'Twas the night before..
Beth lay in bed with Dan's head next to hers, she listened to his breathing it was so soothing. She looked at her hand and at the diamond ring he had proposed to her with, she exhaled. "Why is everything in love so complicated" she thought looking at Dan who had a smile on his face as he dreamed.
Beth got out of bed slowly and put a large T-shirt on then her robe. She quietly opened the door, and walked into the quiet cold corridor and made her way down to the common room, where the fire was still burning.
She sat on one of the sofa's facing the fireplace, and stared into the flames. Loosing track of time, while he thoughts raced through her mind.
Beth watched the flames die out, and she made her way back up the stairs to the tower. She opened the room door, and walked in shutting it behind her, she looked over at the bed, his hair mussed up, and his chest exposed to the cold air.
She quietly walked over to the bed, and climbed in running her fingers up and down his chest until he woke, looking around and fixing his eyes on her perfect face.
"What are you doing here?" asked Severus as he held her hand and moved onto his side looking into her green eyes. "I think we should talk" she replied looking at him. "ok, couldn't it have waited till this morning?" he said checking the time, " its 3am" he finished looking at her, "fine, last night you were all for talking now you don't want to" she said as she began to get up, "hey, I never said I didn't want to, come on talk to me what's up" he said.
"Have u ever noticed that when you get the things you want, things always go wrong?" she said sitting up and leaning against the headboard. "Yeah I know the feeling" he smiled at her "yeah well that's it. I always fancied Dan, and when he asked me out on a date, I never knew it would turn into this, I'm going to marry him" she said looking down at him, she shift on the bed and crossed her legs, "don't remind me" said Severus as he rubbed her knee, "that's it, I mean I come here to teach, I'm here 2 days, and every thing gets all, all, weird" replied Beth, "I love Dan. But then theres you, and I hate you for mixing every thing up for me, making me feel something I shouldn't been feeling, something I should only feel for Dan" she continued.
"so you do feel something?" asked Severus with a smile on his face. "how could I not, I should have told you about Dan, but there was never a time when I though he I might jump into bed with this guy" she said when she placed her hand on top of his. "true" he said sitting up and facing her.
"and Dan is amazing, caring loving, every thing any girl wants in her man" she said looking down at her hands, "did you come here to tell me about wonderful Dan? To rub my nose in it?" said Severus taking his hand away. "of course not, I don't know why I came, something just said talk to him" she replied.
Severus and Beth stared at each other, she leaned closer to him until they could feel each others warm breath, "what about Dan?" said Severus slowly "just kiss me" replied Beth leaning closer and pressing her lips against his.
The deep kiss seemed to last for ever, she ran her hands down his chest until they rested on the top of Severus's boxer shorts. Severus pulled at Beth's robe until she took her arms out of the sleeves and it fell to the floor.
"your beautiful" said Severus looking at Beth who was now laying flat on his bed, he kissed her deep as he ran his hand over her body until he could feel the bare skin on her thigh, he slowly started to moving his hand up.
"what about Dan?" said a voice in Beth's head, "Dan" she said aloud breaking the kiss with Severus, "what" said Severus looking at her "I'm sorry I cant" said Beth sitting up and climbing of the bed, "wait Beth" said Severus grabbing her arm, "where are you going?" he asked, "to where I should be, I'm sorry" she said opening the door and closing it behind her.
Beth climbed back into bed and stared at Dan, she placed a hand on his cheek and stroked his hair behind his ear, "hey" he said sleepily, "what time is it?" he asked, "not time to get up babe" replied Beth smiling at him "good, I could stay like this forever" he replied, pulling her closer, and closing his eyes.
8am finally came, and Beth opened her eyes, she hadn't slept all night, it was snowing out side, Dan was still asleep looking peaceful, but she couldn't help but feel guilty.
She slipped quietly out of bed, and got dressed in Jeans, a sweatshirt, and a pair of black boots. She walked to the door, and opened it closing it quickly when she saw Severus standing in the hall way looking as though he was waiting for her, "Shit" she said closing the door behind her, she grabbed her cloak and put it on, pulling the hood over her head, "the window" she thought walking quickly towards the corner where her broom stood, she grabbed it and walked into the bath room, opening the window, and placing her hand over her broom which was now on the floor, "up" she said, she straddled the broom and kicked of slowly edging towards the open window.
When she finally cleared the window, and the snow was blowing in her face, she felt free. As though any problems between her, Severus and now Dan were far away, here no one could touch her.
"that bloody woman" said Severus to him self as he saw a figure on a broom stick fly past the window. Running down the stairs, through the empty common room and out into the corridor, Severus proceeded to the courtyard.
Looking up at the sky, he saw the hooded figure hovering above the quidditch pitch. "Accio Broom" he said waiting for his won broom to arrive, he straddled it and kicked off flying as fast as he could in the awful weather to the quidditch pitch.
"the snow finally arrived, I dare say the remaining students will be pleased" said Severus pulling his broom up 20 meters from Beth's. "what are you doing here Severus" said Beth looking up at him, "looking for you" he replied a small smile on his lips.
"so what are you doing here" asked Severus as he edged closer to her, "thinking" she called, as the wind picked up, "flying relaxes me" she finished, "you were always at home on the quidditch pitch" he replied pulling his broom up beside hers, " its like everything goes away when your flying, its just you and your broom" she said looking at him. "Why do you want everything to go away?" he asked, "why do you think?" she said, "I care for you I really do, and I don't want to hurt you. But I am in love with Dan, and I don't and cant hurt him" she continued looking into his dark eyes, "please don't hate me, I know I lead you to believe something could happen, and I'm truly sorry for that, but nothing can ever happen while I'm still in love with Dan" she finished.
"I understand, I'm sorry to, for making things confusing for you" he said moving closer as the wind blew them both about.
"On a lighter note, I forgot to tell you about the teacher student quidditch match coming up after Christmas" he said smiling, "each head of house, joins his team, playing the position of his, or her choice, against the other houses" he said making his voice louder, as the wind was howling loudly.
"lets go in side, its getting pretty cold, and I think if I am out here any longer I'll freeze to my broom" she said smiling as they both flew to the entrance halls, "Presento Normalio" she said becoming instantly dry.
"You were saying" she said smiling, "yes, quidditch, each head of house plays with their house team against the other houses, no doubt I will be playing" he said smiling as they walked through the entrance hall "great" she said smiling, "and I think Minerva wants to talk to you" he replied, "give me your broom, and go see her" he said taking her broom and watching her run up the stairs, and along the corridor.
December 22nd finally arrived, and Beth stood in the doorway of the entrance hall with her arms wrapped around Dan's neck, "I'll miss you" she said smiling, "not more than I will miss you" he replied kissing her lightly, "have a great Christmas" he said hugging her tightly, "your present is in your closet, don't open it till Christmas morning ok" he said, "yours is in your bag, same thing applies to you" she replied kissing him gently.
"Safe trip ok" she said, "send me an owl when you arrive" she finished hugging him tight, "I will, let me know how the quidditch match goes, I expect to hear about it, and I'm sure you'll be as good, if not better as you were at school" he said picking up his bag and walking into the snow.
Beth watched Dan walk through the snow, "ah Dan's leaving already" came the voice of Severus as he walked up behind her, "work calls" she replied waving at Dan, "Lizzy" Dan shouted, catching her attention, "I love you" he called, "I love you too" she replied as she watch him apperate.
"Quiet please, I trust you all had a wonderful Christmas, now there is the small matter about the Teacher, student quidditch games coming up in 2 weeks time. The teachers assigned to the teams, for those who are not yet aware are as follows," said Professor Dumbledore as he greeted the students back from the Christmas break.
"Slytherin house, will be playing with Professor Snape" he announced, causing the slytherins to cheers, "Ravenclaw house, will be playing with Professor Sprout" he said, getting a cheer from the Ravenclaw table, "Gryffindor, will be playing with Professor Magonigal" he announced, hearing cheers from the Gryffindors "and finally, Huffelpuff, will be playing with Professor James, your witch craft and wizardry history teacher" he finished.
"I believe how ever that Professor Magonigal has an announcement of her own" said Professor Dumbledore, sitting down as Professor Magonigal stood up, "thank you headmaster" she started.
"firstly welcome back students" she started, "this news only concerns Gryffindor house, although I want the other 3 houses to hear, with out thinking it was set up, which I am sure they wont" said professor Magonigal looking around the tables, and resting her eyes, on the Slytherin table.
"as you may well have noticed, I am not as young as I was, when I used to part take in Quidditch, and as such will not be playing in the teacher student tournament" she announced, hearing the shock from the Gryffindor tables, and whispers through out the great hall, "but" she began. "I would not leave my house with out a suitable replacement" she said looking at the Gryffindor table, "I am being replaced by non other than Professor Johnson" she announced getting more whispers.
"Hey but she's a Slytherin teacher" announced Draco Malfoy looking disgusted, "I am aware of that Mr Malfoy, but if you haven't noticed you already have a teacher assigned to your team, now sit down" she said looking back at all the students faces.
"As you may or may not be aware, during her time at Hogwarts Professor Johnson was once a Gryffindor, so I feel there is no other person suitable than she, to replace me" finished Professor Magonigal.
Dinner that evening went of with out any more problems aside from whispers, smiles from the Gryffindors, and disgusted looks from Slytherins, Beth felt it bearable.
"This should be interesting," said Beth as she and Severus made their ways back to the common room.
"ssshh, ssssh" here she comes, came the whispers from the common room, Beth felt as though all eyes were on her upon her arrival into the common room, and she wasn't wrong, every one was watching her.
She stood on the stone stairs leading to the tower, "can I have your attention please" she shouted grabbing every ones attention, "thank you" she said as every ones eyes rested on her.
"I am sure you all heard the announcement made my professor Magonigal at dinner this evening, and as such have an announcement of my own for you" she started.
"As I will be playing Quidditch for Gryffindor in the up coming competition, I have decided, which much thought to leave Slytherin house" she said, looking around, and catching the eye of Severus who looked shocked, "run home to Gryffindor tower are you" came a voice from the crowd, "go then, we don't want a filthy Gryffindor in here any way" he finished.
"MR MALFOY," she shouted, "I may be moving house, but I am still your teacher and demand that you treat me with the same respect as you have before this evening" she said walking over to him and looking him straight in the eyes.
"And not that's its any of your business but I will not be residing in Gryffindor tower either, the headmaster has allocated me a chamber out of any house, upon my request" she shouted, "now if you have a problem with this I suggest you deal with it, because as your teacher I know that you are a respectable lot of students, despite your school reputation" she said smiling at him.
"Now carry on about your business," she said walking back towards the stone stairs, "Professor" said Draco Malfoy. "My apologies about before, you still have mine, and the rest of Slytherin house's respect" he said smiling, "but don't think I will go easy on you out on the quidditch pitch" he smiled, "I wouldn't expect you to" she laughed walking up the stairs.
"You packed already" came a voice from the corner as she closed the door to her chamber behind her, "yeah, I had the house elves do it during Dinner, to avoid any awkwardness" she answered.
"Ah," said Severus, "hey I was going to tell you" said Beth walking over to him, "sure" he answered, "really I was" she relied.
"Come here" she said walking over to the window, "see that light just there" she said pointing at a tower where a room on the top floor was lighted by candles, "yeah" he replied standing closely to her, "that's my new chamber" she said, "nice" he replied, "yeah, Professor Flitwick, Madam hooch, and a few others live there to" she said turning around and picking up her bag, "great" he answered, "need an escort?" he smiled " sure" she replied.
Severus and Beth walked silently down the corridor and up the stairs to the main entrance, and the continuing up another flight of stairs, "So you never told me what Mr Wonderful Dan got you for Christmas" said Severus as they walked up another set of stairs, "you never asked" she smiled.
"ok so what did Mr Wonderful, get you?" he asked looking at her as they walked, "he got me a few things" she replied as hey walked round a corner and down another corridor, which were better lit than those in the dungeons of the castle. "Like?" promoted Severus "like a picture of my father playing Quidditch" she started, "chaser?" asked Severus, "Keeper" replied Beth, "that's an interesting gift from your Fiancée" said Severus, as they stopped out side the door.
