A/N: Oh, when I said ratings may change, I didn't mean it. Okay, I did at the time, but I decided it's just too weird to write R stuff about any other pair besides MM/SS and Aragorn and Arwen, lol.
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The rest of her detention time when by very quickly, faster than she had hoped. The feeling of those words, I promise, from his tongue just made her feel so light inside. It was like a temporary high that she never wanted to end. She knew it may be the most intimate moment she may ever have with him, and it wasn't really even that intimate, but her nature just wouldn't let her go out so quickly. She had to push him farther. She had gone so far during that time it was unbelievable to her still.
She decided to relax from it for a few days. She went through potions the way she used to at the beginning of the year. The silent but very successful way. They never really made eye contact, and sometimes she thought everyone had even forgotten she was in the class at all. Not that she always spoke out in class like she had before. After all, she had the lovable genius pat down, and the teachers were buying into her performance. Still, it wasn't all an act. She really was a fairly good person at heart. But she had an edge that sometimes she struggles to hide. Maybe it's that edge that draws her to Severus Snape so much. After all, he tends to have a similar edge.
After about three days of letting herself cool from detention, she decided to talk to him one on one again. After class she waited patiently until everyone cleared out, then she started to pack up her stuff as slowly as possible, watching him from the corner of her eye. He went on with whatever he was doing up at his desk (she couldn't tell), not really noticing her presence. Just as she was losing interest watching him, he spoke.
Do you not have something to go do? Whatever it is, I assure you you'll be late.No... no, that's okay, I don't have anywhere to be. I have almost an hour before my next class. I just figured I'd take my time. I'm beat. Barely got any sleep at all!I am hardly interested in your sleeping disorder, Ms. Morris, he scoffed, but he gave her a faint smile, if one could call it that.
Well, I am sorry to bore you with that information, she said sarcastically. I can be rather dull at times, I must confess.
She sighed, combing her hand back with one hand.
I need a book, she said finally, and almost laughing out loud at how sudden and random that was. Sorry, I couldn't resist saying that. I was just thinking about The Wondrous Wicked.'
He nodded. Do you normally like books like that?Like what? Tragic? Brutally real? With lead protagonists that can double as the antagonist? Books like The Wondrous Wicked' in that sense? Yes, I normally do like books like that.Have you read The Beckoner?' I don't read too much. I have other things of.... more importance. But it's very good.
I love that book, I've read it so may times, she thought. No, I haven't. Do you happen to have it, because I'm desperate for a good read.
He looked at her for a moment. His hard dark eyes observing her closely. He wasn't quite sure what to make of her. She seemed easy enough to figure out before. A typical Gryffindor. The overachiever, only in it for the glory it seemed, but without her head really in the game. Now she seemed so..... well, he wasn't sure what.
Yes, I have it back in my office. I'll..... bring it out.
He got it and handed it to her. Please bring it back quickly, he said, eyeing her sharply. She returned the stare, right into his seductive eyes.
I will, of course. Thank you, it looks great. Well, she said, putting the book gently into her bag. I'd better be going. I actually don't have a reason to leave, but I'm sure you have work to do.Yes, I do have a rather exorbitant pile of essays to grade from the second years.Well, goodbye then, she said, not wanting to overstay her welcome at all.
He could feel him watch her as she walked out the door.
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She saw him in the Great Hall at supper that night. He was discussing something with Professor McGonagall, and she had a rather perturbed look on her face. He seemed to be pushing her buttons about something, and she grinned when she remembered that tomorrow Gryffindor was playing Slytherin in quidditch. She was sure they were betting, or something like that.
She sighed, and looked down at her plate, which was still completely full. She wasn't hungry at all. Maybe she'd just sneak some of whatever looked appetizing and take it back to her house. But all that she ended up taking was just a handful of some strawberries before she left. She headed down the winding halls of Hogwarts toward Gryffindor, but then she realized she was going the wrong way. She didn't want to go to Gryffindor. Still, she ran quickly to her house to put her pocket of strawberries on her bed, and left, spinning on one heel as she turned several corners, down the many staircases to the dungeons.
She was careful not to run into any other teachers. She knew everyone should be getting back to their houses, not going away from them. But she did have a good excuse in her head already. I mean, what teacher wouldn't by the whole I was just going to ask him about extra credit? excuse, especially from her, out of all people!
But thankfully, she didn't even need to use the excuse because she got to his chamber door without any interference. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door. But the second she did, she realized she didn't have an excuse to tell him! Would she just tell him the same extra credit one? Somehow it was like she had been in a trance when she came down there, and now she felt wide awake, and scared. She wished she hadn't knocked, but it was too late, of course. The door creaked open and out came Professor Snape, still fully dressed, and looking very confused.
Ms.... Morris?Hello. I..... um.... Then she knew it! I finished the book. I just, thought I'd tell you.
He still looked shocked, and completely tongue-tied. She hoped he wasn't mad, but that wasn't the expression on his face.
I....... I see. Well, do you have the book to return?
