It was once again the weekend, and time to get out of bed. Procella groggily yawned, and stretched off. It was strange, she thought. After her 'share session' with Snape, she expected a lot of things.

One was his utter anger at not being informed of her past, as it was very much need-to-know information for him, being a spy for the Order and all. As reluctantly as she appeared to believing otherwise the day before…

Second, his insistence that she tell everyone about it. Something responsible as 'it is your duty as a professor to inform the headmaster of this in detail, as it will no doubt shine a light on the previous movements of the Dark Lord, and bring relevant information to light.' Strangely enough, he didn't act the least bit responsible, and didn't even mention what he had seen. He did look al little shaken up…but didn't say anything about it. All he did was give her permission to use his calming and dreamless sleep potions. And that could be for any reason, she thought. And he did say Madam Pomfrey was barely competent at potion brewing. Perhaps he wanted to state his expertise over the Medi-Witch, or seem superior to someone else.

Again.

Thirdly, some sort of pity. After what he had experienced, seen, felt through her, as potent as the day they were 'made'…she thought he would at least show some concern. But he just looked outraged and scowled furiously. So at first, yes, she thought he was angry. And she believed it even more when he stormed out of her room.

But he came back. He came back, and gave me his…services? He had also given her a free pass into his private quarters at any time she wished. He said he would lower his wards for her, so…was that his version of a welcome mat? Or an invitation?

Again, the sun beaming through the window glared at her and made her think back to the matter at hand.

Getting her ass, out of bed.

Again, she yawned and scratched the back of her head as she walked into the bathroom, for a much needed shower. She showered, washed her hair, wrapped it in a towel, wrapped another towel around her body, brushed her teeth, and washed her face. By the time she entered her room again, there was a big smiling face waiting for her.

Nymphadora Tonks, sister of Bellatrix Black and Narcissia Malfoy, had her short bubblegum pink hair spiking out enthusiastically, a 'Weird sisters' shirt with dark purple long sleeves, and the main body of the shirt a lighter purple. She also wore the two purples as stripy tights, flat heel witch boots with purple laces, and a knee length dark purple bustle skirt. It looked like a straight dark purple skirt at first, but had lighter purple layers 'bustled' up at the back, in the fashion.

You look like one of the students… her eyes were wide, and she snorted quietly in her mouth. Tonks narrowed her eyes at her playfully, and folded her arms. It was then Procella noticed she also had the dark purple lipstick to match, and her nails were painted this colour too. Was this a result of your metamorphic power?

"Yeah…and good morning to you to." She huffed, and then looked her over. "Breakfast isn't too far away you know…"

I will just get dressed then. She chuckled, and walked over to her wardrobe. It opened with a flick of her hand, as she dried her hair slightly with the towel on her head. And than you for coming to see me. It's nice to see you.

"Well, you did look a little…different yesterday. But the way you looked dress wise, rocked!" Tonks then jumped up, and bumped up next to her, examining her wardrobe. "I liked your style yesterday…made plenty of guys drool."

I was in a…state yesterday. But I will dress normally again, I assure you.

"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Tonks took her hands, led her to the bed, and sat her down. "Stay, sit." Procella pouted comically as Tonks attacked her wardrobe. "I just had a WICKED idea!"

oh boy…

"Hay! Jeez, be a little more enthusiastic why don't you!" Procella chuckled, until she saw the gleam in her dark eyes and the wand in her hand.

Aimed at her. "Ready?"

No.

"Well…too bad!"

She should have been here by now… Severus was sat at the teachers' table, awaiting Albus to arrive.

Him, and two other members of staff…one being someone he couldn't care less about…the other the Wandless magics professor. He had to use one of those sleeping droughts on himself to get to sleep last night. Images of what he had seen in her mind kept playing in his head, demanding his attention. He, yes, Severus Snape was at a loss at how to conduct himself now. That woman had been though a lot, not as much as he had, but still more than anyone else he could think of. Even Albus in a personal sense. Albus had never been in the position for the Dark Lord to pressure him into doing anything he wanted, or more often than not, forced to bend to his will.

But Consensio has. Right now, whether she knew it or not, she was the closest thing he had to someone else who understood the strain, the mental anguish and physical stress of maintaining your own freewill and sanity around the Dark Lord. He had at many times in his long life, stopped and thought if it was worth it. If it was just easier to give in to him and do as he wanted. It wasn't as hard as resisting him, and his orders.

I mean really, what was another dead Muggle to him? He had killed many before even thinking twice about his role, so why stop now?

He did stop, and he stopped because he was strong enough to stop. Others around him were weak, and killed to 'stay safe'. He was not, and prided himself on his resolve, his peace of mind, and strength.

