I intended to thank all of my reviewers by name, but forgot the paper I wrote your notes and names on. I have brought stupid up a notch or two, haven't I.
Still craving all the reviews I can get. Chapter 32-
Hermione slipped an arm about Lupin's firm waist, offering the contents of the plate to her date. Pulling the werewolf's face to hers, she set a gentle kiss on his lips before whispering, "Take me to Sirius, now. It is important." Remus slid his hand into Hermione's and the pair strolled casually, yet quickly into the shadows.
Sirius was easily located and persuaded from the twining arms of an eager blond Ravenclaw. Hermione urgently repeated Professor Snape's message and with a muttered curse at his own stupidity, Black headed for the gardens, praying he would arrive to find Olivia unharmed. Remus and Hermione slowly followed at a distance, both fingering their concealed wands.
Upon reaching the scented hush of the gardens, Lucius Malfoy had released Olivia from the intimidating grip of his large hands. Now the pair walked in near companionable silence. Olivia had moved somewhat ahead of Malfoy, her hands clasped comfortably behind her back, starlight painting her skin in sliver cream.
Lucius studied the witch walking so near to his hand and ground his teeth in mute vexation. His inability to simply stupefy the chit and apperate them both to his schloss hidden deep in the forests of Germany frustrated the proud wizard greatly. He who was so powerful, was at the moment, powerless. Lucius knew he was testing the vagaries of the Fates by removing Miss McGonagall from the Great Hall and he was a bit perplexed that neither Dumbledore nor Minerva McGonagall had appeared to place their considerable powers between him and his intended prey. Certainly both had been alerted to their absence from the Great Hall by now.
Miss McGonagall hesitated near the rose bushes, some of which yet carried late blooms. Bending gracefully, Olivia inhaled the spicy fragrance of a particularly lovely specimen, cognizant of Malfoy's shrewd gaze. Standing aright, she faced the cold wizard.
"Enchanting as all this is, I doubt you brought me here to admire starlight on the roses."
"Hardly," Lucius drawled. "Call it inquisitiveness upon my part. I would study the woman who is to give birth to my lord." Pinching Olivia's chin between finger and thumb, Lucius tilted Olivia's face upwards, turning it first to the left then to the right. Curling his patrician upper lip in distaste, Malfoy released her. "You are fair." He admitted. "But barely. You should be sufficient to your purpose."
"Ouch Lucius!" Olivia whined mockingly. "Now I'm really hurt."
Appalled by Olivia's flippant tone, Malfoy glowered before mellowing his expression into softer lines. " I stand corrected, milady. Clearly, yours is a beauty of the mind. It is little wonder my son bent so easily to your will." With one step he filled the space between their bodies and his scalding breath wafted across Olivia's cheek. "Pity that one possessing such charm and wit must be sacrificed on so a painful altar. There must be sweet comfort knowing that through your death, greatness will prevail!"
Olivia refused to be intimidated by Malfoy's nearness. Keeping her neck straight, she stared undaunted in that beautiful, cruel face. "Mr. Malfoy, this is all very charming but I would like to believe that we have greater topics to occupy our time together outside of trading dark, snarky comments." Olivia again caught the glimmer of startled anger flash over the chiselled features, but with her usual brisk, business like manner, she carried on. "Now, if you would please just cut to the chase?" Olivia cocked on brow in what she realized was an infuriating gesture and waited for Mr. Malfoy to self combust.
Lucius Malfoy realized that he appeared green and bucolic in the face of this young witch's world experience. She was no delicately bred, first circle witch schooled in the well suited appreciation of her betters. Nor was Miss McGonagall a member of the lower-class work-a-day wizarding world. Affiliates of that particular club tended to recognize those of natural superiority and cowered accordingly. Her refusal to acknowledge his greater stand, or to display the appropriate fear roused Lucius' fury. Masking the compulsion to wring her slender white neck, Malfoy chuckled wickedly and fingered the velvet trimmed braids dangling past Olivia's waist.
