ch 2

Rose was calm the moment they vanished as she knelt"my lord."she says hearing the snake come to her and wrap around her she greets teh snake as well in parseltounge her hair was out of its ribbon as the dark lord patted her head"a job well done the other night Ivy..ah i see you all brought my newest meber..good...good"

Severus didn't look up, he already knew better than to meet his eyes without permission.

"Severus... rise" the despot said in a deceivingly soft voice, and waited for Snape to meet his eyes before he continued, "I assume all has been well... your situation will be taken care of soon, those in my favor are protected... he has wronged you and will be dealt with accordingly"

Snape only nodded, knowing full well what he was speaking of, "All is well... my lord" Rose upon his glance , the dark lord glance , knew of her missin she bowed before vanishing wand in hand as she went to spinners end ,murdering the muggle Tobias Snape , she came back kneeling once more" it is done my lord."

The dark lord's eyes flashed consideringly, "legilimens" he hissed out, entering Rose's mind quite painfully, heir of Slytherin or not... he would sense it if she held anything back... he saw nothing wrong with the murder... however, the seen he witnessed between Severus and herself as the lake troubled him deeply.

"Step forward Severus", he said slowly, the wizard attempting to maintain a calm demeanor, he did quite well, "She hesitated..." the despot lied, "she was unwilling to perform the service... and not only this she nearly failed... she should be punished, no?"

"no..."

"What?" he demanded, his eyes flashing dangerously, "you filthy half-blood... you dare disagree with me on this mater?", and then Severus looked at him, realizing exactly what it is he had gotten himself into, "The cruciatus should do the trick..."

Severus hesitated.

"It will be the cruciatus from you... or the killing curse from me Severus" he snapped in a deadly tone.

And with that, Snape raised his wand... "C-crucio" he yelled, attempting to focus on James Potter and his father as he did so. Roses face consorted with pain as the curse hit her , her body racked with pain, as she writhed on the floor she made no sound nor did she cry, she knew why she was getting punished and why Severus had to do it , so she let the pain rack threw her body . When Severus stopped the curse, there were beads of sweat clinging to his own forehead, he had held it longer than necessary to insure the dark lord was pleased... he didn't want to do it again.

"Very well Severus, the punishment was just... but if you ever hesitate on a direct order again, you can expect the same" he said in an almost thoughtful voice.

Severus let his body untense as he took his place back in line.

"Actually... given further consideration... Crucio!" he yelled with a rather nasty grin on his features, he held the curse as he spoke, Severus spasming and biting down on his lip to keep from crying out, "you will learn your lesson now... I do not have time to deal with disobedience"

He held the curse about twice as long as Severus had held it on Rose, but the boy did not cry out... he had learned early from his dealings with his father, crying out and fear is what they wanted to hear.

When he lifted the curse, Severus laid shuddering on the floor, but no one dared make a move toward him. Rose was in the same condition almost but not as worst as Severus she stayed on the floor till dismissal, the dark lord vanished as did all others but rose and wiggled over " oh..severus.." she held him close apparating himself and herself to the hogwarts gate where dumbledore waited before he helped us to the hospital wing where madam pomfrey set to work as rose blacked out. Severus woke up hours later in the dark hospital wing, jerking forward, his sweat-soaked hair stuck to his forehead. He could see nothing in the dim ward, but slowly everything came back to him and he paled even further.

"Severus..."

His head snapped to the left, meeting the headmaster's slightly knowing gaze.

"I-I didn't mean... I did... I-"

"Calm yourself my boy... I am not here to interrogate you, despite the circumstances"

Severus looked out him with his brow creased in disbelief.

"I am afraid... I am the bearer of band news Severus... your father was found dead this very evening"

His dark eyes flickered, but it was no surprise, he had known as soon as it happened.

"As was your mother's..."

Here his mouth opened, "No... no she was fine, she... R-she only took care of... no... it's not poss-"

Dumbledore only watched the young Slytherin, uncertain of what to do. He had a feeling Severus Snape could become useful to him one day... but the boy was still filled with far to much hate, and didn't react well to anyone's manipulations, and that would include the headmasters.

"There was a note... on the body Severus. Four simple words... 'consider this further incentive'... does that mean anything to you?"

Severus looked down, registering the message immediately, but he shook his head, "No sir"

"Severus" the old wizard sighed, "I can not help you if you do not explain-"

"I've nothing to explain!" he snapped, meeting the blue eyes defiantly, there was no twinkle behind them on this evening.

"What have you gotten yourself into Severus?"

He swallowed, "N-nothing I can't handle on my own" he answered, watching as Dumbledore sighed, and stood from the folding chair, leaving Severus in the infirmary with his thoughts. Rose lay still in her bed pomfrey checking her,while muttering" poor girl..under that curse with a weak heart.."pomfrey goes into her office .
Severus watched Madame Pomfrey retreat into her office and he stood, his legs feeling a bit weak under his weight. He walked toward Rose' bed and noticed her shallow breathing.

He frowned, "Come on... wake up" he muttered, "you're fine... you didn't even cry out" he added in an argumentative tone, as if it might do some good. She swallowed answering him altough weakly" of..course I didn't cry..out.." her eyes opened just a bit as she managed a weak smile" I got you..in trouble forgeting to ..block my mind from his.." Severus sighed and visibly slumped with relief, falling into the chair by her side. He returned the smile with a weak one of his own, "No... you got yourself in trouble" he answered quietly.

