Part 1
With the arrival of the new day, Ron Harry and Hermione realized as did all the Gryffindors that Snape was still not strong enough to teach their Potions class. It was a bright blue day in the Great Hall, a stark contrast to the cold wet rain outside. As the afternoon class approached, Seamus, Dean and Harry contemplated what three full hours of the most beautiful teacher at Hogwarts would be like.
And all their thoughts were perverted.
Neville spent the previous night reading up on medicinal potions, using the book he had received on his birthday from Hermione. She sat next to Ron, who studied the notes she had made in an attempt to help gain, more house points. If Neville could do it, then anyone could.
They filed in quietly, looking at the desk. She stood at the windows, staring out into the rain, dressed somberly in a deep blue dress and black robes. Her hair was restrained as usual and she looked tired. Ron watched her knowing she was worried as well. That he could easily see having seen that expression the night he spent with Harry in the hospital wing.
Taking a deep breath she walked to the head of the class. "Please be seated. We have a full load of work to do today."
When everyone, on time, took their seats, she began to speak, adjusting her glasses and attempting to smile. "As you well know, Professor Snape is still recovering from the 9 Crutacius curses and 3 jinxes he withstood barring Death Eaters who had infiltrated the wards on the school from infiltrating the Common rooms. At present he has asked that I take over his classes until such time as Madame Pomfrey releases him to resume his duties.
As I can tell from his notes, you were all doing rather well on restorative draughts, with some noted exceptions." She said walking passed Seamus and giving him an encouraging smile. "And I know, you all want to learn these because they will at one point help save your life, or the life of someone close to you."
She walked towards the Slytherin table and looked at Draco, a placid look on his face. She continued walking towards Neville. "I know that each person in this room wants to make an effort to do his or her best because they are of the best stuff that Hogwarts has to offer. I am looking forward to seeing nothing less than perfect from every one of you."
Such encouragement, rarely seen in potions, seemed to set everyone to work as hard as they could. As the thunder intruded on her speech, she actually flinched, noticed by everyone. She raised her hands and took a deep breath slamming shut the shutters barring any outside interference and with a wave of her hand, closed the door as well to the astonished gasps of many of the students.
Without missing a beat, she continued. "Who can give me the properties of a muscular restorative draught?" Ninety percent of the class' hands shot up.
"Mr. Malfoy, if you please." She said walking towards his desk and attempting to sense anything in him that might give her an indication that he knew of Professor Snape's nocturnal visitors. Nothing....
"This potion allows the body to resume normal muscular activity after the effects of a curse that...like when someone is hit with a Crutacius curse, this helps the twitching stop." He answered smug. He looked at Ron who wanted nothing more than shove his fist down his throat.
Ms. MacAlister walked towards Ron whose feelings of animosity seemed to fade with her arrival. "Ten points to Slytherin, good answer. Now, side effects Mr. Weasley?"
"Uh, a chill, and a pronounced state of relaxation, with some drowsiness. The patient remains lucid but has limited motion until the muscles can rest." He answered getting more confident with each word. He then turned and gave a lopsided grin right back to him. Take that ferret boy.
"Excellent, ten points to Gryffindor. Now," she said walking towards Hermione who sat across from Pansy, who looked at the teacher with such contempt that Ms. MacAlister tried not to laugh, began again.
It was war, she knew it and it seemed so did the class. Everyone had to one up the other. This day was getting better with every passing minute.
"Secondary Properties, Miss Parkinson?" she asked looking at the Slytherin and smiling broadly. She could feel the resentment and hatred dripping off her like sweat.
"Uh, uh." she stammered.
"Did you by any chance glance at the material you had been reviewing with Professor Snape?" she asked glaring at her as intently as her favorite Potions Master did. A bit of his "charm" seemed to flow out of her as she looked at her with her arms crossed.
Hermione and Ron both saw a little of Snape come out in Ms. MacAlister and stifled a laugh. He was rubbing off on her.
"No Professor." She said finally.
"5 points from Slytherin for failing to review. You must all be acutely aware that we are in a state of WAR. Nothing and no one are immune to the effects of a curse, not even you Miss Parkinson. Do you realize that Professor Snape didn't even get a chance to get his wand out and he is one of the most experienced duelers in the wizarding world? His attackers could have killed him but chose to torture him instead."
There were gasps from all the Slytherins and even from some Gryffindors. No one had been told what happened to him. Details were very sketchy. But she continued a little protective of him.
"Do you realize the potions that Madame Pomfrey and I brewed were the only things that kept him from AGONY? So what I suggest is that EVERYONE read, memorize and pay attention."
Ron saw a little of Mad Eye coming out now and he tried not to smile. When did he become so observant? He thought. Bloody Hell...
"This can save your life. It doesn't matter if you're pure blood," looking at Malfoy who seemed rapt with his attention of her, "muggle born or mixed." Looking at Hermione and Seamus respectively, "The pain is always the same. Now, if everyone is now paying attention, let's continue. Secondary properties. Miss Granger?"
She sat up proud that she could answer, "It allows for the regeneration and restoration of affected muscle tissues after they have been damaged due to a curse or illness. It gives the victim the ability to breathe easier due to the excessive spasming of those muscles giving the body a chance to repair itself. It also augments growth and repair."
"Good. But remember that only a properly brewed potion will have those restorative properties. Poorly made ones do more harm than good so pay attention to the ingredients, the directions and watch your amounts. These are all essential in these life-saving mixtures. Ten points to Gryffindor."
