Welcome to Slayer's Way

Chapter Twenty:

Hunter stepped onto the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and smiled devilishly. He had decided that killing Eva right away would not be very entertaining and he wanted to ruin her life along the way. He would find her and taunt her. He wondered how she would react if she knew that her beloved had given away her location. Scanning the horizon he noticed a tall thin boy with blonde hair and a pointed face walking in his direction.

"Excuse me," Hunter said waving at Draco. "Excuse me, I was wondering if you could help me,"

"Depends on what you want help with," Draco said sarcastically.

"I'm looking for a woman named Eva Tsirra," Hunter said. "Tell me where she is,"

"She's probably in the training room setting up for class." Draco told him. "Walk in through those doors and take a quick left. Go straight down the stairs and turn right. It's the first door on the right. You can't miss it," Draco said. Hunter nodded and followed Draco's directions. He pushed the door open just enough to be sure Eva was alone. He then pushed the door open and Eva turned around.

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Sanura rolled over and blinked. She nuzzled her head in the crook of Severus' neck and he ran his hand gently through her hair.

"We have to get up," she whispered.

"I know," he said although he did not move. He brushed her long auburn hair to the side and noticed a long thin scar on the back of her neck. "What happened to you?" he asked her.

"Nothing," she said quickly pulling her hair back over the scar.

"Sanura. Talk to me please," he said gently.

"I got into a fight," she said quickly. "The guy almost killed me."

"Oh."

"Damn Death eaters." She continued. "I wonder if people that make such a messed up decision wake up in the morning and say 'wow, it's amazing how fucking insane I really am!' I mean honestly, what kind of a person decides it's okay to kill Muggles for fun?"

"Sanura, I need to tell..." he began.

"If I had my way every Death Eater I found would be run out into the street and shot. Those people don't deserve to breath."

"Sanura listen to me," Severus began. She sat up and looked at him. He was unusually pale and he looked very tense.

"What's wrong?" she asked. "You look upset,"

"Sanura there's something I must tell you," he said. Taking a deep breath he brought his left arm from under the blanket and turned it over revealing the dark mark.

"You...you're a...you're a..." Sanura couldn't finish her sentence. She scrambled out of bed and threw on the first pair of robes she came in contact with. "You are a god damned Death Eater! You are one of them! You...you...you fucking bastard!!!"

"Sanura I'm sorry!" he said. Tears were welling up in his eyes but the sadness in his face was no mirror of hers. "I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want to lose you,"

"Well you've really fucked up then haven't you? You lose on all counts." Having said that Sanura ran from the room.

"Oh god what have I done?" he asked the empty room before bursting into tears.

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Eva was standing in the training room inspecting the equipment and setting up for class. She had the feeling that something was not right but dismissed it. Looking over everything one last time she heard the door open. Assuming it was Sanura she turned around.

"Hey..." she said but the words died in her throat when she saw who was standing in the doorway. Hunter looked at her and smirked.

"What's a vampire bitch like you doing in a school like this?" he said sarcastically.

"Hunter," she breathed. Her instinct kicking in she grabbed the nearest weapon and stood ready to face him. "How did you find me?" she demanded. Revealing a katana from under his coat he lunged at her. They fought and he began to taunt her.

"Funny story that is," he said. "I stopped to see a friend of yours. Nice chap. Tall redheaded man if I remember correctly. Irish right? Oh what was his name?"

"You saw Christian? What did you do to him?" Eva lunged and missed. She realized that she was not fighting as smartly as she should be and he could kill her at any time.

"Oh yeah, Christian. That was his name,"

"Was?" Eva demanded.

"Well still is. Funny thing about him. He was all too eager to share information. Well, sweetie he led me right to you," He stopped and smiled at her. "Nice man you got there,"

Eva dropped her sword and looked at Hunter. "You are a liar," she said.

"Nope. If you don't believe me, ask him yourself," Hunter said. He heard footsteps quickly approaching and turned to leave. "We will finish this later. Have a nice day," with those words spoken he placed the katana under his jacket and was gone. Eva stood fixed to her spot until Sanura appeared in the doorway of the room. Tears were streaming down her cheeks and her robes were a mess. She had buttoned half of the buttons in the wrong place and some of them not at all. Her hair was frazzled and sticking out as if she had not yet brushed it and she was without shoes.

Today has gone straight to hell. Eva thought to herself. And it's only seven a.m.

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Severus sat on the bed tears streaming down his cheeks. He knew that he had to get up and go to class but he could not. He was in no condition to teach. He had revealed the one thing he had hidden from her and she threw him to the dogs. He was not happy with his decision. It was not something he was proud of. Why had she not let him explain? He decided that he was not going to teach class today. Putting his hands over his face once more he sobbed.

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Sanura bolted into the training room. Eva looked at her in shock and ran to her.

"What happened?" she asked. "Did Hunter find you first?"

"What?" Sanura sobbed. "Hunter? No. I found out...that...Severus...is a ..." she crumbled into a small pile of sobs on the mats and did not finish her sentence. Eva instinctively wrapped her in a hug and decided that telling her about Hunter right now would be one of the stupidest things she could possibly do.

"What did he do?" She asked after Sanura had begun to calm down.

"He's a...he's a deat...death...death... oh damn I can't even bring myself to say it!" Sanura said. She wiped her eyes and ran her fingers through her unkempt hair. "He's a damn Death Eater." She finally managed.

"Oh dear," Eva said. "Well, I know this is the last thing you want to hear but you do still have to teach today,"

"No. You can do it." Sanura said.

"No. You are a big girl. You've been through worse. I'm sure you can handle a few hours of lessons, then you can go to him and let him explain."

"Explain what!"

