Despite her promise to Albus, Athena did not make it down to dinner. She couldn't face the glare she was sure Severus would give her. Why did I make that idiotic promise to Albus? Better yet, how did he get me to make that idiotic promise? There was something curious about the old Headmaster and his ability reason with people.
She paced her room trying to determine how best to deal with Severus. Albus had said he was difficult and he had definitely proven this in their last encounter. She had been so close to breaking through that stern façade of his, only to ruin all her hard work. She pinched the bridge of her nose trying to stave off the headache she could feel forming.
That man was impossible. There was no way that she could ever get anything through his thick skull. He would refuse to listen to anything she said, as he had done before. Why was she even wasting her time on this? Severus was an emotional mess. She didn't have to waste time working on untangling that mess, not with Remus here. There was no emotional mess there, only the animalistic passions of two driven by instincts. That was really all she was looking for, right? Just a fun school year fling, something to remember fondly when she went home, but not to dwell on or pine over, right?
Then why did she keep thinking about Severus? The whole time she was back in Vermont she had thought about him, imagined being with him. If she closed her eyes, she could smell the unique tang of potions ingredients that hung about him. She could imagine washing his greasy hair to determine what it really felt like.
By Merlin's beard, she was every bit as obsessed as a teenager. This was utterly pathetic. She hadn't slept well since her return and it was looking like tonight would be no different. What could she do? Go back down to the dungeons and be treated like a child again?
Yes, that was exactly what she had to do. She just didn't know if she had the strength to deal with him again.
Checking the clock on the mantle, she saw that it was very late, after midnight. This really wasn't the best time to deal with this situation, but it wouldn't get any better in the morning if she wasn't able to get any sleep. What was the worst that could happen? He would yell at her again. She doubted that he could get any angrier with her than he already was.
Severus tried to work on his research. Unfortunately, he had a hard time concentrating. That damn fool's words kept running through his head. There was no way that he would ever apologize. He threw an empty inkpot across the room, watching it shatter with a satisfying smash. Unfortunately, that satisfaction was short lived.
He heard a timid knock at his office door. "What do you want?" he growled. He watched as the door creaked open slowly and Athena poked her head through the crack. "Come in or stay out, just don't linger in the doorway." If Albus were so serious about him accepting her as an assistant, he would make her grovel. She deserved to suffer for what she did to him.
"Am I disturbing you?" she asked nervously as she shut the door behind her.
"When I am in my office, everyone disturbs me," he retorted. He refused to make eye contact with her.
Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she willed herself to be strong and not run from him again. She called on her father's strength and tried to banish the instinctive urge to flee that was courtesy of her grandmother's Dryad heritage. Lone Dryads always fled from danger and that instinct was very hard to repress right now, as it had been that afternoon. "Severus, we need to talk."
Ah, yes, the hallmark words of a woman. How many times have I heard those incredibly innocent words? Only every time I dared let myself get close to someone. Why can't women just get to the point? They are even worse than Albus in that regard. "I am incredibly busy. Surely this can wait until morning?" he replied coldly.
"No, it can't," she replied forcefully. Courage, Athena.
He arched an eyebrow and set his quill down on his desk before lacing his fingers, giving the impression of indulging a petulant child. "And what, pray tell is so important that it can't wait until morning?"
She knew that he was trying to intimidate her and she used all her force of will not to cower before him. "Our relationship."
"I was not aware that we had a…relationship. Perhaps you could enlighten me as to when that occurred."
"I am not one of your students, I am your colleague, so quit being a self-righteous jerk and treat me as such." Somewhere she had found a small store of inner-strength and she was drawing on it now.
"I will treat you as an honored colleague when you behave in an appropriate manner," he responded.
She was about to snap back at him when she realized she was allowing his anger to influence her behavior and took a deep breath to try to calm herself. "Severus, I have enjoyed the time that we spent together. I enjoy playing chess with you. I enjoy your Potions lessons. I enjoy helping you with your research." She took a deep breath and added quietly, "I enjoy your company."
While her last statement surprised him, he refused to let any emotions play across his face. He was waiting for her to say the equally popular phrase of 'let's be friends,' which invariably followed soon after 'we need to talk.' "Your recent actions do not seem to support that statement," he replied matter-of-factly.
Why was he making this so hard? Did he really have so little experience with relationships? She should just go, as he obviously had no interest in reconciliation. She had been pacing the room and found she had moved towards the door, and turned back to face him. Courage. Remember what Albus said. "I know that my recent behavior has been questionable, but..."
