The author waves her wand, uttering the anti-litigation charm. *POOF * As the smoke clears, these words appear upon the chamber walls: JK Rowling owns the Harry Potter universe and all the characters from the original books. I come n peace, mean no harm, am making no money, but I am making friends. I promise to play nice, clean up my mess and practice safe hex at all times. Just don't sue me!!
The ferocious lynx stormed around the chamber toppling tables, slashing at the heavy brocade drapes and ripping viciously at the floral upholstery covering the chairs. When her anger had finally cooled, the room was littered with torn cloth and scattered piles of stuffing. Picking her way gingerly amongst the pieces of shattered porcelain and splintered wood, the panting cat regarded the destruction with a satisfied gleam in her green eyes. Before putting her rump on the floor, the tawny animal checked for sharp objects. She rested on her haunches just as a silvery-blue light emanated from the compact body. With a silent flare, like an exploding star, the cat vanished leaving Olivia kneeling on the floor.
The witch wiped tangles of brown hair from her face
and pulled at the robe that was twisted uncomfortably around her body.
The exertions of the evening had taken their toll on Olivia and she made
no attempt to stifle a massive yawn as she pushed herself to her feet.
A sharp pop startled her and she stumbled slightly as she whirled
about.
A skinny house elf clad in a gleaming Hogwarts tea
towel stood looking around at the destruction, eyes and mouth wide. The
inspection complete, the elf turned saucer like eyes on Olivia.
"I is being Penny, miss. I is wondering if you is
wanting we's to ah…" the elf gave the room another quick glance. "Pick
up a bit?" Penny regarded Olivia with polite curiosity; skinny hands folded
before her bony chest almost in an attitude of prayer.
Olivia sent the creature a smile of pure sunshine
causing Penny to tremble with ill concealed joy. "I am not the best housekeeper
even on a good day, Penny." Olivia stated sweetly. "So yes, tidy up a bit,
please." Turning, Olivia picked her way through the debris field to the
bedroom door.
"Yes, thank you, miss!" Penny called happily. "I is
being returning with a crew. We us being mouse quiet, we is." The elf promised.
" No, thank YOU, Penny." Olivia returned. "I am going
to bed now. Good night." Olivia wiggled her fingers in farewell as she
quietly closed the chamber door.
In the sitting room Penny vanished and instantly returned,
surrounded by a half dozen of her kin. In seconds the house elves had set
to work. And they were mouse quiet.
Olivia regarded the fading pink of Snape's handprint on her rounded bottom. He hit me! She snarled angrily to herself. He actually hit me! That snarky wizard may think he was being playful, but I will NOT be struck. But even as Olivia frowned over her shoulder at her injured buttocks, she felt the anger leeching out of her heart and mind. "Nooooooooooo!" She wailed.
"This in NOT fair! I want t stay angry, damn it!"
Even as the words left her lips Olivia found her attention wandering from
te fact her bum had been abused to the fact that same bum was very, very
white.
Frowning, Olivia dropped the hem of her robe and turning,
faced the mirror full on. The tie slid easily through her fingers and Olivia
allowed the robe to part. Her skin, while never Malibu-Barbie brown, did
take on a pleasing nutty tone during the summer months. Not that she would
ever tell Minerva, but Olivia quite frequently sunbathed nude, basking
in the heat like a cat. But with Halloween fast approaching, Olivia's tan
had been almost erased by a heavy workload that sucked up her time and
concealing robes that covered from shoulder to shoe top.
Olivia ran her hands over the swell of her breasts
and down her abdomen. "Good grief," She huffed. "I am almost transparent!"
Blue veins crisscrossed under the cream of Olivia's breasts and over her
chest. In the slender span of the her throat, the carotid artery could
be easily seen. "I wonder if I could transfigure the sofa into a tanning
bed?" She asked her frowning reflection.
"It will just give your wrinkles, dear." The mirror
observed in a tired voice. "As will late nights."
"True, I suppose." Olivia admitted to her reflection.
Reaching inside for the roots of her ire, Olivia was unsurprised and a
bit disappointed to find…
…nothing.
Nothing! After all that black hearted…! Nope, nothing.
Empty. No rage. No anger. She couldn't even detect the slightest indication
of being miffed. Her heart refused to harbor discontent with another.
