Chapter 14- Disclosures
-
"Where…where do you think she is?" Eris said, in response to his demand to know the whereabouts of the cat. Her eyes remained fixed on the locket.
"If I knew, would I ask?" Severus kept his tone moderate with effort.
Visibly relaxing, Eris said, "My house elf took her home." Before he could speak, she added, "I know, we're not supposed to use them, but Elpis prefers to travel that way, so I break the rules. Are you going to turn me in?"
He tried to delve into her mind, but it was not like perusing an open book. Thoughts of the Siamese were not etched on the inside of her skull for him to easily find. The boy only unearthed the recent memory of her waking and seeing him return to the compartment. Severus abruptly realised that her view of him was far more flattering than the reflection he encountered in mirrors. Off balanced by the knowledge, he replied shortly, "No."
"Thanks." Eris smiled lopsidedly. "So, you've made Elpis' acquaintance. She's come back smelling of green tea soap before. I should've realised she'd been with you. We share the same tastes."
"What do you mean?" The turn in conversation was intriguing.
Her gaze drifted down to his mouth. "We both want to be with you."
His mouth felt dry. "Did you worry, when she stayed out all night?"
The cat-like smile she gave was disconcerting. "No. Elpis can take care of herself, so I wasn't concerned." Her smile widened. "Although I am envious now I know whose bed she's been sleeping in."
He cleared his throat, collecting rapidly scattering thoughts. "I have had to save her, several times, from a dog that has been roaming the grounds. You should keep her inside at night."
Eris shook her head, looking amused. "You don't own a Siamese. They believe they own you, and do you the favour of allowing you to care for them. If my cat fancies a stroll at night…to visit you, for example…I'm not going to stop her from going." Sighing theatrically, she added, "I will be jealous she's the one getting petted."
A chuckle escaped him. "Jealous, hmmm?"
Nodding solemnly with laughing eyes, Eris said, "You could make it up to me."
He pulled her across the narrow aisle. "How could I do that?" His fingertips glided over her face before starting to stroke her hair. "Like this?" She made a purring 'Mmm'. Severus' mouth twitched as she rubbed her cheek alongside his. When Eris turned her face into the hand that brushed dark strands away from her face and bumped his palm with her nose, he allowed a small laugh to escape. "Will you sprout whiskers, next?"
She stilled. Eris said throatily, "You'd make being a cat very rewarding." Looking toward the assortment of items he had purchased, she asked, "You didn't get a sandwich with onions, did you?"
Severus' brows rose. "Of course not." He handed her a sandwich along with a bottle of butterbeer. They ate together in comfortable silence that was only broken once hunger was satiated and he brought out the chocolate frogs purchased on whim.
Viewing Eris playfully batting the edible amphibian around, he remarked, "I just figured out what you remind me of when you do that- your cat." Her face turned pink. He reassured, "I think it an attractive quality in female or feline."
"Thank you." She looked down at the card that came with the frog. Her indrawn breath was audible.
He inquired, "What wizard did you get?"
"Do you collect Chocolate Frog cards?"
Sidetracked, he answered bluntly, "No. It seems a puerile hobby."
Eris smiled. "I agree, although my brother is wild about it. I'll give Erik my card." She went to tuck it into her purse.
Severus said, "Here. Have mine of Hengist of Woodcroft as well." When he slid the card into Eris' hand, he purposely dislodged hers. Picking it up from the floor, he read aloud, "Rhydian Ap Meurig: Author of 'Theories of Transubstantial Transfiguration' and a leading authority in Transmutation and Transmogrification."
He turned the card over to scrutinise the wizard smiling enigmatically on the front of the card. Meurig was a formidable looking man of indeterminate age. Typical Welsh black hair and eyes combined with a strong jaw and a commanding air that some females would likely find attractive. Severus despised him at first glance.
The girl watching smiled hesitantly when he returned the card without further comment. Eris sat beside him and rested her head on his shoulder while they watched the sun set over the landscape beyond the window. When the hand in his relaxed, Severus said, "You told Professor McGonagall that you read a book over the summer…what was it?"
He felt her fingers tremble, although she answered calmly, "Theories of Transubstantial Transfiguration."
Severus attempted to delve into the complex layers of Eris' memory. It was like walking through a house of mirrors. All she reflected back was images of him…with her. Allowing the misdirection, he did not attempt to probe further. Instead, he gently cupped her chin and lifted her mouth to receive a kiss.
-
-
As the train neared the station, Eris looked sideways to meet Severus' gaze. She clung to the tenets of Vald, and controlled her mind to hide all but the thoughts of what he made her feel. He smiled slightly and looked away. Exhaling after taking a deep breath to gather her nerve, she began, "Severus?"
Her tone caused him to look at her inquisitively. "Yes?"
