A/N: All characters in this story (other than my own OC creations) are the property of JKR. I am happily borrowing her wonderful world. M warning. Love scene ahead.Updated 02/15/12
Chapter 36 – A Flicker of Doubt Returns
Awaking from a sound sleep, Andrea felt for Severus next to her in the bed, but he was gone. Disappointed, she struggled to open her eyes and pull herself out from under the quilts. It was quite difficult, but after glancing at the mantle clock and realizing it was already a quarter past seven, Andrea thought she had better get up. But as she cuddled up in the warm bed, she decided there was really no need to rush. It was the weekend, after all, and the freedom of a Saturday morning allowed her a small reprieve from the normal weekday regime.
Thankfully, she burrowed deeper under the covers and closed her eyes as a selfish smile crept onto her lips. The temptation to sleep in was overwhelming. To rationalize her decision, she convinced herself that she needed the sleep. Last night's argument and make-up session with Severus had stolen half the night, the resulting flood of emotions leaving her drained of energy.
It wasn't long, however, before her rest was interrupted. Hearing a muffled sound from across the room, Andrea opened her eyelids a crack to investigate. Directly in her line of vision, a very pleasant surprise was in store. Bathed in sunlight from the nearby window, Severus stood in front of the dresser searching for a pair of briefs. His long, inky-black hair was draped, as usual, in a curtain along his face, conveniently covering his features from her inquisitive view. Instead of finding disappointment in the concealment, Andrea simply let her gaze drop to look lustfully at his naked body, the raw need for him swelling shamefully in her groin.
Merlin, he was handsome. Grinning to herself, Andrea knew Severus would certainly not have agreed with her judgment on the matter, but she couldn't resist the appealing vision. Would she ever get enough?
Having found some clean underwear, Severus made his way into the bathroom and closed the door. Soon the sounds of flowing water playfully serenaded Andrea, as she lay half asleep under the quilts. The thought of her husband's naked limbs tickled her overactive imagination, making Andrea squirm with anticipation. Knowing he was only a few feet away made the temptation irresistible. With a sigh, she jumped out of bed to join him.
Initially, she'd been the one to request the installation of the American-style shower, but it was Severus that had found it convenient. It had become a habit of his to indulge in the pleasure of the daily ritual, leaving the use of the claw-foot tub to his wife.
Sneaking silently into the bathroom, Andrea removed her clothes, opened the shower door and slipped inside. Sensing her appearance, the magical shower grew as designed to twice its normal size. Not only did the expansion provide plenty of extra room, it also startled Severus into an immediate response. Fearing an evil intruder, he flew against the wall, slamming his body flat upon the surface in preparation for a fight. At the same time, in a blind reflex to the perceived attack, a blast of magical energy exploded out of him without warning. The crushing blow struck Andrea squarely in the chest, the assault catching her completely off guard.
Like air forced from a pierced balloon, she screeched in surprise, her lungs compressing painfully into her chest. The sudden discharge had forced her backward, and in a whirlwind of motion, she flung her arms out to protect her fall, but the slippery floor was her undoing. With a wild-eyed look of fear, she hit her back on the shelving behind her before falling in a heap onto the stone floor.
"Gosh darn it, Severus," Andrea coughed angrily, hardly able to speak.
Closing his eyes briefly to regain control, Snape took a deep breath and glared down at his wife's fallen form. "I am sorry, but I do not like surprises," he said gruffly, regretting his outburst. With a reproving frown, he held out his hand. "You are exceedingly lucky. If I had had my wand, you would have been hexed to Hades. I have a mind to spank you." The last statement was said in playful jest, his lips twisting into the ever-familiar smirk.
"No, thank you. I think I've had enough punishment for one day, but, by God, you are suspicious. You should have known it was me. Who else would have been stupid enough to sneak up on you like that?"
"Not many, I assure you. And have you now learned your lesson?"
Taking his pre-offered hand, Andrea let him pull her up. "Of course not. I'll probably do it again." She grinned mischievously, her unusual show of anger evaporating as it always did with his touch. "I am attracted to trouble – if you hadn't noticed."
"Quite, as you are attracted to me." He pulled her under the hot, streaming water and kissed her forehead as the rivulets flowed down over her eyes.