She walked between the rows and back towards the blackboard. The thunder pounded and Ron noticed her flinch again while her back was turned. She spun around her skirts flowing with her. "I need you all to remember something very important. You are all nearly adults, and responsible for yourselves as well as others. Life is hard, and death is easy. Surviving should be your only priority. It doesn't matter if its Defense, or Potions, Transfiguration or Herbology. Once school is done, you will only have what you learn here to keep you alive and safe. So remember, take good notes and ask questions. Now, the instructions for this are on the board. I will let you know that based on Professor Snape's confidence in you, Madame Pomfrey and I will be using your draughts, those done properly to restock the Hospital Wing. So today, you will be helping others. Keep that in mind. Any questions, I'll be up at Sev-... Professor Snape's desk grading your essays. There will be no essay this week. Get started."
The looks of horror, reservation and elation were so priceless she got to the desk and smiled. Teaching was not half as bad as she thought it would be and the class, from that moment on seemed more at ease. They were even prideful as they concocted their potions. They were saving and preventing suffering, having a mission was something that gave them something-tangible hold on to.
Part 2
"Knock, knock. You dinner has arrived my good sir." She said popping her head in the door to Severus' chambers. He was asleep on his couch, a book of advanced potions in his hand. Oh, Severus.
He was eased and at peace as he slept and that made her feel terrific. She placed the tray of roasted duck, trimmings, and pie next to him, charmed them to stay warm and knelt beside him.
She watched him sleep for a while, meditating quietly, trying to ease what dreams he was having, helping the residual twitching he still couldn't shake. When she felt him stir, she came out of her trance and smiled as she felt his desire rise.
"You shouldn't do that Severus. Sneaky is what I'd call it. You were supposed to be sleeping." She said her eyes still closed. Sitting on the floor with her arm draped across his she smiled, knowing he did. Passion, desire, need. She felt all these things from him but watched, as he never voiced them. She sighed, because she felt them too.
"I felt you. How is that possible?" he asked looking at her. Merlin, you're beautiful.
"When I touch you and concentrate, we are connected in a way. It's like this." She said looking at him and moving that nagging piece of his hair out of his eyes. "You cut your hair. It looks nice. And you look more rested. Let me show you."
"Yes, at your insistence, if only to keep you from touching my face every time we talk. But I see it has the opposite effect. You're right, I did sleep often today. Madame Pomfrey will be releasing me tomorrow. Dumbledore has seen fit to allow everyone to have an extended weekend. So you're dueling tomorrow afternoon. I plan on being there to watch." To make sure your not hurt. He said so relaxed. You have made me feel this good. It has been so long since I have really slept well or felt this human. Too much to worry about. Too many demons.
"We'll talk about that later, I don't think you should be there, but enough of that now, schoolmaster. I don't think I want you to watch me. I'll be just fine. Now, let me show you how I can do what it is I can do. Think of something horrible. No, don't do that with your face. Listen to me, Severus, I'm serious. There are only two ways to really feel it, the only way other is to seduce you, hey listen to me."
He raised an eyebrow. The thoughts of her in his arms, hands roaming over her perfect skin were maddening.
"HEY! Remember I'm touching your arm. I can REALLY tell what you're feeling." She said rolling her eyes. "Naughty schoolmaster. My, what saucy little stirrings are going on inside you! Now, seriously, concentrate on something terrible."
He closed his eyes and thought to the day when his father had beaten his mother. He was very young and he had felt so alone and scared. Flashes of rage kept slipping between the images as his body contracted. It was one of the worst memories he could think of at the moment. He felt the familiar tightness in his chest, and waiting for the pain to come. But instead warmth came over him, like sunshine and a peace came with it that made everything all right.
"Incredible." He breathed weakly as he opened his eyes and saw her smile.
"Thank you. It's pretty nifty if I say so myself." She stated looking his way but smoothing her skirt.
He much rather of tried it the other way, but to approach her would be a mistake. He rational mind told him that she was off limits, that he she could do much better than him, but his primal side, the side he constantly repressed wanted her to touch him again, taunt him again. His thoughts seemed to betray him when he looked at her and muttered.
"Librarian." His eyes were dark with desire and need.
"Schoolmaster." She looked at him and understood but held back. She knew how it was. It was her nature to bring out emotions, to cause them to rise to the surface. "I think we need to get you fed."
He stared at her, her hand still on his forearm. She felt such desire coming from him but dared not let on. She blushed and rose to bring his dinner over. "Nourishment for the invalid. You finally have color to your cheeks, not that you had much to begin with." She laughed as she handed him the tray.
"Very funny. How did the 6th years do?" He asked looking at her and offering her a biscuit.
"Look for yourself." She said bringing the pensive over. She took the memory and took his hand as they walked through the afternoon.
When it was done, she smiled. "See what a little sugar does. They couldn't wait to answer. Your reputation for being the hardest and least like class is a myth. I always enjoyed potions, can't see why anyone else couldn't."
She was pleased he had stood so close to her, watching, even though they were in the memory, his closeness was not only comforting, but also distracting.
"It's the fact that you're beautiful and I'm well, not." He admitted resuming his dinner. "I would have given Ms. Parkinson detention for not doing assigned work."
"What's where I'm just an old softy." She admitted smiling. "But thank you for finally admitting I'm beautiful. Now, schoolmaster if you admitted that you're attracted to me, we could move this little thing along."
He smirked at her and chuckled, tossing her another biscuit.
"Dumbledore came to see me today." He announced putting his plate aside and rising. He wore his usual black but was relaxed today. He wore black slacks, his boots and no coat, and his shirt collar was unbuttoned. She looked back towards him, over her shoulder and caught him looking at her.