"There must be an explanation. Dumbledore would not let someone that was a danger to his children in this school. You know that,"

"You're right. You're always right. Damn you,"

"That's what I am here for." Eva said with a grin. Sanura looked down at her robes and wrinkled her nose.

"I look like hell on wheels," Sanura said. "I'm going to go change," she rose to her feet and noticed the sword near Eva. "Is there something you want to tell me?" she asked.

"No. You've been through enough this morning," Eva said.

"Tell me," Sanura said.

"It's nothing really. Hunter was here is all," Eva said solemnly. Sanura's jaw dropped and she said nothing.

"How did he find you?" Sanura asked finally.

"He said that Christian told him. I am going to fly to Christian's tonight and find out for myself."

"Are you sure that's wise?" Sanura asked.

"Yes. Hunter's here." Eva said with a shrug. "I need to know."

"Why don't you go ahead and go then," Sanura said. "I can handle the kiddies today. You need to see Christian. If you are going to stay have him send an owl and I'll come and stay with you okay?"

Eva gave Sanura a quick hug and ran from the room. Deciding that she didn't care who saw her flying around she hopped into the air and flew in the direction of Dublin.

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

Sanura went to her room and changed her clothes. She brushed her hair and put on some make up hoping that she looked as 'normal' as possible. Her reflection said nothing to her and she was glad. She returned to the training room. She entered just in time to see Draco attempting to sneak up on Harry.

"Mister Malfoy if you can not behave properly in my class you can leave," she said from the doorway. Harry and the others turned around and looked at Draco.

"Why are you so tense today?" Draco said snidely. "Snape not...giving it to you at home maybe?"

Everyone in the classroom froze in silence awaiting Sanura's reaction. They could all see that she was fighting the urge to walk across the room, pick him up, and throw him against the wall.

"You," she began through her gritted teeth, "Have just lost one hundred points for the Slytherin house and earned yourself one week's worth of detention,"

"You can't," Draco began.

"And I'll be sure that Professor Snape hears all about this," Draco muttered under his breath and walked back over to where Crabbe and Goyle were standing. Sanura wasted no time in starting class using Harry and Ron as her assistants. They were a few inches taller than she was and they were both ready and willing to learn anything new. Sanura was physically exhausted by the end of the day and decided that she would skip dinner. When she reached her quarters she changed into a pair of silk pajamas and drifted into a fitful sleep.

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Severus sat up and blinked. The room was dark and he was confused as to where he was for a moment. In the blink of an eye the incident from the morning came flooding back to him. He had cried himself to sleep and was just now rising. Sanura had not returned and Eva had not come to fetch him so he assumed that the trip to Christian's was canceled. Deciding that he did not want to face the world he changed into his nightclothes and took a sleeping potion.

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Eva arrived at Christian's home early the next day. She had flown for a while and then stopped to rest. She knocked forcefully on his door and tapped her foot impatiently. Christian opened the door and a look of surprise crossed his face when he realized who it was.

"Eva," he said. "Come in. I didn't expect you until later," he said. She entered the house and he shut the door behind her. Moving to give her a hug he said, "God I've missed you so,"

"Did you really tell him where I was?" she demanded. Christian blinked and looked at her in confusion.

"Tell who where you were?"

"Hunter. Did you really tell him where I was?"

"Oh, you mean Andrew. Yes. Yes I told him you were at Hogwarts."

Eva blinked back tears of anger and frustration. Christian had really turned her in. "You just came right out and told him?"

"Well yeah, he said that you..." Christian began but Eva did not let him finish.

"You betrayed me." She hissed. She bared her fangs and took a step toward him. "I should suck you dry for this," (a/n: get your minds out of the gutters you sick and twisted, not to mention perverted people!! *smile *)

"Eva he said that..." Christian began again.

"Save it." Eva snapped. "I'm through with you. I should have known you'd turn me in," without another word Eva turned and left the house. Christian ran to the doorway and tried to stop her but he was not fast or strong enough. He was confused and did not understand what he had done wrong. Tears stinging his eyes he ran to his study to send a letter to Eva. After thinking about it for a moment he decided that he would send one to Sanura instead. She would at least read it. She would explain things to him.

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

Christmas eve arrived but only the students were in the mood to celebrate. Sanura had not emerged from her room at all and Severus had only been spotted twice. Sanura had received the letter from Christian and realized that he had been tricked into revealing Eva's location. She decided that her Christmas present to Eva would be to help her fix her relationship with Christian. They had made arrangements for Christian to return to his home in Hogsmeade. Sanura promised to deliver Eva.

"Did you let him explain?" Sanura asked. She was punching her punching bag as Eva held it and they were discussing the situation at hand.

"No. What's there to explain? The bastard betray me,"

"Well," Sanura began. "You didn't tell Christian what was going on. I'd be willing to bet that Hunter tricked him." Sanura looked at Eva with wide eyes and a solemn expression. "Eva, I'm not taking up for him, I'm just saying I know Hunter better than anyone, he's a sly one. Maybe you should let Christian have his say,"

"You mean the way you let Severus explain?" Eva shot back.

"Eva that's not fair,"

"Yes it is."

"No, it is not. Severus has a mark that means that he willingly did evil things to people like me. Christian loves you," Sanura said. "I just think that you two have something that you shouldn't just give up."

"You really think I should go talk to him?" Eva asked.

"Yes." Sanura said.

"I'll go see him tomorrow. Then I can at least stay with him for a day or two if we fix all this,"

"No."

"No?" Eva said in a perplexed manner.

"No. You'll go see him now," Sanura said. She handed Eva a small box. "It's from Christian."

Eva unwrapped the box to find a key. When she took it from the box she felt as if someone had thrown a huge hook around her waist. She found herself in the living room of a small house. Christian was seated on a sofa that was in front of a fireplace. His face was tear-streaked and he looked pale and shaken.

