Author's Notes: Lots of notes, so please bear with me. You lucky readers
get a THREE chapter update this week! What can I say, the plot fairies
must have been very kind to me this week, because I not only got over my
writer's block, but found time to really get some of the plot fleshed out.
The fall term is winding down, and lots of things are happening. Mira and Snape have been outed and there are mixed reactions among the student body. The Malfoys are fully committed to their plan, but with some hesitation. Mira shows a bit more of her wicked side in the tavern.
Okay, I don't have anything against teacher/student fantasies. But I didn't want to go there with this story. If anything, I see Snape having a slightly paternal relationship with his Slytherins, maybe a bit of a mentor to those students who are gifted in potion brewing. Certainly a kind of strange platonic love/hate protectiveness over Harry. But otherwise, I see him as being strictly all business when it comes to his relationships with his students.
Private little note to my plot idea buddy, Miss E. You'll probably recognize a little self-insertion regarding the muggle chemistry teacher at the end of the chapter. Our chat inspired me to throw it in. 'Nuff said.
Special notes to those who were so kind as to review my story if you make it all the way through the plot twists and turns to this chapter:
Werecat99: I haven't quite worked out yet my writing style, but thanks for the idea of using asterisks or italics. I'm gonna play around with those suggestions and see what works. And, the story of yours that "snagged" me was the "Teacher's Pet" story. Because all 3 of my cats have been totally conspiring against me for the past week, and the story just had me rolling with laughter. I promise to re-read and review for you soon.
Byrdgirl and Goldenstar555: Ron isn't the new evil, but he unwittingly plays a key part in helping it along. He may wreak some havoc, but more out of unthinking selfishness instead of evilness. Ronniekins isn't evil, just unsatisfied with his life and insecure with a distorted idea on how to become more popular and respected.
The quill? You'll find out early in this chapter. On a related note, I'm writing Lucius as simply heinous. Narcissa is too, but in a more underhanded, scheming passive aggressive sort of way. Lucius is just evil gone around the bend. He's not the new threat, but a very major player in the emergence of it.
Disclaimer: Nothing recognizable from the books or movies belongs to me.
Chapter 38: Teacher's Pets.
While the villagers of Hogsmeade, along with visitors from all over wizarding Britain enjoyed the winter festival; Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy remained cloistered away in their country home. Lucius had been keeping a close eye on the potion he was brewing in the small basement workroom. Two more weeks, and the potion would be ready to use. That part of the plan falling into place, he set about mastering the "Psuedoscriptus" spell which would allow him to dictate a message to a quill, which would write the message in its owner's handwriting. This was an integral part of the plan. The spell would have to work flawlessly in order for him to effectively lure his victims.
Narcissa was having second thoughts about the plan. But it had already taken on a life of its own. She had allowed Voldemort into her mind during dreamtime, and had made a deal with him. Essentially a deal with the devil to see her husband's health fully restored. In the beginning, she was blinded by the hunger for power and prestige, which had driven her for all of her adult life. After having had some time to really think about exactly what she had committed to, she started to regret agreeing in haste to the plan. Maybe there could have been another way? The details of the plan brought buried memories back to the surface, reminding her of choices she had made in the past. Choices, which had led her to where she was today. Choices, which every once in a while, she felt a pang of regret over. She hoped that she would not live to regret agreeing to the plan, and spent a lot of time rehashing her past in her mind. The ultimatum she had given her husband seemed impulsive and foolish in retrospect. She was certainly not prepared for his reaction, and wondered why she had even opened that Pandora's box to begin with. Why had she chosen to make it so much more complicated than it needed to be? The whole thing was starting to spiral out of control, and Narcissa found herself hopelessly caught up in it, and forced to see it through to fruition.
She was also very worried about her husband's mental state. To the entire wizarding world, save a few trusted friends and loyal servants, he had died in battle at Hogwarts. He spent most of his time limping up and down the stairs from his study to his basement workroom. He had a pale and wasted look about him. His appetite seemed to have just died. Well, his appetite for food and drink that was, his appetite for revenge and cruelty had intensified to the point where he became a man obsessed. The little twist he had thrown into their plan to resurrect Voldemort really bothered her. She knew that her ultimatum had triggered him to make it an act of revenge as much as an act of salvation for his master. Would he be able to hold it together long enough to see the plan through? Or would he lose it and self- destruct, taking everybody involved down with him? He was totally enmeshed in this plan. Narcissa knew that Voldemort visited him during his dreams nearly every night. She had stood outside the door of his bedchambers, listening to him talk in his sleep. Only on rare occasions, did Lucius venture outside the grounds of their country estate. His valet would deliver him in an enchanted carriage to a seedy bar on the edges of Knockturn Alley. Cloaked and hooded, Lucius would sit in the back corner of the bar, to drink and eavesdrop on conversations. Mostly speculation over whether Voldemort was truly defeated or merely in hiding again. Many dark wizards seemed to believe the latter.
Narcissa had started to really feel the strain of living under the same roof as her husband. She desperately wanted her son, Draco, home with her for the holidays; to try and restore some semblance of normal family life to their household. But Lucius would not hear of it. As far as Draco was concerned, his father had died and his body never recovered. And until Voldemort had been reborn and Lucius restored to health and power, Draco could simply remain none the wiser and safely out of the country. If the plan went badly, it was best for all concerned that Draco be as far away as possible to not get caught up in the fallout.
