The Magic of Old

I woke slowly that morning, opening my eyes and knowing I was still alive. I just lay there for hours unable to think straight. My mind was vacant, as was my soul. Hours and hours, later I sat bolt upright in bed.

Shit! I have to teach today!

Without noticing anything around me I walked to my classroom, dressed in the same clothing I had worn yesterday. “Class has been canceled today. Go about your business,” I spoke numbly to my class. The puzzled students left as I sat behind my desk and stared out the window.

“Excuse me, Miss Kinsington, but is anything the matter?” Hermione asked with care.

“It’s nothing, Hermione; I just need some time alone. Thank you for asking. Now go on with your friends and have some fun.”

“It’s odd, you know. This is the second class today that’s been cancelled.” I looked up at her questioningly. “Professor Snape was particularly vile in potions this morning. He threw the lot of us out in the middle of class.”

“Did he? Well perhaps you should report him to the Headmaster. It is about time someone gave him a taste of his own poison.” I sounded very wicked and this shocked Hermione.

“Right then, I’ll just go to the library and get started on Arithmancy.”

When she had gone, I slammed my fist on the desk and exclaimed, “Damn it all to hell!” I went to my room until after dinner, debating on whether or not I should bother to go to my private Potions lesson. I went.

“You’re late,” he complained.

“So I am.” I started working on my potion. “You’re out of slugs.”

“So I am,” he replied.

“What do you suggest that I do then?” I asked angrily.

“Whatever you like, so long as it’s not in here!”

“You really are a git, you know that!”

If anger were a color, I would have described it as 'Snape-red'. He yelled, “And you are an insufferable fool!”

“Maybe so, but at least I know it!” I roared.

“You know nothing! Get out now, or I shall physically remove you!”

“I’d like to see you try!” I challenged.

“Would you?” He stood up and pointing his wand at me.

“Don’t you point that thing at me! Put it down this instant or I’ll take it from you!”

“I would like to see you try!”

I raised my hand and pointed it at him. “Would you?”

He laughed, “What are you going to do, change me into a tea cozy?”

“Don’t test me, Severus! I am not child anymore and I’m not afraid of you!”

He lowered his wand and I lowered my hand. “You should be,” he said in a voice so evil that I doubted it was his. “Come back tomorrow and there will be slugs. Go on, out with you!”

“If you ever point that wand at me again I’ll cram it down your miserable throat!” I shouted and left.

***

Weeks later I told him I would not be coming to my lesson on Friday night. He did not object. I needed to get out of the castle in a bad way.

On Friday, I dressed in Muggle clothes, which consisted of low sitting black pants and a slutty black top, that showed my stomach, as well as a good deal of my cleavage. I threw on a black cloak and boots and set off for the Hogshead Saloon in Hogsmeade on my broomstick.

I’m getting completely pissed tonight!

Upon arrival, I marched directly to the bar and demanded, “If you’ve got Tequila, I shall take the bottle.” I took a long pull off the bottle and slammed down several galleons, saying to the barman, “When this is done, I’ll take a beer. Any beer as long as it’s cold.” I took another tug off the bottle and announced, “Here’s to the bottom!”

Several hours and several sheets to the wind later, I noticed I was no longer alone at the bar.

“How long’ve you been here,” I slurred to the Potions Master.

“Long enough to know that the bottle was full when you started.”

“How very astute of you.” I started on the beer that the barman had just slid to me. “Spying on me, are you?”

“One need not be stealthy to see the spectacle you’ve made of yourself.” Snape looked at the beer in my hand and inquired, “Are you sure you should be drinking that?”

“I am sure that I should not, therefore I am.” It made perfect sense to me at the time.

“Charming.” He snarled and then took a shot of Firewhiskey. “Another,” he barked at the barman.

Merlin, I haven't been this shit-faced drunk since that keg party in college when I danced on the table at that frat house.

“Thank the Muggles for booze!” I sang out and sipped, or shall I say slopped, my beer. “Why don’t you join me, Professor, in a little toast?”

After shooting his drink he retorted, “I believe you are toasted enough for the both us, Kinsington.”

“Always so clever. Tut, tut, tut. You should learn to loosen up a bit, Professor.” He opened his mouth to say something but I spoke first, “Ah, don’t say it…don’t even go there.”

Snape eyed me from head to toe, looking aghast. “What in the bloody hell have you got on, Kinsington?”

“Why?” I said coyly, standing up and spinning around so he could have a good look, “Do you like it?”

“Every wizard in this bar likes it, Kinsington! Have you come looking for a companion to warm your sheets?”

Is that jealousy in his voice? You are such an ass, Snape!

