Chapter Two
(Potions and Stakes or Over My Dead Body)
Things had been quiet those first few months back, everyone, faculty and students alike, had been working hard. Everything was great until the day that Professor Dumbledore decided that Julia and Severus should work together to learn from one another, to prepare against the inevitable war that seemed to loom ahead of them.
"WHAT?" Snape screamed. "I don't think so! I'm going to speak to the Headmaster right this minute. There is no way I am going to work with you."
"This is not a joyous moment for me either; I'm just relaying the message," Julia exclaimed. "I've spent months trying to show you that I'm not your enemy and you refuse to warm up, so now we're stuck with each other. Dumbledore feels that it would be good if you knew some of my defense abilities and that I learned potions from you."
At that moment, as if summoned by their arguing, Dumbledore appeared in the doorway of Professor Snape's classroom, "Severus, we have already discussed this. You are in danger every time you are with the Death Eaters, and you need to be able to protect yourself with more than magic. Julia needs to learn potions from someone other than her Mother, whom may I add was an amazing potions mistress, but set in her ways, don't you agree Julia?"
"I agree sir, Mom was great, but she really refused to learn any of the newer potions techniques, and I did get cocky as a teen, I really didn't pay attention the way I should have," Julia admitted.
"So it is settled. You two will spend a few hours a week working together, teaching each other your techniques," Dumbledore said with an air of finality.
"Fine, I will have her make three potions for me," Snape said, obviously annoyed. "If, and only if, they are perfect will I agree to this. If one thing is amiss I will not work with this woman."
Dumbledore turned to face the young woman, "I guess that is fair. What do you say Julia?"
She smiled an extremely confident smile and said, "Yeah, that's do- able."
* * *
Snape wrote the name of three potions on the board; Draught of Living Death, Draft of Peace, and Veritaserum. He had conveniently omitted the ingredients, "These are potions that even my top students would find extremely difficult." He curled his lips into a smirk. "Good luck."
Julia looked up at the board and smiled. "Thank you Professor, but luck has nothing to do with this, just skill," she replied.
She began to collect her ingredients, juggling four glass cylinders at once. Snape looked up from his work at the sound of glass clinking, and noticed she was gathering everything for all three potions at once.
"Are you sure you want to do that?" he questioned, "You will definitely be asking for trouble. They are tricky potions and you have to remember the ingredients on your own."
She looked at him and smiled, "Don't worry Professor; I can handle all three at once, besides, you would expect me to do one at a time."
"Carry on then," Snape said while shaking his head in disbelief, he thought to himself, she will blow up the dungeons at the rate she is going.
Once all the ingredients were collected, she started fires under three cauldrons and began to prepare the wormwood and hellebore for two of the potions. As she worked, she would hum, sometimes even singing a few lines quietly to herself. Snape was not amused.
After about an hour Professor McGonagall knocked on the door. "Sorry to interrupt Julia dear, but your class is waiting. Would you like me to dismiss them for you?" she asked.
"Oh, thank you Minerva, I almost forgot," Julia replied looking at the hourglass sitting on Snape's desk. "I have about 20 minutes before I have to add the next ingredient to the Veritaserum, and the other two need to simmer a bit longer. I believe I can take a walk to my class and tell them the good news," she responded with an air of confidence.
Snape looked up from the parchments he was grading, waved his hand as if dismissing her, and replied, "Go ahead, if you feel so inclined."
"Thank you sir," she smiled and then turning toward the door, "Minerva, would you mind walking with me?"
"I wouldn't mind at all, my dear," McGonagall replied, her lips fighting a smile.
Once they had shut the door to Snape's class Julia began to giggle. "I think he is beginning to warm up a bit."
"My dear, you have such a challenge ahead of you. He can be impossible sometimes," McGonagall responded.
"I know Minerva, but he isn't so bad. He just doesn't know how to compliment people, or be nice. I feel so sorry for him," she said honestly.
"Well, if anyone can bring sunshine into that poor man's life it would be you, Julia," McGonagall said taking the younger woman's hand and patting it gently. "Everyone deserves happiness in their life, and that man has been waiting a long time for some. I had him as a student, and I have always had a place for him in my heart, but he shuts everyone out."
"It is truly a shame; he has so much to offer. I wish I knew why he feels he cut everyone off, he must have his reasons. The only person he really does seem to like is Great Grand Uncle, I feel that even that is with some reserve," Julia replied.
"I agree dear, but here we are at your room, go tell those students that they are off the hook today. They should be happy. I know that you work them hard," McGonagall said, smiling at Julia.
"Oh, you would be surprised, they actually like my class. I make them get up and burn off their lunch," she said with an evil smile. "Speaking of students, how is young Malfoy doing? He was looking paler than usual in class yesterday, and I didn't see him at breakfast this morning."
"He is going to be fine," McGonagall replied shaking her head, "he just has a cold. He does tend to be a little melodramatic, but he should be in class tomorrow. His father is coming here today to see him, which should make him feel a little better."
"Yes, Draco can be a drama queen," Julia said as she thought of how much he complains during her lessons. "I hope his father isn't like that."
Professor McGonagall just smiled, "I will see you in the Great Hall this evening dear."
"Have a great day, Minerva, and thanks again," she said watching the older woman walk down the hall and disappear around a corner.
"Well everyone, I have some news for you all," she stated as she entered the classroom. "I am sorry I was late today, but I've been busy with Professor Snape and I need to get back to finish my work so class is cancelled for today,"
"Ohhhh!" groaned the class.
"We were to discuss Angror Demons today, and then you were going to show us how to attack them," Hermione said, sounding very disappointed.
"Well, we will just start it tomorrow. If you can all show me the correct way to hold a stak, I will let you attack an Angror/boggart tomorrow," she promised.
They agreed and as the students filed out she watched with pride as they held out their stakes in the proper position.
* * *
As soon as she walked back into Snape's class he glanced at his hourglass. Julia had made it their and back in exactly twenty minutes. She immediately began to add the ingredients to the Veritaserum and stir the Draft of Peace thirty times with a tranquil movement, the whole time humming a tune.
"What are you doing?" Snape asked immediately after seeing her stirring a potion, which, in his opinion should be left alone.
"Well, it is the Draft of Peace; my Mother taught me that the Peace comes from the gentle stirring and the peaceful feelings in your heart. I know it sounds silly, but her potions never failed," she smiled, "I told you she was old fashioned."
"Well let me check your work," he stated sternly, as if she was a student.
"All yours, chief, but I do know that the Veritaserum still has another 30 days to brew." She said looking at him shrewdly, "Tried to fool me, huh?"
