Disclaimer: Weasleys are red, Ravenclaws are blue, I don't own Harry Potter, and neither do you.

Chapter 5: The Sound of a Breaking Heart

1981 -

A chime woke Marci from her memories. It was one in the morning. All of her Hufflepuffs were safely in bed and the common room was deserted. Exhausted, Marci stood up and walked to her quarters. Climbing the stairs to her bedroom, she wasn't sure she would be able to sleep calmly that night. Her thoughts of first year ran through her head. Severus penetrated her every thought. She didn't have the mental capacity at the moment to keep those particular memories at bay and they bombarded her mind, ripping new holes in her heart. She was exhausted but was afraid to go to sleep.

"Accio Dreamless Sleep," Marci murmured, as she collapsed atop her king sized bed. The purple down comforter embraced her like an old friend and Marci longed for Jeanne's company. A bottle hit her in the head just then and she picked it up. It was her Dreamless Sleep potion and it was empty. Marci sighed in resignation. She would just have to fight the dreams she knew would come. If Jeanne was here, her presence alone would comfort her enough to sleep. She missed her best friend terribly and Marci was reminded of just how alone she was. As she lay there in bed staring at the ceiling, Marci's thoughts raced through her head and she could no longer differentiate dreams from memories. Maybe they were one and the same. Marci couldn't tell anymore.

*~SP~*

Marci found herself in the Hufflepuff common room sitting with Jeanne at the study tables hidden behind silencing wards. At least her mind had thought to dream of this instead of...she couldn't even bring herself to think his name. This was more than a dream though, this was a memory and Marci already knew what was coming. Apparently, her mind just couldn't keep Severus at bay tonight.

The two girls were obviously in their fifth year, Jeanne's prefect badge shining brightly.

Jeanne leaned in towards Marci and whispered, regardless of the silencing spells, "Come on Marci, you can tell me. What happened? Why are you so...not yourself? What happened today in Potions! First you were all pissed off at Severus for going to Hogsmeade with Lily Evans a couple weeks ago and then you come out of your little Potions sanctuary looking like you were in shock. What happened?"

Marci leaned on her hand and sighed. She didn't really want to tell Jeanne what had transpired that day in the Potions lab. Jeanne had always been a little jealous of Severus and this was only bound to make it worse, but she knew she couldn't keep it a secret for long.

"Well," she hesitated, "he was in a rather foul mood as well -"

Jeanne cut her off. "Well of course he is. Evans isn't talking to him anymore. Word on the street is that he called her a mudblood!" Jeanne's hands flew to cover her mouth like she hadn't meant to say the foul word out loud.

"Yeah," Marci confirmed. "He did."

Jeanne gasped. "But Marci, don't you think that's kind of...offensive? You could possibly be a Muggle-born. We don't really know. What if he thinks of you like that too?"

Marci sighed and leaned back in her chair. "We talked about that, while he was helping me with my potion." On a side note Marci added, "I don't think I'm going to be ready to sit my N.E.W.T. in potions at the end of the year."

Jeanne ignored that last comment. "Well, what did that no good Dea-" Jeanne's face burned red and Marci glared at her friend. "What did he have to say for himself?"

Marci bit her lip wondering how much she should repeat. "Well, he was really angry at himself. I think his anger loosened his tongue a little because he talked a lot more than he usually does."

Jeanne leaned in as if she was going to get some really good gossip out of this. Marci hardened her features. "Jeanne if I tell you this stuff you can't tell anyone else, ever."

Jeanne raised her hands in surrender. "I won't, I won't".

"Good." Marci shook her head. "Well Sev said he did call Lily a mudblood but he was really sorry for it. He was so angry at the time. James and Sirius had really embarrassed him and some of his so called Slytherin friends were looking on as well and didn't even help him, you know, Nott and Avery." A chill rushed through both girls. "Anyways, he went to go apologize to Evans but she wouldn't have it. So now they're not friends anymore and Severus is really angry at himself."

Jeanne looked confused. "So why would this make you so...smug?"

"First of all, I don't know how I feel but Severus isn't hanging out with Evans anymore. He's quit fawning over her and staring at her and talking about her all the time. Honestly, I don't know what he ever saw in her. That's why I'm feeling so smug."

