"He states that he is willing to forgive you, Severus, as long as you discontinue your relations with Verita," Narcissa informed us, the topic being Voldemort.

"I refuse," Severus replied, his tone firm, "Although, it would be possible to lie. It would be most convenient if I could continue being under the Dark Lord's wing."

"Under his wing?" I repeated, raising my eyebrows, "Severus, you're not a child!"

"I did not say it would be for my benefit, Verita," Severus told me, "If it is possible for us to pretend to have nothing to do with each other in school-"

"That's not sensible," Draco intersected, leaning against Severus' door frame, "He's bringing those Carrows to the school. Professor, you're basically the Headmaster. Just don't let Verita go back to school."

"I agree," Narcissa said, "It wouldn't be wise to send her back - those Carrows will be against her from day one, regardless of how the Dark Lord decides to treat her."

"Alright," Severus finally agreed, "I'll tutor you in my own time, Verita. We'll find a means of communication."

"You better go now," Draco sighed, "The Dark Lord has been awaiting your reply for a long time."

"Verita, I promise I shall see you soon," Severus said. I put my arms around him and he returned the favour before leaving.

"He will," Draco told me as Narcissa followed Severus out.

"What?"

"He'll be back."

"I didn't say he wouldn't be," I defended myself, giving Draco a cold stare.

"You seemed hesitant," he replied a little vacantly, his gaze trailing to the window. It was a frosty, foggy morning - the windows were steaming and we both watched as Narcissa and Severus apparated.

"I'm not," I told him with a sigh, "I have every faith that he will be back. I'm just afraid of what You-Know-Who will do to him."

Changing the subject, I added, "How's your girlfriend?"

He chuckled, then it faltered as his eyes glazed over slightly, "I suppose she's in just as much trouble as you are."

"Ah," I smiled softly, "It'll be alright. I know someone will eventually get rid of that wretched man, and we'll all be free to be with who we want and do exactly what we'd like, when we like, and so on."

"I know."

Our conversation ended there, and soon Draco left. I didn't move. I stared out of the glossy window, watching as the condensation came and went as the weather changed little by little. The sun was just beginning to drop below the clouds and the moon was ready to make an appearance when Severus apparated back.

He rushed inside and within seconds he was greeting me.

"Welcome back," I grinned, then became worried, "How did it go? He didn't hurt you, did he?"

"No," Severus told me plainly, "He didn't. Like Mr. Malfoy said, I am to be Headmaster."

"I see," I said, "I'll miss you."

"And I, you."