The Magic of Old

When I woke up in Snape’s bedroom in the morning, he was lying there beside me and we were on our sides facing each other. He was the very first thing my eyes saw that day as I smiled sleepily at him.

“Did I wake you?” he asked.

“No,” I responded quietly, “I was just having the most amazing dream.”

“You talk in your sleep you know,” he relayed. “How are you feeling?”

I wonder what I said? Does he know I was dreaming about our first kiss?

I wasn’t about to ask him, so I replied, “Rested. Is it late?”

“Hm,” he hummed sizing me up, “It’s early. I think we can make it to breakfast. You should get up.”

“All right.” I sat slowly and began to stretch. I wanted to stay in bed with him all day just as we were. “Did I keep you up all night?”

“No, I slept rather well, actually,” he replied, getting out of the bed. “I will bring your potion to breakfast and you can drink it then. Try standing a bit.”

I slid my feet carefully to the floor and steadied myself before taking my hands off the bed. I seemed much stronger than I had yesterday but I was still a little weak. “Whew,” I sighed, “I never knew it could be so exhausting to get out of bed.”

“Do you think you can manage?” he asked stiffly.

“I think so. The Great Hall seems very far, so I will have to walk slowly. If you want, you can go ahead. I know you hate it when I ‘dawdle about’.

“As true as that may be, I think it better if you do not try it alone. I would hate to discover you sprawled out on the ground with students trampling over you, like some sort of human doormat,” he spat.

So much for a truce, eh Sev?

“What a lovely mental image,” I voiced, walking slowly through his office.

We made our way slowly through the corridor and up the dungeon steps. I nearly fell backward on the last step, but he stopped my fall.

“Watch it!” he snapped. “Here, take my arm,” he demanded.

I took his arm and grunmbled angrily, “It’s not as if I meant to do it! Do you think I’m enjoying being coddled about as if I’m some little child?”

“Kinsington, I suggest that you conserve your available energy for walking, and keep your flapping jaws shut!”

I bit my tongue to keep the insults from spewing out of my mouth. We finally made it to the back entrance of the hall and I let go of his arm. He opened the door for me and watched as I entered and took my seat. He nodded at Dumbledore before taking his seat to my left.

“Ellie, dear, I see that Professor Snape has taken excellent care of you. I am so glad to see that you have returned to us.” Dumbledore smiled very warmly at me, then at Severus.

“Thank you, Professor Dumbledore, I am glad to be back. Professor Snape was quite accommodating.” I smiled pleasantly at Severus. “I am sorry that I made such a spectacle of myself. I assure you that it will not happen again.”

“Ah, not at all, Ellie, not at all. Everyone needs to go-around-the-bend now and then. I find it rather therapeutic myself, every thirty years or so.” Dumbledore's eyes gleamed behind his half moon spectacles.

I laughed a little.

He is such a wonderful old man.

Severus pulled a vial out of his robes and held it at me. “See that you drink this,” he said sternly.

I took it, thanked him graciously, and poured it into my empty goblet. I made certain to eat as much as possible, because I knew everyone in the room was watching me closely. I looked over at the Gryffindor table and smiled at Harry and his friends. “I’m okay,” I mouthed at them. They looked relieved then went on about their meals. When it was over, and I had eaten enough for two grown men, I prepared to leave and go about my day as normal. Severus caught me outside the door.

“We shall have a discussion tonight during your lesson, as we both have a great many things to discuss.” Snape was being so formal. “Try not to overexert yourself today. You are still rather weak.”

I nodded and we went on our separate ways. I couldn’t forget that we had kissed last night.

Does he regret kissing me? Will he ever do it again?

I hoped that, once I had had my say, he would not hate me. He had to understand. He had to know that it was the only way.

***

I was nervous all day and could barely concentrate. It was time for me to go to him and tell him everything that had happened all those years ago after I had disappeared. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but the time had come when I had to try. I opened the door and went to him and before I could say a word, he handed me a cup of potion.

“This first, then we shall begin,” he commanded. I drank it all down and then he asked, “Would you like to sit by the fire, or would you prefer to talk outside in the garden?”

“I don’t know…let’s start in the garden.”