Beth unlocked the door and stepped inside, "come in" she said as she walked over towards her desk picking up a box and sitting sideways on the sofa next to the fire, "Sit" she said as she opened the box. Severus sat sideways on the sofa and watched as Beth took out the picture, she handed it to him.
"It's nice, but I don't get it, normally you send your fiancée jewellery or something not pictures of her family" said Severus looking at it. "to me, this took more thought, than picking out a necklace, or earrings" she answered as she got up and walked over to the table pulling out the book which she had offered to Severus 'Quidditch, the good and the bad bits' she sat back down. "I never did borrow that" smiled Severus as she walked back over sitting a bit closer to him.
Beth flicked through a couple of pages and handed the book open to Severus. "What's this?" he asked taking it and looking "Chudley Cannons 1992" he read.
"That's him there" pointed Beth, "no way your dad's the famous Steve Johnson?" he asked smiling, "was" she replied. "He died like 3 weeks after the season ended, I was 17, that was his last picture" she replied looking at the book, "oh I'm sorry" he said closing the book and placing it on the side table, "don't be," she started turning to sit sideways again.
"we had some amazing times, when he was around, I mean how often can you say you met the Cannons" she smiled, "yeah that's true" he replied smiling, "my dad was the best, ever since I could remember I was on a broom stick, even when I was to young to be on my own, he rode with me. My brother never showed an interest in playing Quidditch, and it hurt his feelings, coz he wanted his son to follow his footsteps" she said looking into the fire. "Than one day during the school holidays just before I came here, I was in the garden messing around on my broom, throwing the quaffel around, and my mum comes running out with flour all over here apron screaming at me to come down" laughed Beth, "Screaming?" smiled Severus, "yeah a full on shriek" smiled Beth.
"No doubt my dad and brother wanted to know what was going on so they came out to, I'll always remember the great big smile my dad had on his face, when he saw me playing with the quaffel, he never thought another Johnson would play Quidditch" smiled Beth looking back into the fire, "I bet he was over the moon" replied Severus softly "he was" replied Beth.
They was a silence for a while, "but I'll never forget the day I saw my mother come through the gates of the quidditch pitch" said Beth the smile fading from her face, "it was the first game of the season, Gryffindor, Slytherin" she started, "I remember" replied Severus, "I didn't know what was going on, you know my mum and dad left together, and just my mum came back" started Beth, "so when Johnny caught the snitch, and every one went in to the changing rooms, I stayed in the air watch every one crowding around my mum and brother hugging them" she continued.
"That's when I saw something by the lake, I flew as fast as I could, the closer I got the more it looked like my dad. When I got close enough I jumped of the broom and ran through the puddles on the grass and came right up to him, he was just lying there, not moving. It was like everything around me stopped, and from no where, Professor Dippet appeared, he draped his cloak over his face, and all he could say was that he was sorry" she said, looking at Severus who was feeling so bad for her right now.
"you passed out" said Severus bring her attention back, "I remember talking to Professor Dippet about it" he finished, "yeah" she said looking dazed, "and for the first time in my life I hated the sight of any thing to do with quidditch, posters, pictures, everything" she said looking at him "you never finished the season" he said looking back at her, "no, I couldn't" she replied. "So you haven't played since then, your going to be a walk over during the competition" laughed Severus trying to soften the mood "no in a professional capacity no, I've been known to have a one on one game with people" she smiled back, "what changed your mind then?" asked Severus, "Dan" she replied looking at the fire.
The night drew on, and the fire began to die out, Beth had fallen asleep and Severus had been watching her, for god knows how long. He carried her over to her bed, taking of her boots once he placed her head on the pillow, he pulled the bed covers over her body and tucked her in. He made his way to the door, when Beth came round, "Stay" she said looking at him, "just hold me" she said reading the expression on his face. Severus walked slowly back towards the bed and laid down next to Beth pulling the covers over him self, she snuggled up to him placing her head on his chest. He ran his hands through her hair until she fell asleep again.
She was flying through the air, Quaffel in hand heading for the rings at the end of the field. She scored. "Another 10 points to Gryffindor" called the commentator,. The crowds cheered as Beth pulled her broom up to a halt.
Suddenly she wasn't on the Quidditch pitch any more, but leant against a large tree in a garden looking up at a young girl and man practising.
"Come on Lizzy, like I showed you" called the man smiling. "Lizzy, Steve, dinners ready come in its getting dark" called a woman from behind Beth, "mum" she said looking at her, and then back to the front, "Dad" said Beth looking at him as he walked past, one arm hold 2 broom sticks the other round the shoulders of the young girl.
Then every thing changed and she was by the lake at Hogwarts looking at the body of her father lying there motionless.
Beth woke, sitting up straight breathing heavily. "Beth" said the voice behind her, as she felt a hand rest against her back, "you ok" he asked, "fine" she answered getting out of bed and walking in to the bathroom and closing the door quietly.
5 minutes later she emerged from the bathroom, with her hair tied back.
"Well I have the 1st practice with Gryffindor today" said Beth breaking the silence as she walked back over to the bed and sat on he edge, "Slytherin have the pitch this afternoon" said Severus.
"I better get going then" said Beth standing up and grabbing her bag, "thanks for staying last night" she smiled, "any time" he replied, "have fun" he said as he got out of bed, and put his shoes on, following her out of the door.
The two weeks of teaching and practising for the teacher student tournament, went by quickly, with marking home work, preparing classes, and doing research, as well as attending practices which seemed as though they were 24 hours a day, but Beth had to agree that Oliver Wood, was an amazing captain.
Finally the night before the tournament came. And all the houses were in their common rooms, with their teacher's excited about the 1st day of matches.
"you all better get some sleep if you plan to win tomorrow" Professor Magonigal announced. "I will see you all in the morning in the changing rooms" she said walking over to Beth, "I'll walk with you back to the tower" she said to Beth as they walked though the common room and out into the corridor.
"You sure about playing tomorrow" said Professor Magonigal, "of course Minerva, why?" she replied as they walked up a flight of stairs "just making sure" said Minerva, "Minerva, I've dealt with the past now, and I think its about time, I played again, its what my dad wanted" she said as they reached her room, "he would be very proud, see you in the morning" said Minerva as she disappeared round a corner.
Beth opened her door, and shut it behind her, dropping her bag on the chair. On her bed was a sports bag with a note placed on top.
Beth, Thought you might need a uniform. Severus
She opened the bag, and found a Gryffindor Quidditch uniform with "E.Johnson" on the back.
She walked over to her desk and wrote a reply.
Severus, Thank you, there perfect. Good luck Beth
She gave it to her owl and let it out of the window, and watched it fly to Severus's window.
Morning broke with the sound of movement in the corridor laughing and talking of students who were getting a head start on the tournament, chanting songs for their houses, and mocking the other players from the house teams about one thing or the other.
Beth lay in bed, and stared at the canopy of her 4-poster bed, different thoughts running through her mind. She climbed slowly out of bed and made her way to the bath room, where she tied her hair back and got washed before coming out to get changed, she picked up a pair of jeans and a shirt and put them on, she sat on the bed, and pulled on her boots, and sat there for a moment looking at the fire place.
"Professor" came a voice from the door, with a gentle knock, "come in" she called as she pulled on a sweatshirt. "Are you ready?" asked Oliver Wood looking over at her, "yeah" she replied, grabbing her sports bag and following him out of the door.
They walked slowly down to the great hall, and joined the Gryffindors at their table, where breakfast was being served. "I think I'll pass on breakfast, Oliver" she said as she got back up, "I'll see you in the changing rooms" she said as she walked back out of the great hall, and out into the court yard. She inhaled the fresh air and breathed out slowly. She walked over to the lake, and stood in the position she had stood 10 years before, she stared out on the lake and walked over to a large bolder where she sat and tried to relax.
"the great Lizzy Johnson, isn't nervous is she?" came a voice from behind her, she turned around to see the man stood behind her, "David, what are you doing here?" she asked, as he sat next to her.
David Walker, once captain and chaser for the Chudley Cannons. His greying hair moved slightly in the wind, and his brown eyes, skimmed the water of the lake.
"your dad would be proud you know" he said breaking the silence, "yeah I no" she replied, "I remember him telling me the day he saw you in the garden with the Quaffel, he said 'she'll give you a run for your money' he wasn't wrong, you were progressing greatly playing here" he said "yeah well" she said getting up and linking arms with David, who had followed suit and gotten up to, they walked slowly towards the changing rooms, "I'll tell you what I always said to your dad, coz he had the worst nerves before a game" he said resting his hand on her arm, "Quidditch is about fun, not winning or loosing, if you win great it's a bonus, if you loose who cares, you got to play, some people don't, or wont be able to play" he said as they walked, "your team will always support you, through wins and loses just do your best, and have fun" he finished as they stood by the changing room door. "Thanks Dave" she said letting go of his arm, he began to walk towards the stands, "oh and Lizzy" he said calling her attention back to him "Go Gryffindor" he shouted.
Beth walked into the busy changing rooms, got changed and sat down next to Angelina Johnson and Katie Bell the other chasers picked to play. "We've practice, and practice" started Oliver as he looked at his team, "we know the game and we are great at it" he continued, "and we have something extra today" he said standing next to Beth, "professor Johnson, she was on the team for 5 years when she was at school, Gryffindor one the Quidditch cup 5 times in a row" he said, hearing cheers from the rest of the team. "all we are going to do is play the best game we can play" he said grabbing his arm guards.
"Oliver's right, I've seen you lot play, your great" said Beth standing up, "today and while we are playing Quidditch only, you can call me Lizzy, Liz or Beth, you choose" she smiled, "ok" shouted Oliver, "lets go" he said as they all stood up and walked towards the quidditch pitch. They stood behind the wooden doors and waited.
"Welcome to the 2003 Teacher Student Quidditch tournament" announced Lee Jordan, the commentator, and the 1st match of the tournament, Gryffindor verses Slytherin" he said, getting a huge roar from the crowd, "and here are the teams" he said, as the door flung open and the Slytherin Team and Gryffindor team walked onto the pitch.
"Playing for Slytherin today are:" he started, "Draco Malfoy - Seeker, Sofia Daniels - beater, Jonathan Durrant - beater, Erik Miller - Keeper , Tracy Goodman - chaser, Robert Morris - chaser and their Teacher Professor Snape - Chaser" he finished getting a huge cheers from the Slytherin Crowd.
"the Gryffindor team stands as follows" he announced, "Harry Potter - Seeker, Fred Weasly - beater, George Weasly - Beater, Oliver Wood - keeper, Katie Bell - Chaser, Angelina Johnson - Chaser, and their Teacher, non other than Professor Lizzy Johnson" he shouted, getting a huge roar from the Gryffindors, and claps from the hufflepuffs and ravenclaws.
The game was soon underway, 14 players on broom sticks, and one referee, Madam Hooch. "Katie Bell, passed to Angelina Johnson, Johnson misses the pass, its intercepted by Professor Snape" called commentator.
Severus flew up the pitch with Beth right behind him, she swerved from one side to the other, then came underneath him punching the ball out of his hands, and into the waiting catch of Katie Bell who set of full speed back down the pitch to score the 1st points for Gryffindor, "sorry!" smile Beth as she turned around to high five Katie.
The game was fast and furious, and the points were tied. "You got rid of your nerves then" called Severus as he flew along side her, "was there ever any doubt" she called back, as she came to a sudden halt, and turning to follow one of the Slytherin Chasers down the field.
"We'll stop her," said on of the Slytherin beaters, watching Beth grabbing the Quaffel and flying back down the pitch, weaving in and out of players.
Jonathan Durrant, one of the Slytherin Beaters, hit the Bludger, sent his way by George Weasly, one of the Gryffindor beaters, with all his might sending it across the pitch to where Beth was flying. She threw the Quaffel scoring another 10 pints for Gryffindor, just before the Bludger came straight at her, hitting her straight in the stomach, knocking her from her broom. She hit the floor with a thud, onto the Sand below the goal posts.
She stared at the sky, hands on her stomach, her broom had landed 20 meters to the right of her. Despite the groans and boo's from the crowd, the game had to go on, those are the rules.
