Holiday Misgivings

When Cassie walked through the front door to the little house on Spinner's End, it was not empty. For the first time since she had left for South America and had been making regular visits to Cokeworth, Severus had arrived before her. She had planned on being home much earlier, but her days no longer contained set schedules now that she had quit her training at the academy. Each day promised danger and uncertainty, and she never knew when her missions would come to a close.

Over the past week, she had worked with Da Gama's Aurors to capture three of Sombria's followers. The actual battle had lasted only mere minutes, as most of them did, especially the more Cassie got used to working with the Brazilian witches and wizards. But they had spent days tracking down clues to find the trio, and Cassie had even considered putting off coming back home to finish the job. Fortunately, they had hunted down the cavaleiros just in time for her to take the Portkey back to her boyfriend. Continuing with her monthly visits was something she had negotiated with Da Gama when she offered to help catch the dark witches and wizards. She was more than willing to assist with the complicated task of finding Sombria's stooges, but not at the expense of her emotional well-being and relationship.

Seeing that Severus was not in the kitchen or sitting room, Cassie assumed that he was already upstairs and started to head there. But she caught the scent of something earthy and floral wafting by her and quickly deduced that it was coming from the house's tiny cellar.

"You are late," a deep voice greeted her as she made her way down the rickety steps. The grey stone walls were tall enough for the Head of Slytherin to narrowly miss hitting his head on the ceiling, and only if he was careful. Even as he stood in front of a steaming cauldron now, he had to stoop slightly to keep his scalp from touching. The familiar sight of Severus brewing an unknown concoction sent waves of pleasure through her, a grin forming on her lips.

"Don't pretend like you didn't enjoy the alone time," she quipped, coming to stand beside him and peer into the cauldron with curiosity. The pleasant aroma sent warmth through her body, like taking a sip of tea after being out in the cold.

"I enjoy your company much more than my solitude." His black eyes were still trained on the shimmering liquid that he was gently stirring.

"Aren't you a poet?" she teased but appreciated his statement nonetheless. As always, she had missed him terribly. "What are you working on?"

"Liquid Luck." He reached for a nearby vial, shaking a minuscule amount of silvery wings into the elixir as he continued to stir. Cassie tried to assess his demeanor even as he spoke to her, for fear of aggravating him. There were times he was perfectly fine with conversation during potion-making, and there were times that he looked like he was going to strangle her for the interruptions. So far, he seemed content.

"Oh," she said in surprise, studying the cauldron even closer. She had never witnessed Felix Felicis being brewed before, having only seen the finished, very expensive form in shops. "Doesn't that take sixth months to brew?"

"It does."

"Are you making it so you can figure out the Chamber of Secrets?"

Finally, the wizard's gaze broke from what he was doing so he could give her a momentary irked side-glance. "I'm making it for you, you silly witch. I started it long before the Chamber was opened."

"Why?" she blurted without tact, and immediately regretted the tone. Here he was, painstakingly preparing a potion that took half a year to perfect, that could be disastrous if he made even the slightest error, and she sounded like an ignorant student. Severus' intense stare stayed trained on his task, but she noticed the tell-tale vein on his forehead start to protrude slightly. "I mean, it's a lovely thought, Sev, and I really appreciate it. But couldn't it be put to better use?"

"Better use than if you have another run-in with Sauda Sombria, when she will have likely killed more people and accumulated more power?" he bantered. He reached into a bowl of powdered opal, carefully feeling the weight of it in his hand before deciding it was the correct amount, and added it to the cauldron.

"I can handle myself - "

"Stop with the arrogance and be reasonable, Cassie," he snapped. "You have no idea how strong she could become if she escapes."

She was silent for a few moments, attempting to swallow down the irritation that was bubbling up inside her, while simultaneously realizing that he was right, as he usually was. She wanted to wrap her arms around his lean waist to communicate her desire for a truce but refrained. Touching him while he was working on something so delicate would only piss him off. "You're always thinking of my safety, aren't you?" she asked softly.

"It does take up a proportionate amount of my time, yes," he said lowly. "Am I foolish to think you also worry about mine?"

"I'd worry less if you and Dumbledore were okay with me coming to Hogwarts," she said, again wishing she had said something with a bit more sensitivity. She had been home for five minutes, and she wouldn't be surprised if they were at each other's throats soon.

