(1017 words)

Your POV

Growling slightly as I stand in the room, I sit down with a slight huff. Closing my eyes I project myself at the Great Hall, watching Snape's speech as he's headmaster.

"Many of you are surely wondering why I have summoned you at this hour. It's come to my attention that earlier this evening Harry Potter was sighted in Hogsmeade. Now should anyone, student or staff, attempt to aid Mr. Potter they will be punished in a matter consistent with the severity of their transgression, furthermore. Any person found to have knowledge of these events, who fails to come forward will be treated as equally guilty Now then, if anyone here has any knowledge of Mr. Potter's movements this evening I invite them to step forward. Now"

He walks down the aisle as he glances around the students that were standing in the Great Hall. Everyone gasps as Harry comes out of the crowd, wearing his Gryffindor robes.

"It seems, despite your exhaustive defensive strategies you still have a bit of a security problem, Headmaster."

The doors open and Hermione, Ron, Kinglsy, William, Lupin and more came into the door. Opening my eyes I smirk slightly, as I apparate into the Great Hall with them. Glaring down the aisle as Snape's lips part slightly, shocked to see me there.

"I'm afraid it's quite extensive. How dare you stand where he stood? Tell them how it happened that night. Tell them how you looked him in the eye, a man who trusted you, and killed him. Tell them."

Snape pulls his wand, and McGonagall pushes Harry to the side. The students moving to the edges of the Great Hall. McGonagall and Snape duel for a few moments before Snape disappears.

"Coward!"

McGonagall waves her wand as she turns around and the students cheer as he's gone. Frowning slightly I walk over to McGonagall.

"I'm going after Snape, I need to talk to him."

She looks at me for a moment before she smiles slightly. "You're good for him you know."

Turning to look at her quickly she raises a hand before I can speak. "You think I didn't know how he changed after the Yule Ball? That it had something to do with you? Go find him, I know he's been wanting to see you."

Nodding gently I leave the castle, thinking of where I could find him. Thinking for a moment, I went to the Shrieking Shack. Once inside, I found him with Bellatrix, Greyback, and a couple others.

"Snape, I have a couple of choice words for you."

Bellatrix giggles as she walks over to me, walking in a circle around me. "Oh no! Trouble in paradise already?"

Glaring at her, I hear Snape speak. "Leave us, I'll handle her appropriately."

They leave the room and I look at Snape. He watches the floor, unwilling to meet my eyes with his.

"After all you've done you can at least look at me! You turned the once vibrant castle into nothing short of a prison, Severus!"

He stands as he rushes to me, whispering as he grabs my arms again. "Do you think I don't know that? It isn't me, the Dark Lord wants it this way. He wants there to be fear."

Glaring at him I narrow my eyes. He looks at me for a moment, before he plants his lips on mine. The same hunger from the Yule Ball in his kiss as he holds me close to him. Pulling away from me he looks down at me.

"Are you still angry with me?"

Slapping his arm he gives a slight smile. "Is that a yes?"

"You have so much explaining to do, Severus. I can't believe you, after everything we've been through. The things I've told you, and you've told me."

"(y/n), I couldn't tell you about it, I still can't the Dark Lord is on his way to the castle. I do not want you getting hurt." His hand finds the side of my face as he holds it in his hand.

"I cannot bare to see you hurt, it would be my undoing."

"And what about you? Do you think I can sit by and watch you possibly get killed?"

He sighs gently as his gaze softens. "I will do what I must. Even if it means protecting you, with my life."

Raising my hand I slap him, his head turned towards the side as his hair covers his face. Turning to me slowly he looks at me. "(y/n)..."

"Do not say my name. You don't get it do you, Snape? The reason I don't want you to die even if it is to protect me."

He looks at me as his eyes studying me.

"I will tell you when the man that I met my first year here, is back. Only then will you know."

He sighs as he nods, letting me go.

"I'm going to protect the castle, or try at least."

He nods to me as he looks towards his shoes. "Severus."

His eyes look back up to me as I cup his face again, kissing him. Pulling away I smile slightly as I look at him before my face falling. Reaching into my pocket I pull out the key to his house.

"Take it, this will let me find you afterwards."

He nods as he lets me put the key in his hand. Closing his fingers around it, I put my forehead into his jaw gently, holding his hand in mine as I fight the urge to stay with him. Letting him go I apparate back into the castle just before the protective dome covers the grounds. Minerva looks at me, watching her for a moment she gives a nod as she knows I was able to find him.

Walking over to her she looks at me. "Well?"

"You were right, as always Professor."

Shaking her head she looks at me. "After tonight, call me Minerva."

Nodding gently I get ready to help defend the one place that's been my home for the last seven years.