The students and guests were shuffling inside out of the cold to prepare for their welcoming feast. The excited hissing about Viktor Krum's arrival irritated Severus. It was just a bloody sport. Sure, he had played in his youth, and was actually quite good, except for Potter stealing the attention as always. Severus could hear the boys cheering for Krum and the doe eyed girls were practically swooning and throwing themselves at his feet. Snape couldn't help but roll his eyes and lengthen his stride to get the hell away from these hormonal teenagers.

Speaking of hormonal teenagers... What the bloody hell was that? Severus didn't expect to have such a visceral reaction to the young witch. Sure, as shite not in front of Minerva Fucking McGonagall. She'd never let him live this down. There was just something about... what was her name again? Fuck. His brain wasn't working at all. It seems that all of the blood had descended from his brain and settled... well, south. Had it really been that long since he'd enjoyed a woman that just the sheer friction of her backing that delectable arse up against his trousers sent him into such a tizzy? This wouldn't do. He'd have to avoid her at all costs. He was much too busy to fraternize with any young witch…let alone one that Minnie was already smirking about.

As they entered the great hall, the Beauxbatons sat at the Ravenclaw table, and the Durmstrang student sat with Slytherin. The Slytherin head of house did take some pleasure at the crestfallen faces of Weasley and Potter with this development. Take pleasure in the small things. Argus Filch was adding 6 more chairs to the staff table as the headmasters and headmistress if the three schools entered the great hall last. The French students stood respectfully as the gigantic woman crossed in front to take her seat. Some students sniggered at the French respect, so Severus strode off to provide those students with a prompt swat to the back of the head. It seemed Madame Maxine and Olivia would take seats to Dumbledore's left-hand side, Karkaroff and his own assistant, to his right. Severus would be damned if he had to sit by Karkaroff, so he took the only other available seat open, sandwiched between Minerva and Olivia.

Fucking Witch did that on purpose.

XOX

Olivia was glad to be out of the cold, Scottish air and was amazed to see the elaborate hall - the ceiling was by far her favorite part; lined with hundreds of floating candles and enchanted to look like a peaceful night sky. So far, everyone seemed very nice. Headmaster Dumbledore seemed almost grandfatherly, professors Sprout, and Flitwick were quite humorous, and Minerva, despite their age difference, seemed like she would make a very good friend. The two witches were enjoying their conversation on their way into the castle when a heap of billowing black robes halted in front of her before spinning on his heels to march back to scold a student.

She had lost all ability to speak. The wizard commanded respect and attention from the way he carried himself... the way he dressed... but most of all that voice! Just listening to him lay into that student was stirring up all kinds of feelings for the young witch. She hoped they'd get to talk more. That quick brush against him outside had her distracted, and she hoped it had him distracted as well. She most assuredly felt something in those pants. Was he as aroused by that touch as she was? Or was that just simply him?

Minerva politely smiled again at the young witch's distraction before guiding her to the head table. Minerva knowingly skipped a seat between herself and Olivia to allow Severus the spot. Olivia thanked her and waited for the dark wizard to appear.

XOX

Dumbledore remained standing, and a silence fell over the students. "Good evening witches, wizards, ghosts, and guests! I have Great pleasure in welcoming you all to Hogwarts. I hope and trust that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable. The tournament will be officially opened at the end of the feast. I now invite you all to eat, drink, and make yourselves at home." Dumbledore sat down and the Bulgarian headmaster Immediately initiated conversation. Plates of food suddenly appeared and seemed to take into account both French and Bulgarian cuisine as well as the usual Hogwarts accommodations. Olivia looked appreciatively at her own plate filled with a little bit of everything. She wanted to seem polite, but unfortunately also suffered from the habit of not wanting to appear to have too healthy an appetite in front of a gentleman, so she settled on minuscule helpings. During the meal, Dumbledore would again stand up, introducing Bartemius Crouch, Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation and Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports. The headmaster went on to explain that witches and wizards who were of age, would be able to slip their names into the goblet of fire to enter the lottery to be chosen to represent their school in the tournament. Dumbledore said he, himself, had placed an age line to prevent any underaged participation. Everyone was warned that should their name be selected; the participant had no choice but to see the tournament through until the end.

Names would be drawn in 24 hours.

Great. Karkaroff and Moody. What a fun year this is turning out to be.

