Chapter 12
The prisoner paced in her sitting room too restless to sit and much too anxious to feign calmness. Her usual elegant control was but a distant fond memory.
"The school board will have my head if this is discovered."
The dark, lean man lying on the sofa stopped his perusal of a thick tome long enough to shake his head.
"I ought to have realized something was happening when the seventh year boys and some of the girls began to ... to squirm in their seats."
A guffaw rose from the sofa.
"I could barely explain to the girls and ... and leading the boys to the infirmary was dreadfully embarassing."
The sofa fairly shook so hard was its occupant's laughter.
"Go! Go! If you have nothing constructive to say, Severus, then you may leave!"
With effort, Professor Snape sobered with only the occasional snicker escaping his lips. He returned his attention to his book Witches and Hormones - The Original Witches Brew. Another book lay on the side table Potions and Pheromones - A Dangerous Mix.
"I have assigned my seventh years a ... a long research project in lieu of class time. What else could I do!."
The fireplace roared green flame. Poppy's face appeared.
"Minerva, I've sent the last of your Gryffindors to their tower. It seems that they fully believe the story we floated about an airborne potion gone awry."
Minerva peered into the fire. Her tense shoulders relaxed fractionally.
"Thank you, Poppy. I shall see you for that examination in the morning."
There came a soft knock on the door. The green fire was quickly extinguished.
"Minerva, I just came by to inform you that the school is in your charge until ... ah, tomorrow."
Green eyes narrowed ever so slightly towards the striking blonde standing by the headmaster.
"Of course, Albus. Enjoy your evening."
Icy blue eyes lingered over the prone form of the potions master who had not bothered to stop his intent reading.
"The same to you, Minerva and, er, you, Severus."
The headmaster became aware of a quick tightening grip on his arm. A twin reaction to the sudden uptick in his blood pressure.
"Severus, I don't believe I've introduced you to Ingrid. Ingrid Bennett, our resident potions master, Severus Snape."
The professor had no choice but to stand and acknowledge the introduction. Cool feminine eyes took his measure quickly head to foot before darting to the other woman who looked far from comfortable.
"Did you know, Albus, that the family has always thought that cousin Minerva was languishing alone here all these years. I am gratified to see that is not the case."
In the corner, a vase shot forth an effusive profusion of rosebay rhododendrons followed by bunches of peonies. But the display went unnoticed.
"Strangely enough, Ingrid, I've never given you a second thought. Do enjoy your evening, Albus."
Albus and Ingrid left leaving a seething woman gritting her teeth.
"Oh, don't be shy Minerva. Reveal your true feelings."
Snape ducked to avoid a well-aimed pillow streaking towards his head.
"Beyond striking looks, abundant charms both physical and otherwise, what does she have that you do not?"
Snape found himself propelled backwards towards the sofa by the powerful momentum of a furious ball of fur. Determined claws sunk deep into his tunic.
"It was YOUR idea after all!"
Growls not purrs filled his ears.
The restaurant staff was most attentive. The music bordered on the divine. The food was inspiration itself. All eyes were on the headmaster and his deathly beautiful dinner companion.
"I've never seen Minerva so ... so effervescent. She looks decades younger."
A quiet mumble came from the man sitting opposite her.
"Perhaps she's finally taking my advice about skincare. And, of course, the attentions of a younger man can cure almost anything."
A scrumptious chocolate eclair sat uneaten on the desert tray. In fact the entire tray had not been touched at all.
"About Salzburg, Ingrid."
The mention of the upcoming weekend was greeted by a dazzling smile.
"Shall we apparate there together on Friday?"
Ingrid placed her hand in his.
"I am very much looking forward to meeting your family. And you are correct, it's time we had some time just for us."
Dumbledore rose and led Ingrid to the dance floor. It was certainty that they would be in the Prophet's social pages the next day.
A little after midnight, Hagrid jogged to the forest, crossbow at the ready. He peered into the forest but saw nothing. Nothing to warrant the cacophony of noise - growls, squeals, shrieks - coming from the forest.
"Sumthing strange, a'right, Fang."
Cautiously, he began to step deeper into the forest. A rhythmic thudding assaulted his ears. The sound was coming closer. A familiar form leaped into view.
"Bane! Do you know what's happening? Bane!"
The centaur ignored the half giant. Bane sniffed the air. His head turned at the sound of a giggle - a distinctly feminine giggle. His nostrils flared. His haunches tensed and he sprang away chasing the elusive female.
"Fang! I don't like this. Not at all. Let's head back to the hut."
A few minutes later, a gray cat streaked out of the forest pursued by all manner of feline beasts, large and small. Legs pumped. Lungs burned. Up, up the school steps, through the main doors and into the arms of safety.
"Minerva! Is ... is that you!"
The cat transformed into a mature, raven-haired woman dressed for bed but not for sleeping. Black silk undulated over the the peaks and valleys of her figure. Her bare shoulders were covered in the glistening sheen of perspiration. Her uncovered legs trembled from her frantic run.
"What's wrong? Where ... where is your robe? Wha -"
Toes strained to lift upward. Hips pressed forward insistently. Determined fingers pulled a head down. Lips sought lips. Volcanic heat coaxed and teased. A flicker of shy recognition responded after the initial surprise. The conflageration simmered to a steady fiery burning brighter, hotter than either ever experienced before.
A/N: Well, the story turns and turns. Shall it be Door #1 Unbridled Passion or Door #2 Stubborn Denial or Door #3 Surprise Me Please? In the last paragraph I wanted to express mounting desire and passion without being graphic or too detailed. Is it effective?
Rhododendron, Rosebay means Danger; Beware
Peonies means Anger
