The next few weeks passed by quickly, Severus thought. Upon his return from Malfoy Manor, he had thought it would be wise to avoid Olivia for a few days, just to see if the warm feeling in his gut was genuine or if it was just due to the shag.
Unfortunately, the feelings remained.
Bollocks.
He wasn't a complete idiot - he knew that the feeling deep down in his belly could bloom into something more than lust if he allowed it to happen. He just wasn't sure he wanted to.
He'd allowed a witch into his heart once and it was near-fatal. He wasn't sure he was willing to allow the risk of that pain again, no matter how funny or beautiful she was.
He hated to admit it, but he looked forward to their little brewing sessions - sporadic as they were; she'd just show up whenever she was running low on supplies. He found he enjoyed the surprise when he'd hear her knock on his door late at night.
Severus thought back to their first brewing session after Christmas. She had gone to his office the day after their separate parties and knocked quietly on the door. She had seemed nervous about seeing him. At the time, he mistook her bashfulness for regret.
They had begun to brew side by side in silence, he wasn't sure how to initiate conversation. Yes, they had been intimate, but once she left his little love nest, surely, she would have regretted her decision. That would have been the only explanation for the awkwardness surrounding them.
She had begun her brew while he was distracted with his own thoughts. It was only once he started to smell the vapors that he knew she was brewing a "morning after" potion.
Shite! Had she taken any contraceptive potion after their previous... encounters? Could that be why she was acting so distant?
Olivia smiled when she looked at him and saw all the color drain from his face.
"It's not for me, Severus," she giggled. "The party got a little carried away last night. I had a few students seek me out this morning asking me to brew for them, confidentially of course. You know how teenagers are..." she continued stirring, completely focused on her brew and not his face.
He cleared his throat, trying to gather some confidence so that his voice didn't quiver from the anxiety that was currently crippling him.
"B-but surely you... that is to say... perhaps..."
Fuck. You sound like a bloody fool.
Olivia giggled some more. "Relax, Severus. I take a muggle contraceptive. My mother's career choice as a physician saw to it that I was protected since I started my cycle".
Severus swallowed hard, relief flooding his system. "Apologies, Miss Wright. I suppose I got carried away the other night. How discourteous for me to not ascertain that you were protected".
"Merlin, Severus. Surely, you'll call me Olivia now? Or even Liv is ok," she teased. "You have seen me naked, the least you could do is act a bit more familiar".
They had teased and flirted with each other for the rest of the night, brewing together like they had in the beginning of the year.
There had been a few quick kisses here and there over the next few weeks, not to mention a few longer, more passionate, snogging sessions... but no more sex.
Due to the start of term, anytime things started to heat up between the two of them, something always interrupted - Filch banging on his door to complain...detentions...Mediwitch duties Olivia had... and, of course, Minerva being... Minerva.
One night they had been snuggled on his sofa reading by the fire when the wards to his office alerted, startling them apart. Severus had Olivia slink off to his bedroom while he went to investigate.
Moody was banging on the office door, demanding to be let in when Snape exited his private chambers. Moody had exclaimed that Severus was hiding various dark arts paraphernalia and demanded to search his office.
"And why would you think I would allow this...search... to occur, Moody?" He whispered menacingly.
"Dumbledore's orders, Snape. Ask him yourself. In the meantime, I'll be doing a very... thorough... inspection".
Moody had caused a complete mess - everything was tossed about carelessly as he muttered and pried into Snape's Private affairs. Severus hadn't felt this violated in a very long time. His face purpled with anger; his wand arm twitched with desire to hex the ex-auror.
Eventually, he limped away, having not found anything dark. Severus made a mental note to bring this up to Dumbledore, but quickly dismissed the idea. He'd wait to see how this played out first.
Severus had never hated living at the castle more than he had of late - there had to be a better way to start a relationship here.
Although when he thought about it, the Professors that lived at the castle were, decidedly, single.
Was he still single? Or was this a genuine relationship? He was too fearful to ask for a label. He didn't want to seem like a lovesick schoolboy... never again.
She'd probably not want anyone to know she was seeing him anyway. He knew he wasn't attractive and didn't have much to offer other than intelligence. Truthfully, he loathed himself and wasn't sure why she kept coming around. Selfishly though, he wanted to take advantage of the time he had with her.