“How dare you!” I yelled offended, “I came here to get drunk and nothing more!”

“Well you have definitely succeeded! Perhaps I should see you home now before you get yourself in trouble. You are in no condition to fly, as you would surely break your neck.”

“I should think that you would like that,” I snapped.

“Kinsington, you are leaving with me now!”

“I’ll do no such thing! Just who in the hell do you think you are? I can take care of myself!”

Every word I said only fueled the fire of his rage. “It is a long walk! It is unsafe for a woman such as you to do it alone. It is well past midnight, and you are well past wasted! Now come on, before you get yourself thrown out!”

"Why the hell do you care?" I asked. "Just bugger off!"

"What you seem to be forgetting is that your behavior is representing Hogwarts! I refuse to allow you to sully my reputation! Now get moving!"

Oh, please! Your reputation!

I thought about it for a minute and I agreed to go with him. I staggered out of the bar like a sailor on shore leave. “Compose yourself!” Severus scolded when I nearly caused us both to fall down. I began laughing uncontrollably and straightened up, putting on my cloak. “Left, right, left, right…easy does it,” he directed.

We reached the woods and began to climb uphill. This was the most difficult walk I could ever remember. After ten minutes I said, “Hold on there, drill sergeant. I have to stop for a while.” I nearly fell as I attempted to sit on a tree stump.

“Really, Kinsington, if you can’t hold your drink, you should probably exercise some restraint next time.” He seated himself next to me on the large stump.

“We all can’t be as sensible as you, Severus.”

“You could have had any of those wizards at the bar, you know,” he said in dangerous tone.

“Excuse me?”

“You may be rather daft at times, but you are still a very beautiful woman, Kinsington.”

I looked at him in drunken amazement.

Did he just say I was beautiful?

“Thank you, Severus. I had no idea you thought so.”

“Even a blind man could see it,” Snape muttered. “I am rather surprised that you aren’t married by now with a gaggle of children.” He sounded angry.

How exactly does one respond to a statement like that?

“Well I’m not, am I?”

Something he said had struck a nerve causing my happy buzz from earlier had to fade. I looked away from him and off into the thick of the woods that surrounded us. We were quiet for a while.

Hesitantly I continued, “I never went looking for anyone. Anyway, I am not the marrying kind really. I am not sure that anyone would want to marry me, even if I were the type.” What I told him next, I had never told anyone since I found out. “I can’t ever have children. That alone would send most marrying men away.”

I looked back at him to gauge his interest. “There was some… unpleasantness, shortly after I left Hogwarts. I have never told anyone, you know. Funny how it’s the one thing in my life that I know with certainty.” We sat quietly again for a while. “Let’s go back now, I’m getting cold.” I stood up and waited for him to also rise.

“Yes, it is nearly three in the morning,” he agreed somberly.

Snape offered me his arm and together we walked arm and arm back to the castle. He let go of me as we entered the castle.

“If you can manage, come by my office when you ‘come to’ in the morning. I will give you something for the hangover you will no doubt have.”

“You have a potion for that?”

“I have a potion for nearly everything.”

“I doubt it will be the morning, but I have a feeling I’ll be needing that potion. I really did sauce it up tonight, didn’t I?” I knew that when woke I was going to pay.

“That is an understatement,” he muttered. “Goodnight, or shall I say good morning?”

“The latter I think. Severus…about what I mentioned earlier…”

“I am discreet.” He didn’t have to say it. I already knew he would never say a word to anyone. “Maybe at a later date we will discuss it further. If I had known I never would have mentioned…”

“You couldn’t have known, Severus. It’s all right, really. I know you meant nothing by it.”

“Nevertheless, I apologize. I shall See you tomorrow.”

“Okay. Goodnight.” I wanted so badly to kiss him right then and there. “Sleep well,” I added. He nodded and left and I went to bed. I felt like I was getting my best friend back again. We used to talk about everything. I remember when we were students...

My fifth year at Hogwarts was getting better every day. Since my rather brazen exhibition of power a few weeks earlier, I found myself to be quite popular with the Slytherins. None of them dared insult me for fear of what I might do to them. It was more than that though. Since the revelation that I was not in fact a Muggle-born, they seemed to accept me as one of their own.

In Charms one day, as we were all practicing advanced summoning charms, Severus asked me, “Would you like some help preparing for your O.W.L.’s? They are most difficult, particularly Defense Against the Dark Arts.”

“What sort of help?”

“I could show you the books in the library which I found to be most useful. And of course there are the practical examinations. Even you will need someone to practice with.”

“Are they really all that bad?" I asked. "Even Malfoy got top marks.”

