A/N: I would like to point out that the recent lack of chapters has noting
to do with writer's block, and everything to do with lack of sleep, too
much school, and NO FREE TIME! It's the weekend, so I do believe that the
next chapter will be out fairly quickly. Anyway, this next chapter will
have…dum dum dum…the arrival of Cassandra! And some romance (He he he, the
story is coming closer to it's true rating!)I know I stated before that
Methos and Severus would be hooking up around Christmas…well, I lied.
They'll be getting together sooner. I'm getting impatient. So without
further ado…Chapter 16, In Which Love and Trouble Arrive.
Chapter 16:
In the Library;
Harry sat at a table in the back of the library, his eyes cast down at the large tome he did not see. There were bags under his eyes, though his thick glasses mostly hid them. He had arrived at the library an hour ago, picked out this book, and then proceeded to stare at it without seeing it for the rest of the hour. He was glad he hadn't been interrupted, and there was little chance of that happening, anyway. Right before he had left Hermione and Ron had been exchanging glances that led Harry to no doubt that they would be otherwise occupied for at least another hour.
In a way their relationship was both a curse and a blessing. It never failed to make Harry seem like a third wheel, no matter how unintentional, and reminded him of just how lonely he was. His only friends were excluding him from something they were doing together, (Not that Harry wanted to include in that, but that's what it felt like. The heart never listens to reason,) and he had no one else to turn to, except Draco.
Draco. There was a whole 'nother can of worms he had opened. He had always hated Draco, but lately (for the past two years) he stopped. He didn't realize it at first, but looking back he realized he had looked forward to Draco's taunts, jabs, and presence in general. The fact that Draco was turning out to be quite the hottie was no exception. But as long as he and Draco had remained on opposite sides, then he was safe. Draco, or anyone else for that matter, would never find out his true feelings for the other boy, no, not a boy, a young man with white blond hair and an elfin face and a smile that lights his eyes up, 'Stop it, Harry! This is no way to think about your new friend! Even If you have for the past few weeks-months, years- you cannot jump his bones whenever he smiles at you. IT would drive him away.' It was torture having him close and not able to touch him or tell him, only able to dream, but it would be death to take him away.
Death…Voldemort…Cedric! 'Stupid word association!' he thought even as he closed his eyes, the feelings of guilt and remorse too much. A single tear escaped from underneath clenched eyelids and his body started to tremble with barely contained sobs. He can't break down, not here where anybody could see him.
"Harry?" The voice was soft and questioning. Harry felt a warm hand on his shoulder and nearly fell out of his seat in shock. "Harry, are you ok?" Harry didn't jump this time, but he couldn't speak either, his throat was too tight. He settled for just shaking his head. He would never be all right, not truly. He felt the person pull a chair up next to his and he was pulled into a comforting embrace. He couldn't help himself. There in Draco Malfoy's arms Harry cried away his pain.
Outside the castle;
The last light of the setting sun was just sinking below the trees, bathing everything in scarlet-gold as the hooded figure hurried along the path. Above her the clouds were a dark purple against the midnight blue sky. A sharp wind blows, stinging her face and sending her cape billowing out behind her. A lock of her dark chestnut hair was freed from the confines of the hood and blew into her face. She shook her head and continued on, a little faster than before. Night was falling and it was getting colder. Finally the warm glow of the old castle came into view. With a relieved sigh she pushed onward, jogging the last few feet to the door and ascending the stairs quickly. She pulled open the great doors and darted inside before they closed on her.
Like a ghost she moved without a sound unconsciously moving from shadow to shadow to avoid detection. She slowed when she approached the great stone gargoyle. She spoke then, her voice low and melodious.
"Jelly Baby." The gargoyle moved and she entered Dumbledore's office.
He sat at his desk, his eyes twinkling in the light from the fireplace. On the desk in front of him was tray with a silver teapot, two shining, steaming tea cups, and two jars, one for sugar and one for cream. The woman pulled off her cloak and hood, hanging them on the post near the door. She spoke,
"I have arrived." Dumbledore smiled.
"Welcome, Cassandra. I have been expecting you. Would you care for some tea?" Cassandra smiled in return and the two sat down to talk.