"Christian?" she said. He stood and walked toward her stopping a few feet in front of her.

"Eva," he began trying to choke back tears. "Eva I didn't mean to tell that man where you were. He told me that you were in danger and that he was assigned to protect you. Had I known I never would have," his voice cracked and he took a deep breath. "I never would have told him. Eva I love you,"

"Really?" Eva asked.

"I should have known better. When he said you were in danger all I could think of was trying to keep you safe. I miss you so much. Just getting out of bed is hell because I don't have your smiling lovely face to wake up to,"

"Oh Christian I didn't know," Eva began. She started to cry and he wrapped his arms around her. They held each other for a moment and he kissed her. Having straightened everything out Christian pulled a small box out of his pocket. He dropped to one knee and Eva gasped.

"Eva Tsirra," he began as he opened the box to reveal a white gold diamond ring. "I've decided that I can't live another day without you. I can't wake up alone anymore; I want to be with you forever. Will you do me the honor of being my wife? Please?"

Eva began to cry but did not seem to notice. She tried to answer him but could not find her voice. Finally she managed to choke a reply. "Yes. If you are sure this is what you want,"

"I'm sure,"

"Do you realize that I'm never going to get older? That you're going to grow old in front of me and that I'm going to be powerless to stop it?"

"I said I wanted to be with you forever," Christian said.

"Forever is a very long time," she said.

"Eva, I love you. I always have. If it means that I have to become what you are then so be it."

"Is that what you want? You want me to turn you?" Christian nodded. "Once I start it there's no turning back,"

"I know." Christian said. He slid the ring onto her finger. "Will you marry me?" he asked again.

"Yes. I will. Are you absolutely sure that this is what you want? To be a creature that has to live off the blood of another,"

"I want to be whatever I have to be in order to spend eternity with you,"

"Very well," she said. She got to her knees and tilted Christian's head to the side. Taking a deep breath she sunk her fangs into his neck.

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

Christmas Eve for Christian and Eva went well but Sanura and Severus were both miserable. They sat in their quarters sobbing unable to eat or sleep without help. When Christmas day arrived Sanura placed Severus' gift in her dresser, sliding it shut, fresh tears stinging her eyes. She had bought him a silver ring that had his name engraved on it along with a dagger. She had also purchased him a lovely green quill and ink of the same shade. Sniffing she climbed back into bed and curled up into a ball under the blankets. She received an owl from Eva later that day explaining that she would stay with Christian until the day before classes were scheduled to begin again. Sanura slept most of the day and then her reflection began to lecture her.

"You've been in here for days," it began. "Get up and get dressed. Go to the Christmas feast."

"No." Sanura said stubbornly.

"Get up and go or else I'll...I don't know what I'll do but you won't be too happy,"

"Will you shut up if I go?" Sanura snapped.

"Yes."

"Fine," Sanura dressed in a maroon pants suit and wore her favorite black boots with it. Donning some light makeup she put griffin barrettes in her hair and walked sullenly to the Great Hall.

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Severus Snape was miserable. He wanted to go to Sanura and make her listen to him but realized that it was useless. He placed her gift in the drawer of his bedside table and shook his head. He had found the most beautiful silver ring. It was a snake that coiled around the finger and had emeralds for eyes. He had also purchased her a necklace with a small silver dragon on it and a pair of earrings. He was tired of being alone in his quarters so he threw on his robes and trudged toward the Great Hall for the Christmas Feast. He entered and sat in his usual seat. The feast began but he was not very hungry. He noticed the worried glances that the students as well as his fellow staff members where throwing his way and fought the urge to leave the room. Sanura entered a few minutes later and seated herself at the far end of the staff table. Everyone knew that something was wrong, what would it take to fix it?

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Chapter Twenty-One:

"Something is very wrong," Neville said to Ginny when he noticed Severus enter the Great Hall minus his usual female escort.

"Huh?" Ginny said. She followed Neville's gaze and shook her head. "Yes. Something is very wrong,"

"He wasn't in class the last day," Harry volunteered.

"And she was crying," Ron added.

"Wonder what happened," Ginny said shaking her head.

"Don't know but whatever it is I hope they can fix it," Neville said.

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Sanura sat at the table numbly poking at her dinner. She felt that she should not have come and rose to leave.

"Sanura," Dumbledore said. "May I have a word with you?" Sanura nodded and Dumbledore led her to a far corner of the room.

"I couldn't help but notice that you are not seated with Severus. What's wrong child?" he asked.

"None of your business," Sanura snapped.

"Is it because he's a Death Eater?" Dumbledore questioned. Sanura's looked at him, shocked, and he continued. "I know your history with them and I realized that you have had many encounters with them. I know you almost lost your life because of a Death Eater,"

"So you then realize why I am so upset, and why this won't work," she managed to say.

"Do you also realize that Severus is not one of them truly? He may have been at one time but for the past several years he has been placing his life in danger,"

"He's a Death Eater, of course he's in danger," Sanura snapped.

"No my dear, I mean as a spy,"

"He's a spy?"

"Yes. He's a spy. Just like Eva," Dumbledore said. Sanura stopped and looked past Dumbledore at Severus. He was seated in his usual spot and looked as if he would burst into tears at any moment.

"I should have known," Sanura whispered.

"He's been putting his own life at risk for years. I would trust Severus with my life," Dumbledore said quietly. "Perhaps you could learn to trust him too," Sanura looked past Dumbledore once more and noticed that Severus was looking at her. Dumbledore noticed the expression on her face and gave her a quick hug. "Go over to him. You two need to talk," Dumbledore said. She nodded and walked over to the staff table.

