When everyone was called back into the room, no mention was made of Celeste's offer. The vote was taken, counted and Professor Dumbledore did not waste time with formalities: he announced the twins would continue as students at Hogwarts. It was a very narrow decision however, six votes to five.

Despite the close vote, Lucius was not at all pleased. He left abruptly without speaking to anyone. Severus had a very bad feeling that in spite of his request that Lucius not bother Celeste, she had set herself up as an obstacle to Lucius. That meant Lucius would not forget or forgive this humiliation to his pride so easily. Severus watched him leave, knowing Celeste did not understand with whom she was dealing, a former Death Eater.

The Weasley family was overjoyed, but thankfully most of them were very amiable and polite as they thanked the remaining governors and professors.

However the twins looked twice as arrogant as before: the two boys made Severus even more perturbed, seeing them grinning like they had just won the Quidditch World Cup.

Mrs. Weasley walked over, grabbed Celeste and gave her a fierce hug.

Severus looked away; he found it offensive for the woman to hug Celeste. In fact he did not like other people touching Celeste at all. He could tell that Celeste found the physical contact appropriate, that it made her happy, and she sent that emotion to him.

After a brief conversation the Weasley family headed out, leaving the room with only school staff remaining inside.

Dumbledore took the opportunity to address the assembled staff and the conversation quickly turned to school business. Everyone sat back down and listened as Dumbledore and then McGonagall went over changes and class schedules, and other normal school matters.

Once the meeting was adjourned, most of the staff got up to leave. Severus waited, intent on talking to Dumbledore.

Dumbledore was often the last to leave a staff meeting, so it was not out of the ordinary for him to wait until everyone else had gone. Celeste also lingered; she was in a conversation with Charity, but thankfully Professor Burbage did not engage Celeste for long.

Dumbledore closed the Great Hall doors, leaving himself, Celeste and Severus inside.

"Everything went well with the transfer of the Stone?" he asked after a moment of silence.

"Yes," answered Celeste. "There was a goblin who offered to help, his name is Griphook."

"Excellent. He is known to me and has been helpful in the past," said Dumbledore, smiling kindly.

Celeste went on to explain her experience in the Bank and give Dumbledore the information in detail. Severus stood by, making no comment, but the longer Celeste talked, the more agitated he became.

"Severus, what is wrong?" she asked, frowning at him, knowing his mood was nothing but displeasure.

"You cannot let her do what she intends to do," Severus announced, ignoring her question.

"Perhaps you should enlighten me on what I should not allow," Dumbledore encouraged, studying Severus.

"What she did at the hearing, of course!" Severus barked. Dumbledore knew full well what he was talking about and it annoyed Severus to stare at that serene face, knowing Dumbledore did not seem to give a damn whether Celeste was doing something completely stupid. "Why did you let her do that?" he added.

"She is neither a student nor a small child," Dumbledore responded.

"You are the Headmaster, you should have refused!"

"It is not my place to countermand her on this issue. It was her choice to make the offer to the school and governors."

"It's not her place to make that kind of arrangement! It was completely inappropriate! You must know that!"

"I am standing right here," Celeste chimed in.

"I'll get to you in a minute," Severus snapped, glowering at her.

"Just yell at me and get it over with so we can move on," she demanded, walking over to stand directly in front of him.

"You are a little hypocrite!" he snarled, looking disrespected by her approach. "You publicly accuse Lucius Malfoy of buying his position as a governor, and then you go and offer yourself up into servitude like a damn house elf!"

Celeste did not respond but looked away from him, crossing her arms.

"You did all that to get what you wanted! You claim to be so good and noble, yet your actions tell me something completely different! What do they say about you really, Celeste!"

She did not look at him but continued to stare off across the room as if he was not talking to her. It made Severus even angrier and he was ready to continue his rant.

"This is rather interesting, because what you describe, Severus, sounds like a very Slytherin trait to me," Dumbledore offered. "To do anything to meet your objective."

Severus turned, wanting to shout at the man but he was so angry nothing would come out. How he hated Dumbledore for pulling out the House card and using it like a weapon against him.

"She is not a Slytherin," hissed Severus.

"You are Head of Slytherin House, and the Soul Weaver magic would suggest you share half of each other's soul … so Celeste must at least be halfway there, don't you think?" Dumbledore considered with a twinkle in his eye that made Severus feel like the Headmaster was laughing at him.

"I had to do something!" Celeste said defensively. "Lucius Malfoy has the other governors in his pocket; words were not enough for me to -"

"You don't know that!" spat Severus.

