Pawn to Queen
The Pieces Fit

A/N: The title and the lines are from the song "Schism" by Tool. BRILLIANT piece of music for the emotions going on between these two and will probably be literally a recurring theme....

Severus heard the sounds of music from the tower room before he reached it, and for a moment remembered Blaise. But this wasn't the same sound. After all, it was Claudia.

She smiled up at him as he ascended the stairs, cocked her head meaningfully. He imitated her and listened---

"No fault, none to blame/ That doesn't mean I don't desire it/ Point the finger, blame the other.... Bring the pieces back together, rediscover communication...."

He smiled, understanding, and came to join her on the couch. As naturally as breathing--- as naturally as the old days--- she shifted to rest her head against his chest.

When the song ended, she looked up at him, a self-mocking version of a child who'd stolen a sweet. "Cousin Severus---"

"Cousin Claudia." He kissed her forehead.

Because he understood.