The Seduction of Severus Snape

Chapter 14: Leaving Loose Ends

* ~ June 4 ~ *

Whoo, so much studying! And N.E.W.T. in what... A little over a week I think. Argh! So, first day of June. Hot as hell, and even more humid. Which was absolutely torturous, especially since I'm crap at cooling spells. Luckily, Luna knows them well enough, so I had her cooling me down most of the day. Breakfast was fun, too, since one of my love letters to Professor Snape had arrived. Professor Lupin, who had taken to the habit of reading over his shoulder quite easily, turned just as red as he did, but looked much more amused.

I also got a letter from Dad thanking me for his birthday gifts. I'd sent them a bit late (oops... Heheh.) I'm glad he liked what I got him. Let's see... There were... Several old, cheesy yellow-backed novels I'd gotten from a bin at a ninety percent off sale in Hogsmeade a while ago (he actually likes those, he thinks they're hilarious) a little pink toy fwooper that flies around and sings, a card that I wrote myself about how he's a good Daddy even though he's a bastard sometimes, and... Alright, I know it's gross, but I love my dad, so I'm willing to traumatize myself a little for his happiness. The frilliest, prettiest men's underwear I could find. Hard to believe it was men's underwear at all, really. He's a weirdo, alright? And last time I folded laundry most of his underwear was full of holes, which is even worse than pink silk, so there. Alright, I'm going to shut up about my dad's underwear now.

And of course, since I'd finished my report about Professor Snape, the tasks were back on. They were going to be difficult to fit in between bout of studying, but I vowed to try my best. First task I was given: fake orgasm during potions. Give all the credit to Professor Snape. Luna had come up with that one, and I was thoroughly proud of her. We decided not to tell Colin, since he was still so fragile.

Today was double potions, so that was when I did the task. I waited until I'd finished all my work, of course, before starting it. I had my cauldron cleaned and my potion neatly bottled on his desk, plus a spare (just in case my orgasm caused him to break it in a fit of rage.) I looked around at Luna, and she grinned. "Ohhhhh," I murmured huskily. A few people around us looked over with puzzled expressions, but most of them hadn't heard me. "Uuuhhhhh," I moaned, louder this time. A few more people stared. "Ohhhh, yes. Uhhhhh..." I gripped the table and let my eyelids droop, panting. Professor Snape had looked up from something he was writing, and his mouth was currently hanging open in his barely contained horror. "Uhhh, ohhh yesss... Oh, yesss..." I ran one hand up my neck and face, then through my hair. "Yes, ohhh, yes!" Professor Snape, scowling, got up and prowled towards me.

"Miss Page!"

"Professor!" I shouted. "Oh, yes! Yes! YES YES YES YES YES!!" I started slamming the table with my hands along with all the yessing. "YES YES!!! OHHH OH, PROFESSOR!!! UHHHH OHHHH!!!" I then slumped down in my chair, panting heavily. "Ohh, oh... Hoo." Several of the boys in the class looked very pleased by the display. Too bad that didn't include Professor Snape.

"Miss Page," he hissed, "I have no idea what you've been doing in my class, and I don't want to know, but I will not have you disrespecting my authority!"

"Oh, please, Professor," one of the Hufflepuff boys piped up, "don't punish her. We didn't mind so much."

"Well I do, Mr. Ito! Ten points from Hufflepuff for your attitude! Detention, Miss Page!" he barked. "In my office at nine!" I know it probably wasn't a very appropriate thing to think... But my mind was running somewhere along the lines of 'Ooh, detention with hot sexy Professor Snape, whoopee!' So, I vacated the classroom, thoroughly looking forward to my detention. Nothing much else happened during the day, except that Luna, Ginny, and Colin cornered me after classes to give me another task.

"This one is brilliant," Ginny informed me.

"Yes, it's very good," Colin agreed.

"It's alright," Luna conceded.

"Then tell me," I insisted. Bwah!

"Here's what you do," Ginny informed me. "Charm an hourglass like the ones that count house points to float over Professor Snape's head. Then, give and take points however you see fit."

"And how does that display my love for Professor Snape?" I asked, raising my eyebrows.

"Well, only give and take points for things like... Having a sexy ass, or making bedroom eyes or something of the sort. How does it sound?"

"It sounds awfully nice," I said, "but how am I supposed to get the hourglass to... Oh, I don't know... Exist?"

"We've already got a charm for it," Ginny replied, grinning. "Colin's been working on it for a while."

"Oh, that's sweet of you, Colin." He smiled the smallest of smiles.

"You can do it during your detention tonight," Luna cut in.

"Nah, wait until tomorrow," Colin argued. "When everyone can see."

"Alright, alright," I sighed. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I've got to go on patrol." After all, a prefect's work is never done. But afternoon patrols are so boring. At least during night patrol I get to catch couples snogging all over the place. Like that time last year when I found Draco with Terry Boot... Now that was a rewarding night.

So, after I got the spell from Ginny I went on my patrol, and after that I practiced the spell. I managed to get it down pretty quickly (I've always been good at conjuring, after all- too bad I'm crap with cooling charms, dammit!) and had plenty of time for N.E.W.T.s revision. I worked very hard on charms, and practiced my weak points (for instance, about half of everything we learned after fifth year.) By the time the clock chimed nine, I was quite worn out, and more than a little relieved for some nice, hard, physical labor to take my mind off studying. And I am not going to try to analyze that little statement.

With a great sigh, I made my way down to the dungeons, heading for Professor Snape's office. And, you know, for someone who doesn't like eavesdropping, he sure does leave the door open a lot. Especially when there's an eavesdropper like me creeping around the dungeons. I peered inside, only to see... My dad. Again. "Pleeeeaaaassse?" Sitting cross-legged on the Professor's desk and watching him pace back and forth.

"No. Never. What makes you think I would even consider it?" Dad immediately delved into his robes and pulled out... A package of elastic bands.

"I come bearing gifts." Professor Snape eyed him furiously. "So much more convenient than a ribbon." With a growl, Snape snatched the package from his hands and continued pacing. I'm surprised there isn't some sort of worn patch of floor there, with the amount of pacing he does.

"I don't care."

"But you're keeping them."

"I do not care." Professor Snape paused, fiddling with the package as he glanced back and forth between it and Dad. "Fine," he snapped. "I'll do it. But don't expect some sort of big to-do. In and out, understand?"

"Of course!"

"Hey, what are you talking about?" I stepped into the room, still rather dazed to see my dad and Snape getting on so well. Usually Professor Snape ends up shouting at him and chasing him away. Or something along those lines. A slow grin graced Dad's face as he turned to me.

"Sssssssexxxxx," he replied, which took a rather long time.

"Sex?" I asked, rather used to my father's behavior after such a long time. "With whom, may I ask?"

"A pretty Ravenclaw girl." Dad wiggled his eyebrows, sending a sort of half-leer towards Professor Snape. "Severus wants to send his mighty warrior into the Dragon's cave." I noticed that Professor Snape had gone rather red.

"I-" he began, but was cut off by yours truly.

"What's her name?"

"Persephone something-or-other," Dad replied lightly.

"Wyatt? Excuse me?"

"I was kidding. It's a much nicer name than that; Nadia."

"You-" Professor Snape managed to choke out before we ignored him again.

"I said that he was going about it entirely the wrong way, but he seems to think that detentions are going to work. Odd reasoning, I say." Dad reached into his hair and pulled out a spider, flicking it away. Ah, the hazards of the dungeons. "I'd just give her some flowers and a gun." I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to know the "odd reasoning" behind it.