Severus's hair was plastered back on his head, and Andrea tucked her fingers in it, pulling him down to her level for a proper kiss.
"Let me wash your hair," she suggested and began massaging his scalp with her fingers. Using a small wand she kept in the shower, Andrea pointed the tool toward the wall. Accio soap. Responding immediately to the spell, a billow of lather erupted from a slim bottle of shampoo that had been affixed to the wall. Obediently, the substance flew to her fingertips, and as she spread it on Snape's hair, the enclosure became filled with a flowery scent.
"I am not your toy," he protested. "And I do not wish to smell like a funeral." Strangely, his actions did not match the intent of his words. Instead of pulling away, he drew closer and lowered his head, allowing her to reach all the way around his skull. The feel of her massaging touch on his scalp caused a whimper of pleasure to escape his lips.
"Ah, I do not believe you," she snickered. "You do like it. Besides, it'll give your hair some body."
"You try my patience, woman. Get this stuff off of me." Slithering away, Severus pushed her aside just enough to rinse the offending substance from his thin, stringy hair.
Laughing, Andrea helped him and drew some of his own shampoo onto her fingers. "All right – I'll use this instead." Sniffing it, she smiled as the aroma of cloves arose to meet her nostrils. It was so much a part of his personal scent that she felt a tingle ripple down her middle.
"Then I will allow you to proceed. My shampoo may not add what you refer to as body, but it kills any stray fungus, bacteria or virus that could endanger a brew. It is a practical and functional mixture. I don't care what it does to my hair."
Thinking of the sometimes-greasy results, Andrea suggested, "Well, maybe you should consider a new combination. Maybe mix mine with yours?"
"I think there are other ways for us to mix," Severus exhaled and kissed her deep with his tongue.
"Wait, I'm not done cleaning you yet." She smiled gleefully and grabbed for the bar of soap.
Letting the hot water flow freely along his body, Andrea rubbed the bar along his back and abdomen, with playful, teasing fingers. She continued her massaging motions, moving her hands slowly down to his pubic hair until his shaft was in her grasp. The silky, smooth froth allowed her palm to slide gently back and forth as she caressed the skin. It wasn't long before she felt him come alive in her hand, the throbbing stalk charging forward as the blood rushed to his groin.
"My sweet wife has many talents," Severus managed to say as his eyes drifted closed in a haze of pleasure. Clearly, he was enjoying the feel of her small hands caressing his maleness.
With just the tips of his fingers resting lightly on her shoulders, Andrea knelt down on her knees and slipped her hand between his thighs. Continuing in a soft and gentle progression, she slid her hand around each testicle before proceeding to his buttocks.
His penis was now rock hard. She stroked it again with her sudsy hands until a moan escaped his lips. Gently, he pulled her away.
"Let me cleanse you now," Severus said huskily. "It's my turn." Soaping up his long, dexterous fingers, he washed around Andrea's breasts, using the sides of his thumbs to caress her nipples. Her torso came next followed by her golden triangle. The delicate feeling of his fingertips upon her skin caused her body to jolt with passion. As he ran one hand down her back, Severus lifted her into the air with his other arm to provide access to her feminine core. He could now easily reach between her legs. His fingers popped inside her to gather her juices before proceeding to her womanhood. There his hand stayed, stroking lightly with his thumb and index finger against the hard nub of her erectness.
"Stop," Andrea moaned. "I want you to … to make love to me."
Breathing heavily, he snorted. "You certainly have a talent for embellishing the obvious. How about if I just fu—"
"No! Don't say it. Just do it," she gasped, her legs dangling down from his grip on her waist.
Easing her down to the shower floor, he let her rest against him before he turned her around. Using both of his hands, he slid his palms over her plump bum, placing the tip of his index finger directly between her legs. The feel of his teasing finger in the heat of her waiting, tight hole caused Andrea to arch her back with need as she leaned into his groin.
The result for Severus came with an intense, almost painful arousal. With a sharp intake of breath, his manhood entered her nest from behind and began to plow into her with ease. Pummeling her with the power of his thrusts, his actions were unrelenting. His long, stiff member slammed into her gripping slot in a furious rhythm. He was frantic with need.
Feeling like a ragdoll, Andrea's body was tossed upward with each strike. There was nothing to hold onto. The only parts that connected their bodies together were Severus's stalk and his hot hands upon her hips.