"How is the headmaster?" She asked cleaning up after him and returning to his side.
"Concerned I'm not healing fast enough. He thinks Lucius and Nott cursed me as retaliation for losing face with him." He answered drinking some tea.
"That's true I suppose, but then again I have real reason to hate Lucius." She said not wanting to admit that. She closed her eyes in disappointment not wanting him to know what really bothered her about the attack. It was her burden and not his, he had enough to contend with being a spy for the Order.
"How so?" he asked probing just a little. He remembered how she had flinched at the storms, how she avoided all talk about her own feelings or dreams. He gestured her to sit by him on his couch, wanting to know more. He extended his hand and she took it, gracefully sitting next him. She sat back straight, not feeling anything but tension and stress, she didn't want him to know how she felt. That was not a part of her that even she wanted to deal with.
Just say it Lex, just say it. He probably knows anyway. She closed her eyes tightly and took a ragged breath. "He killed my parents, on orders from Voldemort. I watched him from the slats in my mother's closet. He killed them with his bare hands. He raped and slashed my mother and stabbed my father. When he went looking for me, I ran out of the room and out of the house. I didn't have my wand, either." I was defenseless, just like you.
He remembered what she had said in her memory in the pensive. How angry she was. "Then Professor Dumbledore found you underneath a car. By any chance was it raining, was there any thunder?"
She nodded her head.
"Storms remind you of that night don't they?" he asked putting his hand on hers.
She wanted to propel herself into his arms; she wanted the comfort she knew she would find there. His whole person was compassion, hurt for her, anger at Lucius. She wanted to lose herself in it.
"Yes." She said looking away. Her feelings were too close to the surface. He could sense it as she looked at his wall of books. She was avoiding, something he was well acquainted with.
"Lexi, it's alright to cry, I hate it, but if it helps I don't think I would mind." He said as he ran his fingers up and down her exposed wrist, just as she had done. She sighed and closed her eyes again. He was surprised at the look of contentment on her face as he stroked her arm, the pleasure of touch.
"No, I will cry when Malfoy is dead at my feet, and not before." She said standing. The moment was lost, yet he knew it was there. Sadly, he watched her stiffen as if to stave of a rush of feeling. He hated this, knowing it so well within himself. No... don't... I want you to stay, stay like that. Don't close up. It's so hard, I know.
But he could tell she was pulling back, retreating within herself as he had done so often over the years.
"Do you feel up for a walk?" she asked holding out her hand. Shaking away the rising torrent of desire mixed with pain.
"Yes, I think one more night in here and I will go mad." He announced grabbing his waistcoat and pulling her to his feet. She was so light she crashed into him, where they stood for several moments, unsure of who should move. "Sorry. I must be improving."
"Yes, you must be. Stay here while I get my coat, it's chilly out." She told him going down the hall towards her room. She came back wearing a full length maroon wool coat with a fur collar. "Ready?"
"After you, my wickedly attentive librarian." He smirked trying to lighten her mood.
"Certainly schoolmaster, your desire is my command." She replied winking.
"I may hold you to that at some point." He said quietly, students watching as they exited the main building. Her surprise was gift enough as he kept a straight face.
Quietly, she retorted with an evil grin. "Promises, promises."
"It appears they're practicing Quidditch tonight. Shall we watch?" She asked him taking his proffered arm.
"You are quite the scoundrel tonight, could it be that you're no longer "challenged?" She said to a fourth year walking past them to the pitch. "A girl can only hope."
Students passing stared at them in disbelief. Oh, I'm challenged all right. Keep that up and you'll find out just how much. He gave his best scowl to a few first years that practically ran from them.
"We can watch them if you like, the air is crisp. You won't be too cold?" He asked noticing she didn't have gloves. "I thought Professor Dumbledore cancelled Quidditch entirely."
"Not with so many aurors here now. He's letting them practice, but nothing formal. And no, I'm with the hottest teacher at Hogwarts, with the biggest female fan club," she said putting her hand to her face to shield her mouth, "I hear that you're becoming more popular than Lockhart in a flirt with the dark side sort of way. With that kind of man at my side, how can I be cold? You radiate, an air of mystery--someone willing to take on evil, or maybe they think you're just a little evil yourself. You never know females, we are very complicated." She said smiling knowing he was uncomfortable with his newfound appeal. "I dare you not to smile at that, schoolmaster."
He couldn't help but smile. She loved baiting him. And he felt so good when she did. He felt desired, even handsome. Students who had come to the Quidditch pitch to watch Ravenclaw play a scrimmage against Hufflepuff stared in awe at the now famous Professor Snape who was out for the first time.
Most of the students kept their distance, and whispered. "See, there?" Lexi told him as he glanced at some of the girls sitting in the stands. "I can feel what they feel from over here its so strong and boy you're, oh my."
She actually blushed as he looked at her and she responded to his arched eyebrow by rolling her eyes. "Severus. You have no idea what's going on in their brains or more to the point what's underneath their skirts. McGonagal would die of shock. Professor Prim and Proper would most certainly expel them. I heard just the other day," she said attempting to bait him into a reaction, "a story about you and Room of Requirement, oh dear; it seems to be spreading. The library is going to be unbearable. All those hormones, those raging teenage hormones with no outlet, Merlin what a mess. I'll be right rand-- I'm going to shut up now."
He looked closely at the group she had been referring to and the girls were wearing Gryffindor colors.
She leaned closer and said quietly, "Forbidden fruit schoolmaster. Gryffindors really are supposed to hate Slytherin but had that ever stopped lust? I don't think so..."
