A/N: Same disclaimer as last time. I got the Sirius' idea of 'cute little
witches' from Riley's "Pawn To Queen" and another fic (not by Riley, I
forgot the author though) I think the title of the fic is "Why Slytherins
are Sexier" If anyone knows, please correct me and I'll get it right next
upload!!
~*~ Secrets of the Dance ~*~
Breakfast came fast, and with it came the eyes of Snape upon her like black fire. Not once did his gaze stray to the Gryffindor table, or even to his food as he ate it. He just stared at her, and she could feel his curiosity mix with suspicions as well as. . . anger and jealousy? Does he know already? And if so, Lark thought, then how?
"Something the matter, Severus?" She finally asked, spooning up a bit of oatmeal.
"As a matter of fact, it is." He replied, his voice sounding far more dangerous than she'd ever heard it before.
"How so?" Her eyes daring to meet his. He was not hiding his emotions then, that was jealousy she felt radiating off of him.
"You were in late last evening. Practically came back in the morning hours. Looked a mess too, I'll dare say." His eyebrow raised slowly with is words, making her skin crawl slightly.
"So, what of it?" She then glared at him. "And, how would you know?" On her other side, Narcissa got up and left, dragging Lucius along with her. That started Lark's mind into rolling with ideas.
"I was up, in the common room, when you came in. Narcissa was there before me though, and she told me that she was looking for you, that you hadn't been in bed that evening. I was worried, Audrey. I was ready to go looking for you when you finally dragged yourself in." His voice was getting lower and lower by the second.
"How very brotherly of you Severus." She replied, standing up to leave the table. He followed her, of course, and the conversation continued. "And why didn't you make yourself known then, instead of lurking in shadows and waiting for this morning to mention it?"
"I followed you to your dorm room, actually –so I didn't hide in the shadows, thank you. You were just too drunk on joy to notice it. If that's not all you were drunk on." He growled.
"What are you implying?" She hissed, stopping in the hall just as a draft blew over them.
"I think that's obvious. Now tell me, who was it?" His arms were crossed and his eyes were burning holes into her – or so they seemed to in her opinion. "Who?"
"Is it really any of your business?" Lark felt torn between clawing him and grabbing him for a kiss. He was so infuriating!
"I think it is if you're going to go gallivanting around like some common . . ." And that was when her finger nails connected with his cheek.
"That, old friend, was going too far." She hissed. "Now, if you want to keep your features intact, you will never, ever , ever even begin a sentence that implies me as such a creature as that again. Are we understood?"
"Clearly." He stated, looking clearly taken aback as he covered the claw mark on his face. Severus had known he'd gone too far, he hadn't meant to imply that . . . but he was angry. What did you expect, she questioned him in her mind. "Audrey, I'm just concerned for your well being."
"I can take care of myself." She whispered. Then, she held her head up and straitened her shoulders. Turning from him, she stated : "Come on, we have a class to attend."
"I'm right with you." Was his reply. They walked to Potions in silence, the only real words said were those for the small healing charm he'd performed on the scratches before they got to class.
Severus' eyes were flickering to her whenever they could for the duration of the class. And, in such case . . . she was sure he figured out in a very short time exactly who she'd been with the night prior. Plus, if she wasn't mistaken, she was sure she felt his jealousy double. The smile, secretive and real, that crossed her face half way through class was something she couldn't help but doing. Lark was just glad he'd missed it, or that would've been in the end of this game of a dance.
~~
She was sitting with Narcissa in the corridors, talking after their classes for the day had ended. Severus had just left them, and she could still see him walking down the hallway. Just as he went to turn a corner, Sirius Black rounded, and the two of them nearly collided. The two girls were too far away to hear it, but it seemed the two youths were in a very angry conversation. Suddenly, Snape looked around, saw she was still sitting there – and then motioned for Black to follow him?
"What's this now?" Lark asked.
"Hmm?" Narcissa tilted her head.
"Severus and Sirius . . . . wait here, I'm going to have a look to see what they're up too."
"Hope you hide well." Narcissa smirked.