But she had that strength too, she persisted until the very end. She resisted the Dark Lord, never gave into him, not once.

Unlike myself… he growled, and then just sighed. He hadn't joined the Dark Lord and become a death eater solely to bring him down like he did now. In the beginning, he had done it loyally, served him loyally…and killed for him loyally, without question.

No, the questions only occurred to him later on, when he was alone at night, truly dawning upon the magnitude of his choice…his damnation.

And then, only then, did he have the strength to go on, and not continue down that path of suffering. Only to take a different path of pain. It wasn't easy to get where he was now, and now was no easier than before. But he knew his place, his purpose and was in a way, in control of his own life now. A life, he didn't have before. If you can call this a life. He sighed again, and looked up. Isn't that damned fool here yet? Where is he? Giving out lemon drops to first years?

As if on cue, he at last entered the hall.

But he didn't come in alone. Great, the putrid pink aura fairy of the Order rejects is grinning like a fool again. He rolled his eyes, and stopped in mid action.

Because a third person followed them.

"And I shall be announcing the upcoming Valentine ball next month, on your behalf?"

"That is just great Headmaster. And my other proposal? I saw Professor McGonagall this morning and she has approved it."

"Then I shall also." Tonks then grumbled and looked to her other side. Her arm was hooked ridged around her friend's arm, and she had to drag her out of her room.

I can't believe you did this to me! Procella looked down, noticeably away from the head table, and shied behind her. "Procella, come on. You look great!"

I do not look great! Procella pulled her arm back, and stomped her foot like a child.

It was then, all eyes zoomed across the hall to focus on her.

Including the dark ones of the potion's master.

"You do look great, red really suits you!" But Procella wasn't listening. Her emerald eye was frozen towards the table, locked with a blank faced Professor Snape.

Red high heel shoes, secretary semi transparent black tights, a thigh high red dress, soft, clung to every voluptuous curve of her body, held her breasts tight, had thick straps off her shoulders, leaving her upper arms, neck and cleavage bare for all to see. Her scarlet outfit matched her lips, which were now slightly parted in shock, her golden hair curled over her right eye and bouncing with life, and red eyeshadow on her eyelids, which faded out the closer it got to her perfect blonde eyebrows. Her eyelashes curved up with mascara, and she had a red handbag slung over one shoulder. "Hay, Snivellus is looking at you. Strut your stuff and make him drool. I bet you can do it." Tonks whispered in her ear cruelly. Procella didn't look away, but shuck her head. "Oh go on. Go for the kill, that is what we women are good at."

I…I can't move! Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she held her hands by her sides. I hardly look appropriate for breakfast! "Oh come on. We are off to Hogsmede for a real day out today. That makes it appropriate. Now sashay your ass over there, and stun him!" before she could complain, Tonks pushed her forwards, and gave her little time to compose herself. In the end, Tonks had to hook her arm again, and draw her attention from Snape. "Anyway, Albus said he will make that announcement for us we were talking about."

Really? Are you sure about this? Her plan had worked. Procella wasn't looking at Snape anymore, and walking fluidly and normally once more. Tonks had to resist smiling when she naturally swayed her hips in the alluring dress, and chuckled over a joke about getting Minerva to pull Albus' strings for the dance. "I go my separate way here, see you after breakfast." Good bye. They waved off, and Procella kept her show stopping smile, until she turned. She was now facing Snape, stood right in front of him with only the table between them.

Everything was so different now. He wasn't just the man who had scared her and made her feel nervous from the moment she first got here. He was Professor Snape now, and had a hold on her. He had seen into her mind, her soul, felt what she had felt. He had a piece of her in him now, and knew her better than even Tonks did. But he probably doesn't see it that way. She thought, the link between herself and Tonks terminated for the time being. She didn't want to transmit her thoughts, after all.

Snape had been gob smacked from the moment he first saw her enter the hall in that! There should be a law against things like this… He had watched her shocked expression, showing him clearly this wasn't her idea. That powder-puff fairy's no doubt. Then when she swayed her hips, and her hair bounced with each step…he gripped at his knee under the table, and couldn't stop his eyes from drinking down her perfect body down to her…

It was then he forced himself to look up, glad his face had been blank and hiding all his real thoughts from everyone.

And here she stood, looking down at him as if expecting a reaction.

"Good morning, Consensio." He nodded, and looked down the table at Albus, seemly dismissing her. He heard a relieved sigh, and heard her move. He looked down into his knife, and saw her reflection. Procella sat in her chair, pushed herself in, and also looked down to Albus, who stood.