Early the next morning, it started to snow, the first real snow of the season. Students at Hogwarts awoke to a veritable winter fairyland outside their windows as the school grounds were covered in fine powdery drifts of snow. Some bounded out of bed to play in it before the Sunday brunch in the great hall. Others pulled the covers over their heads and lingered in their warm beds until the bells in the bell tower called them to the table.
As the students made their way into the great hall, there was a buzz of hushed conversation. Mostly among the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor girls, as the Patil sisters spilled the goods on the Potions Master. The gossip spread like wildfire among the students, who were still giddy from their outing in Hogsmeade. The whispering and muted giggling continued until Professor Snape arrived, late to brunch. Looking slightly disheveled and sleep-deprived, he never noticed the hush descend over the room when he took his place next to Professor McGonagall. He also never noticed two Ravenclaw girls staring dagger-eyes at him until they abruptly shoved their plates away, stood up, and flounced out of the hall. Oblivious to being the center of the Hogwarts gossip-mill that morning, he drank his tea and buttered his toast, making idle conversation with the faculty members seated on either side of him.
Hermione gave Ron the silent treatment the rest of the day Sunday for having started the gossiping at the café. He should have known better to tell Padma and Parvati Patil. The most notorious of the school gossips, they could throw a twisted spin into a story faster than Rita Skeeter had ever dreamed of. As gossip goes, the story had taken on a life of its own. The most recent version was that Mira was a muggle whom the professor had met on an errand for Dumbledore. He had met her in passing, fallen in love with her at first sight, and spirited her away from her muggle husband and family to live in Hogsmeade as his mistress.
By Monday morning, the entire school was abuzz with various theories of exactly who the woman at the tailor shop in Hogsmeade was. Even though several students remembered her as their former classmate's aunt, it was more interesting to speculate. Professor Snape noticed that his students were acting strangely. Many were whispering in class, more than usual. And a handful of girls kept giving him nasty looks and responding to questions very curtly. Oblivious to the true reason, he figured that they were displeased with his having made the sixth years test a poison antidote on themselves the week before.
Monday afternoon, Mira received three howlers in the mail from Hogwarts students. One accused her of being descended from a rather unsavory breed of non-human father and a mother of loose morals. The second scolded her that she was not good enough for such a noble man, and she should stick to her own social level and leave him for another shopkeeper. The third ominously warned her that Professor Snape was a "wicked evil man who hates his students and would poison her too for no good reason if he had the chance, so she should watch out." Mira laughed them off and busied herself sorting the real mail. "So, the girls whispering in each other's ear near the tavern must have been the school busybodies." She snickered to herself. She wondered if the professor had received nasty letters as well. But decided that with his reputation among the students of being a major hard-ass, nobody would dare directly confront him. She made a mental note to taunt him about his female "fan club" of heartbroken schoolgirls the next time she saw him.
In with the tailor shop correspondence, was a package from her cousin's daughter, Tricia, who was away at the Beauxbatons School. It contained an early Christmas gift for "Auntie Belle". The note described how the girls were allowed to go to Paris for a day and, Tricia had spent the time shopping with her new school friend, Charisse. Mira went ahead and opened the box. It contained a pair of jingly ankle bracelets, made from sparkling jet beads and tiny silver bells. A tiny card tucked in with them simply said: "Bells for auntie Belle to wear when dancing." Smiling at the playfulness of the thought behind the gift, she hooked them around her ankles, where they jingled softly underneath her full skirts.
The fall term at Hogwarts would be over for the Christmas holidays in a week. The students would forget all about their tidbit of juicy gossip by the time they returned for the spring term. After the initial shock of the news wore off, attention drifted some from the professor, as the students got excited about the holidays. There was only the week of finals, and a final Saturday in Hogsmeade left before the end of term feast Sunday evening. Those who were going home would leave on Monday.
Ron, Harry, Hermione, Neville, Padma, and Parvati had made plans to go to Hogsmeade together for some last minute shopping on Saturday. Neville had approached Ron to help him choose a card and small gift for Padma, who he had a crush on all term. Padma, Parvati, and Hermione had planned to have a bit of a "girl's day out". Harry, not having anybody special to buy a gift for, was happy to tag along with Ron and Neville.
Saturday morning arrived, and Mira noticed a lot of students dropping by the tailor shop to "just browse". Most pretended to look at items, and stole glances at her when they thought she wasn't looking. A few were icy towards her as they brazenly checked her out, sizing up the competition as it were. She batted her eyelashes and was sweeter than sweet to every last one of them, even the little broken-hearted ones who looked at her with narrowed eyes and pursed mouths. Aside from curiosity seekers, there were many there to actually shop. She sold out of everything she had in the Hogwarts School house colors. Aside from students, there was a rush on special orders for Yule ball robes. Apparently the festive season would be one the likes of which had not been seen in years. She wondered to herself if she would get invited to any of them. Not the one Susan and Albert were hosting. Susan didn't trust her to behave in a purely "ladylike" manner. Mira's invitation would conveniently be "lost" by an unreliable postal owl.
Lucilla's little sister, Maddie, was helping Mira out in the shop during the rest of the holiday rush. Lucilla had given Mira the cold shoulder following the events that had transpired in the recent past. The professor's involvement with the Death Eaters had leaked out, but most people truly believed (or at least wanted to believe) that he was a spy all along and never really was a "true" Death Eater. Lucilla was not one of those who believed a word of it. She never let it go that she had warned Mira about him when they first started to see each other. Hurt, Lucy felt that Mira was not really as good of a friend as she thought because she had not taken her advice and called it off. Maddie could care less. She needed the extra money and was excited about the discount offered to her as an employee. Not wanting to stir the pot with Lucy, Mira never told Maddie why so many students were coming in to the store. She let Maddie go early after catching a late lunch break, and finished up on her own.