Ok, Olivia told herself as she moved from the
bathroom towards what remained of her bed, I will forgive but I sure
as hell won't forget! I can hang on to that much of myself. He will
never pull THAT one on me again. Olivia gave a tired wave of her hand
and the bed quickly reassembled itself. She sprawled over the mattress,
pulling the covers to her chin. Severus' scent clung to the pillows and
sheets, warm and musky. She buried her nose in the fabric, inhaling deeply.
Goodness, but she loved that man. Dry, acerbic, arrogant; he was all these
things and more. Yet he could have his tender moments. Olivia snorted,
fisting the pillow tightly. Yes, tender with more than a dash of obnoxious
thrown in for flavor.
Sighing, Olivia doused the candles with a thought
and drifted into sleep, Severus' pillow pressed tightly to her chest.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Professor Snape took a lingering pull on his first
cup of the day, the strong aroma of fresh coffee seeping into his nostrils.
The rich blend was stout, brewed to perfection and hot as sin; just the
way he liked it. Taking a seat behind his desk, the wizard pulled the dragon
hide daybook to him and opened it to the appropriate date. Good, Snape
grunted in satisfaction. No bothersome staff meetings scheduled for the
day. Potions with first year Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaw, a short break before
lunch, a one hour planning period and then Advanced potions with seventh
year Gryffindor and Slytherin. Not a bad day. That is if someone didn't
manage to blow up something or cause the growth of an unnecessary appendage.
The Dueling Club was set to meet again this evening.
Ah, but Severus had begun to enjoy those Wednesday night gatherings. Even
knowing he would be up to his black locks in over zealous teenagers armed
with wands and not much in the way of intelligence could dampen the potions
instructor's weekly anticipation of spending time with Olivia McGonagall.
And if all went as he planned, tonight would be one for the books. Snape's
gaze rose to the delicate amethyst vial sitting near the blotter on his
desk. The week fingers of morning sun that managed to find their way through
the years of grime covering the upper level windows fell upon the etched
surface of the container. The purple crystal sparkled wickedly, mirroring
the spark in Snape's eye as he pondered the small vial's contents and the
likely outcome of its use.
Returning to his daybook, Snape noticed a small notation near the bottom of the page: Mtng: D. Malfoy aft. Dnr.
Damn, but he had almost forgotten the boy and his
request for a talk! Well, Snape admitted, it shouldn't take too long to
hear Draco out. After all, they did have the excuse of the Dueling Club
for wrapping up rather quickly. Relaxing back into the soft leather of
his chair, both hands cradling the steaming mug, Snape allowed his thoughts
to wander to the troublesome younger Malfoy and the possible reasons he
had for requesting a meeting with his Head of House. The young man was
doing fairly well in all subjects, so it would not be a discussion of grades.
There had been no further episodes of idiocy since Olivia had relieved
the young Slytherin of his wand not to mention his robes. Madam Pomfrey
had not descended upon the dungeons and their Master blowing up dust about
unwed Slytherin mothers-to-be, or any mothers-to-be for that matter.
The moody instructor had a terrible foreboding about
the meeting with Draco, especially after Olivia's revelation of last night.
That Lucius had entrusted his son with the chore of contacting Miss McGonagall
bothered Snape deeply for it meant that Draco was probably drawing nearer
to making a pledge of loyalty to Voldemort; taking the brand of the Death
Eaters as had his father.
As had Severus Snape.
Damn, what a bloody rotten role model HE had turned
out to be.
Perhaps tonight he would be able to pry into young
Mr. Maloy's thoughts, learn more of his intentions. Snape would not be
revealing his knowledge of the hair band however. Too soon to play that
card. Best to keep it tucked high up his black sleeve for the time being.
Rising Snape drained the last of his coffee and picking
up the vial, smiled evilly as he dropped it into a pocket. Moving to the
door of his chambers, the lanky wizard Accio'ed his wand and cloak
to him. Both items streaked into the room, the wand snapping into the master's
hand even as the heavy cloak settled itself upon his broad shoulders.
Stepping into the gloom of the dungeon, Snape locked
and warded his chamber door. In a swirl of black, the Potions Master set
off for the upper floors, his long legs eating up the distance.
Very few staff members were out at the early hour
and the swiftly moving instructor knew that the students wouldn't begin
the morning rush to the feeding troughs for at least another half an hour.
