Another Dark Star

Chapter 8


Once again Sadira was feeling the frustration and longing of a long distance relationship and once again she had to keep it a secret. Well, relatively secret. Tonks knew and her father knew so therefore via one or other of them Remus would also know, but other than that it was a quiet affair.

She only got to see Severus rarely; when he came to Grimmauld Place to deliver Remus’ Wolfsbane Potion on the full moon, or on rare occasions when they could meet up. She actually laughed when Dumbledore sent her an owl asking her to try and resolve the conflict between Sirius and Severus to improve morale. Firstly, she was responsible for some of the conflict, but conversely she was pretty sure she was responsible for a great improvement in Snape’s morale. Not that any of his students had any benefit of his improved mood. No, he remained a snarky bastard in public as usual.

However a change in their relationship was to unfold over Christmas. Sadira had all but moved into Grimmauld Place, bringing Nightshade with her. Since the Midden case, the Ministry had begun to trust her with more dangerous missions and she would often be gone for days so she wanted her cat and her Dad to keep each other company.

Sirius was dismayed to see his daughter come home wounded on occasion but he admired her tenacity and bravery.
Severus showed his concern by berating her for not being careful or not being quick enough but she was used to his unusual method of letting her know he cares.


Sadira heard from Severus that her uncle had been hospitalised while guarding the prophecy and he must now give Potter Occlumency lessons. She barely registered a little sympathy, knowing from experience how much he hated teaching that particular discipline, before bolting to St Mungo’s to visit her uncle.

Everyone had gone by the time she got there. She just sat there in silence for a while, stroking the hand of the man she had come to consider a father, as he and Molly were better and closer to her than Delilah and her stepfather Neil.


When she got back to Grimmauld Place she heard raised voices coming from the kitchen and was astounded by what she found; Severus and Sirius snarling at each other in pure loathing, wands aimed at each other’s chests, with a distressed looking Harry between them. A crowd had gathered behind her and they both seemed to realise themselves and backed away, stowing their weapons.

“Severus, may I speak with you in the library please?” she asked levelly, with a hint of steel.

Snape nodded his assent and led the way, leaving Harry to calm his godfather. Harry was still reserving judgement on what could be construed as his adoptive sister, especially when he saw the dirty look Sirius shot the pair as they left the kitchen. Ron however seemed to have forgiven his cousin for now. Whether this was because of her concern for his Dad or because she’d stuck up for the twins against Molly he wasn’t sure.

“What’s up Sirius? I know you hate Snape but Dumbledore asked him to give me these lessons so they must be important.” Harry began.

“I know; it’s not that. I just don’t like that pervert hanging around my daughter. I know you don’t like her but she’s family and I love her. She’s a great girl really and she deserves better.” Sirius explained.

“It’s not that I don’t like her, I just don’t know if I trust her. I mean she’s Snape’s friend.” Harry countered.

“Yes, well. I’d rather not talk about that. Let’s talk about something else,” Sirius said changing the subject. He didn’t want to tell Harry she was still seeing Snape, and quite frankly he didn’t want to think about it himself.


Meanwhile in the library, Sadira was once again charged with the thankless task of soothing the ego and temper of her lover. After watching him fume and pace for twenty minutes she decided to change tactics.

“Have you seen the room Dad gave me here?”

“No.” he said sullenly.

‘Merlin he’s sulking like a toddler again.’ She thought.

“Come with me.” she said pulling him gently down the hall and up the stairs.


“Impressive,” he said taking in the green and silver colour scheme, large dark wood bedstead and serpent motifs. She shut the door softly but firmly behind them.

“I’ve been rescuing all the Slytherin and Black family stuff before it gets chucked. What do you think?” she asked, flopping onto the bed as he walked around the room, exploring and discovering her territory.

“It looks like a cross between the Slytherin common room and my chambers” he remarked; joining her on the bed, sitting on the opposite side and making himself comfortable.

“I know. By the way; Happy Christmas Love.” She said rummaging in her bedside drawer for a small blue velvet box and presenting it to him.

“It isn’t Christmas till tomorrow. Besides I haven’t brought you anything.” He said irritably.

“It’s ok, I wasn’t expecting anything. I know you hate Christmas. Please, just open it.” She said pressing it into his hands.

He pulled the lid off to reveal, nestling in the blue velvet lining, a flat plain silver cross on a sturdy chain which gleamed brightly when he touched it, fading after a time.

“It’s a protective charm.” she told him. “If anything should happen to you, I will know when, what and where. It should help with basic healing as well if I did that part right but the call will definitely work.”

He looked at her in awe and puzzlement.

“How?” he asked curiously.

“I have the match.” she said holding up the elegant silver Celtic cross that hung from her neck and nestled in her cleavage.

“I worry about you, with your precarious position in this war. I hope you’ll use it.” She looked at him earnestly.

“Thank you.” he whispered softly, kissing her cheek before slipping the chain over his neck and under his robes out of sight. The chain round her neck glowed blue for a second as the connection was made, then faded to nothing.

“Now, I think it’s time for your other present.” she said in a seductive, husky voice.

“What other present?” he asked.

Realisation dawned on him as she unbuttoned her modest dress to reveal a beautiful lacy Basque and matching French Knickers which she had bought for the occasion, the red and black fabric making her pale skin porcelain white by comparison.

“I hope you aren’t expected back tonight because I want to wake up with you on Christmas morning.” She told him, unbuttoning his coat and shirt, dropping them to the floor and flinging his cravat across the room with a flirty giggle. He slid his hands up the outside of her stockinged thighs, coming to rest on her hips and pulling her close.