"How Muggle of you to be so hasty. That is one more reason to hate them so. Always rushing about, darting from one employment to the next." He smirked, his tone filled with venom. "As if their pitiful lives have any true value."
Malfoy twined the plaits of umber silk about Olivia's throat, sliding the rich softness over the sensitive flesh of his palms. "Truly Miss McGonagall, I was initially willing to be satisfied with gloating over the dimness of your future. However, having experienced the provocative and canny edges of your nature, I cannot help but ponder the question, 'Is there not a better use for our Miss McGonagall?'"
Olivia held to her silence and her serenity. She was interested, yet not anxious, in respect to Malfoy's words. She instinctively wanted to push him away, far away from her body, but Olivia realized that while dangerous, Lucius Malfoy could also be a well of information.
If she lowered her pail gingerly, that is.
From where he stood hidden in the friendly shadow of an oak tree, Severus Snape observed the conversing pair attentively. Having followed a shorter route by portals known only to a few, Snape had arrived well before Black, who now crouched rigidly alert at the Potions Master's feet. Like Olivia, Severus had determined that until Lucius made a threatening move or Olivia some show of alarm, he and Black would remain concealed.
Potion Master and hound watched in silence as Malfoy and Olivia strolled in sham commradery along the gravelled path. Distance prevented the unusual pair from hearing the other couple's conversation. Snape hesitated in casting a sound enhancing spell, knowing that Lucius, a powerful dark wizard, would detect its presence instantly.
So the wizard and the hound waited, both ready to move the instant Malfoy played the wrong card.
Keeping her expression open and unafraid Olivia inquired, "Have you received an answer to the question you pose, Mr. Malfoy?"
Instead of answering her query, Lucius spoke a question of his own. "What do you remember of your time below London?"
"Everything." Olivia responded evenly.
"Ah, that is good." Lucius rewarded her with a mirthless smile. "I won't have to bore myself then by going over old ground. My Lord made mention of some prophesies, the prophesies of Surinam to be correct." Malfoy paused in his speech to turn and seat himself on a marble bench tucked neatly among the roses. "Are you familiar with the prophecies?"
"Yes." Malfoy waited for Olivia to elaborate and when she did not, he frowned.
"Yes? Yes, you are familiar with the writings? Yes, you have heard them mentioned in light conversation some time past? How much do you know, woman?" His urbane drawl was becoming strained. "Or should I say instead, how LITTLE?"
He lacks Severus' control, Olivia thought to herself before replying. "For the sake of this conversation, Mr. Malfoy, let's just leave it with 'yes'."
Anger flared in the arctic blue of his eyes then died back to pale embers. "Then you are aware of the fate that awaits you when you are brought before Lord Voldemort and are made to conceive his reborn flesh." The witch continued to stand in silent calm, not even the tips of her fingers twitched. Much like her posture in the alter cavern, Lucius mused.
"He will burst from your womb and become wholly adult before you fading vision. Your last sight on this side of the veil will be of a Lord Voldemort made new by your flesh. In his veins, your holy blood will flow." Still there was no reaction from his silent audience. He continued.
"Because of that blood, Voldemort will be unequalled in power. He will return to his devoted followers, not only possessing his own considerable intellect and magical strength, but that of your lady as well." Total fanaticism gleamed from Lucius' visage, then he continued. "He shall cover her as the Moon covers the Sun and she shall bring forth an abomination. Dark will be reborn and Light will be imprisoned in his form."
Olivia regarded the seated wizard, concealing her horror at hearing once again the dire rede. The morning Maxwell delivered the book of prophesies to her rooms, Olivia had been reduced to a sobbing wreck.
Swallowing the bile that threatened to choke her, Olivia addressed the unctuous wizard." Ok, I guess that just about covers the gloating part."
Lucius laughed, the sound carrying to the ears of the hidden spies. With a flick, Snape's wand slid from its concealed holster in his sleeve. Sirius had risen, his black body quivering in coiled tension.
"Steady." Snape whispered.