"Cassie, I'm not having this argument again!"

"Okay, okay," she said, taking a step toward the wooden stairs. "I didn't intend to come home and immediately start fighting. Maybe it would be better if I get out of your way."

"I'm not telling you to leave," he growled, his tone growing more perturbed. It was a bit endearing to her, knowing that he still wanted her near him even though she was ruffling his feathers.

"I know you aren't," she said gently. "But I'm exhausted and I've been dreaming of a hot bath for the better part of a month. I think I'll go treat myself to one while you finish up."

He pressed his lips together in a thin line, silently indicating his disappointment. "I will be finished in an hour. I will be upstairs then."

When she left him in his makeshift potions lab, he was still slightly hunched forward, his concentration fixed on the process of brewing Liquid Luck for her. After grabbing a piece of bread from the cupboard, she made her way upstairs as she scarfed it down. She was certainly tired, but she hadn't realized how famished she was until she glanced in the kitchen. She knew she wouldn't be much fun on this first evening home. All she wanted to do was bathe and sleep.

After drawing her bath, she lowered herself into the hot water slowly, her sore muscles humming in relief. After particularly grueling days, she would occasionally use a herbal balm she had learned to make to help soothe her aches and pains. But she was becoming accustomed to the discomfort, her mind usually occupied by the next task they would be undertaking.

She was reflecting on how she and the Aurors had ambushed the three cavaleiros earlier that day when she started to drift off to sleep. Only when Severus' footsteps woke her did she realize the water had become tepid. Yawning, she grabbed her wand from the side of the tub and gave it a lazy wave, the water instantly heating back to an appealing temperature.

"Hi," she said softly, setting the wand back on the ledge, giving Severus a weary smile. He must have stopped in the bedroom before coming to her, as his usual black ensemble was gone, and he was wearing nothing but the dark green lounge pants she had gotten for him.

"You look depleted," he observed quietly, coming to kneel beside the tub. His pale hand slowly went to the back of her neck and he started to slowly massage the tight muscles there.

"I think I was too busy to realize how tired I am," she admitted, yawning again. "It's been nonstop since I told Da Gama I'd help him."

"Is he at least paying you a fair salary?" He reached for the shampoo bottle, pouring a generous amount in his hand before starting to rub it into her hair and scalp.

"Mmm," Cassie moaned in pleasure, nearly forgetting that he had just asked her a question. "He's not paying me anything."

Those luxurious movements on her head stopped abruptly. "Then how is he compensating you for putting yourself in constant danger?"

"I didn't want compensation," Cassie said, risking opening her eyes and getting soap in them to glance at his expression. As she predicted, he was scowling. "That way I can walk away whenever I want to. Nothing is keeping me there." Her answer must have satisfied him because he resumed the task of washing her thick hair. She closed her eyes again, more than ready to enjoy his touch.

"I do not take any pleasure in the fact that we cannot communicate regularly," he said silkily. "You haven't even enlightened me as to why you quit the academy."

"Is Dumbledore pissed?"

"Whether or not he is doesn't matter."

"But is he?"

He groaned as he used his wand to rinse her hair. "You are intentionally avoiding what I'm inquiring of you."

"So are you."

"Stubborn girl," he muttered, and she opened her eyes to investigate why he was no longer touching her now that her hair was shampoo-free. Severus looked exasperated as he leaned back on his heels to study her better.

"If I tell you, will you promise not to get angry?" she asked sternly.

"At you?"

"No."

He shook his head slowly, his nostrils flaring. No doubt, his brilliant mind was narrowing down the list of offenders, and she would be surprised if he wouldn't at least suspect Vitaly. "I cannot give my word that I won't."

Cassie sighed. "I just wanted a peaceful evening, Sev. I'm tired - "

"Then let me see," he demanded. "You won't have to retell what happened." Cassie bit her lower lip as she contemplated his request. She wouldn't have to go through the torment of retelling it, but she would have to witness it with him. At least there would be no misunderstandings.

"Fine," she conceded. She was about to warn him that he wasn't going to like what he was about to see and to ask him to stay calm, but there was no use. His black eyes were already wild as scenarios ran through his head. He shuffled closer to her on his knees, his face now inches from hers, and she let out a deep breath as she willed her mental defenses to be lowered.

