The week leading up to the Hogsmeade weekend had been quite stressful. While Severus didn't necessarily miss the sleep that he lost as a result of standing night watches, he did miss Athena's company. The two of them had seen very little of each other over the course of the week, and all because of Albus and his unwavering loyalty to anyone Gryffindor. The more he thought about it, the more foul his mood. He could not wait until they could find some time together.
He was working in his office, keeping an eye on the clock. Her shift in Hogsmeade would be finished in a little more than an hour. She had already arranged for a private dining room at the Three Broomsticks. He was clearly annoyed when Draco Malfoy burst into his office and was preparing to berate the youth.
"Professor! Professor! I just caught Potter in Hogsmeade!" Draco said breathlessly, as he had just run all the way from the Shrieking Shack.
Severus was positive he had misheard Malfoy. "You saw Potter in Hogsmeade?"
Draco was starting to catch his breath. "Well, his head, sir. Crabbe, Goyle and I were up by the Shrieking Shack and saw Weasley. We were just talking to him when I got hit in the back of the head with mud." He pointed at the back of his head, which was indeed covered with mud. "We started looking for who had thrown the mud, when Crabbe and Goyle got hit as well. That's when I saw Potter's head."
"Potter's head? Just his head?" Snape asked incredulously.
"Yes, Professor. Just his head," Draco confirmed.
"I'll take care of this. You are dismissed." So, famous Harry Potter thought rules did not apply to him? Severus left his office in search of Potter. Finally, he would make Albus and the others see Potter for what he was, selfish and irresponsible, just like his father. They had bent over backwards to protect him from dangers of the Dark Lord and Sirius Black, yet Potter continued to flout the rules, placing himself in mortal danger time after time. He would have to devise a particularly horrible detention for Potter. This type of misbehavior deserved something particularly excruciating.
It was nearing the end of her shift, and she was walking toward the Three Broomsticks to meet Rolanda and let her know there had been no trouble, so far. As she closed on the inn, she was almost run over by Draco Malfoy heading toward the castle at a full sprint. Not long after, she saw Ron Weasley doing the same. She shook her head at the trouble young boys could get themselves into. Malfoy had too much of a head start for her to worry about Weasley catching him and getting into a fight, so she chose to let boys be boys.
She sat at the bar in the Three Broomsticks and checked the clock again. Her shift had ended a half an hour ago and Severus still hadn't arrived. Since he was never late and never forgot anything, she began to suspect something had happened. Draining the last of her butterbeer, she decided to return to the castle.
Severus was neither in the staff room nor his office. She knocked on the door to his quarters and received no answer. She was just getting ready to leave the dungeon when she heard a crash that sounded very much like a door being kicked in behind her. The door to Severus' office was now open and she approached cautiously as she heard the sounds of bottles crashing.
Carefully opening the door, she saw Severus throwing things off his desk and making quite a mess. "Severus?" she asked cautiously.
He spun around to see who would dare disturb him. "He chose their side," he growled.
She wasn't too keen on getting too terribly close to him right now, so she stayed just inside the door. She had never seen him like this before. "Would you like to give me the full story?"
"Potter was in Hogsmeade today, did you know that?" She had been on duty and should have seen him.
She shook her head. "I didn't see him."
He found this hard to believe. "Oh, you didn't? He was with Weasley, those two are as thick as thieves, you know."
"I saw Weasley, but he was alone. Had I seen Potter, I would have brought him straight back here since he's not allowed in Hogsmeade. How do you know he was there?" This was a truly strange conversation they were having.
"Malfoy reported it to me. It seems that Potter saw fit to fling mud at some of my students. Of course, Potter had a wonderful story that proved his innocence and Weasley was more than happy to tell the same lie. I found a bit of parchment, which I believe helped Potter enter Hogsmeade undetected. When I was unable to prove it, I brought it to Lupin's attention and that man had the gall to side with the students and claim it was a joke product. Of course, he took it with him so I don't have the opportunity to study it further.
"Not wanting to let Potter get away with ignoring the rules, yet again, I saw Albus, and true to form, he sided with the Gryffindors, claiming I was overreacting. I don't know why I even try to protect that boy. He is a miserable little ingrate and if he wants to get himself killed, we should let him and spare us the trouble of wasting our time keeping him safe."
She noticed that he had calmed down a bit during his tirade and decided to take a seat on the small sofa. "So, he isn't going to be punished?"
He replied angrily, "As there is no proof, other than Malfoy's word, and Albus is aware the two of them do not like each other, no."
She momentarily thought about offering to talk to Remus, but changed her mind since that would be a bad idea. "I guess we'll have to keep a closer eye on him. Do you have any theories?"