Lucius rose from the bench and began a slow stalking circle, Olivia following him with eyes now wary, the muscles in her legs bunching in preparation for flight." A child she will bear, but whose? "His sibilant words ghosting on the air raised the hairs on Olivia's nape. "Have you chosen your champion, milady?"
Olivia spoke coldly over her shoulder. "Are you offering your services as stud?"
"If I were?" Malfoy inquired, watching the rise and fall of Miss McGonagall's pale breasts, relishing the sensation her anxiety provided him.
Not even if you were the last male of ANY species on the planet and hung like a beater club! Olivia screamed in her mind. Aloud, she asked, "What's in it for you, Mr. Malfoy? "She turned to face him, her arms crossed over her chest.
Lucius elevated a brow of quicksilver. "Should Lord Voldemort fall, who better to take his place than a wizard of noble blood and divine birth?"
Feigning interest Olivia inquired, "Wouldn't Mrs. Malfoy have a problem with another witch poking around in her kitchen?"
Malfoy tossed his silver mane back, his laugh genuine if evil. "But my dear," he gasped. "You will be dead!"
Olivia threw her arms wide in a gesture of frustration. "What is it with you evil over-lord types? Why can't you ever be satisfied unless you have caused not only pain and suffering, but death as well?"
"Your demise would not be of my making." Lucius began then paused in eager delight. "You don't know, do you?" Then he chuckled as Olivia's brow furrowed in growing vexation. "Oh, not so clever after all? You are going to DIE you simple girl! Either way you choose, death will be your reward." Blood roared in her ears but the sound did not drown out the wizard's hateful words, nor did the tears beginning to pool in her green eyes blind her to his hideously beautiful visage. The air around Olivia became heavy, refusing to glide easily into her starving lungs.
Malfoy's face twisted in cruel glee as he watched Olivia's struggle. Ruthlessly, he gave the verbal sword a vicious twist. "Could it be your lady does not deem you worthy of this information? Oh well, you are only a vessel; a tool that once broken is no longer of any use."
Olivia shrugged her shoulders back, pulling her frame proudly erect. Damn if she would let this monster see her shock and pain. "Mr. Malfoy, this conversation has become tedious. I bid you good evening. "Thus saying, Olivia turned to make her way back to the crowded asylum of the Hall. She had taken but two steps when her head was jerked painfully backwards, her throat constricting with the bindings of her own hair.
"Hardly, milady." Lucius crowed. Meanly wrapping satin ropes round about one wrist, he reeled Olivia nearer. Shoving his face closer to the gaping witch Lucius teased. "The apperation barrier is nigh. I could take you to your husband this very night. You would have the chance to get to know one another." Savouring the fear growing in her eyes and the fingers tearing at the bands of hair encircling her throat, Lucius failed to notice the sound of booted feet on gravel and was startled from his play by rough hands slinging him from Miss McGonagall and an iron fist blasting itself into his noble chin, splitting the tissue to the bone.
The rose bush where Lucius landed greeted him as a lover, wrapping thorny canes around his angrily thrashing form. When the growling wizard finally extracted his body from her leafy embrace, he found himself staring down 141/4 inches of rowan wood (very whippy!) balanced in the steady grip of a fuming Sirius Black.
"Accio wand!" The dark haired wizard shouted and Lucius Malfoy's ebony wand flew from his sleeve into Sirius' waiting hand.
"What the hell are you playing at, Malfoy?" Sirius spat. Before Lucius could reply a voice, like anointed stone, spoke out from the darkness.
"Put that wand away, you idiot!" The Potions Master thundered as he strode angrily onto the scene. He crossed the path to where Lucius struggled to his feet, fighting the rose that continued to latch itself to his cloak. With a murmured spell, Snape sent the tendrils back to their places. "Are you damaged?" He courteously inquired of Malfoy, handing the fuming wizard a large square of brilliant white.
Dabbing at his chin, Lucius remained icy quiet. His eyes of arctic blue fired hatred towards Sirius Black as the other man comforted the bitch that orchestrated his plight. Pulling himself together Lucius growled, "That bastard struck me!" He pointed a regal finger in Sirius' direction. "And over a witch, at that!" Malfoy's tone was accusing.
