Chapter Nine - A Different Side
Severus got up that early that morning and got dressed. It felt kind of nice being in his usual attire. He fixed the sleeves to his black coat and buttoned it up to the collar. He always made sure you could see minimal amounts of the white shirt underneath. Pulling the robes around him he looked at her sleeping peacefully. He had woken many times that night wondering if she was all right when sudden outbursts slipped from her lips. Pain seemed to take her but she did not wake. He got so afraid when she gasped for air as if someone was depriving her of it. He had slipped a potion down her throat little by little so that whatever was troubling her would leave her in peace at least for the remainder of the night till she decided to wake. Planting a kiss on her forehead he exited the room.
The corridors were all still empty. Students usually began appearing within the next hour. The DADA classroom was quiet as he prepared his itinerary for the next couple of day. His thoughts constantly reminisced on the weekend he had just had. An overwhelming feeling kept coming to him as he thought of her. So this is what love really feels like… After a few minutes he got up and made his way to her classroom.
His pupil's began to take their seats. The dragon on his clock breathed fire and still half of the kids had not yet arrived. "For those of you who decided to be on time. I have decided to be generous and cancel your quiz for today. Your papers on the other hand are still due." The papers began to pile on his desk when Ron ran into the classroom. "Mr. Weasley you're late. Care to give me an explanation?" he raised an eyebrow leaning against a podium.
"Professor you've got to see Professor Moonberry's classroom. Everyone's over there. It's amazing! There are glittering stars everywhere. The whole room's been enchanted! You should go!"
"Have a seat Mr. Weasley. I want your paper on my desk by the time I come back." he said walking past the Gryffindor. He turned in time to see Alexandria weave her way through the kids to get to her classroom. She halted in front of the door and the proceeded slowly. "What is going on here?" Severus's voice bellowed down the hallway. Most of the kids turned and left upon seeing him only a few brave ones stayed all trying to describe it to him at the same time. He walked right into the doorway and watched as Alexandria put her books down on the desk and looked at her students.
"Who did this?" All of them shrugged. A few of the boys were trying to grab the glittering little stars that seemed to surround the entire classroom. They seemed to be fluttering down little by little here and there like snow. She laughed and spun around in it. "This is amazing!" Severus watched as a small star fell on her nose and then disappeared. If he was not mistaken she was even giddy at the thought that stars were falling in her classroom. She turned and threw her arms out. All the shutters in the room flew open instantaneously throwing light in causing the stars to gleam even more. "Ok class. Clam down…" she giggled. "I know its difficult to pay attention now but we have work to do…" Another giggle slipped. Severus smirked and stepped back a step when she turned and noticed him there for the first time. She smiled a big smile he knew was meant just for him. He smiled a tad bit before turning.
"All of you to class now or each will lose ten points from each of you. That is a lot of points."
They turned and ran to the classes they should have been at five minutes ago. He looked at Alexandria one more time, before closing her classroom door. His classroom was loud filled with chatter as Hermione was arguing with Draco once more.
"Because some people like that kind of stuff. It sweet and romantic!" she shouted at him looking as though she was ready to hex him out of this world.
"They're just bloody stars Granger! Calm yourself! You act as if someone did something romantic for you!"
"Shut your mouth ferret boy! I just said it was romantic and you had to butt your oversized head into my conversation. What I think is not up for discussion with you ever!"
Draco sneered, "You filthy mudblood, the only reason you enjoy it is cause no one wants you…" he sneered.
"Shut it!" Harry said pointing his wand right at Draco. "Say you're sorry to Hermione!"
"No…"
"Silence! Now!" Severus shouted taking his stand in front of the classroom.
"Thirty points will be taken from each of you... for this ridiculous argument you decided to have in my classroom."
"Thirty?" Draco questioned thinking his Head of House had gone mad. "That is a ridiculous amount of points!"
"Silence!" he said dragging out the word. "Mr. Malfoy shall I take… more perhaps?"
Draco looked disgusted. "No sir."
"And do you wish for me to write to your father concerning your… lack of self control in my class that WILL end in…" he stopped and raised an eyebrow not finishing his sentence because he and Draco already knew what would happen.
