The next few days were like a blur. Mary was like a firecracker, always ready with a quick comeback, a small prank, and she kept finding ways to touch Snape, something he was not used to and found it hard not to flinch when it happened. He grew more brazen as well and found small ways to touch her briefly, testing the waters.

Breakfast on Thursday was uneventful, he was half listening to Mulciber and Avery drone on about their next meeting. The morning post came and a brown school owl dropped a letter on his plate before soaring off. He glanced around, no one seemed to have noticed. He slit open the envelope and read:

S-

Today. Same time, same place.

-M

Severus grinned before he could help himself and then hastily put the note in his pocket. He glanced in the direction of the Gryffindor table and saw Mary smirking at him. She made eye contact for a second before continuing her conversation with her housemates.

Snape walked quietly into the Prefects bathroom to find Mary standing in front of the mirror in her bikini, brushing her hair. Snape gawked as he awkwardly placed his clothes on the counter. He had decided this time to simply wear his swim trunks underneath his jeans so he could disrobe openly.

"I tried out that curse I liked today," said Mary to the mirror looking at Snape. She went over to the tub to turn off the jets. "I did it to Mulciber right before lunch, to get back at him for trying to do the Imperius curse on me. He had to go to the hospital wing." She smiled evilly at Snape.

"He deserved it," croaked out Snape. He had finished taking off his jeans and hastily got into the water. Mary followed him in and didn't waste any time getting close to Snape. She got some soap from a nearby tap and started lathering his hair. Snape let her, the last few days he had felt the cleanest he had ever felt and his hair had never looked better.

As she lathered his inky black hair his black eyes bored into hers. The silence wasn't uncomfortable, if anything it made the energy between them that much more magnetic.

"I'm sorry for laughing when he was trying to imperius you," said Snape solemnly. "We thought it was going to be harmless, like have you hop like a rabbit or something. The more I think about it though….even that isn't harmless, no one should be forced to do something."

"It's ok, I believe you," said Mary gently.

Without breaking eye contact Mary moved her hands to his shoulders and hoisted herself gently onto him so she could wrap her legs around his waist, Snape groaned softly as she closed the gap between them. His hands instinctively went to her hips to hold her gently in place.

Mary continued washing his hair, every now and then she would thrust her hips gently into him causing him to groan involuntarily, she could feel his reaction and squirmed a little more into him. Snape was eye level with her bosom as she was reaching over his head to wash the base of his skull. Her bosom was like two oranges, her small perky nipples were poking through her bikini top. Snape felt his bulge grow. He leaned forward and kissed her stomach.

Mary looked at him and than passionately kissed him on the lips, she was desperate for this intimacy with him. She kept kissing him as Snape snaked his fingers through her beautiful caramel hair, she opened her mouth slightly and pushed her tongue gently into Snape's mouth. He ferociously kissed her back until he saw stars.

After a time they broke apart and looked at each other, slightly dazed.

"Be my girlfriend," whispered Snape. He was surprised at his own daring, what was he saying? He knew he meant it though because he didn't break eye contact with her and hope swelled within him.

"I'm yours," said Mary without hesitation. She climbed back on him and started kissing him again.

The Great Hall witnessed something that had never been seen before the next morning. Mary MacDonald crossed the hall to sit at the Slytherin table, she sat down next to Snape as if it was just another day at the office. Whispers filled each table.

Snape gaped at her, they hadn't discussed this but he found that he was glad to have her next to him.

"Morning Severus," she whispered to him before kissing him gently on the lips.

A huge eruption of chatter broke out across the Great Hall as everyone had watched the exchange. Mary ignored the chatter, she bit into a slice of toast.

Gryffjndors were now crossing over to the Slytherin table, they looked angry. Avery had gotten up from his seat from further down the table and came over to talk to Snape.

"What is this Snape? She's a blood traitor."

Sirius, Remus, James, and Lily had just gotten to the table.

Snape was angry at Avery's stupidity. All of this blood business seemed laughable and beneath him.

"Shut up Avery," Snape said harshly.

"Don't tell me you actually like her?" scowled Avery. "After what she did to Mulciber?"

"He deserved it. I heard he squealed like a pig all the way up to the infirmary," Snape sneered.

"Mary what are you doing with this scum?" asked Sirius.

"Don't call him that," Mary snapped. "Severus is interesting. I can take care of myself."

"You can't be serious, after what Snape's friends did to you?" said Lily.

"He's Snape now is he?" asked Mary cooly. "No longer Sev?"

Lily blushed.

"Snape's friends are not him. In fact he hasn't been hanging out with them have you Severus?"