"Are you kidding me, that's my specialty." Lark'd smiled in return. Then, she was rushing towards where the two boys had gone off to. She found them in one of the hidden corridors that she and Snape had discovered in their first year, and what she found there somewhat shocked her. He was not one whom had ever shown this much strength, but he was in a very bad mood –and it was Black he was facing, so it could all be explained away with adrenaline – but the scene still shocked her just the same. Severus had Sirius Black pinned to a wall, his obsidian eyes blazing down at the shorter youth in his grip.
"And if she turns out to be another flavor of the week for you, Black, my boy . . ." Her best friend threatened her 'secretive boyfriend' . . . "If I ever catch her crying in the hall ways over you, or if you hurt her in any way, shape of form . . . I swear to Lilith, Merlin, Hecate and everything under creation that I will make you regret the very moment of your birth. I will put a hex on you that your entire lineage will feel -be they dead or alive or yet to be born. I wouldn't take that lightly if I were you, so wipe that smirk off your face now."
Lark watched as Black's face did melt into seriousness, showing hints of fear as well. He knew Snape was as good as his word, and this was no mere joke war, after all.
"I don't know why you're getting all aggressive, Snake. After all, she doesn't belong to you." Of course, his defenses were up, and he didn't think he could go any further into the concrete wall behind him. It was unfortunate for Sirius, however, that his back was soon to be ground into the wall. Severus had picked him up by the collar of his robe and they were then eye to eye – so Sirius was a few good inches off the floor, his back still against the rough stones.
"No," Severus' voice was low and hateful – very venomous as well. "She doesn't belong to me.. . she doesn't belong to anyone. You will learn that in time, I'm sure." A smile flickered over his face, then faded as his eyes burned into the other boy. "But, much to your sheer disbelief, Black, I love her very much – she is among the very few whom I actually care about, and if I ever do see her hurt in the course of your relationship –whatever may come of it – I will take that as an abasement of her on your part, and I will not hesitate a moment to hunt you down and make you pay for it. Are we understood?"
"Very clearly, Snake. Now, let me go." Sirius replied.
"Gladly." Severus nodded, dropping the other youth –and looking slightly in shock over what he had just done. Then , he swept away before the Sirius could recover from the surprise. "I will be watching you, Black. Go with caution." He didn't notice Lark, hidden in the shadows, her eyes wide with love and said surprise. She too, departed before Black sensed her there. Narcissa, of course, would be hearing about this –and would also be sworn to secrecy under threat of death.
Drifting Snow
The months slipped away, their lives going on –and the game of emotional chess started by Snape continued as well. Severus and Lark went to the Yule Ball together, not allowing the rumors that had spread around the school be proven true -even if everyone had seen the evidence already. Still, two Slytherins going to a dance with two Gryffindors would have made a future edition of 'Hogwarts – A History', and that was nothing that any of the four involved wanted to see in print. Call it House pride, but it would have allotted to more than just shreds of evidence if they had, and none of them were ready for it. Especially since Lily was still publicly attached to James. So, Lark thought, he still hasn't heard that little story about Evans and Severus snogging in the library? Or, maybe he's just ignoring it? O well, I'll forget all of that for tonight, and just enjoy being in Sevvie's arms . . . now if only Sirius would stop watching me. But, Black's eyes stayed on her and her dance partner for the rest of the evening, even as he danced with his own date –once again Willow Parkinson. As the evening drew to an end, Severus seemed to begin to sense her displeasure at Black's vulture gaze, and decided to take her for walk like they had last year.
Outside, the night's air was cool -snow gently drifting down upon them as they strolled down a magically cleared path where the snowflakes melted upon contact. They were both wrapped in their warm winter cloaks, which they had gone to the dorms to fetch before retreating outside. Both stayed silent for a long while, Severus' dark eyes glancing at her from time to time with concern as they strolled down the path before them.
"You're not comfortable with him." He stated, voice low and careful. The concern seemed almost casual, but she knew the depths of his emotions were hidden, just like everything else he'd ever felt. All buried somewhere in his eyes. "And, he doesn't appreciate your strength – not anymore."
"How do you mean?" She questioned, knowing well that he'd call her out on a lie if she combated his first statement.
"You frighten him, Audrey. You make him feel as though he isn't needed." A small smile slipped over Snape's face. "He doesn't like that."
