There was a lot of commotion as the spectators made their way back to the castle. Minerva, Hagrid, and Moody all rushed to meet with the boy to congratulate him on his victory. Severus was certainly not going to do that. He stayed seated a little while longer to avoid the bottleneck of the crowd. He had wanted to walk back with Olivia, but she had dashed away quickly towards the first aid tent. "I've got to go check on Fleur and see if Poppy needs any help," she shouted over her shoulder as she retreated. Severus nodded his head in understanding before he rose to his feet and made a hasty retreat back to the castle. He'd had enough socialization for the time being.

Minerva, Moody, and Hagrid had made their way down from the stands and were eagerly waving at Potter to have him join them outside of the champion's tent. "That was excellent, Potter!" Cried Minerva before reaching out with her shaky hand and pointed towards his shoulder. "You'll need to see Madam Pomfrey, she's over there, cleaning up Diggory". She gestured with a nod of her head towards the tent. Hagrid was beside himself with joy, sputtering on about how proud he was and about how the horntail was the toughest dragon. Moody looked pleased as well, patting the boy on the back before allowing him entrance into the tent to be healed. "Right then, Potter, first aid tent, if you please," stated McGonagall as she pulled back one of the thin canvas flaps, stepping aside and ushering the lad through.

XOX

Poppy was standing inside looking worried as she anxiously glanced around at all four champions. She was thrilled when she saw Olivia walk through, eager to have the assistance. "Olivia, you angel! Did you come to help?" Poppy questioned with a hopeful smile.

"Of course! Who is the worst off?" Olivia reached for her wand, transfiguring her current outfit into her Mediwitch one. She now wore a Beauxbaton blue A-line dress with a white, scalloped collar. The uniform ended just above her knee and tied just under her bust with a navy-blue sash. She donned a burgundy cardigan that she charmed to keep her warm while she worked.

"Well, I'm just getting ready to take a look at Potter, everyone else is stable if you want to check out your own champion first? I did a small bit of treatment on everyone to make them comfortable and figured we could double back together".

"Perfect!" Chirped Olivia as she set off towards Fleur. Olivia had checked on her originally after the dragon blew a puff of fire onto her robes, so she knew she was fine. Still, she wanted to make sure she hadn't missed any injuries. Satisfied that Fleur would live to fight another day, she healed the few scrapes and abrasions and moved over to Krum.

The lad was standing in a corner of the tent talking to his headmaster and the assistant Karkaroff had brought over, Ivan. She had been purposefully avoiding him. The first night she arrived at Hogwarts, he had walked her back to her carriage and desperately tried to join her in her chambers. She quickly declined at the time. She reluctantly made her way over to greet them all.

"Hello," she greeted. "How are you feeling, mister Krum?" The three Durmstrangs all glanced at each other as she approached. Their hunger wasn't exactly subtle as they looked over her body. Suddenly uncomfortable, she pulled her sweater around herself tighter, waiting for a response.

"I am fine, healer witch. Just a few scratches that I can deal with," Krum responded with his thick accent. Olivia nodded and went to walk over towards Poppy to help with Cedric and Harry when she felt a hand close around her bicep. She turned to face Ivan, who clearly wanted to speak with her.

"Hello, Olivia," he greeted silkily.

"Hello".

"I have not been able to speak with you lately. You only allowed me to escort you back to your chambers when you first arrived and then you gave me... what is it called? Cold shoulder?" Ivan curled the edges of his mouth into a crooked smile, looking a bit playful. Olivia smiled back at him and nudged him playfully as she continued to walk across the first aid tent.

"There are plenty of beautiful witches around here, go hit on them". She was being very serious but had always found bad news to be more palatable if delivered in a joking way. She hoped Ivan would take the hint.

"Ah yes, perhaps there are others, but you, Olivia, are the most beautiful and I want only the best".

Olivia blushed. The fact was, Ivan was... well... hot. He was on the later side of thirty she figured, and very muscular, yet lean. She really liked how he looked at her and how he spoke with passion. Maybe a fling wouldn't hurt.

But Severus. That man was an enigma. So hot and cold. He clearly was private and didn't want anyone to have any sort of knowledge of his private life but... she couldn't deny the electricity and pure power she felt while she was around him. Still, she had been at Hogwarts for almost a month at this point and they still hadn't kissed. They did, however, have that steamy session in his quarters, but nothing else had really happened.

Olivia had needs, after all. And if Severus wasn't willing to provide her with relief, perhaps Ivan would be. She noticed Ivan watching her with an impatient look on his face, clearly, he had been talking while she was lost in thought, and she missed all of it.

