As Amelia entered the bar she got a face full of cigarette smoke. She waved her hand around her and squinted.
"Gods I hate bars." She said a bit loud. A few of the closer bar flys turned their heads in her direction and grumbled.
"Yes, as you said this place is 'classy'." Severus said in her ear as he stood close and placed a hand on her lower back, pushing her through tables to get to the one in the back corner. His close proximity to her was making her blush. The feel of his large warm hand on her lower back gave her goosebumps while his voice in her ear accompanied by the smoke filled room made her lightheaded. She couldn't deny she was attracted to him. But he was also a prick.
They reached the table entirely too fast before he pulled her chair out for her, being sure to leave himself the seat with a view of the place including the front door.
Amelia was suddenly self conscious about him pulling her chair out for her. 'If he pulled it out that means he has to push it in... with me in it...' She thought panicked. "Ive got it Severus. You don't have to-"
"Don't be a fool, you want to seem as natural as possible in these situations. I'm not planning on wooing you, don't flatter yourself."
'ok, owch... wait was that a spy thing!? Is he giving me pointers!? Well that's probably a good sign!" She thought as he pushed her in. He made it seem effortless as he continued to eye the room. 'Oh thank Merlin.' Her embarrassment subsided.
"You have thirty minutes then you leave and I can carry on with my life." Severus said as he eyed the waitress walking towards them. His arms folded against his chest, his overall demeanor was that of a tightly wound coil.
Severus ordered them both waters and gave the waitress a glare that read 'That's it, go away.' Thankfully she took the hint and left them to both to sip on their drinks.
"I really don't know where to start with all of this." Amelia said after a brief pause. "You already know why I'm here. I need help."
"Yes yes, they want to use you to gain information." He said dismissively. "And you need me to teach you-"
"Everything" she interrupted. Amelia knew she was asking a lot but she needed to be up front with him. "Occlumency, how to get past the stress blocking, who i need to talk to and how..." Amelia could go on. "Just... everything."
Severus sat silently, not touching his water. His face completely unreadable. "You ask a lot."
"I need a lot."
After a pause he finally said "I can't help you." and stood to leave.
Amelia panicked and grabbed his arm. He was about to pull away when he saw her face. Tears pooled in her eyes, pure fear radiating off of her. "Please. I'm not as clever as you... they will kill me."
Severus looked away and closed his eyes. His jaw set tightly as he battled with himself. "Where are you staying?" He asked and he was so mad at himself for even entertaining this idea.
Relief washed over Amelia but she never let go of his arm. "I-I was going to stay at a motel somewhere-"
"I have a spare. Staying comfortable isn't going to help you." he said simply but he regretted it as soon as the words flew from his mouth.
Amelia was completely shocked. He was agreeing to help her but also lending her a place to stay? No more than 30 seconds ago he was basically telling her to fuck off.
"Severus...I-I couldn't. I'm already asking tons." Amelia was at a loss for words.
"Again. Don't flatter yourself. This isn't to make sure you feel cozy and safe. Quite the opposite." Severus pulled his arm away from her slowly as his eyes turned dark. He leaned down so he was eye level. Amelia had to lean back slightly, his face only a few inches away. He practically growled. "How will you learn sitting comfortable in a motel? You are going to train hard... the sooner you are ready... the sooner.you.leave." He pulled back and started towards the door.
Amelia watched him, suddenly uneasy. But that's what he wanted after all. He gave her a look once he reached the door that made her jump up and chase after him. 'He's right. The sooner I do this, the sooner Im gone.'