She placidly continued to wave to friends and watched his face turn red. Just the reaction she wanted. "Won't look at school uniforms quite the same way again will you?"
"You're unbelievable." He said just as quietly. From afar no one could tell that they were deep in discussion, it all seemed perfectly innocent. Little did they know.
After a few minutes of silence, just hearing the wind howl, she said, "Chalk it up to a desire for house unity." She laughed nearly falling off her seat.
"You're completely unbelievable."
"You're right. But they're practically pornographic." She said waving to them. "At least I am tactful. They downright wanton. Talk about repressed."
"Some might say that about you." He smirked pointing to the players getting on their brooms, all looking very innocent.
"I am the epitome of grace, tact and manners becoming a lady." She said straight-faced.
"Tactful? You, I distinctly remember having a conversation with you involving an apple, a proposition and school uniforms." He said patting her hand and smirking at her in return. Take that my randy little temptress.
"A conversation in which you denied me the simple pleasures." She sighed in mock disappointment. "Those girls think you're attractive. I'm telling you, dress like a muggle, make a girly puddle." She laughed as she whispered in his ear. Her lips, grazing his lobe, her breath against his skin sent tingles down her. She felt warm, very warm, straight to her core, and wondered just how that happened. Having still a hold of her hand, he looked at her just as surprised, because he had felt it too.
"Are you alright?" he asked looking at her with a mixture of concern and desire. Merlin, what was that? He shook his head in disbelief. Did I just feel her... get excited by whispering in my ear? No, it couldn't be.
"Sure, just... I dunno, guess I'm, I dunno." She admitted no sure what to tell him. "Are you enjoying yourself?" she asked trying to change the subject but failing badly. That came out wrong, good lord what is he going to think now. He smiled as if he had just became privy to one her darkest secrets and smiled looking directly at her while she still blushed. Oh yes, Lexi, I find this quite enjoyable.
Looking straight ahead he spoke softly nodding his head at the pitch as if in "polite" conversation. "I do believe my little bookish and prim librarian, that your puritanical ways are crumbling. Maybe you're starting to believe those little girls over there."
"I have no such desires. I am not going to equivocate that with an answer, schoolmaster. Naughty, someone should tell you that it's not nice to tease a librarian. We are very wicked creatures with knowledge beyond your understanding."
"And, pray tell where do you get this knowledge?" he asked as they all stood up for Madame Hooch's whistle was about to sound.
"Books where else? You can get all manner of information from there, and I studied, very hard. Watch yourself." She said as they sat down again.
"Thank you. I needed this." Looking at her intently. The fact that she had nursed him back to health, the fact that she accepted him for all his faults and still felt the need to tease him into irrational behavior was more than he could have hoped for in this life. The fact she cared so deeply about him and how he felt humbled him. Her faith in him and who she saw in him rivaled Dumbledore, and as he sat being completely honest with himself, he could think of no reason why she should stay. He squeezed her hand that she had next to his, thanking everything around him that she was there for him.
"I know. You feel at peace tonight. And that, is a very good thing." She told him as the whistle blew.
Part 3
Ron and Hermione had stayed up late owing it to the patrols they had to do at 11. But their main objective was spending as much time together as possible. She sat with Ron's arms around her at midnight remembering the previous few hours and sighed at what happened.
Watching Quidditch was not Hermione's favorite past time but when Ron begged, she was helpless to refuse him.
"Look, isn't that?" she asked as they walked to the pitch.
"Blimey, it is. It's Lexi, and Snape." He said shocked. "Walking like my parents do back home."
Harry who had also accompanied them was equally as shocked. "What a visual." He groaned disgusted. Hermione rolled her eyes thankful that she had come in the first place. Ron squeezed her hand and silently they both knew that what they saw was a good thing.
Scanning the crowd forming at the entrance to the pitch, she said, "Pansy was not a happy girl today, look how she's clinging to Malfoy. Both of them snotty as usual."
"Mudblood." Malfoy sneered as they passed her.
Hermione grabbed hold of Ron's arm to restrain him. "Didn't you hear what Professor MacAlister said today? It doesn't matter, we all are at risk now."
"Speak for yourself." He said looking down at her.
"Ron, ignore him, he's just got potion envy." She said smiling brilliantly and walking on. "They're just sore losers." Emphasizing the word "losers."
Ron smiled as did Harry as they walked to where the others were sitting. Throughout the match she watched them. Ron every once in a while noticed her, and squeezed her hand in support. "Remind me to tell you something later."
"Alright." He replied moments later jumping up cheering.
When later arrived, they walked the halls patrolling the great hall and lower floors. "Did you know that Lexi nearly died when they killed her parents?" She told him.
"I had heard something like that." He replied kissing her hand.
"Because they were muggles." She admitted looking very far away. "You don't think they'll go after my parents do you?"
"Dumbledore has aurors on them now, you know he wouldn't let them get hurt." He told her. "And you are safest here, and I won't let anything happen to you."
"Did you know that she was only twelve?" she told him as they continued to roam the halls hand in hand.
"No, that's young to lose your parents." He admitted trying to think how he would have fared he lost his.
"Did you know that Snape was 7th year when it happened and that she helped him when Harry's father and the marauders would torment him? That's the connection. 17 years they've been apart and look, it is so..." sad...
He stopped and pulled her into his arms. "I don't ever want to be separated like that. Look how lonely they were. Think about how unhappy Snape has been all this time." She said feeling acutely aware that it was all due to Voldemort.
