-=The only thing I take credit for here is my bit of plot, and Bethany and her parents.=-

A Different Kind of Girl

Fact and Fiction

* *

Snape grabbed a spare cloak for her and they set off. "So do I get to keep you for more than a week?"

"Perhaps. I haven't dated at all since my divorce. It seemed like more bother than it was worth." They sat down in the grass near the lake, Bethany sat between Snape's legs. "It's such a gorgeous night. We should shag on the lawn, right here." Bethany bright voice crackled like lightening in the dewy night.

Severus on the other hand was scandalized, "I think we should talk about this 'shagging business.'"

"It's the week thing isn't it?" Bethany crossed her arms.

"Frankly, yes." Snape said defensively.

"You do realize that I live in America? Moreover, I'd likely stay with my parents if I moved back. Even still, I'd have to go back if for nothing else but deal with my responsibilities." Bethany argued.

"You still haven't said anything definite. I don't like surprises, they aren't usually good. Personally I'd be pleased if every day was exactly the same."

Bethany tackled Snape on the lawn, "does this happen every day." Pressing intently against him.

"No." He answered and protested at once.

She kissed him. "And this?" Mischievous as ever. Snape sucked in a breath.

"No." Snape responded suspiciously.

Sliding off him, and moulding herself to his side. "What about this?" Brushing his cheek with her hand, then spreading her fingers wide running them through his hair.

His 'no,' came out soft and husky.

"Severus there are almost no guarantees in life. There is a long life ahead of us. Do you really want every day to be the same?" She was unexpectedly serious.

"I will concede that my daily activities could stand some minor adjustments." He rolled, hovering over her while supporting himself on all fours. "As it's MY daily activities that have come into question, I might remind you that it will be me choosing the adjustments woman." Questioningly Severus kissed her.

"Since it's summer, unless you have anything pressing you could come back with me to America for a visit. Then you can supervise my hexing the suitcase to hell and back." Toying with his buttons, Bethany took the initiative to tease them apart one by one. "What do you say to a little adventure, of course I'll have to keep an extra eye on you. Americans love Brits." She wrapped her legs around his middle, she pulled his coat open exposing his shirt. "I could stay like this forever, but I'd better go." She slid out from under him and straightened her skirt and removed the grass stains from her chucks. Severus laid on the dewy grass for some time just watching her.

Slowly getting to his feet he dusted himself off and approached the smiling witch. "Stay with me tonight."

"I'll need to phone my parents, so I'll need to leave the grounds."

He took her hand, kissed it and lead her past the gate. "If you take hold we can Apparate outside the enchantments." She gripped him tightly.

"There isn't a cell tower her so I'll have to use magic to enhance the signal." Snape heard what she'd said but it was completely incomprehensible. "Mum, let Da know I'm going to spend the night in Hogsmeade for the night. I won't be able to get a signal. I'll be safe as always...love you Mum, see you tomorrow."

She looked at Severus as she tucked the little phone away in the pocket of her shirt. Severus decided last minute against bunking in his Professor's chambers. Too weird. "My house is a bit of a mess I have some rehabilitating to do. You have been warned. Ready?"

"Definitely." They left with a faint pop.

* *

"As you see, I don't spend much time here." Bethany was awed at how many books lined the walls, stacks and stacks of them lay in piles in the corners.

Bethany teased, "the books make a difference. If you just add a few more no one will notice anything else." They won't be able to see anything else. Snape took the cloak.

"Bethany I should explain something before I make a grave error."

Is he having second thoughts? Bethany frowned.

"I tend to avoid letting anyone get very close to me because I become attached very quickly. I don't have flings or liaisons. It's always been easier to avoid close personal ties rather that go through the disappointment of having them pulled away. If you're interested in something more, I want to give it to you." Snape was somewhat embarrassed at his confession.

"You're asking for a commitment? Or did I misunderstand you?" Waiting for the answer to come was slow and painful.

"Yes, and no. More that I want to know that you'll return, before your twentieth year reunion." Snape qualified.

She sat on the dusty carpet and removed her chucks. Handing her shoes to him. "These are the shoes I wore when I went to Hogwarts. For the past six years they have dutifully sat in my childhood bedroom waiting for my return. Now, you get to keep them until my return. I will return Severus. Unfortunately that's the best promise I can give you."

"I've never had a woman give me her shoes for safe keeping." Snape muttered bewildered.

Kissing him soundly, "best compliment I've had in a long time."