"I managed to find trouble all by myself, he's upset at my disobedience... not at whatever he saw in your mind" he added, though now he didn't feel quite so sure.
she pulled herself into a sitting positionrubbing her chest"ugh..." He watched her for a few minutes, his dark eyes flickering over her as he debated, "Are you okay?" he asked after a moment, hating how weak it sounded in his own ears... Severus Snape didn't do concerned... She looked at him" no I'm not never have been never will" she states matter of factly, she closed her eyes asleep once more Severus snorted, but took the answer for what it was and moved back to his own bed. The witch was a hard case... cradled into him crying one minute... and a few short hours later she seemed as if he was the last person in the world she wanted to comfort her... though he knew that wasn't the entire truth.

/a Few days later when they were both released /

Rose went from class to class , back to how she used to be , a knew Severus hated feelings so she thought it nest to stay away, during her free period she sat outside under a normal weeping willow, reading a book on the dark arts.

Severus attempted to return to normal as well, if it was possible the young Slytherin was more distanced than ever, having a snappish sarcastic retort for anyone who dared ask him a question. He had even made a first year cry one evening, when the boy asked if he would mind passing the roasted potatoes.

During his free period the next day, he watched from the turret window as Rose Ivy settled in under a willow tree on the grounds... he didn't understand it, the witch seemed to have gone back to pretending he didn't exist. A small part of him wondered if it was because he'd been the one to curse her, but he knew that wasn't the case...

Before he knew it, he to was plopping down under the willow. He said nothing, but dug his potions book out of his rucksack and buried his nose in it as if this was a common occurrence.

she looked at him with doteful eyes,she had stayed away because she didnt want to hurt anyone or herself"...hello"she found herself saying anyways in a hushed whisper. "So she speaks" he muttered sarcastically under his breath, but his eyes never left their place on the book. He truly was attempting to focus on it... but a part of him had known it wouldn't work even before he pulled the book out.

He sighed a bit petulantly then, "Hello" he muttered back sullenly.

she bites her lower lip,an annoying habit of her when nervous or unknowing"im ...sorry if my withdrawl...angered you or irrated you in anyway..."

Severus did look over his book then, his eyes shifting to look at her, "Don't be" he answered shortly, but it didn't have half the sullenness of his greeting.

It had irritated him, but that wasn't the only thing going through his mind... he had so much more to think on. And then Rose... well she was a mystery... everything about her, from her behavior... to wondering exactly why he cared in the first place.

He found himself thinking not for the first time that if it had been any other witch... he would have just let it go, apart from Lily Evans... but she had withdrawn, and he had moved past it... he didn't know if it would be the same with Rose...

She holds out a pair of sucker " want one?"she asks softly continuing" no their not posioned..." the bright light that used to flicker in her eyes had become dull, from stress and missions from the dark lord.

He reached out and took one of the suckers, his long fingers grazing her own as he did so. "Surely you don't believe me so paranoid as to think you'd poison me" he half-joked, a small smirk in place as he met her eyes

she blushes atthe slight contact of their hand,the pink hues tinting her pale cheeks,asshe stutters"n-no i dont"she looks down quickly unwrappign her own sucker as she looked back up at him into his dark eyes her own dark brown ones curious yet friendly as she smiles"Green apple"

Severus offered a slightly embarrassed smile of his own, before following suit and opening his sucker. He leaned back on his right arm as he met her eyes, "strawberry", he murmured around his own.

she giggles"sweet and sour huh"she smiles for teh first time in a while a true smile,not a smirk but a smile that reaches her eyes"so whatcha reading Sevvie?"

He looked at her with raised eyebrows at the nickname, "Potions" he answered, "and I really wish you wouldn't call me that" he added after a beat, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he spoke.

"oh um ..i mean severus.."she catches herself before going back to her book.

Severus watched her return to her book and had to hold back a sigh, he hadn't meant it in a bad way... he just didn't like it, he never had... Rose certainly hadn't been the first to use it, and he knew she wouldn't be the last.

"So... what are you reading?"

"The secrets of the Forbidden Dark Arts"`she replies softly as she bit into teh sucker freeing teh bubble gum inside, her hair hiding her face.

"Well... I'm sure it's interesting" he muttered softly, "and I'd be curious as to how detailed it is... the Forbidden dark arts are secret ridden because they are... well forbidden" he muttered with a tone of voice that said, obviously, he wasn't sure why he had kept talking... he just knew he wanted a bit of conversation, and that wasn't particularly his forte. " it's from my family library..wide collection of books.." she says softly " very detailed.."she blew a bubble too big which popped getting in her hair she swore " dang it.." Severus simply nodded his understanding around his own sucker, looking about for anything of interest to strike up a conversation when he heard her swear... his dark eyes darted up to look at her, only to fill with a hint of amusement as he snorted.

"You may need to use some ice to get it out of your hair" he muttered, placing his hand over his mouth in an attempt to hide the small one-sided smile that was there.

She grumbles picking at it with her fingers" stupid bubble.." she whined realizing she only made matter worst she pointed at him" you jinxed me severus" she pouts cutely" peanut butter helps too ya know..But that's messier so maybe I'll cut it.." she says pulling her sticky fingers from her gummed hair with asigh " cut it real short.."

Severus frowned, "I did no such thing" he retorted, though his eyes still held amusement... at least until she spoke of cutting her hair.

"No!... it's... why do... I like..." he hesitated his cheeks reddening, "it seems perfectly pointless" he finished after a moment, "You can wash peanut butter out..."
She blushed , peicing together what he was going to say before nodding hand him the book she was reading" here you can borrow this don't worry the covered charmed so noone knows what it really is.." she stands dusting herself off, grabbing her bag" I'm going to go wash .. So talk to you later.." she knew there was another meeting tonight...

