1994
The Yule Ball was only a few days away and Shaylah still wasn't sure she would attend. Nate had been pestering her but she had finally told him that perhaps it was best he asked someone else. A sixth year Gryffindor boy had stopped her on her way to Charms class and mustered all the courage he had to ask her to the dance. He kept running his fingers through his black hair nervously and he quickly ran off when Severus approached them. She didn't even get the chance to thank the boy for inviting her.
A fourth year Gryffindor by the name of Seamus had also extended an invitation to Shaylah as they sat in the Great Hall for dinner, she hated to turn him down but the fire that was burning into her from the Head table and from Nate made it a little easier.
"Shay, please let me take you." Nate begged after Seamus returned to the Gryffindor table. He apparently had not taken her advice and asked someone else.
Shaylah smashed the potatoes on her plate into a bowl shape with her spoon before looking across the table at him. "Ok, I'll go with you." The expression on his face was as if he had just won the Triwizard Tournament himself.
"Thank you! We'll have a great time!" Nate exclaimed.
Shaylah returned her attention to her potatoes as Carrie cut in. "I'm going with Michael Franks from Ravenclaw." She pointed over to the Ravenclaw table at a boy with chin length golden curls and a light dusting of freckles across his nose. He gave her a big smile as he put his arms into a circle and pretended to dance.
"He's cute." Shaylah said, earning herself an unimpressed look from Nate. "You're cute too Nate." she complimented and his green eyes brightened. "I have to go to the library to finish my homework for Professor Snape and Flitwick, would anyone care to join?"
"Don't you have a potions lesson tonight? It's Thursday." said Carrie.
"Oh no! I completely forgot! I have to go." Shaylah shoved a few more bites of food into her mouth and scrambled from the table.
She glanced at the Head table and noticed Severus was already gone. She slapped her hand to her forehead as she made her way out of the Great Hall, she was really in no mood for the attitude she was sure she was about to receive.
A scrawny Ravenclaw boy with metallic gray eyes stopped Shaylah on her way to Severus' classroom. He was by far the most confident one who had invited her to the dance but she gracefully declined.
When she arrived at the classroom she found the door open and heard a heavily accented voice arguing with Severus, Karkaroff. The Dark Mark, his Dark Mark was coming back. Shaylah listened for a moment before running through the door in a false panic. "I'm so sorry I'm late Professor."
Karkaroff huffed and left the room without a word. Severus stood leaned against his desk, his fingers gripping the wood so tightly that his knuckles were white. He straightened and made his way to the table they always brewed at. "Tonight I thought you could watch me brew, examine my movements and methods. Learn by example."
She silently watched him add ingredients, his hands moving gracefully as if conducting a symphony. She stood across from him, her palms flat on the table on either side of the cauldron. The slowly changing colors danced over Severus' features as he added and stirred. The soft bubbling was the only sound in the room until his smooth voice shattered it. "I didn't know you were married Miss Epans."
She was shocked not only by the question but its suddenness. "Sir?"
"The ring, the one that has been glowing an irritating shade of gold."
She looked down at her left hand, her wedding ring was glowing with the contentment she felt. She hadn't even noticed the ring, it had just become a part of her in the last seven years. Had it been on her finger this entire time and she hadn't noticed? "Oh, it was my mother's." Shaylah lied.
"Why is it on your ring finger?" He said without looking away from the cauldron. He still added and stirred as if their conversation wasn't happening.
"It's the only finger it would fit on." She lied again.
"Why is it glowing?"
"It changes colors depending on my mood."
He finally looked away from the contents of the cauldron and examined the ring with his full attention. His brow furrowed and he rubbed his temple with his free hand as if a headache were blooming. She remembered the look on Severus' face when he had slid the ring onto her finger, the happiness that danced in his eyes. The same love she had felt in that moment filled her chest as if she were reliving it. She never took it off after that. "Why is it glowing green now?"
She folded her hands behind her back. "I don't know sir."