It seemed as though the game had stopped, but more like the game had continued, like she expected, but someone had hit the Mute button. Beth closed her eyes, and opened them a few moments later to see Severus hovering Ring level above her looking down with concern on his face, but as soon as the Quaffel came his way he was of. She couldn't expect him to stop playing, especially as she was playing for the other team, which Slytherin now lead 190 -150.
Beth Sat up slowly, still gripping her stomach and ribs, she inhaled, but a sharp pain followed, she slowly stood up leaning against the left goal post. She looked around for her broom, and slowly staggered over to it, picking it up and taking to the air behind the goal posts.
"Angelina Johnson with the Quaffel, passes to. LIZZY JOHNSON, she's back in he game, welcome back Lizzy" shouted Lee Jordan, as Beth caught the keeper of guard bringing the score to 190-160. The crowd roared, and the keeper threw the Quaffel back to his players, who made their way back to the other end of the pitch, "Harry" called Beth, "hurry up and catch the snitch will" she called trying to smile, but making a bad attempt at it, "are you ok?" he called back, "fine" she replied as she flew in pursuit of the Quaffel.
Beth swerved in and out of Slytherin player, dodging Bludgers, trying to get the Quaffel back, but Slytherin Scored.
"George Bludger" called Fred looking at him "got it" he shouted beating it back at on of the Slytherin players, Beth flew slower feeling sharp pains as she took breaths. Suddenly all the players were coming back down Gryffindor end of the pitch. Turning she went to follow, but was hit by a second Bludger on the left side of her back. Causing the pain to be more excruciating than the pain of breathing, which made her pass out, letting go of her broom she crashed to the floor by the supporter's stands.
She slowly opened her eyes, when a load banging noise and cheers were coming from the stand next to her, she could see the Gryffindor team cheering with Harry holding the snitch, before she passed out again.
"Lizzy" came a voice, from behind her, she was some where, she didn't recognise anything, it was misty, but there was a clear voice coming from some where "where are you?" she called looking around, "I'm here" replied the voice, "I cant see you" she said looking around, "over here" said the voice, as a figure came out of the mist, "Dad?" she said looking at him.
"you need to go back to them" he said placing his hand on her shoulder, "its not your time" he finished looking at her, "but Dad, cant I stay with you?" she asked a tear coming to her eye, "not yet, its not your time" he answered touching her cheek. "but I never got to say good bye" said Beth grabbing his hand, "you don't need too I'm always with you, you just cant see me" he said stepping backwards, "now go back to them" he said disappearing into the mist again, "don't leave me" she shouted into the mist.
"Beth" came a quiet voice, "Beth" it said again getting louder, "Beth open your eyes" said the voice. She opened them slowly the sun was bright, and there were faces all around her, "good girl" came the voice, it was Madam Pomfry the school nurse. "We're going to sit you up," she said as she and Severus grabbed her arms and gently pulled her into a sitting position.
"Sorry Professor" came a voice from in front of her, it was Jonathan Durrant looking guilty as hell, "hey, don't worry I wasn't paying attention, you're a hell of a beater Mr Durrant" she said putting on a half smile on her face.
"So what's up" she said looking at Madam Pomfry who suddenly had a broad smile on her face from Beth's comment, "obviously not me" finished Beth laughing but grabbing her ribs as she did so. "Let's get you to the hospital wing" she said pulling her to her feet with the help of Severus.
The morning sun broke in the hospital wing, every thing was quiet, and Beth sat up in bed, feeling much better, obviously the potion Madam Pomfry had given her yesterday afternoon had done wonders.
"Professor your awake" smiled Madam Pomfry. "How do you feel" she asked sitting on the end of the bed, "fine, when can I go" replied Beth, "always in a rush you Professors" she said taking a look at Beth, "this morning, let me get you something to wear and you'll be on your way" she said getting up and coming back with a white robe.
"Professor Snape was kind enough to return your clothes to your chambers last night" she said handing the robe to her, "now your going to be a bit bruised for a few days, but nothings broken any more" she said as she walked with Beth to the door, "thanks" replied Beth walking into the corridor.
"Professor" called a voice from behind her, she turned to see Oliver Wood jogging over to her, "Mr Wood, what can I do for you?" she asked walking on with him, "nothing Professor, just wanted to know if you were ok" he said smiling, "I'm fine, and I hear we won" she said smiling. "Yeah, Potter got the snitch just after your hit" he replied.
They walked on a bit further and stopped. "Oliver, I'll be fine, and I will be playing the remainder of the games, it take a bit more than 2 Bludgers to keep me down" smiled Beth patting him on the back, "Great, I'll tell the others" he said as he jogged back the way they had just come.
When she finally reached her chambers, she breathed a sigh of relief she opened the door, and saw Severus sitting on the sofa waiting.
"This is a surprise," she said stepping in side, "how are you?" he said getting up and helping her in, "Severus, I'm not dying," she said pulling her arm away and sitting down. "Sorry" he said stepping away. "Its fine" she replied, "so we kicked some Slytherin Butt" she laughed, "you get knocked out from a fall, hit by 2 Bludgers, spend a night in the hospital wing, and she still remembers that Gryffindor won, typical" he smiled, "well what can I say" she said, smiling back at him.
"So what are you doing here" she asked getting up and walking to her drawers, and pulling out a pair of shorts and a large T-shirt. "Checking your ok" he started as he watched her move into the bath room, and pushing the door too, so that she could still here him talking, "I've spoken to Mr Durrant, and he's been punished" he said as a white gown dropped to the floor, "you cant punish him" said Beth as she came out of the bathroom, "he hit a Bludger at a teacher, its unacceptable" he said.
"Yeah if we weren't playing Quidditch, hell I would have personally kicked his ass" she said sitting back down on the sofa. "But it's allowed, you wouldn't punish him if it was some one else, like Katie Bell or Angelina" she said looking at him, "maybe" he replied, "no maybe about it, you wouldn't I know you wouldn't. It was a legal hit any way," she said sitting side ways to face him.
"I didn't have my full attention on the game" she said smiling, "no bigy, its what's happens in Quidditch" she continued. "Yeah ok you made your point" said Severus making himself more comfortable, "good, so unpunish Mr Durrant, and tell him I'll be ready next time! If there is a next time" she laughed, "fine" replied Severus smiling.
"I better go, its late" said Severus standing up and walking towards the door, "oh ok" said Beth walking behind him, "thanks for everything" said Beth reaching and putting her arms around his neck and hugging him, "any time" replied Severus placing his hands on her hips and pulling her a little closer.
Beth turned her head and kissed Severus on the cheek, and slowly started to move, away, but was met my Severus's lips.
They kissed exploring each other's mouths slowly. Severus ran his hands up Beth's back pulling her closer to him. The parted and looked at each other.
"I should go" he said putting his hand on the door, "wait" she said grabbing him and kissing him again "stay" she said between kisses. Severus looked at her, "what about Dan" he asked as Beth moved slowly way from the door, pulling Severus with her, "he's not here" she replied kissing him again.
Beth pulled at Severus's shirt and began to undo the buttons and letting it drop to the floor, she tugged at him jeans, as Severus pulled Beth's T- shirt over her head and throwing it on the floor. She slipped her shorts of, after she had finally freed him from his trousers.
Beth sat on the bed, and pulled Severus towards her kissing his chest as he climbed onto the bed. She pushed her self farther on the bed and kissed him deeply laying back on the covers, Severus looked at her body, running his hands gently over her bruised side and stomach, kissing her softly, opening her legs and entering her deeply.
Severus woke to see Beth looking at him and stroking his chest, "this is a surprise" he said smiling, "what do you mean?" she asked "well the other times, we've, been in the same bed, your normally up and dressed by the time I wake up" he said smiling, and pulling her closer, "yeah well, nothing to get up for this morning" she replied.
"I'm confused" said Severus as he rolled on his side and stroked Beth's arm. "What about?" she asked looking at him. "One minute your telling me that you love Dan, and in not so many words that you cant be with me, but yet here we are" he said looking at the bed, "then that would make two of us confused" she laughed.
"What's going on" he asked keeping a straight face. "I don't know, theres something about you, which I guess I'm drawn to" she started, "yet your marrying Dan" he said during her pause, "yeah I am, this whole situation is weird," she said as she got out of bed and pulled her robe on. She walked over to the bookshelf and picking up a large black book and got back into bed, dropping her robe to the floor.
"My mum always said, 'don't let a man run your emotions, its up to you if and what happens, or you will end up being a professional Quidditch players wife stuck at home during away games, explaining to your kids why daddy isn't home to read them a story" she said in a mockingly fashion, "your mum had some issues" smiled Severus, "a few" agreed Beth.
She opened the book and rested it on her stomach, "to the naked eye, it's the perfect family" she said as they looked at a picture of her family, mother and father holding hands, father holding his daughter and mother holding her son, "but you got to look deeper" she said. "What's this got to do with this" he said looking at the bed and the cloths on the floor, "I'm getting to that" she said gently pushing her elbow into his side.
"My dad was away playing quidditch 4 months of a year, he was at home playing another 4 months, but he may as well have been playing away, because he was either practising, or in the bar with the team" she said turning a page and coming to a picture of her brother and mother.
"My mum, did everything for us, and she would always argue with my dad when he came home drunk, or had to cancel dinner for practice, but the 4 months of the year, where there was no Quidditch and it was just us, it was perfect" she said turning the page to see a picture of her dad leaning against a tree with Beth's mother's head on his shoulder.
"and she never let him run her emotions, even in arguments she used a normal speaking tone, he never caused her to shout at him, because she ran her own emotions" she said looking at Severus.
She turned the page to a picture of Beth and her Father in the middle of a field looking up at the stars.
"to me my dad was perfect, and the way my mum and dad were, was perfect to, they were so in love despite the 'arguments' he could never do anything wrong in my eyes, I'd forgive him for being away on my birthday and stuff, my brother wasn't so forgiving, he's just like my mum" she said turning the page.
"Any way, cutting a very long story short" she said laying the book on the stomach, "I've let men walk over me before, control me and stuff, and for once, I'm happy being in control of me, and my emotions" she said smiling at Severus as he stroked her head, "I choose to be with Dan, he doesn't make me be with him, I agreed to marry him because I love him and cant see my future with out him in it" she said looking at Severus who pulled his arm away, "so where does that leave me" he asked propping himself up onto his elbow, "right here" she said putting her hand on her heart, "you and Dan are so different, you both have things that I am attracted to, your mysterious, caring, loving, shy sometimes" she said smiling at him, "and Dan is caring and loving too, but he would go into the middle of a crowded room and announce that he loved me, and you I don't know to me you seem like the type of person who would always tell me that you did love me but never make it common knowledge to the on lookers" she said as she lay her head back down on the pillow, "both things I love" she said smiling.
"But it comes down to the fact that I get confused around you, I don't know what's what when I am close to you" she said turning onto her side and letting the photo album drop to the floor.
"I didn't come here to look for romance, or make any one like me" she said looking at him, "I came here to work, knowing I was going to marry Dan" she said, "and then you happened" she said smiling and catching his eyes, "Severus Snape, the man with the hard ass reputation" she laughed, "but your not as hard ass as you make out" she said poking him softly in the chest.
"I chose to be with you last night, and to still be lying here with you right this second" she said looking at him. "What will happen tomorrow, or the next day, or next month, I don't know" she said, "maybe I will Marry Dan when the day comes, maybe this will change everything" she said, "no one knows what tomorrow will bring, but tomorrow its self, and we have to wait and see" she said.
"So there could be an us, but then there might not be" he said resuming his stroking of her head, "exactly, we are in the now, and right now I'm here in bed, naked I might add, with you, Severus Snape" she laughed. "But when I make a decision about everything, life, love and stuff I'll defiantly let you know, I wont lead you on to believe something which I decide wont happen" she said. "And I'll be hear waiting" smiled Severus, kissing her fore head.
The tournament carried on, Slytherin beat Huffelpuff in the second game, which Gryffindor lost to Ravenclaw by only 10 points. The final game saw Slytherin beat Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor beat Huffelpuff, tying Slytherin and Gryffindor when the tournament ended.
As the rules of this tournament state, if there is a tie after each house has played their 3 games, there would be a final game to determine the winner. And there was.
Gryffindor would take Slytherin on again.