“Fine, wear this.” He held out one of his cloaks for me to wear. “Ready?”

“No, but I will try.” We walked out of the castle and into the garden. We stood under a tree that had a bench and I closed my eyes and said all at once, “What I am about to tell you, I suspect you already know, parts of it at least. Try not to stop me because I have to get it out. Once I’ve started, I will have to finish. Are you sure you want to hear this?” I opened my eyes.

“Not really, but I won’t stop you.” He stopped talking and I understood that he wanted me to begin.

“When I was little, I never understood why The Guardians hated me so. It all began when I could barely walk. They kept me hidden in the basement for most of my life and I had my schooling there also. Hogwarts was the first time I had ever been with other children. Sir and Madam were very strict, so much so, that I wasn’t allowed to speak without their permission.”

I paused and took a breath. “They would punish me severely for the very smallest infraction. I remember once I forgot to put my books back on the shelf in alphabetical order. That was the way they demanded it be kept at all times. I was four; that was the first time it happened. Sir used one of the books to hit me in the head and he sent me across the room.” I winced as I thought of it.

“That was the easiest he ever went on me. It got far worse after that. Sometimes I wouldn’t do anything at all. Sir would beat me with anything he could find. After the really bad beatings, the ones where I had broken bones, Madam would hire a private doctor to tend to me. Madam never laid a hand on me, but she never did anything to stop him.” I was beginning to pace and wring my hands.

“It got so bad that my nose would bleed nearly all the time, even if I hadn’t been hit that day. Occasionally I would have to be taken to the hospital. Understand that at the time, I had no idea what Muggles were. I thought we were all just ordinary people. I know now that I saw only Muggle doctors and Muggle hospitals.” I paused and thought about how to say what I had to next.

“I got used to the pain and the beatings, but when I was nine…Sir started…touching me inappropriately. I was so scared! I didn’t understand what he was doing and, if I tried to fight him, he would beat me unconscious. Madam didn’t care what he did to me. The Guardians were supposed to be my mum and dad, so I thought I had to obey them, no matter what!” I became weak and sat limply on the bench. Severus sat next to me but did not say a word.

“When I came to Hogwarts, and found out that I had all these powers, it didn’t make any sense,” I continued. “Why hadn’t I been able to fight them? I could do the most amazing things, but I could never fight them. When I was in Egypt a few summers ago, I came across some old documents on sorcery.”

I paused for a very long time. I was shaking now. I looked at him as if I was shocked by the words coming out of my mouth. “Did you know that a Sorceress is powerless against Squibs that are related by blood?” I asked rhetorically.

Severus looked at me in amazement and remarked, “Powerless? I never knew.”

I said very hauntingly, “Oh…but they knew…The Guardians knew all those years! They never said a word! When I found out that day in class that I was a Sorceress, I thought I was finally safe! They couldn’t hurt me anymore! Not after what I had done to Malfoy!” I stood up again and began pacing.

“But I was wrong! I didn’t understand it! I tried to fight him but nothing happened!” Severus came to me and placed his hands on my shoulders.

“Ellie,” he whispered, “you were only a child. It was not your fault.”

“No! I was a Sorceress! I should have been able to fight them! I didn’t know that I couldn’t!” I shook my head and continued, “The Guardians held me prisoner for years and I could do nothing! I hated myself for letting Sir touch me, but I stopped fighting because it was just easier that way. I gave up trying to defend myself and just let it happen!” I was feeling very weak and ill all of the sudden.

“Oh gods! I just couldn’t run away from them.” I started to get dizzy. “I think I’m going to be sick.” He took me in his arms and did not let me fall. “Please, just make them stop! I can’t run from them anymore!” I sobbed as he held me.

“Stop now,” Snape directed calmly, “Don’t say anymore. You are still very weak. You need to come back inside and lie down.” I couldn’t look at him. I was inconsolable at this point.

“No!” I cried. “That’s not all of it!”

“You can tell me later. You have to stop and come inside with me now,” he said a little firmer, trying to get me to walk. “Come on, we shall have some tea and give you a moment to collect your thoughts; just take a break for a while,” he cajoled. “It is going to take more than one night for you to tell me everything.”