"When we arrive at the house, we'll go directly to our rooms to change for dinner." Uncomfortably, she admitted, "Erik told me he 'pulled a joke' on Wilkes at the last gathering, told him the dress was formal, hoping Tom would be embarrassed at being overdressed."
"He wouldn't be."
Well aware that Severus had not added that he would not be uncomfortable, Eris suggested, "The trousers and jumper would do nicely."
"Would you care to select my socks and footwear?" he returned dryly.
She shook her head. "I'm sure whatever you choose will be impeccable."
"Because you transfigured it?"
Eris giggled. The door to the compartment rattled. She looked at Severus while hopping to the opposite bench. He picked up his advanced potions text and said while turning a page, "Sticking charm, so we would not be caught unawares."
When the door opened, she glanced over as if she had been startled from her perusal of the scenery. Her travelling companion remained absorbed in his book. In the doorway, Erik frowned. "Why aren't you in Black's compartment?"
"Because Sirius and I aren't exactly friends," she replied mockingly. One corner of Severus' mouth did that cute jumping up movement.
The humour escaped Erik. "You know full well I meant Narcissa. Anyway, the car will be waiting, so don't drag your feet once we pull into the King's Cross. Either of you…"
"Yes, brother dearest."
Poor Erik tried to slide the door shut with an angry snap, but it stuck, and he ended up taking three tries to yank it closed. The smile on Eris' face faded when she caught sight of Severus' thoughtful frown. "What is it?"
"You and your brother do not get along. Why did you run to save him, then?"
He seemed genuinely puzzled. She shrugged. "Maybe you have to have a brother or sister to know, even when you don't like them, you still love them." Noticing the stiff-upper-lip air he was developing, Eris steered the conversation away from the subject of love. "Is there a bottle of pumpkin juice left? I'm a bit thirsty." Taking the bottle with a soft word of thanks, she drank a sip.
The train finally rumbled to a halt. Severus brought down the cases after they donned their cloaks. Eris could not help but admire his elegance.
He asked sardonically, "Do clothes really make such a difference?"
She blushed. "I'm sorry. It's like seeing onyx placed in a fine setting. It highlights, but it doesn't change the stone's intrinsic value." The moment the words left her lips, she closed her eyes in mortification. What a Hufflepuff she sounded!
Firm lips grazed her cheek. Eris opened her eyes. Severus looked amused, but he said, "Thank you." His lips began twitching.
Giggling, she confessed, "I do think your eyes are like onyx, or…"
"I appreciate the sentiment," he interjected dryly. "Do you expect a comparison to jewels in return?"
"No, I…"
"I think your eyes put sapphires to shame."
Her eyes widened. "Really?"
His eyes narrowed appraisingly. "Yes, I think the depth of colour more truly resembles a particular potion."
Merlin, his voice made her knees weak. Eris whispered, "Which potion?"
"The Draught of Desire."
Her knees gave way, causing her to sag against him. He pressed his lips together. Suspicious, Eris accused, "You made that up!"
The dark laughter spilling over her was worth the chagrin of being so gullible. Severus' expressions of mirth were usually so controlled. To see and hear his open enjoyment was like a gift. She laughed with him out of happiness.
A sharp rap on the glass sobered them both. Drawing his dignity around him like an invisible cloak, Severus opened the compartment door for her. Claire and Clive were in the corridor. Her friend looked unhappy. Sutton lacked holiday cheer as well. Taking Claire's arm, Eris led her off the train, leaning close to ask, "What's wrong?"
"Clive volunteered to sit with me in our compartment. He wondered why you never showed. I mentioned that you've been friendly with Snape. He got quiet after that- didn't even promise to owl me or try to get together over holiday." Claire's lips trembled. "I got him a present and everything!"
Wishing that her friend had kept her mouth shut, Eris consoled, "Clive's bound to miss you and owl, don't worry."
"I do worry." Claire pulled away. "I know it's not your fault and you don't like him, but he's going to be spending Christmas with you, and I worry!" Shaking her head, the Claire noticed a certain boy who had exited the train before them and called, "Wilkes, wait up."
Hanging back, Eris watched Claire and Tom talk.
"Erik's waiting."
Clive Sutton's impatient voice drew her attention to the small group behind her. Nodding, she fell in line with Narcissa, who rolled her eyes and muttered, "Diana and I agreed his name should've been 'Mutton' because he bleated like a bloody sheep all trip."
The girls dissolved into giggles. Eris looked back over her shoulder. Snape raised an eyebrow and mouthed 'Baaa'. She laughed.
Ahead of them, Clive demanded, "What's so funny?"
Eris shook her head, unable to answer. Beside her, Cissy bumped her arm and then drawled, "I was hoping we'd have rack of lamb for dinner."
