26. Troubles
After Severus had left for Hogwarts that Monday morning Bobbie picked up the phone and called Tonks. After she heard the phone being picked up she said, "Hey Tonks, it's Bobbie. How are you doing?"
"Ugh, I just puked my guts out... again."
"Oh my God! What's wrong?" Bobbie asked with concern.
"Nothing serious. I'm pregnant," Tonks said.
"Oh my God!" Bobbie said again, but this time with excitement in her voice. "That is so cool. Congratulations! I am so happy for you."
When she didn't get an answer she asked, "Tonks?" There still was no answer but Bobbie thought she heard some quiet crying. "Tonks, what's wrong?"
She finally got an answer in between sobs. "Remus..., he left me... when he heard I was pregnant."
"WHAT?" Bobbie asked. "What the hell! Why would he do that? You just got married..."
"He always has insisted that he was too old for me... Now he is afraid he passed his Lycanthropy on to the baby," Tonks said quietly.
"I don't get it. He married you. He should have known beforehand there could be the possibility of a baby in the future," Bobbie said, and after a quick thought she continued, "You know what, let me talk some sense into him. Where is he?"
Tonks said, "No! Please don't. That could make things worse. He may just needs a little distance and time to think about it."
When Bobbie let out an audible breath Tonks continued quietly, "I don't want him to feel trapped. I never thought I was getting pregnant right away. Please Bobbie, give it a rest for now."
Bobbie said, "Okay, but only because you ask me to. Do you want to meet somewhere? It might help you a little to have some lunch with a friend. I'm buying."
"Thanks Bobbie. Maybe some other time. Right now I have to be in close proximity of a bathroom. I sure hope these morning sicknesses are letting up soon."
"I understand...! I mean, I never had children, but I can imagine that it can take the fun out of things... on top of Remus being a total ass."
Tonks then said, "Okay, for some reason I don't think you just called out of the blue since we have agreed we should keep the calls to a minimum for safety reasons."
"You're right! I called because I got some more info from my informant," Bobbie said.
"I'm listening."
"It's about Hogwarts. You already know that Snape is going to be Headmaster and you probably also found out that all but two of the staff will fill their old posts. I found out that Alecto and Amycus Carrow are filling the other two. Alecto as Muggle Studies teacher and her bro will be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Those two are supposed to be in charge of punishing the misbehaving students. My informant said that they are pretty ruthless and You-Know-Who wants them to use corporal punishment, chaining severe cases up and even using the Cruciatus Curse."
"Holy Shit!" Tonks bursted out.
"My thoughts exactly! Anyway, my informant and I mulled it over a bit yesterday and thought maybe the teachers could just do detentions themselves if possible. You know, without letting the Carrows know. Of course if somebody misbehaves when the Carrows are around, there is nothing that can be done..."
"Yeah, or if that son of a bitch Snape is," Tonks spat.
"Yeah, there is that... Well, I thought I better let you know before school starts next Monday. Anyway, did you guys finally find Harry?"
"Oh, yeah. He, Hermione and Ron only got their things together and got everything else squared away, and then they all moved into Grimmauld Place. Harry inherited it. You got anything else?"
"Nope, that's it for now," Bobbie said.
"No offence, but I need to lie down for a little while," Tonks said weakly.
"I understand! Hope you're feeling better soon."
"Thanks! I'll talk to you later. Bye!"
"Bye! Let me know if you need anything."
The women hung up their phones. Bobbie thought about Tonks. She shook her head when she thought about Remus leaving his wife for a reason like that and she sincerely hoped he would come to his senses and take care of his responsibilities.
888
During his first two days back at Hogwarts Severus faced the normal hostilities from his non-Death Eater colleagues. By Wednesday things got worse - if that was even possible - and he figured the message Bobbie had promised to relay to Tonks had made the rounds and they partly blamed him for it. If looks could kill he would have keeled over dead many times over. He sometimes had tried to have meals with them before and had been largely ignored then. Now they couldn't sit far enough away from him and the first time he showed up Flitwick left as soon as he saw him. He decided it wasn't worth his sanity. By Thursday night he was so depressed that he locked himself into his quarters and not only put the warding against Animagi up, he also warded against listening.
