Severus was furious at the Potter brat for breaking into his stores yet again. It seems that the boy would have to be thoroughly threatened...and perhaps hexed. He smiled, internally of course, at the prospect of hexing the boy. He was jostled when Olivia brushed up against him in a welcomed distraction.
"It's too cold out here," she complained.
"Perhaps you should have thought of that before you got out of bed this morning, Miss Wright," the wizard chided.
"Perhaps you shouldn't have distracted me this morning... Professor," she purred in response. His brow creased as he looked down upon himself, considering the warmth of his own wardrobe choices. Severus quickly glanced around, hoping no one was spying on their intimate moment. Discovering they were safe, he slipped closer to the witch, allowing his voluminous cloak to hide his actions as he slid his warm hand over her left to keep it warm. He brushed his thumb over the dorsum of her hand, smothering the chill. Olivia smiled and closed her eyes, enjoying his electric touch that he provided. Severus allowed himself a quick glance at her expression. It seemed he was unable to prevent the slight quirk of his lip as he noticed her enjoyment.
"There, little witch," Severus purred. "Now I won't be troubled with your incessant whinging about the cold throughout the whole bloody event." Olivia smiled up at him in time to see him wink at her before carefully masking his features into his usual expression of indifference.
Severus stood statuesquely, occasionally glaring at Karkaroff; the Durmstrang wizard was constantly attempting to get his attention. Severus knew a conversation needed to be had, but he was hoping to prolong it indefinitely. Olivia, on the other hand, seemed to be quite a social witch. She spoke to Minerva for quite a bit longer than Severus would have expected. Evidently, they really were getting along quite well. For some reason, that relaxed the man. It would appear that he unwittingly sought the old witch's approval, as one would want their mother to approve of a partner. The thought made Severus shiver. Unwilling to dive deeper into his feelings towards the witch, he released her hand and walked towards the far end of the dock. Perhaps the giant squid would drown him before he went and fell in love with her.
The glassy surface of the lake rippled violently as Fluer Delacour ascended in obvious distress. Severus jerked his head over to see Olivia rush over to help her champion. Fleur's eyes were widened with fear as she cried out to the mediwitch. "Gabrielle?! Ma soeur! Est-ce que quelqu'un l'a sauvée? Je dois retourner chercher ma soeur!" Olivia helped to fish the champion out of the water, instantly casting a drying charm and wrapping a warm blanket around her shoulders.
"Calme toi, laisse moi vérifier que tu n'as rien," Olivia whispered, attempting to calm the witch. She healed the girl quickly, she only suffered from a decent amount of cuts on her face and arms and her robes were torn, but she didn't seem to care, nor would she allow Olivia to clean them. Olivia rubbed the girl's back in a feeble attempt to bring both warmth and comfort as they both scanned the water for little Gabrielle.
Minerva walked over to Severus as the tournament continued to drag on. He glanced at the woman, noting her anxiety as the clock continued to near the hour mark. "Calm yourself, woman. You are well aware that no harm will come to any of your precious little cubs," Severus snapped after her pacing seemed unlikely to stop anytime soon.
"Just because your witch isn't paying any attention to you does not give you the right to lash out at me, Severus."
"Hmph," he grunted in response. He chanced a glance at Olivia, watching her care for the girl, keeping her warm beneath a blanket while whispering reassuring words. She really was a brilliant witch.
"Finally!" Minerva exclaimed as a champion breached the surface. Diggory coughed out some water as he pulled Chang towards the dock, grinning when he realized he was the first to return with his most prized possession. Severus had to admit, it was a rather fucked up challenge, using humans as life bait for the champions to find. Krum surface next, his possession was easily identifiable by her frizzed mountain of hair - Granger. The Bulgarian shook his head, shaking off the shark transfiguration he had created while his school cheered him on.
"Miss Granger!" Minerva called as she rushed over to comfort the little know-it-all. Poppy had already arrived with a wool blanket to wrap around her shoulders while she started her examinations, checking for shock and injury as Olivia had done with Fleur. Severus peaked back to the lake.