He had started pacing and she could hear the crunch of glass under his boots. "There was obviously an invisibility cloak involved, but when I found him, it was no longer in his possession. I have just completed my search of the area where I apprehended him; I have seen no sign of it or how he got out of the castle. You cannot sneak past a dementor in an invisibility cloak."
He looked up from his pacing and realized he had forgotten his agreement to meet her. "My apologies, I was supposed to meet you at the Three Broomsticks." He sat next to her and took her hands in his.
"Don't worry about it. You did the right thing. If Potter is getting out of the castle, finding out how is more important than meeting me. It is possible that Black is getting in the same way."
"Precisely. That's why I can't understand Albus' refusal to pursue the information I've given him." He was starting to get agitated again.
"I'll help you search for secret entrances," she offered.
"Thank you, Attie, but I have been here twenty years, and Filch has been here longer. I somehow doubt Potter has found a passage that neither of us knows about," he said condescendingly.
"Well, you never know. I find that old buildings are sometimes reluctant to give up their secrets. Besides, it will help pass the time on the night watches." Even if he refused her help, it would give her something to do, other than flying around the hallways, terrorizing the random rodent.
He sighed as she leaned against him. She had a strange way of calming him down. "I suppose there is no harm in searching."
She was playing with his buttons. "Perhaps it would be best for your temper if you didn't eat up in the Great Hall tonight?"
"Would you believe, I've had that same thought?" he asked. "Let me clean up this mess." With a wave of his wand, the broken jars reassembled themselves. He admitted the specimens were complete losses, but they were nothing especially valuable, so he disposed of them.
"You know what we need?" she asked as they walked down the corridor to his quarters.
"Aside from time alone together?" he asked. Days like today made him wonder why he still taught.
"Exactly. I think we should take a nice holiday over Easter," she said cheerfully.
"And I suppose you have someplace in mind?" he asked suspiciously. After all, she had planned their last getaway.
"Hey, now. Would I do that?" she asked innocently.
He knew that she was more of a schemer than he had first thought. "You seem to excel at that. Where are we going?"
"I was thinking, and I haven't made any arrangements yet, that we could go somewhere in the Mediterranean. The sunshine would do you a world of good." She pressed up against him and started undoing his buttons.
"I detest sunshine," he replied grimly.
"I can tell," she replied sarcastically. "It's still good for you. You spend all your time in this gloomy dungeon. Give it a chance. If you still don't like it, I'm sure we can find an indoor activity to occupy our time."
He nibbled at her neck and shoved her gently onto his sofa. "That, I would like. Where in the Mediterranean are you looking at going?"
"Father has a friend that has a villa on one of the Greek islands. And if we leave right away on the first, I can show you something special."
"And what might that be?" he asked.
"It's a surprise," she said cheerfully.
"I've already told you, I detest surprises," he said with mock indignity.
"You didn't seem to mind the last one too much," she purred.
"Then arrange the trip so I can partake of your surprise." He had unbuttoned her dress and was teasing her nipple.
"Shouldn't you wait until after dinner for dessert?" she asked playfully.
"This isn't dessert, it's a snack." He enjoyed listening to her laugh softly as he tickled her.
She tried to shove him away. "Stop, Severus," she said through giggles before falling off the sofa onto the floor.
He pinned her to the floor with his body and kissed her deeply.
"It's not fair," she said after he pulled away.
"What isn't fair?" he asked.
"You aren't ticklish and I am," she replied.
He started tickling her again, enjoying watching her squirm. "You're ticklish? I hadn't noticed," he replied playfully.
"Stop…Sev…please," she pleaded as she tried to push him away. He tickled her so long, that she started crying before she squirmed away from him. After a few seconds of catching her breath, she launched herself at him, pinning him to the floor. "You are a very bad man," she reprimanded.
"Are you going to punish me, Professor?"
She considered him for a few seconds, and then kissed him. "I don't think you've been that bad."
He rolled her over, so that he was on top again. "I can be much worse." He gave her a mischeivous grin before showing her how much worse he could be.
Waiting for the Easter Holidays was the one thing keeping Severus sane during the remainder of March. The night watches continued to take a toll on everyone. Neither he nor Athena had found any signs of a previously undiscovered hidden passage. Due to the increased workload of the second term, he found they were spending less time together.
In between the watches, they had managed to piece together a draft for his latest paper on improving the Wolfsbane Potion. She had felt honored when he told her he would credit her as his research assistance. "Thanks, Severus, I don't know what to say."
"You have earned the honor. Your assistance has been invaluable and this will be an excellent way for you gain to prominence in the Potions community," he said proudly. She had been a quick study and it was a waste of her talent for her to continue teaching history.
She knew that he hadn't had to do that. "Still, thank you. So, are you ready for our getaway?"
"What is there to get ready for?" He wondered if this was some sort of trick question.