"A gun?" Ah, what the hell.

"Well, it shows that he trusts her, and that he has faith in her ability to protect herself with the proper weaponry. I think it's a very nice gesture."

"Dad... You think a lot of gestures are 'very nice.'" He looked ready to continue our rapport when Professor Snape cleared his throat and we turned our attention to him. He had this expression on his face that clearly read, "Ummm... Helloooo?" I almost laughed aloud, imagining him saying it.

"Oh, we're sorry." Dad grinned. "Would you like to join the conversation?"

"First of all," Professor Snape began stiffly (stiff, heh,) "no father should speak to his daughter in such a clearly lecherous manner." Dad rolled his eyes, playfully mouthing, "Jackass," to me. "Second-"

"Sexond, heh."

"MISS PAGE!" Yes, 'twas I.

"Sorry, sir." Dad giggled.

"What about sex?" Professor Lupin popped his head in the doorway.

"Oh, no," Professor Snape groaned.

"Remmy!" Dad chirped. Hold on- Remmy?

"Remmy?" I asked vaguely.

"Sexond?" Professor Lupin replied, raising his eyebrows.

"Sexy Saxon?" Dad chuckled. "Heehee, Sexy Sevvie."

"Ah!" There was recognition in his voice. "Sexy Sevvie!"

"That's it!" Professor Snape growled, that tick in his jaw acting up. "Enough! Detention postponed! No werewolves allowed! And you-" he turned to Dad, pausing. "Oh, just get out!"

"See? Ssssexxxy Ssssevvie needs some loving. He's getting all grouchy, living a life of celibacy." Professor Lupin snorted.

"Oh please. For what, a month?" My mouth fell open.

"GET OUT!!!" Professor Snape shouted, his face going a strange shade of purple. The three of us scuttled out of the room, running for our lived as Snape slammed the door behind us. Well, we weren't really running for our lives, but... All the same.

"Well, that was rather rewarding," I commented.

"Oh, yes, definitely," Dad replied, a smirk creeping across his face.

"What are you so satisfied about?"

"I'm wearing my new knickers." He gave a happy little wriggle and skipped off. You know, sometimes I think that my relationship with my father is a bit... Unhealthy.

"New knickers?" Professor Lupin looked very interested.

"Pink silk!" Dad called down the hallway. "I feel just like a pretty little princess!" Oh, God.

"Oh, God." The professor, however, seemed to be less embarrassed and more... Turned on. Alright, it's sexy because it's Professor Lupin, but it's gross because my dad caused it. Ew.

"I won't even ask," I muttered, going after Dad. However, he'd soon disappeared. "Where is he?" I mused aloud.

"He most likely went back to work," Lupin replied.

"Hm. Strange, he didn't say goodbye."

"He must be very busy, then."

"Maybe." Or he could be off doing dastardly deeds.

"Well, I need to get back down to the dungeons. I've got to take my Wolfsbane, after all." So, I bid goodbye to Professor Lupin and headed up to the dorm to write this down and go to bed. Right now.

* ~ June 10 ~ *

So, I carried out that hourglass task and went to Hogsmeade for the last time. Sniff. First, the hourglass task. On the morning of the fifth, I woke up knowing exactly what I was going to do. I was going to get Professor Snape as he left the Great Hall after breakfast. However, when I arrived, he wasn't there. I hadn't expected Professor Snape to be late; in fact, he was never late for breakfast. Hm, strange. I sat down next to Luna and kept my eyes on the gigantic doors, waiting. Luckily, my patience was not in vain. It wasn't long before Professor Snape burst through the doors, growling. I had originally planned to be discreet, but then I decided... To hell with being discreet. It's the last month of the school year, anyway.

I jumped up, whipping my wand out and pointing it straight at him, shouting the incantation for the hourglass as if I in a duel. He froze, looking as if he expected to sprout an extra penis or something, then scowled fiercely. Apparently, he hadn't noticed the little hourglass half-full of tiny black stones (onyx, perhaps?) that had appeared over his head. Everyone else noticed, though, and they were all whispering amongst themselves, discussing what its purpose might be. "THIRTY POINTS FROM RAVENCLAW!!!" Professor Snape roared, turning red.

"TWENTY POINTS FROM PROFESSOR SNAPE!!!" I roared back. Giggling spread throughout the Great Hall as twenty little stones jumped out of the hourglass and disappeared. Clenching his teeth very tightly, Professor Snape slowly looked up.

"ARRRRGH!!" With that, he stormed from the room.

"Really, how immature. Ten points from Professor Snape for being such a big baby." There was a moment's hesitation before another enraged roar echoed through the halls. Laughter burst out amongst the students and staff, though I did get a few more points taken off for tormenting Professor Snape. I was very much looking forward to the rest of the day, seeing as I had no patrol duties at all, and thus a little extra time on my hands.

"Nadia," Luna muttered. "You can let other people take points from him, too."

"Really?"

"Yes." She nodded. "Just give them permission."

"Alright. I give you permission to give and take points as you see fit." I then ventured over to the Gryffindor table. "Ginny, Colin, I give you permission to distribute points to Professor Snape as you please." They both seemed very happy about that. "But try not to go overboard." At which point I looked directly at Colin. He coughed.

All through History of Magic I kept thinking about that lovely hourglass. As soon as the bell rang I ventured down to the ground floor, intending to catch Professor Snape on a trip to the kitchens or something. He soon emerged from the dungeons, his pace practically at a jog, grinding his teeth. Ginny and Colin were chasing after him. "TEN POINTS TO NADIA PAGE'S MANWHORE!!" Ginny screamed. Ten little stones dropped into the hourglass.

"TEN POINTS FROM PROFESSOR SNAPE FOR STEALING MY GIRLFRIEND!!" Colin shouted gleefully. Really, I'd thought he was over that.

"TWENTY POINTS TO PROFESSOR SNAPE FOR HAVING A SEXY ASS!!!" I bellowed at the top of my lungs. Everyone in the immediate area was laughing heartily.

"FIFTY POINTS FROM EVERY ONE OF YOU!!" Professor Snape burst out. "I WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS HUMILIATION!!!" The Ravenclaw hourglass, which currently had absolutely nothing in it but air, groaned ominously. Tons of jewels flew out of the other three hourglasses, finally leaving Slytherin to the lead.

"TEN POINTS TO PROFESSOR SNAPE FOR BEING A SEXY DOM!!!" I couldn't resist.

"DETENTION, MISS PAGE!! DETENTION WITH FILCH!! DETENTION WITH MCGONAGALL!! DETENTION WITH ANYONE!! NOW GO!!" I just shrugged.

"Thirteen points to Professor Snape for being so damn cute when he's angry," I muttered, so only he could hear me. Then I hurried off to Charms before he could do any more shouting. On my way, just as an experiment, I murmured under my breath, "Ten points to the man I love." The distant sounds of a temper erupting drifted up to my ears, and I grinned wildly.

After that was Defense Against the Dark Arts, during which I got a wickedly clever idea. So, after class, I scurried up to Professor Lupin, still with my grin on. "I'll assume this has something to do with Professor Snape," he sighed.

"Remus J. Lupin, I hereby give you permission to give and take points to and from Professor Snape at your discretion. VIVA LA RESISTANCE!!" He raised his eyebrows.

"Oh. Thank you."

"It's a very big honor," I informed him. "Well, off I go." I left, smiling to myself. I had a feeling that Professor Lupin would be a valuable ally in the hourglass war.

