Another Dark Star

A/N: If you want to know what song I was thinking of for the dance scene; try Muse- Darkshines, or Can't take my eyes off you, or Pussycat dolls- Sway!

Chapter 22- 7th year


Sadira Prewett had a lot to be thankful for. Her NEWT exams were over, she had a sizeable sum of money in both Wizarding and Muggle accounts, school was behind her and she had a party to go to tonight. Yet as she stood in her friend’s dormitory getting ready her heart was heavy, knowing her older lover was unable to escort her to the ball.

At least now school was over and they would be spending the summer together at his home. She wondered what it would be like. He said it was small and neglected but she was sure she wouldn’t mind. She didn’t think they would spend much time there anyway. He had promised to help her go house hunting in London. If he hated it that much, he could stay with her. She smiled at the prospect of six weeks alone together.

“What are you thinking of Sadie?” asked Mary-Anne.

“I’m just glad I’m done with NEWTs. I’m going to miss life at Hogwarts though.” She replied.

“I can’t believe the Head Girl hasn’t got a date to the ball.” Jennie added, pinning up her red hair.

“By choice Jen, by choice! I can dance or not as I choose with whom I choose.” She defended.

“Spoken like a true Slytherin. In control of the situation at all times!” Jennie said approvingly.

“Good, besides you look too good tonight to let that bitch Victoria take centre stage.” Mary-Anne said.

Sadira smiled. The girls rarely paid her compliments, especially Slytherin girls, but she had made a special effort tonight. She wanted to look good for Severus as she had promised to spend the whole night with him, being her last night in the castle.


When she entered the Great Hall, people pulled a double take. Surely this wasn’t the cold, reserved, bookish Head Girl. This vision of loveliness couldn’t be Snape’s Pet? Professor McGonagall looked over at her and smiled. She was glad she had persuaded the quiet girl to come. She hadn’t socialised much in 7 years and it was good to see her come out of her cocoon tonight. And what a butterfly had emerged.

Her long dark chocolate curls were swept back from her face with jewelled combs and the natural red highlights glinted in the candlelight. She wore only subtle make-up for a change but the natural look was becoming on her. The gown she had chosen was creating quite a stir. It was a floor length, black chiffon halter-neck with a low v neckline. It hugged her torso and fell to a floaty skirt slashed to the thigh with a silver jewelled spider on the hip. It gave the illusion of showing a lot of flesh but was really quite modest. Upon her feet were light strappy silver sandals.

“The Head Boy and Girl will now open the dance.” McGonagall announced and Anthony Keaton came to her side, bowing in his dress robes before taking her hand.

“Don’t stand on my toes, Gryffindork.” She sneered, but in jest.

“Ok, but don’t trip me Sluterin.” He joked back. They began to dance, formally but not stiff, to the classical style music.

“I never did say sorry properly about that cauldron incident.” He said sheepishly.

“Doesn’t matter, Snape sorted it so no harm done.” She replied, sensing his genuine remorse.

“Yeah I heard about that. Sorry about Marc too.” He apologised, blushing profusely.

“Again, I think Snape sorted that too. He told me he punished Daniels quite severely.” She replied with a grim smile.

“So, you two...talk then?” he asked carefully.

“Look, I know what Daniels thinks he saw, but Snape has been a good friend to me, as well as a supportive House Head. I had a difficult year this year on a personal level and it’s no secret that I don’t have many friends. Don’t tell me McGonagall wouldn’t do the same for her precious Gryffindors. I know Sprout mothers those Huffs like her plants!”

“No you’re right. It’s just that Snape doesn’t exactly come across as the tea and sympathy type.” He replied.

“He isn’t; but he helped by letting me talk, and giving me heaps of extra work to keep my mind off things.”

“God, you must have been desperate, having to talk to him! I’m sorry; I should have offered you a friendly hand as your counterpart, despite the house rivalry.” He said dejectedly.

“I appreciate your candour Anthony, and thanks for the offer of friendship, belated as it is. But Sev... Snape isn’t as bad as people think. When I got to know him, I realised we had a lot in common. He’s a good person to just sit and talk to when he isn’t angry, so long as you aren’t a Gryffindor.” She said, blushing when she slipped up with his name.

