Ten
Life returned to normal relatively quickly over the next week. Cassandra resumed her residence in the dorm and classes, and Snape had already dealt with any uncomfortable questions about her absence by telling the Slytherin's that she had been in the infirmary recovering from a particularly nasty hex placed upon her by a Gryffindor. Threats of vengeance and counter-curses were heavy in the air. Thus Snape's announcement in Potions that week was a surprise for all involved.
"Professor Dumbledore has requested that in the spirit of School unity over house loyalty, we will be doing a group project for our year-end marks. "
Snape stood glowering at them all as a ripple of disgust and displeasure ran through the crowd. Clearing his throat, he continued on.
" In order to prevent unnecessary chaos and upset, I have gone to the Liberty of arranging your groups for you. I will not acknowledge any petty attempts to change groups or switch places, under any circumstances." His voice sounded venomous. "So don't waste my valuable time. "
At that point, no one in the room felt that would be a problem.
"As I said earlier, you will be split into groups of 4, two from each house. You will each be assigned to a incurable Muggle illness, and your project is to conjure a potion which will not only allay the symptoms, but to try and come up with a cure for the malady. Those groups who achieve this will be excused from all OWLS and NEWTS in Potions for the remainder of their school career. " Smirking, he glanced around at the all " but I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you."
A resentful silence met the last comment, and the whole room was waiting on edge, wondering which of their enemies they would be paired up with.
"The groups will go as follows:" Snape picked up a parchment
"Group 1 - Cancer"
"Parkinson"
"Bludstrode"
"Weasley"
"Longbottom"
There was a loud slap as Ron Weasley cracked the palm of his hand onto his forehead. Cassandra looked over with some mild amusement. Obviously the red headed fellow was not impressed with his group. She could see Harry Potter reach over and clap him on the shoulder, muttering " It's only in one class, after all".
Sneering, Snape continued on down the list
"Group 2 - Epilepsy"
Cassandra felt herself blush involuntarily, and was glad that the Professors glance did not fall on her. Gods help her should anyone know her embarrassing weakness.
"Malfoy"
"Caliga"
"Potter"
"Granger"
Cassandra thought it looked like Snape had indeed spent much time devising these groups. Pitting arch enemy with their nemesis, the air was heavy with tension. She wondered if he had even gotten any sleep last night? Or, was he so gleeful at the prospect of watching the melee that was certain to ensue after the announcement that he waited with baited breath? For her part, she was not looking forward to many hours of dodging ill aimed hexes between Malfoy and Potter. She had nothing against either of them ,in fact she secretly fancied Malfoy's platinum looks, and word in the common room amongst the girls was that Potter was sweet. No one would dare say it out loud, mind you. In fact, this group would really be quite easy as Hermione Granger would most likely to 90% of the work for them. Had Cassandra only known how far off her muses were as to Snape's motive in selecting her group, she would have been more concerned. The first group he had formed had been hers, in that Snape preferred to have all his more troublesome charges in one group, so as to easily keep an eye on them all. He had felt that they would be safe in Granger's trustworthy and rule-abiding hands, keeping them in line for at least two hours per week, giving him some valuable free time.
Fiddling around with her quill and parchment, and thinking about the little red pills concealed in her bookbag, one of which she had to take directly after class. Those pills separated her like a brick wall from the rest of the school. She wished she could toss them in the lake, but Dumbledore and Snape had made it clear the risk in not obeying them. Cassandra did not fancy dropping off the edge of a moving staircase, nor off the narrow handle of her broom. Looking up, Cassandra saw Snape eyeing her closely. Looking back at him, their eyes connected for just a moment, not long enough for her to read his mood clearly. They were interrupted by and angry gurgling noise, which was quickly becoming a snide roar of outrage. Draco Malfoy looked to kill. The usually pale blonde boy had gone an unbecoming shade of puce, and was shakingly angry. Leaning over to his cronies, he was growling furiously under his breath.
"What the hell was he thinking! What a complete waste of my time. Of all people, Harry Potter and Mudblood! It's bad enough we have to waste our time on something as trivial as a Mudblood illness, but…"
Unfortunately for Malfoy, Snape had glided directly behind him, and currently had him by the scruff of his lavish robes, lifting him up in the air, off the bench. The whole class watched in a fascinated horror. Snape raise a hand to MALFOY???