After about fifteen minutes of Snape grunting and shaking his head, Julia really thought that he would make them all disappear and tell her that she was a failure. But he turned to her raising one eyebrow and said, "These are impressive. I'm pleased with your work." Julia felt that, for Snape, that was saying a lot.
Taken aback by this, she stammered, "Thank you Professor Snape. I'm glad you like my work. Mom would have been proud of me."
"Now, what is it that you can teach me?" he retorted with a sneer.
"Well, do you have a boggart?" she asked.
"I know how to get rid of a boggart. That is elementary," he haughtily replied.
"Oh, I don't want you to banish the boggart. I want to use it to become any creature I want, so I can show you my physical techniques. Unless you have a few demons lying around?" she retorted.
"Yes, I see," he said looking at her with interest; he thought to himself, she may actually be more than a pretty face and a nice body. She may have some brains in that head. He started to smile to himself but stopped as soon as he realized what he had actually just thought.
Snape disappeared into his chambers and brought out an old piece of luggage that continued to jerk around on the floor after he put it down.
"O.k. watch this," she opened the box and as soon as the boggart came out, it turned into a vampire. She immediately spun on her left foot, bringing the right one up into the air and slammed the vamp/boggart in the chest knocking it backward. While simultaneously taking a stake that appeared to have just apparated into her hand and slammed it straight into where the vamp's heart would have been if it wasn't a boggart.
It acted as though it was about to dust but then turned into an Angror demon, which has red skin that looks as if it were made of dripping wax. She pulled it to its feet just to slam it against the wall then held it there with one foot pressed into its throat. Then, taking her stake she slams it into the side of its ribcage, causing it to burst into purple flames. Immediately swooshed into a Throark Demon, a slimy green beast with purple pulsing veins that ran along the outside of its body. She grabbed it by the head and with a sudden movement, snapped its neck.
Before the boggart could change again she yelled, "Riddikulus!" The boggart disappeared and she slammed the trunk closed.
Turning to Snape she said, a little out of breath, "That is what I can do. Are you interested?"
He stared at her with amazement. He had never seen anyone attack such demons, though they were boggart simulated, in that manor. She never resorted to hexes, jinxes, curses or potions. In his eyes, she immediately became respectable.
"I do not believe that I could kick like that. I would like to know how you knew that the Angror needed to be staked in the side?" he asked.
"Well, that is where their heart is, and the Throark doesn't have a heart so you just kill 'em any way you can think of," she replied. "You don't need to be this physical, but if you know how they die, then you can kill them."
"Do you always carry a stake with you?" he inquired.
"Doesn't everyone?" she joked. "Yes I do, you can never be too safe, I keep it next to my wand," she turned around and removed her hoody to show him a holster she wears, sort of like the ones Muggles use for guns, the difference being that there is a place for her wand and a stake. He also noticed the tattoo on her back, on her right shoulder blade. It was a black paw print that looked feline.
"Let me guess, you got that because it was cool?" he sneered.
She turned back and looked at him with a cold expression, "No, you only get that when you have been a bounty hunter long enough to get a reputation. It's the mark of the hunter, a past that I'm not all that proud of."
He subconsciously rubbed the Mark on his own left arm and just nodded at her knowingly. "Where do we begin, then?" he asked, changing the topic.
After a few hours Snape had picked things up quickly, before they knew it, they were both out of breath and sweating profusely. It had been a good workout, but it was already time to get ready to head to the Great Hall for dinner.
"I need to go take a shower and get changed for dinner, but this has been a great experience. I can't wait to do this again," she smiled.
"I agree, this was," he paused, "enjoyable. It is nice to work with someone who can carry their own for a change."
He put out his hand to shake and she grabbed it with hers. "Friends don't shake hands where I come from," and she pulled him toward her and hugged him. As she did, his hand, still grasped with hers, brushed against her breast and her body reacted by pressing against his. Both were surprised by the reaction and they pulled away from each other quickly.
"Well sir," she started, not able to look him in the eye.
"Call me Severus, please," he interrupted.
"Well Severus, call me Julia," she looked up at him and smiled, the air was heavy with silence. Finally she spoke, "I'll see you in a little bit."
They both turned to walk toward the thick oak door that led to the hall and stopped in their tracks, standing in the doorway was a dark caped figure.
"Lucius, I didn't hear you enter. Are you here to see Draco or is this business," Snape said, a bit startled.
"Well, Severus, I am here to see Draco, but there is always time for business," Malfoy replied with a knowing look in his eye that Snape picked up on immediately. "But where are your manners? Please introduce me to your....um....friend?"
"This is our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Julia Lee." Snape quickly added, "Dumbledore has me teaching her potions."
"Oh, how lucky for you, my dear Miss Lee, but Severus must be working you hard, you look out of breath."
Julia smiled, catching on very quickly, "Oh, he is a hard task master, but I hope one day to aspire to his level of expertise."
"Draco didn't mention that the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was so young and pretty. I'm surprised." Malfoy said, appraising her as if she were a piece of meat.
"Well, I don't think I'm his favorite teacher, I believe he prefers Professor Snape's class over mine. But that's okay, I'm not here to be his friend, I'm here to keep him safe. When you see him please tell him I hope he feels better soon," she said with a bright smile.
"Oh, I will pass on the word. Now if you will excuse us, I really do need to speak with our Potions Master," he said, hissing thru his teeth with a false smile on his lips.
"I will see you in the Great Hall, Severus. Mr. Malfoy, it has been a pleasure." She nodded her head, smiled and quickly left.
The door had barely closed and Lucius began, "Have you lost your mind? Scratch that, you weren't thinking with your brain were you?"
Snape turned his back on Malfoy and walked toward his desk, "Lucius, I have no idea what you are talking about. I was merely training the girl the way Dumbledore instructed me to. I am also picking up some of her methods so that I may pass this information along."
"Well, that hug did not look innocent, it looked down right lustful. Teachers having affairs, maybe I should notify Cornelius Fudge and see what he says about this," Malfoy threatened.
"Go ahead and try. She is close with Dumbledore and right now he is back in the Ministries good graces. Besides, she is American and that is their way, all hugs and touchy feely. Personally I couldn't wait for her to leave," he lied.
"Right, and the fact that she her body is tight and muscular has no effect on you? She got my attention. She could make a nice plaything even if she is dressed like a Muggle." He stopped to think and then asked, "She isn't a Mudblood, is she?"
