38

38. I love you (Part 3)

Something was different… My bed smelled not like my bed. In fact, it smelled better than mine. And the blanket was so warm and cosy. I sighted in content and snuggled closer to the warmth. I wanted to fall asleep again, it was too comfortable to get up now. But instead of getting tired my brain started to wake up. I took a deep breath and inhaled the unusual scent around me. I liked it! A smile crept on my lips…

I opened my eyes and found myself staring at a men's chest. What the hell am I dreaming, I wondered. Confused I furrowed my eyebrows and realized that I was not even laying in my own bed. And I wore a men's shirt…

I heard a light chuckle and sensed something moving in front of me. Slowly, my head moved a little and my eyes started to wander upwards. Severus… I was staring at Severus' face. In the blink of an eye I remembered what had happened yesterday. I kissed him. I told him I love him. My brain tried to process everything. He loves me too! I realized suddenly. During that short moment I woke up completely.

"Good morning." Severus greeted me, a small smile playing around his lips. His beautiful dark eyes shone warmly and send a shiver through my whole body. Blushing lightly, I returned his gaze. Now, I was completely aware of the fact that he had no shirt on. I was in bed with him…

"Morning." My voice only came out as a whisper. One look in his eyes and I melted away. I could not think straight anymore. Now I realized that the heat came from his body. I laid facing him, our bodies almost touching. One of his hands rested relaxed in between our bodies. The sudden strong feeling of love and care for the man in front of me overwhelmed me. A smile crept on my lips and for the first time since I woke up I returned his look intensely.

He raised his hand to my face and caressed my cheek gently. I watched him as his eyes followed his fingers. I need to touch him! I want to be as close as possible! To make sure he's real. That we are real. Before I could move however, he moved his head a bit closer and brushed my nose with his, making my smile grow bigger. His look softened even more, and I could read the love he felt in his twinkling eyes. Butterflies erupted in my stomach and heat rose through my whole body. My gaze wandered from his eyes down to his soft lips. I lifted my hand and placed it carefully on his cheek. Afraid of being rejected I glanced up again, but Severus was still watching me intensely. I couldn't suppress a happy grin as I raised my head a little and closed the gap between our lips.

The kiss was slow and loving. The tension was incredibly strong and making me dizzy. I felt completely lost under his lips. My hand wandered to his neck and played with his hair. The smile on his lips made him only more compelling so I let my tongue run over his lips. At this Severus let his hand glide into my hair and hold me closer to him. Slowly, he turned his body and was over me. Laying on my back now I lifted my other hand to his neck and pulled him closer to me. Becoming more confident by my lead Severus let his tongue explore my mouth. I felt him moving his other arm so that it laid under my head and caressed my shoulder.

Our kiss became slower. But I didn't want him to leave me, so I let my lips linger on his a little longer. Gently, Severus gave me one last peck on the lips before smiling the happiest smile I had ever seen. I couldn't take my eyes of him and smiled overwhelmed of my love and happiness. But it wasn't enough to express my feelings. Therefore, my smile turned into a grin. I placed my hands on either side of his face and looked him deeply in the eyes.

"I love you, Severus." His eyes sparkled as he turned his head a little to kiss my wrist.

"I love you so much, Aryanna Jackson." I didn't know if it was this intense look or the words, but I had the feeling as if all the air had vanished in my lungs. At the same time, I couldn't suppress my lips to turn into a genuine loving smile.

Severus looked away, grabbed the blanket and pulled it up to my chest again. Then he took his arm from under my head and propped up his head. The other hand lay on the blanket and played with my hair. Smiling absentminded, his gaze wandered all over my face. The light touch gave me goose bumps all over my body. He watched me as if I could break under his look. I enjoyed the love in his touch and gaze. It was perfect! Sighting contented, I closed my eyes and snuggled closer to his chest. I felt his lips on my hair and his nose brushing my head. Then he opened his arms for me to come even closer. I smiled as his arms embraced me, pulling me close to his chest.

