Chapter 22- Tensions

-

Approaching Eris, Severus felt no self-consciousness about wearing old trousers and a threadbare black jumper. He was too angry.

"Severus! I was just trying to gather the nerve to knock on your door."

Big blue eyes and a tentative smile earned a sneer. "You have plenty of nerve, coming here."

"Are you upset?" She took his hand in hers. "I'm sorry, I just wanted…."

"You wanted," Severus cut in. "My wishes were disregarded, because only what a pure-blood princess wants counts, doesn't it?" When she shook her head in distress, he clamped his fingers around hers in a steely hold. "Well, far be it for a lowly half-blood like me to deny you what you want."

Pulled off the pavement and toward the brick house, Eris protested, "It wasn't like that. I missed you!"

Part of him softened, but pride and anger kept his voice hard. "Missed your snogging partner? We'll take care of that shortly, but first, a royal tour fit for a princess." The front door was ajar. He kicked it open, thrusting her inside. Crossing the small entry to face the worn, outdated furnishings of the lounge, he snarled, "Welcome to Snape Manor. Done admiring the Drawing Room? Let us adjourn to the kitchen."

His fingers slid up to encircle a slender wrist in a manacle grip. Tugging her into the one room his mother had made homey with warm coloured paint, the boy stiffly introduced, "Eris Greyback, this is my mother, Eileen Snape." Nastily, he added, "She gave up her pure-blood name of Prince for a common Muggle's."

"How do you do, Mrs. Snape?"

Even flushed with mortification, his princess had perfect manners.

"Tea will be ready in a few minutes, Miss Greyback."

Enraged by the female trait of making the best of a bad situation, Severus gritted, "She won't be staying," and jerked his captive 'guest' into the corridor once more.

Propelling her into the library, he said mockingly, "Here is where the decorating budget was spent. Grandfather felt education was more important than appearances. Since we never had callers, who cared what state the house fell into? My father, the current lord of Snape Manor, has other priorities. Firewhisky if he has the coin, beer if money runs low."

"Is this where you learnt Legilimency and Occlumency?"

She was not supposed to be looking around the room curiously. He had expected Eris to be shocked, dismayed, or at the least demanding to be released. Off balance, he replied, "Yes."

"I like the way the shelves hide the door. It's as if you're enclosed in a private treasure trove of books."

Severus refused to respond, trying to cling to the black rage that had filled him. Dragging her out of the room, he nodded to the narrow stairs. "No tour is complete without seeing a bedroom."

On the way up dimly lit steps, he gave a derisive commentary. "Typical of housing built by mill-owners, this abode lacks such accoutrements as an entry hall with a family mural or a Grand Staircase. Plain and practical stairs lead to the first floor where family rooms match the illustriousness of the rest of the home." Lips twisting, he informed, "Even as a small child I preferred to sleep in the attic rather than on the same floor as my relatives."

They climbed the remaining stairs in silence. Inside his room, Severus released her wrist. Spreading his arms, he intoned, "Note the dark, cramped, musty atmosphere that characterises the homes of the lower classes. Not much compared to Greyback House, is it?"

His vicious tone was met with quiet sincerity. "I don't care where you live, I only care about you."

Awkward silence fell. Outside, rain began battering the house. Stiffly, he pointed. "Desk...wardrobe…bed." While she looked around, Severus asked bitterly, "Is my home everything you dreamt it would be?"

She should have made a dash for the door. Instead, Eris stepped close and whispered, "The only place I dream about being is in your arms."

Severus felt his anger dissipate. Unable to face her, he turned and stared out the water-streaked window. Muscles tensed when she pressed against his back, arms wrapping around him tight. He did not understand why she cared enough to stay after his behaviour.

"I'm sorry."

Closing his eyes, Severus said quietly, "No, I am the one whose behaviour has been intolerable. I ask for your forgiveness."

"How about we forgive each other?" Stepping around to face him, Eris smiled. "I did miss my snogging partner."

Her hesitant smile was returned. "I promised to take care of that, didn't I?"

"You said shortly, but I'd prefer long kisses."

Her hand caressed his cheek and slipped behind his neck, pulling him down. His slid up her shoulders, cupping and tipping her face. "Far be it for me to deny what we both want."

