Ok, dopey me forgot all about the normal disclaimers on the last chapter. So far, I have not been sued. Please don't sue me or lock me up in some federal prison somewhere. I have small children to raise and several outstanding debts still to pay off.
*Clears throat* Ahem! All things Potter belong to the creator JK Rowling. I am simply borrowing the adults. Don't do kiddies. No actual humans, wizard or Muggle, have been injured in the creation of this story. I promise to put everything, except Severus, back when I finish playing. HIM, I keep in a nicely furnished apartment complete with fully functioning dungeon laboratory. His wand is, and will always be, MINE to keep and do with as I see fit.
On to the fun stuff!
The snow still fell but the dying of the wind now allowed the flakes to drift gently to the ground, each one tinted a soft pink by the rising sun. Drifts laying within the shadows of the Forbidden Forest were bathed in deep shades of purple and blue where the trees were thick, then fading into silver along the wood's edge. Severus Snape apparated inside the fringe of the forest and stood a moment, absorbing the stillness and the peace offered by proximity to the place he called home. The book Voldemort presented the renegade wizard had been magically reduced to the size of a wallet and dropped into a deep pocket of Snape's winter cloak. The same had been done to the hated mask and Death Eater robes.
A released sigh hung before the Potions Masters face like an escaping ghost, as Snape folded the heavy wool of his cloak more securely about his body. His ears could pick up the faint sounds of the awakening forest around him and further away, the slamming of a door was followed by a cheerful, deep bark, telling the pensive wizard that Hagrid and Fang were up and about the day's business.
Striking out, the wizard crossed the open expanse between the forest and the castle. As he neared, Snape's keen eyes detected movement in the nighttime gloom that lingered on the dark side of the castle. The corners of his thin lips curled in a sneer as he recalled Voldemort's condemning words. How much of this information was already tucked under that cap of shining brown silk, he wondered. Had she known all along and merely seduced him for his seed?
Olivia watched as Snape strode up the lawn, the minuscule flakes of snow whirling about his body like shining planets orbiting a dark sun. She pondered this metaphor, liking herself to the tiny specks of ice that were being drawn to Snape, melting against the flame of his passionate nature. The fear that had engulfed her during the long night vanished. His head was bowed within the hood of his woolen cloak, but she knew he was aware of her presence for he made directly to where she stood.
"Have you waited long?" Black eyes raked over her face, but he made no move to touch her.
"Not long." Olivia admitted, searching his face, eyeing the nasty gash along his brow, the dried blood that matted the hair at his temple.
The wizard snorted, filling the space between them with mist. "You are a terrible liar, madam."
"What would you have said if my answer had been 'all night'?"
"I would add foolish to my earlier statement." He replied, dryly.
"Ungrateful wretch." Olivia whispered tenderly, inhaling his scent; a blend of smoke, cypress and early morning cold. "Would you like some coffee, toast, maybe? I'll run you a bath and see to that cut."
"I will go straight way to the Headmaster's office..." Snape began, but Olivia shook her head.
"Nope, I pulled rank on him. You are all mine until morning classes." Squirming about, she tucked his arm under her own and pulled the scowling wizard to the castle doors. "You shall have a good long bath and breakfast."
Snape recoiled as if struck. "You overstep yourself, Miss McGonagall." His voice sharp and pricking as the air around them. "I have no need for your meddling in the concerns of myself and the Headmaster." He damned himself when Olivia pulled away, dropping his hand as if burned. Her expression closed in on itself, her eyes going hard as the jewels they resembled.
"I thought only of your comfort. Good day, Professor Snape." In a moment she was gone, the door to the side entrance closing with a soft thud.
Not bloody likely! He snarled internally, yanking the portal wide, intent on catching the rapidly moving figure ahead of him.
"Miss McGonagall, stop this instant!" When the maddening witch simply picked up speed, he growled in frustration and broke into ground devouring stride. "Olivia, an explanation is required!"
She whirled upon him, her arms folded over her chest, her eyes glaring. Snape lurched to a halt, mimicking her stance.
And waited.
And waited.
"Well?" Olivia demanded impatiently.
"Well what, madam?" He snapped testily.
"Your explanation. I'm waiting."
"Ah! But you see, it is I who require an explanation from you."