That would give him ample time to arrive at the site of ambush and set
his trap.
Pausing outside Olivia's chamber door, Snape laid
the slender fingers of his right hand upon the wood. He murmured a listening
spell and grinned slightly as he heard sounds of Olivia shifting about
her room. Perfect! She was still inside! The little witch had the appetite
of a manticore and never missed a meal if it could be helped. Well, Snape
thought to himself in wicked glee, she will have more on her cunning little
brain that eggs and sausages this morning.
Slinking down the corridor, the wily professor ran
his fingers lightly along the stone wall, feeling for the spot where he
would, ah! Locating the concealed niche he spoke the words that allowed
him to step within the camouflaging glamore. From where he now hid, Snape
could see all that passed in the corridor while he, himself, would remain
unnoticed. His view of the outside was slightly obscured by the spell so
that it appeared to the wizard he observed through a stone patterned veil.
Several moments passed before Snape was able to hear the castle stirring around him. Doors opening and closing; students calling to one another in ways that would have cost then dearly in points had the Potions Master not been other wise occupied.
The slam of a door and rapidly moving feet caused
Snape to press himself to the wall so that he could peer down the sun filled
corridor. It was only Flitwick. The charms professor bustled by quickly,
unaware of his hidden observer.
The minutes ticked by and Snape waited with the patience
of a trapdoor spider, sure of the genius of his plan.
Olivia exited her chamber, locking and double warding
the door. Taking up the pen that dangled from the miniature dry erase board
fastened to her door, Olivia wrote, Off to breakfast! Capping the
pen, she gripped her briefcase by the handle and set off for the Great
Hall.
Her thoughts were on the enigmatic Potions Master.
Severus' flight from her chambers the evening before still brought a bubble
of laughter to her throat. His well-proportioned bum disappearing into
the fireplace was a sight she would not soon forget. Oh but he was a slippery,
sly piece of work, Olivia acknowledged. She hated how he kept things from
her; as if he equated ignorance with safety. Olivia was honest enough to
admit to herself that she had tried the very same ploy; withholding information
from Severus in the hopes of keeping him secure here at Hogwarts. With
her heels clicking pleasantly along the stone flags, Olivia vowed that
in the future she would be nothing but honest with her black haired lover.
A hand of iron clamped firmly over Olivia's nose and
mouth while a strong arm manacled itself about her waist, lifting her from
the floor. Olivia felt herself being snatched backward and instinctively
sank her teeth into the flesh before her face. She was rewarded with a
hiss from her assailant, causing her to apply more pressure.
"Bloody hell, Olivia! What are you about, biting me
this way? Damn it woman, you've drawn blood!" Severus' voice rushed over
Olivia's shoulder and she relaxed her jaws. Snatching his hand from her
mouth, Severus examined the damage while holding the stunned witch pressed
tightly to him with the other arm.
Olivia relaxed against Snape's chest, gasping, "You
scared me, you dolt! I am going to develop some very serious nervous twitches
because of you. Here, let me see!" Olivia grabbed Snape by his black clad
wrist, pulling the hand down into the watery sunlight filtering through
the shielding glamore. "You big baby, it is no more than a scratch." She
informed the wizard and smiled at his irritated grunt of disbelief. "What
do you mean grabbing me like that? I almost wet myself."
"Madam, your inability to control your bladder is
a matter best taken up with Poppy. I, well I have more pressing concerns."
"As do I." Olivia retorted, trying to pry his arm
from about her waist. "I am starving. I want my breakfast. Your hand did
nothing but whet my appetite." Only to gasp in surprised pain when Severus
tightened his grip. The hand she had bitten moved between her breasts and
slithered over her throat, his palm coming to rest against her jaw, the
calloused pad of his thumb lightly stroking her lips. She resisted the
trembling that moved through her as the wizard clasping her snarled softly.
"It is of appetites I wish to speak. Namely mine!"
Snape's breath moved sweet and hot over Olivia's ear and down the bare
flesh of her throat. From where he stood, the wizard could see the delicate
thread of her pulse racing under the pale skin. "You dared threaten me
last night, Olivia." When she would have drawn a breath to speak, he clutched
her tighter, warning her without words to remain silent. "You see Olivia,"
he purred dangerously. "You have whetted MY appetite. I hunger for something
that was long held from me until I was allowed to feed on your charms.
