Snape's Heart

Chapter Six

(Melting Ice)

Outside in the snow Julia could feel her sadness begin to fade away. It always worked like magic for her; the crispness in the air and the pristine white of the snow always seemed to take away the things that hurt. She thought of the events of a few days ago to help her shake her gloom even further. She smiled to herself. Severus Snape, she thought, what a git. He is so hard on everyone and pushes them away, when in reality he is just so lonely he craves attention. And that hug, what was I thinking? He didn't brush up against me like that on purpose. Hell, my hand was still clutched in his. What possessed me to react like that? It's not like I'm attracted to him, much. Mister Tall-dark-and-brooding, we are complete opposites. I'm attracted to people who are happy and like having fun. Fun to Snape would be pulling the wings off butterflies.

But, he did seem impressed with my work; most are just frightened of my strength. And he thought my potions came out well, I guess I didn't do too bad considering he is so proficient in that craft.

And black does suit him, she thought, though he could use some sun and his hair, it looks bad from afar but when I hugged him I could see it is just really shiny and it smelled great. Stop it, she scolds herself, I am acting just as immature as those students in the there, next thing I'll be pulling daisy petals saying 'he loves me, he loves me not'. And the way he bristled up when Malfoy walked into the room, almost embarrassed to have been caught alone with someone like me let alone hugging that person.

"He is insufferable," she exclaimed out loud.

"Talking to oneself is usually considered a sign of an unstable mind," said Snape, walking up behind her. He had an extra fur lined cape with him which he offered to her immediately, "I figured you may need this, I can't imagine that coat being warm enough, and we do not need you to get sick, the students cannot afford to lose anymore Defense lessons than they already have."

She smiled and said thank you while thinking, 'Always saying the right thing, huh, Severus? You really don't care if I get sick.'

They walked in silence for awhile until she turned on him and demanded, "Were you sent to watch me or something? You spent the past few months going out of your way to avoid me and now here you are, my knight in shining black to keep the lady fair warm. What is up with you?"

"I ...just....ummm....well....I noticed that you were not your sickeningly smiley self and saw you going outside and not very smartly dressed for this time of year," he said looking her up and down. "I will leave if you want me too." He began to turn toward the school and she grabbed his arm.

"Stay, I'm sorry. I.....I'm just not having a good evening. I was wrong to take it out on you, you didn't do anything wrong. Thank you for thinking of me," she smiled weakly.

She took his arm in hers and began to walk; he was a bit stiff at first and then warmed up quickly to her touch. Silently they walked like this, he gave her the space she needed and she appreciated his silence. As they headed back to the school she bent to pick up a handful of snow.

"When I was little I used to play in the snow for hours, and my favorite thing to do was to catch snowflakes on my tongue," she said, sticking out her tongue to catch some flakes. Snape caught himself thinking how that tongue must taste like strawberries and he began coughing in reaction.

"Are you alright? Maybe I should be worried about you taking ill. Let's go get warmed up, I know just the place," and she turned to run toward the building and slid. Snape caught her just before she fell; the two of them looked into each other's eyes and were silent. They were close enough to kiss, but Julia turned her head to sneeze. The magic was broken. He helped her to her feet and they continued into the castle.

"Follow me," she said, racing down the hall and heading toward the kitchens, he was not happy about her decision, but followed along anyway.

The kitchen was warm and smelled of baked goods and clean dishes. "I love this place," she said dreamily, "it reminds me of home. Hey, did I ever tell you that I like to cook? I haven't in a long time but maybe I'll make you some cookies some time," she declared.

"I don't care too much for sweets," he replied.

"Are you insane?" She stopped and looked at him. "Everyone likes something sweet, whether it's cake or cookies or ice cream? There must be something you fancy? I bet I can find something that you'll like. Do you like chocolate?" she asked.

"Not really, I like strong flavors, usually savory," he replied.

"Hmmmm, let me think. Do you like fruit?" she asked and he nodded. "OK, I'll make you brandy poached pear with a rosemary syrup. You'll love it."

He watched her with the same interest as he did a few days ago while she mixed the potions. She had a loving way with her ingredients, the way she delicately cut the pear and poured the sugar into the saucepan for the syrup. It was a quick dessert and she served it with a dab of non-sweetened whipped cream on top. (The whole time, the house elves were eyeing her nervously, not sure if she was going to trash their kitchen and nervous because she hadn't asked them for help.)

She brought it over to a tray and covered it up, "We'll eat this someplace comfortable," and with a wink she smiled and added, "your place or mine?"

"Ummmm, I guess we could go to your chamber, I don't think you would find mine comfortable," he replied, a little uneasy.

As they left, the house elves quickly went about making sure she put everything away and were amazed that she had cleaned up after herself.

* * *

Once in her chamber she set up a little picnic on the floor in front of the fireplace, she invited him to sit with her and she served him the poached pear. He looked about the room and noticed that it was unrecognizable from the way its previous occupants had decorated it. It was draped in rich fabrics and had Moroccan feel about it. Her trinkets that littered the room showed that she truly had traveled the world. He felt a pang of regret hit him in his stomach and quickly pushed it away.

He had to admit the dessert did smell good, he took a bite and was overwhelmed by the mingling of flavors. It was sweet, but the brandy in the pear and the rosemary infused into the syrup gave it the savory taste that he enjoyed. He told her it was great.

"I'm glad. I love when someone enjoys something that I made. Not many are up to trying new things, at least not without a fight," she smiled and he noticed that she was teasing him.

"I'm sorry for being so hard. I have yet to encounter a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher that I feel teaches the class the way it should be so I tend to be critical. But you impressed me, your strength is incredible," he complimented.

"Thank you, most men run in fear of me. I am very physical and that is not always attractive to some men. Except when they think I'm some kind of perv in bed. Apparently, strength means kinky to some people," she admitted.

"I like tradition myself, though people tend to think that I am into kinky also. I guess I just have an air of mystery," he said teasingly.

They had sat there talking and enjoying each other's company for awhile, but soon realized that it was past midnight. Snape excused himself and she walked him to the door.

"I had fun tonight. Maybe we could do this again sometime?" she asked.

"Maybe, if you ever feel you need some company," he replied, looking at her lips.

She was about to give him another hug goodbye and then stopped and looked up at him, he leaned into her and after a moment's pause she touched his lips with her own.

At first it was a gentle kiss, lips touching lips. She noticed how soft his were. She stopped and pulled back to look into his eyes. He looked scared for what they were doing but put his hand behind her head and pulled her back to him and this time kissed her hard. She parted her lips and ran her tongue over the tip of his in a playful manner. He felt like his brain would explode as she pressed her body close to his. She could feel his body, his chest, his arms around her and she marveled at his unseen strength. He wanted to get lost in her, to spend the rest of his life just kissing and touching her, and she wanted him to hold her forever. She felt safe in his arms. At that moment, Fawkes trilled and broke the spell that they were under.

"Oh, I forgot." she exclaimed, "I was supposed to send him back to Dumbledore to let him know I was back safe from my walk, I hope he is not too worried."

She noticed he was still holding her tightly, "Severus, would you like to escort me to the Yule Ball?"

He pulled back a little, surprised and yet not really, by her question. "It would be my pleasure," he replied, kissing her hand. "I really must go but I will see you at breakfast tomorrow. Good night." He bowed slightly and left quickly. He didn't mean to seem rude but if he stayed he might've done something rash.

As he was walking back to the dungeons he thought to himself that he was wrong. Her tongue didn't taste like strawberries at all; it tasted like brandy and sweet rosemary.