Lucinda exhaled, breathing in the fresh air. It was time to escape…if only just for just a little while. The day was almost completely perfect. Not a cloud in the sky. Not raining nor too cold. Probably the only perfect day for a run.
The Forbidden Forest loomed in the distance with a permanent gloom weighing over the forest. A perpetual fog rolled through the trees, lulling any curious student inside, be them a first year or seventh. There was something almost hypnotic about the forest. No one knew exactly what it was. The world was almost frozen there. No matter where one found themself in the forest, it almost felt as though time stood still. Frozen while the world moved on around them.
Possibly a reason why it was Forbidden. A wicked kiss of the macrocosm there and one can be sentenced to the rest of their life there. Never stepping foot outside again.
Perhaps she should brave the tabooed woodland for a few moments. Gather herbs before potion's class. She'd been enough to know just how to navigate it. Where the centaurs stayed and where the Acromantulas nested.
She had had the displeasure of accidentally meeting them in her 3rd year…
An experience she never wanted to have again, though she hoped one day Hagrid would grant her a vial of their venom. Just for safekeeping. Acromantula venom could actually be used for very powerful anti-venom when properly prepared.
She continued down the open corridor back to the dungeons. The clean air thickening with each step.
Today was Harry's first class with his father. She couldn't help but wonder exactly what Severus planned to do. Her thoughts drifted back to the mysterious witch Severus had spoken about on the Astronomy Tower. Who was she exactly to him? Yes, she was Harry's mother, but there was something else in his eyes when he spoke about her…
Something dark.
What kind of monster was this woman exactly? What chaos did she spread in her wake… She remembered him sliding some papers and news clippings off his desk whenever she passed by. Could they be holding something more? She was naturally curious about it but at the same time...she felt as though being a brat and going through that file were two completely different things.
There was something he was hiding about her. Not evil, necessarily. No. It definitely wasn't that. But this woman wasn't a good or holy person. Of that she was quite certain.
She shook the thoughts from her mind. No, she couldn't keep thinking about this. That woman was gone. He'd said so himself. There was no need for her to dwell on it.
And yet...
Lucinda went back to her dorm to change into some running clothes. She hummed her song as she dressed for her jog. After pulling on blach shorts and a green crop top, she quickly pulled on her socks and shoes. Running back out into the common room, she stopped to see her reflection and giggled. Other than her Slytherin Green top…she seemed to have taken after Severus in every other way. After she changed and french braided her hair she walked through the castle.
Once outside, near the forest, she looked around making sure no one saw her before letting Pandora out. The trees whispered around her, awakening. The floor was lush with moss, showing her the north path. She ran northeast towards the sun. Wind rustling her fur and small jabber knolls flew into the air as she disturbed the bushes, running past.
She stopped to admire the thestrals in an open field before howling and continuing. She eventually caught up with a pack of centaurs, Firenze smiled and flexed as she passed, fully aware of who she was. She howled again and broke off from the creatures and headed off down the path to find small house-elves gathering herbs for the kitchen. She barked playfully as one tossed her a dirigible plum before turning back to its work.
Unbeknownst to Lucinda her protector was up in the Astronomy tower watching over her while he smoked a cigarette. Out of the corner of his eye he saw movement of lilac robes and he let out a groan of exasperation.
"Good afternoon, Severus. It's a wonderful day. Perhaps the first year's lesson should be outside today," he said, jovially, standing near the railing.
Severus rolled his eyes. "What do you want, Albus?"
"I always wondered where you were sneaking off to. I'm not sure I should be condoning your little escapes for a smoke," the Headmaster chuckled.
"So I should tell Minerva about those cigars you so desperately try to hide?"
The man laughed. "Oh dear me. Perhaps not." His eyes fixed on the girl Severus was watching. "You care about her, don't you?"
"I've said it before. I helped raise her…"
"So you say, but it's blooming into something more?" Severus sneered and turned his head away. "Oh, don't tell me you're still mad about our little ruckus yesterday? I am terribly sorry about that. It seems I was off my meds. Too much candy, I'm afraid. Don't worry. Minerva set me straight."
"I'm sure," Severus grunted. "Meds, hm? You really are getting old, aren't you, old man?"
Albus let out a laugh. "There's the Severus I know!" He clamped his hand over his shoulder, making the younger man stiffen. "We've known each other a long time, haven't we?"
"Too long."
"Yes, we have. And many more years to come, I hope." His eyes twinkled. "Ah...so you've set your test, correct? In the basement?"