"Let him hate it for all I care. I don't need him, good for him that he knows it. I'm not some spineless creature who cowers away from a mock duel, like some of his Gryffindor girl friends tend to do." Lark replied, her blood boiling over the way Sirius sometimes wanted her to act. She was an intense person, and he thought it was time for her to hide it. After all, she was just 'his cute little witch'. How dare he think she belonged to him? How dare he call her cute, either? "However, you seem to be having some good affects on Miss Evans. She seems to be quite taken with you. Regardless, you seem less than satisfied with the situation, as I see it."
"Your perception only, of course." He all but snarled, making her laugh gently. Severus lightened his voice then, gathering his manners. "Lily is good company – despite what you think. And, that's more than you can say of Black."
"No, Sirius is entertaining enough. Just so . . . chauvinistic - at times."
"Just at times?" Severus arched one of his fine eyebrows, smirking at her.
"Humor me, damn it." Lark growled, making him laugh in return – turning the tables, obviously. They stopped when they'd reached the lake, then turned to look at the castle. It was a magnificent site, against a pearl moon, amidst swirling snow. Breath taking. Lark smiled as she admired it, then looked up at her companion when he took her arm in his own.
"I can't humor your mistakes." He replied. "But, I'll condone your choice, even if said choice makes me think of you in total misery."
"Chivalrous to the core, Sevvie." She whispered the biting sarcasm, making him smile. Then, her voice turned serious. "However, I thank you for the support." She caught the flickering of jealousy in his eyes then, but he merely nodded his head as he led her back to the castle.
~~
Severus was gone from the castle, as well as Narcissa, Malfoy and numerous others from the student body. It was only for Christmas vacation though, of course. He'll be back soon, Lark reminded herself as she sat alone in the empty common room of Slytherin house. It was eerie, to be all alone in this place as the fire crackled merrily in the hearth across from her. Summer hadn't been too bad, she'd been allowed to stay in guest quarters, close to the company of her professors – but, winter was different. Like the other students boarding for the Holidays, she kept to the her house dorm, even if she were alone for the duration of the 'vacation'. It was, after all, only fair tot he other students. O well, she thought, what's solitude when I have the gracious Mr. Black attending me. I'm sure he won't let me stay too lonely. She was glad no one saw the discomfort play her face at the intentions that thought provided her. Sirius had an idea for their 'holiday', and it was one she somewhat dreaded. However, if she wanted to keep up the act, she might as well go through with it. . . It would, after all, cause Snape a sure case of jealous hysteria – and would prove worth it. Or so she told herself repeatedly as she sat alone reading, waiting for the day to begin.
~~
Her back pressed against the mattress as he invaded her roughly. He didn't seem to care about her discomfort, too content with his own joy as he felt it. Lark tried to keep her mind off the pain, and was glad when it melted into something that could resemble pleasure. The ride continued though, the shadows and the curtains cloaking the two teenagers upon the bed in one of the empty Gryffindor dorm rooms. Finally, her body and mind seemed to break from one another as Sirius pressed into her even further. Flames shot through her, along with electricity and pure ecstasy. As she hit orgasm, a name passed her lips . . . and it was not that of her partner. It was for the youth she wished for in his place.
"O, Severus . . ." She breathed huskily, not caring about the shocked, hurt and enraged look that crossed into Sirius' eyes as he heard that name in place of his own.
A Glint in Obsidian
The vacation slowed to a crawl after that day, and Lark found herself an outcast at the Holiday table when mealtimes rolled around. The teachers –who had all noticed the affection which Lark and Sirius had had for one another- found this strange, but no one asked questions. It was, after all, a fact of life that teenagers broke up –and they didn't see the deeper implications of this fact, much to Windsong & Black's luck. Sirius, however, had taken it upon himself to inform all of his friends of the incident, thus birthing her hallway nickname of 'Snape's slut', which went unheard by the staff. Not that she cared –but she could tell by the look on Lily Evans' face that Severus would be hearing all about this on his return. As though he wouldn't find out from me? Lark thought to herself, narrowing her eyes at the cute faced red head.
~~
Narcissa stared at her for a long moment after she told her. It was the evening that the vacationers had returned to the school, and they were holed up in their dorm, while everyone else was in the common room. The blonde's mouth was open, in an 'O' shape, before it turned into the grin of an asp.