"But now, he's better. You and I both saw that, as bizarre as that it, it fits. Just like us, 6 years Mione. If it's meant to be then it will. You can see that, can't you? Time means nothing."
"When did you get all philosophical?" She asked looking up at him in the dimness of the corridor.
"The night I looked into Snape's eyes when he was in the Hospital Wing. I saw the same thing I saw when I looked into the your eyes the morning after we apologized. I saw..." he said lowering his mouth to hers in the most tender of kisses. "My soul-mate."
She cried as her lips touched his. Never in her life did she expect Ronald Arthur Weasley to touch her as he just did. For years he had the emotion range of a teaspoon but something in him had changed, he had begun to see things like never before. No wonder she loved him. "Who are you and what have you done with my boyfriend?" she asked as the broke breathlessly apart. "That was the most romantic thing I have ever heard."
"Don't get used to it, I'm usually a prat that can't formulate a coherent thought around you." He said with a grin that made her laugh.
"Prat!" she exclaimed laughing harder
He responded by giving her a lopsided grin. "Let's get back. It looks all quiet."
"Wotcher!" shouted Tonks, as they rounded the corner.
"Hey!" Hermione squealed as she hugged her.
"Weasley, got yourself a girlfriend?" she asked looking at him with a watchful eye. She smiled and slapped him on the back. "It's about bloody time."
"How?" he squeaked as she gave him the once over.
"I have my ways. Where's Lexi? Don't tell me she's... figures." She said as Hermione looked towards the library.
"Hey, tell Harry I said hello will ya?" she said as she ran down the hall, her bubble gum pink hair darting in the distance. "Mad eye's got his eyeball out for trouble. Better watch the snogging."
"Mad eye's here. God help us all." He said pulling her towards the common room.
It was after eleven when Tonks started to bang on Lexi's door. "Let me in you!" she shouted.
She stood there and waited, and waited and waited. Then she saw her best friend walking back from the library. "Hello, where were you all by yourself?"
"I was working, if you must know. So, you're stuck babysitting again?" Lexi asked as Tonks gave her a crushing hug.
"Ew, you look like a girl!"
"You would too if you owned any dresses." She chided, "Spot of tea?"
"Smashing." She answered as they walked into her rooms. "Nice, nerdy, but very nice. So, is it true?"
"What?" she asked pouring some herbal tea into a cup.
"You're seeing Snape again."
"It's none of your business." Lexi said shutting her out.
"I knew it! Mad Eye's gonna freak!" she shouted.
"Uncle Alistair is doing nothing of the kind. There is nothing going on between Severus and I and you should shut your yap!" she said sitting down and taking the pins out of her hair.
"You look like McGonagal." She said shivering.
"And you look like a punk rock star." She replied brushing her hair out. "I think Remus would be more inclined to see you as a woman if you decided to maybe wear a dress. The ball's coming up. I could persuade Madame Miller to have one made for you too."
"Uh, a dress, uh, no. I'd rather look odd than dead." She answered putting her feet up on her desk. "Tell me, is it true?"
"No. There is nothing going on between us that bears mentioning if that's what you're interested in." she answered stretching. "He's not as bad as you think. I wish you'd stop judging him."
"You are so sweet on him its sickening." She told her looking straight through her. "Dumbledore said they worked him over good."
"That's very true. He's still weak from what they did. It was Malfoy, Nott and Crabbe. When I get my hands on them, you have no idea..." she said the rage rising and the books in her bookcase beginning to shake.
"Easy there missy. No need to demolish the place." Tonks said trying to sooth her anger. "Relax. Tell me about Weasley."
"They are in love. It's grand. I'm so jealous." She admitted as they chatted about everything.
"And you can't see yourself that way?" she asked taking a deep breath and changing her hair to her normal deep brown.
"No, but its fun to dream a while." She admitted thinking of Severus and of her parents and of Harry who never knew them and of Hermione who could still lose them and of Neville, who sees them but has lost them. "I can't let my emotions loose, I get angry and you see what happens. I can't allow myself to feel like that, so unrestrained. The banter between us is fun, but I'm afraid he'll turn tail and run if he knew how powerful I've become."
"He's taken on Voldemort, I doubt he'd run anywhere. It's good to have dreams Lexi, but better to act on them before it gets too late." She told her seriously.
She said smiling, "And he is so easy to provoke. So are you going to shock Remus into the next century and show up in a dress?"
"You'd better watch yourself." She said laughing. "I might even. Call your dressmaker, but if you say a word, I'll hex you into the next time zone."
"I will."
Part 4
At breakfast the next morning Professor Dumbledore sat at the staff table with a large grin on his face. Each of his fellow staff members sat just as eager to start the day as he. "Students, I would like to announce a change in the routine. As has been reported lately by your instructors, you all have been working extremely hard at your lessons. So, in light of your persistence and dedication, I am hereby calling a holiday for tomorrow. Your classes today will be on the Friday Schedule. Then tomorrow we shall have the Halloween ball. I am also relieved to announce that Professor Snape has been released from his medical leave and has been permitted to assume his duties. So, without further ado, tuck in."
The applause was deafening. Severus didn't care that it was because Friday classes had been cancelled, it felt good to be back. He felt good to see the students.
"Severus, how are you feeling today?"
"I am well Headmaster. I had a good rest. Thank you." He answered looking over at Lexi. "And an attentive companion."
"That is marvelous." He answered taking a few strips of Bacon. "It seems that your students, especially 6th years took your absence badly. But as I had expected, they used the opportunity to work harder so as not to disappoint you."
"As hard as it is to believe, I find that's the case." He answered.