"No sir."
"Then I suggest… you apologize to Miss Granger for your inappropriate use of words... in this classroom!"
All the students seemed to look at each other unsure if they had actually heard their Slytherin Professor say what he just had. "But Professor…"
"I'm waiting Mr. Malfoy." He said pulling his wand out and a piece of parchment from a shelf nearby. "Now, or I begin writing this letter."
Draco turned and glared at Hermione with disgust. "Sorry…"
"For what?" Severus said putting the parchment back.
"Sorry I called you a mudblood…" he said feeling heated.
"Thank you Professor Snape." Hermione said taking her seat. He did not answer but instead pulled out his book and began giving notes.
As the classes changed during the day most of the kids came in discussing whom Professor Moonberry's secret admirer might be. Of what he could tell mostly everyone had suspected Professor Lupin. Yes, he would seem to be the obvious choice. Now that I think of it though I have not yet seen Remus today. Was yesterday a full moon? Quickly, glancing over his itinerary in the very top left hand corner of each day the moon's status was clearly depicted. No, the full moon was next week. Odd. He looked at his students in their study period. Hermione was hard at work on her five-page paper that he had assigned. It was the shortest one he had given recently and already she seemed to be exceeding the requirements. He hated to admit it but she was the most brilliant student he had ever come across. Naturally she was smart because of her book but that was probably it. His eyes turned to Draco who was drawing pictures and flying them over to Cho. I had no idea he fancied Cho. A Ravenclaw… really Draco?
"Mr. Malfoy, May I have a word with you?"
"What is it Professor?" the blonde haired boy asked pompously.
"Is your paper finished?"
"Not yet sir."
"Then do you mind telling me why you feel you have so much free times to be throwing love letters at Miss Chang?"
"They weren't love letters."
Severus stood up and slammed his hands on the desk. "This is the second time I've had to speak with you today Mr. Malfoy, don't let there be a third. Understood?"
"Yes Sir."
"Class dismissed!" he shouted. Everyone began packing up. "Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy, please remain seated." As soon as it was just the two of them, Severus walked to and leaned on his desk. "I am tired of the fighting going on between you two and I never want to hear it again. So from today... you two will be spending your study period as partners. I don't want to hear a word from either of you. It is not up for discussion. Mr. Malfoy, you're excused. Miss Granger please wait."
Draco was fuming he could tell but did not care too much. He had decided during the day that Hermione had indeed done nothing to be called a "mudblood" and therefore did not deserve to lose her points. "Yes Professor?" she asked sounding a bit distressed.
"First, turn in your paper. You have gone over the requirement and no further writing is required. You and I, both, know you already understand the subject far more than anyone else in the class does. You will get full credit even though it is incomplete." Shock took her as her eyes opened wide. "Next, I have since this morning, decided that you were the… victim of the argument earlier, that no points will be taken from your house or from you or Mr. Potter."
"What?" she asked unable to believe it.
"I will not be taking the points this time. If you do decided to fight do it elsewhere or you will be seeing more than thirty points taken from your house. That is all."
"Thank you professor! Thank you very much!" she squealed with joy. Grabbing her bags dropping the 7 page incomplete paper and running out the door. "Hullo professor, bye professor!"
Severus looked up and saw Alexandria's back turned to him a she watched the teenage girl run down the corridor. "What did you do? Tell her she out-shined everyone in your class? And you didn't even yell at her for running…" she said also seeming surprised. "Did I miss something?"
"No, I just… well you can ask her. I'm sure she will be more than happy to tell you." Severus got up and put away some books and pulled out others. He looked at her as she leaned against his desk. "At least close the door." he said waving his wand closing the door.
"Why should I have closed the door?" she asked smiling at him.
"Good question, I can open it again if that's what you want."
She slid off the desk and wrapped his arms around herself. "No cause then I wouldn't be able to sneak in here during break to kiss you madly before I have to spend the rest of the day without you." she said giving him the cutest frown he'd ever seen.
"You snuck in here to kiss me then?" he asked rocking side to side with her very slowly following her lead.