Now, now that I have beheld the bounty of your flesh, you would deny me
the feast." Snape paused to run the tip of his tongue along the ridge of
Olivia's shoulder, nipping lightly at the flesh below her ear. "I simply
can't have that, Olivia. I will not so easily be returned to my monkish
ways."
"Severus," Olivia whispered, licking dry lips. "Severus,
we both spoke without thought; acted in haste…"
He cut her off with a devilish chuckling and Olivia's
heart began to race in earnest. "It seems you often speak and act in haste,
my dove. That must cease. I am going to teach you a lesson in restraint;
in cool, calculated execution of thought. Do not move!"
The hand at her face disappeared then quickly returned
before her startled eyes; a slender amethyst vial rotated between Snape's
index finger and thumb. The crystal sparkled seductively and Olivia raised
on hand, desiring to touch the lovely, glittering surface.
"Ah-ah!" Snape drawled, snatching the vial from her
reach. "Once more you demonstrate your inability to keep rein on your impulses."
The wizard sighed dramatically and Olivia could not hold back her tiny
smile in response to his theatrics.
"You think me in jest, Olivia?" He snapped and Olivia
shook her head in denial, wondering where Snape was going in his play,
for surely that is what this was, wasn't it?"
"Your own sweet lips proscribed the curriculum for
your instruction. With your own words, you delivered yourself into my hands
for your enlightenment and my," he paused, savoring the moment. The last
word fell from his lips in a whispered kiss. "Revenge."
Olivia stiffened and Snape braced himself should she
attempt to fight.
"Revenge Severus? What is this talk of revenge? You claim feelings for me. How can you then justify this behavior? I bear the mark of your hand from last night. You have heard no talk of vengeance seeking from me."
Olivia could hear the hurt in her voice and swallowed hard against the lump that was growing in her throat.
Snape's face tightened slightly at the thought of damage to this woman, but images of this day's delights pushed any regret from his mind.
"No one," Snape breathed over her skin. "No one wrongs me and goes unpunished." The amethyst vial had returned to dangle in her sight. "An eye for an eye." Olivia trembled as sharp teeth tugged along the lobe of one ear. "A tooth for a tooth." Snape brought the hand that had been pressing Olivia to him up and deftly removed the jewel-like stopper. The crystal top possessed a long tapered applicator that fit neatly into the container. As Snape held the slender, dagger like object for Olivia's inspection, she could see a perfect diamond tear suspended from its tip. "A potion for a potion." Came an evil hiss as Snape;s hand moved closer and Olivia watched, fascinated as the liquid shivered precariously with his movement. Gently, Snape placed the tip of the applicator between the shallow valley created by Olivia's breasts. He felt her shiver as the cool wetness trickled down her warm flesh. Without another word, the Potions Master replaced the top and deftly tucked the vial into his pocket.
For some reason, Olivia's breathing had altered and
she found herself panting slightly. Her skin tingled where the fluid had
vanished beneath the neckline of her gown. Once more licking her lips,
Olivai leaned into Severus' embrace, allowing him to wrap strong arms about
her waist and place gentle kisses on her neck.
"Severus, what was that stuff? Perfume?" Olivia whispered.
"Ah my dear, harken back to your first night a Hogwarts.
Recall how the Headmaster tossed us together and our captivating dinner
conversation?" Snape paused, delighting in the first responses he was receiving
from her tensing frame. He continued on in whisper. "You quizzed me on
my potion creating skills." Ah,that got her attention! The wizard observed
as the witch pressed against his chest began to wrestle with his arms in
an effort to be free.
And now, for the final touch the professor snarked
in his head. "I told you of a potion..." Snape began, his voice cruel and
sexy at the same time.
Olivia did not allow him to finish. She was out of
his arms and whirling to face him, crying, "No! No, you wouldn't!" Green
eyes blazing, she waited for his reply.
One jet brow slanted upward while Severus' lip quirked
in a cold smile. "I just did."
He never saw it coming. One second Olivia stood gaping before him and the next she was gone, leaving him with a ringing cheek and certain reservations about his parents wedded state. Chuckling, Snape rubbed at the burning ache along his jaw. He had just learned one more thing about his delightful little witch.
She could hit with the force of a berserk Bludger.
