over me and demandingly declared, "You are helping with the other classes. However, since we did not go over that lesson plan yet due to your recent illness, we shall congregate later to discuss it. My bet is you'll teach on Monday."
I loved how he could be so intimidating. "Alright. There's another topic I'd like to touch upon, if that's ok, sir." I wanted to piss him off.
"Sir? Maranda, I know you want to agitate me."
Oh no, he's on to me!
Now there was feeling in his voice, "But I guess I deserve it...What do you want to talk about?"
"You don't deserve it. What are you trying to say? You've done nothing wrong." The subject was suddenly altered.
"Why don't you sit down. I'll explain a few things to you." Snape wasn't in a good mood. This made no sense. He smiled at breakfast, didn't he?
I sat in my usual chair and Snape sat at his desk. He looked me straight in the eyes and spoke caringly, "You know how I feel about you, and please don't become paranoid while I speak. There will be nothing bad after this little explanation. Have you heard of Voldemort?"
"Yes, actually," I suddenly remembered the first year I came to Hogwarts, "Hermione mentioned him to me the day before Lockhart came back to teach. She told me that he was defeated the third year of school."
Severus pressed on, "Very well then. You know the basics, which is good enough. During the ages of Voldemort, nothing was sacred. He killed so many, corrupted so many, and the remaining people were either muggles or in hiding. I don't want to discuss my past, for that shall stay where it belongs. But ... I hadn't felt love for a long time. I did love once, but it turned horribly. Anyways, I'm going to cut to the chase. I fought my hardest not to feel the way you do, for I don't want it to explode in my face, leaving me empty again. That's why I said I wanted to save you from me. I'm not that great. Not even good."
"Hey," I took his hand in mine, "To me, you are fantastic. Nothing from us is going to blow up in your face. Hell, it took me years to stop looking at the past. Learn from me: The past may come into your mind every now and then, but don't dwell on it. Most events happen for a reason, even if you don't know what it is. Sev, I'll protect you if I must. You're worth the trouble.."
A hint of a smile crawled across Sev's face at my little joke. "You're going to kill me, you know that. I'm older than you think..."
"Really?" I grinned, "Are you too old to put your lips to good use?"
We were about to kiss when the first bell rang. A sign that students would soon pile in and catch their teacher kissing if we had gone that far. I let go of his hand and he cleared his throat.
"I still have more to talk to you about later on." Snape said before standing up and going to the chalkboard. The first years were soon walking in with a dreaded feeling hovering over their heads like personal rain clouds. It was the same sense I had when I first walked in here those two years ago. Of course, I was older than these children.
First period passed rather quickly considering I did nothing but pass papers out. I wasn't going to complain though. Snape had given the class a test, meaning he would sit at his desk for most of the period. I borrowed some paper from him and drew a dragon while he planned next week's classes. Mary Burmingham wasn't as quiet as she usually was today. Before class began, she was talking with a few friends. She seemed to finally find her place in this school.
Kind of like me. Hmm.. History repeats itself. I'm sure I've thought of that before. Even sentences repeat themselves. Even sentences repeat themselves. It's just too bad I couldn't share that with The Seductive Snake God of the Dungeons. He was busy shouting at someone for being late to class. Yes, it was Advanced Potions time. Unfortunately, I couldn't teach today.
The class seemed pretty tame today, which was surprising because it was Friday. Usually kids would bounce off the walls and act really...stupid/crazy. I spent the class drawing again, but that's because Snape was lecturing the class on some of the work they were doing. According to him and the grades these teens were recieving, no one took Potions seriously anymore. Not even the people who were 'intelligent.' When second period was over, everyone left in such a rush, I thought they would knock Snape over. And he wasn't even near the door.
"I need you to run an errand for me," Sev requested, "Would you mind terribly if you could bring these papers up to Lockhart's room. For some reson they were placed with some new lesson plans I recieved."
I gave Sev an annoyed glare, "Do I really have to? I can't stand Poptart."
"Poptart? I'm not going to ask how you made that nickname." He chuckled a bit, "But please bring them up. I have to stay here and teach."
I sighed and stood up, taking the pile of papers from Snape's grasp. "Fine," I smiled, "but you owe me a favor."
The journey to Lockhart's room was annoying. In fact, everything to do with Gilderoy was annoying. I knocked on his door and Draco answered, happy to see me for once during the week. He let me in, so I could give the papers and explain where they came from.
"Maranda! My dear, how are you?" Yes, Gilders was still a fruit basket, "Is that pile of papers for me?"
Monotony was in my voice, "Yes. It's from Snape. He doesn't know why they were in his room."
"Thank you." Lockhart's class was empty, but I still don't know why he asked me to stay in his room for company.
"I can't stay," I lied, "I have a bunch of work to do."
With that, I waved to draco and left the room. I wasn't going to say anything about meeting in the lounge tonight in case Gildie Poptart went too. I don't know why, but Popfart seemed like the type to invite himself places.