"Questionable?" he interrupted angrily. "It has been more than questionable. Dubious and scandalous are better words."
She flinched at the verbal punches he was throwing at her. When she noticed her hand on the doorknob, she stopped, not wanting to let him win again. Wringing her hands nervously, she walked back to the desk. She took one look at the cold, disapproving glare he was giving her and started to turn around to leave. Courage. He doesn't really hate me. He just feels hurt and betrayed and this is the only way he knows to respond. "Just…shut up and let me apologize," she shouted.
Severus arched his eyebrows and stared at her in silence, waiting to see what would happen next. So, she does still have the courage to stand up to me. "I don't know that I have the time to listen to you apologize for all your mistakes."
"I did a stupid thing, but it's not entirely my fault. You scared me and I ran. I ran to the only place I feel truly safe. Unfortunately, Remus found me first. I…was emotionally vulnerable and he provided me comfort. Once we were near each other, well, I've told you how we affect each other." She was embarrassed to go into detail.
"Lupin found you first because your damn Dryads turned the Forest against me. I couldn't get to you. Why bother apologizing to me when you clearly aren't interested in me? For that matter, how can you claim you enjoy my company, when the first thing you did when there was a misunderstanding was run to the arms of your lover?" Her apology was not near good enough.
"He's not my lover," she insisted.
"No? You have not denied running to his waiting arms." When she didn't answer this confirmed his belief. "Ah, yes, the ways of a Dryad: when all goes wrong, find a man and bed him to build your self-esteem."
"I did not bed him to build my self-esteem. I couldn't help it. He found me when I was vulnerable and once I realized what was happening, it was too late," she replied defensively.
"Such an easy excuse, to blame your instincts. And you think this… explanation will appeal to me? Have I given the impression I am naïve?" He was barely controlling his anger. "Humans are able to overcome instinct, that is what it means to be human. Perhaps you are less than human?"
She was getting agitated. He was being a right bastard. "No. Dammit, Severus, I'm trying to apologize. Would it hurt for you to accept my apology or is it unfathomable to you that someone could make a mistake? Though, come to think of it, it probably is. You seem to pride yourself on being perfect. Well, I have news for you, buster, you are far from perfect," she spat.
He cocked an eyebrow at her, unaccustomed to being addressed in this manner. "My faults are minor in comparison to yours."
She was on a roll now. "Oh, really? You attacked me for no reason, hurt me and were waving your wand at me. I could feel the magic in the air when you shoved me against the wall. If I were a cat, I would have lost about six lives. I thought you were going to hurt me. Would it kill you to apologize for that?"
"How else was I supposed to react when an unknown person grabbed me and pulled me into a shadowy alcove? You might have been Black, back in the castle, trying to take out the teachers in order to attack the students. The logical course of action was for me to defend myself against a possibly hostile intruder."
Realization came crashing down on her. She had not thought about it like that. It all made perfect sense now. This had all been her fault. By being childish, she had given him no recourse but to think he was being threatened. This only reminded her how different Severus and Remus were. She covered her mouth in an attempt to hide her shock. "Oh, Severus. I'm so sorry. I never thought…" She turned away from him trying to hide her embarrassment. How could she have been so stupid?
He bit back the scathing reply that was on the tip of his tongue. She was so innocent. He hadn't realized how much so before. He had no idea what to do; giving or accepting apologies was not something with which he had much experience. In his Death Eater days, mistakes were rewarded with death in most cases. The unlucky ones were subjected to the Cruciatus Curse. He could see her shoulders shaking as she sobbed silently. Could she really care that much about his feelings?
Quietly, he moved closer to her until he could touch her. He reached out for her shoulder, to turn her to face him and she collapsed onto his chest, wrapping her arms around him.
"Severus, I'm so sorry. I had no idea you would react that way. I only wanted to surprise you," she said through the tears.
He replied softly, "I understand. But know this, I would never intentionally hurt you. Once I realized it was you, I was angry because I could have hurt you. I wasn't angry at you."
She held him for a long time, saying nothing, just enjoying his embrace. "I tried to leave, but Albus wouldn't let me. He said I would regret it."
Severus closed his eyes. Bless that meddling old fool. "Do you regret staying?"
"Not if you hold me," she replied. "I won't do it again. I promise I'll be more careful. I'm so sorry."