"No I haven't," said Snape tersely. "I've been with better company." He glanced at Mary as he said it and she smiled.

"Let's go Severus, we'll be late to class," Mary said briskly as she grabbed her bag. Snape followed her without looking back, Lily stood there looking confused. She watched as Mary put her hand in his and they walked out of the Great Hall smiling at each other.

The end of year term came to a close quickly. Snape and Mary being a couple gave everyone a good bit to gossip about those last few weeks. Anytime they were spotted in the halls holding hands or kissing the latest incident was talked about in whispers. Snape had taken to sitting at the Gryffindor table at meal times as he got bored of defending Mary to his half-witted housemates. There were a few people who had even warmed up to Snape once it was very apparent that he seemed to be turning over a new leaf when it came to his beliefs about magical blood purity.

Snape was combing his clean hair and making sure his robes were ironed, in short, he had never felt more confident walking down the school halls hand in hand with Mary, arguably one of the most attractive girls in their year.

Mary and Snape spent most of their time in the library learning new things, on the grounds outside talking, or in the Prefects bathroom, the latter of which was Snape's favorite.

The night before the last day of term came and Mary and Snape spent it inside the tub, each staring at the other in perplexed awe. Snape's scalp had already been scrubbed clean, Mary's back had been washed, and now they were simply an inch away from each other's lips, teasing the other as they locked eyes.

Snape closed his eyes as he kissed Mary deeply. His hands enveloped her waist into a hug as he pulled her closer, she wrapped her legs around him eagerly, he groaned appreciatively.

"I'm going to miss you Severus," she whispered. "I wish you could come over but my parents wouldn't approve."

"I'll send an owl to you every week," Snape vowed as he kissed her gently on the forehead.

"I have a present for you," Mary said. "You have to promise you'll use it before the school year starts again."

"What is it?" asked Snape in a frown. He wasn't used to getting gifts.

Mary got out of the tub and dried her hands before getting out a sheaf of parchment. Snape dried his hands at the edge of the tub and took the parchment from her.

Gift Certificate

Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions

Personal Favor

X_Madame Malkin

"What is this?" asked Snape confused.

"Madame Malkin owes my parents a favor, my parents agreed for me to have it. You can get anything you want from the shop, anything at all, no limit. Robes, clothes, shoes, the works."

Snape's pale face darkened in embarrassment. He knew Mary didn't think he was cool enough for her, she was trying to dress him up. He wouldn't do it, he had more dignity than that. He threw the parchment away from him so it skidded to the door.

"Oh don't be a prat," she exclaimed angrily. "I knew you might react like this but get a grip. I just want you to be comfortable at school. I see the way you look at your robes before you put them on." Mary glared at him daring him to refute what she said.

"A prat am I?" sneered Snape. "Maybe I just don't want my girlfriend feeling sorry for me, I don't need your charity," he spat.

Mary slid into the water angrily in one swift motion, she came over to Snape with such a fierce look in her eyes Snape was momentarily abashed and started backing away from her. She reached him with two short quick strokes and before he could react she had reached out and grabbed both his wrists, slamming them into the tub, holding his arms down, she pressed into him, her face inches from his.

"Don't you dare think I feel sorry for you," she whispered haughtily. Snape struggled against her but he didn't seem to want to hurt her, Mary's grip tightened as she kept him pinned against the tub, their eyes never leaving each other's.

"I adore you Severus," Mary whispered softly. She expertly wrapped her legs around his waist and brought her lips to his. Snape stopped struggling, Mary let go of his wrists and brought her hands up to run her fingers through his inky black hair. Snape had a hand on her lower back and another on her face as he continued kissing her.

"It is I who adores you Mary," Snape said throatily. "Forgive me Mary, I don't deserve you."

"No more talk of that," she gasped as she felt Snape's reaction.

Snape felt greedy for more, he let his fingers slide down until he got to her tender round flesh, he gave her butt a good hard squeeze which made her moan. Mary's tongue found Snape's and as they groped each other Snape could feel Mary' hand also wander down south, she gripped his manhood through his swim trunks momentarily which made him moan deeply.

"Severus?" she asked.

"Yes?" he asked with stars in his eyes.

"Do you think you could make a potion this summer for next year? Something that will make this safe for us?"

Snape couldn't believe his ears. Mary really wanted to be with him in that way? His groin ached painfully at this news.

"I can make it," he panted. "I'll make sure we have enough."

"Good," she smiled seductively at him.

Mary got out of the tub suddenly and started drying off. She picked up the sheaf of parchment and put it on Snape's pile of clothes.

"Use it Severus, it's not for me, it's for you."