At lunch time, the hourglass was still floating over Professor Snape's head, and people were giggling madly. As soon as I walked in, I found out why. "Ten points for those lovely bedroom eyes, Severus," Professor Lupin announced, just loud enough for everyone to hear. Professor Snape had his jaw clenched, that wonderful tick of his acting up.

"And another ten for that pretty little tick in your jaw!" I piped up, taking my seat at the Ravenclaw table.

"Yes, and twenty points for your huge cock, Professor!" Ginny shouted.

"Ten for your sun kissed chocolate nipples!" Luna sang out, having picked up the phrase from me rather readily.

"Ten for your greasy hair!" Colin called.

"And ten for doing so well with your diet and exercise routine!" I added. The students were getting rather riled up. "I give permission to all staff, students and ghosts to control Professor Snape's hourglass!" That seemed to trigger an overflow of energy.

"TEN POINTS FROM PROFESSOR SNAPE FOR BEING A GREASY GIT!!" Several Gryffindors shouted.

"TEN POINTS TO PROFESSOR SNAPE FOR TREATING THE GRYFFINDORS THE WAY THEY DESERVE!" Even more Slytherins shouted.

"Ten points from Professor Snape for giving me extra homework!"

"Ten points from Professor Snape for making me cry!"

"Ten points from Professor Snape for giving me a T!"

"Ten points from Professor Snape for being an ugly prat!" Professor Snape looked ready to start cursing people. But then...

"Ten points to Professor Snape for favoring Slytherin!"

"Twenty points to Professor Snape for treating Slytherins like people!" Even the teachers were getting into it.

"Ten points teh Professor Snape fer brewin' Fang that pepper-up potion!" Hagrid insisted.

"Twenty points from Severus for cutting holes in the chest of my best robes!" Professor McGonagall shrilled. "But ten to him for buying me a new set of robes to replace them," she added thoughtfully.

"Fifty points from Severus for shamelessly carrying on with a student!" Madam Pomfrey cried out. "But ten to him for being so sweet about it!" I blinked, surprised.

"Ten points to Severus for covering my midnight patrol shift so I could fill out my star charts!" Professor Sinistra piped up.

"Ten points to Severus for helping me trim my venomous tentacular!" Professor Sprout added.

"Ten points to Professor Snape for punishing these students properly!" Filch wheezed.

"Ten points to Severus for making the coffee in the staffroom!" Professor Vector ventured.

"Ten points to Snelling for his excellent essay on the goblin wars," Professor Binns wheezed senilely.

"Ten points for warning me when Peeves is feeling sexy," the Bloody Baron moaned. Alright, that was just creepy.

"Fifty points to Severus for brewing my Wolfsbane!" Professor Lupin proclaimed, jovially throwing an arm around his shoulders. Professor Snape was starting to look less angry, and more embarrassed.

"One hundred points to Professor Snape for being the best damn head of house in this God-forsaken school!" The head boy, a Slytherin, exclaimed loyally. There were shouts of agreement from the Slytherin table and several raised goblets.

"Two hundred points to Professor Snape for making me the happiest girl on Earth!" I swooned. "And another fifty for his love of the crimson tide!"

It was complete pandemonium. Stones were flying into the hourglass at an alarming rate, and the noise level in the room was past tolerance. Suddenly, Professor Dumbledore rose from his seat, holding up his hands for silence. Everyone immediately shut up and waited with bated breath for his punishment for our terrible behavior. "I believe my input should be given as well," he announced. "I say two hundred points to Severus Snape for all he has done for this school. And simply because I like him. And fifty points to Nadia Page for allowing me this opportunity to show my appreciation to our beloved potions master. Now, let us all think no more of this and tuck in." With that, he waved his wand, causing the practically overflowing hourglass to float away to who knows where. Well, at least Ravenclaw had some points in the hourglass.

As everyone went back to eating, Professor Snape, who still looked extremely embarrassed and was blushing adorably, slowly stood and walked out of the Great Hall. His footsteps echoed as everyone silently watched him. I decided to wait about ten minutes before following him. I went down to the dungeons and stuck my head through his office door, grinning. He didn't see me, since he was on the floor behind his desk- I could see his feet sticking out. "Yoohoo!" I called in a good impression of Dad. He popped his head up, an enveloped held securely in his mouth. As soon as he saw me, though, he spat it out and stood up, scowling. "That was awfully nice, wasn't it?"

"No."

"Everyone loves you," I taunted.

"Your detention will be tomorrow night at ten with Filch."

"Please, can't I serve detention with you?"

"No."

"Please? It can be you and me and Dad and we'll have loads of fun."

"Get out!"

"Pff. Fine. See if I care that you don't appreciate me." So I left. And, just for a change of pace, I went up to the dormitory to study. Horay!

Next morning was Hogsmeade weekend, so I ran on down to the entrance hall to meet Colin, Luna, and Ginny, since I'd woken up late. The three of them were standing over to the side, discussing the SSS in low voices. "Nadia, are you up for any more tasks for the SSS?" was the first thing Ginny said to me.

"Depends," I replied.

"This is going to be the very last one. After this... Well, you haven't got long to get a kiss from him, you know."

"I know." The crowd started filing out, and soon we were walking across the grounds. "So, what's this last task going to be?"

"Well..." She looked over at Colin and Luna, who were keeping their faces carefully neutral. "Your next love letter... We'll send Luna's owl, Snork, to deliver it."

"And?" I prompted.

"And you'll ask for a reply from him," she said quickly. I stared.

"Are you sure? What if he finds out it's me?"

"There's that chance... But it isn't very likely." It seemed like a good idea. And I had been wondering what Professor Snape thought of the raunchier letters.

"Alright, then. I'll do it." After that, we changed the subject of conversation. Once we got into Hogsmeade, Ginny and Luna went off on their own to give Colin and me some time alone.

"So. You still have the hots for Snape?" That was Colin, of course.

"Yes." He wrinkled his nose. "Hey, the man is sexy! I can't help it if he has buns of steel. Well, maybe not steel, more like... I don't know... Sweet, sweet candy. Damn."

"I'd rather not discuss the chemical makeup of Snape's 'buns,' thank you." I raised an eyebrow at him.

"You know, you're sort of different now."

"What, you don't like me anymore?"

"No, I still like you. I was just saying."

"Oh." We walked in silence for a while, looking in shop windows and snorting with contempt at very stupid people. You seem to encounter a lot of those when you're out in public. Anyway, it was nice. And then I spotted Denis.

"Hey, look, Colin! It's your brother." He was walking along with some other Gryffindor boy. "Who's he with?"

"That's Euan Ambercrombie. He's in fourth year." Colin glanced at them, then shook his head and turned the other direction. "Dunno why he hangs out with him so much." I quickly found out when I caught sight of them holding hands and slipping into a part of town that was very popular for students to go snog in. I decided not to tell Colin.

Eventually, we stopped off in a book store. I wandered over to the used book section, since they're always so cheap, and then something very weird happened. I came across a very interesting book (The Ultimate Guide to Fellatio, yum) and started looking through it. Then, when I flipped to the back, there was writing on the inside of the cover. "Property of Lucius V. Malfoy, Sex God." It was really, really creepy. So, I bought it, with every intention of showing it to Draco. Dad would probably be interested, too. In the meantime, though... I'd read it. Of course.

Colin and I were getting on very well, and soon we rejoined Ginny and Luna for drinks at the Three Broomsticks. We discussed things to put in the last love letter, then the subject turned to (what else?) the exams. Augh. After we got back I went straight to bed.