“Oh, well...” he said redundantly. The dance ended and he bowed to Sadira once again, then went in search of his girlfriend; a pretty blonde Hufflepuff.

Sadira went to the punch bowl for a drink to grab a drink then stood leaning against the wall, observing the room.

“A lovely young lady such as yourself shouldn’t be hiding in the shadows. People will think you’re... up to something.” A rich baritone voice intoned to her left.

“Good evening Severus, I am not hiding, merely observing.” She replied, without turning to look at him.

“Non-alcoholic I trust?” he inquired gesturing to the cup.

“Unfortunately yes, in the absence of Weasley kin to provide otherwise.” She said with a smirk, glancing sideways at him and admiring the cut of his dress robes.

“You look breathtaking tonight my sweet. I could have hexed young Keaton for daring to lay a hand on my beautiful witch.” He whispered.

“Thank you Severus, you look very handsome tonight too. I wish it could have been you instead of Andrew dancing with me.” She whispered back.

“Excuse me my dear, duty calls.” He said, noticing the usual suspects of Keaton, Daniels and Taylor hovering suspiciously round the punch bowl.

She occupied herself for a while with a friendly dance with her new mate Dora Tonks whom she discovered was also waiting to hear from Auror School that year. They went through the routine to a Muggle tune. Whoever was playing as DJ had chosen a mix of classical, muggle pop, and wizard rock to appeal to everyone’s tastes. After a few girly dances with Jennie, M.A. and Tonks, she returned to the wall to stake out the room next to Snape.

“Did they spike it then?” she asked.

“No.” He replied curtly.

“Pity.” She sighed.

His lips turned up a little at the corners as he fought a smile, but reverted to his usual unimpressed look.

“Dear gods, did no-one teach that girl a shred of decorum?” Sadira remarked bitchily about a girl who looked like she was trying to climb down her boyfriend’s throat.

“Perkins put him down; you don’t know where he’s been. 20 points from Gryffindor!” Snape barked.

The amorous girl glared daggers at Sadira, as if she suspected her of grassing her up, then dragged the boy off to continue somewhere private. As the teenagers present were all over 18 and technically no longer students, there wasn’t much the teachers could do about their exploits now, except encourage them to be discreet in order to set the younger ones a good example.


Sadira and Severus wasted a few happy hours at the ball in pleasant companionable conversation and friendly bitching about everyone else. He had noticed a few boys had looked as though they wished to ask her to dance, but the imposing figure of the feared Potions Master held them at bay. He felt no remorse. She was his witch, and this was the first ball he ever enjoyed attending, including his own graduation.

“Sweet Merlin, what’s keeping that dress up?” he remarked in disgust as a particularly overweight girl danced past them wearing a too tight, too revealing gown that must have been charmed onto her.

“The collective wills of everyone in this room.” She replied drily.

He couldn’t help but laugh at this. Fortunately the students were all too occupied to witness the unusual display of mirth. Unfortunately, this happened to be the precise moment McGonagall decided to appear by them.

“Did I miss something amusing Severus?” she asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

“I’m afraid you did Minerva.” He replied vaguely, returning to his usual sober self.

“Now Severus, I know you hate these functions, but that is no excuse to keep Miss Prewett from all the fun.” She admonished him.

“I’m not really interested in the dancing Professor. I was glad of the distraction of an intelligent conversation.” Sadira defended. McGonagall raised a brow at her.

“Really, Severus. I don’t know what you will do when your little protégée leaves. You won’t have anyone to keep you company in that dungeon of yours.” Minerva taunted.

Another of their favourite games, baiting each other, was to ensue between the House Heads and Sadira who had gotten used to it looked on expectantly.

“Miss Prewett is not my protégée, nor do I require anyone’s company. Although I’m sure you are ecstatic at having another Potter to coddle, guaranteed to lose you the House Cup again. I am looking forward to enjoying tomorrows feast, surrounded by green.” He gloated.

“Come now Severus, a lot can happen in one day. Don’t count your Hippogriffs before they’re hatched.” She warned.

“Besides, you have scared off every young man who wished to invite Miss Prewett to dance. Are you not going to compensate her?” she challenged. Sadira looked up in surprise and hope.

“Certainly not! Are you seriously suggesting I dance with a student in public? I refuse to be baited into making a fool of myself.” He sneered.