Hissing angrily, Snape spoke in a tone of bitter coldness.
" May I warn you, Master Malfoy, to NEVER, EVER, speak of Muggles and Half- bloods in a derogatory manner in my dungeon? I Strongly suggest that you keep your little bigot mouth shut, or it can be arranged to have it shut for you, for good. Fifty Points from Slytherin."
Dropping him like a disgusting piece of trash, Snape moved back towards the front of the class. Shocked, the students marveled at it all. They had never seen their Potions Master so irate, not even when Neville melted his cauldron and spilt the Everlasting Painful Death Potion all over the dungeon floor. They had all levitated out of class that day, leaving Snape with a horrible mess to clean up. The memory of his outrage now seemed like child's play. Malfoy was now rubbing his neck, wisely not having the guts for once to mention anything about his father or complain about House Points.
"Group 3 - Tourettes Syndrome"
"Goyle."
"Crabbe."
"Thomas."
Cassandra was no longer listening to Snape listing off the names. She was so completely distracted by this sudden change in their Head of House. FIFTY POINTS? What had made him snap? And why was it that HER group of all of them got hooped with epilepsy, she groaned inwardly. Did he want the entire school to know? Somehow she doubted it, but the thoughts kept coming. She also couldn't help but feel that possibly Snape got so angry with Malfoy because she was a halfblood. She hadn't spoken to the Professor since she had left the infirmary, Though she had noticed him watching her from time to time in the Great Hall. Life had been busing since returning to classes, with focussing on her schoolwork and the nagging upset stomach she had all week.
"I expect you all to work together at least 2 hours per week, and we will continue with our regular studies as well. I am available for consultations, and the dungeons will be open after school until 10 and on weekends. I expect you all to have some sort of a plan and proposal made up for next week. You are all dismissed." Shooting a final withering look at the now cowed Malfoy, Snape sat back down at his desk.
"Miss Caliga. A word if you please." There was no inflection in his tone. It was a command, not a question. Feeling a twinge in the pit of her stomach, Cassandra walked to the front of the room looking down at her toes, tracing patterns in the stonework. She couldn't bear at this moment to look him in the face. Everytime their eyes connected, she felt as if she were an open book, which he could browse through and read over at his convenience. Not a comfortable feeling, in the least. Especially for one as guarded as Cassie Caliga. She had things to hide. He knew too much of her shame already.
"How have you been feeling, Miss Caliga? " He asked, not unkindly.
"Fine thank-you for asking sir." Came the clipped reply. Choose your words carefully, she commanded herself. Total control.
"It appears that you have lost a little more weight again since your stay in the infirmary."
Damn, did the man miss nothing? She had been trying to hide it under her robes. It had been so hard to choke any food down this week at all, even though she had been hungry. Breakfast was a torture, and lunch was not much better. A little juice during the day had been all she could manage, and some bread or a potato at night. Waves of nausea had been hitting her all week long. Cassandra knew full well she should have gone to Pomfrey, but after her last conversation with the medi-witch, she didn't have the nerve to go begging for help. Her stomach twisted hard, threatening to purge its contents all over the desk. Not in front of Snape, she thought miserably, wait 'til I can get to the toilets..
Steeling herself, Cass looked up. " Oh, no sir - I have just been exceptionally busy trying to catch up on my school work, I don't want to fall behind anymore than I already have." A lie, but a tactful one. It appeared that he had fallen for it, albeit suspiciously.
"Indeed." He replied shortly. " I do not doubt your efforts in your work, however it must not come at the expense of your health." He looked her up and down, frowning.
" You are as green as a Grindylow. Are you sure that you are alright.?"
She was feeling at her lowest point so far, and biting her lip hard to fight the argument her body was giving her. Stomach churning and frothing , she was barely audible as she replied.
"I have to take my medication." The last word was a snarl. " May I go now sir?"
Snape nodded his reply, rubbing his left temple hard.
"Of Course. You know that you can come to me about anything. I am here to support you as needed."