“Wild hippogriffs couldn’t drag me away!” he muttered into her ear; kissing down her neck, throat and chest as he pulled her on top of him and tugged the green velvet eiderdown over them both.

Christmas morning, the children woke early; excited and ready for presents but Molly insisted they eat a proper breakfast first and wait for everyone. However an hour later Sadira still hadn’t come down and the boys were getting impatient. Molly had shouted her three times already, but she knew Sadie loved lying in on holidays.

“We’ll get her up!” said the twins, grinning evilly and they Apparated straight into her bedroom.

“MERRY CHRISMAS SADIE!!!!!” they yelled, before realising she was fast asleep curled up in the arms of none other than their Potions Master.
They froze, shocked and horrified as Sadie and Snape jolted awake at the interruption.

“OUT!” roared Snape and the terrified duo didn’t need to be told twice, but popped back out and away from the disturbing scene.

“So much for a pleasant lie in.” Severus grumbled.

“Sod them, let’s go back to sleep.” Sadira replied sleepily, stroking his chest

She put her head back on his shoulder, pressing herself against him in contentment. He ran his hand over her hip, up and over her chest and back down again drawing her naked body even closer.

“Or, as we’re awake already...” he suggested, grinning at her.

“You are incorrigible,” she said with a wry smile. “However, I am not complaining.”

“Well, is she getting up then?” asked Ron, when the twins came back in before registering the look of horror on their faces. “What’s wrong?”

“Let’s just say she’s not coming down for a bit,” said Fred.

“Yeah, we should probably start without her,” added George.

“What’s the matter, is she sick?” asked Molly, concerned.

“Yeah, she certainly is sick!” said Fred, disgusted. Molly just looked at them puzzled.

“Put it this way, she’s already had her Christmas present.” Added George, grinning. He at least found the whole thing amusing once the initial shock wore off.

“I take it she isn’t alone?” asked Sirius sounding irritated bordering on anger.

“You knew?” asked the twins in unison.

“Knew what?” asked Molly who didn’t like to be left out.

“Sadira’s got a boyfriend!” said George in a singsong taunting voice.

“Oh my! And you two just barged in there? You should be ashamed of yourselves! Poor Sadie.” Molly chided.

“Honestly Mum, it was worse for us, we’re scarred for life!” defended Fred. Sirius chuckled darkly at this but remained silent.

“So, what’s he like?” asked Ginny.

“A Git!” said Fred shortly.

“Why, what do you mean?” she asked puzzled.

“Not a git, The Git.” Explained George.

“Snape?” Ron spluttered, looking at Harry who was sharing his look of horrified disbelief. “But I thought they were over ages ago.”

“Apparently they’re back together.” Said George.

“Urgh. So did you, you know, catch them at it?” asked Ron in a whisper.

“Gods no, I’d be scrubbing my eyeballs with soap! Nah, they were asleep, just sort of... cuddled up.” Fred replied.

“Snape cuddling? Whatever!” snorted Ron as he followed Harry into the other room.

Harry was following Sirius in the hope he wasn’t about to start another fight with Snape for defiling his daughter.

“He’s a lucky bastard though, Sadie’s got cracking tits!” Ron whispered to Harry who snorted out a laugh.


Some time later, Sadira came down to the kitchen alone. Severus managed to slink out of the house with his dignity intact. She passed the kids with her head held high once more, this time with a smirk on her face. She faced the family bold as brass, seeing their faces; curious in the case of George and Ginny, appalled in the case of Fred, Ron and Harry, and sympathetic in the case of Molly and Hermione.

“Good Morning” she greeted loudly and cheerfully.

“Morning dear, fancy a bit of breakfast?” asked Molly pleasantly, ignoring the children’s gossip. ‘Gods know those two could do with a bit of happiness’ she thought to herself.

“Yes please Moll, I’m starving.” she replied and received a plate of scrambled eggs and beans on toast, having worked up quite an appetite. “Something you wanted to say boys?” she asked the twins who were staring at her but couldn’t quite meet her eyes.

“No Sadie. Sorry Sadie.” They mumbled, shifting uncomfortably in their seats. She smirked to herself. ‘Round one to me.’ she thought, tucking in.

“Is Arthur coming home today?” she asked pleasantly.

“I certainly hope so dear.” Molly replied, patting her on the shoulder and noticing Harry glaring at the younger woman. “Something the matter Harry?” she asked.

“No Mrs Weasley.” he muttered and went to find Sirius.

“They all know, Sadie.” Molly whispered into her ear when only the girls were left.

“I don’t care anymore. I’m sick of hiding it to be honest.” She replied, beaming.

“Well at least you’re happy and that’s all that matters. I wasn’t happy when I heard about,well...you know, your earlier relationship but you’re old enough to know what you want now and if that means him, then don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I’m happy for you.” Molly assured her wisely.

“Thanks Auntie Mol-mol, that means a lot from you.” Sadie told her, hugging her.

“So, you’re Snape’s girlfriend now?” asked Ginny, ignoring her mum’s warning look. Sadira laughed.

“Yes, what else do you want to know?” The girls were amazed that she was letting them grill her.

“What’s he like in bed?” Ginny asked cheekily, earning herself a clip round the ear and a lecture on morals and propriety from her mother while Hermione stared at her, horrified. Sadie couldn’t answer through the fits of laughter which had gripped her, but she winked at her cousin all the same.