Severus stared at her plate and felt his lips twitch with disapproval. The witch was thin enough, surely, she would eat more than the few spoonsful of food she had placed in front of her. Nonetheless, she seemed cheerful enough to converse with everyone around her, bringing a bright energy to the table. She was quite humorous, in a dry, sarcastic type of way which made the old potion master's heart flutter. It had been a long time since he laughed and although he wouldn't show it outwardly, he chuckled on the inside. He would never allow himself to show emotion in front of friends, let alone strangers. He had been burned too many times in the past, he was too cold and closed off.

XOX

On the occasion he responded to topics of conversation, Severus Snape was actually funny! He had that dry sense of humor she had heard the British had, just the right amount of snark. Olivia giggled at the banter and competitiveness he seemed to have with Minerva. Already taking bets on who would be named champion. The more wine she was allowed to have with dinner, the laxer her senses became. She'd lay a hand on his forearm while laughing, a gentle smack or nudge to his arm to urge him to continue on teasing McGonagall...she was a very physical person who desired touch and care, not always intimate touches mind you, but if her drunken self were truthful... she wanted Snape's hands all over her, to feel the curve of his lips on hers... the weight of his heavy, warm body pressing her deep into a mattress or pinning her against the wall as he pistoned his hips in and out of her...

She had completely missed her mouth this time while lost in thought, causing a small chuckle from the stoic man... "Patience Liv," she internally lectured herself. There's no need to rush things. Wait for him to come to you.

After the feast was over, the Beauxbatons returned to their carriage, and the Durmstrangs returned to their ship. Tomorrow would be Halloween and the champions would be chosen.

XOX

31 October 1994

Snape greeted the morning as he had every Halloween for the past 13 years. Pure, unadulterated malice. He'd lay in his four-poster bed for longer than usual. He'd begrudgingly drag his loathsome body out of bed before taking a scalding hot shower, begging for the steaming water to peel away the layer of guilt and self-hatred that lay atop his person. He'd dry off with a towel instead of magic in an attempt to scrub off even more of his regret, leaving his shoulder length hair to air dry so it fell in precisely the right way to hide his face. He'd slowly encase himself within the safety of his teaching robes - each new layer, and each cloth-covered button providing another shield to protect his broken, black heart. He'd slump over to his kitchen table, summoning his morning tea. On this morning however, he'd always have the house elves put in a splash or two of something a bit stronger, to numb his mind for the day. He'd be a right foul git all day and not give one flying fuck about it. In fact, the more house points he could take, the better.

Alas...it was early Saturday morning, and the man would have no peace of mind. Usually, the dunderheads slept in, but he could already hear the commotion of everyone gathering around the goblet... placing their names in. He'd stay back, keep his distance. He didn't care who got selected, after all.

Severus watched the Weasley twins try to make it past Dumbledore's age line and fail. Everyone laughed, including the twins but Severus would just sneer. Idiots.

Dumbledore and Minerva settled beside Snape, giggling. "I did warn you," Dumbledore called out to the boys with twinkling eyes. "I suggest you both go up to Madame Pomfrey. She is already tending to Miss Fawcett and Mr. Summers, both of whom decided to age themselves up a little too." Dumbledore placed a hand on Severus's shoulder and gave McGonagall a wink before he turned and walked back towards breakfast.

"Minnie," Snape greeted, only slightly wobbling in place from his earlier treat.

"Severus," she returned. "Looking a bit pished today, are we? Not fond of our guests?" Minerva wasn't privy to Snape's true reason for the hatred of today. Only Dumbledore knew that. But she loved her friend and knew that for some reason, Halloween was hard on the lad. Rubbing his back in a loving, mothering way, she told Severus to go down to his supply closet and snag himself a sober-up potion. "It wouldn't do for the students to see you drunk this early on a Saturday," she had said. Reluctantly, Snape gave a curt nod and strode off to the dungeons. He'd grab the potion and head up to breakfast. He hated the damn mandatory meals, he just wanted to be left the fuck alone.

XOX

Madame Maxime entered the hall behind her students. They had all just emerged from their carriage to drop their names into the lottery. They fell into an organized line and one by one, they stepped across the age line and dropped their slips of parchment into the blue flames.

Olivia was taking her time walking to breakfast. Eventually, she would meet up with Madame Pomfrey to set up her work area. She was eager to unpack her things and hopefully have some work to do. She realized she'd have to ask Professor Snape if he'd let her brew some potions. She wouldn't ask him to do it, but perhaps he'd let her share his workstation? She made her way to the great hall and took her seat beside Severus while she started in on her breakfast.