"Thank-you sir!" Bolting from the classroom, Cassandra just barely slammed the door and made it out into the corridor before she doubled over, vomiting hard. Kneeling miserably on the cold stone, Cassandra rested her sweating forehead against the cool walls. Still ineffectively dry retching, the worst seemed to be over as she looked at the mess on the floor in disgust. What the hell is wrong with me?
"Reparo." Came a silky quiet voice behind her.
Dizzy from the effort and unable to lift her head up, she watched in silence as the mess magically disappeared.
"School work indeed. Come with me." Came the curt tone.
. Clutching her burning innards, she simply sat there as hot tears came unbidden and splashed down the front of her robes. Cassandra had known it was Snape before he had even said a word, she could feel his presence. Shaking with exhaustion from the ordeal, she waited for a snide comment or one of the usual barbs that Snape always seemed to have on hand, or to be commanded to go to the infirmary . None came, however, although a supportive arm was placed around her shoulder, as the other went around her waist. Snape slowly guided her back through the dungeons into what was unmistakably Snape's private office. She blinked momentarily, impressed at the sumptuous carpets, velvet draperies and the deep leather chairs, which he was currently guiding her into. She managed to hold her stomach down to a serious of very unpleasant burps, and lay back into the corner of the chair, curling her legs in front of her.
"How long has this been going on?" he asked
"All week." She took a breath, which sounded more like a sigh to her ears. " It started really mildly, but it's been worse and worse. I don't know what's wrong with me."
Looking down at the wan creature curled on his chairs, Snape shook his head. It would be so easy to give her a stomach settling potion. He walked over to the locked cabinet behind his desk, taking out a dark green vial. He stopped, recollecting the results of his last episode of " helpfulness" with this girl, and realized he did not know how it would interact with those pills she was taking. Instead, he reached behind his desk and produced a chamber pot. Walking over towards the chairs, he pointed his wand at the dark hearth and spoke.
"Incendio!"
The fireplace burst into a warm crackling fire, and the girl grimaced a grateful smile. She huddled back into the chair, shaking a little more. He placed the pot down beside the girls chair as she looked at him questioningly.
"I keep it handy in case of a bad reaction to a potion in class. Much easier than a cleaning charm. You never know when some idiot child will decide to try their creation on themselves, getting sick in the process." He explained grimly.
She looked mildly amused at this, and then grabbed her abdomen hard.
"I can't give you anything for this until I speak to Pomfrey." Snape looked embarrassed.
"I have to ask you, Miss Caliga… you haven't been seeing any of the boys in the school, have you?"
She looked up at him, confused as to the relevance of it all, when it came to her mind about morning sickness and pregnancies. Of all the things to insinuate, how outrageous! What did he think she was, some kind of whore? Glaring back at him ,she bit her tongue when she saw that he looked genuinely concerned about her welfare.
"No, sir! I am not involved with anyone."
"Well, that's one less concern. I doubted it, but it was prudent that I asked. I have an anti-nauseant syrum, but I don't know how it will react with your, er, daily regiment. However, I am going to get you a calming tea to help get you feeling better. There was some advantage in having a Muggle nanny after all."
Walking across his study, Snape waved his wand over a gleaming silver tea service muttering under his breath. Instantly, a hot steam appeared from the tea pot, and he poured a cup, bringing it carefully over to Cassandra.
"Mint and ginger tea, with a bit of Chamomile. Very good for upsets like this." He placed the cup into her hands, and reached over to feel her forehead.
Without knowing, Cassandra recoiled hard back into the chair, away from the hand. A thousand memories came flooding back, none of them cherished.
"I only want to check you temperature, child! I would never raise a hand to you, or any other woman!" Sharper than he intended, Snape was gravely concerned at the girl's reaction.
That was really bright, Caliga she thought remorsefully. Of course he wasn't going to touch you, what did you go and do that for? Somewhere deep within her, she knew the reflex was trained deep within her. Cursing herself a thousand times over, she was repulsed at how little she could stop herself. Octavious had taught her to be wary of any hands coming quickly to her face. ? She had been so grateful when her mother had finally dropped her wizard boyfriend for being a Death Eater. Snape reached over for a second time, and Cassandra sat stock still, holding the hot tea in her hands. His hand was cool and smooth, feeling somehow reassuring to her fevered brow. He rolled back her lower lid and looked into her eyes.
