A/N: Here it is! The final installment. Thank you all again for your support! I'll be honest, I'm not exactly sure what to think of this one, maybe it's because it's the end…but your advice is most appreciated. :) Anyway, I'll let you read.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. All belongs to J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros.

Chapter 4 – Minerva to the Rescue

Claire walked through the currently deserted main corridor. She soon heard footsteps coming from behind her. They were apparently trying to get somewhere quickly, or trying to catch up with someone in front of her. You can imagine her confusion when she felt a slight tug on her wrist.

Turning, her blue eyes locked with Severus's dark ones. Her surprise only grew when his hand shifted from her wrist, to intertwining his fingers with hers. Her deer-in-headlights look that followed probably made her look like a schoolgirl…but she didn't care.

His enticing gaze was apologetic, but she did not have long to ponder that because he took a step closer. She instinctively backed up and felt her back touch the stone wall. At this point, her heart was probably beating faster than it ever had. She couldn't believe this was happening. Why was this happening? Severus was never this forward.

That thought prevailed for maybe a second before she realized that she was getting dizzy. Why was she—? Oh, she had neglected to breathe. Minor detail. Goodness, he always got under her skin like this, but she was usually better at hiding it!

He was so close now that his scent accosted her. She loved his smell. It was so unique that she couldn't really explain it. Probably because he made the cologne himself. She reveled in it for a moment, for she was rarely this close to him.

Her eyes fluttered in anticipation as his lips came within millimeters of her own. She wanted to just lean forward the rest of the way, but the fact that he was doing this of his own accord made her wait.

"Claire."

The way he said her name sent shivers down her spine. "Yes?" she responded breathlessly.

She felt his warm breath on her lips. Just when it looked like he would kiss her, he turned his head and pulled away. Claire frowned in confusion, before noticing his pained expression. He looked as though he had something to say, but all that was given her was the slightest shake of his head. An apology. Why? Then he was ripped away from her.

Claire's eyes snapped open. She looked around at the familiar surroundings of her room. What a horrible dream. Her room now held only emptiness besides her two bags on the floor. She brought her outstretched arms to her face and rubbed her weary eyes. She had hardly slept last night. Sleep was plagued with dreams and sorrow.

She had told herself over and over again that she was being ridiculous. She had been in very few relationships in her lifetime, but the few she had had ended smoothly. Why couldn't this be the same?

She got up, changed, and splashed her face with cold water. Which did absolutely nothing to help her red eyes. Whether they were red from lack of sleep or tears, she didn't know. Probably both.

She tried to put the dream out of her mind, but it always returned. Thankfully a distraction presented itself in the form of Minerva McGonagall rapping on her door.

Claire opened it and forced a smile. "Headmistress. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Minerva shook her head. "Oh, dear did you get any sleep?"

Claire nodded. "A little."

"Well, I do hope you've reconsidered," she said with a sigh, although it was definitely more of a question.

Claire shook her head. "No. I can't stay."

She looked down. "I am sorry to hear that. Have you told Severus you're leaving?"

Scoffing slightly, she responded, "Last night."

"Was he that bad?"

"I don't really want to talk about it."

Minerva nodded. "Of course. Well, a coach should be waiting for you outside whenever you're ready."

"Thank you, Minerva."

The Headmistress enveloped the somber woman in a hug. "Oh, Claire. I'm going to miss you."

Claire nodded quickly. She had done enough crying. No more. "I'll miss you too." Along with everything else. She had loved her time here at Hogwarts.

The Headmistress pulled away, all business once again. "If you'll excuse me, I have an important meeting to attend."

Claire nodded and smiled, and off trotted Minerva on a mission.

"Severus Snape!" Minerva had entered his lab without nocking. She had already checked his office and quarters, so he had to be here. She was correct of course. There he was: half asleep at a desk with a quill in his hand.

He started, and glared at her. Although, it lacked the malice he could usually conjure. "Have you ever heard of nocking, Minerva?"

It took the Headmistress a moment to answer when she took in his appearance. He might have been able to rival Claire as far as haggardness goes.

"Ack! Severus, did you get any sleep!"

He frowned. "None of your business."

Minerva rolled her eyes. "Well, no need to tell me…it shows."

He attempted a sneer, but it died away. He returned his focus on the quill, rubbing his red and puffy eyes. The Headmistress walked to him and put a hand on his shoulder. He flinched at the contact, but she remained.

"Severus, why did you let her go?"

He looked away from her, firming his jaw. "I don't wish to discuss it."

"I don't care!" She had tried tenderness…obviously it wouldn't work for either of them. "It needs to be discussed."

He grimaced. "Because I wanted her to be happy."

"Oh Severus, had you seen her this morning, you would've thought the worst thing that could happen to her just happened."

He shook his head. "She'll be fine. It won't take long for her to get over whatever it was she felt for me."

Minerva rolled her eyes. "That woman is head-over-heels in love with you! And judging by your appearance, I would say you feel the same."