The soft look in her eyes engendered a pang in his chest that was eased by pressing his lips to hers in a kiss that was equally tender. Her body and mouth moulded against him in a way that led to the long, deep kisses she had requested and he was eager to give.

The sound of driving rain echoed his pulse. Severus began backing slowly to the bed, tensing in anticipation. His plan to sit on the edge changed when Eris lay back onto the mattress, sinking her fingers into his hair to urge him not to break the kiss. His mouth never left hers. Pressing against soft curves, the blood rushing in his ears increased as he explored and tasted her mouth in increasingly passionate ways.

"Severus…the door…"

It took a moment for Eris' gasp to register. When it did, the boy rolled away and called harshly in answer to the insistent knocking, "What?"

"It's time for tea."

He did not want tea, he wanted to tell Eris to stop pulling down her jumper, to take it off, and…giving the door a malevolent glare, Severus barked, "We will be down shortly." Hearing a giggle caused his lips to twitch in reluctant amusement.

Once Eileen retreated down the stairs, he turned to the girl finger combing her hair and smirked. "One look at you and mother will at least be relieved my anger was short-lived." Rising from the bed, he retrieved a comb from the desk and returned to smooth Eris' brown strands.

"Will she think badly of me?"

Standing, he assisted her up and shrugged. "She may think you have poor taste in men."

Indignation replaced her anxious look. "I have excellent taste!" She gave him a quick kiss and opened the door. Eris gave him a feline smile. "You taste good too." His jaw dropped. She blew him a kiss and headed for the stairs.

Smiling to himself, Severus followed.

Downstairs, Eileen had set the table with her mother's china. The normally indifferent housekeeper had used their finest tablecloth and silver as well. Grateful that she had gone to the effort, he pulled out her chair, saying, "Thank you, Mother."

"It was no trouble." Normally wan cheeks were touched with colour.

Seating Eris, Severus took the chair across from her and accepted a cup of tea. His mother shared, after giving him a brief, satiric look, that the house was actually named Spinner's End.

While he ate, the women discussed biscuit conjuring and soap making. He admired the girl's poise as she asked questions that put his mother at ease and drew her out. Offering Eris a slice of cake, he realised that Eileen actually enjoyed performing her 'craft' as she called it, and relished the challenge of expanding her customer base. Somehow, it made him view her in a different light--less weak and more worthy of respect.

"Eileen!"

The colour drained from his mother's face. Severus rose to his feet. "Eris, get your cloak. I will walk you to the station."

Rising, the girl's eyes grew round when the sound of cursing echoed from upstairs. She held out her hand and said, "Thank you for tea, Mrs. Snape."

He watched thin fingers press Eris' hand firmly. "Thank you for coming, Miss Greyback."

"Eileen!"

On the upper floor, a door slammed open. Throwing on his cloak, Severus drew Eris' hood up and said, "Out the back, quickly." Rushing her out of the house and down the street, he kept a pace that had her running through puddles to keep up.

"Is your father that horrible?"

Forcing himself to slow down and ease his tight grip on her hand, Severus replied, "He epitomises what the Knights of Walpurgis despise most about Muggles." Glancing sideways, he admitted, "While I believe continued seclusion the most effective method of coexisting, after living with Tobias Snape, I cannot entirely condemn those who support eradication."

They walked the rest of the way to the Floo station in silence. Stopping outside, Eris pushed back her hood, heedless of the rain. "I really am sorry I didn't ask if I could come, but I'm so very glad I spent time with you and met your mother."

Uncomfortable with the open display of emotion, he looked away. "I am sure the tour was something you would have gladly forgone." She didn't reply. Severus' gaze flickered back.

Eris was blushing. "I wasn't scared. I knew you wouldn't hurt me." Her voice became breathy. "I thought you were…."

"What?"

"Sexy."

To distract from the warmth suffusing his body, he kissed her rain-wet lips firmly and stepped back. "Use a drying charm inside the station, or you'll be taking a Pepper Up Potion tomorrow."

Her smile was sweetly amused. "Yes, Severus."

