Ok, on to the next chapter...

"What's this I hear about you prancing around in the middle of the night with Rosier?"

Startled, Severus' eyes snapped to Regulus' face. The ebony-haired boy was sitting by the fire, doing his homework without looking up at his boyfriend, but Severus caught his tightened jaw and slightly narrowed eyes focused on his parchment.

"What?" Severus chose to play stupid, hoping Regulus would be softer on him. Bad idea.

Regulus' eyes flashed. "Do you think I'm stupid?" he asked in a voice of forced calm. Severus noticed his hand twitch.

"No," the older boy replied honestly. It's the opposite, you're too damn smart...

"Then tell me what you and Rosier have been up to, or I swear I'll stab you with a quill." He looked as though he were about to make good on his threat, judging by the way he held his writing utensil. Like a weapon, Severus noted.

"Look, Regulus, it's nothing you need to worry yourself about. Rosier and I are not having relations," Severus assured his boyfriend, taking him by the shoulders.

"It's not you I don't trust, it's him. I've seen the way he looks at you, Sev, like you're his. Plus I know you have a thing for red hair..."

Severus tried as hard as he could to keep the flush from his cheeks.

"I'm not attracted to Rosier," he said. A lie. "I'm attracted to you." Truth.

Regulus looked less angry now. He reclined in his boyfriend's arms with a sigh. "I love you, Sev," he said, and Severus smiled before replying, "Thank you."

He could have sworn that he saw hurt in Regulus' eyes, but a second later it was gone.

Narcissa and Regulus walked the snowy campus during their lunch.

"I don't get it, Cissy," Regulus was saying. He had pulled his hair into two childish pigtails, which he was now yanking anxiously.

"Lucius is the same way," the blonde said soothingly, taking his hands from his hair, but Regulus shook his head.

"It's different from with Lucius. Lucius doesn't say it, but he shows it. It's always in his eyes. But Sev... it's like he's allergic or something, the way he avoids saying it. But he always wants me to say it to him! Why can't he do the same?" Regulus' eyes were desperate and hurt.

Narcissa took him by the shoulders.

"Give it time," she told him. "Remember, Severus is new to this, just like you. He's scared and confused and not as attuned to his emotions as you are. But be there for him. Be patient with him. And one day, your patience will be rewarded."

Regulus nodded, biting his lip. "I just don't want-" he whispered before covering his face. "Don't want what?" Narcissa asked curiously.

"I've seen him and Rosier walking around. They say- they say that Rosier has a thing for Severus, that he wants him." Regulus choked.

But Narcissa shook her head furiously. "Severus wouldn't go with Rosier, never," she said, though inside she was slightly uncertain.

"He has red hair," Regulus was fighting tears by now.

"So? Just because he liked Evans doesn't mean he automatically loves everyone with red hair. Then he'd be forced to love Aunt Isla, and we all know how horrid she looked."

Regulus gave a small smile. "She had character," he said.

"She was..." Narcissa shuddered before offering her elbow. "Come, Mr. Black, let us return to the castle."

"That sounds lovely, Mrs. Malfoy. Thank you."

Narcissa flushed at being 'Mrs. Malfoy' but replied lightly, "Any time, Mr. Black. Mrs. Malfoy has a pleasant ring to it."

Regulus laughed.

Rosier was approaching.

Severus was growing increasingly nervous. He packed his books as quickly as he could. If he planned just right, he could stand, walk somewhat quickly so as not to appear suspicious, and make a left turn. If Rosier happened to follow, Severus could (hopefully) get lost in the crowd of students.

"Why did you leave last night?"

Wrong. Dead wrong. Severus cursed McGonagell for making him to clean up after the class.

"Erm..."

He began to edge out of the room slowly, hoping Rosier would be too distracted to notice. Once again, wrong. Rosier grabbed his wrist and gazed at him with gentle blue eyes. "Are you okay? You looked sick last night. I worried about you," he murmured. Severus was dazzled; he had no clue how to respond to it.

"I..."

A smirk spread across Rosier's face as he watched Severus grow red. "Is that how Black talks to you?" he laughed, and Severus glared.

"No," he said in his coldest voice before stalking away.

"Hey, wait! I'm-sorry," Evan said grudgingly, and Severus nodded, though he refused to look at the other boy.

"That's alright."

"It's just I don't think he's right for you," the redhead said bluntly. Startled, Severus looked up from his path. Rosier was gazing at him intently. "Black is too soft and weak, not strong the way you are. You're going to be so much, I can tell. Strong, smart... powerful. You have so much potential, Severus, don't waste it wilting around Black. Do you even care for him? Or is he just a good toy? I'll give him that much, he's easy on the eyes, that one is. But you can do better. With power, you'd be able to have anyone you wanted."