No doubt, the other shoe would drop soon, and he'd lose her.
It was now mid-January. Severus was pleased it was a Hogsmeade weekend. Most of the students would be busy pillaging the town, so he thought that might give him and Olivia some much needed quiet. He had asked her if she would be interested in spending the weekend with him, and she had excitedly agreed.
His original plan was to stay in his chambers all day shagging. He hadn't felt her body pressed against his since Christmas and he bloody well missed that feeling.
Olivia, however, had other plans.
"Don't you think it would be more fun to head into town? You know...get out of the castle for a little while?" She was sitting in his lap, fiddling with the buttons on his frock coat. The clever witch had quickly discovered he was easily manipulated by her touch.
"I'd much rather stay here. With you. Alone." He muttered in between Olivia's quick pecks to his lips.
"Please, Severus?" She whined as she ground her bottom against his lap. "I'll make it worth your while..." She started sucking on his earlobe, nibbling every so often.
He closed his eyes and enjoyed her teasing. He knew he'd take her the first time she asked. But he was a cunning Slytherin after all... he wanted to see what form of bribery she'd attempt.
"Very well, witch. I shall take you out this weekend," he sighed.
"You seem thrilled," she deadpanned. "Don't you want to go out with me?"
"Of course, I do, silly witch. I just... don't wish to be around students all day".
"Are you embarrassed of me?"
"I'm not the one who should be embarrassed by our... extracurricular activities".
"What, me? Why on earth would I be embarrassed to be seen with you, Severus?".
He shrugged it off with a kiss. He didn't wish to burden her with his self-loathing. He'd save those feelings to explore in his own time.
"Alright, cheeky girl. I shall take you out. Meet at my chambers tomorrow morning?"
"I can't wait," she bit down on his earlobe, enjoying the hiss Severus made. She quickly got off his lap and strode off to the hospital wing. She wanted to get a good night's rest... she was hoping tomorrow would be eventful in more ways than one.
XOX
Olivia woke up early the next morning. She hopped in the shower and exfoliated every inch of her body - she wanted to feel soft and smooth for Severus when they finally got back to his rooms. She blushed and felt a heat pass through her body. She was so excited to spend some time with the wizard today. He was a fantastic lover, and she was hoping he'd be good company as well. She craved more than just a physical relationship with the wizard.
Wanting to look as cute as possible, she left some waves in her hair as she tousled it. This had the benefit of keeping her ears warm as she walked. She threw on some warm leggings and a heavy, large-weaved sweater. She threw her traveling cloak over her shoulder as she strode out of the hospital wing and towards the dungeon where her date would be waiting.
Olivia felt nauseous and jittery the closer she got to Severus. This would be their first real date and she was praying for it to go well. She stopped in front of his door, reaching up a hand and knocking quietly.
She only had to wait a few minutes for the door to swing open, a very disheveled Severus stood in the door frame.
"Good morning, Severus," Olivia whispered breathlessly. He stood in one of his white Oxford shirts, hanging open, and black trousers that he had yet to fasten, his hair still dripping from his shower. Clearly, the man was still getting dressed.
Severus smirked as Olivia ran her eyes over his body before he quickly reached out and grabbed her hand, tugging her inside quickly before anyone saw him in any state of undress.
"Eager, are we, Miss Wright? I enjoy a punctual witch, but even I was not expecting you this early".
"I suppose you could say that, yes," she said more breathlessly than she had intended to. This man just took all her breath away.
She couldn't help herself. She stalked forward, closing the distance between them so she could rake her nails down his chest. Severus growled as he grabbed her by the hips and pulled her flush against him. He moved one hand to the back of her head, pulling her lips toward his to consume in a passionate kiss.
Severus traced her bottom lip with his tongue, seeking entrance into her hot little mouth. She parted her lips and allowed him to caress her tongue with his, softly... thoroughly. He snogged her passionately until they had to break the kiss, panting as they tried to take in as much oxygen as they could.
"I suppose I'm quite eager myself," he teased as he rubbed the back of her head with his fingertips.
