AN: This is short, I know, I know. So what. Um, I'm not having writer's
block, unless you count the fact that I CAN'T WRITE ROMANCE AT ALL!
I'm sorry, it's just really, really, really hard for me to write. So
you're gonna feel shirked at that end of this. But, I promise you er…"more
action". I dunno…maybe it's the fact it's Severus Snape. Maybe it's cuz
I'm not a public affection person. Maybe I'm weird. Who knows.
You people shall be on bent knee for this, though. My comp crashed and I had an evil virus. I think I explained this somewhere else. However, I did change the name of chap nine, if you are wondering. It's not that cheezy title. It's something else. Ttyl, hope you enjoy. Read and review.
Chapter Ten: The Way It Was Before
Emilia watched him walk out, her mouth slightly open in true surprise. She was angry, very angry, with him. Clenching her fist, she would like nothing more than to tell him off then maybe give him a good left hook across his over-sized nose. But first she had to analyze what he had just said.
Was she melodramatic…? Maybe a little at times, but who isn't? And she was very far from being naïve. And for acting like a tramp…what did he mean by that? She had, in her mind, never given off anything that would allude to something so sinful. Emilia would never fancy herself as a tramp, or anything of the like.
Then, what she did say must have stung a little bit. She just called him an asshole, for goodness' sakes. So much for the "did I like him?" thing—even her hormones now got the better of her. Damn him. He brought it on—he can deal with it.
Minerva came in (or nearly stumbled, would be more accurate) and sat down where Severus had been just five minutes ago before he stomped off to who knows where. "Hullo, Emilia," she said clearly, her cheeks a little flushed.
Emilia breathed in quickly, to calm herself down. "Hullo, Minerva," she replied. "Are you okay?" she asked, tilting her head sideways. Minerva seemed to be acting really weird, and it wasn't just the drink.
"No, I'm fine," she said loftily. "Absolutely peachy-keen." The way she said it was very obvious she was completely off balance. Not only that, she slurred a bit. Emilia resisted the urge to giggle.
"Where have you been?" she asked Minerva, turning to face her, the golden goblet of pumpkin juice in her hand. "I've been looking for you." Well, that was true. She was looking for her when she ran into Severus. And she was partly the reason she felt so confused, when she slyly left them in the middle of the dance floor, just inviting him to dance with her. Emilia was swamped with change: the change of Severus on the dance floor compared to ten minutes ago, physical and hormonal change.... Then it started in with Mr. Weasley and his sign, and that concluded with her and Severus being angry with each other. So, technically, she was looking for her. And, technically, she really wished now she hadn't.
"You wouldn't have been looking for me in you came with me instead of dancing with a student," she replied curtly. Minerva was still smiling, though. "Oh well, then."
"Did you find anything out?" she said, trying to change the subject.
"I didn't follow them," she said, putting her hand on the table with a small slap. "I took a visit elsewhere."
"Where?" Emilia was confused.
"Do I have to bloody tell you everything?" she snapped, grinning. Emilia looked at her for a second then got it.
"Ohhhhh...." she said knowingly, nodding. Minerva's drink didn't agree with her, and that's why she a little off. Bathroom visit. Emilia laughed. "So, anyway..." she said, shifting position and setting down the empty drink.
"What did Severus stomp out of here for?" she inquired. Emilia turned up her head sharply at her.
"What else? He truly is an ass, Minerva," she said, looking past her and watching the people on the floor. From out in the hallway, the clock chimed ten.
"That's not what I saw when you two were dancing," Minerva replied quietly.
Emilia glared at her. "Shut. Up," she said, her voice dangerously low. "One more—"
"Hello you two!" Dumbledore said, greeting them graciously, sweeping himself into a chair across the table. "How is it all going?" He set his discarded hat on the table, and the tip was quite limp, like the hat had been through hell that night. Dumbledore was breathless, but he looked like he was having the time of his life.
"Fine," Emilia and Minerva replied at the same time. They looked at each other, and laughed.
"Well, I can see things are going well..." he glanced around. "Where's Severus? I thought he was with you, Emilia." Emilia looked up, and saw a figure glide into the Great Hall and walk over to the table.
Minerva opened her mouth to say something, but Emilia interrupted her first.
Emilia drew in a quick breath, and gave the man behind Dumbledore a cold look. "I don't know where he is. I don't keep tabs on the man," she replied icily. Severus was standing right behind Dumbledore.
