The Slytherins suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Gryffindors in the quidditch cup finals. Though it had been weeks since the game and there were still bloody streamers of red and gold flying around with the words, "Weasley is our King and Potter is our Savior!"
Severus was presently pacing in his office, walking around his black velvet chair, started grumbling to himself.
But the loss wasn't the only thing that bothered him. He still hadn't talked to Maunrose since the argument, and had actually been trying to avoid her all together. But having to attend faculty meetings and meals, it was proving difficult. He couldn't get rid of feeling empty, of longing to talk and laugh with her.
He thought that Maunrose would have apologized to him for the things she had said, but she appeared to be stubborn about it. He had been telling himself it was because she had behaved in an unprofessional manner in front of their students and was too proud to admit she may have been wrong.
He walked a few more times around the chair, and then with a great sigh, plunked himself down into it and buried his head in his hands.
The truth was, Maunrose's words had unnerved him, the fact that someone could see through him had troubled him.
For as long as he could remember, he had always had a mental wall that kept those on the outside away from seeing his pain and his torment of being an unwanted child, sent away from any signs of affection to be ridiculed by those who should have been his peers.
Every time he had looked at Harry, he was reminded of everything James did that hurt him. Although he didn't really want anything terrible to happen to the boy, he did at times, take great pleasure in trying to make him miserable.
Severus folded his arms across his chest and slumped backwards in the chair, staring at the ceiling. He gave an impatient sigh and abruptly got back to his feet, and continued to pace around the chair.
James Potter, had been part of a group that tormented him to no end. He had been popular, witty and talented, and he'd had everything anyone could ever want, including a family that loved him.
It was all that he had wanted and wished for, but never got. Though green with envy, he did not wish death to come upon him the way it had. He always felt sorry to hear of James' passing, especially when he had taken great risks to prevent it, although he would never admit that to anyone.
Severus came to a stop and rested his elbows on the back of the chair, he began staring into space, as his mind wandered to thoughts of his wife.
She had been the only one who he had ever told all his secrets to. He had told her everything he felt, remembering how terrified he was about it, but she had been soothing and understanding, and never judgmental.
Over time, she had made him forget his hate by forgiving his shortcomings and loving him with all her heart. How happy it had been soaring in the clouds with her. The night she died, his whole world went black, the emptiness and pain were back and there hadn't been a reason for happiness . . .
"Until now." He uttered, miserably tearing at his hair he cried, "DAMN IT! She was right!"
Since his wife died, he had vowed to never again let anybody get close to him, and yet Maunrose had gotten down to a part of him that he did his best to keep hidden, even from himself.
Feeling miserable, along with the added revelation of how he really was a tyrant, he felt the need to express his thoughts even though he didn't know how. Finally he decided to write them on paper.
Taking out a quill and a piece of parchment, he sat down at his desk. Noticing he had a bottle of Madame Rosmerta's famous fire whiskey, he uncorked the bottle taking a few swigs from it.
Staring moodily at the jars of Golden Bark and remembering the way she looked when she gave them to him. He started scribbling his feelings with an impassioned fervor he had never been possessed with before. It was as though all the sorrows, the pains, the frustration and the anger, were pouring out of him. It was as though he had come alive.
The days passed in a blur and before anyone knew it, Easter was upon them.
Severus, had decided to spend it away from Hogwarts and left for London. Having checked into the Leaky Cauldron, he was walking down Diagon alley. Carrying a folder that in a week, had become buldging with sheets upon sheets of parchment. He stopped to admire a triple plated copper infused cauldron sitting in the window of a potion shop, though his thoughts were elsewhere.
Maunrose, meanwhile, had met up with Romlie at the Leaky Cauldron in London. She had a good time catching up with her and hearing how their friends were doing as they decided to walk down Diagon Alley and do some shopping.
She was having a good time, but as the day went on, walking down the cobblestoned street, she couldn't help but remember her last day spent here.
She had been admiring the new brooms and toys in the window, eating her ice cream cone, laughing with her father. And then . . . the horrible memories that played later that evening.