"Yes, there are a lot of things you don't seem to know." He returned his attention to the cauldron but his eyes flicked toward her on occasion, checking to see if the ring had changed colors. She tried to keep it hidden, folding her fingers into a fist or keeping her hands tucked into the pockets of her robes. She couldn't seem to keep herself still while focusing on concealing it. "Would you stop fidgeting!" Severus shouted. Slamming his palms down on the table.
"I'm sorry sir."
"Let me see the ring." He held his hand out expectantly.
"I'm afraid not sir."
His eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched. "Excuse me?"
"I said no, Professor."
In his distraction the potion overheated and sparks began to erupt from the cauldron. Severus shouted and tried to contain the growing blast. A thick puff of black smoke billowed from the cauldron covering Severus' face in soot. The snarl on his face did nothing to quell the laughter that Shaylah failed to keep down. Her hand snapped to her mouth in an effort to swallow the giggles but it was futile. Severus looked at her through the cloud of black smoke, a murderous expression on his face. Still she couldn't stop. The memories of her exploding cauldrons and gelatinous potions covering them in soot were too powerful.
"And what may I ask is so bloody funny!" Severus barked. His hands had become fists as they slammed onto the table.
Shaylah leaned across the table and swiped her thumb across his cheek. She thought his teeth might grind into dust from how hard he was clenching his jaw. She pulled her hand back and showed him the pad of her thumb which was covered in black soot. Shaylah still had an obnoxious smile on her face, though Severus looked as if he were about to shove her into the still smoldering cauldron. Severus stared at her thumb, and his features began to relax, the corners of his lips tipped up but didn't quite make it into a full smile. His eyes flicked to the ring still casting a soft green glow. She had forgotten to hide it in the chaos. Shaylah quickly tucked it behind her back.
When he spoke again, his words were quiet and composed. The rage that had filled him only moments ago seemed to have evaporated with the potion in the cauldron. He stared into the pot and when he spoke, he didn't look up at her. "I've seen a ring similar to that one, but I can't place where. There seem to be a lot of half memories contaminating my mind."
"Sir, I-"
"You're dismissed." He said gruffly, waving her away. He still had not looked up, his raven hair framed his face in a dark curtain.
"But-"
"You're dismissed!" He said again, louder this time.
Shaylah reluctantly left his classroom, behind her she heard the distinct sound of the cauldron being shoved off the table and plummeting to the floor. She shuddered at the sound.
Shaylah studied herself in the mirror, her long brown hair fell loosely in perfectly crafted curls. The teal dress she had purchased after she first arrived fit her perfectly, her curves were punctuated by the cinched sides and the thigh high slit. A quick wave of her wand covered her face in subtle makeup. The teal of the dress only accentuated her blue eyes. She felt beautiful.
Carrie stepped into the mirror behind her, her dark curly hair was contained in a neat updo, her fringe swept over her brow just over her eyes. The subtle green of the eyeshadow she had selected and the darkness of her hair made her green eyes hypnotizing. Her green dress only added to her striking features.
Shaylah turned to her friend and looked her up and down. "You look so beautiful!"
"So do you!" Carrie squealed. "Nate might have a heart attack."
Lexi and Marsha both wore royal blue dresses, Marsha's stopped at her knees while Lexi's fell to the floor in a long lacy train. The deep blue made the red of their hair look more fiery than normal and they too looked breathtaking. The girls all doted on each other before walking to the Great Hall together, Lexi and Marsha found their dates outside the Great Hall and waved goodbye. Shaylah noticed the eyes that seemed to follow her as she and Carrie descended the grand staircase. Nate stood waiting at the bottom of the stairs, his jaw practically on the floor. Michael waited next to him and nudged him with his elbow, Nate snapped his back straight and puffed out his chest.
"You look beautiful." Nate complimented as he took her hand in his and placed a kiss on the back of her hand.
"Thank you. You look quite handsome yourself." His dress robes were all black and they formed around him like folded wings. The Slytherin green tie brought out the green of his eyes and stood in stark contrast to its dark background. He had slicked back his dusty blonde hair and he held himself with a confidence that almost fringed on arrogance.
"Shall we?" Nate gestured toward the Great Hall where students were pouring in. "The champions are about to begin their dances."