"I have, but I'm not sure what the purpose is. Any first year could figure it out if they're clever enough. I'm sure a fully grown wizard could figure out a few parlor tricks." He took a long drag and turned to the man. "What is it you're after, truly? You always say things but never say them straight. I thought we were friends, Albus?"
Albus smiled and leaned on the railing. "We are, Severus. You have proven your loyalty to me time and time again. I suppose I could tell you… There's no reason you shouldn't know. Even during the war, you were faithful to only me and not that witch you thought to be your best friend." Severus grunted. "They're tests for Harry, Severus. I need to see what he's made of. He may be a Slytherin, but I still sense a bit of Gryffindor in the boy. Just enough." He nudged Severus. "Even a dark, old Slytherin can be brave in the face of danger. You and I both know that…"
"And why would you think Harry will be the one to investigate?"
"Just...think of it as a feeling… He's a good boy, your Harry."
"He's not my anything, Albus."
"Perhaps not yet, but in time you may find yourself caring for the boy more than you think?' The old man tapped his nose and coughed. "Well, I'm not sure I can handle this smoke any longer. Don't forget your class, Severus. It will be starting soon, yes?"
As the old man left, Severus smirked. He still believed that stupid loyalty trick. Good.
Just as he was about to head back down to the dungeons he heard a joyful howl from the forest which caused a rare smile to form, "Lucinda," he whispered fondly.
Lucinda backed off and let Pandora hold the reigns as they explored the mysteries within. It had always been so freeing, changing into a wolf. It was heartwarming. Something she never felt able to do within the confines of her blood-status. She loved being able to be free. Feeling the wind rustling her stark white fur.
Pandora was curious about the forest ,exploring it to her heart's content. Upon arriving deeper within the shroud of trees, she came across a cave big enough for a couple of wolves. Padding inside, Pandora let out a joyful howl, happy to finally have a place to come to in her hours of need. Shifting back into her human form, she unsheathed her wand and placed wards around the space making sure no boisterous Headmaster's came looking for its entrance. Nodding to herself, she sighed and made her way back towards the castle, but not before collecting the herbs she knew Severus would need.
Upon entering the castle she took the ingredients down to the potions room and began preparing them, humming the entire time softly to herself as to not disturb Severus who was grading papers at his desk. Once they were to his standards, meaning a majority had probably already failed the class, she nodded and turned to find him staring at her. "Miss…"
Lucinda smiled at him "I will see you after lunch, Professor. Please remember to eat. You always get wrapped up in your work and forget to eat. You need to remember to take care of yourself," she said, softly, turning on her heel to leave.
"What's the point?" She heard him mutter. As she was about to turn around, she shook her head, deciding against it.
Lucinda decided she just had to get through this year.
Stop. Being. A brat…
She chuckled to herself, sitting down next to Harry and her brother before sliding her hands between her thighs and shivering at the memory of his voice. His breath on her neck. Echoes of his long, steady fingers tracing her skin. The low, carnal growl slipping through the facade he so dearly tried to hold onto. She could tell. He was holding on to the tiny amount of dignity he had left…
And she'd be damned if she didn't do everything in her power to destroy that last hold on his life. He ached for her. She knew it. She could almost see him pleasuring himself at the thought of her.
She just needed to force him to let go…
'Fine,' she thought, smiling at her lap. 'You can have your fun for now, but don't complain when I give you a taste of your own medicine…' She looked up at the teachers table to Severus Snape raising an eyebrow and smirking before he, too, started eating. She sighed in relief to see him eating. There were too many days and nights at the manor where they both were so engrossed in their potions, they would refuse to come out until her mother sent Dobby, Lucinda's house elf, to feed the two of them.
Ducking her head back down, she felt her cheeks flush before turning to look at the boys sitting next to her. "How was your class, Harry? Draco?" She asked her boys.
Harry's eyes lit up. "They're amazing! We've been learning so many amazing things! Like how plants can talk! And turning rats into goblets! Drake says Professor Snape will come tutor us over the summer! I can't wait! What do you think he'll teach us? Drake days Professor Snape is your friend! What kind of teacher is he like? Is he cool?" Harry's face was so full of excitement she decided to share it with a certain potions master.
'This summer…' She hummed in her mind, a smile playing on her lips.
She listened to each and everyone of her eleven charges talk about their classes. As well as how much they were looking forward to potions class. She looked over at her friend who was listening to her two first years as well.
As lunch was wrapping up she gathered everyone together. She rubbed her hands together, counting the students. "Alright everyone here?" They nodded, all excited and unsuspecting. Just how Severus preferred it. Poor kids had no idea what to expect.
She racked her brain to remember who the class was with until she heard snickering and immediately dreaded this lesson.
