//Running Out of Breath // A Severus Snape Story: Book One:

:Part Two: Chapter One: The Dark Times Begin

Chapter One:

The Dark Times Begin

Nearly three years had passed since Vicktor killed Andrew. He couldn't help but feel like something terrible was aproching fast. That summer he walked with Adriana down Diagon Ally which for once seemed strangly empty. There was not a soul in sight. Vicktor walked up to William's house, keeping a close eye at his sister. He was always slightly overprotective of her after what had happened with Andrew. He nearly killed any man who set eye on her, Severus was barely an exception. He knocked lightly on the door, letting himself in. Adriana followed behind him as he walked in.

"William? Where are you, I brought Adriana." called out Vicktor.

"I'm in here!" called out the old Auror.

They walked into a small backroom, where William was cramped up at a desk. He removed his reading glasses, giving Adriana a wide smile.

"You look stunning if you don't mind me saying so..." said William with a happier tone to his voice. "You look just like your mother."

Adriana smiled back, but her smile dampened at the mention of her mother.

"You knew my mother?" she asked confused. She had no real knowledge of William. All she knew was he was a good friend of Vicktor, who wanted to meet her.

"Ah well of course I knew Elizabeth! I knew Vicktor's father too..." William replied.

Vicktor smiled awkwardly.

"Would you mind if we moved out of this little room?" he asked, rubbing his neck.

"Oh yes, sorry I was doing a bit of reasearch." Said William with an emberessed tone. He walked passed them and into the other room.

There was a whistle from the kitchen.

"Oh thats the tea... Would you like any?" he asked.

"Sure. I'd love some." chimed Adriana.

"Have any scotch?" asked Vicktor.

William laughed.

"no, but you can have the rum." replied William with a half smile.

Adriana and Vicktor sat down, William soon joined them with tea.

"So how do you know my mother?" asked Adriana taking a sip of her tea.

"I had met her shortly after I met Alexander, Vicktor's father. I met her shortly before she had your brother." he repiled taking a sip of his own tea.

Vicktor gave William a warning glance. William laughed lightly, moving from the subject of Vicktor's father.

"but what about you? I know nothing about you, aside from what your brother has told me." Said William quickly changing the subject.

"Like wise... Well there's not much to tell really." she said, "I am a teacher's assistant at Hogwarts, have been for almost three years now."

"Ah for which teacher?" asked William

Adriana blushed slightly, "The potion's master, Severus Snape." she replied feeling her face get warm.

William took notice, smiling. "Yes Vicktor has told me about your little relationship with Severus." he said plainly.

Adriana laughed weakly, feeling more nervous.

"I don't mean to make you nervous Adriana..."He said when he noticed Adriana shift around.

Vicktor looked at his watch, "Oh we got to go." he said before downing the rest of his rum.

"What?" said William surprised