"Mmm, is that such a bad thing, Severus?" Olivia purred as she went up on her tiptoes to lick his neck.
"Merlin, witch. You could drive a wizard crazy," he groaned as he tilted his head to give her more room.
"Gods, Severus. I don't think I want to go out anymore. Let's just stay here after all".
Severus laughed at her wanton pleading. "Ohhhh no, little witch. This whole thing was your idea. You don't get to seduce your way out of it now". He raised his eyebrow in that sexy way that he did before he spun on his heel and headed back towards his bedroom.
"Make yourself comfortable. I'm just going to finish getting dressed," he called out over his shoulder. Olivia slumped into one of his chairs by the fireplace as she waited for him to return. She forgot how good of a kisser he was... now she truly wanted nothing more than to stay in his bed all day.
Severus chuckled as he emerged, fully dressed in his black armor. Truthfully, he thought she looked quite sexy, sitting there pouting about wanting to shag instead of shop. But he'd make her keep her word. Besides, he had plans for them.
"It's not funny".
"It is... a bit, actually".
Olivia loved watching a genuine smile pass over his face, even if it was at her own expense. With a sigh, she heaved herself out of the chair to follow her wizard outside and towards the quiet little wizarding village.
When they got far enough from the castle, Severus tugged Olivia's hand out of her pocket and entwined his fingers around hers. She looked up at him, beaming. Severus felt his heart clench at the excitement he could sense from her, he wasn't used to witches wanting to be seen with him, let alone hold his hand in public.
He had to admit, it was a bit out of character to be this relaxed, but the students wouldn't be arriving for quite a while, and he planned to be far away by then.
XOX
"So... where shall we go first?" Olivia squeezed his hand as they finally made the long trek to Hogsmeade. The weather was perfect, just cold enough to snuggle but not so cold as to be miserable.
Severus smirked as he looked down at her. "The students won't be arriving for quite a while, so we can take our time, I suppose. If it's agreeable, we can just walk and enter whatever stores draw your attention?"
"Sounds lovely". She looked at him like she wanted to press him into a wall and kiss him.
He wanted to let her.
They walked down the pathway, peaking in the store fronts of several places before finally settling on Tomes and Scrolls. Olivia was every bit the bibliophile Severus was, which pleased him greatly.
She smiled shyly before she let go of his hand to creep down a separate aisle. She was browsing books, seeking out more healing references for her to keep in her personal library. She tucked two large books under her arm and went to find Severus. He had four himself, charmed to follow along behind him. Olivia smiled as they combined their purchases. She had offered to pay but Severus would hear nothing of it.
He had the shop owner owl their tomes to his office so they wouldn't have to carry them back.
"One of the perks of being head of house," he shrugged.
They walked a little further when Olivia spotted a cauldron shop and wanted to pop in. Severus greeted the owner, Mr. Ceridwen as they looked around. Olivia was excited to see the various sizes and materials that the store had to offer. Sure, she had gone to stores in France to gather her potion ingredients for her work but never anything quite to this extent.
Severus took the time to explain how the different metals would respond to heat, how to clean and care for the different materials, and the like. He had his professor's voice on, and she couldn't help but start to squirm. She loved listening to him talk, especially when it was something he was passionate about.
Severus cast a tempus charm, checking to see when the little heathens would start arriving.
"We should have time for one or two more shops before we will need to head to London for our next stop".
"We are going to London next?"
Severus nodded. "I don't wish to be seen by students. This isn't an excursion I'd usually make," he explained. She smiled and nodded her head.
"Where to next?"
"As much as it pains me... I feel I cannot take you to Hogsmeade and not allow you entrance into Honeydukes".
Olivia smiled when she entered the candy shop. She had never seen anything like it, she was immediately brought back to her own childhood and beamed at the surly professor, dressed in black, surrounded by the smell of candy and pops of bright colors. He really was sweet to do this for her.
She had gathered a few bags worth of goodies, she'd share with the other professors that didn't make the trip or sick kids in the hospital wing. Her mother had always kept candy in her desk drawer at work to share with the social workers and nurses that scurried about the hospital, and Olivia instinctually had always done the same. She laughed when Severus made jokes about her teeth falling out or about himself having a heart attack just simply by witnessing the amount of sugar she had purchased.