“Severus, if you can’t dance you should have just said so. You needn’t be scared of a few 7th years you know.” Minerva retorted, using her trump card.

Everyone knew Snape hated being called a chicken in any form. He glared at her, then his features slowly shifted into a wicked smile as he turned to Sadira and inclined his head in a small bow.

“Miss Prewett, would you grant me the pleasure of this next dance?” he drawled. Her features registered shock, then she smiled.

“I... yes Sir.” She replied, allowing him to take her hand and lead her to the floor. McGonagall was flabbergasted. She had only been winding him up; she hadn’t expected him to rise to the bait.



A few students looked confused, and a little aghast, when they noticed their Potions Master leading the Head Girl to the floor. A tango started up just as they reached the floor. He took her hand in his and placed the other on her waist as she laid her free hand lightly on his shoulder. Teachers and students alike were surprised that he could dance at all, never mind that he invited the pretty young student to accompany him. They moved well together, again formal and distant, but at ease with each other’s close presence.

“I didn’t know you could dance so well.” She said as he turned her gracefully.

“In certain circles of society it is a prerequisite, Sadira.” He replied, hinting at his former affiliation.

“I’m glad I get my dance with you anyway Severus. This leaver’s ball really will be a night I’ll never forget!” She sighed.

“For everyone here also by the looks of it.” He told her.

Not understanding what he meant, she glanced around her. He was right, couples had stopped dancing around them and almost her entire year was staring at them in surprise. Sadira suddenly felt self-conscious. Severus sensed her unease and squeezed her hand reassuringly.

The music began to change and he knew the song was about to become faster and more heated. He pulled a devilish grin.

“How about we give them something worth staring at?” he suggested impishly.

“Make it one to remember?” she asked, cottoning on to his plot and returned his evil grin.

When the music changed he suddenly pulled her closer, moving his hand from her waist above her hip to the small of her back, pressing her to him as their steps became faster and more complicated.

Students gasped and gaped as he spun her expertly and she dipped gracefully, moving closely and seductively against each other. McGonagall was furious. Not only had he beaten her at their little game but he was dancing with one of his students in an overtly sensual manner in front of everyone.

“Never dare a Slytherin, Minerva. You will never win.” Albus said sagely, coming to stand by her.

“Surely you don’t approve, Albus?” she complained as Severus dipped Sadira and she kicked her leg up in one fluid movement so her ankle was at his shoulder, then flicking it behind her as he raised her again.

“The young lady appears to be enjoying herself Minerva. She is no longer his student as of yesterday. There is nothing wrong with it. After all it is just a dance.” He placated.

The dance wound down with a few small final spins for which Sadira moved her hand from his shoulder to his neck, surreptitiously stroking his hair with her fingertips, their eyes never leaving each other’s. He held on to her a moment longer after the song had finished, then released her, bowing to kiss her hand as she bobbed a quick curtsey.

She returned to the punch bowl feeling flushed and avoiding everyone’s looks. Severus smirked at Minerva from the other side of the room, shooting her a look that clearly said, ‘I win.’ Then he disappeared to interrupt some of the more amorous couples in spiteful glee.

“Oh My God! I can’t believe you dirty danced with Snape!” Mary-Anne gasped when she caught up with her friend.

“McGonagall sort of dared him to. We can’t let Gryffindors have one up on us now can we?” Sadira replied as nonchalantly as she could while her blood felt like fire. Her friend looked less disgusted and a little impressed.

“Yes, well. I think I might go back to my room before everyone else comes to ask me about it.” Sadira replied. “Say goodnight to everyone for me.”


She descended the catacombs to the Slytherin domain but instead of continuing to the room allotted to the Head Girl near to the Common Room, she slipped past Severus’ wards to his office. He wasn’t there so she continued through to his parlour where she found him in his usual chair without his jacket, sipping a glass of Firewhisky.

“That went down well.” She said, crossing the room to stand near him.

“Indeed. Minerva will think twice before calling a dare on me again.” He replied, pulling her down to land in his lap with a wolfish look.

“You are beautiful.” He said, taking in the view before him.

“Thank you for making tonight so memorable.” She said, brushing the hair from his eyes softly.