"You are quite dehydrated. I am sure that you feel entirely wretched, but I would like the nausea to subside before I take you up to the infirmary." He spoke gently to her, motioning for her to try the tea. Sending him a hopeful look, Cassie took an appreciative sip of the tea. Her body lurched before she had even swallowed the first little bit.
"Oh, no!" she cried out, reaching for the chamber pot just in time. Bloody lot of good that would do if I hit the Persian carpets. She doubted any kind of cleaning charm would deal with that effectively. Body racked with pain, she clutched the arm f the chair with white knuckles.
"Damn it!" Snape swore under his breath. " That didn't bloody well work, I've gone and set her off again. "
Curling up in agony, Cassandra stopped vomiting long enough to open her eyes. Looking down into the pot with horror, she gasped;
"Jesus fucking Christ!! What the fuck is wrong with me?"
Rushing forward, no longer worrying about respecting the girls pride, Snape was dismayed to see the enamel stained red. He sucked in his breath sharply.
"It's alright, you have probably just torn your stomach lining or eosophagus a little bit. Easy fix. " He hoped his explanation sounded more convincing to the girl than it did to him.
The storm in her belly quelled momentarily, Cassandra rested for a moment against the chair's mahogany arm.
" I'm so sorry . I don't think I'll try that again." She whispered apologetically.
Frowning at the girls remorse, Snape gently replied "Just rest. I'm going to take you up to Pomfrey using the Floo network in the Castle. I suggest you keep your eyes closed, as this will not help you feel any better, but it's the fastest way."
He was met with silence. Looking back worriedly, Snape peered down at her but the girl appeared to be asleep, or too tired to answer. Wasting no time, Snape strode over to the mantle, taking a pinch of silvery powder from a small alabaster box. He flung it into the fireplace, watching the flames turn green. Lifting the girl out of the chair, he held his arms protectively around her so she would not ricochet against the various grates along the way.
Life returned to normal relatively quickly over the next week. Cassandra resumed her residence in the dorm and classes, and Snape had already dealt with any uncomfortable questions about her absence by telling the Slytherin's that she had been in the infirmary recovering from a particularly nasty hex placed upon her by a Gryffindor. Threats of vengeance and counter-curses were heavy in the air. Thus Snape's announcement in Potions that week was a surprise for all involved.
"Professor Dumbledore has requested that in the spirit of School unity over house loyalty, we will be doing a group project for our year-end marks. "
Snape stood glowering at them all as a ripple of disgust and displeasure ran through the crowd. Clearing his throat, he continued on.
" In order to prevent unnecessary chaos and upset, I have gone to the Liberty of arranging your groups for you. I will not acknowledge any petty attempts to change groups or switch places, under any circumstances." His voice sounded venomous. "So don't waste my valuable time. "
At that point, no one in the room felt that would be a problem.
"As I said earlier, you will be split into groups of 4, two from each house. You will each be assigned to a incurable Muggle illness, and your project is to conjure a potion which will not only allay the symptoms, but to try and come up with a cure for the malady. Those groups who achieve this will be excused from all OWLS and NEWTS in Potions for the remainder of their school career. " Smirking, he glanced around at the all " but I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you."
A resentful silence met the last comment, and the whole room was waiting on edge, wondering which of their enemies they would be paired up with.
"The groups will go as follows:" Snape picked up a parchment
"Group 1 - Cancer"
"Parkinson"
"Bludstrode"
"Weasley"
"Longbottom"
There was a loud slap as Ron Weasley cracked the palm of his hand onto his forehead. Cassandra looked over with some mild amusement. Obviously the red headed fellow was not impressed with his group. She could see Harry Potter reach over and clap him on the shoulder, muttering " It's only in one class, after all".
Sneering, Snape continued on down the list
"Group 2 - Epilepsy"
Cassandra felt herself blush involuntarily, and was glad that the Professors glance did not fall on her. Gods help her should anyone know her embarrassing weakness.