I spent every day up to today studying furiously, concentrating the most on Charms and Potions. The Charms N.E.W.T. is the first one I'll be taking, and that's in... Hmm... Three days. Frigger! That probably isn't a real word. Oh well. Anyway, I stayed up almost until midnight studying, and once I'd finished, I decided that a nice, warm bath in the prefects' bathroom was in order. So, down I went, ready for a nice soak. However, upon reaching the bathroom...

Professor Snape. In bath. Naked. Thank God for unisex!! Huzzah! And he didn't notice me walk in, either. He actually looked as if he was taking a nap. I wondered briefly if Moaning Myrtle was playing the voyeur, as well, but immediately came to the conclusion that she must be and thought no more of it. Goodness. I could see his goods through the water! Oh, yes. Yes, yes, yes. To quote my fake orgasm.

Watching him nap in the bath was making me want to join him. I knew it would be wrong, though. I knew I should just leave and not come back. But, more than anything, I wanted my Goddamned bath. "Professor?" I muttered. No response. "Professor?" I said a bit louder. Still no response. So, being my wicked self, I crept up to him and clapped loudly in his ear. With a snort, he woke up.

"Huh?" he murmured blearily. "Nafunnel?"

"Alright, that nafunnel shit's getting really old. Time to get up, Sevvie-poo, I've got a bath to take." Slowly, he turned to face me, the perfect picture of dazed shock.

"...No. I... I'm having a nightmare."

"I'm afraid not, sweets. I'm real, and I saw your goods. Again." He started turning his trademark shade of maroon. "Don't worry, I won't look anymore. I just wanted to let you know that I refuse to allow you to hog the tub. So, unless you want to share it, you'll have to get on down to bed. I doubt you'll want to share it, though. In which case, I'll be waiting outside for you." I turned and marched out of the bathroom to wait. A very loud string of curses drifted out of the bathroom after me, but I ignored it. Eventually, Professor Snape showed up, fully dressed and dripping wet. He smelled like... Flowers. I've no idea what kind.

"Detention," he whispered dangerously. "And fifty points from Ravenclaw."

"With all due respect, sir, I'm a prefect. Which means, I retain the right to use the prefects' bathroom whenever I wish. You, however, are a teacher. Which means, you aren't supposed to be using the prefects' bathroom at all. So, really, you're the one at fault here. Besides, people are going to wonder in the morning where that fifty points went, and I don't think it will be very comfortable for you to try to explain your precarious position." He glare at me.

"Very well," he conceded. "Fifty points to Ravenclaw. And two detentions. Trust me, Miss Page, I'll work you so hard that you won't even be able to see your N.E.W.T.s."

"Whateva, girlfriiieeend!" I triple snapped, then went into the bathroom. I listened to Professor Snape swear some more before slipping into the bath, since he hadn't bothered to drain it. Mmmm, essence of Snape.

* ~ June 13 ~ *

Today was my first N.E.W.T. exam- Charms. I think I did pretty alright on it, actually. I was very, very lucky that the practical didn't involve any temperature manipulation spells or anything involving fruit. I don't know why, but I always fuck up when I'm casting spells on fruit. Probably because I want to eat it more than I want to charm it. Anyway, I'm hoping for a good grade on the Charms exam, though I'm unsure. I'll have to wait until summer to find out, I suppose.

Professor Snape was very cruel to me for that first detention. It was actually served right before the exam. He took me into the Great Hall and made me set it up for the O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s, without magic. It was terrible. But not as bad as mucking out stables with Hagrid, at least. That was sort of what I was expecting.

I also finished that last love letter to him. I put in a bunch of really naughty bits, asked him to reply with the owl that delivered it (though I'm not exactly sure how reliable Snork is) and sent it off to him. He'll probably receive it tomorrow when the post comes in. Now I've got to do some revision for the History of Magic exams tomorrow. Dammit! Probably won't write until after the N.E.W.T.s are through.

* ~ June 25 ~ *

Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness. He knows. Ahem. Should probably backtrack a little, there. Alright, so I sent the last love letter with a request for a reply. Professor Snape received it the next morning. He read it (Professor Lupin reading over his shoulder, of course) turned his customary shade of red, then warily eyed Snork, who was currently bathing in his cereal. When he left the Great Hall, Snork followed him out, and Luna offered me an encouraging smile. Then there was the History of Magic N.E.W.T. exam, which was a piece of cake compared to the Charms exam, and after that another detention, this time with Filch. Ugh. Bitter does not even begin to describe him. After that, I went straight to sleep.

The next day was the Potions N.E.W.T. exam, which I had studied for most furiously of all, and which I am confident I did well on. I really hope I got an O, Dad would be so proud of me. He got full marks on all his N.E.W.T.s, and how he managed that I'll never know, but I want to live up to the family reputation. The one for excellence, that is, not the one for killing people. Then, that night... It was the moment of truth.

I was revising for my Transfiguration N.E.W.T. exam, since it seemed I couldn't sleep, and getting quite frustrated with my damned notes; I tugged at the bun I'd tied my hair into, since it was a rather warm and humid night. That was when I heard the fluttering of wings, and saw Luna's owl fly through the open window, holding an envelope firmly in its beak. I took it, flipping it over; it was blank. Nervously, I opened the envelope, slipping out some crisp parchment with elegant, spidery handwriting in black ink on it. I recognized the handwriting, but, just to be sure, I skipped immediately to the signature. It was signed, "Severus." YESSSS!!!!! That's what I was thinking, at least. He wrote back! I did a little dance, though I kept relatively quiet, so as not to wake my roommates. Then, I eagerly began to read the letter. Introductions... Blah-dee blah...

"...I was intrigued, to say the least, by your letters..." Oh, Severus, you're simply too kind! Heheh... "...Should like to meet you..." Hmph, as if that's going to happen... "...Perhaps become better acquainted..." We already are! Hah. "...Wish to ravage-" DID THAT SAY RAVAGE?!? I had been skimming up to that point, but upon seeing,"ravage" written, I began to read more carefully... And, believe me, I had to sit down for it; I could practically feel my face burning. The man had described in detail some... Well, let's just say they were very naughty things... In a good way. My GOD!! Severus Snape had written me- me of all people- a sexy, steamy letter. I mean, really erotic... The kind of stuff that's worth masturbating to! Alright, so he didn't exactly know that it was me, but... Hey, at least he was... heh... Intrigued.

I thought about writing something back, but the moment I was done reading the letter the ink started to bleed. I knew it couldn't have been a good sign. That's when I noticed a bright, thin red line leading from where I was standing to the door, disappearing beneath it. 'Oh no!' I thought. 'A tracing charm! He'll follow the line and find me!' I ran to the door, peering beneath it; there was no movement. Glancing over my shoulder, I noticed that the line was gone; it only stretched from where I stood onward. So, if I hurried, I could run along the line and make it vanish! Right, good idea. In hindsight, though... Not. Hindsight is a very evil thing.

So, I grabbed my prefect badge and walked out of the dorms and through the common room, jogging along the darkened corridors; I couldn't be punished for being out of bed, because I'm a prefect. Ah, the perks... At about the second floor, I realized that I still held the letter in my hand. Looking down at it, I found that the writing had gone. I flipped to the other page (yes, I'd received two pages of delicious smut) and what I saw nearly gave me a fucking heart attack. Pardon the language, by the way. Not that I haven't been swearing like a sailor this whole time.