"That was very, very naughty of you." She whispered to Lark, her pink lips still spread thin in a smile. Then, she went serious. "You used an anti-pregnancy charm, didn't you?" She got a curt nod, then she continued her questioning. "How did he re-act?"
"I was literally tossed out of the bed, first. Then, he chased me out of Gryffindor House with a stream of very choice words." Lark replied. Her eyebrows knitted together. "I do think I spoiled the game."
"No, you might have played your part more than well. When Severus hears about this . . ."
"He will be livid over how Audrey dispensed of her purity to that … to that boy." Both of their backs went straight when the velvet voice of Snape met their ears. "Get out, Narcissa." The two girls got up, but Snape's eyes were on Lark in an instant. "Sit down." Was barely audible it was whispered so low and dangerously. Narcissa all but scampered out of the room, and Severus shut the door after her, charming it locked with a spell the others didn't know. He turned to face Lark with his eyes full of fury, as well as jealousy and a host of other emotions that Lark couldn't even begin to unravel.
"How much have you heard?" She asked, her voice timid.
"Enough. The end of what you told Narcissa, and the whole, drawn out details from Lily Evans." He took a deep breath, then his voice became very serious –but gentle just the same. He sounded weary as he sat down on the bed, right at her side. "Had I seen this coming, Audrey. . . had I seen it, I'd have . . ."
"You'd have what? Not lied to me?" It was her turn to put venom in her words. "You wouldn't have hid behind Evans' skirts at the sight of me? Distorted your feelings for Merlin knows what reason?!"
"I turned from my heart to keep you safe!" He yelled back, not realizing he's just unmasked himself to her totally. "And you go and let yourself be defiled by Sirius Black!" He said the name as if it were a blasphemy.
"Keep me safe from what?" She asked, her voice as dangerous as his had been in the beginning of the conversation. He waved the question away.
"That isn't the point. We are talking about your . . . indiscretions with that . . .that dog. You do know what he is saying about you right?"
"Yes, because it was you I called for in the end. The only thing I even breathed during the whole act was your name." She whispered. "Did Evans tell you of that?"
"She didn't tell me whose name it was." He stated, his own voice very quiet. "Sod her for it. I knew she was keeping something out of the facts."
"You would've heard it soon enough, I'm sure." She grimaced. Lark felt his touch on her shoulder, sighed at the warmth of his hand. "And I'll live out the rest of the year with the name 'whore' as though it were pinned to me like a scarlet letter. Sirius will be the poor, victimized boyfriend. . ."
"And I'll be the lecherous girlfriend stealer." Snape smirked, making Lark crack a smile. "Might as well play the part then, I think." And with that, he leaned down and kissed her on the lips.
"So, is this the end of you and Lily?" She asked, after they broke the kiss.
"Do you really think I felt anything for her?"
"Yes, I do." She replied, watching as he looked down at the floor. "You admire her, but you don't fool my heart for a second that you loved her."
"Which is more than you can say for Black." He growled. Her hand on his arm made him regret his harshness. "Still though, she says she'll have nothing to do with me after this, if I didn't walk away from you."
"Now, that was very uncharacteristic of her house." Lark muttered, rolling her eyes.
"The Gryffindors aren't all they're cracked up to be, we need no proof of that." Severus nodded, hugging her to him. Then, he smirked. "So, tell me . . . exactly what was the look on Black's face when he heard my name?"
~~
They were as they should be, in love – or in Lark's mind they were. Severus seemed to want to hide the turn their relationship had taken, but he wouldn't push her away again. He was harsh with her from time to time, but only with his words –saying that they were friends 'with benefits'-and these instances were only in front of the likes of Malfoy and his 'Serpent's Coil'. Lark asked Severus why from time to time, but he never real gave her answer other than:
"To keep you safe. Now, leave it alone."
And that would be the end of the conversation – or he'd storm off and not talk to her for days. He knows what he is doing, let him keep at it. You have him now, even if he plays his stupid game about 'beneficial friends'. She told herself constantly. Still, it worried her. What also worried her was Potions class. Sirius was still her partner there, and for some reason . . . Goldenriegh wasn't noticing the animosity the two teens had for one another. It was grating on Lark's nerves, not to mention both student's grade averages.
