"Harry Potter!" said Kriss quietly, genuinely surprised. "Why was he was helping her?" She thought to herself.
"What's it to you Potter! Run along back to your little fan club!" Caecius snapped.
"I just thought I would clarify the situation for you. As you obviously seem to be too stupid, to see for yourself!" Harry said calmly back.
"Don't push it Potter, this is none of your business!" Caecius retorted
"Well I'm making it my business! You're just as much a bully off the quidditch pitch, as you are on and I'm tired of seeing you pushing people around. But that's the only way you can get friends and girl's isn't it? By force! I know for a fact that most people at this school hate your guts, but they're too afraid of you, to tell you. I, on the other hand am not!" Harry's voice sounded more threatening now. The red haired girl with him tried to steer him away, telling him to forget it. But Harry wouldn't budge.
Caecius seemed to forget about Kriss momentarily and squared up to his adversary. As he turned around, she saw Harry motioning with his eyes, for her to take this chance to go. Kriss hesitated; she didn't want to be the cause of a fight. She thought that maybe it would have been easier, if she had just danced with him. But then she remembered Professor snape waiting for her in his office. She hurried through the crowd then turned back to make sure no one had noticed her.
Suddenly a shout was heard, even over the loud music, then laughter. A pair of trousers, looking like the ones Caecius had been wearing, were flying around the room, followed by a pair of boxers. It was well known that Harry could do wandless magic, especially when threatened. "So Harry goaded Caecius into threatening him on purpose, so he could do some sort of magic on him? He must be really powerful" Kriss thought, as Caecius was usually pretty untouchable. She covered her mouth with her hands and laughed, as she saw teachers trying to bring the errant clothing down. They obviously weren't trying too hard though, as it seemed to be taking them a long time. Kriss walked through the doors to The Great hall, still giggling, into the cool corridor. She made her way down as if to the Slytheryn common room, then carried on to Snapes office. She stood outside the door and knocked, not knowing if he was in there, or still at the ball. Her question was answered, when she heard a voice from within say "Enter."
Kriss nervously opened the door, stepped inside, then closed it behind her. Professor Snape was standing by the fireplace, staring at a glowing fire. He looked like he had been deep in thought. There was a small glass and a bottle of firewhisky on the mantlepiece.
" Kriss" He said softly, not looking up.
" I didn't know you drank" Kriss replied, indicating the bottle.
"There is a lot you don't know about me Kriss" he answered still not looking up.
Neither said anything for a while. Kriss's tummy had turned to butterflies, as she remembered the last time she was in this office, was the night of the kiss.
"So..How have you been?" Kriss asked trying to break the silence. She looked at her hands as she said this, playing with her fingers nervously.
"Kriss, what are you doing here? You should be back there, enjoying the ball with your friends." Snape said glancing briefly in her direction.
[He couldn't look at her for long in that dress, not while they were alone. He had been watching her dancing with that soppy boy. She had looked as though she was enjoying herself and jealousy had started to rise within him. He had rejected her, sure, not because he wanted to, but because it was the right thing to do. He had started to drink the odd glass of firewhisky to try and sate the feelings he had. He had even denied to himself, that he even felt anything atall. Then he came to the conclusion that even if he could be with her, even if he wasn't too old for her, he did not deserve her, he did not feel worthy.]
"I wanted to talk to you, I wanted to know how you really felt about me" Kriss said looking up. She walked over to where he was standing, her heels clacking on the stone floor. Snape looked at her for a moment then looked back to the fire.
"Whatever I feel, or felt doesn't matter. I apologise if I hurt you..it was not my intention. As I said, I had to make it clear to you that any relationship, other than teacher and student, was not possible." He said stiffly walking past her, towards his desk. The words were formal, but his tone seemed to be one of regret. He sat down on his chair, leaned forward on his elbows, 'cathedraled' his fingers and leant his chin on them. It seemed as if he was staring at the wall, but his eyes were looking right through it.
Kriss felt hope, at his sad demeanor. "Maybe he does still feel something for me, he's just afraid to show it. Maybe he thinks I'm too young for him" she thought. Kriss felt she had to do something now, something that would really get his attention. "I have to show him I'm a woman now, someone he could be with, not the young girl he thinks I am." She gathered up all her courage and resolve. Remembering all the seduction techniques, her friends had laughingly reenacted for her, back in their dorm.