"Welcome to the final game of the tournament, Slytherin verses Gryffindor" announced Lee Jordan, "and here are the teams" he said as both teams walked onto the field, "just in case for some reason you missed the last game, Gryffindor beat Slytherin, 310 - 190, thanks to Harry potter catching the snitch. But I am sure this is going to a great match lets hope Lizzy Johnson can keep away from any Bludgers" he said looking down on the field.
"And the game begins" shouted Lee Jordan as both teams took to the air, "Slytherin have the Quaffel, they shoot, great save by the Gryffindor captain Oliver wood" commentated Lee Jordan.
The game was more intense than their first meeting a few weeks, ago, there was still no score after 10 minutes of play, no sight of the snitch either.
The weather changed from a relatively sunny afternoon, to a dark cloudy one over the 1st hour of the match , soon after it started to rain, but the game continued with large lights illuminating the pitch. The score was up to 50-70, Gryffindor leading, but still no sign of the snitch.
With the game getting faster and faster, and the wind rocking all the players on their brooms, it was apparent this could last forever.
But when a Bludger came straight at harry knocking him from his broom, and sending the broom of some where, you would have through Slytherin would win, now Gryffindor didn't have a seeker!
As Beth turned around she saw harry falling to the floor, she broke from the crowded sky, diving down towards him, grabbing the back of his robes and pulling him onto her broom and flying a bit further up, "I cant see my broom professor" he said looking through the rain," don't worry Harry we'll sort something out" she replied as she joined her team in the sky dodging players until she came to a stop near Oliver Wood, "we cant find his broom" she shouted, "great" replied Oliver keeping his eye on the Quaffel, "what are we going to do?" he asked.
Beth flew off with Harry's arm wrapped tightly around her arms, "Fred" she shouted as she ducked out of the way of a Bludger, "how do you fancy a double team" she smiled, "great" he smiled pulling up along side her, "harry let go" she said patting Harry's hand, he let go and flipped her leg over the broom and sitting sideways, "use my broom I'll ride with Fred" she said taking Fred's hand and sitting on the back, "its not legal is it?" asked Harry moving forward, "the rules state you have to have 7 players, it says nothing about 7 players on 7 brooms" she laughed climbing on the Fred's broom and making her self comfortable, "now get the snitch" she said as she and Fred flew off.
"What is happening out there" cried Lee Jordan as he watch Beth switch brooms, "a beater and a chaser on one broom this could be interesting" he smiled looking at Fred and Beth as they flew over head.
"ok Fred keep your eye on the Bludger and we'll work together ok" she said tapping him on the shoulder, "this is going to be a blast" he said smiling at her.
And they were off, weirdly it seemed to be working Katie and Angelina took most control of the Quaffel, while George Weasly stepped up his game covering Fred who had to keep in mind the chaser on his broom too.
Katie Bell passed the quaffel to Beth who caught it, and Fred sped of down the pitch beating a Bludger away at he same time, "amazing" called Lee Jordan, Beth passed the Quaffel to Angelina who scored.
Shortly after the Snitch was caught. "Gryffindor wins" shouted Madam hooch after she blew her whistle.
The Gryffindor team landed and celebrated their win, while the slytherins looked down on them from the sky.
"Great Game" called a familiar voice, she turned to see Dan standing against on of the stands.
She walked over to him hugging, and Dan picked her up swinging her round, "I missed you" he said to her kissing her lips gently.
"Professor, are you coming?" asked Draco Malfoy as he watch Snape looking down at Dan and Beth hugging, "yes Mr Malfoy, I don't think I have to inform you when and if I am going inside" he said looking at him.
He flew closer to the ground and hopped of his broom and walking slowly towards the gate.
"We need to talk Dan," said Beth as she pulled him towards the gates. They walked over to the lake and sat down beneath a large tree.
"I cant wait to Marry you" said Dan kissing her hand and holding it tightly, "yeah" she replied looking a the water, "what's the matter?" asked Dan, as he looked at her, "nothing" she replied, trying to put a smile on her face, "I've known you long enough to know when some things up" he said getting up and looking at her.
"theres this person" she started as she held his hand, "he makes me feel confused when I'm around him" she said looking at him "confused? Confused about what?" he asked looking at her "us, you and me" she said. "so you met some one else" he said getting up and letting go of her hand, "did you sleep with him" he asked getting angry, "I, I, uh" she started, "you did, I cant believe you Beth, you said you loved me, your supposed to be marrying me, and this is what you do" he said stepping back away from her, "I'm sorry" she said getting up, "who is he" he said moving away from her hand as they tried to take his.
"Beth, are you coming the feast is on half an hour" called a voice from behind them, it was Severus, "Great timing" she thought, "yeah in a bit" she called back looking at him.
"HIM" shouted Dan, "you did it right under my nose, introducing me like you wanted us to be friends, when you were really jumping from bed to bed" said Dan angrily. Suddenly he ran at Severus and jumped on him punching him an kicking him, "you bastard you stole my fiancée" he shouted as he fell to the floor and was being punched and kicked by Severus, they were rolling on the floor punching each other.
Beth ran over and tried to dodge the kicks and punches "stop" she shouted, "Stop fighting" she said grabbing hold of Dan's arm, "stop it, what are you doing" she said, but Dan pushed her away, causing her to fall to the floor, "that's how you treat your fiancée, no wonder she comes to my bed" said Severus touching his bleeding nose, "you bastard" said Dan charging at him, spearing him in the stomach with his shoulder and hitting him harder, "Dan" cried Beth.
As they were still fighting Hagrid walked round to corner. Beth tried to pull them away from each other, but caught an elbow to the face, doing so knocking her again to the floor.
Hagrid intervened, grabbing Severus and pulling him away, "stop this fighting, your acting like school kids" he shouted pushing Severus away. "you best be off to the hospital wing, all three of you's" he said, escorting Severus away from Dan and Beth.
Beth stayed sat on the floor, and touched her eye, it was bleeding, but not as badly as Dan's or Severus's. She looked up at Dan who was leaning against the tree.
"you better go to the hospital wing" said Beth standing up and walking over to Dan slowly, "some one needs to look at your face" she said running her fingers over a few cuts, "don't" he said turning his head away.
He started back to the castle, and Beth followed.
"its this way" she said as they carried on up a flight of steps and along a corridor.
Severus was sitting on a bed, when Dan and Beth walked in Madam Pomfry pulled the curtain around his bed, to try not to cause any more fights. "Sit there" she said pointing to a free bed. Dan sat down and Beth sat at the end of the bed looking at him. Madam Pomfry pulled the curtain around the bed.
"What now?" asked Beth looking at him, "I don't know" he replied, "I cant believe you did this" he said looking at her, "I thought we were in love" he said, "we are, I'm sorry" she said.
"So I guess you wanna be with Him now" said Dan looking away, "I don't, if this whole situation has made me realise something its that I wanna be with you more now, than yesterday, or the day we met, I love you" she said moving closer, "and I still want to be your wife" she said. "You do?" asked Dan, "if you want me" she replied placing a hand on his knee, "things need to change, I cant deal with this long distance thing" he said looking into her eyes, "ok" replied Beth.
They sat in silence for a while, thinking. "I'll be back before visiting time is over ok" she said getting up.
She walked out of the hospital wing and to her chambers.
It was the middle of the night when Beth came back Severus was sleeping same as Dan, she walked over to Dan and rocked him, waking him up. "come on lets go" she said smiling at him "go, we cant you have work in the morning" he said looking at her "I've spoken to Professor Dumbledore, he agreed to let me leave," she said pulling him out of bed, "here" she said handing him his cloths.
Dan got dressed, while he did so, Beth walked over to Severus's bed, and placed an envelope on his bed side table. They walked silently out of the hospital wing and down to the front entrance.
"not wasting any time I see" came a voice, it was Albus Dumbledore, "no" replied Beth looking at him, "thank you Albus" she said hugging him, "there will always be a job here for you Beth," he said to her, "I just hope you made the right decision" he whispered in her ear, "thanks again" she said as she and Dan walked through the doors, casting a spell in her trunks they walked through the gates and into the darkness.
When the morning came, and Severus woke in the hospital to see Dan's bed empty he didn't think any thing of it, he thought he had simply slept late. He got dressed and picked up his quidditch cloths, and noticed the envelope on his bed side table, he picked it up and sat on the bed.
Severus, I'm sorry about yesterday, I didn't know that Dan would fight with you. He guessed it was you I was talking to him about when I answered your question about the feast, maybe I didn't hide my feelings for you well enough.
For the pain I have caused you I am truly sorry. Please don't think I'm a running away from you, I'm not. I enjoyed and will always enjoy your company, and for that I thank you.
You are a kind, caring, loving and most understanding person, and someday I am sure you'll make a woman very happy, unfortunately I don't think that person is me.
Remember when I said you never know what tomorrow brings? Well tomorrow came, and I made a decision, which I feel in heart is right for me, which is why I left Hogwarts last night, with Dan. I'm sorry I never said good bye, but you were sleeping and I didn't want to wake you, for fear it might cause more hurt to all of us, again I'm sorry.
Please forgive me for any hurt I have caused you it was the last thing on earth I ever wanted to do, you'll always hold a special place in my heart, and our time together will be with me forever.
I have left you something in my chambers, I hope you like it.
Please don't try and contact me, I don't want to hurt Dan any more than I have by keeping in contact with the person I let confuse me, and make me rethink my relationship with the one man I have loved for so long.
Finally I would like to thank you, you made me realise how special Dan is to me. I know you don't want to hear it, but I have to let you know what you have done for me, you've made me happy, not just for making me realise my love for him, but for being with me and being a friend, for that I truly thank you.
Until we meet again,
All my love
Elizabeth Johnson
Severus folded the paper back up and waked slowly towards Beth's Chambers, hoping in the back of his mind that the gift she had for him would be her, but when he opened the door, to the empty room, he walked over to the bed to see a picture on the inside a blue frame. It was a picture that had been taken before the tournament, of him self and Beth. He picked it up and walked out of the room closing the door softly behind him.
"As you may have noticed" announced Dumbledore, "Professor Johnson, isn't here, she had to leave on personal business" he said looking at the students who seemed shocked and upset at her leaving with out saying good bye, "but she did leave me in the possession of a letter she wanted me to read to you before the feast" he said pulling out an piece of parchment.
He began to read. "to the Professors, I want to say thank you. You made me feel at home the moment I came through the entrance doors, despite the fact I arrived late into the term" he read getting smiles from the professors, except Severus "I would like to apologise for my leaving, it wasn't an easy decision to make, but it was one which I had to decide upon. My regret is not being able to say good bye to you personally, you were my family while I lived at Hogwarts, caring and loving in the way only you can. I thank you for this." Said Dumbledore as he paused to take a sip of his water.
"To the students. You all made me feel at home as well, you were a pleasure to teach, and if our paths should cross again it wont be soon enough, I know you will all achieve great things in your futures I am sad that I wont be able to watch you grow into the great people I know you will be. To the slytherins. People I never thought I would be able to call friends, and family, you welcomed me to your house, and made me feel at home, even when I never thought I could. Thank you, Mr Durrant, I expect to hear great things from you, professional Beater I think!" said Dumbledore getting a laugh from the students. "To the hufflepuffs and ravenclaws, you were always a pleasure to teach, eager to learn and as eager to listen. Thank you for your support and help. To the Gryffindors congratulations on winning the tournament, you bring pride to the name Gryffindor. I thank you for allowing me graciously onto your team, and allowing me to play with the team of the most talented player I have seen in a long time. Thanks to you. Finally to you all. Achieve all you can, I am sure it wont be any less than you deserve, more importantly be you, and be loving, a world with out love is a sad one. Until we meet again. Lizzy Johnson" Dumbledore finished and placed the letter on the table, "Professor Johnson wished she could have said good bye to you personally, but regretfully she couldn't. it doesn't mean she didn't want to" said Dumbledore as he sat down.
"Now as I am sure you are all hungry, let the feast begin" he said, and with a wave of his hand food appeared. The students began to eat in silence, but the laughs and talks of the tournament, and other gossip took over straight away. The great hall was once again filled with the sounds of laughter and talking.
TO BE CONTINUED....