Snape crossed his arms over his chest and replied, “Whom do you think helped him prepare?”

“Uhm, well okay. But if you try and curse me, I will blast you to smithereens.”

“I shall take that into consideration,” muttered Snape. “We can begin tomorrow in the library while I am on duty there, from eight until midnight. Come around nine, most students will be in their dorms by then. We shouldn’t have many distractions.”

That thought greatly appealed to me. “Fifth years have to be back in their dorms by ten.”

Snape almost grinned when he remarked, “Oh, I forget sometimes that you are so young.”

“I’m not that young, Severus, I am fourteen. That’s hardly a baby!” I huffed.

“You’re only just fourteen? But it is near the end of the year. Fifth years are usually turning sixteen by now.”

“I was ten when I started here, but I thought you knew that?”

“Kinsington, you are full of surprises, aren’t you?” There was a rather pronounced look of amusement on his face. “Well, come earlier then and be prepared to work. I have studies of my own to worry about.”

“Alright, I’ll be ready,” I promised.

We studied in the library three hours a night, three times a week, and practiced dueling every Saturday. We generally spent all day together on Saturdays. It wasn’t long before our conversations turned to more casual subjects.

“Do you have any brothers or sisters?” I asked him.

“No. Do you?”

“No. I always wanted a sister though. Thought she might come in useful from time to time,” I answered.

Snape casually asked, “Do you live in London with your parents?”

“The Guardians and I live just outside it in Gregory Arms Square. They own the electronics factory there. Do you know where it is?”

“Yes, I do.” His dark eyebrow arched while he cross- examined me, “Why do you refer to them as ‘The Guardians’?”

“I always have. Sir and Madam prefer it that way.”

“I see. I take it you’re not close with them then?”

“Not at all!” I said emphatically. "I hate going back there on holidays. I much prefer it here.”

“I agree.”

“They’re...really dreadful,” I continued, “I am surprised they wanted children at all. Most of their business associates think I am just a houseguest or something. They always seem surprised to meet me.”

He probed further, “That’s a bit odd don’t you think?”

“Very odd. I would be quite proud of my children. It’s not like I am much of a bother because I am hardly there anyway. I get top marks, I don’t cause trouble, and I have manners when I need them. Things will be different when I’m a mum. I shall parade my children about like they are rare treasures!”

“I take it that you want children some day, Kinsington. How many will you have?”

“Oh, at least two. I think being an only child is miserable.”

“Do you think they’d be like you? Sorcerers, I mean?” he asked.

“I hope not.”

“Why is that?”

“Well, I am something of a freak. I don’t want my children to feel that way,” I replied.

“You should be proud of what you are. You are the first Sorceress in three hundred years.”

“I didn’t know. So you mean I am the only one? There aren’t any others?”

“You really don’t know, do you? Fascinating….you mean all this time at Hogwarts, you really thought you were a witch? You weren’t just keeping it a secret?” he asked quite surprised.

“I found out the day of the duel with Malfoy. Apparently my instincts took over when he attacked me with those book and snakes. It was totally an accident, I swear.” I raised my right hand and put it over my heart like I was pledging an oath.

“Unbelievable…and that day in charms with the glass, where did you learn that?”

I thought about it for a moment. “I haven’t a clue. I had read about it in the book, but when I stood up, I just knew it. It was like someone was whispering in my ear, telling me what to do.”

“That is sort of spooky, Kinsington, do you hear voices?”

“No, of course not! It is rather spooky though. Do I… scare you Severus.” I raised my arms like a fake Halloween ghost and mocked, “Ooooooooo.” I started laughing and rolled over on my side in the grass where we were sitting.

“Oh yes, utterly petrified. You know, Ellie, I have never seen you laugh like that before?”

“You know, Severus, you have never used my first name before.” I joked, but it was quite true.

“Hm, yes. You should try smiling more often; it makes your face far more…pleasant.”

“Oh thank you, Severus. How very pleasant of you.” I was still smiling very broadly.

“Snape, Kinsington! We’re going into Hogsmeade! Get off your lazy ends and come with us!” yelled Malfoy from across the way. “Last one there’s a Gryffindor!”

“Oh simply hilarious, Malfoy!” I actually thought it was. “Do you want to go?” I asked Severus.

“Are you going?” he asked.

“Sure, why not?” I said.

“Let’s go then.” He stood up and yelled to the others. “Slow down you imbeciles! There’s no since running! We already know who’ll be the Gryffindor!”

I laughed again as he took my hands helped me stand. We caught up with the others and headed into town.