After washing the gum from her hair she let it air dry thus her strawberry blonde hair ending up a bit bellatrix style, as she dressed again she felt her mark burn so upon quickly and tightly occulding the book she was reading and the gum scene , picking memories she hoped the darklord would be pleased with. Severus simply stared down at the book a few moments before he put it in his bag and quickly returned to his dorm... the only other one in his year there was Evan Rosier, who was clearly waiting on him.

"So... you get your mark tonight..."

Severus simply shot a scathing glance his way, "According to whom?"

"Well... everyone, I may not like you Snape, but the dark lord obviously sees potential... I wouldn't mind being your friend"

He snorted then, and couldn't help musing over the complete Slytherin-ness of that statement, "And suppose I don't... reach said potential?" he asked with a quirked brow.

Evan's eyes widened, "you have to...he'd... you'd be dead, as a matter of fact... dark mark or not, I think he'd kill you now if you attempted to disobey him"

"That wasn't exactly what I meant Rosier... but I appreciate the warning" he muttered, falling back on his four-poster bed with a sigh... before he knew it, Evan was leaning over sucking in deep breaths as he gripped his left arm...

she knocked on the dorm room,dressed in her robes"Come on Rosier..Snape"she spoke cooly grabbign the two draggign them as others joined,they took hidden passageways luckily not being seen,as her hair whipped out behind her she touched her dark mark pulling snape to her so he'd be pulled along as others followed to this place.

They knew he was in the shadows,Rose lets go off snape bowing to him "My lord..he is here..." Severus bowed low, his dark eyes downcast as he searched his brain, hiding as much as he safely could... especially anything lately. He knew he had made his choice... not that he'd ever had much of one, it had always been join or die basically, at least where he came along.

He was constantly reminding himself of the benefits, the dark lord's favor meant the favor of the realm of the wizarding world... or at least the favor of the rich purebloods, and they were the ones who really mattered... they could help him further his career. With there help he could solicit his own first couple potions... and then he could take care of himself without ever having to take some low bottom-feeding job at the Ministry, he wouldn't have to work his way up... he'd be seen for his talent.

All of that... and the added bonus of living, and that was important. Severus may be self-serving, but any proud Slytherin couldn't deny that truth about their nature... or the fact that when their lives were on the line, their sense of self-preservation always kicked in and served them well.

1st year Witch Status: Online Age: 50 Posts: 1,718 Re: Another flower for Severus( open to first severus)( during the mauraders era) Posted: Jan 24, 2010 10:52 am

Rose watched Severus as the dark lord grabbed his left arm pulling the sleeve up touching his wand to Severus flesh he muttered"Morsemorde. " green and black began to swirl around that part of Severus arm as the dark magic began to create the dark mark.

Rose looked down more knowing that Severus would be in pain the the flow of dark magic feeling as though it was slicing burning etc into his arm

Severus stared at the long fingered hand wrapped around his forearm, feeling as if he was stuck in an unending moment as the man hissed out the spell... the magic immediately taking hold, and suddenly he felt as if he was dying.

A pain so severe shot through his arm that it racked him right down to his very core, this pain made the cruciatus seem manageable... and when it was over, he found himself on the ground, sweat clinging to his pale skin, his damp hair stuck to his cheeks... it had been a burn unlike any he'd ever felt... like someone had been drilling down into his bones.

"You may rise" the dark lord muttered coldly, his eyes flashing slightly as if daring the boy to do anything else... Severus' dark eyes focused on the ground as he focused on standing, his shaky legs barely holding his weight, but he managed, his breathing steadying slowly as he took his place back in line. Rose stood ,to recieve another misson, after that she grabs serverus apparating them back to hogarts,well tothe forbidden forest as she sists on the groundpulling his sleeve from his wrist soft sayign a spell which stops the pain in his arm.

Everything after the mar seemed to happen in a blur... the intense burn being the only thing his senses seemed willing to register accurately, at least until it came to a sudden stop.

He looked up at Rose then, meeting her pale eyes greatfully, a slightly unfamiliar emotion tugging at the pit of his stomach before he quickly broke eye contact.

she was panting as she sat down again "you...are welcome.."she rubs her head "..."she goes silent blankly staring at the dirt her dark eyes wide and unseeing,her eyes as servus would see are slightly couldy,Liek a seers durign a vision,he rhair blew from her face in a gentle breeze.

then suddenly she stood up tall ,smiling as she looks at severus"his downfall is soon..."she whispered hurridly.

Severus only stared at her, his brow creased in confusion, his dark eyes filled with questions... mostly about what she was talking about, but he had a few inner troubles of his own he would set aside to deal with later... all revolving around a certain witch.

He stood to his feet, and ran a hand through his lank black hair. He wanted to ask... but it would be a stupid question, it wasn't as if he put much store in divination anyway, in his opinion it was a woolly subject at best.

"How do you mean?" he finally questioned, knowing it was his only chance at having her explain anything.

Come on we need to go to dumbledore..." she drags him with her as she runs to the. Headmasters office her face flushed with joy and pride as she says" earwax..." the gargoyle opens letting them access the stairway, which rose darts up opening the headmasters door " professer sir get your penseive!"

Dumbledore nods summoning his penseive as he eyes snape at the same time, before his eyes look at rose who was drawing a memory from her mind.

Severus followed her through the damp corridors of the school, up the moving stair cases and through the general labyrinth that was Hogwarts castle on any given day... only stopping long enough for the gargoyle to slide open before they rushed in before the headmaster.

When Dumbledore looked in his direction, he kept his dark eyes steady... not wanting to reveal that he was really at a loss to what all of this was about... while he made a mental note to talk with Rose about keeping him informed later, he couldn't be allowed to look like an idiot everywhere they went...

