Welcome to Slayer's Way

Chapter Twenty-Five

Severus awoke with a start when a hand slapped him across the face. Bolting upright he looked at Sanura with alarm. She was thrashing wildly as if caught in a violent nightmare. Just as he was about to wake her she sat upright.

"No!" she screamed. Her breathing was labored and she looked around the room in confusion. She then looked at Severus who was rubbing his nose. "Did I hurt you?" she asked quietly.

"You accidentally hit me," he said with a shrug. "But it startled me more than it hurt,"

"I'm sorry,"

"What were you dreaming about?" he questioned.

"The night dad died," she said sadly. She had never told anyone, not even Eva how her father had died. What the slayers had done to him.

"Would you like to tell me about it?" he asked. Sitting up he propped himself against the headboard and pulled Sanura close to him. He slowly and lovingly ran his fingers through her hair patiently awaiting her tale.

"My dad," she began, "was the coolest guy. I mean, when I was a kid he seemed to be invincible. He could jump hurdles better than a horse, he could run faster than the dog, he was meaner than an alligator but as gentle as a cat."

"Sounds like a good father," Severus commented.

"Well, my dad was a slayer too. He used to tell me stories about how he would take the evil vampires out and I loved listening to him talk. I loved his stories. Well, he never really cared about what happened to him...I was his main concern. I was born in Egypt, that's why I have an Egyptian name. Dad hoped that the slayer blood would pass me by but it didn't. The stars were right when I was born and I had the mark,"

"What mark?" Severus asked.

"There's a crescent moon on my ankle," Sanura revealed. "So when dad realized what I was he decided that he had had enough. He didn't want to fight vampires anymore and he didn't want to kill. He wanted to raise his little girl to understand, to be gentle, kind, to be normal. To live and to love and to respect life. So we ran. He packed us up and we were to move away. The night we were set to leave, our home was burnt down.

"I'm sorry," Severus whispered. He waited a moment for her to continue.

"Well, the slayers feel that you can not run from your destiny. The stars said I was a slayer and come hell or high waters I would be a slayer so they tracked us. I remember that we used to move three sometimes four times a year. Finally dad got tired of moving so we settled in a small town called Misenheimer. It's in the States. He posed as a history professor at a small college nearby. Mom stayed with me although I don't know why. She was not a slayer and she could barely lift a sword. Things were good for a year or two. My twelfth birthday rolled around and dad was overly anxious. He said that if they were going to come for me it would be then. Sure enough they did. It was ten minutes after midnight and the door to our home burst open. Three men and a woman entered the house each one dressed in black. They attacked my dad. He fought them off as long as he could but three against one isn't fair and dad lost. They tied him to a chair and they..." Sanura stopped and took a deep breath.

"You don't have to tell me," he said soothingly.

"No, I want to...it's just...I've never told anyone this before. Ever. Eva hasn't even heard this story."

"Oh, I see." Severus said.

"You must understand if there is one way a slayer does not want to die it's to be bitten. To be made a vampire is the most horrid thing that can happen to a slayer. So...so that's what they did to him. They had grabbed a few vamps along the way and they let them feed off of my father while I watched. I cried so hard and I told them I would go with them if they would let him go but they wouldn't listen. The woman kept whispering to me, telling me that they would teach me to fight so that I could find the monsters that had killed my dad, so that I could help get rid of them. I was so angry. After my father had been turned they untied him and left him attack my mother. Mom was no match for him so she didn't fight. He drank her dry. He cried afterwards and then broke her neck so she would die. Now, my dad would rather die than to hurt me but when you are bled to death and then made a vampire the thirst is the controlling factor so he came after me. One of the slayers threw me a dagger and the instincts took over. I cried for weeks. They took me back to Egypt and trained me."

"You poor girl," Severus said hugging her tightly. "You had to kill your own father,"

"I can still remember," Sanura said tears springing from her eyes, "when I sank the dagger into his heart he said to me, 'listen to me, little kitten, I love you, I know you didn't want to do this,' and then he was dead. I shook him so hard, telling him to wake up. I attacked the woman slayer, killed her too. I slit her throat. The men were impressed. My dad had taught me how to fight without killing...they just taught me how to take life without remorse."

"Why did your father call you little kitten?" Severus asked.

"Sanura means kitten," she informed him.

"Wow," he said. "Are you okay?"

"Yes. I've had the dream before, it's just usually I sleep alone,"

"I see,"

"That would be the reason that for years I shut myself off from everyone. I didn't have any friends. I never let myself get close to anyone. I couldn't bear the pain of losing them. My entire family was slaughtered because of what I am...I had a boyfriend once, a few years ago. I really liked him. Then I find out he's been using me to find out how to become a vampire. I showed him how...and then I staked him. I vowed I'd never love anyone ever again and until now I thought I'd keep that promise."

"I see,"

"But you know what?" she said turning to look at him. "I'm glad I broke it."