Another spate of giggles started and did not end until they reached the long, silver vehicle that would transport them to their destination. Glad that Severus sat opposite her, Eris relaxed against the leather seat and smiled as the house elf Vestri started the engine. John Kendrick, who sat facing Narcissa, said, "I've never been to East Anglia before. Rural, isn't it?"
"Separate and superior…the way wizards should be," Erik responded haughtily.
Trying to ease Kendrick's discomfort, Eris joked, "We ruled in Medieval times, trading wool with the Netherlands. Now, except for Cambridge, our part of the country is mostly known for its beaches or the marshes and dikes of the fens and Broads." She glanced at Severus, who listened with flattering intentness.
Narcissa added her own assurance. "Greyback House is in a very acceptable part of Norfolk, with a mostly wizard market town nearby, and no desolate marshes."
The car, which had been navigating Muggle traffic, engaged the Invisibility Booster and began to rise. Eris leaned forward and grasped Severus' hands. "I don't like flying, even though it's much faster."
His fingers squeezed hers comfortingly. Without seeing his face, Severus' voice conveyed lifted brows when he asked, "Are flying cars within Ministry regulations?"
"We don't worry about the Ministry, Snape," Erik boasted.
Clive, Narcissa and John began trading stories of the ways their families defied or paid off Ministry officials to bend the rules to suit themselves. Severus remained a silent listener. Eris was content to hold his hands until another idea presented itself. Slipping off her shoe, she occupied her time by sliding her foot up and down the inside of Severus' leg.
-
-
When impudent toes slid past his knee, Severus released Eris' fingers and took her in hand. Paying her back for raising his blood pressure, he gripped her ankle. After running his fingers lightly over the graceful arch, he began ruthlessly tickling. Her foot jerked. She tried to twist out of his grasp.
"Why are you squirming, Eris? Do you have to use the loo?" Narcissa's demand stilled his captive's movement.
"No, no, just tired of sitting."
The disembodied voice sounded breathy. Deciding to take that breath away, Severus began to pull off her silk sock. He could feel the tension in the slender leg as he caressed the skin he uncovered. Her toes curled. Easily imagining the look on Eris' face, the boy's heart pounded as he slowly lifted her foot.
"Ahhh…Oh Merlin!"
Conversation came to a screeching halt.
"Eris! What's wrong?"
Clive's 'Tell-me-so-I-can-save-the-day' tone made something dark claw its way out of the depths of Severus' being. He repeated the action that had received such a dramatic response.
"Stars and Stones!"
He allowed Eris to drag her foot down as she explained, "Erm…foot cramp…really intense…sorry to make such a fuss."
Unseen, a grin spread across Severus' face. It felt odd, to have his lips stretched in such a manner. He held in a chuckle when Sutton offered to rub her foot and Eris instantly said, "No, no, I've just done that myself. I'm putting my sock and shoe back on right now, and I'm sure I won't have another one."
"Perhaps you need more potassium in your diet. I'll have the staff add Banana Tart Tatin to the menu tonight." The Greyback boy sounded truly concerned.
"Thanks." Eris' voice was affectionate. How strange siblings were. Mocking and fighting and then helping and caring.
"We is approaching Greyback House," Vestri said, drawing Severus' attention to the countryside they were descending toward.
"Too bad a fire destroyed the original home," Narcissa sighed. "The Georgian style is lovely, I suppose, but Tudor is much more stately."
The car had de-activated the Invisibility Booster as it landed gently and rolled down the long drive. Severus' view was limited to the side and back windows. Across from him, Eris said, "When I'm at school, I do miss woods that gently roll instead of loom forbiddingly, and the grass of an English lawn."
What she called a 'lawn', he termed a park. The most expansive parkland he had ever seen outside Hogwarts. The oaks and beeches beyond provided an enviable seclusion.
"You missed my birthday. We set up a marquee on the south lawn overlooking the lake. The fireworks were ace," Erik informed sulkily.
"As good as the ones the year before?" the boy's sister asked with determined cheer.
Erik nodded, unbending enough to smile a little. "G. T. White's Fireworks are superior to Grey's."
When the car slowed to a halt, the house elf hopped out to hold the door open for his passengers. Severus caught Erik and Clive both looking at him to gauge his reaction. He showed none, although inwardly, he was wondering if Eris had purposely downplayed the vastness of her home, or if the word 'house' was interchangeable with Hall or Manor in her vocabulary. Pleased that his apparel suited the elegant surroundings, he followed Eris and the others into the Main Hall.
A grand staircase dominated the large oak hall, which had an ornately carved fireplace decorated with seasonal greenery. A mural depicting family history decorated the walls. Severus would have examined it more closely, but a couple entered from what was likely the drawing room.