Sirius aided Olivia as she freed the binding of hair from about her neck and then placing an arm firmly about her shoulders, he attempted to direct her feet back to the Great Hall. Olivia was of another mind and found her eyes trapped by pools of starless velvet. Contempt filled the face of Professor Snape, the regard her cast upon her rekindling the mortifying sensations of just a few nights past.
"Is it not enough that you have Black sniffing about your skirts night and day, Miss McGonagall?" Snape probed with an arctic tone. "Does he leave you so unfulfilled that you must force yourself upon a peer of our world?"
Olivia's features stiffened before she abruptly turned and walked away.
Pointing an accusing finger at Malfoy, Sirius growled, "He was attacking her, you arrogant bastard!"
Both Malfoy and Snape, silver and shadow stood silent under Black's censure, their faces cold and superior. Finally, Sirius cast Malfoy's wand to the ground. "I always knew you were an ass hole, Snape!" He barked before trotting off after the swiftly fading form of Miss McGonagall.
Lucius broke the stillness by spitting harshly onto the path; blood continued to trickle down his chin, staining the pristine white of his cravat.
"Do you wish me to heal that for you, Lucius?"Snape inquired calmly, his eyes still fastened to the spot where Olivia had disappeared.
"No!"The other growled, then calmer, "No, I will repair it when I return to my rooms in Hogsmeade."
"Are you in pain?"
"Some.Not much.Why do you a…."Lucius bit off the last word as Snape grabbed him by the lapels and pulled him roughly forwards.
"Good!You will have no reason to not attend carefully to my words!"Snape resisted the urge to shake Lucius like a dog shakes a rat."It was only out of what remaining fondness I have for you, and believe me Lucius, I am talking about dregs here, dried and crusty along the edges.That regard alone prodded me to intervene when Black revealed himself.Believe me now, had it not be for our few good times together, I would have allowed the man to drub you senseless.Not that he would have far to go after your display of puerileness.Good god man, what where you thinking?"
Lucius thrust himself from Snape's grip, embarrassed fury tinting and twisting his features grotesquely."You go too far, Severus!"
"It is you who go to far.You think your name and rank will protect you should Lord Voldemort discover what you have done this night?"Snape's mind smiled nastily when the color leeched from Malfoy's cheeks and the blue eyes darted quickly about the pair, as if in fear of the dark wizard's appearing.Even though he and Black had been deaf to Lucius and Olivia's conversation, Severus was not about to admit it to the other man.Let Malfoy worry himself to a blister, it would be less than he deserved.
Lucius smoothed the rumpled edges of his lapels before stooping to retrieve the ebony wand.He rammed the wand into the sleeve holster and fixed an angry glare on Snape."You will be eager to tell Lord Voldemort of this little misadventure, I am sure."
"Had I wanted you dead Lucius, I would have left you to Sirius Black.The Dark Lord will not learn of this from me.What did you intend to do, keep her for yourself?"Score one more for me, Snape concluded silently as Malfoy flinched.
"Have you not considered that path yourself, Severus?The blood of the goddess will bless her first-born."Lucius' eyes narrowed dangerously. "Only the first-born.Can you not imagine the power such a child would carry?And you would be there to direct and mold that power."
"Such things hold no interest for me, Lucius."Snape observed blandly."However, before you begin decorating the nursery, let me warn you.Miss McGonagall has selected her champion.The Headmaster announced the event earlier this week"
"Who?"Lucius demanded.
Goodness but you are dense, the dark wizard snapped inwardly. "Come now Lucius.Who do you think?"
"Not Black!"Malfoy roared in disbelief."That buffoon?"
"May I remind you, that buffoon sent your ass into the rose bushes."
Lucius glowered hatefully at Snape."I was inattentive.It shall not happen again."His frown deepened when Severus responded with a disbelieving snort."Has he bedded her yet?"He demanded suddenly.
"He arrived but Wednesday morning.It is safe to say he has not touched her yet."
"And you are positive of this?"Lucius asked, incredulous.
