A/N: Hello! I forgot to add this in the notes for Chapter 6, but the necklace that Mia was looking at in the last chapter is actually a real necklace that I looked at online, and I fell in love with it. If anyone is curious as to what it looks like, PM me and I can send you a link! Also, during the dream sequence in this chapter, there is also a certain piece of jewelry that I have brought into the story from RL. If you'd like to know what that looks like as well, feel free to PM me! Happy reading! PS: I will be out of town for the weekend, and I haven't got a chance to proof and edit Chapter 8. If I can find some time to work on it I'll post it before I leave, if not it should be up after the weekend.

Chapter 7: Heart on a Sleeve

Sunday was a very quiet day. I kept mostly to myself, spending most of my time sitting on the couch and pondering over yesterday's events. It didn't hit me until today that Lucas was here, in the wizarding world, at Diagon Alley, at the same time I was. He kept saying things would be different now that I am a witch. He must be a wizard. How did I not see this before? Is he behind the reason I have dark magic inside of me? Did he give me magic and it all just backfired? There were so many questions running through my mind, and I didn't know where to start.

And then there was the bit with Snape. The way people knew Snape and the way I knew him was like night and day. In the end, I would always trust him, but I'd definitely be hesitant. Not because of who he was but because of who I have become as a result of the relationship I had with Lucas. I felt so vulnerable last night when I was with him. I wanted to - so badly - just melt into his arms and have him whisk me away on some majestic horse, but that's something I'll have to just leave in my dreams. Until last night, I was content with being on my own, but the magic he did ignited something in me. Maybe it was the dark magic that wanted me to be alone, but the more time that I had spent with him, the more I wanted to be with him.

This was turning into a big magical shit storm and I was stuck drifting in the middle.

What did Lucas mean when he told me he always gets what he wants? My answer was pretty black and white. I did not want to be with him. End of story! I hope he doesn't do something crazy.

My guitar and my piano were my only escape from all of this. I spent a great deal of time with them today, and I was glad that I did. When I wasn't filling my room with music, I was either lying in bed or immersing myself in my lesson plans. In most instances, though, I opted to bond with my bed and stare into nothingness. I didn't think about anything in particular, I just felt like staring at something that took my mind off of the weekend. Eventually, my empty mind brought me into a nice cat nap in the middle of the day. I woke up to the sound of the fireplace cackling away. There was a note left on the couch, meaning someone came in here while I was sleeping. How creepy! I looked at the note, relieved to see that it was only Auntie Minnie.

Mia,

I have been worried about you all day. Are you feeling well? We missed you at lunch. I know yesterday was not a good day for you, but I wanted to let you know that I am here for you when you are ready to talk.

If you don't come up for supper, I will stop by again with some food. It is not good to have an empty stomach.

Auntie Minnie

I checked the clock and saw that it was just about time for dinner in the Great Hall. For Auntie Minnie's sake, I made myself look presentable before heading out. I shoved my hands into my jeans as I climbed the stairs out of the dungeons. I kept my head lowered, not wanting to make eye contact with anyone. I was surprised to see I was one of the first to make it to the Great Hall for dinner. I sighed as I patiently waited for the food to appear. I laid my head on the table, covering myself with my arms. I could feel a headache coming on, probably because I haven't eaten anything since breakfast. I felt a small hand on my back, and I shot up in panic.

"It's just me, dear," Auntie Minnie said, looking at me in concern. I sighed in relief, putting my head back down on the table. My nerves calmed down as she rubbed my back, sitting down next to me.

"He's a wizard, isn't he?" I asked her. I took her silence as a yes. I was so frustrated at this whole situation. I thought coming here would have been better for me, taking me away from everything. I wanted to start fresh here, but it seems like misery likes to follow me, no matter where I go. I picked my head up at the scent of the food, and silently ate. The Potions Master didn't come for dinner, but I was so drained I didn't really seem to care. I just wanted to eat and retreat back to my room.