Closing in on his goal, the waves of pleasure rolled through his body, but Severus had one more move to make. Like a flapjack, he flipped Andrea around and placed her back against the wall. Their eyes met just as he entered her from the front. This time she wrapped her wet legs around his body as he sliced into her slippery nest. It took only two hard pumps before he exploded, his seed bursting inside her with the power of a volcano.
Shaking with the spent energy, he leaned against the wall, letting her descend again gently onto the shower floor. In a ceaseless flow, the hot water had continued to fall around them, and now, after their lovemaking, Severus reached over and shut off the faucet.
Weakly, he smirked. "I think we missed breakfast."
"And wouldn't you know. I'm famished."
"Well, finish washing your hair, and maybe we can make it to lunch. I think I've had enough hot water for one day."
Severus left her to finish up. While she was in the process of toweling off, Andrea noticed that he was still standing in front of the mirror with a scowl planted firmly on his face. With a series of forced tugs, he was unsuccessfully trying to get the knots out of his hair.
"Don't you know how to de-tangle it?" Andrea asked with a teasing laugh. Unable to resist, she reached up to finger his limp locks.
"I can manage." He grimaced and pulled away as his comb tore at the knotted strings.
Sighing, Andrea pulled a short, willow wand out of her cosmetic case and waved the tool over his hair. Instantly, the charm relaxed the strands. As slick as a skate on ice, the comb fell right through the shiny, black threads.
"I will admit your charm does appear useful. You must teach me."
"Don't you want me to do it for you?" she asked and playfully kissed his arm.
"At five every morning? I think not."
"You're right. I'm certainly not going to get up at that hour," Andrea teased. "But, once again, I know something you don't – ha ha!" Swinging the wand over her long tresses, she let the comb glide down through the thick mass of curls.
"Tell me, wench, or I'll make you walk the plank."
"What? Are you a pirate now?" she joked and then pointed the wand at the other side of his head. "Relaxo Prolabor – it's a simple charm."
Severus could feel the comb sliding through his fine hair. "Did they teach you that in beauty school?" he snarked.
"No," Andrea replied, his comment causing a wide grin to appear. "I didn't have to learn to be a beauty. I was born gorgeous."
With a sudden change in expression, he frowned. "What time is it? I have a detention to deliver at nine." Fearing he'd be late, Severus ran into the bedroom to check the mantle clock. Luckily, it was only half past eight.
"What did your students do this time – ask you a question?" She smiled innocently, but the inquiry was clearly a taunt.
"Don't be absurd. It was the Weasley twins again. They sprinkled sizzling cinnamon in all the caldrons. I knew they were up to something, because I found cinnamon all over their clothes. It was even in their pockets. And do you know what their excuse was?"
"No, what?" Andrea answered, her mouth twitching in delight as she fought back another grin.
"That potion brewing has an unpleasant aroma. What an absurd piece of rubbish. Every class I had yesterday was ruined, and those vandals are going to pay. They'll be scrubbing cauldrons all day – every last one – by hand – without magic – until their hands bleed."
"You wouldn't," Andrea said in astonishment, but she was suppressing a snicker.
"Well, perhaps I shall stop them before they bleed," he conceded. "I wouldn't want my freshly cleaned cauldrons getting contaminated."
"You know, if they don't finish," she said, finally breaking down into giggles, "you could always make cinnamon rolls."
The corners of Severus's mouth pinched tightly as he tried to keep a straight face. Andrea was the only one that could make fun of him and let him see the humor.
"At least then I'd get something to eat," he grumbled under his breath.
"There's always newt hearts."
"Stop it!" he said, his deep voice just on the verge of laughter. Quickly, he finished dressing and hurried off to his lab.
xxxxxxxx
As the days progressed, there were no new developments in the search for their precious daughter. The lack of news lasting week after week had caused a dark dampening of Andrea's spirits. To further blacken her mood, no new visions had appeared. Trying hard to believe as Severus did, she hoped that the lack of visions meant that their daughter was happy, or at least not frightened by her captors.
Andrea's heart ached. Where was her baby? Where was their Ellenore? Had she grown? Did she look any different? Would she even remember her mother?
