January 9th. It was the first morning of classes after Christmas Break.
"A little kitty told me that today's your birthday"
"Of course she did"
"I take it you don't celebrate your birthday"
"No. And I appreciate it if no one else does either"
"Well aren't you just a barrel of monkeys today"
While I was teaching the younger students, Severus walked around to check on their progress, even though I hated when he did that. He made the children nervous when he would peer into their cauldrons.
'Don't scare them' I scolded him in my head. I knew he could hear me.
During his fifth year class, I started planning next week's Contraceptive Potion lesson. I was going to teach 2 fifth year classes and his advanced class. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about it.
When it was time for the advanced class, I had finished most of my work and decided to have a little fun while he was lecturing about memory potions. I thought back to a few nights ago after our bath. Every. Last. Detail.
"Memory Potions are...cannot be..." he cleared his throat and started over. I knew I was going to be in trouble after class. I tried to stifle my giggles.
Once the class started their brewing, I tried to get up and start walking around, but he was too quick.
"Don't. Do. That. Again" he whispered harshly
"Do what professor?" I smiled coyly.
I glanced in everyone's cauldrons. "Nice job Hermione" her potion was absolutely perfect as usual. She smiled at the compliment.
"You know, you could have done anything. Gotten any job. Why did you decide to come back to school?"
"I could say the same to you, 'assistant professor'"
"Touche"
"After last year, I just wanted something normal. You know, before going back out there"
"I get it" I put my hand on her shoulder. She relaxed at my touch. She would never admit how difficult last year was for her, but I could feel it. "You know, if you ever need anyone to talk to, my door is always open"
I continued walking around and thought about what I could give Sev for his birthday later. Everytime I caught him glaring at me, I winked at him. I was already in trouble, might as well have fun.
After class, I snuck out with the students. They were mostly taller than me so it was easy to blend in. I walked out to the courtyard, although it wasn't the best idea. I hadn't brought my wool cloak and it was pretty cold out. I assumed my Lynx form to stay warmer and ran around in the snow for a bit. I head quick footsteps behind me and I knew immediately who it was and that I was in trouble. I curled around Sev's legs purring.
"What was that?"
Back to human form.
"I have no idea what you're talking about" I said innocently
"You know perfectly well what I'm talking about and don't do it again."
"What's the matter? Couldn't concentrate? Wouldn't want your students to see how big your cock can get, would we?" I whispered
"You can save your filthy thoughts for after class" He threw his cloak around my shoulders "Now get inside before you freeze. Foolish girl."
He stormed to his office. I went back to my Lynx and followed him. He sat at his desk and I jumped on his lap and gave him a few kitty headbutts and cheek bumps, then settled into his lap purring. He started absent mindedly petting me, which I took as forgiveness. His office door burst open and a tall, blonde wizard came in. He looked like he hadn't slept, or showered, in quite some time.
"Severus, I need a favor...I didn't know you had a cat"
"Lucius. Get out of Azkaban then? I didn't think you would have the courage to show your face around here again."
"Yes well... You and I were friends once."
"Were we?"
"It just so happens I am in need of a place to stay."
"Your wife finally come to her senses then? You can't stay here. I'm surprised Minerva even let you in now"
"Please Severus. It's just temporary." he sounded desperate. I nuzzled Sev's face hoping he could help his old friend.
"You may stay at my house in Spinners End. Temporarily. I will escort you there this evening. You may stay for dinner. Please go to Minerva's office and I will see you there shortly"
Lucius nodded and left quickly.
I resumed my human form on Severus' lap
"Who was that?"
"Lucius Malfoy. He was a supporter of the dark lord who...fell out of favor with him."
"He seems like he's in a bad way. I'm glad you could help him"
"If you knew him, you might not be so glad"
"Can I come with you tonight? To help?"
"I don't know if that's wise"
I followed him up to Minerva's office
"Severus. I do appreciate your assistance." Lucius eyed me suspiciously "Is this one of your students?"
"This is my assistant professor, Miss Lee"
"Hi. I'm Alex"
"Ah. A pleasure to meet you" he took my outstretched hand and kissed it.
I was actually going for a handshake, but ok.
"Shall we go to dinner then?" Lucius offered his arm to me. I didn't know what to do, so I took it and we walked to the Great Hall. I don't think Severus appreciated his old friend being so forward. Lucius inserted himself between Sev and I at the head table.
"What's he doing here?" Harry whispered
"His wife kicked him out I guess. Severus is letting him stay at his house"
"Couldn't have happened to a better guy."
"I sense a story" I smiled
"I'll tell you later" I couldn't wait for that one.
"Alex, please tell me more about yourself"
"Well, I'm from New York, graduated from Ilvermorny, became a Potion Master in the US, and moved here. Not much to tell I guess" Not you anyway.
Lucius reached out and stroked a piece of my hair. He was the type who probably always got what he wanted. At one point he was probably good looking, but he obviously hasn't been taking care of himself.
"Severus, please tell me you are going to bring your lovely assistant with us tonight."
"I don't think that's necessary"
"Oh I wouldn't mind" I interupted
Severus narrowed his eyes at me. "We should be going then."
The three of us walked out to the gates. Both men offered their arms to me. I took Sev's and pretended not to notice Lucius.
"The little house on Spinners End was dark and gloomy. You could tell Severus rarely stayed there. I started wandering around looking in all the rooms. Lucius cornered me in what seemed to be a study. He reached out and caressed my arm.
"You're very beautiful, Alex"
'Severus if you can hear me, please come to your study...NOW' I thought. Hopefully he could hear me.
Lucius lightly brushed my cheek with his fingers.
Severus came into the study "Everything settled then Lucius? Alex and I will be going. We have work to do"
"Just one more thing. Could you talk to Narcissa. She'll listen to you Severus."
"I will think about it. Alex, let's go"
"Alex, it was a pleasure. I hope to see you again"
I nodded quickly and hurried after Severus
"Thanks" I whispered
"You should have just stayed behind. I could see that he wanted to try to get you alone"
We apparated back to the castle and walked back to Severus' office.
"Come on old man. Let's go celebrate your birthday"