The remainder of Friday went on with nothing to do but sit in my room until the second year class showed up last period. But then I sat anyways, so I didn't see the point in going there. All I did was sit and draw. By then end of the days I had five sketches of dragons and faeries.
"Don't go yet," Snape ordered as last class ended, "I have to talk to you about us."
Us. What a nice word to hear. "Alright. Spill your beans, oh Master-de-Potions."
"You are odd." He smiled, "But that's fine. Erm...You know we have to keep us as a secret, right?"
I nodded my head.
He went on with a cheerful tone, "Good. We can't let anyone know. Especially any of my colleagues. You are still technically a student. The rules apply same for students as student-teachers, but in different terms and with more...err..liberation. I could lose my job if word gets out that I am seeing my student-teacher."
God, I could explode with that sentence. "Say that again."
"What?" He seemed puzzled.
"Say that last part again.." I grinned maliciously.
He got the hint and whispered, "I am seeing my student-teacher."
"Oh! You must perish now, for you said those forbidden words." I neared him, staring into his happy eyes. "Sev, can I be frank with you?"
He cocked an eyebrow, "Yes, if it's not going to emberass me."
"Your eyes...they went from deathly black to glimmering charcoal. Even though they're dark brown. What happened?"
"You." He smiled once more and then demanded, "Now, leave my room. I'll see you at supper. I must not let joy overthrow my sense of student-hating. There are tests that need correcting."
I never specified a time for Hermione to meet me in the lounge, so I headed there first after I left Sev's room. Lucky me, she was there, along with everyone else in our group.
"Hi guys," I sat on a couch across from Ron, Hermione, and Draco. Gwen sat next to me.
Hermione glanced around the room and back at me, "I wasn't sure when you wanted us down here, but knowing you that would be as soon as possible."
"A.S.A.P" Draco corrected.
I couldn't stall or beat around the bush. I had to just let it out, "So...Snape and I confessed our love to one another last night."
Complete and utter silence. Along with gaping mouths.
"You're kidding. That's too cliche to be true. This is delayed April Fool's, right?" Ron was unshockingly the first to speak.
Gwen touched my hair, "You look different. And what's that around your neck?"
Ron closed his eyes tight, "Tell me it's not a hickey!"
"No, dumbass!" I was irritated, so I explained, "My birthday was yesterday." Ron opened his eyes again and I went on, "It's a necklace he gave me. I'm not kidding you guys. It really happened. I can't even believe it but there it is: Solid, honest-to-God truth. Take it or leave it, but if you leave it, I'm not saying any different. We're together."
Draco spoke with sincerity, "I can take it. I believe you. Whenever you have something serious to say, your eyes do this little shiny thing, as if you're going to cry if no one listens. No offense or anything. Anyways, umm...Congratulations."
In an instant, Hermione jumped up from her seat and raised her voice, "How can you be so stupid? You can't see him! You're technically a student! You'll get him fired!"
"Would you please lower your voice," I begged and said, "We already talked about it. We are going to do it under cover. Nothing is going to change. He and I are just more open with each other and maybe slightly touchy-feely, but not by much."
"Ewww," Ron snickered, "You guys tongue wrestled, didn't you?"
Shaking my head, I responded, "No. Only kissed like civilized people. I told you, nothing's going to change. He's too intelligent and smart to get us in trouble. Besides, I can deny. No one can prove anything. I'm his helper, so obviously we'll be together in the same room."
"Play hide and sneak," Ron suggested, "Instead of hide and seek. You run around corners of the school to meet and kiss. That's what 'Mione and I did last year to not get caught by Filch."
Mione let out a groan, "Ronald! You can't support this! Maranda, Snape is intelligent, I give him that, but he's obviously not wise enough to stay away from those feelings. He should have been professional about it and turned you away. Which one said the words first?"
"Me," I looked at everyone's face. No one was pissed but Hermione.
"See," She stomped her foot, "He could've saved himself a lot of trouble. You know what," She frowned and shot icy daggers from her eyes, "I'm disappointed by you, Mani-Mara.Even you are smart enough not to do this. You just set a room of bombs off waiting to explode in your face. C'mon, Ronald. We have that errand to do." Grabbing Ron's arm, he shot me a glance of sympathy. They left the lounge without anymore said.
"What in hell just happened?" I asked loudly.
Gwen patted my back, "Your best friend just disagreed with all of your feelings and morals."
"Hey," my attention was captured by Draco, "Don't worry about it. She's probably PMS-ing. I think you deserve to feel love. Hell, you got over not believing in it, so have it all you want! I support you. Gwen and Ron support you too. Hermione's just pissy."
I nodded my head and lied for the second time in a day, "I have to go help Snape. He told me we need to go over some lesson plans so I can teach next week."
My two remaining friends gave me a hug before I left with stress on my shoulders. Since when did Hermione shout at me? I was supposed to be her best friend, and suddenly she hated the idea of me finding love. Maybe Ron is right. If I play hide and sneak no one will know.
But what if Mione's right? What if finding the perfect, but 'forbidden' love is something to fear?