"You will never leave me, right Severus?" I said quietly, my voice shaking with emotions. I was afraid all of this being a dream. That maybe if he was alone the next time he would realize that he was about to have a relationship with one of his students. Severus turned on his back, pulling me on top of him. I laid my arms on his chest, resting my chin on my hands so that I could look into his eyes. The smile had vanished from his face. His voice sounded raspy and serious as he spoke.

"Never. Until death I will never leave you. I want to be there for you Arya and I want to be with you! No matter what." All the sudden, my whole body shivered at his emotional words. Blushing, I buried my face in his chest as I heard him chuckle. "There's no need to be ashamed, love."

Confused and forgetting my struggle, I looked up and watched him with raised eyebrows. "Love?"

Severus smile turned into an amused grin. "I knew that would distract you." His grin grew wider.

Groaning, I let my head fall on his chest again making Severus laugh. "You're incredible…"

That made him only laugh louder. I couldn't hold back the grin that was forming on my lips. I loved hearing his laugh. And I loved it even more because I was the reason for him to be happy and without any worries… at least for now. As his laugh died down I was smiling madly again. Absentminded, Severus traced circles on my back with his fingers. I felt so secure and relaxed that I sighted deeply in content. The following silence was suddenly interrupted by a growling stomach. Now it was my turn to chuckle.

"I guess you're hungry, Severus…?" But Severus only mumbled something I couldn't understand. Mocking and with raised eyebrows I looked him in the eyes. "What did you say? I didn't catch that."

To my surprise a small blush showed itself on Severus' cheeks. Warmth rushed through my whole body and I tried to hide my smile by biting on my lip. Typically being Severus, he tried to cover up his visible affection by turning his eyes in annoyance and growled. Again, he avoided my gaze by looking right over my head. "I said I'm not leaving my bed right now."

Smiling to myself and blushing as well I gave him a short peck on the lips. "I don't want to leave it either." Our eyes locked and slowly a smile crept on his lips.

"But I'm afraid we will have to at some point." He added worried.

I groaned again casting him a short glare and mumbled loud enough for him to hear. "You're a mood killer, Severus!"

His deep laugh distracted me a little. But slowly my head processed what he had said earlier. With a jerk, I lifted my head looking at Severus with big eyes. As I spoke my voice sounded almost like shrieking. I felt a little confused too.

"I'm lying in your bed…"

Severus frowned and stopped the circling on my back. Raising one eyebrow as well worry became noticeable in his dark eyes.

"Yes, you are… Is that a problem, Arya?"

In the blink of an eye his emotions changed from happiness and amusement to his emotionless mask. It felt as if Severus' body had been bound by a binding spell. As if he couldn't move anymore. The only movements coming from him were his chest slowly raising up and down and the blinking of his eyes. I felt worry and regret around him.

"Do you want to leave?"

He could have fooled everyone else, but I knew him better. He was nervous. Obviously, he didn't know how to handle me in this state seeing as it was as new to him as it was to me. It took me some time to be able to think again. And the moment I did, I started smiling madly at Severus. Now he looked even more confused.

"I'm lying in your bed…" My smile turned into a huge grin as the whole meaning of those words overwhelmed me. "I mean I'm here in your bed in Hogwarts… with you."

Severus laid still without moving. Only the corner of his mouth twitched slightly. I couldn't tell if it was out of worry, fear, confusion or all together. Reassuringly, I moved my head closer to his, smiling like a lunatic. I would have loved to jump around and scream it out to the whole world. Instead, I looked him deeply in the eyes and put all my love and happiness in my voice.

"I'm lying in bed with my fairy-love! I finally told you the truth about my feelings and now we're together. Now, I have everything I ever wished to have in my life. I have very good friends. I got my brother back. Derek is here in Hogwarts. And now the yule ball turned from a fun and upsetting evening to the best night of my life... I have everything I ever wanted!"