We were in the woods, now nearing the town, when Malfoy stopped suddenly. He waved his hands motioning us to stop.

“Shh…Look!” he whispered.

I had no idea what he was looking at, and then suddenly I saw it.

A dragon!

It was monstrous; much larger than I thought it would be.

I could hear the fear in Malfoy’s voice when he said, “Where did it come from? They aren’t supposed to be in this part of the country! I think it sees us! Run!”

We tore out of there at light-speed, heading towards Hogsmeade.

“It’s no use! We’ll never outrun it!” Malfoy stopped and brandished his wand ordering, “Help me…quickly!” The others took out their wands. “On the count of three yell 'stupefy'. One, Two, Three…Stupefy!” they all said as I watched in amazement.

The spell had little effect the dragon was barely stunned. “What do we do?” Yelled Malfoy, scared out of his wits.

I have an idea!

I addressed the group, “Listen everyone, stand in a line with your shoulders touching.” They just stared at the dragon. “NOW! I ordered. They did as instructed. “When I count to three, everyone point your wands at it its chest and say ‘Exodus’, got it?”

I ran to the end of the line and grabbed Severus’s hand, straightening it palm up, and placed my palm against his. “Three, two, one, ‘EXODUS!’” we all shouted in unison.

Warmth spread through my body, then passed from my hand to Severus, and then to the others. It was like the spell had been magnified ten fold. A blinding blue light shot from all the wands, converged at a focal point in the center, and created one colossal lightening bolt.

ZAP!!!

It hit the dragon square in the chest. The dragon cried out and, poof, it was gone! It had worked!

“We did it!” I squealed jumping up and down and everyone began to cheer.

“Yes, but what exactly did we do?” Severus asked me, still looking a bit astonished.

“We sent it home! That was a banishing charm!” I said.

“That’s not what we learned in class,” said Malfoy, wanting a further explanation, “Where ever did you learn it?”

I thought about it for a moment but I had no idea. I looked at Severus and he answered for me, “She doesn’t know, Malfoy. It’s in her blood.” He looked back at me proudly. Malfoy and the others found this answer to be quite satisfactory and there were no more questions.

Malfoy offered, “I shall buy you a butterbeer, Kinsington. For saving our…hides! Let’s get a move on, before she sends us all home as well!”

“Did you feel it too?” I whispered to Severus.

“Yes, very much so.” The way he said it made me wonder if he had meant the surge of warmth from the spell, or the feeling of my hand on his…

As predicted the night before, I woke up with a massive hangover at noon the next day. I ran to the bathroom cursing myself for being so ambitious with the tequila. I splashed some water on my face and decided to get that potion before it got any worse. Nearly bent in half, I made my way to the dungeons.

“I hope you’ve got it handy,” I said to him when I entered his office.

“It’s right here.” He held out a flagon for me to take.

“No, please say no.” He was serious. I tilted it back again and felt it ooze down my throat. I closed my eyes and shuddered, “Ugh”.

“Maybe you shall think twice before repeating last night’s behavior.”

I was already feeling a bit less queasy. “Definitely. What the bloody hell is in it that?”

“Do you really want to know?” he asked.

“No. Do you have any coffee?”

I was surprised. He usually didn’t drink coffee, and it was late in the day for it. I realized he had made it just for me. “Wonderful.” I exclaimed as I sipped the liquid with guilty pleasure. “What sort of condiments did you add to this one?” I asked half joking and half serious.

“I added nothing. It's French Roast, for the world traveler in all of us.”

I'll be damned! He just made a joke!

“Yes, I feel much better. Thank you very much, Severus.”

“You can thank me by never needing it again. It makes the whole of my office reek for hours,” he hissed.

“I bet it does, but it tastes much worse than it smells, and that is really saying something.” I shuddered again just thinking about it.

“Yes, you are quite right,” he muttered.

“You’ve had it before? Why, Severus Snape, I never!”

“We all have our less than rational moments,” he added. “Do you think you could eat now?”

“Surprisingly yes, but I am afraid we’ve missed lunch.”

“You are forgetting where we are. The kitchens are always open. Since it is not too cold outside today, when you’ve finished your coffee, we’ll eat on the patio outside the main kitchen. The house elves will no doubt be accommodating.”

Is it my imagination, or he suggesting a picnic?

With a final gulp I announced, “I’m done already."

“You drink everything very fast don’t you?” he chastised. “I haven’t got all day, you know. Stop lollygagging about.”

I chuckled and made my way to the door. I found him very funny today.