After he was sure nobody could listen in he sat down in front of his fireplace and dialed his mobile phone and called Bobbie. As soon as she answered it he said, "I hope I didn't disturb you, but I just have to talk to somebody friendly. I know I most likely will see you tomorrow night, but I couldn't stand it any longer."
"You didn't disturb anything. I was just thinking about you. What's wrong?"
"I suspect word about the Carrows being the ones to punish unruly students has gotten out. If things with the staff were bad before they are downright unbearable now."
"I'm so sorry that you have to go through all this. I wish I could be with you and make you feel better, hold you or have your head in my lap and stroking my fingers through your hair."
"That would feel wonderful right now," he said with a sigh.
"I'm sorry I can't be there but I will make sure I will do it tomorrow and give you a good shoulder massage when you get back, maybe even more..." Bobbie whispered with a suggestive voice. She thought she heard him draw in a sharp breath and got worried. Maybe he was summoned again. "Baby, are you still there? Are you okay?"
"Merlin, don't do that," he said with a husky voice.
"Do what?"
"Making suggestions about..., about making love. Now I am sitting here and want you."
"What?" and suddenly Bobbie understood.
"I want you! I want you now in the worst way...," he whispered.
"Oh Baby, now you got me all wound up just thinking about it. Can't you get away for a little while?" she asked.
"I shouldn't! Merlin, when have I turned into a hormonal teenager who can't keep it inside his pants?"
The next thing Bobbie heard was the phone hanging up, and then Severus was in front of her fireplace. They flew into each other's arms. Bobbie drew in a sharp breath when she felt the bulge in his trousers pressed against her stomach and tried finding his buttons in her hurry.
Her fumbling around aroused him even more and he almost came in his pants. She finally found them and opened them as fast as she could. He yanked her t-shirt over her head and all but tore her jeans off her. Both discarded their underwear in a hurry and Severus picked her up where she stood, so she was straddling him and he entered her in one thrust.
Bobbie cried out in her pleasure. Oh God she loved and needed this man. She couldn't remember any man who could make her feel this way. He laid her down on the sofa with himself on top. It was a primal lovemaking. They just needed to feed that hunger for each other and their climax came fast and with a vengeance. They lay there trembling and panting.
After they had calmed down somewhat Severus snorted and shook his head saying, "I can't believe I just did that; running off just for a shag. If anyone would have told me that a few months ago I would have sent them to the ward for the insane in St Mungo's."
Bobbie laughed. "If you put it this way it is pretty funny."
Then Severus looked at her with love in his beautiful black eyes and whispered while caressing her cheek with the back of his fingers, "My Love, what have you done to me?"
Bobbie kissed him gently and brushed a strand of hair out of his face. "I'm glad you came for this little tryst."
"So am I! But now I need a good excuse if somebody noticed." Severus gathered his clothes and after he got dressed he went into Bobbie's pantry and rummaged around. He came back with a packed of dried Oregano and asked. Do you need this any time soon?"
"Not really. It is a refill for when the shaker is empty. Is that your good excuse? Running off getting some Oregano?" Bobbie asked amused.
"Yes. It will pass for potions ingredients."
"Oregano?"
"The Carrows aren't very bright. They won't know the difference." Severus grinned.
Bobbie burst out laughing, "Boy, those two must be some real geniuses."
"Indeed! You have no idea." He shook his head in amusement.
"By all means, take it. I can get another one during the next shopping trip." Bobbie was still laughing.
"If nobody notices my absence I will most likely bring it back tomorrow. Sorry, I have to go." He kissed her gently and then he was gone.
888
No one noticed that he had been gone during the hour he was with Bobbie. He smiled. How would he ever have coped without her? Yes, he definitely felt better now and it was like he had renewed energy for what was laying ahead. He wished he could have slept in her bed with her in his arms instead of having to face possible nightmares because he was alone. He sighed and knew it couldn't be helped. He got ready for bed and knew he had to go through one more atrocious day before he would see her again.