The last week of school before the holiday break was pretty quiet. I stayed in my room most days, distracting myself by working on more lesson plans. My anxiety has been a constant for the past few days, but the stress from preparing to teach was better than dwelling on Lucas. I didn't want Auntie Minnie to fuss over me, so I would make an appearance for food, but would come straight back to my room after I was done.

On the last day of classes I decided to visit my favorite garden. I had a pretty good amount of lesson plans stacked, and I felt like treating myself to the outside world. The students had already left to go back home, so there was close to no one left on the school grounds besides some staff. It was lightly snowing, so I opted to sit on one of the benches. I could feel the damp snow on my jeans, but I didn't care. I have felt so numb this past week, it was nice to feel something. I propped my guitar on my leg and began to play.

As the smoke clears
I awaken, and untangle you from me
Would it make you, feel better to watch me while I bleed?
All my windows, still are broken
But I'm standing on my feet

You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper

I went full out with my song because it just felt right. I could hear my voice and my guitar echo into the walls, and it was beautiful. The stress that I've welcomed has now run away, anxiety trailing behind it. I could feel tears starting to form in my eyes, but I wouldn't let them fall. Not out here where people can see, but maybe when I'm back in my room. I vaguely noticed that someone came to sit next to me. I could see out of the corner of my eye familiar black robes that pooled around black boots. He was so still while he sat next to me, listening to my song. I finally willed myself to look at him once I was finished. He raised an eyebrow at me.

"That bad?" He asked. I nodded, hugging my guitar. The cold was finally starting to get to me; I was starting to shiver and could see goosebumps on my arm. We were quiet for a moment, and then he moved to stand.

"Come," he said, holding his hand out to me. I took it without hesitation and followed him into the corridors. I followed next to him, matching his every step. I looked at him, his face hard with no emotion. He had a face like he was on some kind of mission. I feel like I should apologize for this past week. I was supposed to be helping him with his potions but I decided to hide away in my room.

"I'm sorry for skipping out on you this week," I said after giving it some thought. We stopped in front of his door, and he turned to look at me, his eyes asking why I was apologizing.

"I should have told you that I decided to be a hermit for a week." I looked at him shyly, hoping my little joke would lighten up the mood. He stared at me, and his gaze started to soften.

"There is no need to apologize for your actions. As I have said before, I am here to help you, but if you wish to be alone, I will not force my aid upon you." Well, that was nice, I guess. I'm not one to take a lot of help from other people though. I've done so much on my own that I can usually handle it without another pair of hands in the mix. He waved his hand and the door opened.

I'm not sure how a room this big can fit in a castle like this. The door opened up into what could be a great room. There was a fireplace, a long couch, and two seats. Against the wall farthest from me was a bookcase that stretched from one end to the other, filled with books. On the opposite wall was a small kitchen area and a workbench where he could do his potions. Straight ahead was a large window that was the length of the whole wall, framed in silver and green. There were a set of doors that went out into a small balcony. There was even a set of stairs that lead to a small landing and a door at the end, to his classroom I'm assuming. Underneath the landing was a small archway.

I guess having tenure at this school comes with its perks.

"Wow," was all I was able to speak, trying to take it all in. He didn't have much, typical of any man I knew, but it was his to call home. Then the realization hit that I was in Snape's personal quarters.

"Why did you bring me here?" I asked, curious. He turned to me with crossed arms.

"Well, for one, you have allowed me to come into your quarters, so I thought it would be kind to invite you to mine. Also, I have a proposal for you, and I thought it would be best to discuss them here." He walked over to a small cupboard near his kitchen and took out two tumblers and a bottle of - is that alcohol? I saw the word "Firewhiskey" on the label of the bottle. "Please, have a seat."

He motioned for me to sit in one of the chairs. He handed me a glass and poured some of the Firewhiskey into my cup. I took a sip, welcoming the burn of alcohol into my throat. The fireplace lit up at the wave of his hand. He sat down on the edge of the couch closest to me and cleared his throat.

