A/N: Thank you thank you thank you for your extremely kind reviews! So amazing! As always Rosie is mine, all else is JKR's.

Chapter 5

Rosie awoke the following morning, her head throbbing. Peering over at the clock she discovered it was 2:30, the sun pouring through the dark curtains giving away it was the afternoon. She groaned, throwing her head back, her untidy brown hair spilling over the pillow. She grumbled again, throwing the blankets over her head to block the searing light from burning her eyes any further. A soft knock on the door roused her back from sleep, thumping her brain against her skull three times. She sighed, throwing the warm blankets off and throwing herself out of bed. The cool air chilled her skin, her shorts and tank top not helping to block the draft. She cracked her door, opening it only as wide as her eye. The sight she saw was the most unsuspecting of guests.

"Oh my, hello," she whispered, embarrassed, attempting to smooth the mess of hair atop her head.

"Here. For your head," Severus spoke softly, holding out a small vial, his lips pursed up in a scowl.

She slowly opened the door, reaching her other hand out to take the bottle from him. She looked at him through squinted eyes, trying her best to keep the light of the hallway out of her eyes.

"Thank you," she whispered, averting her gaze to the ground, embarrassed after her actions from the previous night, "I'll have a mapping done for you here in a week or so."

He nodded and then turned, his usual large strides pulling him further and further away from her. She let her breath out, closing her door, before going over couch in front of her fireplace, grabbing her wand and putting the empty stone cutout to use. She shook the small clear vial in her hand, noticing a small label on the bottom, 'Invigoration Draught' written in a neat, longhand script. She smiled before removing the cork and taking a large swig. She immediately felt a warmth travel through her body, her eyes opened wider and the throbbing in her head was reduced to a dull roar. She took a deep breath, feeling the life return to her, and went to her desk to start her work.

Two days later, Rosie had a completed a new approximate lunar mapping for Severus with plans to deliver it to him that evening after a lunch date with Charity in Hogsmeade. She met her cheerful friend at the Three Broomsticks, joining her at seat at the bar.

"Well hello sleepy head!" Charity greeted happily as Rosie sat down.

"Hello," Rosie replied, smiling.

"So, how is everything?"

"It's very good! You?"

"Amazing!"

"Well, that sounds like you have something to share!"

"Oh no, just, classes are good, Christmas is coming, a lot to be excited about!"

"Ah. Oh I'll take a butterbeer please."

"So, tell me, what have you been occupying your time with?"

"Um, well, teaching, grading, sleeping, lots of that. I started helping Professor Snape as well. I do lunar mapping for him every cycle, so he can collect necessary supplies."

"How on Earth did you ever talk him into that?"

"How do you mean?"

"I mean, it's like pulling teeth to get him to even return a hello, never mind talk to him long enough to arrange something like that."

"Oh, well I saw him doing it up on the Astronomy tower one night, about a month ago, and I just offered to help him. It took him awhile to actually accept, but I suppose he realized the use of it."

"I don't know. He can do stuff like that himself. Man's a genius and it's not like he has a social life to maintain. I don't see why he needs your help in the first place."

"Convenience?"

"Maybe."

Rosie looked down at her drink, puzzled by Charity's words. Why would Severus recruit her help if he didn't need it?

"Is he just as much a git as an acquaintance as he as a colleague?" Charity snorted, breaking Rosie's train of thought.

"Um, no, he's all right. I mean, just as I suspected he would be." Rosie stammered, not wanting to reveal her true opinion of him.

"Rude? Unfriendly? Short? I mean the list can go on of what one would suspect him to be."

"He's short, yes, but helpful and, quiet?"

"Hahaha, I guess quiet is a way to put it. Helpful? I don't see that."

"He is, he made me some Draught of Peace, and brought me an Invigoration Draught after Halloween, which helped. A lot."

"There's something more to this. He's got the hots for you!"

"Oh shut up! There's no way."

"True, I don't think anything could warm that ice cold heart. I feel bad for him though."

"Why?"

"He's so lonely, no? If I remember correctly, he only had one friend at school. Lily Evans, and they lost touch towards the end."

"I'm sorry, who?"

"Lily Evans, or, Potter. Poor girl, she was so sweet to end up with such a terrible fate."

"They were friends?"

"Oh yeah, everyone swore he was head over heels in love with her, until one day he called her a, well, a you know what… Begged her forgiveness until they graduated. I'm surprised you didn't know that."

"I didn't pay much attention."

The two lightened their conversation, chatting for another few hours. At six o'clock they parted ways, promising to do it more often. Rosie wound her way back to her chambers, starting a fire and sitting on the floor in front of it. She thought back to her days at school, remembering Lily Evans quite vividly, she was two years her senior. Rosie was always jealous of her red hair, and her skill at every subject. She was the nicest girl as well, always willing to help anyone who needed it, regardless of House, blood status or age. She couldn't, however, remember ever seeing her and Severus together, although she had to admit, she didn't remember seeing him at all, only hearing of his knowledge and expertise. Charity was one for gossip; she must have just been exaggerating a rumor, which was the only thing that made any sense. Rosie shook the thoughts from her head and got up to head down to the dungeons.