Back in the Library
Harry's tears slowed and Draco handed him a handkerchief to wipe his eyes and blow his nose. Harry did so and started to offer it back before he realized, and clenched it in his hand once more, promising himself to have it cleaned before returning it.
As Harry's senses returned he realized a few things. 1) They were alone in the Library. Madame Pince wasn't even there as she was off re-shelving the restricted section. 2) He was in a surprisingly comfortable position, however, it was mostly on Draco Malfoy's lap, which could be embarrassing or very pleasant depending on the other young man. 3) There were now tearstains on Draco's shirt. It was the weekends, so they didn't have to wear robes, and Draco was wearing a rather expensive green shirt, which brought out the green in his gray eyes. (a/n. Draco's eyes are like a dragon-gray, blue, and green. They are similar to Methos's eyes, but Methos has gold instead of gray. There is no connection there other than I like eyes like that.) He said the first thing that came to his mind that wouldn't get him punched in the face.
"I'm sorry I got your shirt wet." Draco shrugged it off.
"I have more. Besides, you're worth more to me than a dry shirt." Draco bit his lip a little, a faint blush gracing his cheeks as he realized what he has said. Harry realized that the hand that was rubbing his back for comfort had turned into a ghosting caress. Somewhere during the sob session Draco had taken Harry's glasses off and placed them on the table, so when Harry looked at Draco, the only thing in focus was his face; his eyes. He gasped and smiled at what he saw.
Draco looked into Harry's eyes. Without his glasses to obscure them the bags were quite visible, but Harry's eyes were as bright as stars. 'Green stars!' thought Draco giddily and for a moment his eyes were unguarded and shown with his true feelings. He saw the realization in those emerald depths then the same love he felt was reflected, making the green a deeper hue.
As if cued by some invisible conductor the two moved in unison and leaned forward for the sweetest kiss of their teenaged lives. 'I'm kissing Draco Malfoy!' thought Harry wildly, and deepened the kiss. Draco returned it whole-heartedly. 'I'm kissing Harry Potter!' Harry shifted so there was a better angle, and tangled a hand in Draco's silky hair, the other arm resting around Draco's neck. Draco's one arm was around Harry's waist while his other hand moved from Harry's hip to comb through Harry's tumbled locks, cupping the back of Harry's head. In the restricted section a book dropped loudly and the two pulled away, looking over to see if they had been spotted.
Harry looked at Draco after realizing that he couldn't see that far with out his glasses and sucked in his breath. Both of them were flushed and their hair mussed. Draco looked back at him and they started to laugh softly. Harry looked around and found his glasses. Putting them on he looked at Draco, surprised to see him look shy. Draco's hands, however, weren't as both had come to rest on Harry's hips. Harry's arms were around Draco's neck and it was obvious to anybody what they were doing. Harry looked into Draco's eyes once more.
"Does this mean what I think it means?" Harry asked, his voice no more than a whisper. Draco nodded.
"Yes, I think it does."
"Good." Harry leaned in once more and they kissed softly once more. Before it got too heavy Harry pulled back. He moved one of his hands to cup the side of Draco's face. Closing his eyes Draco leaned into the caress.
"I think I love you, Draco. I don't know how, or why, but I do." Draco opened his eyes and lifted his hand to run his finger down Harry's nose then trace his lips.
"Well, I'm glad for that because I know I love you Harry. For so long now I've loved you even before I knew I was gay." One side of Harry's lips quirked.
"What? Did you think I was a girl or something?" His voice was light and teasing, and Draco answered smiling.
"No. I thought it was just you for a while before I realized that girls just didn't…excite me. Then I knew I was not only in love with Harry Potter, but I was gay to boot." Harry smiled.
"It was different for me. I knew I was gay, or at least I knew subconsciously, before I came to school. It was one more way for me to distance myself from those Durselys." He shuddered, "It wasn't until I saw you smile for the first time, a genuine smile, that I knew I was a gonner. You've stolen my heart Draco." Draco blushed. There were sounds coming again from the restricted section, and Harry now moved off Draco to sit back in his own seat, both of them shifting a little bit to better adjust their robes. Nothing but innocent sitting going on here, ma'am. Harry closed the tome before turning back to Draco. They sat in silence for a moment.