Although it was nearly impossible, Andrea tried to keep busy with her wand creations and her classroom work. She'd gotten a very enthusiastic reply from Ollivander who stated he would pay fifty to one hundred Galleons for each of Andrea's wands, the price varying with the complexity of style and creativity of design. Along with Ollivander's offer, the wand seller had sent along a handful of custom order requests from some of his best clients. Andrea's reputation was growing.
Based partly on the outstanding response from Ollivander's, Andrea thought it best not to work with Russell just yet. Instead, she decided to send her friend a letter asking if he might be interested in working with her in the spring. Knowing how Severus would feel about any activity in which Russell was involved, she really had no other choice. Hopefully by second term, circumstances would have changed, and she could again consider his offer.
The demands of the wand trade had sent Andrea into a whole new world of stress and notoriety. The pressures of production had forced her to spend all her free time on the new wands. In addition to Ollivander's orders, the mail order requests from her ad in the Daily Prophet had almost doubled. She figured she would need to make at least eight to ten wands a day in order to keep up. Unlike Severus, who seemed to thrive on five hours or less of sleep each night, Andrea was finding the limited sleep debilitating. When she did find time for sleep, she was restless, always thinking of Ellenore.
In making the decision to expand her business venture, Andrea realized there was another complication. To her growing concern, she found there was barely any spare time in her hectic days to spend with Severus. Even though he sometimes came to her workshop in the evenings to grade papers or read while she worked, they had little time for conversation.
From his own observations, Severus was beginning to worry that something was going to break. But he rationalized that the pressure would ease after Christmas. Instead, he chose to wait and watch. He knew his wife to be strong, and there was no immediate need to intervene. As long as he judged her able to cope, he would let her proceed, but he was not afraid to step in if the need arose. He felt it his duty to protect her.
Xxxxxxxx
Late one night, Andrea heard a voice calling from the fireplace grate in the sitting room. Glancing about, she realized that Severus was out at the moment. She'd have to answer the call herself. It was just as well.
"Andrea, are you there?" Amy called. "I have news!"
Rushing to the grate, she answered, "I'm here. Oh, I'm so glad to hear your voice. I haven't spoken to you in over a week. Do you have news?"
"Yes, but I'm afraid it's not good," Amy replied. "I hope you don't mind, but I brought my friend Jack Thorp here to explain. You remember me mentioning him? You need to hear what he has to say."
"Jack Thorp? From the Magic Bureau of Investigation? But why? What's happened? Oh, Amy, you're scaring me."
"Wait. Just listen. Here he is now."
Jack's face came into view in the hot coals. The red and orange cinders obscured his features, but Andrea could easily see he had a strong face and a square jaw. A curl of hair had fallen unnoticed onto his forehead.
"Good evening, Mrs. Snape," Jack announced in an authoritative voice. Andrea could tell he was used to giving orders, but he seemed polite. "My name is Jack Thorp, Senior Wizard of Investigation and Control for the Midwest Sector of the American MBI."
"Oh. Ah … hello. I'm pleased to meet you, sir," Andrea replied, clearly impressed.
"I must apologize for intruding on you this evening. Amy said you wanted to hear any updates on Ellenore's whereabouts as soon as they became available."
"Yes, of course," Andrea replied with concern. In a blatant show of worry, her hand had flown up to cover her mouth.
Jack paused before continuing. "We located the Fontaine residence, but when we entered the home, we found it deserted."
"Oh, no," Andrea said softly.
"Now, Mrs. Snape, you can be assured that the structure has been searched quite thoroughly. And even though we did not find your daughter, we believe she may have been held there until quite recently. We found some baby things, and there were a few containers of baby food. I believe someone must have tipped them off. Actually, my sources believe the tip came from the U.K."
With a sudden frown, Andrea stiffened. Was he going to accuse Severus again?
As if reading her mind, Jack continued, "I think your husband has something to do with this."
"That's ridiculous. Y-you're not m-making sense," she sputtered. "What possible motive would he have? Why wouldn't he want his daughter back?"
"The reason is quite simple. It's because Ellenore is not his daughter. From the letter Amy showed you a few weeks ago, we know he promised You-Know-Who to protect the child and make sure she has a good home. Lucius Malfoy can give her that. We believe your husband may have been involved in planning her abduction. It's quite clear—"
"No!" Andrea cried out. "I don't believe it. You're wrong."
