Of Charcoal and Rose
By: ann no aku
General Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling.
Chapter Two
Author's Notes: Thank you Serenditpity, Eclipse of Starz, tirzasnape, Bucky, *me* (whoever you are), and Troy08. Troy08 had a question about the Rolls Royce. To answer that, the Rolls was the chauffeured vehicle used to take Snape and Claudia to the charity art auction. As for where Snape will hang the painting, you will find out in this chapter. Sorry it is talking so long to update, but typing up a 67 paged story (with adding stuff of course) is taking forever! Not to mention I have had tests and quizzes a lot lately, too. College sucks.
Warning: This chapter contains some situations that are not suitable for children under the age of 17! Please do not read if inappropriate situations are not for you. You may request an altered version and I can supply you with one. E-mail me with a request. Thank you.
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"Good morning, Professor Snape."
"Headmaster, I did not hear you come in," he looked up from his desk. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Fascinating painting," Albus commented momentarily ignoring the question at hand.
"I did someone a favor."
"Ah, a woman," he smiled.
"Is it that obvious?" Severus sneered.
"You have regrets?" Dumbledore asked and waved his hand up towards the hanging art piece. "I stopped by, Severus, because I need you to do something for me, and I feel that you are the only one whom can do it successfully without raising too many questions. You are the only one I can trust with this."
"What do you need me to do?" Snape inquired wondering if it was what he feared.
"I am expecting someone at the Leaky Cauldron today. I understand that this is Slytherin's first Quidditch match of the season, but I need you to get the person for me."
"So it has begun."
"Afraid so, Severus. His name is Mundungus Fletcher."
"I have heard of him," he commented. "What time do I meet him?"
"As early as eleven, but Mundungus never quite does arrive on time." Dumbledore smiled again. "This is in confidence, Severus, no one can know."
"I understand, Headmaster." He watched as he left his office, and then sighed deeply. Ever since last term, Albus Dumbledore had asked him to portray the role of a Death Eater and going on strange missions to lead to rumors. In a matter of the two weeks in which the school year had begun, at least a dozen parents had owled complaining about a Death Eater teaching at Hogwarts. Of course the headmaster denied these accusations and said that Snape was retired from Death Eaters and had been for the past eleven years. No one believed him, which was the reaction he wanted.
He slipped on his robe and slid his wand in his pocket. Having attended a few Death Eater meetings since last term, he knew that they were suspicious about Dumbledore calling up the old gang and they knew that he was to meet someone at the Leaky Cauldron. Dumbledore knew that sending Snape would make it seem that he was trying to gather facts by pretending to side with him instead of the Death Eaters. Albus also understood that Voldemort's followers were not dumb, either, so it was going to take a lot of persuasion on Snape's behalf. Lucky for him, Lucius had personally vouched for him saying that he had been waiting for his friend to come back 'round.
"I had always known that you never really enjoyed working for that old wizard," he had hissed. "We should drink to this." But not all of the other wizards were positive that Severus had turned, especially Voldemort himself. Snape wasn't even sure if Lucius really believed his own words, but just said it to possibly tarnish him. Yet they had drunk until the small hours of the morning reminiscing over time past. It had left him feeling nostalgic for the old times, but also feeling regretful? Yes, he thought, regretful. He did not want to miss his old life as a murderer. He had the blood of his parents on his hands.
It was the first Hogsmeade weekend so it would not be too awkward if he journeyed there so he could disapparate to Diagon Alley (going directly to the Leaky Cauldron first would be suspicious and Mr. Fletcher was a tardy man). It was already nearly eleven, he noticed as he checked his time piece. He could always just loiter through Knockturn Alley and give everyone something to think about. A devious grin spread across his face. Severus Snape was very much going to like helping keep the rumor of him being a Death Eater alive.
He paraded out of his office unable to keep the scary smile off his face. He brushed past many students, glaring as though all of them were going to lose points for something they had yet to do. It was invigorating and made him feel alive. His feet carried him to the trail he had not walked since his final year at Hogwarts, and he arrived at a very busy Hogsmeade. All of the third years were running around excited about their first visit to the village, and a part of him wanted desperately to ruin it for them. And he did simply by being there. It almost made him laugh.