"Erm..Do you like my dress? Look it has lacing up the front, bring back any memories?" She smiled as she said this and played with the bow at the top of the bodice briefly. Snape looked at her, flicking his eyes up and down her body.
"It..it"s very becoming on you" He said tersely and quickly looked away again, looking a little uncomfortable. "I think you should go now, and enjoy what's left of the ball" Snape continued (not really wanting her to go but still trying to keep a distance between them. )
"If you really want me to go, I will, but, can I just ask one question?" Kriss asked biting her lip nervously.
"Yes, what is it?" Snape said softly, looking up at her enquiringly
"Will you dance with me?" She asked looking straight into his eyes and smiling
"I don't think that would be very appropriate, I think people would start making presumptions if they saw.."
"No, not in The Great hall" Kriss interrupted him "Here, in your office"
"What? Don't be absurd, why would.." Snape started, when Kriss interjected again
"Please! Come on just once, who'll know?" As Kriss spoke she put her hands on his, pulling them away from each other. Then she tugged gently on his arms, as if to pull him up.
"This is utter foolishness" he said, but he gave in and duly stood up.
Kriss nervously put his hands on her waist and put her own round his shoulders. Then she began to sway to imaginary music, leading him with her.
"I think that will do for now," Snape said suddenly backing away, sounding flustered.
Kriss looked at him; her hands still on his shoulders. She reached out to touch his now, soft, clean hair. "So what's the real reason for this" She asked, pulling on a strand, gently "men usually, only do themselves up to impress a lady." Kriss stated, smiling "Was it Madame Pomfrey? I saw you talking for ages." She giggled, twisting the strand round her fingers.
"What? No, we were discussing medicinal potions, I have no romantic feelings towards her whatsoever" He said seriously, still looking uncomfortable. But he made no move to remove her hand. Kriss moved closer and whispered "then was it for me?" Snape didn't answer for a while and looked down.
"Some foolish notion of mine, that is all it was" His voice sounded almost wistful
"It wasn't foolish, you look really handsome " Kriss said earnestly. She reached up to stroke the side of his face with her fingertips, feeling the smooth skin, with a hint of stubble.
"Kriss don't.." He started, moving as to back away, but Kriss had already put both her hands around his neck and standing on tip toe brought her face up to meet his. She kissed him softly on the lips. She couldn't believe her own daring; her tummy was clenching with nerves. But as her lips touched his she felt tingles all over her. As she pulled away, her eyes were closed for a while savouring the moment. Snape looked at her, mouth open as if to speak, his brow creased slightly in bewilderment. Then suddenly she kissed him again, this time using her lips to cover his with gentle caresses. She had remembered a boy doing this to her once and had thought it quite romantic.
"Kriss, you.. have to.. stop this.."Snape stuttered, between kisses. Suddenly he grabbed her arms, gently but firmly and took them from around his neck. Kriss backed away, looking down for a while. When she looked up she had a coquettish smile on her face.
It was like she was floating, her feelings were getting stronger. The fluttering in her tummy had intensified. She had never felt like this before, with anyone else. It just felt so right, to kiss him, she didn't want to stop. She knew he was scared of where this was going, but at the same time, sensed he wanted her too. He was wound like a tight spring, sooner or later he was going snap. The tension in the room increased, as did the heat. A single bead of sweat ran down the side of the Professors face. Kriss showed how hot she was, by exhaling with a gentle "phew". Then she pulled her hair out of its clip, letting it fall down her back. She ran her fingers through it loosening the strands.
"Is it hot, or is it just me?" She said fanning herself "This corset feels so tight that I can hardly breathe. I think I'll just loosen it a little bit" She grabbed each end of the silken cord lacing and started to slowly pull the bow undone. She also loosened some of the top lacing, all the time looking up and smiling, her head slightly on one side. All this time, Snape had not taken his eyes off her, his hand gripping the edge of the table. His breathing had become heavier and his expression was as if, he was seeing her for the first time.
Kriss couldn't believe she was acting like this, this wasn't her. Usually she didn't have to do any seducing; boys just seemed to lunge straight for her boobs. This was different and a lot more fun. She wanted to see how far she had to go before he gave in. Some of the stony facade had already slipped, his face telling of his inner turmoil. She looked at him now, waiting for a reaction.