We stared at each other for a moment. Then suddenly, Severus switched our position by turning me on my back and lying the closest to me possible. Where my side was pressed against his chest I felt a burning sensation and butterflies erupted in my stomach. I was unable to move as he was looking down at me with a piercing, undefinable look. I was deeply lost in his dark and mysterious eyes.

Snapped out of my rant, I suddenly became aware of our situation. I felt shy and nervous all the sudden. I broke the gaze and looked at his chest feeling completely ashamed. I didn't dare to look up again. So, I shortly glanced at Severus' face through my eyelashes. I was afraid! Afraid that I had said too much. Afraid that the whole weight of my feelings for him was too much for him to deal with.

My thoughts got interrupted as Severus gently traced my jaw and let his finger rest under my chin. I was relieved he didn't kiss or embrace me. Right now, no touch could take away my fear of being rejected. As Severus finally started speaking his voice sounded raspy and incredibly sad. As quickly as he had put on his emotionless mask he had removed it again.

"You cannot imagine how often I have thought about where my emotions for you would lead our previous relationship... I felt so disgusted with myself. I was convinced you would be better off without me and that your mother would be disappointed if she would still be alive. Until I realized that I cannot live with myself either by pushing you away. So, I tried to be the person again I had always been for you. But my emotions already held to much control over myself. I got jealous over the smallest things. When your friend Derek asked you to be his date for the evening I loathed him so much. I wanted to be in his place. He represented everything I wasn't.

Yesterday, as I saw you dancing in the great hall I felt so ashamed of myself and decided to give my life in your hands. I couldn't continue as it had been before. I would have done anything you would have wanted me to do. So, when you said that you loved me I swore to myself to never hurt you ever again. I may have to play my role in Hogwarts as teacher, but I knew in this precise moment that I am living for you. I always have and always will."

Carefully, Severus looked into my eyes. I understood how hard it had been for him to admit all this to himself and to tell me now. It was rare that he was speaking openly about his feelings. He hated making himself vulnerable. At the same time, my whole body heated up and the butterflies were whirling more wildly now. Softly, I started speaking.

"Severus, I swear that you will never lose me. I will always be by your side and I will always love you…No matter what!" Nervously, my fingers started playing with the seam of the blanket. Taking a deep breath, I continued. "But I'm afraid. I'm afraid because I don't know what is going to happen now. I'm afraid of rushing into this relationship because I never had one before. I'm afraid that we move on to fast because we know that this is a special – a serious - relationship. I mean, despite everything I'm still a student, going to school and trying to pass my exams. You're an adult but I'm not."

The last part only came out as a mumble. I had stared at the blanket the whole time. I felt so young and childish all the sudden. How can a man twice my age be in love with me and not see me as a child?

"Arya, are you afraid that I expect to skip the first steps of a relationship because ours has been predicted as fairy-love?" Severus asked carefully and searched my gaze.

Ashamed, I looked into his eyes and nodded slightly. Again, I averted my eyes to the blanket. I heard him taking a deep breath and as I glanced up I saw that his eyes were closed. Now, I felt even more stupid. I didn't know what to do or say anymore to ease this awkward tension. I was just about to apologize for everything I had said when Severus moved away. To my surprise he got out of bed and walked towards his wardrobe. Is he going to leave me now? I thought to myself and stared at his back. I felt myself struggling with our situation. I was so helpless and confused right now. Had I just ruined the starting relationship?

Carefully, not to make the blanket rustle too loud I sat up and leaned against the headboard. As I had made myself comfortable again Severus climbed back in bed. Now he wore a simple black shirt with his pyjama trousers. Confused, I watched him as he sat next to me, a slight smile playing around his lips. Then he turned his head in my direction. To my surprise he seemed completely relaxed now.

"I can assure you that I feel unsure too. Having you here with me makes me happy. On the other hand, I feel extremely nervous about this – us - and around you." Severus smiled what ought to be a reassuring smile. But I couldn't stop myself from chuckling. Questioning he raised one eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching. I refused to look him in the eyes as I mumbled something.