"Rosie? Yo! Hello?" Romlie was saying, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"What?" Maunrose answered.
Romlie smiled, "What's going on Rosie? I mean, here we are in magic London and you're looking like some flooby flop that lost out on a bounce."
She laughed, it had been a long time since she heard american slang. "I'm sorry Rom, but it's just that I haven't been here for a long time and I was just . . . I'm sorry."
"I know, I know. But it's a holiday girl, and you know what that means?" Rom asked, putting her arm around her shoulder.
"Partay or Party?" Maunrose grinned.
"Oh you know it's a Partay! Come on you're never leaving my sight until you start smiling more."
They entered a clothing store and had a great time trying on outfits and laughing hysterically at others. By the time they decided to go and get something to eat, Maunrose was laughing and looking forward to spending the rest of the day with Romlie.
But just as they had come out of the shop, someone accidently ran into Romlie and had knocked her off her feet.
Maunrose was knocked into a wall but managed to keep herself from falling. Romlie however seemed to be underneath the person that had collided with her.
"I am so sorry, I do . . . apologize." A familiar voice was saying helping himself up and then offering his hand to Romlie.
"Remus?" Maunrose said, surprised to see him.
Remus and Romlie locked eyes with each other and suddenly acted like they were in a world all their own.
"Hello." Remus said, smiling and staring at Romlie.
"Hi." Romlie smiled back.
"Are you all right?" He asked.
"Uhuh." She replied. "You didn't hurt yourself when you fell on me, did you?"
"No, no, you softened my fall . . . quite." He paused, smiling wider, "Quite lovely eyes . . . er I mean, well."
"I was going to say the same." Romlie replied
"Uh, you guys?" Maunrose asked trying to get their attention. "Remus? Romlie?"
They were still staring at one another when Romlie asked, "What's your name?"
"Remus. And I'm sorry, but I didn't catch yours." He answered.
"My name is Romlie. Pleased to meet you, Remus."
"Likewise . . . Romlie."
They then let out happy sighs, completely oblivious to Maunrose's attempts at getting their attention.
"Are you thirsty?" Remus asked, smiling dreamily.
"I'd thought you'd never ask." Romlie replied softly with delight.
"What? Rom?" Maunrose sputtered, watching the two of them entered the coffee shop across the street, leaving her standing alone, she threw up her hands in frustration, "Great! Of all the days for Cupid to hit her." Rolling her eyes she then looked around, busily figuring out if she should join them or go back to the Leaky Cauldron.
Deciding to fore go joining the two lovebirds, she began making her way to the hotel. Just then it started to rain.
"Oh just . . . PERFECT!" She cursed, realizing that Romlie had her bag. She pulled her jacket up over her head, she began to run toward the Leaky Cauldron. "Oh!" She grumbled out loud, "As if things couldn't get any worse!"
Ironically, as it was . . . they did.
The moment she had said that, she slipped on the cobblestone street and fell backwards right into the arms of none other then Severus Snape.
"Hi." She said feeling awkward and embarrassed, staring up at his face.
Severus helped her up to her feet and just stared at her in surprise. She was the last person he'd suspect to bump into.
For a few moments they said nothing, getting drenched by the pouring rain.
"What are you doing here?" They had both said at the same time.
Falling back into silence, Maunrose had never wanted to be anywhere else but where she was, in her entire life.
Severus was feeling the same.
Finally Severus gave a sigh and said, "Come on before we get soaked." He then walked brisquely toward the Leaky Cauldron.
Maunrose stood there for a few minutes in shock, after a month and a half of avoiding her and giving her the silent treatment that's all he was going to say? Giving a sigh she followed him.
Once inside, she discovered that aside from the owner and bartender, Tom they were the only people inside.
Severus had taken out his wand and with a wave dried his robes. He then looked at Maunrose and said, "Did you forget your wand?"
She glared at him, she had her brought her wand it's just that Romlie had taken it with her in her passionate fit of ditz. She began angrily taking off her jacket, feeling relieved that she didn't wear that white blouse her father sent, today.
