AN: Sorry it has taken me so long. I have been really busy with school and such, and this chapter was giving me difficulties. Anyways, here it is. It's shorter than usual for me, but it is something.

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I do not own anything in the Potterverse except my original characters. Everything else belongs to J. K Rowling. She is merely letting me play in her world.

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The soft narrow beam of light loomed over her, calling her to the morning's splendor. She let the warmth of it caress her face like a soft hand before she opened her eyes. No matter what the night held previous, or the day held promising, she was a morning grouch, and it would never change.

After she opened her eyes all she found was an empty space next to her. She hadn't remembered him moving or even waking. She must have been really tired to not notice. She continued to rest for a few minutes, letting her body wake fully before she attempted to move, let alone walk.

Stepping out of the bedroom she moved into his study. There she found her source of happiness. He was already up and working. How typical. She was glad to see he was wearing a robe though, in black of course. She studied him for a moment as he wrote, watching how serious and submersed he was in his work.

"Working already?" she asked quietly from the doorframe.

He looked up to greet her and caught his breath. She looked exquisite wrapped in the sumptuousness of his sheet, one they had previously rolled around in quite a bit.

She smiled before he could reply. She loved making him vulnerable. It was such a pleasurable addiction.

"I tried to wake you for breakfast, but you growled at me so I let you be." There was a glimmer in his eyes. He actually liked it that she was so grumpy in the mornings.

"I would never growl at you," she spoke through a pool of sarcasm.

He raised an eyebrow at her and had a few thoughts of his own on that remark. Then he turned his head back to his work and began writing again, his signature smirk planted in place.

She strolled across the room and stopped behind his chair. She knew it annoyed him to have people look over his shoulder, but she was devious and did it anyway. Just because she couldn't help her self she slipped her arms around his shoulders, sliding them over his chest until she finally rested her chin on his shoulder. She kissed him softly under the ear, feeling lost by just the feel of his skin.

"Sorry I growled at you," she said, though she smiled into his neck.

"Do you seek forgiveness or punishment," he droned, getting a buzz from her presence, sending sparks through out his body.

"Wicked man," she gasped playfully, brushing her fingers across his chest.

"You are wicked for walking out here in my sheet," he said, grasping her by the wrist and pulling her around forcefully so she fell into his lap.

"Some punishment this is," she teased, clasping her hands behind his neck, rubbing her thumbs gently over his skin. She felt a tiny pressure underneath her thigh and immediately looked down. When she realized what it was she looked back up at him slowly, grinning appreciatively.

"Oh my, was that my doing?" she said falsely sweet, her eyes widening a little and sparkling brightly at him. She shifted purposely so she rubbed against it, grinning evilly at him.

"Twit," he growled, feeling the sensations rouse slightly.

"Such niceties you have," she laughed. She kissed him before he could respond, and sighed when he ran his hand over her thigh. "Uh, breakfast?" she said quickly, feeling warm all of a sudden.

"What do you want?" he asked.

There was a fire that flickered momentarily in her eyes, and a small smirk that spread over her lips before she just smiled and felt her face flush.

"You are completely hopeless in hiding your desires," he smirked, feeling a sense of pride in her bashfulness. She knew what she wanted and hinted at it, and he liked that greatly.

"Sorry I can't be as discreet as you," she said as she slipped her hand under his robe and let it slide down his body until it came in contact with his manly endowment. He gave a small hiss and she grinned. "What were you just saying about hiding my desires?"

"Bloody woman," he groaned as she sized him up with her hand.

She gave him a thorough inspection with her hand and stopped before he lost himself. He growled at her menacingly, half frustrated and half pleasured.

"You horrible little twit," he said, not believing she would stop like that.

"Patience is a virtue," she hissed into his mouth, taking all his breath.

"I'll teach you about patience," he tried to reply as she kissed him deeply.

"Teach me anything," she teased again, biting softly on his lower lip as she lingered on his mouth after the kiss. She elicited a wonderful groan on his behalf. She was driving him wild, and she loved how much power she held like that.

"I shall have to keep that in mind," he said, running his finger across the sheet where it covered her chest.

She smiled against his mouth before she leaned against him, molding into his hard warm body. If she could sit with him forever as they were, so simply and intimately she would be happier than anything.

"Severus, last night was beautiful. I'll never forget it."

"Making love to you was beautiful," he admitted.

She looked at him surprised for a moment, studying his eyes. When she felt satisfied she rubbed her nose against his before she rested her head on his shoulder. Then she suddenly remembered something. She picked up her head and pushed his robe to the side, revealing the skin around his shoulder. There she saw the small purple mark she had left him.