Snape disappeared behind a tree and disapparated to Knockturn Alley. The looks on all the students' faces had amused him. He passed by a few windows of some stores and peered inside, pretending to find interest in what they sold. He found himself actually entering a few of the shops and handling some of the odd potions. I need some more of this; he thought and decided to purchase the bottle. His eye caught the clock in the corner of the store. It was nearly twelve. He sighed and decided to check out at the store then make way for the Leaky Cauldron. Even though he strongly doubted the man would be there, he entered the pub and smelled a familiar sweet scent he could not quite place. Severus walked past Doris's table and directly to Mundungus Fletcher.
"Mr. Fletcher," he greeted and took a seat. His robe floated above him and piled neatly at the wooden floor.
"So you're the one he sends," Mundungus shot down his scotch and did not hesitate to order another. Snape ignored the insinuation.
"Did you happen to see?" he propped up his dirty boots on the table. Dry mud caked off from the bottom.
"See what?" Snape hissed.
"The Muggle!" he whispered. "Tom says that she entered here by herself."
"Then she should be escorted out! She is now a risk to exposing-"
"Oh, put a sock in it, Severus. The poor woman came in here just to get warm. She's drenched!"
"If the Ministry was to hear about this-" Snape said, trying to threaten Mundungus.
"They do not need to know about this as long as Doris uses the Obliviate!" Mundungus nearly shouted, trying to be overheard from Tom's yelling. Apparently he had an argument with her about letting the Muggle see too much.
"I-I do not mean to be a burden," the Muggle stood up and turned around. His eyes grew wide as he realized just who the Muggle was.
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A day didn't seem to pass when the sky didn't fall sending buckets of rain on the city. Claudia's heel slipped on the wet pavement sending her into an elderly man. "Oh, excuse me!" She cursed herself for losing her umbrella on such a rainy day and for being in such a rush to get out of the bookshop. A slight tug on her elbow caused her to turn around; she faced the man leering at her with lust in his eyes. He smiled revealing very few teeth and a breath which stunk of liquor.
"Are you looking for a good time, baby?" he asked tightening his grip around her arm.
"Let go," she growled wondering just when old men were such perverts!
"C'mon, doll, there's a dark alley nearby." He removed a small knife out of his pocket and dug it into her side.
"Stop!" Claudia screamed and managed to yank herself free, not feeling the sharp blade cut her side. The man chased after her and pushed her roughly into a large black door. Her hand slammed against the odd knob and the door opened just under her touch. She hurriedly entered the shop and wondered if the man would follow her inside. A deep sigh of relief exited from her mouth as she realized she was safe for the moment.
The place was warm, dark, and dry. The pub was as silent as a tomb and all the customers' attention was focused on her. Claudia came to the conclusion that she must look awful as a result of her rain soaked clothes and blood trickling from her side. Most of the faces looking at her were hidden behind clouds of smoke, and their eyes glowed orange in the fires of their pipes. A small blazing flame roared in the center of the pub. "How'd you get in here?" the bar tender demanded. He wiped the counter with an old rag while he stared at the sopping Muggle.
"I-I-"
"You're not allowed!" he bellowed furiously.
"A-A man had grabbed hold of me," she began shaking from how cold she was. Was she catching cold? "When I had managed to free myself, he pushed me into the door." Claudia rubbed her hands along her arms. "Can't I at least wait until he leaves or at the least warm up a bit? It is pouring out there."
"Have some tea, dear," an older woman offered and motioned for the tender to brew a cup. "Sit down by the fire," she ignored the glare from Tom. "You're injured." Tom placed the steaming mug on the table and tried not to stare too hard the Muggle.
"Thank you," Claudia graciously accepted the drink and sipped it feeling relaxed.
"No problem, dear. Would you like a pastry, too?"
"Oh, no thank you." She melted into the soft wool blanket that the woman placed about her. "What sort of pub is this? I've passed this way dozens of times exiting the bookshop, but I have never noticed this place before."