Severus Snape could never have imagined how lucky he would be.

Snape spent the summer in agony without Mary. True to his word he sent an owl to her at least once a week and he heard just as much from her. He had a stack of letters that he saved and had tied with a brown ribbon, the most recent had come yesterday.

Severus,

I long to be with you. Your last letter made me miss you so much. I'm still trying to convince my parents to let me go to Knockturn Alley, I want to check out their bookstore and get my own book on curses. I hope you have considered reading some of my literature as well, it would do you some good to learn how to mend clothes and how to clean them in a pinch. I know your mother doesn't bother with that stuff but I know you would feel better if you could do it yourself. I'll be in Diagon Alley in a couple of weeks, on the 25th of August. Do you think we could meet at Malkin's around 2 PM? I can shake my parents for a bit around that time as they want to meet up with some of their friends. Don't forget your certificate.

Warmly,

Mary

After a lot of wheedling Snape had convinced his parents to go to Diagon Alley the same day that Mary would be there. Snape's mother gave him a small bag of money so he could shop on his own, his parents were going to be at the Leaky Cauldron, waiting for him.

Snape walked quickly to Malkins, eager to get a head start on the shopping before Mary got there. As he walked in Madame Malkin bowed and asked how she could help. Wordlessly he gave her the sheaf of parchment. She looked at it carefully and then cheerfully asked again how she could help.

Snape frowned at her, he wasn't sure what he needed besides his usual robes for school. Madame Malkin seemed to sense his hesitation.

"Come over here so I can measure you and get a good look at you," she said kindly.

Snape shuffled over to the mirror where the measuring tape was suspended on its own in midair. The measuring tape got to work as she eyed him carefully. The more she looked at him the more anxious he felt. He could feel her eyes scrutinizing his face. He wished she would look away.

"I don't think I've seen you in here before," Madame Malkin murmured as she gently took off Snape's robes to get a better look at his frame.

"I usually have to get my robes secondhand," muttered Snape.

She walked around him twice and then flicked her wand to the sign in the window, flipping the sign to closed.

"Well dearie," sighed Madame Malkin. "I can tell you haven't had a lot of attention in your life. It's a shame really, you seem like such a nice boy."

Snape felt the familiar flush in his cheeks that came along with embarrassment.

"Before we get to the clothes I think it prudent you get a haircut, your hair needs to be tidied up. I can do it right now if you'd like."

Snape blanched at this but knew she was right. He had split ends and his hair had no style. The only thing he had been able to do with it this summer was keep it clean. He nodded at her and she got out her wand to start cutting. As she trimmed his hair she started chatting. The more she talked the more he wasn't sure how to respond.

"You know, you have really unusual eyes, most people would be put off by how dark they are but I think that makes them really lovely. I know you probably think your nose isn't conventional but on men, it can be attractive if you take care of yourself. If you drink some more water, and get more sun then I know your skin will look nice. I'll get you a good moisturizer."

She finished trimming and had him look in the mirror while she took a step back to look at him once more. Snape's hair was still long but it was a lot lighter, his ends looked healthier, and his hair was slightly layered towards the bottom giving him a more sophisticated look. He had to admit he looked more taken care of.

"You need new robes, a nice cloak, black leather shoes, black slacks, some formal shirts, and a nice leather belt." Madame Malkin said decisively. She flipped the sign back to open and went around the shop gathering various items and had him try things on as she tailored his clothes. After an hour she was putting numerous things in bags for him. The bell above the door rang and Mary stepped in, her eyes looking for Severus.

Her eyes found him and she smiled. Snape gave a small grin as she strode towards him.

"There you go dearie," said Madame Malkin. She had finished wrapping up everything and gave Snape two bulging bags of clothes and accessories.

"Thank you, Madame," said Snape sincerely.

Mary quickly got her new school robes and than they left the shop together, they decided they were going to hang out at Flourish and Blotts until it was time for them to leave.

"Severus, your hair looks amazing!" Mary said excitedly. "You're even cuter!" she said giggling, she kissed him quickly on the lips which made Snape blush.

"I went to Knockturn Alley earlier," she added in a whisper. They had found a quiet corner to sit down. She showed him the battered green tome that read Hexes for the Fairer Sex. Snape turned the pages in interest and realized that a good bit of these dealt with hexing a man's nether regions.

"I hope you don't plan to use any of these on me," he drawled.

"Of course not," laughed Mary. "These are for creeps like Mulciber."

Mary reached over and held Snape's hand as they talked about their summer and the upcoming school year, they would be sixth years and would be studying NEWTS.

"I got E's in almost everything of course," bragged Mary. "I only got an A in History of Magic and who cares? What did you get?"