"So what are we going to do now?" Harry asked, "How are we gonna deal with this out there?" Draco knew exactly what Harry meant. TO the rest of the world they still hated each other, just didn't exchange insults anymore. Only Hermione and Ron knew otherwise, and this they wanted to keep from them for a little while, at least until Ron and Draco were better friends.
"Well, lets make this more official first. Harry Potter," Draco took Harry's hand in his, "Will you be my boyfriend?" Harry nodded, smiling.
"Of course I will." They leaned forward again and kissed for a third time, quick but heated.
"Good. Now," he paused collecting his thoughts, "We probably should keep this little tidbit about our lives on the need to know only for a bit. It's to dangerous for the both of us." Harry nodded in agreement. With Draco's father a high-ranking Death Eater and Harry Potter the main target of Voldemort's attacks, it was unsafe for either of them to associate.
"It's going to be hard."
"Yes, but it will make those special times that much more special." At that moment Madame Pince exited the restricted section, brushing the dust off her hands. She looked over and saw the two of them.
"It's getting late. You two had better head back to you dorms before curfew."
"Ok Madame Pince."
"Alright. I just have to put this away." Madame Pince waved her had at Harry.
"Never mind that Harry, I'll do it. Goodnight, both of you." Harry nodded and the two of them left the Library. After the door closed a small man exited the restricted section, adjusting his robes as well. He saw Madame Pince putting the tome back on the shelf.
"I take it they're gone, Pat?"
"Yes, Nathan." Patricia Pince replied climbing back down the latter.
"Good." Nathan Flitwick smiled as he stood on a chair to match the height of the librarian. Leaning over they kissed, an old and practiced gesture.
Outside the library the halls were empty and Draco turned to Harry.
"Did Madame Pince seem a little off to you?" Harry thought back and nodded slowly.
"Yes, she did, but I didn't think anything of it. I was a little preoccupied." Draco grinned.
"What do you think she was up to back there?" The two boys thought back on the noises they heard and said at the same time,
"EWWW!!!"
Hallway outside Dumbledore's office.
The gargoyle moved again and both Dumbledore and Cassandra exited the office."
"This way, my dear." Dumbledore led the way down the hall towards the astronomy tower. The two quickly came to the spiraling staircase and started to ascend. The suits of armor which guarded the way, all bowed to her as they passed, for they recognized a true lady of chivalrous times. They finally came to the trapdoor that lead to the classroom. It lowered on it's own and the two entered the classroom.
Cassandra started to cough as soon as she entered the room, her eyes watering from the overload of incense and perfumes. She went over to the heavily curtained windows, threw them aside and opened the window wide, airing out the room. Then, as an afterthought, ripped all but the bottom curtain off the windows. Hands on her hips she surveyed the room as Dumbledore watched an amused smile on his face. She went over to the culprit of the foul stench in the room and took out her wand (11 inches, rowan wood, and some hair of immortal (her own hair) and pointed it at the offensive object.
"Finite incantem." Immediately the object stopped spewing forth the offensive odor. She smiled and chucked the thing out the wide-open window.
"Cassandra," Dumbledore reproached with a laugh in his voice. She just smiled at him innocently and the two left to go to her rooms.
On the way down there was little difference. It was after curfew so there were no students in the hallways and the two made their way easily towards the teacher's quarters, approaching them from above. They were walking down that hall when she felt it…the buzz of an immortal. She stopped and cocked her head to the side, eyes searching the hallway like a hawk. Then, as suddenly as it had arrived, it left, as if it was never there. Shaking her head they continued on, Dumbledore not even questioning what had happened. He stopped them in front of a wooden door, undistinguishable from the rest save for the moons and stars decorating it.
"These are your quarters, my dear. I hope find them to your liking. I would love to stay and talk longer, but I have pressing ministry business and must be off. Goodnight Cassandra."
"Goodnight, Albus." He turned and left as she entered her rooms. They were decorated in a nice older style, with warmth and comfort in mind. Large oak furniture and plush cushions seemed to be the theme and Cassandra didn't mind one bit. Sitting down in one of the chairs she thought about the signature she had felt. Who was it?