Snape who looked up at him from his work, stone faced and unemotional, "Lucius, she is not a Mudblood, but I don't think that Dumbledore would take too well with the knowledge that his 'niece' is your plaything,"
They stared at each other in silence. Lucius broke the silence by stating that he really did have some information he had to pass on from their mutual 'Dark Lord'. After about twenty minutes the meeting was over, and Malfoy went to the Hospital Wing to visit with his son. While Severus went to take a shower and to ponder what Lucius had just told him about an upcoming attack, but all he could think about was Julia.
* * *
A few nights later, at supper, Professor Dumbledore had some exciting news for the students. Considering the stress of the past few years, he felt that they could all use some fun.
"I would like your attention before we begin to eat all this wonderful food," Dumbledore began, "I have given much thought about the frame of mind that this school is in, and it worries me deeply. I believe that some, if not all of us, could use a little enjoyment. So I would like to propose that we have another Yule Ball, but there is a catch," he said with that trademark twinkle in his eye. "This year, in honor of our American professor, we are going to 'Americanize' the Ball. This year we will have a Sadie Hawkins Yule Ball. And for those of you who do not know what that means, I will allow Professor Lee to explain."
He then took his seat and nodded to Julia, she slowly stood up and explained, "Well back in the 30's there was a Muggle comic strip called Lil' Abner, and there was a character named Sadie Hawkins. Well, Sadie got tired of waiting for the fellows to come a courtin', so she took the initiative and starting asking them out." She paused while the room began to hum, after about a minute she took control again. "Well, some people thought that this was a keen idea, so they started Sadie Hawkins Day to celebrate the aggressive women in this world, the women who like to take the initiative. So, this means that the girls of Hogwarts have to ask the boys, and not the other way around."
At first there was complete silence while Professor Lee's words sunk in, and then slowly the rumbling. Partly mixed with whispers of 'Who are you going to ask?' and 'I hope she asks me!' were the complaints of the male population. Dumbledore smiled mischievously at the mayhem she had just caused. Julia looked over at him smiling and shook her head. Dumbledore returned that smile with a winked and a nodded to Professor Snape. She raised her eyebrows with a mock look of 'Who me? Ask him?' and they both smiled.
Professor McGonagall watched the silent conversation and leaned over to Dumbledore and whispered something in his ear that made him blush. He smiled at her and stood up again, "Attention! Professor McGonagall has made the first step and has asked me to escort her to the Ball and I have agreed. I hope that the young ladies here tonight will be inspired by her courage and do the same."
All the tables applauded and everyone began to eat their dinner. Julia, (who consequently sits between Hagrid and Snape) was talking to Hagrid about the dance.
"I jus' wish Olympe was 'ere. She'd ask me in a 'eart beat," he stated.
"I know, I wish I had been here to meet her, she sounds very nice Hagrid. I am happy that you have someone in your life. Will you be seeing her during Christmas break?" she asked.
"Don' know, I migh' stay 'ere wit 'arry, unless 'e goes to the Burrow," he replied.
"I understand. Well, don't say anything, but I have something for Harry, Hermione, Ron and their assorted friends for Christmas. Something special I picked up in New York a few weeks back when I went to visit my Dad. I got them small silver badges with the letters D. A. on them. I hope they like it," she explained with excitement.
"Sounds nice. Oh, how is yer da?" Hagrid asked with concern.
"Getting better. He has been so lonely since Mom passed last year. I think he just needed some company. I wish he would come here and stay with me but he refuses to leave the last home that he and Mom had together," Julia smiled sadly. "It must be hard to love someone so much and for so long just to lose them. I would hate to feel that empty."
"Don' ya worry love, you got a long life ahead of ya to be worryin' 'bout things like that," he said, trying to cheer her up.
She smiled at him, with a bit more warmth this time. She became very quiet as if lost in thought. She tried to think of something other than her mother and father and the relationship that they had, but it was beginning to depress her because she missed her mother so much. As she was thinking she looked up at the enchanted ceiling, it was snowing. She loved the snow; she loved everything about it. So she decided to take a walk.
Next to her Snape had been quietly listening to her talk to Hagrid. He had not known much of her life, never actually cared before, but was touched by the honesty in which she spoke to everyone, never mincing her words. She told it like it was and Snape respected that.
She stood up and said goodnight to Hagrid and then turned to Snape. "Goodnight, Professor. I have some free time tomorrow if you want to work on potions some more." She then turned and walked away before he could reply, apparently lost in her own thoughts.
Before she left the Great Hall she walked over to Dumbledore to kiss him on the cheek, which was her nightly ritual before retiring.
"Are you well, dear?" he asked, noticing the sadness in her eyes.
"Yes, sir, I'm fine, just thinking of Mom. I think I'm gonna go for a walk before bed, but I promise I won't go far."
He looked at what she was wearing, a brown sweater with a long tan skirt and replied, "Please be careful, Julia. It is cold out there and I would hate for you to get sick, we cannot afford to lose our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher so soon," he joked. "I'll send Fawkes to your chambers and if you do not send him back in a few hours I'll send Hagrid out to look for you."
"Thank you, I'll send him as soon as I walk in the door. Good night Great Grand Uncle, and good night Minerva," she said with a strained smile.
As Julia walked away McGonagall leaned in toward Dumbledore and whispered, "Are you really going to let her go alone Albus?"
"Just watch Minerva," he said, nodding in Snape's direction.
Snape had watched her walk to Dumbledore to say her goodnights and then with his eyes he followed her out of the Great Hall. As the doors shut he stood up straight and nodded his own version goodnight to the Headmaster and then proceeded to leave the Hall.
Turning back to McGonagall and giving her a knowing smile, Dumbledore added, "She won't be alone."
"I hope you know what you are doing, Albus. I know he is lonely and she would be great for him, but I am afraid she might get hurt," she stated. "He has yet to deal with his past and as long as he is playing double agent for us he never will. I don't know if she is prepared or strong enough to deal with that."
* * *
Outside in the snow Julia could feel her sadness begin to fade away. It always worked like magic for her; the crispness in the air and the pristine white of the snow always seemed to take away the things that hurt. She thought of the events of a few days ago to help her shake her gloom even further. She smiled to herself. Severus Snape, she thought, what a git. He is so hard on everyone and pushes them away, when in reality he is just so lonely he craves attention. And that hug, what was I thinking? He didn't brush up against me like that on purpose. Hell, my hand was still clutched in his. What possessed me to react like that? It's not like I'm attracted to him, much. Mister Tall-dark-and-brooding, we are complete opposites. I'm attracted to people who are happy and like having fun. Fun to Snape would be pulling the wings off butterflies.
But, he did seem impressed with my work; most are just frightened of my strength. And he thought my potions came out well, I guess I didn't do too bad considering he is so proficient in that craft.
