Another Dark Star

Chapter 10

Severus and Sadira had to walk up the long drive to the Manor house in the snow and she was beginning to regret her choice of footwear as her feet were beginning to freeze. She was happy when they finally reached the door. They were greeted by Lucius Malfoy himself which surprised Sadira greatly.

“Good Evening Severus, so glad you could make it. And who is this charming young lady accompanying you tonight?” he drawled.

“Sadira, may I introduce our host, Mr Lucius Malfoy. Lucius, this is a friend of mine; Ms Sadira Prewett-Black.” Snape answered smoothly.

“Pleased to meet you, Sir.” She said holding a hand out and he accepted, kissing it lightly.

“Prewett-Black you say? Any relation?” He directed the question at Snape.

“Yes, Sadira’s father is Sirius Black.” he said, sneering with disgust at the name.

“Well, that makes you family my dear. Narcissa, do come here. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.” He called.

Narcissa came to meet them and looked over the young woman appraisingly, as though sizing up a rival.

“Yes Lucius? Good Evening Severus.”

“This young lady appears to be your long lost niece Sadira; Sirius’ child.” Lucius told her amusedly.

“Really? And your mother?” Narcissa inquired.

“Delilah Prewett, Ma’am.” Sadira replied respectfully.

“Pureblood? Excellent.” Narcissa replied, satisfied.

“Allow me to take your cloak my dear.” Lucius played the gracious host, withdrawing the heavy black velvet and was shocked by what he saw.

Although the front of her gown, while clingy, was quite modest; the back was indeed a showstopper. It was almost completely backless to the top of her hipbone, milk white skin exposed and marred only by a large tattoo of a serpent along the length of her spine. The head began at the nape of her neck and the tail tapered off ending at her tailbone.

“Come with me Darling, I must introduce you to people.” Narcissa said, cloyingly sweet, leading Sadira into the ballroom where a live band was playing.

She shot Severus a pleading look but was in no position to argue. She drew everyone’s gaze as she entered the room, that dress and that tattoo became the subject of everyone’s conversation as Narcissa introduced everyone to the last remaining Pureblood Black available. She felt like a heifer at a cattle market as she garnered plenty of male attention.

She was more than aware that she wasn’t typically good looking, more an acquired taste so to speak. She was used to some small amount of men appreciating her more gothic appeal, but nowhere near this much. However in this society looks were for naught. Name and blood counted for much more and she had both.

She noticed, as Severus had warned her, one or two known Death Eaters in the crowd. She knew of MacNair through the Ministry but the others she knew only by name, not face. More than a few people pointed out how she reminded them of her Aunts Andromeda or Bellatrix in their youth. She was unsure how to take that, and wished Severus would come and rescue her.

Severus however was in need of rescue himself, as Lucius had collared him and was subjecting him to an inquisition.

“Severus, my old friend, where did you find that delectable young thing?” Lucius drawled, his eyes never leaving Sadira’s form.

“Ms Prewett-Black, or merely Ms Prewett when I taught her, was the one of my most talented students and the Head Girl of her year.” He supplied, affecting a bored tone.

“Really Severus, if I’d known teaching had such...benefits...I might have considered the profession myself.” He insinuated.

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean” Snape replied, annoyed.

“Come now, you may be able to pull the wool over that old fool’s eyes but I know you better. I never thought you the type for corrupting young virgins however.” Severus opened his mouth to protest, but Lucius continued.

“I see the way she looks at you and I must say, well done. Why else would a pretty former student accompany her old teacher to a party?” Lucius leered.

Severus kept his calm. “She has kept in touch over the years. As her Head of House I was curious as to how she fared after leaving.”

“And what is it the delectable Ms Prewett-Black does?” Lucius asked, knowing she cannot have inherited anything from the Black family.

“She’s an Auror, top of her class.” Snape supplied simply.

“You brought an Auror to my home?” Lucius snarled furiously but registered the smirk on his friend’s face and his mind started working.

