Chapter 2: Explaining
The very next morning, Severus woke up from a knock on the door. He groggily got out of bed mumbling curse words and swung open the door.
"What?" Severus asked through his teeth.
"Severus, my boy, what happened to you this past week?" Albus asked with concern in his tone.
"What do you want?" Severus asked through anger and impatience.
"It is just that you have been gone for a week with no owl of your absence. I am just curious as to what has happened to you." Albus explained.
Severus studied the old man before him, his breathing steady through his flared nostrils and the cold stare that would send a first year to the hospital wing for anxiety attacks. He opened the door wide to allow Albus to come in before he slammed the door.
"Severus," Albus started. "What ever it was that happened to you, I am grateful that you are ok." He comforted as he touched his shoulder.
Severus looked at the hand on his shoulder, then he felt the anger go away. "Thank you. As for what happened to me over the past week, I had to go to the US for a personal matter that regarded my health. I have it settled now, and I do apologize for not informing you." Severus apologized.
"It is quite all right," Albus chuckled. "Even I, too, sometimes sneak away from the castle to go to places where I can be alone and refresh. I will inform Minerva that you have returned and not to bother you about this business." Albus told him as he started to the door.
"That is much appreciated. Good bye." Severus told Albus as he pulled the door shut to his private chambers.
Severus walked to the shut door and put his hands on it like he was pushing to stretch his calf muscle. He could feel the anger rise up in him again. He looked down at his appearance and noticed he didn't have a shirt on. He noticed the tattoo on his right deltoid (shoulder) was showing. He growled under his breath as he walked up to his wardrobe and pulled a white linen shirt off the hanger and threw it on. He was about to throw his vest on, but he realized that he was already warmed up. He then walked out of his private chambers, with only white linen shirt and his black trousers and Italian boots on, down towards the great hall.
Remember, Severus, the least person you would expect… she or he could have a certain smell on that would remind you of what is in your heart and you will be compelled to her! Sam's voice went through his head as he walked down to the great hall.