"Perhaps. But now that you mention it…" she said letting go and walking way. He would not have it. "I think…" she began to turn towards him again, but he did not let her finish. His hands took her face and began to kiss her deeply. After a few moments their lips parted and he saw her smile at him.
"You were saying?" he asked.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"The stars… they were beautiful."
"It was just a small enchantment, no need to say thank you."
"Well thank you anyway, now I better head off." He kissed her lips softly and watched as she backed away till he could hold her no more. She stopped once more at the door to give him one last look and then left.
Severus sighed as he sat back in his chair. How did I end up like this? Crazy in love with some woman I detested so much. His thoughts drifted. And he thought of her.
"Smiling? You? Who would have thought…" He heard Remus's voice come through the door.
"Professor Lupin, what can I do for you?"
"Well Severus, I just decided I should stop by and see if you were alright seeing as how I over heard Miss Granger tell Harry and Ron how you dropped taking her points. What has inspired the change Severus? Could it be a certain someone we know?"
He looked up at his old rival, "What's it to you... Lupin?"
"Nothing, you were lucky to have been gone this weekend. Lucius stopped by for a visit. He enquired after you and Alexandria but McGonagall said she was unaware of your whereabouts. Its a little concerning I must say that he asked for the both of you… He seemed rather happy that you were both gone at the same time. Like he knew you were gone together. How was your outing by the way?"
Severus felt himself get a bit uneasy at the thought. "Ask Alexandria. If you see Lucius at all find Alexandria. I wont lie to you Lupin because it concerns her safety. Lucius has taken a sort of fancy and fascination with her and he wants her for himself. This is confidential and not everyone is aware of the matter. Because it is Lucius and he is involved with the ministry not to mention the father of one of our students, we cannot say anything."
"I understand Severus. I can keep a close watch on her with ease professor."
"That worries me a bit. I said close but not that close."
Remus got a smile on his face, "Worried I'll see something you don't want me to?"
"What exactly... does that… mean?" he said now glaring the man standing before him.
"Nothing, I should be off now, I'm done with my classes for today. I have to go to the Great Hall to monitor the studying students."
Lupin walked out and pulled the parchment before he was out of sight. Great now Lupin will know more than I wanted him to. He let out a large sigh. As soon as the clock breathed fire beginning his sixth period class he walked out and over to Alexandria's class. The kids were all in their seats. He cast an invisibility spell over himself and walked over to her desk. The class started and in the first five minutes the students all had their cauldrons bubbling. Alexandria had proved herself to be a very good instructor, as the children seemed to enjoy the class. There were four different vials placed by the cauldrons. The children were making potions to capture the opposite sex's senses. They were strictly forbidden to use them on each other. There was a spell that would be cast over them and if the smoke turned red it had been put together right. Any other color and the potion was no good.
They were advised to take their time and having a partner was not allowed. Severus watched closely as she helped a few of the students and then stood back observing. One of her young Ravenclaws was the first to finish. The girl brought a small vile full of the potion to her professor to have it tested. Severus stepped forward seeing the girl trip in slow motion. The liquid flew all over him as Professor Moonberry rushed to help the girl off the floor.
"Don't worry about it sweetie. Are you alright?"
"I'm sorry Professor."
"No. It's all right. Everything is fine. Just go have a seat."
Severus stepped back as he watched the beautiful woman pull out her wand and clean up the bits that had missed him. She stopped for a moment and looked his way but continued. Can she see me? No, she's gone back to cleaning. He felt a bit of the potion trickle over his lips and not thinking in that moment, he licked it off. Shite! He ran up the stairs to her class office.
"What do you think you're doing?" Alexandria asked walking in behind him. "Why are you spying one me?"
"You knew?"
"Yes! I saw you walk in."
"Why did you not say anything? I just came in to watch for a bit but I… I don't know really…" He stopped focusing on what he had been doing in the room to begin with but he could smell the sweet scent of strawberries that seemed to radiate from her. "What I was saying is that…" He stopped as she walked over to him. "What are you doing?"
Alexandria pushed him slowly against the wall and began to kiss him wildly. He loved it but knew she was still teaching class right outside. All the students were rightfully in their seats awaiting their Professor to come back. Her hands were moving up the back of his head, her body pressing against his longingly. "What is it Professor? You seem a bit frightened?" she said tugging on his clothes underneath his robes.