Rose quickly began to speak while using her wand to pull not a silver thread but a bluish thread from her mind dropping it into the penseive as she grabs dumbledore n snape making them look into it it showing a vision of voldemorts downfall Severus watched the entire vison as if it was being broadcast on a muggle television. He was right in the middle of it, but it was so far from any reality or possible outcome he knew of... Which had the effect of making it seem dreamlike in it's separation.

When they came out of the pensieve, his dark eyes focused on the girl before him as if it was the first time he had really seen her, "T-this is possible... But it still might change?" he questioned, a resolve in his eyes making it clear he wanted this outcome to pass and would do what was necessary... He only wanted to know if it was true... And how it was possible that she had visions that seemed so real... This was more than a prophesy.

Rose sighed" nope my visions never change.. " her dark eyes hardened" it was my familys demise cause they didn't want to be in His control..." she snarls the next part" and besides I hope it does cause he is a bastard of a father!" her eyes seemed red right now as dumbledore spoke to snape" Severus my boy she just told you her darkest secret noone must ever know, her full name Rose Ivy Maribel you understand?"

Severus' first thought was that she had lied to him... or rather omitted a very large truth, but either way he felt betrayed, and his dark eyes showed it for a few moments.

"Riddle..." his eyes fell from her to the floor then, and he realized she had admitted she was an heir of Slytherin... he should have known then it was more than a distant relation. He also realized if she went around telling everybody... it would be rather foolish, and she was not remotely close to being a fool.

And, being a Slytherin... he would be lying if he said he wouldn't do the same in her position.

"Okay... so what next?" he asked, his dark eyes raising as his thoughts finally seemed to settle into a logical order.

She was looking at the floor , knowing how he probably felt" we act like we've never seen that vision" she says as dumbledore dissmissed us ,rose quickly began to walk out, not wanting to face Severus , thinking she had been not a good friend.

Severus followed, and once they reached the corridor beyond the gargoyle, he quickly lengthened his stride to fall into pace beside her, uncertain what to say about such a sudden revelation... uncertain of what she needed from him at the moment.

"Thank you" he finally settled on, "for... trusting me with this, I have to admit... were I in your situation, I'm not sure I would have done the same"

There... that should get it out right? Vague enough for their not-exactly-private setting, it held some understanding within it,,, and still wasn't overly personal

He sighed at that thought, realizing very little between them was no longer personal... everything was, in a very real way. And it was enough to make any Slytherin uncomfortable... she just looks at him" I don't like hiding secrets..from friends..considering your myvonly one.." she looks back down as James and. Sirius come round the corner smirking.
He had been about to admit he saw her as his only friend as well, that despite everything going on around them... their friendship meant something... that it was a bright point in an otherwise dim reality.

Of course, just as the rare vulnerable moment kicked in, it was interrupted by none other than Potter and Black... two Gryffindors who had seemed to make their sole purpose of existence to intervene whenever Severus Snape felt the need to have even a second of emotion that wasn't misery-related.

He sighed, "Here we go" he muttered under his breath, only seconds before they were standing in front of the dismally dumb duo.

Roses hand twiched as potter spoke rather rudely to her, rose drew her self up making her self seem bigger" potter shove off or you'll find your self hanging nude in re great hall...Severus go on to the common room.." she says cooly a evil glint in her eyes , as she had both boys under the petrifius Totalius spell( may not be spelled right)

Snape's dark eyes shifted to her, if it had been Lily... he would have inisted he stayed... to look after her in case anything went wrong. But as he looked at Rose, he knew she would rather he didn't attempt it... it was a Gryffindor move anyhow, and Rose was more than capable of handling her own.

He smirked then, and glanced over at the two that seemed determined to invade his every private movement with a bit of triumph in his eyes. "Okay... have fun, see you in a bit" he replied quietly, before quickly leaning in and stealing a kiss on her cheek... he might not be as showy as Potter, but he wasn't above showing off entirely, not when he had the means.

He walked over to the Gryffindors then and sighed shaking his head, before casually shifting their robes aside and swiping their wands, Blacks from his left hand, Potter's from his right robes pocket. He tutted under his breath, "Now one would think you two were looking for a fight" he muttered, "I assure you, you picked the wrong day... she's not in the best of moods, a bit tense if you know what I'm saying" he added with a wink.

"Now... being the... understanding individual I am" he added with a hint of amusement, "I've decided to let it go... I can get my pound of flesh later... but Rose on the other hand... well, I'll just say you're not so lucky there"

"I know I'd sure hate to be in your spot just about now" he finished, smirk never leaving his face, before he turned back and handed their wands to Rose, and turned back the route to the dungeons, shouldering past the Gryffindors and whipping around the corner at the end of the corridor.

Roses grin now, was one of a very michevious and devious plan as she pcketed their wands using her own tolevitate first potter to the doors of the great hall a small sticking charm and a few swishs she turned away,James potter now nude with the words ' I got buggered by Sirius black( hope you know what buggered means if not just ask" then next going back for black she stuck him to the other dong the same thing only these words read' I am a very dirty dog.'

Rose laughs if only for a second before turning from them her own robes swishing about her asshe walked away before sticking there wands in a suit of Armor as she slid into the commonroom of course after saying the password"Legimens" she stopped Severus still in their, her cheeks lightly turn a shade of red , seeing noone else in the common room.

Rose blinkedfor a second before calmly walking to him, since he was slightly taller, she stood on tiptoe, gently putting her pale yet rosen lips to his, in a soft kiss.

When Severus had returned to the common room, it was to find it empty, and knowing most of the students to be at supper he decided to wait... He looked up as he heard the entrance to the common room slide open, his head cocking to the side slightly when Rose paused.