I made no response. How could he ever look at me the way he used to when we were young, and our love strong? He always thought I was so perfect and pure. I was soiled and vacant inside; not even a shadow of the girl he had loved. I did not fight Snape as he guided me into the castle and to his office. I walked trance-like to the ottoman and sat down staring at the fire.

“Just a minute, I am going to prepare the tea,” he informed. I have no recollection of him handing me the teacup or of his sitting down beside me. “I always knew that things were very disagreeable at home for you. I had no idea just how bad it really was. Why did you not tell me this when we were in school?

“How could I? I never wanted to look in your eyes and see pity. The way you used to look at me, Severus, as if I was really someone special...I didn’t want you to know that you were wrong.”

He looked at me sternly, and then shook his head. “You have no idea how amazing you are.” He placed his hand on top of mine.

“Don’t say that! I haven’t told you everything yet. You won’t even look at me when I have finished telling you what I’ve done,” I stressed.

“I think you have had more than enough of this tonight. Why don’t you go to bed and rest? It will be easier for you to tell me this later."

“I can’t sleep, Severus.”

“You can, and you will,” he ordered.

“Please, just leave me be. I will go back to my rooms in a minute.”

“No, you will not! You will stay here with me tonight. I do not think it is wise for you to be alone in your current state of mind, woman.”

“No. I have bothered you for long enough.”

“You will do as I say, or I shall make you,” he threatened, but not to forcefully.

“I would like to see you try,” I spat.

“As you wish, Kinsington.”

He swept me up in his arms and carried me to bed. I was so astonished by his actions that I didn’t fight it.

He's so strong! Those black robes of his don't do him justice.

“Retracto,” he spelled and the covers peeled back. He placed me in his bed, so that my head and shoulders were propped up on several pillows. He went to his dresser and removed a long, black silk night shirt and came back to me.

“Kinsington, I am going to go to my office for a minute and, when I return, I expect you to have changed into this. It will be more comfortable than that dress you have on. I will bring you your potion and you will drink it. You will do as I say, or suffer the consequences.” He was instructing as if I was one of his students. I couldn’t help but give a small laugh and he seemed pleased. “Hm, now you have precisely five minutes before I return, so I suggest you make haste.” He turned on his heels and retreated to his office, closing the doors behind him.

I marveled at his composure. He always could get me to do things for my own good, no matter how I tried to protest. The night shirt, which would hang just past his hips, was long enough to fall just below mid-thigh on me. I had never worn his clothes before and I must say I rather enjoyed it.

***

I had just repositioned myself on the bed when he returned. Even though I had been recently emaciated, I was still a very shapely woman. My legs were long and lean and smooth. I wondered if he would notice? Since our school days, I had grown slightly taller and had gotten curvier in all the right places and my long, wavy, golden hair had grown to just past the middle of my back. It softly cascaded down my back and shoulders in soft, silky curls.

His eyes traveled from my head to my toes, drinking me in. He realized I had caught him looking at me, as I sipped my cup with a smirk. He turned around quickly to look at the fire across the room.

“I see that you have followed my instruction, Kinsington.” He turned back to me. He reached down past my feet and drew the blankets up to cover me, stopping at my waist. “I am pleased to see that you seem to be more…relaxed.”

I was grinning now as I looked in his eyes. “Yes, Professor, your instructions were carried out to the letter.” I sipped my potion and continued, “Thank you for taking control of the situation.”

“Hm, yes. I can get another blanket from the wardrobe, if you so desire.”

Why don't you keep me warm, Snape?

“I am quite all right, thank you. This potion tastes different than the others. Is it?” I asked, just realizing that it was sweeter than before.

“I have added some honey to it for I know that you always preferred your beverages to be sweet. I am rather surprised that you never added it yourself.”

“That is very thoughtful of you, Severus. It tastes much better,” I thanked.

“Would you like something to eat? Dinner was a long time ago.”

“I’m not all that hungry. I can make it until morning, thanks,” I respectfully declined.

He grinned mysteriously and then inquired, “Not even for…a bit of…chocolate?”

He had my attention now! Chocolate was my weakness. I absolutely adored it!