As if being snatched by a drawstring, Olivia's brow instantly puckered. "Be warned Professor Snape, I haven't thrown up this morning. There is more churning in me than temper."
Snape peered down the considerable length of his nose, observing that under the wind pinkened cheeks, Olivia's skin had a slightly grey cast. "I doubt that you would be so foolish as to spew bile upon my person." However, he prudently retreated a step.
With a tired voice, Olivia inquired, "What explanation do you feel you deserve?" She pulled the hood of her cloak down, needing the coolness of the air upon her head and neck.
"I am curious, madam. Last night you expressed an amazing degree of concern about a certain party being aware of your current state. Why would that be?"
"It is my first pregnancy that is useful to him, Severus. Only the first. If he knew that his plans were destroyed, he would surely seek out and kill the one who thwarted him. If he suspected you..." Her voice faltered.
" So, it is true. Tell me, how long have you been privy to this information?" His tone of careful scrutiny barely concealed the tang of pain.
"Severus do you think we could go to your quarters for this discussion? I wasn't making an idle threat about my stomach."
With a terse nod, he swept past her, his robes sliding along behind him like a black mist.
Olivia pulled out a handkerchief and wiped away the cold sweat that beaded her upper lip and brow before following the Potions Master. The journey to Snape's quarters were made in tense silence; he simmered with indignation while Olivia pressed her lips together firmly, fighting against the increasing tide of nausea. Forcing herself to breath slowly through her nose, Olivia waited as Snape release the wards on his chamber door. He freed the latch and then stepped aside, graciously allowing her to proceed him into the room.
Olivia crossed the chamber in hurried desperation, making straightway to the bathroom. Mistaking her intent, the wizard snatched his cloak from his shoulders, barking, "I do not want a bath, woman! Cease this foolishness and come here now!"
Olivia retched loudly by way of reply. Wiping her mouth, she muttered weakly, "Come and make me." Her back arched painfully as her stomach continued to rebel. She clutched the slick, cold rim of the toilet, her fingers blanching as the spasms eased off and the black stars that had dotted her vision began to fade. A warm cloth was run over her face, pinching at her nose to clear away the mucus. With a sigh, she accepted Snape's aid, letting him run the soft terry material over her heated cheeks. Olivia let her eyes slip shut as she lay her face against the chilly porcelain. "One down. Only one to go." Was her weak whisper.
The Potions Master snorted, reaching over her to flush the toilet. When she made no effort to rise, he questioned her. "You do this often?"
With a shaky laugh Olivia opened one eye. "That sounds like a bad pick up line, Severus. But to answer your question, yes, at least twice a day." She noted with satisfaction that he had the grace to wince at her confession. "Mind if I borrow your toothbrush?"
"You certainly may not!" Snape replied with asperity before moving to the sink and opening a mirrored cabinet that hung over the vanity.
"You really should do something about that cut, it could become infected." The mirror informed him in a shaky tenor.
"Shut up!" Snape commanded, pulling an unopened toothbrush from the shelf and slamming the reflective surface shut.
The mirror rippled. "I always do." It stated petulantly.
Leaning heavily on a nearby towel rod, Olivia was slowly making her way to her feet. Her face was still green, but now circles of red lined her eyes. Snape felt his gut clench in sympathy at her haggard appearance. "Gods, she looks horrible!"
Even the mirror gasped in shocked amazement, and blood filled Snape's cheeks as it hit the wizard that he had spoken the words aloud. Olivia's eyes widened and then she gave him a wane smile. "You think this is bad? You should see what it is like with a full stomach."
"I would rather not." Snape replied. He watched as she opened the toothbrush and loaded the bristles with toothpaste. Her hands continued to tremor slightly and she leaned weakly on the vanity as she scoured the sour taste from her mouth. She rinsed, splashing her face and neck with water. She shivering as the icy liquid trickled down her shoulders and between her breasts. Snape was politely waiting with a towel when Olivia straightened from the sink. Drying her face, Olivia inquired of the wizard, "Better?"
"Marginal, but yes, that is an improvement." He drawled, the spark of concern in his eyes easing the sting. "You say this happens frequently?"
"Yep, at least twice a day. Sometimes more, depending on what I eat, or smell for that matter."
"How long has this been going on?"
Olivia shrugged. "About three weeks?"