"Well, she is rather good looking, Marci. You know, you do kind of look like her. Your hair is a darker red and your eyes are more golden than green but the similarities can't be missed."

Marci rolled her eyes. "I'm not talking about her physical features, Jeanne. I'm talking about how I don't trust her. She spends entirely way too much time with Remus Lupin who spends entirely way too much time with James and Sirius. How could he trust her, or even like her?"

Jeanne giggled. "Love is blind," she said, shrugging her shoulders, giving her friend a knowing look.

The common room suddenly spun into a blur of colors, Marci's memory-dream was changing. When it settled itself down again Marci found herself in the bright sunlight of Hogsmeade, walking side by side with Severus. It was late spring and the last Hogsmeade trip of their fifth year. The pair was walking away from town, towards the Shrieking Shack.

Marci laughed and lightly punched Severus in the arm. "Come on Sev, what's on your mind? You've been so quiet this whole trip. You haven't even lectured me on the proper techniques of milking plants." Marci grinned and a small smile crept across Severus's face.

"That's better; at least you're smiling now." Marci stopped, leaned up against a tree and gazed at the Shrieking Shack. "Do you really think it's haunted Sev?" Marci asked.

Severus's body went rigid and he raised his eyebrows. "There is always some truth in rumors and folk lore. I'm sure something horrifying lives in that shack. Whether it's a ghost or not," Severus's voice trailed off and he shrugged his shoulders but his eyes turned dark; Marci knew he wasn't telling her something.

Marci began to climb over the fence that kept people away from the shack but Severus grabbed her cloak and pulled her down.

"Hey! Sev, what the heck? I just wanted to go check it out."

His voice was cold. "That is a terrible idea Marci."

"Yea but I bet there isn't really anything in there."

Again his eyes flashed and Marci decided to push the subject, thinking she could get Severus to share his secret. "Come on Severus, there's nothing in there. I want to go look around." She dived under the fence but Severus was faster, he dragged her back and picked her up off the ground. He growled at her. "No Marci, it's not safe."

"So you do know something!" Marci said indignantly and crossed her arms. "What is it then?"

Severus mimicked Marci's stance, crossing his arms and pointedly looking the other way.

"Well if you're not going to tell me, I'm going anyways." Marci leaped over the fence with ease and stood defiantly on the other side.

Severus's face paled and he took a step towards the fence. "This isn't funny Marcella, come back here." His voice had lost all trace of malice and his face flushed with concern.

Marci stumbled a little. She knew Severus cared for her. They were best friends. They had shared their deepest darkest secrets in the bowels of the castle over the last five years but the look on Severus's face was entirely new. It was desperation. In a flash Severus had leaped over the fence and almost tackled Marci. He had her in a vice grip. Marci stilled her struggling, trying to figure out exactly what Severus was doing.

"Good," he said, looking down at Marci wrapped in his arms. "Now that you're calm, we're leaving." He didn't take his arms from around Marci but started shuffling both of them back towards the fence. Marci started struggling again.

"Severus Tobias Snape! You let me go. What in God's name do you think you're doing?" Marci raged, struggling against Severus's strong arms.

Severus's eyebrows rose; it may have been at the use of his full name or the fact that Marci had just said the word God or that the girl simply was too dense to realize why he was insisting she go nowhere near that cursed building.

"I'm protecting you," he said simply, as if that was obvious. Marci went still staring into Severus's dark eyes. The two had always silently protected each other, defending each other when others talked poorly of them, threatened to curse or jinx someone who teased the other too mercilessly but never had it been so blatantly obvious as right now.

Wrapped up in Severus's arms, Marci had a paradigm shift. This boy, who she had been protecting and guarding for years, felt the same way about her as she did for him.

All Marci could say was, "okay." She allowed Severus to lead her to the fence and help her over it. When he had joined her on the other side they were standing particularly close together. Severus looked down at Marci again. She felt like she was falling into his dark eyes. His hand came to her face and pushed her auburn hair behind her ear, letting his hand linger near her neck.