Shaylah clutched his hand in hers and hurried toward the entrance. The four house tables had been replaced with hundreds of smaller ones. Snow fell from the enchanted ceiling just as it did outside the castle. Ivy covered the walls, snaking over the stone. It was as if they were no longer at Hogwarts at all.
The champions began to dance and the room fell silent with all eyes on them. Nate disappeared and returned with two Butterbeers and they both quickly emptied their glasses. When Dumbledore led McGonagall out onto the dance floor, other couples followed suit. Soon the floor was littered with slow dancers. Nate begged Shaylah to dance but she was apprehensive. After several more Butterbeers, she led him out to join the other couples. She felt the familiar sting of dark eyes watching her but she paid him no mind, she wouldn't allow his pugnacious attitude to ruin the night.
Shaylah let Nate lead while she buried her face in his chest. His arms wrapped around her waist and he rested his head on the top of hers. The soft music was relaxing and she couldn't help but feel content in the moment. When the song ended Shaylah retrieved two more Butterbeers and stopped to check in on Carrie and Michael who had taken seats at a nearby table. Carrie was saving her energy for the Weird Sisters who were playing soon.
The energy in the room was electric as everyone let loose and enjoyed themselves. Nate pulled Shaylah back onto the floor for one last slow dance before the Weird Sisters began to play but it was cut short when a deep voice asked for a dance. Severus stood with his arm held out, his black robes tight against his body. Shaylah attempted to back away and leave Nate to dance with him but Severus snatched her wrist and pulled her into him. "Very funny." Severus said sarcastically.
Nate vanished from the dance floor, leaving Shaylah alone with Severus. She could see desire in his eyes as he placed his hand on her waist and with all the grace of a man with unfettered confidence, swept her around the floor. She noticed the stares of her peers, watching their most despised teacher dance with a student. Their eyes watched them intently as they themselves continued to dance. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with something other than confusion when they locked with Shaylah's, something like contentment.
When the slow song faded and the Weird Sisters took over the stage, the room erupted with cheers and the dance floor was bombarded with anxious students. Severus still held Shaylah's hands in his as they were jostled by the onslaught, his eyes drawn to the soft green glow on her finger. He pulled her through the crowd of students, away from the heavy rock music that had taken over the air. The corridor was filled with couples who had slipped out of the Great Hall. Some were hidden away in the alcoves, their mouths locked together. Severus paid them no mind and continued to pull her toward the dungeons.
Once they were down the stairs in the quiet of the deserted hall, Severus let go of her wrist and backed her toward the wall. Shaylah's eyes widened, she wasn't sure what to expect. His moods were fluid, he could easily decide he wanted her dead after dancing with her.
"The ring, it's green again. What does it mean?" He growled. It was obvious that the ring was an enigma to him. She could only imagine how it felt to hold pieces of yourself but not be able to put them together. To sort through half memories but not understand where they had come from. He had become a mystery to himself.
"Nothing, sir."
He placed a hand on the wall next to her head and leaned close to her face. "Stop. Lying. To. Me."
"Sir-"
"Is there a problem here?" Moody's voice invaded the air around them. He stood at the foot of the stairs leaning on his walking stick, his robotic blue eye trained on Shaylah.
"Not now Moody!" Severus snarled. He didn't back away from her but his head turned to face Moody. "This does not concern you." Moody stalled for a moment, his blue eye never moving. His mouth twitched with the need to argue but the violence in Severus' eyes seemed to choke his words down. He turned back toward the steps and with a grimace ascended the stairs.
"Please sir, keep an eye on him." Shaylah whispered. "I truly believe he is not who he says he is."
"Perhaps he learned from you." Severus spoke through clenched teeth. The anger flared in his eyes. "Now, who are you?" Her heart thundered in her chest and she felt the tears begin to form.