"Short of sleeping in her bed, yes.I have gone to the considerable trouble of placing wards around her chamber door that will alert me if he should attempt to enter, invited or not."Professor Snape gave Malfoy a look of smug superiority.
"What if she should venture into Black's rooms?"Lucius queried.
"His lodging is in Hogsmeade.I would know if Miss McGonagall attempted to leave the school grounds and then would take steps to prevent her going.Though my earlier words to Miss McGonagall were harsh, she has never give me reason to suspect her of being of loose morals.Slipping around to copulate in dark corners is not in her nature."
Lucius seemed to ponder Snape's words before asking. "You will allow Black to live?"
Snape lifted one mocking black brow as he eyed Lucius sceptically."The decision as to whether he lives or dies does not lie with me, Lucius.Nor is the decision yours to make.I came between you and Black, I will not come between you and Lord Voldemort should you choose to act without his blessing."This said, Severus turned to head back to the castle.
Malfoy called out to the retreating figure in flowing black. "Will you not join me for a drink, Severus?"
"No," came the immediate reply."You have started a fire that I must put out."Thus saying, Professor Snape faded into the night leaving Lucius to make his way alone to the apperation barrier.
Moments later, Remus and Hermione tucked their wands back up their sleeves and began to examine the roses. They took their time in returning to the crowd.
Sirius had quickly gained on the briskly striding
Olivia.He could hear her muttered
comments, however he could not make out the words.Hoping
that her angry snarling was directed at a certain black haired Potions
Master, Black grinned and slid into step with her. Sirius began whispering,
resigned to the part he must play, even if it meant sending this woman
back into the dungeon dweller's arms.
~~~{~~{~~{@)
It was sometime later that Severus Snape finally sank into the leather comfort of his sofa, brandy warming in the snifter that rotated slowly between his large palms.The protective rage that had nearly blinded him when Malfoy snatched Olivia's hair began to further weaken its hold as Snape settled further into the buttery softness.
Upon returning to the ball, Snape had viewed Olivia once before she made her escape. To his relieved delight, she had halted at the exit, casting her gaze around the gradually emptying chamber.Her survey ended when she found his person sitting not far from where she stood.For one frightening instant the emerald eyes had narrowed down hard and dangerous before Olivia's tongue shot out in mock insult.
A second later, tongue and temptress were gone.
The dancing firelight reflected blue-black from his hair as Snape bent his head to the drink, the liquor smoky and agreeable to his palate. The thought of going to Olivia crossed his mind, but he thrust it aside.What would that accomplish save her pressing for what he could not give?
A sharp sound, the scraping of wood on stone snatched the professor's attention to the portal behind him.There was someone in the classroom!
Setting the snifter aside, Snape curled his fingers about the smooth wood of his wand and rose gracefully from his seat. Silent and lethal, the professor moved to the door leading into the potions classroom. Through the thick wood he could hear a muttered curse and more fumbling. Who ever it was invading Snape's domain was not being quiet about it. Probably a drunk student, Snape thought with disgust. Snatching the door open, the wizard swept into the dark chamber.
"Lumos!" Snape bellowed and instantly every candle and lamp in the classroom burst into flame. In the sudden brightness Pansy Parkinson stood blinking, her robes hanging from her bare shoulders and scrambling frantically in her arms was a very agitated Cat.
"Miss Parkinson?" Snape queried, gentler than he would have under different circumstances. Seeing Cat sent a wave of relief through his person.
"Ah, Professor Snape..." The young witch began, only to be cut off by Cat's angry yowl as he flew from her arms and streaked through Snape's feet to disappear into the room beyond. Pansy swiped hurriedly at the stinging wounds on her arm, the blood smearing along the quickly reddening flesh.
Well, Snape thought, she did find Cat. The least I can do is treat her hurts. His face twisting into a familiar scowl, the wizard whirled and vanished into his private area, his voice striking the air behind him. "Follow me if you please, Miss Parkinson!"