"Three weeks!? No wonder you look like death warmed over." Snape barked.
"You are such a sweetie, you know that Severus?" Olivia respond, her voice stronger now. "I feel so cherished." Flinging the towel into the laundry bin, Olivia made to shoulder herself past him, then stopped. Wrinkling her nose, she pointed to the wound above his eye. "We might as well take care of that while we are here. Do you have a first aid kit?"
He gave her a nasty smirk, causing Olivia to roll her eyes. "Ok, stupid question. WHERE is your first aid kit?" He told her and when she returned, Snape was sitting on the edge of his massive tub, a wet towel pressed to his head.
"Here, let me see." She ordered, pulling the cloth away. The water had opened the wound, softening the dried blood, so it was quick work to clean the site. Snape bore it all in silence, wincing slightly as Olivia picked out tiny bits of stone. When she finished, Snape examined her handiwork in the mirror, which wisely kept silent. Olivia had reduced the gash to a thin narrow line of healing tissue that bisected the thick black hairs of his eyebrows. In a few days, he was sure there would be little evidence of damage.
"You have done well. My thanks." He said to Olivia's reflection. She nodded abruptly then left him alone.
When he entered his sitting room, Olivia was wrapping herself in her cloak in preparation of leaving. "To answer you earlier question, I have known about the spoiling of Voldemort's design for several days, since Poppy confirmed the pregnancy. I had fallen asleep on my bathroom floor and Brigit came to me in a vision. Or she brought me to her, I really don't know." The witch shrugged, while attempting to fasten the clasps at her throat. "Anyway, she took great pleasure in telling me that as far as the ceremony was concerned, Voldemort was out of luck. It would never work for him now." She swayed tiredly and Snape was quickly by her side, bending to scoop her up in his arms. Wrapping her arms limply about his neck, Olivia murmured against his skin. "Just think Severus, you have saved the world. You and your spunky sidekick, Sperm-boy."
Despite his earlier chagrin, Severus chuckled as he lay Olivia upon the sofa. She slid her hips back and rolling onto her side, allowed him space to sit as well. Resting his elbows upon his knees, Snape permitted his hands to dangle loosely as he studied the witch laying beside him. "Olivia, I would ask this of you only once and never broach the subject again. But I must know." He hesitated, cleared his throat. "Did you know what was required of me as your protector before you bedded me in London?"
Olivia pushed herself up on one elbow, eying the wizard shrewdly. "You want to know whether you are lover or donor, don't you?" She poked him sharply in the ribs, causing him to huff in frustration and slide away. "I made love to you that night Severus, because I wanted to. I mean, I really wanted to. I was finally alone with sex walking and nothing short of you hitting me with stupify would have kept me from your bed that night." A tiny muscle spasmed in the wizard's cheek. "When Hermione and Remus left us that evening, I wasn't thinking about making no babies. I was thinking about making bacon!" She lowered her voice to a husky growl. With a wicked grin, Olivia gave her shoulders a little shimmy.
Snape arched one elegant brow, and regarded the witch laying beside him with mock chagrin. "Olivia, that is disgusting!"
She let her head drop back to the cushion. "Yea, right. Severus, since I'm, like, carrying your child and all that, would it be too much trouble for you to see about breakfast?"
As Snape made to rise, Olivia stalled him with a hand to his thigh. The look in her green gaze was tender, yet firm, as if she were making a stand. "Severus, I love you. I would never have forced you to parenthood. Nor would I have tricked you. I want you to believe that."
The narrow flick of his lips was smile enough for Olivia, for she had captured the flare of acceptance in the black depths of Snape's eyes before he lifted her hand from his leg, kissing each finger. "I believe you."
A house elf was summoned and after receiving Snape's order, immediately produced a breakfast of toast and fruit. Severus preferred to brew his own coffee, and had ordered a cup of raspberry leaf tea laced with wild yam root, for Olivia. When she was presented the steaming cup by the solicitous house elf, Olivia glanced at the Potions Master curiously. Snape waited until the elf had vanished before addressing her silent question. "It will ease your symptoms, somewhat. I dare not offer you anything that would eliminate the nausea completely, for fear of harming the child. This should be sufficient to your need."
The considerate gesture brought a smile to Olivia's face. "Thank you, Severus."