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Severus looked up when Sanura stood to leave. He noticed that she walked to a far corner of the Great Hall with Dumbledore. Sanura looked as if she would cry at any second but then her expression changed. He looked up again to see Sanura looking at him her face filled with sorrow and understanding.

They're having the 'he's a spy' talk he thought to himself. He looked up again to find Sanura walking toward the table.

"Severus," she began quietly. "Would you come with me please? I would like to speak with you," he rose from his seat and followed her outside. A light snow was falling and they walked in silence for a few minutes. Only when they reached the lake did she speak. "Dumbledore told me that you're a spy,"

"And?"

"I'm sorry I didn't give you a chance to explain," she said. She turned toward him and the wind began to whip around them. She shivered and instinctively leaned toward him. He wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her head.

"I've missed you," he whispered.

"And I you," she said.

"I shouldn't have kept this from you," he said.

"You were just trying to protect me." Sanura said. She looked up at him and he kissed her lightly on the lips. She returned the kiss making it much more forceful. The wind began to blow around them again and again Sanura shivered. Severus pulled his wand from his robes and with a wave they had a small bundle of blankets. They sat down and Severus wrapped a large black quilt around them. He held her tightly and she sighed with contentment. They sat there until a storm began and they then returned to the school.

"I want to give you your gift," she said.

"You run to your quarters and retrieve my gift and come back to my quarters," he said a sly smile forming on his face. She nodded and bolted up the stairs to her room.

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

Sanura skipped happily to her quarters unable to contain her happiness. She retrieved his gifts and her reflection smiled at her.

"See, aren't you glad I made you go?" the reflection boasted.

"Yes, now hush," Sanura joked. Laughing lightly she skipped toward Severus' quarters. When she reached them the door was open slightly. She pushed it in to find that a path had been made. Small candles lined the sides and the ceiling had been bewitched to look like the night sky. She walked down the small path that led into Severus' bedchamber. His bed had been moved to the far corner of the nearly empty room and a large blanket had been placed on the floor. There were candles everywhere and a delicious looking dessert had been prepared.

"Strawberries," she said with a smile. There was a small container of whipped cream and a similar container that contained chocolate. Of course to top it all off there was a bottle of wine in an ice bucket and two glasses. She cautiously stepped onto the blanket and placed Severus' gifts on the floor near the candles.

"What do you think?" she heard Severus say. She turned to find him emerging from the kitchen.

"It's...It's..." Sanura began but she realized she was speechless. Severus walked over to where Sanura was standing and she kissed him.

"I guess that means that I've done well," he joked. He motioned to the blanket. "Sit down, get comfortable." She did as instructed and finally found her voice.

"Severus, it's lovely. Did you have all of this planned?"

"Right down to the last candlestick," he said with a grin. He poured a glass of wine and handed it to her. Then pouring himself a glass he smiled again. "The Yule Ball is in a few hours, would you do me the honor of being my date?"

"I wouldn't miss that for the world," she said with a grin. She sipped her wine and then placed Severus' gifts in front of him. "Pick a box any box,"

"Hmm," he said surveying each one. He picked up the long narrow box and smiled. "It's a dagger isn't it?"

"How did you know?" she squealed.

"You just told me," he said with a smile. He opened the box and leaned over kissing her on the end of her nose. "Thank you," he said. Then he opened the larger box that contained the quill and ink. Finally he began to open the small box that contained the ring.

"I hope you like it," she said nervously. "I wasn't sure if it would suit you. If you don't like it that's all right."

"Why don't you let me open it and then we shall decided as to whether or not I like it," he said playfully. She smiled and he opened the box. Taking the ring from inside it he noticed that his name had been engraved in it.

"I don't even know if it will fit," she began again but he slipped it on his right ring finger without difficulty.

"It fits perfectly," he said leaning over for yet another kiss. "And I adore it."

"I'm glad," she said. Severus pulled his wand from his robes and aimed at the small boxes that sat atop his bedside table.

"Wingardium Leviosa," he said and they floated toward them. He lowered them down in front of Sanura who eyed them curiously. "Your turn," he said with a grin. She chose the smallest box and smiled brightly when she opened them to find a pair of earrings. They were silver with emeralds in them and she instantly placed them in her ears. She then opened the box that contained the snake ring. Much to her surprise the ring slithered from the box and wrapped itself around her left ring finger.

"That was bloody brilliant," she said with a smile. Finally she opened the dragon necklace. "Will you put it on for me?" she requested lifting her hair. He leaned over and clasped the necklace.

"It suits you," he smiled.

"You really think so,"

"I do," he told her with a smile. She leaned over and kissed him again.

"S..." she began but Severus had swiftly placed a strawberry into her mouth. She laughed and swallowed. "As I was saying," she began again but he did the same thing. "Trying to get me to keep quiet?" she asked playfully after the third attempt at her sentence.

"Of course not," he smiled. "What is it you wanted to say?"

"I was going to say..." she began and then she laughed. "You know what? I forgot!" They lay together on the blanket for a little more than an hour. Severus then rose from his spot and announced that he was going to dress for the Yule Ball.

"I'm going to change as well," she said rising from her spot. "I'll come back when I..."

"I shall come to your room and retrieve you," Severus said.

"As you wish," she said with a smile. He walked her to the door and kissed her quickly on the cheek before letting her leave.

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

Chapter Twenty-Two:

Severus looked nervously in the mirror. He had purchased a Muggle suit and tie and was unsure of how the tie worked. Luckily for him it was enchanted to tie itself. The suit itself was black and the tie was green. He decided that he would try something new with his hair as well so he pulled it back in a loose ponytail with a black elastic band.

"What do you think?" he asked his reflection.

"You look good," his reflection assured him. "You shouldn't keep her waiting you know,"

Severus realized his reflection was right and he sauntered from his room to retrieve Sanura.