Marci leaned into his embrace and relished the intimate touch. She closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath filled with the scent of cloves and mint that always seemed to follow Severus around. It seemed like they stood there for eternity, neither one saying anything. When Marci opened her eyes, she found Severus just staring at her. He still didn't say anything. She laid her hand over his and said, "Severus, what are we doing?" He just shook his head and continued to stare at her.

Marci took a step back, breaking the physical contact between them. Severus shook his head again, as if he was trying to clear it. He straightened his shoulders and clasped his hands behind his back. He turned around and started to walk towards the village. Marci stood there in stunned silence. What was going on? Hadn't they just had some kind of connection? No, Severus was doing what he knew best. He was hiding his feelings and avoiding the situation.

"Sev, I can't do this anymore," Marci blurted. Severus stopped and turned around. He looked like she had slapped him. "What is wrong? Why can't we talk about what just happened? You can't just brush this under the rug." Marci's voice broke. "What happened back there?" Marci felt dumb asking but she really wanted to know what was going on in Severus's head.

"Nothing happened back there, Marci. Come on, let's go get a Butterbeer. I'll buy," Severus said, sounding morose.

Marci's hands dropped to her sides and she completely deflated. She was so sure that Severus had just bared some part of his soul to her. She knew boys just didn't stare into a girl's eyes like that because he was admiring their color. They didn't let their fingers linger at the nape of their necks. That was too intimate a touch for a fifteen year old boy to casually flaunt around. On top of that, Severus wasn't your normal fifteen year old. He thought through everything he did; every move Severus made was calculated and precise.

"No, Sev. I am not going to get a Butterbeer with you today. I need to think about what just happened. I feel like our friendship has changed, or at least, that it's trying to change but you're not letting it. I am not sure I can just let us sit here, stagnant." Marci sighed and put her head in her hands. It was obvious that Severus wasn't going to talk about the feelings Marci just seen reflected in his eyes and his touch. She felt like a pawn. Severus had warned her, back in third year, that he didn't know how to love anyone besides himself. Why had she fallen in love with the unlovable boy? Was the rest of her life going to be filled with these kinds of disappointments from a man who couldn't even admit to her how he felt? "I can't just be friends anymore, not after today." That last sentence hung in the air, thick and heavy.

Severus's face crumpled. "Why not?" he asked.

"Because I can't pretend to be your friend forever knowing that you have these feelings for me, too. It would be like living a lie. It would tear me up, every day."

The mask Severus tended to wear on a daily basis was gone. He was vulnerable and Marci saw a number of emotions play across his face; the most prominent one was fear.

"What are you afraid of Sev?" Marci whispered.

Severus covered his face with his hands. "Don't you get it Marci? Everything I love falls apart. I destroy it. Look what happened with Lily. That was my fault. I can't bare to let that happen to us...if we..." He didn't finish his sentence or pull his hands away from his face.

Marci stepped up to him and gently pulled both hands from his face. "When have I ever let your stubbornness or pig-headedness or anger come between us? When have I ever not forgiven you?" Severus continued to just stare at the fallen leaves.

Severus was shaking with emotion but refused to say a word. Marci waited patiently for a few minutes. When she was convinced Severus would stay a stone statue for eternity, she shook her head sadly and turned to walk away. Apparently, he had made his decision and was refusing to pursue a relationship with her.

A ragged voice behind her said, "Don't walk away when I need you." Flashes of Halloween their third year came swarming back to her. She turned around and found herself engulfed in black as Severus wrapped his arms around her again. "I – you…" Severus was tongue tide and it made Marci's heart melt. She brought her arms around his waist and leaned her head against his chest. She knew when he had composed himself better he would talk. "You're my best friend," he finally said. "You've always forgiven me, even when I didn't deserve it and never turned your back on me." Marci knew he was thinking of when he had called Evans a mudblood and she'd decided she didn't want anything to do with him anymore. Instead, Marci had sat with Severus for weeks as he brooded in his misery over the girl he cared for. She didn't chastise him or push for details or tell him everything was going to be all right. She simply had been there for him until he was ready to talk about it or move on. Marci felt Severus's lips come down to rest on the top of her head.

