" Why her, Minerva ? " A tall muscular blonde questioned the headmistress.

" I think that she will be good at the subject, " Minerva McGonagell answered.

" But, a . . . muggle ? "

" Who better to teach British Literature than a muggle English teacher ? "

" Oh, I don't know, perhaps an actual wizard or witch ? " The blonde sneered.

" We have never discriminated against anyone before, Draco, " The Scottish witch said sharply.

" I don't like it, " Draco Malfoy said simply.

" I don't care what you think. Just who do you think you are to question my actions ? You are the Potions professor, not the Head master. " The teachers' lounge door opened quietly. The Potions professor and the Headmistress were too embroiled in their discussion to notice.

" Not this again ? " The Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher sighed. Both turned at the voice.

" Stay out of this, Scarhead, " Draco Malfoy hissed.

" Draco Malfoy ! You are both professors now. I suggest you set aside your differences or I will be forced to mete out the proper punishment. " A blonde brow shot up at the announcement.

" I still do not like it. Nor do I want it, " Professor Malfoy said stalking towards the door. He yanked the wooden door open then slammed it shut behind him.

" I can't stop her from coming, " Professor McGonagell sighed, sliding back down into the plush armchair behind her.

" She is already on her way. " Harry Potter approached the wise old woman whom he held in fond regard.

" It won't be so bad. Draco is just like his father, I'm afraid. A fact that neither one of us can change. At least, I am getting better at reigning back my temper when it comes to that git. " Soft blue eyes looked up into Harry's brilliant emerald green ones. " Besides, I think it will make things interesting here. A muggle at Hogwarts ? Hmm . . . " Drying the tears that had started to spill Minerva McGonagell said,

" Thank you, Harry. At least someone supports my decision. She should be here any day now. "

" How long has she been traveling ? "

" Well, " She hesitated. " The young lady is from the United States. Texas, I believe she said. So about a day and a half by airplane. Then, there's the ride crosstown to King's Cross. Finally, the train here. "

" Lord Merlin ! " Harry exclaimed. "Hopefully, she'll think to get some rest on the train. Hold on. If she's a muggle how will she be able to get onto Platform nine and three quarters ? "

" I don't know, " The headmistress admitted. " She told me not to worry. "

I had been at Kings' Cross for awhile and was getting irritated. Where was that bloody platform ? Standing in between platforms nine and ten I looked at my ticket again. Sighing I rubbed the stiff muscles of my neck.

' Run at the wall, ' A baritone said. Whipping about I couldn't see anyone near me. All I saw were the throngs of people rushing about in haste to make their trains. ' Trust me, run at the wall. You will not get hurt, ' The voice said again.

" Where are you ? " I spoke out loud.

' Inside your mind, ' It replied. That voice was vaguely familiar. Where had I heard it before ? I pushed the thought to the back of my mind as I decided to give it a try. With the carts before and behind me I rushed at the wall. At the last second I squeezed my eyes shut as I held my breath. Opening a green-blue eye I saw a train. The other one popped open. I wasn't hurt. I was actually okay. Letting the breath out that I had been holding I left the trunks and luggage with the baggage man. I hurried onto the train and walked straight to the back. A black head poked out of the large bag I carried.

" Mer,row, " Graine, my all black cat, sounded.

" It's the express train bound for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, " I explained. Her big green eyes looked around taking everything in as I made my way to the last compartments. I slid open the last door on the left and walked in. I sank down onto the plush bench. I was weary of standing, but, fed up with sitting. Slowly, I swung my legs up onto the seat lowering my bag to the floor. Grainne settled inside the dark brown leather satchel, her eyes narrowed to mere slits. She watched as I shifted on the bench, getting as comfy as I could upon the thing. Before I knew it my eyes had closed of their own accord. And that tall man with the intense dark brown eyes stood before me once again.

The train came to a halt with a lurch. Opening my eyes my stomach made its presence known. I hadn't eaten since the airplane. Sighing I grabbed Grainne and disembarked. The baggage man hefted my belongings onto the waiting carriage.

The carriage wheels rattled as the wind beat against the carriage. Slowly the vehicle made its way up to the darkly beautiful castle. Gazing up at the turrets and steeples I was entranced by the majestic view of the awaiting castle. The driver alighted and held open the door for me. Slowly, I stepped out of the old - fashioned carriage. I couldn't take my eyes off the great structure that I was going to be teaching at. That I was going to live in. I walked through the giant wooden doors that led into the keep. My eyes widened at the sight of the entrance.

A Great Hall was to my right, giant hourglasses flanking the entrance. Jewels trapped within sparkled back at me. The Grand Staircase loomed before me, large, elegant. Taking a slow, deep breath I walked towards it, ready to take on this new post in a school that purported it taught magick. I was not quite sure that such a thing existed. But, I was curious and had an open mind about things. Ascending the stairs, I looked down at the steps and could see my face reflected in the vibrant shining marble which held a mysterious glow. Suddenly descending footsteps sounded upon the stairs. Looking up I saw an older lady in a long forest green billowing cape with matching pointed hat come into view. At a closer distance I could see that worry etched her face and tiredness spoke volumes within her eyes.