"I'm sorry, I zoned out. Did you say something?"

"Da, Darling. I want to have an evening with you. Dinner... dancing... everything. Say yes".

"Oh, Ivan. That... that sounds fun but, I'm just busy at the moment. Maybe later? Closer to Christmas? Let me settle in some more". Olivia wanted to give Severus another chance. She just felt drawn to the man and accepting a dinner proposal from someone else felt like cheating. She then wondered if maybe Severus was seeing someone. Maybe that's why he wasn't interested? She'd have to ask him tonight. She needed to brew some things anyway.

Ivan finally took the hint and returned to his own champion so Olivia could help heal Cedric's and Potter's wounds. She completely missed the way Ivan continued to sulk as he watched her flit about in her skimpy little uniform. After everyone was healed, the champions were called to the champion's tent for their next clue before they returned to the castle for some much-needed celebration; the adults followed close behind.

XOX

Poppy and Olivia were the last to leave, they had to stay behind to clean up their workstations. "Poppy? What was that paste you put on Cedric?" Olivia asked.

"Just a burn healing paste, my dear. Simple enough," she shrugged her shoulders as she gathered the rest of her phials and the two witches walked out of the tent towards the castle.

"I think I'm going to need to brew some of that. Fleur didn't get burned but she could have, and I have no idea what the next challenge will be. I mean honestly! Dragons?" Olivia huffed and Poppy nodded in agreement.

"I know these kids are all of age, well except for mister Potter of course, but still... I hate these tournaments; they are too dangerous. As far as brewing goes, I'm sure Severus would be able to teach you," she smirked.

Blushing, Olivia responded with a demure look. "We haven't really seen each other lately. But I do have some brewing to do, not a bad excuse, is it? I just wish he was more open; you know?" The elder witch laughed and patted her friend on the back. "This is the most open I've seen Severus in a very long time. He's usually much more... brooding". Olivia raised her eyebrows in surprise. She couldn't imagine the man any more stoic and reserved than he was right now. She hoped she'd never have to see him like that. "Come on, let's go eat some lunch and we will make an inventory of the things we should have brewed by the next task, it's only about 3 months away, and I'm sure some of these will take a while to make.

XOX

Olivia walked down to the dungeons with her parchment full of potions she needed. She had replaced her uniform with a casual ¾ sleeve black dress that she charmed to stay warm in the cold, damp dungeons. The halls were pretty empty, everyone was off celebrating so classes for the rest of the day would be canceled. Olivia heard her knee-high heeled boots clacking on the stone floors as she approached Snape's private office. She approached the wooden door, slowly raised her hand and knocked three times. The door creaked open slowly, and she was greeted by a deep, baritone voice.

"Enter," the potions master muttered from behind his desk. He looked up from his grading to see Olivia leaning in the doorframe, hand on her hip and smiling at him. Severus cleared his throat. "Apologies, Miss Wright. I had assumed it was a student who needed my attention. How can I assist you?". He tried to remain calm and indifferent, but on the inside, he was screaming to rush over to her and push her against the wall and kiss that damnable mouth of hers.

"Afternoon, Severus. I was hoping you'd let me brew a bit either today or maybe over the weekend? I've been talking with Poppy, and she has some things that need refills as well before the next event".

In lieu of a response, Severus started searching his desk for a parchment. "What's wrong, Severus?"

"I'm just looking for the memo from Albus stating that you are now on our payroll as a potions mistress," he snarled.

Olivia rolled her eyes, muttering a "connard" at the man before walking closer to his desk.

"You are aware, Miss Wright... that I speak French, yes?" Severus raised his left eyebrow and steepled his fingers as he leaned back in his chair.

"Mm hmm. How could I forget your sexy greeting to me when I first arrived?" Olivia leaned against his desk, pushing her breasts together with her upper arms, attempting to seduce the man.

"Ah, so you wanted me to know you called me an arsehole?" he teased.

"Perhaps," she nibbled on her lip as she stared into his eyes. They seemed to be getting darker. "So... will you let me brew with you? I could use the help and I'd definitely appreciate your company".

"Not like that, you can't. I have half a mind to owl your Mediwitch and potions professor if they let you brew like that over in France". Olivia's eyes twinkled at that. He wasn't kidding, she could tell.

"Well... I could brew naked if my dress isn't appropriate?"

"Merlin, Witch. You're a proper siren, you know that? Are you sure you don't have any Veela in your blood?" Severus was looking at her hungrily.