"Good morning, good morning. Yes, indeed it is." Another sensational speech to come I see… Snape looked bored already. "I will keep this short for all you ravenous students…and teachers." He looked down the table, and winked to Snape.

Well he was bloody furious!

What the hell did that old fool mean by that? He kept the façade of calm however, and sat back in his chair, as if ignoring the blatant attempt to insinuate something…"As you will already know, there has been a larger request for regular balls for the holidays and celebrations. This request has been granted, and the first of which shall be the St Valentine's Day ball on the Tuesday the 14th." Manly the girls, but some boys started a murmur excitedly, and died down when Albus raised a hand. "Now, as you will have seen, there has been a notice about a unique poetry competition has been posted on your common room notice boards. On it, are the times and other details of the ball, other than the newest addition." He cleared his throat, and looked down the table to Tonks. "A resident Aura, and the heads of houses, and possibly some of the other teaching staff, will rotate duties of supervising ball dancing lessons." Procella smiled, but looked alarmed when she saw Snape clench his fists on the table so tightly, his knuckles didn't just look white.

They looked like they were going to burst through his skin.

Oh of course. She thought. He is the Head of Slytherin. He will have to take the dance lessons at some point…oh… she came up with an image of Snape with a rose in his mouth, twirling around in the hall in an Italian shirt and dance trousers. She chuckled, and gulped when Snape span his head towards her, and glared furiously.

You forget, Consensio, we still have a sufficient mind link to share thoughts AND images. He spat at her mentally, making her shrink back in her chair. She looked down, and was grateful when Albus spoke again. "The first session shall take place tomorrow afternoon in the same hall where the Yule ball took place. The lessons shall be split into house pairs." Please sweet mother of Merlin no! Albus, don't you dare! Procella chuckled, but was silenced again with a quick glare. "And so, tomorrow the Heads of Gryffindor." Not Slytherin. Not Slytherin. Not Slytherin. "And Slytherin will teach their students of all years." Procella suddenly saw an image of Albus being throttled by Snape, and gulped. Those certainly weren't her thoughts… "So obviously, Professors McGonagall, and Snape will lead that lesson. For those houses, they shall take place Sunday afternoon, Monday evening, and Thursday afternoon. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw shall have the same arrangements with their heads of houses, on Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday evening, and Saturday morning. All times are now on your common room notice board." He beamed, waved a hand, and food appeared all over the hall. "Now that has been said, please, eat." He sat down, and chuckled to Minerva.

"Albus, do you realise Severus is trying to kill you with his glare again?" She chuckled with him.

"I fear, I expected no less, my dear. I would not be surprised in the foggiest, if I were to also receive either a very controlled letter or confrontation from our potion's master, before the day is though on the matter."

Bastard!

Snape! That isn't very nice…

I am not a very nice man. He grit his teeth, and turned his glare to Procella. One look at her state of dress, and he snarled. And is that any way to present yourself? Hormone levels from the pimpled teens discovering puberty are already a handful to handle, without you parading yourself around like a common whor-

Snape stopped himself. But it was too late. The look of hurt already flashed over her face, and she looked away from him to her plate. He sighed with frustration, and wished he could just go straight to his rooms.

He started to serve himself some toast, and saw her get the same. He growled. I am angry. He stated. Procella looked up from buttering her toast, and looked to him.

I accept your apology. She then quickly added before he could stop her. And I assure you, this was not my idea.

The human Nymph? He spat, and raised a brow at her. She frowned softly.

Don't call her that please. Her name is-

Do I look like her name is any interest of mine?

no I suppose not… well that killed the conversation. She shuffled uncomfortably, and crossed one leg over the other, knee on knee. She pushed her hair behind her, not wanting to get food on it, and took a bite out of her toast.

Humph. She heard, and looked over to him. Trying to woo someone, are we? He said rather coldly…

No. why would you ask?

You look like a-

This isn't my idea! She found herself screaming at him, swallowing her food quickly and looking as defiant as she could, with her nerves. She was still very jumpy around him. And he still made her nervous…

I highly doubt you simply stood there and had no choice in what clothing you were dressed in. he rolled his eyes at her, and drank from his goblet.

Actually, that is rather close. She looked away from him. I sat there as she waved her wand at me. Then she wouldn't let me change, and dragged me down here. So excuse bloody me if I look like a whor-

You should have told her not to, with that meagre link of yours.

If that would have worked, do you think I would look like something you would pick up in a back alleyway? They locked eyes, and for a moment didn't look away.

You don't look that bad. She blinked at him surprised. Did he just…give her a compliment? She opened her mouth as if she was going to question him, when her arm was hooked, and she was dragged unceremoniously from her chair.