Beth lay in bed with Dan's head next to hers, she listened to his breathing it was so soothing. She looked at her hand and at the diamond ring he had proposed to her with, she exhaled. "Why is everything in love so complicated" she thought looking at Dan who had a smile on his face as he dreamed.
Beth got out of bed slowly and put a large T-shirt on then her robe. She quietly opened the door, and walked into the quiet cold corridor and made her way down to the common room, where the fire was still burning.
She sat on one of the sofa's facing the fireplace, and stared into the flames. Loosing track of time, while he thoughts raced through her mind.
Beth watched the flames die out, and she made her way back up the stairs to the tower. She opened the room door, and walked in shutting it behind her, she looked over at the bed, his hair mussed up, and his chest exposed to the cold air.
She quietly walked over to the bed, and climbed in running her fingers up and down his chest until he woke, looking around and fixing his eyes on her perfect face.
"What are you doing here?" asked Severus as he held her hand and moved onto his side looking into her green eyes. "I think we should talk" she replied looking at him. "ok, couldn't it have waited till this morning?" he said checking the time, " its 3am" he finished looking at her, "fine, last night you were all for talking now you don't want to" she said as she began to get up, "hey, I never said I didn't want to, come on talk to me what's up" he said.
"Have u ever noticed that when you get the things you want, things always go wrong?" she said sitting up and leaning against the headboard. "Yeah I know the feeling" he smiled at her "yeah well that's it. I always fancied Dan, and when he asked me out on a date, I never knew it would turn into this, I'm going to marry him" she said looking down at him, she shift on the bed and crossed her legs, "don't remind me" said Severus as he rubbed her knee, "that's it, I mean I come here to teach, I'm here 2 days, and every thing gets all, all, weird" replied Beth, "I love Dan. But then theres you, and I hate you for mixing every thing up for me, making me feel something I shouldn't been feeling, something I should only feel for Dan" she continued.
"so you do feel something?" asked Severus with a smile on his face. "how could I not, I should have told you about Dan, but there was never a time when I though he I might jump into bed with this guy" she said when she placed her hand on top of his. "true" he said sitting up and facing her.
"and Dan is amazing, caring loving, every thing any girl wants in her man" she said looking down at her hands, "did you come here to tell me about wonderful Dan? To rub my nose in it?" said Severus taking his hand away. "of course not, I don't know why I came, something just said talk to him" she replied.
Severus and Beth stared at each other, she leaned closer to him until they could feel each others warm breath, "what about Dan?" said Severus slowly "just kiss me" replied Beth leaning closer and pressing her lips against his.
The deep kiss seemed to last for ever, she ran her hands down his chest until they rested on the top of Severus's boxer shorts. Severus pulled at Beth's robe until she took her arms out of the sleeves and it fell to the floor.
"your beautiful" said Severus looking at Beth who was now laying flat on his bed, he kissed her deep as he ran his hand over her body until he could feel the bare skin on her thigh, he slowly started to moving his hand up.
"what about Dan?" said a voice in Beth's head, "Dan" she said aloud breaking the kiss with Severus, "what" said Severus looking at her "I'm sorry I cant" said Beth sitting up and climbing of the bed, "wait Beth" said Severus grabbing her arm, "where are you going?" he asked, "to where I should be, I'm sorry" she said opening the door and closing it behind her.
Beth climbed back into bed and stared at Dan, she placed a hand on his cheek and stroked his hair behind his ear, "hey" he said sleepily, "what time is it?" he asked, "not time to get up babe" replied Beth smiling at him "good, I could stay like this forever" he replied, pulling her closer, and closing his eyes.
8am finally came, and Beth opened her eyes, she hadn't slept all night, it was snowing out side, Dan was still asleep looking peaceful, but she couldn't help but feel guilty.
She slipped quietly out of bed, and got dressed in Jeans, a sweatshirt, and a pair of black boots. She walked to the door, and opened it closing it quickly when she saw Severus standing in the hall way looking as though he was waiting for her, "Shit" she said closing the door behind her, she grabbed her cloak and put it on, pulling the hood over her head, "the window" she thought walking quickly towards the corner where her broom stood, she grabbed it and walked into the bath room, opening the window, and placing her hand over her broom which was now on the floor, "up" she said, she straddled the broom and kicked of slowly edging towards the open window.
When she finally cleared the window, and the snow was blowing in her face, she felt free. As though any problems between her, Severus and now Dan were far away, here no one could touch her.
"that bloody woman" said Severus to him self as he saw a figure on a broom stick fly past the window. Running down the stairs, through the empty common room and out into the corridor, Severus proceeded to the courtyard.
Looking up at the sky, he saw the hooded figure hovering above the quidditch pitch. "Accio Broom" he said waiting for his won broom to arrive, he straddled it and kicked off flying as fast as he could in the awful weather to the quidditch pitch.
"the snow finally arrived, I dare say the remaining students will be pleased" said Severus pulling his broom up 20 meters from Beth's. "what are you doing here Severus" said Beth looking up at him, "looking for you" he replied a small smile on his lips.
"so what are you doing here" asked Severus as he edged closer to her, "thinking" she called, as the wind picked up, "flying relaxes me" she finished, "you were always at home on the quidditch pitch" he replied pulling his broom up beside hers, " its like everything goes away when your flying, its just you and your broom" she said looking at him. "Why do you want everything to go away?" he asked, "why do you think?" she said, "I care for you I really do, and I don't want to hurt you. But I am in love with Dan, and I don't and cant hurt him" she continued looking into his dark eyes, "please don't hate me, I know I lead you to believe something could happen, and I'm truly sorry for that, but nothing can ever happen while I'm still in love with Dan" she finished.
"I understand, I'm sorry to, for making things confusing for you" he said moving closer as the wind blew them both about.
"On a lighter note, I forgot to tell you about the teacher student quidditch match coming up after Christmas" he said smiling, "each head of house, joins his team, playing the position of his, or her choice, against the other houses" he said making his voice louder, as the wind was howling loudly.
"lets go in side, its getting pretty cold, and I think if I am out here any longer I'll freeze to my broom" she said smiling as they both flew to the entrance halls, "Presento Normalio" she said becoming instantly dry.
"You were saying" she said smiling, "yes, quidditch, each head of house plays with their house team against the other houses, no doubt I will be playing" he said smiling as they walked through the entrance hall "great" she said smiling, "and I think Minerva wants to talk to you" he replied, "give me your broom, and go see her" he said taking her broom and watching her run up the stairs, and along the corridor.
December 22nd finally arrived, and Beth stood in the doorway of the entrance hall with her arms wrapped around Dan's neck, "I'll miss you" she said smiling, "not more than I will miss you" he replied kissing her lightly, "have a great Christmas" he said hugging her tightly, "your present is in your closet, don't open it till Christmas morning ok" he said, "yours is in your bag, same thing applies to you" she replied kissing him gently.
"Safe trip ok" she said, "send me an owl when you arrive" she finished hugging him tight, "I will, let me know how the quidditch match goes, I expect to hear about it, and I'm sure you'll be as good, if not better as you were at school" he said picking up his bag and walking into the snow.
Beth watched Dan walk through the snow, "ah Dan's leaving already" came the voice of Severus as he walked up behind her, "work calls" she replied waving at Dan, "Lizzy" Dan shouted, catching her attention, "I love you" he called, "I love you too" she replied as she watch him apperate.
"Quiet please, I trust you all had a wonderful Christmas, now there is the small matter about the Teacher, student quidditch games coming up in 2 weeks time. The teachers assigned to the teams, for those who are not yet aware are as follows," said Professor Dumbledore as he greeted the students back from the Christmas break.
"Slytherin house, will be playing with Professor Snape" he announced, causing the slytherins to cheers, "Ravenclaw house, will be playing with Professor Sprout" he said, getting a cheer from the Ravenclaw table, "Gryffindor, will be playing with Professor Magonigal" he announced, hearing cheers from the Gryffindors "and finally, Huffelpuff, will be playing with Professor James, your witch craft and wizardry history teacher" he finished.
"I believe how ever that Professor Magonigal has an announcement of her own" said Professor Dumbledore, sitting down as Professor Magonigal stood up, "thank you headmaster" she started.
"firstly welcome back students" she started, "this news only concerns Gryffindor house, although I want the other 3 houses to hear, with out thinking it was set up, which I am sure they wont" said professor Magonigal looking around the tables, and resting her eyes, on the Slytherin table.
"as you may well have noticed, I am not as young as I was, when I used to part take in Quidditch, and as such will not be playing in the teacher student tournament" she announced, hearing the shock from the Gryffindor tables, and whispers through out the great hall, "but" she began. "I would not leave my house with out a suitable replacement" she said looking at the Gryffindor table, "I am being replaced by non other than Professor Johnson" she announced getting more whispers.
"Hey but she's a Slytherin teacher" announced Draco Malfoy looking disgusted, "I am aware of that Mr Malfoy, but if you haven't noticed you already have a teacher assigned to your team, now sit down" she said looking back at all the students faces.
"As you may or may not be aware, during her time at Hogwarts Professor Johnson was once a Gryffindor, so I feel there is no other person suitable than she, to replace me" finished Professor Magonigal.
Dinner that evening went of with out any more problems aside from whispers, smiles from the Gryffindors, and disgusted looks from Slytherins, Beth felt it bearable.
"This should be interesting," said Beth as she and Severus made their ways back to the common room.
"ssshh, ssssh" here she comes, came the whispers from the common room, Beth felt as though all eyes were on her upon her arrival into the common room, and she wasn't wrong, every one was watching her.
She stood on the stone stairs leading to the tower, "can I have your attention please" she shouted grabbing every ones attention, "thank you" she said as every ones eyes rested on her.
"I am sure you all heard the announcement made my professor Magonigal at dinner this evening, and as such have an announcement of my own for you" she started.
"As I will be playing Quidditch for Gryffindor in the up coming competition, I have decided, which much thought to leave Slytherin house" she said, looking around, and catching the eye of Severus who looked shocked, "run home to Gryffindor tower are you" came a voice from the crowd, "go then, we don't want a filthy Gryffindor in here any way" he finished.
"MR MALFOY," she shouted, "I may be moving house, but I am still your teacher and demand that you treat me with the same respect as you have before this evening" she said walking over to him and looking him straight in the eyes.
"And not that's its any of your business but I will not be residing in Gryffindor tower either, the headmaster has allocated me a chamber out of any house, upon my request" she shouted, "now if you have a problem with this I suggest you deal with it, because as your teacher I know that you are a respectable lot of students, despite your school reputation" she said smiling at him.
"Now carry on about your business," she said walking back towards the stone stairs, "Professor" said Draco Malfoy. "My apologies about before, you still have mine, and the rest of Slytherin house's respect" he said smiling, "but don't think I will go easy on you out on the quidditch pitch" he smiled, "I wouldn't expect you to" she laughed walking up the stairs.
"You packed already" came a voice from the corner as she closed the door to her chamber behind her, "yeah, I had the house elves do it during Dinner, to avoid any awkwardness" she answered.
"Ah," said Severus, "hey I was going to tell you" said Beth walking over to him, "sure" he answered, "really I was" she relied.
"Come here" she said walking over to the window, "see that light just there" she said pointing at a tower where a room on the top floor was lighted by candles, "yeah" he replied standing closely to her, "that's my new chamber" she said, "nice" he replied, "yeah, Professor Flitwick, Madam hooch, and a few others live there to" she said turning around and picking up her bag, "great" he answered, "need an escort?" he smiled " sure" she replied.
Severus and Beth walked silently down the corridor and up the stairs to the main entrance, and the continuing up another flight of stairs, "So you never told me what Mr Wonderful Dan got you for Christmas" said Severus as they walked up another set of stairs, "you never asked" she smiled.
"ok so what did Mr Wonderful, get you?" he asked looking at her as they walked, "he got me a few things" she replied as hey walked round a corner and down another corridor, which were better lit than those in the dungeons of the castle. "Like?" promoted Severus "like a picture of my father playing Quidditch" she started, "chaser?" asked Severus, "Keeper" replied Beth, "that's an interesting gift from your Fiancée" said Severus, as they stopped out side the door.