The backdoor of the Leaky Cauldron burst open. A tall stout man with a slender pipe entered and looked about his favorite pub. He looked ridiculous dressed in bright green robes and a matching coned hat. His wild beady eyes glittered with amusement. "Mundungus Fletcher!" Tom exclaimed. "It's been a long time since you've been here—fourteen years? Ever since You-Know-Who . . ." his voice trailed off.
"Yes, I've had to uh," he paused as he caught sight of the Muggle recognizing her only as one for she wore no robe and had no hat. "New hobby, Doris?"
"It's better than yours," she retorted making allusion to his strong fondness of alcohol. It had been that way ever since he had to go into hiding.
"'Fraid I don' know what yer talking 'bout," he said and ordered a scotch on the rocks before plopping down at a small table.
"That Muggle just walked in here all by herself," Tom informed as he placed the drink on the table.
"Really?" Mundungus asked, not too interested in anything except his drink.
"Claims some bloke pushed her or something. Anyway, she only wants to warm up for a little bit. As long as Doris performs a memory charm right before she leaves, no harm will be done."
"You approve?" Fletcher inquired.
"No, but what can I do? I can't kick her back out into the rain!"
"So you're starting to pity the Muggles, too?"
"My mother is a Muggle born."
Doris tucked a stray clump of Claudia's wet hair from her face. "I'm Doris Crockford, by the way. What is your name, dear?"
"Claudia Wallace," she answered once she finished her tea.
"What is it that you do, Ms. Wallace?"
"I'm an artist." Her body grew warm and tensed up as a tall slender man dressed in all black passed by her table. She didn't know who he was, but he made her heart skip a beat. The gentleman headed straight for the table in which the oddly dressed man Mr. Mundungus Fletcher was sitting.
"Mr. Fletcher," he greeted and took a seat. His robe floated above him and piled neatly at the wooden floor.
"So you're the one he sends," Mundungus shot down his scotch and did not hesitate to order another. Snape ignored the insinuation.
"Did you happen to see?" he propped up his dirty boots on the table. Dry mud caked off from the bottom.
"See what?" Snape hissed.
"The Muggle!" he whispered. "Tom says that she entered here by herself."
"Then she should be escorted out! She is now a risk to exposing-"
"Oh, put a sock in it, Severus. The poor woman came in here just to get warm. She's drenched!"
"Are you warming up any, dear?" Doris asked, placing a soft hand on hers.
"Y-Yes, but I still have to go out in the rain to flag down a cab. Is there a phone I can use in here? My battery died."
Where had Snape heard that voice before?
"Poor thing," she sympathized. "This must not be a good day for you. Would you like me to wait out with you while you get a 'cab'?"
"Doris!" Tom hissed.
"I only want to help her!" She glanced disapprovingly at the drink in the tender's hand. "If you give Mundungus too many of those, he'll start hexing everyone."
"You're just bitter about being turned into a chicken!" Fletcher exclaimed.
"I still get feathers sprouting from my back."
"Now, now, that's enough!" Tom ordered pointing directly to Claudia. "Doris, you should know better."
"If the Ministry was to hear about this-" Snape said, trying to threaten Mundungus.
"They do not need to know about this as long as Doris uses the Obliviate!" Mundungus nearly shouted, trying to be overheard from Tom's yelling. Apparently he had an argument with her about letting the Muggle see too much.
"I-I do not mean to be a burden," the Muggle stood up and turned around. The heat from the fire felt wonderful against her soaked back.
"Sit back down, dear," Doris instructed, but her words never reached Claudia's ears.
There he was! There was the mysterious stranger with the beautiful moves of an eel. His dead pools looked directly back at her. It had been three weeks since she had last (and first) seen the gentleman known as Severus Snape. "I, uh, I'm sorry. I will go." She removed the afghan from her still damp body and was about to leave when a man stepped out in front of her. Her heart raced and her breath caught in her throat.