"You're one to talk, you know?" Olivia moved around his desk to stand in front of him. He turned in his chair, so she was standing between his legs. He allowed his legs to remain open as he relaxed back in his chair a bit more, daring her closer. She took the bait, nudging his legs with her knees as she ran her hands over his many buttons. "Every time you let me get close, you push me back. It's quite... frustrating, Severus". He reached out with his hands to cup her bottom, squeezing a bit as he looked up at her.

"You don't want me," he said, shaking his head. Olivia moved to grab his hands, stepping back while she pulled him to a stand. She continued to trace over his buttons, his hot breath moving her hair as he stared down at her.

Olivia reached up to touch his face. She danced her fingers across his jaw line, over his regal nose, and across his lower lip. She was reading his face like braille, memorizing every crease. He was the most handsome, alluring wizard she had ever met. She felt like she was cursed by some sort of dark spell, she had never craved another man like this before. Anytime she got close to him, she'd feel a clenching near her heart, right at the juncture where her ribs came together. Her body would buzz as if hundreds of bumblebees were set loose within her.

Bravely, she tilted her chin up, brushing her lips against his as she spoke. "Oh, Severus. You have your pronouns wrong". Severus looked down at her through hooded eyes. He lowered his head, allowing their lips to join and brush each other's. It wasn't quite a kiss, but the tension was delicious. He was rock hard in his trousers. He remained stoic, allowing her to take the lead. She nipped at his lips, gently plucking them with her own as she teased against his. She finally opened her lips enough to claim his, languidly moving against him. He didn't allow his lips to react.

Severus opened his eyes wide before allowing them to roll to the ceiling in exasperation. He allowed her to continue until his own body betrayed him, craving the intimacy of the moment. He pressed his lips against hers, sucking in a breath and allowing his jaw to drop, allowing her tongue to sweep in. The audible wet smacks of their kisses aroused Olivia, causing the bumblebees to move south towards the area she wanted him to kiss most. She allowed her head to drop back as Severus deepened their kiss. Olivia hungrily sucked on his curved upper lip, running her tongue over it before plunging it back into his mouth. Severus seemed to jolt himself back into consciousness, releasing her lips with a 'pop' of his own. As Olivia pulled away, she watched as he sucked his bottom lip before returning his hungry eyes to hers.

Olivia wiped her middle finger across her bottom lip, needing to touch where his lips had just left. That was without a doubt the most sensual first kiss she had ever experienced. Severus looked as if he might set her aflame with how heated his gaze was on her. Still, he made no move. With trembling fingers, she reached up for the cloth covered buttons of his frock coat. She quickly popped the top three off so she could reach for his cravat. She gently unthreaded the black silk from his neck. As she pulled the tail of the fabric through and finally exposed his skin, she allowed it to fall to the floor, tilting her head upwards once again to taste his flesh. This time, she suckled and nipped at the skin below his ear before she whispered, "Ward the door, Severus. I couldn't bear it if Minerva interrupted us again," she closed her lips over his earlobe, suckling on it as he closed his eyes and groaned. He reached out to grasp her hips, pulling her flush against his chest.

Olivia reached between their bodies as she continued suckling his ear and neck; occasionally Severus would allow himself more kisses, craving her sweet taste. Olivia quickly worked her way through the rest of his frock coat, running her hands up his torso to push off the coat and his teach robes in one swift movement. Severus nudged her face to the side so that he had access to her neck instead. He made a harsh bite at the junction of her shoulder, causing a hiss from the young witch. His cock was begging for relief as he allowed his tongue to lick a soothing stripe over the reddened mark. Snape blindly reached for his desk, grasping his wand and silently casting his muffliato silencing charm and warding the door against all visitors.

The potions master was left in his trousers and white dress shirt as he bent his knees, cupping the witch beneath her bottom and scooping her into his arms. She moaned into his mouth as she returned her lips to his, biting his bottom lip sharply as he walked her over to his desk. He pushed everything off the surface as he laid her down on his circular desk - he was a wizard after all, what were a few broken test tubes? Olivia captured his thin waist with her legs, pulling him closer to her. She ripped his white shirt open, exposing his pale chest. She was so eager for his touch that she didn't notice the scars. She fumbled at his belt buckle as he reached down to quickly pull off her boots. Severus threw them to the side before grabbing the hem of her dress and quickly pulling it over her head. He pulled away from her, just for a moment to commit this image to memory. She was flushed, squirming beneath him on his desk in a black lace knicker set. He allowed just a few moments before frantically tugging at the placket of his pants, trying to remove his aching length as quickly as possible.