In the dungeons
Severus was putting on his dressing gown when there came a nock in the door. Tying the sash as he went he opened the door, revealing a frightened Methos. He knew it was Methos and not Adam from the way he held himself. When he was Adam Pierson, you would never mistake the man for anything other than a poor, shy, scholar. Methos, on the other hand, was definitely a warrior, a fighter, and a man of much regal bearing. Now, this regal man was scared out of his mind.
"Can I come in?" The bearing was that of Methos, but the voice was definitely Adam Pierson, a scared Adam, but Adam nonetheless. Severus wondered what had spooked Methos so, and wondered if Adam and Methos weren't as far apart as he had originally thought. He stepped aside, letting Adam into the room. Severus closed the door.
"Methos, what's wrong?" Methos froze, and then he asked deliberately light,
"Cassandra's arrived. Can I sleep down here with you?" Severus's mind flashed on those last few words before he shook his head. 'Get over it, Severus. He is incredibly sexy, but he's not gay. He'd never even consider sex with you.' Then the voice registered.
"Cassandra? The new professor. Why would she dictate where you sleep?" Severus walked around to where Methos was standing so they were facing each other. There was a pained expression on Methos's face. His eyes were closed.
"You know immortals sense each other it's how we either avoid or find each other. I didn't last as long as I have by keeping immortals near me, or I should say, immortals who want me dead permanently! I wouldn't be able to sleep and Cassandra would want to know who her fellow immortal is, weather it's an old friend or enemy or potential friend or enemy. If I sleep there tonight, I'd loose my head by morning." Methos opened his eyes and looked pleadingly into Severus's. Severus sighed, then smiled.
"Sure thing Methos. Let me conjure up a bed for you." He turned looking for his wand.
"Oh, don't worry. The couch is fine. Or I could sleep with you?" Severus froze. He couldn't mean it. He turned and searched Methos's face looking for a lie or a joke or a trick. There was none, only complete sincerity and a little…lust?
"Which would you prefer?" Severus asked slowly. Methos smiled slowly, sexily.
"I do so hate to sleep alone," as he talked he walked, no glided up to Severus, taking the wand out of his hand. Severus could hardly believe it. Was this really happening? Methos on the other hand was growing a little concerned by Severus's lack of reaction. Had he judged the reactions wrong, or was it just shock? Only one way to tell.
Methos reached up and pulled Severus's head to him, kissing him slowly, artfully, and was rewarded with a pair of hands coming up to rest on his hips, and a pair of lips which kissed him back. Methos pulled back and grinned at Severus. Severus grinned back and was then kissed with 5000 years worth of kissing experience. Severus pulled Methos in closer, crushing their bodies together. Methos pulled away, both a little breathless.
"Bedroom?"
"Bedroom." The two stumbled over to the four-poster bed in the bedroom with as little break in contact as possible. Clothing was soon a thing of the past, and Severus was glad of the soundproof spells on his bedchamber. Later the two lay there, wrapped in each other's arms. Severus's eyes were drooping sleepily and Methos had closed his already.
"Methos?"
"Hmmm?
"I think I love you."
"I love you, too Severus. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
The two drifted off to sleep and dreamt of pleasant things. Before Methos had arrived at Hogwarts he had never believe he had a soul mate, though he believed in the concept. Now, however, both felt he had found his.
TBC
A/N: I told you I was getting impatient. About the names (Methos/Adam) Methos plays two different personalities when he is either, so they look slightly different (Adam act more energetic and clumsy and slouched, while Methos is all grace and power and noble bearing.)
Did you like the Madame Pince/Flitwick thingy I threw in there? Don't worry. It comes into play later. It wasn't just a bit of the randomness I am so memorable for.
Vampire Child – Herm will figure it out around a major holiday (and no, I'm not telling you which. Exams do suck, don't they? I know how you feel. Midterms start next week (shudder) the next chapter will show up probably tomorrow night. Sometime. Thank you for reviewing so diligently.
Lady Cinnibar – No, Methos didn't tell the whole thing. It's not in his nature. Severus will find out, though. Thank you for reviewing! It's you guys who keep me going!