Ron, Harry, and Neville started out at Honeyduke's, where Ron bought sweets for his brothers. Harry bought some special treats for Sirius and Headmaster Dumbledore. They helped Neville pick out a fancy box of chocolates with candied violets on top for Padma. The shopkeeper's wife tied it up prettily with a satin bow and a little bouquet of fresh violets. Then the boys went to the general store where they found the perfect card to accompany the gift: "Roses are red, Violets are blue. Fondest holiday wishes to you." Ron picked out a compact mirror for his little sister, that made kissing noises when opened. He also bought a packet of authentic yellow muggle pencils for his father, the resident muggle-phile. Harry would return to the village to shop for his friends another day. Living close by with Sirius, he could return one day after classes ended. It would be the first Christmas he didn't spend at Hogwarts, and he was looking forward to a more normal "family" holiday.
Padma, Parvati, and Hermione had been in the tailor shop early on in the day. The twins pooled their money and bought a lovely spun spider-silk shawl for their mother. Nearly transparent, fine threads of silver and gold were woven into the fabric. Worn around the head and shoulders, it looked as if the wearer was enveloped in a shimmering halo. Hermione browsed through the little rack of dress robes, and looked sheepishly at Mira. Mira recognized the twins, and was none to friendly to them, remembering them as the ones who must have started the gossiping. But she tried to engage Hermione in conversation. She saw a girl who was a little shy, and bookish. Not at all like her colorful hothouse flower friends. The twins didn't want to hang around and beckoned Hermione along with them, not giving Mira a chance to really learn anything about the quiet young lady except that her parents were both muggles and Hermione hoped to go on to wizarding University after Hogwarts.
Sensing that there would be undue attention given to her and the tailor shop all day, she owled the professor and asked him to meet her in the tavern instead of at the store that evening. Eight o' clock rolled around, and Mira rang up the last of her customers. She deposited the day's take in the safe, closed the floo fireplace, straightened up a bit, and locked the door. She went to the back, freshened up, and grabbed a warm cloak. Exiting the store, she noticed at least two dozen students in Hogwarts robes, huddled together at the front tables at the café across the street; trying to keep warm with the under-table heating cauldrons, their cloaks, and their warm drinks. They all got quiet when she emerged, and then started a frenzy of hushed whispers when Mira turned her back on them to lock the door and cast the security wards on it. She spun around quickly and caught several off guard, staring at her. With a wink and a grin, Mira curtseyed to her little audience, and hurried off through the snowy streets to the Hog's Head tavern.
The tavern was a bit more crowded than usual, one would be foolish to try and brave the weather outside at the café. Even with the heating cauldrons and magical snow repelling canopy overhead, it was cold out. With so many students in town, the Three Broomsticks would be packed with the younger set. They could get bottles of butterbeer there, and Rosmerta prided herself on running a family-friendly establishment. Only a handful of tourists, the regular locals, and some "of age" seventh-year students were in the Hog's Head. But just a couple dozen patrons made the small tavern seem crowded. Mira was relieved to spot the professor in the farthest back booth, against the wall. She was even more relieved to find a steaming mug of mulled red wine sitting on the table for her. She pulled her cloak off, tossed it down on the opposite bench, and slid in next to the professor.
"Why did have me meet you here instead of at the store? I don't mind the snow. I would have walked you over. I still don't like the idea of you walking around after dark by yourself."
"Promise me that you won't get mad if I tell you."
"Tell me what?"
"Well, remember when we were leaving the tavern last week, and there were a lot of people in the square, and we had to wait for a crowd to pass and let us by?"
"Yes."
"We were spotted walking together by a couple of students. Apparently we've been outed as an item, and the students have been gossiping."
"What do you mean by outed?"
"I mean that we have been seen coming and going together by some of your students, and they put two and two together, and realized that we were seeing each other."
"That's absurd. And even if they did see us together, why should they even care?"
"Why should they care? You mean? No. You really have no idea, do you?"
"Do I what? What are you talking about woman?"
Mira laughed out loud. Snape got flustered and took her by the arm, eyes glittering in the dim candlelight.
"Mira, you will tell me right now, what exactly are you talking about?"
She waved him off and let her fit of laughter pass. She turned in her seat to face him, tucked a stray lock of black hair behind his ear, and leaned in closely, speaking in barely more than a whisper.
"I'm afraid that the news of our being a couple hasn't rested well with some of your students."
"I'm sure some of the Slytherins believe you're a muggle born and disapprove. That was to be expected."
Mira took his hand and shook her head, trying not to laugh. He really didn't have a clue.
"Well, I'm sure there's that, but it seems that you have also left a few wounded little birds in your wake."
"Mira! Stop toying with me and tell me what's going on or I will hex you on the spot and dose you with veritaserum."
"Okay, okay, okay. You don't have to get nasty. It seems that you have a little following of secret admirers at the school. I received some howlers disapproving of us, and several young ladies came into the shop, shooting evil looks at me today. Along with dozens of curiosity seekers just trying to get a good look. When I left this evening, there was a little crowd at the café, watching for me."
"What on Earth are you talking about Mira? I can more than assure you that no female students at the school have any interest in me whatsoever."
"Oh no? Tell me. After last weekend, did any of your students act hostile to you, female ones that is?"
"Well, a few, but I gave the sixth years a really hard assignment, and some got a little sick from it. I figured they were angry at me for the lesson."