Where is the boy? Severus hid his panic. He certainly regretted this end of the deal, vowing to Dumbledore to look after the boy and keep him safe. Potter was too reckless.
Finally, Potter popped his arrogant little head out of the water, pulling that red haired Weasley with him, and it would appear, the sister of the Veela. Severus forced himself to look indifferent, although a small...very small... part of him was relieved the boy didn't look too hurt.
Everyone in the stands was making a great deal of noise; shouting and screaming, they all seemed to be on their feet. The two boys pulled the little witch through the water, back towards the dock where the judges stood watching. There had to be at least twenty merpeople aligned, as if they were some sort of honor guard. The screeching sounds from the creatures was giving Severus a migraine; perhaps a certain mediwitch would rub his head later...
Poppy was fussing over Granger, Krum, Diggory, and Chang all of whom were wrapped in thick blankets. Dumbledore and Bagman stood beaming at Potter as if he were some sort of hero, while Maxime and Olivia struggled to hold back Fleur, as she became quite hysterical, fighting tooth and nail to return to the water. Severus walked closer, feeling the desire to watch the mediwitch in her element a bit closer.
"Gabrielle! Gabrielle! Is she alive? Is she 'urt?"
"She's fine," Potter exhaustedly replied. One of the elder Weasley's grabbed the soaked one in an almost brotherly embrace while the wet one struggled to free himself. Fleur had broken free and ran to her sister, crying as she attempted to explain how the Grindylows attacked her and prevented the rescue.
"Come here, you," Poppy said. She seized Potter and pulled him over to the others, swaddling him in a blanket as if he were the most precious thing in the world. Severus noticed Karkaroff glaring in their direction and instantly tensed, ready to hex first if need be. It would appear that he would, indeed, be having a conversation with the Bulgarian.
After the judges had debated the point system, and Potter unsurprisingly came out on top, Severus left for the safety of his dungeons, he needed to think - no...to scheme on how to get Potter to confess his theft. He was furious with the boy.
XOX
Five days had passed, uneventfully, after the second task. Severus was very much looking forward to the rest of his evening, free of children and hopefully full of sexy mediwitch. All he had to do was suffer through double potions with the Slytherins and the bloody lions and he was free to seek out his relief.
He rolled his eyes as he heard commotion outside his door. He ripped the door open, peering down into the crowd of fourth-years. His Slytherins were all laughing and the Gryffindors looked agitated. Clearly, his timing was perfect, as usual. He stood off to the side, glaring, as he beckoned the students inside. He turned his back to the class, beginning to write up the ingredients for the day's potion on the blackboard.
The Potions Master heard the shuffling of papers and whispering. Honestly, did they think him completely daft? He hurried through his preparations, eager to put a stop to the incessant chattering. He strode up behind the desk of the troublemakers - unsurprisingly, Minerva's trio of cubs.
"Fascinating though your social life undoubtedly is, Miss Granger," he said in an icy tone. Severus held back a snicker when he watched all three bodies jump. "I must ask you not to discuss it in my class. Ten points from Gryffindor."
There. His day was already improving.
He glided over to the front of their desks to continue his threat, taking notice that the entire class was staring at them. He snatched up the copy of Witch Weekly, scoffing. "Ah...reading magazines under the table as well? A further ten points from Gryffindor...oh but of course..." he said silkily, "Potter has to keep up with his press cuttings." Snape's eyes glittered as he watched the boy shoot him a look of pure hatred. The Slytherins took the opportunity to laugh and Severus couldn't help but allow a small smile to curl his lips. Without much thought, he decided to read the article aloud.
"'Harry Potter's Secret Heartache'...dear, dear, Potter, what's ailing you now? 'A boy like no other perhaps...'"
Severus knew that bit was rubbish...Potter was an exact replica of his father. Severus continued to read, pausing at the end of every sentence to allow his House to chuckle at the boy's embarrassment. Perhaps he should feel guilty, but truthfully, he didn't. Potter was too full of himself, too prideful. These small lessons Severus provided would ensure he didn't grow into the giant cockhead his father was. Plus...if he was completely honest... It felt good to get a touch of revenge.