"I had to play his game and that meant I had to do something more than just talk! I thought you would have a better opinion of me by now. Like Albus said, Slytherins are supposed to do anything to win, aren't they! So you should be proud of me! I'm doing exactly what you would probably do if you were in my position!" she argued viciously, her hands having moved down to her hips.

"Proud! You are so … that's not even …"

He gave a gruff, angry sound of frustration before he continued. "Why are you always so damn irritating!" he complained.

He paused again, and took a deep breath before continuing, "You go and get yourself into more trouble right after I get you out of it!"

"What are you talking about?" Celeste asked.

"I talked to Lucius before the hearing and -"

"Talked to him about what?"

"You."

"Why! Severus, you did not tell him about what I am -"

"Of course not!" Severus interrupted. "I would not tell him that."

"Then what could you possibly -"

Celeste stopped and her eyes widened. "That's none of his business!" Celeste cried. Her cheeks colored and she glanced over at Dumbledore, which seemed to make her even more uncomfortable.

"I did not … exactly tell him. I just tried to make him think it, or I was hoping he would think it, so he would respect my territory and leave you alone," Severus explained.

"I am not territory!"

"I was trying to protect you!"

"This conversation is no longer appropriate for me to hear and has nothing to do with me. If you will excuse me, I have other matters to which I should attend," Dumbledore said, making a move to leave.

"Yes, it does!" Severus countered, desperation on his face. "She doesn't understand! You need to tell her she can't do the tutoring of governors' offspring! You know why, you must realize why I am demanding this. Tell her she cannot."

Dumbledore turned to give Severus a hard stare. "I already told you I will not do that."

Severus opened his mouth to respond but then he closed it, concern crossing his face along with desperation to find the right words. "You know what I'm talking about and why," he said. He found himself at a loss for how to explain without implicating himself as a past servant of the Dark Lord.

"Are you asking me to speak of your friendship with Lucius Malfoy to Celeste? About the past?"

"No!"

"Then I cannot tell her not to do something without explaining why."

"It never stopped you before!" Severus accused bitterly, which drew an angry glare from Dumbledore. Celeste was eyeing them both with great suspicion.

"Just tell her no. If you tell her, she will listen to you," Severus said more quietly.

"Do you suspect Lucius will request her services as a tutor for his son?" Dumbledore wondered.

"Of course he will!" Severus spat. "I … you know as well as I do: he will jump at the chance now that Celeste has put herself in his way, because she kept him from getting what he wanted."

"You better than I can explain your own friends, Severus. Perhaps you should take this opportunity to do so," Dumbledore insisted, making a hasty retreat before he could be stopped again. The Great Hall doors closed, leaving Celeste and Severus alone together.

The room became terribly quiet and they did not speak to each other for a few moments, which made it even more uncomfortable for Severus. He knew she would be the first to speak and he knew exactly what she was going to ask.

"So, Severus, is there something you would care to tell me about Lucius Malfoy?"

Severus felt as though he was caught in a trap: whatever he said next would end up biting him later. He had to think of a way to avoid Celeste ever finding out he was associated with the Dark Lord or had been a Death Eater. The more he had thought about it and about Celeste finding out, the more he knew she would despise him for the association.

"Lucius does not always think clearly when he suffers a great disappointment, and he is angry with you right now," Severus said carefully. "I am simply looking out for you," he added.

"You think he wants to hurt me?" Celeste asked. "What sort of friends are you keeping?"

"It's just that he was … is very determined. He and Arthur Weasley have bad history."

"Yes, I noticed. A grown man choosing to take revenge on another man's children seems pretty mature, doesn't it?" said Celeste bluntly. "Maybe instead of teaching his son, I should be tutoring him in -"

"You are trying to be funny," he muttered, cutting her off.

"No, I'm being very serious. The twins are just young boys. You can't tell me you are going to condone going after children for the acts of their fathers, are you?" she pressed, looking very determined.

"I don't want to talk about the hearing anymore," he said harshly.

She eyed him suspiciously and he knew she was going to continue badgering him unless he found a means of ending this argument.

"Promise me that if Lucius Malfoy requests you as a tutor for his son, you will tell me. Indeed, if any governor contacts you, promise that you will tell me," he requested.

"I probably would have anyway, but -"

"Just promise it!" he snapped, taking a step closer, his eyes locking with hers.

"Alright, Severus," she started, seeing the intensity in his eyes and feeling the pressure of his emotions for her to comply. "I promise I will tell you," she agreed.

"And if you go to their homes, you will let me know."