"Shhh." He didn't really want to hear her demean herself like this. Though he wasn't exactly sure whether she was talking about surprising him or being with Lupin. He put his hands on the side of her head, forcing her to look into his eyes. He could quite easily see the grief in her eyes, but also the true depth of her feelings. "Come, you are tired. I think you should get some sleep." He led her out of his office and up to her quarters.
"Stay with me?" she pleaded as he settled her on the bed.
"Until you are asleep." He knew that now she needed rest more than anything else. Besides, there were other things they needed discuss. He had to be sure that she was truly done with Lupin.
She was asleep almost immediately, but he did not leave right away. Watching her sleep he tried to gain insight on her. He still was not entirely convinced that her Dryad heritage had nothing to do with his attraction to her. It's not like it really matters. She leaves at the end of term, he thought. He gently brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face. She was so very innocent and deserved someone better than him. But, yet, she didn't seem to care.
On his way back to his quarters, Severus came across Albus. He was sure this was no accident.
"Is she resting?" Albus asked.
"She fell asleep quite easily," Severus replied.
"Excellent. I've been concerned about her since her return. This has been a very difficult time for her."
"She seems to be handling it well." Severus had no basis for comparison, but it sounded like a good response.
"Perhaps that will be the case with your friendship. Right now, what she needs more than anything, is a friend to listen to her and help her through the loss of her grandfather."
"If that is true, anyone else would be a better candidate. I have little experience regarding the loss of a loved one."
"I believe you are exactly what she needs. She trusts you."
Severus caught the twinkle in the Headmaster's eye. There was no point in arguing with the man. Once he had made a decision, it was best to accept it. That had been the case with Harry Potter. Severus hadn't liked it, but he had agreed to protect the young man. Of course, this could be a much more pleasant task that guarding a recalcitrant Potter. "As you wish," replied Severus. To date, this was the best answer he had found for much of what Albus asked of him.
Albus was pleased to see Athena at breakfast. He had saved a seat so she could sit next to him. "How are you feeling this morning?"
"Better. That was the best I have slept since my return," she replied cheerfully. It was as though a great weight had been lifted.
"That's good to hear. I assume you'll be staying with us the rest of term, then?" he asked gently.
"Yes. That was a foolish idea, wasn't it?"
"Emotions are very powerful and it's quite easy to let them gain control over your actions. Our ability to control our emotions is something that makes us special. But that is not to say that emotions should be completely ignored." He stared down the table at Severus.
He chatted pleasantly with her for the rest of the meal, giving her some recommendations for weekend sightseeing adventures once the weather began to improve. By the end of the meal, Athena had to admit that she was feeling much better. She hadn't realized how much she had missed the company of others during her week of seclusion.
From the corner of her eye, she could see Severus watching her. She met his eyes and gave him a pleasant smile, thanking him for being there last night. She hadn't expected him to return the smile and he didn't. She decided that it would become her new goal to see him smile. Oh, he had sneered and given that cruel grin of his, but she wanted to see a warm and genuine smile on his face. She wanted to see the type of smile that was mirrored in a person's eyes.
Severus still wasn't sure where he stood with Athena. She seemed open to his advances, but every time he thought he was getting close to the breakthrough point, something would happen. He was waiting to see what would come next. It seemed as though there was a conspiracy to keep them apart.
Last night, she had been very keen on sharing his company. Her smile this morning seemed to indicate that was still the case, but he had no idea how to proceed. He was afraid of acting too quickly and scaring her off. She had already proven susceptible to his temper.
Rather than deal with this issue this morning, he did what he always did, hid behind his work. If she were really interested in him, she would come to him. After all, she had expressed interest in continuing her lessons with him. As the lessons were conducted in his office, this was the logical place for her to come.
When lunchtime came and she still hadn't been to see him, he began to think that he had been wrong in his assessment that she was interested. Upon entering the Great Hall, he noticed that she was sitting next to his usual seat.
"How was your morning?" she asked.
"Horrendous. The second years were more destructive than ever. In my fourteen years teaching, I have never seen anything like that. At least I have the seventh year class this afternoon and they are generally able to avoid destruction. Perhaps I will give them a quiz," he mused.
"Is that your secret? Taking out your frustration from one class on the next?" She gave him an amused smile.
He sneered. "As a matter of fact, yes."
She smiled and chuckled. "That's priceless. So, after you torment your afternoon class, did you have any other plans?"