Nodding abruptly, he said, "Goodbye. I shall look forward to your letter tomorrow." Turning away, a thought struck and he pivoted back. "Will you be sending a letter tomorrow?"

Her answering smile brightened the cold walk home.

-

-

A string of letters marked the week that followed.

Eris tried to keep hers light and amusing, sharing the daily activities and places she and Dani visited. Severus' replies were succinct at first but lengthened as the days passed. He shared the frustrations of trying to brew potions with limited supplies. She began to add personal thoughts and daringly shared a few dreams.

Eris kept the last letter in her cloak pocket when the time finally came to return to Hogwarts. Sitting in 'their' compartment, she took out the parchment, although she knew his words by heart--especially the end.

What an imagination you have. I admit that becoming the youngest Potions Master in Britain is a goal I intend on obtaining, but teaching dunderheads at Hogwarts? Never! Until sixth year, I suffered the incompetence of fellow classmates too acutely to ever attempt teaching those with no desire or aptitude to learn. However, the thought of you being a naughty schoolgirl seducing 'Professor Snape' engenders visions I look forward to seeing for myself.

"Are you re-reading my letter?"

Parchment slid to the floor as Eris rose and threw herself into Severus' arms. His amused smirk was kissed off. Returning the kiss, his fingers skimmed down her back to pull her closer. A whistle blew. She reluctantly stepped away to allow him to store his luggage.

Sitting on Severus' lap as the train pulled out of the station, she confessed, "I've read all your letters so often, I know them by heart, but I like your handwriting and holding them is like holding you." He looked flattered, and uncomfortable. She giggled. "You had the exact same expression in my dream."

"Did I? I am sure I do not know what you mean. Perhaps I had better see for myself," he murmured in a silky, suggestive tone.

Her eyes slid away. "I don't know if that's such a good idea." She could feel her face heating.

"Eris."

His voice was seductively demanding. Giving in, she looked up. Immediately, the dream played itself out in her mind.

In the dungeon, Gryffindor and Slytherin students placed their flagons of potion on the young professor's desk before filing silently out of the classroom. Eris deliberately waited until she was the last remaining to approach. Placing her test flagon on the desk, she moved around it determinedly. "Professor?"

He looked up, black eyebrow imperiously raised. Blushing, she said, "After NEWTS, I won't be your student anymore."

"A fact I am sure you are in alt over."

His dry tone made her smile a bit. She sidled closer. "Would you go out with me then?"

The Potions Master looked flattered, even while he shifted in discomfort. "Go where?"

Heart pounding, she said, "To dinner, on a walk, anywhere you want."

His eyes flickered over her, the scorching gaze a contrast to the cold query, "Have you gone through the male student population, Miss Greyback, for you to be propositioning teachers?"

Her cheeks felt on fire. "No. I just want to get to know you."

Snape rose to loom over her. "What exactly do you wish to learn?" he demanded, "my favourite colour, my taste in literature, or what it would be like to kiss a malevolent bat?" Gripping her shoulders, he dragged her against him. "Blue. Arcane. You tell me."

The kiss started out punishing and became so erotic that it was hard to catch her breath. Eris pressed closer, her hands clutching his robes while his shaped and moulded her curves. When Severus whispered, "Is this what you wanted?" she nodded helplessly.

"Yes, Albus, I know we've snogged in every chamber in the castle except this one, but I still feel uneasy…" In the doorway, Professor McGonagall broke off, gasping in shock. "Miss Greyback!"

"Minerva," Snape warned.

"Severus," Dumbledore tried to sound severe, but his eyes twinkled.

Eris scrunched her eyes closed.

"You didn't tell me the ending of the dream." Severus sounded…different. Opening eyes that had scrunched closed in instinctive re-enacting; Eris noted with a sinking stomach that his face was turned away.

"Do you blame me?"

He shook his head, hand rising to cover his face. Severus' shoulders began to shake. Eris protested, "It's not funny, I was so scared I woke up!"

Dark laughter washed over her. Enjoying the sound, she conceded, "I guess it was amusing."

"Farcical, to say the least," he agreed, a rare smile crossing his face. "The idea of McGonagall and Dumbledore, really, you do have quite an imagination."