Andrea cringed at Jack's words. The substance of his attack was filled with flimsy accusations. Hadn't she worked this through with Severus weeks ago? Wasn't it simply that Jack and the MBI had no way of knowing about the details of her husband's mission? Despite the knowledge that Jack was certainly wrong, the conviction in the man's voice frightened her. Somehow, Andrea needed to force her emotions to obey her rational mind. The pounding of her heart was only an angry reaction to Jack's statements and nothing more. Finally, she found the strength to think. After all, she still needed Jack, but he had to stop this useless assault on Severus's character and instead concentrate on finding Ellenore.
"Let's back up a minute," Andrea stated firmly. It was her turn in this elaborate chess game. Inhaling deeply to clear her mind, she began to speak. "Have you found any clues as to where Ellenore is now? Or have you lost the trail?"
"The latest information we have is that the Malfoys are still in Florida. We think Ellenore is somewhere near Miami – that is, if she is still traveling with the Malfoy family. Our sources have led us to believe that Lucius Malfoy is trafficking illegal potions, which is why he's currently in the U.S."
Stunned at Malfoy's audacity, Andrea inhaled sharply again, trying to digest this new piece of information.
"Mrs. Snape, are you aware that your husband has a history of manufacturing dangerous potions?"
"Wh-what?" Andrea said softly, her voice hardly above a whisper. At this last revelation, her limbs began to shake. This was new information, indeed, but instead of letting Jack get to her, Andrea closed her eyes and tried very hard to remain calm. Silently she repeated the word 'trust' to herself – over and over – hoping the thought would help her to be strong.
"I understand your ministry raided the Malfoy's manor house but did not find anything illegal." Trying to concentrate, Andrea remembered that after Arthur and Kingsley tipped off the ministry about the goods in the manor, a follow-up legal raid had been executed with ten of the Ministry's best Aurors. By then, Lucius had re-hidden the cellar chamber and concealed the goods once more.
"Yes," she answered, "that's true, but as I told Amy – it was there."
"Yes," Jack added, "and so was your husband. Doesn't that seem odd? That the goods would be there one day and then gone the next? We think he tipped off Lucius. He and your husband are old friends." Jack continued to tick off the accusations as easily as items on a grocery list.
Andrea's head was spinning. "Sir, you can't keep thinking this way. It's all conjecture. You don't even know Severus. Unless you have proof …" Andrea's voice started to catch in her throat, but she forced herself to continue. "I refuse to even listen to you."
Jack was silent for a few moments before he replied. "Okay. If that's what you need, we'll find proof. Mrs. Snape – Andrea – right now we are very close. I'd tell you more, but our information is not yet complete. But let me say this – we are trying to locate some key witnesses."
Like an explosion, Andrea's heart began to pound. How much more of this could she take? "What do you mean witnesses?"
"Of your husband's actions as a Death Eater, and most importantly, his current involvement. Remember, he's very good at brewing potions, perhaps illegal potions as well. We have some leads that suggest that during the last war, he was responsible for preparing victims for torture. Our research also suggests that he gave his victims pain-inducing draughts to get them to tell secrets. We don't have any concrete evidence, at least at the moment, that he actually murdered anyone, however, there were some questionable duels—"
"Please," Andrea interrupted in a weak voice. "You sound like you're so sure. I thought you just said you didn't have proof."
"You're right," he said. "We don't have proof – not just yet – but as soon as we do, the U.K. Ministry of Magic will arrest him. It's only a matter of time."
Andrea knew that there could be no proof because Severus couldn't have done that – torture people. Could he? She wouldn't believe it. But even as she denied it, the flicker of doubt that she had banished from her mind weeks ago was once again wickedly resurfacing.
Relentlessly, Jack continued, "I also need to warn you. We have reason to believe that your husband might be giving you a very complex love potion. We have obtained evidence that he created a recipe in his seventh year Newt-level Potions class that works quite ingeniously. The target of the potion never suspects. It lasts for an entire month and works on many levels, both mental and physical. It's a clear, red liquid that smells of lemons."