And black does suit him, she thought, though he could use some sun and his hair, it looks bad from afar but when I hugged him I could see it is just really shiny and it smelled great. Stop it, she scolds herself, I am acting just as immature as those students in the there, next thing I'll be pulling daisy petals saying 'he loves me, he loves me not'. And the way he bristled up when Malfoy walked into the room, almost embarrassed to have been caught alone with someone like me let alone hugging that person.
"He is insufferable," she exclaimed out loud.
"Talking to oneself is usually considered a sign of an unstable mind," said Snape, walking up behind her. He had an extra fur lined cape with him which he offered to her immediately, "I figured you may need this, I can't imagine that coat being warm enough, and we do not need you to get sick, the students cannot afford to lose anymore Defense lessons than they already have."
She smiled and said thank you while thinking, 'Always saying the right thing, huh, Severus? You really don't care if I get sick.'
They walked in silence for awhile until she turned on him and demanded, "Were you sent to watch me or something? You spent the past few months going out of your way to avoid me and now here you are, my knight in shining black to keep the lady fair warm. What is up with you?"
"I ...just....ummm....well....I noticed that you were not your sickeningly smiley self and saw you going outside and not very smartly dressed for this time of year," he said looking her up and down. "I will leave if you want me too." He began to turn toward the school and she grabbed his arm.
"Stay, I'm sorry. I.....I'm just not having a good evening. I was wrong to take it out on you, you didn't do anything wrong. Thank you for thinking of me," she smiled weakly.
She took his arm in hers and began to walk; he was a bit stiff at first and then warmed up quickly to her touch. Silently they walked like this, he gave her the space she needed and she appreciated his silence. As they headed back to the school she bent to pick up a handful of snow.
"When I was little I used to play in the snow for hours, and my favorite thing to do was to catch snowflakes on my tongue," she said, sticking out her tongue to catch some flakes. Snape caught himself thinking how that tongue must taste like strawberries and he began coughing in reaction.
"Are you alright? Maybe I should be worried about you taking ill. Let's go get warmed up, I know just the place," and she turned to run toward the building and slid. Snape caught her just before she fell; the two of them looked into each other's eyes and were silent. They were close enough to kiss, but Julia turned her head to sneeze. The magic was broken. He helped her to her feet and they continued into the castle.
"Follow me," she said, racing down the hall and heading toward the kitchens, he was not happy about her decision, but followed along anyway.
The kitchen was warm and smelled of baked goods and clean dishes. "I love this place," she said dreamily, "it reminds me of home. Hey, did I ever tell you that I like to cook? I haven't in a long time but maybe I'll make you some cookies some time," she declared.
"I don't care too much for sweets," he replied.
"Are you insane?" She stopped and looked at him. "Everyone likes something sweet, whether it's cake or cookies or ice cream? There must be something you fancy? I bet I can find something that you'll like. Do you like chocolate?" she asked.
"Not really, I like strong flavors, usually savory," he replied.
"Hmmmm, let me think. Do you like fruit?" she asked and he nodded. "OK, I'll make you brandy poached pear with a rosemary syrup. You'll love it."
He watched her with the same interest as he did a few days ago while she mixed the potions. She had a loving way with her ingredients, the way she delicately cut the pear and poured the sugar into the saucepan for the syrup. It was a quick dessert and she served it with a dab of non- sweetened whipped cream on top. (The whole time, the house elves were eyeing her nervously, not sure if she was going to trash their kitchen and nervous because she hadn't asked them for help.)
She brought it over to a tray and covered it up, "We'll eat this someplace comfortable," and with a wink she smiled and added, "your place or mine?"
"Ummmm, I guess we could go to your chamber, I don't think you would find mine comfortable," he replied, a little uneasy.
As they left, the house elves quickly went about making sure she put everything away and were amazed that she had cleaned up after herself.
* * *
Once in her chamber she set up a little picnic on the floor in front of the fireplace, she invited him to sit with her and she served him the poached pear. He looked about the room and noticed that it was unrecognizable from the way its previous occupants had decorated it. It was draped in rich fabrics and had Moroccan feel about it. Her trinkets that littered the room showed that she truly had traveled the world. He felt a pang of regret hit him in his stomach and quickly pushed it away.
He had to admit the dessert did smell good, he took a bite and was overwhelmed by the mingling of flavors. It was sweet, but the brandy in the pear and the rosemary infused into the syrup gave it the savory taste that he enjoyed. He told her it was great.
"I'm glad. I love when someone enjoys something that I made. Not many are up to trying new things, at least not without a fight," she smiled and he noticed that she was teasing him.
"I'm sorry for being so hard. I have yet to encounter a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher that I feel teaches the class the way it should be so I tend to be critical. But you impressed me, your strength is incredible," he complimented.
"Thank you, most men run in fear of me. I am very physical and that is not always attractive to some men. Except when they think I'm some kind of perv in bed. Apparently, strength means kinky to some people," she admitted.
"I like tradition myself, though people tend to think that I am into kinky also. I guess I just have an air of mystery," he said teasingly.
They had sat there talking and enjoying each other's company for awhile, but soon realized that it was past midnight. Snape excused himself and she walked him to the door.
"I had fun tonight. Maybe we could do this again sometime?" she asked.
"Maybe, if you ever feel you need some company," he replied, looking at her lips.
She was about to give him another hug goodbye and then stopped and looked up at him, he leaned into her and after a moment's pause she touched his lips with her own.
At first it was a gentle kiss, lips touching lips. She noticed how soft his were. She stopped and pulled back to look into his eyes. He looked scared for what they were doing but put his hand behind her head and pulled her back to him and this time kissed her hard. She parted her lips and ran her tongue over the tip of his in a playful manner. He felt like his brain would explode as she pressed her body close to his. She could feel his body, his chest, his arms around her and she marveled at his unseen strength. He wanted to get lost in her, to spend the rest of his life just kissing and touching her, and she wanted him to hold her forever. She felt safe in his arms. At that moment, Fawkes trilled and broke the spell that they were under.
"Oh, I forgot." she exclaimed, "I was supposed to send him back to Dumbledore to let him know I was back safe from my walk, I hope he is not too worried."
She noticed he was still holding her tightly, "Severus, would you like to escort me to the Yule Ball?"
He pulled back a little, surprised and yet not really, by her question. "It would be my pleasure," he replied, kissing her hand. "I really must go but I will see you at breakfast tomorrow. Good night." He bowed slightly and left quickly. He didn't mean to seem rude but if he stayed he might've done something rash.
As he was walking back to the dungeons he thought to himself that he was wrong. Her tongue didn't taste like strawberries at all; it tasted like brandy and sweet rosemary.