"As you know, Minerva and I have been helping you a great deal in terms of introducing you into the wizarding world and, consequently, your discovery of magic. In all my years of teaching at this dreadful school, I have seen what magic is capable of, and because of that, Minerva and I have thought it was best that we both help you in harnessing your magic.

"Your magic, in addition to your current situation with...Lucas... Could prove to be overwhelming. Minerva has offered to take you under her wing, and she suggests that I aid you in dealing with the Dark Magic. I had offered this to you before, but I strongly urge you to take my offer seriously. Your magic, as demonstrated with the troll, seems to react in time with your emotional and mental state. Magic is most effective when you're thinking clearly, and I can help you with that."

That was quite the proposal. I took another sip of my drink, weighing the options (there weren't really any other alternatives, anyways). I am so grateful for the two of them. I don't know where I would be if my life didn't bring me here. The answer was a no-brainer, so I nodded, feeling relieved to know they are on my side - for good. Still, I couldn't help to think he was keeping something from me, but I trusted him, and that wouldn't change my answer.

"You talk like I'm going to say no," I said, the Firewhiskey making me laugh. "I think that's a great idea, I wouldn't trust anyone else to help me through all of this. Until I came here, my only source of relief from any of this stuff was that beauty right there-" I pointed to my guitar, the flames reflecting off the polished wood. "Along with my piano back in my room. Since I've been here at Hogwarts, I've felt like more weight has been taken off of my shoulders than the days I would spend at home playing my guitar until my fingers bleed." He winced, probably thinking of bloody fingers playing a guitar.

"I would be a fool to say no to you and Auntie Minnie. And besides," I started, feeling the alcohol coursed through me. "I'm starting to like you, and I want to get to know you better." Yup. That was definitely the alcohol holding my heart out for all to see.

His eyebrow shot up so fast, looking at me like I said something crazy. I noticed I did that a lot with him. This time seemed justified though - liquid courage was making me say crazy things. A giggle somehow escaped my lips. This was getting so embarrassing. Surprisingly, he seemed to be just as interested in me as much as I was with him.

"I agree, I have grown to have some interest in you as well. Seeing your enthusiasm in learning the art of potions is...refreshing. As I have said before, I enjoy your company, I would never deny you mine." He smiled as he told me he enjoyed having me around. It looks like liquid courage was helping him out tonight, too. He got up to remove his teaching robe and threw it over the back of the couch, and walked over to the fireplace.

"I feel I must warn you, Mia, I am a difficult man. This could take time," he said, staring into the fire. I could see hurt in his eyes as he tried so hard to not look at me. I set my glass down on the table and looked at him.

"Then I should warn you I am a difficult woman. Not by choice, mind you. I was forced to be difficult." I walked over and stood next to him. The drink was definitely starting to wear off, but I really wanted him to know I mean every single word that I've said.

"I'm not saying this needs to happen overnight. I would actually really hate it if it happened overnight. I know this will take time, and it will just make it that much more special. I mean, if we get to that point." Even in my babbling I could feel this conversation would go south very quickly. I crossed my arms and walked back towards the couch. "Okay, enough of this ooey gooey talk. School is over for the holidays. Shouldn't we be celebrating?"

The view of the lake was spectacular. The sun was at its highest right now, the reflection rippling in the water. I rested my hands on the railing, leaning over and deeply inhaling the scent of Mother Nature. I smiled, filing this moment away into a special place. I have longed for this moment since I have arrived here, and it was surreal to know I was finally living it.

Familiar hands wrapped around my waist, holding me close. I leaned back, turning so I could rest my face up against his neck, his black hair tickling my face. He kissed me on the forehead before stealing a glance at the view I was just melting away in.

"Mrs. Snape. I never thought I would be delighted to hear that," his dark, baritone voice said. I chuckled, holding out my hand that was wearing the ring he had just given to me the night before. It was simple, yet his explanation on why he chose this particular set made my heart swell. The ring was made out of white gold and diamonds. There were six small, round diamonds that rested in the band, swirling up into a mount that held four square diamonds that were shaped to look like one.