He towered over her and looked down at her as though she was an insect he was going to dissect and examine. His angry eyes looked her over a few times and a sly grin crossed over him as if he had a secret he was going to tell. "How careless. Tsk," he rubbed the serpent head knob on his cane. "Ah, Severus, didn't think I'd run into you here," Lucius said with disappointment. He smiled again as the Muggle tried to move past him. "Where do you think you are going, Miss?"
"That'll be enough, Malfoy!" Tom barked. "Anyone can enter and leave at his or her own free will!"
"Really?" he raised an eyebrow. "I had thought only a selected few were allowed. His hand roamed to Claudia's face and he cupped her quivering chin. A gloved thumb lightly caressed her cheek.
"I-I did not know that this was a member's only pub. I did not see a sign." She was too scared to move. The man was like a walking form of fear that brought it out to those entire he touched.
"There isn't one," Lucius sneered. "I think I'll escort this young woman out of here." His roaming hand slid down her slippery shoulder past her elbow to her wrist. He smiled as she gasped.
Severus whispered instructions to Mundungus Fletcher telling him to inform Dumbledore of the situation at hand and that he had to fix it. No one else would stand up to a Malfoy, and Snape did have an upper hand with being a presumed Death Eater. Fletcher agreed and said that he'd wait out in Hogsmeade for him at the Screaming Shack. He then approached Lucius. "I'll show her the way out," he offered trying to sound convincing.
"I had almost forgotten how brave you are, Severus. Lord knows you were there the day your parents," he stopped abruptly. "Well, need we tell everyone our secrets?" Lucius face twisted into a triumphant sneer. "Don't forget, old friend," he pointed to his head and watched them exit with a look of disgust.
"I-I'm sorry," she apologized once they exited into London. Claudia was pleased to see that the rain had finally relented. "What sort of pub was that?"
"That is none of your concern," he quickly answered. "Where are you headed?"
"I have to flag down a cab. Shame I couldn't get to a phone back in there," she pointed back to the pub but found she couldn't find it. Strange, she thought, it was there a minute ago. Wasn't it? "I do not need you to accompany me, Mr. Snape. I don't think that man will be after me."
"What man?" Severus demanded thinking she was making reference to Lucius.
"Someone had tried to rape me and threw me into the door. That is why I was inside. Sorry, I thought you knew. Seems that everyone else did," she mumbled.
"You've already caused me enough trouble as it is."
"Please, Mr. Snape, you are only going to make my day worse by waiting here with me. Don't be here if it is going to be such a chore." She plopped down tiredly on a hard bench. "Well, don't you have somewhere to go?" she hotly shouted suddenly not sounding like the lady from the art auction.
"Don't make such a fuss," he commanded unsympathetically. His voice was as cold as the rain which still kept her wet.
"I was foolish to think that maybe you were a gentleman," Claudia said thinking about his cruel words and strange attire.
"You can't go by yourself," Snape cautioned recalling the amused look on Lucius's face. Malfoy would expect him to do something to her, and he needed to be convincing. It was either what the stupid Muggle wanted or giving away Dumbledore's plan. He instantly chose the latter. "I said I'd escort you."
"Don't play a part if you can't pretend like you want it," she retorted unable to hide the smile on her face. It amused her to see him get so pent up over such trivial things.
"Don't be so critical."
"So you are not going to tell me about the cult meeting in there?"
"I told you that is none of your concern." He was really starting to get annoyed with the woman.
"Then will you tell be about your witch's robe?"
He shot her a deadly look that made her spine tingle with both fear and laughter. Snape had almost forgotten he was dealing with a Muggle, but then what else could annoy him so? He removed his robe and bundled it up in his hands; he wore a black button up tunic and a pair of black fitted slacks. "It's a cloak I use to protect my work clothes."
"A lab coat," she said. "It is Saturday, in case you did not know."
"I work at a boarding school," he snapped. "I did not have time to change, either. Your being at the pub put a pause in my plans."
"Then just leave!" she yelled and was surprised when he held her by the arms. His grasp was not rough, but it had still scared her. She felt small beneath his hold on her and like a child. Her skin tingled where he touched her and her lungs felt as though they could not get enough air.