On the paper, plain as day, was, "I want you." OH MY GOD. I burst into a run, hoping that Filch wouldn't stop me, following the red line down into the entrance hall, and then... The dungeons. I slowed down, panting, and followed the line more carefully, becoming more and more curious. After a few minutes, it led me to a thick wooden door, disappearing beneath the crack. I stared at the door, realizing that this was most definitely his private quarters.

Orgasm.

As I was saying... Or, writing, rather... I wasn't sure what to do, then, and had almost reached out to knock when I remembered that I was not there for a booty call, and knocking would be a very bad idea. From what I'd experienced in the short time since I'd received the letter, it seemed as if dear Professor Snape was an extremely horny man. Oh, wait, I should word that better... It seemed as if he had a lot of pent up sexual energy. There, much better. However, if he found out that a student had received his letter... Well, my guess would be that he'd go utterly insane. Or at least shove me around a little.

So, I refrained from knocking, but not before my fingers brushed against the door. Then, I stood for a bit, trying to think if there was anything I should do... That's when I heard the unmistakable sound of someone approaching... From the other side of the door. Apparently, he'd put up some charms to alert him if anyone was approaching, or had maybe made contact with the door. I turned to make a run for it, just as I heard the door opening, and thought for a moment that I would escape before my hope was crushed and I was caught. And I mean, literally caught.

A pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me back against a warm body, which, despite the darkness, I knew belonged to the very sexy potions professor. I held back a nervous gulp as I felt his breath against my neck, but I failed to stifle a gasp when I felt his mouth... He was kissing my neck. If I hadn't been so certain that I was in deep shit, I would have been euphoric. His lips were tracing my jaw line, and I realized it wouldn't be long before he saw my face. 'Perhaps he won't recognize me,' I thought hopefully as he reached up and turned my face towards his. His lips were mere millimeters from mine- I swear, I almost got a kiss out of him- when he stopped dead. There were a few moments in which time seemed to stand still, before he suddenly jerked back, staring at me as if I had three breasts.

"...Miss Page?" he managed to choke out. Yes, he choked it out. I think he was in shock, the poor dear.

"Yes, Professor?" I asked, acting as if nothing had happened. This seemed to bring him to his senses, because he sneered at me, clenching his fists; he looked about ready to bite my head off.

"Stupid girl!" he snarled. "Get out of here- I was meeting someone..." He looked expectantly down the hallway as if his visitor would come running into his arms at any moment. What a silly man. However, I was off the hook- so, he'd wait up all night for a dream woman. It wasn't my concern. I turned to go, but then he stopped me. "What is that in your hand?" he asked suspiciously, raising an eyebrow. I considered fleeing, but decided it would be a bad idea.

"Oh, nothing, it's just a letter from-" I hadn't even finished my poor excuse when he snatched it right out of my hand, intending to read it. "...You..." I finished weakly, as I watched his face turn grey, then green, then several different shades of red.

"You," he growled scathingly. "You read this?" He indicated the letter. I nodded mutely, not trusting myself to speak at that point; getting caught certainly had put a damper on the plans. "All of it?" He looked angry at my silence, so I said the first thing that came to mind.

"It was quite a turn on." I. Am. Such. A. Dope. If he'd looked murderous before, then now he looked like a psychotic serial killer.

"You- You wrote- those- those-"

"Letters." It was like a natural disaster; I wanted to look away but I just couldn't. "All of them. Every last one." He looked almost disbelieving, so I recited for him. "'If only you were near, so you could dip into my bowl and drink my nectar-"

"Enough!" He was practically glowing from the redness in his face. "Is- is this your idea of a joke?" he ground out, his jaw clenched so tightly that a muscle in his face was twitching.

"No, sir, of course not," I answered hastily, shaking my head.

"Then what would you call it?" He really looked ready to pull out his wand and cast the Cruciatus curse.

"Well, I would call it... Love letters, I suppose? Um... Secret admirer, if you will?" He was glaring daggers at me. "It wasn't a joke! I was serious, honestly!" I held up my hands in surrender, as if that would convince him. He kept glaring, but it seemed as if he was calming down.

"So..." His eyes flashed with some unreadable emotion. "You want me... to... drink your nectar, as it is?" Argh, how embarrassing.

"Yes," I answered quietly- I tried not to sound too put off. After all, two could play at this game. "And it would appear that you would like me to nibble your-"

"That's quite enough," he hissed. "Fifty points from Ravenclaw, for putting me in such a... a questionable position. And for being out of bed, I think-" I interrupted him by clearing my throat and pointed to my prefect badge. "Very well," he grumbled, looking disappointed. "But you have detention for a week." I suppressed a groan and managed to nod; I was getting pretty lucky as it was. "And, if you ever make an indecent proposal to me again-"

"You'll take me up on my offer?" I prompted hopefully; I can dream, can't I?

"No, I most certainly will not! Now, get back to bed, before I- I-"

"Before you spank me?" I suggested. The look on his face was enough to send me sprinting down the hall, though I slowed almost immediately and looked back; he seemed rather sour about the whole thing. Looking back, I realize what I did at that moment was a rather haphazard thing to do; however, so was everything else I'd done up to that point, so what did it really matter? Damn you, hindsight.

I ran back and took him by surprise, kissing him on the cheek. Disgustingly sweet, I know, but I felt it was necessary. "Please don't stay angry with me, you sexy beast," I muttered quickly before racing back to Ravenclaw tower at full speed. As soon as I got back to my dorm, I jumped into bed and went straight to sleep. I had that recurring dream about pirate Captain Snape again.

The next day was Transfiguration exams, and despite being very put off that I'd been found out, I still managed to get through it alright. Afterwards, I sat in the courtyard with Ginny, Luna, and Colin and told them what had happened. Ginny and Luna seemed sorry, while Colin seemed enraged. "He kissed your neck?"

"Oh, shut it. He thought I was someone else. Who, though, I've no idea." I shrugged. "Maybe he was counting on it being a stranger."

"Maybe," Ginny said thoughtfully.

"Anyway, I'm going to go flip through my notes real quick before the exam." So, off I went to study some more very quickly before the Transfiguration N.E.W.T. The test turned out to be unbearably long, and even more tedious. I didn't even have time to contemplate how Professor Snape's knowledge of my true identity would affect our excellent relationship, since right after that I had to study for Astronomy. All afternoon. Then, after the Astronomy exam I went straight to bed. Of course... I might have forgotten one itsy bitsy little detention... Oh well.

The next day I had the morning free (Defense Against the Dark Arts N.E.W.T. in the afternoon, though) so I decided to go talk to Professor Snape. Of course, he was holding final exams for some of his fourth year students, so I had to wait outside the classroom for them to finish up. I didn't have to wait long until the little shits- I mean, darlings- were filtering out of the room. Then... I entered.

I quickly surveyed the classroom to make sure everyone else had gone, then slowly approached Professor Snape's desk, where he sat, grading papers. "Professor?" He acted as if I didn't exist; he neither looked up nor answered. "Professor?" I tried again. He made absolutely no response to my voice. "Professor!" This time I was louder and more insistent, not to mention closer, but he continued to ignore me. Well, I decided I would have to try a different approach. "Severus?" His quill stopped dead in its tracks, and I could see him grip it considerably tighter.

"I'll thank you to address me as Professor Snape," he growled through clenched teeth. There was that muscle again, ticking unpleasantly in his jaw.

"Alright, Professor Snape." He grunted before continuing with his work. "Could I speak to you for a moment?"

"I'm busy." Dammit, you bastard, just talk to me...

"Please?"

"No." He didn't even bother to look up as he spoke to me.