WyldeHorse – It's not really writer's block, just, well, read the a/n at the top. I know what you mean about the whole liking the idea about people being gay/bi, thing. I'm the same way and I'm a total slash junkie. I admit it. I wonder if they have a support group for that. Could you imagine? Hello, my name is immortaljedi and I'm a slash junkie. I haven't read a slash story n three minutes...uh I mean days. Three days (embarrassed look) Anyway…
Thank all of you for reviewing. I really do mean that. The next chapter will have the meeting of Cassie and Severus and much, much more!
Chapter 16:
In the Library;
Harry sat at a table in the back of the library, his eyes cast down at the large tome he did not see. There were bags under his eyes, though his thick glasses mostly hid them. He had arrived at the library an hour ago, picked out this book, and then proceeded to stare at it without seeing it for the rest of the hour. He was glad he hadn't been interrupted, and there was little chance of that happening, anyway. Right before he had left Hermione and Ron had been exchanging glances that led Harry to no doubt that they would be otherwise occupied for at least another hour.
In a way their relationship was both a curse and a blessing. It never failed to make Harry seem like a third wheel, no matter how unintentional, and reminded him of just how lonely he was. His only friends were excluding him from something they were doing together, (Not that Harry wanted to include in that, but that's what it felt like. The heart never listens to reason,) and he had no one else to turn to, except Draco.
Draco. There was a whole 'nother can of worms he had opened. He had always hated Draco, but lately (for the past two years) he stopped. He didn't realize it at first, but looking back he realized he had looked forward to Draco's taunts, jabs, and presence in general. The fact that Draco was turning out to be quite the hottie was no exception. But as long as he and Draco had remained on opposite sides, then he was safe. Draco, or anyone else for that matter, would never find out his true feelings for the other boy, no, not a boy, a young man with white blond hair and an elfin face and a smile that lights his eyes up, 'Stop it, Harry! This is no way to think about your new friend! Even If you have for the past few weeks-months, years- you cannot jump his bones whenever he smiles at you. IT would drive him away.' It was torture having him close and not able to touch him or tell him, only able to dream, but it would be death to take him away.
Death…Voldemort…Cedric! 'Stupid word association!' he thought even as he closed his eyes, the feelings of guilt and remorse too much. A single tear escaped from underneath clenched eyelids and his body started to tremble with barely contained sobs. He can't break down, not here where anybody could see him.
"Harry?" The voice was soft and questioning. Harry felt a warm hand on his shoulder and nearly fell out of his seat in shock. "Harry, are you ok?" Harry didn't jump this time, but he couldn't speak either, his throat was too tight. He settled for just shaking his head. He would never be all right, not truly. He felt the person pull a chair up next to his and he was pulled into a comforting embrace. He couldn't help himself. There in Draco Malfoy's arms Harry cried away his pain.
Outside the castle;
The last light of the setting sun was just sinking below the trees, bathing everything in scarlet-gold as the hooded figure hurried along the path. Above her the clouds were a dark purple against the midnight blue sky. A sharp wind blows, stinging her face and sending her cape billowing out behind her. A lock of her dark chestnut hair was freed from the confines of the hood and blew into her face. She shook her head and continued on, a little faster than before. Night was falling and it was getting colder. Finally the warm glow of the old castle came into view. With a relieved sigh she pushed onward, jogging the last few feet to the door and ascending the stairs quickly. She pulled open the great doors and darted inside before they closed on her.
Like a ghost she moved without a sound unconsciously moving from shadow to shadow to avoid detection. She slowed when she approached the great stone gargoyle. She spoke then, her voice low and melodious.
"Jelly Baby." The gargoyle moved and she entered Dumbledore's office.
He sat at his desk, his eyes twinkling in the light from the fireplace. On the desk in front of him was tray with a silver teapot, two shining, steaming tea cups, and two jars, one for sugar and one for cream. The woman pulled off her cloak and hood, hanging them on the post near the door. She spoke,
"I have arrived." Dumbledore smiled.
"Welcome, Cassandra. I have been expecting you. Would you care for some tea?" Cassandra smiled in return and the two sat down to talk.
Back in the Library
Harry's tears slowed and Draco handed him a handkerchief to wipe his eyes and blow his nose. Harry did so and started to offer it back before he realized, and clenched it in his hand once more, promising himself to have it cleaned before returning it.