"Sanura, you are a wonderful girl. Not everything is your fault,"

"Everyone keeps telling me that,"

"Well they are being honest. Not everything is your fault. What happened to your family is not your fault. You did not choose to be what you are...you did not choose to kill your father...you did what had to be done...I love you so much...I'm glad you are who and what you are."

"I am so afraid I'm going to disappoint you. That you're going to wake up one morning and realize that I'm not what you want,"

"That will never happen. You are everything I've ever wanted. You can't disappoint me."

"Truly?" Sanura asked in a small voice.

"Truly," Severus said. He held her tightly and played with her hair until she went back to sleep. He laid her head gently onto the pillow and slipped out of bed. He walked over to the balcony and looked out at the night sky. The moon was almost full and the sky was cloudless. He wondered if Sanura would like to go ice-skating on the lake. Deciding he would ask in the morning he climbed back into bed.

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Chapter Twenty-Six:

Eva sat up and looked over at Christian. His face was a ghostly white and his breathing shallow. She loved him so much, and she wanted to be with him forever but she felt so guilty for changing him into a vampire.

"Oh god Christian what have I done to you?" she said aloud. She got out of bed and went into her living room. She sat on the floor in front of the fireplace and stared into the fire. Tears of blood began to fall down her face and she did not move to wipe them away. "Why did I agree to make him what I am?" she asked herself. "I never wanted to be a vampire. I never wanted any of this. If I could have anything, I would want to be human again so why did I take that from Christian?" Eva wiped the tears from her face when she heard a noise from her bedchamber. The last thing she needed was to let Christian see that she regretted what she had done. That she felt she had done it in desperation. She didn't want him to know that she didn't want him to be a vampire. He's not the same person anymore. She thought to herself. He's too quiet. Too nervous. He's so afraid of everything. I should have known he wouldn't be able to do this. Eva sniffed and wiped her face once more. She couldn't take back what she had done and she loved him too much to kill him. She was confused and she felt so lost. She had to talk to someone. Rising to her feet she sought out the only person she could turn to.

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Eva walked silently down the hall toward Sanura's quarters. She hoped that she was there otherwise she would have to go to Severus' quarters. Then not only would she feel badly for getting her out of bed at three am but also she would feel as if she were intruding even if all they were doing was sleeping. She reached the stone dragon and pulled down on its left arm. It swung to the side and she walked down the hallway. When she reached the door to knock she paused. What if Severus was in there with her? Would he be the one to answer the door? Would he snap at her because it was so late? Would Sanura be upset? She knocked softly and bit her lip awaiting an answer. Within seconds a sleepy eyed Severus Snape opened the door.

Oh shit. Eva thought. "I...is Sanura awake?" she managed to stutter.

"No. She's asleep. Come in. I'll get her." Severus said moving to the side to let Eva in. Severus trudged back into Sanura's bedchamber. She heard him whisper something to Sanura who mumbled a reply. He returned to the living room a few seconds later. "She'll be right out."

"Thanks,"

"Pardon me for asking, I don't mean to pry," Severus began looking at Eva. He seemed to be more awake now. "But are you all right? You look a bit upset and you've got some blood on your cheek,"

Eva was too tired to lie. She just shook her head and sank to her knees. Tears began to fall down her face and Severus did not know how to react. Luckily Sanura entered the room. Severus looked to her helplessly and then to Eva. Alarmed at the sight that met her eyes Sanura ran over to Eva and wrapped her arms around her in a hug.

"What happened? What is it? What's wrong?" Sanura demanded. "Are you hurt? Is Christian hurt?" Hearing Christian's name brought a renewing force to what seemed to be a never-ending river of tears. Eva began to sob again and Sanura hugged her. "Okay the name made her cry harder so it's got to do with..." Sanura stopped. She rose to her feet pulling Eva up and led her to the sofa. Severus had left the room and returned with a damp washcloth. He handed it to Sanura who then gave it to Eva.

"Thanks," Eva sniffed as she wiped her face.

"Hon, talk to me, what's going on?" Sanura asked.

"I...I feel so...so...badly!" Eva said. "I...I never wanted to be a vampire. I know...most people don't want to...the true bloods don't ever have a choice, but I never wanted this. If I could have anything it would be to become human again. I would give up eternity for one day as a mortal. All that I wanted, and Christian had...and I took it away." she looked at Sanura with an expression of helplessness. "I was so...selfish that I did to him the one thing that I promised I'd never do to anyone. I took his life and then I gave him a new one. He's not the same anymore. He's nervous and jumpy. He won't talk to me. He's so distant. Almost like he wishes he wouldn't have asked me to do this...almost like he hates me for it. I shouldn't have done it...I should have said no."

"Eva," Sanura said taking a deep breath. "Did you suggest that he be turned or did he?"

"He did."

"So he willingly let you drink from him and then he drank from you?"

"That's how it works," Eva snapped. "What's the point?"

"The point is he knew what he was doing. He knew he'd be changed. He knew that he'd be dead and living at the same time. He knew the deal and he went with it anyway. He asked for this. He had a choice and this was what he wanted. You can't blame yourself for giving him what he wanted." Sanura said gently. "Have you tried talking to him about this?"

