Severus and I stared up at the sky from the Astronomy Tower. My side was leaning against him, and his arm was around me. He was keeping me close.

All of the students had already gone home. We watched as we saw the smoke of the Hogwarts Express in the distance.

"I have to stay here during the holidays," I breathed out, "I won't see you."

Severus Snape paused for a moment before whispering, "You could always stay with me."

"Really?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," Severus replied, staring out into the wilderness of the forest again, "I live in Spinner's End. A muggle town."

"You live in a muggle town?" I said in disbelief before cupping my hand over my mouth.

I removed it and added, "I didn't mean it like that."

Severus chuckled, "Of course, Verita."

"So... I can stay?" I asked shyly, burying my head into his shoulder.

He lifted my chin with his fingers and pressed his lips to mine gently. He smiled as he told me, "Always."

Severus' face went blank for a moment, before he turned to the outside world again. He was silent for a while.

"Are you okay?" I questioned.

"Of course," he replied, "Have you packed your things?"

"Not yet," I mumbled back. I kissed his cheek and untangled myself from his arms, "I'll do it now."

I went to leave but I realised Severus was trailing me.

"Looking for someone, are we?" I teased, mocking the first words Severus ever said to me. I didn't expect him to understand.

But he did, "I remember those words, Verita."

I gave him a cheesy smile, "I'm surprised yet impressed."

"Like I said to you previously, I can always remember you."

I felt my cheeks burn. Avoiding it, I poked Severus in the side, "Go get your own stuff. When are we leaving?"

"As soon as possible."

I bid him goodbye for the time being and wandered into my dorm to collect my things. I didn't have much unpacked so it didn't take long.

I headed to Severus' room and he was just leaving what I got there.

"Let's go, shall we?" I said, gripping his arm.

And off we went.