***

It was true, the house elves were very eager to please. We stepped onto the patio through the back kitchen doors, and then seated ourselves at a stone picnic table under a large evergreen vine. Almost immediately we were served by a flock of excited house elves. A large flagon of Butterbeer was placed before us, so I poured us each a glass. Severus had apparently arranged this because the elves had our orders ready.

He had a roast turkey leg and I had...“Filet Mignon, medium rare,” he informed as I looked at my plate quizzically.

“My favorite. How did you remember?”

“It is hard to forget when I girl orders a man-sized, bloody steak,” he hissed.

“I guess you’re right.” I was very impressed.

What is he playing at?

It was all beginning to feel a bit romantic. Then he spoke.

“You need to put on some weight, Kinsington. I am beginning to see a perfect outline of your skeleton.”

What a way to break the mood.

“I get the picture. Do you have a degree in nutrition, or do you just fancy yourself my personal dietitian?” I snapped.

“Make good use of your flapping jaws and chew,” Snape said nastily.

The steak was a perfect medium rare. I ate very fast because it was so delicious and I was ravenous. “It’s not going to sprout legs and walk off your plate, you know. You told me once that you had manners when you needed them. I see no evidence of this.” He was a bloody record today. That’s twice he had remembered details about me.

I swallowed my mouthful. “Pardon me.” I straightening up allprim and proper, sticking out my pinky finger as I sipped some pumpkin juice.

He rolled his eyes and shook his head. “If this is how you behave on all of your dates, Kinsington, then it's no wonder you haven’t any callers,” he snapped.

Did had just called this a date?

“Well, Professor, I’ll have you know that I’ve never had a proper dinner date in my entire life.” It was true, I had never dated once, ever. “But if I ever have one, I’ll send you a snap shot of the napkin in my lap!”

He put down his fork and looked at me as if sizing me up. “What do you mean you’ve never had a date? Do these men you see just ply you with drinks and take you off to roll about in the hay?” he accused me with an irrational tone in his voice.

Why you mother-

“Roll about in the hay? Do you take me for some sort of livestock then? And just who in the bloody hell are these men you’re going on about?” I was pissed. “You act as if I’ve got a neon sign about my neck that flashes, ‘here ye, here ye! Come one and all! The world famous horizontal gymnast Ellie Kinsington’s in town’!”

His lips twitched, threatening a smile. “Settle down, Kinsington. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“Yes you did! Why try and deny it now? You’re doing such an excellent job.” My feelings were badly hurt and I began to frown. I looked away from him, across the grounds and over at the lake.

Now would be a good time to go and jump in it.

“Seriously, Kinsington,” he began, “you have never been on a date?”

“No, Severus I have not.” I looked back at him. “There were many things I went looking for all these years, but a man never one of them.” I hoped with all my heart that he believed me. “I have always been alone and I am rather good at it.”

“Well maybe it’s time?”

“Time for what?” I snapped.

“Time you had a proper date.”

Is he going to do what I think he's going to do?

“Tuesday night, the Ministry of Magic is going to be having a small banguet for its better patrons. Some of the teachers, along with Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Black, well she's Narcissa Malfoy now, will be there. Why don’t you attend as my…guest?”

“Are you quite serious?” I could tell that he was frighteningly sincere.

He just asked me out! Ohmygodohmygodohmygod!

“The carriage will be leaving Hogwarts at seven. Do be on time. I know how you do love to dawdle.”

“Of course I shall be on time. Perhaps early even.”

“Early is not in your vocabulary. I have to meet with the Headmaster in fifteen minutes. I will see you at dinner.”

That was the end of it and suddenly I was incredibly optimistic. I remember the first time he asked me out…

Near the beginning of my 6th year, it was announced that there would be a dance, to celebrate Dumbledore’s anniversary of becoming Headmaster, on Saturday, October the fourth. On Friday, October the third, at the end of what I had now dubbed my Slytherin Charms Class, Severus stopped me on my way out.

“Excuse me, Kinsington, but isn’t this normally the time when you ask me to the dance?” he asked.

“Right you are, Severus, I had nearly forgotten.” I kept walking.

“Well?”

“Well what?” I asked annoyed.

“Aren’t you going to ask me to the dance?”

“No. I have gotten tired of being rejected. I know what the answer is already, as I’ve asked you three years in a row.” I kept on walking. “Besides, I’m not even going to this one. I have grown to rather dislike dances.” I walked on leaving him in my wake.

***

I was fast asleep in bed that night when, at quarter past eleven, I woke with a start.

“Ellie, Ellie, wake up!”

“What is it, Mildred?” I gound the sleep out of my eyes with my fists and squinted to see a terrified second year Gryffindor standing over my bed.

“There’s some horrible Slytherin boy just outside the portrait who is demanding to see you!”

