Severus strode down the dungeon corridor, well aware of his disheveled appearance. He quickly straightened his shirt and tucked it in his trousers as his cloak billowed behind him. As he increased his pace towards the disturbance, he came to an immediate halt when he saw his office torches were lit.

What the hell?

Severus knew he'd never leave any lights on; someone or something had been in his office. With his wand drawn, he slowly opened the door. Years of being a spy for the Dark Lord had taught him how to creep in the shadows, walk soundlessly, see without being seen. He took a glance around the room. Everything seemed in order except... the cupboard. Severus sneered before spinning on his heel and practically running through the hall.

This wasn't the first time someone has broken into his office or personal stores. What were they looking for? He'd kill whoever it was – no one stole from him. He tried to let his anger decrease from a boil of rage to a gentle simmer. Once he was sure he wasn't going to explode he thought about it logically. There were several people he didn't trust. Potter and his clan had broken in before, it very obviously could be them. Karkaroff also was anything but a friend. Perhaps he was looking for something? Regardless, he was not to be trusted. Moody had already gone through his personal belongings, but Severus was present for that. Surely, he wouldn't attempt to sneak past his wards. Suddenly, the hall became silent.

Severus found himself approaching the staircase when he ran into Filch. The squib had obviously been pulled out of bed as well, still dressed in his old flannel dressing gown. He appeared to be creeping up the stairs with his blasted feline companion.

"Filch? What's going on?" Severus growled. He was livid.

The man turned around, several stairs above Snape. "It's Peeves, Professor," Filch whispered.
"He threw this egg down the stairs."

Severus climbed up the stairs quickly and stopped beside Filch. "Peeves?" he responded softly. "But Peeves couldn't get into my office..." Severus' face was scrunched with concentration.

"This egg was in your office, Professor?"

Idiot. "Of course not," he snapped. "I heard banging and wailing –"

"Yes, Professor, that was the egg –"

"– I was coming to investigate –"

"– Peeves threw it, Professor –"
"– and when I passed my office, I saw that the torches were lit and a cupboard door was ajar! Somebody has been searching it!"

"But Peeves couldn't –"

"I know he couldn't Filch!" Merlin, help me. "I seal my office with a spell none but a wizard could break!" Severus looked up the stairs and then down the corridor below, searching for something, anything. "I want you to come and help me search for the intruder, Filch."

"I...Yes, Professor – but..." Filch looked yearningly up the stairs. "The thing is, Professor...the headmaster will have to listen to me this time. Peeves has been stealing from a student, it might be my chance to get him thrown out of the castle once and for all!"

Severus rolled his eyes. Why was this stupid man was so obsessed with this?

"Filch, I don't give a damn about that wretched poltergeist; its my office that's –"

Clunk. Clunk. Clunk.

Severus immediately stopped talking. He and Filch both looked down at the foot of the stairs to see Moody limping into the hallway. He, himself was wearing his old traveling cloak over his nightshirt and was leaning on his staff as usual.

"Pajama party, is it?" he growled up the stairs. "Should've expected a tight arse like Snape here to even sleep in his damn black cloak. No surprise there, is it?"

"Professor Snape and I heard noises, Professor," said Filch at once. "Peeves the Poltergeist, throwing things around as usual – and then Professor Snape..." Severus thought his eyes would bulge out of his head. What was Filch thinking? "...discovered that someone had broken into his off –"

"Shut up!" Severus hissed. Moody took a step closer to the foot of the stairs. His magical eye seemed to travel over Snape before roving back up the stairs. Moody opened his mouth in surprise for a few seconds before snapping closed. His blue eye turned to Snape again.

"Did I hear that correctly, Snape?" he asked slowly. "Someone broke into your office?"
"It is unimportant," Severus coldly responded.

"On the contrary," growled Moody, "it is very important. Who'd want to break into your office?"

"A student, I daresay," sneered Snape. He felt a vein pulsing in his temple with his rising ire. "It has happened before. Potion ingredients have gone missing from my private store cupboard...students attempting illicit mixtures, no doubt..."