Professor Snape froze, replaying those last words in his head. When did he begin thinking of Olivia as being his witch? The idea caught him totally unaware and his chest tightened uncomfortably
**********************************************************************
Miss McGonagall took a seat to the Headmaster's left,
having decided to put distance and authority between herself and the Potions
Master. She had fumed silently the whole way to the Great Hall; indignation
stinging through her, giving a rosy glow to her skin in addition to a certain
amount of sparkle to her green eyes. She greeted each of her colleagues
with a smile, bending to place a kiss on the cheeks of Minerva and Professor
Dumbledore. If the older couple wondered at Olivia's change in seating,
they kept their questions to themselves. Her heightened color and stiff
posture told them there was something amiss and the glare Olivia directed
towards Professor Snape when he finally made his entrance told them who
was both the source and the target for the young witch's ire.
How dare he! How dare he, Olivia railed to herself.
She had considered informing her uncle of Snape's trickery; he would demand
Severus prepare an antidote. But no, it was too humiliating by half. Nor
would she go to Minerva. Olivia's adopted mother still had unsettled issues
with the wicked dungeon dweller. If the London police hadn't beaten her
to it, Minerva would have attempted to kill Severus herself. Olivia knew
the treatment she had received in the Forbidden Forest at Snape's own hand
was still fresh in Minerva's mind.
Olivia had her face in her plate but knew instantly
when Severus entered the hall. Her skin was alive to his presence. His
heat seemed to waft over her like a flame. The air moving in the chamber
carried scent to her over the aroma of food and other bodies. Olivia feared
if she were to listen closely, she would have made out the beating of his
heart over the sounds of clattering utensils and murmuring voices.
What she did hear was a low chuckling that caused
her eyes to dart to the black clad pervert at the end of the table. Snape
leaned far back into his seat, his hands wrapped around a steaming cup.
His eyes glittering like black diamonds, Snape gave Olivia an amoral grin
before taking a sip from his cup. Olivia felt the breath catch in her throat
and the path the potion had marked between her breasts seemed to burn with
cold fire. Snape saluted Olivia with his mug.
She jerked her eyes back to her plate. Olivia could
swear she was able to hear every single blood cell in her body raise its
voice in song. It was almost impossible to sit still; she was so AWARE
of his presence.
How am I going to get through this day? Olivia wondered
as she viciously stabbed a length of sausage before raising her eyes to
Severus and wrinkling her face in a wicked smirk. She detected his slight
wince as her teeth sank into the meat with more force than necessary.
A shout of laughter drew Olivia's attention to the
student tables. One of Draco Malfoy's pet gargoyles, Crabbe or Goyle, she
could never keep them separate in her head, had spilled his breakfast over
himself and two other Slytherins besides. The rest of the table roared
at the sight and Olivia observed Draco's silver blond head thrown back,
his face alive with humor. This picture, his resemblance to a living, laughing
human boy, so caught her off guard that Olivia sat stunned, her mouth hanging.
For a shard of time, a tiny splinter of a moment, Draco caught her stare
and froze. Heat rapidly filled the young man's cheeks and he turned away,
releasing Olivia from the spell of his silver-blue eyes.
Olivia came back to herself with a jerk. Oh my gods!
Oh my gods! Now I am lusting after students! I am going to KILL Severus
Snape I have to cancel classes. I will lock myself in my chambers and take
several good scrubs.
I don't know how long this stuff lasts!
Severus said that one could become mad with desire.
Can I control this?
What if I can't?
What if I jump one of the students? Olivia moaned.
What if I jump...
"Sirius!"
The attention of the faculty was snatched to the Gryffindor
table where a tall black haired youth was struggling to free himself from
the bench. His student robes streaming behind him, Harry Potter ran up
the center aisle and launched himself into the arms of a lanky, black haired
wizard in faded jeans. Behind them stood a grinning Remus Lupin.
Olivia observed the reunion with interest; her curiosity
about the renegade wizard being now two-fold. Not only had she been the
one instrumental in gaining Sirius Black his absolution in the wizarding
world, but Severus' reaction to the laughing man's sudden appearance had
set her inquisitive mind in motion.
Snape's knuckles blanched blue-white as he gripped
the wooden rests of his chair. His face was completely devoid of expression
but the black eyes that had earlier flashed so wickedly now burned with
an icy hate.