A satisfied smirk slid over Pansy's face before she quickly replaced it with an expression of pained fright. She hurried through the door and into the professor's chambers, shrugging her shoulders to allow the black fabric slide further down her arms. Professor Snape had his back to the young woman, working away with vials and swabs, thus allowing Pansy the opportunity to toss a hasty survey about the room. A sigh escaped her pouting lips as she realized that she was finally alone with Snape. With a tiny movement of her heel, the door was pushed shut.
Hearing the click of the latch, Snape turned and beckoned the young witch closer. Damn! Were those tears in her eyes? They are only a few scratches, Snape growled to himself before remembering the burning sting of Cat's weaponry that he had experienced just a few nights before. Ok, I will grant that it does hurt!
As Miss Parkinson approach Severus noticed for the first time that the young woman was hardly dressed in a manner keeping with the situation. "Arrange your robes please Miss Parkinson, then I will see to your arm."
Allowing a shy blush to color her cheeks, Pansy complied with his request and then presented her professor with a trembling, bloody arm. The fingers that gripped her slender wrist were cool and smooth, sending a spike of heat swirling into Pansy's belly. While Snape cleaned the knotted furrows along the back of her hand and arm, Pansy studied his face and form, eating up each feature. The soft glow of a nearby candle slid along his black hair and cast half of the harsh face into shadow. His lips were pursed in concentration as he gently cleaned the scratches and Pansy fantasized about those lips pressing hard and hot against her own. The idea caused a shiver to wrack her frame.
Snape brought his attention up to find Miss Parkinson's cheeks flushed, her eyes cloudy, with what he could only assume was pain. "I have washed the area with a analgesic cleanser. The pain will fade, as will the swelling." The girl simply nodded, her eyes remaining locked to his face.
Feeling distinctly uncomfortable, Snape released Miss Parkinson's wrist and turned to clear away the first aid supplies he had pulled from their box. Usually Snape was at ease with silence, but now he felt the need to fill the air with noise. "Tell me Miss Parkinson, how did you come across my missing familiar?"
"Well sir," She paused to clear her throat. "I was returning from the ball and heard a noise. It was coming from one of the unused tunnels past the Slytherin Common Room. I went to investigate." Pansy stopped, wondering how much embellishment she should give to her tale of the cat's 'rescue'. "After a bit, I realized it was a cat's cry that I was hearing. I found him in one of the empty classrooms. I guess he got locked in somehow."
Strange that I have not heard him before now, Snape speculated to himself. He had wandered the lower corridors for hours, calling out lowly for the animal but receiving no response.
Realizing that the canny professor would find out as soon as he examined the feline, Pansy continued. "He was very frightened sir and made to run. I am afraid I had to use stupefy on him." Lowering her gaze in what she hoped was a humble, apologetic manner, Pansy waited.
An irritated grunt was heard as Snape returned the box to its proper shelf. "And how did you know that the animal belonged to me?" He inquired, finally turning to face the red-cheeked Slytherin.
Half-truths make for the best lies, Pansy decided, raising her eyes to meet Professor Snape's black ones. "One night, months ago, I found Miss McGonagall here in your chambers." At his quirked brow, she rushed on. " I had come to inquire about an assignment. Miss McGonagall informed me that you were away and that she had been hired to look after your familiar in your absence. I saw him that night, sir."
"Yes, well. I thank you for returning the nuisance to me. Perhaps he will take this lesson to heart and remain closer to home in the future."
Miss Parkinson beamed at him warmly and Snape's unease increased. He needed to get the girl out of his chambers. "Let me check those scratches once more, then you must be on your way. Even Quidditch Balls have their curfews."
Once more Pansy displayed the abused appendage, but this time Snape refrained from touching the young witch. Giving the healing wounds a quick once over, Snape nodded in satisfaction. "You should be fine, Miss Parkinson. If you should have any discomfort tomorrow, please see Madam Pomfrey. You are dismissed."
"Thank you sir." Pansy whispered, making no move to leave. Instead she reached out and placed her fingers tenderly along Snape's cheek. Stunned, the professor froze. It wasn't until he felt her lips brushing against his own that he brought his hands up and gripped Miss Parkinson by the shoulders, pushing her firmly away.