Even knowing what Vitaly was about to say to her, Cassie's stomach felt just as queasy as when it had actually happened, rage simultaneously running through her as he propositioned her. After she kicked him out of her hut, her mind sped to the next memory she wanted Severus to see. She spiked the young wizard's drink with Veritaserum, and her peers learned of his true disgusting intentions. Then she showed him the resulting conversation with Martese, and her anger subsided as a twinge of guilt came forward. Even with everything that had happened, a part of her regretted leaving her master when he had so much remorse.

Cassie clamped off her memories then, indicating that she was satisfied with what he had seen. When they were both out of her head, she looked at Severus with apprehension, as he was making no effort to hide the fury he was feeling.

"I should have gotten you drunk before I showed you that, huh?" she asked lightly as he clamored to his feet.

"That repulsive excuse for a wizard," he seethed, his voice starting out dangerously quiet.

"At least all the other students know what he tried to do."

"I knew something was rotten with that boy, I should have cursed him the second I felt it!" Now he was nearly shouting.

"Severus," Cassie said evenly. Still in the tub, she was unable to physically reach him as he paced in the small bathroom. "Come in here with me, try to relax - "

"How can I relax knowing that swine tried to touch WHAT IS MINE!" he bellowed. Cassie flinched a bit at the last booming words, but she was hardly mortified at his reaction. In fact, his possessive statement made her feel a smug sort of satisfaction. She stayed silent for a few moments as he worked out his anger, and then she reached out a sudsy hand toward him.

"Come in here with me," she repeated, grabbing Bellatrix's wand again to reheat the water. "I'm not asking." To her relief, he complied, starting to walk to the tub. She scooted forward to make room for him.

"Your former master is useless," he muttered as he settled in behind her, his long legs go on either side of hers, his arms pulling her into his chest. She sighed in contentment, hoping that the noise wouldn't aggravate him further.

"I thought that at first," she said, her hand reaching down into the water to grip his thigh. As she squeezed, she felt the tense muscles under her fingers start to relax. "Now I just tell myself his hands were tied. It makes me feel a little better."

"People are always out to get you," he growled, nuzzling his cheek into the side of her face, his arms tightening around her protectively. "I would prefer it if you were home for good."

"I want to keep finding Sombria's lackeys, Sev. You know that."

"For how long?" he muttered into her ear. "How long until you're satisfied? Or is it a specific number that you wish to catch?"

"I can't answer that," she replied, caught off guard. He was asking her those questions to prove a point. "I don't think about it that way. I suppose until the job is finished."

"The Brazilian Ministry will never be able to find all of them."

"We've been doing a pretty good job so far, I think."

"It's been over a decade since the Dark Lord disappeared, and yet many of his followers walk free," he pointed out.

Cassie sighed. "What's your point? That it's a lost cause and I should give up?"

"No," Severus replied quietly, planting a soft kiss behind her ear, making her shiver. "I just don't want you to have an unattainable goal in your mind. It will only end in disappointment."

"You just want me to come home," she argued, turning around in his arms to face him, her breasts now pressing into his chest. "And what am I supposed to do with myself if I do that? Find a job in one of the shops in Diagon Alley?"

"Why must you always assume that I have ulterior motives?"

"Admit it," Cassie bantered, searching his eyes. "You're trying to convince me to leave South America behind because you miss me."

Severus snorted in disbelief. "Of course I miss you, Cassie! I miss you every second that we aren't together." She leaned into his chest then, nestling her face into the crook of his neck.

"I miss you, too. Sometimes I have to force it from my mind or I think I'll go insane." She let out a hum as he stroked her back, the heat of the water and his body so close to hers continuing to relax her sore body. "I don't know how long I'll be doing this. But I've never felt like I had so much purpose until now."

The man that was cradling her in his arms stayed silent after that statement. If he had another counterpoint to add, she didn't know, nor did she care at the moment. Within minutes, she was drifting off to sleep again, and she had no idea how much time had passed when Severus coaxed her out of the water to stand. He dried both of them off with his wand in mere seconds, then wrapped a guiding arm around her waist to slowly lead her to the bedroom.