The memories swirled together again and she was sitting outside under the trees of the Forest leaning against Severus. They were simply talking about her summer holiday with her mother and brother. Severus stood up and helped Marci off the ground pulling her up into a tight embrace. "I'm glad to be back," he breathed.

Marci grinned up at him. She knew how he felt. Summer had been the longest three months of her life. She never thought she'd get back to the castle to see Severus. She had longed to visit him at Spinner's End but knew better than to ask. Instead, she had passed the summer reading his daily letters and writing long replies back. It seemed they really didn't have any secrets left. Severus had shared about how his father had beaten him as a child and how Eileen had stood by and watched. His mother forgot about the darkness in her house by staying rip roaring drunk most of the time; although, that didn't stop her from practicing the Dark Arts and brewing various illicit potions.

Marci had confided about how she had known since first year that she loved Severus, that when they had met that first day in Potions, she had this sudden realization that her life wouldn't be complete without him. He tried to tell her it was a first year's fantasy but she brushed him off, insisting that it was an innate magical ability to predetermine her relationships with others. She'd always had the ability. The second she had seen Jeanne on her broom in her Aunt's back yard, she knew they were going to be best friends. When she had met Professor Dumbledore, she knew that he would hold high authority over her all throughout her life. It was a gift.

Marci sighed bringing herself back to the forest and out of her thoughts of summer. "Me too," Marci whispered, as she stared at Severus. He had started tying his hair back this year. She pushed a stray strand behind his ear and let her hand rest at the nape of his neck.

Her breath hitched as Severus leaned down towards her. Lightly, his lips found hers. The kiss was light but it held every feeling the two shared. "I don't think my life would be complete without you, Marci," he whispered. "You ground me; keep me from getting caught up in the horrors of my past and the dangers of living in the snake pit."

Marci knew he was talking about the Slytherin common room. They had often talked about how pressure was beginning to rise for young Slytherins to choose what side they would serve after Hogwarts. Severus wasn't immune to these pressures. Avery and Nott had already decided to take the Dark Lord's mark when they turned 17. They both expected Severus to follow in their footsteps. Lucius Malfoy had graduated but had made frequent visits to the common room since then. Marci shuttered a little, wondering how they were going to keep Severus from the clutches of Voldemort.

The happy memories of her and Severus's time together didn't last long. Her brain suddenly switched gears and her dream-memories swirled around again.

It was still sixth year but Marci was alone, walking back to the Hufflepuff common room from the library. It was late and she figured no one would still be awake. She was wrong. As she was turning a corner four silhouettes came into view. It wasn't hard to pick them out. Two were stocky and short, built like the finest of Beaters, and the other two were taller and leaner. They sauntered forward and Marci heard a vicious, low laugh emanate from the group. Fear coursed through her veins. She thought about turning around, but that might just provoke the boys more. Avery and Nott slipped under the light of a floating lantern, Goyle and Crabbe followed suit.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Hufflepuff slut," Nott said, looking Marci up and down, obviously approving of what he saw. Marci wrapped her cloak around her, wishing she had buttoned it up earlier. She gripped her wand inside her pocket.

"Come now, Nott," Marci said levelly. "Surely your mother taught you better manners than that."

Nott just continued to rack his eyes up and down Marci. She tried to control her shivering. Avery took a step forward.

"She's right, Theo," Avery said, silkily. "We should treat her like the lady she is." This time it was his turn to look appreciatively at Marci. "Unfortunately, with that frumpy cloak on we can't appreciate the fine lady that you are." Avery's wand whipped up before Marci could stop him. "Evenesco!" he cried and Marci's cloak vanished, leaving her feeling very vulnerable.

"That's much better," Goyle sneered as he took in Marci's jeans and tank top. Another shiver ran down her spine and Marci decided it was time to run.

"Now, now Marci, we know what kind of liberties you give to Severus," Nott said. The other boys laughed. "We do share a room with him after all." Marci face fell, She refused to believe that Severus would ever talk about their private lives with anyone, let alone these four Death-Eaters-in-training. Unfortunately, Marci had given herself away not Severus.