This was the behavior he had been waiting for. "Nothing, other than my research. There is quite a bit of work to be done to get it ready for publication. I…would appreciate your assistance."
"I would be happy to help. I'll come by after my last class."
Severus was quite satisfied at how well their conversation had gone.
As promised, Athena came by Severus' lab after her last class. She had taken the precaution of wearing her heavy cloak. Severus arched an eyebrow as he took in her attire. "It's not that cold."
"Not anymore," she replied smartly. "Severus?" she waited until he looked up before continuing. "I, uh, wanted to apologize again for what I did. I never intended to be with Remus. I don't want to be with him. I just thought you should know. Now, what do we need to do first?"
"Is there someone you do want to be with?" he asked cautiously.
"I thought you were smarter than that," she said slyly. She started looking through the notes trying to organize them.
They worked late into the night ordering the notes and drafting an outline. He noticed she was rubbing her eyes and looked at the clock. "It's getting late. We can continue this tomorrow."
"I'd love to, but I have some errands I have to run after class. I'll come by once I get back."
"What sort of errands?" he asked suspiciously.
"Girl stuff. Nothing you should worry about. I'm not sure how long it will take, though," she replied casually.
"Now that we have the data sorted, I believe it would be more comfortable to work in my quarters," he offered.
"I think you're right," she replied quietly. He was standing very close to her. She reached up to brush her fingers against his cheek.
He leaned down to kiss her, and she was quite enthusiastic in returning the kiss. He pulled her tight, devouring her with his mouth.
When they broke the kiss, she whispered breathlessly. "Good night, Severus. I'll see you tomorrow."
He didn't release her. "Good night? That's all?" He was disappointed. He was sure that she had been hinting she was ready for more.
"Dear Severus, if we do anything more, neither of us will make it to class tomorrow. I'll see you at breakfast."
Severus set down his book. It was late and time for bed. He drained the last of his Firewhisky, waved his hand towards the lamps and said quietly, "Nox." She had not come to him. It did not seem likely her errands would keep her away from the castle this late. He should not have been surprised. Last night she must have been feigning politeness. After all, she had not come to his room then, why should tonight be any different? The more he thought about his reactions, the more he wondered if she had lied about having any influence over men. Never before had he obsessed over a woman like this.
He was just stepping through the doorway to his bedroom, when he heard a timid knocking at his door. What dunderhead would be coming by his quarters at this hour? Albus normally came by before nine, if he wanted anything. It was after ten, way too late for Albus. If the castle wasn't burning down, he would make whoever it was pay. He refused to get his hopes up that it would be her.
Sighing, he turned back to the door. "Athena?" he said with surprise in his voice.
"Hi, Severus. Can I come in?" she asked.
"Of course." He moved aside, opening the door for her to enter. "Where have you been?" He had no concept of tact and didn't realize how insensitive this comment sounded.
"Diagon Alley. I'm sorry I'm so late. I ended up having to ride the Knight Bus back. That was an experience I have no desire to repeat." She moved close to the fire to get warm. She noticed that it was open on both sides and she could see his bed through the fire. "I…" She wanted to tell him she had missed him, but she wasn't sure how he would take this, especially after her behavior last weekend. Now that she was standing here, she was beginning to regret her decision to see him. After all, it was quite late.
He moved to stand right behind her. "You?" he prompted quietly.
Never before had she felt so self-conscious with a man before. He was standing close enough that she could feel his hot breath rustling her hair. It was now or never. She turned to face him and ran her hands across his chest. "I missed you," she said quietly.
He placed his hand behind her head, and tilted it until she was looking into his eyes. "Did you think about me while you were gone?"
She could feel him pulling her closer, and didn't fight. Once again, she found herself falling into the blackness of his eyes. "Every night. And when I was alone," she confessed. A part of her wanted to apologize again for her momentary insanity, but she resisted. More urgently, she longed to kiss him, and kiss him properly this time. "Did you think about me?" She had to know the answer first.
"I haven't slept properly in days," he replied softly before kissing her. He was pleased that she had told him the truth.
When she finally pulled away from his kiss, she noticed that he was in his shirtsleeves and waistcoat. "Do you always dress so formally?" she asked as she started unbuttoning his waistcoat.
He began unbuttoning her cloak and raised an eyebrow at what he found. "And do you always dress so informally?" She was wearing a lacy black negligee that left little to the imagination.
"Do you disapprove?" she asked as she finished with the last button on his waistcoat.