"No."

"Don't you think you should?"

"Maybe."

"Maybe?"

"Okay, yes I should." Eva said.

"Eva he's scared. Do you remember what it was like for you when you were turned?"

"I try not to think about it." Eva said.

"How were you turned?" Severus asked quietly.

"What does it matter?" she asked.

"I don't know if it does it's just if you had a violent encounter you may not have been as afraid as he is because you didn't have someone to care for you. He may be letting his fear overwhelm him because he can. Because you are here to protect him as are Sanura and myself." Severus said.

"I was turned very violently." Eva whispered. "I dug myself out of my grave. I...I was attacked by a slayer that very first night. I wanted to die but at the same time I wanted to live. I fought and Sanura here saved me. She and I were friends...not best friends but we were friends."

"This is a long story...one that can be told later." Sanura said. She hugged Eva and looked at her with concern. "If you wish you can sleep on my couch tonight...or for the rest of the night...or whatever. I think you should talk to Christian in the morning. But you do this the way you feel is right."

"Thanks." Eva said. She hugged Sanura back and stood up. Both Severus and Sanura walked her to the door. When she reached it she turned to Severus and gave him a quick hug. To her surprise he did hug her back. "Thank you for helping me figure this out," Having said that she returned to her quarters. Climbing back into bed beside Christian she decided that they would discuss this in the morning.

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Christian sat up and looked at Eva. He couldn't help but smile. She looked so peaceful and beautiful lying there. A lock of her curly black hair had fallen across her eyes and he resisted the urge to move it. He took a deep breath and looked around the room. The sun was just beginning to peak above the horizon. Not once had he awakened in time to see the sunrise before. Things looked so different to him now. Everything seemed to be more vibrant and alive. The colors were more beautiful and he couldn't imagine how anyone could not want what Eva had given to him. Then again things were more frightening to him now. Sudden sounds and movements made him jump, not to mention that there were slayers around who didn't think highly of vampire no matter how benevolent they were. Every day Eva lived was filled with danger and the possibility of death. How did she do it? How was he supposed to do it? She made being a vampire look so easy but in reality there was nothing harder. He looked back at her and found himself smiling once more. He loved her more than anything and all he wanted was for her to be happy. He knew that right now she was not and he knew it was because of him. He knew that she had not wanted to turn him and that his personality had changed because of this new life. He was pushing her away but he was not quite sure why. It wasn't that he didn't love her; maybe it was just the opposite. With a heavy sigh he got out of bed but not before noticing the small amount of blood on her neck and on the front of her nightshirt. She had been crying. He silently left the room and sat in front of the fireplace noticing more blood on the floor.

"What have I done to you Eva?" he asked the empty room. "I just wanted us to be together and to be happy but this vampire thing is not as easy as you made it look. I'm so scared." It was so easy to say those things aloud when he was alone, why could he not just tell Eva? He knew she was worried about him. He knew that she watched him constantly. Part of him regretted asking her to turn him into a vampire but the other part of him was so happy. He had never felt so mixed up or confused or selfish in his entire life. Eva would have loved him regardless of how old he was and she would have married him on the spot, why did he have to ask her to make him a vampire. It was simple; he was afraid of death and afraid of losing her. He felt tears welling up in his eyes and choked them back. He would talk to Eva about this in the morning no matter what the outcome.

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Sanura closed the door to her living quarters and looked at Severus.

"I'm worried about her," she told him.

"I know you are but she will be okay," he said.

"Yeah. Eva's a big girl, she's been around for a long time, and she'll be okay," Sanura yawned and stretched. "I don't know about you, but I'm going back to bed,"

"Sounds like a good idea." Severus said. He wrapped his arm around Sanura's waist and they walked into her bedchamber. Once they were both comfortably back in bed Severus said, "Oh, speaking of good idea, I've got a question,"

"Whatever it is the answer is maybe," Sanura said lightly.

"I was wondering if you'd like to go to the lake and ice skate. Christian and Eva are more than welcome to come, we can make a fire,"

"And toast marshmallows and make s'mores?" Sanura asked.

"I'll even cave and bring hot chocolate rather than tea," Severus said. "But answer me one question...what's a s'more?"

"Graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallow...all melted together in one gooey but yummy mess."

"And you wish to make them?" he asked.

"I do."

"Then we shall."

"Where are we going to get this stuff?" Sanura mumbled.

"Hogsmeade, we can fly over in the morning." Severus declared.

"Alright."

"Good night my lady," Severus said kissing her on her forehead.

"Good night my lord," Sanura said. They closed their eyes and fell into a pleasant sleep.

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Eva sat up and looked over to where Christian should have been. She panicked and jumped out of bed when she realized that he was not there. Looking up at her clock she realized that it was nine twenty eight. She ran into the living room and nearly tripped over Christian's unmoving form on the floor in front of the fireplace. An empty cup lay beside him and she decided that he must have wakened up, made a cup of tea, and fallen asleep on the floor. Slowly and silently she sat down beside him and touched his shoulder. No sooner had she placed her hand on his shoulder than he jumped up fully awake and his face full of fear.