~*~ Secrets of the Dance ~*~
Breakfast came fast, and with it came the eyes of Snape upon her like black fire. Not once did his gaze stray to the Gryffindor table, or even to his food as he ate it. He just stared at her, and she could feel his curiosity mix with suspicions as well as. . . anger and jealousy? Does he know already? And if so, Lark thought, then how?
"Something the matter, Severus?" She finally asked, spooning up a bit of oatmeal.
"As a matter of fact, it is." He replied, his voice sounding far more dangerous than she'd ever heard it before.
"How so?" Her eyes daring to meet his. He was not hiding his emotions then, that was jealousy she felt radiating off of him.
"You were in late last evening. Practically came back in the morning hours. Looked a mess too, I'll dare say." His eyebrow raised slowly with is words, making her skin crawl slightly.
"So, what of it?" She then glared at him. "And, how would you know?" On her other side, Narcissa got up and left, dragging Lucius along with her. That started Lark's mind into rolling with ideas.
"I was up, in the common room, when you came in. Narcissa was there before me though, and she told me that she was looking for you, that you hadn't been in bed that evening. I was worried, Audrey. I was ready to go looking for you when you finally dragged yourself in." His voice was getting lower and lower by the second.
"How very brotherly of you Severus." She replied, standing up to leave the table. He followed her, of course, and the conversation continued. "And why didn't you make yourself known then, instead of lurking in shadows and waiting for this morning to mention it?"
"I followed you to your dorm room, actually –so I didn't hide in the shadows, thank you. You were just too drunk on joy to notice it. If that's not all you were drunk on." He growled.
"What are you implying?" She hissed, stopping in the hall just as a draft blew over them.
"I think that's obvious. Now tell me, who was it?" His arms were crossed and his eyes were burning holes into her – or so they seemed to in her opinion. "Who?"
"Is it really any of your business?" Lark felt torn between clawing him and grabbing him for a kiss. He was so infuriating!
"I think it is if you're going to go gallivanting around like some common . . ." And that was when her finger nails connected with his cheek.
"That, old friend, was going too far." She hissed. "Now, if you want to keep your features intact, you will never, ever , ever even begin a sentence that implies me as such a creature as that again. Are we understood?"
"Clearly." He stated, looking clearly taken aback as he covered the claw mark on his face. Severus had known he'd gone too far, he hadn't meant to imply that . . . but he was angry. What did you expect, she questioned him in her mind. "Audrey, I'm just concerned for your well being."
"I can take care of myself." She whispered. Then, she held her head up and straitened her shoulders. Turning from him, she stated : "Come on, we have a class to attend."
"I'm right with you." Was his reply. They walked to Potions in silence, the only real words said were those for the small healing charm he'd performed on the scratches before they got to class.
Severus' eyes were flickering to her whenever they could for the duration of the class. And, in such case . . . she was sure he figured out in a very short time exactly who she'd been with the night prior. Plus, if she wasn't mistaken, she was sure she felt his jealousy double. The smile, secretive and real, that crossed her face half way through class was something she couldn't help but doing. Lark was just glad he'd missed it, or that would've been in the end of this game of a dance.
~~
She was sitting with Narcissa in the corridors, talking after their classes for the day had ended. Severus had just left them, and she could still see him walking down the hallway. Just as he went to turn a corner, Sirius Black rounded, and the two of them nearly collided. The two girls were too far away to hear it, but it seemed the two youths were in a very angry conversation. Suddenly, Snape looked around, saw she was still sitting there – and then motioned for Black to follow him?
"What's this now?" Lark asked.
"Hmm?" Narcissa tilted her head.
"Severus and Sirius . . . . wait here, I'm going to have a look to see what they're up too."
"Hope you hide well." Narcissa smirked.
"Are you kidding me, that's my specialty." Lark'd smiled in return. Then, she was rushing towards where the two boys had gone off to. She found them in one of the hidden corridors that she and Snape had discovered in their first year, and what she found there somewhat shocked her. He was not one whom had ever shown this much strength, but he was in a very bad mood –and it was Black he was facing, so it could all be explained away with adrenaline – but the scene still shocked her just the same. Severus had Sirius Black pinned to a wall, his obsidian eyes blazing down at the shorter youth in his grip.
