Chapter Twenty One

It was now March. Val and Severus now spent most of their day together, separating only during their respective class times and at night. Since the day that they'd agreed to be friends they had devoted a lot of time into getting to know one another.

Val found herself telling Severus many of her secrets, the things that she had never shared with anyone. She never had a doubt that he could be trusted. In turn, he confided some of his deepest secrets to her as well. The hardest night had been when she had found out about his history with the Death Eaters. It had been hard to accept, mostly because of her ex-boyfriend's involvement and the danger she was currently facing from him.

Val could tell that Severus was relucant to share this part of his past, but she'd already seen behind the mask, the cool indifferent facade he presented to the rest of the world, and the sarcastic wit which defined his classroom presence.

It was a Friday afternoon, and Val was in her office grading the papers her 2nd year Ravenclaw/Slytherin class had handed in that morning on Cheering Charms. She glanced at the clock with a resigned sigh as she sat another finished paper aside. Severus was still teaching his last class, the 6th year Gryffindor/Slytherins.

Ron loved to stop by and moan to her about him whenever he had the chance. He'd asked her why she couldn't use her influence with her greasy git of a friend' to make him be fair to the students in the other houses. Val had just smiled and replied, I can't do anything but be exceptionally good at catching the Slytherins committing equally punishable offenses.

Another glance at the clock a few minutes later proved frustrating. It seemed that time was moving especially slow today. Val had just returned to her grading when a knock on the door interrupted her concentration. She looked up to see Oliver standing in the doorway smiling at her, holding a broomstick thrown over one shoulder.

Working too hard to take a break and come flying with me? he asked as he flopped down into one of the chairs facing her desk, setting the broomstick carefully down across his lap.

No, of course not. I'd love a break, and I haven't been flying in ages. What kind of broomstick is that? Val asked with a gesture at the object in question.

This is the Lightning Strike, the newest racing broomstick on the market. My uncle develops broomsticks for England's Quidditch teams, and he sent me one of his prototypes to test. Care to try it out?

I'd love to. Just let me change out of my teaching robes. I'll be right back.

Leaving Oliver in her office, Val let herself into faculty bathroom down the hall and quickly transfigured the clothing she wore into skintight jeans and a sky blue spaghetti strap tank top that hugged her curves. She decided to forego any sort of robes and, with a quick charm, pulled her hair away from her face into a high ponytail on the crown of her head. The final touch was transforming her sensible sandals into her favorite black boots.

Oliver was standing at her window when she reentered the office. He turned when the door opened and let out a low whistle at her appearance.

You look great Val. I'm going to have to hide you from all the boys outside. Now, let's go.

They chatted about their classes as they walked the short distance to the Quidditch field. When they arrived Val started toward the storage shed, expecting to ride one of the other brooms kept for the Quidditch team so she could observe Oliver riding the prototype. Oliver stopped her with a hand on the arm, and handed her the Lightning Strike. He grinned at her surprised expression.

You have fun riding this one. I'll just ride my Nimbus 3000 for a while.

Val mounted the broom quickly and rose into the air, savoring the feeling of once again soaring high over a bright green Quidditch field. It almost felt as if she had returned to her school to play a game. As she zoomed by Oliver to make a loop around the field he yelled something to her.

What did you say? she asked after she had returned to hover a few feet away from him.

I was challenging you to a match. I know you played Seeker and I was Keeper, so I think we should play one on one without the Bludgers set loose. Think you're up to it?

Val smirked at him. All right Mr. Confident, let's go. I can take you.

Oliver flew over to the stands, where Harry and Ron were discussing possible strategies for the upcoming Gryffindor match against Hufflepuff.

Hey guys, could one of you release the Snitch and throw me that Quaffle? Val and I are going to play one on one for a while.

The boys went to get the equipment, and the game began. Soon Val was in the lead by ten points, but Oliver had her worried. He knew how to block most of her throws, and he was better at scoring than she was. She had to find the Snitch first.

By this point in their game many of the students had gathered to watch the professor's friendly competition. The final classes had been released for the weekend, and word was quickly spreading that Oliver, one of Hogwart's best Quidditch players, had found a worthy opponent. Even some of the other faculty were making their way into the stands, curious to see their colleagues in action.

Severus was confused. He thought that he had agreed to meet Val in her office after his last class, but she was nowhere to be found. He was starting to get a little worried when Pansy Parkinson rounded the corner, obviously in a hurry.

Where are you going, Miss Parkinson? he asked when she stopped to greet him.

Out to the Quidditch pitch sir. Everyone's out there watching Professor Wood and Professor Shorelake.

Severus' interest increased at the mention of Val's name. And what are they doing, Miss Parkinson?

Playing a Quidditch game against each other, sir.

Thank you for the information. You may go now. The girl hurried off to join her friends, and Severus followed at a dignified but sharp pace. He was curious to see Val in action.