“Oh you wouldn’t tease me, now would you, Professor?” I pretended to be horrified at the thought of it. “You know how I feel about chocolate!”

“When have you ever known me to tease, Kinsington?” he posed.

He knew full well that he had many times before. He then picked up a small silver platter that was covered by a dark green table linen. “If you’re not hungry then…" he uncovered the platter to reveal a dozen, tiny, bite-sized chocolate cupcakes, “I shall have to dispose of these.”

“Are those…chocolate cupcakes?” I asked, now leaning forward off the pillows with great curiosity.

“How very astute you are, Kinsington. Chocolate cupcakes, filled with chocolate cream, with chocolate icing, and chocolate…dilly’s.”

“Dilly’s?” I asked half laughing.

“You know, these little tiny pieces of whatever that are speckled on top?” he said flustered.

I laughed and replied, “I believe they are called 'sprinkles', Professor.”

“How very descriptive. Anyway, since you are not hungry…” He withdrew the plate and made as if to cover them up.

“You will give them to me now!” I demanded.

“Manners, Kinsington, where are your manners?” he admonished, shaking his head.

“Please?” I begged, clasping my hands together like a child asking for permission. “I really want them.”

He relented and held the platter to me so that I could take one and I greedily went to grab the platter itself. Snape continued shaking his head so I let go of it and took two cupcakes, smiling excitedly. I so loved chocolate! I could have crammed them in my mouth, but decided instead to act like a lady and nibble them.

“See that you do not make a mess of the sheets! The house elves will think I have gone mad eating in bed,” he hissed as he put the platter back on his table. “Are they to your liking?”

“What sort of a question is that? They are delicious!” I said emphatically. “Thank you for spoiling me so.”

He raised his eyebrow and gave me a nasty scowl. “I am simply trying to fatten you up a bit. Now, if you are quite finished, it is time for bed.”

“Are you coming?” I asked, hoping he would join me again.

“Is that what you want?”

I nodded ‘yes’ rather shyly, trying not to blush. “Right.” He extinguished all the torches and made his way to the bed. He hesitated a moment, but then took off his robes. He looked at me again and then removed his shirt. The years had been good to him, very good indeed. He was surprisingly firm and chiseled. He sat on the bed and removed his boots, then climbed under the covers with me.

“Are you comfortable?” he asked.

Although I was a bit hot and bothered, which made me uncomfortable in a way, I whispered, “Yes, Severus. Are you?”

“Mostly.” I hoped he was uncomfortable in the same way that I was. We faced each other as we had this morning. We just stared into each other's eyes. I wanted to spring myself upon him, but thought better of it.

“I still cannot believe how incredibly beautiful you are,” he whispered. “I am always amazed when I look at you. Every single time.”

I felt myself flush with heat. “Severus,” I whispered breathlessly.

I nervously reached out to touch his face. He held my hand to his face and closed his eyes and then he drew my hand to his lips and kissed it delicately, then each of my fingers in turn. I let out a small shivering gasp. He opened his eyes, and I could see how badly he wanted me. He pulled me to him and I went limp in his embrace as he showered my face with gentle kisses.

“Are you all right?” he asked hoarsely.

“I can’t believe how it feels to be in your arms again. I never thought I would ever see you again. I haven’t been all right.” A single tear slowly started down my cheek. He kissed it away. “I am so sorry, Severus, I never wanted to leave you.”

He traced his hand around my face and down my neck. “Do not cry anymore. I hate to see it,” he paused and kissed my cheek. “If only you had told me, I would never have thought any less of you. You were everything to me.” Snape looked so sad and lost just like me. “Everything,” he whispered as he slowly brushed his lips on mine.

Kissing now, our lips parted and our tongues met. “Ellie,” he moaned, pressing himself to me as our kisses became more heated.

I was consumed with him when I felt his hand slide cautiously under my night shirt to caress my breasts. He started to undo the first two buttons of the night shirt, while I ran my hands through his long dark hair, all the while kissing him passionately. He left my lips to kiss his way down my neck and chest. No one had ever touched me like this before, and I was beginning to feel the rest of the word fade away, aware only of him and his touch. I took hold of his waist and pulled his hips to me. I could feel his excitement was as great as mine.