“You sly old thing, very clever. Get yourself a pet Auror and you have inside information and no-one will suspect you. Very useful, I must say.”

Severus was no longer interested in his friend’s insinuations however, he was watching Sadira dance with some fop son of someone of standing in the Ministry and he felt his stomach lurch. The green-eyed monster was rattling its cage and preparing to be unleashed.

Sadira made to sit down; feigning tired and hoping Severus would come and find her, when Narcissa collected her to show her off like a prize winning pumpkin again. She pulled her along to where a group of teenagers were congregated and tapped a tall blond boy on the shoulder.

“Draco, you must meet your cousin.” She began but as he turned, recognition dawned and he beamed at her.

“Sadie?” he asked, barely believing what he heard.

“Hello Pet, how are you?” She asked with a smile as he drew her into a tight hug, much to the disappointment of a skinny, pug faced girl.

“You...know each other?” Narcissa asked puzzled at her son’s unusual display of affection.

“Yes Mother, Sadira was Head Girl in my first year.” He told her.

“Yes, I admit Draco was something of a favourite of mine.” She admitted fondly as he released her from his embrace.

“Really? So young?” Narcissa asked, glaring over to Severus suspiciously.

“Yes Ma’am, I’m twenty-one.” She replied shyly.

“What do you mean ‘cousin’?” Draco asked his mother.

“Sadira is Sirius Black’s daughter.” She explained.

“I only found out this year.” Sadira told him.

“That’s great! Come and have a dance with me.” He said and pulled her onto the dance floor and started spinning her around.


Narcissa joined her husband and Severus near the refreshments.

“Don’t they make a lovely couple? They seem quite taken with each other.” she said, pondering a way to ensure the purity of the bloodline enfolding before her.

“Sadira was a confidante to Draco in his first year as I recall. And she’s a little too old for him don’t you think?” Severus said waspishly, jealousy creeping through him.

“She’s a little too young for you, don’t you think?” she countered spitefully.

Severus ignored her and strode purposefully over to where Sadira and Draco were stood. The dance now finished, he was introducing her to his friends and catching up on the last four years.

“Good Evening Professor.” Draco greeted cordially.

“Good Evening Draco. Ms Prewett-Black, are you enjoying yourself?” he asked, raising a brow.

He was irritated and wanted to make her uncomfortable. She had been bored all evening but couldn’t insult their hosts in front of their son.

“I have enjoyed being able to see Draco again, but I hardly know anyone here.” she replied, hoping it was a good enough answer.

“Then allow me to introduce you.” He said smirking. She had supplied him with the perfect excuse to withdraw her from company.

“Thank you, Sir.” She said with a flirtatious edge, which none of the teenagers missed. Their topic of scurrilous gossip for the evening had certainly just presented itself.
She placed her small hand in the crook of his elbow as he led her from group to group; she smiling up at him, he smirking like the cat that got the cream.

Oh yes, tongues would wag tonight but Snape felt he deserved a pretty young thing to show off after the degradation he had endured in his life. Those who had expressed an interest in her backed off rapidly as her intimidating companion glared at them, holding her arm possessively.

It was amusing, if a little galling; how people who had ignored his great talents, intelligence and proficiency in the Dark Arts, were suddenly viewing him with renewed interest merely because he had a sexy young witch dangling from his arm. This just proved how worthless these people were; thinking with their trousers, corrupt to a man.

Narcissa didn’t like the idea of Severus monopolising her niece and made an effort to drag her away, insisting the son of a good friend of hers take Sadira for the next dance and thwarted the girl’s efforts to get to Severus again.

She only escaped the queue of suitors by claiming her shoes were hurting her and she found a quiet darkened spot in a corner to sit and hoped no-one would bother her for a while. She rubbed her tired feet with a minty balm she thankfully remembered to slip into her little bag. It worked wonders and she slipped the strappy sandals back on.

“Does Cinderella tire of the ball already?” a rich, deep voice intoned close behind her.

“No, just waiting for my handsome Prince.” She replied smiling.