Severus looked at her as she glared back, throwing her jacket to the side and squeezing the water from her hair, dripping it onto the cold stone floor. She was a lovely, if not amusing, sight to see.
Once her hair was more or less relieved of excess water, she was going to ignore him and walk straight up to her room and if he so much as said anything to her she was going to whip him with a...
"Maunrose wait." Severus said, watching her make her way toward the stairs. "Let me buy you lunch and you can warm yourself by the fire."
"All right." She found herself saying.
Feeling like the world's biggest hypocrite, she quietly sat down in a cozy armchair that Tom had levitated from beside the bar, in front of the fireplace for her. Another one appeared beside her for Severus.
Severus, plopped down his folder of parchment onto the table and said, "What would you like?
"Some hot tea would be nice." She replied feeling defeated and tired.
"Anything to eat?"
"I'll eat anything."
He nodded and said, "All right then excuse me for a moment while I make the arrangements."
Maunrose shivered from her wet clothes and proceeded to warm her hands by the fire. She then looked at the folder that Severus had put on the table. looking back at the bar, she over heard Tom bid Severus to follow him in the back and he could get a look for himself at something or another. It was then that her curiosity had gotten the better of her.
She quickly opened the folder and could see the writting on the pages. She spotted a poem that he had entitled, "Everything She Is." Her curiostiy deepening she began to read it.
Everything She Is
Her eyes are blue as the hot flames dancing beneath the cauldron--my heart burns there in sweet agony.
Her smile curves like the centaur's bow--and her laughter is an arrow through my soul.
Her lips--gently curving over that dangerous smile--look so soft and sweet, like a rose in the spring--Nevermind the piercing thorns! I yearn to taste her sweet nectar.
Her scent lingers in the air, spicy and potent like firewhiskey. I am most intoxicated, drunken with bliss.
Her hair shimmers like dazzling droplets on the lake, splashing about her angelic face. Though I may drown in ectasy, I long for such salvation in the sunlight.
She moves with the grace of the majestic Unicorn--Let her pierce me with her horn of savage beauty!
Her voice floats to my ears like the captivating song of the siren. Though my ship may be dashed on the rocks again and again, I'd gladly go to her when I hear that voice speaking to me.
And Oh! Her wisdom! She brews such intense and profound wonders and her knowledge bubbles over, drenching my mind in utter awe! Let the vapors of her skill ensnare my senses!
Oh dangerous, beautiful woman! She has stolen my heart with her spell--cast over me by Everything She Is.
Maunrose could feel her mouth fall open and her heart began to flutter rapidly. She had her suspicions that he had a crush on her, but she never knew he could write about her with so much passion and beauty. She suddenly found herself skimming for more. Spotting another one toward the bottom of one of the pages, she quickly glanced around and made sure that Severus was still in the back looking at whatever it was. Seeing it was clear, she began to read.
I miss the way the early morning rays shine from behind her, crowning her perfect head in glorius golden tones, that I myself feel unholy to be in her presence.
I miss her eyes, blue as a lover's moon, enticing the senses and drawing lovers into a fond embrace, with the promise of love's warmth dancing excitedly on those blissful strawberry like lips.
I miss her fire, burning brighter than the noon day sun, warms my heart and fills my soul with joyous splendor.
How I long to be with her.
And yet, I find myself wandering across fields of ice, hoping that spring will come and that I may rest with happiness, having found her in fields of colorful June blossoms.
And if I should rest, I pray the sweet blossoms vapor cast a spell over us, That I may touch her very soul, and never exsist without her again.
She sighed, falling back into her chair feeling her heart beat wildly in her chest and her mind spinning rapidly. Maunrose looked down at the pieces of parchments. "This must have taken him all year to write." She thought to herself, feeling overwhelmed and yet flattered.
Just then she heard Severus say, "Yes, thank you."