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

Sanura looked in the mirror and smiled. She had chosen a dark green and black renaissance gown from amongst her collection of dresses. Her reflection had suggested that she leave her hair down for a change so she placed a pair of snake barrettes in her hair to hold her bangs back. Donning silver and green eye shadow and an almost black looking lipstick she surveyed her appearance once more.

"I wish grandmother could have seen me in this dress," she said to her reflection. "It was her favorite. I hope Severus likes it. Maybe I should change," she said getting nervous.

"You look fine," her reflection assured her.

"I feel so vulnerable," she said to the mirror. Walking over to her bedside table she took her butterfly knife from the confines of the drawer and hid it inside her boot. "Just to be safe," she said with a wink. She also took her wand and tucked it in the ribbons that tied along the side of the dress. She had gotten very good at using it and now carried it around as if it were a necessary weapon. She began to pace the room wondering what was taking Severus so long. She had just decided to return to Severus' quarters she heard the door to her living quarters open and Severus walked inside. Sanura stood in the doorway of her bedchamber noticing with a grin that their choice of dress matched. He turned his head and smiled at her.

"You're beautiful," he gasped.

"You're not so bad yourself," she smiled. She circled him impressed with his choice of attire.

"How'd I do?" he asked.

"I'm impressed. Where did you manage to get your hands on Muggle attire?"

"Madam Malkin is a friend of mine. I told her what I wanted and she made sure I had it in time for the ball. Shall we?" he asked holding out his arm for her. She took it and smiled at him. Nodding she let him lead her out the door and toward the Great Hall.

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

Everyone stopped dancing and watched Sanura and Severus in stunned silence. Severus was dressed in Muggle attire and Sanura looked as if she had stepped from one of the paintings. They walked to the center of the room and began to dance as if no one else was there.

"This is strange," Sanura whispered.

"Why is that?" Severus asked.

"Because this is the first time I've ever danced," Sanura said. "It just feels strange,"

"There's a first time for everything my love," he whispered.

She snapped her head up and pulled away slightly. He felt her tense up but didn't understand quite why. "What did you call me?" she asked.

"I called you my love," he said quietly. "Should I not have said that?"

"No, it's okay I guess," she said. "It's just..."

"I know. Everyone you've ever loved has died well I'm not just anyone. I'm not going anywhere," Severus said pulling her close to him again.

"I know you're not just anyone," she looked up at him and smiled. "It just feels strange to hear someone say it,"

"Get used to it," Severus said. He spun her around and she laughed gleefully. Stopping her in mid spin he dipped her and she laughed again. The room burst into applause and Sanura turned bright red.

"I think we're being watched," she whispered when he stood her back up.

"I hope they enjoy the show," he said with a grin.

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

They danced for a bit longer and Sanura relaxed. They drank wine and talked with everyone including the students. Ron and Harry were there together but it seemed that Sanura was the only person to figure this out. Ginny was there with Neville and they both looked as if nothing could invade their perfect world. Slowly the ball came to an end. Ginny and Neville were dancing together in a corner near the entrance while Ron and Harry were seated near the fireplace talking in excited whispers, and Sanura and Severus were together near the end of the room.

"Nothing could ruin this," Sanura said with a smile. Severus was about to agree with her when a tall man with blonde hair and dark glasses walked into the room with his sword drawn.

"Sanura Crow," he said in a loud voice.

"Hunter," she said angrily. Severus stood beside her, his arm protectively around her waist. "How did you get in here?"

"I walked," he said. Hunter raised his sword. "Face me you traitorous bitch,"

Sanura turned scarlet red and glared at Hunter. He swung his sword and she pushed Severus back against the table. Jumping over the table to the other side she had just enough time to pull the knife from her boot. He lunged at her and she managed to get one good shot in with the knife. The sword clattered on the table and Sanura grabbed it. Closing the knife back up she turned to see Hunter stalking toward Severus, dagger in hand.

"No!" She screamed. Pulling the wand from it's hiding place she aimed it at Hunter and shouted "Expelliarmus!" The knife flew from his hand and landed blade first onto the floor. "You stay away from him, you're quarrel is with me,"

Hunter turned and glared at her. "Not only are you a vampire-harboring traitor you're also a fucking witch," he snarled. "I want to kill you so badly I can taste it,"

"Come on and do it," she challenged. Holding the sword in her hand she waited for him to advance. After a moment she said, "Oh, I see, mine's bigger than yours so it's not fair." She threw the sword to the floor. "There I threw it away," Again Hunter did not move. "Oh I see, it's still not fair." She got to her knees and pulled her hair back behind one shoulder revealing her neck. "Come on Hunter, strike me,"

"Sanura," Severus began but stopped when Hunter turned back to him. Severus was now fully aware of the danger this man posed and wanted to make him leave. Unfortunately he was not as good a fighter as Sanura and he knew that he was no match for Hunter. He watched Sanura pull a small compact from her dress. An eerie and evil smile formed on Sanura's face. She aimed the small compact toward Hunter and blew onto the shimmering powder that it contained. As soon as the powder hit the ground it became a long black snake. Sanura had never seen Hunter run so fast. The snake had no sooner hit the ground and he was gone. Severus stood with his mouth open and watch as Sanura shut the small compact. As soon as she put the mirror away the snake disappeared. Looking to Severus she ran to him and hugged him tightly. "Are you alright?" she whispered in his ear.

"Yes, I'm fine,"

"I didn't hurt you when I pushed you back did I?" she questioned. Severus shook his head and the remaining children ran over to the staff table.

"Is everyone alright?" Sanura questioned. Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Neville all nodded.

"We're fine," Neville said after a moment. "Are you okay?"

"Yes Neville, I'm fine," she said shaking her head and forcing a smile.