"No… Your class is waiting though."
"Let them wait…"
"Alexandria that is not very professional. Plus Potter and his friends are in this class, they are bound to come snooping. You are under the effects of the bloody potion that spilled on me."
At this she stepped back, "You drank some?"
"Not intentionally! It just sort of happened to slid over my mouth!"
He could see her aching to be near him. Only a powerful wizard could have done what she did next. Straightening her robes she took one last look at him and walked out. He turned himself invisible once more. He stood on the balcony wanting to see how well she would teach knowing his presence was near. Severus wanted to laugh at how cruel he was being, but it was just a little fun. Curiosity was getting to him though and he could not help but dig into her head. The nerve of him to spy on me! And then as if that wasn't bad enough he had to drink the potion. Of ALL potions… Why this one? Grrr… inner sigh how could you walk away though? I mean his hair was all ravaged and his body was just aching to be touched. Professor Snape closed his eyes and saw the things she was thinking of. He could feel the kisses she was thinking of and feel her pleasure as she imagined the two of them making love the night before. He felt the chills run down his spine as had ferociously kissed and bit at her neck. She seemed to like that a lot. Why are you in my thought? He opened his eyes and saw her back turned to him.
Because I love the things you think about…
I don't care… get out Severus. I am trying to teach my class and this is making it rather difficult. Stay out of my head!
I swear I did not look at anything besides what your feelings were on last night.
"Professor are you ok?" Seamus said looking at her and holding up his vile of potion.
"Fine Mr. Finnigan. When you are done. You May leave and make sure to leave the potion behind. If I find that anyone has used it on someone else I will be giving detention." See?! Get out of my head! You're distracting me! I did not enjoy last night as much as you think I did.
Ouch. That's kind of harsh. Are you really all that upset with me?
No I'm serious Severus. Now get out of my head and get out of the class!
Severus walked down the small steps and right up to her ear. Her hair had been pulled back, making it easy for him to get so close. You do know I am quite skilled Legilimency? I know when you lie and I can read and see your inner most desires even if you try to keep me out. I know what it is you want now.
You are mistaken. The only reason I want it is because you had to go and drink that blasted potion. Plus, you're right it's unprofessional. Now if you don't mind…
No I don't mind… not in the least. He said spinning her around and placing a kiss on her lips. She did not respond and he had figured she wouldn't. As much as she was trying to evade the effects of the potion, he had been struggling with the natural berry scents that seemed to radiate off her skin. He did not think it was just that but there was something else that seemed to intoxicate him.
"Professor Moonberry, I don't know if I checked it right. Will you double check for me?" Neville's voice came from behind her, She turned and waved her wand over the boy's vial. Sure enough it had been done correctly. Neville thanked her and stopped just as he was about to turn and looked at her shoulder. "Professor, there is a ghost touching you right now." he said pointing.
Both, she and Severus looked down where Severus had his hand. Sure enough a hand shape had been formed on her shoulder where he held her. "Odd, don't we usually see ghosts?" she asked pulling the sleeve of her cloak straight.
"Maybe its Professor Binns." Malfoy said laughing. "He seems to find you attractive."
Alexandria shot him a glare so vile that he stopped and sat back down immediately. "I would bet its Professor Lupin." Ron said as Harry nodded in agreement.
"No, at least Professor Binns is a ghost. Professor Lupin turn invisible? Unless he had an invisibility cloak, I doubt it. Magic like that is not very common."
"Well who do you think it is then?" Ron asked rather annoyed at his intelligent friend.
"There are only a few professors I think who could have that kind of power. And yet none of them would play like this."
"Oh yeah and who are they, mudblood?" Draco asked.
"Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and…"
"And who?" Ron asked impatiently.
"Professor Snape."
"Professor Snape? Playing jokes at school?" Draco said standing again, "Now I really think you've lost it Granger. I'm sure he'd be insulted just hearing you say something like that."
"I didn't say it was him, ferret. I said he's one of the only ones with that sort of power, I think."