"No! You're wrong. This is crazy. You're just doing this to scare me!" Andrea's heart literally stopped beating for a moment and almost didn't start again. When it did, the blood rushed to her head, causing a roaring sound in her ears as if sounding an alarm.
Leaning forward in the grate, Jack frowned and tried to read Andrea's expression. "Does that description mean anything to you?"
Of course it did. That was Potion 286. But the idea that it was a love potion was totally ridiculous. She'd already been deeply in love and married long before Severus started giving her that.
"No, it means nothing," she lied. "Please sir, I need to talk to Amy." Andrea had had enough. She refused to hear any more.
"Mrs. Snape," Jack said. "The reason we're telling you all of this is twofold. First, Amy and her husband Robert are my friends, and as such, I feel obligated to warn you. However, it is also my duty to solve this crime spree and arrest the criminals responsible. You can provide us with the critical evidence we need to break into their operation. Do you understand?"
"I-I," Andrea stammered, "Please, I can't—"
Coming back into view in the grate, Amy interrupted, "That's enough Jack. Give her time to think."
"Amy," Andrea pleaded in a quiet but angry voice, "I want you to promise me!"
"What? Anything."
"Please, I beg you. No more accusations. No more suspicions. Don't tell me anything more about Severus until you have proof. Understand?"
"Yes, of course," Amy sighed. "I understand. But you need to promise me something, too. You need to be careful."
"I promise – yes, I'll be careful."
"Oh, and there's one more thing … erm … are you still alone?"
Andrea glanced around the room, secretly hoping Severus had returned. She turned around to check. But as her eyes swept the area behind her, she was reasonably sure he was still gone.
"Yes," she replied. "I'm alone."
"I have someone that wants to talk to you."
God, she thought, please don't let it be Russell. But her hopes quickly evaporated as Russell's handsome face appeared at the grate.
"Hey, beautiful. How's my kitten?"
"Russell—"
"I got your letter."
Trying to think fast, Andrea searched her mind for an appropriate response. Unfortunately, her thoughts were in such a jumble that she couldn't concentrate. There was nothing else to do except proceed as best she could. She had sent the letter; there was no denying it, and now she'd have to decide if she still wanted to go through with it. Did she really want to be business partners with Russell again?
"Um … I was hoping you did. Do you think you might still be able to sell some of my wands in your shop? If you can't that okay—"
"Of course. Send as many as you can," Russell replied enthusiastically before she could even finish her sentence. "I'll still give you sixty Galleons a piece, and I'll even pay the owl shipping rate for them."
"That's … well, nice of you, but it might not be right away," Andrea responded trying not to sound to eager.
Hearing her words, Russell's entire expression changed to one of extreme enthusiasm. "I knew you'd write to me. I knew if I waited, you'd tell me … I mean … oh, Andrea, I've missed you so much." Peering at her through the glowing coals, he couldn't discern much from the indistinct image of her features.
"I could send you some wands maybe by March. I'll have more time by then," Andrea replied vaguely. "You know, the Christmas rush keeps me pretty busy …" The exhaustion and the overwhelming sadness that had been building for days ultimately took control of her answer. There was no more to say. "Thank you, Russell, I have to go now."
"Okay, I understand. But Andrea, please listen to me. I'm here for you. I don't know what the future holds, but if you ever need anything, I'll be waiting. I love you, Andrea, and I'm not going to apologize for it—"
"Russell, don't – please," she interrupted, her eyes stinging with tears. Angry with herself for caring so much, she blinked the moisture away. It was just that he was so sincere, and she didn't want to hurt him. "You have to forget me."
"No, I can't. Not ever. And I won't give up," he replied with such a new ferocity that Andrea was taken aback. But as Russell continued, the softness returned to his voice along with a renewed determination. "The truth is – I'll wait. I'll wait until you're ready. No matter how long it takes."
The tears could no longer be stopped. They flowed down Andrea's face unchecked, but she tried not to let him see. She felt only sorrow. Sorrow for him, for herself. For everything.
"Russell," she managed to say. "Please, I have to go."
Without looking back, she turned away and ran from the room.
A/N: Ah, Russell. He surely is persistent. As always, tell me what you think. If you take the time to write a review, know that you are truly awesome. A special thanks to my beta Fainting Fancies and also to my loyal reviewer: Wendy Waddles.