"Reckon they were after potion ingredients, eh?" said Moody. "Not hiding anything else in your office, are you?"

Severus' face turned brick red, his vein throbbing rapidly. "You know I'm hiding nothing, Moody," he said dangerously, "as you've searched my office pretty thoroughly yourself."

Moody's face twisted into a smirk. "Auror's privilege, Snape. Dumbledore told me to keep an eye –"

"Dumbledore happens to trust me," Snape said through clenched teeth. "I refuse to believe that he gave you orders to search my office!"

"'Course Dumbledore trusts you," growled Moody. "He's a trusting man, isn't he? Believes in second chances. But me – I say there are spots that don't come off, Snape. Spots that never come off, d'you know what I mean?"

Severus glared as he seized his left forearm convulsively with his right hand.

Wanker! How dare he mention this in the middle of the Goddamn corridor.

Moody laughed. "Get back to bed, Snape."

Although the idea of crawling back in bed, knowing Olivia was warm and waiting was without a doubt what he wanted to do, he refused to give the damned auror any power over him. "You don't have the authority to send me anywhere!" he hissed, letting go of his arm. He was angry with himself for giving Moody the reaction he wanted. "I have as much right to prowl this school after dark as you do!"

"Prowl away," said Moody, his voice full of menace. "I look forward to meeting you in a dark corridor sometime...You've dropped something, by the way..."

Snape looked down at where Moody was pointing. It was a piece of folded parchment, the crease marks visible from being unfolded so many times. Severus reached for it but before he could grab it, Moody had summoned it to his own hands.

"My mistake," Moody said calmly. "It's mine... must've dropped it earlier –"

Snape's black eyes were darting from the egg in Filch's arms to the parchment in Moody's hand.
The storeroom being open...the missing ingredients throughout the term... the damned egg in the hall after curfew... and there was something familiar about that scrap of parchment...

Fucking Potter! It's that bloody map of his!

"Potter," he said quietly.

"What's that?" Moody said as he pocketed the evidence that would prove Potter's recklessness.

"Potter!" Snape snarled, as he turned his head to look up the stairs. He knew Potter was just standing there, arrogantly, watching the scene unfold. "That egg is Potter's egg. That piece of parchment belongs to Potter. I have seen it before, I recognize it! Potter is here! Potter... in his damn invisibility cloak!" He stretched out his hands, blindly reaching for the brat as he moved up the stairs. He swore he could almost smell him...

"There's nothing there, Snape!" barked Moody, "but I'll be happy to tell the headmaster how quickly your mind jumped to Harry Potter!"

Not like that would surprise the old wizard...

"Meaning what?" Severus turned to look at Moody, his hands still outstretched, reaching for the boy...

"Meaning that Dumbledore's very interested to know who's got it in for that boy!" Moody started limping closer to where the potions master stood. "And so am I, Snape...very interested..." the torchlight flickered across his scarred face giving the auror a malicious appearance.

Snape looked down at Moody, his eyes narrowed in his most threatening glare. No one moved or said anything for several minutes, the two wizards waiting to see who would cave first. Snape slowly lowered his hands, tired of this game of testosterone and power; he wanted to retire to his bed with Olivia – he could plot against Potter in his own time.

"I merely thought that if Potter was wandering around after hours again...it's an unfortunate habit of his...he should be stopped. For his own safety," Snape spoke with a forced calm.
"Ah, I see. Got Potter's best interests at heart, have you?"

If only you knew what I am prepared to sacrifice for this boy, you bastard. Severus despised that he owed a life debt for a boy so reckless, but he'd make good on his promise and protect the dunderhead, even at the sacrifice of his own life.

There was a pause. Snape and Moody were still staring at each other until Filch's cat let out a loud meow.

"I think I will go back to bed," Snape said curtly.

"Best idea you've had all night," said Moody.

"For once we agree," smirked Severus.