Severus had just freed himself and returned between her legs when the couple heard an ear-shattering screech. Infuriated, Severus stuffed himself back in his pants. "Bugger!" he growled. Olivia quickly sat up, covering her chest as she suddenly felt exposed.

"What the hell is that Severus?" She was wide eyed and scared by the wailing.

"My caterwaul charm. Someone is breaking into my personal stores," Severus growled, infuriated at being interrupted, yet again. "Merlin's beard," he said dejectedly. "Now I've got to put all that shit back on, damnit". He ran a hand over his face, suddenly looking quite tired. The potions master muttered a spell to return the small buttons to his shirt that Olivia had scattered upon the floor.

"Well, can't it wait? Can we just... turn off the charm?"

Severus scoffed, blinded with his own ire. "I'm going to catch Potter red-handed this time. That disrespectful child needs to learn to not touch what isn't his!"

Severus had fully dressed himself before Olivia had even removed herself from the desk and threw her dress back on. Before she knew it, he was storming from his office. She allowed a tear to fall from her cheek. Olivia felt humiliated and cheap. She quickly cast a reparo charm, fixing the broken glass and returning it to his desk before hastily retreating from his office and heading back towards her room. She felt like she couldn't breathe and needed to put as much distance between herself and Severus as she could. She felt he was toying with her emotions. She felt cheap and easy, and humiliated that he was able to find quite literally any reason to not be with her. She threw herself upon her mattress, warded her door and cried into her pillow until she finally gave in to some sleep.

XOX

Severus quickly strode down the corridor, his dragon-hide boots smacking the ground with each forceful step. Snape removed his wand as he approached the door to his private stores. He cast the counter charm, silencing the alarm. The dark wizard found his door hanging open. At first glance, he didn't see anything missing... at least none of the more dangerous/illegal ingredients and potions. He'd have to give out some detentions to have someone complete an inventory for him.

Growling, Severus slammed his door closed and rushed back to his office, towards his witch that he was hoping would still be waiting for him. He entered his office to find her gone. He curled his lip in a scowl, throwing an ink pot against the wall in frustration.

XOX

Olivia stayed in her room until dinner. The noises of complaint her belly was making, forced her to wipe her tears and clean up for her trip to the great hall. She honestly didn't want to see Severus at the moment. She still felt hurt and embarrassed, but she was going to have to brew with him over the weekend anyway. She resolved herself to be friends with the man before she sadly walked down the hall to take her seat at the head table.

Olivia decided she was too embarrassed to sit next to Severus. She would distance herself as much as possible, with the exception of brewing of course. Tonight, she'd sit on the opposite end of the table.

The young witch gave a small smile to Minerva as she sat down next to her own headmaster; Ivan quickly took the seat next to her.

Severus clearly isn't interested anyway, so why not let Ivan have some fun? Because he's not the wizard you want...

Olivia sulked. She wasn't in the mood to fight the Durmstrang wizard off tonight. She'd make polite conversation and push the food around with her fork. She wasn't hungry anymore.

XOX

Severus felt the sharp pain in his ribs from Minerva elbowing him.

"What did you do now, Severus?". His friend was truly concerned. She really liked Olivia. Well, that and she had a 10-galleon bet going with Poppy.

Severus rubbed his sore muscles. "I have no idea what you're on about, witch".

"Oh yes you do, my boy. Why is that lovely witch over there being entertained by that Dobber, instead of sitting over here by this one?" Minerva raised her eyebrow in defiance.

"She's free to sit where she pleases, Minerva. I suggest you keep your nose out of my business, lest you find your catnip infused with Angel's Trumpet".

"Severus Tobias Snape, you better not be threatening me," the elder witch sighed before placing her hand on his knee under the table. Severus quickly pulled his leg away and huffed. "I just want you to be happy, Severus. And it seems you'll do everything in your power to not let that happen. Well... for what it's worth, I suggest you get your head out of your arse quickly. A lass like that won't be single for long. Besides, the ball is next month, you'd better ask her before that lad does".

"What ball?" Snape spun his head so fast he gave himself a bit of vertigo. Minerva cackled.

"Maybe if you ever attended the staff meetings you'd know. The Yule Ball, Severus. It's a dance". He rolled his eyes as she continued. "Oh... and as head of Slytherin House, you're expected to teach the waltz". Severus choked on his wine and looked down at his plate. He sure as fuck was not going to be teaching a bunch of dunderheads how to dance, even if he was good at it.