Feeling her heart stop, she quickly put the folder back together and placed it back the way she had remembered seeing it. Which was hard considering her current state of mind. She then sat back in her chair and shivered having noticed she was still in her wet clothes.
Severus noticed that she was shivering and with a wave of his wand a warm blanket appeared around her shoulders as he handed her tea cup to her.
"Thank you." Maunrose blushed.
"You're welcome. I would offer to dry your clothes, but I assumed by the way you were at the entrance you'd rather stay wet." He replied.
She could feel her blush deepen, "I'm sorry. I've been in a depressed mood all morning and just when my best friend offered to cheer me up, I got abandoned and then the rain . . . I didn't mean to be rude or harsh with you."
Severus nodded in understanding and with a wave her clothes were dry. "I'm sorry too." He said softly looking at her.
They looked at each other quietly for a few moments, their food apparated on the table in front of them with a sudden pop, bringing them out of their silence.
Severus had ordered duck with roasted potatoes and a green crisp salad. Tom quickly made his way over and began to serve them.
"Wow, when you buy lunch, you buy lunch." She said, looking at the food.
He laughed, "When you said, 'I'll eat anything' I thought you said you were hungry."
"I am, but I was thinking more along the lines of a hamburger."
"Oh did you want me . . . "
"No, I like duck too." She said smiling as Tom handed her a plate of food.
He looked at her and found himself saying, "I've missed being with you."
She was a bit taken a back by the suddeness of his statement. Not that it was a surprise, having read his poems about her. But the way he said it, made her feel happy that he had. "I've missed you too." She said softly, quietly looking down at her plate.
They ate lunch quietly and then afterwards remained by the fireplace. They had so much to say and yet they felt like they couldn't. A calm quiet peace had filled them and they knew talking was pointless. They sat next to each other listening to the sound of the falling rain, watching the fire dance along the conjured logs.
With her shoulders still wrapped in the blanket and her stomach now full, Maunrose found it hard to stay awake she felt so comfortable. She thought she should say something to Severus and yet he seemed quite content just being here with her in silence. Oddly enough, she felt the same way about him. Before she knew it, she fell asleep.
Severus, noticed she had fallen asleep and he couldn't help but look at her and smile. Resting his head against the side of his chair he too, drifted off to sleep.
Several hours later they were both brought out of their peaceful slumber by Remus and Romlie's happy laughter. And after a short awkward introduction, Romlie decided that they all should have dinner together.
At dinner, Remus found himself surprised by Severus, he seemed talkative and laughed with Maunrose. He even chatted nicely with him about his new profession.
Romlie, noticed the sparks between Maunrose and Severus instantly, and later that evening when they had gone back to their rooms she decided to ask her about it.
"So what is going on with you and the potion's professor?" Romlie asked, pouring herself a dose of Wolfsbane potion.
Maunrose rolled her eyes and quickly grabbed her nightgown.
"I've seen the way you look at him." Romlie smiled.
"I thought you were busy looking at Remus." Maunrose shot back annoyed by Romlie. The idea of her and Severus having any kind of feelings for each other more than just friendship was . . . was . . . well, it just was!
Romlie laughed, "Hey I saw you at dinner. Come on admit it. You like this guy."
"I don't know what you're talking about." She said, slipping her nightgown over her head.
"Sure you don't. Rosie, you've always been this way when you liked a guy."
"I have not!" Maunrose cried, throwing a pillow at her.
"Remember Greg Davenport?"
"No." Maunrose replied flatly.
"Steve Bentley?"
"No!"
"Marcus Crawley?" Romlie smiled, knowing she had her cornered.
Maunrose let out a frustrated sigh. "Okay so what's your point?"
"My point is, that you're so focused on your career, you don't bother to notice there's something between the two of you, until he's moved on. I mean if you had, I could have been a godmother by now. You know, spoiling all the little Rosie's running around."
Maunrose rolled her eyes, "And like I'm not the only one?"