"Do you want to direct my daily life? Because if -"

"Celeste! Just tell me … that is all I'm asking!" he announced, but this time it sounded very much of a plea than an order. There was desperation in him, Celeste could see it and feel it.

"Goodness gracious, Severus! Of course I will tell you, what is wrong with you? Why is this bothering you so much?" she asked, and then she made her tone gentle, trying to calm him. "I will tell you whatever you want to know. I'll even give you details of what happens while I'm there … you know I like to talk."

"You are trying to make light of it," he complained. "If you are not here, if you are away somewhere," he paused, conflict inside him keeping him from saying the right thing. "If you are here, I do not have to think about it."

"It?"

Severus looked away from her, not wanting to give words to the emotions; unfortunately she knew what they were.

"You are worried something is going to happen to me?"

Severus groaned, his hands balling into fists at his side. Celeste came round so she could see his face. He did his best to give her the most unfriendly scowl he could, but she was not moved to reject this display.

"What happens to you affects me," he said, trying to use it as an excuse.

"Yes, I know," she said, giving him a kind smile.

"I don't want this … if something happened and I was not around," he admitted. "You even get hurt here at Hogwarts, for Merlin's sake! If you are out somewhere, away from me, I cannot know what is occurring … I hate this," he finished, looking very resentful.

"You hate having to worry about me?"

"YES! I am angry with you for it. I think I should hate you … for making this happen to me, for putting me in this position," he grumbled.

Severus had not meant to say that much. At first he sensed in her emotions that what he said had hurt her, but then something changed and her face showed a sweetness he did not feel comfortable with.

"I guess we will have to figure something out so you don't have to worry."

Severus blinked a couple of times and then narrowed his eyes. "I do not understand you. At first you were offended but now you stare at me with that … silly face."

"It does hurt to hear you say that you want to hate me, but in another way it makes me wonder about you," she explained.

"Wonder what?"

"I wonder if you realize I worry about you too?" said Celeste.

"Me?"

Severus said me like he had never heard the word before.

"Of course, why wouldn't I? You don't own this connection. I think about you all the time," she offered. "I want you to be safe and content, even happy, if I could find a way to get you there."

Severus stared, not sure how to take someone speaking to him in this manner. He could not remember the last time, if ever, someone had told him they wanted him to be happy or admitted to worrying about him.

Severus searched her face, her eyes, examining the emotions she was sending out. He was hunting for evidence that she might be teasing him or trying to make fun of him, but he could not sense any deception. The attitude she presented felt genuine, yet he still felt wary of the conversation.

That she was honest in her affection unnerved him more than it pleased him because he was not used to dealing with outright genuine warmth from another person.

"I have no talent to express myself in the way you do," he admitted reluctantly. "It is not my nature … and you know that because you are giving me that silly expression again, grinning at me like a devious little minx."

"I think you can if you try, Severus," she said kindly. "And you worry about your Slytherin students, don't you?"

"It is not the same thing."

"How is it different?"

"Don't ask me a question to which you already know the answer," he accused.

"I don't know if what I am thinking is what you are thinking," she countered.

"You know it is not the same."

"Then tell me how it is different."

Severus did not want to answer because he was reminded of how Ravenclaws always loved to present their cleverness, and she had a knack for exhibiting classic Ravenclaw traits.

"I want to understand why you think worrying about them is different from worrying about me."

"The students of Slytherin are my formal responsibility," he started. "I am their Head of House, so it is my job to make sure they are healthy, educated in magic and that Slytherin House exceeds expectations in House points, examination results and on the Quidditch field," he finished.

"So what you are saying is … if they do well, you will do well?"

Severus narrowed his eyes. "In a fashion, yes."

"There are other ways of looking at the House system though, and how you use it," she offered, a very devious expression lighting her face.

Severus turned his head a little to the side, pulling slightly back from her. Her face and emotions were warning him she was up to something.

"How should I be looking at it?"

"Slytherin is ahead in House points now, isn't it? It's about thirty points right now your House is in the lead."

"Yes, that is correct," he replied cautiously, not sure where she was going with the conversation.

"I just wonder, if Fred and George Weasley were not students, would Slytherin be in the lead right now?" she questioned, smiling in a very self-satisfied sort of way.

Severus opened his mouth to respond and had even raised a finger to use it in admonishment, but then he realized the point she was making. He lowered his hand and closed his mouth.

"If it was not for the Weasley twins being students here and you taking points away from them, your House would probably not be in the lead right now," she announced. "Would you agree that you've taken about thirty points away from Gryffindor because of them since September?"

"I … suppose that is a possibility," he said, pretending that he did not know the exact total of points he had taken away.