Olivia's view of the Potions Master was suddenly blocked
as the Headmaster rose, and speaking over the din, bid the trio come forward.
Sirius looped an elbow around Harry's neck, pulling the teen close to his
side. The group paused briefly at the Gryffindor table to exchange greetings
with several students there. Remus lingered a bit in his conversation with
Miss Granger, while Sirius and Harry continued on to the Head table.
The majority of the staff greeted Sirius Black with
enthusiasm. Olivia watched as the tall man had his neck hugged, his shoulders
slapped and his hand nearly wrung from his body. Even Maxwell Dillard moved
in to exchange a few words, leaning forward to run a sultry hand over Black's
bare forearm.
Sirius' lean face was handsome if a bit careworn;
black hair hanging to his shoulders was just beginning to show traces of
gray. Olivia observed as Black leaned close to Dumbledore, speaking into
the old wizard's ear. The Headmaster turned to where Olivia sat and gestured.
Black pivoted, a huge grin spread across his face, granting him a boyish
charm. Extracting himself from Harry, he moved towards Olivia.
As the wizard drew nearer, Olivia rose from her chair,
her hand extended in greeting. Instead of shaking the offered appendage,
Sirius used the slender hand to pull Olivia to him until she leaned precariously
over the many dishes and goblets lining the table. Before she could protest,
the shocked witch found her lips claimed in a kiss that managed to wipe
away her willingness to breathe.
Done! Behold the Hound!
Brigit's unmistakable voice rang triumphantly in Olivia's
mind.
"My Lady?"
Calm thyself, child. All is well. This event and thine audience is needful to thine own task.
So mesmerized were the students and staff by the sight of the two adults fused at the lips that no one noticed the Headmaster's stunned face or his quick blue eyes darting about the air as if seeking something.
Or someone.
Time seemed to stretch. The hoots and shouts of encouragement
from the student body roared in Olivia's ears like falling water.
From where he had come to stand beside Harry, Remus
noticed the impending storm from the Potions Master's end of the table.
Snape slowly came to his feet as Black closed in on Miss McGonagall. By
the time the jean clad animagus had hauled the surprised witch over the
table, Remus had crossed the distance between himself and the pair and
hissed a warning in Black's ear.
Severus moved with dangerous grace along the length
of the teacher's table arriving in time to place a steadying hand against
Olivia's back as she was hastily released by the animagus
Olivia felt scorching heat flood her cheeks, the fire
rising into her eyes as she took in the impish grin in Sirius Black's face.
"Miss McGonagall," he began then hung his head sheepishly,
reading the shocked ire in her countenance. "Sorry about that. Just my
way and all." Black sneaked a glance up at Olivia through sooty, sinfully
long lashed. "I am just grateful, you see? I could never, in a thousand
years, find words to express my gratitude." Sirius drew a breath to continue
but was cut off.
"Then may I suggest a visit to the library? You are
aware of its existence here at Hogwarts, are you not? Large room, filled
with books? Begin now and you should have a few workable sentences prepared
by the next millennia." Snape's voice was hard and sharp, the words leaving
his mouth like arrows. The hand he still rested on Olivia's lower back
was hidden by the fall of her robes.
Olivia now bridled at Snape's possessive touch as
she watched Sirius Black's eyes loose their boyish sparkle and begin to
glow with a fiery hate that was directed towards the wizard behind her.
"Snape." Sirius spit the name out quickly, as if the
taste of it offended him.
"Black." Severus responded with equal spirit.
The two wizards continued to glare at one another, their faces brittle and hard, until Olivia sighed in vexation. "Are you two going to get a room or what?"
Her pert question served to break the contact between the two men as they both turned disgusted looks in her direction. Remus chuckled and draped an arm over Sirius' shoulder.
"Come on, Snuffles. Let's join Harry and the others back at the Gryffindor table. We have a great deal to catch you up on."
He made to pull Black away, but the dark haired wizard would not be moved. Instead he addressed Olivia.
"Miss McGonagall, I would like a chance to speak with you in private, that is if you are willing. Remus has given me some information on what you did to clear my name, but I want to hear the story from your own lips." He flashed a rakish smile and despite herself, Olivia felt her heart flop over in her chest.
Snape and his damn potion! She snarled to herself, much aware of the heat from his hand as it pressed into her back.