“The night is young yet Sadira.” He murmured huskily into her ear as his hand slid slowly up her thigh, exposed by the slit in her skirt. She leaned up and kissed him hungrily, slipping her arms around him and pulling him to her.

“I’ve wanted to do that all night.” She gasped when they broke for air.

“I nearly kissed you in front of everyone while we were dancing.” He admitted.

“I wouldn’t have minded.” She said with a shy smile.

“I almost wish I had now.” He replied with a grin. “Almost.”

She took the glass of amber liquid from his hand and downed it, placing the crystal tumbler back on the table with a cheeky smile as he looked at her appraisingly with one brow raised.

“One last night, then freedom!” She said, admiring the way the firelight flickered across his face in the near darkness; dark and imposing, yet handsome to her eyes.

“Come to bed Severus.” She suggested seductively, standing and taking his hand.

He kicked his boots under the table and followed her to his bedroom, unbuttoning his shirt on the way in. She had removed her sandals and was about to reach to undo his clothing, expecting him to work on hers when he caught her hands.

“Wait; stand there.” He said to her puzzled expression. He undressed quickly and slipped under the covers.

“Undress for me, slowly.” He told her with a lascivious smile.

She blushed a little at his suggestion, but reached up and undid the buttons holding the halter neck of the gown up. The two sections fell to reveal her supple breasts. She removed the combs from her hair and laid them on the bedside cabinet, before unzipping the rest of her dress and stepping out of it. Now she was stood in only the tiniest black lace thong.

She felt both shy and aroused by the appraising, lustful stare she received. She slowly pushed the scrap of fabric over her hips and flicked it away with her toe before climbing into bed with him.

“Well done.” He said, impressed, before pouncing on her hard nipple, suckling the firm flesh while his hands roamed her body. She could feel his need for her, pressing insistently into her thigh as he crushed her under him in his desperation.

“Severus, I want you, right now.” She gasped and he didn’t need further encouragement.

He slid into her wet sheath, gasping in relief as he filled her completely. He held himself in place with a look of concentration on his face.

“What’s the matter Sev?” she asked breathily.

“I want tonight to be special.” He said. “I want you too much, won’t last long.” He explained.

“It’s ok, we have all night.” She smiled up at him, stroking her fingers slowly and softly down his torso, then up again to lock her hands behind his neck and pulled him to her to kiss him.

He slowly began moving his hips again, working up a torturously slow, steady rhythm, teasing her by taking his time as their tongues stroked each other. She wrapped her legs around him and arched her body towards him, meeting his thrusts to encourage him but he continued with his slow determined pace, filling her completely and pressing her into his mattress, then withdrawing almost entirely again, altering the angle slightly each time.

“Oh Severus, please faster! I can’t take it.” She begged. He raised himself above her on his hands and stopped still, fully immersed within her, smirking down at her.

“You may have had to be the one to initiate things so far, due to our circumstances, but I assure you Sadira, from now on I am in charge.” He said firmly, as he withdrew from her again.

“Yes Sir, anything you say. Please just fuck me. I’m so close!” she pleaded. His smirk grew as he raised a brow at her.

“Well, as you asked so nicely.” He said, slamming his length back into her hard, making her cry out in surprise and pleasure. He continued to thrust hard and fast into her, slipping his hands under her hips and tilting her pelvis so he hit her G-spot.

“Oh, fuck! Severus, oh! So good.” She cried between moans and unintelligible babbling in pleasure as she felt her orgasm wash over her.

The wanton look on her face, her impassioned cries and the clenching of her muscles deep within her were enough to send him over the edge and he fired his load deep inside her with a couple of short hard thrusts. He lay there; still inside her, supported on his forearms as their breathing and heartbeats slowed.

“When we’re like this, so close, I want it to last forever.” She said, gazing up into his infinitely deep dark eyes.

“I believe you’re going sentimental on me.” He replied with a half hearted sneer.

“Possibly, I do love you.” She replied, kissing his nose with a satisfied smile.

“And I love you Sadira.” He said, nuzzling her neck. She stiffened beneath him, inhaling sharply in surprise.

“Did I say something wrong?” he asked, searching her face with concern.

“No, it’s just that’s the first time you told me you love me.” She said, smiling.

“The first of many, my Love.” he said silkily, before leaning down and claiming her mouth in a possessive kiss that left her senseless.