Severus moved right behind her as she stood, snaking an arm around her waist and kissing the exposed flesh of her neck and shoulders.

“I thought you...Ah!... didn’t want anyone to see us as more than friends?” she asked, rapidly losing control.

Her hands moved behind her, gripping the fabric of his coat and pulling him closer as his hand slipped over the soft fabric of her gown in circles on her abdomen.

“I have had to endure watching you dance with every imbecile in this room. I see the covetous looks they give you and enough is enough. You are mine.” He growled, his delicious voice melting her into him.

His jealousy had enraged him, but now he was next to her it had changed to possessive passion. He stroked his fingers lightly down her inked spine, tickling her bare flesh.
He bit hard on the spot between her neck and shoulder, making her moan with pleasure, alternating light nibbles and soft kisses with the occasional vicious bite. Anyone who observed the passionate scene, and a couple of people had, would certainly understand his reputation as a vampire.

“Severus, please, stop! It’s too much.” She gasped. He smirked, pleased with himself.

“It’s nearly midnight. Will you give me the honour of the last dance?” he asked.

“I’ve been waiting for you to ask me all night.” she purred, still heated with desire from his merciless teasing, as he led her out of her corner.

Some people who had dozed where they stood perked up with interest at the sight of Severus Snape leading Narcissa Malfoy’s pretty young cousin to the dance floor. It was well known that he rarely danced at these functions, and a few people believed he couldn’t, yet here he was proving them wrong.

And how wrong they were! The pair moved so fluidly with the music and with each other that people interrupted their conversations to watch, craning their necks to follow them in the crowd. They were extremely close to one another, whereas she had kept her other dance partners at a respectful distance, and the chemistry between them was palpable. Their desire for each other was obvious with every spin and dip, how close they clung to each other and how comfortable in their movements.

When the dance was over, he bowed to her and kissed her hand and she curtseyed, as the room began the countdown to midnight. They didn’t take their eyes off each other and so missed the jealous glances as at the stroke of twelve he pulled her to him and kissed her into the New Year, her arms resting lightly on his shoulders and his hands pressed firmly on the small of her back.

“Let’s go home.” she whispered.

“No, let’s go upstairs. We can stay here.” He smirked back. Her face lit up with anticipation and trepidation.

“Are you sure?” she asked.

“Yes, Lucius always expects a few of his guests to overindulge and he has more than enough room to accommodate. However, I should warn you he is less trusting of me lately and a habitual Voyeur. He may be curious as to why we are staying here and what we might discuss behind closed doors. The walls have eyes and ears. I understand if you’d rather not be subjected to that.” He warned.

“Then we’d best give them something worth watching, hadn’t we?” she said huskily, stroking a hand down from his shoulder to his chest, nails raking over his nipple through the thick fabric.

“Just look upon it as another mission, a highly pleasurable one. And I’m sure we can make it look like you’re still a sadistic Death Eater.” She whispered into his ear.


He led her surreptitiously from the Ballroom and up the fine marble staircase to the upper floors where the guest rooms were. They chose a large room decorated in dark teal with gilded furnishings.

“How many girls have you brought here then?” she teased.

“Only you,” he replied, gazing at her lovingly as she took in her surroundings.

They didn’t see anyone notice them leave but Lucius had been watching her all night. He, along with MacNair and a couple of corpulent Ministry pervs slipped into a small hidden room to view the proceedings through a charmed two way mirror.

Severus kissed her, backing her up against the bed and pushing her onto it. They had played rough games like this for fun many times before but this time it was done for the benefit of others who may be watching, to prove the extent of his depravity and loyalty as a Dark wizard.

“Bend over Ms Prewett.” He ordered.

“It’s Prewett-Black now remember.” she teased.

“I did not give you permission to speak Ms Prewett, now bend over,” he spat crossly, falling into his mean teacher façade easily.

”Yes Sir.” She replied obediently, turning over and bending over the bed.