He helped pull a nightshirt over her head, and she was asleep again almost as soon as her head hit the pillow. Dreaming of running through the Amazon rainforest as she pursued her masked prey, she was gently woken by her lover sitting up.

"What time is it?" she asked Severus groggily as he pulled a black sweater over his head.

"Don't worry yourself with that. Go back to sleep."

"Where are you going?" It had to be the middle of the night still, as the window revealed that the sky was still pitch black.

"I have to tend to the potion," he told her, standing up.

"I'll go with you," she said, starting to pull the blanket away from her body, but he swiftly turned to her and snatched it from her hands.

"Rest," he said sternly, pulling it back over her. "There's nothing you can help me with, anyway."

"But you're losing sleep to make it for me - "

"Cassie, do I have to bind you to the bed?"

She let out a soft laugh. "Under normal circumstances, I would be all for it." He raised an eyebrow at her in amusement, shaking his head as he left the bedroom. But he was right, she still felt tired, and fell back to sleep in minutes.

When he came back to the bedroom, Cassie stirred again. A glance at the window showed that it was now close to dawn, and even though she was still a bit groggy, she felt much more rested now. As the Potions Master got under the linens, she scooted closer to him, her hand going behind his head so she could lovingly knead the back of his head.

"Must I scold you like a stubborn child?" he mused.

"I've rested." She planted a soft kiss on his lips. "And we can always sleep in, can't we?"

"Maybe I'm the exhausted one now, you daft girl." Her uncertainty of whether or not he was kidding must have flashed across her face because he smirked. He returned her kiss with intensity, electricity instantly spreading through Cassie's body. He traced the junction of her lips with his tongue and she parted them without hesitation, eager to feel him in whatever means he would allow her to. A month was a long time to be away from your beloved.

His tongue sensually caressing hers, Cassie's hands slowly made their way under his lounge pants and to his hips, her fingernails nearly digging into his flesh as she tried to pull him closer to her. Severus growled into her mouth when her hands circled to his back, scratching his pale skin lightly. His tongue left her mouth, and she nearly whimpered in protest. She was swiftly distracted when he sank his teeth into her lower lip; not enough to draw blood, but enough to make her gasp. Another predatory sound left his throat.

"Severus," she panted as his lips found the soft flesh on the side of her neck and started to suck, "I need you!" Her hands, which had been nearly clawing at his back, suddenly grasped the hem of his shirt so she could yank it over his wiry torso. His mouth had to break contact with her flushed skin so she could get the clothing over his head, and he huffed.

"So eager," he teased, his low voice husky with need. "I was only downstairs for two hours, silly girl." He liked to poke fun at her yearning for him from time to time, likely reminiscent of a learned defense mechanism from feeling undesirable in his younger years. But with every jest, she knew without him having to say it that he longed for her just as she did for him. She could feel it now in the way that his gaze bore into hers before he started to kiss her again, in the way that his fingers zealously danced up her ribcage before moving to caress her breasts. He gave them his undivided attention for a few moments, before ridding her of her shirt.

He ran his thumbs over her nipples, causing her to arch her back into his touch, and he lightly pinched one of the small pink mounds as he lowered his head to suckle the other. She threw her leg over his thigh, desperate for the lower halves of their bodies to touch, and ground her core into the growing erection she could feel through his pants. Heat was pooling between her legs, and she was aching to have the length of him inside her. Now.

The couple usually took pleasure in undressing each other, but in the heat of the moment, Cassie didn't feel like waiting. With a quick movement of her wrist, their remaining clothing vanished, going to join their discarded shirts on the floor. Releasing his hold on her breast with a small pop, Severus croaked, "Taking charge, are you?"

"Mmhmm." His shaft was deliciously pressing between her legs. She gyrated her hips, frantically searching for any friction she could generate between them, and she found the perfect spot as his tip slid between her slick folds. Reaching to his backside, she dug her fingers into his buttocks to indicate her urgency.

"Damnit woman," he grunted as she moved one hand to cup his balls.

"Is something the matter, darling?" she breathed, gently fondling them in her palm while playfully batting her eyes at him.

He had to catch his breath before speaking again, as now she was grasping his erection in her hand, stroking it slowly from base to tip. "Just realizing that once again, I am at your mercy."

