Soon things for Kriss were back to normal again. Working hard at her studies but still finding time to have fun with her friends.. She had managed to convince them that her relationship with Harry had finished and was now more careful when she snuck off to meet Severus, at the weekend. But there was no fooling Claudette, who cornered her one Saturday.
They had decided to sit in the grounds to do their homework. The weather had got warmer as it was now April and it seemed to help them concentrate, being in the fresh air. Claudette and Kriss were alone, as Xanthe and Lucinda had gone off on a walk, for a break.
"You're still seeing someone aren't you?" she said matter of factly, "I know you're still sneaking off, I've seen you." She paused looking at Kriss for a moment "I'm just disappointed that's all, that you don't confide in me anymore. We used to tell each other everything, I feel like you're pulling away from me. I don't want to lose your friendship, but all this secrecy is hurtful, frankly." She was looking down now her legs bent up in front of her.
"Look Claudette.."Kriss began; she was going to deny anything was going on, that there were no secrets to tell. But she knew Claudette would no longer believe her. They had known each other for seven years and they were more like sisters, sharing everything. Boyfriends had come and gone but their friendship had remained.
"You're right, I have been seeing someone." Kriss said hanging her head, then looked up at Claudette "I have to ask you seriously this time- that you promise not to tell anyone, not even Xanthe and especially not Lucinda!"
"Of course I promise, you know you can trust me, I don't know why you haven't before" said Claudette earnestly
Kriss took a deep breath to try and steady her nerves "It's...it's Professor Snape" There, she had said it. Relief washed over her, she had told her best friend the truth at last.
Claudette's face was a picture "You..you're kidding me! Aren't you? You can't be serious! He's.. he's old enough to be your father!"
"I love him Claudette and he loves me, our ages don't matter" Kriss replied resolutely
"I don't understand, what do you see in him? I mean he's ..he's, well he's Snape! How long has this been going on?" Claudette asked, still looking shocked
"Since the night of the Yule Ball. You remember when I disappeared? I was with him that night." Said Kriss. Although still relieved, she felt worried about telling her everything that had happened
"You mean you've been keeping it a secret since then?" Retorted Claudette
"Yes, I had no choice, he swore me to secrecy. He said he would have to leave the school if anyone found out, I couldn't let that happen." Kriss said looking down again
"Wow, I'm still shell shocked from this. I never thought he had it in him, he seems so..so aloof and cold. In fact I wondered if he even liked women at all. He's definitely the last person I would have picked to have an affair with a student." Claudette said, still unable to believe what Kriss had told her. She was quiet for a moment taking it in.
"So, do you have sex then? Claudette asked suddenly, with a naughty grin now spread across her face
"Claudette!" Kriss said laughing and pushing her friend on the shoulder
"Well? Do you? Is he any good?" Claudette pressed
"Yes, we do have sex and yes he is good, very good in fact!" Kriss said blushing.
"Wow, well I suppose he'd know what he's doing at his age!" Claudette said laughing
"Yes, he seems to!" Kriss answered smiling, then she took on a more serious tone
"Oh Claudette I've learnt so much about him, things that he probably hasn't told anyone else"
"Like what? Can you tell me anything? Oooh I know..why don't we ever see him eat in the Great Hall, he's sometimes in there but I've never see him eat a meal!" She looked at Kriss expectantly
"Well, I suppose you are sworn to secrecy, so I can tell you. It's because he doesn't want anyone to know that..that he's a vegetarian" Kriss answered smiling but feeling a little embarrassed
"A vegetarian! Is that all, my Auntie's one, so what!" Claudette retorted
"It's also because.." Kriss checked around for any signs of any one who could over hear, there was no one, but still whispered "When he was younger, he had dinner at some friends' of his house and unbeknown to him, they were Deatheaters (she said this even though she knew he had known). They served dinner, but once he had started to eat, they started laughing madly and he couldn't understand why . Then they told him they had killed a muggle earlier and told him where the meat for the meal came from.." Kriss said, shuddering at the memory of how she'd felt when he'd told her "So now, not only can he not eat meat but he can't eat while watching someone else eat it either, it turns his stomach"
"Euurgh!" Claudette grimaced "That's awful, no wonder. Who were these 'friends', have we heard of them?"