Moody seemed temporarily confused by Snape's response. Shaking his head slightly, he turned to the squib. "Now, Filch, if you'll just give me the egg –"

Snape had enough of this mess. He had a witch waiting for him in his bed, and he desired her.

XOX

Severus had been in a horrible mood for the weeks leading up to the second event. Nothing else suspicious had presented itself, and Severus had increased his wards. He often took on late night prowls throughout the castle, looking for any sign of trouble.

This, of course, left Olivia alone throughout the day, and often at night. Of course, she would sneak down every so often when she just couldn't stand to be away from him any longer - meals just weren't enough. On an even rarer occasion, Severus would actually invite her to his chambers for some individual attention. He made her feel wanted...desired. She hoped that Severus felt the same way.

The hospital wing was quiet, for the most part. Olivia had called Fleur in for a check up - the young witch had been looking paler than usual. The young champion was exhausting her magic and her body as she prepared for the second event. The Triwizard tournament would continue tomorrow and she wanted to make sure her witch would perform to the best of her ability. She sent Fleur home with some Pepper Up potion and a few revitalizing potions.

"Make it an early night, Fleur. I'm sure at this point you are more than prepared. I want you well rested and strong for tomorrow."

"Oui, Madam. Je suis préparé."

Olivia bowed her head slightly before responding. "Je sais que tu nous rendras fiers." She gave the young witch a hug and sent her back to the carriage.

"Wow. I hope you speak French to Severus," Poppy teased from the doorway.

Olivia smiled, turning to her friend. "Not really. A phrase here and there... he speaks French, did you know?"

"No. But nothing about that man surprises me anymore. He's an enigma."

"That's very true," she giggled.

"How are things going with you two? It's been too long since I've had any gossip..."

"And it'll be even longer. Severus caught me last time, if you recall, and my ass still hurts when I think about it." Poppy gasped and Olivia grimaced. "I shouldn't have said that," she muttered as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Oh, but you did! And if that wanker has hurt you, I demand to be made aware!"

"No! God, no. It wasn't like that...it was...consensual." Olivia scrubbed her hand over her face, frustrated and embarrassed.

"Well, now I definitely demand to be made aware," the mediwitch taunted.

"No. Absolutely not," Olivia felt her face turn crimson. She had a bit of a nervous giggle for a few minutes before sobering. "It's actually been awhile since I've spent any real time with him. Perhaps I'll go check in. He's been a bit...cranky lately."

"That, my dear, is an understatement. I supposed you will remain with him for the evening? To temper his mood?" Poppy gave Olivia a knowing wink before bidding the young witch a good evening. "Shall I see you tomorrow at the task?"

"Definitely. See you there, Poppy."

XOX

Severus had settled down in front of the fire with his book and a glass of mead when he heard the knock. He remembered just a few months ago when no one knocked on his door. Now, he found himself smiling with the thought that his witch was on the other side.

His witch.

He had never had a witch before; not truly. He wanted to lock his heart away, to protect it from the pain that he was positive would happen once he let his shields fall. But there was something about her. She always seemed to know what he wanted, what he needed...

Knock. Knock. Knock

Severus placed his sweating glass down on his table, stretching as he unfolded himself from his chair to walk to the door, eager to entertain his witch for the evening.

XOX

"What do you mean I have to summon Weasley and Granger?" an irate Minerva McGonagall cried out at the headmaster.

"Minerva, I assure you, they won't be in any real danger. Obviously, the school wouldn't allow the children to come to any real danger.

"No, Albus. Of course not. Just my trio of cubs! Or have you forgotten You-know-who's attempt to return their first year? Or that damned snake petrifying poor Granger? Or how about when you didn't keep a close enough eye on Remus and he almost killed the lot of them?"

"Minerva, calm down," Bagman chided. "It's a simple spell to keep them unconscious and unaware. If their champion doesn't find them in time, they will awaken and resurface without any issue".

"Very well then," the woman responded brusquely as she turned on her heel and strode out towards her office to summon the youngest Weasley boy and Hermione Granger. But first, she was going to have a chat with Moody in the staffroom.