"Uh-huh. And tell me this? Have any of your female students seemed to go out of their way to land detention with you this term?"
"Mira, please. This is ridiculous. Of course a handful of them went out of their way to earn detention, but they do that every year. They're looking for a way to try and get a prank over on me."
"You think so. Do you see that table of older students by the fireplace?"
"Yes."
"Are any of them your students?"
"All of them have been my students at one time or another."
"Well, they have been watching us ever since I came in."
"No they haven't, I would have noticed them if they were staring."
"Not staring, but watching nonetheless."
Mira situated herself on the bench so that the professor had a clear view of the tables by the fireplace.
"Okay, I'm about to do something to prove what I'm telling you. Pretend you're looking at me, but look just over my shoulder at them."
"Alright, I'll humor you."
"Are they looking?"
"A couple are stealing glances over here. What does that prove?"
"Nothing, but keep your eye on them. No matter what I do, watch them, not me."
Mira took the polished pewter mug in her left hand, rose up on her knee, and leaned towards the professor. She rested her right hand on his left shoulder.
"Are they looking?"
"They're stealing glances, but who wouldn't if they saw their teacher getting friendly with a woman in a tavern?"
"Shhh, just watch them."
Mira leaned in close, and rested the mug on his right shoulder. She reached her right arm around his back and rested her cheek on his forehead, watching the students' reflections in the metal mug.
"I will bet you that the brunette girl really doesn't like what she's seeing. I'm watching the reflection in my mug, and she's getting flustered."
The student at the table started to stare, and had a strange look on her face. Mira moved in even closer, crossing her left leg over the professor's left thigh.
"Here it comes. keep your eye on her."
The girl's face turned white as a sheet, then blood red. Abruptly, she stood up, scraping her chair backwards across the stone floor, and stormed out of the tavern, slamming the door open as she went. Mira lowered herself back down to her seat, and finished the mug of hot spicy wine. Snape looked at her with confusion. Mira smirked and patted him on the knee.
"So. Do you believe me now, professor?"
She got up, took his empty mug along with her own, and sashayed up to the bar, anklets jingling and skirts swishing, to order another round of drinks. Three sets of eyes followed her every move. As soon as her back was to them, they huddled together and started whispering. On the way back, Mira made a big show of putting a little sway in her walk, pretending to be having trouble steadying the mugs. She slid back into the booth beside Snape and handed him a fresh mug of hot spicy wine.
"Here, I thought you might need another drink."
"You would need more than a mug of wine if you had been able to see the looks they were giving you while you were walking back over here. The other girl was shooting you a look that could cut glass."
"So tell me. How does it feel to realize that you're a sex symbol?"
"Actually, I am quite taken aback by the whole thing. It's very disconcerting. They're children for Merlin's sake!"
"Well, if I were your student, I would be doing my best to land detention with you as often as possible. I would have been all kinds of worked up during class. And if you bothered to get to know them a little better, you'd realize that some of them are adult women. Young women, but of age nonetheless. Like the one who stormed out of here just now. She's at least seventeen. Ripe for the picking if I might be so crude as to point out."
"Mira, stop it right now, that's repulsive! As far as I'm concerned, they're children. Even the oldest ones are less than half my age. I'm no more interested in any of them as I would be in McGonagall."
"Oh come on. Don't tell me you never had an eye for any of your teachers when you were in school?"
"No, I can't say I ever did. For the most part, I kept my eye on girls my own age."
"Well, maybe it's a girl thing then, but I can clearly remember lusting over my chemistry teacher when I was a senior in high school."
"High school?"
"Yeah, high school, final year. American muggle schools are primary school, middle school, and high school. Anyway, I utterly lusted over my chemistry teacher. I guess chemistry is the muggle version of potions. We studied formulas and mixed things together in the lab to cause reactions. Except no magic, just the natural laws of science. Anyway, I had a crush on him, and I deliberately got into trouble so that I could serve detention with him. When he came by my worktable and looked over my shoulder at my experiments, I got all sorts of warm and tingly. I can guarantee you that you are having the exact same effect on at least a few of your female students, it's just the way teenage girls are."
"This is more than I want or need to know. From now on all female students who earn detention in my classes, will serve it with Mr. Filch."
"How are you sure that only the girl students fancy you? Hmmm?"
The professor looked at her with abject horror in his eyes. "I cannot believe that you just said such a thing. That was totally uncalled for. For that, I should just tear up what I was going to give you this evening."
"What were you going to give me?"
Snape fished around in his robe pockets and withdrew a large scroll, tied with gold ribbon, and handed it to Mira. She looked at him with a puzzled look, and he motioned for her to open it. The scroll was an invitation to the School Governing Board's Winter Masquerade Ball, to be held in the Hogwarts great hall on Twelfth Night.
"I want you to accompany me. Given the choice, I would be more than happy to stay far away, but Dumbledore has decreed that attendance is mandatory for all the faculty members. It'll be a fancy dress ball, so you need to sort out some kind of formal character robe. And if you would please, try and find something for me as well. I trust you to pick something conservative. But do try and not dress too outlandishly. It's so unbecoming the way that so many of those witches try and outdo each other at these events. Frankly, I don't see the point of grown adults dressing up in costume, but Dumbledore seems to think it'll be fun."
Mira looked at the scroll once again, rolled it up and handed it back to the professor.
"Twelfth Night? That's early January. I only have a few weeks to get ready for it. But of course, I would love to go with you."