"You are nervous? You seem pretty controlled and confident about everything!" I got goose bumps on my arms as I felt his deep chuckle where our arms were touching.

"I'm just good at hiding it. However, I want you to know that I'm not expecting us to have a special relationship. What I see is an incredible young woman I have strong feelings for and who I would like to be with. As for the rest, it will develop itself. But we start at the very beginning."

I thought about his words. They did comfort me and took off the pressure I had created. My lips turned into a smile as I locked eyes with Severus.

"Thank you. It sounds perfect."

Severus was obviously trying to suppress a grin but didn't succeed. Now it was my turn to raise my eyebrows questioning. With a mischievous gaze he let his arm rest on the headboard behind my head.

"Now, I'm not sure if people still ask for it but would you like to be my girlfriend, Aryanna?"

Taken aback, I started laughing. The tension was leaving my body immediately. Severus started laughing too, still trying to keep his composure to keep it serious. He was obviously failing horribly. As I looked into his eyes I couldn't stop laughing. The whole situation seemed so unreal.

"Was that a serious question?" I asked still chuckling, watching as Severus was fighting to control himself again. With big eyes and raised eyebrows he gazed at me.

"Yes, it was actually."

I scooted a little closer and laid my legs over his. I was still grinning as I looked into his sparkling eyes.

"Well then… Severus Snape, I would love to be your girlfriend."

My butterflies awoke again as Severus lips turned into the most genuine and honest smile. The mischievous spark was gone now. He looked so happy and relaxed, it amazed me once again to see him like this. My lips turned into a smile as well as he pulled me closer to close the gap between our bodies. His arms were embracing me, his forehead leaned gently against mine. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the scent I loved so much.

"I love you." I felt the breathing of his words on my skin. My whole body reacted, making me shiver slightly.

"I love you too." It was just a whisper, but I knew he had heard it. Loving, he brushed his nose against mine, then placed a long kiss on my forehead. I sighted in content and leaned my head against his chest. It was so relaxing and comfortable…

"Severus?" He hummed as an answer. "Why did you put a shirt on?" Now I felt his deep laugh all over my body. It felt incredibly distracting!

"I thought if we start at the beginning I should at least wear a shirt for cuddling."

A deep blush crept on my cheeks. Severus seemed to sense something because he leaned back revealing my face to his eyes. Ashamed, I lowered my head but he had already seen it. Again, my body was overstrained as another laughter vibrated through it. Reassuringly, Severus caressed my back and placed a kiss on my head.

"Damn Slytherin!" I groaned into his chest. Seeing as he had his head resting on mine I could feel the grin on his face. Annoyed, I poked him in the stomach provoking another loud rumble. I snorted and lifted my head to look into his eyes. His expression had changed to a glare, making me grin as an answer.

"How about we have breakfast now?" Severus asked not looking at me as his stomach growled again. Grinning, I nodded but couldn't take my eyes off his. Those mysterious black eyes locked with mine again, fixing me completely. Our heads moved slowly closer. Our noses were almost touching now. I could see his lips turning into a grin. "Do you still like pancakes?"

It was so typical Severus. He really could be a tease if he wanted. I rolled my eyes and shook my head grinning as well.

"Where is your bathroom again?" I asked, getting off his lap.

"The door right in front of you. You can take whatever you need. Oh, and take your time. I will prepare breakfast." Smiling to myself I got out of bed and grabbed the dress I had worn for the yule ball. I would have preferred normal clothing in case people saw me walking back to Gryffindor tower. It would look quite suspicious if I was still wearing my dress. Nevertheless, I decided to take a shower. People would come to wrong conclusions anyway so why trying to hide if it was not even possible. Well, it isn't as if they wouldn't be right…The thought made me chuckle and sent a shiver through my body. I do have a boyfriend now!