He stood behind her and hoisted up her silk skirt, gathering the fabric over her back, exposing her legs and bottom. He pushed the silky black knickers down her legs letting them fall around her ankles and slowly, firmly stroked her pert buttocks in circular motions.

“You have been a very naughty girl, Ms Prewett-Black, flirting with every man here tonight. You are my wench and you must be punished” he said softly, and with that he raised his hand and brought it down firmly on her backside, making her gasp in pleasure and pain.

He continued to spank her, the strokes becoming gradually harder yet still she moaned in pleasure, getting wetter by the minute until her juices ran down her thighs.

“I think you’re enjoying this too much Ms Prewett-Black.” he said, turning her over and pressing her into the bed. Her arse was a vivid red.

She gripped his coat and pulled him to her as he climbed onto the bed, tangling her left hand in his hair as he kissed her, her right hand struggling with his coat buttons. He grabbed her hands and shoved them over her head; pinning her forcefully while he kissed, licked and sucked his way down her throat. He trailed kisses across her chest, circling the nipples with his tongue before plunging them into his mouth, sucking and nibbling them in turn.

She was squirming in pleasure, moaning as he bit her on her soft spot again. He released her hands and kissed his way down her body, gripping her hips as he plunged his tongue deep into her sex. She gasped with the shock and gripped the satin covers as she writhed beneath him.

“Holy Fuck, I love that nose!” she gasped as he ground the much maligned appendage into her swollen clit as his tongue circled her hole, before plunging inside once again. He chuckled at her outburst and the vibrations of the deep sound added to her pleasure and she moaned even louder.

“Oh no, you don’t come until I say so.” he told her, crawling back over her body and withdrawing his wand. “Incarcerous.” he intoned and thick ropes bound her wrists to the bedposts.

“Is there a problem my dear?” he asked cruelly. She looked at him pleadingly, the pleasure so intense, then denied.

“Please Severus!” she moaned.

“Please what?” he asked, toying with her.

“Please just fuck me.” She whimpered

“What?” he taunted.

“FUCK ME SIR!” she shouted.

“That’s better.” he replied amusedly, undoing his trousers and sliding into her.

He grabbed her legs and pushed them up, so her ankles were at her shoulders, increasing the depth and angle of his thrusts. She was lucky she was flexible as not many women could enjoy the great pleasure this position granted without pain.

Louder and louder she moaned, providing quite a display for their audience, who were suitably impressed with his ability to dominate such a wilful witch and her eagerness for him. Severus concentrated hard to keep control of himself; he wasn’t finished with her yet. It was a difficult task though, with her hair tumbling out of its confines, face flushed with pleasure, calling his name and pleading with him.

“Harder! Oh fuck, please.” she called, biting her lip and pulling hard against her restraints.

He stopped still, prolonging her agony, smirking as he withdrew his length almost completely, challenging her and proving he was in complete control and she was powerless.

“Bastard.” she muttered. He smirked as he placed his hands under her hips, gripping her still tingling cheeks.

He buried his entire length back into her in short, hard strokes, hitting the entrance to her womb in that delicious blend of excruciatingly pleasurable pain, His pubic bone collided with her throbbing clit, intensifying her orgasm as she came hard against him, screaming his name as wave after wave of ecstasy washed over her. He remained over her still for a moment while she came down from her shuddering high, then withdrew from her, releasing her bonds.

“I’m not nearly finished with you girl.” He said snidely, his expression changed from passionate to cold.

This was the part of the act she dreaded, though knew must come; ‘vicious Snape.’ He turned her over and dragged her off the bed, pushing her torso into a nearby chair and spreading her legs into a ‘presenting’ position. He slid his long fingers over her punished bottom, and slid one, then two into her arse, stretching and playing with the taut orifice.

“Please Severus, not that.” She called, and was surprised at how panicked her voice sounded, despite expecting this. She had to make it appear it was done against her will and truth be told she wasn’t exactly fond of anal, so she was likely to make this part of their act most convincing.

“Shut up girl, do as you’re told.” He snapped, as though chastising her for being squeamish over Potion ingredients.