Beth unlocked the door and stepped inside, "come in" she said as she walked over towards her desk picking up a box and sitting sideways on the sofa next to the fire, "Sit" she said as she opened the box. Severus sat sideways on the sofa and watched as Beth took out the picture, she handed it to him.
"It's nice, but I don't get it, normally you send your fiancée jewellery or something not pictures of her family" said Severus looking at it. "to me, this took more thought, than picking out a necklace, or earrings" she answered as she got up and walked over to the table pulling out the book which she had offered to Severus 'Quidditch, the good and the bad bits' she sat back down. "I never did borrow that" smiled Severus as she walked back over sitting a bit closer to him.
Beth flicked through a couple of pages and handed the book open to Severus. "What's this?" he asked taking it and looking "Chudley Cannons 1992" he read.
"That's him there" pointed Beth, "no way your dad's the famous Steve Johnson?" he asked smiling, "was" she replied. "He died like 3 weeks after the season ended, I was 17, that was his last picture" she replied looking at the book, "oh I'm sorry" he said closing the book and placing it on the side table, "don't be," she started turning to sit sideways again.
"we had some amazing times, when he was around, I mean how often can you say you met the Cannons" she smiled, "yeah that's true" he replied smiling, "my dad was the best, ever since I could remember I was on a broom stick, even when I was to young to be on my own, he rode with me. My brother never showed an interest in playing Quidditch, and it hurt his feelings, coz he wanted his son to follow his footsteps" she said looking into the fire. "Than one day during the school holidays just before I came here, I was in the garden messing around on my broom, throwing the quaffel around, and my mum comes running out with flour all over here apron screaming at me to come down" laughed Beth, "Screaming?" smiled Severus, "yeah a full on shriek" smiled Beth.
"No doubt my dad and brother wanted to know what was going on so they came out to, I'll always remember the great big smile my dad had on his face, when he saw me playing with the quaffel, he never thought another Johnson would play Quidditch" smiled Beth looking back into the fire, "I bet he was over the moon" replied Severus softly "he was" replied Beth.
They was a silence for a while, "but I'll never forget the day I saw my mother come through the gates of the quidditch pitch" said Beth the smile fading from her face, "it was the first game of the season, Gryffindor, Slytherin" she started, "I remember" replied Severus, "I didn't know what was going on, you know my mum and dad left together, and just my mum came back" started Beth, "so when Johnny caught the snitch, and every one went in to the changing rooms, I stayed in the air watch every one crowding around my mum and brother hugging them" she continued.
"That's when I saw something by the lake, I flew as fast as I could, the closer I got the more it looked like my dad. When I got close enough I jumped of the broom and ran through the puddles on the grass and came right up to him, he was just lying there, not moving. It was like everything around me stopped, and from no where, Professor Dippet appeared, he draped his cloak over his face, and all he could say was that he was sorry" she said, looking at Severus who was feeling so bad for her right now.
"you passed out" said Severus bring her attention back, "I remember talking to Professor Dippet about it" he finished, "yeah" she said looking dazed, "and for the first time in my life I hated the sight of any thing to do with quidditch, posters, pictures, everything" she said looking at him "you never finished the season" he said looking back at her, "no, I couldn't" she replied. "So you haven't played since then, your going to be a walk over during the competition" laughed Severus trying to soften the mood "no in a professional capacity no, I've been known to have a one on one game with people" she smiled back, "what changed your mind then?" asked Severus, "Dan" she replied looking at the fire.
The night drew on, and the fire began to die out, Beth had fallen asleep and Severus had been watching her, for god knows how long. He carried her over to her bed, taking of her boots once he placed her head on the pillow, he pulled the bed covers over her body and tucked her in. He made his way to the door, when Beth came round, "Stay" she said looking at him, "just hold me" she said reading the expression on his face. Severus walked slowly back towards the bed and laid down next to Beth pulling the covers over him self, she snuggled up to him placing her head on his chest. He ran his hands through her hair until she fell asleep again.
She was flying through the air, Quaffel in hand heading for the rings at the end of the field. She scored. "Another 10 points to Gryffindor" called the commentator,. The crowds cheered as Beth pulled her broom up to a halt.
Suddenly she wasn't on the Quidditch pitch any more, but leant against a large tree in a garden looking up at a young girl and man practising.
"Come on Lizzy, like I showed you" called the man smiling. "Lizzy, Steve, dinners ready come in its getting dark" called a woman from behind Beth, "mum" she said looking at her, and then back to the front, "Dad" said Beth looking at him as he walked past, one arm hold 2 broom sticks the other round the shoulders of the young girl.
Then every thing changed and she was by the lake at Hogwarts looking at the body of her father lying there motionless.
Beth woke, sitting up straight breathing heavily. "Beth" said the voice behind her, as she felt a hand rest against her back, "you ok" he asked, "fine" she answered getting out of bed and walking in to the bathroom and closing the door quietly.
5 minutes later she emerged from the bathroom, with her hair tied back.
"Well I have the 1st practice with Gryffindor today" said Beth breaking the silence as she walked back over to the bed and sat on he edge, "Slytherin have the pitch this afternoon" said Severus.
"I better get going then" said Beth standing up and grabbing her bag, "thanks for staying last night" she smiled, "any time" he replied, "have fun" he said as he got out of bed, and put his shoes on, following her out of the door.
The two weeks of teaching and practising for the teacher student tournament, went by quickly, with marking home work, preparing classes, and doing research, as well as attending practices which seemed as though they were 24 hours a day, but Beth had to agree that Oliver Wood, was an amazing captain.
Finally the night before the tournament came. And all the houses were in their common rooms, with their teacher's excited about the 1st day of matches.
"you all better get some sleep if you plan to win tomorrow" Professor Magonigal announced. "I will see you all in the morning in the changing rooms" she said walking over to Beth, "I'll walk with you back to the tower" she said to Beth as they walked though the common room and out into the corridor.
"You sure about playing tomorrow" said Professor Magonigal, "of course Minerva, why?" she replied as they walked up a flight of stairs "just making sure" said Minerva, "Minerva, I've dealt with the past now, and I think its about time, I played again, its what my dad wanted" she said as they reached her room, "he would be very proud, see you in the morning" said Minerva as she disappeared round a corner.
Beth opened her door, and shut it behind her, dropping her bag on the chair. On her bed was a sports bag with a note placed on top.
Beth, Thought you might need a uniform. Severus
She opened the bag, and found a Gryffindor Quidditch uniform with "E.Johnson" on the back.
She walked over to her desk and wrote a reply.
Severus, Thank you, there perfect. Good luck Beth
She gave it to her owl and let it out of the window, and watched it fly to Severus's window.
Morning broke with the sound of movement in the corridor laughing and talking of students who were getting a head start on the tournament, chanting songs for their houses, and mocking the other players from the house teams about one thing or the other.
Beth lay in bed, and stared at the canopy of her 4-poster bed, different thoughts running through her mind. She climbed slowly out of bed and made her way to the bath room, where she tied her hair back and got washed before coming out to get changed, she picked up a pair of jeans and a shirt and put them on, she sat on the bed, and pulled on her boots, and sat there for a moment looking at the fire place.
"Professor" came a voice from the door, with a gentle knock, "come in" she called as she pulled on a sweatshirt. "Are you ready?" asked Oliver Wood looking over at her, "yeah" she replied, grabbing her sports bag and following him out of the door.
They walked slowly down to the great hall, and joined the Gryffindors at their table, where breakfast was being served. "I think I'll pass on breakfast, Oliver" she said as she got back up, "I'll see you in the changing rooms" she said as she walked back out of the great hall, and out into the court yard. She inhaled the fresh air and breathed out slowly. She walked over to the lake, and stood in the position she had stood 10 years before, she stared out on the lake and walked over to a large bolder where she sat and tried to relax.
"the great Lizzy Johnson, isn't nervous is she?" came a voice from behind her, she turned around to see the man stood behind her, "David, what are you doing here?" she asked, as he sat next to her.
David Walker, once captain and chaser for the Chudley Cannons. His greying hair moved slightly in the wind, and his brown eyes, skimmed the water of the lake.
"your dad would be proud you know" he said breaking the silence, "yeah I no" she replied, "I remember him telling me the day he saw you in the garden with the Quaffel, he said 'she'll give you a run for your money' he wasn't wrong, you were progressing greatly playing here" he said "yeah well" she said getting up and linking arms with David, who had followed suit and gotten up to, they walked slowly towards the changing rooms, "I'll tell you what I always said to your dad, coz he had the worst nerves before a game" he said resting his hand on her arm, "Quidditch is about fun, not winning or loosing, if you win great it's a bonus, if you loose who cares, you got to play, some people don't, or wont be able to play" he said as they walked, "your team will always support you, through wins and loses just do your best, and have fun" he finished as they stood by the changing room door. "Thanks Dave" she said letting go of his arm, he began to walk towards the stands, "oh and Lizzy" he said calling her attention back to him "Go Gryffindor" he shouted.
Beth walked into the busy changing rooms, got changed and sat down next to Angelina Johnson and Katie Bell the other chasers picked to play. "We've practice, and practice" started Oliver as he looked at his team, "we know the game and we are great at it" he continued, "and we have something extra today" he said standing next to Beth, "professor Johnson, she was on the team for 5 years when she was at school, Gryffindor one the Quidditch cup 5 times in a row" he said, hearing cheers from the rest of the team. "all we are going to do is play the best game we can play" he said grabbing his arm guards.
"Oliver's right, I've seen you lot play, your great" said Beth standing up, "today and while we are playing Quidditch only, you can call me Lizzy, Liz or Beth, you choose" she smiled, "ok" shouted Oliver, "lets go" he said as they all stood up and walked towards the quidditch pitch. They stood behind the wooden doors and waited.
"Welcome to the 2003 Teacher Student Quidditch tournament" announced Lee Jordan, the commentator, and the 1st match of the tournament, Gryffindor verses Slytherin" he said, getting a huge roar from the crowd, "and here are the teams" he said, as the door flung open and the Slytherin Team and Gryffindor team walked onto the pitch.
"Playing for Slytherin today are:" he started, "Draco Malfoy - Seeker, Sofia Daniels - beater, Jonathan Durrant - beater, Erik Miller - Keeper , Tracy Goodman - chaser, Robert Morris - chaser and their Teacher Professor Snape - Chaser" he finished getting a huge cheers from the Slytherin Crowd.
"the Gryffindor team stands as follows" he announced, "Harry Potter - Seeker, Fred Weasly - beater, George Weasly - Beater, Oliver Wood - keeper, Katie Bell - Chaser, Angelina Johnson - Chaser, and their Teacher, non other than Professor Lizzy Johnson" he shouted, getting a huge roar from the Gryffindors, and claps from the hufflepuffs and ravenclaws.
The game was soon underway, 14 players on broom sticks, and one referee, Madam Hooch. "Katie Bell, passed to Angelina Johnson, Johnson misses the pass, its intercepted by Professor Snape" called commentator.
Severus flew up the pitch with Beth right behind him, she swerved from one side to the other, then came underneath him punching the ball out of his hands, and into the waiting catch of Katie Bell who set of full speed back down the pitch to score the 1st points for Gryffindor, "sorry!" smile Beth as she turned around to high five Katie.
The game was fast and furious, and the points were tied. "You got rid of your nerves then" called Severus as he flew along side her, "was there ever any doubt" she called back, as she came to a sudden halt, and turning to follow one of the Slytherin Chasers down the field.
"We'll stop her," said on of the Slytherin beaters, watching Beth grabbing the Quaffel and flying back down the pitch, weaving in and out of players.
Jonathan Durrant, one of the Slytherin Beaters, hit the Bludger, sent his way by George Weasly, one of the Gryffindor beaters, with all his might sending it across the pitch to where Beth was flying. She threw the Quaffel scoring another 10 pints for Gryffindor, just before the Bludger came straight at her, hitting her straight in the stomach, knocking her from her broom. She hit the floor with a thud, onto the Sand below the goal posts.
She stared at the sky, hands on her stomach, her broom had landed 20 meters to the right of her. Despite the groans and boo's from the crowd, the game had to go on, those are the rules.