As Harry's senses returned he realized a few things. 1) They were alone in the Library. Madame Pince wasn't even there as she was off re-shelving the restricted section. 2) He was in a surprisingly comfortable position, however, it was mostly on Draco Malfoy's lap, which could be embarrassing or very pleasant depending on the other young man. 3) There were now tearstains on Draco's shirt. It was the weekends, so they didn't have to wear robes, and Draco was wearing a rather expensive green shirt, which brought out the green in his gray eyes. (a/n. Draco's eyes are like a dragon-gray, blue, and green. They are similar to Methos's eyes, but Methos has gold instead of gray. There is no connection there other than I like eyes like that.) He said the first thing that came to his mind that wouldn't get him punched in the face.
"I'm sorry I got your shirt wet." Draco shrugged it off.
"I have more. Besides, you're worth more to me than a dry shirt." Draco bit his lip a little, a faint blush gracing his cheeks as he realized what he has said. Harry realized that the hand that was rubbing his back for comfort had turned into a ghosting caress. Somewhere during the sob session Draco had taken Harry's glasses off and placed them on the table, so when Harry looked at Draco, the only thing in focus was his face; his eyes. He gasped and smiled at what he saw.
Draco looked into Harry's eyes. Without his glasses to obscure them the bags were quite visible, but Harry's eyes were as bright as stars. 'Green stars!' thought Draco giddily and for a moment his eyes were unguarded and shown with his true feelings. He saw the realization in those emerald depths then the same love he felt was reflected, making the green a deeper hue.
As if cued by some invisible conductor the two moved in unison and leaned forward for the sweetest kiss of their teenaged lives. 'I'm kissing Draco Malfoy!' thought Harry wildly, and deepened the kiss. Draco returned it whole-heartedly. 'I'm kissing Harry Potter!' Harry shifted so there was a better angle, and tangled a hand in Draco's silky hair, the other arm resting around Draco's neck. Draco's one arm was around Harry's waist while his other hand moved from Harry's hip to comb through Harry's tumbled locks, cupping the back of Harry's head. In the restricted section a book dropped loudly and the two pulled away, looking over to see if they had been spotted.
Harry looked at Draco after realizing that he couldn't see that far with out his glasses and sucked in his breath. Both of them were flushed and their hair mussed. Draco looked back at him and they started to laugh softly. Harry looked around and found his glasses. Putting them on he looked at Draco, surprised to see him look shy. Draco's hands, however, weren't as both had come to rest on Harry's hips. Harry's arms were around Draco's neck and it was obvious to anybody what they were doing. Harry looked into Draco's eyes once more.
"Does this mean what I think it means?" Harry asked, his voice no more than a whisper. Draco nodded.
"Yes, I think it does."
"Good." Harry leaned in once more and they kissed softly once more. Before it got too heavy Harry pulled back. He moved one of his hands to cup the side of Draco's face. Closing his eyes Draco leaned into the caress.
"I think I love you, Draco. I don't know how, or why, but I do." Draco opened his eyes and lifted his hand to run his finger down Harry's nose then trace his lips.
"Well, I'm glad for that because I know I love you Harry. For so long now I've loved you even before I knew I was gay." One side of Harry's lips quirked.
"What? Did you think I was a girl or something?" His voice was light and teasing, and Draco answered smiling.
"No. I thought it was just you for a while before I realized that girls just didn't…excite me. Then I knew I was not only in love with Harry Potter, but I was gay to boot." Harry smiled.
"It was different for me. I knew I was gay, or at least I knew subconsciously, before I came to school. It was one more way for me to distance myself from those Durselys." He shuddered, "It wasn't until I saw you smile for the first time, a genuine smile, that I knew I was a gonner. You've stolen my heart Draco." Draco blushed. There were sounds coming again from the restricted section, and Harry now moved off Draco to sit back in his own seat, both of them shifting a little bit to better adjust their robes. Nothing but innocent sitting going on here, ma'am. Harry closed the tome before turning back to Draco. They sat in silence for a moment.
"So what are we going to do now?" Harry asked, "How are we gonna deal with this out there?" Draco knew exactly what Harry meant. TO the rest of the world they still hated each other, just didn't exchange insults anymore. Only Hermione and Ron knew otherwise, and this they wanted to keep from them for a little while, at least until Ron and Draco were better friends.