"So, if they were expelled what would happen? Wouldn't you be losing a very good source of point removal?"

"No! Slytherin does not owe Gryffindor anything and … that is not … you cannot use that as … I do not make them break rules and … they are your favorite students!" he sputtered, very confused at her willingness to point this bit of logic out to him. "You're being a-a … bloody Ravenclaw," was the only insult he could manage.

"I'd rather you won the House Cup honestly and I'd rather you found a way to like the twins, but since I know they do tend to get into mischief it's obviously fair game on your part … maybe not the most mature, but -"

"They break rules, I take away points; that is how it works. How is that not fair or mature?" he argued.

"And I am bound to you through a magical bond that makes our existence a mutual experience. If you are happy, I am happy; if you are sad or hurt or trouble then I will feel that and suffer the same pains. What benefits you, benefits me," she explained.

"Then I'll expect you to support Slytherin House from now on," he said smoothly.

"And when have I not supported Slytherin?" asked Celeste.

Severus paused, trying to come up with a good answer. When he could not think of anything, he scowled.

"You want to drag me off on a totally convoluted conversation, trying to associate everything together and -"

"No, I'm trying to make you realize that if there is someone you should worry about, it is okay if it's me because I appreciate it and it makes me like you more to know you are thinking about me," she cut in, her voice determined.

"You like that I have to worry? I just told you I didn't like it," he muttered grumpily.

"No, not that you worry, but to know you are thinking of me gives me hope that you value me more than just because you have to suffer through this magical connection we share."

"I…do…value you, especially now that -"

He paused, because what he was getting ready to say did not feel appropriate to announce here in the Great Hall.

Celeste grinned at him. "Especially now that what?"

Severus did not answer and a moment passed with her staring at him very intently, waiting for him to say something.

"You value me now because … ?" pressed Celeste, looking very determined that he should give her an answer and finish his comment.

"You know," he said softly.

"Oh, are you talking about -"

"Yes," he cut in.

"Don't you think it's silly for us to stand around here arguing and debating about the Weasley twins and discussing how we communicate, when we could be doing other things?"

"Other things," he repeated awkwardly, glancing around to be sure someone had not remained inside the room. "Is that what you are going to be calling what we do when we are alone together?" he said darkly.

"I have fun with you, when it's just you and I," she corrected mischievously. "You will admit we had fun?"

"Indeed," he said in a hushed tone. "I told you already that I have little to complain about in that area of our friendship," he reassured. "But you and I must be careful: we are back at Hogwarts so it will not be as easy for us to … come together, especially once the new term begins."

"You and I will be breaking school rules! Professors misbehaving … it's a bit funny, thinking of how shocked everyone would be if they found out you and I really like each other or found out what you and I have been -"

"Now you are being very wicked and this conversation has become utterly frivolous, reaching new lows," he complained, trying to regain his composure.

"We should be frivolous sometimes. I think we deserve it," she began, giving him a half smile. "You and I should occasionally do something totally selfish for ourselves. Don't you think?" she went on, taking a step closer and lifting a hand to touch his robes.

"I suppose," he responded cautiously, distracted by her hands; he was not used to someone being so personal and familiar with him.

Severus' eyebrows rose upward as she began to smooth out and straighten the fabric in an unconscious manner as she continued to talk. "I've been thinking about us and what it might have been like if we had known about each other earlier," she went on, talking and apparently wanting to touch him at the same time.

"From … September you mean?" he said weakly, because her hand traveled up to his shoulders, along with her eyes.

"Yes," she answered and her hand traveled up to push his hair behind his ear. It caught him off guard and he quickly reached up and took hold of her hand to stop her. "Or even earlier, if we could have known, if they had not hidden us from one another. I wish they had never put the spell on us. We would have had so much time together, things would have been very different for both of us."

Severus felt a pain; it was mournful and sad, but he could not quite tell whether it was his own or hers that afflicted him. After a moment he realized it was both.

The one thing he knew was that if he had been taken away to live with Celeste and her family, Lily would still be alive. While he would have been separated from Lily forever, it was not much different from how his life was now, and at least Lily would be alive.

"You feel the same, I can tell. You wish we could have known," she announced. Tears glistened in her eyes, though her expression suggested she was happy.

Severus did not want to answer because it was not the whole truth, not exactly.

"It's alright, Severus. It's enough we know and I want to make up to you for the lost time," she said sweetly and a second later she was wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him to her so that she could kiss him.

Her boldness surprised him and it made him a bit uncomfortable to be snogged right here in the very large open Great Hall. However, after a moment having her attention was not such a bad thing; he relaxed and let her hug and kiss him.