She laughed nervously. His eyes narrowed into black slits. In a small voice, Eris asked, "Do you want to see a real memory about them?"

"NO!"

Fine, she'd keep the sight of the pair beneath mistletoe to herself, then.

He cleared his throat. "I read lips, and you never said what kissing me was like."

Both his expression and voice were warm. She replied with a smile, "The same as it always is. Magical."

-

Days after classes had resumed and the students fell back into the routine of school life, the memory of the train ride continued to make Eris smile.

"You are the only one with reason to smile, Miss Greyback, since out of the entire class, you are the only one that has successfully transfigured your ears to achieve augmented hearing." Professor McGonagall's approving gaze turned flinty as she gazed around, warning, "Those expecting to score higher than Acceptable on their NEWTS must learn to accomplish partial transfigurations. I suggest more concentration and less talking."

The girl's cat ears flattened when she heard Tom's snickering whisper to his roommate. "What happens if both your pussycats crawl into bed with you one night? Will they have a cat fight?"

"I know what will happen if you continue to speak in such a manner," Severus promised, in a voice that was even more menacing for being soft.

"What, you'll hex me?"

After making sure the professor was engaged helping a student at the front of the room, Eris grabbed her wand and turned abruptly, mouthing a spell. She caught Severus' eye. His face was a study of alarmed amusement that turned to disgust when Tom said, "What's that look for?"

Students at the tables around Wilkes began to cough.

"Gods, where's that smell coming from?"

"It reminds me of rotting flobberworms."

"Merlin, I'm going to be sick!"

"Professor McGonagall!"

Hearing the distressed cries, the teacher marched down the aisle. After a sniff, she covered her nose the way Severus had, demanding, "Whoever is suffering from Halitosis Extremis, please step forward."

"Yeah, that's the worst case of bad breath I've ever had the misfortune to smell," Tom said in a stage whisper. The odour intensified. In reaction, a couple of girls began to gag.

"Mister Wilkes, it appears you are the perpetrator." Pointing her finger at the door, McGonagall commanded, "Report to the infirmary at once!"

Disbelievingly, the boy blew a breath into his cupped palm and brought it to his nose. Jerking his head back, he yelped, "Shite!'

"Not quite that unpleasant, but all the same, leave immediately," the professor retorted. Across the aisle, Clive laughed. Tom stalked out of the room after shooting daggers the Chaser's way.

"Heard Tom's remark did you?" Severus' murmur, inaudible to those around him, was clearly audible to Eris. She shivered as though he was actually breathing in her ear when he continued, "He thinks Sutton did it, but I will not disabuse him. I admire your hex…and your ears. Will you show me how to transfigure them later?"

Half-turning, she smiled and nodded. When his lips curved, she twitched her ears at him.

"Stop flirting with Snape and tell me if my ears are okay."

Eris looked at Narcissa. The blonde pushed back her hair to display ears that had transformed into ones that were white and furry. Before she could react with more than a startled laugh, the professor noticed and remarked, "Miss Black, although your transfiguration was technically a success, I must ask you to try again. The polar bear has the keenest sight of all bears, but its hearing is extremely poor."

Raising her voice, the exacting woman snapped, "It is readily apparent that this class is woefully unprepared. Class is dismissed to the library, where each of you will research the animal of your choice." Marching to throw open the door, McGonagall warned, "Those unable to transfigure their ears properly when next we meet will receive detention. Good day."

"But I want an animal with white ears to match my hair and I don't like cats," Narcissa sulkily complained as they followed their classmates to the library. Eris threw a glance over her shoulder. Snape was following. Her pulse sped up. Realising that Cissy was glaring, annoyed at being ignored, she replied quickly, "Then research the arctic fox, its got white ears."

Pacified, the other girl smiled and moved toward the appropriate section when they reached the library. Using the excuse that she needed to find a book for another class, Eris snuck up the stairs to meet Severus in the goblin poetry area, looking forward to rewarding his Transfiguration efforts with kisses. Giggling, she hoped he chose bat ears.

-

The weeks that followed passed in a blur of happiness for Eris. Other housemates were becoming increasingly stressed worrying about NEWTS and studying all hours. She studied, but Severus agreed with her that when you were confident of your abilities, you didn't need to swot like crazy or take 'brain enhancers' that looked more like dried doxy droppings. Of course, she had a boyfriend who knew how to make the most out of their time together, studying and snogging.