Curfew approaching, the other students got up from their table and headed towards the door, a couple looking back over their shoulders as they left. Snape and Mira finished their drinks, and decided that with the students all returning back to the castle for curfew, they were safe to return to her little apartment without being spied upon.
The fall term is winding down, and lots of things are happening. Mira and Snape have been outed and there are mixed reactions among the student body. The Malfoys are fully committed to their plan, but with some hesitation. Mira shows a bit more of her wicked side in the tavern.
Okay, I don't have anything against teacher/student fantasies. But I didn't want to go there with this story. If anything, I see Snape having a slightly paternal relationship with his Slytherins, maybe a bit of a mentor to those students who are gifted in potion brewing. Certainly a kind of strange platonic love/hate protectiveness over Harry. But otherwise, I see him as being strictly all business when it comes to his relationships with his students.
Private little note to my plot idea buddy, Miss E. You'll probably recognize a little self-insertion regarding the muggle chemistry teacher at the end of the chapter. Our chat inspired me to throw it in. 'Nuff said.
Special notes to those who were so kind as to review my story if you make it all the way through the plot twists and turns to this chapter:
Werecat99: I haven't quite worked out yet my writing style, but thanks for the idea of using asterisks or italics. I'm gonna play around with those suggestions and see what works. And, the story of yours that "snagged" me was the "Teacher's Pet" story. Because all 3 of my cats have been totally conspiring against me for the past week, and the story just had me rolling with laughter. I promise to re-read and review for you soon.
Byrdgirl and Goldenstar555: Ron isn't the new evil, but he unwittingly plays a key part in helping it along. He may wreak some havoc, but more out of unthinking selfishness instead of evilness. Ronniekins isn't evil, just unsatisfied with his life and insecure with a distorted idea on how to become more popular and respected.
The quill? You'll find out early in this chapter. On a related note, I'm writing Lucius as simply heinous. Narcissa is too, but in a more underhanded, scheming passive aggressive sort of way. Lucius is just evil gone around the bend. He's not the new threat, but a very major player in the emergence of it.
Disclaimer: Nothing recognizable from the books or movies belongs to me.
Chapter 38: Teacher's Pets.
While the villagers of Hogsmeade, along with visitors from all over wizarding Britain enjoyed the winter festival; Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy remained cloistered away in their country home. Lucius had been keeping a close eye on the potion he was brewing in the small basement workroom. Two more weeks, and the potion would be ready to use. That part of the plan falling into place, he set about mastering the "Psuedoscriptus" spell which would allow him to dictate a message to a quill, which would write the message in its owner's handwriting. This was an integral part of the plan. The spell would have to work flawlessly in order for him to effectively lure his victims.
Narcissa was having second thoughts about the plan. But it had already taken on a life of its own. She had allowed Voldemort into her mind during dreamtime, and had made a deal with him. Essentially a deal with the devil to see her husband's health fully restored. In the beginning, she was blinded by the hunger for power and prestige, which had driven her for all of her adult life. After having had some time to really think about exactly what she had committed to, she started to regret agreeing in haste to the plan. Maybe there could have been another way? The details of the plan brought buried memories back to the surface, reminding her of choices she had made in the past. Choices, which had led her to where she was today. Choices, which every once in a while, she felt a pang of regret over. She hoped that she would not live to regret agreeing to the plan, and spent a lot of time rehashing her past in her mind. The ultimatum she had given her husband seemed impulsive and foolish in retrospect. She was certainly not prepared for his reaction, and wondered why she had even opened that Pandora's box to begin with. Why had she chosen to make it so much more complicated than it needed to be? The whole thing was starting to spiral out of control, and Narcissa found herself hopelessly caught up in it, and forced to see it through to fruition.
She was also very worried about her husband's mental state. To the entire wizarding world, save a few trusted friends and loyal servants, he had died in battle at Hogwarts. He spent most of his time limping up and down the stairs from his study to his basement workroom. He had a pale and wasted look about him. His appetite seemed to have just died. Well, his appetite for food and drink that was, his appetite for revenge and cruelty had intensified to the point where he became a man obsessed. The little twist he had thrown into their plan to resurrect Voldemort really bothered her. She knew that her ultimatum had triggered him to make it an act of revenge as much as an act of salvation for his master. Would he be able to hold it together long enough to see the plan through? Or would he lose it and self- destruct, taking everybody involved down with him? He was totally enmeshed in this plan. Narcissa knew that Voldemort visited him during his dreams nearly every night. She had stood outside the door of his bedchambers, listening to him talk in his sleep. Only on rare occasions, did Lucius venture outside the grounds of their country estate. His valet would deliver him in an enchanted carriage to a seedy bar on the edges of Knockturn Alley. Cloaked and hooded, Lucius would sit in the back corner of the bar, to drink and eavesdrop on conversations. Mostly speculation over whether Voldemort was truly defeated or merely in hiding again. Many dark wizards seemed to believe the latter.
Narcissa had started to really feel the strain of living under the same roof as her husband. She desperately wanted her son, Draco, home with her for the holidays; to try and restore some semblance of normal family life to their household. But Lucius would not hear of it. As far as Draco was concerned, his father had died and his body never recovered. And until Voldemort had been reborn and Lucius restored to health and power, Draco could simply remain none the wiser and safely out of the country. If the plan went badly, it was best for all concerned that Draco be as far away as possible to not get caught up in the fallout.
Early the next morning, it started to snow, the first real snow of the season. Students at Hogwarts awoke to a veritable winter fairyland outside their windows as the school grounds were covered in fine powdery drifts of snow. Some bounded out of bed to play in it before the Sunday brunch in the great hall. Others pulled the covers over their heads and lingered in their warm beds until the bells in the bell tower called them to the table.