"Well, lets make this more official first. Harry Potter," Draco took Harry's hand in his, "Will you be my boyfriend?" Harry nodded, smiling.
"Of course I will." They leaned forward again and kissed for a third time, quick but heated.
"Good. Now," he paused collecting his thoughts, "We probably should keep this little tidbit about our lives on the need to know only for a bit. It's to dangerous for the both of us." Harry nodded in agreement. With Draco's father a high-ranking Death Eater and Harry Potter the main target of Voldemort's attacks, it was unsafe for either of them to associate.
"It's going to be hard."
"Yes, but it will make those special times that much more special." At that moment Madame Pince exited the restricted section, brushing the dust off her hands. She looked over and saw the two of them.
"It's getting late. You two had better head back to you dorms before curfew."
"Ok Madame Pince."
"Alright. I just have to put this away." Madame Pince waved her had at Harry.
"Never mind that Harry, I'll do it. Goodnight, both of you." Harry nodded and the two of them left the Library. After the door closed a small man exited the restricted section, adjusting his robes as well. He saw Madame Pince putting the tome back on the shelf.
"I take it they're gone, Pat?"
"Yes, Nathan." Patricia Pince replied climbing back down the latter.
"Good." Nathan Flitwick smiled as he stood on a chair to match the height of the librarian. Leaning over they kissed, an old and practiced gesture.
Outside the library the halls were empty and Draco turned to Harry.
"Did Madame Pince seem a little off to you?" Harry thought back and nodded slowly.
"Yes, she did, but I didn't think anything of it. I was a little preoccupied." Draco grinned.
"What do you think she was up to back there?" The two boys thought back on the noises they heard and said at the same time,
"EWWW!!!"
Hallway outside Dumbledore's office.
The gargoyle moved again and both Dumbledore and Cassandra exited the office."
"This way, my dear." Dumbledore led the way down the hall towards the astronomy tower. The two quickly came to the spiraling staircase and started to ascend. The suits of armor which guarded the way, all bowed to her as they passed, for they recognized a true lady of chivalrous times. They finally came to the trapdoor that lead to the classroom. It lowered on it's own and the two entered the classroom.
Cassandra started to cough as soon as she entered the room, her eyes watering from the overload of incense and perfumes. She went over to the heavily curtained windows, threw them aside and opened the window wide, airing out the room. Then, as an afterthought, ripped all but the bottom curtain off the windows. Hands on her hips she surveyed the room as Dumbledore watched an amused smile on his face. She went over to the culprit of the foul stench in the room and took out her wand (11 inches, rowan wood, and some hair of immortal (her own hair) and pointed it at the offensive object.
"Finite incantem." Immediately the object stopped spewing forth the offensive odor. She smiled and chucked the thing out the wide-open window.
"Cassandra," Dumbledore reproached with a laugh in his voice. She just smiled at him innocently and the two left to go to her rooms.
On the way down there was little difference. It was after curfew so there were no students in the hallways and the two made their way easily towards the teacher's quarters, approaching them from above. They were walking down that hall when she felt it…the buzz of an immortal. She stopped and cocked her head to the side, eyes searching the hallway like a hawk. Then, as suddenly as it had arrived, it left, as if it was never there. Shaking her head they continued on, Dumbledore not even questioning what had happened. He stopped them in front of a wooden door, undistinguishable from the rest save for the moons and stars decorating it.
"These are your quarters, my dear. I hope find them to your liking. I would love to stay and talk longer, but I have pressing ministry business and must be off. Goodnight Cassandra."
"Goodnight, Albus." He turned and left as she entered her rooms. They were decorated in a nice older style, with warmth and comfort in mind. Large oak furniture and plush cushions seemed to be the theme and Cassandra didn't mind one bit. Sitting down in one of the chairs she thought about the signature she had felt. Who was it?
In the dungeons
Severus was putting on his dressing gown when there came a nock in the door. Tying the sash as he went he opened the door, revealing a frightened Methos. He knew it was Methos and not Adam from the way he held himself. When he was Adam Pierson, you would never mistake the man for anything other than a poor, shy, scholar. Methos, on the other hand, was definitely a warrior, a fighter, and a man of much regal bearing. Now, this regal man was scared out of his mind.