"It's good to have you back." He told him as he went to eat his fill.
Professor Lupin was waiting for Ms. MacAlister when she finished her meal. She dressed in black pants, a white shirt and a tight black coat, similar to Severus' dueling coat. He waited for her and smiled, "Good morning Lexi, are you ready for today?"
"Yes, I've been waiting to throw you around. Tonks wants me to get some licks in for her too." She said laughing.
"Not going to pull any punches are we? Pity, I do so hate to throw a girl."
"I haven't been a girl in a long time Remus. Remember that when you're flat on your back." She answered as she winked at him. Her hair was down and a long braid trailed down her back.
"See you up there." He told her wondering whom it was he could smell on her.
"Wotcher!" Tonks announced coming up behind him.
"Hey." He answered looking at her. She wore her hair in a bright blue spiked design, motorcycle boots and a black leather jacket. "What's different about her?"
"She's in love, she just won't admit it."
"With who?"
"Not you! Don't even try, I won't betray her, no matter how much I might want to." She said grinning. "There will be many surprises this Halloween."
She skipped off leaving to wonder exactly what she meant.
When Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Seamus and Dean walked into Professor Lupin's classroom, the desks were gone and only two things remained. At one end was a large cabinet, holding the boggart, and his desk on the other. The music was playing in the background and the sun shone very bright through the windows.
"Gather round." He announced as the Slytherin and Gryffindor students filed in.
Ms. MacAlister walked in behind them looking at the cabinet with a sense of dread. She hated boggarts and rarely had contact with them. But this was something that she didn't want to let Remus know. Slipping in behind her was the Potions Master dressed in his black robes and a scowl. He didn't want her to get hurt and he didn't care she would be angry with him.
"Now, we have been discussing boggarts for some time now, and some of us have actually been successful at throwing them off." He looked at Neville who had become rather famous with his Snape in a dress boggart. "This one is very strong and you'll need to be resolute in your image. Remember that strength will be your key. Mr. Malfoy, how about you go first."
Draco, who had never thrown one off walked forward. "Now, Draco, think of something that will diminish your fear. Use it. Whenever you're ready."
Draco, wand in hand looked at the cabinet with a twinge of fear. He didn't want to appear weak, and even Longbottom threw his off.
The cabinet opened and from it came a form that caught a gasp from everyone around him. It was not Lord Voldemort, it was not a dementor, it was his father, menacing and evil, a dark mark branded onto his arm starting to charge him.
"Now Draco, throw him off." Lupin instructed as the boggart bore down on him.
"Riddikulus!" he shouted and the image of his father with a black cloak and mask disappeared and he turned into Neville.
"Excellent." Lupin said as even the Gryffindors patted him on the back. No one disputed the fact that Lucius Malfoy was a man to be feared. And Neville felt a sense of pride at the fact that Malfoy thought he was something comforting. That got him an evil smug look, which he promptly ignored.
"Ms. MacAlister, how about you? Care to show the students how you would do it?" he asked innocently.
"Sure, no problem." She said trying not to betray the fact that everyone would know her worst fear.
He opened the door to the cabinet, with the entire class watching silently as a looming black figure came out dripping knife in his hand. A white masked figure came towards her removing his mask and actually pulling the hood down.
Gasps throughout the room when he kept coming and she did nothing. She was paralyzed. Lucius Malfoy had graced their presence again. This time his hair was shorter and he was younger. But his look was so terrifying that she couldn't move.
Severus was standing in the back and noted her terrified look. "Riddikulus!" she shouted, it turned into her parents dead on the ground, she screamed again. "Riddikulus!" It turned into Tonks. "Riddikulus!" it turned into Snape but by then many of the students had averted their eyes.
"Riddikulus!" Lupin said as it blew into smoke. "Lexi, I'm sorry. I'm sorry." He said trying to approach her. "Class, we're going to have a bit of a break before the dueling." He said as they all filed out of the room.
"Don't touch me!" she shouted as she leaned against the desk.
"You heard the Professor, out!" Snape roared as he walked inside. Hermione's heart broke to see Lexi weeping like the twelve-year-old she knew was inside her. Ron pulled her outside and waited like the rest. Many were crying or near tears. No one had ever seen such carnage in a boggart.
"Blimey..." he said looking at Draco who looked just as shocked. "Did you see them? Merlin, what an image!"
Draco, who had been shaken by the image of his own father and of the image of him bloody from killing her parents, then to seeing his father so aroused by it, began to shake and sweat. The images made him sick. He ran from the hall and out into the cold wind and began to vomit in the grass. Pansy ran after him leaving Harry, Ron and Hermione wholly undone by the entire scene.
Inside, Lupin tried to apologize. "Lexi, I'm sorry, you have to know that. I didn't know you hadn't seen a boggart in a while."
"Get away from me before the dueling starts early. Leave me alone for a while." She spat shaking. "Don't TOUCH me!"
He handed Severus some chocolate and left the room. "Lexi, you need to eat this, you know why. Now don't make this any harder."
Her hands shook as she held one out to accept the rehabilitating chocolate. Severus took the opportunity to touch her and pulled her into his arms. She wept so badly that she shook. "It's alright. Eat. Then after you finish your cry you can hex Remus into next week. Now I bet he will think twice about boggarts."
He held her close and nothing felt more natural to him. "Sh." He said inhaling the jasmine in her hair. "It's over now. Although I think you may have scarred Draco for life. Better he knows now rather than makes mistakes that others have made before him. " Like I did.
She pulled away and shook off the feeling of dread. She hated feeling vulnerable. "Sorry about that just now. I didn't cry. I won't do it for him. Never for him."
