Venus Risen (Snape/Student Story)

Chapter 9

(A/N: the picture above is of the necklace I just recently purchased. It's even more beautiful in real life, and I majorly teared up when I opened up the package. Zoom in if you must, but I'm sure you can determine the significance.)

A couple weeks later
Venus' POV
I was awoken by the vibration of my dove necklace against my chest. I sleepily sat up, and pressed down, the silver light appearing.
I couldn't help the smile that spread on my face at seeing my mother. I hadn't spoken to her since that night she saved my life.
"Hi Mama."
My mother smiled. "Hello, my darling. How are you feeling?"
"Better than ever."
There was a short pause before I took a breath. "Thanks for sacrificing some of your power to save my life."
My mom's eyes glistened with tears. "I would do anything for you, Venus. I love you."
I felt tears fill my eyes now too. "I love you too, Mom. I wish I could hug you. Just once.."
My mom's sad smile made my heart twinge. "I know, sweetie. But you know, I'm so proud of you. You're stronger than I could have ever been. I'm so honored to call you my daughter."
I couldn't say anything back so I just smiled, distracted for a moment.
"Is there something else, dear?" My mom asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Mom, I'm in love." I said, surprising myself at how fast, and how easy, I was able to utter that realization.
My mom smiled knowingly. "You finally admit it."
I laughed. "How could you tell?"
"Mothers are trained to know everything."
Before I could respond, the usual whirring noise began.
I sighed. "Duty calls." A small smile graced my lips nevertheless.
"I'll ring you soon, darling. Be good, and next time we speak, you better do well to tell me the name of the man who has captured your heart."
I smiled. "Trust me, Mama, I will."
******
Later that night
Severus has been gone all day. I had spent it alone, and I was curious as to why.
I walked into our bedroom (yes, ours now) and noticed something that wasn't here before.
A dress.
I approached the bed, and there it was, laying on the bedspread.
I gasped in awe, as my fingers gripped the fabric gently.
It was a deep purple, all lace texture with a slit up the right side. The torso was cut out in double triangles, showing a simple amount of skin I could see. The under slip was a deep silk purple. The straps were skinny, and the bust a classy, yet sexy design.
I smiled to myself, as I noticed a note laying next to it:

Dress yourself, and follow the stars. That's when you'll find me.

-S.S.

I smirked, as I picked up the dress.

I fastened my wand to the garter I was wearing on my thigh. I opened the door, and stepped outside of Sev's house.
I laughed wholeheartedly as actual stars lined a path for me. They were glowing yellow, and hovering in midair, illuminating the night.
All that I heard were the crickets echoing through the grass, and the click of my heels on the stone walkway. In a matter of minutes, I found myself wandering into a forest, and out again into a clearing.
I could clearly see the moon, half full. I smiled, admiring the beauty.
"You look breathtaking."
My gaze fell on the owner of that familiar voice, and I felt my whole body react with just his look.
"Look who decided to make an appearance." I teased, as I approached him, my hands resting on his chest. I looked up at him.
Amusement flashed in his eyes. He kissed me then, and I savored it. We pulled apart a couple minutes later.
Severus searched my face, looking as if he wanted to say something. Instead, he held out his arm to me, like the gentleman he is.
He leaned down to whisper in my ear.
"Close your eyes, and trust me."
I nodded, allowing him to lead me to somewhere I did not know.
It felt like forever before he halted me, standing behind me, hands softly on my waist.
"Open."
I did so, and I gasped.
"Severus, it's beautiful." I whispered as I gazed at the cottage.
It was brick, one story. Colonial shutters lined the windows, and lanterns lined the perimeter.
"This has been here since I was a child. No one knows of it, aside from me. I know how much you value serenity, so it's yours."
I smiled, turning to face him.
"Not mine. Ours." I corrected, as I wrapped my arms around his neck.
Severus smirked. "Is that so, Miss Hastings?"
I pretended to think for a moment, by tapping my finger on my chin, and then nodded.
Sev's hand caressed my cheek, as he looked down at me.
"There's much more."
I bit my lip, flashing him a seductive look.
"How curious..." I muttered.
"Indeed.." He muttered back in reply.
I kissed his cheek by surprise, giggling a bit.
"Lead the way."
*******
A/N again: sorry about the long wait. I told you updates would be less frequent..college is a time stealer.