"Professor, I really would feel better about this whole mess-"

"As far as I'm concerned, Miss Page, there is no mess." He paused and finally looked up at me. "As far as I am concerned, none of this ever happened. Perhaps you should consider the possibility that this was all in your imagination." Well, that sort of... Filled me with unspeakable rage. I stared at him incredulously as he turned back to his papers. "Good day, Miss Page."

"But-"

"Good day." I stood there for a moment, chewing my lip; it was obvious I wasn't going to get anywhere. Well, those who choose to run away live to fight another day... So I left, with every intention of returning.

After that, I decided to pop in on Professor Lupin for a bit of studying and practice for the practical part of the exam. He was a great help, though he did ask after Dad an awful lot. Eventually, I got fed up and told him to leave me alone about it before I went completely insane and set out on a murderous rampage. He shut up, after that.

Once I'd finished practicing with Professor Lupin, I went straight to the Defense Against the Dark Arts N.E.W.T., waiting nervously for it to begin. And, now that it's over with, I can say that I most definitely got at least one question right. The one on werewolves was in the bag. Oh, yes. Heh. Then I went to study for Herbology until my next detention, which just happened to be with Professor Snape. I thought that perhaps the silent treatment might work again.

So, precisely on time, I entered Professor Snape's office, planning to just serve out my detention and leave, acting as if nothing completely insane had happened. When he told me to empty all his shelves, dust off the jars and books, then replace them all in perfect order, I merely nodded and got to work. However, about fifteen minutes into it, I heard him stop writing and slam his quill down. "You're doing it all wrong!" he snarled, sweeping up to me and snatching the jar I had been dusting out of my hands. "You'll leave streaks that way." He grabbed the rag I had been holding as well, and started to rub the jar in a circular motion. "Like this. See?"

"Yes, I see." Someone in the room had anal retentive written all over him, and it certainly wasn't me. It was him who brought up the letters.

"Honestly," he grumbled, shoving the jar and the rag back into my hands, "the only thing you can do halfway decently is write..." He trailed off, stiffening.

"You liked my letters, Professor?" I ventured.

"Your detention is over," he snapped abruptly, returning to his desk. "You may go."

"You know, I really liked your letter, Professor," I pushed on. "It made me want to be with you." I don't know what possessed me to add that to the statement. He closed his eyes with a pained expression on his face and began rubbing his forehead, as if he had a headache.

"Please go away, Miss Page."

"I hardly think fifteen minutes of dusting is a proper detention."

"Consider yourself lucky!" I don't know why I was hitting on him. I don't even know why I had agreed to this whole thing in the first place.

"Alright." I straightened myself out and turned to go.

"Miss Page." I stopped and faced him. "I would greatly appreciate it if this subject was not discussed again." He then waved me out, and I left, feeling disappointed.

When I reached the dormitory, I decided to write one last letter. I flopped down on my bed with a fresh piece of parchment and green ink, writing by the light of my wand in my neatest, most elegant hand. I was as carefully as I could manage, and triple checked it for spelling and grammar. I wasn't quite satisfied with the finished product, but I knew that I could never be, so I settled. This is what I wrote:

Dear Severus,

I apologize for all the trouble I caused with my ill-devised declarations of love. I also apologize for acting out in class, bothering you in detentions, and especially for that one instance in the beginning of the year when I smelled you. If it's any consolation, you really do smell quite good. I'm sorry for being a silly girl, and I'm sorry for ignoring your say in this incident. Mostly, I'm sorry for treating you like just another crush, because... you're not. Sorry for that, too. I know you don't want any of my attentions, but at least the summer holidays are in sight. After term ends, I'll be out of your hair for good.

It probably doesn't mean much to you, reading this feeble apology, but it's the best I can do. I don't think I'd be able to work out more than a pathetic little, "Sorry," if it were in person. I have been thinking about my feelings more than usual lately, and been surprised to find that there's a lot more than just my guilt about my actions. I've found that, although I truly am sorry, if I were given the chance, I would do everything over again, almost exactly the same. I say almost because, if given the chance to repeat this, I would have told you who I was. I would have been less of a coward. But, I suppose that's why I'm in Ravenclaw and not Gryffindor.

I really do love you, Severus. And I really do wish that I could have gotten to know you better than I did. I just hope that you're alright with the way things stand; I hope you've reached a much more comfortable place than I have. I'll miss you, though, when I leave. It's hard to imagine going through the rest of my life without seeing your scowl every day, or hearing you take points off of every house except Slytherin. I guess I'll just have to find another greasy git to scold me and tell me how horrible I am. Perhaps I'll put an add in the Daily Prophet. Things just won't be the same without you. Besides, you always were my favorite teacher.

Here's wishing you a good life, devoid of any more students like myself.

Love always and forever,

Nadia Josephyne Page

I dried the ink with my wand, slipped the letter into a plain envelope, and sealed it. Then, I stared at it sadly for what was probably a long time. Writing it had made the realization hit me head on; June 31 would probably be the last time I'd ever see Severus Snape. It made me feel rather... numb.

I placed the letter in the pocket of my robes so I wouldn't forget about it, and then I went to bed. Sleep usually made me feel better, so it was my best bet.

The next morning, I woke up late, having ignored Luna's half-hearted attempts to get me out of bed and simply gone back to sleep. I got ready by hastily throwing on my robes, pulling a brush through my hair, and grabbing my bag. When I arrived in the Great Hall I'm sure I looked like hell, but I was hungrier than usual, so I just plopped down and began stuffing my face. However, barely a minute later, my binging was interrupted by the flutter of wings. I swallowed my food and wiped my face, then looked up to see the post arriving. I then turned my attention to my pocket, where the letter I had written was still lying in wait. I knew that if I kept it, I would lose it. I wanted Professor Snape to have it, as soon as possible.

A loud clatter brought me out of my reverie, and I looked down to see that Snork had knocked my goblet over onto my plate. Snork! I fed him some bacon, then pulled the letter from my pocket and put it in his beak. "Give this to Professor Snape, please," I muttered. Snork looked at me for a moment, then took flight. I heard him loudly land at the staff table, and looked up to see him preening himself in the middle of Professor Snape's breakfast. Snork then proceeded to flop down and roll around in the dripping egg yolks, becoming saturated in the goo before he finally took flight. Professor Snape looked rather put off by the strange owl, but then he turned his attention to the letter, and... He looked straight at me. I turned away, pretending to be absorbed in my meal.

I didn't look up for several minutes, and when I did it was just in time to see Professor Snape slipping the opened envelope into his robes. I was actually quite surprised that he hadn't immediately set fire to the letter, but I was also happy that he'd kept it. It still didn't improve my mood, though. "What did you write this time?" Luna asked, watching him.

"An apology," I answered. "And a farewell."

"That's too bad." She sounded as if her mind was miles away... Which is how she always sounds, so it was no big deal.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Ginny was taking a seat next to me at the Ravenclaw table, and Colin grabbed an empty space across from us. A few people gave us dirty looks, simply for being us, then moved a bit further away than they already were.

"Everything," I muttered moodily. "I'm in love."

"That's nice," Luna said.

"With Colin?" Ginny asked. I snorted. When Colin gave me a hurt look, though, I felt bad about the reaction.

"Sorry," I said. "But... I think you all should know by now." I jerked my head in Professor Snape's direction. There was silence.

"But... It was just a game," Colin said incredulously. I glanced longingly at the potions professor, who was concentrating unusually hard on his plate, which had a few yolk-covered owl feathers on it..

