J. owns Severus. I own Elizabeth.

"Severus — did Albus say whether or not I can move into the dungeons?" asked Elizabeth, sitting herself on his desk. He looked up from his grading leaning back in his chair and gave her a look. She blushed. "For when we're married."

"I know what you meant." He replied.

"And?"

"And he has informed me that your fireplace will be connected to mine."

She frowned before understanding came to her.

"He wants it to be a secret doesn't he."

"It's for the best professor. If the Dark Lord or any of his Death Eaters knew about our union, it would put you at a greater risk."

"Then why are you marrying me then?" She frowned at him, arms crossed. He tried to control his features to appear blank. She sighed. "Severus — I know you don't love me. It doesn't take a second look to know that." She rubbed her forehead like she had a headache. "However, I still said yes and you still haven't told me why you want to get married. Is this marriage some sham so that when the final battle comes, you can let yourself be killed? Because you for-filled all that your mother might want of you? That maybe your family name will continue on?"

"You know nothing." He hissed, his nostrils flaring. Elizabeth tilted her head, studying him.

"You're marrying me in hopes of an heir aren't you?"

He stood, using his size to cause her to lean back. His eyes were intense as they held hers.

"Like I said, you know nothing."

Elizabeth blinked, sitting up. Severus muttered in his sleep beside her and she found she had to be somewhere else. Anywhere. Just not next to him. She slipped out of bed and went into the bathroom, locking the door and turning the shower on. Discharging her clothing, she stepped inside the spray and groaned, resting her head on the tile.

Was her marriage a sham? How could she let herself do that?

Yet she did know. She had loved Severus Snape, former Death Eater, potion master and professor at Hogwarts, the moment he had ever touched her. She had been seduced by his mere presence, his reputation, his whole being, his grace. When Peeves at caused the suit of armor to fall and Severus had protected her with his body — she was lost. She was helpless towards him. He must of known that.

He had used her.

Elizabeth felt her shoulders shake as she silently cried.

"Elizabeth? What are you doing out here by yourself?" asked Poppy, sitting next to Elizabeth. They were out by the lake, sitting beneath the willow tree that Elizabeth felt a kinship to. She looked at the medi witch — someone she knew was her friend.

"Poppy — we are close aren't we?"

The woman smiled. "I would say so. We go on a vacation together every summer."

"So you know a lot, about my life. How Severus and I get along?"

Poppy wrinkled a brow.

"Has something happened? Did you two argue?"

"Poppy — does he love me?"

Her eyes widened before the witch burst out laughing. Elizabeth looked off at the squid as the medi witch slowly got in control of herself.

"I'm sorry Elizabeth but that's... such a silly question! Of course Severus loves you! He'd die for you and the kids."

Elizabeth turned to her.

"When I married him Poppy, he clearly didn't love me."

The woman's face softened.

"I won't lie to you Elizabeth — at first it surprised us all when you two announced you were married after the Final Battle. But that was only because Severus was so clearly head over heels for you."

Elizabeth gave her a look. Poppy nodded, taking her hand.

"Yes he was dear. So in love in fact, that he went utterly crazy when Lucius Malfoy kidnaped you in hopes of Severus keeping him out of Azkaban. He was a wreck."

"That doesn't mean he loved me Poppy." She shook her head. "From what I remember, Severus is a very possessive sort of man — he didn't want Lucius getting away with taking me from his control."

"Now that's just silly Elizabeth. I know Severus is a private man especially about his emotions but he has told you he loves you hasn't he?"

"I have flashes... they run through my mind but I don't know how to place them. I'm so confused Poppy."

Poppy pulled her into a hug.

"I know it's hard dear but Severus is a good man. Surely you see that?"

"The man I remember and the one I see now... they seem so different. It's hard to think it can all be one man."

Poppy smiled. "Well I would definitely say that the man is complicated. I think that's partly why you fell for him the way you did — he's too interesting to resist, is how you had once put it."

"Thanks Poppy." She sighed, pulling her knees to her chest and watching the squid squirt water onto some un-expecting students.

"Elizabeth!" roared Severus as he chased her deeper into the castle. Her heart was pounding hard, her legs were burning in exertion and she felt something tight in the pit of her stomach.

"Elizabeth!"

She sobbed as she ran, tears streaming down her face before she turned into a dead end. Severus was on her before she could get free. He grabbed her wrists and pushed her into the stone wall. She whimpered, tightening her body and trying to get away.

"Please, no..."

"Elizabeth, this is utterly childish. Stop it!"

She cried, closing her eyes and shaking her head. Severus growled before shaking her.

"Look at me!"

Elizabeth looked up at her fiance. His face was unreadable.

"What happened?"

She swallowed, trying to pull away. He pressed his body into hers, pinning her more securely. Her body shook.

"Severus... please let me go." She cried.

"Not till you answer my questions."

"No!"

"Elizabeth." His hiss made her eyes widen in fear. "Tell. Me. Now."

She gasped, tightening her fists.

"You hate me."

"What?" He looked completely taken back. She sniffed.

"I heard you. You and Lucius Malfoy. He asked what you thought of the newest DADA teacher. A dim wit? A lowly excuse of a professor. Couldn't believe that I can claim to be a pureblood with the lack of class I show? Illegitimate. You called me that!" The last she shouted at him. "Your voice was filled with disgust Severus." His face softened, but not his grip.

"Elizabeth — I had to say that. He can't even pretend to think I care for you."

She huffed. "I know bloody well you don't care for me Severus Snape, so stop lying to my face. I am just a means to an end for you."

His face showed anger, his nostrils flaring. It was a look to crumble any will. Elizabeth could only whimper. He brought his face close to hers and she stopped breathing. His breath was warm on her skin.

"I happen to care more for you then even I can admit. I care enough to lie for you. To protect you. Don't you ever even suggest otherwise."

They stared each other in the eyes before Severus growled, sifting his position over her. Her eyes closed when their mouths crushed over each others. Their chase through the castle was forgotten, as Severus released her wrists, sliding his hand down her waist. Elizabeth pressed her body into his, exploring his back as well as his mouth.

They opened to each other and moaned at the others' touch. Severus pushed her farther up the wall, allowing her legs to wrap tightly around his hips. His hissed under his breath as her kisses moved down south.

"Elizabeth..." His voice was silk to her ears and husky, sending shivers through her.

"Severus..."

"I... I — ugh!" He yanked himself from her, causing her to hit the stone wall with her back as she tried to balance herself. She was about to ask what was wrong, when she realized he was clenching his left arm. Her eyes widened in fear. Fear for him.

"Please... Severus, please be careful."

He met her eyes before he ran for the Great Doors.

Elizabeth, alone in the poorly lite corridor, pressed a hand to her mouth and cried.

I think it's important, to have moments where Severus can appear intimidating and cruel. His relationship is still very new with Elizabeth and she hasn't brought out the good in him.

Only a few more chapters to go! Please Review!