"Calm down!" Snape growled. His face was close to hers and he could feel the heat emanating from her. It took him all his strength not to even think about her in a romantic fashion. Who would be interested him?
"What are you so worried about?" she cried out, mad that he felt he had to be quite so physical with her. Still, she could not bring herself to pull out of his arms. Claudia inwardly sighed in relief when he released her. "You don't have to be so cold, you know. It is as though it would hurt you to be decent for a day."
Snape understood that the Muggle knew too much and that he'd have to perform a memory charm on her. First, he'd have to get her alone somewhere (and that would be the hardest part). In the meantime, he needed to think of something to tell her that would appease her mind while he was trying to get her alone somewhere. Pretending to reconsider his retirement from the Death Eaters was going to be a lot more difficult (and possibly less fun) than he had thought earlier. It was going to become dangerous if Muggles were going to become involved, especially if he was going to be helping one. Ms. Wallace was already at risk. It was rare (if not never) that Lucius never spared a Muggle whom crossed his path. He usually had a little fun with them by use of illegal hexes then would use Obliviate right before the hex would wear off as a way to confuse them. Malfoy did not usually kill the Muggles unless he felt as though they posed as a serious risk, and from the way he had looked at the Muggle in the pub he didn't like her being there. It was different if he went out and bothered them, but should a Muggle ever cross his path he would show no mercy. Snape did not wish to be held accountable for the death of an innocent (albeit nosey) Muggle woman.
An unoccupied taxi pulled up stopping just at the light ahead. Claudia leaped up from her seat and started to chase down the cab forgetting her purse on the ground. She was too wrapped up in trying to get home than anything else. All the while, the clouds sent more rain and this time in buckets full. "Damn it," she cursed as her shoes slid on the pavement. She just barely managed to grab the handle on the door right before the drive could step on the gas.
"Hurry up, would ya?" he barked. "You're getting water in here and I have to go!" He pointed to the light ahead. It was a bright green.
"My purse!" she exclaimed.
"What about it?"
Claudia looked to her side and saw Snape by the door (holding her hand bag) then yanked him inside by pulling roughly on his arm. Her strength surprised the both of them. She slammed the door shut and gave her address to the drive. A deep sigh of relief exited her like a light breeze, but she was upset at having gotten soaked again. The sight of Severus almost made her laugh. He looked like a drowned cat with the way his hair clumped together and stuck to his face and neck. She tried to hide the grin by coughing.
"Something amusing?" he inquired his voice much softer than before.
"No," she lied. "Where do you live, Mr. Snape? I'll pay your fare; it is my fault that you got pulled into this." She laughed thinking about how she literally did drag the man into the cab.
He didn't argue with her, but was relieved that he had to follow her. The Muggle still needed the memory charm performed on her. Snape could not allow her to know what she did. Having entered the Leaky Cauldron and knowing its existence was bad enough!
"Unless, that is," Claudia began blushing, "You would like to come in and have a drink." She felt rather than saw his eyes burn into her, and it caused a strange feeling from in her stomach down to between her thighs.
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The ride to her house was long, quiet, and not to mention rather pricey. A strong wind had picked up as a storm started to brew. The rain refused to give up even though it had turned into a slow drizzle. It would probably get heavier as the evening progressed, Claudia thought wryly. The large trees around her house swayed and bent towards the ground as the gusts grew stronger. The two toppled out of the taxi after paying and hastily made way to the front steps. Claudia fumbled with her keys and found herself having a difficult time unlocking the door with her swollen hand. "I'll be in the kitchen in a minute," she informed and took Severus's robe to the hall closet. Once she entered her bedroom, she tossed her purse and wet clothes to the floor. It was then that she noticed a cut on her side from the old man's knife.