"I've marked my territory," she said playfully, blowing on it softly.

"I noticed," he said, tilting his head to the other side so she could get more access to it. "Getting possessive so soon?"

"Not anymore than you," she said, looking back at him smugly.

He raised an eyebrow at her in wonder. Then she sighed and pushed the sheet off her leg. She showed him a similar purple mark on the inside of her upper thigh, extremely close to her forbidden and sensitive area. Looking back at him, she gave him a look of complete satisfaction and amusement.

"Marking territories of your own?" she asked.

"Naturally," he complied, looking at her with dark obsidian eyes. It was that look she found herself lost in many a time. "Do you like it that I mark you as mine?"

Her smile grew until it was a grin, giving him an undeniable yes. "What do you think?" she said quietly, tangling her fingers in his and leading them over her little mark.

"Mine," he whispered into her ear, as he purposely ran his fingers around the area. He would get so close to touching her where she wanted it most, but he would linger and draw away before he did. "Patience, remember?" he smirked.

"Ugh, I hate you," she said sarcastically.

"Really? Pity, because I believe I may happen to like you just slightly," he played along. He finally pressed his fingers over her swollen mound and she jerked beneath him.

It wasn't even five minutes later that she had stood and practically ran back into the bedroom, dropping the sheet on his lap and leaving him to stare after her in amusement. He pounced on her when he got to the bed, pulling the sheet completely over their bodies and covering them from head to toe. Several minutes later they both achieved an amazing morning release. That was followed by a memorable shower interlude and a less erotic and simple breakfast, where conversation was the climax of the event. It was lovely anyway and she couldn't seem to take her eyes off him for a second.

The rest of the day had gone by slowly once she had returned to her own rooms. It seemed hardly a breath later she was stuck amid the havoc of classes again. That week passed quickly, colliding with a flash of color into the next week. It was now the beginning of March and the green that seemed to have hibernated for so long was emerging all over the grounds once more. It was almost as if one night it was gray and dreary and the next morning mother nature decided to paint a masterpiece. The grounds in the spring did look like a painting. It was purely and simply beautiful.

That Saturday Seda found herself in the comfort of Hermione's sitting room. It was the night they had planned to celebrate Ron's birthday and Ginny's holiday visit. When she had arrived Ron was over at his parent's house, getting Madison settled in for the night there. It gave her and Hermione a small amount of time to talk alone.

"You're glowing," Hermione said with a smile.

Seda just looked away and smiled to her self, trying to sip her tea.

"Oh, you can't hide it from me." Hermione elbowed her in the arm.

"By what do you mean it exactly?" she asked sarcastically. She suddenly realized how much like Snape she sounded then. She almost rolled her eyes.

Hermione looked at her impressed somewhat, or surprised. She fixed her eyes intently on Seda's smug little face and said, "I understand perfectly now," she said with a smile. "So, things are going well… with him. You haven't called upon me all in a crumble, so I just assume it is well."

"Hermione," Seda started, looking at her. "You are positively a pest, but with out you I don't think I'd be where I am. So I forgive you." She smiled.

"Why thank you ever so much," Hermione said dramatically, holding a hand to her chest. "So, what news from the great abyss?"

"We, er, he kind of… well he did take me on a date."

Hermione was taken by so much surprise she nearly choked on her tea.

"What?" she said in disbelief.

"Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. I was in so much shock I thought I was misinterpreting what he was saying. For a minute, I thought he had gone insane or lost his mind. I never expected him to do anything like that. Not to mention it was kind of backwards, considering our previous encounters."

"And you didn't tell me about it? How often does Snape put forth that much kindness intentionally," she babbled to her self humorously.

"Well, if it amuses you, the way he asked me was practically a demand. He stood there with his arms crossed, glared down at me, and nearly insisted that I join him." She thought for a moment and then a grin spread over her face.

"So, what happened? Tell me," Hermione pleaded excitedly.

Seda dreamily relived the night as she told Hermione about it. She told her everything up until the activities following the candles.

"Candles? Oh my goodness, that's truly lovely. I would have fainted, I think. Ron tries to be romantic. It's his efforts that count I guess." She shrugged.

"I almost did faint. It was," she lost herself in thought momentarily. "I don't think I've ever seen him so-" she was at a loss for words all over again.

"Wonderful? Caring? Loving?" Hermione offered, smiling softly.

"He is wonderful," Seda thought aloud, not aware of the expression clouding her face.

"Ugh, stop. Now you're making me feel warm and fuzzy." Hermione laughed.