"Harry, you looked at your potions book last night right?" Lucinda whispered to him as he nodded, the feeling calmed down a little bit. "Good. When he asks you a question, don't cite word for word from the book, just summarize it." He looked up at her with panicked eyes and hugged his book bag as she led all the kids into the classroom, and took her seat at his desk to watch the fun unfold.
Severus Snape made his usual dramatic entrance of slamming doors and scaring the shit out of the first years. And every year their reactions were the same. Except one little boy looked like he'd already wet his robes.
"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion making," he began, folding his hands behind his back. He spoke in barely more than a whisper, but they caught every word. Like Professor McGonagall, Snape could command a room with little effort. If he asked these kids to go into battle for him, it's not likely they'd have a chance to complain.
"As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic." His eyes skirted over each and every student. Every one of them had one of two expressions. They'd either been prepared for his demeanor, who were just as terrified as the rest but had known what to expect. Whereas the others seemed almost…frozen in horror. His favorite reaction. So little time to understand that he wasn't one to feed into the wonderful and magical school they were admitted to. It may be a school about magic, but it was a school all the same. They couldn't expect to be treated like infants their entire stay. "I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses… I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even put a stopper to death if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach." More silence followed this little speech.
Harry and Draco exchanged looks with raised eyebrows and smirks. While Lavender Brown was on the edge of her seat and looked desperate to start proving that she wasn't a dunderhead. Draco snickered and crossed his eyebrows, making Harry snort a little under his breath. Before Harry could respond, Snape was suddenly in front of him, sneering down. "Potter!" Snape growled, watching their exchange. He couldn't help but be slightly relieved that his godson had found a friend. Draco was such a lonely child. No matter how many children he surrounded himself with…he always had those eyes. The same eyes he had all those years ago. Surrounded by people and still so cold. So alone. Yet, he was curious. How would the two fair in the future?
He thought for a moment before continuing on. "What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
"A sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death." Harry said, smiling up at him genuinely. Not trying to upstage him or boast. Just answering a question.
Snape's lips curled into a smirk. "Quite right, Mr. Potter. Now, where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"
"The stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons, sir."
He was stunned. For a child who, weeks ago, had no idea this world existed, he was prepared. "Interesting…" He crossed his arms and raised his thumb to his lips, brushing over the soft skin there.
Harry forced himself to keep looking straight into those cold eyes before an emotion flickered across them. Was it pride? In Harry? Why? Was it because he answered correctly? Perhaps he was just happy his House was earning points.
Severus stared at him for a moment more. "Well, Mr. Chosen One…" He stroked his chin. "I believe if you continue to answer correctly, Slytherin will have earned House Points. Yes?" The Slytherin children whispered, excitedly, waiting for Snape to ask the question. Severus stared at him for a moment before parting his lips. "What is the difference, Potter, between monkshood and wolfsbane?" Severus stood in front of him, his chest swelling with pride. He knew Lucinda must have had something to do with this, but even still. Harry was just like his father and had no idea.
Harry chewed on his cheek for a moment, thinking of the correct answer. "Oh! It's a trick question! They're the same plant! It may also go by the name, Aconite," Harry said, his eyes glittering in the dim lighting of the dungeon classroom. His eyes flickered to the back, where Lucinda was beaming at him.
He raised his eyebrows in surprise before looking around the classroom. Everyone was gasping in surprise and some in anger, but no one had moved."Well? Why aren't you copying that down?" There was a sudden rummaging for quills and parchment. Over the noise, Snape spoke once more. "Twenty points will be given to Slytherin House for your quick wit, Potter."
"How is that fair?" A loud voice said from the back of the classroom. "He's in Slytherin! Everyone knows Slytherins are a bunch of cheats!" Severus turned his head to see the little Weasley boy from the train. Wonderful, he was worse than the others. At least they had an ounce of respect.
"Or perhaps," he sneered, folding his hands behind his back and stepping towards the table. "Mr. Potter was clever enough to pick up a book. I'm sure you would have done the same had you known how to read. Please, Mr. Weasley. Do learn by the end of the day. I will have no tolerance for your tomfoolery today, tomorrow, or for the next seven years." The boy quieted down, stewing in his jealousy. "As twenty points were awarded to Slytherin, twenty will be taken from Gryffindor. I'm sure your classmates will love to thank you at a later time." The Gryffindor's glared at him before turning away, back to the board where Snape was retreating.
Things didn't improve for the Gryffindors as the Potions lesson continued. Snape placed them in pairs before sending them to mix up a simple potion to cure boils. He swept around in his long black cloak, watching them weigh dried nettles and crush snake fangs, criticizing almost everyone except Draco and Harry, whom he seemed to enjoy.