She gripped the chair as he removed his fingers and placed his swollen purple head at the entrance to her tract. He pushed into her, little by little to minimise the pain.
She cried out at first, biting her tongue to prevent further protest and to distract from the stinging, burning, stretching sensation coming from her sphincter.

He eased himself in and out of her slowly, allowing her to get used to the sensation and enjoying the tightness of her gripping his cock tightly, before establishing a steady pace. Before long, she got used to the pain and begun to enjoy herself again. The rhythm of his body against hers, and the feeling of him filling her so completely had her rocking her hips to meet his, moaning again as he slid his left hand up to grip her breast; stroking and pinching the flesh while his right worked her clit furiously once more, intensifying the electric shocks running through her pelvis.

He permitted himself to get lost in the moment, feeling her soft breasts, slick cunt and tight arse. He thrust into her harder and faster, allowing himself his release. She cried out as he came with one final hard thrust, bringing tears to her eyes with the violent action, then relaxing. He collapsed against her in his ecstasy, pressing his entire body against hers for a moment before pulling out and cleaning them both up with a few flicks of his wand.

He shrugged off his damp, sweaty clothing and climbed into the sumptuous bed, extending a hand to her to encourage her to join him. She pulled the remaining pins out of her hair and let it tumble about her as she wriggled under the covers beside him.

“Have you learned your lesson, Ms Prewett?” he asked; though softly, not tormenting.

“Yes Professor. I’m all yours, no-one else’s.” She replied as he pulled the covers over her and lay her down beside him.

“Good girl Sadira.” he replied, kissing her softly and deeply, a silent apology for her ordeal, and drawing his arms around her protectively as she curled into him.

“I love you Severus.” she whispered sleepily as he put out the lights.

“I love you too.” he whispered back, crushing her to him.

When they awoke next morning, they knew they were alone and so made up for last night’s, admittedly enjoyable, but cold coupling by making love slowly, tenderly, languidly; taking the time to shower each other with kisses and caresses, expressing the depth of their love, instead of just jealousy, frustration and lust.

Thankfully, in Sadira’s charmed little bag she had packed a change of clothes, toiletries and cosmetics among other things in case they stayed out. She had planned for the possibility, however she had expected to be brought back to Spinner’s End, not remain at the Manor.

Therefore instead of a chic suit or pretty tea dress which she would normally choose to wear to have breakfast with someone like the Malfoys, she had packed; skinny black jeans, a low cut v-neck layer top in green and grey with a Wrock band on it, black studded belt and masses of armbands, beaded bracelets and fishnet fingerless gloves, teamed with her favourite black spike heel leather boots.

She figured she may as well go the whole hog and did her normal masses of black eyeliner and frosted pale pink tinted lip balm. She felt very underdressed, however unlike Severus she couldn’t get away with just Scourgifying last night’s clothes and so it would have to do.

Severus led her into the dining room for breakfast, discreetly holding her hand to assuage her nerves. Most of the guests who had stayed weren’t up yet and only the Malfoy family were seated at the table. Draco seemed quite shocked that they had stayed the night, especially together, but engaged Sadira in idle chit chat so the impressive long dining table no longer intimidated her, but felt like being back on their house table at school. Severus and Sadira sat next to each other; he next to Lucius at the head of the table and her beside him, opposite Draco. Lucius was observing his friend with renewed interest and a perverse respect following last night’s activities.

Narcissa, who was at the opposite end of the table waiting for her friend was viewing the couple with disappointment. Yes, Severus was of high standing in the Dark Lord’s inner circle but she still felt her newfound niece could do better than a half-blood teacher twice her age and of uncertain fortune. Narcissa was also furious at being denied the opportunity to manipulate the girl to her own advantage to gain an advantageous match with another rich pureblood family or her own.

With her hair down in smooth ringlets and in her usual clothes Sadira looked much younger than she had last night, something which the other guests noticed when they began to come down for breakfast. Suddenly Severus felt stupid for wanting to show her off like some prize last night and soon tired of being stared at and gossiped about like some dirty old man.