"'...Harry Potter's well-wishers must hope that, next time, he bestows his heart upon a worthier candidate.' How very touching," he sneered. Severus rolled up the magazine, ending the conversation. "Well, I think I had better separate the three of you, so you can keep your minds on your potions rather than your tangled love lives. Weasley, you stay here. Miss Granger, over there, beside Miss Parkinson. Potter - that table in front of my desk. Move. Now."
Severus sat down at his desk and watched the irate boy unload his cauldron and start working on his brew. Unable to help himself, he goaded the boy further. "All this press attention seems to have inflated your already overly large head, Potter," he whispered. "You might be laboring under the delusion that the entire Wizarding world is impressed with you, but I don't care how many times your picture appears in the papers. To me, Potter, you are nothing but a nasty little boy who considers rules to be beneath him."
He was still furious about him stealing ingredients, but perhaps he was being a bit too harsh? No. This needed to be said, the boy needed to learn his place.
"So I give you fair warning, Potter," he continued dangerously, "pint-sized celebrity or not - if I catch you breaking into my office one more time..."
"I haven't been anywhere near your office!"
Liar!
"You were out of bed on the night my office was broken into!" Severus hissed. "I know it, Potter! Now, Mad-Eye Moody might have joined your fan club, but I will not tolerate your behavior! One more nighttime stroll into my office, Potter, and you will pay!"
The little Gryffindor squared his shoulders and looked the fearsome Potions Master in the eye and retorted with, "Right. I'll bear that in mind if I ever get the urge to go in there."
Severus' eye flashed, angrily. He shoved his hands into his robes, seeking the small glass phial when he was interrupted with a knock on the door. He pulled his eyes away, uttering "enter" in his usual voice. The class looked around as Igor Karkaroff came in. He walked up to Snape's desk, twisting his finger around his goatee, looking agitated.
"We need to talk," the Bulgarian said abruptly. He barely opened his lips, determined to not allow anyone to hear the conversation.
"I'll talk to you after my lesson, Karkaroff," Snape muttered.
"I want to talk now, while you can't slip off, Severus. You've been avoiding me."
"After the lesson," Severus snapped. "Come back this evening, I'll meet you in my office." The Bulgarian gave a curt nod of understanding before leaving. Severus made sure to glare a warning into Potter's eyes.
"I shall continue my conversation with you as well, Potter. I shall seek you out myself at my soonest convenience."
XOX
Olivia had shown up in his office after dinner, seeking some brewing time to create a salve for Fleur for her injuries from the Grindylows, although Severus was sure this was just an excuse for some alone time.
"How is your champion faring?" he asked casually. His eyes focused on his brew as he counted under his breath, ensuring he didn't over-stir. He was still in a horrible mood regarding both Karkaroff and Potter, but his little witch seemed to be the cure.
Olivia shrugged. "She will be fine. She was obviously worried about her sister. What a horrible, horrible task. She was convinced her sister would die! I was sure she was going to jump on Harry right there on the dock when he brought her to the surface with him," she giggled as she reminisced. "He and his red headed friend certainly blushed enough when she kissed them...it was cute."
Severus rolled his eyes as he laid down his glass stirring rod, casting a stasis on his brew. He leaned against the table, resting his hip casually as he folded his arms over his chest to watch Olivia work. She was magnificent - the steam from her cauldron made her usually neat hair spring free, giving her a more feral look than usual. He watched as she nibbled on her lower lip as she concentrated. He waited for her to remove her stirring rod as he had done before he crept behind her.
Olivia gasped as he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back against him as he nuzzled her neck. "You smell good," he offered. She laughed as she turned in his arms, eager to face her wizard.
"You're a terrible liar. I smell like potions," she teased.
"Ah, but to a Potions Master as refined as myself..." he purred as he inhaled her scent slowly. "I find traces of your own scent to be quite intoxicating; mandarin with a hint of clove, if I'm not mistaken? Not to be outshined by the Wormwood and Bubotuber pus, that is."