He glared. "It doesn't matter! It's over now. Better this way."

She smirked. "It isn't over yet. I may or may not have told her footman not to show up."

He looked up. "You what! Why?!"

Minerva scoffed. "Why do you think! Go after her, you dolt!"

"I-I can't!" he huffed. "She probably hates me by now…and I wouldn't know what to say or—"

"For goodness sake she doesn't hate you! Just tell her the truth! That's all she wants."

He stood apprehensively, which Minerva took as a good sign.

"Go on then," she persisted.

He started walking toward the door almost on instinct. Like his heart told him to GO! while his head yelled NO!

Minerva sighed. "Severus. Trust me."

He nodded slowly. "I suppose…she deserves to know the truth."

Minerva nodded. Duh. "Yes, now hurry up!"

He got the hint and was opening the door within seconds.

"Oh! Severus!" He turned. "If you want serious bonus points, give her a kiss." The Headmistress almost burst out laughing at his terrified expression. She knew it would be hard enough for him to make a confession, let alone kiss her. "She'll be like putty in your hands!"

"That's enough advice from you!" he yelled back.

Severus froze when he opened the door that led to the school grounds. Claire was leaning against a willow in the middle of the field near the road, most likely waiting for the coach that would never arrive. He noticed his reflection in the window pain. He looked horrible. If she didn't faint at the sight of him, it would be a miracle. He tamed his hair a little, thankfully his eyes weren't as bad now.

Okay, now for the moment of truth. Literally. She was a grown woman. She would decide for herself. If she hated his guts…well then, she would.

He approached her. Wondering why he had let Minerva talk him into this. He knew the answer of course. He had barely been keeping himself from going after her as it was, Minerva just gave him the kick he needed.

She heard his footsteps and turned much sooner than he would've liked. He needed more time!

"Severus. What are you doing here?" She frowned and spoke with even tones, but her lovely eyes betrayed her. She was glad to see him even now.

"I…I have s…" His voice died out. Focus! "Something." Oh, well done. "Some-something to tell you… that is."

Her eyebrows were not so low after that. In fact, he could've sworn he heard a faint chuckle. "Alright."

"W-well…firstly, there's been a…problem with your coach."

"Really?" She frowned. "Minerva said she took care of it."

"Yes, well…she did. But…" They stood like awkward children for a moment. Then he shook his head. "Look, I'll get to the point." Don't pass out. Breathe! "I never wanted to hurt you. I've only ever wanted to make you happy…like you made me. And…but I didn't think that was possible if you stayed…with me." He huffed. "If…if we…if you—" He gestured between them as he tried to get her to understand.

Stupid, stupid, stupid! Well done, now she has no idea what to think. Besides the fact that you can't even form a complete thought!

Claire sighed. "Severus, I didn't want you to feel obligated to apologize. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate it, but…" She shook her head, her features holding mixed emotions. "I should've told you sooner how I felt and then this never would have happened."

This wasn't supposed to happen. How did she always seem to reflect the blame back to her! She should be yelling at him right now for being emotionless and cruel.

"Claire—"

She frowned. "Now, let me finish. I've made up my mind, and all this is just making it harder for me. So…if you would please stop looking at me like that—"

Severus gathered his courage, and brushed a chestnut lock out of her face. Only this time, his hand lingered. She shivered as his cold fingers found the base of her neck, his thumb caressing her cheek. Maybe Minerva's idea wasn't so bad after all.

Claire's eyes fluttered, then she frowned. "Severus, what…?" She searched his eyes, utterly befuddled. "You are the most confusing man that I have ever—"

Then he kissed her.

Soft, quick, with a touch of awkward…but sincere nonetheless. Claire returned the kiss, and visibly couldn't decide if she should melt into a puddle or remain distant. He even noticed her hands come up to touch his face or something, but stop halfway and awkwardly fold themselves.

"Claire, I love you."

She stared at him like he had five eyes for a moment. Severus couldn't believe he had made it this far without being slapped, passing out, or him running away screaming.

He noticed a bit of her mischievous side come out in her expression. "Just so I know this isn't a dream or something, would you mind doing all of that one more time?"

This earned her a scowl, at which she laughed. "What? I'm serious!"

He chuckled slightly. "Is my word enough for now?"

She looked up in mock contemplation. "Mmm, I'll except it…for now." Then she became serious. "Severus. You—you really love me?"

He shook his head. "Very much."

The grin she had been hiding finally broke through. "Why didn't you tell me before, you git!"

This caused a smile to break across his face. "You're quite intimidating."

She shot him a look. "Me? You're the intimidating one!"

He shook his head. "Oh, no. You can be very…"

And so their idle exchange continued. Both showing in their own little ways how much they cared for the other. Severus improved at romancing in time, with no small help from Claire. One thing was certain: he would never let her go again, and she would never want to.

The End

A/N: Huge thanks again! I may or may not continue this in a sequel, who knows.

Much love, your comments are always appreciated! ;)

FW