Heredity vs. Solidarity (S. Snape)

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty already! This is getting longer than I expected ;D Ah well, I'm assuming that it will all be coming to a close soon... I have a few more plans up my sleeve, though. ;)

Enjoy!

Whispers were being tossed around the classroom, but Selena and Severus remained calm and patient, their attention focused towards the front of the room as Professor Slughorn explained the components of their new term. Severus whispered something in his companion’s ear, and as she giggled, her fingers curled within his, and she very visibly pressed her lips to his cheek.

Stares followed her movement, and it was obvious that not a single ear was listening to Professor Slughorn, but all eyes were becoming drawn to the now very exposed couple.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” Selena whispered, noticing out of the corner of her eye a couple of gawking classmates across from them. “You’re not going to randomly turn on me because this is too much for you?”

“A coward?” he asked, expression turning dark.

“Not –“

“I knew it would create a stir,” Severus confessed, cutting Selena off. “The only people I’m concerned about are the Slytherins, but I’ll sort them out. Don’t worry about it.”

He brought her hand to his lips, and kissed her knuckles softly, causing her to giggle in response. He smiled, and focused his attention towards the front, where Professor Slughorn still hadn’t noticed the lack of attention he was receiving.

The rest of the class followed in that sort of formation, and when the two went their separate ways at the end of class, Marcy caught up with her friend, her mouth parted in surprise.

“When did this happen?!” the girl demanded, shocked.

“Christmas,” Selena replied simply, to which Marcy was even further appalled.

“And you never told me?!”

“I must say, even I’m surprised!”

“Matthew!” Selena exclaimed, glaring towards her classmate. “You aren’t supposed to take part in these conversations! GO!”

Matthew held his hands up defensively, chuckled, and turned the other way, heading to their next class. Selena huffed, and then scratched at her forehead in irritation, a small groan of annoyance escaping her lips.

“Christmas Eve, Severus came over, and gave me a gift –“

“You made out, didn’t you?!” Marcy interjected, grinning.

“Why must you always think that he and I are making out everywhere?! I know you have a bunch of fantasies of you and Matthew, but seriously, not every couple is like that!”

“…But you did, right?” Marcy inquired, winking.

“That’s none of your –“

“You did! You did, you did, you did!”

“Hush!” Selena frowned, feeling uncomfortable as students passed in the halls, shooting the two odd looks. “As I was saying: he asked me to… kind of… go out with him. So I said yes. That’s about it, really.”

“So, what did he give you?”

“Two-way mirror,” Selena answered. “And a promise ring.”

The ring glinted on her finger, and Marcy gasped, noticing the tiny, golden band, and green and silver gemstones.

“That must’ve cost a fortune!” she breathed, lifting Selena’s hand to closer inspect the ring. “Gold… emerald… diamond… what is he made of?! Galleons?!”