888
Severus awoke around 6 in the morning. He had gotten very little sleep after about 3:30 and had tossed and turned most of the time thinking about the upcoming teachers meeting. It would be the last one before school would start on Monday. He did not look forward to it. All his old colleagues hated him and he would have to pretend with being the coldhearted Death Eater-turned-Headmaster for the sake of the Carrows.
He got out of bed and got ready. He ate breakfast in his dungeon quarters. At the last meeting with the Dark Lord Severus had asked him if he could stay in the dungeons because that was where his private potions lab was. He had said he liked to be close to it because he could brew whenever 'his Master' needed him to brew something. It had been a lie. The real reason was that he didn't feel worthy staying in the Headmasters quarters. He had tried the same thing with the office but the Dark Lord had insisted that he was using the Headmasters office.
When he had gotten back after the meeting he had noticed that the castle had rearranged herself, like she had done with Bobbies and his rooms when they were first seeing each other, and he was able to walk straight from his rooms in the dungeons to the Headmasters office. He had been wondering about it for a while now why the castle would do that for him.
He had been sitting at the table brooding and staring into is half empty tea cup when all of a sudden something compelled him to jump up from his seat and go to the Headmasters office. When he walked inside he heard his name being called. "Albus!" he said and walked to the portrait which was awake now.
"How are you holding up my boy?" Albus in the portrait was asking.
"I am very happy to see you awake," Severus said with relief in his voice. "It is hard. I wish you would be here. I sincerely hope you are residing in a better place now."
"I am! How is Bobbie doing?" Albus asked with a mischievous smile and a twinkle in his eyes.
When Severus noticed Albus's facial expression he rolled his eyes and said, "Albus, why don't you just say it out loud that you already know what happened last night." Then he drawled in an almost bored tone, "Yes, I snuck out and saw her because I couldn't stand it anymore." Severus didn't get into detail what it was that he couldn't stand anymore, his hateful colleagues or his ardent longing for Bobbie.
"I instructed the castle to look out for you as much as she can. You know how I always knew what was going on. It was because Hogwarts let me know. I trust she rearranged the access from your quarters to the Headmasters office?"
"Indeed! I have been wondering for a while why she did that. Not even 5 minutes ago it went through my mind again. I suspect it isn't because she likes me. Nobody else here does..."
"Oh, but you are mistaken, my dear boy. Hogwarts knows that you are a good man. She will help you. She did so last night."
"Ah, I thought it had been too easy by far getting in and out unnoticed," Severus replied. Then he looked at his pocket watch and sighed. "I have to go Albus. I hope to speak with you again soon."
"Please be careful, Severus. Especially when it comes to the Carrows. Trust no one! Oh, and enjoy your weekend with your fiancé." He smiled and before Severus could say anything else Albus was asleep again. Severus sighed and steeled himself to go to the staff meeting.
888
When he arrived in the teachers' lounge everyone but the Carrows were there already. The conversation stopped as soon as he crossed the threshold. Severus inclined his head in a greeting and all his old colleagues purposefully looked away. He sat down in the chair at the head of the table and sorted through the papers he had brought. At least that gave him a reason not having to look at them and seeing the hatred in their faces. Luckily the Carrows walked in about 30 seconds later and they drew in some of the animosity.
After they had sat down Severus cleared his throat and said, "I have the class curriculum here. Please spread them amongst yourselves and let me know if I have overlooked anything or if for some reason one of you can't attend some of the times I have picked."
He gave the stack to Amycus Carrow who sat on his right side. The stack of papers went around the table with each person retaining one of them. By the time it went around Alecto Carrow who sat on his left side kept the last one.
It was a quiet and somber affair and the tension was so thick that it could have been cut with a knife. Everyone was going over the papers. When Severus noticed that most were done he asked, "Does anyone have any questions or would like to add something?"
The only one who said anything was Alecto Carrow. "I would! I don't see anything where it says that Amycus and I are supposed to keep the brats in line and punish them if they misbehave."
"This is the curriculum we are discussing. I would have come to that at a later point. But now that you have brought it up. Yes, that is the case. I would however advice against overdoing it. It wouldn't serve the Dark Lord if the students are missing too many classes because they are spending too much time in the hospital wing. Is that understood?"