I felt as if I were on fire with want for him! A moan escaped my lips. We ceased our kissing and panted breathlessly, staring into each other’s eyes. Our eye contact did not break as he slid his hand down my stomach, and grasped the hip of my panties. We kissed as he peeled them off me slowly, while I began unbuttoning his pants. In the distance, I thought I heard a faint knocking, but he didn’t seem to hear it and, so I dismissed it. Then he stopped suddenly, now aware of a definite pounding from his office door. We pulled away from each other and listened to the sound that was now more pronounced.

“Something must be going on. Let me go and see about it.” He rose quickly from the bed and re-buttoned his pants while walking to his wardrobe. He threw on a shirt and went into his office, closing the door behind him. I re-buttoned the night shirt and sat very quietly. I knew that we should not be discovered in this manner.

A moment late, he rushed back into the room. “Hermione Granger has been found petrified near the library,” he informed, a look of great concern was in his eyes. “The Headmaster has called me to the hospital wing.” He put on his usual flowing black robes and then sat on the bed beside me as he put on his boots. “Potter and Weasley are with her now.”

“My gods, Severus! This is getting out of control!” I was astounded.

“I fear that you are indeed correct. The heir of Slytherin must be found immediately.” He looked at me gravely. “I must go at once. I shall return when I am able, but I haven’t any idea when that might be.”

“I’m going back to my rooms and then to Gryffindor tower. McGonagall will no doubt need my help in looking after the children,” I said and began to rise. “ Severus, this is terrible!” I was scared to death. “If anything should happen to any of these children…I won’t even think of it.

“Nothing will happen,” he assured, reading my thoughts. “I will see to that.” He left nearly running.

I ripped off the night shirt and threw my clothes back on in a terrible hurry. I tore out of the dungeons, sprinting back to my rooms, hurled the doors open, and changed into my school robes. Then I ran to the portrait of the Fat Lady and spat out, “lions and broomsticks.” She opened to reveal the hole to the common room and climbed in quickly. When I entered the common room, the students were all there.

I addressed all of them, "What are you all doing out of bed?"

"We can't sleep," informed Seamus Finnegan. "What if the heir of Slytherin comes in here?"

"That's rubbish," I stated. "Well, Since you are all awake, let's have some fun, shall we?"

I walked to the middle of them.

“Come everyone, sit down in a circle and gather close to your friends. We’ll have a snack and talk a bit.” I motioned them to sit. They found places with their friends and did so.

“Everyone hold out your hands now, come on.” I smiled at them and chimed, “Pumpkin juice,” waving my hand in around the room. Goblets began to appear in their hands. I heard ‘oo’s’ and ‘aah’s’ from the children. They had never seen me use my magic before.

“Now, place your cups on the ground beside you and think of your favorite snack. Hold out your hands again.” I bellowed, “Fancies for the fans,” and treats began to appear of all sorts. “Now that is much better.” I smiled very pleased with myself, looking at their happy amazed faces.

“Miss Kinsington, how did you do that without your wand?” asked Neville Longbottom, marveling at the chocolate frogs in his hand.

“Ah, yes. I don’t have a wand Neville.” I smiled secretively. “I am a Sorceress.” I paused while the children talked among them selves excitedly. “I don’t need a wand for my magic."

“Does Professor Dumbledore know?” asked Seamus.

“Of course he knows, Seamus, all the teachers do because most of them were my teachers when I was a student at Hogwarts. I was a Gryffindor too, you know?” I smiled proudly and continued, “I knew many of your parents at school. I was particularly good friend with James Potter, Harry’s dad. I even knew Professor Snape, can you believe that?” They all seemed very interested.

“Did you know my mum and dad?” Neville timidly asked.

“Yes I did. Alice was a several years ahead of me but I recall that she was excellent in Arithmancy and your dad was the best in Herbology. He could make even the most stubborn plants grow to the size of a small house.” Neville looked very proud. “And your dad, Alicia… he once brewed a sleeping draft so perfect and powerful, that the entire Potions class slept for hours, until Dumbledore himself had to wake us.”