Sadira was too busy talking to Draco to notice but was distracted when Severus suddenly pushed back his chair and stood to leave. Lucius hadn’t finished with Severus yet though, he needed to speak with him on ‘business matters’.

“Don’t tell me you’re leaving yet Severus? What’s the rush? Do stay. Show your lovely, ah...friend... the grounds, I’m sure she’d like that.” He suggested in a friendly manner but the cold gleam in his eyes implied an order, not a request.

“Very well, would you care to join me in a turn around the garden?” he asked resignedly, aware of the gossips resuming court at Narcissa’s end.

“That sounds lovely Severus. Thank you for suggesting it Mr Malfoy.” She replied.

“Do call me Lucius my dear.” he said pleasantly as Snape led her from the dining room, collecting her jacket as they went.

“See you later Dray.” She called as she left, waving lazily.


Snape led her through a set of French doors to an elegant patio and down some steps to a beautiful rose garden. Narcissa must have placed enchantments on it to ensure the plants bloomed all year round and the smell was wonderful. It was surrounded by a herbaceous border of honeysuckle, mint and lavender. The blend of roses and honeysuckle reminded Severus so powerfully of Sadira; he stroked her palm with his fingers. She smiled up at him and they walked the circumference slowly in silence, hand in hand. There was no need for conversation. They were simply comfortable in each other’s company.

They stopped at a bench and sat; her arm round his waist, his round her shoulder comfortably as she rested her head on his chest.

“This is nice. I miss the garden at Mum’s old house.” She said wistfully.

“Then why did you sell it?” he asked.

“Too many bad memories. Besides I didn’t need such a big place to myself and I wanted to be in London for Auror training, closer to the Ministry.” She replied, snuggling closer to him against the January chill. “Maybe one day I’ll get a bigger place with a garden, but I don’t see the point right now.”

Instead of questioning her further he pulled her close, wrapping his other arm around her and kissing the top of her head. She smiled up at him, but it was a sad smile. She had begun to remember the few good times she had spent with her mother in that little garden in Manchester.

For a moment he thought she was going to cry but instead she slipped into his lap, wrapping her arms snugly round his neck, leaning in for a kiss. He doubled his arms round her waist, pressing her to him as their lips met, tongues stroking and dancing, stoking the flames of their desire.

This was how Lucius and Narcissa found them, discreetly raising their voices as they came down the stairs to alert them to the intrusive presence of their hosts, allowing them to jump apart and right themselves.

“Severus old friend, might I have a quiet word in the Drawing Room? Sadira; Narcissa would be glad to continue your tour of the gardens, perhaps the Conservatory or the Orchard?” Lucius said, barely containing his amusement at finding the couple in such an intimate situation.

Snape stood and nodded his assent, following Lucius back toward the house without a backward glance. Narcissa held out a pale, well-manicured hand as a sign to follow her. As they walked into the bright morning sun, the serpent brooch on Sadira’s teal cord blazer glinted in the pale light.

“What a lovely brooch, my dear. Where did you get it?” Narcissa asked disingenuously, knowing full well who had owned it.

“I inherited it from my mother. She said it had been a gift from my father.” Sadie half-lied smoothly.

“Ah, yes. It does look like one my dear Aunt Walburga used to wear. That would be your paternal grandmother dear. Such a shame your father disgraced himself and distanced himself from the family. You could have been brought up knowing us all. I feel in the absence of other family we remaining Blacks should stick together.” Narcissa continued.

She lead Sadira along the side of a croquet lawn and past a row of Rhododendron bushes, further away from the house, clearly to give the men time to conduct their business uninterrupted. Sadira caught on to where Narcissa was going with the conversation and played along.

“I am also sorry to have missed out on knowing my father and his family. Now my mother is dead and my father... well that’s public knowledge... I feel like an orphan. The only family I have known is my mother’s cousins, the Weasleys.”

Narcissa snorted derisively at the mention of the Weasleys.