Olivia was astonished. How on earth could this man possibly smell her perfume above all the other brutal scents that were filling the small office. She tried to fight the urge to kiss the man, to pull him against her and have her way with him right there on the brewing bench. Severus Snape had a way about him, which drove her crazy. One moment he could be cruel and vindictive to a student, and then turn around to kiss her as if she was the only woman in the world. She was fighting a losing battle between her heart and her brain, worried about the outcome of the feelings that she now knew without a doubt she had. She wouldn't speak those three little words yet, not even to herself, for fear the man would run.
Scaring herself with her revelation, she decided to put some distance between herself and Snape, lest she ruin her healing potion due to the unforeseen circumstance of getting ravished on a table. She ground her hips against him, earning herself a growl before she turned and walked away from him, enjoying the burning look his eyes left. She returned to her cauldron after gathering the dittany she required, clearing her throat.
"What's the deal with you and Harry Potter, anyway? You never did tell me why you hate him so much." She looked up from her workstation to see the fire return to his eyes. This time, however, it was anger, not lust. She fought the urge to shrink away from him. He quickly closed the space between them, using his towering size as a clear and obvious threat.
"That...Miss Wright...is of no concern to you. Nor will I ever speak of it," Snape spat. "Suffice it to say... the brat is an immature, pseudo intellectual with a hero complex. And the bane of my existence." He was breathing heavily as he stared down at her.
"Merlin. Sorry, Severus," Olivia felt properly chastised. The air in the room grew thick with tension. Olivia stared into her cauldron while she felt Severus' eyes bore into her. She was aware of his famous temper, she just never thought she'd find herself on the wrong side of it. Severus looked at the hurt and fear behind Olivia's eyes and sighed. He reached for her hand, thankful she didn't pull it away.
"I apologize," he whispered. "It is a matter that I am loath to ever discuss. Let us change the subject, hmm?" he kissed the back of her hand, locking eyes with his witch. "I have just remembered I am in desperate need of assistance with my inventory. Do you wish to assist me?"
XOX
Olivia found herself walking to the store room with Severus, confused by his mood swings. She was torn between letting it blow over, and bringing his unacceptable behavior to his attention. He was after all her... what? Boyfriend? Lover? Partner? They had agreed on no labels but were monogamous as far as she was aware. She had made grave errors in the past with abusive lovers and she swore she'd never again tolerate a man with a quick temper. But there was something about Severus that made her want to try. So she decided to bury the fear and move on with him.
Severus pushed open the door, waving his wand in a flourish to light the lanterns in the room. "Bit cozy for two people, isn't it?" the air crackled with the sexual tension. Merlin, what was it about this damn wizard? It had to be more than just pheromones. He placed his hand on her lower back, guiding her forward until she stopped at an old wooden ladder in the middle of the room. No doubt, the Potions Master would climb up and down several times a day, searching out his stores.
"Mm hmm. Not enough room for us both, it would seem." He stepped closer to her as the door closed behind them. Olivia felt her pulse quicken as her arousal increased. She watched his nostrils flare as he looked at her hungrily.
Was he smelling her?
"Perhaps you should climb the ladder? I could survey the lower levels while you completed the upper shelves?" Severus smiled at Olivia, causing her to grin back. He was up to something...
She nodded her head in acquiescence, turning slowly and placing her hands on the rungs. She began to slowly climb, resting her hips against the wood as she leaned forward to grab her first bottle to mark. She heard the tinkling of glass jars and phials below, assuming Severus was indeed working. She shrugged her shoulders and continued. They worked in companionable silence before she felt a fleeting tickle on her bare calf.
What a shame she had decided to wear a skirt today. Severus smirked as he ran his hand up the length of her leg. He loved the feel of her silky-smooth legs, biding his time as he slithered his way to her heat.
"Severus! I'm trying to focus," she gasped, nearly losing her balance. The wizard chuckled darkly as he placed his free hand at her back, preventing her fall.