"Sorry," Seda said, a small smile still looming on her face. She seemed to get lost in her thoughts again, because Hermione had to poke her to bring her back.

"Hey, don't get so befuddled already. You have the rest of your life to do that. Tonight you are going to enjoy yourself."

"I'm not befuddled, I'm just- I'm just-"

"In love. Yes, I know the feeling. It's hard not to lose yourself. I still do it."

"Ha!" Seda blurted out. "You see? As much as I try it's almost impossible not to think about it. Well, him actually." She looked dreamy again.

"Seda," Hermione sighed. "You are so much under the love spell I'm scared for you."

"Love spell? I suppose you could say love is like a drug. Why do you worry?"

"I don't want you to lose your head. There is still so much that needs to be done. You know, the-"

"I know. As much as I should be thinking about it, I don't like to. It's not exactly pleasant, you know. How many people do you know that walk around worrying about nothing but their grim fate? It messes with your head, Hermione. I need something to lose myself in or I'll go insane."

"I understand. Really, I do. I just mean that," she gave a heavy sigh. "I just want you to be safe. I worry about it too much, I guess."

"Safe? I'm not safe from anything as long as this curse is upon me. It's not a physical force that I can defend myself from. It's almost a mind game that I can't control. I may be safe right now, but the future is unpredictable."

"I know it is, that's why I want you to keep your head straight. I'm happy for you, that you've found part of yourself in him, but… never mind. Let's not think about it."

"I think about it all the time anyways, in a way. It's ok. I know you worry, but there's nothing you can do besides what you have done already. It's fate's game, not yours and not mine." Seda sighed also, feeling strange. She was happy, yet sad again.

"Uh, sorry. I didn't mean to-" Hermione began.

"Really, it's ok. I appreciate your concern. Thank you for everything."

Hermione opened her mouth to respond when the fire roared. Out of the grate came the familiar form of Ron. Behind him was Ginny, who waved and said hello. The last to come out were two young men Seda had never seen before.

"Well hello there," Fred said.

"We are pleased to finally meet the famous Miss Wood," George said.

"I'm Fred, nice to meet you," Fred said, holding out his hand as he walked forward.

Seda shook his hand and said, "uh, nice to meet you too."

"And I'm George. I'm his twin if you hadn't noticed," George said, also extending his hand.

"Yes, I did happen to notice," she said, greeting him warmly.

"Good head on your shoulders, eh? Can't fool you I reckon." George clapped her on the shoulder.

"Don't bruise her, honestly," Ginny said, shaking her head. She walked forward until she was level with Seda. "It's good to see you again."

"Yes, it's been awhile," Seda replied. She looked over at Ron and said, "Happy Birthday by the way."

"Thanks," he answered. "Where's Harry? Is he here yet?"

"No, but he will be," Hermione said.

"Don't worry, Ron," George said.

"Your other half won't keep you waiting long," Fred finished.

"Ah, you two are a real laugh, you know that?" Ron said, annoyed.

The twins shrugged and then they started to converse with Seda. They asked her a bunch a silly questions. Some she had no idea if they were even questions. She just smiled and went along. They waited a few minutes until Harry arrived, and then they left.

They went to a local pub that was quite busy on the weekends. She was actually enjoying herself. She was lost in conversation most of the night, which was good. Everything was going smoothly until she had a small slip. She had been lost in thought for a moment and didn't realize she had done it.

"So, who is the lucky bloke who seems to be on your mind tonight?" George asked playfully.

"Oh yeah, you are involved I hear," Fred said.

"Who told you that?" Seda asked curiously.

"So there is someone, eh?" Fred continued.

"Don't mind us, we are just curious. You don't have to confess. We thought maybe we could give you some pointers on how to liven up the romance." George grinned.

"We have a shop see, loads of items that could fit your fancy." Fred waved his hands.

"We may even give you a discount if you decide to purchase anything, considering you are friends with our little Hermione here." George threw his arm around Hermione and squeezed her.

"We can show you some samples if you like. Got plenty," Fred started.

"Um, it's ok. I don't think Sna-" Seda stopped immediately. Hermione and Seda looked at each other.

"What's that?" Fred asked, leaning closer.

"Did you say-" George began.

"No. I, uh, it's nothing," Seda started to say.

"I think you are holding back on us, Seda."

"Oy, George, she's keeping a secret from us," Fred smirked and elbowed his twin.

"Honestly, I'm not. I just don't like to talk about it is all."

"Are you sure? We could give you a few things to really liven it up you know," George pressed on.