"If you like, I can brew an infusion of the Wild Yam root for you to use during the day." He advised in a dry voice as he set a plate of toast at her elbow. "Did Madam provide you with the necessary vitamin supplements?"
"Yes," Olivia shuddered. "But they make me ill. I may have to wait until the morning sickness eases up to take the vitamins."
"Nonsense," Snape responded shortly, easing into his chair his cup and plate perfectly balanced upon his knee. "You and the child need the extra nutrition. I will prepare something for you that should be more acceptable." So saying, Snape took a large bite from his toast, following it with a healthy sip of coffee.
Olivia regarded him from under lowered lashes and her heart swelled with love for the tall, saturnine wizard. Words of love might cling to his tongue like the fuzzy residue of a drinker's binge, uncomfortable, distasteful and difficult to remove once in place. She realized that she may never hear tender expressions of regard from the Potions Master, yet his demonstrations of affection would take the form of tasks, performed for her benefit. Olivia knew she would be content with those.
Wiping his lips with a pristine square of white, Snape set his dishes aside and rose from his seat, Olivia's eyes following his movements as the wizard glided to where his cloak hung upon its hook. "I think it best to show this to you now, as we are alone and I would not care to spring such a thing upon you in the presence of other."
Confused, Olivia could only sit up higher, observing as Snape returned, a small rectangle of green in his hands. With a whispered spell, the object began to enlarge itself until a massive book was revealed. With an audible sigh, he lay the tome upon Olivia's lap and reclined against the leather back of his chair.
"My book!" Olivia gasped, shocked. "It was in my room. How did you get it out without my knowing?"
"That," Snape drawled lazily, "is not yours. My question is this: Is that volume you now hold an exact replica of the one you possess?" He watched from beneath hooded eyes as Olivia gingerly opened the battered cover and began to slowly turn the vellum pages. Not wanting to press her, Snape allowed the witch to carefully examine the contents, flipping through the leaves, her eyes scanning each horrible line. After a moment, she looked up, shock and amazement decorating her features.
"It is exact as I can recall, not having my own here for comparison. Severus," she whispered. "Where did you get this?"
"It was placed in my care by one Lord Voldemort. So far, his followers have been unable to glean any useful information from its pages. The Dark One commanded that I set my formidable intellect to work unraveling its mysteries. He thinks it would give him an edge in this game we are playing." He concluded with a frown.
"Did he tell you where he found it?" Olivia inquired as she returned to her study.
"It would seem that Lucius Malfoy is a collector of more than...Olivia, what are you about?" Snape concluded with a bark for the witch had jumped to her feet and was pirouetting madly about the chamber, the book clutched to her chest. "Sit down before you damage something with your foolishness!" he commanded.
Olivia did as he requested but did not reclaim her place on the sofa, instead she plopped down on Snape's lap, repeatedly banging the hard cover of the book against his chest. "This was Malfoy's?" she asked with a smile.
"Indeed, though I fail to understand why that information should send you into deliriums." The wizard snarled as he adjusted himself. Wrapping black clad arm about her squirming person, he froze her with a glower.
"Don't you know what this means?" Olivia asked excitedly. "No, of course you don't. Listen, listen! When I was trapped with Voldemort, he made mention of some prophesies, the Prophesies of Surinim. Upon our return to Hogwarts, I started to do some research, but I kept hitting a brick wall. Seems copies of the prophesies are as rare as hen's teeth." When Snape rolled his eyes, Olivia huffed and continued. "I corresponded with several reputable book dealers and was informed time and time again that only two copies of the book exist. One I took from Max Dillard. The other one is right here!"
Snape groaned in delicious agony when Olivia began bouncing up and down on his lap in girlish joy.
"You called this a game, Severus! Well, we now have the other team's play book!" She kissed him with a loud smack.
Snape nodded, as understanding of potentials and possibilities began to dash across his agile mind. "What do the books contain?"
"Oh we would be here all day if I tried to explain it to you right now." Olivia insisted.
"Humor me." Snape replied, the words sliding like liquid fire over her nerves.
Suddenly still, Olivia hesitated. "Ah, well...it speaks of my birth. How Voldemort would seek me out and the rite that would be performed." She shrugged. "Lots of stuff." came the lame conclusion.