"Yes, it was the Lestrange's" Kriss answered quietly
"Oh by Merlin! That does sound like the sort of thing they would do, they were completely evil weren't they?" Claudette said still grimacing
"Promise you'll never tell, in fact do the 'hex promise' " Kriss said remembering a swear they used to do, when they were younger when telling each other a secret.
"What! Oh, alright" she said seeing Kriss's serious expression. Then holding her wand up, she said, "I swear not to tell soul, of the secret I've been told, lest my eyes turn to coal. See now you know I won't tell"
Kriss nodded gratefully. She also told Claudette a few other little things about Severus but didn't reveal any of his more personal secrets, she would never tell anyone those. Especially nothing about his childhood or the fact he used to be a Deatheater.
When they saw Xanthe and Lucinda coming back, Kriss and Claudette quickly changed the subject and just carried on with their work, like nothing had happened
That night when Kriss went to see Severus she felt very guilty about telling Claudette about them, but decided to say nothing and carry on as if nothing had changed. As soon as Kriss had entered his room, Severus had grabbed her kissing her passionately. Pulling her over to the bed, undressing her and himself, made love to her. This raw passion took Kriss by surprise, she was used to him being slow and steady. She had noticed he had got a little more 'full on' recently. It had started especially since she had decided to tease him furtively now and then. Little things like brushing up against him in the corridor, bending over his desk a little more than necessary with an extra button undone, or kissing him quickly when no one was looking.
It had been a particularly vigorous session and they were lying on their backs, on the bed panting. After a while Severus spoke sounding serious
"Kriss, I have to tell you, I might not be here so much soon, I..I have some important work to do"
"What do you mean, important work?" Kriss asked, turning on her side to look at him
"I can't tell you, but it's something I have to do." he paused looking down, then looked up again smiling slightly "I told Dumbledore that you would make a perfect substitute teacher, when I cannot be here to take potions classes" He had turned to look at Kriss now
"What! Me, teach? I don't know how, I've never.." but Severus speaking again cut her off
"You are the most capable and skillful potions student that there is at this school. I can think of no one better; all you have to do is follow my lesson plans, and you will only have to take first and second year classes. It will be good practice for you and I have every trust in your abilities" Severus said encouragingly
"I don't know, I suppose I could try" Kriss said spiritedly, but she still felt very concerned, 'what was this important work that he couldn't tell her about.' He often disappeared, seeming to rush off at a moments notice if Dumbledore called him, but this seemed different, more serious.
"Good, I know you will be alright. It will only be a few classes so it shouldn't interfere with your own studies." Severus reassured her
Kriss knew it was no use pressing further, as he had never told her more than he wanted her to know before. This time would be no different. That night after returning to her own room, she had a terrible feeling of dread that wouldn't go away.
Severus had been true to his word, he did start going away more, sometimes at weekends also, leaving Kriss feeling lonely.
April had soon turned into May and Severus told her he wanted her to cover a class for him, for the first time. It was on a Monday morning, before dinner. She had been terrified at the prospect but he had coached her thoroughly on several techniques for keeping control of the students in her class.
She had walked into the room, striding straight to the front, turning to face a class of first years. She had already written instructions on the blackboard, during morning break.
"Now class, be quiet!" she said banging her wand on the nearest table, making it sound like a whip cracking. The class was immediately silenced at this noise and looked at her expectantly
"I will be taking your class today, as Professor Snape cannot be here" this news seemed to please the class greatly as they looked around at each other smiling and making appreciative noises
"Now don't think you can slack off with me, I expect the best, just like Professor Snape does!" she said trying to sound as authorititive as possible, but feeling very nervous inside
Suddenly a hand went up, it came from a very cocky looking boy with short blonde hair. "Miss, are you a new teacher, I didn't know we were getting a new one"
"No, I am a still a student here, but I assure you, I know this subject nearly as well as Professor Snape, so I am perfectly competent to teach you at this level." She said in answer
"Erm what do we call you Miss" said the same boy
"You may call me Miss Firestone" Kriss said looking round at the class, "now, if you could open your books at page 200 we will begin. The class went surprisingly well, she actually found that she enjoyed it. The students were a little unruly, but as soon they realised she knew what she was doing and would stand for no nonsense they calmed down. When the class had ended the same cocky boy, whom she had learned was called Flint Bevan, stopped to talk as he went out the door.
"Are you going to teach us again Miss Firestone?"