Her contentment ended the day of May's full moon. Sirius Black, too clever for his own good, had enchanted his and Potter's ladles to stir their potions while the boys diced blackroot.

The pair had chortled over the cunning idea until James went to grab his and the bewitchment went berserk. The ladle jerked out of his hand and started flinging potion across the dungeon. While classmates either laughed or protested, Professor Slughorn laboriously rose to his feet, removing the mess, and the ladle, with an icy toned Evanesco.

Curtly waving away the Head Boy's apologies, Slughorn said, "Potions making is an exact art. When the directions call for constant stirring by hand, you will do so, or face the consequences. Today, Mr. Potter, not only have you lost the chance to receive credit, but you have also gained detention for this evening." Smiling nastily, he informed, "I have a barrel of frogs in need of disembowelling."

"But sir…."

James overrode Sirius, saying, "Yes, sir, I understand and apologise for my thoughtless behaviour. It will never happen again."

In the silence that fell afterwards, Eris could hear repeated huffing sounds. She looked at Severus. His face was impassive, but the rapid rise and fall of his chest indicated that he was silently laughing. Unable to share his amusement, she went through the motions to complete her solution, all the while coming to terms with the fact that without James' steady guidance, the others couldn't be trusted to behave on tonight's jaunt through the forest.

The thought of telling the Headmaster did not occur to her. She wanted to save Lupin trouble, not make more for him. Remus was going with Dorcas now. Eris refused to damage his life anymore than her family had already.

Later that evening, 'studying' with Severus in his room, on his bed, with the curtains drawn, she almost broke down. She wanted to tell him about her uncle's admission, her Animagus form, and the ways she'd tried to make restitution to Remus. He stilled the words on her lips by kissing her softly and chuckling. "Potter won't be there to caution the rest of his band. Tonight, I might actually catch them leaving the shack."

"I thought you'd decided not to try anymore."

He lay on his side, looking down into her face. Raising a brow at her unhappy tone, Severus asked, "Will you promise to keep Elpis inside tonight?"

"I want to, but I can't."

The corner of his mouth lifted. "I feel the same way."

She almost cried, but instead pulled his head down for another kiss. Severus' body pressed hers into the mattress, his fingers sinking into her hair. Hearing the door open and close, he rolled off and sat up, quickly buttoning his shirt. Eris closed her eyes, trying to decide what to do.

"Should we come back later?" asked Tom.

Claire burst out laughing. "Of course not, silly. Let's go study on your bed."

"If you're the subject, I want hands-on curriculum."

"Oh Tommy," Claire cooed.

Eris grimaced.

"My thought exactly," Severus whispered, fastening the buttons on her blouse with a dexterity she admired almost as much as his skilful unfastening. A squeal from the other side of the room caused him to purse his lips. "I will walk you back to the common room."

In the outer corridor, he caught her arm, leaning close to say urgently, "I ask you to rethink your stand on Elpis. I do not venture into danger, but she does. If you allow her to run loose tonight, you may regret it."

"I'll think about it," she promised, before urging, "You be careful, too."

Hours later, she thought of his smile and almost stayed inside the castle. A distant howl carried to her attenuated senses. A forlorn mew escaped before the girl in Animagus form slipped out a side door and headed swiftly toward the Shrieking Shack.

-

-

Severus paced near a section of forest Epis had once fled; weary of wondering if she was in danger. Lifting his glowing wand, he took a few steps into the Forbidden Forest. A faint trail could be seen leading into the interior.

Slowly, he walked forward, eyes scanning the underbrush. Iridescent insects flitted about. Batting one away, he heard a rustle up ahead and picked up his pace. After traversing further down the path, the muted sound of barking carried on the night air. Adrenaline propelled him into a run.

Severus burst into a small clearing, looking around wildly. In the middle, Elpis stood within a grassy ring, hissing at the same great, bullying mongrel that had chased her before. Unable to fathom why the dog would stand and bark his fool head off instead of wading through a few grasses and ferns to reach his quarry, he called, "Elpis, come!"