The spring snapped. Snape suddenly lunged forward, grabbing Kriss, with one hand around her waist and the other round the back of her neck. His lips pressed against hers with the passion of one, who had held back for a very long time. The kiss moved down from her face to her neck and shoulders. He moaned in ecstasy, her skin felt delicious beneath his lips and her was smell intoxicating. He wanted her, Snape the teacher faded into the background and Severus the man took over. He felt like a wild animal unleashed. Strong sexual feelings were starting to take over him. Feelings he had denied himself to have for so long. The blood was pumping in his veins now, increasing his ardour.
Kriss felt a little afraid of this sudden show of passion. It had been different when she had been in control, doing everything, with him holding back. He was a man, with a wealth of experience Kriss had never known. She was probably the only Slytherin girl still a virgin in her year. Her friends had teased her about it, but she wanted to wait for someone special. Someone who didn't just see her, as she had said "a pair of boobs with a girl attached."
Severus pulled away slightly straightening up. "Kriss, are you sure you want this? That you want me?" Snape almost whispered.
"Yes, I've never been more sure of anything" Kriss breathed back. As they stood there she leaned forward, her head resting against his chest. He bowed down slightly and kissed her on the forehead. Then he slid a finger under her chin and gently pushed her face up to look at him.
"Kriss, I can tell if you are lying, if you don't really want this to happen. I only have to look into your eyes to see the truth." Severus's tone was gentle now
"Then look, you won't find anything but fear of the unknown. I've already worked out that you can read minds, it was after C.." But Kriss didn't finish; she didn't want to mention him, not here, not now
"Yes, it is true. But only in certain circumstances, it helps if the person you are reading lets you in openly. Some people can block me completely." Severus admitted, lowering his eyes. As he looked down he saw the curve of Kriss's breasts barely contained within the loosened corset. A pressing need made itself known in his body again.
"We could go to my room" Severus said, playing with a strand of Kriss's hair "if ..that is what you want"
Kriss felt a mixture of extreme emotions at once, fear, anxiety, excitement and longing. She was scared of what they were doing, of what she was feeling and of being found out. She had hardly ever broken the rules before, always doing everything by the book. But she felt like being a bad girl for a change. "Yes, lets go before everyone comes out of the ball." She whispered.
He didn't need telling twice; he took her hand and led her out into the chilly corridor.
Kriss shivered as they walked along and not just with the cold. She felt something warm being placed on her shoulders. Kriss looked at Severus appreciatively and wrapped the warm cloak around her. They had only walked a few metres, when they stopped in front of a painting. She knew it well, it was of a wizard and a goblin fighting, at least they used to. Now most of the time they were seen chatting or playing chess. Right now they were sleeping. Severus tapped the side of the painting to wake them and whispered something to the wizard. The wizard yawned and nodded, then the painting swung open. A stairway opened up before them, lit up by candles.
"Quickly, before someone sees us" Severus hissed, waving her on with his hand. Kriss did as he said and began to ascend the stairs, him following close behind. Her belly really was clenching with nerves now. But she had to go through with it, pretend that she was used to this sort of thing and had done it before. If she backed out now and told him the truth, he might think of her as too immature for him. Then things would probably go back, to the way they had been, she didn't want that. They climbed for a while then came out onto a landing. The landing had four other staircases leading off it, presumably to other entrances. There were also four doors up ahead, but Severus guided Kriss to the one at the end of the corridor. At the door the professor took out his wand and tapped it on the doorknob.
"Open!" he said firmly. Unexpectedly a little face appeared on the shiny brass handle, well more of a nose and mouth.
"Hello Professor Snape you're back early" It said in a cheery voice
"Just open the door!" Severus snapped.
"Ooh, keep your hair on! Just wanted to be friendly!" the voice said apologetically. The door swung open.
"I've never seen a talking doorknob before! That's so funny!" Kriss giggled, looking at it curiously.
"Someones idea of a security measure, it only let's the owner of the room in. No magic is supposed to be able to break through it." He explained "I just wish it would stop being so annoyingly cheerful all the time." He narrowed his eyes at the handle and ordered it to shut.