"Se-Professor, I-" He slammed his hand into the wall next to her head, the noise vibrated through her temples. Adrenaline took over, her muscles moving on their own accord. She threw her arms around his neck and hoped he wouldn't jinx her in response. She felt him stiffen, his hands hovering above her. Then the tension drained from his body and he pulled her tightly to him much like a child would a beloved toy. His fingers tangled in the ends of her hair, a feeling she was all too used to. He nuzzled his face into the curve of her neck as she ran her fingers through his hair. The world felt right for the first time since she had arrived, the ever present feeling of failure overshadowed by the feeling of their bodies locked together.
The sentiment was ripped from her too soon as Severus stepped back, the softness of her Severus present in his eyes. "Rose. Roses." He began to pace as if she weren't there, muttering to himself. "The ring." She watched him, saying nothing to add to the downward spiral she was spectating. "Green." She attempted to slide along the wall back toward the stairs. He stopped her with another hand on the wall, blocking her exit. "Who is Rose?"
Shaylah let out a heavy sigh, an uncomfortable feeling ran down her spine. Her chest tightened as the words rose up her throat, "She's my daughter." she whispered. Did he remember her? Did that mean she still existed somewhere in the future, in a different thread of time? Severus went rigid as the information resinated in his mind. The cogs were turning fiercely behind his eyes, slotting into position.
His brows drew up as if he had found the answers he sought and his lips landed on hers. His hands cupped her face as he drew her in closer, and her hands tangled in the length of his hair. The butterflies in her stomach took flight and she felt weightless. As he pulled back he nipped her bottom lip as he always did.
He placed his forehead against hers and his hand palmed her throat as he pushed his body against hers. Her leg reacted by lifting around his waist. The cool stone on her back could do nothing to stifle the heat rising in her body and she had no intentions of stopping what was to come. Thankfully Severus held his wits, even as his hand trailed down the length of her body, over the curve of her breast and bend of her hips. His fingers pressed into the flesh of her ass as he pressed himself into her. He stepped back before the beast broke loose, the one she so longed to see in his eyes again as their bodies uncontrollably collided.
He rubbed his hand over his face as if to reconstruct the version of himself he was meant to be in this moment. Realizing the severity of what had just transpired Shaylah slipped past him, his fingers grazing her wrist as he attempted to snatch it. He shouted her name but she didn't stop until she had made it back to the Great Hall. She straightened herself and swallowed the thickness in her throat.
Nate sat at a table near the still dancing crowd toward the front of the hall. Shaylah acquired two more Butterbeers before joining him and placed his in front of him as she slid into the seat to his right. The look he gave her was one of utter disappointment. "I'm sorry Nate."
He took a sip of his Butterbeer and continued to stare at the crowd. "What did Snape want?"
"To berate me about my atrocious potion skills." she said as she gave him a shy smile.
"During a dance? He's a bigger monster than I thought." Nate chuckled.
"Do you want to dance?" Shaylah asked. Nate nodded and they joined the crowd. They spent the rest of the night in the chaotic energy of the Weird Sisters, dancing and celebrating. They were among the last students to leave and the Butterbeers had caught up to them as they made their way back to the common room. Shaylah had taken off her heels to help with balancing. They giggled as they kept each other from falling on their way.
When Shaylah made it back to her dorm she found Carrie and Marsha waiting expectantly. Lexi was already asleep, still in her dress. "I can't believe you danced with Professor Snape!" said Marsha as she put her finger in her mouth and feigned gagging.
"I tried to get him to dance with Nate but it didn't work." Shaylah admitted and they all burst into laughter. "Did you guys have a good time?" she asked as she removed her makeup with a wave of her wand.
"Luther and I had a row," Marsha explained. "I ended up spending the evening with Lexi and Mark and a lot of Butterbeer." Her eyes were heavy as she spoke, Shaylah expected her to fall over asleep.
"Michael and I had a wonderful time." Carrie cut in. "He asked me out!"
"That's fantastic!" Shaylah exclaimed, crossing the room to hug her friend. "I think I'm going to bed, I'm exhausted." Both girls nodded their heads in agreement and the dorm fell silent as the two tucked themselves into bed and drifted to sleep.
Shaylah pulled the photo out of her robes which were slung over her bed, the edges were wrinkled and creased from being stored in her pocket. She couldn't contain the smile on her face as Severus smiled at her, his arm around her shoulders.