Alexandria leaned back slightly against the man who stood behind her. Amusing isn't it? The way those two quarrel. And not to mention the things they think of. If only Hermione knew how right she was.
Yes, I've recently done something to try and put a stop to this fighting. Are you going to do something about it or should I walk through the door and punish them both?
No leave them. Lets see what else they know that we don't.
"I don't know Draco…" Pansy Parkinson said putting her hand on her fellow Slytherin. "Professor Snape has been acting rather odd."
"True but not odd enough to do this. Why should he give a rat's ass about Moonberry?"
At this both Alexandria and Severus raised an eyebrow. Can I come in now?
Alexandria smiled. No.
Harry looked at his Professor to see what she would do. Nothing happened. He noticed her leaning back slightly but against what he could not be sure. "You do still realize she is in the classroom right Draco?"
All the students turned to look at their straight-faced Professor. "I don't care," Draco said walking up to her. He had gotten pretty tall for his age but still not her height. "Are you going to punish me professor?"
"No." she said raising an eyebrow.
He smiled, "Yeah, you better not. If my father heard about that you'd be gone tomorrow."
All the kids' eyes got wide open including Draco, who also jumped back a few feet when he saw Professor Snape walk out of thin air.
"Bloody hell…" Ron said horrified. Neville almost fell out of his seat and Hermione stood rather surprised.
"Mr. Malfoy, I have told you repeatedly about talking to Miss Granger in such a way. I will not be as lenient this time. Three time… already today. Your father will surely hear about this." He said taking Draco's arm and pulling him to the door. "Professor Moonberry, carry on."
As soon as they were gone, Alexandria faced her class. Most of them utterly surprised, asked simultaneously as to why the professor had been in there. Alexandria put her hands up to bring them to a silence. "Professor Snape was inspecting the class today. He needs to turn in a report to McGonagall and he thought it would be best if you did not know he was here. I apologize for not telling you sooner but I was not allowed to. Anyway, the majority of you did a rather good job on your potions and you are welcomed to stay and help clean up. Other than that… Class dismissed."
Most of the kids left with the exception of Hermione and Neville who helped her rid the classroom of all the potions and store the cauldrons. "Professor how was your outing with Professor Snape?" Hermione asked sitting on one of the now empty tables.
Neville sat beside his fellow Gryffindor. "You went out with Professor Snape?"
"Yes, he owed me a day in London. Oh, Hermione, it was wonderful. He is really, such a gentleman. He was very nice and polite. He's so intelligent and caring too, if he wants to be that is."
"Do you like him?" Neville asked confused.
Hermione and Alexandria both looked at the young boy and laughed, "Yes, Neville, darling, I like him very much."
"I didn't think anyone liked Professor Snape."
"Thats because you don't know him."
"I know he's evil and I know he's a… a death-eater…"
Alexandria laughed, "Yes, he is but for our cause you know. He's very brave to be doing something like this for us."
"I don't know, he still scares me." Neville said looking around suddenly hoping the Dark Arts Professor did not appear out of nowhere again.
"Give him time Neville." Hermione said, "He didn't take the thirty points from me earlier like he said he would. And he let me turn in my paper without it being finished because he said that we both knew I understood the material. I must say I was so surprised. That was earlier when I almost ran into you professor."
Alexandria smiled, "He did that?"
"Yes, that's why I was really happy and surprised. I couldn't believe it. Its also why Draco is in so much trouble now."
At this Neville laughed and slid off the desk helping Hermione off. "That is different indeed. We will be going now Professor." Neville said handing Hermione her books and taking her bag with his. "See you soon Professor."
"Bye kids. Take care. I'll see you tomorrow." Alexandria waved.
Hermione and Neville had only gotten a few feet when Professor Snape turned the corner and walked right past them. He seemed rather upset but headed straight for Alexandria's classroom. "He's gone to see her Neville."
"Yeah, so?"
"Lets go see."
"Moine, we shouldn't snoop. What… What if Professor Snape sees?"
"Lets go." Hermione said giddily running over to the door. They creaked it open only slightly. It was enough for the two of them to look in and see both their professors.