"Alright, final stop and then we really need to bugger off," he warned. "Have you ever had a Butterbeer?"
"No! What is it?"
"A disgustingly sweet beverage that these horrible excuses for young adults seem to enjoy for a quick quaff".
"So, you're a huge fan, are you?" She giggled as Severus held the door open to the Three Broomsticks.
Olivia took in the sights as they entered. It was crowded and a bit smokey, but warm, nonetheless. She could tell it was a beloved landmark for the area. Severus grabbed her hand and let her towards the back, giving a respectful nod to the barkeep.
They settled into a quiet corner of the pub, tucked away from prying eyes. Olivia could tell he was uncomfortable but felt honored he'd risk being caught with her. Olivia decided to get up and sit beside Severus on the bench instead of across from him so they could hold hands under the table. She felt like a giddy teenager but couldn't help it.
She chanced a look around and didn't see any students, so she pulled him into a quick kiss. His body stiffened with surprise before he finally relaxed into it. The wizard reached up and cupped her face as their kiss deepened.
"Would you be needing a room then, Snape?"
Severus broke the kiss quickly, wiping his bottom lip with his middle finger as he turned to look at a smirking Rosmerta. He cleared his throat, blushing slightly, before setting his face to his usual sneer. Olivia just giggled and ordered herself a Butterbeer, Severus settled on a mulled wine. Madam Rosmerta fixed the couple with a knowing smirk and went off to grab their order.
"I'll have to be careful with this," Olivia warned. "I don't hold my alcohol very well and I do have an empty stomach. You might end up getting us a room here anyway". She swiped her finger across the foam of her beverage and seductively brought her finger to her lips. Severus' eyes darkened and he squeezed her thigh.
"Enough of that, witch. The students shall be arriving soon. Hurry and finish so that we may head to London".
She giggled and took a big swig of her drink. Severus was right, it was too sweet for her. She decided she'd never be able to finish it. They stood to leave when some students entered. Severus froze.
"Fuck. It's Potter".
"Is that a problem?"
"Out of all the brats we could have run into..." he trailed off, sulking. Olivia didn't understand why he hated the boy so much. "Here...Sit back down for a minute. Once they order, we can sneak away".
Olivia didn't quite understand what Severus' aversion to the boy was. He seemed sweet enough. And besides, he was their champion. It didn't make sense, but she wouldn't push his mood... not today.
"Is that... is that Bagman?" Olivia asked. Severus snapped his head up to see the man arguing with a bunch of Goblins. He was tucked away in a shadowy corner just like they were, no doubt trying to remain undiscovered.
"Indeed." Severus was curious what the man was doing here, arguing with the Goblins. Suddenly, Bagman got up and moved towards Potter's table.
Odd.
"Here's our chance," Severus said as he pulled Olivia up and hastily retreated up to the fireplace. "Have you ever used the floo?" Olivia nodded her head. Severus grabbed a handful of floo powder and tucked his witch into his side. He whispered out Diagon Alley, dropped the powder, and the couple were squeezed through the floo network, arriving in London.
XOX
Severus seemed to be much more relaxed in London than he had been at Hogsmeade, Olivia noted. Perhaps it truly was all about avoiding the students.
"So. What did you have in mind for... where are we again?"
"Diagon Alley," he answered. "I thought perhaps you might enjoy a more... secluded experience." He smiled at her, grabbing her hand once again as they headed towards the shops.
Olivia was more talkative this time, less focused on her surroundings and more so on the experience with Severus. He had asked her more about her parents and her childhood.
"I suppose I always knew I was a witch. Well, maybe not a witch per se... but I knew I was different. I didn't have a lot of friends growing up, everyone thought I was pretty weird. When my dad finally told me I was a witch, and he was a wizard, I was so excited. I couldn't wait to go to school and meet people like me". Olivia paused, a small smile on her face as she ran through a memory. "My mom was completely shocked though. I remember she thought he was kidding at first until he cast a charm to have the dishes start to wash themselves. I was completely fascinated! It was just like that cartoon movie about King Arthur and Merlin. I think it's called the Sword in the stone. I'm sure you've never seen it though". She blushed as she realized she'd been doing most of the talking.
