Severus Snape: "__" Would Include...

Having a Tiff with His S/O...

He would have—no, should have died...if not for your penchant for being around at the right time. As he glanced over to the neighboring hospital bed, he wondered. Why? Why had you been outside, under the full moon? Why hadn't you run? More importantly: why would you willingly bind his life to yours? So begins the story of two persons, bound as one.

After binding souls to save Severus' life, the two of you became connected in more ways than one. To avoid suspicion, Dumbledore suggested you marry. (Needless to say, the beginning of your marriage had its challenges.)

"You obviously need something done, even if it's only for the sake for your students. Those poor children are being terrorized...by you and your emotional misdirection," you accused.

"If they cannot handle my class," he said, not looking up, "then perhaps they shouldn't take it."

You pursed your lips. "It's more than that and you know it. You're taking out your emotions on students."

"How perceptive of you."

"See? You're trying to change the focus onto me."

He gave you a withering look. "Don't you have a class to teach or someone else to bother?"

Oh, very mature. "You're my husband. As such, you're entitled to my time—and concern."

"Burdened. I believe the word is burdened," he muttered under his breath. Unfortunately, you heard him.

You lifted your chin. "I'll remember that."

"I don't doubt it. You have a fondness for tormenting me."

"Just as you have a fondness for tormenting your students." There.

"You're being excessively dramatic."

At that, you blustered indignantly. "I am not. I'm merely—" You broke off and took a slow breath. Changing tactic, you said, "Please tell me what's wrong."

"Nothing is wrong."

"Then why don't I believe you?"

"Because, Miss/Mr Towler, you've convinced yourself that you're right, and nothing I say is going to change that."

Your hands balled into fists. Damn him! "Fine," you snapped. "Be that way. But when or if you change your mind and decide to open up to your spouse, you know how to find me."

You turned on your heal and heatedly marched toward the door. When you reached it, you stopped and whirled around. "And by the way, my name is Snape, not Towler. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go and find Fred."

With that, you stormed off.

Severus stared at the doorway, hands balled into fists atop the table. He replayed your words. "If you change your mind and decide to open up to your spouse, you know how to find me." Shouldn't call yourself his spouse. Don't have the right. Could he ever care about you in that way? Doubtful. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go and find Fred." At least he loves me.

The painful thoughts had pierced through the air, hitting their mark beneath the layer of ice protecting his heart.

Note: Fred is your cat.