Chapter 25
Severus left the great hall swiftly. He'd need to talk to Miss Granger about her reaction. While he thought it was wise that others weren't aware of the nature of their association, he didn't see why they should not be aware of a professional relationship, perhaps even a friendship.
He strode purposefully towards his rooms, his hand compulsively clutching her offerings. Although he did not consciously admit his eagerness, he was desperate to see what she'd written. He was interested in her compulsion to hurt herself so soon and wondered what that letter would include.
Severus nodded curtly to the Duke before uttering his password and moving past the portrait. Luckily, Robert knew his habits well and would understand that the lack of politeness was indicative of his preoccupation rather than intentional rudeness.
The moment he passed the threshold, Severus pulled the letters out and began to tear the first open.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
His eyes shot to the window and his pale fingers plunged into his pocket and were wrapped around his wand. His body adopted an offensive stance and Miss Granger's letters fell to the floor.
Prepared to take down the intruder, Severus came to his senses and acknowledged the owl at his window. Feeling like a paranoid fool, he retrieved Miss Granger's precious offering before letting the owl through the window. They were below ground, but the magical imperative that held owls who were in possession of wizarding mail had never observed this physical barrier.
Marcus' response! Thank Gods. Placing Miss Granger's letters to one side, Severus tore open the missive from Marcus and eagerly began to read.
Severus,
I was glad to hear from you. I'd hoped we might find time to meet before the new term consumes you whole. I can come to the castle tomorrow evening at 7:30pm. If you could arrange for the floo to admit me, I would be very appreciative. You must know that your request was very intriguing and I find myself impatient to know more.
Of course, I am always happy to provide guidance and opinion, but I must say, dear friend, that there must come a time soon where you do not depend upon my support. You must trust yourself, as I do.
I will provide caution, Severus. I am not of a mind to accept a new trainee of either gender or leaning so if this is your wish, please prepare for my rejection of the subject. I have a new preference and she requires strict monogamy (on my part at least).
I shall say no more here as I'm sure we will discuss the thing at length tomorrow.
Your friend,
Marcus.
Severus frowned at the parchment for a moment and re-read what Marcus had read. He'd never once considered handing her over, but should he? No fucking way. She was his. She wanted him, didn't she? She panted and wet her little knickers for him. Severus felt his anger rising and stamped down the feelings overtaking him.
The idea of Marcus as a monogamist was ludicrous to Severus. He'd never seen a witch hold his attention that way. He'd be interested to meet this new flavour and find out what she had that held the older wizard.
Severus thought about it and he should be pleased. If Marcus confirmed the wisdom of the relationship tomorrow, he could proceed without the hindrance of his conscience. He wanted to read Miss Granger's letters, but he should speak to Minerva about altering the parameters of the floo and make Miss Granger aware of their impending visitor as soon as possible.
Placing Marcus' letter down next to the two from Miss Granger, Severus went to the floo and dashed a pinch of powder into it.
"Headmistress' office!" He called firmly, hoping that Minerva was back there by now.
"Severus? Come through," her voice had a bubbling quality. Had she overindulged at dinner? Hmm… well this would only work in his favour. Not that he expected her to deny his request. He was tempted to say no and ask her from his rooms, but it seemed pointless. Her office was nearer to Miss Granger's rooms anyway.
He stepped through and surveyed the room. They hadn't changed much since Dumbledore had been in possession of the headship, but it was clear to the trained eye that Minerva had tried to put her stamp on the office.
Severus avoided eye contact with the portraits until he managed to ascertain that Albus and Phineas were absent. He strode purposefully over to Minerva's desk and took in her jovial flushed face and the small glass of what he assumed was scotch whiskey that sat near her fingertips.
"Minerva, I'm expecting a guest tomorrow. Would you open the floo to my rooms to passengers from outside the castle between the hours of 7 and 11pm?" He believed in being direct about requests.
"Who are you expecting, Severus?" The question was perfectly reasonable, but the fact that she questioned him before agreeing rankled.
"Marcus Hyslop," he offered no more.
"Marcus! Well I'd love to see him while he's here if there's time," Severus was of the opinion that Marcus was a favourite of Minerva's. Despite his family's natural affinity for charms.
Severus hedged and made no commitment. He didn't know how Marcus would react and how long they would be discussing things.
Her consent was given and Severus left, riding the stone stairs. Stepping past the gargoyle, there stood Miss Granger.
Severus questioned her presence and felt rage overcome him as he listened to her explanation. What the hell had Aurora and Minerva been thinking? Compulsory? He hated being forced to do anything these days. So he explained briefly about tomorrow to Miss Granger and dismissed her. He turned to return to Minerva and confront the witch.