Suddenly the Great Hall door made a noise and Severus wrenched himself away from Celeste. They turned in unison to see the door opening, revealing Professor McGonagall who was entering.

Upon seeing them Professor McGonagall stopped abruptly, eyeing them suspiciously.

"What are you two still doing in here?" she asked in a tone she usually employed with misbehaving students. She moved inside, leaving the door open behind her.

"Nothing," responded Severus, taking a slight step back away from Celeste.

"We were talking," said Celeste, doing her best to look innocent.

McGonagall's eyes narrowed slightly and her gaze traveled from Celeste to Severus and back again.

"And what are you doing, may I ask?" Severus said in a silky tone.

"I am the Deputy Headmistress and that gives me the privilege of checking on things throughout the school whenever I feel like it," she stated in a stern tone.

"Does that include interrupting private conversations?" said Severus coolly.

"If that is the case then you both should consider what is a more appropriate place for private conversations," said McGonagall. "And I would think since you both have been away from the castle, you would be thinking about getting ready for the upcoming term like the rest of the professors who have just arrived back today."

Severus looked over at Celeste and then moved off to the doors, Celeste hurrying to walk along beside him. They both passed Professor McGonagall without a second glance. Severus noticed that Celeste even lifted her chin as she walked by McGonagall.

"Do you think she saw us kissing?" asked Celeste once they were far enough down the corridor that McGonagall would not hear her.

"She is aware we share a connection formed by magic; she knows enough to suspect the nature of our activities when we are alone together."

"What is her problem? We are not parading around in front of people," she said quietly as they stopped in front of the main staircase.

"Perhaps she feels as a Gryffindor it is her responsibility to make sure the innocent Ravenclaw is not abused or taken advantage of by the horrible nasty Slytherin."

"Oh no, not House loyalty. I would never guess that in a million years," she said dramatically.

"Do not pretend to be ignorant," he commented sullenly. "I would like to win the House Cup. That is what I expect at the end of the term, and that the Slytherin Quidditch team are the champions this year," he reminded. "I would appreciate your assistance in that area, that you would support Slytherin as I do."

"I am sorry, Severus, but I cannot do that for you. I'm not going to give students rewards they have not earned or points they don't deserve."

"Then I would ask that you do not give any points to any of the houses, and especially no points for the Weasley twins."

Celeste glared at him without responding.

"Everything you went through today proves that you favor them."

"And you favor Slytherin students. Hello Mr. Kettle, call me Miss Pot."

Severus' black eyes darkened and he leaned slightly towards her, staring into her eyes. He wanted to be angry at the comment, but the anger would not awaken in him. She stared back at him, waiting for his complaint but it did not come. Severus changed his mind. He could be doing better things with her, much more entertaining things.

Celeste continued to stare back, quite determined to not look away. A slight hesitation appeared; she seemed confused about his delay in reacting to the taunt.

"You are a cheeky little tart," Severus accused, his mouth lifted ever so slightly on one side. "I think you deserve detention for such a disrespectful comment," he added very quietly.

"Detention?" she repeated. At the same time Severus could tell she was quickly reading his emotions and mood; her expression changed and she was also fighting off a playful grin. "I did not know professors could give other professors detention," she added sweetly.

"Certainly, Professor Fairstone, detention for you tonight: you with me, down in the dungeon, in a place nobody will hear you complaining," he confirmed, nodding his head, looking quite pleased with himself.

"Who said I was going to complain?" she stated with mock defiance.

"Then I shall see you in the dungeon tonight at ten o'clock," he decided, his expression turning shrewd. "I expect you will not be late," he added as he turned to head towards the dungeon staircase.

"Wouldn't want to miss it," she called, sounding cheerful.

Severus did not look back, but for the remainder of the day as he organized and prepared for the upcoming term, she kept her cheerful mood. She was pleased, which made him feel much more mellow and easy. It also kept his mind on her mood instead of other things.

The closer to evening the day got, the more pleased she became. There was a hint of excitement coming from Celeste. It made Severus all the more ready to finish his work so she could descend to the dungeons.

-[88]-

Unlike some of the other doorways around the castle, the door to the Head of Slytherin's private rooms was not hidden. Though it was not concealed from view, Celeste could sense there was magical protection around the door as she stood waiting for Severus to open it. She wondered whether he had a password.

Celeste knew she could probably bypass his magical protection because of the bond they shared but she knew he would not like her to just walk in, and she wanted to respect his private room till he gave her the okay to come and go as she pleased.