"Christian," she whispered. "It's okay." He looked at her for a moment his face a mask of terror.

"Eva." He said finally. "You frightened me."

"I know."

"Oh."

"Christian, we really need to talk,"

"I was thinking the same thing," he said.

"You were?" she asked.

"Yeah. I was thinking about how you made being a vampire look so easy and it's really not. Every day you have to wonder if someone's going to try to hurt you. I know that I've been pushing you away and I'm so very sorry."

"Christian what have I done to you?" Eva said as she began to cry. Christian moved to wrap his arms around her but she pulled away. "All I ever wanted was for us to be happy and now we're not going to be because you regret what you asked of me and I regret doing it,"

"I don't regret it Eva. I regret not talking to you about it first. I regret not knowing what you went through every day. I regret not understanding you, I mean truly understanding you until right now."

"Oh." Eva said in a small voice.

"Eva it's just...I'm so scared. Little things, like you touching me a second ago scare me. Slight noises frighten me because before I couldn't hear them and now I can. Everything, even these stone walls seem to be alive and breathing and it's captivating and frightening all at once. I'm overwhelmed."

"I know,"

"I know you've been watching me a lot, I know I'm making you worry and I'm so sorry."

"I have been worried about you."

"I'll be okay, I just need to adjust,"

"I know. You also need to learn that you can talk to me. I'm not going to think any less of you if you talk to me...if you cry...it's okay. Really it is. Just don't shut down on me. A cold heart, whether it's beating or not, is a dead heart. Without your heart you can't live a good life."

"I love you Eva, I'm sorry I made you so upset,"

"I love you Christian, I'm sorry I didn't talk to you about this sooner,"

"Are we okay?" Christian asked uncertainly.

"Yes of course. We were never not okay, it's just had we not talked about it we would have reached the not okay stage soon,"

"Yeah...what you said," Christian joked.

"Let's go back to sleep...preferably in the bed...it's a lot more comfortable than the floor,"

"But it's almost ten,"

"So, you got a hot date?" Eva joked.

"Yeah. This girl is to die for. About five foot seven, long curly black hair. Green eyes. Gorgeous smile. You're not jealous are you?"

"Not a bit," Eva laughed. Christian followed her back to bed and despite his protesting he fell asleep before his head hit the pillow.

"Rest well my love," Eva said.

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Severus sat up and yawned. It was quarter past ten and Sanura was sleeping soundly. Slowly and methodically he got out of bed and went to the owlery. He sent a letter to Hogsmeade with the list of ingredients that Sanura had told him make up s'mores.

"Graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows," he said aloud as he wrote them down. He also requested hot chocolate, and a never-ending picnic basket. It was to be filled with chicken and turkey slices, pumpkin bread, sliced potatoes seasoned with butter, and cinnamon rolls. Finally he requested a bottle of strawberry flavored wine. Satisfied with his efforts he sent the letter and returned to Sanura's quarters. He tiptoed back into her room to discover that she was still fast asleep. Wanting to surprise her he snuck into the kitchen and began to make breakfast.

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Sanura sat up in bed and noticed that Severus was gone. She looked out the window to find that a light snow was falling. Smiling to herself she was about to get out of bed when Severus emerged from the kitchen covered in flour. He carried a tray, which contained French toast, a sliced up apple, a glass of milk and a single red rose.

"Severus what happened to you?" she giggled. "Was my flour jar enchanted to attack?"

"I'm happy to see that you are amused," he said sitting on the edge of the bed beside her.

"I'm not just amused," she said with a grin, "I'm thoroughly amused. You are so sweet, you made me breakfast,"

"And you're laughing at me,"

"Not at you dear, with you,"

"But I'm not laughing,"

"Yet," Sanura said. "What happened, really?"

"Well, I was making you breakfast and I wanted the sugar so I pointed my wand and instead of hitting the sugar container I hit the flour container. I realized it too late and tried to stop it but instead of sitting noiselessly back onto the countertop it landed with a bang and flour flew all over the place and all over myself,"

"So what have we learned?"

"That the flour is in the middle container and the sugar is in the slightly larger container,"

"No. That we do not need a wand for everything,"

"Indeed. That I have also learned."

"Did you break anything?" Sanura asked him as she lovingly wiped some of the flour from his hair.

"No."

"Good." She took a small bite of the French toast and smiled. "Delicious." She picked up an apple slice and fed it to Severus. They sat together and between the two of the breakfast was over in about twenty minutes. Severus cleaned up the dishes and Sanura traipsed off to take her shower. When she emerged from the bathroom she found a picnic basket and four small parcels sitting on her bed. "Severus, can you come in here?"

"What is it?" he said poking his head into her bedchamber. Looking at the bed he smiled. "Ah it's here!"

"What's here?"

"The ingredients for those messy things you said you wanted to make as well as lunch," Severus told her. "I sent away for them this morning,"

"I see. I guess that means there's only one thing to do,"

"What's that?"