Just as Snape settled himself comfortably at the kitchen table (he had been looking at the various sculptures and paintings in her house), Claudia emerged dressed in black sweats looking very attractive (for a Muggle, that is). Her damp hair curled around her face as if cupping it. He watched as she struggled with handling the mugs and closing the cabinet doors at the same time. It was most difficult for her considering her injuries. "Damn it," she cursed as a mug escaped her clutches and plummeted towards the hardwood floor. The cup bounced softly in the large hands of her guest. "You shouldn't be moving around so much," he said and placed his capture on the marble counter top. Snape forced her to sit at the table and proceeded to make the tea himself. It kept him distracted from how chaotic his day was.
"I don't need your help," she looked up at him as he set the cream in front of her. Claudia hated being so dependent on people.
He dared not respond and waited rather patiently for the kettle to whistle. Severus's thoughts were a jumble; he was foolish for not just quickly performing the memory charm and leaving the damn Muggle alone. Dumbledore needed him and instead hew as making tea. The stupid cheek was a curse. She could get murdered, though, his logic argued. So was that the reason he was staying? Did he really want to protect something like a Muggle? If so, what the hell was he doing standing in front of a gas stove? He was so immersed in his thoughts that he did not hear the doorbell ring.
"Michael, what are you doing here?" She opened the door a little a peered out the crack.
"It is raining outside, love. Can't you let a gentleman in who's come for calling?" He held a vase full of pale pink roses and pussy willows.
"I suppose, but only for a second. I have a guest."
"Thanks," he agreed and ran a hand though his tousled dark brown hair. Michael stayed put on the rug once inside. "Looks like a storm outside, eh?"
"What do you want?" Claudia demanded sounding cold. "This is the first time I've heard from you since you cancelled on me."
"I-I was busy, dear. You know how I work." He frowned disapprovingly as he saw a shadow of a man move about in the kitchen. "Care to forgive me?"
"I have spent so much of my time forgiving you, Michael."
"Claudia-"
"Please do not make this any harder, Michael. I think you should leave." He was caught off guard as the door burst open sending in gusts of wind and rain. His apologetic face fell.
"Claudia!"
"Please," she begged. "It is hard for me to trust you."
"But you can trust some stranger, is that it?!" he exploded. "You are making a mistake!" He left and slammed the door shut behind him causing Claudia to jump out of her skin. She leaned back into the door and slid down onto the floor with her head in her hands. Was she wrong to reject a man whom had come for calling?
The tea kettle screamed signifying that it was time to finally relax. Severus filled the mugs and added the sugar and cream to the steaming drink. It had seemed that he timed everything perfectly for as soon as they sat down, the windows rattled and the power shut off in her entire house. Claudia mumbled some inappropriate words under her breath and chugged her hot tea. She padded around her den in search of an old newspaper and a lighter to start a fire. Her hand shook as she tried to get the lighter lit, then steadied as Snapes' calloused hand wrapped hers up in his and he lit it himself. Her skin tingled where he had touched her. Soon enough there was a roaring fire with the wood crisply crackling.
"Today has been awfully exhausting," she collapsed onto the love seat. It seemed that wherever she was around Professor Severus Snape, her day would sink into an all-time low. The man was a curse, yet he always managed to pull her out of sticky situations. What was he?
"Give me your hand," Snape instructed and crouched down in front her the same way he had done three weeks ago. He brought his mouth to it and for a moment she thought he'd kiss it. Instead he massaged the swollen contusion causing her to wince in pain. "This will hut," he warned and wondered why he was so keen on helping her. Never before had anyone been able to penetrate his hard exterior, but this Muggle seemed to not only burrow herself deep into him but find his anger amusing! His lips moved against her skin as he whispered the healing incantation. The pain was almost unbearable yet grew weaker at the same time.
The blue black bruise faded as well as the deep crimson scratch on her hand from hitting the door knob to the Leaky Cauldron. Snape knew that healing the Muggle's injuries was a risk, but it was one in which he found himself not mind taking. Was he starting to fall for her? It was impossible. Once he finished, her warm lips met his for a brief second leaving him feeling as though a feather had teased his mouth. His black pools melted into her gentle steel eyes. Claudia touched his hair with her free hand and then ran her slender fingers to his slightly parted lips. Her thumb seduced him.