Severus opened his mouth, then closed it, crossing his arms. He narrowed his black eyes at her, then took the seat next to Dumbledore.
"What is it that you needed, Headmaster?" he said politely, glaring menacingly at Emilia.
"We can try to reverse whatever happened to you," Dumbledore said, picking up the hat and standing up. "This dance is nearly done," he said grazing over the floor, which had some lonely couples talking and one or two of them dancing to a tired band's beat. With a wave of his wand, the entire Great Hall was cleaned up, and the students took the hint, leaving. The band walked over, bowed politely, and exited as well. With a final flick of his wand, Dumbledore replaced the Great Hall to its normal state, and turned, smiling. "Shall we go, then?"
Emilia nodded. Severus stood and pushed in his chair. "Good night, Minerva," Emilia called out as they took their separate ways when they exited the Hall. "Hope for the best!"
"I shall!" she replied, waving. "Hope for no head problems in the morning!"
Emilia laughed. "Madame Pomfrey can help you in that matter!" she called back happily. Turning back to Dumbledore and Severus, she smiled.
"Good night, Minerva," Dumbledore called out, and waved his hand toward the way to his office. "Let us go, now," he added to Severus and Emilia. Severus looked really cross, and kept shooting glares at Emilia as they followed Dumbledore, who was keen on keeping a conversation with them, even though none of them chose to respond.
"May aren't you two bundles of joy to be around," he said softly, opening the gargoyle and going up to his office. "I hope changing you back will help your attitudes. You both looked like Christmas was cancelled."
"Tomorrow's Christmas, Albus," Severus replied irritably. "Just change us back, please. I can't stand this body or all it's happy attributes."
"What, being young is an annoyance? Don't you have any pleasure in your miserable life?" Emilia muttered as they entered the room.
"I didn't think you were all that keen on remaining underage, Emilia," he replied coldly.
Emilia glared at him. "Sorry, didn't know you were looking for a good time," she answered dryly.
Dumbledore turned around sharply. "Please, have a seat," he said stiffly, and the happiness that he had before seemed to drain out of him. "I don't know what happened to you exactly, but I need to hear every detail. Perhaps then, we can find a way out of your problem."
Severus crossed his legs and put his chin huffily on his hand. "It's simple. We were walking and then it was like we hit a bubble. It popped, and then we found ourselves soaking wet. After that, we found out that we were not only wet, but we were aged down about ten years. I found Potter and Weasley lurking by; perhaps you should ask them what they were doing so close to the scene of the crime."
Emilia frowned. "It wasn't them, Professor. Severus inquired about the incident and the boys truly looked like they were just in the wrong spot at the wrong time."
"It seems every year they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. And besides, you are extremely biased towards them, anyhow."
"And you weren't biased toward Malfoy when him and Weasley got into that fight a week ago? You didn't even do anything to reprimand him. You let him off easy. It seems you are more biased than I."
Dumbledore breathed in loudly, and held up his hands. "Enough. I get it. What did you think it was, Emilia?"
Emilia put her hand on her chin thoughtfully. "I think it may have been a Reversal Age Line, perhaps."
"And you, Severus? What was your conclusion?"
"I think it may be a Reversal Age Hex," he said simply, glaring at her, "covered with a Water Charm."
"Hmm…both of those use great amounts of Dark Magic," Dumbledore replied reflectively. "Either way, both of those take a while to wear off."
Emilia's head snapped up. "What? There isn't a counter-spell?"
"Look," Dumbledore said, holding up a mirror. "In the time of the dance, you have aged appearance-wise one year—as well as Severus' appearance. In about a week, you should be back to your normal selves."
"Christmas holiday ends in three days, Professor," Emilia said quickly. "When I attend my classes, I'll not be back to my old age!"
"Like you were old to begin with?" Severus sneered. Emilia gave him a withering look. Dumbledore sighed deeply, and frowned contemptuously at him.
"That's quite enough, you two. Anymore, and I shall have to suspend you from your duties. And we really need our teachers, so please don't make me do this," Dumbledore said sharply, tapping the table with impatience.
Severus and Emilia looked up quickly at him, and Emilia felt her stomach pain guiltily. "I apologize, Professor," Emilia said, almost automatically.
Dumbledore nodded. The clock chimed eleven, and Emilia fought the urge to yawn loudly. Standing, he said, "Very well, then. Please, have a good night."