"Yes I may do, why?" Kriss asked curiously
"Because I definitely prefer you to Professor Snape, for a start you're a lot prettier!" he said cheekily
"Get off to your dinner!" Kriss said ushering him out of the door, but she couldn't help smiling as she did so.
Kriss soon got used to taking classes and she did for the next few weeks, as Severus was absent regularly now. She enjoyed him while she could though and they tried to make the most of their stolen moments together.
The Easter holidays were coming up and Kriss was looking forward to hopefully spending more time with Severus, until he revealed he would be away for most of it. She was disappointed, but knew that she had to get on with some serious study anyway, so tried not to be too down about it.
When the holidays at last arrived, it was a relief to have a break from classes, even though they still had a ton of work to get through. The weather was warm and sunny and they spent as much time out doors as possible, instead of the rather stuffy classrooms. Some of the girls had devised a new game to help them unwind and get rid of some excess energy in the evenings. It was based on a muggle game; volley ball, but using an old and rather slower than usual, Bludger ball instead of a normal one. They used a spare patch of ground next to the quidditch pitch, so they could use the quidditch changing rooms afterwards. The rules were a little different to normal volleyball; they used their wand aswell as their hands to sling the ball back and forth over the net they had magiced up. This game became very popular, with boys joining in too.
Kriss and her friends had been playing a particularly vigorous game, against a group of Gryffindor girls, on the last Saturday of the holidays. She was looking forward to seeing Severus as he had assured her he would be there that night. They all went off to the shower block, hot and sweaty, even with the little shorts and vest tops they played in. Kriss was taking her time in the shower, dreaming about seeing Severus; she hadn't spent a night in his room for two weeks now and was looking forward to a night of passion with him.
The shower was warm and relaxing and she stayed in long after her friends had got out. She listened as they talked while getting dressed. They had waited for her for a while, but as it was hot in the shower room they had told her they would wait outside instead.
When Kriss got out of the shower at last, the changing rooms were silent and she was all alone. Wrapping her towel around her she walked over to where she had left her things and began drying herself. It had started to rain and Kriss closed her eyes listening to the soothing sound of gentle tap-tapping on the window outside. There was a boom in the distance, sounding like thunder.
Suddenly a footfall behind her woke her out of her dream and thinking it was her friend's coming to nag her to hurry up, she called out reassuring them
"I'm coming, I've just got to get dressed" she said re-wrapping the towel around her waist this time and picking up her bra.
"I wouldn't bother, you'll only have to take it off again" said a familiar voice
Kriss felt like the blood had just drained from her whole body, she went so cold. She swallowed hard and covering herself up with the towel again turned around. She saw Caecius standing leaning on the wall by the entrance, his arms folded and a big smile on his face.
"What the hell are you doing in here! Get out!" she said, fear now creeping up from the pit of her belly.
"What and miss this opportunity, I don't think so Kriss" he said with a malevolent look
"My friends are only outside you know" kriss said trying to sound a lot braver than she felt
"Oh, they're occupied elsewhere at the moment; I made sure of that. The door is being guarded by some friends of mine, and I've used a good locking charm on it, so we won't be disturbed." He said moving closer
Kriss backed up towards the wall, feeling more scared than she had ever felt in her life. It was pretty obvious what he wanted and Kriss knew she had to get out. She suddenly remembered her wand and called for it "Accio wand!"
But as the wand started towards her it stopped in mid-air, then went in the opposite direction. Caecius caught it neatly in his hand and snapped it in two. Kriss was horrified; this was a great taboo, something you never did, damaging another witch or wizards wand on purpose. It also had great sentimental value to her. Dropping the wand on the floor he walked towards her. Kriss edged sideways, hoping to scoot round him towards the door. She suddenly made a run for it; but Caecius reached out and caught her, catching her round the waist. He pulled her close to him and looked at her triumphantly.