Lucinda made her own rounds watching Zuri and Sigurd create an almost perfect potion. Unfortunately, not as well done as her little brother and his new friend. She was proud of the first years in this group; most of the Gryffindors were failing and it was only the first day of Potions. At this rate, only the eleven Slytherins would be in the NEWT class.
Lucinda was over near the Gryffindors, watching Mr. Weasley absolutely destroy whatever his potion had become. He wrinkled his nose at the sight of her. "The fuck you want?" He hissed.
Severus immediately looked up. "Another five points from Gryffindor, Mr. Weasley. I'd appreciate it if you focused on your assignment and not my apprentice." Ron groaned and turned back to his potion as Lucinda walked on towards Lavender Brown who was acting like a nervous ninny. As she passed her, she heard a loud bang but had no time to react. She grunted as she was thrown back into the shelf behind her, her arms splattered with the failed potion.
Severus had just been boasting to the surrounding students, drawing their attention to Draco and Harry who had stewed their horned slugs perfectly. As soon as he heard the loud hissing, he looked up to see clouds of acid green smoke filling the dungeon. Neville Longbottom had somehow managed to melt Seamus Finnigan's cauldron into a twisted blob. Their potion was seeping across the stone floor, burning holes in people's shoes.
Within seconds, the whole class was standing on their stools while Neville, who had been drenched in the potion when the cauldron collapsed, moaned in pain as angry red boils sprang up all over his arms and legs.
"Cinda!" Draco screamed as Harry grabbed his professor's attention to his apprentice's state. Unable to control himself, he ran over to Lucinda's limp body and ran his hand over her head to feel a large knot. As for her arms…
"Idiot boy!" Snape snapped, clearing the spilled potion away with one wave of his wand. "I suppose you added the porcupine quills before taking the cauldron off the fire?"
Neville whimpered as boils started to pop up all over his nose.
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head. "Mr. Finnigan, please take him up to the hospital wing immediately," Snape spat at Seamus. Then he rounded on Dean and Ron, who had been working next to Neville. "You, Weasley, why didn't you tell him not to add the quills? Thought he'd make you look good if he got it wrong, did you? That's another ten points you've lost Gryffindor."
Severus pulled her into his arms and smoothed her hair. "Dismissed!" He screamed. "OUT! All of you! Out!"
All the Gryffindors scrambled out of the dungeons, but the eleven Slytherins who had been following her around all day like puppies stayed. Draco cried out and ran over to her side.
"Cinda?" He cried. She whimpered and blinked her eyes. "CINDA!" He gasped, happy that she was conscious.
"I'm fine, baby brother," she rasped, coughing up a little blood. "Take the rest of the first years to the dorms until your next class, okay?" He nodded, getting everyone gathered and out the door closing it behind Harry who left last.
"Ow," she rasped again, looking up at the man who held her. He sighed with relief but without speaking, he picked her up and sat her on his desk. She looked up at the obsidian eyes consumed with concern and fear. Not knowing why he seemed so worried, she looked down at her arms. Boils and burns covered her arms, ready to burst at even the gentlest touch. At the sight of them, the pain flooded her body. "Ow…" She muttered.
Severus reached out a hand and softly stroked her cheek, still not speaking.
"I'm sorry," she whimpered, believing him angry with her.
He continued to stare at her for a moment longer, before cupping her other cheek and holding her face in his warm hands. "Why are you sorry, my dear? You did nothing wrong."
"If I had just stayed sitting…"
He chuckled and pulled her head into his chest. He smoothed her hair with his hands. She gasped softly when she felt his lips graze her forehead. "There is no need to feel sorry, my dear. You did nothing wrong, as I previously stated. You were simply at the wrong place, at the wrong time."
Lucinda smiled. "You don't think these are gross?" She winced and stiffly swung her arms around like a muggle version of the undead.
He grinned and lifted her hand up to examine the boils. "Not at all."
"Kiss it," she giggled.
He smirked. "Perhaps when your boils are gone…you may incite me to kiss your scars. If that is what you wish."
She sucked in a breath and turned crimson just as he raised his wand. "Promise?"
A wicked smile appeared on his lips. "Perhaps… Let us save that for later, yes? For now, we should get you bandaged and healed." Taking it one at a time, he healed each boil. Taking his time. And when he was done, she felt his lips brush against each wound where they once sat.
──────༺ ༻──────
Lucinda laid in bed, her arms bandaged after the potions accident. She groaned and rubbed her eyes, trying to tattoo the feeling of his lips on her skin into her brain, permanently. That feeling had been so wonderful. Even though her skin was still tender, he had kissed them so easily. As if he didn't care if they'd been covered in boils, seconds prior.