Severus stood, transfixed, as Rosier whispered into his ear. He could see himself in his mind's eye, seated as the Minister of Magic. He would finally have it all; power, money, and happiness. He sat in the chair of the Minister, wearing beautiful, expensive robes and fine rings. No more would Potter laugh at his hair or his robes. Indeed, Potter would be the one crying. For in his dream Lily stood at his side, smiling and true. She was loyal to him; they were in love.

He snapped out of his fantasy when Rosier let go of him. He hadn't even realized how the older boy's hands had been on his shoulders.

"Think about it," the redhead smirked before walking away.

"Regulus!"

Hearing his name being called, the youngest Black boy turned. Remus Lupin was striding towards him, a pleasant smile on his face.

"Hi," Regulus waved once Lupin caught up. He fell into step with Regulus quite easily. "Where are you heading?" Lupin asked curiously. "I'm on break. I'm just going to the library," the younger Black explained.

"Ahh..."

"What does Sirius want?" the ebony-haired boy asked knowingly, and Remus gave a sheepish grin. "He wanted to tell you to 'watch for Rosier, he's suspicious'," the older boy explained, and Regulus' face tightened.

"I understand already."

"Regulus-" Lupin grasped his shoulders. "I want you to know- and don't listen to Sirius- that we'll be there for you when things happen with Snape."

Regulus flicked hair out of his eyes and smirked, "Remus, I definitely appreciate that, but tell Sirius I can take care of myself. I am a Black."

With that, he stalked away. Remus stared after the boy, then chuckled. Ever since the 'incident', Regulus had been so much stronger.

Severus was surprised when Regulus snatched his book out of his hands and kissed him hard in the library. He grasped Severus' tie tightly, gazing deeply into the other boy's eyes when they separated.

"What was that for? Not that I didn't appreciate it," Severus gasped, wiping his mouth.

"Just to remind you that I'm here," Regulus whispered back with a small smile. He suddenly looked serious. "Sev, I've heard the rumors about you and Rosier. What's going on?"

Severus was torn. He desperately wanted to relieve this guilt; it was pressing on him every waking moment, reminding him of what he had done to Regulus. Seeing his boyfriend smile at him made it even harder to deal with. He simply could not take the fact that he had allowed Rosier to kiss him. The truth had to be revealed.

And yet... there was a selfish part of him, a greedy part that wanted to keep Regulus from feeling sad or angry with him. It wanted Regulus to only have smiles, to have smiles for him. He would not get smiles and kisses from the boy if he knew what Severus had done.

"Nothing's going on, Reg. Rosier's just a friend to me. If he does want something more, then no. I'm not interested. I have you," Severus replied easily. His heart hurt when Regulus beamed that happy, innocent grin of his.

"Oh, Sev, thank goodness!" he whispered happily, keeping an eye out for Madam Pince while he threw his arms around Severus' neck. "I was worried that you changed your mind-that I wasn't enough-that-" he cut himself off by smothering Severus with kisses. Kisses that Severus did not deserve.

Severus was extremely aware of both Narcissa and Rosier staring at him during dinner, though for different reasons. Narcissa seemed to be monitoring his interactions with Regulus; the male Slytherin did not fail to notice how her eyes would focus intently whenever he turned towards or talked to Regulus. It was growing quite annoying.

But Narcissa's watchful eyes paled in comparison to Rosier, who had decided to sit near the trio but had so far said nothing. His eyes spoke for him, however. Intense blue orbs gazed at Severus with an unreadable look, only tearing away from the black-haired boy's face when Regulus spoke. Rosier's face changed entirely on these instances; the light seemed to shine brightly on his skin and make it appear more sunken than it actually was, eyes glaring daggers into Regulus' skin. He looked demonic, and Severus was quite disturbed and frightened for his boyfriend.

Rosier honestly was dangerous. Severus had seen him torture a spider for no other reason than because he was bored. He had performed a Dark spell that even Severus, the proud Half-Blood Prince, didn't know. The spider had writhed as pale blood oozed from its every orifice while Rosier used his wand to tie its legs into knots. It has been one of the most disturbing things Severus had ever seen. Severus knew that when Rosier hated someone, he would not hesitate to harm them.

"Are you coming tonight?" the redhead interrupted Regulus suddenly as the boy was explaining his latest plant project.

He was staring at Severus as he said this. Extremely aware of Regulus staring at him, bewildered and betrayed, Severus shook his head. He was not ready for the reality of the meetings of the soon-to-be Death Eaters.

"Come on, Severus, you could really be useful." Rosier had dropped his voice to a low mutter as he buttered his bread. Once again, Severus shook his head, accompanied by a strong but soft "No."

"Severus?" Regulus intoned softly, eyes worried. The older boy turned and attempted a reassuring smile. "It's fine, Reg." Regulus did not look assured, but he nodded and turned to Narcissa. Severus noticed his body language; his posture grew stiff and he turned his body nearly completely away from the two. It meant that the older Slytherin definitely had some kissing up to do, but it also gave him and Rosier a chance to talk.