Cassie giggled, planting a firm kiss on his lips. "Would you have it any other way?" She had intended to toy with him for a bit, then push him onto his back, straddle him, and ride him into oblivion. But he was feeling just as frisky, or perhaps had somehow read her mind at that moment, because he suddenly shoved her onto her back. She let out a delighted squeak, grasping his upper arms as he urged her to part her legs with his knee. After settling himself between them, he guided himself to her entrance and pushed into her without pause. She cried out into the dark room, locking her ankles behind his back to keep him close to her as he thrust. Using her hand to stimulate the swollen bundle of nerves between her legs, she was rapidly nearing her orgasm when he pulled out of her. Reaching behind his back, he grasped her ankle to unlock himself from her grip, backing away from her, then roughly grabbed her by her hips.

"On all fours." The command in his baritone voice vibrated through her, and she obeyed, letting him guide her into his intended position with his fingers digging into her hips. Kneeling behind her, he entered her again, the deep penetration making her moan. Her hand going back to her clit, she was approaching a spectacular finish in no time. When her walls began to clench around him and her back arched, he continued to pump in and out of her, carrying her through her climax before letting out a guttural groan, signaling his own. Sweaty and fatigued, he leaned forward to plant kisses along her spine, making her shudder as his fingers still clenched her flesh hard enough to leave marks.

"Well," Cassie said as he released his hold on her and she collapsed onto her belly. He laid down beside her, turning on his side to face her. "Are you exhausted now?" He laughed, a sound she knew she was privileged to hear, as he rarely dared to let his guard down enough to do it around anyone else. It made her smile.

As Cassie had suggested before their romp, the couple slept in that morning. Only when her stomach was rumbling did she finally pull herself away from the sleeping form of the Potions Master to get out of bed. Going downstairs to start breakfast, she had intended to bring him food while he was still in bed. Her absence must have disturbed his slumber, for he joined her only minutes after she had started to fry some sausages and eggs.

"Good morning, Sev," she greeted him, taking the time to kiss him. He yawned, stretching his arms above his head. Cassie spared a moment to enjoy the view, as he was once again only wearing the Slytherin-colored loungewear that she had gotten for him last year, and she never missed an opportunity to drink in the sight of him when he was shirtless and casual.

"Good morning, my dear." He padded over to the coffee pot and started to brew the stimulating liquid.

"What are your plans for the day?"

He glanced at her questioningly while he pulled out some bread from the cupboard. "Besides tending to the potion? What do you have in mind?"

"I was hoping we could put up a Christmas tree and do a little decorating," she told him, and couldn't help but smile when an irked look crossed his features. "You don't like that idea?"

"It sounds tedious."

"It will be fun!" she argued. "We never did it at the Malfoys, they had the house-elves do it. Narcissa told me it was servants' work when I tried to help them. I've only ever helped put a tree up with the Weasleys."

"So go over there and do it," he quipped.

"Arthur and Molly are in Egypt visiting Bill. But that's beside the point. I want to start a tradition of us having a tree together, assuming you're home for the holiday break and not at Hogwarts."

Severus sighed, sounding suddenly weary. "That sounds nauseatingly picturesque."

"Stop it, or I'll make you come caroling with me."

He turned toward her, the mischievous expression he was wearing telling her that she was in danger. "You seem to think you can tell me what to do, little witch."

"Better start practicing, wouldn't want to embarrass yourself in front of the neighbors!" He started toward her, large hands reaching out to grab her, and she shrieked with laughter. He caught her in his arms, covering her cheeks and jaw with peppered kisses, making her squirm in delight. They only realized that the should be attending to their breakfast when the food started to burn.

Much to Cassie's satisfaction, Severus agreed to go with her to buy a tree. He continued to act as though he was reluctant about the whole thing, and Cassie kept it to herself that she suspected it was all an act. God forbid he enjoy something as simple as putting up holiday decorations together, but she knew it was likely an underlying symptom from his childhood. Once again, she was questioning why he wanted to keep this house when she was certain that all it did was stir up bad memories.

When they got back to the house and had placed the tree in the sitting room, Severus immediately went to check on the Felix Felicis. Cassie started to unbox the ribbon and ornaments they had purchased from a local shop but waited until he came back to the room before starting to put them on the tree. When he noticed that she hadn't started until he had returned, he snorted.