"Go find Eva and Christian,"

"True."

"Oh wait, there's one more thing, we need ice skates."

"That's true,"

"I'll tell you what," Severus began after a moment. "I'll go and get the skates...it shouldn't take long at all and you collect Eva and Christian."

"Don't you need to know what size skates they will need?"

"No, I'm a wizard remember...I'll make them fit."

"Oh. Well in that case I have a request."

"What's that?"

"Make mine black,"

"As you wish." Severus said. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and then disappeared out the door. Smiling to herself she set off to find Eva and Christian.

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

Chapter Twenty-Seven:

Eva rolled over when she heard a knock at the door. Christian bolted upright and looked around in as if startled.

"Someone's knocking on the door," Eva cooed soothingly into his ear. He nodded and smiled at her.

"I know. I was hoping to get it before it woke you," he said weakly.

"You're dear." She said kissing him quickly on the cheek before sprinting to the door. She whipped it open to find Sanura standing there.

"Hey. What's up?" Eva said as she ushered her inside.

"I was wondering if you and your beloved felt up to an afternoon of ice skating on the lake. We've got lunch and s'mores," Sanura said.

"Sounds like fun," Eva said. Christian had emerged from the bedchamber and looked at Sanura with a smile.

"Want to go ice skating?" Sanura asked Christian.

"Sure," he said nodding his head.

"Great. Severus went to get us skates. You two get dressed and come to my room when you're ready." Sanura instructed them. She left Eva's room and decided that she would take this time to go to her office and look over the quizzes she administered to the children the Friday before. She would just grab the stack of parchment and take them to her room. She walked into her office to find a tall man sitting in the chair in front of her desk. He turned and looked at her, "Well hello there," he said.

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"Who are you?" Sanura said as she studied the strange man. He was tall and reminded her of an older Draco.

"My name is Lucius Malfoy," he said rising from his seat. "Sit down. I think you and I should talk,"

"I prefer to stand thank you." Sanura said coldly. "What gives you the right to come to my office without permission? Do you think because you're a rich aristocratic man that you can do whatever you want?"

"Well, yes. My...position does demand respect,"

"Your position demands nothing," Sanura spat. "Now get out and don't come back until you have the decency to make an appointment like everyone else."

"I am not leaving until you and I have a conversation about the way you treat my son,"

"I treat your son the way I treat everyone else. Your son is a spoiled rotten brat who thinks that life should be nothing more than a series of silver platters and I for one am not going to help you create that illusion. He's a troublemaker. He's a pest. He's a wimp if you want me to be honest and yes he is failing my class."

"My son does not fail," Lucius hissed.

"There's a first time for everything," Sanura snapped. "Your son refuses to follow my rules. Your son refuses to learn. Your son refuses to try. Your son is going to be one of those helpless wizards who can't function without a wand, a servant, and a slut and I'll be damned if I'm going to let him out of my classroom with such a vision. Your son has a choice. Shape up and learn or fail and try next year, it's that simple."

"Do you have any idea who you are talking to?"

"Do you honestly think I care who you are? If you do then you are sadly mistaken."

"Young lady you are trying my patience,"

"No, old man, you're trying mine. I've said all I have to say. Draco is going to fail Defense against the Dark Arts unless he can pass my physical fighting final without the safety of a charm...and yes there are ways to discover if a child is charmed to fight. There's also a written test which, might I add, at this point Draco is failing the written portion of the class as well. I am not going to treat him special, he's not privileged; he's a student who can't take the heat, plain and simple. I've told everyone in my class that I'm available for help whenever they need it. If he wants help, he can come to me. If he doesn't well then I guess he's not going to graduate on time."

Lucius was furious. His face took on an unhealthy shade of red. He stalked toward Sanura and before he could blink she had him pinned to the wall.

"Unhand me!" he demanded.

"You ever come to my office like this again and I'll break every bone in your lower body is that quite understood?" Sanura threatened. "I'm not afraid of you. I've never been afraid of people like you. No one should be afraid of people like you and when I'm finished with these kids they'll know how to handle people like you. It's people like you that make my job fun because all everyone sees is Power well I don't see power I see hatred and I see someone who needs to have his face shoved in the mud. You come back here again without making an appointment...you come back here again with the intent of harming me...and I promise you that you will regret sending your son to this school...you will regret everything you've ever done to people like me but most importantly you'll regret being who you are," she released him and he fell to the ground. "Do you have anything else to say?" she did not give him much time to respond. "Good, now get out."

"You haven't seen the last of me," Lucius gasped. "I'll have your job."

"If you think you can take my job go ahead and try,"

"I'll be back,"

"Thanks for the warning," Sanura said sarcastically as she slammed the door behind him.

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Severus returned to Sanura's quarters with four pairs of ice skates. As promised Sanura's skates were black. Severus had chosen a pair of hunter green skates for himself and white for Eva and Christian. Crooning his head to one side Severus heard the all too familiar sound of Sanura beating the stuffing out of her punching bag and wondered what had happened while he was gone.