"Oh so you have." This seemed to make Nott and Avery very happy. "What exactly have you and Severus been doing these past six years on your little trips down to the dungeon to explore? Surely there are plenty of empty rooms to...utilize," Avery said, suggestively. "Perhaps we could go find one right now. He raised his wand towards Marci again but this time she was prepared.

"Expelliarmus!" she cried and Avery's wand came flying out of his hand. She caught it just as three other wands turned on her. Marci took a deep breath calculating her enemies. "Incarcerus!" she cried, pointing her wand at Crabbe and Goyle. Ropes flew out of her wand and bound the two together head to toe. Avery lunged at Marci trying to get his wand back. She stepped backwards and he hit the floor. She threw up a Protego Charm around herself just as Nott's curse rebounded off of it. "Furnunculous!" Marci cried and Nott's body became covered in blisters and boils. He began reeling on the ground in pain.

Just then Avery tackled Marci, sending her flying into the wall. She hit her head and stars swam above her eyes. She felt her wand and Avery's wand tugged out of her hand. Avery leaned in close and said, "Where do you really think your precious little Severus's loyalties lay? With some filthy little girl who's blood is probably dirtier than dirt?" Marci wanted to laugh at his ridiculous comparison but didn't have the strength. "No, like the good Slytherin he is, his loyalties lay where the most power is sure to be found, with the Dark Lord. You just wait Marcella." He spit her name like it was something foul. "When the time is right, he'll drop you quicker than you can say Quidditch. He'll leave you in the dirt once he's gotten what he wants from you." With that he spit in her face and turned away.

Marci sat up straight in bed. The cloths she hadn't bothered to change out of were soaked in sweat and she was crying. She lay down and rolled over, burying her head in her pillow. The truth of Avery's words that night came screaming back to her and she sobbed even harder.

Severus had left her. He had done what Marci never would have. He turned his back on her and chose instead to throw his lot in with Avery and Nott, in with the Dark Lord.

Since Marci refused to sleep again that night, she changed into fresh cloths and threw on her brewing robe. Albus needed a number of potions made for the Order and Marci had to stock up on some Dreamless Sleep. So she slipped out of her quarters and made her way down to the dungeons. For the second time that night she found herself trailing her fingers across the walls of the castle. She was too exhausted to keep her memories in check. Her heart was numb from all the pain she'd relived that day anyways. So with each passing corridor or portrait, she thought of Severus. She passed the deserted classroom where they would study late into the night, avoiding Prefects and professors on rounds. She let herself linger in an alcove where she and Severus had spent a particularly wonderful afternoon snogging before Christmas holidays sixth year. When she came to the Entrance Hall, she stopped. She never lingered long in this area because it held the darkest of memories. Marci let herself get caught up in the worst day of her life.

May 15, 1977 - Sixth Year

It was the end of sixth year. They had two weeks before their exams but most students were lounging around the grounds as the weather was perfectly warm and sunny. Marci and Severus had been wandering the castle in companionable silence, holding hands as most students were outside enjoying the sunny weather. They had reached the Entrance Hall and Marci had double checked they were alone before pulling Severus into her arms and kissing him firmly on the mouth. His body responded instantly. His arms entangled themselves in her hair and her hands gripped at his robes, pulling him tighter against her. Her mouth opened and Marci lost herself in Severus's arms.

She didn't know how long they had stood there enjoying each other's...company, when a gentle throat cleared itself. Albus Dumbledore was standing at the top of the first flight of steps looking down on the young couple. Marci's cheeks flooded red while Severus stiffened and took a step away from Marci, releasing his grip on her.

Sheepishly, Marci replied, "I'm sorry Headmaster; we did not see you there."

Severus nodded his head and added, "We'll head out to the grounds now."

As they turned towards the giant double doors leading outside, Professor Dumbledore spoke up. "I do not think that is wise, Mr. Snape, Ms. Lynch. I happen to know there is a group of seventh year Slytherins who are up to no good just outside the doors. Perhaps you could come with me Marci, and Severus, you could fetch Ms. Jensen for me." Marci looked at Severus questioningly, wondering why the Headmaster would need to speak with Jeanne as well. As it was, Dumbledore had said few words to Marci while she was at Hogwarts. She couldn't imagine what he needed now. As she gazed up at him, trying to read his features, she decided his eyes were distinctly sad. That unnerved Marci. The only thing she had ever seen play across the Headmaster's face was good cheer and mystery, even when he spoke of You-Know-Who.