"Miss Parkinson!" He barked. "I could have you expelled for your actions just now!" If he expected Pansy to cower, he was only further shocked when she pressed herself against his length, trapping him between her body and the worktable.
"Oh but you won't, will you Professor?" Pansy purred, wrapping her arms about Snape's neck, her robes now parted to reveal her nude body beneath. "I made sure that several of the other girls knew you asked me here tonight. Just as they know you have kept all my gifts up there on your mantle." The smile on her face was now aroused and triumphant. "I persuaded Millicent to peek through the door once. She verified that my little gifts were still in place. Right where Miss McGonagall put them." Olivia's name came out like acid off Pansy's tongue before the girl slanted her mouth over her professor's.
This time Snape did not even try for gentle firmness as he shoved the Slytherin away from him. She sprawled on the stones at his feet, her robes doing very little to hide her body. A cold smile was on Miss Parkinson's face as she shed the black fabric and stood proudly before a raging Snape.
"You have spread lies about your Head of House!" Snape bellowed. "You have not only besmirched the reputation of your House, you stupid girl, but mine as well! What made you even begin to believe I would lower myself to assignations with students? Cover yourself!" With this, Snape whirled and stomped angrily over to his fireplace where he busied himself by scooping up the many objects that had been left for him over the months.
"I am a Slytherin!" Pansy declared. "If I desire someone, I will have them. I have been planning this for months. Aren't you proud of me, professor? You must have been somewhat intrigued. You did keep the gifts, after all." Her voice was smug.
"Only at Miss McGonagall's request." Snape fired back, summoning
a large tote with a flick of his wrist. He roughly dumped the offerings
inside and striding back across the chamber stooped to grab the discarded
robe. When he rose, Pansy was gone!
A tinkling of glass caused him to turn. The determined young
woman was reclining lewdly on the smooth surface of Snape's desk.
The sound he heard had been the ink pots and vials Parkinson had shoved
aside. In two steps, he was upon her.
Thrusting the garment and tote into her lap, Snape growled low. "Hear me, you foolish little slut. Did you believe you could blackmail me into serving as stud for your fantasies? I am a master of the game. If you think I would allow you to ruin my name and the reputation of this institution, you are gravely mistaken. Now, you will remove yourself from my presence and if I hear one whisper of this incident, from any House, I will take you before the Board of Governors and force feed you Veritaserum until it runs from your ears. You will not only reveal the truth about this disgusting display, but I will make sure that every dirty little secret harboured in that filthy mind of yours if brought to the fore. Have I made myself clear?"
Pansy's faced bled of all color during Snape's calmly given speech. He loomed over her as he had in many of her dreams, but now the heat and desire for him had died and was replaced with cold fear. Cowering from him, Pansy felt cold metal digging into the base of her spine and she winced. Pain lanced out from her lower back but she kept her eyes fixed on those of the deadly serious wizard before her. She could only nod mutely in response to his terse question.
Turning from her, Professor Snape pointed to the door. "Then get out!" He demanded.
Sliding from the desk, Pansy felt her shame and fear giving way to burning hate. All the desire she had stored up for Snape's body grinding into hers decayed into a demonic longing to see him bleeding and dying at her feet. Jerking her robes about her body, Pansy's eyes fell to the desktop and on to the object that had been digging pitilessly into her flesh moments before.
Licking her lips in satisfaction, Pansy wrapped her fingers about the hilt of a wicked looking letter opener. She groaned silently in carnal pleasure as she pictured the slender blade buried deep between Snape's shoulders. She could do this, her mind whispered and her inner thighs trembled as she took a step. Already Pansy could feel the resistance of cloth, flesh and then bone before the glittering point penetrated the bastard's exposed back. Over and over again.
"I said, get out." Snape growled turning cold hateful eyes her way.