"Sanura?" he said as he walked into her bedchamber. She looked at him for a moment and gave the bag a final punch. "What's wrong?"

"Oh, not much, Draco's dad came in and tried to give me a hard time." Sanura said. "I told him what I thought of him and he threatened to get me fired,"

"Oh. Lucius does that to anyone who doesn't favor his son." Severus said. "He'll get over it."

"I wonder if I should go and talk to Dumbledore." Sanura said. "I mean, to let him know what happened."

"That would probably be wise."

"Do you think he's in his office?"

"Probably,"

"I'm going to go speak to him quickly," Sanura said. "I want to know that I'm right about this,"

"I'll be here,"

"I'll stop by Eva's on the way back," Sanura said. "Will you stay here in case they show up before I get back?"

"Of course,"

Walking briskly Sanura headed toward Dumbledore's office.

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Sanura reached the gargoyle in front of Dumbledore's office just in time to see Lucius Malfoy stalk off. Sanura swore that she could almost see smoke coming from his ears and nose. Chuckling to herself she walked over to the gargoyle and muttered a password. As expected Dumbledore was seated behind the desk shaking his head.

"Ah Sanura, I knew you'd be by to visit today," Dumbledore said with a grin. He motioned toward a chair and Sanura sat down. "Tea? Hot chocolate?"

"No thank you, I don't plan on staying long," Sanura said. "I assume that Mr. Malfoy was here,"

"He was,"

"And on a scale of one to ten how much trouble am I in?"

"None,"

"Really? I thought I would at least be reprimanded for pinning him against the wall and threatening to break him in half,"

"He advanced on you did he not?"

"Well yes but," Sanura began.

"But nothing. If he chooses to threaten my staff he should be prepared to deal with the consequences," Dumbledore said with a shrug.

"That's true I guess," Sanura said.

"Lucius has been trying to bully the staff for years. He's a troublemaker for sure and I for one do not condone such behavior. I personally feel that you've been a positive influence on all the students. Why, just the other day I saw Neville Longbottom stand up to Crabbe and Goyle. Not only that but he beat them in their own game. Didn't lay a hand on them. You're doing a wonderful job Sanura." Dumbledore assured her.

"Neville vs. Crabbe and Goyle...wish I could have seen that," Sanura said with a chuckle.

"I awarded fifteen points to Gryffindor that day," Dumbledore said with a wink.

"Thank you professor, I feel so much better," Sanura said rising to her feet.

"You're quite welcome Sanura," Dumbledore said. Sanura exited Dumbledore's office feeling lighthearted and happy.

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

Lucius Malfoy stormed into the Three Broomsticks and pounded his fist on the bar. He was furious that his plan to have Sanura dismissed did not work and he acted as if she had purposely taken time from her day to ruin his.

"Find me Mr. Hunter!" he demanded snapping his fingers. As if he were his lackey the bartender obeyed and within minutes Hunter stood before Lucius.

"Your rang?" Hunter said sarcastically.

"Yes I called for you. That girl is a menace and she needs to be dealt with accordingly. "Here," he said handing him a golden amulet. "Wear this necklace and she can not beat you. Return it to me with a lock of her hair when the job is done," Lucius said. "I'll be waiting."

"Very well," Hunter said with a sinister smile. He returned to his quarters and chose his favorite sword as well as a dagger and two silver stakes. He swung the sword effortlessly and noticed that it felt lighter than ever. Laughing evilly to himself he headed toward Hogwarts for the final showdown between himself and Sanura.

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Chapter Twenty-Eight

Sanura snuggled close to Severus and sipped a cup of hot chocolate. She, Eva, Christian, and Severus had been at the lake for almost three hours and her ankles had begun to hurt.

"Maybe you should take your skates off," Severus suggested.

"I think I might," she said. "I love to skate," she said with a smile as she removed her skates. She looked up at the lake and smiled. Eva and Christian were skating together as if they didn't have a care in the world. Removing the other skate she placed her boots back on her feet and leaned on Severus once more.

"They look so happy," Severus commented.

"They do don't they?" Sanura said. They sat together for a moment in silence. "What time is it?" Sanura asked.

"That was random," Severus remarked as he pulled his pocket watch out and looked at the time. "Four o'clock," he said. "Why?"

"No reason, just wondered," she said. Hearing a noise she looked up in time to see an all too familiar figure stalking toward Eva and Christian on the ice. "Oh god no," she said jumping to her feet. The only weapon she had was her ice skate.

"What?" Severus said looking up. He recognized Hunter and instinctively screamed, "Eva, Christian, Run!!" Sanura had already sprinted toward the ice; skate in hand, ready to fight. Eva pulled at Christian who was loosing his footing in panic. Hunter drew his sword and swung it at Christian but was blocked by Sanura's skate.

"Get out of my way and let me do my job!" Hunter bellowed as he shoved Sanura. She fell to the ground dropping the skate. Hunter lunged at Eva and Christian again and Sanura tripped him. He fell face first onto the ice. Taking this opportunity she jumped to her feet and skidded back to Severus.