The Carrows grinned at each other and Amycus said in a mocking way, "Whatever you say, Headmaster."
Severus glared at him and continued, "If no one has any problems with the curriculum we will move to the next point. Field trips to Hogsmeade will stay the same since the students need to restock their supplies. I trust you are all ready for Monday morning?"
Nobody said anything beside Alecto, "Yes, we are!"
Severus asked one more time, "Are there any questions or suggestions?" He looked over everyone around the table. All of his old colleagues looked at the papers in front of them avoiding eye contact with him. "Very well, the meeting is adjourned. Whomever is done getting things ready for Monday may go home."
They all got up wordlessly and left the room. Severus sat there and thought about what had just happened. His old colleagues were so disgusted with him that none of them had even said a word. He sighed. It would be a long and tension filled time. He only hoped that it was going to be over soon. He went back to the Headmasters office, straightened everything up and went to his rooms.
After that he went to his lab and finished a few potions he would take to the infirmary later. He knew that Poppy still preferred his potions over Slughorns and accepted them even though he saw on her face that she really rather wouldn't have to accept anything from the likes of him. Sometimes he even got a disgusted "Thanks!" out of her. Most of the time though she made sure that she didn't have to face him, which was the case today.
As soon as he had set down the potions on Poppy's desk he went to his rooms and dialed Bobbie's phone. He didn't want to stay any longer than he had to. When Bobbie picked up she told him that she was still out getting the groceries for the weekend but she told him not to hesitate to Floo to the cottage and make himself at home.
As usually he Apparated into her living room and then took his customary shower to wash off all the grime from his repugnant other life. He felt better when he was done. The only thing different was that he would have to dry his hair by himself. He found out right away that it wasn't nearly as relaxing as when Bobbie did it, and he gave up on it and decided to just let them dry naturally.
Just when he had put the hairdryer back into the cabinet Severus heard a car and some voices outside. He looked through the curtains and saw a taxi. The driver helped Bobbie getting her groceries out of the car. He set them on top of the bench at her front door. He heard the driver asking Bobbie if she would go with him for a cup of coffee some time. Even though he heard Bobbie decline he felt a pang of jealousy invade his insides. The driver didn't seem to take 'no' for an answer at first but finally the car left the driveway.
When Severus heard Bobbie putting the key into the look he opened the door for her and drew her into his arms right away and held her for the longest time. Bobbie finally pushed on his chest saying, "I'm glad you like me coming home but what brought that on?"
"I heard what that taxi driver said. I don't like it. I don't want to share you with anyone," Severus almost pleaded.
"What?" Bobbie asked, "What makes you think that? I promised to marry you. Why would I even consider going out with somebody else?"
"It happens all the time. I have seen it. Lucius Malfoy is doing it. Some Death Eaters even trade their wives and some of their wives are sleeping with other men."
"Oh Severus. You can't compare the relationships of Death Eaters with the general public. I can't really speak for myself, since I have been married twice before. But most people love each other when they get married and stay together their whole life."
"My parents weren't Death Eaters and they fought all the time," Severus said quietly.
"Yes, there are some people who aren't destined to be together and later find out that they have made a mistake. But my guess is that so many Death Eaters have problems because they only get married so they can work on making pureblooded children and not because they love each other. Maybe their parents already arrange the marriage long before the children are even grown up."
"Yes, like it is with Draco and Pansy Parkinson. Lucius wants him to marry her but Draco loves Astoria Greengrass who will be a fifth year on Monday," Severus said.
"There you have it! That arranged marriage is doomed from the beginning." Then Bobbie stroked Severus's cheek and said with sincerity, "I will never leave you because of anybody else. You are my soul mate."
Severus looked into her eyes and saw the truth in there. He kissed her first gently and then with more passion. Bobbie stopped him though. "Sev, I have groceries sitting outside on the bench. I need to get them inside before the neighbor's dog is making a meal of them."
He helped her getting everything inside and put away into the pantry and the fridge. Bobbie then went to the bathroom and got the hair dryer and finished drying his hair. He made his relaxation and enjoyment known with a deep sigh.