The door was an intricately carved wooden door, with swirls that looked like snakes twisting together around the outside of the frame. The top of the door was cut in a gently curved arch, the letter 'S' etched into the darker wood at the top. There were all sorts of geometric patterns cut throughout the surface, giving it a detailed and well-designed appearance. It was an interesting change to the otherwise dark and bleak dungeon corridor.

Celeste knew Severus was inside; that was the only reason she was able to quickly find the location, not being familiar with the dungeon and never before having a reason to find his private rooms.

The door opened very slowly. Severus stood at the edge of the door, halfway hidden behind it, staring out at her, his long hair framing his face.

He was very good at protecting his emotions, but because they shared the bond, Celeste knew he had been in anticipation of her coming down here. The subtle play of desire was mixed in with wariness.

He pulled the door open a little wider, an encouragement for her to enter.

Celeste studied his face for another moment. It was hidden by his hair, but she could just make out his eyes, which were fixed on her face. He made a motion with his free hand, directing her to enter. Celeste walked forward through the doorway, letting him close it behind her when she was inside.

Once inside, Celeste looked around: there was a strange feel to the room, it had an odd weight to it. She could only describe it to herself as centuries of tradition, etched into the stone walls. She wondered idly how many Head of House had lived here in this room, and then she thought about Severus being down here all alone; it made her feel a little sad that he might have been alone all this time.

She stood in a medium-sized sitting room, the décor was dark wood and the traditional Slytherin colors of green and silver. Her own personal quarters did not have a sitting room, but she knew a Head of House professor was different from the rest. The Head of House was required to live at the school and that meant this area would serve as a home away from home.

There was a desk on one side of the room. It was positioned on her right, and behind it were shelves of books that went from floor to ceiling. A couple of chairs stood against the wall, out of the way.

There was a dark green rug that led from the doorway she had just entered across the room to another door on the far side. She presumed the other door led into more private areas.

On her left was a sitting area complete with a sofa, a small table and chairs. Behind it were shelves filled with all sorts of different objects, including the Hogwarts House Cup.

"You won the House Cup last year?"

"Yes, and the Quidditch Cup," he answered, pointing to another trophy beside the House Cup.

Celeste noticed the other trophy and had not been aware his house had won both last year. She continued to curiously scan the shelves, attempting to figure out what all the other items were he had on display.

"If you are curious about these shelves, most are gifts to the Head of Slytherin House over the years. Many of these things are very old," he informed.

"You have quite a collection," she responded.

"Indeed. A few are my own, most have been passed down from former Head of House."

Something else caught Celeste's attention and that was the fireplace. The sofa was facing it and a glowing fire crackled inside, making the room comfortable and warm. It was a very large fireplace, almost filling one wall. Its mantle was adorned with two large snakes, their heads meeting each other at the center.

Celeste was not all that excited about the snake designs, but she supposed that each House had its own theme animal and it would be something she had to get used to.

The fireplace looked unusual and it took her a moment to realize that it went all the way through the wall into the other room.

"Your fireplace is curious," she said, glancing up at him. "Very grand, a little overwhelming."

"It is the dungeon," he answered bluntly, as if that should answer her questions.

"It goes all the way through."

"Your powers of observation have no match," he teased. "It warms both rooms, but I am sure given time you would figure that out on your own," he said smoothly.

Celeste frowned. "Alright, Severus. You are going to be nice to me," she ordered. "I didn't come all the way down here for you to be mean to me," she insisted.

His answer was to smile roguishly. "Go along and finish your nosy inspection," he prompted, waving a hand absently to indicate the room.

"Nosy?" she repeated darkly.

"You are curious, I can tell. I knew you would be, so I have decided to let you get it out of your system first."

"What are all those books?" she questioned, looking over to the shelves behind the desk.

He followed her gaze, his expression becoming a little distant once he spoke. "They are the records of Slytherin House from the beginning of this school. They contain lists and even some photographs of students who were placed in this house, information about while they were students, such as family and how to contact them. There are also records of great achievements and other accomplishments by Slytherins throughout the years."

"You've kept up with it since you have been Head of House?" she wondered.

"Of course. Slytherin House is the only House which has the most up to date records and correct information of all the Houses here."

"Oh really? Why is that?" she asked.

"Various reasons. I believe Ravenclaw lost their records in a fire at some point many years ago. As for the other Houses, the Heads have not always been conscientious in keeping up their records, some Heads being lax in their duties at one time or another," he informed casually. "What is in your bag?" he added, pointing to the bag she had hooked onto her shoulder.

"Oh, just some personal … you know, clothing for in the morning, and other things I need," she said, smiling shyly.