"Okay, okay, you got me there. But I couldn't help but notice that you seem to have a lot in common with this guy." She said, taking a sip of wolfbane potion. "Hell, you told him things that I haven't heard before. And I've known you since you first landed on American soil." She then took in a deep breath. "Wait, hold the floo! You just don't like him, do you? You're in love with this guy."
"Ha! You're blinded by all those flying cupids." Maunrose scoffed, looking at her annoyed, "Rom, just because I can talk to him, doesn't mean I'm in love with him. Honestly if you knew everything you wouldn't be so quick to say that."
"Hey, I know passion when I smell it."
Maunrose scoffed, "Really? I thought that was only when the moon was full?"
"Oh shut up!" Romlie laughed, throwing Maunrose's pillow back at her. "And quit changing the subject to me! You're in love and that's final!"
"Oh, yes Mam!" Maunrose giggled, giving her a salute.
Romlie climbed into bed laughing at Maunrose's antics. "That's more like it!"
"Goodnight, Rom." She said, shaking her head and turning off the light.
"Goodnight, Rosie."
Maunrose crawled into her bed, her mind pondering over what Romlie had just told her.
". . . you're so focused on your career, you don't bother notice there's something between the two of you, until he's moved on . . ."
Giving a sigh, she knew that Romlie was right, especially when it came to Marcus.
She had met him in her sophomore year of college. Being the qudditch team captain, and her the scholar, they had not meshed well at first. Eventually though, like Severus, they did become friends and then . . .
She frowned, remembering that night on the veranda.
He told her he loved her and she had said she didn't love him . . . or at least she thought she didn't. Understandably, He was crushed, but they still remained friends.
Then, over the next year, she did fall in love with him.
The moment she started to tell him that she now loved him, he surprised her with the news that he had met someone and that they were getting married.
Turning on her side, she miserably looked out the window. Romlie's words continued to haunt her.
". . . you just don't like him, you're in love with this guy . . ."
But she really wasn't attracted to Severus, not in that way. Sure they had similar interests and could talk about things. But that was just because they were friends.
It was then she remembered his written words, ". . . Never mind the piercing thorns! I yearn to taste her sweet nectar . . . I pray the sweet blossoms vapor cast a spell over us, That I may touch her very soul, and never exist without her again."
She wasn't going to deny that they had touched her heart and made her feel like a swoony love crazed little girl.
"But I'm not in love with him." She thought to herself. "I can't be. I just don't think of him that way. We're just friends . . . Aren't we?" Rolling her eyes she gave a sigh, "Get a grip Rosie, this is Rom we're talking about here. The girl who has said yes to more guys proposals, then a Ledric demanding for something to do. She's nuts! Lovable, but NUTS!"
Maunrose then smiled to herself, acknowledging that her best friend didn't know what she was talking about. And was simply saying everyone was in love, just because she was with Remus.
Several days later, Maunrose found herself riding in a carriage back to Hogwarts with Severus. He had seemed so different these past couple of days. Almost as though he had become possessed by another spirit, a happy, joyful spirit. She felt silly that Romlie's words had affected her, simple put her and Severus were just friends and would always be friends.
When she arrived in her office, she noticed the pile of mail and memos. Picking them up she glanced through them. She then skimmed through the memo, finding that it was regarding the faculty meeting on Wednesday about the upcoming Walpurgis Ball and the exams. When she tossed it aside, she noticed a handwritten note. It read:
Rosie,
Just wanted to invite you to have tea with me at my cabin, if you're not too busy. Tea will be ready at four o'clock.
Hope to see you,
Hagrid
She smiled and glanced at her clock, seeing that she had only 15 minutes to be there. Putting down her mail she rushed out of her office and out the giant oak doors. She then strolled across the lawn, humming merrily to herself.
When she got to his door, she knocked loudly.
She heard Fang barking loudly, and Hagrid yelling, "Quiet, Fang! Lay down, yeh silly mutt!"
The door opened, and Hagrid was struggling, holding the door with one hand, and Fang with the other, trying to keep the dog from bowling Maunrose over in his frantic joy of having company.
Maunrose giggled and hurriedly stepped inside. "Hi, Hagrid. Hi, Fang."
