Yours truly | Severus Snape - Sequel to Sincerely yours

The Deep End

For the first time in a very long time, Mary woke up with a light heart. There was no weight of arguing with her best friend weakening the beats of her heart. There was no fear of being exposed to Professor Dumbledore or any other member of staff by Clary lingering in the corner of her mind, making her thoughts fuzzy or unclear. There was only excitement. Excitement for the future and what it holds.

"So, are you going to see him today?" asked Clary, who was laying on her bed, resting her head on top of her crossed fingers. The memories of their fight had faded after yesterday's confrontation, nor had the two Slytherins seen any point in letting the revelations of that very same confrontation affect their relationship in any way.

Mary turned to face the blonde Slytherin and gave her a mischievous yet simultaneously shy smile.

"I don't know", she confessed. She had no idea what was going to happen, what her and Severus' relationship would be like from now on. She only knew that it was something much better than what it had been for the past month. Maybe even better than what it had been before Clary had seen them kissing at the Potions corridor.

"I think you should", Alison joined in, studying the conflicted emotions dancing in Mary's eyes. "Even though the three of you managed to straighten out the business' between you, you, Mary, and Snape haven't done that. And for the sake of all of us, I hope you do it as soon as possible."

Mary had never thought of her and Severus' relationship from that point of view. But Alison was right. Everyone who was aware of their situation, and was willing to keep it hidden, was in constant danger. Not in mortal one, no. But it wasn't just Mary's and Severus' future that was on stake. It also applied to both Clary and Alison.

"You're right", Mary admitted, nodding her head slowly. Deciding that there was no reason to further delay the conversation they should've had months ago, she jumped up and got dressed.

"I'm going to the Great Hall", she explained as she was pulling a shirt over her head. "After that, I'll find Severus."

Both Clary and Alison nodded in agreement and said that they would join Mary for breakfast.

****

"What are you going to say?" asked Clary whilst glancing towards the High Table, where Severus was sitting, sipping elegantly from his coffee cup. Mary, whose eyes followed those of Clary, had been thinking the exact same thing ever since Alison had brought up the matter for the first time.

"What do you think I should say?" Mary tried to ask but received an amused look from her friends.

"It's your mess. We might be willing to keep it hidden for you, but we won't be the ones to clean it up if it all gets blown up."

Mary rolled her eyes, but she had to admit that they were right. Only she and Severus were able to define the terms of their relationship and what they would do if someone began suspecting something.

"You're right", Mary said, her words muffled by a piece of toast she was chewing. Without even noticing, her eyes wandered back to Severus. Severus looked back at her. It didn't take any words, but from the look in his eyes, Mary could see that Severus was thinking the exact same thing. They needed to talk. And they needed to do it now.

Severus put his empty coffee cup on the table and stood up. Quickly, he mumbled something to Professor Quirrell, who seemed to be rather startled by the dark-haired Professor's words, and started making his way out of the Great Hall.

Part of Mary wanted to follow him immediately, but she knew it would be unwise. Probably no one would notice anything, but it was better to be safe than sorry. Calmly yet swiftly, the trio finished their breakfast and walked out the Great Hall.

"Well, we bid you good luck", said Alison and gave Mary's arm a friendly squeeze. Mary responded with a smile before turning her feet towards the entrance to the dungeons.

****

"Severus?" Mary whispered softly as she knocked on the door of Potions classroom. "Are you here?"

"I'm here", a voice responded the moment Mary had presented the question. Gently, Mary pushed the door open and peeked inside the room. Severus was leaning on his desk, eyeing Mary with an intrigued but caring look in his eyes.

"How are you?" he asked, a small smile playing on his lips. Mary stepped into the classroom and closed the door behind her.

"I'm fine", she said as she began approaching Severus, still finding it difficult to measure her motions in his presence. To Mary's luck, Severus didn't seem to share the same difficulties as he gently grabbed Mary's arm and pulled her into a hug.

"That's good", he mumbled to Mary's hair, placing a soft kiss on her head. Mary snuggled against his chest, breathing the familiar scent of Severus: a mixture of all kinds of herbs and old books.

"What about you?" Mary asked, tilting her head upwards so that she could look into Severus' dark eyes. Severus met Mary's gaze, an affectionate sparkle glittering in his eyes.

"Right now?" he muttered, his lips twisting into a warm smile. "I couldn't be better."

The way he said those words created a fluttering feeling inside Mary's stomach. "Good", Mary whispered and rested her head against Severus' chest.

After staying like that for a couple of minutes, Mary decided to be the brave enough to break the silence.

"Um, Severus... I think we need to talk", she said, turning her eyes towards the ones of Severus. Severus sighed and placed his hands on Mary's shoulders, gently pushing Mary a couple of inches away.

"I know", he admitted, sliding his right hand up Mary's neck. He brushed Mary's cheek with his thumb as he studied the expression on her face.

"Whatever we decide today, I do hope we agree on one thing", he said after a while, an uncertain look lingering on his face. Confused, Mary took a step closer and placed her hand on Severus' shoulder.

"What is it?"

"No matter what happens, no matter what we decide today, we won't leave each other", Severus said, a serious tone within in voice. Mary blinked her eyes, a rush of joy and relief rushing through her body. She had no idea Severus felt that strongly about her. Sure, she was somewhat aware that he had feelings for her, but she didn't know they had reached this a point of this kind.

"I promise, I won't leave you", Mary reassured. Seeing the worry fade away from Severus' eyes, Mary leaned closer and placed her lips on top of Severus'. Rather eagerly, Severus responded to the kiss, sliding his hand on the backside of Mary's head and gently pushing her closer towards his body.

Reluctantly, Mary pulled away from the kiss, giving Severus an apologising look.

"We still need to decide what we are going to do", she explained as Severus looked at Mary with a confused expression on his face.

"I suppose you are right", Severus muttered, taking a couple of steps away from Mary. Severus pulled a chair under him and gestured Mary to do the same. Seeing that Mary was sat down comfortably, he cleared his throat and asked the one question that Mary hasn't been brave enough to ask, even if it had been lingering in the back of her mind ever since the end of June.

"So, let's jump right into the deep end. What are we?"