"Uhm, Professor," Marci ventured, "if you have something to say to me. You can say it in front of Severus. We don't have any secrets." Severus lifted his head in agreement and, in a rare display of affection, laid a hand on her shoulder.

The Headmaster stared at the pair as if calculating something and just nodded his head and made his way down the stairs. When they were eye to eye, he said to Marci, "Very well, let us adjourn to my office." The two students followed their Headmaster up to the Seventh floor. No one said a word. Dumbledore stopped in front of a large gargoyle statue and said, "Sugar quills." The gargoyle leaped aside and the wall behind him split in two. Behind the wall was a revolving stair case. The Headmaster stepped on and the two students followed in his wake.

After they were settled in the Headmaster's office and were offered sweets, tea and crumpets, Dumbledore looked solemnly at the duo sitting across from him. He took a deep breath and stared straight at Marci. "I am truly sorry to have to tell you this Marcella. Your mother was found dead today." A shocked silence filled the room and Severus stiffened in his chair, staring at the Headmaster.

Marci just stared at Dumbledore. The room was silent for a few moments. Then Marci's tea cup crashed to the floor and she sank into the chair. In a flash, Severus was kneeling in front of her, a comforting hand caressing her hair. Marci sobbed and shook her head, refusing to believe it. She leaned into Severus and he wrapped his arms around her continuing to stroke her hair. Decorum be damned, he thought as held the girl he loved.

1981 -

Marci came back to herself and was sitting on the last step of the Grand Staircase. A few tears rolled down her cheek but she had already sobbed herself dry. She raised her head towards Heaven and prayed a silent prayer for her mother's soul before standing up and numbly walking down to the dungeons. She passed the Slytherin common room and bile rose up in her throat.

May 29, 1977 - Sixth year

Marci and Severus were standing outside a portrait of a haughty looking man in green robes, holding a rather large snake. She had her arms crossed and was tapping her toe impatiently.

"Severus, honestly, I have no idea what's gotten your knickers in a twist but I refuse to live like this." She stared at him, expecting him to explain his behavior over the last week or two. At first Marci had thought she just had needed time to grieve the loss of her mother. But after a few days, she started to realize that Severus was distancing himself from her. She thought he couldn't handle the strong emotions she showed when she thought about her mom but that didn't make sense as she thought about how Severus had held her in the Headmaster's office. Regardless of the fact that he refused to show any kind of public display of affection, when Marci had been hurting and needed him the most, he had thrown his decorum to the wind, humbled himself and comforted her. But now he could barely touch her, barely look at her and it made her throat close with anxiety.

He had spent a disgustingly large amount of time with the other Slytherin sixth years these last two weeks and Marci had chalked it up to studying for exams but realized that Severus had very rarely ever studied with his dorm mates. His behavior was truly odd.

"I want some answers Severus and I want them now. I refuse to leave here for summer holidays and go home-" Marci choked, realizing she would never go home again, not really. Home wasn't home without her mother. She steeled her nerves and thanked God for her brother and went on. "I refuse to leave here for the holidays and not have you talk to me. Don't force me to, Severus, but I'll stay out here all night until you talk to me." Marci was truly terrified of the other Slytherins but her love for Severus could override any fears she had.

Severus's face paled at the remark and he turned away, sneering. He looked down at the floor and suddenly turned on Marci. His face was a neutral mask and his posture was rigid, even for Severus. He lifted his head high and glared down his nose at Marci.

Marci recoiled a little, wondering what she had done to deserve that look. It was terrifying. "Yes, that's it Marcella," Severus spat. "Cower in fear away from me."

Marci faltered and regained her composure. "I'm not afraid of you Severus," she said, coldly.