She looked toward her desk, at the journal she'd discovered in a tiny, off the beaten path, shop in Knockturn Alley. It had been charmed to never run out of paper and once paired, it would only unlock with her wand. Next to it sat a glass quill with four ink bottles. She smiled, fondly, at the memory of Severus etching 'Pandora' into the cover.
In the Commons, she heard Corey boasting about quidditch practise and how he was surely going to be Seeker this year. He'd been saying that for three years.
She rolled her eyes, pain washing over her. She was already in enough pain. She couldn't bear to listen to his whining for a moment longer. In pain and just plain irritated, she decided to walk to the Astronomy tower, she felt that it was better than just laying around, listening to his idiocy. How did she get stuck with him? He wasn't even intelligent or popular…just another dopey jock.
Making her way up the stairs, she breathed in the cool air and sighed, sitting on the stone wall. Closing her eyes, her mind drifted. Thinking of Severus… That beautiful summer night…..
──────༺ ༻──────
Lucinda was on a high; her birthday was finally here, signifying her ascent into adulthood.
Her eyes flickered to her bedroom door, wondering if a certain, ebony-haired recluse had taken precious time away from his experiments to come and join them this evening. She liked to think so, but then again. This was Severus Snape.
Maybe she would finally have the courage to tell him tonight. She'd been harbouring these feelings for a while now. For years, she'd pined after the man. Would he laugh in her face? Push her away? Hide in his laboratory like the vampire everyone said he was?
He was her friend…
Her tutor…
He would hurt her, on purpose…
Her mother had helped do her hair and makeup before she put on her gown. She wanted to feel like a princess but still look like an adult.
The gown was a stunning emerald green, a few shades lighter than her house's signature color. It was jeweled over the breasts with a modest neckline and thin straps that were more for decoration than support. The dress was shorter in the front, falling in waves around her smooth, pale legs, and dragged behind her as she walked.
She had chosen silver as her accent color. Silver heels, jewelry, jacket… Upon looking in the mirror, she realized she had, once again, chosen the colors of her House. Not that it was a bad thing. It was an honor to be in the Slytherin House, but still. Not every piece of clothing she wore had to be green…
She smiled to herself. Yes, it does, she giggled to herself.
Throwing her jacket over her shoulders, she stared at her reflection and brushed a stray, blonde hair from her eyes, and smoothed her dress. She could do this. It wasn't hard. She just needed to march up to him, grab him by the ear, and pull him to the gardens. Maybe she'd manage to steal a kiss, before he realized what was happening, and slip away into the darkness of the garden.
Opening her door, she took another deep breath and nodded, reassuringly, before walking down the hall to the grand staircase with her shoulders back and chin held high. Despite the daggers in her stomach, she held herself with grace as she descended the staircase.
Near the door to the ballroom, a looming figure in black dress robes, was speaking to her father. When she entered into his sight, he tore his eyes away from his dearest friend allowing them to land on her. A kind smile traced his lips as she walked. Crimson etched itself onto her cheeks as she brushed past him and entered the party.
The festivities were in full swing when he asked her to dance. She was stunned, as he was not one to be the center of attention. Not anymore.
There were rumors swirling about Severus and his past. Murmurs in the night of when, once upon a time, Severus had captivated large audiences of every blood status around the world. She had never seen him dance before, so the thought of him being a world renown dancer was a little hard to believe, even for her…but as he held out his hand, there was something so confident in his mannerisms. As if this was second nature to him.
A low hum began the song as she took his hand. It was deep and slow, drawing other pairs away from the dance floor as the potion's master led the Malfoy Heiress onto the dancefloor. Guest's eyes glittered and whispers erupted in excitement to see the legendary god of the ballroom taking to the dancefloor once again. He had been known throughout the world as divinity when he took to the floor, years ago…but when his partner was gone. He was never seen again.
Now, he'd singled out someone new and blessed their eyes once again. "Just follow my lead," he muttered. She nodded, taking his hand but staring at her feet. He released her hand once more and tipped her chin up. "Look into my eyes. Trust your body. It knows what to do."
She sucked in a breath, staring into dusky, charcoal irises. "Yes, sir…"
He smiled and wrapped an arm around her waist, dipping her as the beat dropped. "Follow my movements. Trust me and let me lead you…"
The Argentine Tango. Difficult when it comes to footwork, but with the right partner…
He swept her around the ballroom, everyone watching them as they danced, never looking away from each other. She felt safe in his arms. He chuckled. "Do you trust me?" She eyed him as they continued to pick up pace. "I need you to say it."