As I stepped into the kitchen, I watched Severus moving around and preparing breakfast. He hadn't heard me yet, so I stood, leaning against the doorframe. He was wearing his usual black leather shoes, the buttoned-up trousers and - to my surprise - only the simple white chemise he wore under his cloak. Its sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. It suited him very well I realized biting my lip to keep myself from smiling. As he turned with a plate full of pancakes towards the table he noticed me. I straightened up and walked towards the scent of the fresh made pancakes. Now my stomach started rumbling too.

"Do you need help?" I asked stepping to the kitchen counter as well. Slowly, Severus turned around with two cups in his hands.

"No, don't worry. It's all prepared anyway. Just take a seat and enjoy my pancakes." Grinning, he placed a cup of hot chocolate next to my plate. He chuckled as I awed openly at it. It had been a while since I last had Severus' hot chocolate… Not to mention his pancakes... After some bites – I enjoyed every single piece – we started a conversation. We had found back to our old way of joking and talking during a meal.

"These pancakes are awesome, Severus!" I saw the head of Slytherin grinning proudly to himself. I frowned, pointing with my fork in his direction. "However, no reason to be smug." Severus' grin only grew wider making me roll my eyes. With sparkling eyes, he chuckled.

"Just because we're together now doesn't mean you can become an arrogant Slytherin!" I warned him playfully. In the blink of an eye, he glared in my direction.

"I will never become one of these idiotic pureblood fanatics!" Now it was my turn to laugh again, making his glare only turn darker. "Talking of purebloods; it gave me some satisfaction to see Longbottom getting himself a better date than Crabbe and Goyle. My hope in this boy isn't lost after all."

I almost spilled my chocolate and swallowed with difficulties as he said it. Trying to get some air in my lungs I coughed still staring at him. "You are actually saying something positive about him. If you prefer him to your two stupid primates then why do you treat him that badly?"

Severus shot me the one famous look he gave students who asked stupid questions. Obviously, he wanted me to answer it myself, but I wasn't impressed by his theatrical behaviour. "Because he is a failure in Potions. And if I may remind you that is the subject I'm teaching here."

I dismissed his tone casually by waving one hand in his direction. "What do you have for hopes in Neville? I mean he's just one normal student here…"

Questioning, I looked at Severus who had just finished his pancake. Thoughtful, he laid his fork down and took a sip of pumpkin juice.

"Not many people in Hogwarts know about this so don't speak with anyone, not even your friends." I nodded in agreement and he continued. "His parents were aurors. They fought in the wizarding war and saved many lives. Many Death Eaters had been captured thanks to the Longbottom's. But then on one mission something went terribly wrong. Obviously, someone from the inside had betrayed them to the Dark Lord. They got caught by Bellatrix Lestrange."

Severus look turned dark. I on the other hand, tried to remember where I had heard that name before. Severus pushed his plate to the side and leaned his arms on the table watching me closely.

"Bellatrix Lestrange was one of the worst Death Eaters. She was one of the favourite and most loyal to the Dark Lord. And always begging for attention. She was reckless and cruel."

"Did you meet her?" I interrupted him but Severus seemed lost in thoughts. Suddenly, he snapped out of his trance and hate darkened his black eyes dangerously. In such moments, I was glad not to be the one who got that glare. Severus could be very frightening…

"I met her once and hope I won't have to see her ever again... Lestrange used the Cruciatus Curse repeatedly and drove them both into madness. Until they lost their minds they never gave away any secrets. Longbottom is the son of two incredibly strong and great aurors. I expect him to get the turn in his magical education here. His parents were skilled but that boy is afraid of himself."

Severus seemed lost in thoughts again. I realized that he was stroking over the dark mark on his left arm. It had been a while since I had last seen it and I couldn't suppress a wave of hate and sadness washing over my body. Obviously, my emotions were confusing my body seeing as my arm decided to start stitching in that very moment but I ignored it. Severus was way more important than my stupid arm…

I raised my hand but Severus didn't react to it. Gently, I released his hand from the mark, taking his hands in mine what made him snap out of his thoughts. Darkly, Severus gaze wandered over my hands to the horrible black mark on his arm. I tried to lock eyes with him but his stare was fixed on the mark.