"Can I come in?" The bearing was that of Methos, but the voice was definitely Adam Pierson, a scared Adam, but Adam nonetheless. Severus wondered what had spooked Methos so, and wondered if Adam and Methos weren't as far apart as he had originally thought. He stepped aside, letting Adam into the room. Severus closed the door.
"Methos, what's wrong?" Methos froze, and then he asked deliberately light,
"Cassandra's arrived. Can I sleep down here with you?" Severus's mind flashed on those last few words before he shook his head. 'Get over it, Severus. He is incredibly sexy, but he's not gay. He'd never even consider sex with you.' Then the voice registered.
"Cassandra? The new professor. Why would she dictate where you sleep?" Severus walked around to where Methos was standing so they were facing each other. There was a pained expression on Methos's face. His eyes were closed.
"You know immortals sense each other it's how we either avoid or find each other. I didn't last as long as I have by keeping immortals near me, or I should say, immortals who want me dead permanently! I wouldn't be able to sleep and Cassandra would want to know who her fellow immortal is, weather it's an old friend or enemy or potential friend or enemy. If I sleep there tonight, I'd loose my head by morning." Methos opened his eyes and looked pleadingly into Severus's. Severus sighed, then smiled.
"Sure thing Methos. Let me conjure up a bed for you." He turned looking for his wand.
"Oh, don't worry. The couch is fine. Or I could sleep with you?" Severus froze. He couldn't mean it. He turned and searched Methos's face looking for a lie or a joke or a trick. There was none, only complete sincerity and a little…lust?
"Which would you prefer?" Severus asked slowly. Methos smiled slowly, sexily.
"I do so hate to sleep alone," as he talked he walked, no glided up to Severus, taking the wand out of his hand. Severus could hardly believe it. Was this really happening? Methos on the other hand was growing a little concerned by Severus's lack of reaction. Had he judged the reactions wrong, or was it just shock? Only one way to tell.
Methos reached up and pulled Severus's head to him, kissing him slowly, artfully, and was rewarded with a pair of hands coming up to rest on his hips, and a pair of lips which kissed him back. Methos pulled back and grinned at Severus. Severus grinned back and was then kissed with 5000 years worth of kissing experience. Severus pulled Methos in closer, crushing their bodies together. Methos pulled away, both a little breathless.
"Bedroom?"
"Bedroom." The two stumbled over to the four-poster bed in the bedroom with as little break in contact as possible. Clothing was soon a thing of the past, and Severus was glad of the soundproof spells on his bedchamber. Later the two lay there, wrapped in each other's arms. Severus's eyes were drooping sleepily and Methos had closed his already.
"Methos?"
"Hmmm?
"I think I love you."
"I love you, too Severus. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
The two drifted off to sleep and dreamt of pleasant things. Before Methos had arrived at Hogwarts he had never believe he had a soul mate, though he believed in the concept. Now, however, both felt he had found his.
TBC
A/N: I told you I was getting impatient. About the names (Methos/Adam) Methos plays two different personalities when he is either, so they look slightly different (Adam act more energetic and clumsy and slouched, while Methos is all grace and power and noble bearing.)
Did you like the Madame Pince/Flitwick thingy I threw in there? Don't worry. It comes into play later. It wasn't just a bit of the randomness I am so memorable for.
Vampire Child – Herm will figure it out around a major holiday (and no, I'm not telling you which. Exams do suck, don't they? I know how you feel. Midterms start next week (shudder) the next chapter will show up probably tomorrow night. Sometime. Thank you for reviewing so diligently.
Lady Cinnibar – No, Methos didn't tell the whole thing. It's not in his nature. Severus will find out, though. Thank you for reviewing! It's you guys who keep me going!
WyldeHorse – It's not really writer's block, just, well, read the a/n at the top. I know what you mean about the whole liking the idea about people being gay/bi, thing. I'm the same way and I'm a total slash junkie. I admit it. I wonder if they have a support group for that. Could you imagine? Hello, my name is immortaljedi and I'm a slash junkie. I haven't read a slash story n three minutes...uh I mean days. Three days (embarrassed look) Anyway…
Thank all of you for reviewing. I really do mean that. The next chapter will have the meeting of Cassie and Severus and much, much more!