"Professor McGonagell ? " I inquired looking up into the soft Scottish face. Her usually strict eyes held a gleam. It looked like relief mixed within the tiredness. I could sense a sadness about her, though.
"I am so glad that you have decided to join us this year, my dear. Let me show you to your rooms so that you can get settled in. Tomorrow will get here soon enough. Right now, you probably want to rest. I'll have something sent to your chambers. I suspect that with all the traveling you haven't had a decent bite near all day. " I looked up into her kindly soft blue eyes.

"Thank you, Headmistress. I could use the rest and a spot of something in my tummy. As you guessed correctly, I have not had a decent bite all day long. "

" Are you mocking me, young lady ? " She asked, a stern tone entering her voice.

" No, my lady, " I replied. " It just happens. Whenever I am talking with someone I have a tendency to pick up the inflections and nuances of their voice. I do not mean to offend you, Headmistress, " I replied, my head bowing, a long fiery waterfall hid my face.

" I have heard of that, my dear. Just not among muggles. "

" Muggles ? " I questioned.

" Non - magick folk such as you are. "

" Oh. " A smile crept across her face as she took my hand in hers leading me up the stairs. Halfway down the first floor corridor she stopped in front of a door flanked by two statuettes. Peering closer at them I could see they were unicorns in a rampant stance captured in stone forever.

"These are to be your quarters. I do hope you find them to your liking. " She threw open the door stepping inside,
"Welcome, Miss MacLaine, to your new home."

Entering the room I couldn't help the gasp that escaped. It was perfect!!! The walls were the same stone found throughout the castle. My one inch heels sank into the dark green plush carpeting. Walking into the center of the room I turned around slowly taking everything in. Right across from the open door was a wall of glass that stretched from the ceiling to the floor. It looked out upon the watery stillness of the Black Lake. The sun had just begun to set and the reds, oranges, and golds were starting to blend with the hazy purple of the far off horizon. The raging radiant hues of the sky reflected upon the light silver rippling mirror. I couldn't help, but, stare. The wall to the left was covered with nothing, but, old leather bound books with silver and gold lettering. Opposite the bookshelf were two large plush overstuffed dark chocolate brown armchairs with a dark walnut side table in between them in front of a roaring fire. Atop the fireplace sat dark chocolate brown candles in golden holders. In front of the pillars sat a gilded snuffer. A large, mahogany door rested not far from the massive stone fireplace. Going over to it, I threw the massive door open. Upon opening the door I discovered it was a bedroom. A giant dark walnut canopy bed stood against the wall to my left. The creamy vanilla velvet curtains were drawn, revealing a dark green velvet counterpane with light silver satin sheets. Footsteps sounded behind me. I whirled around quickly.
" This is highly unusual, " Professor McGonagall remarked from behind me.

" What is ? " I asked politely.

" The rooms. They were not this way when I left them earlier today. "

" They weren't ? " I asked.

" No. My dear. Perhaps you are not quite the muggle you think you are, " She pointed out.
"Well, then. I think that I should leave you to get some sleep, Miss MacLaine. Someone should be up shortly with some food. Tomorrow will be busy enough."
"Thank you." I walked the older woman back to the entrance in the parlour. " Good night, Headmistress. " I closed the door behind her with a click. No sooner had I shut it than a knock upon it sounded. Upon opening it back up I was greeted with the sight of a light brown four foot creature.

" Uh, may I help you ? " I asked.

" Winky bring you food, Miss, " The house elf replied, extending the silver covered tray.

" Winky ? " I asked.

" My name, Miss, " She replied as I let her in. With care the house elf placed the tray on the side table.

" If you do not mind me asking, what are you ? You have the pointy ears of an elf, but, not the stature. "

" Winky is a house elf. Winky work here at Hogwarts. "

" I have never heard of a house elf before. Brownies, yes. But, I fear you're a bit tall to be a brownie. "

" A brownie, Miss ? What's a brownie ? "

" A brownie is a faerie that helps around the hearth and home. But, they will only aid those that are humble, gracious, and a good caretaker of flora and fauna. Well, thank you for the food, Winky. One moment. " I walked over to my satchel which I had dropped upon entering the room with the headmistress. I pulled out a coin purse and extracted a couple of coins. I went back over to Winky and pressed the change into one of her hands.

" Thank you, Miss, " She said turning to leave. " You can leave that on the table and Winky will get it later tonight. "

" I'll leave the door unlocked then, " I said, shutting the door softly behind Winky. Turning I went and sank down into the dark brown, leather chair. Uncovering the hot fare I tucked into it, for it had been such a long while since the airplane from Dallas, Texas to Heathrow in London. Before too long there wasn't a crumb left on the plate. The shepherd's pie and milk had done the trick. Just as Winky had requested I left the dishes there, but, replaced the cover.