"I do…" She whispered. He chuckled and spun her one last time before picking her up as if she was weightless and threw her in the air before catching her and wrapping her legs around his waist, dipping her. Her hair was so close to the floor and yet she knew he had her. He would have never dropped her.
As they danced, Lucius and Narcissa stood in a corner, swirling their glasses of wine. "This asshole," Lucius muttered into his wine.
Narcissa smiled. "If they're together by the end of this school year, you owe me an island."
He looked at her with wide eyes. "Woman!"
"You owe me an island," Narcissa whispered, not taking her eyes off them. "Yes?"
He grumbled but felt confident his friend wouldn't betray him. They had gone to school for years. He wouldn't do something so stupid as to fall in love with his daughter. That was going far, even for him. "Fine. An island it is."
"I'll start looking at property," she hummed. "I'm thinking…Greece."
He grumbled into his drink, shaking his head as the dance came to a close. "Severus, you bastard."
As the song came to an end, Severus dipped her one last time before pulling her slowly back up, so close their foreheads were almost touching. Breathing heavily, Severus smiled. "Brilliant in the classroom and refined on the dance floor. You truly are a wonder, my dear student."
She blushed and looked around at the breathless audience around them. "Thank you for dancing with me. Walk with me, sir?" She whispered in his ear, so soft it almost wasn't audible over the band who had now begun to play once again. He nodded, offering her his arm and strolled out of the ballroom to the grounds after taking a new firewhiskey from one of the servers.
Cherry blossom trees were in full bloom. Blush pinks petals swirled around them in the breeze as the full moon shone over them. Severus made a soft noise in his throat. "I wonder, on nights like these, if he remembered to take his potion…"
"Who?" Lucinda asked, curiously.
"An old…" He trailed off, furrowing his eyes. "...Friend…I suppose you could call him. We were in school together. The poor man suffered the curse of lycanthropy. A good man, but he did some terrible things as a child…"
She looked up to see sadness in his dark eyes as he stared up at the moon. "What do you mean?"
"He was a good man," he sighed. "But when you're children and your best friend does one thing…it's hard not to join in. I've harboured such hate towards him over the years. Only now do I realize all that hate has no place between us. I wish I could tell him I'm sorry…but unfortunately, I don't know where he is…" He smiled. "Maybe one day we can meet as friends."
Lucinda smiled and laid her head against his arm, sighing. "I think you will. I know you enough to believe that once you've set your mind to something…"
He chuckled. "Then perhaps you don't know me as well as you think…"
They were quiet for a while, standing under the light of the moon. Her heart was still racing from the dance, still unable to catch her breath. It was now or never. With liquid courage running through her veins, she pulled her head away and turned to look up at him.
"Severus, I have something important to tell you." Lucinda whispered, licking her bottom lip. She pressed up onto her tiptoes and pushed her forehead against his. He retracted slightly in surprise, but sighed and leaned in, allowing the contact.
For years he'd felt the inkling that her feelings were a bit more than respect. He'd tried for years to dissolve those feelings, but now it seemed…
She was so beautiful that evening. So grown up. He'd been there for every important moment of her life. He'd seen her first steps. Taught her, her first swear. Helped her fly on a broom. How could he see her as anything other than a goddaughter? Could she really expect him to…
She breathed deeply and stared into his eyes. "Severus, I'm not sure when, but I know I have fallen irrevocably in love with you." He clenched his jaw and listened to her speak. He had least owed her words some respect. "I'm not talking about some school girl crush, Severus. I know you may only see me as a child but…" She twisted a curl around her finger, nervously. "If you don't believe me…" She lifted his wand hand up to her temple and whispered "...Look for yourself."
Severus was hesitant. "Lucy, I can't…" He paused, watching the sincerity of her words glowing in her glistening, silver eyes. He thought for a moment and tugged, uncomfortably on his collar. "Legilimens…"
As soon as the incantation slipped from his lips, memories flashed through both of their minds.
When she was fifteen, with a crush, thinking that's all it was. Brushing it off and continuing on with her life, expecting her feelings to dissolve with time.
Continuing to grow, with her feelings for him flourishing more and more.
Moments where they laughed together in the gardens. Fought over trivial things. Screaming at the top of her lungs, begging him to stop treating her like a child.
He'd always known and yet it was like learning for the first time.
Severus backed out of her memories. Feeling the firewhiskey and knowing that she might never get another chance, she weaved her fingers into his hair. Before he could pull away, she pressed her lips against his and kissed him slowly. She moaned, softly, and felt his long slender fingers lace into her curls. One hand dropped and wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. He moaned into the kiss, parting his lips for his tongue to dart into her mouth before biting her bottom lip.