(Potions and Stakes or Over My Dead Body)
Things had been quiet those first few months back, everyone, faculty and students alike, had been working hard. Everything was great until the day that Professor Dumbledore decided that Julia and Severus should work together to learn from one another, to prepare against the inevitable war that seemed to loom ahead of them.
"WHAT?" Snape screamed. "I don't think so! I'm going to speak to the Headmaster right this minute. There is no way I am going to work with you."
"This is not a joyous moment for me either; I'm just relaying the message," Julia exclaimed. "I've spent months trying to show you that I'm not your enemy and you refuse to warm up, so now we're stuck with each other. Dumbledore feels that it would be good if you knew some of my defense abilities and that I learned potions from you."
At that moment, as if summoned by their arguing, Dumbledore appeared in the doorway of Professor Snape's classroom, "Severus, we have already discussed this. You are in danger every time you are with the Death Eaters, and you need to be able to protect yourself with more than magic. Julia needs to learn potions from someone other than her Mother, whom may I add was an amazing potions mistress, but set in her ways, don't you agree Julia?"
"I agree sir, Mom was great, but she really refused to learn any of the newer potions techniques, and I did get cocky as a teen, I really didn't pay attention the way I should have," Julia admitted.
"So it is settled. You two will spend a few hours a week working together, teaching each other your techniques," Dumbledore said with an air of finality.
"Fine, I will have her make three potions for me," Snape said, obviously annoyed. "If, and only if, they are perfect will I agree to this. If one thing is amiss I will not work with this woman."
Dumbledore turned to face the young woman, "I guess that is fair. What do you say Julia?"
She smiled an extremely confident smile and said, "Yeah, that's do- able."
* * *
Snape wrote the name of three potions on the board; Draught of Living Death, Draft of Peace, and Veritaserum. He had conveniently omitted the ingredients, "These are potions that even my top students would find extremely difficult." He curled his lips into a smirk. "Good luck."
Julia looked up at the board and smiled. "Thank you Professor, but luck has nothing to do with this, just skill," she replied.
She began to collect her ingredients, juggling four glass cylinders at once. Snape looked up from his work at the sound of glass clinking, and noticed she was gathering everything for all three potions at once.
"Are you sure you want to do that?" he questioned, "You will definitely be asking for trouble. They are tricky potions and you have to remember the ingredients on your own."
She looked at him and smiled, "Don't worry Professor; I can handle all three at once, besides, you would expect me to do one at a time."
"Carry on then," Snape said while shaking his head in disbelief, he thought to himself, she will blow up the dungeons at the rate she is going.
Once all the ingredients were collected, she started fires under three cauldrons and began to prepare the wormwood and hellebore for two of the potions. As she worked, she would hum, sometimes even singing a few lines quietly to herself. Snape was not amused.
After about an hour Professor McGonagall knocked on the door. "Sorry to interrupt Julia dear, but your class is waiting. Would you like me to dismiss them for you?" she asked.
"Oh, thank you Minerva, I almost forgot," Julia replied looking at the hourglass sitting on Snape's desk. "I have about 20 minutes before I have to add the next ingredient to the Veritaserum, and the other two need to simmer a bit longer. I believe I can take a walk to my class and tell them the good news," she responded with an air of confidence.
Snape looked up from the parchments he was grading, waved his hand as if dismissing her, and replied, "Go ahead, if you feel so inclined."
"Thank you sir," she smiled and then turning toward the door, "Minerva, would you mind walking with me?"
"I wouldn't mind at all, my dear," McGonagall replied, her lips fighting a smile.
Once they had shut the door to Snape's class Julia began to giggle. "I think he is beginning to warm up a bit."
"My dear, you have such a challenge ahead of you. He can be impossible sometimes," McGonagall responded.
"I know Minerva, but he isn't so bad. He just doesn't know how to compliment people, or be nice. I feel so sorry for him," she said honestly.
"Well, if anyone can bring sunshine into that poor man's life it would be you, Julia," McGonagall said taking the younger woman's hand and patting it gently. "Everyone deserves happiness in their life, and that man has been waiting a long time for some. I had him as a student, and I have always had a place for him in my heart, but he shuts everyone out."
"It is truly a shame; he has so much to offer. I wish I knew why he feels he cut everyone off, he must have his reasons. The only person he really does seem to like is Great Grand Uncle, I feel that even that is with some reserve," Julia replied.
"I agree dear, but here we are at your room, go tell those students that they are off the hook today. They should be happy. I know that you work them hard," McGonagall said, smiling at Julia.
"Oh, you would be surprised, they actually like my class. I make them get up and burn off their lunch," she said with an evil smile. "Speaking of students, how is young Malfoy doing? He was looking paler than usual in class yesterday, and I didn't see him at breakfast this morning."
"He is going to be fine," McGonagall replied shaking her head, "he just has a cold. He does tend to be a little melodramatic, but he should be in class tomorrow. His father is coming here today to see him, which should make him feel a little better."
"Yes, Draco can be a drama queen," Julia said as she thought of how much he complains during her lessons. "I hope his father isn't like that."
Professor McGonagall just smiled, "I will see you in the Great Hall this evening dear."
"Have a great day, Minerva, and thanks again," she said watching the older woman walk down the hall and disappear around a corner.
"Well everyone, I have some news for you all," she stated as she entered the classroom. "I am sorry I was late today, but I've been busy with Professor Snape and I need to get back to finish my work so class is cancelled for today,"
"Ohhhh!" groaned the class.
"We were to discuss Angror Demons today, and then you were going to show us how to attack them," Hermione said, sounding very disappointed.
"Well, we will just start it tomorrow. If you can all show me the correct way to hold a stak, I will let you attack an Angror/boggart tomorrow," she promised.
They agreed and as the students filed out she watched with pride as they held out their stakes in the proper position.
* * *
As soon as she walked back into Snape's class he glanced at his hourglass. Julia had made it their and back in exactly twenty minutes. She immediately began to add the ingredients to the Veritaserum and stir the Draft of Peace thirty times with a tranquil movement, the whole time humming a tune.
"What are you doing?" Snape asked immediately after seeing her stirring a potion, which, in his opinion should be left alone.
"Well, it is the Draft of Peace; my Mother taught me that the Peace comes from the gentle stirring and the peaceful feelings in your heart. I know it sounds silly, but her potions never failed," she smiled, "I told you she was old fashioned."
"Well let me check your work," he stated sternly, as if she was a student.
"All yours, chief, but I do know that the Veritaserum still has another 30 days to brew." She said looking at him shrewdly, "Tried to fool me, huh?"
