Severus shook his head. Women, they always assumed that men knew and remembered everything.
"Like I said before, I've been kind of busy. Work has been... distracting to say the least. You have served me well, Jessica, in more ways then one, but that isn't the only reason I picked you to serve me. I'm looking for someone who will be completely loyal to me. I don't want to have to worry that their allegiance can be changed, or bought, for that matter."
He knew Jessica liked to be spoiled. Well, spoiled as much as a servant could be. Severus didn't mind buying her the occasional thing or two. If it kept her quiet and content, then what's a few galleons?
"I'm not sure if you meet what I'm looking for. I'm not going to settle down any time soon, not that I am looking for a wife, but I would like a companion. Someone who doesn't mind being near me, someone who wants to be. I'm sorry you're in the position you're in, but neither of us can help what your blood status is. To be honest while I'm wonderful at reading your mind, I hardly do it, so I have no clue on what your feelings are about this situation. I do have to say that it's better than many servants who live in the castle."