Morgan spent the next few days concentrating on class work and trying no to dwell on the events of that past night. When the summons from the Headmaster came she was not surprised, he'd would want to know if they were able to gather any useful information. She found Professor Snape waiting with Dumbledore when she arrived.
"I'm sorry am I late?"
The old man waived his hand, "no, not at all Morgan. Professor Snape and I were just discussing a few things before you arrived. Won't you have a seat?" We were going over the recent meeting with Voldemort my dear."
"It was very short Headmaster and I'm sorry to say we have nothing to report."
"Ah, but there is one other matter. I believe he ordered you to, ah, fix yourself up a bit?"
Morgan's eyes narrowed as they fixed on Snape, "he asked yes."
"With the hopes that you might take the notice of suitable, ah, men?"
Eyes still boring through the Potions Master who merely raised his eyebrows innocently, "that's the gist of it sir."
"I have come to the conclusion that it's a very good idea indeed."
"What?" Morgan's head whipped around to the elder man, "you're not serious?"
"I realize you are not a social person by nature, but this could be a very good opportunity to gather information. A pretty face might lead a man to a loose tongue, and your other gifts would be helpful as well."
"You want to whore me?"
"No, no Morgan absolutely not. I do not intend for you to do any such thing. But a bit of womanly wiles, a little flirting perhaps, more socializing with the other Death Eaters may lead us to some very beneficial information."
"So you wish to dress me up? Oh, this is not going to be good," she shook her head in disbelief. "I suppose I could give it a try, what do you want some make-up?"
The old man cleared his throat ,"I had thought perhaps some help in that area might be called for, Minerva-"
"Absolutely not! I will not have that woman-. If anyone is to help it will have to be Madam Hooch!"
"Fine, fine I will speak to her tonight and we'll arrange everything for Saturday. You women can have the whole day to primp."
"An entire day! It's going to take an entire day?" Morgan said in exasperation. Dumbledore nodded and she gave in with a huff, "fine. I hope Xiomara realizes the 'enormity' of the task she's about to undertake," Morgan replied sarcastically as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"There is one other thing," the older man paused looking over to Snape and then back to her. "About your, ah, feminine wiles?"
She gritted her teeth and furrowed her brows, "what, about them?"
"You don't have any," the Potions Master drawled casually from his seat next to her.
"How dare you! You of all people to mock me! I didn't exactly notice the women falling over you."
Dumbledore raised his hands palms outward and gestured, "now, now. Calm down. Morgan you do have to admit that you haven't exactly had much practice in that area."
The DADA instructor slouched in her chair staring at the wall, "sure, whatever you say."
"You will need a bit of, instruction in that area as well," the headmaster said calmly.
"Sure, let Hooch have me for another day. Might even take two or three."
"Actually I had someone else in mind."
"Who?" Morgan tilted her head slightly as she eyed the old man.
"Severus."
Morgan leaned her head back and rolled it from side to side, "aaaw gaaad." Sitting forward she put her hands to her face and pressed her cheeks together, "ah aha ah ah ah," sobbing in mock agony, " I think I'm gonna throw up." Moving her hands to cover her eyes she continued, "you've got to be kidding Albus?" The woman scratched at her neck and gasp, "the noose, it's tightening."
"Oh will you grow up!" Snape snapped.
"Both of you stop this right now," Dumbledore interrupted, "Morgan you will do as I have asked. No one knows the male Death Eaters and how they think and react better than Severus. I have every confidence that he will do a fine job of instructing you. That is all, now go!"
Outside the office Morgan grabbed his arm, "Snape, you will get your comeuppance for this , mark my words."
(((((
On Friday night Morgan sought out Professor Snape. After first checking his classroom and office she found herself knock, knock, knocking on his chamber door. The hour was late and as the door opened she noted his casual dress. The usual frock coat gone he wore a crisp white cotton shirt that was unbuttoned at the collar and cuffs.
"Professor Rheged," his voice crisp and rich as he stood holding the door, "is there something I can do for you?"
"May I come in so we can speak in private?"
Snape stepped back and allowed her to enter before closing the door. "Might I interest you in a glass of Merlot?"
"Yes, thank you," Morgan accepted, taking the proffered glass and sat when he gestured to the couch.
"I'm intrigued as to why you sought me out?"
"I'm sure you recall that I have to go shopping with Madam Hooch tomorrow," he merely inclined his head in response. "I've never been clothes shopping with anyone else before and I don't want to risk her seeing my Mark. I was hoping you could suggest something?" she asked hopefully.
"And so you swallowed your pride did you?"
"What makes you think I have any pride left to swallow? I do what I have to as do you. I was mad yes, but I find no sense in fighting over it."
He looked down into emerald eyes once more, "would you mind telling me what it is that you hold against me?"
Professor Rheged stared into those dark yet strangely innocent eyes for a few moments. Strange that he should ask that, she'd been feeling her animosity toward him slipping these past weeks. The memory of his humiliating childhood rejection still stung and would always do so but after all these years they'd both grown and changed. He'd become a man and she a woman, both fighting against a common foe. Mayhap it was insignificant in light of things, but still it hung over her. Snape didn't even remember her little own what he'd done. This was not the time to refresh his memory, "I think it's best to let it lie."
Snape merely nodded his acceptance,"I regret that you will have to endure this," his eyes glimmering with sympathy.
"Not as much as I do. Apparently I make a horrid woman," her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Severus stared into the dark red wine, "there is more to a woman than a pretty face."
"Yes, but men don't see that," she said quietly.
"Then they are fools."
"You can't tell me you're not drawn to a pretty face?" Morgan asked sardonically.
"That is human nature professor. I'm not so ignorant to believe there is nothing important beyond beauty. You need to realize this will just be for show, these men won't care about anything beyond a pretty face."
"I'm uncomfortable being judged like that."
"I will be there if you need me."
Severus removed a small container from the cabinet, "roll up your sleeve," he said, removing the lid as he sat next to her on the couch.
Morgan found something about the way his long fingers dipped into the cream very sensual. Heat diffused her while those fingers massaged the ointment into the tattoo on her lower arm. She became very aware of his body next to hers and kept her eyes lowered intentionally.
"This will mask it for twenty-four hours."
The deep voice sent a shiver down her spine, "did you make that just for me?"
"Yes."
"You knew that I would come?"
"No. I had thought perhaps?"
"Thank you." Morgan risked a glance into those dark eyes, "you're a strong man professor. I envy your self discipline, your control. Sometimes I almost believe you have no feelings."
"As you should. I have no heart."
A slight smile graced her lips at that, "you have a heart," gently she placed her hand on his chest, "I can feel it beating."
She looked so innocent as her hand lay on his chest, Severus caught his breath and stopped his mind from making more of the gesture than it was. Her hand felt warm in his as he took it from his chest, holding it for a brief moment before resting it back in her lap.
"Thank you again professor," Morgan added, "sleep well."
As the Potions Master watched her leave he wondered if he'd be sleeping at all this night...