As the students made their way into the great hall, there was a buzz of hushed conversation. Mostly among the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor girls, as the Patil sisters spilled the goods on the Potions Master. The gossip spread like wildfire among the students, who were still giddy from their outing in Hogsmeade. The whispering and muted giggling continued until Professor Snape arrived, late to brunch. Looking slightly disheveled and sleep-deprived, he never noticed the hush descend over the room when he took his place next to Professor McGonagall. He also never noticed two Ravenclaw girls staring dagger-eyes at him until they abruptly shoved their plates away, stood up, and flounced out of the hall. Oblivious to being the center of the Hogwarts gossip-mill that morning, he drank his tea and buttered his toast, making idle conversation with the faculty members seated on either side of him.
Hermione gave Ron the silent treatment the rest of the day Sunday for having started the gossiping at the café. He should have known better to tell Padma and Parvati Patil. The most notorious of the school gossips, they could throw a twisted spin into a story faster than Rita Skeeter had ever dreamed of. As gossip goes, the story had taken on a life of its own. The most recent version was that Mira was a muggle whom the professor had met on an errand for Dumbledore. He had met her in passing, fallen in love with her at first sight, and spirited her away from her muggle husband and family to live in Hogsmeade as his mistress.
By Monday morning, the entire school was abuzz with various theories of exactly who the woman at the tailor shop in Hogsmeade was. Even though several students remembered her as their former classmate's aunt, it was more interesting to speculate. Professor Snape noticed that his students were acting strangely. Many were whispering in class, more than usual. And a handful of girls kept giving him nasty looks and responding to questions very curtly. Oblivious to the true reason, he figured that they were displeased with his having made the sixth years test a poison antidote on themselves the week before.
Monday afternoon, Mira received three howlers in the mail from Hogwarts students. One accused her of being descended from a rather unsavory breed of non-human father and a mother of loose morals. The second scolded her that she was not good enough for such a noble man, and she should stick to her own social level and leave him for another shopkeeper. The third ominously warned her that Professor Snape was a "wicked evil man who hates his students and would poison her too for no good reason if he had the chance, so she should watch out." Mira laughed them off and busied herself sorting the real mail. "So, the girls whispering in each other's ear near the tavern must have been the school busybodies." She snickered to herself. She wondered if the professor had received nasty letters as well. But decided that with his reputation among the students of being a major hard-ass, nobody would dare directly confront him. She made a mental note to taunt him about his female "fan club" of heartbroken schoolgirls the next time she saw him.
In with the tailor shop correspondence, was a package from her cousin's daughter, Tricia, who was away at the Beauxbatons School. It contained an early Christmas gift for "Auntie Belle". The note described how the girls were allowed to go to Paris for a day and, Tricia had spent the time shopping with her new school friend, Charisse. Mira went ahead and opened the box. It contained a pair of jingly ankle bracelets, made from sparkling jet beads and tiny silver bells. A tiny card tucked in with them simply said: "Bells for auntie Belle to wear when dancing." Smiling at the playfulness of the thought behind the gift, she hooked them around her ankles, where they jingled softly underneath her full skirts.
The fall term at Hogwarts would be over for the Christmas holidays in a week. The students would forget all about their tidbit of juicy gossip by the time they returned for the spring term. After the initial shock of the news wore off, attention drifted some from the professor, as the students got excited about the holidays. There was only the week of finals, and a final Saturday in Hogsmeade left before the end of term feast Sunday evening. Those who were going home would leave on Monday.
Ron, Harry, Hermione, Neville, Padma, and Parvati had made plans to go to Hogsmeade together for some last minute shopping on Saturday. Neville had approached Ron to help him choose a card and small gift for Padma, who he had a crush on all term. Padma, Parvati, and Hermione had planned to have a bit of a "girl's day out". Harry, not having anybody special to buy a gift for, was happy to tag along with Ron and Neville.
Saturday morning arrived, and Mira noticed a lot of students dropping by the tailor shop to "just browse". Most pretended to look at items, and stole glances at her when they thought she wasn't looking. A few were icy towards her as they brazenly checked her out, sizing up the competition as it were. She batted her eyelashes and was sweeter than sweet to every last one of them, even the little broken-hearted ones who looked at her with narrowed eyes and pursed mouths. Aside from curiosity seekers, there were many there to actually shop. She sold out of everything she had in the Hogwarts School house colors. Aside from students, there was a rush on special orders for Yule ball robes. Apparently the festive season would be one the likes of which had not been seen in years. She wondered to herself if she would get invited to any of them. Not the one Susan and Albert were hosting. Susan didn't trust her to behave in a purely "ladylike" manner. Mira's invitation would conveniently be "lost" by an unreliable postal owl.
Lucilla's little sister, Maddie, was helping Mira out in the shop during the rest of the holiday rush. Lucilla had given Mira the cold shoulder following the events that had transpired in the recent past. The professor's involvement with the Death Eaters had leaked out, but most people truly believed (or at least wanted to believe) that he was a spy all along and never really was a "true" Death Eater. Lucilla was not one of those who believed a word of it. She never let it go that she had warned Mira about him when they first started to see each other. Hurt, Lucy felt that Mira was not really as good of a friend as she thought because she had not taken her advice and called it off. Maddie could care less. She needed the extra money and was excited about the discount offered to her as an employee. Not wanting to stir the pot with Lucy, Mira never told Maddie why so many students were coming in to the store. She let Maddie go early after catching a late lunch break, and finished up on her own.