"Alright. Here, wipe your eyes." He said handing her his handkerchief. "No one needs to see you like this if you don't want them to." He said as he returned her now clean glasses. "You're boggarts are just your fears. Remember that."
"I know, its still embarrassing." She admitted taking some cleansing breaths.
"Molly Weasley had the same thing happen to her. It left her crying in the kitchen for hours. That's with chocolate. Are you all right now? You've got most of them worried out there. You'll need to calm them. Show them you're all right. Then you can get your revenge. Ready to duel?" he asked tenderly.
"You're so sweet to do this." She said looking into his eyes.
"Don't advertise that. I have a reputation as an evil, hard hearted bastard." He said smirking.
"I won't, schoolmaster." She said grinning. He perked up relieved to see her return to her usual self.
He opened the door to find the students wide eyed and scared. "Stupid boggarts. That was a lesson in what not to do." She said laughing and biting on the chocolate. The students' fear melted away as she pushed Lupin hard. "He'll get his, watch me! But first, I'd like to have a word with Mr. Malfoy if I may." She said as Remus brought them back to continue with the boggarts.
Professor Snape stood with her, looking grave as usual when Pansy brought him out from the cold air. He was sheet white and looked just as affected as she did.
All three sat on a bench while Pansy rejoined the class. "I'm sorry you had to see that. It was unfortunate." She told him after handing him a chocolate.
"It is true?" he asked looking to Snape for validation. His face said it all. Draco's heart sunk in his chest and his face lost all its color. "My father did that, didn't he?"
"Draco, I won't lie to you. I was twelve. Your father and several other Death Eaters came to my house and murdered my parents the muggle way. Yes, it's true. I narrowly escaped myself." She said looking to Severus for strength. "But you are a man now and can make your own decisions. You cannot let on that you know. He doesn't know that I remember." She told him hoping that it wasn't a mistake to be truthful with him.
"P-professor..." he stuttered.
"Go back inside Draco, we'll discuss this later." He told him as he sat with her on the bench.
"We can't obliviate the entire room can we?" she asked looking to him for an answer.
"No, I'm afraid we don't modify student's memories."
"Damn. Now I'm going to have to beat the daylights out of Remus." He chuckled softly as he held onto her hand.
"Only a few from what I could tell actually saw Lucius's face."
"Who?"
"Potter, Weasley, Granger, Draco and Longbottom. The rest turned away the moment they saw the bloody knife and the Death Eater Mask. But when it turned into your parents, they all saw them, then Tonks, then..." he said trailing off.
"Say it Severus, they saw you didn't they?" she finished.
"I'm afraid so." He said looking at the door.
She groaned. She hung her head low between her hands and cursed herself. "I'm so stupid."
But he felt anything but, he felt honored.
Part 5
"Professor, is Ms. MacAlister alright? She was pretty shook up." Neville asked very concerned. Many murmured the same sentiment. Ron who had been watching the scene out in the hall stood leaning back against the wall next to Harry and Hermione, signaling them that she was coming back.
"Sorry about that guys, I'm such a girl "she sighed shaking her head. The class, including Draco laughed loudly as she broke the tension. "Now, who would like to see Professor Lupin dance a jig? Or maybe something more inventive?" she said smiling brightly.
"We can postpone dueling if that's alright with you Ms. MacAlister." He offered.
"Not a chance Mooney. I intend on showing exactly how terrible you are at dueling. Listen everyone, I'm fine, if boggarts are the worst you face in this life, count yourself very lucky. And Mr. Malfoy, you were brilliant! I think yours was the coolest besides what I heard about your Potions Master in a dress. Sorry, Professor. Boggarts are easy. Just not for me. But hey, whoever said you'd be perfect all the time." She admitted chuckling. "Does anyone want to put this off?"
Shouts of no, no way, reverberated throughout the empty classroom. Snape smiled and Remus caught him, which made him scowl all the more.
"Clear the floor everyone. Now, normally you want to disarm your opponent and incapacitate them so you can escape or capture. Ready when you are, Ms. MacAlister."
They both stood on either side of the room. She had shed her dueling coat to show a tight fitting white shirt, and black jeans. "Remus, you are in so much trouble."
Some of the students laughed because they knew she was still mad about the boggart.
"I will attempt to hex Ms. MacAlister and she will defend." Professor Lupin told as Snape stood at the back of the classroom.
-Expelliarmus!
He shouted trying to get to her but before he could finish the word she shouted:
-Protego!
He countered with:
-Impedimenta!
She countered with:
-Protego again just before his words had come out.
"She knows just when to speak the spell in order to throw off my attack. Ready? Let's take the gloves off shall we? They'll never learn if they think we are being soft on one another. Ready?"
She cracked her neck and had her wand at the ready; she took a deep breath and began shouting with lightening speed.
-Stupefy!
She said aiming, he defended with:
-Protego! Then: Waddiwasi Book!
He shouted throwing a several large volumes towards her, which she dodged with ease. As she dropped and rolled out of the way.
"Can you do any better than that Mooney? Please, my uncle throws better curses than that!" she shouted then in rapid succession:
-Silencio!
-Petrificus Totallus!
-Accio Wand!
-Incarcerous!
And in seconds Professor Lupin was disarmed wrapped in a thick rope as rigid as Neville in first year.
Looking down at Lupin who just seemed so embarrassed at being flat on his back in front of all his students, she said in a confident voice "What I just did was called tactical hexing," she told everyone as she unhexed the DADA teacher.