"You really are being insistent about this," Severus told her.

"I'm just matching your stubbornness."

"I went with you, didn't I?"

Cassie grinned as she used her wand to hang a silver bulb near the top of the tree where she wasn't tall enough to reach. "I won't rest until you're genuinely enjoying yourself."

"Don't hold your breath," he muttered lowly, but started to hang ornaments nonetheless. They worked in silence for a few minutes, Cassie's mind whirring as she contemplated her partner. She debated trying to start an in-depth conversation versus keeping the situation casual, but decided that she couldn't just let the question go unsaid.

"Did your family celebrate the holidays?" she asked lightly. He was reaching up to rehang a bulb that he didn't think was spaced correctly among the others and paused his movements for a moment.

"In what way?" His tone was dull, as if he had been expecting something of the sort to be brought up, but was still disappointed that it had.

"This type of stuff. Decorations, gifts, meals."

"Sometimes." The answer came out in a sharp tone, and he looked at her almost apologetically. "No caroling, though."

Cassie appreciated his attempt to lighten the mood. "What was it like?"

"It depended on how much Tobias was drinking that day."

Feeling guilty that she had even brought it up, Cassie couldn't help but grimace a little at his blunt answer. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. The holidays felt about as joyous as I'm sure it did for you at the Malfoys."

She nodded, and they didn't speak for a few minutes before she felt another burning question bubble up. "Severus?"

"Hmm."

"Do you ever think about selling this house?"

The box of ornaments was empty, and Severus at down on the couch, pretending to admire their handiwork before replying. "Why would I?" He was getting defensive. Oh boy.

"It's just...it seems like you don't have that many fond memories of it. I can't imagine coming back here during breaks and being in the rooms with all these negative associations."

"I don't use it that much. I've spent more time in it in the last year because you moved in." Was he baiting her, trying to start an argument that would possibly change the subject?"

"I have money from the Lestrange estate. Why not get rid of this place and we can start somewhere fresh?"

"So this place isn't grandeur enough for you, Miss Black? Looking to own a manor of your own?"

Her instinct was to curse at him, to call him a bastard. But she was going to try her best not to play into his attempts to get her to stop talking about it. "You know that's not it. I'm making a logical point, and you know it!"

"As am I."

"No, you're not!" She folded her arms across her chest, standing in front of him as he glared up at her from the couch. At least she was blocking his escape route, or he would have left the room already. "Why do you want to keep this house, Severus?"

"Is it such a terrible thing, to want to keep my family home?" he sneered.

"I just want to know! Because I don't get it." She sighed, sitting down next to him. "I'm not attacking you, Sev. I'm just trying to understand." He looked like he was restless and ready to bolt. Wanting to comfort him, she instinctively reached over and put her hand on his knee. He startled as if she had caught him off guard.

"Not all my memories from this neighborhood are bad," he said slowly. She was relieved that he was finally opening up and waited for him elaborate, but he didn't.

"Okay. So that's why you want to stay here?"

"It's not that I want to stay here. The thought of moving somewhere else has never really crossed my mind."

"Well, now it has," she said, scooting closer to him and resting her head on his shoulder. "I'm not going to try to force you either way. Just promise me you'll think about it." He answered her with a small grunt.

After they sat together for a few calm moments, he went back downstairs to attend to the constantly-demanding elixir, and Cassie started dinner. By the time he came back up, she had a steak and kidney pie waiting for him. She was enjoying being able to cook in the little kitchen again, instead of eating on the run as she had been doing the last few weeks.

Their meal started smoothly, and they talked about their plans to see Andromeda and Ted in a few days. It led to a discussion about the Weasleys, and Cassie asked him how the kids were doing at Hogwarts.

"You haven't told me how things are going there," she pointed out, pushing away her plate now that it was empty. "Have there been more attacks?" His gaze faltered momentarily, and she knew in an instant that he was debating telling her everything. She was about to demand that he tell her when he started to speak.

"Justin Finch-Fletchley and Sir Nicholas were petrified," he told her, and she felt her stomach turn over.

"When?"

"Friday."

"And Dumbledore let you leave for the holidays? That surprises me."