Snape's brows snapped together, forming a single heavy, black line. "Lots of stuff." He mimicked. "Quite the scholar, are we not, Miss McGonagall?"
With a snort, Olivia rose. "Look, this is pretty heavy stuff, and it is all about ME!" She returned to the sofa, tossing herself down. "It hurts to read this trash. You will forgive me for not curling up with it each night before bed."
Reaching out, he slid the book from her nerveless fingers. "I shall endeavor to make some sense of this." Snape informed her dryly.
"Well," Olivia sighed, brushing her bangs from her face. "Thank you for letting me know of this beforehand. I appreciate your thoughtfulness."
Snape was inwardly stunned by her words, but kept his features passive. "You are welcome." He said and then opened the book near the middle and began to glance over the script and the accompanying illuminations.
"You may find some things in there that will piss you off." Olivia said, pouring herself another cup of tea.
"Most likely." He agreed and nodded when she lifted the pot in inquiry.
"Ah...uhm?" Olivia began, then paused, uncertain.
Sighing impatiently, Snape glanced hotly at the witch perched nervously on the couch. "What?" he asked with strained calm.
"If you learn something about you and ...ah...me, will you promise you won't get all bent out of shape? It's not like I planned this, you know."
"Olivia." The threat was not implied.
Reddening, she plunged in. "I know how you were chosen as the champion!" Glup "And I know how Sirius Black was selected, as well."
Black eyes, deep and still regarded her for a moment before he asked in a sneering voice, "Are you planning on keeping this information a secret?" When she remained silent, Snape lunged forward, his snarling visage scant inches from her own. "Miss McGonagall, this is not a parlor game we are playing! Now, speak or leave me! I have neither the patience nor the temperament to indulge you in you insecurities!"
Shocked, Olivia could only stare for a brief second. "You are right, Severus. I am being stupid." She picked up her tea and drained the hot liquid. Her eyes remained fixed on the empty cup as she asked in a small voice, "Severus, do you believe in visions, ecstasies?"
"Those events lay within Tralewney's realm of delusionary science. I put no faith in them."
"Then you'd better get ready to re-examine you faith. Before I came to you with news of the baby, I had a vision." She waited for his disbelieving scoff, but he continued to wait, his face blank. "I went to sleep on my bathroom floor and woke up in a meadow. Don't ask me how that happened, just accept it as fact, just as I did. I saw...things; felt the wind, heard the birds. Severus, I was there!"
Nodding for her to carry on with the tale, Snape resumed his relaxed pose.
"I spoke to the goddess, Brigit." Olivia admitted. "At first it was lovely. She was so beautiful and kind, but then she began to tell me things."
"What sort of things." was his hushed inquiry.
"About the baby; about how Voldemort was already defeated but that I still had to face him. She told me how you were selected for my champion, chosen to, ultimately father this child. Your being singled out for that honor, you can blame on me. It seems that the sorrow, the compassion I felt that day you were sentenced bound you to me. We were destined to meet again." Olivia lifted her eyes, silently begging for his understanding.
"I do not regret your choice." the wizard informed her quietly. "Neither should you." He was rewarded with a tiny glimpse of a smile. "Now, to Black."
Olivia stifled the urge to jump. Squaring her shoulders, she asked, "What did Sirius Black do to cause such enmity in you?"
Lifting a black brow, Snape steepled his fingers before him. "The tale is an interesting one, yet why should I share it with you?"
"Just as I selected you for the task of champion, the chore of appointing the hound became your responsibility. Compassion identified the beloved, anger singled out the hound." Setting her cup aside, Olivia lay a reassuring hand on the firm, black thigh near her. "Severus, what could produce the degree of anger necessary to make that wizard for your service?" Her hand detected the increased tension in the lean muscles. "What sin does Black carry upon his soul; what crime was performed against you that he should be punished this way?"
A frightening ripple of violence moved over Snape's features and Olivia's chest convulsed painfully.
"What did he do to deserve the sentence pronounced?" The wizard paused, grinding his teeth against the words that fought against him for release. "He plotted, placed into action and then failed in an attempt to murder me."
Olivia's equilibrium shifted and her eyes widened in shock, only to become whip thin and stinging; twin willow switches.