"I cannot wait until I can wear the rest of it," I said as I turned to wrap my arms around him. He held me for a moment before he gently pushed me away and cupped my face in his hands.

"I wouldn't want anyone else wearing it. You deserve it. We deserve it," he said, holding me tighter. "You're mine."

Our lips finally met, and it was just as wonderful as our last kiss. I was here because of him, and he was here because of me. I could feel his hands snake up my back, one stopping halfway and the other holding me at the base of my neck, dipping me back to deepen the kiss. We stopped for a moment, forehead to forehead, and smiled.

This is what happiness is. This right here.

I woke up to a massive headache. I felt like my brain was going to come out of my skull. How much did I have to drink last night? Did I make it back to my room? Where am I? I haven't felt like this since the last time I went out for Taco Tuesday. Once I was able to focus without feeling dizzy, I noticed I was wrapped in my blanket on my bed. Well, at least I made it back here, but who was that on my couch? I got up just a bit too quickly, and my head started pounding again.

"Drink that vial on your bedside table, your head will feel better," a very groggy Snape said. He must be the mysterious guest. I looked over and grabbed the small vial, popped the cork off and downed the liquid. It wasn't the best tasting potion, but I could already start to feel my headache go away. I wrapped my blanket around myself before moving to sit on the couch with him.

"How bad was I?" I asked, afraid of what he would tell me. From the few times I can remember being inebriated, I tend to wear my heart – and whatever feelings I have at the time – on my sleeve. It's like every feeling I have tried so hard to stay inside comes out to play.

He started with a laugh before looking at me. That can't be good. I could feel a blush creeping up my cheeks as I tried to wrap my blanket tighter around me.

Somewhere between him laughing and me realizing how much of a fool I must have been last night, I realized Snape wasn't in his usual black attire. He was in emerald green cotton pants and a white shirt that showed off his lean body.

"I have seen worse, if that makes you feel better," he said, standing up and walking to my kitchen area. "Would you like some tea?"

"Yes, please. Tea is on the bottom-"

Pop!

"…shelf." I couldn't help but stare at this creature that appeared out of thin air. It was just a few inches taller than my table, and was holding a platter with two plates full of breakfast foods. I know it's rude to stare, but I couldn't help it.

"Kolry has brought breakfast for Master Snape and Miss Taylor," the creature named Kolry said, bowing towards my guest.

"That will be all, Kolry, thank you," he said, his back still turned.

"Kolry is pleased to serve," the creature replied before popping out of my room. I was pretty sure whatever just happened didn't actually happen. Maybe I'm still dreaming. There was only one way to find out.

"Ow!" I yelped, rubbing my arm. So it was real. Snape sat next to me, putting the tea down and eyeing me carefully. I waved off his thoughts. "I just wanted to make sure I wasn't dreaming or something."

"Kolry is one of the Hogwarts house elves. If there is anything you need you can call on them, they're – always – dreadfully happy to assist you in anything," Snape drawled, rolling his eyes. He pushed one of the plates of food towards me and motioned for me to eat.

We spent our breakfast talking about what we would be working on in terms of potions and my lessons in harnessing my magic. He suggested that I spend some time with Auntie Minnie first before we start our work on the Dark Magic. He also asked if I would be willing to spend one or two nights a week with him, working out my issue with the anxiety that came with the stupid magic.

"From what I have concluded, it seems the incantation I used on you previously has some effect on you. It doesn't necessarily take it away, but I can sense it weakening. If we can weaken it, you will be able to control it until we can find a solution."

"Is there a solution to all of this, though? I am ready to live with it, if that is what it comes down to. I already spent a greater part of almost ten years with this kind of stuff, I think I can spend a few more years with it." He set down his silverware before turning his full attention to me.

"Dark Magic is something you don't want to live with, Mia. It will consume you, and you will become merely but a shell of who you use to be. I have seen what Dark Magic can do to someone, and it's not pretty. Someone with a strong soul and spirit like you does not deserve to live a life like that. If there is a way to reverse what has been done to you, I assure you either myself or Minerva will figure it out," he said, his gaze never leaving mine. I rubbed my forehead, trying to digest everything he just said. He sighed, moving to sit closer to me.