Ron, Harry, and Neville started out at Honeyduke's, where Ron bought sweets for his brothers. Harry bought some special treats for Sirius and Headmaster Dumbledore. They helped Neville pick out a fancy box of chocolates with candied violets on top for Padma. The shopkeeper's wife tied it up prettily with a satin bow and a little bouquet of fresh violets. Then the boys went to the general store where they found the perfect card to accompany the gift: "Roses are red, Violets are blue. Fondest holiday wishes to you." Ron picked out a compact mirror for his little sister, that made kissing noises when opened. He also bought a packet of authentic yellow muggle pencils for his father, the resident muggle-phile. Harry would return to the village to shop for his friends another day. Living close by with Sirius, he could return one day after classes ended. It would be the first Christmas he didn't spend at Hogwarts, and he was looking forward to a more normal "family" holiday.
Padma, Parvati, and Hermione had been in the tailor shop early on in the day. The twins pooled their money and bought a lovely spun spider-silk shawl for their mother. Nearly transparent, fine threads of silver and gold were woven into the fabric. Worn around the head and shoulders, it looked as if the wearer was enveloped in a shimmering halo. Hermione browsed through the little rack of dress robes, and looked sheepishly at Mira. Mira recognized the twins, and was none to friendly to them, remembering them as the ones who must have started the gossiping. But she tried to engage Hermione in conversation. She saw a girl who was a little shy, and bookish. Not at all like her colorful hothouse flower friends. The twins didn't want to hang around and beckoned Hermione along with them, not giving Mira a chance to really learn anything about the quiet young lady except that her parents were both muggles and Hermione hoped to go on to wizarding University after Hogwarts.
Sensing that there would be undue attention given to her and the tailor shop all day, she owled the professor and asked him to meet her in the tavern instead of at the store that evening. Eight o' clock rolled around, and Mira rang up the last of her customers. She deposited the day's take in the safe, closed the floo fireplace, straightened up a bit, and locked the door. She went to the back, freshened up, and grabbed a warm cloak. Exiting the store, she noticed at least two dozen students in Hogwarts robes, huddled together at the front tables at the café across the street; trying to keep warm with the under-table heating cauldrons, their cloaks, and their warm drinks. They all got quiet when she emerged, and then started a frenzy of hushed whispers when Mira turned her back on them to lock the door and cast the security wards on it. She spun around quickly and caught several off guard, staring at her. With a wink and a grin, Mira curtseyed to her little audience, and hurried off through the snowy streets to the Hog's Head tavern.
The tavern was a bit more crowded than usual, one would be foolish to try and brave the weather outside at the café. Even with the heating cauldrons and magical snow repelling canopy overhead, it was cold out. With so many students in town, the Three Broomsticks would be packed with the younger set. They could get bottles of butterbeer there, and Rosmerta prided herself on running a family-friendly establishment. Only a handful of tourists, the regular locals, and some "of age" seventh-year students were in the Hog's Head. But just a couple dozen patrons made the small tavern seem crowded. Mira was relieved to spot the professor in the farthest back booth, against the wall. She was even more relieved to find a steaming mug of mulled red wine sitting on the table for her. She pulled her cloak off, tossed it down on the opposite bench, and slid in next to the professor.
"Why did have me meet you here instead of at the store? I don't mind the snow. I would have walked you over. I still don't like the idea of you walking around after dark by yourself."
"Promise me that you won't get mad if I tell you."
"Tell me what?"
"Well, remember when we were leaving the tavern last week, and there were a lot of people in the square, and we had to wait for a crowd to pass and let us by?"
"Yes."
"We were spotted walking together by a couple of students. Apparently we've been outed as an item, and the students have been gossiping."
"What do you mean by outed?"
"I mean that we have been seen coming and going together by some of your students, and they put two and two together, and realized that we were seeing each other."
"That's absurd. And even if they did see us together, why should they even care?"
"Why should they care? You mean? No. You really have no idea, do you?"
"Do I what? What are you talking about woman?"
Mira laughed out loud. Snape got flustered and took her by the arm, eyes glittering in the dim candlelight.
"Mira, you will tell me right now, what exactly are you talking about?"
She waved him off and let her fit of laughter pass. She turned in her seat to face him, tucked a stray lock of black hair behind his ear, and leaned in closely, speaking in barely more than a whisper.
"I'm afraid that the news of our being a couple hasn't rested well with some of your students."
"I'm sure some of the Slytherins believe you're a muggle born and disapprove. That was to be expected."
Mira took his hand and shook her head, trying not to laugh. He really didn't have a clue.
"Well, I'm sure there's that, but it seems that you have also left a few wounded little birds in your wake."
"Mira! Stop toying with me and tell me what's going on or I will hex you on the spot and dose you with veritaserum."
"Okay, okay, okay. You don't have to get nasty. It seems that you have a little following of secret admirers at the school. I received some howlers disapproving of us, and several young ladies came into the shop, shooting evil looks at me today. Along with dozens of curiosity seekers just trying to get a good look. When I left this evening, there was a little crowd at the café, watching for me."
"What on Earth are you talking about Mira? I can more than assure you that no female students at the school have any interest in me whatsoever."
"Oh no? Tell me. After last weekend, did any of your students act hostile to you, female ones that is?"
"Well, a few, but I gave the sixth years a really hard assignment, and some got a little sick from it. I figured they were angry at me for the lesson."
"Uh-huh. And tell me this? Have any of your female students seemed to go out of their way to land detention with you this term?"
