Months passed, and the Christmas holidays had somehow managed to sneak up on students and teachers alike, and to a very much excited welcome on the whole.

The grounds had been covered by an icy blanket and flowers stood frozen in mid-motion, awaiting to be thawed out by the spring. The great hall had once again been spared no expense in accordance with decoration. Clusters of live fairies fluttered between the house tables, which themselves had been adorned by bewitched icicles at every available space. Wood nymphs occasionally ventured out of the gigantic Christmas trees to steal food from students paying not too close attention to their plates, which had been piled high with magnificent seasonal dishes daily.

Severus Snape had been discharged from the hospital wing a few weeks back, but was now being closely (yet subtly) watched by the teachers. He detested the feeling of being observed, like a zoo animal refusing to bow to the conformity practised by its trainer.

It was only within his mind that he claimed sanctuary of late, no one to influence his thoughts or feelings, only himself…which often a time seemed more complicated than letting another guide his worthless life along. So longing had he been to once again reattempt his failed actions that he had spent many a sleepless night researching spell structure and wording.

Sectumsempra

His own spell, which brought with it his own overwhelming sense of power. He alone would be the one choosing to end his own life through the words that he himself had created. A silver lining, which in his mind, could brighten the darkest of clouds.

Serena had passed him many times in the hallways, but he had trained himself not to look at her. She was merely static in the world surrounding him, creating the overwhelming sense of drowning he had tried to shake off time after time. Guilt passed through the cracks that once resembled his conscience, much alike poison running through a persons veins. The trouble was, he had become so numb that the odd twinge of emotion did not bother him in the slightest. His books, his mind, his skill, were the only things that mattered to him now.

Their final lesson of term was potions, which lightened the dark haired boys mood slightly. He had to sit on the same table as Serena, who herself had managed to achieve an 'O' for her OWL's in the subject, and a Hufflepuff who had made it into the class by the skin of his teeth, and whom he disapproved of highly.

Throughout the lesson the hair on Snape's neck stood on end, and once or twice he dropped a few ingredients clumsily, scolding himself under his breath for his reckless behaviour.

You will not say a word to her, do you hear me?

The sleeve of his robe had rolled up ever so slightly without his notice, revealing a disfiguring line etched across his pallid skin. From the corner of his view he saw Serena wipe her eyes frantically on her sleeve, and turn her head in the opposite direction to him. He yanked the sleeve down instinctively, as it was now the norm for him to draw evermore gasps from his peers, and comments, which he neither liked nor desired. His voice dropped to an inaudible level, but was loud enough for Serena to take notice of.

"Listen Serena, I am very sorry for what I said to you in the hospital wing that day, you did not deserve to be talked to in that manner." Snape's mind was racing as he finished his sentence, what in Merlin's name had possessed him to say that! Severus Snape feel remorse for his actions?

"Its ok Severus, I forgive you" she turned to him and smiled shyly, unsure of the truth of his words. He met her gaze with his same Obsidian eyes, which this time were purely devoid of malice or even hate.

"I don't deserve your forgiveness Serena-." His heart caught abruptly in his throat. Her hand was on his, feeling the heat dissipate from her fingertips unto his cold and lifeless hand was such a new experience. It was overwhelming. His head was swimming with so many emotions, clouding his vision. His lips curled into a rare smile, which softened his features greatly.

"DOLTON, SNAPE, THERE IS A TIME FOR ROMANCE, AND IT IS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM, NOW YOU EITHER WORK OR GET OUT! AND DON'T THINK THE END OF TERM WILL STOP ME FROM GIVINGYOUBOTH DETENTION!" Professor Harrows shouted across the classroom abruptly, turning every students head in shock.

But to Snape's great surprise (or perhaps panic), instead of flushing a violent red and mumbling an apology, Serena got up, packed their belongings with a sweep of her wand, and walked out of the class, their hands still entwined. A livid Professor Harrows slammed the potions door shut behind them without another moments notice. Snape had never been so happy about the start of the holidays.

A/N: Oh my gosh long time no write. I don't really mind the mushiness of this chapter, but rest assured it won't last very long, given Snape and his whole background, etc. I can't really give anything else away…because in truth I haven't actually had any ideas for the next chapter! I look forward greatly to reading your reviews!