"Miss McGonagall is a Hogwarts teacher, Black, and has little free time to chat with visitors. If you wish a more lurid account of the inquest than Lupin can provide, I suggest you procure a copy of the Daily Prophet." Snape stifled a grunt when Olivia poked him roughly with a sharp elbow.
Smiling brightly Olivia chose to ignore the increasing pressure being placed on her lower spine. "Mr. Black, may I call you Sirius? I would be delighted to meet with you anytime after classes." The evil side of her nature persuading her to add, "Perhaps we can share a drink tonight after the Dueling Club meeting."
Snape's brows came down while Remus' climbed into his bangs. Sirius nodded eagerly. "That would be super. I am staying at the Three Broomsticks. We can dine there. How does that sound?"
Before Olivia could respond, Snape spoke over her shoulder, his voice dangerously low.
"Rummaging about in the dust bins behind the Three Broomsticks is not Miss McGonagall's idea of dining out, Black."
Olivia wheeled on the Potions teacher. "Professor Snape, you go too far." She exclaimed.
Snape's eyes oozed from Black to the angry woman standing near him; so close he could feel the heat rising from her body. "Are you sure you are in any condition to be leaving the castle, Miss McGonagall?" He inquired, his voice slick, the fingers of his hand flexing and stroking the fabric of Olivia's robe. "You look unwell. Your eyes are glassy, your cheeks appear flushed with fever."
"No thanks to you!" Whispered Olivia fiercely, before spinning back to the two wizards who had been regarding she and Snape quizzically.
Flashing a bright smile, Olivia spoke cheerily. "I have just had a wonderful idea! Why don't you two join us with the Dueling Club? I know Uncle Albus will be thrilled. Afterwards we can retire to my chambers and have a nice long chat." Tilting her head to one side, eyes sparkling, Olivia waited for their reply.
"Sounds great!" Sirius announced, noting with satisfaction the tightening around Snape's eyes.
Remus was not so enthusiastic. "Olivia, I am not sure that..."
Nonsense!" Olivia interrupted, waving one hand in dismissal. "It will be fun. I'll go and tell the Headmaster now and then I really must be off to class. See you later." Grabbing her briefcase, Olivia glared hard at Snape until he shifted slightly, allowing her to pass.
The three wizards watched as the slender woman paused to chat briefly with Dumbledore. Seeing the ancient wizard smile broadly and nod, Severus stifled a groan. The Potions Master's day didn't look as promising as before.
As Olivia exited the hall, Sirius spoke. "That's some attorney you've got there, Snape. You have her on retainer?"
Professor glared at the grinning Black before fixing his attention on the tense werewolf at Black's side. "You would be wise to chain your pet." He hissed before swirling away in a flare of black robes.
"Sirius, I know you won't listen, but I am going to say this anyway." Remus began. "Ask Olivia your questions. Receive the answers she gives you and then," Here Lupin paused, running the fingers of one hand through his long, graying hair. "Stay away from her. There is more going on here than you realize."
Black frowned. "Like what?" He demanded.
Huffing impatiently, Remus answered. "Look, I will have to clear it with Olivia first and if she says it is ok, then I will explain everything. Until then, I am asking, as your friend, that you keep your paws and your nose off of Olivia."
So, old Bat-boy's got the hots for the legal babe, huh?" Sirius asked with a leer. Moving past Remus, Sirius made his way back down the table to speak once more with the Headmaster and Professor McGonagall.
"You could say that, yes." Lupin whispered to himself as he followed his friend.
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If Professor Snape had been stalled in the oral phase of his emotional development, he would have chewed his fingers bloody before lunchtime. As it was, he stood scowling down his nose at a room full of cowering students; the slender digits that had just a short time ago lain on Olivia's skin, now drumming a silent tattoo on his crossed arms.
Hastily, Snape assigned an essay on the properties and applications of dried pollywog spore, thus freeing himself to brood over the kink in his well-laid plan. What had started out as a deliciously wicked prank on his witch (There was that pesky thought again!) had taken a nasty turn with the appearance of Remus Lupin and his grinning Gryffindor cur.