It seemed as though the game had stopped, but more like the game had continued, like she expected, but someone had hit the Mute button. Beth closed her eyes, and opened them a few moments later to see Severus hovering Ring level above her looking down with concern on his face, but as soon as the Quaffel came his way he was of. She couldn't expect him to stop playing, especially as she was playing for the other team, which Slytherin now lead 190 -150.
Beth Sat up slowly, still gripping her stomach and ribs, she inhaled, but a sharp pain followed, she slowly stood up leaning against the left goal post. She looked around for her broom, and slowly staggered over to it, picking it up and taking to the air behind the goal posts.
"Angelina Johnson with the Quaffel, passes to. LIZZY JOHNSON, she's back in he game, welcome back Lizzy" shouted Lee Jordan, as Beth caught the keeper of guard bringing the score to 190-160. The crowd roared, and the keeper threw the Quaffel back to his players, who made their way back to the other end of the pitch, "Harry" called Beth, "hurry up and catch the snitch will" she called trying to smile, but making a bad attempt at it, "are you ok?" he called back, "fine" she replied as she flew in pursuit of the Quaffel.
Beth swerved in and out of Slytherin player, dodging Bludgers, trying to get the Quaffel back, but Slytherin Scored.
"George Bludger" called Fred looking at him "got it" he shouted beating it back at on of the Slytherin players, Beth flew slower feeling sharp pains as she took breaths. Suddenly all the players were coming back down Gryffindor end of the pitch. Turning she went to follow, but was hit by a second Bludger on the left side of her back. Causing the pain to be more excruciating than the pain of breathing, which made her pass out, letting go of her broom she crashed to the floor by the supporter's stands.
She slowly opened her eyes, when a load banging noise and cheers were coming from the stand next to her, she could see the Gryffindor team cheering with Harry holding the snitch, before she passed out again.
"Lizzy" came a voice, from behind her, she was some where, she didn't recognise anything, it was misty, but there was a clear voice coming from some where "where are you?" she called looking around, "I'm here" replied the voice, "I cant see you" she said looking around, "over here" said the voice, as a figure came out of the mist, "Dad?" she said looking at him.
"you need to go back to them" he said placing his hand on her shoulder, "its not your time" he finished looking at her, "but Dad, cant I stay with you?" she asked a tear coming to her eye, "not yet, its not your time" he answered touching her cheek. "but I never got to say good bye" said Beth grabbing his hand, "you don't need too I'm always with you, you just cant see me" he said stepping backwards, "now go back to them" he said disappearing into the mist again, "don't leave me" she shouted into the mist.
"Beth" came a quiet voice, "Beth" it said again getting louder, "Beth open your eyes" said the voice. She opened them slowly the sun was bright, and there were faces all around her, "good girl" came the voice, it was Madam Pomfry the school nurse. "We're going to sit you up," she said as she and Severus grabbed her arms and gently pulled her into a sitting position.
"Sorry Professor" came a voice from in front of her, it was Jonathan Durrant looking guilty as hell, "hey, don't worry I wasn't paying attention, you're a hell of a beater Mr Durrant" she said putting on a half smile on her face.
"So what's up" she said looking at Madam Pomfry who suddenly had a broad smile on her face from Beth's comment, "obviously not me" finished Beth laughing but grabbing her ribs as she did so. "Let's get you to the hospital wing" she said pulling her to her feet with the help of Severus.
The morning sun broke in the hospital wing, every thing was quiet, and Beth sat up in bed, feeling much better, obviously the potion Madam Pomfry had given her yesterday afternoon had done wonders.
"Professor your awake" smiled Madam Pomfry. "How do you feel" she asked sitting on the end of the bed, "fine, when can I go" replied Beth, "always in a rush you Professors" she said taking a look at Beth, "this morning, let me get you something to wear and you'll be on your way" she said getting up and coming back with a white robe.
"Professor Snape was kind enough to return your clothes to your chambers last night" she said handing the robe to her, "now your going to be a bit bruised for a few days, but nothings broken any more" she said as she walked with Beth to the door, "thanks" replied Beth walking into the corridor.
"Professor" called a voice from behind her, she turned to see Oliver Wood jogging over to her, "Mr Wood, what can I do for you?" she asked walking on with him, "nothing Professor, just wanted to know if you were ok" he said smiling, "I'm fine, and I hear we won" she said smiling. "Yeah, Potter got the snitch just after your hit" he replied.
They walked on a bit further and stopped. "Oliver, I'll be fine, and I will be playing the remainder of the games, it take a bit more than 2 Bludgers to keep me down" smiled Beth patting him on the back, "Great, I'll tell the others" he said as he jogged back the way they had just come.
When she finally reached her chambers, she breathed a sigh of relief she opened the door, and saw Severus sitting on the sofa waiting.
"This is a surprise," she said stepping in side, "how are you?" he said getting up and helping her in, "Severus, I'm not dying," she said pulling her arm away and sitting down. "Sorry" he said stepping away. "Its fine" she replied, "so we kicked some Slytherin Butt" she laughed, "you get knocked out from a fall, hit by 2 Bludgers, spend a night in the hospital wing, and she still remembers that Gryffindor won, typical" he smiled, "well what can I say" she said, smiling back at him.
"So what are you doing here" she asked getting up and walking to her drawers, and pulling out a pair of shorts and a large T-shirt. "Checking your ok" he started as he watched her move into the bath room, and pushing the door too, so that she could still here him talking, "I've spoken to Mr Durrant, and he's been punished" he said as a white gown dropped to the floor, "you cant punish him" said Beth as she came out of the bathroom, "he hit a Bludger at a teacher, its unacceptable" he said.
"Yeah if we weren't playing Quidditch, hell I would have personally kicked his ass" she said sitting back down on the sofa. "But it's allowed, you wouldn't punish him if it was some one else, like Katie Bell or Angelina" she said looking at him, "maybe" he replied, "no maybe about it, you wouldn't I know you wouldn't. It was a legal hit any way," she said sitting side ways to face him.
"I didn't have my full attention on the game" she said smiling, "no bigy, its what's happens in Quidditch" she continued. "Yeah ok you made your point" said Severus making himself more comfortable, "good, so unpunish Mr Durrant, and tell him I'll be ready next time! If there is a next time" she laughed, "fine" replied Severus smiling.
"I better go, its late" said Severus standing up and walking towards the door, "oh ok" said Beth walking behind him, "thanks for everything" said Beth reaching and putting her arms around his neck and hugging him, "any time" replied Severus placing his hands on her hips and pulling her a little closer.
Beth turned her head and kissed Severus on the cheek, and slowly started to move, away, but was met my Severus's lips.
They kissed exploring each other's mouths slowly. Severus ran his hands up Beth's back pulling her closer to him. The parted and looked at each other.
"I should go" he said putting his hand on the door, "wait" she said grabbing him and kissing him again "stay" she said between kisses. Severus looked at her, "what about Dan" he asked as Beth moved slowly way from the door, pulling Severus with her, "he's not here" she replied kissing him again.
Beth pulled at Severus's shirt and began to undo the buttons and letting it drop to the floor, she tugged at him jeans, as Severus pulled Beth's T- shirt over her head and throwing it on the floor. She slipped her shorts of, after she had finally freed him from his trousers.
Beth sat on the bed, and pulled Severus towards her kissing his chest as he climbed onto the bed. She pushed her self farther on the bed and kissed him deeply laying back on the covers, Severus looked at her body, running his hands gently over her bruised side and stomach, kissing her softly, opening her legs and entering her deeply.
Severus woke to see Beth looking at him and stroking his chest, "this is a surprise" he said smiling, "what do you mean?" she asked "well the other times, we've, been in the same bed, your normally up and dressed by the time I wake up" he said smiling, and pulling her closer, "yeah well, nothing to get up for this morning" she replied.
"I'm confused" said Severus as he rolled on his side and stroked Beth's arm. "What about?" she asked looking at him. "One minute your telling me that you love Dan, and in not so many words that you cant be with me, but yet here we are" he said looking at the bed, "then that would make two of us confused" she laughed.
"What's going on" he asked keeping a straight face. "I don't know, theres something about you, which I guess I'm drawn to" she started, "yet your marrying Dan" he said during her pause, "yeah I am, this whole situation is weird," she said as she got out of bed and pulled her robe on. She walked over to the bookshelf and picking up a large black book and got back into bed, dropping her robe to the floor.
"My mum always said, 'don't let a man run your emotions, its up to you if and what happens, or you will end up being a professional Quidditch players wife stuck at home during away games, explaining to your kids why daddy isn't home to read them a story" she said in a mockingly fashion, "your mum had some issues" smiled Severus, "a few" agreed Beth.
She opened the book and rested it on her stomach, "to the naked eye, it's the perfect family" she said as they looked at a picture of her family, mother and father holding hands, father holding his daughter and mother holding her son, "but you got to look deeper" she said. "What's this got to do with this" he said looking at the bed and the cloths on the floor, "I'm getting to that" she said gently pushing her elbow into his side.
"My dad was away playing quidditch 4 months of a year, he was at home playing another 4 months, but he may as well have been playing away, because he was either practising, or in the bar with the team" she said turning a page and coming to a picture of her brother and mother.
"My mum, did everything for us, and she would always argue with my dad when he came home drunk, or had to cancel dinner for practice, but the 4 months of the year, where there was no Quidditch and it was just us, it was perfect" she said turning the page to see a picture of her dad leaning against a tree with Beth's mother's head on his shoulder.
"and she never let him run her emotions, even in arguments she used a normal speaking tone, he never caused her to shout at him, because she ran her own emotions" she said looking at Severus.
She turned the page to a picture of Beth and her Father in the middle of a field looking up at the stars.
"to me my dad was perfect, and the way my mum and dad were, was perfect to, they were so in love despite the 'arguments' he could never do anything wrong in my eyes, I'd forgive him for being away on my birthday and stuff, my brother wasn't so forgiving, he's just like my mum" she said turning the page.
"Any way, cutting a very long story short" she said laying the book on the stomach, "I've let men walk over me before, control me and stuff, and for once, I'm happy being in control of me, and my emotions" she said smiling at Severus as he stroked her head, "I choose to be with Dan, he doesn't make me be with him, I agreed to marry him because I love him and cant see my future with out him in it" she said looking at Severus who pulled his arm away, "so where does that leave me" he asked propping himself up onto his elbow, "right here" she said putting her hand on her heart, "you and Dan are so different, you both have things that I am attracted to, your mysterious, caring, loving, shy sometimes" she said smiling at him, "and Dan is caring and loving too, but he would go into the middle of a crowded room and announce that he loved me, and you I don't know to me you seem like the type of person who would always tell me that you did love me but never make it common knowledge to the on lookers" she said as she lay her head back down on the pillow, "both things I love" she said smiling.
"But it comes down to the fact that I get confused around you, I don't know what's what when I am close to you" she said turning onto her side and letting the photo album drop to the floor.
"I didn't come here to look for romance, or make any one like me" she said looking at him, "I came here to work, knowing I was going to marry Dan" she said, "and then you happened" she said smiling and catching his eyes, "Severus Snape, the man with the hard ass reputation" she laughed, "but your not as hard ass as you make out" she said poking him softly in the chest.
"I chose to be with you last night, and to still be lying here with you right this second" she said looking at him. "What will happen tomorrow, or the next day, or next month, I don't know" she said, "maybe I will Marry Dan when the day comes, maybe this will change everything" she said, "no one knows what tomorrow will bring, but tomorrow its self, and we have to wait and see" she said.
"So there could be an us, but then there might not be" he said resuming his stroking of her head, "exactly, we are in the now, and right now I'm here in bed, naked I might add, with you, Severus Snape" she laughed. "But when I make a decision about everything, life, love and stuff I'll defiantly let you know, I wont lead you on to believe something which I decide wont happen" she said. "And I'll be hear waiting" smiled Severus, kissing her fore head.
The tournament carried on, Slytherin beat Huffelpuff in the second game, which Gryffindor lost to Ravenclaw by only 10 points. The final game saw Slytherin beat Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor beat Huffelpuff, tying Slytherin and Gryffindor when the tournament ended.
As the rules of this tournament state, if there is a tie after each house has played their 3 games, there would be a final game to determine the winner. And there was.
Gryffindor would take Slytherin on again.