"First you silence your opponent never giving them another chance to hex you. Then you immobilize him to keep him from attacking you the muggle way. Then you disarm him and take his wand, and lastly, you make sure he can't move. That is how you survive a duel."
She finished helping Remus to his feet. Applause rounded the room for several minutes as she moved towards the door, the Potions Master mysteriously absent. "And that's why I never do two shows a day."
"Enjoy your afternoon off." He said as she rounded the corner.
"Sneaky git!" she told Snape as he walked with her back to the staff quarters.
"Are you alright?" he asked quietly.
"I'm fine. A little payback was nice. Don't you think?" she replied wanting to go to the hospital wing.
"What's wrong?" he said noticing her holding her back.
"Nothing, one of the books hit my back. I'm fine." She replied as they hit the dungeon.
Grabbing her arm he pulled her inside. "If you're injured I can help." He announced as he closed the door. He took her coat and led her to his desk. "Sit and turn to face the board."
"Is this your form of detention?" she asked wickedly.
"You wish." He said as he went to lift the back of her shirt up. It was slick with sweat.
"Uh, Severus, before you do that, don't freak. Promise?" she asked holding it down.
"There is nothing there that will surprise me. Now, lift your shirt." He demanded hoping she wasn't injured. His gasp was justification enough for the warning.
"I warned you." She told him as the shirt went up just shy of her bra. Her low rise black jeans couldn't hide the tattoo that rested on the lowest part of her spine.
It was an intricate tribal Celtic design where a Gryffindor lion and a Slytherin snake co-existed in harmony. It was exquisite. He stared as if he could see nothing else. His hand moved to touch it, to examine its brilliance and artistry but stopped when he realized that it was attached to her perfect hips. Parts of him stirred erotically.
"Are you done ogling at my girly bits? I warned you. And yes my frustrated schoolmaster, it goes all the way down. It's getting a bit chilly do you mind? Gawking can come later." She groaned in pain. To the side of her left hip a reddening welt was forming and he put his hands to it and performed a wandless spell to remove it.
She sat her elbows on her knees as he leaned over her. "As much as this position lends its self to the naughty, I'm chilly and hungry."
He got back up and smoothed out his robes as if to ward of the erection his trousers were betraying. "Lexi, that is remarkable artwork. How long have you had it?"
"I was seventeen. I figured that I would do, as I like, when I like and with whom I like. I just wanted to live on my own terms. You really like it?" she asked tucking her shirt back in."
"Do you want me to be honest?" he asked raising his eyebrow.
"Brutally." She said walking to him. The shirt she wore accentuated the swell of her perfectly sized breasts, her flat stomach and the curve of her hips. He looked at her with a lazy grin covering his mouth and watched as she stood inches from him.
Outside the window Seamus, who had followed her out of the classroom in a feigned attempt gawk at her absolutely perfect body, saw her shirt go up and the tattoo exposed. Immediately hardened by the view he was then horrified when she rounded on Snape and began talking low and in extremely close proximity.
Her hand went up and the window flew open. "Mr. Finnegan." She said levitating him without her wand through the window. "So nice of you to join us."
He was now perfectly terrified. Professor Snape was looking at her and her eyes were an iridescent green. "Spying on something you shouldn't are we?"
"S-sorry. Ms. MacAlister, P-Professor S-Snape." Severus just stood there and watched her lift him from the outside through the window with one hand as if she were lifting a book.
"You will spend every night of every weekend until the Christmas Break cataloging books starting with the first book in the library until I have a complete list. From after dinner until 9 p.m. You will never, I mean never look through another window, ever again, will you? Now, out of my sight. Oh, and Mr. Finnegan? 50 points from Gryffindor for your rudeness." She said as angelic as you please.
"You were saying?" she asked as the door slammed behind them.
"Ah, yes I think we were discussing my opinion of your artwork. Brutally, honest, hmm. I might have to inspect it further before I give my answer. May I say Ms. MacAlister that you are quite the hellion when irritated. I stand by my original assessment. It's always the bookish ones that are the most, interesting."
"Sorry you had to see that." She admitted as she went to get her coat, but flinched.
"Are you still in pain." He said at her side and rubbing it from behind. "Is that better?"
"Hmm." She answered leaning against him. He leaned against the desk with her suddenly against his hips resting close enough to tell the level of his excitement.
"Where did you learn to do wandless magic that strong?" he asked inhaling the Jasmine with the mixture of sweat.
"It." She said moaning at his touch. "It's not magic. I'm gifted with telekinesis. I can make objects move if I desire. No wands, no spells, just pure Lexi." She answered. "That' feels good. Don't stop."
His other hand rested on her stomach holding her close. "I've waited so long, to feel this good. Give me a little more before I have to back to being the librarian. Don't you ever crave this, touching and feeling?"
He didn't answer, his face resting against her. "No one understands that Empaths get so lonely. We feel so much but can't feel much ourselves, only through others can we feel... That's what's believed. Like. Hmmm. We're empty." He ran his hand up and down her arm. "That's rubbish. Do I seem like I'm empty? Unfeeling?"
"No you don't. You feel sinful." He said as he kissed her neck. "But you could do so much better than me. You are incredible. Anyone would die to have you."
"That's a nice sentiment, but I made my choice seventeen years ago. Get over it." She answered grinding her hips against his hardness. He growled.
"Shall I get my uniform? You can give me dentention." She quipped as his ministrations continued. His hand massaged her hip while the other pushed her against him to allow her movements to excite him more. "One month's worth you naughty little librarian. Now go before I ruin my desk forever by bending you over it."