Kiss me and I'm yours - A Severus Snape story

Chapter 39: Slughorn's party

The first few months had passed already. The beginning was a true struggle, because I tried to help Severus as good as I could with the preparation of his classes. We worked extremely efficient, but our alone time suffered immensely. Obviously, we spent some time together, but most of it was because of the preparation for his classes. After we finished everything, we were always tired and just fell asleep and then the next day I had my own classes to deal with and of course, I also had a lot to grade, so there was barely any time we could spent just for ourselves, and I can honestly say that it is really frustrating. The only good thing was that my classes haven't been so hard on me. I think most of the students know that a storm is coming, which is truly sad and overwhelming. At least all the professors are nice, and I do get along with everybody just fine. Slughorn seems to be a little bit of a suck up, but he is still being nice and super friendly. He even invited me to his Christmas party that he is doing every year, even though I do find it rude just to invite people he believes are worthy of attending. Anyway, I accepted his invitation because he would talk me into it anyway if I were to say no.

I just finished my last class, and I was on my way to Severus's chamber because I needed some peace and quiet for grading the fifth years tests. I struggled to open the door because I was holding all their tests. I somehow managed to get through the door and I put all the papers down on Severus's desk. I noticed that he wasn't in his chambers. Weird, I thought. We were supposed to grade together and maybe even spent some time together after that if we can finish grading in time before dinner starts. I started my grading and even after half an hour, he still didn't show up. I ignored the fact that he was missing and finished my own grading. When I was finished, I looked at the time it was 5:30. Dinner would start soon and he still hasn't shown up. I sighed to myself. I shortly thought if I should look for him but decided against it. Maybe he got caught up with a few students.

I thought I could do something nice for him and started grading his tests and essays. Thankfully, I know how the subject works and I did teach the students the dark Arts two years ago. I worked my way quickly through the pages. Surprisingly I was done before dinner even started. I noticed how much I missed teaching the dark Arts. Of course, Muggle Studies were fine, but some students didn't enjoy the subject and didn't want to learn about Muggles. I don't know a single student who isn't interested in the dark Arts. The clock showed that it was almost seven, which means, I better go down to the Great Hall.

Dinner was fine, I guess. Severus wasn't there though. I have no idea where he could be. I was getting worried because I have only seen him at breakfast today. I was talking to a few professors that evening but wasn't really paying attention to our little chats. My eyes grew a little bit excited though when I saw Severus entering the Great Hall. He looked awfully tired, and only then did I notice how pale he looked, more than usual. He gave me a quick nod, then sat down at the other side of the table, which was the last free seat. Only ten minutes after he arrived, students and teachers started leaving, some to grade papers, others to return to their dormitories.

When I returned to his chambers, he was already laying in bed, sleeping. I desperately wanted to ask him where he had been all day, but I decided to not disturb his sleep. Merlin knows he'll need it.

The next few weeks, the dark Lord started to summon me more often. He wanted more progress and punished all of us, if his tasks weren't fulfilled properly. I was so busy that Severus and I didn't spend any time together anymore. Either way I was teaching, grading, or resting from the punishment I received. Severus seemed to close himself more of as well and I just didn't have the energy to ask him about it. I even have been sleeping in my own chambers lately, because Severus says he doesn't want to disturb me with his nightmares, which is complete bullshit if you ask me, but I also didn't have the energy to argue with him about this. At least not over something that small.