"Welcome to the final game of the tournament, Slytherin verses Gryffindor" announced Lee Jordan, "and here are the teams" he said as both teams walked onto the field, "just in case for some reason you missed the last game, Gryffindor beat Slytherin, 310 - 190, thanks to Harry potter catching the snitch. But I am sure this is going to a great match lets hope Lizzy Johnson can keep away from any Bludgers" he said looking down on the field.
"And the game begins" shouted Lee Jordan as both teams took to the air, "Slytherin have the Quaffel, they shoot, great save by the Gryffindor captain Oliver wood" commentated Lee Jordan.
The game was more intense than their first meeting a few weeks, ago, there was still no score after 10 minutes of play, no sight of the snitch either.
The weather changed from a relatively sunny afternoon, to a dark cloudy one over the 1st hour of the match , soon after it started to rain, but the game continued with large lights illuminating the pitch. The score was up to 50-70, Gryffindor leading, but still no sign of the snitch.
With the game getting faster and faster, and the wind rocking all the players on their brooms, it was apparent this could last forever.
But when a Bludger came straight at harry knocking him from his broom, and sending the broom of some where, you would have through Slytherin would win, now Gryffindor didn't have a seeker!
As Beth turned around she saw harry falling to the floor, she broke from the crowded sky, diving down towards him, grabbing the back of his robes and pulling him onto her broom and flying a bit further up, "I cant see my broom professor" he said looking through the rain," don't worry Harry we'll sort something out" she replied as she joined her team in the sky dodging players until she came to a stop near Oliver Wood, "we cant find his broom" she shouted, "great" replied Oliver keeping his eye on the Quaffel, "what are we going to do?" he asked.
Beth flew off with Harry's arm wrapped tightly around her arms, "Fred" she shouted as she ducked out of the way of a Bludger, "how do you fancy a double team" she smiled, "great" he smiled pulling up along side her, "harry let go" she said patting Harry's hand, he let go and flipped her leg over the broom and sitting sideways, "use my broom I'll ride with Fred" she said taking Fred's hand and sitting on the back, "its not legal is it?" asked Harry moving forward, "the rules state you have to have 7 players, it says nothing about 7 players on 7 brooms" she laughed climbing on the Fred's broom and making her self comfortable, "now get the snitch" she said as she and Fred flew off.
"What is happening out there" cried Lee Jordan as he watch Beth switch brooms, "a beater and a chaser on one broom this could be interesting" he smiled looking at Fred and Beth as they flew over head.
"ok Fred keep your eye on the Bludger and we'll work together ok" she said tapping him on the shoulder, "this is going to be a blast" he said smiling at her.
And they were off, weirdly it seemed to be working Katie and Angelina took most control of the Quaffel, while George Weasly stepped up his game covering Fred who had to keep in mind the chaser on his broom too.
Katie Bell passed the quaffel to Beth who caught it, and Fred sped of down the pitch beating a Bludger away at he same time, "amazing" called Lee Jordan, Beth passed the Quaffel to Angelina who scored.
Shortly after the Snitch was caught. "Gryffindor wins" shouted Madam hooch after she blew her whistle.
The Gryffindor team landed and celebrated their win, while the slytherins looked down on them from the sky.
"Great Game" called a familiar voice, she turned to see Dan standing against on of the stands.
She walked over to him hugging, and Dan picked her up swinging her round, "I missed you" he said to her kissing her lips gently.
"Professor, are you coming?" asked Draco Malfoy as he watch Snape looking down at Dan and Beth hugging, "yes Mr Malfoy, I don't think I have to inform you when and if I am going inside" he said looking at him.
He flew closer to the ground and hopped of his broom and walking slowly towards the gate.
"We need to talk Dan," said Beth as she pulled him towards the gates. They walked over to the lake and sat down beneath a large tree.
"I cant wait to Marry you" said Dan kissing her hand and holding it tightly, "yeah" she replied looking a the water, "what's the matter?" asked Dan, as he looked at her, "nothing" she replied, trying to put a smile on her face, "I've known you long enough to know when some things up" he said getting up and looking at her.
"theres this person" she started as she held his hand, "he makes me feel confused when I'm around him" she said looking at him "confused? Confused about what?" he asked looking at her "us, you and me" she said. "so you met some one else" he said getting up and letting go of her hand, "did you sleep with him" he asked getting angry, "I, I, uh" she started, "you did, I cant believe you Beth, you said you loved me, your supposed to be marrying me, and this is what you do" he said stepping back away from her, "I'm sorry" she said getting up, "who is he" he said moving away from her hand as they tried to take his.
"Beth, are you coming the feast is on half an hour" called a voice from behind them, it was Severus, "Great timing" she thought, "yeah in a bit" she called back looking at him.
"HIM" shouted Dan, "you did it right under my nose, introducing me like you wanted us to be friends, when you were really jumping from bed to bed" said Dan angrily. Suddenly he ran at Severus and jumped on him punching him an kicking him, "you bastard you stole my fiancée" he shouted as he fell to the floor and was being punched and kicked by Severus, they were rolling on the floor punching each other.
Beth ran over and tried to dodge the kicks and punches "stop" she shouted, "Stop fighting" she said grabbing hold of Dan's arm, "stop it, what are you doing" she said, but Dan pushed her away, causing her to fall to the floor, "that's how you treat your fiancée, no wonder she comes to my bed" said Severus touching his bleeding nose, "you bastard" said Dan charging at him, spearing him in the stomach with his shoulder and hitting him harder, "Dan" cried Beth.
As they were still fighting Hagrid walked round to corner. Beth tried to pull them away from each other, but caught an elbow to the face, doing so knocking her again to the floor.
Hagrid intervened, grabbing Severus and pulling him away, "stop this fighting, your acting like school kids" he shouted pushing Severus away. "you best be off to the hospital wing, all three of you's" he said, escorting Severus away from Dan and Beth.
Beth stayed sat on the floor, and touched her eye, it was bleeding, but not as badly as Dan's or Severus's. She looked up at Dan who was leaning against the tree.
"you better go to the hospital wing" said Beth standing up and walking over to Dan slowly, "some one needs to look at your face" she said running her fingers over a few cuts, "don't" he said turning his head away.
He started back to the castle, and Beth followed.
"its this way" she said as they carried on up a flight of steps and along a corridor.
Severus was sitting on a bed, when Dan and Beth walked in Madam Pomfry pulled the curtain around his bed, to try not to cause any more fights. "Sit there" she said pointing to a free bed. Dan sat down and Beth sat at the end of the bed looking at him. Madam Pomfry pulled the curtain around the bed.
"What now?" asked Beth looking at him, "I don't know" he replied, "I cant believe you did this" he said looking at her, "I thought we were in love" he said, "we are, I'm sorry" she said.
"So I guess you wanna be with Him now" said Dan looking away, "I don't, if this whole situation has made me realise something its that I wanna be with you more now, than yesterday, or the day we met, I love you" she said moving closer, "and I still want to be your wife" she said. "You do?" asked Dan, "if you want me" she replied placing a hand on his knee, "things need to change, I cant deal with this long distance thing" he said looking into her eyes, "ok" replied Beth.
They sat in silence for a while, thinking. "I'll be back before visiting time is over ok" she said getting up.
She walked out of the hospital wing and to her chambers.
It was the middle of the night when Beth came back Severus was sleeping same as Dan, she walked over to Dan and rocked him, waking him up. "come on lets go" she said smiling at him "go, we cant you have work in the morning" he said looking at her "I've spoken to Professor Dumbledore, he agreed to let me leave," she said pulling him out of bed, "here" she said handing him his cloths.
Dan got dressed, while he did so, Beth walked over to Severus's bed, and placed an envelope on his bed side table. They walked silently out of the hospital wing and down to the front entrance.
"not wasting any time I see" came a voice, it was Albus Dumbledore, "no" replied Beth looking at him, "thank you Albus" she said hugging him, "there will always be a job here for you Beth," he said to her, "I just hope you made the right decision" he whispered in her ear, "thanks again" she said as she and Dan walked through the doors, casting a spell in her trunks they walked through the gates and into the darkness.
When the morning came, and Severus woke in the hospital to see Dan's bed empty he didn't think any thing of it, he thought he had simply slept late. He got dressed and picked up his quidditch cloths, and noticed the envelope on his bed side table, he picked it up and sat on the bed.
Severus, I'm sorry about yesterday, I didn't know that Dan would fight with you. He guessed it was you I was talking to him about when I answered your question about the feast, maybe I didn't hide my feelings for you well enough.
For the pain I have caused you I am truly sorry. Please don't think I'm a running away from you, I'm not. I enjoyed and will always enjoy your company, and for that I thank you.
You are a kind, caring, loving and most understanding person, and someday I am sure you'll make a woman very happy, unfortunately I don't think that person is me.
Remember when I said you never know what tomorrow brings? Well tomorrow came, and I made a decision, which I feel in heart is right for me, which is why I left Hogwarts last night, with Dan. I'm sorry I never said good bye, but you were sleeping and I didn't want to wake you, for fear it might cause more hurt to all of us, again I'm sorry.
Please forgive me for any hurt I have caused you it was the last thing on earth I ever wanted to do, you'll always hold a special place in my heart, and our time together will be with me forever.
I have left you something in my chambers, I hope you like it.
Please don't try and contact me, I don't want to hurt Dan any more than I have by keeping in contact with the person I let confuse me, and make me rethink my relationship with the one man I have loved for so long.
Finally I would like to thank you, you made me realise how special Dan is to me. I know you don't want to hear it, but I have to let you know what you have done for me, you've made me happy, not just for making me realise my love for him, but for being with me and being a friend, for that I truly thank you.
Until we meet again,
All my love
Elizabeth Johnson
Severus folded the paper back up and waked slowly towards Beth's Chambers, hoping in the back of his mind that the gift she had for him would be her, but when he opened the door, to the empty room, he walked over to the bed to see a picture on the inside a blue frame. It was a picture that had been taken before the tournament, of him self and Beth. He picked it up and walked out of the room closing the door softly behind him.
"As you may have noticed" announced Dumbledore, "Professor Johnson, isn't here, she had to leave on personal business" he said looking at the students who seemed shocked and upset at her leaving with out saying good bye, "but she did leave me in the possession of a letter she wanted me to read to you before the feast" he said pulling out an piece of parchment.
He began to read. "to the Professors, I want to say thank you. You made me feel at home the moment I came through the entrance doors, despite the fact I arrived late into the term" he read getting smiles from the professors, except Severus "I would like to apologise for my leaving, it wasn't an easy decision to make, but it was one which I had to decide upon. My regret is not being able to say good bye to you personally, you were my family while I lived at Hogwarts, caring and loving in the way only you can. I thank you for this." Said Dumbledore as he paused to take a sip of his water.
"To the students. You all made me feel at home as well, you were a pleasure to teach, and if our paths should cross again it wont be soon enough, I know you will all achieve great things in your futures I am sad that I wont be able to watch you grow into the great people I know you will be. To the slytherins. People I never thought I would be able to call friends, and family, you welcomed me to your house, and made me feel at home, even when I never thought I could. Thank you, Mr Durrant, I expect to hear great things from you, professional Beater I think!" said Dumbledore getting a laugh from the students. "To the hufflepuffs and ravenclaws, you were always a pleasure to teach, eager to learn and as eager to listen. Thank you for your support and help. To the Gryffindors congratulations on winning the tournament, you bring pride to the name Gryffindor. I thank you for allowing me graciously onto your team, and allowing me to play with the team of the most talented player I have seen in a long time. Thanks to you. Finally to you all. Achieve all you can, I am sure it wont be any less than you deserve, more importantly be you, and be loving, a world with out love is a sad one. Until we meet again. Lizzy Johnson" Dumbledore finished and placed the letter on the table, "Professor Johnson wished she could have said good bye to you personally, but regretfully she couldn't. it doesn't mean she didn't want to" said Dumbledore as he sat down.
"Now as I am sure you are all hungry, let the feast begin" he said, and with a wave of his hand food appeared. The students began to eat in silence, but the laughs and talks of the tournament, and other gossip took over straight away. The great hall was once again filled with the sounds of laughter and talking.
TO BE CONTINUED....