After about fifteen minutes of Snape grunting and shaking his head, Julia really thought that he would make them all disappear and tell her that she was a failure. But he turned to her raising one eyebrow and said, "These are impressive. I'm pleased with your work." Julia felt that, for Snape, that was saying a lot.
Taken aback by this, she stammered, "Thank you Professor Snape. I'm glad you like my work. Mom would have been proud of me."
"Now, what is it that you can teach me?" he retorted with a sneer.
"Well, do you have a boggart?" she asked.
"I know how to get rid of a boggart. That is elementary," he haughtily replied.
"Oh, I don't want you to banish the boggart. I want to use it to become any creature I want, so I can show you my physical techniques. Unless you have a few demons lying around?" she retorted.
"Yes, I see," he said looking at her with interest; he thought to himself, she may actually be more than a pretty face and a nice body. She may have some brains in that head. He started to smile to himself but stopped as soon as he realized what he had actually just thought.
Snape disappeared into his chambers and brought out an old piece of luggage that continued to jerk around on the floor after he put it down.
"O.k. watch this," she opened the box and as soon as the boggart came out, it turned into a vampire. She immediately spun on her left foot, bringing the right one up into the air and slammed the vamp/boggart in the chest knocking it backward. While simultaneously taking a stake that appeared to have just apparated into her hand and slammed it straight into where the vamp's heart would have been if it wasn't a boggart.
It acted as though it was about to dust but then turned into an Angror demon, which has red skin that looks as if it were made of dripping wax. She pulled it to its feet just to slam it against the wall then held it there with one foot pressed into its throat. Then, taking her stake she slams it into the side of its ribcage, causing it to burst into purple flames. Immediately swooshed into a Throark Demon, a slimy green beast with purple pulsing veins that ran along the outside of its body. She grabbed it by the head and with a sudden movement, snapped its neck.
Before the boggart could change again she yelled, "Riddikulus!" The boggart disappeared and she slammed the trunk closed.
Turning to Snape she said, a little out of breath, "That is what I can do. Are you interested?"
He stared at her with amazement. He had never seen anyone attack such demons, though they were boggart simulated, in that manor. She never resorted to hexes, jinxes, curses or potions. In his eyes, she immediately became respectable.
"I do not believe that I could kick like that. I would like to know how you knew that the Angror needed to be staked in the side?" he asked.
"Well, that is where their heart is, and the Throark doesn't have a heart so you just kill 'em any way you can think of," she replied. "You don't need to be this physical, but if you know how they die, then you can kill them."
"Do you always carry a stake with you?" he inquired.
"Doesn't everyone?" she joked. "Yes I do, you can never be too safe, I keep it next to my wand," she turned around and removed her hoody to show him a holster she wears, sort of like the ones Muggles use for guns, the difference being that there is a place for her wand and a stake. He also noticed the tattoo on her back, on her right shoulder blade. It was a black paw print that looked feline.
"Let me guess, you got that because it was cool?" he sneered.
She turned back and looked at him with a cold expression, "No, you only get that when you have been a bounty hunter long enough to get a reputation. It's the mark of the hunter, a past that I'm not all that proud of."
He subconsciously rubbed the Mark on his own left arm and just nodded at her knowingly. "Where do we begin, then?" he asked, changing the topic.
After a few hours Snape had picked things up quickly, before they knew it, they were both out of breath and sweating profusely. It had been a good workout, but it was already time to get ready to head to the Great Hall for dinner.
"I need to go take a shower and get changed for dinner, but this has been a great experience. I can't wait to do this again," she smiled.
"I agree, this was," he paused, "enjoyable. It is nice to work with someone who can carry their own for a change."
He put out his hand to shake and she grabbed it with hers. "Friends don't shake hands where I come from," and she pulled him toward her and hugged him. As she did, his hand, still grasped with hers, brushed against her breast and her body reacted by pressing against his. Both were surprised by the reaction and they pulled away from each other quickly.
"Well sir," she started, not able to look him in the eye.
"Call me Severus, please," he interrupted.
"Well Severus, call me Julia," she looked up at him and smiled, the air was heavy with silence. Finally she spoke, "I'll see you in a little bit."
They both turned to walk toward the thick oak door that led to the hall and stopped in their tracks, standing in the doorway was a dark caped figure.
"Lucius, I didn't hear you enter. Are you here to see Draco or is this business," Snape said, a bit startled.
"Well, Severus, I am here to see Draco, but there is always time for business," Malfoy replied with a knowing look in his eye that Snape picked up on immediately. "But where are your manners? Please introduce me to your....um....friend?"
"This is our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Julia Lee." Snape quickly added, "Dumbledore has me teaching her potions."
"Oh, how lucky for you, my dear Miss Lee, but Severus must be working you hard, you look out of breath."
Julia smiled, catching on very quickly, "Oh, he is a hard task master, but I hope one day to aspire to his level of expertise."
"Draco didn't mention that the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was so young and pretty. I'm surprised." Malfoy said, appraising her as if she were a piece of meat.
"Well, I don't think I'm his favorite teacher, I believe he prefers Professor Snape's class over mine. But that's okay, I'm not here to be his friend, I'm here to keep him safe. When you see him please tell him I hope he feels better soon," she said with a bright smile.
"Oh, I will pass on the word. Now if you will excuse us, I really do need to speak with our Potions Master," he said, hissing thru his teeth with a false smile on his lips.
"I will see you in the Great Hall, Severus. Mr. Malfoy, it has been a pleasure." She nodded her head, smiled and quickly left.
The door had barely closed and Lucius began, "Have you lost your mind? Scratch that, you weren't thinking with your brain were you?"
Snape turned his back on Malfoy and walked toward his desk, "Lucius, I have no idea what you are talking about. I was merely training the girl the way Dumbledore instructed me to. I am also picking up some of her methods so that I may pass this information along."
"Well, that hug did not look innocent, it looked down right lustful. Teachers having affairs, maybe I should notify Cornelius Fudge and see what he says about this," Malfoy threatened.
"Go ahead and try. She is close with Dumbledore and right now he is back in the Ministries good graces. Besides, she is American and that is their way, all hugs and touchy feely. Personally I couldn't wait for her to leave," he lied.
"Right, and the fact that she her body is tight and muscular has no effect on you? She got my attention. She could make a nice plaything even if she is dressed like a Muggle." He stopped to think and then asked, "She isn't a Mudblood, is she?"
