The time decided for the faculty treasure hunt allowed Severus and Minerva almost six hours together. Over years they had grown closer, especially most recently. Gone were the views that they were still teacher and student, friendship and attraction had firmly set in. Oh, how attraction had set in. Nothing very physical had happened but that didn't mean that it wasn't strongly desired on both sides.
Leaving two consenting adults who are attracted one another; alone in private rooms can easily result in primal urges bubbling to the surface. Urges which must be sated. And even despite Severus' injuries, his urges were definitely sated.
He would take the time later to think through all of the details, recalling the thrill of her skin against his for the very first time and how his name sounded when it tumbled from her lips in the height of ecstasy. But for now, all he cared about was how perfectly she fit into his hold.
His hands lazily ran up and down the smooth skin of her back whilst her own rested lightly upon his chest. He didn't feel in the slightest bit self-conscious, which was an entirely new concept to him. She made him feel comfortable as who he was. Just that thought made him smile.
"Knut for your thoughts?" Her voice was soft; he hadn't even noticed her watching him. It seems his smile had caught her attention.
"I'm just thinking about you. About how lucky I am to have you here." He pressed a light kiss to her forehead.
He watched the pale pink blush creep up her cheeks. She dropped her head back to rest against him and he chuckled, the sound vibrating from his chest. "Oh hush, Severus."
The pair lapsed back into a comfortable silence, his eyes drifting closed ready to enjoy a lovely nap with such a beauty sharing his bed. But it appeared his slow breathing was noticed and rudely interrupted the early signs of sleep's embrace.
"Don't you dare.." She scolded gently and sat up, clutching the silky soft sheets to her chest. "We have that 'bonding exercise' in half an hour."
He cast a glance over to the timepiece settled on his mantelpiece. Had they really spent almost all of their time already? He muffled a groan in his palm, rubbing his eyes to wake himself up a little. This whole idea was foolish.
"Just because our so called instructor is about twelve years old doesn't mean we all want to indulge in a childish treasure hunt." He sat up and tugged her against his chest. "I'd much rather stay here and indulge in far more adult activities."
He trailed kisses down her neck, attempting to pull the sheets away from her chest. But she kept a firm grip on them. "Severus, you need to rest. We already strained that leg of yours; a leisurely walk around the grounds for this treasure hunt will quite literally be a walk in the park. You shouldn't do any more than that."
He sighed, hot breath rushing over her neck. "I hate that you're right."
She laughed and, to his dismay, got out of the bed. She picked up her robes and started to dress but Severus was more than happy to just admire her body before it was covered once more.
"I'm always right. Now will you hurry up and get dressed. Who knows what Albus might make us do as a punishment for missing this ridiculous hunt."
The staff had all gathered in the entrance hall ready for 7pm on the dot. Nobody thought it odd that Severus and Minerva arrived together but they seemed to be far more interested in complaining about the evening's task. Not one of them particularly wanted to do it but all had agreed because of Albus. He wanted them to do this so they would indulge him.
All were gathered around the young instructor. Andrew looked pale and a little sickly but the annoying grin on his features said he wasn't feeling as unwell as he looked. He clapped his hands, calling them to attention.
"I hope you're all in your pairs, we have our treasure hunt ready to go! Each pair will receive a list of things to find and clues. The items are hidden around the grounds so there is no chance of students seeing you perform these silly tasks." He laughed but nobody else did.
"I suppose there is a reward for the pair who returns first?" Pomona chipped in, smiling at the thought of winning something. With the Head of Slytherin out of commission, or at least considerably slowed down, she should be able to lead herself and Filius to victory in this little game.
"Not quite, I'm afraid. I have changed it slightly for Professor Snape.." He nodded towards the dark man who simply scowled back. "This isn't about speed. Every pair is to return to this spot by half eight. Whichever pair has the most items, wins! And, of course, the forbidden forest is out of bounds. We do not want anybody else getting hurt."
Severus fixed the young man with a firm glare that could reduce any grown man to tears. But he seemed immune to it, still smiling back until he shifted his attention to fetching the lists. He handed out the rolls of parchment but Severus turned to Minerva.
"No, you can't kill him." She whispered with a knowing smile. He growled lowly and grudgingly took the piece of parchment that was offered. He handed it to her straight away.
"I would still rather be back in bed." He murmured.
The large oak doors swung open and the Hogwarts faculty was unleashed on the grounds. Most of the pairs strolled out happily, laughter in the air, but Severus and Minerva were the last to make their way outside. She had been right, they had put his energy to the test and now he was regretting it. It was difficult for him to walk too fast and he was thankful to her for slowing to his speed.
"So what do we have to find then?" He grumbled.
"Most of these are toys.." She mused aloud as her green eyes scanned the parchment. "And some are banned. A fanged Frisbee?"
He groaned, shaking his head. "I was right, he is twelve years old. Can't we just go for a walk and conjure some of these bloody things. That way we can at least say we tried."
"No conjuring." She pointed to the rule on the bottom of the parchment.
"Did I mention I hate this?"
"Just a few times." She smiled and placed the rolled up parchment in her robes. "We should head over to Hagrid's hut. That's where we should find that blasted fanged Frisbee. Then onto the black pawn of a Wizard's Chess set near the black lake."
"Oh, that will be easy to find." He rolled his eyes. The others had all spread out in different directions, heading after different pieces on their lists. "I don't see what this has to do with teamwork."
"Does it matter? Now would you stop complaining and help me find this damned Frisbee?" He raised an eyebrow at her but didn't say anything. They finished their journey in silence and finally stood outside the hut. "Accio fanged Frisbee."
"You didn't think that would really work, did you?" Nothing came to her outstretched hand.
"It was worth a try." She scowled at him but once his hand brushed against hers it turned into a smile. "Let's get searching."
It didn't take very long to find the Frisbee. The razor sharp teeth along the edge had been covered with a protective layer, saved the need for several protective gloves. Next was the pawn but the chances of stumbling across a small chess piece, the smallest in the set, along the shore of the black lake were slim.
"We can't cover all of this shoreline in the time we have been given, let alone in time to get some other pieces. We should just move on."
"Minerva! Since when did you just give up on things?" He smirked. "I was under the assumption you were an animagus, whose form was a cat. An animal which is fast, low to the ground and has sharp sight. Perhaps I was wrong."
But he knew he was right. Although he felt this was foolish he still wanted to win. He was competitive to no end and this was a competition, not a friendly game. At his suggestion the woman beside him morphed into her tabby form. The cat rubbed herself against his leg before bounding off alone the shore in search of the piece. He settled onto a rock to take a break whilst she went hunting.