"And if she turns out to be another flavor of the week for you, Black, my boy . . ." Her best friend threatened her 'secretive boyfriend' . . . "If I ever catch her crying in the hall ways over you, or if you hurt her in any way, shape of form . . . I swear to Lilith, Merlin, Hecate and everything under creation that I will make you regret the very moment of your birth. I will put a hex on you that your entire lineage will feel -be they dead or alive or yet to be born. I wouldn't take that lightly if I were you, so wipe that smirk off your face now."
Lark watched as Black's face did melt into seriousness, showing hints of fear as well. He knew Snape was as good as his word, and this was no mere joke war, after all.
"I don't know why you're getting all aggressive, Snake. After all, she doesn't belong to you." Of course, his defenses were up, and he didn't think he could go any further into the concrete wall behind him. It was unfortunate for Sirius, however, that his back was soon to be ground into the wall. Severus had picked him up by the collar of his robe and they were then eye to eye – so Sirius was a few good inches off the floor, his back still against the rough stones.
"No," Severus' voice was low and hateful – very venomous as well. "She doesn't belong to me.. . she doesn't belong to anyone. You will learn that in time, I'm sure." A smile flickered over his face, then faded as his eyes burned into the other boy. "But, much to your sheer disbelief, Black, I love her very much – she is among the very few whom I actually care about, and if I ever do see her hurt in the course of your relationship –whatever may come of it – I will take that as an abasement of her on your part, and I will not hesitate a moment to hunt you down and make you pay for it. Are we understood?"
"Very clearly, Snake. Now, let me go." Sirius replied.
"Gladly." Severus nodded, dropping the other youth –and looking slightly in shock over what he had just done. Then , he swept away before the Sirius could recover from the surprise. "I will be watching you, Black. Go with caution." He didn't notice Lark, hidden in the shadows, her eyes wide with love and said surprise. She too, departed before Black sensed her there. Narcissa, of course, would be hearing about this –and would also be sworn to secrecy under threat of death.
Drifting Snow
The months slipped away, their lives going on –and the game of emotional chess started by Snape continued as well. Severus and Lark went to the Yule Ball together, not allowing the rumors that had spread around the school be proven true -even if everyone had seen the evidence already. Still, two Slytherins going to a dance with two Gryffindors would have made a future edition of 'Hogwarts – A History', and that was nothing that any of the four involved wanted to see in print. Call it House pride, but it would have allotted to more than just shreds of evidence if they had, and none of them were ready for it. Especially since Lily was still publicly attached to James. So, Lark thought, he still hasn't heard that little story about Evans and Severus snogging in the library? Or, maybe he's just ignoring it? O well, I'll forget all of that for tonight, and just enjoy being in Sevvie's arms . . . now if only Sirius would stop watching me. But, Black's eyes stayed on her and her dance partner for the rest of the evening, even as he danced with his own date –once again Willow Parkinson. As the evening drew to an end, Severus seemed to begin to sense her displeasure at Black's vulture gaze, and decided to take her for walk like they had last year.
Outside, the night's air was cool -snow gently drifting down upon them as they strolled down a magically cleared path where the snowflakes melted upon contact. They were both wrapped in their warm winter cloaks, which they had gone to the dorms to fetch before retreating outside. Both stayed silent for a long while, Severus' dark eyes glancing at her from time to time with concern as they strolled down the path before them.
"You're not comfortable with him." He stated, voice low and careful. The concern seemed almost casual, but she knew the depths of his emotions were hidden, just like everything else he'd ever felt. All buried somewhere in his eyes. "And, he doesn't appreciate your strength – not anymore."
"How do you mean?" She questioned, knowing well that he'd call her out on a lie if she combated his first statement.
"You frighten him, Audrey. You make him feel as though he isn't needed." A small smile slipped over Snape's face. "He doesn't like that."