"Mira, please. This is ridiculous. Of course a handful of them went out of their way to earn detention, but they do that every year. They're looking for a way to try and get a prank over on me."
"You think so. Do you see that table of older students by the fireplace?"
"Yes."
"Are any of them your students?"
"All of them have been my students at one time or another."
"Well, they have been watching us ever since I came in."
"No they haven't, I would have noticed them if they were staring."
"Not staring, but watching nonetheless."
Mira situated herself on the bench so that the professor had a clear view of the tables by the fireplace.
"Okay, I'm about to do something to prove what I'm telling you. Pretend you're looking at me, but look just over my shoulder at them."
"Alright, I'll humor you."
"Are they looking?"
"A couple are stealing glances over here. What does that prove?"
"Nothing, but keep your eye on them. No matter what I do, watch them, not me."
Mira took the polished pewter mug in her left hand, rose up on her knee, and leaned towards the professor. She rested her right hand on his left shoulder.
"Are they looking?"
"They're stealing glances, but who wouldn't if they saw their teacher getting friendly with a woman in a tavern?"
"Shhh, just watch them."
Mira leaned in close, and rested the mug on his right shoulder. She reached her right arm around his back and rested her cheek on his forehead, watching the students' reflections in the metal mug.
"I will bet you that the brunette girl really doesn't like what she's seeing. I'm watching the reflection in my mug, and she's getting flustered."
The student at the table started to stare, and had a strange look on her face. Mira moved in even closer, crossing her left leg over the professor's left thigh.
"Here it comes. keep your eye on her."
The girl's face turned white as a sheet, then blood red. Abruptly, she stood up, scraping her chair backwards across the stone floor, and stormed out of the tavern, slamming the door open as she went. Mira lowered herself back down to her seat, and finished the mug of hot spicy wine. Snape looked at her with confusion. Mira smirked and patted him on the knee.
"So. Do you believe me now, professor?"
She got up, took his empty mug along with her own, and sashayed up to the bar, anklets jingling and skirts swishing, to order another round of drinks. Three sets of eyes followed her every move. As soon as her back was to them, they huddled together and started whispering. On the way back, Mira made a big show of putting a little sway in her walk, pretending to be having trouble steadying the mugs. She slid back into the booth beside Snape and handed him a fresh mug of hot spicy wine.
"Here, I thought you might need another drink."
"You would need more than a mug of wine if you had been able to see the looks they were giving you while you were walking back over here. The other girl was shooting you a look that could cut glass."
"So tell me. How does it feel to realize that you're a sex symbol?"
"Actually, I am quite taken aback by the whole thing. It's very disconcerting. They're children for Merlin's sake!"
"Well, if I were your student, I would be doing my best to land detention with you as often as possible. I would have been all kinds of worked up during class. And if you bothered to get to know them a little better, you'd realize that some of them are adult women. Young women, but of age nonetheless. Like the one who stormed out of here just now. She's at least seventeen. Ripe for the picking if I might be so crude as to point out."
"Mira, stop it right now, that's repulsive! As far as I'm concerned, they're children. Even the oldest ones are less than half my age. I'm no more interested in any of them as I would be in McGonagall."
"Oh come on. Don't tell me you never had an eye for any of your teachers when you were in school?"
"No, I can't say I ever did. For the most part, I kept my eye on girls my own age."
"Well, maybe it's a girl thing then, but I can clearly remember lusting over my chemistry teacher when I was a senior in high school."
"High school?"
"Yeah, high school, final year. American muggle schools are primary school, middle school, and high school. Anyway, I utterly lusted over my chemistry teacher. I guess chemistry is the muggle version of potions. We studied formulas and mixed things together in the lab to cause reactions. Except no magic, just the natural laws of science. Anyway, I had a crush on him, and I deliberately got into trouble so that I could serve detention with him. When he came by my worktable and looked over my shoulder at my experiments, I got all sorts of warm and tingly. I can guarantee you that you are having the exact same effect on at least a few of your female students, it's just the way teenage girls are."
"This is more than I want or need to know. From now on all female students who earn detention in my classes, will serve it with Mr. Filch."
"How are you sure that only the girl students fancy you? Hmmm?"
The professor looked at her with abject horror in his eyes. "I cannot believe that you just said such a thing. That was totally uncalled for. For that, I should just tear up what I was going to give you this evening."
"What were you going to give me?"
Snape fished around in his robe pockets and withdrew a large scroll, tied with gold ribbon, and handed it to Mira. She looked at him with a puzzled look, and he motioned for her to open it. The scroll was an invitation to the School Governing Board's Winter Masquerade Ball, to be held in the Hogwarts great hall on Twelfth Night.
"I want you to accompany me. Given the choice, I would be more than happy to stay far away, but Dumbledore has decreed that attendance is mandatory for all the faculty members. It'll be a fancy dress ball, so you need to sort out some kind of formal character robe. And if you would please, try and find something for me as well. I trust you to pick something conservative. But do try and not dress too outlandishly. It's so unbecoming the way that so many of those witches try and outdo each other at these events. Frankly, I don't see the point of grown adults dressing up in costume, but Dumbledore seems to think it'll be fun."
Mira looked at the scroll once again, rolled it up and handed it back to the professor.
"Twelfth Night? That's early January. I only have a few weeks to get ready for it. But of course, I would love to go with you."
Curfew approaching, the other students got up from their table and headed towards the door, a couple looking back over their shoulders as they left. Snape and Mira finished their drinks, and decided that with the students all returning back to the castle for curfew, they were safe to return to her little apartment without being spied upon.