"I've seen your closet. You might want to go shopping," she offered
"Whatever for?" His clothes were perfectly serviceable.
She sighed and shook her head. "I'm guessing you've not done a lot of travel in the Med, but the weather is vastly different there. You'll roast in your heavy wool clothing, even in April. And it would be nice to see you in something other than black." She gave him a coquettish smile.
He tried to sound indignant, "Is there something wrong with black? Is it not enough of a victory for you that you changed the way I groom my hair?"
"Fine then, I'll take care of it for you. Though, perhaps you would prefer to shop once we arrive? I fancy the way Greek wizards dress." She played with the edges of his robes.
Severus remembered meeting a few Greek wizards and paled at the thought of dressing in that style. "I will find time to go to Hogsmeade this week and pick up a few items."
"Are you sure you wouldn't rather dress in the Greek style?" she asked playfully.
"Quite sure. Now, are we going to finish this paper, or not?" he asked, eager to change the subject.
"I'd rather not, but you did want to finish it before the holiday, didn't you?" She seemed dejected that he was depriving her of fun.
"I think it would be best."
"I've got first watch so I'll have to leave at nine." She waited a few seconds before continuing. "Do you think they will ever catch Black? I mean, he has to be in the area somewhere right? He's already broken in to the castle twice. You don't think he's hiding on the grounds do you?"
Severus had entertained this idea several times, and he made a habit of searching the grounds regularly. If Hagrid was good for one thing, it was keeping track of the goings on around the grounds, and so far neither of them had turned up anything suspicious. "It's unlikely. There are few hiding places on the grounds other than the Forbidden Forest and I would think that you would know if there was a stranger lurking around there."
"No, my Sisters haven't seen anything unusual. It was just an idea. Well, let's get back to work." Tomorrow, after class, she would take a quick flight around the grounds and see if there was anything unusual. It was unlikely, but when someone was searching by foot, things could be missed.
Friday finally arrived. Severus was looking forward to a week away. Albus had been ecstatic that the two of them were going on vacation together. He would definitely be glad to not have to look at the Headmaster's beaming smile for entire week. Once he was sure his bag was packed, he miniaturized it and placed it in his pocket. He was to meet Athena at the Leaky Cauldron. He had been able to convince her they shouldn't be seen leaving together, though she had seemed rather disappointed. The last thing he needed were his students spreading rumors about his love life. That would ruin his reputation as a miserable bastard.
When he arrived, he found her sitting at a table in the corner, waiting for him. She smiled and waved him over. "I've made all the travel arrangements. We can leave at five."
He checked the clock on the mantle. It was quarter after four. "Why so late?"
She shrugged. "That's when Tom could get the Floo connection. Might as well have a drink before we go." As if on cue, Tom dropped off a couple of glasses of wine.
Once Tom was gone, Severus asked, "Can you tell me what the surprise is, yet?"
She swirled the wine in her glass and gave him a sly smile. "No, Not yet. You'll see once we get there."
He resigned himself to waiting patiently and asked her about the island where they would be staying. Fortunately, she was forthcoming in that regard.
When it was time for them to leave, he let her go first, but only after he was positive he could pronounce their destination. It wouldn't do for him to end up at the wrong location.
He blinked as he stepped out of the fireplace. The walls were white, the floor was white and the whole place was cheerfully bright. He sighed. He hated Mediterranean architecture. Give him a gloomy dungeon any time.
"Severus, in here," Athena called from down the hall.
He stepped across the room and followed her voice. He found Athena wearing a simple white dress. "The Goddess Athena, indeed."
"You like it?"
He placed his hands on her bare arms. "Absolutely."
"The villa, not the dress," she reprimanded playfully.
"The villa is nice, too. Can I see that surprise now?" He nuzzled against her neck.
She gently pushed him away. "After dinner. Why don't you change into something a little lighter and I'll take you on a tour? By the time we get back, dinner should be ready."
Severus had enjoyed the tour of the villa grounds. It was large and secluded, located on top of a hill with a fantastic view of the sea. When they returned, dinner was set in the colonnaded courtyard that was at the center of the house. He didn't really notice how excellent the dinner was. He was trying to ascertain what her surprise might be.
The sun set as they finished dinner. He waited until she set her fork on the table. "Is it time yet?"
"You are incredibly impatient," she chided.
"I've warned you, I dislike surprises," he reminded.
She smiled. "I think it's time." Taking his hand, she led him out of the courtyard toward the garden.
"Where are we going?" he asked as they passed through the garden.
"That's part of the surprise," she replied playfully. She led him to a wooded glade. "Wait here. I'll be back in a few minutes." She slipped off her shoes and melted into the trees.
He waited impatiently, wondering what she had planned. After a few minutes he heard singing, otherworldly and beautiful singing, that was coming closer. He assumed this was the surprise, but he still had no idea what exactly it was.