"Not anymore," I grumbled. I was feeling miserable.

"Ridiculous!" he insisted. "Snape's a greasy, slimy git!" He had said it rather loudly, and a few Hufflepuffs who had overheard raised their goblets to him, muttering "Here, here!"

"Though he did cure my kneazle's cold..." One of them murmured afterwards.

"Shut it!" I snapped. "You can say what you want about him, just don't say it around me, alright, Tiny Tim?" Colin flushed but fell silent. This outburst had attracted a few stares and caused quite a few more giggles.

"Keep it down!" Ginny scolded. "Look, Snape's glaring at us, now." I did look; he's beautiful, by the way. He looked straight back at me and our eyes met, and... The look in them, though quite indescribable, was most likely something other than utter loathing. My breath caught in my throat and my heart pounded loudly as I stared back at him. After a few moments, I averted my gaze to my plate, though I could still feel his eyes burning into me.

After I'd gained a bit more courage, I glanced up again, locking eyes with him once more. In my peripheral vision I could see Professor Lupin looking back and forth between us, though I couldn't make out the expression on his face. Then... He waved his hand in Professor Snape's face. Damn! I was terribly disappointed, though it did cheer me up a little to watch Professor Snape start swearing at him and swat his hands away.

After breakfast was the Herbology N.E.W.T. exam, and then the afternoon was Ancient Runes, so I had no time to be melodramatic. Then more studying for Arithmancy, my very last N.E.W.T. exam... Which was actually two days after the double exam, so I had a whole extra day to study. And that's exactly what I did, and I got an awful lot done, even if I may have doodled Professor Snape's face all over my notes. The Arithmancy exam was the most difficult of them all, but at least I was prepared for it. That's the most important thing.

Being free from N.E.W.T.s felt awfully strange... And it also left me with some free time that I filled by trying not to think of Professor Snape. I failed miserably, of course. And I really am being a drama queen. God, Draco moment. It must run in the family.

...Creepy.

So I basically just hung out with Ginny, Luna, and Colin for the past couple of days. Professor Snape, as I immediately realized, was avoiding me like the plague. I decided to give him his time alone. It would only remind me of the upcoming Sev-less summer, anyway. Heehee, Sev... Anyway. Right. Nothing much else happened.

* ~ June 30 ~ *

Professor Snape is still avoiding me. I think I'm going to go down there and say goodbye tomorrow, before the carriages leave. And... Give him the SSS journal. I hope he doesn't punch my lights out when I do... Anyway. Today I had a little chat with Professor Lupin, and it was a lot of fun. I went in there to talk to him, tell him I'd miss him over the summer and such. "Oh, we'll see each other," he assured me.

"I hope so. I always have fun with you, Professor." He smiled.

"You don't need to call me Professor anymore, really."

"Oh, alright." There was a short moment of silence between us. "REMUS!!" He jumped a bit. "Ooh, that's fun to say. Reem-us. Heehee. I just realized that!" He blushed a bit.

"Well. Yes... I suppose it is rather amusing."

"So... Tomorrow's going to be weird. I'll be going home for good... Wow, I can't even imagine it. Was it like this for you, too?"

"Yes. I thought for a bit that I'd never see some of my friends again... I was wrong, of course." He offered an encouraging smile.

"I know you're referring to Professor Snape," I replied. "SEVERUS!!" He jumped again. "Eh, it's alright. Not as dirty as Remus. Anyway, I suppose you're right... I mean, if he and Dad are so close, then he'll probably be around... It's just... Well, he doesn't want to see me again. Ever. He hates me, and now he hates me even more for those love letters."

"Well, if you'd told him the truth earlier..." He trailed off at my glare. "Right. No 'I told you so's, then. By the way, have you packed yet?"

"Nope."

"You should probably get started." I sighed.

"Yeah... And I'll help Luna look for her stuff. Well... Goodbye... Remus. Oh, that's still really weird. Anyway, I suppose I'll see you around."

"Yes, you most certainly will. Have a good summer, Nadia." We stood, and he shook my hand. I, being raised by loud Greeks, found this quite unacceptable. So, I pulled him into a tight hug and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks for everything!"

"You're welcome... And crushing me..."

"Sorry." I released him, bid one more farewell, and wandered off. That's basically the only remotely exciting thing that happened today. I hung out with the SSS members a while, discussed Professor Snape's behavior a bit... Nothing I haven't mentioned already.

Now, here I am, in bed, writing this. And I don't want to stop writing, because this will be my very last entry... Wow. The very last entry. Well, I have to get to sleep. When I wake up tomorrow, I'll give this journal to Professor Snape (no matter what he says about it) get on the train, and head on home. For a life completely devoid of both Severus Snape and attempts to seduce him. Sigh. How boring. Well... Ta-ta. Have a good life, journal. Goodnight.

...

Bye.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Feeling a bit sad, I slowly closed the SSS journal, staring at the cover. Within a few hours, I would be parting with it. I hadn't realized it, but I'd formed an emotional attachment to the book. It felt weird, to think I'd never write in it again. Spooky. Well, at least I'll be leaving it in capable hands. Right. Sleep.

~ * ~

I woke up. I got ready for the train ride home. I put the SSS journal in my pocket. Nothing too riveting. Then, I went down to the entrance hall with Luna to wait for the carriages to come and take us to the Hogwarts Express. We had found Ginny and Colin, and I was listening to Ginny inviting us all to the Burrow over the summer when... Well, I sort of spaced out.

I paused all bodily functions, looking longingly back at the dungeons. I was rooted to the spot for a while, until I felt someone tapping me on the shoulder. I turned to see Colin, looking irritated, and probably jealous. "What?" I sighed.

"Listen... Not to be harsh, but... It's Snape. Snape. Just get over it, alright?" I considered for a moment, then slapped him across the face. He stared at me incredulously, his mouth hanging open, as I turned and walked down to the dungeons. I just wanted to see him, one last time... Say goodbye. I know I'm a sap, but what can I say? I turned a corner, heading for his office, hoping he'd be there, and I was in luck. I saw him exiting his office, slipping something into his pocket as he closed the door behind him. I paused, wavering on indecision, wondering if maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to just walk away, but then I forced myself to go on. He spotted me right away, and merely raised an eyebrow as I approached him, keeping my eyes downcast. It took me a full minute of staring at his feet before I worked up the nerve to say anything, and only because he spoke first.

"Yes, Miss Page?" I cleared my throat, looking up at his scowling face.

"Er... Professor..." My voice was suddenly caught in my throat.

"I suggest you go, before you miss your carriage, Miss Page," he growled, his left hand slipping into his pocket and fiddling with something.

"Professor," I blurted out, "I just wanted to- to say goodbye."

"Oh?" Both his eyebrows went up, now. I felt like such a fool.

"And- and... Here." I yanked the SSS journal from my inside pocket and shoved it into his hands, heat rising in my face. "Thought you should have this," I muttered. There was a long silence as he surveyed it, that tick going off in his jaw.

"I see..." He was glaring at me, now. "And I suppose this is your idea of a joke?"

"No!" I held up my hands, but he pushed them back down to my sides, leaving the journal discarded on the floor and looking extremely agitated. "It's just... You'll see." He didn't let go of me, though, and I was starting to worry that perhaps he was wondering if he could still punish me.

"Miss Page, I suggest you leave. Now." I love you.