When they couldn't breathe anymore, they pulled away, and leaned their foreheads against each other's, keeping eye contact. Lucinda smiled before turning so she had her back to his chest. His arms wrapped around her waist and laid his chin on the top of her hair, staring up at the full moon. The rest was a blur for both parties, but that night would play in their heads for the coming months. Neither knowing if it was the right thing…
──────༺ ༻──────
Lucinda smiled as she thought fondly of that night and the nights that followed with only the memory to keep her happy while he went on ignoring her over the summer. She sighed and momentarily let her guard down, thinking she was safe.
A cough behind her startled her, she whipped around to see Minerva McGonagall behind her. Lucinda's eyes went wide. "I'm sorry, ma'am, I didn't know I wasn't supposed to be here." Lucinda said in a low whisper before turning to go.
"Miss Malfoy, you don't have to go. A bit of advice though, don't go around projecting those feelings around just anyone." Minerva looked at the poor girl obviously pining after the potions master. "He's only worried about your safety, my dear."
"Is that why he's always pushing me away?" Lucinda sighed and went back to the railing watching the sun start to set in the sky blazing with pinks and purples.
Minerva sighed and walked over to her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "He's always been like that, I'm afraid. Given the way he grew up I'm not surprised." Lucinda turned to look at her. "He had a rough life, though it's not for me to say. There was a man, at one point. He helped him…"
"What happened to him?"
Minerva sighed. "He died…but I think that's a tale for him to tell. Just keep your chin up and you may just win him over." Minerva patted the young girl on the head and left Lucinda to think about what she said.
Lucinda stayed up in the Astronomy Tower for a while, watching the sun and the moon do their dance in the sky. Determined to stop acting like a schoolgirl with a crush, she knew she had to become a woman he could love as an equal. He saw her still as a child. If she wanted him to love her as she did him, she had to grow. Show him that she could become what he needed her to be.
She shivered as the cool night air swept over her bandaged arms. Moving her hands to rub some warmth into them, she jumped slightly when she felt a cloak wrapped around her.
Severus chuckled at her reaction. "How long have you been here? I've looked everywhere for you…when I didn't see you at supper, darling, I figured there was only one place you could be." He had been worried.
She smiled up at him and leaned back into his warmth. "I just needed some time to think…sorry for worrying you, Severus." Lucinda looked at the floor, feeling bad that she'd worried him. She just couldn't be stuck in her room listening to that idiot jock going on about the latest quidditch game to his friends in the Common Room. "Would you mind walking with Pandora for a bit? She's been restless today, for some reason." He nodded and they made their way down to the Black Lake. Handing him his cloak, he pulled it back on and watched her shift.
He smiled at her fondly and reached out to scratch behind her ear. "Hello, Pandora." She yipped and it made him chuckle.
Lucinda sighed, sadly, and let the wolf have complete control. The wolf yipped at a stick on the ground, running towards it, and grabbing it. She trotted back to Severus, dropping it on the ground in front of him. Looking at him with golden eyes, she begged him to throw it. He gave her a half smile before picking up the stick and throwing it as hard as he could, letting out a deep chuckle as he watched her spin around on her feet and bolt after the stick. Her joyous howls could be heard all around him, as she ran back with the stick. Bouncing around and playfully growling for more.
A group of First Years, walked back from the library, carrying their books. They had stayed up for hours, even skipping dinner to just work on the extensive amount of homework their dreaded potion's master had already given them.
"I hate him," one of the muggleborns mumbled. "Like this is supposed to be this magical place and here I am…writing an essay on something I know nothing about! It's ridiculous!"
One of the Ravenclaws agreed as a Gryffindor boy spoke up. "I mean. He's horrible, isn't he? Does he ever smile? Looks like he's been trying to take a shit for years and it's never come out."
"Guy needs to chill," another said. "He's the literal worst. He deducted 50 house points from Hufflepuff today for no reason!"
As they walked past, one of them stopped and slapped the arm of their new friend and pointed out towards the Lake. "Uh…chill like that?" They all stopped to see their horrible, constipated professor running around with the biggest smile on his face. A giant wolf was yipping with a stick in its mouth and wagging its tail. "Pandora! Give me the goddamn stick!"
The wolf growled and took off at high speed away from him before dropping it and sticking out its tongue, wagging its tail. He groaned and flashed another grin before running towards the wolf. Just as he was about to pick up the stick, the wolf grabbed it and took off in the other direction howling as if it was laughing.