"Professor Snape?" Ginny squeaked.

"Fine," Severus said. He placed his arm around Sanura's waist and realized that she was trembling. "I think that we should escort them back to the Gryffindor Tower," he said after a moment of silence.

"That is a good idea," Sanura agreed. They ushered the children to the Gryffindor tower and they then walked to Sanura's quarters. They entered cautiously and both Sanura and Severus looked in each room and on the balcony before making some tea and sitting on the sofa in front of the fireplace. Sanura curled up against Severus and he wrapped his arms around her waist. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Sanura," Severus said cautiously, "we need to talk,"

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

Hunter dropped to his knees along the outskirts of the forbidden forest. He gasped for air and looked over his shoulder to be sure that the snake was not following him.

"That little..." he gasped to himself, "bitch..." He was trying desperately to figure out how she knew that snakes were the one thing he was most afraid of. After a few moments he managed to catch his breath and rise to his feet. He then looked at his hand. She had managed to cut it badly enough to warrant stitches. He was tired and hungry not to mention hurt so Hunter decided that he would return to Hogsmeade and rest. Then he could think of another way to get to Sanura and Eva.

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

Sanura had no sooner gotten comfortable than Severus had said they needed to talk.

"About what?" she questioned.

"About what happened tonight," he said.

"What? Do you have questions for me?" she asked. She sat up and looked at him. "Was it something I did?"

"I was just wondering," Severus began, "Why you reacted the way you did, that's all,"

"You mean why'd I push you away from Hunter and why did I react so...desperately when he started toward you,"

"Yes."

"Severus, don't take this the wrong way, but you can't beat him in hand-to-hand and you really didn't have enough time to get to your wand. I didn't want you to get hurt,"

"Oh," he said quietly. The look in his eyes showed fear and sadness.

"What are you afraid of?" she whispered.

"I'm not quite sure," he said quietly. He rose from his seat and began to pace the room. "To be quite honest I've never felt this way before. Sanura I..."

"You what?"

"I feel so...unneeded around you," he began. "You didn't need me there tonight, you got rid of him alone. You don't need anyone. I'm afraid that you'll realize that and you'll disappear," he confessed.

"Severus," she said slowly rising from her seat. She went over to him and turned his head so that he was looking directly into her eyes. "I've never been taken care of before. I know that I'm an intimidating person. Just because I don't need you doesn't mean I don't want you."

"So you're saying that despite the fact that you are perfectly capable of handling yourself and anyone who tries to hurt you, you still want me around?"

"Most definitely." She said with conviction. Pulling him toward her she kissed him. "Severus, I...I...I love you. I love you for who and what you are, I don't care what you can't do...I'm not going anywhere, ever."

"You love me?" he said. He looked startled and he let go of her. "No one has ever said that to me before,"

"I'm sorry,"

"Don't be,"

"But you look upset," she said.

"I'm not. I'm just...overwhelmed."

"Oh."

"It's not a bad thing," he assured her. He wrapped his arms around her once more and sighed. "I'm very happy,"

"I'm glad,"

Without a word he lifted Sanura from her feet and carried her to her bedchamber.

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

Sanura woke with a start when a small tan owl flew into her bedchamber and dropped a small card onto her bed. It perched itself on the top of Sanura's chair and looked at her as if she was to read the note and send a reply back. There was no return address of any sort and only her first name was on the front.

"This is strange," Sanura said aloud. She looked over at Severus' sleeping figure that lay almost motionless beside her wondering if she should wake him before opening it. Deciding against it she opened the letter and looked at the bottom for a signature. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Christian's name.

Eva and I will be arriving at Hogwarts later today. Could you please meet us in the Entrance Hall? We have some news for you and we would like it if you would join us for dinner tonight, you can bring your friend Severus if the two of you have managed to solve your problems. Please reply. Your Friend, Christian

"Wonder why Eva didn't write it herself," Sanura muttered aloud. "And why are they coming back early?" She gently rose from the bed and finding a quill and some ink replied,

Dinner sounds fine although I will have to be sure Severus is up to it. I'll be waiting in the Entrance hall around noon...why didn't Eva write me herself? Is everything all right? Why are you two coming back early? I expect an answer before you arrive if that's possible. If anything has happened to her you'd better tell me Christian. See you two soon. Sanura.

Attaching the letter to the leg of the small owl Sanura watched it fly off in the direction of Hogsmeade. Satisfied she returned to her bed and curled up beside Severus. The grandfather clock in the living room chimed seven times and she rolled her eyes.

"Eva really needs to learn to be more like a vampire and sleep in," she joked to herself. Just as she was about to doze off the small owl returned.

I'm fine Sanura, you worry way too much. We are coming back early so we can make sure everything is in order...I'll explain later. I'll see you around lunchtime, oh and could you bring my serum for me? Thanks a bunch, Hugs, Eva.

Sanura smiled to herself. The small owl sat on the chair again and Sanura decided a quick reply was in order.

I was just checking, sue me for caring. * Smile * I'll have your serum for you. See you later. Sanura.

Again she let the small owl out and watched it fly in the direction of Hogsmeade and again she climbed back into bed. She set the small alarm clock on the bedside table for eleven and lay back down.

"Can't you make up your mind?" Severus mumbled.

"Huh?" Sanura said startled. She thought he was still asleep but he was now wide-awake.

"You keep getting in and out of bed," he said.

"Oh that. Eva sent me a letter that needed a reply, then I sent a reply that needed a reply, then she replied to my reply with something that needed a reply,"

"I understand," he said. She snuggled against him and he wrapped his arms around her.

"Do you feel up to dinner with Eva and Christian tonight?" she asked.

"Sure, why not?" Severus said with a small smile.

"Do you have Eva's serum?" Sanura questioned.