“As your Aunt, I feel it is my duty to introduce you into proper Wizarding society. If your parents had married, I feel sure they would have found you a good match by now. What is the nature of your relationship with Severus?” she pried.

Sadira was gobsmacked. She thought they were conducting an innocent conversation on family and expected a diatribe on blood purity, not an inquisition into her love life and hints on marrying her off.

“I’m not sure that’s the sort of thing I should be discussing with you Mrs Malfoy. After all, we have only just met.” She answered, stalling for thinking time.

“Oh I’m not interested in the sordid details, silly girl. It’s clear from your faces this morning exactly what you get up to.” She snapped, and Sadira had the good grace to look thoroughly ashamed and embarrassed.

“I mean has he declared his intentions to you? You are the last remaining descendant to bear the name Black. While you do there are standards to be maintained. I will not have over a millennium of pure blood and good name tainted by a foolish girl who decided to have a fling with her old teacher.” Narcissa railed. Sadira’s blush deepened but she stood proud.

“I don’t like where you’re going with this Mrs Malfoy. My private life is precisely so, private. Severus has made no declaration of any intention to me, nor do I expect him to. I make my own choices in life. My lovers, paramours, suitors, relationships; however you wish to term them have always been of my own choosing.” She returned.

“I apologise my dear. I was merely expressing a concern for your reputation. My husband and I have known Severus for a long time. While he is a fine upstanding man in character, he has never shown any inclination to be the marrying sort and I fear your association with him may prove to be your downfall if you seek a suitable husband. I see now that is not the case. Please, let us not fall out over such a misunderstanding.” Narcissa backtracked with false humility.

“Of course not, Mrs Malfoy. I apologise, you have been so welcoming and I abuse that hospitality by starting a silly row. You must think me most ill-mannered.” Sadira replied.

“Please, do call me Aunt Narcissa or Cissy.” She encouraged.

“Very well Aunt Cissy. It’s just that I enjoy my privacy and I have no intentions of marrying any time soon. Severus understands that. He understands me very well in fact. We have so much in common and I care for him a great deal.” She explained.

“Of course dear, and the two of you are so discreet, one would hardly think there was anything between you at last night’s party. I’m glad you are happy with my Lucius’ oldest and dearest friend. We can at least trust him; much better than someone whom we know nothing about.” The elegant witch paused.

“Draco tells me you and he were very close in school, it must feel like you are family already. By the way, did anyone tell you how closely you resemble my sisters Bellatrix and Andromeda?” Narcissa changed the subject artfully back to the original thread.

‘Two faced cow,’ Sadira thought but smiled sweetly. “Yes, one or two people last night. I am flattered; I hear they were great beauties in their day.” She replied.

They wandered and chattered for a while, and as they made their way back toward the Manor, Sadira’s heart leapt as she saw a familiar dark figure striding purposefully toward them.

“I’m afraid I have been called back to Hogwarts on urgent business. There has been an incident in Slytherin house and I must return to deal with it.” Snape told them. “Allow me to escort you home before I leave.” He added to Sadira

“Of course Severus. Thank you for your hospitality Aunt Cissy. Please convey my thanks and farewells to Lucius and Draco.” Sadira said, clasping her aunt’s hand affectionately, before gripping his firmly as they both Apparated together to Grimmauld Place.


When they arrived on the doorstep, he looked at her quizzically.

”Aunt Cissy?” he asked.

“She asked me to call her that and I thought it in our best interests to show willing.” She replied.

“Oh really? And what else did ‘Aunt Cissy’ have to say on your constitutional?” he asked.

“That you are no good for me and she intends to marry me off to a suitable candidate as soon as possible.” She replied playfully.

“WHAT?!” he spluttered.

“Don’t worry, I told her I care more for you than my reputation and I have no intention of marrying any time soon.” She assured him.

His face relaxed a little; then a wolfish grin spread across it.

“Pity.” He whispered into her ear before walking straight past her into the house, leaving her gobsmacked.