"Shhh. Quiet witch. Unless, of course, you wish for someone to hear?" He paused his movements, giving her a chance to back out should she want to.
She wouldn't back out, not with his delicious hands stroking her like that. In a final attempt to keep her resolve, she twisted her head so she could speak clearly over her shoulder. "Don't you think you'd be better off organizing everything in alphabetical order instead of...whatever this inferior method is?" Olivia smirked as Severus' eyes darkened. He clicked his tongue in disapproval as he quickly removed his hand from her body.
Oh, yes. She enjoyed playing a brat for this wizard. She'd enjoy any punishment he gave her. Perhaps another spanking?
"Tsk tsk, Miss Wright. I thought you had learned your lesson about being a brat. Clearly...I was mistaken." Olivia giggled in response. He reached up to caress her calves with a featherlight touch. "As for your little comment about my...inferior methods of organization..." he purred, "perhaps I need to...take you down a peg or two." Olivia felt Severus lower his hands to wrap around her ankles and tug forcefully, causing her to fall several rungs down the ladder so that her hips were at eye level.
"Sev!" she gasped. Severus flipped her around so she was facing him and pressed her back against the ladder so she was sitting in front of him.
"Open your legs," he commanded. She obeyed dutifully, lasciviously spreading her thighs to accommodate his body. With a flick of his wrist, he vanished her panties. Olivia gasped as the cold air hit her throbbing core. The wizard placed a hand on her inner thighs, spreading her apart even further so he could inspect her.
"My, my, Miss Wright...no knickers? How... naughty."
"Wha-what are you doing?" Her chest was heaving with arousal and the adrenaline from being pulled down the ladder.
"Taking inventory," he stated, bordely. "Let's see what we have here..." Severus dug his hands into her thighs, squeezing a little too hard, likely earning her some bruises. He took his thumbs and parted her lips, blowing out a stream of cool air over her throbbing clit. Her cunt pulsed, desperate for penetration. The wizard had the gall to laugh at her whimper.
"Ah yes. It would appear that we are missing a vital ingredient. But do not fear, little witch...I have just what you need." Severus ducked his head, his hot breath caressing her core as he breathed. He flattened his tongue, dragging it slowly, torturously, through her folds. He licked her from her opening to her clit, circling the nub with the tip of his tongue, before retreating back to start all over.
"Oh, God! Severus," Olivia whimpered. She reached her hands into his hair, raking her fingers through the silky tendrils as they tickled her thighs. The wizard let out a grunt of approval, so she continued. She alternated between a gentle caress and a more aggressive tug, depending on what his wicked tongue was doing to her. Soon, too soon, she felt the wave of her orgasm cresting, threatening to break at any moment. Severus thrust two fingers inside her, curling his fingers as he beckoned her closer. He stopped licking her, just long enough to whisper.
"Come for me, witch. Give me everything, I want all you have to give." Olivia bit her lip as she cried out, trying to silence herself, lest they get discovered. Severus slowed his fingers and tongue, kissing and licking languidly as she came down from her peak. Olivia gasped, squeezing her thighs around his head. Confused, Severus looked up, seeing fear and embarrassment in her eyes. Tilting his head in confusion, he stood up, following her gaze to the door.
"Karkaroff," Severus growled. He quickly moved in front of Olivia, his towering form providing her the privacy she required to make herself decent. "What the fuck are you doing here?" Severus growled as he glared at the leering Bulgarian.
"Severus. I told you we must talk. Perhaps now is a bad time?" Karkaroff chuckled darkly.
"I told you to meet me in my office," he muttered, wiping a hand down his now sticky face. "Get. Out."
"No, I don't think I will, Severus. Have your whore leave and then we can speak."
"Hey!" Olivia started to protest but Severus pulled his wand out, red sparks flaring from the tip.
"You will apologize, Igor. Now." Although the Bulgarian stood even taller than Severus, he bowed his head, muttering an unfelt apology. Snape pushed him out of the room for a moment, turning to his very embarrassed witch. "I am so sorry, Olivia. I thought I warded the door," he whispered.