Snape who looked up at him from his work, stone faced and unemotional, "Lucius, she is not a Mudblood, but I don't think that Dumbledore would take too well with the knowledge that his 'niece' is your plaything,"
They stared at each other in silence. Lucius broke the silence by stating that he really did have some information he had to pass on from their mutual 'Dark Lord'. After about twenty minutes the meeting was over, and Malfoy went to the Hospital Wing to visit with his son. While Severus went to take a shower and to ponder what Lucius had just told him about an upcoming attack, but all he could think about was Julia.
* * *
A few nights later, at supper, Professor Dumbledore had some exciting news for the students. Considering the stress of the past few years, he felt that they could all use some fun.
"I would like your attention before we begin to eat all this wonderful food," Dumbledore began, "I have given much thought about the frame of mind that this school is in, and it worries me deeply. I believe that some, if not all of us, could use a little enjoyment. So I would like to propose that we have another Yule Ball, but there is a catch," he said with that trademark twinkle in his eye. "This year, in honor of our American professor, we are going to 'Americanize' the Ball. This year we will have a Sadie Hawkins Yule Ball. And for those of you who do not know what that means, I will allow Professor Lee to explain."
He then took his seat and nodded to Julia, she slowly stood up and explained, "Well back in the 30's there was a Muggle comic strip called Lil' Abner, and there was a character named Sadie Hawkins. Well, Sadie got tired of waiting for the fellows to come a courtin', so she took the initiative and starting asking them out." She paused while the room began to hum, after about a minute she took control again. "Well, some people thought that this was a keen idea, so they started Sadie Hawkins Day to celebrate the aggressive women in this world, the women who like to take the initiative. So, this means that the girls of Hogwarts have to ask the boys, and not the other way around."
At first there was complete silence while Professor Lee's words sunk in, and then slowly the rumbling. Partly mixed with whispers of 'Who are you going to ask?' and 'I hope she asks me!' were the complaints of the male population. Dumbledore smiled mischievously at the mayhem she had just caused. Julia looked over at him smiling and shook her head. Dumbledore returned that smile with a winked and a nodded to Professor Snape. She raised her eyebrows with a mock look of 'Who me? Ask him?' and they both smiled.
Professor McGonagall watched the silent conversation and leaned over to Dumbledore and whispered something in his ear that made him blush. He smiled at her and stood up again, "Attention! Professor McGonagall has made the first step and has asked me to escort her to the Ball and I have agreed. I hope that the young ladies here tonight will be inspired by her courage and do the same."
All the tables applauded and everyone began to eat their dinner. Julia, (who consequently sits between Hagrid and Snape) was talking to Hagrid about the dance.
"I jus' wish Olympe was 'ere. She'd ask me in a 'eart beat," he stated.
"I know, I wish I had been here to meet her, she sounds very nice Hagrid. I am happy that you have someone in your life. Will you be seeing her during Christmas break?" she asked.
"Don' know, I migh' stay 'ere wit 'arry, unless 'e goes to the Burrow," he replied.
"I understand. Well, don't say anything, but I have something for Harry, Hermione, Ron and their assorted friends for Christmas. Something special I picked up in New York a few weeks back when I went to visit my Dad. I got them small silver badges with the letters D. A. on them. I hope they like it," she explained with excitement.
"Sounds nice. Oh, how is yer da?" Hagrid asked with concern.
"Getting better. He has been so lonely since Mom passed last year. I think he just needed some company. I wish he would come here and stay with me but he refuses to leave the last home that he and Mom had together," Julia smiled sadly. "It must be hard to love someone so much and for so long just to lose them. I would hate to feel that empty."
"Don' ya worry love, you got a long life ahead of ya to be worryin' 'bout things like that," he said, trying to cheer her up.
She smiled at him, with a bit more warmth this time. She became very quiet as if lost in thought. She tried to think of something other than her mother and father and the relationship that they had, but it was beginning to depress her because she missed her mother so much. As she was thinking she looked up at the enchanted ceiling, it was snowing. She loved the snow; she loved everything about it. So she decided to take a walk.
Next to her Snape had been quietly listening to her talk to Hagrid. He had not known much of her life, never actually cared before, but was touched by the honesty in which she spoke to everyone, never mincing her words. She told it like it was and Snape respected that.
She stood up and said goodnight to Hagrid and then turned to Snape. "Goodnight, Professor. I have some free time tomorrow if you want to work on potions some more." She then turned and walked away before he could reply, apparently lost in her own thoughts.
Before she left the Great Hall she walked over to Dumbledore to kiss him on the cheek, which was her nightly ritual before retiring.
"Are you well, dear?" he asked, noticing the sadness in her eyes.
"Yes, sir, I'm fine, just thinking of Mom. I think I'm gonna go for a walk before bed, but I promise I won't go far."
He looked at what she was wearing, a brown sweater with a long tan skirt and replied, "Please be careful, Julia. It is cold out there and I would hate for you to get sick, we cannot afford to lose our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher so soon," he joked. "I'll send Fawkes to your chambers and if you do not send him back in a few hours I'll send Hagrid out to look for you."
"Thank you, I'll send him as soon as I walk in the door. Good night Great Grand Uncle, and good night Minerva," she said with a strained smile.
As Julia walked away McGonagall leaned in toward Dumbledore and whispered, "Are you really going to let her go alone Albus?"
"Just watch Minerva," he said, nodding in Snape's direction.
Snape had watched her walk to Dumbledore to say her goodnights and then with his eyes he followed her out of the Great Hall. As the doors shut he stood up straight and nodded his own version goodnight to the Headmaster and then proceeded to leave the Hall.
Turning back to McGonagall and giving her a knowing smile, Dumbledore added, "She won't be alone."
"I hope you know what you are doing, Albus. I know he is lonely and she would be great for him, but I am afraid she might get hurt," she stated. "He has yet to deal with his past and as long as he is playing double agent for us he never will. I don't know if she is prepared or strong enough to deal with that."
* * *
Outside in the snow Julia could feel her sadness begin to fade away. It always worked like magic for her; the crispness in the air and the pristine white of the snow always seemed to take away the things that hurt. She thought of the events of a few days ago to help her shake her gloom even further. She smiled to herself. Severus Snape, she thought, what a git. He is so hard on everyone and pushes them away, when in reality he is just so lonely he craves attention. And that hug, what was I thinking? He didn't brush up against me like that on purpose. Hell, my hand was still clutched in his. What possessed me to react like that? It's not like I'm attracted to him, much. Mister Tall-dark-and-brooding, we are complete opposites. I'm attracted to people who are happy and like having fun. Fun to Snape would be pulling the wings off butterflies.
But, he did seem impressed with my work; most are just frightened of my strength. And he thought my potions came out well, I guess I didn't do too bad considering he is so proficient in that craft.