“Tell him to go away. I’m sleeping,” I moaned.

“He told me he would use the Cruciatus curse on me if I didn’t get you at once!”

Oh second years, so vulnerable. She is quaking in her boots.

“For heaven’s sake, Mildred, the Cruciatus Curse is illegal! If he were to use it he’d go straight to Azkaban forever. I doubt anyone needs to see me so badly that they would risk a life-sentence!”

Nevertheless it got my attention. I pulled on my housecoat and went to have a look.

“Really, Malfoy, the Cruciatus Curse? What is so damned important that you would threaten that poor girl with torture in the middle of the night?” I complained.

“I knew that would work.” Malfoy beamed happily. “You are coming with me to the library to see Severus right now.”

“Am I? Can’t it wait until morning?” I huffed.

“You are already up and about. Severus is on duty, or he would have come himself. Come on!”

“At least let me put some clothes on.” I looked at my bare feet and worn housecoat.

“There’s no time for that now! Come on, before Filch catches us out of bed,” he warned.

That did it. I hated Squibs!

“Whatever! Let’s just make this quick,” I spat as we started walking.

We hurried to the library and met Severus in the tall shelves of books near the back. Malfoy said, rather postman like, “Here you are, Severus. I told you she’d arrive on time,” then he left us alone.

“Severus, I know I told you that I would help you study for your N.E.W.T.’s, but I didn’t mean tonight!” I said rather annoyed, sure that’s what he wanted.

“Let me guess, Malfoy used the old Cruciatus ploy.” He grinned evilly.

“So you are familiar with it then? Lovely.”

“I didn’t send for you to study, Ellie.”

“Well then, what is it?” I demanded.

“I wanted to ask you to go to the dance with me tomorrow night.”

Right, and I'm really a man!

“Oh that’s a good one. I enjoy a good joke as much as the next person, but my sense of humor automatically shuts off as soon as I’ve gone to sleep for the night!” I remarked angrily.

“I’m not joking. I really do want you to go to the dance with me. If you had asked me as you usually do, I would have agreed.”

I stared at him with my mouth open.

I think he's dead serious!

“Well, will you go with me…please?”

My mouth could hardly form the words, "Uh...yes, I will go with you."

He smiled a little. I had never seen him make a real smile before. “Shall I meet you outside your common room at quarter till eight?” He asked.

“That sounds…fine," I replied, "I guess I’ll see you then.”

“I look forward to seeing you,” he said as I walked away smiling.

***

For this festive occasion, I had chosen a strapless, black ball gown that flared out at the waste. I wore my long, wavy hair loose. I was very nervous, but I thought I looked rather appealing. At quarter to eight, I stepped out from behind the Fat Lady’s portrait to find Severus waiting for me. Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and Narcissa Black were also there. Severus turned to me and whispered, “You look pretty.” Crabbe and Goyle sniggered.

Narcissa addressed me, “Yes, Ellie, you clean up nicely. I hadn’t realized your hair had grown so long.”

Malfoy was on her arm and said, “I prefer the dress to the housecoat.” He was of course referring to last night. Then he said, “Let’s go or we shall be late.” Severus offered me his arm and I took it.

After suffering some very heavy teasing from James and his lot during dinner, the dance began.

“Would you like to dance?” Severus asked, holding out his hand.

I nodded and I took his hand, getting a very warm sensation, not unlike the day with dragon. We edged our way out on the dance floor, he put his free harm around my waist, and I put mine on his shoulder. We danced every song in a row for two hours.

“It is hot in here,” I mentioned.

“Would you like to step outside for a minute?” he offered quietly.

“Fresh air would be perfect.” We continued to hold hands as we walked out into the rose garden. The cool fall breeze washed over us. “It feels great out here.”

“Are you enjoying yourself…the dance I mean?” he asked.

I smiled at him and replied, “I am having a wonderful time.”

“So am I.”

“I had no idea you could dance so well. I must say that I am rather impressed, Severus.”

“You’re not so bad yourself, Kinsington. I am glad you didn’t turn down my invitation. I wanted to spend sometime with you that didn’t involve studying.” We were facing each other now, getting closer and closer. “You really are very beautiful.” He leaned over, his face was getting closer and closer.

“Thank you,” I whispered breathlessly. Our lips were nearly touching.

“There you two are! We’ve been looking everywhere for you!” Malfoy yelled and approached. “We are going into the Forest to have a bit of Firewhiskey. Come on, let’s go.”

Severus and I looked at each other, both of us quite annoyed by Malfoy’s first kiss sabotage.

“Did I interrupt something? Why, Severus Snape, you Slytherin devil you!”