"He insisted. I've been patrolling almost every night. He told me I needed the time off, assured me that he wouldn't leave the castle."

Cassie shook her head. "That's awful, Sev. Does he have any idea how - "

"No," he said curtly. She contemplated suggesting again that she come to the castle to investigate, but decided against it. Maybe after a few days, when the stressed Head of Slytherin had a bit of time to decompress from the situation. "We discovered something troubling, though. I am convinced it is unrelated."

"What is it?" she asked, but a part of her didn't want to know.

"Potter is a Parselmouth."

Cassie's jaw dropped open. "What? How do you know?"

"Lockhart held a 'dueling club' last week. Disastrous, as one might expect. Your cousin and Potter were paired together for practice - "

"What a horrible idea," she cut in, then motioned for him to continue when he raised an eyebrow at her.

"Draco performed the snake summons spell, and Potter spoke to the serpent."

"In front of everyone?"

"Unfortunately."

"But how?" she sputtered. "It's incredibly rare to be a Parselmouth! The only ones confirmed are - "

"You and your father. I am aware," he cut in but sounded about as astounded as she felt. Apparently the revelation was still fresh to him.

"As far as I know, the Potters aren't related to me," she said quietly as she mulled over this news. "I mean, not descended from Slytherin. But I suppose it's possible."

"No other Potter has ever been known to have the ability," he replied. "Dumbledore was certain."

"Unless they hid it," she pointed out. "With how everyone reacts, I doubt anyone with the skill would want other people to know."

"Being a Parselmouth didn't bring such a negative connotation until it was well-known that the Dark Lord was one. It's unlikely that wizards who lived hundreds of years ago would work so hard to hide that secret." They were both quiet as they pondered, Severus resting his chin on his hand as he stared into whatever thought was racing through his mind.

"Severus," Cassie said slowly, as she was unsure about even bringing the subject up. They hadn't discussed Lily since last year, not since Severus had mistaken Cassie for her when he was sick. Even then, he was reluctant to even speak of her. "Is it possible that Harry is related to Slytherin through his mother's side?"

The question immediately snapped him out of whatever thoughts he was focusing on. His black eyes locked onto her, narrowing. "No."

"How do you know - "

"She was a Muggle-born," he hissed.

"But Muggle-borns have magic in their blood from some long-lost ancestor, that they probably aren't even aware of. If we were to look back generations, maybe it would explain it."

"She was not related to Salazar Slytherin or the Dark Lord," Severus snapped.

Cassie looked at him in disbelief. "You say it like it's some horrible thing, Severus. Like it would taint her or something."

"It's certainly not a virtuous thing!"

She stood up then, shoving back her chair so hard that the feet screeched against the floor. "Are you forgetting who you're talking to? Your girlfriend, who is related to them?"

"Stop acting so superior, Cassie. You know what I mean."

"No I don't!" she cried. "You put Lily Potter on a pedestal, think of her as some perfect woman. Where does that leave me? What do you truly think of me?" She was hurt, learning that he couldn't fathom the idea of this precious girl being poisoned with the very blood that flowed through her veins. That he would protect the memory of her so diligently that he would start a fight with his significant other, the person that was standing in front of him with her heart on her sleeve. She wanted him to apologize, to tell her over and over how much he loved her and only her. To admit that he was being unreasonable in his assessment of the memory of a dead woman.

But the man she wanted this from was Severus Snape. He had lived the majority of his lonely life in constant torment, always having to be on the defense and putting a wall up between himself and anyone who dared try to get too close. He was broken, out of touch with his emotions, quick to enrage. If he was going to give those desired sentiments to her, it wasn't going to be when he was as emotionally distraught as she was. And speaking of Lily got him about as upset as he possibly ever could be.

"Don't speak of what you don't understand!" he shouted, standing up to his full height. Cassie blinked in surprise, not at his rude words, but at the tone in which they were bellowed. She opened her mouth to protest, but something inside of her gave up just then. They had fought enough in the past two days since she'd come home. She was tired.

"I would understand," she said quietly, the only other sound in the room her lover's heavy breathing as he tried to control his rage. "If you would just tell me." She turned and left the room, not giving him the chance to scream at her to get out, as she knew he would. In fact, she didn't hear him say another word before she walked out the front door.