When she neared him... he wasn't sure what to expect. A part of him thought she might want to tell him what happened and share a laugh at the Gryffindors... another side told him she was about to hex him for his nerve in kissing her on the cheek when word was bound to get around school... still yet another part of him said she still wanted to talk about what had happened earlier that day, before they had reached the headmaster's office.

What he didn't expect... was exactly what she did, he felt a shock shoot to his very core at the feel of her lips on his, and his dark eyes took on a surprised look momentarily before they fell closed, and he pressed his own mouth a bit firmer against hers before he began kissing her back... not as soft as it started, but still a bit hesitant... as if she might very well change her mind and hex him instead.

Rose pulled back as she intwined her fingers with her, her cheeks were a rosey color as she looked at him her dark eyes glittering." by the way the boys should be getting discovered soon, as..doorstoppers or knockers in a way"her lips curve upward in a simple smile

The corner of his mouth twitched with the slightest ghost of a smirk.

"It's a shame we'll miss it" he replied, his mind quickly going through the several... rather humorous, and all equally humiliating... possibilities of what she meant.

"I know you have to be tired... but are you hungry? With everyone in the great hall we could probably slip off to the kitchens relatively unnoticed..." he said after a beat, feeling slightly awkward once more, but not wanting it to show.

the kitchens sound good lead the way" she spoke softly her free hand absentmindly playing with a lock of her strawberry blonde hair

Severus nodded, before turning and leading her out the common room entrance, and through the dank dungeon hall, only stopping when they neared Hufflepuff house, where he took a right and headed for the still-life portrait of the fruit bowl.

He rolled his eyes as he briefly reached up to tickle the green pear, but was rewarded with the door opening to the kitchen beyond... She giggles"cute ticklish pear..." she says giggles"...hello Tooky" she says greeting an elf who approached" mistress ivy!good to see you again" tooky squeeks out ,As she smiles patting tookys head sliding into aseat" tooky some caviar and crackers" Severus turned to see the elf staring at him questioningly, "A sandwich... or a piece of shepherd's pie if you have it left over... whatever you have laying about" he muttered.

He hadn't grown up on expensive foods, and therefore his palate preferred simplicity... he also wasn't fully comfortable demanding anything to elaborate of the poor elves when he knew they were busy tending to the needs of the entire great hall just above them.

Tooky nods , getting our items .

Rose was sitting , well leaning her head against the wall ,her locks of hair framed her lashes were thick and full resting against her folded his arms over his chest and leaned against the wall as they waited. He glanced over at her from behind his curtain of dark hair, "Who knows?" he asked after a moment, instinctively knowing she'd realize he was talking about her secret. just you,dumbledore and myself..although..the ivys knew..meaning my brother and dad..and I think malfoy knows .."she says softly her eyes not even opening,as tooky came with the items plus some drinks. Severus nodded, before pouring them both a drink, "Yes... I imagine Lucius does know" he replied softly, "I spent only two years in school with him, but... it was enough to know he's rather slippery, though... I doubt he'll tell anyone"

"It's too priceless a secret for him to let it out... he's the consummate Slytherin, if he speaks, you can be assured there is something in it for him... usually in the form of galleons"If he speaks out, he knows I will hunt him" she says calmly opening her eyes to dip her smll spoon into the caviar to eat some.
Severus felt himself nod once more, shaking his head at the amount of food the elves had brought him, before tucking in to a sandwich.

He chewed and swallowed, "Have you decided what you'll do once this is all over?" he asked, glancing her way, but then seemingly focused on his food once more. No.. Perhaps I will try to become a teacher of the dark arts or simply vanish.." she shrugs not hungry anymore taking a sip of her red juice He looked up then, his brow creased, "Vanish" he repeated softly, "you mean... you won't tell anyone your whereabouts?"

Rose nods" yeah just ...simply vanish.." her hair is swept back from her face into a ponytail" maybe I'll try muggle lifestyle..."she says softly as she watches him with her dark red brown eyes. "I think you would make a good Defense Professor" he muttered quietly, before taking another bite of his sandwich. What he had meant to say... was I don't want you to leave... but that was just the way it came out, in his mind it amounted to about the same thing, so he shrugged off the feeling he needed to tell her more.

"if I could get the job.. But I've seen it in the old mans eyes be thinks I'd follow my father.."she states,looking at her nails now,sighing softly .

"Well you know... the barmy old coot won't have this job forever" he muttered back in answer.

"And anyhow, Trust me... we don't all go the ways of our fathers" he added quietly, staring at his sandwich as if he was talking to it instead of the witch, his eyes going a bit distant as he became briefly lost in his thoughts. Rose sighed"..." silence staying with her before she stood saying" ill be righy back wait no just..meet me in the coomon room.."and left,not noticing the distant look in Severus eyes.
Severus had barely registered what she said, and only nodded. When she left he set his food down and ran a hand through his dark locks of hair... he released a heavy sigh as he attempted to clear his mind once more, and shove all thoughts apart from school to the back of his mind.

Though he didn't eat anymore, he spent quite awhile in the kitchens just spending time alone... when he finally left it was right at curfew, and he barely made it into the common room in was on the couch reading a book titled her hair was down again and she wore her simple night gown , a nightgown that was green in color( a dark green) with silver thread designs of ivy and vines although their was a lone large silk rose at the bottom in a corner half visible due to the fact she had her thin legs tucked up under her , on her feet were simply fuzzy green and silver slippers. Severus stared at her a few moments, his mouth slightly agape as he took in her natural beauty... his eyes travelled across her skin, to the delicate fabric and embroidery of her gown, and over her thin legs to the fuzzy slippers.