"We need to get to my room," she said as they began to run. "I need a sword,"

"I have one in my quarters," Severus panted. He turned to find that Hunter was right on their heels, sword in hand. Severus looked to Sanura and realized that they were not going to make it to Hogwarts without help. He pulled his wand from his robes and pointed it at Hunter. Just as he was about to utter the stupefy spell Hunter's sword came down on his wand, breaking it. He drew to strike again but Sanura blocked him with a skate once more. The fight began.

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Everything was happening so fast. Christian saw Severus' wand break and he saw Sanura desperately trying to protect herself with the ice skate. He noticed that Eva had not stopped running. Was she going to get a sword? What could he do? Looking at Hunter he noticed the golden amulet that dangled from his neck. Remembering that Sanura had told him that slayers never wore gold he realized that Hunter had managed to acquire and invincibility amulet. No longer fearing for his life Christian darted behind Hunter and snatched the amulet from his neck just as he plunged the sword into Sanura's stomach.

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Eva reached the training room in record time. Grabbing the first sword she came to she turned and ran back to where Sanura was desperately fighting Hunter. The ice skate was breaking and Sanura looked as if she couldn't hold out much longer. Eva watched in horror as Christian darted behind Hunter and ripped a golden necklace from around his neck. Christian's efforts seemed to be in vain because seconds later Eva watched as Hunter plunged his sword into Sanura's stomach. Hunter threw his sword to the ground, whirled around, and advanced toward Christian. Eva began to run again wondering if she would loose everything.

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Severus watched Sanura fight feeling helpless. He wondered what Christian was doing when he darted behind him. Thing seemed to be moving in slow motion. He saw the sword plunge into Sanura but he didn't seem to realize what had happened until Hunter threw down his sword. Severus caught Sanura as she fell and saw nothing but red. The color engulfed him and he felt as if he couldn't breath. The next few moments were unreal for Severus. It was as if he were watching a movie of himself. He grabbed the sword from beside Sanura and advanced on Hunter.

"Turn around here and fight me!" He bellowed. Hunter turned around and looked at Severus with a sneer.

"Fight you? You're the only one that's armed." Hunter snickered. "I'd have you on the ground before you could take your first swing,"

The red surrounding Severus turned black and for a moment all he could see was Hunter's snickering face. He didn't realize that he had brought the sword up and sliced Hunter from his navel to his nose. He didn't realize that Hunter was falling to the ground with a look of surprise on his face. He didn't realize anything until Christian went to Hunter and began to drink his blood. Hunter was still alive and tried to get away but Christian's grip was much too strong. The black color around him faded back to red and then the world regained its normal color. The rage was gone and Severus ran to Sanura.

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Eva didn't know what to do. She had just watched her best friend get stabbed in the stomach. She watched Severus slice Hunter almost into two pieces and now she was watching her fiancé drink a slayer's blood. Things seemed to be so unreal. She snapped out of her trance when she realized that Christian would drink himself to death if she didn't pull him off before Hunter's heart stopped. She went over to him and gently pulled him away.

"That's enough Christian, if you keep drinking it will kill you," Eva then looked over to Sanura. "No, no, this isn't possible. She can not die," she sobbed. She looked to Christian who was crying and still clutching the golden amulet.

"He had an invincibility amulet, I should have reacted sooner," Christian sobbed.

"It's not your fault," Eva said soothingly. She and Christian rushed to Sanura's side and sat on the ground next to her. "No Sanura you can't die," Eva sniffed. She looked to Severus. "Don't you have spell that can fix this? Wave your wand and fix her!" Eva demanded.

"Alas, there is no spell to fix this and even if there were, my wand is broken," he cried. "You can not leave me Sanura,"

"I don't want to leave you," Sanura said quietly. "But it looks like I don't have a choice in the matter,"

"You can't leave us," Eva said quietly. She looked over to Christian who was covered in Hunter's blood and knew what she had to do. "Sanura," she began, "I can fix this, but you may not like what I'll have to do,"

"You'll have to make me what you are,"

"Yes."

Sanura looked to Severus. Tears were streaming down his cheeks and she could see nothing but pain in his eyes. "What do you think Severus?"

Severus looked to Sanura and could only nod. "Sanura, I love you," Severus began. He had a pleading look in his eyes and she knew what she had to do.

"The thought of losing you," he choked, "is worse than death right now."

"Very well," Sanura said looking to Eva. "Do it,"

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The transformation from a dying mortal to a dead vampire was amazing. Sanura felt Eva's blood flowing into her and she didn't taste it, she saw it. She closed her eyes and the array of colors was more brilliant than any rainbow she had ever seen. So many bright colors. She felt the wound in her stomach healing itself. She felt the snow underneath her and realized how cold it was. She heard the trees creaking and the sound of Severus' sobbing and Christian's breathing. She was dead but she had never felt so alive.