"GODDAMNIT!" He screamed before the wolf ran back at him and jumped, pouncing on him and crushing him beneath her paws. He let out a laugh and kissed its nose, scratching its head.
The students watched the man laugh and play with his pet in shock. "Uh…maybe we should…" They could look away from the sight. They'd heard such terrible things about the man. This was obviously a rare sight that not even the seventh years had seen. "We should…" The bell rang to signal that curfew was in only a few minutes.
At the sound they all jumped and began running towards their dorms, not wanting to be caught by the potions master.
Back at the Lake, Severus grunted and sat up, taking the saliva soaked stick in his hand. "One more, Pandora, then we have to go, okay?" He chuckled when he saw her eyes light up, once more. He threw the stick twice as far this time after standing, knowing full well, that it wouldn't be the last time.
When she came dashing back with the stick in her mouth, she dropped it in front of him and wagged her tail hoping for more. He shook his head laughing before using magic to throw the stick again while walking over to a tree he and his friends used to study under and sat down. Maybe all she needed was to let loose as her wolf, though he did worry she wasn't one to just ask this of him. She howled, happily, before picking up the stick and ran back to his side. Laying down beside him, she nuzzles his thigh with her snow white muzzle. She shuddered like she was sighing and closed her eyes.
Severus let his hand float through her fur at ease and calm considering what was going on. Pandora snuggled closer to him laying on her side so he could reach her stomach. He smiled at her and rubbed her stomach.
"You are definitely a strange one, Pandora," he whispered, leaning his head back, on the trunk of the looming tree.
Pandora flipped her head up and thought for a moment. 'Follow me.'
Severus raised an eyebrow, but got up and followed the wolf as she ran. He laughed and enjoyed the run through the forest with her, as her stark white fur shimmered in the moonlight. His long stride made it easy to keep up with her. The wolf came to a stop, suddenly, like she had an idea. Shifting back to human, glowing silver irises met obsidian. She smirked and gave him a 'come get me look' before whipping around to continue running. Severus let out a deep growl accepting her challenge before racing after her.
Lucinda let out a laugh as she ran, leaping over roots and trees before skidding to a halt in front of her cave. Before she could even take down the wards she was tackled to the ground. A deep laugh above her caught her off guard. Lucinda smirked at their position and raised a hand to his cheek.
"What's so funny, Sev?" She whispered her silver irises were almost white with the glow of the moonlight. He was caught off guard by her smile and her eyes, he leaned into her hand before smirking and standing up before offering her help.
"Your reaction," he said, simply, pulling her to her feet. "Why are we this deep into the forest?" He muttered waving his hands where the wards were. "Protection charms?" He turned to her, raising an eyebrow.
"I was about to show you before you barreled into me." She smirked at him taking down all the wards and letting him in before putting them back up. "Bring your wand here, Severus." his name rolled off her tongue in a new way that made him shiver.
She took his wrist and a glow from the wards signaled he could enter. "I found a place for Pandora and I to hide from people when they become too much but she wanted to show you for some reason." Lucinda's voice was a whisper as she moved away from him towards the middle of the cave. "It could also be a place for us to run to where no one can interrupt us," she added looking back at him over her shoulder, there was something different in her eyes he noticed it. They were no longer the eyes of a young girl with a crush. They were that of a woman fighting every urge to be with the one she loved.
"You remember what dance we danced that night, Severus?" She asked quietly.
He nodded. "I believe the tango started just as I had asked you to dance my dear," he smirked at her bravery.
Lucinda took out her wand transforming her school uniform into a short black halter top dancing dress, the back dipped down revealing her skin, the sequins sparkled in the moonlight that showed in the cave.
"Sir, may I have this dance?" Her voice never wavered and she was serious, her normally silver eyes now sparkled with gold specks in them.
Severus took his top cloak off before transforming his clothes into a suitable dancing attire that matched her dress. "Have you improved since the last time we danced?" He smirked.
"Don't tell me you were holding back on me, Severus?" Lucinda batted her eyes smirking.
"Maybe, though I won't hold back this time. You will have to keep up with my tempo." Severus told her while circling Lucinda with a finger tracing her shoulders with the lightest touch making her shiver.
As he twirled her around, there was no need for music. They moved in sync, their eyes not leaving one anothers. After a few movements, Severus pulled her in close and pressed a hand against her cheek. "Perhaps I was wrong…" He whispered, his eyes turning dark for a moment.
"Severus?"
Before she could speak, Severus leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. She gasped, softly, wrapping her arms around his neck and breathed in his scent. "Perhaps…" He muttered against her lips. "You're just what I need…"
