Shade (A Severus Snape Fanfiction)

|chapter fifteen|

Warning: Smut ahead.

Before I knew it was Christmas Eve. I was still required to live with the Malfoys, much to my dismay. I wondered when Voldemort would allow me to move out, but I wasn't stupid enough to question him anymore. I had learned that lesson the hard way.

The Malfoys were hosting a Christmas party, though it wasn't very festive. Everyone there was dressed extravagantly, as stuffy music played for those who wanted to dance. Others spoke quietly to one another. It was without the most boring party I had ever been required to attend.

I was nursing my third glass of champagne, only pausing to adjust the uncomfortable fabric of the black cocktail dress I had been given to wear. It was pretty enough and though the fabric ended just above my knees and was rather moderately long enough with long black lace sleeves that covered my dark mark, the plunging neckline had gotten me more unwanted attention than I preferred.

Narcissa had insisted on pinning my hair up into some intricate bun that I knew I would never be able to replicate. Most of the guests were unsurprisingly Death Eaters. Many were people I had never met, which was when I realized that the Death Eaters who attended the Dark Lord's meetings were his inner circle.

I grabbed another two glasses of champagne as a waiter passed by, holding them each between the fingers of my free hand before slipping outside into the cold night air.

I shivered slightly, but ignored the chilly breeze as I downed the rest of the single glass of champagne I held.

"Not enjoying the party?"

I lowered my glass and turned to look Severus who now only stood a few feet away. Close enough to touch. My fingers itched to do so, but I knew better. "Not really," I frowned. "But there's so much booze."

"Perhaps you should pace yourself, Ms. Quinn," Severus replied with a smirk.

"Oh I'm just getting started, Professor. Come, take a walk with me," I said, extending my hand toward him. He didn't take it though.

"I'm not sure that would be wise," he mused.

"Oh, come on, Severus. Let's blow this clam bake for a while, yeah? If I have to listen to one more stuffy, rich asshole tell me how nicely they can take care of me, I'm going to murder someone with one these fucking stilettos Narcissa insisted I wear."

Severus shook his head and chuckled. "Well, I suppose if it will prevent a murder."

A path had been cleared so that guests could walk to the surrounding gardens, but Severus and I seemed to be the only ones making any use of it. The wind picked up, causing me to shiver as the icy air nipped at my exposed skin.

I thought I had shivered rather inconspicuously, but moments later, Severus was placing his cloak over my shoulders. I smiled to myself as his warmth engulfed me and resisted the urge to bury my face in the soft fabric and inhale his scent.

We walked in an uncomfortable silence. It was odd because until now we had been so comfortable in each other's company, but things were different.

"How is your training going?" Severus asked. His deep voice gave away nothing. It was impossible to read him when he had his walls up.

"It's going fine."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. I've learned a lot," I answered honestly.

"I saw what he did to you last week," Severus said, the tiniest bit of emotion finally finding it's way into his voice.

"Yeah... It hurts like hell, but it's made me tougher I guess."