"Not in the least," he replied with a lustful grin on his lips. He pushed her cloak off her shoulders. "Though you may find it a little cold. Perhaps you would be warmer in bed?"
"Only if you come with me," she purred.
"Is this the surprise you promised me before you left?" While he normally hated surprises, he was willing to make an exception.
She unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, disappointed that he didn't have on a tie, and slinked towards his bedroom door. She looked over her shoulder as she reached the doorway. "Perhaps," she whispered.
He paused for only a few seconds until one of her shoes skittered through the doorway, bringing him back to reality. There was a woman in his bedroom. He started undoing his buttons and hurried into the bedroom. His bed was empty. Where had she gone?
She was waiting next to the door for him. Once he froze, she grabbed his shirt and spun him towards the bed so that he landed on his back, very close to the middle of the bed, and she was straddling him. She tore the rest of his shirt open, sending buttons flying across the room, so she could caress his bare chest.
Surprise did not adequately convey what he was feeling. He had not expected her to be so aggressive.
"So many scars," she whispered looking at the puckered skin on his chest. "How did you get them?" she asked as she kissed and licked his chest.
"It doesn't matter," he replied as he reached for her.
She slapped away his hand. "Uh-uh-uh. My way," she chided.
"Your way?" he questioned. He did not like the sound of that.
"My way." She smiled as she slid down his chest and began working on his trousers. "I'll tie you up if you don't play nice," she threatened.
"You wouldn't?"
She pulled his wand out of his pocket, hers was in the other room, and pointed it at him.
"You would use my own wand against me?" he asked incredulously.
She grinned at him. "Kinky, isn't it?"
He reached for her, trying to retrieve his wand, and the next thing he knew, his hands were bound to his bed. He tested the bonds and saw that he could not break through them. "Release me," he ordered.
"Not just yet," she purred. She placed his wand in the drawer of his night table before continuing her exploration. Taking her time, she finished unfastening his trousers and slowly slid them off his body, stroking his legs as she did.
"Is this how you treat all your lovers?" he asked.
"You're a special case," she replied as she tossed his trousers across the room.
After she had finished with him, she kissed him deeply before slipping off him and rolling onto her side. "Did you like your surprise?" she asked playfully as her finger traced the scars on his chest, wondering, once again, how a Potions Master could have so many scars.
"It was…unexpected," he replied truthfully.
"But did you enjoy it?" She had hoped she hadn't gone too far. Starting with him tied up had been a calculated risk. Some people just weren't interested in kinky sex.
"I did, though I'm not sure it's something I want to experience again. Tell me, are all Dryads so dominating?"
"When they want to be, though generally they only tie up the unwilling," she replied playfully
"There is a such thing as an unwilling male where a nymph is concerned?" he asked incredulously as he ran his hand along her arm.
"At first, but they almost always come around." She felt a little guilty admitting this and hoped it wouldn't drive him away.
"Why did you do it?" He had to know. She hadn't seemed like the type that would manipulate him.
"Because you like to be in control. I wanted you to feel helpless for a little while and see how you reacted. Had you asked, I would have released you."
"You mean after the first time I asked," he replied sardonically.
She replied playfully, "Well, yes, I hadn't started yet. I figured that once I started you wouldn't be able to think clearly."
That assessment was correct. "Will you let me have that sort of control over you?" he asked as he looked into her eyes.
"I'm at your mercy," she replied.
He could think of numerous ways to repay the favor. She might come to regret making that statement.
"Can I ask you something?" she asked quietly.
"You may ask, but I may not answer," he replied. He thought she would bring up the scars again. He had no desire to recount his Death Eater experiences to her. She had no reason to know.
She ran her fingers through his hair. "What on Earth do you put in your hair?"
"My hair?" This was the last thing she expected him to ask her about.
"I've been curious since that first day we met. It looks, and quite frankly feels, greasy."
"A pomade to convince it to lie flat."
She chuckled softly. "You have to be one of the greatest Potions Masters around and you use a greasy pomade in your hair? You can't tell me you can't do better than that. I'm just going to have to get you cleaned up and see if there's not something better you can use."
"Is that a promise?"
"Is what a promise?" she asked playfully.
"That you will clean me up?"
"Absolutely," she replied. Noticing the red marks on his wrists, she asked, "The bonds weren't too tight, were they?"
He flinched as she ran her fingers across his wrist. They would most probably be bruised in the morning if he didn't do something about it. "No. I fear I may have struggled a bit too much."