He swallowed, "D-don't you think you might like to put on something warmer?" he questioned, his eyes shifting from her to the boys dormitory staircase. He really didn't want any of them setting their sites on her... he was a bit jealous and possessive, not that he'd ever admit it.

She looks at him" heh they looked I hexed them so don't be surprised if they look like girls tomarrow.." she spoke softly simply patting the empty spot next to her before looking back at the book .Severus wanted to kick himself at how obvious he had been, but he only sighed, "I'm sure I have no idea what you could be talking about" he muttered.

He walked toward her and sat down in the spot she had patted, leaning back into the cushion with another sigh, "It's been a long day" She leaned against him her hair on his arm as she lay her head on his shoulder closing her eyes" it has been indeed..a long day."

He glanced down at her and the corner of his mouth turned up slightly, before he lifted his arm and wrapped it around her, his long-fingered hand grazing her arm lightly as he too let his eyes fall closed.

"Maybe it's a bit Hufflepuff to think... but I suppose there's always tomorrow" he said quietly, before stifling a small yawn. That sounds ravenclawish.." she yawns closing thebook she snuggledagainst him emitting a soft yet happy that makes me fill infinitely better" he answered with a small smile, "I much prefer sounding like a stuffed-up Ravenclaw than a bumbling idealistic Hufflepuff... or Merlin forbid a Gryffindor"She giggles , taking one of his hands to hold" soon we will have our Christmas break..why..don't you come to Ivy Manor with me?" she asks softly .

He looked at her quickly, for once openly showing his surprise, and his mouth opened... just before it closed once more as he faltered, re-thinking his answer.

"I would really like that" he answered, looking toward the floor, "but... I can't, I have to be home" Ah.." she says very softly nodding as she soon fell asleep .Severus knew he probably should have woke her and talked her into going to her bed, but he didn't want to... so he simply sat there for awhile, holding on to her while he thought about the upcoming holidays, before he too drifted to sleep. And for a few weeks after that, it's how they slept at night, one or the other waking before anyone else was up,this morning it was rose, she woke before whispering very silly words loudly in Severus ears before dashing up the girls stars to her room , since she was a prefect she had her own.

Rose yawned shutting her door before laying in her bed falling asleep again, forgetting that Severus as Head boy and prefect could very well come up her stairs and enter her room cause he knew the password.

When Severus woke to realize he was alone he looked about a bit confused, before he stood stretching and looked at the stairwell to the girls living quarters curiously...

Deciding it couldn't hurt he quickly darted up the stairs, and cracked Rose's door open, relaxing when he saw she was in bed... he might have been worried otherwise.

He retreated to his own room and quickly changed clothes, knowing he wouldn't be able to get another wink of sleep now that he was up. Rose woke just in time to catch dinner before having to leave for the train, although..for some reason she seemed very distant as Severus joined her in the saved compartment. Severus hardly noticed her distance as he joined her. HIs own thoughts were elsewhere... he was returning home today, the first holiday sense his parent's deaths, and would therefore be completely alone... not an idea he cherished, but it was at least as acceptable as returning to fight with his drunken father yet again.

He knew he had to go home... the dilapidated little house was already filthy, and without some work it would completely fall apart, at the very least it needed to be scrubbed. And despite all the bad memories... it was the only thing he had inherited and he refused to let it waste away. When the trainbstopped she grabbed her luggage , quickly getting off the train, not even saying good bye to Severus. too deep in her thoughts.

He watched her walk away and released a deep sigh... he couldn't stall the inevitable, and his only option at this point was to face the house head on.

When he arrived at Spinner's End, the home was in worse shape than he ever remembered... it had clearly been ransacked by local bums. He ran a hand through his hair before setting to work... he did little to fix the house, but he set up several wards against intruders and charms to prevent muggles from detecting any traces of magic.

When he entered the living room, he looked about... it appeared as if nothing had happened. His father's chair was where it had always been, next to the rickety end table, where a bottle of bourbon was knocked over... the threadbare couch still held the blanket his mother often used to cover up with on cold nights... and there were several candles about the room, most burned down to the wick.

He let his dark eyes fall closed and took in a deep shuddering breath... he couldn't stay here like this... so he made his mind up to clean up, sort through some of the trash... and then head back to the castle, he'd rather spend the holidays alone there than in this pitiful excuse for a home.

Rose went to her home,xthe evles there had kindly started the fireplace, she walked about the room her eyes half closed as she began thinking. To herself..she sent the most trusted elf( one call Snook) to spinners end.

After Severus had made his mind up, he set to cleaning out the living room... it last for about five minutes before his temper took over and he blasted his father's worn out chair, as well as every other thing in the room apart from the couch... he then simply scourgified the mess left behind from the blasting and cast window cleaning charms... he glanced around feeling a bit more satisfied and made a mental note that the room would be good for a small library if the bookshelves were floor to ceiling.

He then proceeded to do the kitchen in a similar manner... and that was when the elf appeared, quite scared at the wizards behavior. and currently the elf appeared quite shaken it wore an old tea cozy which it wrung between it's hand" m-my mistress sends for you a-sir..."

Severus' brow creased not entirely understanding the elf's meaning, "Calm yourself" he muttered, "Now... who specifically is your mistress, and why did she send you?"s-she wanted me to check to see I-if you really didn't want to come to Ivy Manor" she elf continues wrighing the teacozy nervousl" mistress Ivy.."

Severus watched the elf as he considered his options... on one hand, he truly didn't want to be at the castle, on the other... Rose might pity him if she knew how miserable his Christmas holidays usually were.

He scratched the back of his neck as he made his decision... and in true Slytherin fashion, he weighed the pros and cons, and then took the choice that best appealed to him.