"Well, sorry to interrupt you two…no wait. I'm really not." Tonks looked challenging at him, and put her free hand on her hip. "This time, don't follow us on the train, jump out, and chase Procella down a street."

He followed you on the train? "Oh yes. And it seemed he was looking for someone, or you, from the moment he got on it." Procella then looked to Snape, who had also heard her mental thought. But he didn't bother to explain himself. "Now, if you don't quite mind." Tonks led the way, and let go of her blonde friend. This gave her time to pick up her bag, and catch Snape's eyes on her.

Don't stop breathing this time. He stood up, and brushed himself off. I will not be there to force you to take breath this time. He said curtly, and stood in front of her.

"You are in my way. Move, please." He didn't sound like he meant it, which he probably didn't, and she blushed. Before she could stop herself, her hand rose to her lips and touched them in memory.

He had given her mouth to mouth, and kissed her to enter her mind though passion… Snape's eyebrow shot up from the mental images he just got of himself, on her bed, kissing her. It was a thought of a memory, but he was still…intrigued? Maybe not, maybe just…curious. Upon seeing his facial expression change, she gasped and quickly turned on her heel. She walked as fast as she could to her friend at the door, but was stopped with a hand on her arm. Slowly she turned, and looked immediately to the strong pale hand on her bare arm.

Skin on skin.

The strangest feeling came from this, unlike all the other times. She wasn't…scared this time. Did this tingling mean she was nervous anymore? Or not? "Your bag, Consensio." She looked up, and saw her red handbag in his other hand. "I have no time to deal with lost items, I do have better things to do with my valuable time." He droned, and raised a brow. She hadn't moved. "Consensio?" finally, she took the bag from him, albeit slowly, and gulped.

Thank you. She nodded her head, and turned to leave. But he hadn't let go of her arm yet… "It seams, as you are the future head of Gryffindor, we shall be teaching that ridiculous dance together tomorrow afternoon." He snorted. "Whoever came up with that 'smart' idea surely needs to think before they propose such preposterous time wasting activities. How absurd, teaching students how to 'dance'. I for one, have more important things to do, such as actual work." He rolled his eyes, and sneered. When he heard no reply, he looked down at her. She had her green eyes looking away (although he could only see one), with a sad frown on her face.

it was my idea… he raised his head slightly, not sure what to say next. How would you continue from such a dead end? He had the aim of talking with her, having a conversation…how did it go so wrong so quickly? Is this how the Weasley boy felt? He always seemed to put his foot in his mouth.

Not, that Snape had put his foot in his mouth, of course. And you are still holding my arm… this time she was blushing, but the frown didn't vanish. He looked to where he held her arm, and looked at it with as much confusion as she had originally. It was odd. He had felt perfectly comfortable with his hand on her, and hadn't even realised he had done it. Probably fro, habit. He was used to having to grab her by now…

Snape released her eventually, and cleared his throat. "Consensio." He nodded, and began to walk towards the door. Only for Procella to walk next to him, and he looked around the hall. All eyes were on them, the dark spectre from the dungeons, and the heavenly Greek goddess with legs like a deity… He was so glad he had closed his mind to her from the moment he cleared his throat. Where the hell did those thoughts come from? He was puzzled, and didn't even realise what he was doing. They reached the door, and he opened it. He was still puzzled by something, or deep in thought to outsiders, as he stopped and held the door open.

Oh, thank you professor. He then sapped out of his thoughts, and realised what he had done.

He had just opened the door for her.

Like a gentleman.

Like, a sodding, gentleman!

He mumbled something incoherent, but a type of acknowledgement, before following her out. There, he saw Lupin and Tonks waiting for her.

"Ready to go? I can't wait to have a female opinion after all thee years of Aura service on an outfit!" he laughed, as if she had made a joke, and Remus chuckled too.

"And I have made it my day's aim, to take you into Madam Puddifoot's café. She does the best coffee you could ever imagine." He chuckled again, innocently.

But a brooding professor scowled angrily again. Having to be the one to stop students from 'shenanigans' after hours in dark classrooms, he knew just what that café was for. It was for couples, mostly students, but knew that over the years courting teachers had gone there too. He clenched his fists at his sides, and was as of yet, unnoticed by the three stooges, as he called them.

Though Procella didn't really count as a stooge… "Nymphadora was the one to introduce me to it."

"Well, I had been there when I was younger you see." He blushed, especially when Procella smirked suggestively at her. "SO." She struggled to gain control. "We shall be going then? Unless you have any business to finish up?"