"Look-" Severus looked around to make sure no one else was listening (though he supposed it didn't matter- nearly all of Slytherin was interested in serving)- "I do not think I am particularly able to join." He searched for the right words to keep from offending.

"Why not? You're perfect for it! You're clever, excellent at Potions, and you know some great Dark spells. Don't lie, I've seen them. You have the potential to be great, to have power, the world at your feet. Don't slip out because you're "scared" or you don't want to disappoint that one. Because giving in to weakness- it doesn't make you stronger, or noble, or loved. It just makes you weak."

Severus' mouth twisted, and he nearly spat on Rosier. "If I were scared or weak," he hissed, "Do you really think I would be dating a Black?" With that, he returned to his meal and kept his eyes away from Rosier. The redhead had crossed the line.

Narcissa sat down next to Severus as he studied by the fire. "Bellatrix would like to speak to you," she said suddenly after a long silence. Severus raised his eyebrows in surprise. "About what, and when?" "About the Death Eaters, and now," the blonde replied. Severus was even more shocked, but Narcissa seemed to take his shock as consent. "Let me set it up," she offered, waving her wand and whispered into the fire.

The flames stoked and burst into bright plumes, sending a light dusting of ash and smoke into the room. After he recovered from his coughing, Severus looked up. Narcissa looked sheepish. "Sorry, haven't used it in awhile," she apologized, but his attention was on the fire.

An image of Bellatrix Black-soon to be Lestrange- was in the center of the fire, detailing the area from her head to her mid-chest. She was gazing expectantly around the room, and when her eyes landed on Severus, she looked slightly surprised. "Ah, Snape, didn't expect to see you so soon," she said almost pleasantly.

"Floo?" he asked, slightly surprised. He had heard that it was possible to speak through Floo instead of traveling by it, but he had never seen it. It was rather interesting.

"Of course. Now, what's this I hear about you not wanting to join?"

"Rosier talks fast" was all Severus said.

"I listen fast," she retorted, giving him a harsh look.

Sighing, he gave in.

"I'm not sure... that I am ready yet. I have seen my own potential, and I cannot deny that I could be great. But something inside me... is telling me not to. At least, not yet. That I need to prove myself. And Rosier..." Severus trailed off.

"What about him?" Bellatrix questioned. She seemed generally intrigued; judging by her body language, she was sitting cross-legged.

"He's been showing interest in me. It's disturbing me. And he seems to hate Regulus," he said honestly. During this time, he noticed that Narcissa had left.

When he told the older Black girl some of the things that Rosier said (he edited a few statements out), Bellatrix looked enraged.

"How dare he!" she hissed, holding her wand tightly in both hands. He noticed how sharp her nails looked. She could attack with her nails alone.

"Don't attack him, though," Severus demanded. Bellatrix raised an eyebrow as though to question his tone. "And why shouldn't I, after he's been saying such terrible things about my little cousin?"

"Because Regulus is growing up. From what I've seen, he's biting back more, growing more independent. The other day, he hexed someone for trying to touch him," Severus smiled thinly at the thought.

Bellatrix nodded slightly, showcasing her approval. "I'm proud of him," she said slowly. "He really is growing so fast." Severus could have sworn that he saw tears in her eyes, but she was back to brushing curls away in an instant.

"So are you going to join?" she asked suddenly, and he blinked. Seeing the unsure look on Severus' face, a slow cruel smile spread across her face.

"Think about it," she breathed, leaning close in the fire. "The Dark Lord is so powerful. He's taking over and leading with a firm hand. You could do it, Snape. You would gain such respect, honor... Why, we could even forget that you're a half-blood..."

He sat, transfixed, as yet again the fantasy played on in his head. He first saw himself bowing to a tall, darkly cloaked figure. Next, he was brewing potions in the dungeons of his dreams, ingredients stocked wall-to-wall, books stacked on shelves neatly. Regulus was sitting on the edge of his seat, smiling happily and watching. He was then sitting on a throne-like chair again, Lily sitting by his side. They stood from the chairs and walked into another room, and they were kissing deeply. He was purchasing a house with Lily; now they were laughing and playing with two children; one with red hair and black eyes, the other black hair and green eyes.

Severus heard his own voice before he recognized that it was his own.

"I'll join. I'll take the Mark."

That's this chapter! I know there were a lot of fantasy sequences, but it was just to cement the whole idea in Severus' head.

Thanks so much for the reviews from the previous chapters! Just so you guys know, I may not always reply to reviews, but I definitely appreciate them. It makes me so happy when my e-mail goes off and I read another review. I'm just getting pretty busy lately-we're getting a puppy Friday!

Sorry, so anyway, see you soon. I'm planning on writing a story dealing with the "incident" mentioned in the above chapter. Who knows?