I got to my feet, stretching. I went through the bedroom door in search of a bathroom. After opening a couple of doors I found what I was searching for. The sight of a large porcelain claw foot tub greeted me. With a cry of delight I rushed forth and turned the taps on. Slowly the tub began to fill with steamy hot water. I went and grabbed a crystal jar out of my carry on and the body cream that went with it. It held my bath crystals and salts. I poured a small amount in from the scoop I kept within the crystal. Soon the smells of a rain-soaked night filled the air with the rising steam. Breathing deeply I turned the taps off. Retreating to the bedroom I peeled off the travel weary dress that I wore. My under things soon followed. Kicking off the heels, I padded back into the bathroom. The light pale sea-green tile felt cool under my bare feet. I stepped into the tub and slowly sank into the fragrant watery heaven. Ahh ! This was sheer bliss after nearly three long days of nothing, but, travel. I slipped under the water, letting it close above my head. Mmm. What could be better than this ? The dreams that had been plaguing me for the last three months came to mind. Just who was he ? That voice at Kings' Cross ! I sat up suddenly, sputtering water. That's where I knew the voice from. Those damn dreams. The dreams had started when that new guy moved in next door to me. He was tall with black hair, fair skin, and the most incredibly intense dark brown eyes. We had bumped into one another one night when I remembered at the last minute that I had to take the trash out. There I was in just my white nightdress holding onto a black plastic bag full of trash. Next thing I knew this form was sprawled atop me. I smiled at the memory. I could remember feeling that muscled chest flattening my breasts. My breasts ached at the remembrance. He was secretive, mysterious. An enigma I really wanted to solve. But, since I took this post in Britain I would probably never see him again. I sighed, sinking back down into the wonderful abyss. Before I knew it, my eyes closed.

The sound of a door shutting brought me to my senses. I sat up looking around. The water had grown cold. How long had I been in here ? I pulled the stopper and let the wonderful water drain. I stepped out of the tub. I went back into the bed chamber and massaged the body cream into my creamy skin. After I was through I crawled into bed. After the day I had I was exhausted. Hopefully, those dreams would not come back. Soon I was in dreamland as my eyes slid closed.
His hardness strained against his black silk pajama bottoms. A hand found its way down in between us. Lightly, I traced the tip of him through the silk. I wanted him deep inside me now. Impatiently, his hands bunched the skirt higher and higher. Then he whisked the dress off over my head. His dark brown eyes captured mine in a hungry gaze. A wicked smile played over his lips. Those sinful lips trailed over my naked flesh. Right down to where I wanted him the most. Lightly, his tongue parted my folds and I jumped under him. He pushed my hips back onto the bed, smirking.

" Why were you with Malfoy ? " He repeated. Then, his tongue found my hidden rosebud and lightly teased it.

I jumped again, calling out,

" Se,everu,us ! "

" Tell me. " His breath was hot against my most sensitive part.

" Tha, that , feels, goo, good. "

" That's not what I meant. " Another flick of his tongue and it sent me over the edge. In the midst of my climax my mind flooded with images of the scene up in the tower with Draco. Severus smiled into me. Sliding up over me he positioned himself so that I could feel his cock against my wetness.

" Are you going to tell me ? " A brow shot up, waiting impatient for my response.

" Please, " I begged. " Now. " I rubbed myself against him, the black silk getting wet from my actions.

" No, tell me. " I was hovering at the brink, ready to explode. My hands went to the waistband of his bottoms. His hands slid over mine, stilling them. His lips captured mine again. I moaned in the back of my throat. Ending the kiss Severus asked one more time, " Tell me what I want to know. "

" There's no one else, " I finally admitted. " I, I ended it between us. I only need one man in my life. You. " His hands released mine. Impatient I shoved his bottoms down as far as I could. Severus finished the job, all the while, staying atop me. Nothing separated us, finally. I looked up into his eyes fiery with desire. Some other emotion I couldn't identify was swirling about in the depths. He grabbed my legs and pulled them apart until they were almost straight out. Then, with a lunge he plunged into the wet depths of my body. His arms went under my knees, hoisting my legs up.

" Wha . . . ? " I started to ask, but, instead, moaned, " Se, ev, er, us ! " He was much deeper than ever before. He filled me completely. His hips found a rhythm, fast, demanding. My hips kept time with his. The fire that had been building inside me exploded all throughout. I was a huge ball of fire, a firecracker exploding, a volcano erupting. It couldn't get any better than this. Without warning, Severus moved my knees higher as he placed them over his shoulders. I would swear that the man was a sex god. I had always wanted to be dominated. If he pinned me, oh, lord ! I would explode right then and there. With a smirk in place he grabbed my hands, pinning me under him, my legs upon his shoulders as he plowed repeatedly into me. I couldn't take it anymore.

" SE, E, E, EVER, R, R, U, U, U, S, S, S !!!! " I screamed.