"Rosie! So glad yeh could make it down. Sorry 'bout Fang, there. He jes loves company." Hagrid said as he shut the door. Then he used both hands to drag Fang back to his cushion. "Lay down, yeh crazy dog!" Fang gave a last joyous bark, and settled down on his cushion, his thick tail still thumping the floor.
Maunrose smiled at Hagrid giving him a hug, "I'm glad to be here, sorry that it's been so long since I've been able to visit."
"Ah, don't you worry bout that. I've been busy me self lately. Tea?" He asked, motioning her to sit down at his huge wooden table.
Hagrid had already set up for tea. She sat down while Hagrid poured tea into cups as large as soup tureens, and handed one carefully to her.
Maunrose took a sip, and grinned. "This is good, Hagrid. How have you been?"
Hagrid took a large gulp. "Good, good."
"And Olympia? Have you heard from her lately?" She asked.
"Now how did ya know bout that?"
"A little birdy told me." She grinned. "Actually I asked around about why we didn't see you at Christmas. My dad regretted not being able to see you again."
Hagrid blushed under his beard and grinned. "Well, I woulda loved to see yer dad, but I had other plans. Took me a little vacation to France for the Christmas Holidays."
"So I heard. How was spending time with your girlfriend?"
He giggled and said, "Yeah, I guess yeh c'n call her that. Olympia is a real nice lady, she is. We jus' visited her family and all. Had a good time jus' relaxin', bein' away."
Maunrose nodded, smiling. "Sounds good. I'm glad you had a good time. We did too."
They took a few more sips of tea, Maunrose told Hagrid about Christmas with her dad and the things that had happened with Remus.
"Well its good tha' it all worked out in tha end, eh?" Hagrid replied.
"Yes, I wouldn't be surprised if Romlie and Remus get married soon."
Hagrid wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and looked expectantly at Maunrose. "Well, what 'bout yer classes? How'd yeh like teachin' at Hogwarts and all?"
Maunrose set her cup down and said, "I love it. My classes are great. The kids are all eager to learn . . . well most of them are. The staff is very friendly, Severus has helped me out with a few of my classes." After saying Severus' name, she felt her stomach leap nervously. Especially when Hagrid raised an eyebrow at her.
"Severus, eh? You call 'im by 'is firs' name, then? Hmmmm. Woulda never guessed ole Snape woulda liked that. He must really like yeh then. But then again, who wouldn't, eh?"
Maunrose blushed and mumbled, "Oh Hagrid! We're just friends."
Hagrid grinned at her and took another large gulp of tea, plunking his cup down he asked, "So tell me, what ya been teachin' the kids?"
Maunrose counted off on her fingers. "Let's see, the most memorable lessons have been the Ledric, the Water Leaper, the Jinn and teaching the 7th years self defense moves."
He looked puzzled and said, "Yeh know, Snape was on about a Water Leaper not too long ago. He come runnin' down here, askin' if I could get 'im one. I says, 'Water Leapers are outta season. I'd hafta special order one, and it would'n be cheap.' I thought he'd be mad 'bout that, but he says, he don' care how much money it is, jus get it. Then he throws a sack o' galleons on me table and runs out."
Hagrid grabbed some tea cakes, "Tea Cake?"
Maunrose shook her head.
Sitting down in his chair and taking a bite out of cake he continued, "Anyhow, then he's back almos' ev'ry day to see if it come in yet. When it finally come in, I sent 'im an owl, and he was down here in a flash. He gives me another sack o' galleons and a keg o' meade. Says, it's for me troubles, and actually says thanks! I didn't know what a potions master needed a leaper fer, but . . . "
Hagrid noticed Maunrose staring off into space with an odd look on her face. Clearing his throat, he remember he wasn't supposed to have told her. "I prob'ly shouldn't a told yeh that." He said nervously.
Maunrose smiled, reaching across the table she placed her hand on Hagrid's and said, "Don't worry, Hagrid. It will be our little secret."