A fleeting look of...something, perhaps surprise or regret, passed over Severus's features before he schooled them again. "Well you should be." He took a menacing step towards the girl but she held her ground. "I am through with you," he said in haughty tones. "It seems I have become bored with our little tryst. It has become much too complicated and anyways, I already got what I really wanted." Marci's face colored as she remembered their last trip to Hogsmede before her mother had died. The pair had gotten thoroughly lost in their own little world out in the forests surrounding the village. The pair hadn't gone all the way as Severus respected Marci's boundaries but they had certainly pushed the limits. As it was, they barely made it back before curfew.

Marci's hand shot to her mouth in shock and shame as she remembered Avery's comment earlier that year "When the time is right, he'll drop you quicker than you can say Quidditch. He'll leave you in the dirt once he's gotten what he wants from you."Marci hadn't believed a word Avery had said at the moment but as it came crashing back to her now, she wondered if she had ever really known Severus Snape. It appeared that he was in fact the loyal Slytherin everyone had tried to tell her he was. Marci shook her head and Severus just glared at her.

"Honestly Marcella, did you really think what we had was real?" His voice hardened and he took a step back. "You finally gave me what I wanted and since I am fairly sure you'll give no more," he stopped and just shrugged his shoulders. "Now if you'll excuse me, Avery, Nott and Malfoy are waiting."

In that moment, it felt like the golden threads of love and compassion that Marci and Severus had shared were severed; as if Fate herself had taken her cursed scissors and cut straight threw her heart. Marci crumbled to the ground, too shocked to even cry. She just stared at the dark stone that made up the castle. Severus raised his wand and Marci flinched wondering what kind of horrid curse the Slytherin would leave her with. Instead, a silvery mist of light shot out of his wand and up the stair case. With one last fleeting look of disdain, he went back to his common room. Jeanne had found Marci not five minutes later. Marci never did ask why Jeanne had swallowed her fear and traversed the dungeons.

1981 -

Marci's anger flared up strong as the memory departed, she raised her wand and pointed it straight at the portrait of Salazar Slytherin and screamed, "Diffindo!" Marci cried the curse over and over again shredding the portrait of Salazar, taking out every ounce of anger she had on that painting. She knew it would magically fix itself by morning but she didn't care. She blamed Voldemort for everything she had lost in her life and he was a Slytherin, Snape was a Slytherin and he had sure used his Slytherin cunning with her to get exactly what he wanted.

When Marci's anger was abated, she turned on her heels and finished the trek to the Potions lab. When she finally got to the table she preferred to brew at, she was exhausted mentally and physically. She knew she was in no state of mind to brew so she lay down on top of the table and stared at the ceiling. Once again her mind wandered.

...Jeanne teaching Marci how to properly fly a broom during first year flying lessons...

...Watching as Jeanne got permission to try out for the Hufflepuff Quidditch team and was given the slot of reserve seeker first year...

...Jeanne flying in her first match against Ravenclaw...

...Marci's own announcement that she had made the Quidditch team and was a Beater in third year...

...The first match her team won and the huge celebration Hufflepuff had...

...Meeting Alisha during charms class and having the girl absolutely laugh at her feeble attempt to levitate a feather...

...Alisha tutoring her in charms so she wouldn't fail out of the class completely...

...Laughing as she watched Alisha, unsteady on a broom in third year...

...Jeanne, Alisha, and Marci studying for their Defense Against the Dark Arts practical in the abandoned classroom across from the Defense classroom...

...Severus's absolute refusal to practice with the girls...

...Jeanne, later in their dorm, accusing him of being a Death Eater because he didn't want to practice Defense with them...

... Marci sticking up for him...

...Being teased by other Slytherins after they had found out Marci and Severus were dating...

The memories flowed freely through Marci's mind as she lay on the Potions table on her back. Her legs swung freely off the end and her arms stuck out to each side. She took out her wand and slowly wrote out Jeanne, Alisha, Marci, and Severus in flaming golden letters. Then she violently crossed out Severus's name.

Marci laid there for a few more hours, letting the memories whip through her mind. Finally, she sat up and just stared at the names of her two best friends and the one she had lost forever. Anger flooded her soul again. She hoped beyond a shadow of a doubt that one day she would come face to face with Severus Snape, in all his Death Eater glory, so she could be the one to take him out. She hadn't joined the Order of the Phoenix for nothing.