Menacing growls sounded behind the boy. Instinctively, he leapt into the ring, turning to see a werewolf snarling at him. Scrambling backwards, he picked up the cat and clutched her tight with one arm while keeping his wand at the ready. He knew several curses that would deal with the situation permanently, but he could not bring himself to use them.

Obscenities filling the air, he tried to scare the dog and werewolf away. They circled the perimeter of the ring in a watchful silence more fearsome than barks and growls. Looking down at the cat, he muttered, "You got us into this mess, you should get us out of it."

As if in answer, Elpis stretched her neck as far as she could. He noticed her locket and began to laugh bitterly, fumbling for the catch to release the contents. Holding out the bit of green fur, he said to the animals stalking them, "Watch out, I have faery dog fur and I am not afraid to use it!" Waving it about, Severus called mockingly, "Alright faeries, if you in fact exist, if this is your ring and your animal's fur, then I demand you give us protection immediately!"

Here and there, glimmering points of brightness began to appear inside the ring. The chimes of preternaturally perfect bells and the tinkle of laughter rang out. Severus stared in disbelief when voices were heard.

"Demanding, isn't he, Nyx?"

"Ugly too, Ariella."

"I'm glad I don't have to deal with him. You're the one who started the Cu Sith legend, Puck, you're the one obliged to give protection."

A tiny radiant being appeared. He had wings that fluttered like a dragonfly's and a ferocious scowl on a pale, fair face. "Feh, Call upon me to handle a paltry werewolf and a dog? Some wizard you are." Zipping down to grasp Elpis' whiskers, the faery laughed. "Hello, Kitty."

She sneezed. Puck flew backwards. Landing on a mushroom, he sneered at the other faeries' laughter. "Fine, let's get this rescue over with." In an instant, the Fae dressed in green had transformed into a giant, shaggy green dog. Padding over to the edge of the circle, he stepped across.

The animals that had scared a boy and a cat dropped to the ground and rolled to show their bellies. The faery dog gave several woofs. Immediately, the pair lumbered to their feet and scurried back into the forest with their tails between their legs.

Turning his head to regard the two within the circle, the magical dog gave another woof before heading toward the path that led to Hogwarts. Hurriedly, Severus followed, keeping close to the Fae until they reached school grounds. The enormous dog bared his teeth upon hearing the boy's grudging thanks and licked the cat's cheek before disappearing back into the forest.

Once the shock of the night's adventure wore off, Severus' temper flared hot. Stalking toward the castle, he said angrily, "Your owner is entirely too lax. Whoever heard of allowing a pet to decide whether they come or go? No offence, but you are a cat, damn it. Whenever you sleep in my bed there is no foolhardy roaming in the night. If Eris cannot keep you out of danger, perhaps the arrangement should be made permanent."

Inside the side entrance, a distressed mew brought his gaze down to the feline. Seized by an idea, he muttered, "Yes, I will summon her the moment we return to the common room, force her to face what leniency almost led to."

Remembering the time it had taken for his previous spell to work, Severus shook his head. "No, I should do it now, so she will be there by the time we arrive. Affere Eris!"

The Siamese began squirming violently, fighting his hold. In consternation, Severus allowed the cat to drop to the ground. His jaw dropped when the animal shimmered and grew and reformed into a girl.

Teeth chattering, Eris stood in bare feet, clutching her robe closed. He took a step back. In a voice that shook, she said, "Severus, let me explain."

-

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A/N: Hope the fluff in this chapter cushions the rocky road of the next one! I've used faeries and Puck in my fics before, but in this one, his "Hello, Kitty" was the result of Machiavelli Jr, using it in a review. :D Last week, the reviewers who inspired were ♥ 40/16 ♥ Arilla Rossi ♥ cupcakeswirl ♥ die Loreley ♥ ElspethBates ♥ Embellished ♥ FNP ♥ gothic-wildhorse ♥ GraceRichie♥ Machiavelli Jr ♥ Mollycoddles♥ NazgulGirl ♥ silver-pensieve♥ Slipknot-3113 ♥ Slytherin Love Goddess ♥ sunny9847 ♥ and ♥ The Ravishing Enchantress♥