"Malfoy"
"Caliga"
"Potter"
"Granger"
Cassandra thought it looked like Snape had indeed spent much time devising these groups. Pitting arch enemy with their nemesis, the air was heavy with tension. She wondered if he had even gotten any sleep last night? Or, was he so gleeful at the prospect of watching the melee that was certain to ensue after the announcement that he waited with baited breath? For her part, she was not looking forward to many hours of dodging ill aimed hexes between Malfoy and Potter. She had nothing against either of them ,in fact she secretly fancied Malfoy's platinum looks, and word in the common room amongst the girls was that Potter was sweet. No one would dare say it out loud, mind you. In fact, this group would really be quite easy as Hermione Granger would most likely to 90% of the work for them. Had Cassandra only known how far off her muses were as to Snape's motive in selecting her group, she would have been more concerned. The first group he had formed had been hers, in that Snape preferred to have all his more troublesome charges in one group, so as to easily keep an eye on them all. He had felt that they would be safe in Granger's trustworthy and rule-abiding hands, keeping them in line for at least two hours per week, giving him some valuable free time.
Fiddling around with her quill and parchment, and thinking about the little red pills concealed in her bookbag, one of which she had to take directly after class. Those pills separated her like a brick wall from the rest of the school. She wished she could toss them in the lake, but Dumbledore and Snape had made it clear the risk in not obeying them. Cassandra did not fancy dropping off the edge of a moving staircase, nor off the narrow handle of her broom. Looking up, Cassandra saw Snape eyeing her closely. Looking back at him, their eyes connected for just a moment, not long enough for her to read his mood clearly. They were interrupted by and angry gurgling noise, which was quickly becoming a snide roar of outrage. Draco Malfoy looked to kill. The usually pale blonde boy had gone an unbecoming shade of puce, and was shakingly angry. Leaning over to his cronies, he was growling furiously under his breath.
"What the hell was he thinking! What a complete waste of my time. Of all people, Harry Potter and Mudblood! It's bad enough we have to waste our time on something as trivial as a Mudblood illness, but…"
Unfortunately for Malfoy, Snape had glided directly behind him, and currently had him by the scruff of his lavish robes, lifting him up in the air, off the bench. The whole class watched in a fascinated horror. Snape raise a hand to MALFOY???
Hissing angrily, Snape spoke in a tone of bitter coldness.
" May I warn you, Master Malfoy, to NEVER, EVER, speak of Muggles and Half- bloods in a derogatory manner in my dungeon? I Strongly suggest that you keep your little bigot mouth shut, or it can be arranged to have it shut for you, for good. Fifty Points from Slytherin."
Dropping him like a disgusting piece of trash, Snape moved back towards the front of the class. Shocked, the students marveled at it all. They had never seen their Potions Master so irate, not even when Neville melted his cauldron and spilt the Everlasting Painful Death Potion all over the dungeon floor. They had all levitated out of class that day, leaving Snape with a horrible mess to clean up. The memory of his outrage now seemed like child's play. Malfoy was now rubbing his neck, wisely not having the guts for once to mention anything about his father or complain about House Points.
"Group 3 - Tourettes Syndrome"
"Goyle."
"Crabbe."
"Thomas."
Cassandra was no longer listening to Snape listing off the names. She was so completely distracted by this sudden change in their Head of House. FIFTY POINTS? What had made him snap? And why was it that HER group of all of them got hooped with epilepsy, she groaned inwardly. Did he want the entire school to know? Somehow she doubted it, but the thoughts kept coming. She also couldn't help but feel that possibly Snape got so angry with Malfoy because she was a halfblood. She hadn't spoken to the Professor since she had left the infirmary, Though she had noticed him watching her from time to time in the Great Hall. Life had been busing since returning to classes, with focussing on her schoolwork and the nagging upset stomach she had all week.
"I expect you all to work together at least 2 hours per week, and we will continue with our regular studies as well. I am available for consultations, and the dungeons will be open after school until 10 and on weekends. I expect you all to have some sort of a plan and proposal made up for next week. You are all dismissed." Shooting a final withering look at the now cowed Malfoy, Snape sat back down at his desk.