Everyone was giggling so I kept on going. “Let’s not forget your mum, Wood. She once summoned the whole contents of an ice cream parlor all the way from Hogsmeade during a Halloween feast. She was the most popular girl in the castle that night. Dumbledore was delighted to have a gallon of rum raisin all to himself.”

I laughed loudly with the rest of them. We were having quite a time as I went around the room, telling secrets about their parents’ school days. We had all nearly forgotten why we were there, when the portrait opened to let in Harry, Ron, and Professor McGonagall. The room became quiet again as all eyes turned to watch the three enter.

“Miss Kinsington, what brings you here at such a late hour?" asked McGonagall in surprise.

"Oh, uhm...just chatting with the students," I replied innocently.

She turned to the students and said, “It is time to return to your beds!Come on now.”

“I am going to stay in the common room tonight, Minerva.” She nodded approvingly. “It had been ages since I had the honor of staying in Gryffindor tower.”

I turned to face the students and said, “You heard the Professor. Now, all of you, to bed. I shall take care of the mess. Go on now.” And just to make them all at ease, I jokingly said, “Abracadabra,” and the empty plates and cups vanished. They giggled and began to make their ways to their dorms. I turned to Professor McGonagall and exclaimed, “I love it here.”

“I can see that. So they all know I take it?” she asked, referring to my being a Sorceress. I smiled and nodded. We are all to meet with the Headmaster after breakfast to discuss what is to be done next.” She was very serious all of the sudden. “If we cannot guarantee the safety of the students, Hogwarts will close."

“Hogwarts can't close!” I exclaimed.

“Let us pray that it does not come to be,” she replied. “I shall see you in the morning. Goodnight, Ellie.” She left and I took a seat by the fire.

I wondered if Snape was doing the same thing in the Slytherin common room at this very moment. I knew he was. I imagined what would have happened between us had this not occurred. He would have made love to me for the very first time, after all these years of waiting. I would wait for eternity for him. I had loved him for nearly twenty years, and I would love him for a hundred more. As I sat by the fire, I remembered the first time we had told each other of our love, so many years ago…

It was my sixth Christmas since I had come to Hogwarts. This year, I was allowed to remain at the castle while The Guardians were in Romania on business, which meant that I would finally have a Christmas that wouldn’t involve a near death experience. Sir had been getting bolder when he would come to me in the night and I knew it was only a matter of time until he would have his way with me. It sickened me to think that he would take from me the only thing I could give to the man I loved.

Someday, I wanted to be with Severus, and I dreamed that I would be his wife and the mother of his children. If Sir succeeded in ruining me, I would not be good enough for Severus, and would run far away where he could never find me. I would never be able to look Severus in the eyes again. But I would not dwell on this now. I was to be with him for the entire holiday.

As I watched the students leave the castle on their way to Hogsmeade on Christmas Eve, I started to feel happy. Christmas was in the air and for the very first time I was full of its cheer. I made my way to the Great Hall for dinner. I was pleasantly surprised that the house tables had been moved aside and a single, small table had been placed in its center. It was festively decorated with table linens of red and green, with snow falling from the enchanted ceiling that never quite fell all the way down. I was joined by Dumbledore, several of the teachers, a few odd first and second year students and, of course, Severus.

We waited for the teachers to be seated, then Severus and I took our seats at the end of the table next to each other. We exchanged a fleeting glimpse at one another and I cracked a grin.

“Happy Christmas to all,” pronounced Dumbledore happily and the food appeared.

How delicious it all looked! I had ham and roast potatoes, in a rich cheese sauce, and Severus had fried chicken and corn pudding. When the desserts appeared my eyes became wide. So many to choose from! Cookies, cakes, pies, and puddings; it was all a bit overwhelming. I sat and stared unable to make a decision. I felt a nudge from my left and saw Severus put a chocolate fudge cookie, and a sliver of triple chocolate tart, on my plate. How well he knew me. Chocolate was my biggest weakness. He grinned slyly at the look of delight on my face as I smiled, and took a large bite out of the cookie.

“I hope that you all enjoy your stay at the castle this Christmas. We are delighted to have you all as our guests,” said Dumbledore. “Miss Kinsington, Mr. Snape, I have a favor to ask of you.” We looked at each other and then back to Dumbledore.