"Professor Snape?" She had all but whispered to him, reaching with her left hand to rest it upon his right for just a second... just long enough to grab him out of his thoughts. Must've woken on the wrong side of the bed, he looks murderous. He fixed his obsidian eyes on her but had hardly moved his head, willing her to continue. "I was wondering if perhaps I could trouble you to borrow your workspace sometime? I need to make some potions and draughts in preparation for the tournament. I was going to ask your healer if she'd let me use some of her stock, but I'd prefer to make my own. It's a bit of a hobby for me, really."

Anything would be a welcome distraction from the worst day of his life, the death of Lily Evans. The first innocent death he was responsible for. Now, he was owned by Dumbledore. Imprisoned for the rest of his life to serve him, and to protect Potter should the dark lord ever return.

Fucking Potter. So much like his arrogant, swine of a father.

It pained him to look at the boy. He was an exact replica of James. All except of course for his eyes. His eyes were Lily's... and that Dumbledore would never allow Snape to forget. Even now, sitting at the head table and looking out into the sea of little cretins, he could always find Potter. He was always staring, always plotting. Snape wondered what sort of drama the golden trio would get into this year. Surely Snape could have an uneventful school year? It was the Triwizard tournament and Harry was underage. There's no way he could compete. Someone else would be able to shine this year and the Potter boy could be so wonderfully average.

He could feel the warmth of the fire whiskey in his belly, edging closer and closer to being properly pissed. He kept his flask under a concealment charm so he could suckle from it throughout the day. Maybe after dinner this evening, he and Lucius could pop over to Knockturn Alley to find a witch to warm his bed this lonely night. Maybe Lucius would stay and join? That always seemed to help in the past.

"Severus! The lass asked you a question," Minerva scolded, pulling him out of his thoughts. He blinked slowly, emerging from his fantasy state.

"Apologies, Miss Wright," he looked at her sheepishly. He pulled his teaching robes over his lap a bit more to cover the bulge in his trousers he wasn't aware had appeared. Clearing his throat, he hesitantly agreed to let the young witch join him in his dungeons that evening to brew together.

"Perhaps Severus, after breakfast you could take Olivia to meet Poppy? I'd show her but I find myself busy this afternoon now." She smiled innocently at Olivia before allowing a deviant smirk to pass to Severus. He rolled his eyes and picked up his fork to begin his meal.

Once Olivia was engaged in conversation elsewhere, Severus leaned to Minerva threateningly. "What the fuck are you on about, Minnie? What have I said before about your meddlesome behavior? I'm. Not. Interested." He scowled at his friend. There. She better back off.

Minerva cocked her brow in challenge, allowing her gaze to drop quickly to his lap and back up before grinning like a cat that got the cream. "Really Severus? Your body language tells me differently."

"What the fuck, Witch," he hissed under his breath, pulling his robes closed even more and squeezing the bridge of his nose with his index finger and thumb. He blushed and grimaced. McGonagall loved harassing the man, it wasn't often she could actually embarrass him though. "Mind your own business, Minnie. I'm not in the mood for your tosh."

"Alright, alright, don't throw a wobbly Severus. Just a bit of harmless fun. The girl likes you; you know?" Severus again rolled his eyes, this time in a self-deprecating way. No witch would want him. And today, of all days, he didn't want to be reminded of that. He sat quietly for the rest of the meal. Olivia had finished speaking with Maxime regarding her desire to meet with Poppy after the meal. The headmistress agreed to giving Olivia some free time. She, herself, would be meeting with Hagrid later she was hoping. Olivia giggled at the blatant flirting occurring between the two half-giants. She had returned conversation with Minerva, speaking across Severus in the hopes he'd join in. He just sat there stoically, staring at his plate and sipping at his tea.

XOX

Olivia finished her breakfast and Severus decided he'd play the role of gentleman and take her on a tour of the grounds. It seems the French school wasn't prepared for the fall weather of Scotland, he could see Olivia shivering to his side, trying to nestle in close to him to get warm. He allowed himself an internal smirk at the witch. She wore the same blue blazer she had arrived in with a similar blouse underneath. Again, it had a plunging neckline allowing her breasts to be on display for the tall wizard. Anytime he looked down at her to converse, he couldn't help but have a peak at her milky breasts that spilled from her brazier. Was she dressed like this for his benefit? Or did she truly not know how good she looked? The witch did have the sense to wear trousers today, however. They were a light blue color with a flair to the bottom, giving the outfit the appearance of a muggle woman's suit.