"Actually." Snape screamed at himself. What the name in Circe are you doing? "I had failed to inform Professor Consensio, that she had yet to hand me report."

"Report of what?" Procella knew just what he was talking about, from the way he gave her a quick, but discrete glance. But he hadn't asked her to write one for it…

"Staff chores are not any relevance of the resident child coddlers."

"Why you rude son of a b-"

"I suggest." He cut her off. "You reframe from using such course language in the presence of children." He nodded towards the slowly leaving students from the hall behind them, with a smirk.

"OOoo!" Tonks seethed. Lupin decided to interrupt.

"Then perhaps she could either owl, or have the report sent to you when she returns." Remus reasoned. But Snape smirked cruelly.

"That is to assume, the good professor has actually attempted the report yet. Have you, Consensio? Do not lie to us now. I happen to be a skilled Occlumist, Ms Tonks is an Aura, and Lupin a grown Marauder. He has grown up with liars." He smirked even more, his fathomless eyes twinkling with evil mirth. Lupin looked furious at the insult to his friends, Tonks ready to throw a gasket, and Procella scared out of her wits. She took a deep breath, and then shuck her head. "Ah, like I thought. You choice in company is clearly having an adverse affect on your priorities."

"Now see here Severus." Lupin stepped between Snape and the girls. "If it is that much of a problem, surely she can do it when she returns."

"No. I am very sorry, but alas, it can't be helped. I simply must have the report on my desk in an hour. And that is an impossible feat with Ms Consensio off the premises." He then turned his this-cat-got-the-cream smirk to Procella, and folded his arms confidently. Like he had won some kind of game, a prize. "I fear, you will have to come to my office and write out the report immediately." He said as if it was enjoyable to simply say.

"Oh you bastard!" Tonks spat, and pushed her sleeves up. She then started to charge towards him, when Procella hooked her arms under her shoulders. "Let me go! I will give him something to smirk about!"

"Not here, Nymphy." Lupin sighed, knowing he was defeated for now, and ran a hand through his tawny brown hair. But as a 'grown marauder', and making the memory of James and Sirius proud, he began to formulate a vengeful plan. All while smiling innocently. He sighed, and took the still furious Tonks from Procella. He wrapped his arms around her, as she was still hell bent on scratching his eyes out. When she was transferred safely, Lupin looked to Procella with a frown. "Looks like we can't save you from this one old girl." He gave her a sorry smile, and she nodded to him with a 'thanks anyway' smile. Lupin dragged Tonks off, but not before Procella stopped them and looked with an impish smirk to Tonks. Snape raised his brow at what he mentally heard.

Look at it this way 'Nymphy' (smirk grew), you get to go to a lovely little café, alone, with Remus Lupin. Oh however will you survive it?

"That is just so-OOoo! I will get you for that later!" Procella chuckled and waved them off. She then watched them leave, and sighed happily. Her eyes left the door, and she looked down at herself. Now I guess I really look inappropriate. Walking around Hogwarts like this isn't a great example to set, or a fair impression to give. She then blushed. And I can hardly go down into the dungeons dressed like this. What would Snape think?

Procella chuckled to herself, and turned to Snape. Unknown to her, he had heard all of that.

Does she think she is dressed too good for my dungeons! We shall soon see to that!

"Come, follow me."

Shouldn't I change first? She walked with him until they were in the great hall, and she didn't follow him to the dungeons. He then stopped, and glared at her. "I think you have wasted enough of my time for one day, don't you?"

But you never asked me to write you a report. She frowned, seeing 'no' wasn't an option. He then walked back to her. "What is wrong Consensio? Would you much rather be in a romantic, suffocating café with Wolf boy? Rather than my cold, foreboding dungeons?" he grabbed her wrist roughly, like he was used to, as was she by now, and led her down into his dungeons.

Oh great. I am dressed like a horny angel, alone, with Severus Snape, locked in his dungeons, HIS realm, for Merlin knows how long. What is this really all about? Why would he want me to do a report, when I didn't do anything? He didn't ask for a report-he doesn't need one! He is the spy, not me. I don't report to Albus, or the order. So I don't do reports to them either! She started to panic as he took her down into the lower, chillingly colder levels of the dank dungeons. Why is he bringing me down here, when he doesn't need a report, and insisting I come right now! Before she knew it, she was thrust into his office, his wards having accepted her, like he promised, and the door clicked behind her. Oh Merlin…the door just locked. He's locked me in here with him, in his office! She span round, and saw Snape. He was leaning with his back against the door, his arms folded, and smirking darkly at her. A lump suddenly rose to her throat, and she gulped loudly to swallow it. Oh Merlin. What have I just walked into?