Emilia smiled gratefully and walked out slowly, Severus right behind her. Suddenly, she felt her shoulder be grabbed as Severus whirled her around.
"Emilia, just what the hell was that?"
Emilia glared at him. "Just what was what?"
"That—that little stunt there in the office. The Headmaster is now threatening or jobs because you cannot hold your tongue," he spat, his face livid with anger.
Emilia ripped her shoulder out of his reach and clenched her fists. "Same to you, Severus. There are two sides to the story, mind you. But you are the three-quarters of it!"
Severus's eyes narrowed. "What exactly are you implying?"
"Exactly what you think I am," she answered snappishly.
He took a step forward. No matter how he tried to intimidate her, his face full of youth gave away. Emilia laughed.
Severus's eyes became little slits. "Why are you laughing?"
She laughed harder. "N—nothing, Severus," she wheezed.
He gripped her two shoulders, and shook her a little bit, unconsciously pulling her close. "Emilia…why are you laughing?" he all but hissed.
"Like I said…nothing," she said, looking up at him. He was two inches away from her face, their noses nearly touching.
Severus leaned in a little bit, deciding whether or not to go through what his brain said no to and his hormones said yes. He hesitated for a second.
Emilia's mind began to whirl. Isn't this what she wanted? Hadn't she had feeling for him before? Before she could think about it anymore, his lips gently touched hers. Her eyes fluttered softly closed.
He leaned back, and stood up straight. Emilia opened her eyes slowly, faintly aware she was completely still and rigid, her hands clasped at her heart and her head tilted up.
Severus smiled slowly and backed up, turning around. She looked at him analytically, and noticed instead of what she felt reflected in her eyes, she saw cold and hardness, wrapped in a distorted embrace. She felt somewhat betrayed and even more so embarrassed. Emilia didn't know why.
He'd kissed her, just a little, but it was still was kiss. Did Severus have feelings for her? Or was she just confused? After all this time, after all the nasty things they have said, have her feelings about him changed so much that instead of hate that should have been born of this situation, had it turned into love? She felt embarrassed, even more than that, though. Severus must think very little of her. She'd claimed that she'd hated him—that she wished ill to him, and here she was, being kissed! Because it was sure as rain that she didn't kiss him.
But maybe, all in all, she loved him. It was pretty obvious the way she stood there. She had never felt so awkward. She knew it was obvious by that he knew she liked him—maybe even loved him.
Emilia got this sick feeling in her stomach that he now knew how she felt, and he was going to use it against her.
You people shall be on bent knee for this, though. My comp crashed and I had an evil virus. I think I explained this somewhere else. However, I did change the name of chap nine, if you are wondering. It's not that cheezy title. It's something else. Ttyl, hope you enjoy. Read and review.
Chapter Ten: The Way It Was Before
Emilia watched him walk out, her mouth slightly open in true surprise. She was angry, very angry, with him. Clenching her fist, she would like nothing more than to tell him off then maybe give him a good left hook across his over-sized nose. But first she had to analyze what he had just said.
Was she melodramatic…? Maybe a little at times, but who isn't? And she was very far from being naïve. And for acting like a tramp…what did he mean by that? She had, in her mind, never given off anything that would allude to something so sinful. Emilia would never fancy herself as a tramp, or anything of the like.
Then, what she did say must have stung a little bit. She just called him an asshole, for goodness' sakes. So much for the "did I like him?" thing—even her hormones now got the better of her. Damn him. He brought it on—he can deal with it.
Minerva came in (or nearly stumbled, would be more accurate) and sat down where Severus had been just five minutes ago before he stomped off to who knows where. "Hullo, Emilia," she said clearly, her cheeks a little flushed.
Emilia breathed in quickly, to calm herself down. "Hullo, Minerva," she replied. "Are you okay?" she asked, tilting her head sideways. Minerva seemed to be acting really weird, and it wasn't just the drink.
"No, I'm fine," she said loftily. "Absolutely peachy-keen." The way she said it was very obvious she was completely off balance. Not only that, she slurred a bit. Emilia resisted the urge to giggle.
"Where have you been?" she asked Minerva, turning to face her, the golden goblet of pumpkin juice in her hand. "I've been looking for you." Well, that was true. She was looking for her when she ran into Severus. And she was partly the reason she felt so confused, when she slyly left them in the middle of the dance floor, just inviting him to dance with her. Emilia was swamped with change: the change of Severus on the dance floor compared to ten minutes ago, physical and hormonal change.... Then it started in with Mr. Weasley and his sign, and that concluded with her and Severus being angry with each other. So, technically, she was looking for her. And, technically, she really wished now she hadn't.