With a jaded heart, Snape monitored her reaction, waiting for the tired, threadbare platitude that habitually followed upon the heels of his declaration. When the witch continued to glare in silence, he twitched a brow and asked blandly, "What? No alarmed questions. No protestations of Black's guilt?"
Rattled from her angry musing by the chill acceptance in his tone, Olivia inhaled deeply. "Why would I defend Sirius? My sympathies lay with you Severus. You tell me this is so, and I believe you. The anger you saw on my face was directed at Black!"
Snape's heart shivered in gratitude and he placed his hand over hers, squeezing gently.
"Will you tell me what happened?" Olivia prompted.
And beneath her loving guidance, Severus revealed all.
The brawl with Sirius Black.
A challenge to duel.
Whomping Willow...falling, scrambling in the dark.
The horror drawing nearer, eyes glowing out at him from the blackness.
Screaming in fear and pain as James Potter pulled him from the pit.
The meeting in Dumbledore's office.
Potter, rewarded for his bravery, while Snape choked on his rage and shame.
Sirius Black, grinning. Gloating and grinning.
The silver chiming of the mantle clock marked the close of Snape's story. Olivia had long been on her feet, pacing angrily before the fire, her fingers quivering with suppressed desires. Foremost was the urge to torture Black painfully for his cruelty.
Spinning about, Olivia asked coldly, "And he never apologized? Show any sign of remorse?"
"None that I am aware of." Severus replied, then grabbed for her hand as she stalked past his seat. Pulling her angry body into his lap. "I did not reveal this sordid bit of history to garner any favor with you, Olivia. You asked and I complied." Looking deeply into her storming green eyes, Snape smiled. "But I thank you for the righteous ire on my behalf. Other than myself, no one has ever given a damn that Black tried to murder me."
"Not even Remus?" Olivia inquired against his chest.
"Oh, Lupin came to me later and tried to apologize. I threatened to hex him, sent him running with his tail between his legs. It wasn't until a few years ago I found out that he had no part in Black's scheme. He was as innocent as I. Perhaps it was worse for him, because for all their vows of friendship, Black had used Lupin as a weapon."
The witch in his arms shivered. "If Remus had caught you...."
"He would have been tried for murder and executed like a rabid dog." Snape concluded for her.
"Damn him! Black deserves everything he gets while you hold his leash." Olivia snarled fiercely.
A rumble gathered in Snape's chest and traveled upwards, bursting from his mouth in hearty laughter.
"What's so funny?" Olivia demanded hotly.
"Voldemort believes Black to be your champion. I have sworn to keep him from between your thighs and kill him at my first good opportunity."
"Oh goodie!" Olivia gasped, attempting to rise. "Let's go now!"
Snape held her tighter. "Nay, my terrible kitten. Sheath your claws and cover your fangs. We will not have his blood on our hands."
Despite her fury with Black, Olivia smiled and kissed Snape tenderly on the mouth. "Terrible kitten?"
"Most terrible." He responded, stroking a hand along her jaw. "What type of feline is that anyway, Olivia?"
"A lynx."
"Lynx?"
"Yep," Olivia said, snuggling closer. "Lynx canadensis, more commonly known as a souped-up wildcat."
His hands continued in their stroking, and Olivia felt his lips moving over her brow, kissing the part in her hair. When he spoke, his voice was so low, she had to strain to hear over the faint popping of the fire. "She is a lovely animal."
"Thank ...."
The fireplace roared and green flames shot high into the chimney. Albus Dumbledore's face appeared in the fire.
"Ah, excellent, you have rejoined us, Severus. I tried to dissuade her, but Olivia would insist on standing watch for you all night. I trust you have returned undamaged."
Severus glared at Olivia, but directed his reply to the head floating six inches from the logs. "I am well, headmaster."
"Good, you both may join me for breakfast in my office."
"We have already broken our fast." Snape advised.
"Then you may watch me eat. I will be waiting." This said, Dumbledore vanished from the flames.
Olivia hopped up. "Ok, now before you get started, I told you I waited all night. You accused me of being a terrible liar."
Swiping his hands through his hair in frustration, Snape growled, "What of the baby, Olivia?"