"Severus." I spoke softly. I knew the mark was a difficult subject. Severus was a self-confident man but whenever it came to the dark mark he broke down inwardly. I had gone through it with him several times already. "Severus, please look at me."

Suddenly, I found myself looking into nothing but black self-loathing and remorse. Then Severus took his hands out of mine and grabbed the plates roughly. As he brought them to the sink I could see his hands shaking and I took a deep breath. I stepped next to him but he turned away, letting his hands rest on the counter, his head held down. Carefully, I walked to his side and tried to look in his face but his hair was hiding it. Gently, I placed my hand on his left arm to ease his internal struggle. To my relief he didn't pull away and lifted his head a little. I saw that he was staring at his left arm disgusted. His jaw was clenched tightly.

Slowly, I released first the left and then his right hand that were clenched to the counter. His hands in mine again I made him turn a little in my direction so that we were facing each other now. Severus still refused to meet my gaze. If looks could kill he would have already burned the mark out of his arm. Whilst I held his left hand still in my hand I placed the other one gently on his cheek. I let my thumb caress it softly.

"Severus."

I whispered his name. After a moment he lifted his eyes a little and our eyes locked. It hurt so much to see all the self-hatred in his eyes. Something snapped in it and he started relaxing his arms and jaw. I leaned against his chest, not breaking our gaze. All the sudden, he lifted his arms and pulled me in an embrace. I put my arms around his torso and rested my head against his chest. Severus let his head rest on top of mine and I could hear him inhaling deeply. His arms around my body pulled me even closer and I felt his strong overwhelming desperation.

"I'm sorry." He mumbled into my hair. "I shouldn't impose you my burden."

I lifted my head and took a step backwards, my hands still resting on his chest. "Your burden is my burden!" I tried to lock eyes but Severus kept his gaze fixed on my hands. Gently, I lifted his head by placing one hand under his chin to make him look at me. "This mark is the evidence that you fought with all your heart for the good." I looked him deeply in the eyes as I took his left arm and turned it to expose the dark mark. Slowly, I traced it with my finger. "This mark symbolizes your love and passion for my mother. This mark shows your strength and courage. Whenever I see it I see what a good person you are, Severus! You sacrificed more than anyone else! Even as a child, I always felt deeply impressed about everything you did for my mother. And I wished to be like you! To have the courage and love to sacrifice so much for the greater good. I have always been proud to know you like no one else does! I love you, Severus. I've always loved you. You are not a bad person! And if my mother were here she would tell you the same thing. She would tell you that we all make mistakes. You are the most loyal person I've ever known in my whole life! And that makes you a good person who deserves to be loved and happy."

Severus had listened without moving. I couldn't tell what he was thinking now. He was just staring into my eyes intensely. So, I waited for him to say something. I wanted him to understand that he was a good person! That all the sacrifices hadn't been for nothing... Breaking our gaze, Severus gently released his arm out of my hand. Slowly, he raised his hands and cupped my face. His intense look gave me goose bumps all over my body.

"You truly are the best thing in my life, Arya!" His voice sounded raspy and thick with emotions. A cold shiver rushed down my spine and I felt my heart beating faster. "Thank you for reminding me."

I felt a small blush creep on my cheeks but I refused to let it break our gaze. I didn't care if Severus saw it. His lips turned into a warm smile and suddenly all the sadness vanished out of his eyes.

"But don't compare yourself with me. You are an incredibly good person and I envy your ability to express your emotions like you do. Especially if it comes to feelings like hate and anger. You never get physically aggressive. If I wouldn't have my emotionless facade I would have… lashed out sometimes."

His smile turned into a grin as my blush got deeper. I broke the gaze and looked down on my hands which were still resting on his chest. Happiness and proud rushed through my whole body. He envies me… I tried to suppress a grin myself by biting on my lip. Now it was Severus' turn to lift my head up. I met a twinkling pair of mysterious dark eyes. He pulled me closer again and embraced me warmly.