Olivia had spent a considerable amount of time working on her appearance for the day. She wanted to look professional, yet desirable. There were quite a few good-looking wizards within the castle, the Durmstrang assistant, Ivan Korshunov came to mind. He had walked her back to her quarters last night, pretending to be a gentleman while very obviously attempting to get in her pants. She had declined of course, she didn't want to come across as easy, but maybe in a few weeks' time, if he was still interested. But what she was really hoping was that she'd get to sit with Severus again. She found as she was dressing herself, her mind wandered to the dark wizard. As she was buttoning her blouse, she imagined him, in his chambers doing the same with his dexterous fingers that barely peaked out beneath those delicious white cuffs of his work robes. She had world herself up about the man even before breakfast and now here they were, taking what she would consider to be a romantic walk around the grounds. She purposefully left her cloak in her room, she wanted to test how much of a gentleman Severus Snape was. She snuggled close to his side, allowing her arm to brush his as she hugged her core in an attempt to look as cold as possible. She wasn't sure if he'd take her up on her implication, but the next thing she knew, she felt the heavy wool cape Severus had draped over her shoulders.

Silly girl, Severus scoffed. For as much of a git as he acted on the inside, Severus Snape was in fact, a gentleman and couldn't stand when a witch was uncomfortable. He had the warmth of his frock coat, so he offered his cloak without thought. "Please tell me, Miss Wright, that you didn't plan to walk the grounds dressed like that?" He looked down at her and was pleasantly surprised to see her look up at him and smile in appreciation. He allowed the corners of his mouth to curl up into a small smile. "I should think Minnie would murder me should I allow you to catch a bloody cold under my supervision." She pulled his cloak tight and breathed deeply, Severus was unable to look away as she smelled his cloak. Curious.

He cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Apologies...I sometimes wear it when I brew, the dungeons can be quite cold. I hope it doesn't overwhelm your senses." Her eyes fluttered open, flirtatiously. "It smells nice, Severus. Plus, it's so soft and warm, I might have to take it back to my quarters to sleep with." Olivia's cheeks bloomed at her own flirty comment. Severus however stopped dead in his tracks for just a moment, snapping his eyes to hers in a penetrating gaze. He licked his lips in preparation to speak, it seemed his mouth had gone dry. "Ahem. I wish I'd be able to allow you to do with it as you please in the privacy of your chambers, however..." he hesitated, allowing his eyes to roam over her body slowly, "I'll likely need it back. As I said, the dungeons are freezing".

Bloody fuck. Why did he just allow himself to leer at her? Stop. Flirting.

Olivia smiled at her escort again. Allowing herself to bump against him playfully. As they continued their tour, Severus would point out historical facts about the castle, informed her of the four founders (with a healthy bias in favor of Slytherin and against the bratty lions), as well as pointing out the dangers to avoid, namely the whomping willow and forbidden forest. He enjoyed talking to her. It felt... nice. It had been so long since he was allowed a fresh start without his reputation fucking things up for him.

Olivia told Severus about growing up in America and transplanting to France. He had asked her if she went stateside often, and she replied that they'd go back once a year to visit family. She loved the romance of France though. The foods, the atmosphere... she loved it. He was taking pleasure from learning about the young witch, allowing her to call him Severus as long as no other students were around. She had let her left-hand hang freely at her side, casually bumping it against his side as they took in the views Scotland had to offer. He allowed himself to get lost in her stories and dropped his right hand beside hers. Olivia brushed his fingers with hers and was elated when he entwined their fingers. His hands were so large, so warm... it made her feel petite and beautiful. She'd always loved men that could tower over her... dominate her...

Maybe he'd let me kiss him? Too forward? Fuck it.

Olivia slowed her walking with the intention of surprising Severus with a quick peck to the lips; he stopped walking all together as if he read her mind. He brushed some of her wavy dark locks from her face and cupped her cheek in his hand. Severus timidly lowered his head, sweeping his thumb across her bottom lip and sucking his own into his mouth to prepare for the kiss, only to be interrupted by a clap of thunder. It started pouring down rain, causing the witch to giggle and run towards the castle. He allowed himself a smirk before shrugging his shoulders and striding after her.