"E's in most everything as well," said Snape evenly. He was trying not to gloat. "I got O's in Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, and Transfiguration."

"You show off!" said Mary as she pushed him jokingly.

"Well isn't this cozy?" said James, he had just turned a corner into their nook. He was standing next to Sirius and Remus.

"Get lost James," said Mary in a bored tone. She glanced at Snape and rolled her eyes which made Snape smirk.

"I see you've kept your hair clean over the summer," said Sirius nastily. "That must have taken a bottle a day, it's no wonder you don't have money for decent clothes."

Snape pulled out his wand so fast that the others followed suit including Mary. Sirius looked down at Mary's wand and raised his eyebrows.

"You should think again about letting a Slytherin near you," said Sirius quietly. "Let's go."

They left but not without giving Snape another hard look.

"Forget them," said Mary. "They're just jealous because you have a girlfriend and they don't."

Snape smiled at that remark and put his wand away. As they sat back down they spent the next hour making plans for their first night back.

Snape quickly found an empty compartment on the Hogwarts Express, he and Mary would be spending the train ride together. He was already wearing his new clothes and was getting a lot of looks from everyone, he was starting to get self-conscious.

Mary found the compartment Snape was in and closed the door to signify that it had been taken. She opened her mouth in surprise when she saw Snape.

"Severus! You look so handsome," she squealed. She ran up to him excitedly and kissed him. Snape blushed and looked at her carefully. He was trying not to get his hopes up.

"Do I really look that different?" he asked.

"It's not just the clothes," said Mary in admiration. "You're taller and broader, the clothes just accentuate it. The haircut also adds to it."

Snape looked down again at his formal wear and had to admit he did feel more confident than he had ever felt before.

A couple of hours passed on the train, Mary and Snape had gotten their books out and were looking at what they would be studying this year. Mary had gotten comfortable on Snape's lap, her legs were off to the side resting on the carriage seat, they sat like that reading a book together.

Their door slid open.

Lily's mouth fell open in shock, and without saying anything she slammed the door shut again.

Snape looked quickly down at the book determined not to look at Mary. He had honestly not given a lot of thought about Lily over the summer but seeing her again had been jarring. He wasn't sure how he felt but as he sat there talking to Mary and laughing he realized he didn't need to worry about it.

Their first week back went quickly. NEWT-level courses were a lot of work but Mary and Snape quickly found a rhythm again. Snape had resumed eating his meals at the Gryffindor table, something that he found easier now that he had new clothes. Everyone had noticed a change in Snape, most noticeable was how often he smiled, especially with Mary.

That first Friday night in the tub was magical. They had wasted no time with words as they wrapped their arms around each other and kissed and groped. Snape was impatient, he could feel his heart almost beating out of his chest. His fingers found the thin fabric of Mary's bikini bottoms and cautiously he slipped his middle finger underneath her bottoms, searching. Mary gasped wide-eyed as she looked at Snape.

He had found what he was looking for, it was warm and a different kind of wet from the water. He pushed his finger in a little deeper and heard Mary moan. His lips found hers and as he thrust his finger in and out he picked her up and sat her at the edge of the tub. His black eyes glinted as he maintained eye contact with Mary. He grabbed her bottoms roughly and pulled them down all the way and threw them off to the side.

Snape looked back to Mary who was watching him carefully. He bent down and started kissing her inner thigh, she closed her eyes as he kept kissing her thigh up to her center, when he got there he stuck his tongue in, Mary gave a small squeal. Reflexively she closed her thighs on Snape's face but he didn't let go, he buried his face in her more deeply and kept moving his tongue. Mary leaned back on her arms and moaned.

After a couple of minutes of Snape torturing Mary she pushed his shoulders back and slid back into the water. She wrapped herself around him and felt his massive reaction. She got down briefly to yank his swim trunks off before getting on him again.

Snape gasped as he looked at Mary.

"Did you take the potion?" he asked her.

"Not yet," she answered smiling slightly. Mary put her arms around Snape's neck and gently lowered herself to Snape's bulging erection. Very carefully she lowered herself so she was barely above Snape's groin. She playfully humped him a couple of times.

"If you're going to tease me, I'm going to tease you," she said naughtily.

After a couple more thrusts she got off and got out of the tub.

Snape gawked at her breathing hard.

"Next time, don't shove your tongue down there unless you've asked me if I've taken the potion. I won't be able to control myself next time," Mary said breathlessly.

"Next time you know we'll be here just take the potion, I brewed enough," said Snape weakly.

"Fine," she said admitting defeat. They had become too enamored with each other to push the inevitable away.