Every Rose Has Its Thorn. (A Severus Snape Fanfiction)

12.

(author's note: the photo attached to this chapter is the face claim for Rose's sister, Genie!)

Rose's POV:
I can honestly say I was shocked when Severus asked Dumbledore if he could take me with him after the meeting. So when we apparated back to the castle grounds, my mind was racing with thoughts, but I finally settled on one:
'Why?'
That was the only question that was consistent in my mind. But I couldn't ignore the quick flutter of my heart when he had made that statement.
There was a sort of strange, yet comfortable silence filling the air as we made our way inside the boundaries of Hogwarts.
I kept peeking at Severus out of the corner of my eye, and I couldn't seem to help myself from doing so.
This man perplexed me in so many ways. He was so hard to read, and because of that I caught myself staring at him more often than I should, trying to figure him out.
"A photograph would last longer, Miss. Underwood."
I rolled my eyes in a playful way at his words.
"Don't flatter yourself, I was just wondering something."
His silence, which would usually halt me from speaking, seemed to motivate me to say what I was thinking in that moment.
"Why'd you wish for me to accompany you?" I asked.
By this time, we had reached my quarters, and I patiently, yet anxiously, waited for his response.
Severus seemed thoughtful for a moment, as though he was thinking quite carefully about what he was going to say next.
"Miss Underwood, would you care to be my plus one to the Order Halloween party?"
I couldn't help it. My jaw dropped in shock.
Although Severus seemed nervous in action, he was able to manage an amused smirk my way.
"Did I say something to shock you, Rose?"
I shook my head, clearing my throat. 'Get it together, Rose. You look like a fool.'
"I'd be honored to be your plus one for the party, Severus." I replied, a genuine smile lining my lips.
Snape folded his hands over front of him, in a gentleman's way.
"I'm glad to hear it. I'll see you then, Miss Underwood."
Before I could stop myself: "Damn it, Snape, just call me Rose." I stated in a playful tone.
His mouth tilted up in a hint of a smirk, and each time he's done that, I felt special seeing this other side of him.
"Goodnight, Rose."
"Goodnight, Severus."
~~~~€€€€~~~~~~~~~
One week later:
Night of the Order Halloween party
Rose's POV:

I was finishing up my smokey eye makeup to go with my costume when there was a small ruckus at my window.
I stood up from my dresser chair, and made my way over to look for the source of the noise.
When I approached, I recognized Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix. He had a tied note in his beak. When I opened the window a crack, Fawkes dropped the note into my outstretched hand.
I untied it, and started to read:

Miss Underwood,
In precisely five minutes, you will have a visitor knocking on your quarters' door. Don't be alarmed, you'll be pleased to see who it is.

Dumbledore didn't sign the note, which showed he was rushing. Which made sense, considering the Order Halloween Party was tonight and he had much to do.
I furrowed my brows in confusion at his message, thinking about who it could be.
Right on cue, however, there was a knock on my door.
I opened in, and I gasped happily.
"Genie?!!"
****££££******