"In my dungeon," he replied.

"We need to get some by noon,"

"Why by noon?"

"Because noon is when you and I are going to meet she and Christian in the Entrance Hall," Sanura informed him.

"Oh. Well I'm glad you told me," Severus joked.

"If you don't want to come you don't have to," Sanura said.

"I know,"

"So you'll come?"

"Absolutely," Severus said. Sanura lifted her head and kissed him on the cheek. Pushing a strand of hair out of his eyes she smiled at him. They both sighed with contentment and lay there together until the grandfather clock chimed eleven. Realizing that they could not lie in bed together all day they both reluctantly arose and dressed for the day.

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

Christian and Eva landed noiselessly on Hogwarts grounds. They looked around and saw no one so they began to walk toward the school. As soon as they entered Sanura and Severus, who came bearing gifts, greeted them.

"You weren't here for Christmas," Sanura explained, "And I wanted to give you this," she handed Eva a box which contained a small compact mirror.

"A compact mirror?" Eva said in a confused manner.

"Not just any mirror, look into it and tell me what you see," Sanura said. Eva gave her a questioning look but finally she glanced into the mirror. She saw giant flames all around her and a sword flying from behind.

"Ahhhhh!!" she screamed jumping backwards and throwing the mirror. Christian caught it and looked at her in confusion.

"What did you see?" he asked alarmed.

"Fi...fire," Eva stuttered. "Fire and a sword struck me from behind,"

"Have you figured out what it does?" Sanura asked.

"It scares the shit out of you that's what!" Eva exclaimed.

"Not exactly. Point it at me and look at my reflection," Sanura instructed. Eva did so but rather than see fire and swords she saw Sanura curled up in a corner of what looked to be a box. The box looked to be under the ground.

"I see you sitting in a box that's being buried," Eva said. "I don't get it."

"This mirror will show you the greatest fear of the person who's being reflected." Sanura revealed. "I have one for Christian too," Sanura walked over to Christian and realized that something was not the same about him.

"Thank you," he said as he hesitantly took the mirror from Sanura.

"You look awful pale," Sanura said quietly. "And your eyes look...deeper." She touched his arm. "And you're cold,"

"So I am," Christian said.

"Is there something you have...neglected to mention to me dear Eva?" Sanura asked turning to her friend.

"Yes there is," Eva said. "But I don't think that this is the place to discuss it,"

"Very well," Sanura began.

"Why don't we all go to my quarters," Severus interrupted. "I will make us some tea and Eva can take her serum,"

"That's a good idea," Eva said. Severus turned to lead the way noticing that Sanura was walking behind a very nervous Christian. When they reached his quarters Christian sat near the fireplace with Eva and Sanura went into the kitchen with Severus to make the tea.

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

Chapter Twenty-Three:

Eva and Christian sat in front of the fireplace and watched as Sanura and Severus went into the kitchen. As soon as Christian was sure the door was shut he turned to Eva.

"She knows," he said shaking his head.

"I know," Eva said.

"She won't...stake me will she?" he asked.

"No." Eva said shortly.

"Are you sure?" Christian said.

"Yes I'm sure," Eva reassured him.

"She'll understand once we explain everything, right?" Christian asked.

"Yep." Eva smiled. "You worry too much."

"I know," Christian said. Eva leaned over and gave him a quick kiss. He smiled at her and wondered how tea would taste now that he was a vampire. He didn't care for the taste of coffee anymore it was much too strong. Eva and Christian sat in silence for a few moments and the kitchen door swung open.

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

Sanura shut the kitchen door and looked at Severus. He had walked over to the cupboard and pulled down four coffee mugs. Filling each one with water he waved his wand and they were instantly the right temperature for tea.

"She turned him," Sanura said matter-of-factly.

"What?" Severus said.

"He's a vampire," Sanura said. "He's got all the symptoms, deep eyes, cold skin, not to mention he's pale."

"Is that bad?" Severus asked. "He's still the same person, just non-living,"

"Yes that's true but why is the question. Eva doesn't drink human blood unless she absolutely has to. Why did she turn Christian?"

"I'm sure that there's a reasonable explanation."

"I suppose so," Sanura said. Severus walked over to her and wrapped her in a hug.

"There is an explanation," Severus whispered to her. "Listen with an open mind, don't go flying off the handle,"

"Are you suggesting that I like to overreact?" Sanura said with a grin.

"Well...yes,"

"Well I'll have you know that you are absolutely right," Sanura laughed.

"You are strange," Severus said with a grin. He found a small tray and placed the four cups onto it. Sanura opened the door for him and he carried the tea into the living room. Christian and Eva were seated near the fireplace and Christian looked worried. Severus handed them each a cup of tea and then went back into the kitchen. When he returned he handed Eva her serum and then joined Sanura on the sofa.

"So, Christian," Sanura began after a moment of silence, "how does it feel to be a vampire?"

Christian was speechless as was Severus. Neither one of them had expected her to come right out and ask but it seemed that Eva knew that was exactly what she would do.

"It's not what you think," Eva said defensively.

"I don't know what to think right now so why don't you enlighten me?" Sanura said quietly.

"Christian and I are engaged," Eva began, "and he asked me to embrace him so that we could be together forever,"

"I see." Was all Sanura could manage to say. "I'm happy for you both," She said after a moment.

"Do you think Dumbledore will let Christian stay here with me?" Eva ventured.

"Don't know you'll have to ask him," Sanura said quietly.

"Are you okay?" Severus whispered to her. She just nodded.

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

The rest of the night passed by in a blur for Sanura. She didn't eat much at dinner but no one seemed to notice. Christian rambled on about how things were different now that he was a vampire and Eva expressed her happiness. They talked about the wedding, which would not happen until after the Hunter situation was taken care of. Sanura told Eva about the Yule ball and that Hunter was afraid of snakes.