“The tree near the main entrance is in desperates need of decoration. It is looking very sad indeed. Since you are the oldest students here on holiday, I would like it very much if the two of you could manage to make it look a bit more festive. Mr. Filch has informed me that there are several boxes of ornaments in a closet room in the dungeons. It is rather dangerous down there, and I am afraid the younger students are not as prepared to deal with it, as are the two of you. Would you please consider it?” finished Dumbledore.

“I will agree to it, if Miss Kinsington finds it to be satisfactory,” said Severus very formally.

“Yes Mr. Snape, I believe that would be quite all right,” I agreed.

“Delightful,” Dumbledore replied, “you may begin this evening after dinner.”

We nodded in agreement and everyone left the room he and I walked together.

“I have never decorated a Christmas tree before,” I squealed.

“Really? Well it is all a bit tedious if you ask me.”

“Why did you agree to it then? You could have said no.”

“Don’t you know?” he asked matter-of-factly.

“Why don’t you tell me?”

He stopped and turned to face me. “Because, this means we have an excuse to be together, all alone, while everyone else is in their dorms.”

I turned pink and smiled shyly. “Oh, I see. You want me all alone, do you?”

He stepped closer and took my hands. “Why else would I have agreed to stay at the castle this Christmas? You are here, and I promised to never leave you alone, remember?”

“How could I forget? Come on, let's go see what surprises the old Squib has for us in the dungeons.” I pulled him along holding his hand.

When we got there he stopped abruptly at the door. “What’s wrong?” I asked.

He looked up and I saw the mistletoe hanging above the arch of the door, then he leaned forward and kissed me sweetly on the lips. “I always wanted to try that,” he mentioned and then kissed me again. “I think I should open the door, lest a Boggart jump out and attack you,” he offered valiantly. He opened the door, peeked, inside, and then pulled me in quickly behind him, giving a little wink as he shut the door behind us. He hugged me and kissed my cheek. “This place is a disaster. Don’t go opening anything that looks suspicious without showing it to me first.”

The room was full of all sorts of wonders. There was an old cauldron that had a huge crack on one side, but was hot to the touch. Severus was busy looking at an old broomstick that had hair where the bristles should be. “I’ve found one I think,” I called out as I came across a box marked ‘holiday moons and stars’. Always the cautious one, Snape made his way to me to examine the box.

“Let me have a look.” He pulled out his wand and intoned, “Revealo.” The box opened and tiny glimmering moons and star ornaments appeared. “How very gaudy,” he hissed with a look of distaste on his face. I rolled my eyes at him and shook my head. “What about that one there?” He pointed to a box of similar size in the corner. “Revealo,” he said again, while pointing his wand and walking over to it. “Now that is more like it.”

I came to meet him and to look inside the box which was stuffed full of small, realistic-looking snake ornaments. “What?” he asked.

“It’s adorable the way you love such hideous creatures as if they were a bunch of fluffy kittens,” I teased. “You are so cute.” I grinned girlishly as he looked at me, seeming offended and embarrassed at the same time. I wrapped my arms around his waist and smiled up at him. “Don’t be cross with me. I’m only teasing.”

He took my face in his hands and whispered, “You’re evil,” and kissed me sweetly. “Let’s get started searching again before the dust gets any thicker in here.” After a quick peck on the lips we started opening boxes again. It took us hours to find them all in the disarray, but we finally had them neatly stacked by the door. “Locomotor boxes,” Snape chimed and the boxes hovered, waiting to follow us out. “It’s stuck,” he complained as he pulled on the door, “I can’t-get-it-open.”

“Maybe it’s just locked. Here, let me try. Alohomora!” I said. He tried it again but it didn’t budge. “Put the boxes down and we’ll try it together.”

He did and we chimed, “Alohomora.” It still wouldn’t budge.

“We’re trapped in here, I think.”

Not sounding at all worried Severus said, "It would appear so. Well, I can’t Apparate in the castle, and I haven’t a key or a blasting stick or anything, so…you are stuck with me.”

“I can think of no one else I would rather be trapped in a filthy, smelly, crowded old closet with.” I joked, but it was very true. “Well, there are loads of things to look at in here. We can entertain ourselves with that.”