"What's wrong Severus?" Alexandria sat on her desk as their DADA teacher sat in her chair.
"I gave him more detention, but I wish I could have done more. Lucius will surely hear of this and come looking for me. It's not my main concern though." Severus said to Alexandria standing up and pacing back and forth.
"It's alright Severus. He doesn't scare me in the least." she said smiling at him. Hermione and Neville watched as Snape made his way to her and took her hands in his.
"What's he doing?" Neville asked.
"Not sure." Hermione said opening the door a bit more. Severus opened her hand and inside the kids could see a small ice rink with tiny people skating as snowflakes fell and disappeared on her hand.
"Awww, its beautiful." Alexandria said watching a small couple skate in her hands. "Severus…" she looked up.
He closed her hand and smiled hesitantly, "I… thought you'd like that."
"You know it's still snowing outside. We should go skating!" She said excitedly trying to pull him toward the door.
"No. If there is one thing you cannot make me do... its go skating." She pouted and leaned against her desk once more. He had never let go of her hands and this time he pulled them up one by one placing just the slightest kiss on each. "Let us go for a walk shall we?" Alexandria nodded and got up. Severus waved his wand around her and her school robes became a long, black, velvet cloak. A giggle slipped out of her. "If we go through here no one will see us."
"Through where?" Alexandria asked.
Severus raised his hand and waved it over the wall. Neither of the spying children could see what he had done but they seemed to walk into the wall. As soon as they were out of sight Hermione pushed the door wide open and ran inside the classroom. There was nothing there. Neville stood on a desk and called Hermione up. Together they watched as Snape and Moonberry walked together in the snow. They were no longer holding hands. Alexandria had her hands out as she was trying to catch snowflakes and Severus had his hands behind his back still holding his wand. "Come on Neville!" Together the kids ran out to the courtyard and headed for the open grounds that could be seen from Snape's window. The footprints were fading but were not gone completely. "Hurry Neville! They have to be here somewhere."
Neville grabbed her and kept her from running further, "There!" he pointed.
They hid behind a tree and watched the two. Severus was actually laughing and smiling constantly as Alexandria got extremely excited over catching a "really pretty" snowflake, as she put it.
"I wish I was a Snow Princess." she spun.
Severus smirked and waved his wand around her again. Her black dress became a large, ice blue and silver gown with a matching cloak. Her black hair was up in a bunch of curls and a diamond and pearl crown sat on her head. "Now you're a princess."
She jumped up and down completely excited. "Yes I am but… I'm in desperate need of a Prince." She said pointing a wand at him.
"Don't you dare!" he shouted but it was too late. He found himself in 1700's period clothing. He changed himself back. "No, I refuse."
"You're no fun," she pouted.
"Oh yeah?" he turned her in the falling snow and then bowed. "Forgive me your majesty."
She put one of her hands behind his head and leaned upward placing her lips on his. His hands rested on her waist that was being tightly pulled together by some sort of corset. They kissed amorously for a minute and then parted.
Hermione giggled, "Yes! Their outing must have worked. Neville isn't it wonderful?"
The boy looked shocked, "She's kissing Professor Snape?"
"Oh Neville!" Hermione threw her arms around her friend.
"Well, well, well. What have we here? A secret romance Mudblood? With Longbottom? Does Weasley know?" Draco said laughing with Goyle.
"Shut up Draco!" Hermione shouted lifting her wand. "Have you not learned anything?"
"Uh… Draco…" Crab pointed. Neville quickly stood in front of where Crab was pointing knowing the round boy had just seen his professors.
"What is it Crab?" he asked looking Neville up and down.
"Its Professor Snape!" Draco pushed Neville aside and took a few steps closer. Sure enough he saw the two. Severus was again walking beside her with his arms behind him but turned to watch her as she changed back into her long black dress that clung to her curves and followed in a train behind her. The black cloak he had bestowed on her was also back the only thing that did not change was her hair and the beautiful crown she had kept on her head. Draco sneered as he saw his DADA professor smile slightly at the Potion's teacher he so hated. He was surprised; when Snape turned to walk away Alexandria jumped on him knocking them both over and he could hear laughter come from his professor instead of anger.