"Speaking of snakes," Eva said with a smile, "Is there something you'd like to tell us?"

Sanura looked at her rather confused. Only when Eva pointed to her left ring finger did Sanura realize what she was getting at.

"Oh," Sanura said shortly. "No. It's not what you think. I didn't put it on that finger on purpose. Actually, the snake chose the finger,"

"And it just happened to be your left ring finger?" Eva said suspiciously.

"If you don't believe me ask Severus,"

"Yes, the snake chooses the finger," Severus said.

"I see," Eva said with a shrug. They finished dinner in silence and Sanura declared that she was exhausted. She and Severus walked Eva and Christian back to Eva's quarters.

"My room or yours?" Sanura asked Severus as they walked down the hallway.

"Well, your room is one flight up and mine is two flights down," Severus said methodically, "so it depends on what you feel like walking,"

"Mine," she said nodding her head. Severus smiled at her and they walked toward the stairs. Severus noticed that Sanura was putting a lot of her weight on him and she was walking very slowly.

"Are you feeling okay?" He asked her when they reached the stairs.

"Not really," she said shaking her head. "I feel cold and dizzy," she confessed.

"Let me carry you to your room," Severus said. Sanura began to protest but a wave of dizziness swept over her and her knees buckled. Severus caught her with unnatural ease. He carried her up the stairs and into her room. Placing her gently onto the bed he kissed her forehead.

"You're burning up!" he exclaimed.

"I haven't felt very well for the past week," Sanura said. "I thought it was just because I was upset but I could be getting sick,"

"That's it, you're staying in bed until I am satisfied that you are well," Severus said gently. "Do you need anything?"

"Unless you've got a potion that cures what may be a simple cold, I don't think you can do anything," she said.

"Well it just so happens that I am the Potions Master of a prestigious school for young witches and wizards," Severus said jokingly, "and I may have such a potion in my dungeon," he moved to kiss her but she turned her head away.

"Sick remember."

"Ah yes," he said with a grin. "I'm going to go fetch that potion right away," he declared. "And if you are out of bed when I come back I'll..."

"You'll what? Sick or not I can still whip you," Sanura teased.

"Yeah, you're probably right, but I'm getting better,"

"That you are," she said with a grin. "That you are."

Severus walked into the living room and shut the door. She heard him yell 'my quarters' and wondered what he was doing. A few moments later she noticed a faint green glow under the door and guessed that he was traveling to his quarters the same way that Dumbledore had traveled to her home. He opened the door and smiled as he produced a small black bottle.

"Drink," he said.

She took the bottle and smelled its contents. Wrinkling her nose she said, "Ick. That stuff smells moldy,"

"Drink the potion," he said. She did as instructed and made a face as she handed him the bottle.

"Ewwww," she said. "It felt like I was drinking spiders' legs,"

"Caterpillars actually," Severus said with a shrug.

"Oh gross!" Sanura said sticking her tongue out.

"I was joking," Severus said a smile forming on his face. "Do I have to go to my room since you're sick?" he pouted.

"No." she said.

"Good." He climbed into bed beside her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Whispering good night in her ear Severus fell into a sound sleep.

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

Chapter Twenty-Four:

Hunter sat at a table in the far corner of the Three Broomsticks. He had managed to find a doctor that sewed his hand without asking any questions. It hurt badly and he drank almost an entire bottle of whiskey trying to dull the pain. He looked up to see a man that reminded him of the blonde haired boy that he had encountered at Hogwarts. He decided to listen to what the man had to say.

"That Muggle woman at Hogwarts needs a good talking to," he was telling the bartender. "She's managed to bruise my son's hand among other things. As you all know my son is a Seeker and he needs his hands. Draco must write once a week telling me of some new injury that he has. I don't see why hand to hand combat is a requirement I mean honestly,"

"Excuse me," Hunter said to the man. "I couldn't help but overhear your...complaint about the lady at Hogwarts. Maybe we could help each other?"

"Who are you?"

"The name is Andrew Hunter. I know the woman that you're talking about," Hunter said. "And I think that with my knowledge and your power we could take her down,"

"I think I like your style Mr. Hunter,"

"I have a table over there," he said pointing, "Where we can talk more privately. Would you care for a drink?"

"No thank you sir but anything you'd like is on me,"

"Thank you," Hunter said as he led the way to his secluded table.

"My name is Lucius Malfoy," Lucius said. "What do you know that could be of use to me?"

"Well first of all the lady you're speak of is named Sanura Crow," Hunter said. "And her assistant is Eva Tsirra, she's a vampire,"

"A vampire! Teaching my son? That's an outrage!"

"Tell me about it, Sanura's a slayer...but as you can see she's slacking a bit,"

"Obviously," Lucius said bitterly. "I'm going into the school to see her personally and if that doesn't help I'm going to Dumbledore,"

"Who's that?"

"Albus Dumbledore is the headmaster of the school, he is in charge,"

"Oh." Hunter said. "Sanura's also got some powers," Hunter said. "And she can fight extremely well, I think she's a danger to those kids,"

"Indeed,"

"So here's what I propose. You wave your wand or give me a potion that will make me fight better than she does, and I will get rid of your problem,"

"And what do you get out of all this Mr. Hunter?" Lucius asked.

"The satisfaction of knowing that children like your son will be safe," Hunter said.

"Give me time to consider your proposition," Lucius said rising to his feet. "How can I reach you if I agree?"

"I'm staying here," he said. "Just come on in,"

"Thank you Mr. Hunter," Lucius said. Hunter nodded and watched Lucius leave.

"I think I've just solved my problem. Sanura's as good as dead," he said snickering to himself and finishing off his bottle of whiskey.

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