As she reached his door, she found it already cracked. She peered inside and saw him pacing in front of his desk, muttering under his breath. She couldn't help but stare at his frustrated state, his face crumpled in thought, leaving him looking vulnerable, a welcome change from his cold expression of indifference. His hands moved with his words ever so slightly, before running them through his hair as he came to a halt. She took advantage of his pause and knocked lightly, his head quickly whipping to face the door, his face formed back into stone. He walked over quickly, ripping it open, causing Rosie to jump back.

"What?" he snapped, his voice still smooth and level.

"Um, I have this for you," she replied slowly, holding out the rolled parchment.

"What's this?"

"Just some approximate dates for the next cycle. I'll have something more definitive soon."

"Approximations are, useless."

"I know, but, just to plan, I don't know…"

"I don't need them."

"Oh, ok. Sorry for bothering you. I'll have something better, next time."

"I should hope so."

He began to shut the door, but she stopped it, causing his brow to furrow and mouth to open to protest, but she spoke first.

"Are you all right, Severus? You look, more bothered than usual."

"Fine. Now if you'll excuse me."

"No."

"I beg your pardon? This is my office-"

"I know, but I want to help you."

"I don't, need, help."

"You do! I can see it in your eyes. You can keep that stone cold expression in place all you want, I can see right through it."

"Get. Out."

She looked into his eyes and sensed she was unwelcome. They were vacant and sad. He lowered his eyes to the floor at her feet, his grip less tight on the door. She reached her hand out to touch his but he pulled it away before she could touch it, snapping out of his melancholy gaze. His black eyes locked with hers; his stare was unwavering, menacing, she did all she could to stand her ground and keep her eyes steady.

"I said, get, out," he said in a low breath, his mouth barely moving.

She accepted her defeat, giving him a small nod and turning to walk away. She took one look back and saw he was still standing in the same position, head bowed to his chest, one hand on his hip. She watched as he finally moved, taking his hand off the door and running it through his hair. He turned and walked away, leaving the door ajar. Rosie took in a deep breath before walking back over to it, pushing it open. He was seated in his desk chair, facing the wall to his left, forehead in his hand, the other winding his wand between long, slender fingers. She knew he heard her come in, but he did not turn or look up. She tiptoed her way over, stopping as she came up behind him, gently placing her hand on his shoulder. He still did nothing.

"Severus?" she hummed soothingly, giving his shoulder a slight squeeze.

"Why are you still here?" he muttered, rubbing his temples with his thumb and forefinger.

"I'm concerned for you. I don't want to see you hurting."

He spun his chair to face her in a quick jolt, ripping her hand from its contact with him. He stared into her eyes, reading them, studying her. She slowly extended her arm, placing her palm on his cheek. He did not protest, only intesified his gaze in an attempt to read her intentions. His skin was soft and cool, she savored the feeling of it on her palm, committing its feeling to memory. She kneeled down in front of him, bringing her eyes level with his, never breaking contact. His eyes continued to investigate her, delving deeper with each passing second. Her breathing became rapid and shallow as she leaned in closer to him, her lips now inches from his. She continued advancing, anticipating him to pull away at any second, but he stayed unwavering, analyzing every movement, every breath. She closed her eyes as her lips reached his, forming around his in a soft kiss. They were unmoving, but he did not reject her. She felt an energizing force wash through her, jolting straight to her core. She wanted more of him, all of him, but she knew he would not have her. After a few seconds she pulled away slowly, keeping her eyes away from his scrutinizing gaze, slowly letting her hand fall off his cheek.

She stood up, her breath catching in her throat. His eyes followed her as she walked out of the room, closing the door behind her. She trudged slowly up the stairs leading back to the main castle, rehashing the last fifteen minutes in her mind over and over. As soon as her foot completed the final step, she broke down into tears. She fell into a slump atop the last step, head buried in her knees. Only a few moments had passed when she heard footsteps advancing towards her.

"Oh my goodness dear, whatever's the matter?" Minerva McGonagall inquired, kneeling down and placing a hand on her shoulder.

Rosie could not find words; she just shook her head, sobs echoing through the hall.

"Come on dear, let's get you up to your chambers and into bed."

Minerva placed her arm around Rosie's shoulder, coaxing her to stand. She buried her face in the woman's comforting embrace, Minerva placing her free hand on the back of Rosie's head, whispering reassurances into her ear.

"It's ok dear, it ok. Whatever it is it will all be better in the morning."

Rosie nodded, finally allowing Minerva to lead her up the numerous winding staircases to her tower. She placed Rosie in her bed, lighting a fire and calling for a house elf to return immediately with tea.

"Here dear, drink this, it will help," Minerva encouraged, handing her a small cup.

Rosie gave her a small smile before taking a sip, chamomile, one of her favorites.

"Thank you," Rosie choked out before taking another drink of tea.

"Of course, now, get some rest, if you need anything, anything at all, you know where to find me," Minerva replied as she patted Rosie on the shoulder.

Rosie nodded as Minerva stood to leave.

"Whatever is the matter is not worth so many tears. Nothing is ever as bad as it seems," she ensured before turning and walking out the door.

Rosie turned her attention to her ceiling, hoping it's twinkling stars and ever changing colors would comfort her. Orion was soon perched on her bed rail by her head, screeching quietly, voicing his concern.

"I'll be all right," she promised, scratching the side of his head, "I hope."