Shit, I should have brought it, she though, trying not to show her frustration with herself. Oh! I'm sorry, I was just so excited to tell you I finished. Once I started I couldn't put it down! I mean, I couldn't even eat supper, I had to read. A lie. A big fat lie, but I've already read the book anyway.
Well, I am glad you enjoyed it, he said cooly. His face remained expressionless.
I did. It really is a fantastic book. And Andrew is such a strong character, Iove the development there. You must agree.I do, he said. His voice still seemed a little tense, like he wasn't comfortable with her being there.
Well, that's all I wanted to say, she said, smiling, knowing it would be best if she left. She never should have come down here.
I see. Well, please bring my book back tomorrow, and I am glad you enjoyed it, he said. His voice was a little less confident, as if he had to contemplate every word.
I assure you, it'll be back in your hands tomorrow, she said, and turned to go very slowly.
But just as she was about to head around the corner, he spoke.
It's only eight thirty, he said, his voice a little shaky. And..... and I haven't had a decent conversation with someone for a while. Would you like some tea?
She struggled to suppress her excitement as she turned back to him. I'm more of a coffee person, but a decent conversation sounds wonderful.Well, come on in. And.... it would be best if this conversation is kept between the two of us. You really are supposed to be back at your house.Don't worry, no one will know. You keep my secrets.......So, you said you're more of a coffee person? he said, a faint glimmer of a smile was on his face.
Yes, well I suppose I've always been.I have some coffee. Would you like some?Sure, if it's not too much trouble, she replied.
He nodded.
Accio coffeepot. I'm more of a brandy person myself, but I doubt drinking in front of a student would be acceptable.Oh, my father used to drink in front of me quite often. But I suppose you're right. And you know I won't be a student forever.
He paused, the cup of freshly brewed coffee clutched in his hand. You're right. It'll only be a matter of months. Here's your coffee.Thank you kindly, she said, taking a seat on one of the two comfy armchairs in his chambers.
He nodded, taking a seat.
You're not having anything? she asked after having a sip of her coffee.
No, I'm quite content. So... he paused. So, if you don't mind me asking, do you think the only reason that you're not a Slytherin is the fact that you're not a pureblood?I don't know. Most teachers ask me why I think I'm not a Ravenclaw. You seem to see a different side of me, I suppose.Or maybe you just show me a different side of yourself?I.... I suppose I do. Well, anyway, back to the original question. I don't actually know. I don't feel like a Gryffindor at all. I guess when I came here I had no preference. Though, I do have more of a Gryffindor-type bravery.Ah, I see. You know, I do wish you were in Slytherin though, he said. He leaned his head on his hand in a relaxing manner. Then, I would know you a bit better, I think.Well, I don't have to be in your house for you to know me! she said exasperated. You can break outside of that box any time now!
She laughed, and so did he. She was suprised, she'd never heard him laugh before. It was a soft, rich rumble that made her feel so secure.
You're right. Besides, you're not the usual Gryffindor dunderhead I normally see.That's good, I wouldn't want to be one of those at all! she said, beaming. So, you don't mind that I'm a Gryffindor?Why would I mind? he asked, but he had a slight smirk on his face.
she said, standing up and standing in front of his chair. So, you can have a favorite student that's not in your own house? she asked defiantly.
Favorite student? he asked, leaning forward so that his face was right in front of hers. It was odd to see him so assertive like this. Normally she was the one to leave him speechless, leave him wondering, breathless. He'd never known anyone to do that to him before. but now he felt he was doing the same to her. He was. You think you're my favorite student? Now, I never thought of you as a favorite student at all.Well, then what am I to you. I know you wouldn't have invited me in, or given me your book, or.... or are this close to me right now..... she choked on her words as he put a hand around her waist. Then he stopped, and looked away.
I really shouldn't have done that, he said, putting a hand on his forehead.
No one has to know, she said, hoping they could just pick up where they left off. If his hand could just go back where it was.....
Ms. Mor.... Juliette, you're my student. That's all you can ever be,I know you want more than that. I do too. Just once and.....
But he cut her off, pulling her body in onto him, onto the chair. His mouth met hers mid-sentence. It took her by suprise, but the second she knew what was happening, she welcoming him, his tongue with hers. His hands caressed her stray locks. Her arms pressed tightly against his chest. He kissed her neck, stroking her hair softly.
That was nice, she said, touching his check with her palm.
I should not have done that, he whispered in her ear.
Yes, you should've, she replied, pulling him in for another passionate kiss.
When she finally pulled away, she felt so tired. She leaned her head against his chest on the chair as he kissed her head softly.
It's late, he said after a few moments. You really should be getting some sleep. This is as far as it's going to get while you're at Hogwarts.I knew that, she said, a slight hint of disappointment in her voice. You're right. I've put you through enough trouble tonight. I'm sorry, you're right, we shouldn't have.....No, Juliette. It's okay. We can handle this..... perfectly. Don't worry, no one has to know.Well, that's good, for both of us. No one will know, we can make sure of that. We should talk later, but like you said, I should get some sleep. You too, Professor, you looked peaked! he said. And an actual smile crossed his face. It made her smile in return/
she repeated. Goodnight Severus.
He gave her one more kiss as she strode back out his chamber doors.