"You're beautiful," she whispered and they shared in another kiss this one being more passionate and much longer. Severus rested a hand on the small of her back and allowed her to deepen the embrace. He was not going to make any moves; if the Muggle wanted him she would have to prove it. Claudia's tongue teased his entire mouth. Her free fingers played in his mess of hair and dug deeply into his scalp. It took him all but to moan out in pleasure. After what had felt like an eternity, Snape broke away the kiss. His eyes searched her before moving to kiss her quivering chin. His hot mouth trailed down her neck to in between her collar bones. He proceeded to move to her left shoulder and lowered the strap of the tank top she was wearing. His hungry teeth grazed her skin as he continued and stopped just above where her breasts met. She gasped slightly and tried to control her labored breathing. Severus planted a small kiss and traveled to her right shoulder. His hands slid up to her sides bunching up her shirt with it. He led her to the floor and had her lay on her stomach. Claudia's bare back beckoned him.
It had been far too long since he had been with someone—a woman. How could he let himself become so intimate with someone? The thoughts did not matter as he pressed his lips at the base of her spine and worked his way up not leaving a spot untouched. He did this until he reached back to where he had started carefully teasing her skin with his tongue. She tasted sweet and felt so soft under his torturous caress. He ran his hands along her sides grazing her firm breasts and then down to her hips. Snape slowly removed her slacks and knickers and carelessly tossed them onto the lounge chair behind him. The room was starting to get too hot; Severus then unbuttoned his own shirt and removed it as well as the t-shirt he wore beneath. His socks and shoes followed in suit. He picked up where he had left off and followed down her delicate legs to her small feet then back up to her spine. All the while Claudia endured the tease and tried not to fight back. His mouth felt like heaven on every inch of her skin.
He stopped.
She rolled over and looked up at Severus curious as to what his next move would be and cocked her head to one side so that her dark curls slid along the floor. "What are you going to do-" Claudia could not finish as he massaged between her trembling legs. She arched her back trying to immerse herself in the silken pleasure. She bit her lip as he entered her and started to manipulate her sensitive areas. This went on until Claudia nearly exploded. He then tugged off his trousers and briefs before picking up Claudia and sat her astride his lap so that she was in between him and wrapped fully around his length. It was an overwhelming sensation that reached to all of the branches of her body. Snape held his hands on her hips to guide her gently along him. At first her moves were slow, deep, and deliberate, and then he propelled her faster against him. She kept her back arched and at times would look into his dark abysses. His drawn-out, yet passionate, form of love making was almost unbearable. Her body wanted him to move faster; she felt impatient for the release she had been waiting for her whole life. Snape sensed her impatience and tried to control the tension building up inside of him. His fingertips whispered against her damp skin.
Snape gripped her tighter as he felt himself losing control and once again decreased their pace. He knew that he'd never get an opportunity to be with someone in such a manner again any tie soon. He needed to cherish it. Finally, when it seemed that if he'd hold out any longer his eyes would roll into the back of his head, Severus plunged deeply into his one time lover and came, pleased when she did the same when he did. Claudia shook and collapsed onto his sweaty body. Never before had she used her hips and thighs in such a manner for as long as she just had. She could feel his heart beat between the rise and fall of each tire breath he took. She sighed and almost instantly fell asleep on his chest with him still inside of her. For once in her life, it felt food to depend upon someone. Part of Snape regretted having sex with the Muggle. He told himself it wasn't because it'd never happen again, but because he had used her for a personal release. He had needed to get rid of all the sexual frustration that boiled deep inside him, and she didn't seem to mind. His attraction to her, if one at all, was merely a sexual and physical attraction. Ms. Wallace had nothing to offer that would do him any good in the long run. As he just lay on the floor looking up at the ceiling, his fingers tangled themselves in her silky hair. He had to admit, the Muggle was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes upon in his entire life. Her softness and generosity reminded him of someone from long ago. The most curious part was that she chose him. She had allowed for everything to happen that had occurred between them. It was almost as though Ms. Claudia Wallace was-
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End Chapter Two! I hope that you had liked it! There is still much more to the story. Thank you for reading.
~ann no aku