The woman was obviously Eris' mother. Her children greatly resembled her. The man looked like a Viking, with Nordic colouring and stature. "Erik!" he said, smiling, coming forward to shake his son's hand and clap his shoulder. Pale blue eyes flickered over the rest of the group. "Eris," he acknowledged coolly, before greeting Narcissa and introducing himself to his other guests.
If Ulrik Greyback treated his daughter with reserve, his wife Danica's manner was warm, but slightly wary. "Eris, darling, we're so glad to have you home." Danica kissed both of her children's cheeks, before touching her daughter's arm. "Your grandfather told us that you're receiving top marks in Transfiguration again. How wonderful."
"I've got the highest marks in my year for DADA," Eric boasted.
"Yes, and we're very proud of you," his mother replied with a smile.
Ulrik and Eric retreated to the billiards room to talk, while Danica promised to join them as soon as she directed the house elves Vestri and Nordri. The house elves listened attentively to their mistresses instructions, bowed deeply and waved the luggage up the staircase, asking the guests to follow them. Eris and Narcissa led the way. Halfway up the stairs, the girls paused as a voice called, "Eris!"
"Afi!" Eris rushed down the stairs, a joyful smile on her face. At the bottom, she hugged the old wizard who waited with opened arms. Kissing his cheek, she laughed, "Cissy you know, Afi." Eris looked up at the group and introduced, "Severus Snape, John Kendrick and Clive Sutton, this is my grandfather, Tyr Greyback."
The man looked like an old Viking warrior, who wanted to die fighting in order to go to Valhalla. He pronounced gravely, "Welcome to our Hall. May you never find our hospitality lacking or your tankard empty."
Sutton and Kendrick looked alarmed at the man's tone, but Snape saw the twinkle in faded blue eyes and smirked. The old wizard probably got a kick out of discomfiting visitors with his ye-olde expressions. Eris shook her head laughingly. "It's wonderful to see you, Afi. I'll come down to the drawing room as soon as I'm dressed, so we can talk."
"We have much to talk about." Bowing to the guests, Tyr intoned, "Gott kvold…good evening."
"Is he for real?" Kendrick asked Eris as she darted up the stairs once more.
She grinned. "You'll see when we go raiding the neighbours."
Narcissa giggled. "I'd like to raid Parkinsons' jewellery chest, pillage some diamonds."
Everyone smiled at the thought. Even Severus was mildly amused. The girls' rooms were one floor higher than the boys' were, so he watched them ascend before following an elf into his room near the landing. Decorated in Chinese décor, the black lacquer furniture looked surprisingly at home with oak beams. Tersely thanking the elf for unpacking his clothing, he walked into the en suite lavatory.
Re-entering the bedroom following a shower, Severus tightened the belt of his black robe before answering the knock sounding at the door. Erik Greyback stood in the corridor.
"Look, Snape, just in case you aren't used to this sort of thing, dress robes are de rigueur at dinner." When the other boy merely stood in silence, Erik nodded abruptly. "Right. See you in the drawing room."
Watching Greyback enter his own chamber further down the corridor, Severus almost missed seeing the cat darting down the stairs. An unconscious smile softened his face. He stepped back to allow the feline inside before shutting the door.
The Siamese wound herself around his legs, rubbing her face and body against him. He bent and picked her up, taking her over to the bed. He sat on the edge, petting the purring animal before removing the pouch tied to her collar. Inside the velvet pouch was a parchment note.
S,
I am keeping my promise not to interfere with your choice in socks, but I have an early Christmas present that I would like you to wear. Purebloods have a pretentious habit of flashing rings like the wizard equivalent of peacock feathers. This one reminded me of your eyes.
E
Upturning the pouch, Severus gazed down at the onyx ring on his palm for several minutes. Elpis nudged his hand with her forehead. His mouth turned up at the corners. "Want me to try it on, do you?" He slid it on, amused at how the cat tilted her head, as if considering the ring.
"Meowrr…"
He huffed with laughter at the approving sound. Tossing aside his robe, the boy said facetiously, "I've already had one female choose my clothing and jewellery. Would you care to pick my socks?"
The feline stared, unblinkingly. Severus was strangely relieved not to be bare-arsed as he headed to the wardrobe.
A/N: Before, I asked if she could be blamed for purring. This chapter it's staring. (unblinkingly). LOL. Yes, LOTR fans, I did indeed sneak in a reference with the G. T. White and Grey, ho, ho, ho! (Gandalf did kick major arse after he went white, didn't he?) The reviewers who made my season jolly last week were ♥ 40/16 ♥ Beauty Eclipsed ♥ Camillia Vincent ♥ cupcakeswirl ♥ die Loreley♥ ElspethBates ♥ Embellished ♥ FNP ♥ gothic-wildhorse ♥ GraceRichie ♥ Machiavelli Jr ♥ MamaLisa♥ Slipknot-3113 ♥ Slytherin Love Goddess♥ and ♥ sunny9847 ♥