"No... I mean... Yes, you can tell your mistress I'll come" he elf nods vanishing with a crack, and soon rose apprstes into the room " yay !"

Severus had assumed the elf would come back with some sort of directions, Rose popping in on him was the last thing he had expected. When she spoke, he dropped the glass pitcher he was holding, and it smashed as he quickly turned around to face her.

He was a bit disheveled, his eyes slightly reddened, and dust from his cleaning covering his robes. His dark eyes swept over her and then the room... he knew she had been here before on the mission for the dark lord, but somehow... this was so much more embarrassing, he'd never told anyone about how poor his family was... the only one to ever know had been Lily.

The house was an utter wreck to boot, with grime on every surface and cobwebs in nearly every corner the eye could find.

"Um... I..." he faltered a moment, "I didn't expect you" he muttered, his eyes falling anywhere to avoid meeting hers. she giggles ever so softly"nor did i but i couldnt wait!"she waves her wand cleaning off his robes "want some help cleaning?i could give you a house elf to keep the place clean.." she dissappearated and comes back with the same house elf from ealrier"this is oh what is yoru name again Elf..?"

teh elf shook remebering snapes earier actions"i am Furby mistress."He snorted at the elf's ridiculous name, before he finally met her eyes.

He glanced about, trying to think of what needed to be done next, but before he even had to say anything the little elf set to work, scrubbing every surface in sight.

"My father would turn over in his grave if he knew I was using magic to clean this hovel" he muttered under his breath, a small smirk playing on his lips before he turned from the elf to look at Rose once more, "thank you"

rose smiles"welcome severus.."she takes his hand watching the eelf cleaan"Furby i give you new orders,you are now Severus snapes Elf ." Severus looked at her, his dark eyes a little wide, "R-rose that really isn't necessary... I-I don't need an elf, I can cast charms on the house to keep dust from settling and he'd be here all alone while I am at school..."

"ah not if you say while your at school he can work in teh kitchen thats what i do with Tooky ,Kril and Gengi my house elves" she smiles"or he can even go back and help out at Ivy manor cause i know he has a crush on Gengi"

upon her sayign this teh elf seemed to get nervous. Severus quirked an eyebrow, "My elf... has a crush... on your elf?" he muttered in amusement, he'd never really thought about house elves falling in love before, he'd simply known they bred and left it at that.

"Maybe that's not such a bad idea... he could go to Hogwarts, I wouldn't feel so bad about asking the houselves for things if I knew it was my own..." Rose smiles before stepping up to severus kissing him softly"shall we go?" she says holding on his hand.

Severus smiled slightly, and nodded... he knew at some point he was going to have to be the one to initiate contact, he couldn't wait for her to kiss him every time.

"Yes... let's go" he nods "got your trunk? if not mini it an put it in your pocket."she speaks quietly as she sees the time"we much hurry in time for dinner of Tooky will be upset im late.."

"It's already in my pocket" he answered, "I haven't even unpacked... I came in and started cleaning..."

He smirked slightly, "Are you really afraid of your house elf?""tooky has a boosy tone,shes liek my nanny..well techinally when i was little she WAS my nanny.."rose shrugs pulling severus close Apprating them to her manors gates,Her manor was a brick built one,about as tall as malfoy manor,but this one was more olden day,the gate was stone and covered in Ivy and vines and teh Ivy rest was on the gates which swung open as rose tapped it with her wand"come alogn severus"she ran ahgead smiling.

Severus looked up at the Manor with slightly widened eyes... he had known it was a manor, and logically known that meant it would be large beyond anything he was accustomed to... but in comparison with where they had just came from, nothing could prepare him for the reality.

"coming" he breathed quietly, following behind her. she opened the door"share a roomwith me severus or do you want your own?"she asks softlyHe hesitated a moment, "Whatever you want's fine" he said softly. On one hand... he wouldn't mind sharing a room with her, but on the other... he knew it would be awkward.

she nods taking his hand leading her up to her room,the smell of food lingers in the house. He let her lead him up the stairs, feeling more than a little nervous... the smell of food made his stomach growl, but he ignored it for the time being."my rooms in the tower" she points to the stair case then to a door near it" bathroom," she goes up the spiral stairs.
Severus listened to her say where everything was, and slowly realized why she had wanted him here... he had expected her to have at least some distant relation to the Ivy's here, or perhaps a nanny... but she really was alone, apart from the few house elves.

rose was looking at a picture which had caught her attention ,tears in her eyes,it was a wzards picture( one that moved) a young rose,and her family were openiong presents. Seveus saw where her eyes fell and he looked toward the picture, before wrapping his arms around her, "They wouldn't want you to cry you know" he muttered softly. before kissing her cheek. He pulled from his grip running from the room to another the door slamming shut, screams cloud be hear as she let out her by crashing things.
He sighed, he really hadn't known what he needed to do... he was awkward at the best of times, and didn't have the slightest clue how to handle a sobbing witch.

He looked at the door with a concerned expression, but in the end he turned and headed down to find the kitchens and see if he couldn't make himself useful .The elf were finishing up the cooking,tooky waves at Severus" hullo master severus!"

Rose remained in the room, even as Severus began to hadn't meant to eat without her... but when he went back upstairs to check on her she was still locked away, and he didn't know what else to do... he found himself more than a couple hours later just waiting on her, he explored the house a bit but for the most part he stayed in the living room and in the hall near her bedroom .

Rose soon exited from the room her face viod of any emotions her eyes seemingly dull, asshe waved her wand placeing locking wards on the room,before she walked down to the kitchen and sat farfrom eyes blank and un seeing at the moment .