It wasn't long until nearly a dozen nymphs danced into the clearing. Severus had never seen anything like this. He was immediately entranced by the dance and it took him a few minutes to realize Athena was one of the dancers. She moved with the same fluid grace as the other Dryads.
As the dance went on, Athena broke from the group and looped her long scarf around Severus. She danced seductively, using the scarf as an extension of herself. It didn't take much encouragement for her to get him to his feet and into the center of the circle. Athena continued her seductive dancing as the other Dryads danced around the two of them.
It wasn't long before Severus grabbed her and pulled her close for a kiss.
"Do you like the surprise?" she asked.
"Very much," he replied. He was peripherally aware of the other Dryads melting back into the trees. "And I thought you said you weren't enough Dryad to affect men?" he teased.
She laughed playfully. "I'm not. You were in the presence of nearly a dozen Dryads for the New Moon Celebration. You're feeling their presence." She began unbuttoning his light linen shirt.
He unfastened the clasps on her shoulders and watched the fabric of her dress fall to her waist.
She pushed off his shirt and saw the faint outline of something on his left arm. "What's this?" she asked as she traced the mark.
Pulling his arm away from her grip, he looked at his arm. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. It was still faint and indistinct, but he knew exactly what it was. The day was approaching when the Dark Lord would return and this had to be a sign. He wondered why he hadn't seen the Mark before today. Perhaps he was closer to the Dark Lord? Without realizing what he was doing, he began rubbing the Mark. "It's nothing." He wished she had never seen it, wished he could hide it.
She touched him again, but found him stiff and distracted. "Sev?"
He picked up his shirt and headed out of the trees, back towards the villa.
"Sev?" Athena called as she followed him, pinning her dress back together before jogging to catch up to him. "Severus, what is it? Why are you running away?" She had to run to catch up to him. "Severus!" she called out sharply.
He turned to face her and she found she could not identify what emotion was on his face and it frightened her. "Severus? What is it?" she asked softly.
"I…It's…" He pulled away and ran back to the villa.
Athena gave chase and found him throwing Floo Powder into the fire. "What's wrong with this damn fire?" he shouted.
"The Floo Network is disconnected until Saturday." She was confused. Had she done something wrong that made him want to leave?
"Then where the hell is this bloody island?" He couldn't Disapparate without knowing where he was. He looked at Athena and saw her standing with her arms crossed. "Well, where the bloody hell is this bloody island?" he insisted.
She was on the verge of tears. "I went through a lot of trouble arranging this week and now you want to run out on me? Did I do something wrong? Was the Celebration too much?"
He had been so distracted by the Mark that he hadn't realized she thought she was being insulted. Wrapping his arms around her, he tried to comfort her. "It's nothing you did."
Her voice was a tremulous whisper when she asked, "Then what is it? Why do you want to leave me?"
He put his hands on her cheeks and looked into her eyes. She was so innocent. He couldn't burden her with this. "Don't ask me to explain it. You don't need to know. In fact, it's best if you don't know."
"But I…" she started.
He placed his finger on her lips. "Shhh. No, you don't. You're going home at the end of the school year, right?"
"Yes." She had no idea what bearing that had on the current situation.
"Then you don't need to know." Please don't ask me to tell you.
She really did want to know, but could tell that he wouldn't say. "Are you still going to leave?"
He reluctantly replied, "I have to, at least for a little while. I need you to tell me where the island is so I can Disapparate. I'll return as soon as possible."
"It's something to do with your arm, isn't it? I haven't seen that mark before." She touched his left arm and he flinched. She desperately wanted to believe that his leaving had nothing to do with her, but she wasn't sure.
"Attie, please," he implored. He found the pain in her eyes almost overwhelming. "I will return. I'll be gone a couple of days at most, but I should be back within a day." Never before had he felt guilty about doing his job. This was one of the reasons he had never gotten involved with anyone, there was too much temptation to place your feelings first.
She pulled away, walked into the study, and pulled out an atlas. Turning to the page on Greece, she pointed at an island. "Here."
He kissed her softly. "Thank you. I will return as soon as I can."
She turned away from him and walked out onto the portico.
Severus reached for her, but knew that he had to report this to Albus. He quickly changed into his robes. Before leaving, he stopped back by the study and saw her still sitting on the portico. He had already said goodbye; a part of him said he should just leave. He saw her bury her head in her hands and he could see her shoulders shaking. She must be crying. Quietly, he moved behind her. "Attie, I'll be back soon. I know how much this week means to you. I'm sorry this had to happen." He kissed her cheek and turned to leave.
"I'll be here," she whispered to his retreating back.
He paused momentarily before walking into the main hall and Disapparating.