"I was raised muggle," Severus muttered so quietly that Olivia almost missed it.
"Truly?"
He nodded his head. "My father was a muggle; my mother was a witch. I grew up..." he cleared his throat in obvious discomfort. "It was a poor town - Cokesworth. Industrial... dark...dirty. I'm sure your childhood was much different".
Olivia squeezed his hand and smiled. She couldn't sense he didn't want pity or for the conversation to continue.
"Hey. Wanna head in here? It says "robes for all occasions. Think that's true?" Olivia waggled her eyebrows, causing her wizard to snort. She pulled his arm through the door and began to look around Madam Malkin's shop. She saw rows and rows of school uniforms, traveling cloaks and the like.
Off towards the back of the store, she saw a shimmer from what appeared to be a disillusionment spell. "I bet you 5 galleons we'd find something we'd both like behind there," she purred. Severus groaned as he felt his body stirring in response to this seductive little witch. As they approached, they were able to walk through the wards. There was some sort of charm that allowed witches and wizards of age to pass, but those younger ones would be unable to.
Olivia smiled mischievously as she looked around. There were aisles and aisles of leather, lace, and latex. There were outfits for schoolgirls, schoolboys, naughty Mediwitches... if you could think it, there was an outfit for it. She turned to look at a shocked Severus. She walked up and grabbed down a classic Hogwarts skirt and tie and sauntered over to the wizard.
"Would you like to give me detention, Professor?" she whispered in her most seductive tone. Severus furrowed his eyebrows as he slowly inhaled.
"I am not sure you'd survive one of my detentions, Miss Wright. I am told I can be quite... brutal." There was a pulse of their magic in the air as they stared at one another. Both sets of eyes were hooded and lust-blown; both witch and wizard were breathing heavily. Severus was the first to break the silence. He reached over and grabbed the outfit, hanging it back up.
"Perhaps another time," he stated simply before grabbing her hand and leaving. Olivia looked back longingly – perhaps she'd get it as a birthday present, as soon as she figured out when his was.
They exited the shop and headed down a little further. Severus guided her into a quill shop where he needed to purchase some additional quills, and of course, several more bottles of red ink – he tended to run out quickly while marking papers.
They continued to talk about Olivia. She was wanting to hear more about Severus, but he didn't seem willing to open up. She had discussed her House at the Beauxbatons – revealing that she was sorted into Bellefeuille house.
"It's known for bravery, sensitivity, loyalty, and love of nature – although I do suppose I'm lacking on the nature part. Not that I dislike it, mind you...I'd just rather lay in front of a fire and read rather than take a hike. Unless of course, its scavenging potions ingredients. Now that I find very enjoyable."
"Sounds like a mix of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff," Severus explained quietly.
"No wonder Minerva likes me so much," she giggled.
"Ruddy Gryffindor's... I can't seem to get away from you women".
"At least we are green."
"I suppose that is...something."
Olivia leaned up to kiss his cheek. They had been walking around aimlessly but seemed to sidetrack into a dodgy place. Severus seemed to notice this as well, instantly shifting from relaxed to tense.
"We should turn around. You shouldn't be here."
Olivia didn't understand why Severus said she shouldn't be there, instead of "we". She didn't have too much time to think about it, however, as he had quickly turned her around. She looked up to see a sign that said "Knockturn Alley".
She glanced about, noticing several women, who were barely clothed, as well as several darker looking people who looked as if they practiced some dark arts. She couldn't help but notice the amount of people that either looked fearful of Severus or nodded in greeting to him.
Yet another mystery about this man. She longed to figure him out. He seemed closed off again.
"Well, have you seen all you wanted to see? Shall we head back now?"
Olivia thought for a moment before agreeing. Truthfully, she was starting to get a bit cold.
"Yes, I think the snow has chilled me to the bone. I think its prudent we hurry back to get out of these wet clothes and into something a bit...warmer".
"Say no more, witch." Severus bent down to kiss her. He was having a hard time not touching her more and was proud at how controlled he had been the entire time. He pulled her close and apparated them back to Hogsmeade to make the walk back to the castle.