"Let him hate it for all I care. I don't need him, good for him that he knows it. I'm not some spineless creature who cowers away from a mock duel, like some of his Gryffindor girl friends tend to do." Lark replied, her blood boiling over the way Sirius sometimes wanted her to act. She was an intense person, and he thought it was time for her to hide it. After all, she was just 'his cute little witch'. How dare he think she belonged to him? How dare he call her cute, either? "However, you seem to be having some good affects on Miss Evans. She seems to be quite taken with you. Regardless, you seem less than satisfied with the situation, as I see it."
"Your perception only, of course." He all but snarled, making her laugh gently. Severus lightened his voice then, gathering his manners. "Lily is good company – despite what you think. And, that's more than you can say of Black."
"No, Sirius is entertaining enough. Just so . . . chauvinistic - at times."
"Just at times?" Severus arched one of his fine eyebrows, smirking at her.
"Humor me, damn it." Lark growled, making him laugh in return – turning the tables, obviously. They stopped when they'd reached the lake, then turned to look at the castle. It was a magnificent site, against a pearl moon, amidst swirling snow. Breath taking. Lark smiled as she admired it, then looked up at her companion when he took her arm in his own.
"I can't humor your mistakes." He replied. "But, I'll condone your choice, even if said choice makes me think of you in total misery."
"Chivalrous to the core, Sevvie." She whispered the biting sarcasm, making him smile. Then, her voice turned serious. "However, I thank you for the support." She caught the flickering of jealousy in his eyes then, but he merely nodded his head as he led her back to the castle.
~~
Severus was gone from the castle, as well as Narcissa, Malfoy and numerous others from the student body. It was only for Christmas vacation though, of course. He'll be back soon, Lark reminded herself as she sat alone in the empty common room of Slytherin house. It was eerie, to be all alone in this place as the fire crackled merrily in the hearth across from her. Summer hadn't been too bad, she'd been allowed to stay in guest quarters, close to the company of her professors – but, winter was different. Like the other students boarding for the Holidays, she kept to the her house dorm, even if she were alone for the duration of the 'vacation'. It was, after all, only fair tot he other students. O well, she thought, what's solitude when I have the gracious Mr. Black attending me. I'm sure he won't let me stay too lonely. She was glad no one saw the discomfort play her face at the intentions that thought provided her. Sirius had an idea for their 'holiday', and it was one she somewhat dreaded. However, if she wanted to keep up the act, she might as well go through with it. . . It would, after all, cause Snape a sure case of jealous hysteria – and would prove worth it. Or so she told herself repeatedly as she sat alone reading, waiting for the day to begin.
~~
Her back pressed against the mattress as he invaded her roughly. He didn't seem to care about her discomfort, too content with his own joy as he felt it. Lark tried to keep her mind off the pain, and was glad when it melted into something that could resemble pleasure. The ride continued though, the shadows and the curtains cloaking the two teenagers upon the bed in one of the empty Gryffindor dorm rooms. Finally, her body and mind seemed to break from one another as Sirius pressed into her even further. Flames shot through her, along with electricity and pure ecstasy. As she hit orgasm, a name passed her lips . . . and it was not that of her partner. It was for the youth she wished for in his place.
"O, Severus . . ." She breathed huskily, not caring about the shocked, hurt and enraged look that crossed into Sirius' eyes as he heard that name in place of his own.
A Glint in Obsidian
The vacation slowed to a crawl after that day, and Lark found herself an outcast at the Holiday table when mealtimes rolled around. The teachers –who had all noticed the affection which Lark and Sirius had had for one another- found this strange, but no one asked questions. It was, after all, a fact of life that teenagers broke up –and they didn't see the deeper implications of this fact, much to Windsong & Black's luck. Sirius, however, had taken it upon himself to inform all of his friends of the incident, thus birthing her hallway nickname of 'Snape's slut', which went unheard by the staff. Not that she cared –but she could tell by the look on Lily Evans' face that Severus would be hearing all about this on his return. As though he wouldn't find out from me? Lark thought to herself, narrowing her eyes at the cute faced red head.
~~
Narcissa stared at her for a long moment after she told her. It was the evening that the vacationers had returned to the school, and they were holed up in their dorm, while everyone else was in the common room. The blonde's mouth was open, in an 'O' shape, before it turned into the grin of an asp.