"Miss Caliga. A word if you please." There was no inflection in his tone. It was a command, not a question. Feeling a twinge in the pit of her stomach, Cassandra walked to the front of the room looking down at her toes, tracing patterns in the stonework. She couldn't bear at this moment to look him in the face. Everytime their eyes connected, she felt as if she were an open book, which he could browse through and read over at his convenience. Not a comfortable feeling, in the least. Especially for one as guarded as Cassie Caliga. She had things to hide. He knew too much of her shame already.
"How have you been feeling, Miss Caliga? " He asked, not unkindly.
"Fine thank-you for asking sir." Came the clipped reply. Choose your words carefully, she commanded herself. Total control.
"It appears that you have lost a little more weight again since your stay in the infirmary."
Damn, did the man miss nothing? She had been trying to hide it under her robes. It had been so hard to choke any food down this week at all, even though she had been hungry. Breakfast was a torture, and lunch was not much better. A little juice during the day had been all she could manage, and some bread or a potato at night. Waves of nausea had been hitting her all week long. Cassandra knew full well she should have gone to Pomfrey, but after her last conversation with the medi-witch, she didn't have the nerve to go begging for help. Her stomach twisted hard, threatening to purge its contents all over the desk. Not in front of Snape, she thought miserably, wait 'til I can get to the toilets..
Steeling herself, Cass looked up. " Oh, no sir - I have just been exceptionally busy trying to catch up on my school work, I don't want to fall behind anymore than I already have." A lie, but a tactful one. It appeared that he had fallen for it, albeit suspiciously.
"Indeed." He replied shortly. " I do not doubt your efforts in your work, however it must not come at the expense of your health." He looked her up and down, frowning.
" You are as green as a Grindylow. Are you sure that you are alright.?"
She was feeling at her lowest point so far, and biting her lip hard to fight the argument her body was giving her. Stomach churning and frothing , she was barely audible as she replied.
"I have to take my medication." The last word was a snarl. " May I go now sir?"
Snape nodded his reply, rubbing his left temple hard.
"Of Course. You know that you can come to me about anything. I am here to support you as needed."
"Thank-you sir!" Bolting from the classroom, Cassandra just barely slammed the door and made it out into the corridor before she doubled over, vomiting hard. Kneeling miserably on the cold stone, Cassandra rested her sweating forehead against the cool walls. Still ineffectively dry retching, the worst seemed to be over as she looked at the mess on the floor in disgust. What the hell is wrong with me?
"Reparo." Came a silky quiet voice behind her.
Dizzy from the effort and unable to lift her head up, she watched in silence as the mess magically disappeared.
"School work indeed. Come with me." Came the curt tone.
. Clutching her burning innards, she simply sat there as hot tears came unbidden and splashed down the front of her robes. Cassandra had known it was Snape before he had even said a word, she could feel his presence. Shaking with exhaustion from the ordeal, she waited for a snide comment or one of the usual barbs that Snape always seemed to have on hand, or to be commanded to go to the infirmary . None came, however, although a supportive arm was placed around her shoulder, as the other went around her waist. Snape slowly guided her back through the dungeons into what was unmistakably Snape's private office. She blinked momentarily, impressed at the sumptuous carpets, velvet draperies and the deep leather chairs, which he was currently guiding her into. She managed to hold her stomach down to a serious of very unpleasant burps, and lay back into the corner of the chair, curling her legs in front of her.
"How long has this been going on?" he asked
"All week." She took a breath, which sounded more like a sigh to her ears. " It started really mildly, but it's been worse and worse. I don't know what's wrong with me."
Looking down at the wan creature curled on his chairs, Snape shook his head. It would be so easy to give her a stomach settling potion. He walked over to the locked cabinet behind his desk, taking out a dark green vial. He stopped, recollecting the results of his last episode of " helpfulness" with this girl, and realized he did not know how it would interact with those pills she was taking. Instead, he reached behind his desk and produced a chamber pot. Walking over towards the chairs, he pointed his wand at the dark hearth and spoke.
"Incendio!"
The fireplace burst into a warm crackling fire, and the girl grimaced a grateful smile. She huddled back into the chair, shaking a little more. He placed the pot down beside the girls chair as she looked at him questioningly.