"Ah, I see. So you are expecting your detention may run very late? You are presuming you will have to stay here all night to get on my good side," he said softly.

"Something like that," she answered, but then she turned her attention back to the books. "So, are you in one of these? As a student?"

"And as a professor and as a Head of Slytherin House, yes, I am in a few of them."

"May I look?" she asked hopefully.

He did not answer right away, his expression became guarded. "Perhaps later. First I would think you'd want to see the bedroom, to make sure it passes your quality control standards."

"As long as there is not a dragon in there, I think we'll be okay."

"No dragons."

"Hippogriffs?"

"None. My bedroom is pest free," he insisted.

"That's always a plus," she said cheerfully. "So what will I find inside your bedroom?"

"Oh, the usual, a bed, wardrobe, small sofa and -"

He paused, eyeing her in a more serious way. "There is nothing special about my bedroom, you know. I hope you were not expecting to be dazzled by my furniture," he teased.

"Maybe I was hoping for a little more excitement, music, cake, maybe some balloons?"

He walked over and opened the bedroom door and stood aside, holding the door for her to enter.

Celeste approached, but he stopped her before she passed inside. He was staring at her with such intensity and his emotions pressed out to her in such a way that made her gasp.

Severus moved his hand up to the side of her face; his hand was gentle but his emotions betrayed him. She was not sure if it was fear, anger, or a mixture of many different emotions. Celeste lifted her own hand up to cover his.

"It's alright, Severus, I'm glad to be here. I'm not ashamed to see your space or share it with you," she said carefully, watching his face, trying to read his expression and confusing emotions.

"You are the first whom I have allowed inside my private bedroom," he offered softly. "I have little desire for the company of others, do you understand what I mean? I have no talent for friendship or companionship. I do not garner the love of people, or their affection."

"You have mine," said Celeste gently.

"Our situation is unique. I know we have talked about this lately, discussed our connection and friendship, but still it is not so easy for me to trust you this way, to let you in."

"I don't deny that the bond makes me want you, but I would like to think there is more going on than the magic," she answered. "The magic can only do so much; we could still hate each other despite the bond, but I don't hate you, Severus."

He stared into her eyes for a moment, then leaned forward to press his forehead against hers.

"It's not so bad to have me here, is it, Severus?"

Celeste lifted her arms to wrap around his neck. She pulled him to her, he squeezing her against his chest at the same time and lowered his head to the side of hers. Celeste sighed and leaned into him.

"I have your things, the items you asked me to buy for you," he said at her ear.

Celeste pulled back. "Oh," she said.

He made a motion with his hand for her to look.

Celeste turned to where he indicated. A small sofa was to her left, positioned in front of the other side of the fireplace. There were two bags sitting on the seat. Celeste smiled at Severus before parting from him and walking over to investigate the bags. She took a moment to look at the fireplace, noticing she could see through into the other room.

"I suppose if you stay down here with me more often, I shall have to put an enchantment on the fireplace," he commented as she set the bag she carried down on the sofa beside the others. "As a Head of House, sometimes there are emergencies with students when they are sick or I am needed late in the night. I may occasionally use the sitting room to meet with a parent instead of in my Potions office," he explained.

"I'm pretty sure there would be gossip if a female was spied in here through the fire. Yes, it might be a good idea to create a one-way enchantment so nobody can see into this room from the other side," suggested Celeste.

"You know I do not particularly like shopping, I do it as little as possible."

"Buying parchment and quills bothers you? I did not ask you to get much. Almost everything I asked you to buy is for the classroom, the only exception was the chocolates and toothbrush and -"

"I was talking about the other things," he cut in.

"The chocolates or -"

"Look in the bag," he interrupted. "No, the other bag," he added when she glanced down into the closest one to her.

Celeste pulled the second bag closer and glanced down inside. It contained the chocolates that she had requested but there were other items in the bag.

"A bottle of Elf-made wine?" she said aloud, pulling out the bottle. "I didn't ask for that, did I?"

"No," he said, taking it from her. "I thought we might share it, to properly welcome you to the Head of Slytherin House's chamber."

Celeste gave him a half smile then turned her attention back to the contents of the bag. "What is this?" she asked as she reached in and pulled out a small box.

"You will have to open it to find out."

Celeste stared at him and at first it really did not make any sense. Did she ask for something she had forgotten about?

"I think there might be something else too," he informed, indicating the bag. His tone was deeper, a little more intense and his emotions were heightened; she could tell he was holding back his excitement.

Celeste reached in and pulled out another box. This one was larger but flatter than the first one, and she could not figure out what on earth she had told him to buy. She opened the smaller box first and glanced down into the top.