She patted her lower tummy, unrepentant. "Oh, he was all cozy and snug." She paled as she realized the impact of her words. Looking at the slender wizard scowling by the fire, she said quietly, "It is a boy. Brigit told me." At his stunned silence, she added briskly. "So, are you going to floo? I am walking. Don't want to fall into Uncle Albus's office and hurl all over his carpet." With a flick of her cape, Olivia was gone.
Snape cursed roundly for a good five minutes after the door closed behind the fleeing witch. This was the second time in as many days that she had sucker-punched him with news before leaving his presence. It had be some perverse skill that is drilled into all Yank witches and wizards. Fire from undercover and melt away while the target is reeling from the blow. Leaning heavily against the back of the sofa, Snape allowed himself to calm.
Then to smile.
Thanks ever so much to my lovely beta, Zeedrippyvessel. She is a dear to put up with me like she does.
But then again, I put up with alot of her crap too!!
And now, on to the reviewers!
Beyone Bitter- Wow, I am the first fanfic that inspired you to write a review? I appreaciate that so very much! You can't imagine how thrilled I was to read that statement. I only hope you didn't fall asleep at work the next day after staying up late reading. Just hint print and take us with you!
Ali- Glad you are still enjoying the story! What do you mean you want more action?!? Your mother is the one who blacks out all the stuff you are not allowed to read, thank God! If you have an issue on the action issue, take it up with your mother and tell her who sent you.
Martian Aries- Nope, haven't killed Sirius yet, but I am making no promises.
Shelob-I am glad you like long chappies, cause I am famous for them. I just can't seem to be able to stop sometimes when I get on a roll. I have alread gotten a long way on with chapter 37. It just came over me like a storm and I couldn't find pen and paper fast enough. What is in the book? I dunno. That is a super idea, however, to show the book. You wanna give it a go? Remember, it has piccies.
Chary- You got your wish, my dear. Olivia is opening up to Severus. But, she will not be telling him everything. I know that to have a positive, healthy relationship, couples should talk. But this is fiction and if she reveals all, we won't have a story. Now, speaking of story. Where the HECK is yours? I want you to do us all a favor and finish the tale!! You have so many people panting for more and you don't even show the sex!!
white raven- You read and reviewed chapter 1, so I am going to thank you here for your kind words. Coming from an author of your caliber, your words mean a great deal. I hope you continue to find the story worth you time.
shadowycat- I am your role model? I am
your role model? Wow, that really makes me feel humble. Gee.
Thanks.
Now, as to Olivia accepting her fate? What makes you think
she is a-gonna do that?
(,)- No, really folks! The reviewer signed the review like that. Really. So, (,) I have to agree with you take on Albus Dumbledore. For a man who has worked for YEARS with children of all ages, you would think that he would have more on the ball when it comes to dealing with their issues. Thanks for pointing that out. As for ignoring the canon of book 5, I was well into my story and I can't change it now. Well, I guess I could... Nah! Just too much like trouble and I have the thing planned out to the very finish anywho. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
nothing2sweet- Yes, there will be more.
Belladonna-Thanks for reviewing. I have worked hard to make the characters more than one or two sided.
ladydeathfaerie- What can I say after a review like that? I am flustered and blushing from reading your words. I have actually printed them and have them on my fridge with a few more that really rock my world. Don't fash yourself so much about your writing. You have a amazing skill for imagery and detail in writing your scenes. Don't ever doubt that you do. I would not tell you if it weren't true.
Lara-Thanks for the review. I think Adult FanFic is a wonderful place. Very easy to use when you want to find stories.
Rave- Thanks!! I write as fast as I can.
Zee- What are you doing reviewing? You should be writing. Get outta here!!!
RoseM- Thanks for the praise of Ys and all their nastiness.
I had so much fun writing THAT particular chapter because of the humor.
Daisy is still one of my favorite characters. I might bring her back,
I haven't decided yet. You think my Lupin sounds like Jim Carrey?
Ewwwwwwwwwwww! That wasn't even close to what I was picturing.
Actually, I can't remember who I was picturing when I described Remus.
Let me think on that. I have seen TMD and love it terribly.
If I ever need a good cry, I can always count on that movie to crank me
up. Oh how I wish I could see the BC. I have heard so much
about Obadiah Slope. Even the name is sexy. I told my cat,
Buddy, who is the real life Cat, of your kind words and his reply was "YAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWNNNNNN!"