"I keep it handy in case of a bad reaction to a potion in class. Much easier than a cleaning charm. You never know when some idiot child will decide to try their creation on themselves, getting sick in the process." He explained grimly.
She looked mildly amused at this, and then grabbed her abdomen hard.
"I can't give you anything for this until I speak to Pomfrey." Snape looked embarrassed.
"I have to ask you, Miss Caliga… you haven't been seeing any of the boys in the school, have you?"
She looked up at him, confused as to the relevance of it all, when it came to her mind about morning sickness and pregnancies. Of all the things to insinuate, how outrageous! What did he think she was, some kind of whore? Glaring back at him ,she bit her tongue when she saw that he looked genuinely concerned about her welfare.
"No, sir! I am not involved with anyone."
"Well, that's one less concern. I doubted it, but it was prudent that I asked. I have an anti-nauseant syrum, but I don't know how it will react with your, er, daily regiment. However, I am going to get you a calming tea to help get you feeling better. There was some advantage in having a Muggle nanny after all."
Walking across his study, Snape waved his wand over a gleaming silver tea service muttering under his breath. Instantly, a hot steam appeared from the tea pot, and he poured a cup, bringing it carefully over to Cassandra.
"Mint and ginger tea, with a bit of Chamomile. Very good for upsets like this." He placed the cup into her hands, and reached over to feel her forehead.
Without knowing, Cassandra recoiled hard back into the chair, away from the hand. A thousand memories came flooding back, none of them cherished.
"I only want to check you temperature, child! I would never raise a hand to you, or any other woman!" Sharper than he intended, Snape was gravely concerned at the girl's reaction.
That was really bright, Caliga she thought remorsefully. Of course he wasn't going to touch you, what did you go and do that for? Somewhere deep within her, she knew the reflex was trained deep within her. Cursing herself a thousand times over, she was repulsed at how little she could stop herself. Octavious had taught her to be wary of any hands coming quickly to her face. ? She had been so grateful when her mother had finally dropped her wizard boyfriend for being a Death Eater. Snape reached over for a second time, and Cassandra sat stock still, holding the hot tea in her hands. His hand was cool and smooth, feeling somehow reassuring to her fevered brow. He rolled back her lower lid and looked into her eyes.
"You are quite dehydrated. I am sure that you feel entirely wretched, but I would like the nausea to subside before I take you up to the infirmary." He spoke gently to her, motioning for her to try the tea. Sending him a hopeful look, Cassie took an appreciative sip of the tea. Her body lurched before she had even swallowed the first little bit.
"Oh, no!" she cried out, reaching for the chamber pot just in time. Bloody lot of good that would do if I hit the Persian carpets. She doubted any kind of cleaning charm would deal with that effectively. Body racked with pain, she clutched the arm f the chair with white knuckles.
"Damn it!" Snape swore under his breath. " That didn't bloody well work, I've gone and set her off again. "
Curling up in agony, Cassandra stopped vomiting long enough to open her eyes. Looking down into the pot with horror, she gasped;
"Jesus fucking Christ!! What the fuck is wrong with me?"
Rushing forward, no longer worrying about respecting the girls pride, Snape was dismayed to see the enamel stained red. He sucked in his breath sharply.
"It's alright, you have probably just torn your stomach lining or eosophagus a little bit. Easy fix. " He hoped his explanation sounded more convincing to the girl than it did to him.
The storm in her belly quelled momentarily, Cassandra rested for a moment against the chair's mahogany arm.
" I'm so sorry . I don't think I'll try that again." She whispered apologetically.
Frowning at the girls remorse, Snape gently replied "Just rest. I'm going to take you up to Pomfrey using the Floo network in the Castle. I suggest you keep your eyes closed, as this will not help you feel any better, but it's the fastest way."
He was met with silence. Looking back worriedly, Snape peered down at her but the girl appeared to be asleep, or too tired to answer. Wasting no time, Snape strode over to the mantle, taking a pinch of silvery powder from a small alabaster box. He flung it into the fireplace, watching the flames turn green. Lifting the girl out of the chair, he held his arms protectively around her so she would not ricochet against the various grates along the way.