"I'll check out your shop sometime, I promise. I just really don't need anything right now. Thanks though." Seda was trying to steer the conversation away from her secret love life as fast as possible. She couldn't risk exposure.

Fred turned to his brother and said, "You know, for a minute there I thought she was going to say Snape. How strange would that be, eh?"

"Very strange indeed, Fred."

"Uh, Snape? No, it's not Snape. Sorry boys," Seda said, trying to cover her mistake.

"Well you don't sound repulsed by the idea. Are you sure you aren't frolicking about in the dungeons with the great bat?" George laughed, obviously making a joke.

"Yes, imagine that, George. The bat having a life besides tormenting students and hovering over his potions." Fred laughed too.

"Mm, imagine that," Seda tried to laugh too. She sort of smiled though, feeling her heart race momentarily.

She looked away from the pair of jokers and tried to breathe calmly. Her eyes fell upon Harry who just looked at her blankly, as if trying to think of something to say. She took a breath and shifted her eyes until they fell upon Ginny last. Ginny was giving her a most peculiar look. Seda just smiled warmly and sipped her drink, wanting to crawl under the table and hide.

At one point Seda had excused herself to use the restroom. She walked in and stood before the mirror, looking at herself frustrated. She almost slipped. She couldn't allow that to happen again. If people found out things could get very interesting, and not in a good way.

"Seda?" A soft voice said. She turned towards the door and Ginny stood there. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

Oh great, Seda thought. She knew something.

"Sure. What is it?" Seda started, trying to look as normal as possible, when actually she was more paranoid than anything.

"I wanted to talk to you about Harry," she said, her smile fading into a small frown, though her eyes had a spark behind them.

"Harry?" Seda asked, confused. What was this about, she thought.

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AN: I apologize ever so much for the short chapter, but I wanted to get out what I had so you all don't think I died or something. Also, this is going to be a long author's note. I apologize greatly for the backwardness!

Lilegyptiangoddess: No worries, I understand about college work; it never ends! I have trouble keeping up myself. Thank you for your nice comment!

Emerald J. Beckett: Ah, yes, I do believe I know which song you are talking about. Funnily enough, music is a huge inspiration to me. I can listen to a song and create an entire scene or story around it. I work backwards from most people I think, ha ha! Oh well, whatever works, works. Thank you for your encouragement!

AlanaRose12: Oh, yes. You see I let my romantic side emerge in this chapter. I simply could not help it. Sigh. The thing I love is that he is romantic in his own way. Its simple and pure, which love is when it comes down to it. I've also tried to convey before that they have a connection, and I've hinted that they feel they have always loved each other. I truly think that's how love is though. I believe that when you truly find your soul mate it is as if that's the person you have always loved, you just never realized it until you met that person. That is the highest level of romance I think, knowing you have loved someone before you knew said person. Gee, I am such a girl, tee hee! Thank you for your comment also!

The Meg-chan: I'm glad you still love this story. It makes me feel accomplished. Again, everyone's encouragement is truly what motivates me to keep going. I still can't believe that my simple little story has captured so many people. I can't thank you enough for supporting me.

Blaze: Thank you, thank you, and thank you for your honesty and thoughtfulness! To be completely honest here, I was actually planning on making Seda older when I first started brainstorming. I wanted her to be about 26 or so, but then I reconsidered because of a few small things that were going to happen in the story. I agree with what you said completely. I think in the real world she is too young for a relationship with him. It has been bothering me though, really it has. When I finish this story I am going to make her the original age I intended. I think once I make Seda older, as I planned, then it will only add more to her character. I love her character; I just need to make her older. Also, the way I have portrayed Snape is the way I think he is. I like to keep him in character as much as possible, because I think it only enhances the story. Again, thank you very much for your wonderful review. It has been extremely helpful, thank you ever so much!

Karatecatgrl: As usual, thank you for your thoughts! Sigh, I tend to like romance too, ha!

Here is a note to my readers out there, since Blaze brought something up. I have always been a passionate writer. When I was young it was what I wanted to be, but then I kind of put it aside when I took on art more. Now that I am going to school for art, I'm getting more creative ideas, and I can't help but think of all the stories I still want to write. I am in the process of writing original fictions. I have a few that are in rough draft phase, so it will be awhile before I really get down to writing them.

Thank you again for reading! Your nice words and kind thoughts help me so much; I just don't know how to say it enough. It really, truly, and honestly stirs my desire for writing more and more each day. Thank you, all of you, and keep those helpful reviews coming! Any help I can get will be for the better! Thanks and see you soon. Toodles!