"I've waited a long time for this Kriss. You thought I'd forgotten about you didn't you, but you were always there at the back of my mind. I've been enjoying watching you play that new game, you're very good. I like the way your body looks in those tight clothes you wear; very nice. I wasn't the only one who noticed either. Admit it Kriss, you love the effect your body has on the boys, I've noticed how you've changed lately; wearing your shirts unbuttoned lower and walking sexily" Caecius said, all the time holding her tightly with a vice like grip, his face close to hers
"I..I didn't..I didn't know, I wasn't doing it for.." she cut off, knowing she couldn't tell him who she was doing it for "Look, please let me go, please" she said desperately, pleading with her eyes
Caecius smiled and said "Sure I will, after I get what I came for"
Fear coursed through Kriss as Caecius lowered her to the cold, tiled floor. He started to kiss her neck, his breathing coming hard and fast. She braced herself for what was to come, she knew she couldn't fight him, he was far too strong, but she still made a valiant effort. As she struggled she brushed his arm and felt a now familiar burning sensation in her fingers. She screamed in shock, Caecius looked up smiling and said
"Yes, I've been a bit busy over the holidays and I've come back with a little souvenir" he pulled up his sleeve to show her the dark mark now sitting there.
Kriss recoiled and cried, "You're a Deatheater now!"
"Yes fully fledged, so no one can say no to me anymore! Not that they did much before!" He laughed as he pulled the towel away from Kriss easily, with one hand, leaving her naked
Kriss hoped she would die right there, how could this happen now, when everything was going so well. She tried to picture Severus's face in her mind, wishing with all her might he would walk in that door right now and help her.
Suddenly, there was an explosion and Caecius stopped what he was doing to look. They heard the door bang against the wall as someone entered the room.
Relief washed over Kriss like a warm wave as she saw who it was "Severus!" she shouted.
Caecius looked from Severus to Kriss a confused look on his face. Then it was as if cogs were clicking into place, because he suddenly smiled at Kriss, still looking between the both of them. He didn't have much time to deal with this new information however, as he was suddenly lifted into the air and dumped unceremoniously onto the floor of the changing rooms. Severus uttered a spell to knock him out and then moved quickly towards Kriss, pulling her up into his arms, then taking off his cloak, wrapped it around her. Kriss held on tight, feeling like she never wanted to let go again.
Claudette, Lucinda and Xanthe then came running into the room, red faced and panting.
"Oh Kriss" said Claudette trying to get her breath "What happened? Did he..?"
Kriss merely shook her head, silent tears falling down her face.
"We're so sorry, we heard a bang, it was really loud and we all went running to see what it was. We went so far, then we were ambushed. Some boys grabbed us from behind then locked us in the broom shed and put some sort of locking charm on it, so we couldn't get out at first. So we remebered a really good spell, put our wands together and blasted the door off!" she paused again to take a breath "We had no idea what was going on, we thought they had just been messing around, then I saw that Dulentia Dulose one of Caecius's gang. She was finding something really funny as we walked past, I asked her what it was and she just laughed even more. We all threatened her and she told me that Caecius had wanted to be alone with you. I just suddenly clicked; that all that noise and stuff had just been a diversion, to get us away from you. We've all just run like you wouldn't believe!" She said sitting down on a bench to rest her self, the other two girls joining her.
"What about you Severus?" said kriss, looking up at him with tears still streaming out of her eyes.
"I..I have been keeping an eye on him for a while now" said Severus nodding towards Caecius's unconscious form. "We had found out there had been lot more activity going on with the Deatheaters lately, we thought they may have been recruiting at the school. I kept a close watch on all the students, but Caecius interested me most. I knew he had been in the presence of Voldemort, I could tell..you can guess how. He's been out of the school, going to meetings, coming back and trying to recruit others."
"But how did you know I was in here with him?" Kriss asked
"I was informed that he had returned to the school, I thought I had better return also. When I arrived, there was a lot of noise coming from this direction, so I came to investigate. I thought it might have been something to do with him. I saw some of his gang hanging around and to save time I grabbed hold of one of them and searched their mind. I saw what Caecius had been planning, he had told them. I got here as fast as I could, but I only wish I had been here sooner" he said looking at kriss then pulling her in towards him, held her even tighter
"Same here! I can't believe we fell for such a stupid trick!" Lucinda said regretfully
"He is very clever and also very dangerous, especially now; he could have easily taken you all on. I am just glad that I surprised him, or he may have given me trouble" said Severus looking at Caecius
Suddenly Dumbledore appeared at the entrance quickly followed by Harry Potter.
"What happened here Severus?" Said the Headmaster looking at him, then around the room, then back to him again "Would you care to tell me?"
"I think we need to get Miss Firestone to the hospital wing to recover first" he said "Then I'll tell you what happened"