XOX

Severus stirred in his sleep. He was having such a good dream that he was reluctant to wake up, but his bladder screamed at him. He slowly opened one eye, smirking when he was greeted by a nest of hair and a bit of drool on his chest. Olivia was a beautiful witch, but she slept like the dead. Of course, her hair couldn't be helped - after all, how good could one's hair possibly look after rolling around on a mattress all night. He was sure his own would be quite unkempt.

He kissed the top of her head and tried to awaken her gently. "Sorry, love...I need the loo."

"Hmm no. Stay. It's too cold," she whined. Severus closed his eyes and allowed a sleepy smile to form. She was starting to wake up, caressing his chest lovingly. He was getting used to her playing with the sparse amount of chest hair he had and running her fingers over his nipples as she teased him beneath his shirt.

"Up you get, Love. I need to relieve my bladder, and we need to get ready. We've slept too long as it is." He gently rolled her off of him as he climbed out of bed. Olivia ran her eyes down his narrow waist, observing how his sleep pants rested low on his hips and clung to his tight little ass. Unable to help herself, she rolled over to the side of the bed to squeeze his cheeks as he stretched.

"Miss Wright," he used his most threatening teacher voice, "I suggest you don't start something that we are unable to finish. We have precisely 45 minutes to get dressed and head over to the event."

"It's not my fault we slept so late, you know. You could've said no to that last...session." Severus bent over the bed to kiss her forehead, not wanting to allow her to taste his morning breath.

"I'll never be able to deny you anything, witch," he whispered, seemingly for his own ears, as he headed back off to the restroom. Olivia smiled and rolled over in his sheets, squeezing his pillow. She was positively glowing. Severus Snape was quickly becoming one of the most important things to her. He was an attentive, and skilled lover, indeed. He was funny and sarcastic, but he was also extremely intelligent and had this air of power about him that made her knees tremble. She closed her eyes to think about their passionate night. He had taken her against the door when she first arrived and then twice more in his bed. She was thrilled that he had started to loosen up a little regarding his body. He had slipped into the bathroom to change into a long sleeved shirt and sleep pants, which she counted as a victory over him sleeping in his clothes as he had been doing. She was determined to worship his body and his mind - she didn't want to go any longer with having him think she wouldn't like what she saw beneath his clothes.

She was starting to fall for him, and she wanted all of him.

Severus emerged from the bathroom in a cloud of steam, fully dressed in his black robes. He was still patting his hair dry with one of his fluffy white towels when Olivia sat up, preparing herself for her own morning routine before heading down to the event. She sniggered as she watched the wizard's eyes darken as he ravished the sight of her completely naked, sauntering to the bathroom. As if he couldn't help himself, he reached out and pulled her against his body, kissing her passionately and cupping her bottom, massaging it gently. He groaned against her lips as she reached down to palm him above his trousers. Finally, she broke away, turning back to the bathroom.

"Remember, Severus... don't start something we don't have time to finish."

Minx.

XOX

"I was wondering when you two would finally show up," Minerva scolded. Severus shot her a chastising glare. "Sorry, Severus. You just won't believe what is to occur with this task, and Potter isn't even here!"

As if on cue, the boy came sprinting around the lake headed towards the judges table. Severus could see the other champions were irritated at his tardiness, and Severus felt a bit of satisfaction. The boy really did need to learn that the world didn't revolve around him.

"Well, all our champions are ready for the second task, which will start as my whistle," Bagman's booming voice echoed above the crowd. "They have precisely one hour to recover what has been taken from them. On the count of three, then. One...two...three..."

The whistle echoed shrilly in the frigid air as the crowd cheered and applauded as the three champions dove in the freezing lake. Severus watched with exasperation as Potter pulled off his clothes quickly. His brow furrowed and his eyes narrowed as he watched the boy pull something out of his trouser pocket...

Potter slowly eased into the water before gasping and clawing at his neck as he quickly dove beneath the lake. Severus was livid.

Gillyweed! The brat was in his office the other night. He'd kill him if the Merpeople didn't finish him off first.