A/N Welcome new readers. Just a note for those of you who are inclined to skip directly to Chapter 10. The sexy scenes in this story depend a lot on the emotion and angst that preceed them. You'll enjoy it more if you don't skip the foreplay. Despite the title, I'm not even sure Chapter 10 is the best one. Let me know-Reviews are always appreciated.
Thank you to J.K. Rowling for creating Severus, Harry Potter and the world of Hogwarts. Lydia's story was created by me.
The sunlight was twinkling off the ripples on the lake as I climbed up the last dune. The long grasses scratched at my bare calves as I trampled the long disused path. I can't even remember who told me about this place, years ago. I just remembered the arduous hike up and down the grassy dunes, and the glorious secluded gleaming beach at the end. That wonderful experience of being alone in the world, that I was a solitary explorer on this shore.
The cottage was mine now, the consolation prize of a bitter divorce and an estranged family. My husband's money had purchased it despite the fact that my relatives would have wanted my aunt's cottage to be sold to anyone but me. But cash and lawyers can accomplish any sneaky thing. So now I was here in the town of Anther, a tiny tourist spot that catered to weekenders and families on a budget. I remembered from my childhood those shining sands of the tiny strip of beach at the bottom of the bluff of the last dune. The expanse of the placid lake surrounded by the lush green countryside and stately old trees. I was looking forward to returning what I thought of as my private beach.
So far, I'd been busy with the details of moving: cleaning, packing and unpacking. There was still much to do, to settle in and make the place my own, but I woke up this sunny, warm morning, and knew I couldn't wait another day to hike to the lake. I put my bathing suit on under my shorts and t-shirt, and packed a lunch in a small backpack—just water and fruit and a sandwich. Some sunscreen, a towel, and a trashy, but juicy paperback romance in a tote bag and my preparations were complete. I'd stay for a few hours, enjoy a bit of the weekend for a change, before summer was over.
The hike from the parking lot at the park, to the shore was not much more than a mile, but it was up and down dunes, so I arrived at that last bluff, sweaty, breathless, and triumphant. My beach hadn't changed at all that I could see. The pristine sands stretched out in a quarter-moon below the curve of the steep bluff, which I descended with my feet sinking in the sand, with accelerating speed so that I had to run off a few steps as I reached the bottom. The lake was the same as I remembered, tranquil and vast. Far off to my left, I could see the luxurious mansions interspersed among the hilltops. And to my right, the unbroken expanse of grass and forest. I had no idea whose land I might be trespassing on. I knew that just before the mansions, was the public area, where the parks of Anther welcomed picnickers and sun-bathers, where you could rent a rowboat or a canoe, for an afternoon on the lake.
None of the park could be seen from my secret spot though. And there were no mansions above me, spying down. Whoever this place belonged to, they were clearly in no position to bother me. I dropped my bags on the sand, taking out a water bottle. I gulped it down, then kicked off my shoes, and removed my shorts and shirt. I walked into the water, deliciously cool against my skin. I waded to my waist, then did a shallow surface dive and swam out. I remembered that the lake didn't get deep rapidly, but I had a momentary thought of caution, remembering I was alone. I stopped, treaded water, tentatively reaching my feet for the bottom, which I found to my relief, but only after I'd submersed. I pushed back up to the surface and began to swim back to shore.
I was intent on my swim, focusing on form, breath, strokes. I was an average and infrequent swimmer, but on the occasions I did swim, I tried to practice the lessons I'd learned in school. Finally, my fingertips brushed the bottom, and I stood up to walk the rest of the way to shore. I wiped my face with my hands, pushing my wet bangs back with my fingertips, and that's when I saw someone on the shore standing over my things.
I was instantly gripped by fear, not only because I didn't expect to encounter a stranger while I was alone in this isolated place, but also because this stranger was strange indeed. I assumed it was a man, because of his height and build, despite the fact that he was dressed in long black robes, with flowing shoulder-length black hair. He looked up at me, and I could see a severe scowl on his long face. Hell, hell, oh bloody hell, I thought. There was no way out. I would have to approach him and hope for the best. Or at least hope he'd merely scold me for trespassing, and not abduct me for sinister purposes. Because after all, what kind of freak goes to the beach in summer wearing robes? I didn't think those gothic types were also nature buffs.
I tried to act casual, friendly, as I walked toward the shore and called out to him, "Hello there," hoping to get some response that would reassure me (or perhaps convince me to run for my life). He merely twitched his lips into a sneer. Damn, this was bound to be unpleasant. My peaceful day was at an end, and I was doubly disappointed that my dream of a secret haven near my new weekend home was so quickly coming to an end.
He continued to stand there right next to my things, so I had no choice but to approach him. "A bit far from the park," he said with a dark, soft voice, as I picked up my towel. I wrapped it around my shoulders and stood clutching it like an embarrassed schoolgirl.
"It's a nice hike," I said. "It's been a long time since I've come out here, but I like it."
"Mmm," was all he said in reply, his long face a perfect display of derision. I was waiting for him to speak out, to question my presence, or explain his, but it didn't happen. It seemed he was just going to wait for me to leave. Well, I certainly wasn't going to be forced off my beach, just because Darth Vadar missed his Sci-Fi convention and had nowhere else to go. I decided to make that perfectly clear.
"I've got everything I need for a day at the beach," I said, continuing my pretend friendliness. "Got my book, my lunch. I'm a light eater though—not much to share."
"I don't want your lunch," he said scornfully. His voice was surprisingly melodious despite the sarcasm. It made me want to look at him, to expect someone exceptional. His pale face, long beaky nose, lank dark hair surely fell short of that voice. Although there did seem to be a little of the same mystery and depth in his dark brown eyes.
Those eyes though, were glaring at me again and igniting afresh my indignation. "Just out for a stroll?" I asked, trying to sound casual, not accusatory.
"Not for long," he snapped, and quickly turned and walked away, his long cape swirling around him. I couldn't help but suppress a snicker. He turned back to me as if he'd heard, though I was sure I was silent, and caught me with my face full of amusement. "Have a delightful day," he said darkly, ominously. It might have alarmed me if I wasn't trying so hard not to laugh.
He strode off along the shore towards the undeveloped land, stalking through the long grasses that encroached on the shore where the narrow strip of sandy beach ended. He had at least one advantage, being dressed head to toe in black. The sharp grasses wouldn't scratch his legs like they had mine. Once he disappeared from my sight over the dunes, I breathed a sigh of relief, and allowed myself to giggle heartily. Danger averted, I looked forward to telling friends and co-workers the funny story of encountering Darth on the beach.