"Thank you…" I mumbled.

Not taking away his hand under my chin Severus lowered his head to my face. I felt his lips placing a gentle kiss on my forehead. His nose brushed my face loving. I rested my forehead against his. Suddenly, my nervousness was gone and replaced by wildly whirling butterflies in my stomach. Severus had his eyes closed and held me close to him. Slowly, I closed the gap and placed my lips on his soft ones. It felt perfect! The kiss was slow but full of love and passion. I let my hands wander to his neck. Severus' hands wandered down to my hips. Where I felt them on my body a heat wave erupted. Suddenly, he lifted me up and I found myself sitting on the table. I grinned into the kiss whilst Severus' hand wandered in my hair. The other held me tightly, placed on my back. I refused to let his tongue into my mouth. Severus started kissing me a little rougher now and used my short gasp of surprise to enter his tongue. The kiss heated up as our tongues fought for dominance. I let my hand wander into his hair as well, grabbing a fistful of it. The other was safely placed in his neck but pulled him close to me. Finally, giving in and letting him dominate the kiss we slowed down. His grip on the back of my head loosened a little and his hand wandered to my back again. Resting his lips a little longer on mine I finally pulled away. Our noses were almost touching as we were both trying to regain our breath. I locked my eyes with his and smiled wildly. He responded with a teasing smirk.

"Maybe you might want to brush your hair before leaving. It looks a little… messy."

I chuckled and Severus lifted me off the kitchen table. Trying to fix my hair with my hands I looked up at him.

"I probably should go soon. Before my friends start wondering or worrying where I am." Severus sighted and pulled me closer to his chest.

"You really should. Just give me one more minute with you." Smiling to myself, I snuggled closer and buried my face in his neck. Severus rested his head on mine holding me tightly.

"Are you going to tell your brother about us?" Severus asked grinning to himself. I chuckled and blushed again.

"I think I won't have to say anything. He'll most likely know taking one closer look at me. And he will tell Blaise and Derek if I don't see them before he does. That leaves me to tell Hermione. Because she will realize immediately that something changed."

I ended grinning madly and raised my head. Severus' smirk confused my brain completely. It was difficult to think clear if our eyes were locked. Shaking my head slightly, I broke our gaze and took a step back, freeing myself. I wanted nothing more than going back into his arms. I could stay in his embrace forever!

"Alright, I really have to go now. Otherwise, I'll never get out of here."

Severus looked at me with a smug expression, raising one eyebrow and motioned towards the door. "After you, Ms. Jackson."

I chuckled and walked past him. I cast one last glance at the couch on which we had spent the evening together yesterday. Before I reached the door however, Severus laid one hand on my shoulder. Smiling, I turned around and faced him. Gently, he placed one hand on my cheek and caressed it with his thumb. His expression was serious now. His beautiful dark eyes looked deeply in mine. Slowly, he leaned down and placed one last kiss on my head. I stood a little on my tiptoes and placed my lips on his. We shared another short and loving kiss. Now it was Severus who pulled back straightening up. The corner of his mouth twitched and his eyes sparkled. I smiled happily and amused in his direction.

"Don't let yourself get caught. Albus would rip my head off." I chuckled and nodded reassuringly as Severus put one hand on the doorknob. Before he opened it, he cast an intense look in my eyes.

"I'll see you later, Severus."

One last smile and he opened the door, his face wiped of any visible emotion. I heard the door close with an exploding sound, making me chuckle and rolling my eyes. Typical Severus! I thought to myself. The coldness in the dungeons made me shiver so I walked faster through the dim lighted corridors. I didn't know what time it was but as I passed the great hall I saw many students eating their breakfast. I tried to pass the other students who were in the corridors without drawing any attention to myself. I kept my head down and walked as fast as possible. Grinning madly, I finally climbed up the stairs to the Gryffindor tower. I felt more alive than ever!