"But … this is -"

She reached inside and pulled out the item, though she could not quite fathom it at first. She was staring at a little glass bottle, which was very pretty and filled with a rose-colored liquid. The bottle was perfectly round with little notches cut into it. Resting in each of the notches were little glittering crystals. The liquid and crystals made the bottle shimmer in the firelight. The cap on top was made of pure silver. On the front of the cap were carved the words, 'Potion 5'.

"Potion 5, but I didn't … wait."

Celeste looked at him and his expression became very smug. "You bought this for me? You bought me a gift?" she asked.

"I did."

"Potion 5 is … Severus, this perfume is very, very expensive!"

"I know," he agreed, but then he frowned. "And I will have you know I bought it with my own money, not with yours, so do not accuse me of taking it out of your bags of gold."

"I was not going to say that, but -"

She took another look at the bottle then back at him. A bubble of excitement leaped up into her chest and the words came out before she could stop them. "YOU bought me a present!" she announced. Celeste could not believe it - the sneaky devil had gone out and bought gifts for her.

"Two in fact," he corrected. "Three, if you count the wine," he added.

Celeste's eyes widened. She set the little bottle of perfume down carefully and, being that her excitement was growing rapidly, she started to hop from one foot to the other. He made a noise, finding her behavior odd but funny in equal measure.

"Don't make fun of me. I'm so shocked and I can't believe you did this! I know you bought me the bracelet before, but … this is just different," she said, opening the other box. As she stared at the contents, a wild laugh escaped her.

"I can tell you like it," he said confidently.

"It's a necklace," she said weakly. "You bought me a necklace."

"The star-shaped stone is blue and that is why I bought this one, because you like blue."

Celeste stared down at the silver chain and at the center was a simple blue stone that shimmered in the firelight.

"I hope you appreciate these things I bought you. I did not buy the necklace in Diagon Alley. I did not want anyone I know to see me buying these kinds of things. The perfume was not so easy, but I managed, though the shop owner did eye me suspiciously. It was a little humiliating really, so I do hope you thank me properly," he stated, sounding as if he had to battle a most fearsome dragon. "I know you wear the bracelet quite often. I decided I would do well to give it a companion,"

"You bought me presents!"

"Yes, you already said that."

"But, you bought me things because you wanted to - presents from you, with your money! For me!"

"Yes," he agreed but frowned more deeply. "You are going to cry; why are you going to cry?"

"I'm not crying!" Celeste said but could not contain herself. Her eyes welled up, she grabbed him and wrapped her arms around him. She next began to kiss him as passionately as she possibly could. At first he made a sharp sound of surprise from her abrupt assault but then relaxed when she started kissing him.

"I knew it! You like to be spoiled," he said triumphantly, breaking from the kiss. He pulled free of her grasp just enough so he could be the one who was holding her instead of the other way around. He snaked his arms around her back and squeezed her tightly to his chest.

"And I knew you could be good when you want to be," she insisted, smiling.

He moved his hand up and rested it at the side of her face, using his thumb to caress her cheek.

"I am pleased to see I am right," he said carefully.

"Right?"

"That you wish to be pampered and spoiled … not unlike any other female."

"I don't know why you were expecting something different … it just means more to me that you did this without a real reason, that you did it … just because."

"I have my reasons, a few in fact," he said smoothly.

"Oh?"

"Because you are female, you like little trinkets. I knew you would be happy, thus your mood would be much improved … just in case the hearing did not go as you wished."

Celeste studied his face intently. "You want me happy?"

"Indeed, because of the bond, you know that. It is much better for me if you are … agreeable."

"Oh, agreeable," she repeated the word, thinking it was very funny how he liked to phrase things. "Well, I'm going to show you just how agreeable I can be, because you bought me presents and you didn't have to."

"Really? Do not promise me things if you cannot deliver," he announced, but his mouth curled up on one side. Celeste could tell he was pleased.

"That sounds like a challenge," she said boldly.

"It is," he agreed. "And I expect outstanding results," he said silkily.

"Then you will not be disappointed, Professor Snape," Celeste promised, feeling quite pleased and wicket at the same time, knowing it had as much to do with the fact he had thought of her and wanted to make sure she was happy.

Maybe he was right; maybe, like so many other women on the planet, she did like to be spoiled, but it meant a lot to her that he had gone out of his way to try to make sure she would be in a good mood. She told herself she would do everything she could to make him just as happy as she was right now. She knew he could be good if he tried, and she intended to make him the most content, happy professor that Hogwarts had ever seen.