"This is disgusting! What the bloody hell is the matter with that man?" Draco said starting to walk over there,
"Stop! Leave them alone!" Hermione raised her voice stepping in front of them. "They're finally happy and I wont let you take that from them! Right Neville?" The young Gryffindor also took out his wand and aimed.
Draco looked that the two fellow students. He looked at Crab and Goyle, all three pulled out their wands. "Listen Granger, Professor Snape and I have some business to attend to. Move aside!" he pushed past her and walked over to where Snape had helped Moonberry up and she had begun to kiss him passionately. Severus held her tightly. "Now I see why you've been acting weird." Draco curled his lip.
The two separated quickly and looked down at the younger Malfoy. "Draco, what are you doing?" Alexandria asked knowing Severus could not find words at the moment.
"I needed to speak with my head of house and I couldn't find him. And surprise, surprise, he's here with you." Draco looked the two up and down. Again he couldn't help but think how they looked like they could be the King and Queen of Slytherin. Her crown did not help. Alexandria glared at the young boy.
"What is your point Mr. Malfoy? What do you want?"
"Professor you did good for yourself, she is quite the catch I suppose. I must say the curls do wonders for her. If you punish me for her sake again though, you'll regret, I swear."
Severus stepped right up to the boy's face, "Are you threatening me, Mr. Malfoy?"
Draco stepped back a bit, "No sir."
"Good. Why are you not in detention?"
"Uh…"
Severus hit the boy with a flash of light. "Now he's in detention."
"Are you allowed to do that?" Alexandria asked grabbing his arm.
"I don't know. Frankly, I don't care much." He turned and noticed the other four kids. "What are you all doing out here?" he bellowed suddenly feeling angry.
"Well Professor…" Crab and Goyle started together. "Get out of my sight before I write to both of your parents. As for you two…" he pointed his wand at Hermione and Neville but dropped it as Alexandria walked over and hugged the both of them.
"Where you two spying on me?" she asked with her hands on her hips.
"Professor, it was my fault." Hermione answered feeling bad she had dragged Neville into this.
"Did you here that Severus? They were spying on us." she turned blushing badly.
"I did. How should I punish them?" he asked stepping beside her.
"Nonsense. Please don't say anything?"
"Of course not Professor. I'm really glad things are working out for you two. I don't think Draco and them will keep your secret though."
At this Alexandria looked at the tall man in his dark robes and frowned, "I'm sorry Severus."
He felt an odd feeling of concern and what it would mean for everyone to know. "I'd like to speak with you alone."
Hermione grabbed Neville and pulled him away. Alexandria took his hand. He knew fear had taken her that he would walk away. "Severus…"
"Shhh… don't worry. Come with me." He pulled her with him and made his way back to the castle. She tried to pull her hand away but he would not let her. They passed a few students here and there and yet he held his head high and looked at none of them. Alexandria squeezed his hand, as she felt flattered that he was making things more public before anyone else could.
"Professor Snape, Professor Moonberry, may I have a word?" They both heard McGonagall say.
Slowly he turned but did not let her go. "Yes?"
McGonagall smiled and shook her head. "Nothing. Carry on."
They walked past a group of students who went completely quiet. Severus lifted the hand he was so firmly grasping and kissed it before they were out of sight. "I'd rather be the one to make it public," he said leading her up the stairs. They stopped at his office.
"I understand."
He said nothing, just took her face and began to kiss her so deeply and passionately that she could not help but feel desire for him. "No you don't. I finally have something of my own. You, all of you." he gasped for breath in between kisses. "You're driving me nuts. My senses go wild when you're near me." He said tugging at the cloak that fell to the floor easily. "I never wanted anything like this. I think only fools wear their emotions for everyone to see. Well, congratulations Ms. Moonberry I've officially become a fool for you." He stopped just a short moment to see a small happy tear run down her cheek.
Alexandria was gorgeous in black. It made her other features like the light brown of her eyes and the red of her lips stand out more. Severus looked, as her nose was a bit pink from the cold outside. He smiled and placed a soft kiss on it. Tomorrow would be a beautiful, but difficult day. That's why tonight would be worth remembering.