Pansy, ducked her head submissively, the silver letter opener hidden within the folds of her robes. "Yes sir." Came the meek whisper as Miss Parkinson scooted a wide path around the simmering professor and dashed from the room. She could bide her time. Hadn't she planned his failed seduction for months. Patient. She could be patient.
Severus ran trembling hand through his hair. Damn, damn, damn! What a fine mess! He would need to speak to Dumbledore immediately.
But first...
Sloshing a large helping of brandy into his glass, Severus downed it in one. Moving to the fire place the still raging wizard hurled a fist full of floo powder into the flames, calling out, "Albus!"
~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~
Olivia waited in the silence of her chambers, hoping against hope that Severus would bend enough to come to her. Right now, she wanted his strength to lean on, his clear logical intellect to give her mind activity engaging enough to pry her thoughts from their present path.
Minerva had walked with Olivia when the young witch quitted the Great Hall. When pressed for details, Olivia would only tell her mother that Lucius Malfoy had been all she had dreamed of and more. Once behind closed doors, Minerva assisted Olivia in removing her heavy gown and then the older witch tenderly wrapped her daughter in a bed robe of warm flannel. Kissing Olivia good night, Minerva made her exit, her lined face heavy with concern.
Worrying at the tangle of ribbons caught in the mangled remains of her braids, Olivia began to grow angry. Angry with Severus for authoring their separation when she needed him most.
She was angry with Brigit for letting Olivia become involved in this cosmic soap opera in the first place. Had the Lady concealed the truth from Olivia or had Olivia simply not been diligent enough in pursuit of answers? The Book of Surinam was now in Snape's chambers. She had forgotten it in the rubble of the classroom when she released Severus from her service. She would have to get it back somehow. Olivia was determined to prove Malfoy a liar.
And almighty gods! She was angry with Lucius Malfoy! He had made a mess of her hair! Lately it seemed the men in her life used her hair as a weapon against her. First Voldemort with his threats of bondage, Severus converting it to a handle so that he might drag her across the room and out the door, now Malfoy attempting to garrotte her with the braided own tresses. It was getting to be a bit much.
Olivia snorted at her mental trantruming realizing it was not only futile to her task but self-destructive as well. The figure in the mirror appeared just as childish as the thoughts that ran pell-mell through Olivia's head. Braids! Braids were for maidens, little girls. She was no longer a child. Snape had often blasted her for her immature antics. Perhaps it was time to put away childish things.
The ribbons eluded her attempts to free them from the brown mass. She was going to have to cut them out.
Striding to her desk, Olivia pulled a large pair of shears from the drawer. They were heavy and cool in her hands; a good tool for the job. Returning to the dressing table, Olivia sat and stared at her reflection and then at the sharp implements in her hand.
Sometime later, a sobbing Dobby swept up the remaining strands of sable silk and deposited them along with the rest in the waste basket. The other house elves standing nearby wore expressions of equal sadness. One female had tied an emerald ribbon around her wrist and stood fingering it as fat tears rolled down her leathery cheeks.
"We's not letting Missy McGonagall goes to breakfast looking likes this!" A particularly shrivelled elf squeaked. "Her's been too kind to Dipsy, she has."
Olivia run her fingers through the cropped shock of hair that curled wildly just below her ears. Her scalp felt light, almost bare without the extra weight. The woman looking back at her from the mirror winced at the scrappy, jagged mess. "They are right, dear." The mirror advised gently. "I can understand your decision, but you can't go about looking a fright just to prove a point."
"I know." Olivia sighed. "I don't know how to cut hair."
The elves and the mirror all murmured their agreement. Olivia slumped forward, resting her head on the vanity top. "There, there, love." The mirror consoled. "We will think of something. There is sure to be a book in the library that could help you."
"Wiggy!" Dobby suddenly cried, jumping up and down in excitement.
"No, Dobby." Olivia peered over her elbow. "I won't wear a wig. Too much like Max."
"No, Missy don't understands. Wiggy! Wiggy is Missy Rosmerta's house elf! Wiggy is one to fix Missy's hair. Make Missy lovely again. Fetch you Wiggy, I will!" And with a *pop*, Dobby was gone.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*