"We are, as you call it, friends, correct? I believe that is the term you used last night. And you used it quite-" he paused to look at me with laughing eyes. "-liberally. If we are indeed friends, I would like to help you, as a friend."

I'm pretty sure my face could not get any more red than it already feels like. So I guess my theme for last night was declaring my friendship with Professor Snape. I shrugged in defeat, letting our newly announced friendship start to take its course.

"Okay, I'll accept your help. I can't exactly refuse anything from Auntie Minnie, and now it's clear I can't really refuse anything from you," I said, jokingly. I stabbed a potato with my fork and popped it into my mouth.

"So what's on the agenda for today?"

Christmas time at Hogwarts was – for lack of a better term – magical. Professor Flitwick arranged all the decorations in the Great Hall, while Auntie Minnie was in charge of other decorations around the school. Her assignment to "deck the halls" gave me an opportunity to work with my magic. I had already been practicing for a few weeks prior to the holiday decoration, and Auntie seemed impressed enough to supervise me in decorating the school.

My wand felt so natural in my hand; it was almost as if it was just an extension of my arm. Every time I used it, I could feel the familiar tingle of my magic coursing through my arm and being channeled through my wand. I was still getting used to seeing objects float at my command, but no matter how many times I do it, I always feel like a little kid in a candy store.

"You have been doing so well with your lessons, Mia. I am very proud of you," Auntie Minnie said to me, beaming. I flashed her a rare Mia smile. We had just finished the last corridor, and were making our way back to the Great Hall for dinner.

"Thanks, Auntie. I feel empowered when I use my magic. It's something that I've always wanted to feel, but I always felt the opposite – powerless," I told her, looking at my wand. "I actually feel like someone."

She waved her finger at me as we turned a corner. "Yes, I agree, magic can give you a lot of power, but you must be careful what you use that power for. There have been many tales where witches and wizards were destined to be great, but they let the power of their magic consume them. Most of those people now are in a high security prison."

"Wow. Well, I can assure you, Auntie, I will not end up there. I'm not about to go and screw something like this up," I promised her. We turned the last corner and noticed Professor Snape waiting in front of the doors leading into the Great Hall. I smiled at him, and he returned the gesture. Auntie Minnie looked at the both of us, curiously.

"Severus, is there something you need?" Auntie Minnie asked, clearly probing some kind of answer about me. I shook my head and looked away, breathing a "Really, Auntie?" that only she could hear. She smirked at my question, stopping in front of him.

"Good evening Minerva, Mia. I was actually going to ask Mia what her plans were for the rest of the evening," he drawled out, rather suspiciously. I cocked an eyebrow at the both of them. I feel like there is something they both are planning – have planned – and I had no idea what they were going to do.

"Auntie and I were-"

"She has no plans for the rest of the evening, we have completed our session for today. She did a marvelous job dressing the halls with the Christmas garlands." She cut me off so quickly I barely had time to recover my jaw that had fallen to the floor. I could see Snape out of the corner of my eye muffling his laugh.

"I see," he said, regaining his composure. "Well, then… Mia, I would like to take this opportunity to-"

"Severus wants to take you out to dinner, my dear. Why don't you go back to your quarters to change into something nice and arrange to meet at the castle gates?" Auntie Minnie interjected again, this time cutting off Snape. He gave her the most piercing eyes anyone could ever give anyone. If his eyes could shoot darts, I don't think Auntie Minnie would be standing at this very moment.

"Oh! Well, of course I will go out with you. I'll meet you at the gates in an hour?" I noticed Auntie Minnie open her mouth, but Snape successfully beat her to the response.

"Yes, I will see you in an hour," he said, bowing his head to me. I smiled, flushing a little bit before I took a quick glance at Auntie Minnie. She shooed me off, and I went prancing down the hall and towards the dungeons.