"You wouldn't have been looking for me in you came with me instead of dancing with a student," she replied curtly. Minerva was still smiling, though. "Oh well, then."
"Did you find anything out?" she said, trying to change the subject.
"I didn't follow them," she said, putting her hand on the table with a small slap. "I took a visit elsewhere."
"Where?" Emilia was confused.
"Do I have to bloody tell you everything?" she snapped, grinning. Emilia looked at her for a second then got it.
"Ohhhhh...." she said knowingly, nodding. Minerva's drink didn't agree with her, and that's why she a little off. Bathroom visit. Emilia laughed. "So, anyway..." she said, shifting position and setting down the empty drink.
"What did Severus stomp out of here for?" she inquired. Emilia turned up her head sharply at her.
"What else? He truly is an ass, Minerva," she said, looking past her and watching the people on the floor. From out in the hallway, the clock chimed ten.
"That's not what I saw when you two were dancing," Minerva replied quietly.
Emilia glared at her. "Shut. Up," she said, her voice dangerously low. "One more—"
"Hello you two!" Dumbledore said, greeting them graciously, sweeping himself into a chair across the table. "How is it all going?" He set his discarded hat on the table, and the tip was quite limp, like the hat had been through hell that night. Dumbledore was breathless, but he looked like he was having the time of his life.
"Fine," Emilia and Minerva replied at the same time. They looked at each other, and laughed.
"Well, I can see things are going well..." he glanced around. "Where's Severus? I thought he was with you, Emilia." Emilia looked up, and saw a figure glide into the Great Hall and walk over to the table.
Minerva opened her mouth to say something, but Emilia interrupted her first.
Emilia drew in a quick breath, and gave the man behind Dumbledore a cold look. "I don't know where he is. I don't keep tabs on the man," she replied icily. Severus was standing right behind Dumbledore.
Severus opened his mouth, then closed it, crossing his arms. He narrowed his black eyes at her, then took the seat next to Dumbledore.
"What is it that you needed, Headmaster?" he said politely, glaring menacingly at Emilia.
"We can try to reverse whatever happened to you," Dumbledore said, picking up the hat and standing up. "This dance is nearly done," he said grazing over the floor, which had some lonely couples talking and one or two of them dancing to a tired band's beat. With a wave of his wand, the entire Great Hall was cleaned up, and the students took the hint, leaving. The band walked over, bowed politely, and exited as well. With a final flick of his wand, Dumbledore replaced the Great Hall to its normal state, and turned, smiling. "Shall we go, then?"
Emilia nodded. Severus stood and pushed in his chair. "Good night, Minerva," Emilia called out as they took their separate ways when they exited the Hall. "Hope for the best!"
"I shall!" she replied, waving. "Hope for no head problems in the morning!"
Emilia laughed. "Madame Pomfrey can help you in that matter!" she called back happily. Turning back to Dumbledore and Severus, she smiled.
"Good night, Minerva," Dumbledore called out, and waved his hand toward the way to his office. "Let us go, now," he added to Severus and Emilia. Severus looked really cross, and kept shooting glares at Emilia as they followed Dumbledore, who was keen on keeping a conversation with them, even though none of them chose to respond.
"May aren't you two bundles of joy to be around," he said softly, opening the gargoyle and going up to his office. "I hope changing you back will help your attitudes. You both looked like Christmas was cancelled."
"Tomorrow's Christmas, Albus," Severus replied irritably. "Just change us back, please. I can't stand this body or all it's happy attributes."
"What, being young is an annoyance? Don't you have any pleasure in your miserable life?" Emilia muttered as they entered the room.
"I didn't think you were all that keen on remaining underage, Emilia," he replied coldly.
Emilia glared at him. "Sorry, didn't know you were looking for a good time," she answered dryly.
Dumbledore turned around sharply. "Please, have a seat," he said stiffly, and the happiness that he had before seemed to drain out of him. "I don't know what happened to you exactly, but I need to hear every detail. Perhaps then, we can find a way out of your problem."
Severus crossed his legs and put his chin huffily on his hand. "It's simple. We were walking and then it was like we hit a bubble. It popped, and then we found ourselves soaking wet. After that, we found out that we were not only wet, but we were aged down about ten years. I found Potter and Weasley lurking by; perhaps you should ask them what they were doing so close to the scene of the crime."
