I avoided George for the rest of the weekend but couldn't avoid him in defence against the dark arts on Monday. Angelina knew that something wasn't right between us and turned her back supportively on George when he tried to talk to her. I sat quietly and took notes, glancing up every few minute to watch Umbridge who sat in her little pink cushioned throne, watching over us all like the beady eyed toad that she was.

When class finished I rushed from the classroom before George had a chance to corner me, knowing he wanted to talk but not being able to face him, knowing that he was right in some way. I might be able to avoid George quite easily but Severus was a different matter. I'd spent most of the weekend up in the owlery and library, hiding amongst the stacks, but walking around the castle between lessons I found myself unable to avoid him. He passed me twice on my way to charms and at dinner that evening I quickly vacated the bench to run for the common room.

Severus was faster however and as I reached the top of the first staircase, Severus called up to me. "Miss Black, could I see you about that essay please?" I stood with my back to him, unable to watch him. I retreated and followed him silently down to his classroom where he shut the door tightly behind me, lighting the candles around the room with a flick of his wand. "I feel like you've been trying to avoid me Lena," He came to stand in front of me, his fingers wrapped tightly around my upper arms. I looked down at my roughly bitten fingernails that were clasped tightly between us. "You have been, haven't you?" I turned my head and his nails bit into my skin. I flinched moving away from him, towards his desk where I perched precariously among the various vials and bottles.

"How long can we keep doing this?" my voice was quiet and broken and Sev turned his head down towards me to hear me better. "What do you mean Lena? I thought we'd spoken about this." My teeth gripped my lower lip tightly and the irony taste of blood filled my mouth. "How long can this really last? The war's starting again." Confusion crossed his face as if he didn't think it was a problem. "Lena, you know where I stand." I looked up at him frowning, "Really? Do I? Because the last time I checked you were playing both sides." Anger flared through his eyes but I held his gaze steadily, "It doesn't concern you Lena." He stepped back, away from me and I clamped my arms tightly over my chest. "I thought you wanted me, always, that was what you said,' my chest seemed to fill with something I couldn't register, maybe anger, maybe courage, "I thought that maybe, maybe there was a chance that this was it, us. I think I was wrong though." I made to move towards the door but he stopped me short, "We are Lena, forever, me and you," "Then why won't you be honest with me!?" I looked deep into his jet black eyes and he stared down at me, "I don't know what to say," "tell me then, where you stand? That's all I need to know." He started to pace the room, his hand holding my own loosely.

"It's not as easy as just picking a side Lena, there are…complications. Dumbledore needs me to keep an eye on the Dark Lord and to keep his trust I must play my part." "And where do I fall into all of this? Am I just another player in this game Dumbledore seems to be playing?" He shook his head tightly and wrinkled his nose, "Lena of course you're not, your Sirius's daughter, that's all." I looked up at him blankly. "What would you expect of me, if this carries on? Will I need to become one of you? To be with you? Is that what I'd have to do, because to be honest Severus, when I finish school, I want to be with you, totally and completely?" He took me in his arms as the tears swelled and all the emotions from over the weekend seemed to splurge over the potions classroom floor. "I'd never expect that of you Lena, I'd never ask that of you." I looked up at him, my vision blurry with salty tears. "What if he asks it of me? Will I need to stop being with Dad and the order, they're my family now Severus." His mouth was close to my ear and I held him tightly against me. "You'll always have your family Lena, I could never ask you to leave them, especially for me." I rested my forehead against his chest and felt the tears dry up. I slid my hand up his left forearm and pushed back the dark fabric there, revealing the inky black skull and snake. It was darker than ever. My fingers slid over it and I lifted his arm towards me, pressing my mouth against the tattoo gently. Its inky shadows seemed to twist and converge and my eyes wandered over the crude design.

"He's called again. It writhed this morning." I looked up into his eyes and sighed as my cheek fell against his hard chest. "He wants you." Severus lifted my chin and stared deep into my eyes, "I'll never choose him Lena, not when I'm with you. Always."

[A/N]

Hey everyone!

Really sorry for the long wait! I moved into Uni on Sunday and haven't had a chance/any inspiration to write until today ( found out there Is a professor at my Uni here called Dr Snape! Nearly cried with happiness!)

I'll try and upload some more over the weekend if I can!

And I'm really sorry this chapters so short but I haven't got that much time at the moment and I thought it was about time that I uploaded something.

Please, review, fan and favourite, but most of all hold on tight and keep reading!

Thanks

Lots of love

Kat xxxx