Hey guys! This is the second day this week that I've been able to get two hours of sleep-and to celebrate I'm going to try to rush you all a chapter! Sorry about falling off of the face of the Earth-I've had enough homework that I've been going to bed at one a lot lately-that means my life right now is homework and studying!

-lillyflower's revenge

-Half Blood Prince, written and performed by Split Seven Ways

Later that day he decided to head to the library see if The Potion's Master Omnibus-The Latest Innovations in Potions had arrived yet. Since it was nearly five nobody was there-the majority of students would avoid the library until the last possible moment. He could hear his footsteps echoing against the abandoned stone corridors with each one. The Library itself, to his surprise, was not totally empty-Lupin was there scribbling away on what was no doubt the six foot long essay for McGonagall.

Severus walked up to the ancient book cases and scanned spines until he was able to determine that the book was not there. He sighed in annoyance and instead began looking for something that he had not read multiple times. Maybe a book would sooth his frazzled nerves. Nothing did, though. There was nothing that he found worth checking out at that particular moment- and it wasn't from lack of books, but from lack of interest. What was this feeling that kept gnawing at him?

It wasn't hatred, or regret, or happiness, or anger…this emotion was driving him mad! He gave up looking for books and began to walk out when he spotted Lily's friend Mary talking to Bulstrode. What was she doing talking to him? She made no secret of her dislike of Slytherins and she was far too prissy to be someone that he would willingly spend time with? He wanted to follow them, but wasn't sure if that was the best option. Severus refused to resemble Potter in anyway, and that included decisions. Was it rash? Was it unnecessary? For a moment his considered and ran through the list in his mind.

-Was it rash? Probably not.

-Was it unnecessary? Not if his instincts were right.

-Were there disadvantages? As long as he didn't get caught…but then, if he did, he could probably act his was out of it.

-Would it be worth it? For Lily? Yes, it was most definitely worth it.

With that in mind he casually walked to a nearby table and cracked open a book, pretending that he was reading.

"I'm sorry I couldn't see you earlier! It was just so hard to sneak out…" He heard Mary whisper apologetically. His ears perked up like a cat's when prey is near.

"I understand. It's difficult to sneak around in the Slytherin common room."

"That's because you're always so suspicious of each other," she teased.

"And you Gryffindors can't keep secrets, can you?"

"If I couldn't, would we be doing this?" Severus looked up from his book and inclined his head to the right a bit only to secretlyquickly look down. They were kissing! He never thought he'd see the day when his instincts were wrong.

That's why they had been sneaking around? But then, it did make sense. It would make things complicated if the whole school were to know, so they heavily teased and ridiculed the other houses. After a moment something occurred to him-if they weren't the cause of all of the tension, what was?

Author's Note: I'm so sorry for the short chapter, but I felt bad because of the distance between updates and wanted to give you all something. Besides, I think it punctuated my point nicely. Please forgive me guys!

-lillyflower's revenge