Severus didn't speak... he understood her need for silence, he was much the same way. A part of him empathized with her... she had been though a lot to come out so alone.

And then there was another part of him... the selfish part which was annoyed by all of this and wanted her to talk to him. Why had she drug him here if she was going to behave this way? He could wallow in his own miseries back at Spinners end just as looks at him and ever so softly a smile and light flow back into her eyes" I'm glad..you came Severus..." He looked toward her slowly, his dark eyes seemingly seeing right through her a moment, "I am too" he answered softly, "but I would be more glad still... if you'd talk to me, I thought you asked me here so we didn't have to be alone" " i know its just..hard.." she moves and sits next to him sighing softlyas she takes his hand tracing patterns on it ."I know" he muttered quietly, allowing her to hold his hand a few more seconds before he pulled it back. He leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers in a chaste kiss, "but... it has to get better at some point, it can't really get worse"she smiled after the kiss"it could get worse..you could leave me or something.."she says softly . "Rose... listen to me" he said, meeting her eyes, "I am not a man that is very demonstrative with my emotions, so I am going to say this now... If I didn't want to be with you... I wouldn't be. Once I've made my mind up about something... it's set, you don't have to worry about me... you're the only witch I have any interest in"what about lily evans?"she askls softly .
He frowned, "That was something different Rose... I know that now" he answered, "Lily... was my first friend, even before Hogwarts... she was there, and she was the only one who knew about my parents... she didn't judge me, at least not at first"

"She was kind, and pretty, and fearless, and I followed her around like a whipped pup" he muttered, "I thought I loved her... for a long time I thought it was love... but it wasn't, she was more along the lines of an obsession than a true love interest"

He paused, "She was the first person to be nice to me... but she never cared about me, not really, and I know that now... you pulled me away enough where I could look at it logically... and I can see the difference here"

"You mean so much more to me... you understand me... we're similar" rose nods smiling"wanna go to my room and lay down and..talk or something..since tomarrows christmas eve.." He nodded, feeling much better that she seemed to accept his answer... he didn't really want to talk about Lily. What he said had been true, but that still didn't make it easier.

She stands with him walking to her now their room, in silence it felt right to be silent on the walk to it ,As they entered her room she smiles kissing him , knowing he probably wasn't paying attention .Severus hadn't been paying attention... he was lost in his thoughts, but the feel of her lips against his quickly brought him back to reality, and he kissed her back, nipping her bottom lip gently, before letting his tongue graze across it.

Her lips parted slightly, as her arms wrapped around his neck." oh Severus.." she whispers into this smiled slightly, but gladly deepened the kiss, his hand sliding to the small of her back, before he kissed up her jaw line to her ear. Her ear tilted to the side just a tad her locks of strawberry blonde hair sliding away from that ear Severus pulled back and met her eyes briefly, but knew he didn't really need to ask. One of his hands found it's way to the back of her neck and he pulled her down for a more heated kiss, a small knot of anticipation forming in his stomach as he led her backwards and toward the bed.

His hand toyed with the hem of her shirt a few moments, before pulling it off... the rest of their clothing following soon after...

{sorry cant write itX_X}

When they had both thoroughly explored each other, he collapsed beside her, his breathing returning to normal, his lank hair damp with sweat, he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer to him, but relaxed his grip where he wouldn't smother her, before he leaned over and kissed her temple. She was sweaty too , but smiles at him as they fit together just right " I love you Severus..." she whispers her hand still in she summoned a blanket to pull over the two, a fire starting in the bedroom fireplace, rose let out a happy sigh snuggling to him once again.
Severus opened his eyes and looked over at her curiously... he hadn't expected a confession of love from her. His mouth opened but closed once more as he tried to think of a reply, "I love you too Rose..." he finally settled on, feeling a little giddy yet at the same time wishing he had said it first.

She smiled looking up at him" good..now let's..sleep" her eyes closed as her breathing fell into a slow smirked but nodded, "yes... let's sleep" he muttered with a yawn, "I just did quite bit of work and I'm rather tired" he half-joked, trying to see how she would react. she giggles a bit as she finally drifted into dream the first time in a long time, Severus slept in peace... no screams to wrench him awake in the middle of the night, his dreams were free of the dark lord, deatheaters, marauders and most notably his father. Having Rose to hold on to seemed to bring him a sense of control and calm... one he wouldn't let go of for once,slept free from the dreams of deaths shes commited,of death eaters od was amazingly relaxed around severus.

When Severus woke, Rose was still sleeping, her back pressed up against his chest... it was still dark out, but he found himself unable to fall back asleep. He let his hand trace down her arm down to the tips of her fingers, before it travelled upward once more to linger over her forearm, tracing where he knew her mark to be, even though it was too dark to see.

He sighed, wishing the marks didn't mar their skin... that they wouldn't always have the constant reminder of what they were going through, but then again... it was a reminder of what had brought them together. rose yawns moving so her face was against his chest now snuggling hand drifted to her hair, where he played with it a few minutes, letting his eyes fall closed as he tried his hardest to let sleep claim him once a few hours she woke, shivering since the fire wasn't for her wand she waved it causing the fire to burn once again .
Severus had drifted into a light sleep, but his eyes snapped open almost as soon as she moved, "Are you okay?" he asked sleepily. I'm fine just lighting the fire go back to sleep.."she whispers softly .He pulled the covers tighter around them and pulled her snugger into his side, "Are you cold?" he asked, holding back a yawn. She snuggled to him" not anymore love." she smiles holding his hand falling back asleep , tooky walking in shutting the dark smiled as well, before letting his head fall back to the pillow, not even noticing when Tooky entered the room as he fell asleep once more. ..