Severus blushed and turned his glare to Malfoy. “Go on Malfoy, leave us be!”

“I would, but Ellie has to come. Who else will protect us if some mythical creature comes to call?”

“It’s alright, Severus. We can go If you like?” I said.

We both knew the mood had long since died.

“How can we refuse such an invitation, when Malfoy needs a fifteen-year-old girl to scare away the boogeyman?” Severus smiled at me and we walked hand in hand onto the forest.

The Slytherins and the Gryffindor: that would be a catchy title for a children’s book…

Back in the present it was time for our dinner date. Tuesday night arrived. I was determined to show Snape that I could be early if I wanted to. I put on a spaghetti-strapped, black lace dress, pulled back the sides of my hair with black jeweled barrettes, and wore my favorite prized pair of garnet earrings. Since this was an official Ministry of Magic event, I decided on a wispy, but formal, black sheer wizarding robe. It was only six thirty, but I was heading down to the entrance to wait. Just when I had reached my hand out to grasp the door knob to open my bedroom door, there came a knock.

“Severus, I was just on my way down.”

“Hm. Early are we?” He seemed impressed. “I thought we might have a small glass of wine before we go.” He emphasized the small part. “Shall we step out on your balcony?” he asked, brandishing a bottle of wine along with two glasses.

It was my turn to be impressed. “Yes, right this way.” I ushered him into my rooms and out to the balcony. It was early spring so the air was cool and crisp. The days had not yet begun to lengthen for summer so it was just at sunset. “Thank you,” I said when he handed me a glass of white wine, “This is good.”

“Yes. Mind you drink it slowly,” he said curtly then, “You look rather…enchanting this evening, Kinsington.”

Is that a compliment? He does look serious enough.

“Thank you, Severus. You look rather handsome yourself.” He was wearing, what I would describe as, nearly a tuxedo with billowing black robes. I was staring to get nervous so I decided to break the silence. “Is the carriage taking us all the way to the Ministry?”

“No. We will take the carriage to just outside London and then we are apparating.” He pondered something for a moment. “Kinsington, do you know how to Apparate?”

“Well, yes…something like it, anyway it has the same results.” He looked intrigued at my admission. “Don’t worry, you will see what I mean. I really can’t explain it very effectively.”

“Hm, I’ll take your word for it.” He had seen me do some very magnificent things that I could never explain. “We should go, it is almost seven.”

We left to join our fellow teachers from Hogwarts outside the main entrance.

“Miss Kinsington, I am so glad that you could join us this evening,” said Professor Dumbledore brightly. “This will be most enjoyable.”

I stepped into the carriage and was joined by Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Flitwick, Sprout, and Snape. I sat between Snape and Flitwick and was soon engaged in conversation with all of the passengers, except for Severus. He just sat quietly listening to us all.

“Here we are,” Dumbledore announced as the carriage halted near a park. “I arranged for a portkey as I did not know if you could apparate, Ellie. There is a Frisbee under the bench, just outside the carriage. Shall we?” We all climbed out the carriage and stood in a circle holding the Frisbee. “On the count of three...” we were pulled as if by invisible hands and appeared inside the entrance hall of the Ministry of Magic.

We made our way via elevator to the 100th floor to the dining hall. It was occupied by about thirty witches and wizards all mingling about. Severus offered me his arm. I was very nervous now. I had never met the Minister of Magic or the other members the Wizengamot. My arm on Severus’s, I walked to meet them. We were stopped by a familiar voice midway through our journey.

“Ah, Miss Kinsington, you have indeed returned to Hogwarts. It has been far too long.”

“Lucius Malfoy! Yes it has been a long time.” I smiled at him. He hadn’t changed much, except that he was a bit taller and his white-blonde hair longer. Narcissa was with him of course. “Narcissa, it’s nice to see you again.”

“Yes it is, Ellie. Where on earth have you been? You gave us all quite a shock with the way you disappeared?” asked Narcissa.

I wasn’t really sure how to answer this. I looked to Severus and he seemed a little irritated. “Well, here and there. I did a bit of…traveling.”

I was getting anxious because I didn’t want to talk about it. Severus was beginning to stiffen-up. I was without the words to go any further.

“Well, I hear tell that you have become quite the popular teacher. A favorite of many of the students. Our son, Draco, speaks very highly of you,” Malfoy said grinning slyly.

“I hadn’t realized.” I hadn’t known the students thought of me that way. “Draco is very much like you, Lucius. I knew he was yours just on sight.” Oh yes, very much like him indeed. “I am pleased that he enjoys my class. He is an excellent student.”