"Alright... But..." His frown deepened and his eyes narrowed. Taking a deep breath, I rushed forward with my request, thinking that the worst he could do was turn me down. "I wonder... If perhaps... I could have a... A kiss goodbye?" He straightened himself, his hands slipping from my sides as he reached into his pocket again, chewing on his tongue.

"...A kiss goodbye?" he repeated after a bit, his voice unreadable. I nodded. "I don't think that would be appropriate." He was still fiddling around in his pocket with the unidentified object, his lips thinning as he gripped it tightly.

"Well, if you think about it, you're not my professor anymore," I answered quietly, nervously wringing my hands.

"No, I suppose I'm not." Still scowling, he slipped his hand out of his pocket and took a step forward; my heart pounded furiously in my chest as he adopted a pensive expression. Time seemed to stop as he simply stood there, considering my request. I suddenly felt the need to do something, anything, to break this... stalemate, I suppose.

"I'll miss you, you know," I offered.

"I know." The answer was a little irritating, but I was rewarded with another step forward. I could actually feel the heat coming off his body, he was so close. My heart was beating so fast and hard that it almost hurt, as he tilted his head to the side, surveying me coolly. It seemed like he just stared at me for hours, though it was only a few seconds, before his fingers ghosted along my jaw, his hand cupping my face and tilting my head up.

My mind was just a bunch of fuzz, a blur of thoughts I payed no attention to as he leaned down and took my lips in his. It was a simple, almost chaste kiss, but soft and warm and wonderful. It was all I could do to stay on my feet as I leaned into him, sighing against his beautiful, silky lips. I could feel this incredible warmth spread over my body, and it felt as if my insides had disappeared and been replaced by an almost floating feeling of elation.

Then, far too soon, he pulled away, pushing me back and steadying me, so I wouldn't fall over, as I'm sure I would have without the firm grip he was keeping on my shoulders. My eyes fluttered open and as my vision focused, I caught him looking... Flushed. And also... slightly embarrassed, but slightly amused, as well. I finally got my footing, and he let me go, leaning down and picking up the journal, then stuffing it in his robes. I wanted to kiss him again, wrap my arms around him and hold him tightly against me, but I could barely move as it was. He backed away a bit, surveying me, then let out a small sigh. "Goodbye, Nadia." And then he swept off, before I could say anything.

"Goodbye," I called after his retreating back. Then, much more softly, I added, "...Severus." I held back a few tears as I watched him turn a corner, and suppressed the urge to go running after him like a fool. Take it all in stride, I told myself.

I couldn't just stand there any longer; I needed to sit down and think for a while. So, I turned and walked rather quickly back towards the carriages. As I turned a corner, I bumped into the other members of the SSS. Luna was looking strangely satisfied, Ginny was looking a mix between disgusted and simply uncomfortable, and Colin looked absolutely horrified, though he was strangely silent. His face was turning red, and he was mouthing wordlessly, as if trying to shout something at me. "Calm down, Colin!" Ginny scolded as she helped Luna hold him in place, before turning to me. "I had to put a silencing charm on him," she informed me. "When he saw the kiss... Well, it was a bit much for him. And, quite frankly, it was a bit much for me, as well."

"I think it was a bit much for all of us," I answered, sounding more tired than I had expected. "And sorry I slapped you, by the way," I added to Colin. He still looked very angry. "Hey, it was just a kiss. It's not like I'm going to start seeing him or anything, right? Besides, wasn't that the whole point of this big charade?"

"Yes, calm down," Luna prompted airily. "It's not as if you're still dating." At that, Colin deflated and clamped his mouth shut, though he was still pretty red.

"Finite," Ginny muttered, prodding him with her wand. She and Luna released him, and he simply stood, glaring and panting slightly. "Come on. We're going to miss the carriages." We walked back to the carriages in silence. The entire ride everyone just stared blankly out the windows, except for Luna, who was staring at each of us in turn. Then we got onto the train and closed ourselves up in our own compartment at the back of the last car. Then, we sat in silence some more as the train left the station.

"...You guys owe me money," I finally said.

"Oh, I forgot about that," Ginny exclaimed. "...Damn. It just hit me full force... You kissed Snape!"

"We've covered that already," Colin snapped.

"Touchy! Really, you're overreacting." He crossed his arms, frowning.

"It's Snape!"

"Colin, stop being such a little bitch." Surprisingly enough, that was Luna.

"I'm not a bitch!" he protested.

"Hey!" I interrupted, trying to quell the bickering, "I've got to do some patrols. Come on, Colin. Let's go find Denis and we can talk while we're looking."

"Alright." So, I led him off through the train.

"You know that kiss was just all part of the SSS, right?"

"Sure." He didn't seem to believe me. With good reason, too. I sighed as I glanced through the door windows of the compartments we passed.

"I'll bet he's in the back." Colin grunted. "I don't see what you're so angry about, anyway," I muttered irritably. "It's not like we're still dating." His frown became more pronounced, and he looked ready to say something when I cut him off.

"Holy Mary, mother of God!" I had just glanced into a compartment to see Denis snogging Euan Ambercrombie very enthusiastically. And things were getting rather steamy. "You know, I'd never realized before how attractive your brother is."

"What?" Colin peeked into the compartment, gave a shriek, and fell over. Denis and Euan didn't seem able to hear anything. "Oh my God!!"

"He takes after you," I sighed nostalgically. He just gibbered nonsense. So, I dragged him back to the compartment and left him with Ginny and Luna, then went off to finish my rounds. I wasn't done for another couple of hours, but when I'd finally finished I slunk back into our compartment, dropping down next to Colin with a sigh. Then... I fell asleep. I always fall asleep on long trips... Unless my father's driving.

When I woke up, Ginny informed me that we'd be reaching King's Cross station in about half an hour. Wow, I'd slept a long time. "I'll see you guys over the summer, right?" I yawned.

"Of course," Luna replied.

"Yes, you'll come visit at the Burrow, won't you?" Ginny asked.

"Sure I will," I replied, still a bit drowsy. "And you three can come visit me for a week, or two." Ginny smiled.

"That sounds good. We can visit you, and then go straight to the Burrow from there."

"Fantastic," I replied.

"Sounds great," Colin sighed.

"Here's your money," Luna said, dropping a money bag in my lap.

"Well..." I blinked. "That was awfully sudden."

"We all pitched in while you were asleep," she informed me.

"Oh... That's... That's so nice of you!" I blame my menstrual cycle for my constant flaring of emotions. So, I gave them all really tight hugs. We talked for another ten minutes or so before the train started slowing to a stop and, all too soon, it was time to go. "Hey, I'll see you all later... I'd really rather meet my dad alone, because... Well, he'll probably know everything by now. And you know him."

"Okay," Colin replied. "We'll write each other?" There were murmurs of assent from all of us. Then, a few more goodbyes later, and I was dragging my trunk off the train. Le sigh.

I stepped off the train and joined the queue of people trying to get out into the station. It wasn't long before I was through the barrier, and immediately started to look around for my dad. Mum never comes along to pick me up because she always gets terribly car sick on long rides. I spotted him, in some decent jeans and a David Bowie shirt. "Dad!" Okay, so I'm a little Daddy's girl. At least I can kick your ass. Anyway, I ran over and hugged him.

"Nadia! Look at you! Look at how... How..." He raised his eyebrows as he looked me over. "...How sad you are. What happened?"

"It's nothing, really."

"It's Severus." I opened my mouth to protest, then gave up before I'd even gotten the words out. "You don't have to say anything. You just take a nap in the car and we can talk whenever you're ready." He grabbed my trunk, grinning encouragingly. "Come on, let's go burn some rubber."