After Eva finished Severus lifted Sanura's body from the ground and carried her to her quarters. He pulled to blankets over her and began to sob. What was he to do now? Realizing that he could do nothing more he left Sanura in Eva and Christian's care.

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Sanura opened her eyes and looked around her room. She vaguely remembered the night before but knew what she now was. She looked to her left and noticed that she had slept alone. She felt tears sliding down her cheek and when she wiped them away she realized that she now cried blood.

"He's left me," she whispered to herself. "I allowed myself to become what I have spent my life killing and he's left me." She rose from bed and walked out onto her balcony. She looked down to see Dumbledore walking with Severus. They stopped near the small pool of frozen blood on the ground. She cringed when she realized that it was her blood. She heard a faint knock on the door and turned to see Eva standing in the doorway. Her expression was grave. She couldn't even look at Sanura.

"Come in," Sanura said to Eva. She walked back inside the room and sat at her dressing table. Eva cautiously entered the room and perched on the edge of the bed.

"Sanura I'm so sorry," she said choking back tears of anger and frustration. "You vowed to protect me and in return I turn you into the one thing you most despise,"

"Eva," Sanura began.

"Sanura I know that you probably want to rip my heart out but please don't be angry,"

"Eva!" Sanura screamed. Eva jumped backwards and fell off the bed and onto the floor. "I'm not mad. I'm not upset. I'm okay. There's only one thing I need to know from you,"

"What's that?" Eva asked.

"How is Severus taking this?" she asked quietly.

After you fell asleep Severus carried you to your room. He lay you down in your bed and he sobbed. He said he loved you very much and he didn't know what to do or how to handle this. He said you'd be different now and that he didn't want to leave you but he didn't know what else to do. He cried almost all night."

"I see," Sanura said almost noiselessly. Only Eva could have heard her speak. "I beat Hunter, I lost my life, and I lost my love," Sanura looked at Eva and tears began to run down her face. "Why do I need to be alive at all?" Having spoken those words Sanura rose from her seat. Eva started to speak to her but she raised a hand. "Don't say a word Eva," Having said that Sanura left the room. Eva sank to the ground and began to cry, what should she do?

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Severus and Dumbledore walked along the grounds to the spot where Sanura took her fatal blow.

"He stabbed her," Severus finished. He had relayed the events of the previous evening to Dumbledore. "And then Eva made her what she is now,"

"So now Sanura is a vampire," Dumbledore said with a heavy sigh. He looked at Severus and saw how sad he was. "Severus, how are you handling this?"

"I'm not. I cried all night. I couldn't even bring myself to touch her after I put her into bed. It's not that she feels any different it's just that she's so cold now. The one thing I loved most about her is that she was always warm and alive and happy. She's not going to be that now. She's dead."

"Severus, do you love her?"

"Yes." He said with conviction.

"Did you tell her that when she was lying on the ground, bleeding to death?"

"Yes."

"Did you ask her not to leave you?"

"No. I told her not to leave me." Severus whispered as fresh tears began to fall from his eyes.

"You told her that you loved her and you asked her not to die. She had a choice to make and rather than think of herself she thought of you." Dumbledore said. "You two deserve happiness and you're not going to find it without her,"

"I know," Severus sobbed. "I'm just afraid."

"Severus life is filled with fear. The difference is that now you have someone who will face that fear beside you rather than in front of or behind you."

"Do you think she still loves me?" Severus asked Dumbledore.

"I think you should find her and ask her that. I don't think her feelings for you have changed." Dumbledore said. Having spoken his words of wisdom Dumbledore bid Severus good luck and returned to the school.

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Chapter Twenty-Nine:

Severus started back toward the school just in time to see Sanura walking out of it. She wore a flowing black dress that made her skin look like marble. Realizing that she was upset, he ran to her.

"Sanura," he said.

"Severus," she said looking to him. Her eyes were alive and full of fire but at the same time they looked much deeper. "Why are you doing this?"

"Sanura I'm afraid,"

"And you think I'm not? Severus I'm a vampire now. I let Eva turn me because you told me not to leave you. Do you realize what this means? God Severus I wouldn't have become what I am for my own father or for anyone else,"

"Sanura I..." Severus began.

"I'm not finished!" She screamed.

"Finish," he whispered.

"You told me not to leave you and I didn't. If you cannot handle what I am now, if you think that asking me to stay with you was a mistake, if you can't deal with the fact that I'm dead now, then please, kill me. Let me die." She pulled a silver steak from her boot and extended it toward Severus.

Severus looked at Sanura too shocked to say anything.

"One good shot, right through the heart, quick and forceful will do it," Sanura edged.

"Do you realize what you are asking me to do?"

"To kill me. Yes I realize it. If you can't deal with me as a vampire then Eva turned me in vain and I should be killed,"

"I will not kill you or hurt you," Severus said. "I just need to get used to this situation,"

"You mean you want to see if we can still work now that I'm dead?"

"Yes, that's what I mean,"

"Very well," Sanura said. She turned and started back toward the school. She knew deep down that things would not work out and she was about to lose everything.

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