Emilia frowned. "It wasn't them, Professor. Severus inquired about the incident and the boys truly looked like they were just in the wrong spot at the wrong time."
"It seems every year they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. And besides, you are extremely biased towards them, anyhow."
"And you weren't biased toward Malfoy when him and Weasley got into that fight a week ago? You didn't even do anything to reprimand him. You let him off easy. It seems you are more biased than I."
Dumbledore breathed in loudly, and held up his hands. "Enough. I get it. What did you think it was, Emilia?"
Emilia put her hand on her chin thoughtfully. "I think it may have been a Reversal Age Line, perhaps."
"And you, Severus? What was your conclusion?"
"I think it may be a Reversal Age Hex," he said simply, glaring at her, "covered with a Water Charm."
"Hmm…both of those use great amounts of Dark Magic," Dumbledore replied reflectively. "Either way, both of those take a while to wear off."
Emilia's head snapped up. "What? There isn't a counter-spell?"
"Look," Dumbledore said, holding up a mirror. "In the time of the dance, you have aged appearance-wise one year—as well as Severus' appearance. In about a week, you should be back to your normal selves."
"Christmas holiday ends in three days, Professor," Emilia said quickly. "When I attend my classes, I'll not be back to my old age!"
"Like you were old to begin with?" Severus sneered. Emilia gave him a withering look. Dumbledore sighed deeply, and frowned contemptuously at him.
"That's quite enough, you two. Anymore, and I shall have to suspend you from your duties. And we really need our teachers, so please don't make me do this," Dumbledore said sharply, tapping the table with impatience.
Severus and Emilia looked up quickly at him, and Emilia felt her stomach pain guiltily. "I apologize, Professor," Emilia said, almost automatically.
Dumbledore nodded. The clock chimed eleven, and Emilia fought the urge to yawn loudly. Standing, he said, "Very well, then. Please, have a good night."
Emilia smiled gratefully and walked out slowly, Severus right behind her. Suddenly, she felt her shoulder be grabbed as Severus whirled her around.
"Emilia, just what the hell was that?"
Emilia glared at him. "Just what was what?"
"That—that little stunt there in the office. The Headmaster is now threatening or jobs because you cannot hold your tongue," he spat, his face livid with anger.
Emilia ripped her shoulder out of his reach and clenched her fists. "Same to you, Severus. There are two sides to the story, mind you. But you are the three-quarters of it!"
Severus's eyes narrowed. "What exactly are you implying?"
"Exactly what you think I am," she answered snappishly.
He took a step forward. No matter how he tried to intimidate her, his face full of youth gave away. Emilia laughed.
Severus's eyes became little slits. "Why are you laughing?"
She laughed harder. "N—nothing, Severus," she wheezed.
He gripped her two shoulders, and shook her a little bit, unconsciously pulling her close. "Emilia…why are you laughing?" he all but hissed.
"Like I said…nothing," she said, looking up at him. He was two inches away from her face, their noses nearly touching.
Severus leaned in a little bit, deciding whether or not to go through what his brain said no to and his hormones said yes. He hesitated for a second.
Emilia's mind began to whirl. Isn't this what she wanted? Hadn't she had feeling for him before? Before she could think about it anymore, his lips gently touched hers. Her eyes fluttered softly closed.
He leaned back, and stood up straight. Emilia opened her eyes slowly, faintly aware she was completely still and rigid, her hands clasped at her heart and her head tilted up.
Severus smiled slowly and backed up, turning around. She looked at him analytically, and noticed instead of what she felt reflected in her eyes, she saw cold and hardness, wrapped in a distorted embrace. She felt somewhat betrayed and even more so embarrassed. Emilia didn't know why.
He'd kissed her, just a little, but it was still was kiss. Did Severus have feelings for her? Or was she just confused? After all this time, after all the nasty things they have said, have her feelings about him changed so much that instead of hate that should have been born of this situation, had it turned into love? She felt embarrassed, even more than that, though. Severus must think very little of her. She'd claimed that she'd hated him—that she wished ill to him, and here she was, being kissed! Because it was sure as rain that she didn't kiss him.
But maybe, all in all, she loved him. It was pretty obvious the way she stood there. She had never felt so awkward. She knew it was obvious by that he knew she liked him—maybe even loved him.
Emilia got this sick feeling in her stomach that he now knew how she felt, and he was going to use it against her.