And black does suit him, she thought, though he could use some sun and his hair, it looks bad from afar but when I hugged him I could see it is just really shiny and it smelled great. Stop it, she scolds herself, I am acting just as immature as those students in the there, next thing I'll be pulling daisy petals saying 'he loves me, he loves me not'. And the way he bristled up when Malfoy walked into the room, almost embarrassed to have been caught alone with someone like me let alone hugging that person.
"He is insufferable," she exclaimed out loud.
"Talking to oneself is usually considered a sign of an unstable mind," said Snape, walking up behind her. He had an extra fur lined cape with him which he offered to her immediately, "I figured you may need this, I can't imagine that coat being warm enough, and we do not need you to get sick, the students cannot afford to lose anymore Defense lessons than they already have."
She smiled and said thank you while thinking, 'Always saying the right thing, huh, Severus? You really don't care if I get sick.'
They walked in silence for awhile until she turned on him and demanded, "Were you sent to watch me or something? You spent the past few months going out of your way to avoid me and now here you are, my knight in shining black to keep the lady fair warm. What is up with you?"
"I ...just....ummm....well....I noticed that you were not your sickeningly smiley self and saw you going outside and not very smartly dressed for this time of year," he said looking her up and down. "I will leave if you want me too." He began to turn toward the school and she grabbed his arm.
"Stay, I'm sorry. I.....I'm just not having a good evening. I was wrong to take it out on you, you didn't do anything wrong. Thank you for thinking of me," she smiled weakly.
She took his arm in hers and began to walk; he was a bit stiff at first and then warmed up quickly to her touch. Silently they walked like this, he gave her the space she needed and she appreciated his silence. As they headed back to the school she bent to pick up a handful of snow.
"When I was little I used to play in the snow for hours, and my favorite thing to do was to catch snowflakes on my tongue," she said, sticking out her tongue to catch some flakes. Snape caught himself thinking how that tongue must taste like strawberries and he began coughing in reaction.
"Are you alright? Maybe I should be worried about you taking ill. Let's go get warmed up, I know just the place," and she turned to run toward the building and slid. Snape caught her just before she fell; the two of them looked into each other's eyes and were silent. They were close enough to kiss, but Julia turned her head to sneeze. The magic was broken. He helped her to her feet and they continued into the castle.
"Follow me," she said, racing down the hall and heading toward the kitchens, he was not happy about her decision, but followed along anyway.
The kitchen was warm and smelled of baked goods and clean dishes. "I love this place," she said dreamily, "it reminds me of home. Hey, did I ever tell you that I like to cook? I haven't in a long time but maybe I'll make you some cookies some time," she declared.
"I don't care too much for sweets," he replied.
"Are you insane?" She stopped and looked at him. "Everyone likes something sweet, whether it's cake or cookies or ice cream? There must be something you fancy? I bet I can find something that you'll like. Do you like chocolate?" she asked.
"Not really, I like strong flavors, usually savory," he replied.
"Hmmmm, let me think. Do you like fruit?" she asked and he nodded. "OK, I'll make you brandy poached pear with a rosemary syrup. You'll love it."
He watched her with the same interest as he did a few days ago while she mixed the potions. She had a loving way with her ingredients, the way she delicately cut the pear and poured the sugar into the saucepan for the syrup. It was a quick dessert and she served it with a dab of non- sweetened whipped cream on top. (The whole time, the house elves were eyeing her nervously, not sure if she was going to trash their kitchen and nervous because she hadn't asked them for help.)
She brought it over to a tray and covered it up, "We'll eat this someplace comfortable," and with a wink she smiled and added, "your place or mine?"
"Ummmm, I guess we could go to your chamber, I don't think you would find mine comfortable," he replied, a little uneasy.
As they left, the house elves quickly went about making sure she put everything away and were amazed that she had cleaned up after herself.
* * *
Once in her chamber she set up a little picnic on the floor in front of the fireplace, she invited him to sit with her and she served him the poached pear. He looked about the room and noticed that it was unrecognizable from the way its previous occupants had decorated it. It was draped in rich fabrics and had Moroccan feel about it. Her trinkets that littered the room showed that she truly had traveled the world. He felt a pang of regret hit him in his stomach and quickly pushed it away.
He had to admit the dessert did smell good, he took a bite and was overwhelmed by the mingling of flavors. It was sweet, but the brandy in the pear and the rosemary infused into the syrup gave it the savory taste that he enjoyed. He told her it was great.
"I'm glad. I love when someone enjoys something that I made. Not many are up to trying new things, at least not without a fight," she smiled and he noticed that she was teasing him.
"I'm sorry for being so hard. I have yet to encounter a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher that I feel teaches the class the way it should be so I tend to be critical. But you impressed me, your strength is incredible," he complimented.
"Thank you, most men run in fear of me. I am very physical and that is not always attractive to some men. Except when they think I'm some kind of perv in bed. Apparently, strength means kinky to some people," she admitted.
"I like tradition myself, though people tend to think that I am into kinky also. I guess I just have an air of mystery," he said teasingly.
They had sat there talking and enjoying each other's company for awhile, but soon realized that it was past midnight. Snape excused himself and she walked him to the door.
"I had fun tonight. Maybe we could do this again sometime?" she asked.
"Maybe, if you ever feel you need some company," he replied, looking at her lips.
She was about to give him another hug goodbye and then stopped and looked up at him, he leaned into her and after a moment's pause she touched his lips with her own.
At first it was a gentle kiss, lips touching lips. She noticed how soft his were. She stopped and pulled back to look into his eyes. He looked scared for what they were doing but put his hand behind her head and pulled her back to him and this time kissed her hard. She parted her lips and ran her tongue over the tip of his in a playful manner. He felt like his brain would explode as she pressed her body close to his. She could feel his body, his chest, his arms around her and she marveled at his unseen strength. He wanted to get lost in her, to spend the rest of his life just kissing and touching her, and she wanted him to hold her forever. She felt safe in his arms. At that moment, Fawkes trilled and broke the spell that they were under.
"Oh, I forgot." she exclaimed, "I was supposed to send him back to Dumbledore to let him know I was back safe from my walk, I hope he is not too worried."
She noticed he was still holding her tightly, "Severus, would you like to escort me to the Yule Ball?"
He pulled back a little, surprised and yet not really, by her question. "It would be my pleasure," he replied, kissing her hand. "I really must go but I will see you at breakfast tomorrow. Good night." He bowed slightly and left quickly. He didn't mean to seem rude but if he stayed he might've done something rash.
As he was walking back to the dungeons he thought to himself that he was wrong. Her tongue didn't taste like strawberries at all; it tasted like brandy and sweet rosemary.