“I can think of better ways to entertain you than that,” he retorted smugly with a grin.

“Really?” I challenged, backing off a bit. He leaned forward to kiss me but I backed up giggling and took off play running about the room. “You’ll never catch me! I’m far too clever for the likes of you!” I yelled in a singsong play voice.

“When I catch you, I’ll…I’ll… you better run!” he threatened, trying to sound all mean, but I could see he was greatly amused. He chased me around tables and cauldrons in an overly dramatic way, always letting me escape. Finally, I gave up and let him catch me in a corner near a very large mirror. “I have you now! Prepare to meet your fate, Kinsington!”

I laughed heartily and pretended to struggle. He stopped playing and looked a little worried. He let go of my wrists, which he had pinned over my head against the wall. He then took me slowly into his arms and kissed my lips firmly. I hugged him a little tighter to me. “I didn’t hurt your wrists did I?” He sounded concerned.

“No, I was just playing! Don’t be silly, Severus, I’m not that fragile. I can take Malfoy, can’t I?”

“Hm, yes you can.” He looked impressed at this memory. “I have never seen anything like it since. I am fairly certain that he had to change his shorts that day.” A silly smile appeared on his face at the thought of Malfoy wetting himself. He released me from our embrace and took my hand, guiding me out of the corner.

He stopped and looked at his reflection in the mirror. He tilted his head, looked at me, and then looked back at his reflection. He stood there for a good while then said, “Here, have a look.” He stepped away from the mirror and I stood where he had been.

“What?” I saw my reflection, but it was different: I was older. My hair was much longer and I was wearing a crown. Severus appeared beside me. He too was older. Then four, lovely, black-haired children with beautiful blue eyes appeared between us.

Is this showing me the future? I hope so.

I stared at it for a long time before turning to Severus. “Is it showing us the future?” I asked him, inwardly very hopeful that it was.

“Not exactly. This is the Mirror of Erised. I read that it shows your innermost hearts desires,” he said thoughtfully. “Let’s go and sit down over there. We will be here for some time.” He walked me over to a clear area by a small window. “Scourgify” He magically cleaning a spot on the floor. He sat down and beckoned me to do the same. He took off his robes and used it like a blanket to cover us.

“Severus, what did you see in the mirror?” I wondered if it had shown him the same thing.

“Nothing I didn’t know already,” he admitted tenderly. I laid my head on his shoulder and he kissed my forehead. “I saw you, both of us, actually. We were together.”

“So did I! We were older,” I whispered. I tilted my head up to see into his eyes. He looked very serious. “Are you okay? You look sort of sad.”

“What you saw in the mirror…what do you think about that?” He seemed a little worried that I might say something awful.

I looked into his eyes and put my hand on his cheek. “That is all I want. I want to be with you always.”

“You don’t have to say that.” He snapped.

“I’m not just saying it, Severus, I really mean it.” I felt myself blush and my heart skipped a beat.

“Since the day I first saw you, I have wanted to be with you. I’m sorry that I was so mean to you and I promise I that I didn’t mean it. I was so stupid,” he hissed.

“I didn’t care that you were mean to me,” I assured him.

“Ellie, I…I love you.”

He loves me!!!

My heart leapt at these words. I had wanted to tell him for so long and now I could.

“And I love you too, Severus.” I was nearly crying overcome with emotion.

How can I be so lucky?

I wasn’t alone and I wasn’t afraid! The Guardians be damned! I kissed him like it was the first time I had I seen daylight as tears began to run down my face.

He stopped kissing me and asked, “What is it? Did I do something wrong?”

“No, I’m happier than I have been in all my life,” I whispered.

He wiped the tears from my face tenderly with his hand, kissing my cheeks after each wipe. “You deserve to be happy. I will spend every day, for the rest of my life, making certain that you are. I will love you forever.”

“Promise?” I asked hopefully.

“Oh, yes. I promise.” We kissed each other slowly and deeply. “Ellie Kinsington, I will love you till the day I die.”

We fell asleep together in each other's arms that night. On Christmas morning the door was no longer stuck. I always thought Dumbledore had something to do with it…

TO BE CONTINUED...