Was this a fatal error for their relationship, still in its infancy? Surely she'd never forgive him for this.
But, the lovely witch that Olivia was, she brushed the hair out of his face, sliding off the ladder and kissed him gently on the lips, tasting what was left from her own arousal. "It's fine, Severus. I promise. I'll... I'll see you later, perhaps?" she asked hopefully. Severus bowed his head and offered a small smile, obviously mortified with the situation as well. He bid her a good evening as he escorted her out the door before violently pulling Igor back in.
XOX
Severus slammed Igor into a shelf, rattling the numerous bottles and ingredients with the force. "If you tell anyone...anyone..." he threatened.
"I will not speak of this, so long as you listen, Severus. We have much to discuss." Snape nodded his head and the Bulgarian began.
"What's so urgent?"
"This," said Karkaroff as he pulled up his sleeve. Snape stared down at the Dark Mark, offering no reaction. "Well? Do you see? It's never been this clear, never since -"
"Put it away, Karkaroff," snarled Severus.
"You must have noticed your own! What are you doing, running around with a whore, ignoring all the signs? You must see, Severus. You must run, as I shall run when it burns. The Dark Lord is growing stronger. Surely, you have felt it."
Severus paled. He had been so distracted between the tournament and Olivia that he had seemed to ignore the signs. There was someone breaking into his office, likely Potter, but why? His Mark was getting darker and more painful every day, and yet he ignored the pain and burning because he had the pleasure of a writhing witch beneath him. He had been irresponsible.
And what would Olivia say? She doesn't know about the Mark, about his past? If the Dark Lord is, indeed, returning...
He must protect her. He must hide her untainted soul from the darkness within him. He'd never make the mistake of trusting anyone with a witch he L–. No. he wouldn't think those words. It was too dangerous. He'd leave her. He'd leave her to protect her.
Once the Mark burned. He was too weak, too selfish to do it before. He'd enjoy the happiness just a little longer. When ...if...the Mark burned. He'd leave...he'd leave to save her.
"I won't be running, Igor. You, by all means, shall run. I give you a week before the Dark Lord finds you and tortures you. I have done nothing wrong. I know where my loyalties lie. Now. Get. Out." Severus pushed open the door, gesturing for Igor to retreat.
Of course. Potter was on the other side of the door, staring at the Bulgarian's forearm that he hadn't hidden away. Karkaroff stormed off, shocking Potter. The boy started to retreat as well when Severus stopped him.
"Potter!" the boy turned to look fearfully at his professor. "What's your hurry?" he muttered. He stood with his back erect with his hands behind his back, appearing as bored as possible. Potter walked closer to him. "We never had the opportunity to discuss your performance in the black lake. It was... inspiring. Gillyweed, am I correct ?"
"Yes, sir."
"Ingenious. A rather rare herb, Gillyweed..." Severus turned and entered his store room, yet again. And climbed the ladder he had just licked Olivia to orgasm on. He'd never look at this ladder the same way again. He languidly climbed to the top, seeking out the small bottle he desired. "Not something you'd find in your everyday garden. Nor is this." Descending down towards the boy, he turned, grasping the bottle between two fingers and displaying it to him.
"Know what it is?"
Potter shook his head no. "Bubble juice, sir?"
"Veritaserum. Three drops of this and You-Know-Who himself would spill his darkest secrets. The use of it on a student... is... regretfully forbidden. However...should you ever steal from my personal stores again...my hand might just slip over your morning pumpkin juice.
"I haven't stolen anything."
"Don't...Lie...to me..." Severus hissed, his fathomless black eyes boring directly into the boy's. "Gillyweed may be innocuous but Boomslang skin? Lacewing flies?" Severus was struggling to keep himself calm, the stress of the evening was proving to be too much. "You and your little friends are brewing Polyjuice Potion, and believe me; I'm going to find out why!" Severus slammed the door shut on Potter, and he leaned back against it, slowly sinking to the floor with his hands cradling his head.
What was he going to do?