The manner in which Black had entered the hall had instantly set Snape's teeth on edge. The way he strutted about, beaming like some bloody conquering hero! The desire to throttle Black then and there had been strong. Snape could almost feel Black's windpipe being crushed beneath his pressing thumbs as the memory of the slobbering mongrel's lips pressed to Olivia's appeared before Snape's eyes. Shuddering, the wizard made a mental note to insist that Olivia make judicious use of a strong mouthwash. A simple cleansing charm would never do in this circumstance.
Miss McGonagall did not appear for lunch and though mildly concerned by her absence, Professor Snape took comfort in that Sirius Black and Remus Lupin were dining at the Gryffindor table.
Following the mid-day meal, Snape wasted no time in striking out for the staff room. Being the first to arrive, the wizard placed his spare frame in a high backed chair near the merrily snapping hearth. From this vantage point Snape could see before being seen. Olivia's stinging reaction to his little bit of sport was fresh on his mind, not to mention his jaw. It would not do to be caught unawares with no avenue for escape. After forty-five minutes of starting at the sales section of The Daily Prophet, Snape admitted to himself that Olivia was likely avoiding him. Making his solitary way back to the dungeons for afternoon classes. Professor Snape's temper kept apace with his rising anxiety.
For Olivia the day was filled a continued awakening of her body and to her horrified delight, an equally increased awareness of the male population of Hogwarts. Her green eyes roamed eagerly over the young men filling the halls and chambers, enchanted by the seemingly endless variety.
Tall, short. Slender, burly. Who would have thought there could be so many choices? The different hair colors and styles alone were staggering. Blond, brunette, redheaded, black. Long hair, short, curly, straight. The combinations were endless and Olivia felt like a child in a toyshop.
Having finally decided that she was adult enough to control her urges, at least where the students were concerned, Olivia set to her lessons with zeal. All the while her eyes rejoiced in the masculine bounty all about her.
It was while she was explaining a particular sticky legal concept to a table full of Ravenclaw seventh years that Olivia was struck by another profound realization.
Leaning over open texts and scattered parchment, she gently tapped the knuckles of one daydreaming youth, bringing his attention to her face. As the young man sputtered and blushed painfully, Olivia realized just where his eyes had been lingering before her touch had pried his focus from the small bit of cleavage revealed by her modest neckline. Now the boy was drowning in embarrassment because he had been caught in the act of ogling a teacher.
A small, low moan from another young wizard snagged Olivia's attention and noticing how the young men were shifting uncomfortably in their seats, Olivia averted her eyes and moved away.
It was the same in all her other upper classes as well.Olivia swam I a pool of testosterone. Young male wizards hung on her every word, eyes darting guiltily back to their books if she caught them staring.
Was this sudden appeal a result of Snape's vile potion or had these budding wizards always cast admiring looks Olivia's way without her notice?Olivia wondered at this.While she didn't think of herself as ugly or even plain, Olivia knew she wasn't the one men would have flocked to in a crowded room.She really didn't wish to be, mind you.Far too high maintenance, in her opinion.However to suddenly realize that males actually noticed her and, gods above, admired her…well, it was fairly heady stuff!She promised herself she would bring the up this unexpected side effect with Professor Snape.She was almost positive he would find the information useful.
Thinking of the sly Head of House brought about an increase in Olivia's breathing and a rush of heat flooded her body.Feeling slightly lightheaded with the sensation, Olivia forced her mind back to her teaching.
She opted on a light snack taken in an empty classroom instead of lunch in the Great Hall.Olivia was unsure of what her reaction to Severus would be.The tight knot of desire pulling at her lower belly warred with her pique that he would pull such a despicable stunt.
Returning to her chambers after the final class, Olivia spied Remus and Sirius Black strolling along the corridor some distance ahead of her.The two wizards paused at her cheerful hail and then the trio carried on together.Having a common friend in Remus, it was easy for Olivia and Sirius to fall into relaxed comradery. The half flirting glances Black sent Olivia's way caused Remus to roll his eyes and groan aloud; thought Olivia could have easily put the werewolf's mind at easy on that particular bit of business.Sirius Black was devilishly handsome and charming, but he was certainly no Severus Snape.
Outside of Olivia's chambers they met Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall.The serious expressions on the older pair's faces stilled the laughter of the approaching group.
"Ah, Olivia."Dumbledor spoke.There is something we need to discuss.It is just as well you are here Sirius for I believe this involves you as well."
TBC
Much thanks to my friend lablance for her help in beta-ing this chapter. She is great.
No, really. She is.