"That was very, very naughty of you." She whispered to Lark, her pink lips still spread thin in a smile. Then, she went serious. "You used an anti-pregnancy charm, didn't you?" She got a curt nod, then she continued her questioning. "How did he re-act?"
"I was literally tossed out of the bed, first. Then, he chased me out of Gryffindor House with a stream of very choice words." Lark replied. Her eyebrows knitted together. "I do think I spoiled the game."
"No, you might have played your part more than well. When Severus hears about this . . ."
"He will be livid over how Audrey dispensed of her purity to that … to that boy." Both of their backs went straight when the velvet voice of Snape met their ears. "Get out, Narcissa." The two girls got up, but Snape's eyes were on Lark in an instant. "Sit down." Was barely audible it was whispered so low and dangerously. Narcissa all but scampered out of the room, and Severus shut the door after her, charming it locked with a spell the others didn't know. He turned to face Lark with his eyes full of fury, as well as jealousy and a host of other emotions that Lark couldn't even begin to unravel.
"How much have you heard?" She asked, her voice timid.
"Enough. The end of what you told Narcissa, and the whole, drawn out details from Lily Evans." He took a deep breath, then his voice became very serious –but gentle just the same. He sounded weary as he sat down on the bed, right at her side. "Had I seen this coming, Audrey. . . had I seen it, I'd have . . ."
"You'd have what? Not lied to me?" It was her turn to put venom in her words. "You wouldn't have hid behind Evans' skirts at the sight of me? Distorted your feelings for Merlin knows what reason?!"
"I turned from my heart to keep you safe!" He yelled back, not realizing he's just unmasked himself to her totally. "And you go and let yourself be defiled by Sirius Black!" He said the name as if it were a blasphemy.
"Keep me safe from what?" She asked, her voice as dangerous as his had been in the beginning of the conversation. He waved the question away.
"That isn't the point. We are talking about your . . . indiscretions with that . . .that dog. You do know what he is saying about you right?"
"Yes, because it was you I called for in the end. The only thing I even breathed during the whole act was your name." She whispered. "Did Evans tell you of that?"
"She didn't tell me whose name it was." He stated, his own voice very quiet. "Sod her for it. I knew she was keeping something out of the facts."
"You would've heard it soon enough, I'm sure." She grimaced. Lark felt his touch on her shoulder, sighed at the warmth of his hand. "And I'll live out the rest of the year with the name 'whore' as though it were pinned to me like a scarlet letter. Sirius will be the poor, victimized boyfriend. . ."
"And I'll be the lecherous girlfriend stealer." Snape smirked, making Lark crack a smile. "Might as well play the part then, I think." And with that, he leaned down and kissed her on the lips.
"So, is this the end of you and Lily?" She asked, after they broke the kiss.
"Do you really think I felt anything for her?"
"Yes, I do." She replied, watching as he looked down at the floor. "You admire her, but you don't fool my heart for a second that you loved her."
"Which is more than you can say for Black." He growled. Her hand on his arm made him regret his harshness. "Still though, she says she'll have nothing to do with me after this, if I didn't walk away from you."
"Now, that was very uncharacteristic of her house." Lark muttered, rolling her eyes.
"The Gryffindors aren't all they're cracked up to be, we need no proof of that." Severus nodded, hugging her to him. Then, he smirked. "So, tell me . . . exactly what was the look on Black's face when he heard my name?"
~~
They were as they should be, in love – or in Lark's mind they were. Severus seemed to want to hide the turn their relationship had taken, but he wouldn't push her away again. He was harsh with her from time to time, but only with his words –saying that they were friends 'with benefits'-and these instances were only in front of the likes of Malfoy and his 'Serpent's Coil'. Lark asked Severus why from time to time, but he never real gave her answer other than:
"To keep you safe. Now, leave it alone."
And that would be the end of the conversation – or he'd storm off and not talk to her for days. He knows what he is doing, let him keep at it. You have him now, even if he plays his stupid game about 'beneficial friends'. She told herself constantly. Still, it worried her. What also worried her was Potions class. Sirius was still her partner there, and for some reason . . . Goldenriegh wasn't noticing the animosity the two teens had for one another. It was grating on Lark's nerves, not to mention both student's grade averages.