That was a bit of a lie.

Malfoy smiled and continued, “He talks about you all the time. I think he may have a bit of a crush.”

Now there's a scary thought!

“Hm,” Severus whispered so only I could hear, “like father like son.”

What the hell did he mean by that? Malfoy never had a crush on me, did he? Gods, I hope not!

“It’s time for us to be seated, Lucius,” Severus spat. “Do excuse us, won’t you?”

“Yes, Lucius, see you soon,” I agreed, wishing he hadn’t mentioned my running off.

I was beginning to see a foul mood emerge in Severus, when he practically dragged me to our seats. But just when I thought the evening was turning nasty, he pulled out my chair for me. “Thank you, Severus.” I was determined to show him that I did in fact have excellent manners.

“Hm,” he growled.

I was flooded with question from all directions during the meal. Mr. Fudge, the Minister, was very interested in everything I had to say.

“Miss Kinsington, I am delighted to see that Dumbledore was right about you,” Fudge began. “I am honored to have a Sorceress on the faculty at Hogwarts. I am interested to learn more about you. Sorcery is such an elusive art these days.”

I hate it when people talk about me like I am some sort of enigma. I feel like I'm on display in a window front of an antique store.

“Thank you, Minister Fudge.” Everyone was watching me with expectation.

Please don’t let him pry any further right now. I bet they want me to be like a Muggle magician and pull a rabbit out of my ass!

“Being back at Hogwarts has been a wonderful experience. I hope to remain for a very long time.” I saw Severus stiffen up again. Malfoy was grinning at me, like he waiting for something.

I said my goodbyes to all, shaking hands and smiling. I was so ready to go. The Hogwarts group made our way back to the carriage via portkey and our journey back to the castle began.

Severus didn’t speak the entire way again. When we arrived, he startled me when he asked, “Fancy a walk, Kinsington?”

We walked to the rose garden, neither of us speaking. The roses were just beginning to bloom and the air was thick with their perfume. It was chilly out at this time of night. I rubbed my arms and gave a little shiver.

“Are you cold?” he asked.

“Not terribly.” I was hoping he would keep me warm. I smiled at the thought of it.

“Lucius was very pleased to see you. You were quite the entertainment tonight,” he remarked bitterly.

“If you say so,” I replied. I had a feeling what was coming next, and I didn’t like it.

“Running about the world has given you a certain amount of celebrity, Kinsington. Soon you will usurp Potter as the world’s most famous magician.” He was being a real git.

“That’s a bit much don’t you think?” I fired angrily at him. “I thought you were going to show me a proper date, not drag me around and insult me. I think I’ve had enough for one night. I’m going to my rooms.”

“Don’t be so dramatic, Kinsington.” He was calm again. “Come, let’s sit over there while you calm down.”

“Why should I?”

“Because, I thought you were tired of running away from things.” That did it. I was feeling the guilt creep up in the pit of my stomach.

I walked solemnly to the bench beneath the tree and sat down. “You’re right Severus. I am very drained of it.” My heart was heavy. Maybe tonight I would tell him why. I shivered again, the cold was more pronounced than before. Maybe it wasn’t the temperature but instead what I was thinking.

“Put this on.” He removed his cloak and wrapped it around my shoulders. “Is that better?”

“Much, thanks,” I replied.

“Tell me something,” he began, “this unpleasantness you mentioned. When was it exactly?”

I began to shift nervously in my seat. I was without words. It was the subject that I would not even discuss with myself. I had only recently discovered horrific details about my life that shook my very foundation to the core. I didn’t answer his question.

“Was it your parents?” he probed.

“Those Squibs were not my parents!” I screamed irrationally.

“What?” A look of genuine surprise was on his face.

“I don’t want to talk about this. I can’t!” I was shaking fiercely now and my head was spinning. I couldn’t sit still and leapt to my feet. He stood up and put his hands on my shoulders. “Don’t touch me!” I cried, pulling away from him abruptly. I began to cry uncontrollably and fell to my knees, putting my face in my hands. I almost forgot where I was.

“What did they do to you?” he whispered, more to himself then to me.

He knelt down and pulled me gently up my arms. I was still bawling and shuddering; I simply couldn’t stop. I fell into his arms and cried more forcefully. He just held me tightly unable to console me. When he stoked my hair tenderly, I pulled away.

“I’m sorry, Severus. I’m so sorry,” I sobbed softly. Then, I turned and ran from him, all the way back to my rooms.

How can I tell him what I've done?

“I can’t do this anymore!” I screamed, “Please just make it stop!”

When I slept that night, I saw his blood on me. The Guardian’s blood was all over me.