"Well, I won't tie you up next time."
He rolled over and pinned her arms against the bed. "No, you won't. I'm on to your little tricks." Shifting his grip to hold both wrists in one hand, he traced his finger along her neck and shoulders. "Now then, I have a certain reputation to uphold," he said softly.
She interrupted, "Ah, yes, the gruff and unpleasant Potions Master."
He found her smile both irritating and irresistible. "Yes."
"I won't do anything to sully that reputation. I can be quite discreet, if I want to. That is, of course, assuming you want to see me again."
See her again? By Merlin's beard, after the dreams he'd been having, of course he wanted to see her again. "I most definitely want to see you again, though, I think it may be some time before I let you leave. It is, after all, early Saturday morning."
She had known that her relationship with Severus was going to be vastly different from the one she had with Remus, but she hadn't realized how different. For nights like this, she thought she could sacrifice some of the openness she was used to in her relationships. Especially since this was a fling and nothing more. "Would you really keep me here all weekend?" she asked playfully as she teased one of his nipples.
"I would tie you to the bed," he sneered.
She didn't doubt he would.
Severus slept later than normal the following morning. When he woke, he had no desire to move. Athena had her right arm and leg draped over him and it felt wonderful. He gave her gentle squeeze. Her behavior last night had been the last thing he had expected, but he would not complain about it.
When he felt her stirring, he kissed to top of her head and said, "Good morning."
She opened her eyes and looked up to see him smiling at her. "Finally," she replied quietly.
That was not the response he had expected to his greeting. "Finally, what?"
She let her finger trace the last, lingering remains of his smile. "I have finally seen you smile."
"I have smiled before," he said defensively.
She laughed softly. "No, I'm afraid you haven't. You've smirked, sneered, leered and even grinned derisively, but I haven't seen you smile before today." She watched him for a few seconds before continuing. "I wish you would smile more often, it looks good on you."
"Perhaps, for you, I will endeavor to smile more often."
"I'd like that very much." She started nibbling at his collarbone and once again began tracing the scars on his chest. "Where did you get all these scars?"
He shifted uncomfortably. "I told you, it doesn't matter. It was in the past and I'd rather not dwell on it."
She knew that he did not want to talk about it, but she longed to know about his past. He knew so much about her, but she knew almost nothing about him. "Is it from something horrible?"
"Yes," he replied bluntly.
"You don't have to keep secrets from me. I won't judge you based on your past."
He brushed her cheek. "You are so very innocent. I don't want to burden you with what I have been through. Suffice it to say, I was a very foolish young man and did many things I am not proud of, things I don't wish to revisit. But know this, I am no longer that foolish young man. I learned from my mistakes." He kissed her gently. "Now, I think it is time to get up."
"I thought you said you would keep me here all weekend?" she asked playfully.
"I did say that, didn't I? My apologies for misleading you, but I have a Quidditch match to attend."
"Stay with me instead," she pleaded.
"If it were not my House competing today, I would. Afterwards, I will fulfill my promise to keep you here all weekend."
"Then I will cheer for a quick Slytherin victory. You won't object to me coming along, will you?"
"No, though I must leave soon so that I'm not late. I will meet you there." He kissed her again. "And, need be, I will tie you up to ensure your return." He gave her a playful grin.
"Don't worry, I'll meet you here after that match. Or perhaps you would prefer my quarters?"
He tried to sound insulted, "Is there something wrong with my dungeon?"
She laughed, "Yes, it's a dungeon. I have the most marvelous view of the lake from my window, much more romantic. We could have a nice candlelit dinner."
"If it would make you happy, I will meet you for dinner in your quarters after the match."
"I'd like that very much." She got out of bed, slipped her negligee on and then wrapped her retrieved her cloak from the other room. "I'll see you soon." She smiled warmly and headed for the door.
"Athena, you will…behave, won't you?" he asked cautiously. He had reassessed her after last night's dominatrix incident.
She smiled slyly. "I will behave properly and will not let anyone know my true feelings for you."
Severus watched her go, not entirely trusting her smile.
A/N: I realize that it has been a very long time since I have updated this story. I didn't think that anyone was interested in it anymore. As long as there is interest, I will continue posting until the end. The story is complete, just not fully archived here. For anyone interested, there is a more adult version of this on my website. Check my profile as the archive doesn't allow web addresses.
phoenix