Disclaimer.
J.K Rowling went out one day so I took her characters out to play.
We ran around, they laughed with glee,
All this fun and she works for free!
Mark Darcy, Jagqueen2, MSVanessa – I always look forward to your reviews. Thank you.
This is a bridging chapter – and for everyone who has been so patient – in the next chapter the kids take a trip, Christmas comes and a bit about the mystery surrounding Phaelan emerges – the actual story of Phaelan will come in the next few chapters. So sorry I took so long.
With a deep sigh, Severus settled into his favourite chair. It had been a long day. Monday's usually were, but this one was particularly drawn out. Pity, since it had been a pretty decent weekend overall, thought Severus. No fights in the Slytherin Common room. An excellent session in the Room of Requirement with the DA that allowed him to kick Potters arse...well singe it a little. A fine dinner alone with Phaelan Sunday evening and some satisfying shagging for afters. He frowned for a moment, he must make a note of that somewhere...Phaelan likes the smell of fine leather. He smiled to himself and sipped from his snifter of brandy as he stretched his feet towards the fire. Christmas was coming; perhaps Phaelan would like some leather toys.
A sudden thought clouded over his pleasant mental meanderings. Christmas...he had an adoptive family. He had to make their Christmas...bugger.
A searing pain cut through the rest of his thoughts. Pulling up his sleeve, Severus looked at his arm and hissed. He rose and walked to the cabinet where he kept his pensieve's. Concentrating, he removed the recent memories of Rebecca and Genevieve, leaving them in a large receptacle. Turning next to his second pensieve, he retrieved his modified version of the memory of the night he had tormented Phaelan to the point of injury. In this version, he did not remove the weight from her arms or inquire if she felt discomfort. In this version, she suffered every pain in excruciating detail.
Retrieving his Deatheater Robes and mask from his wardrobe, he quickly made his way to the secret door and left for the apparition point. He had a feeling Monday was about to become far longer than he could ever have anticipated.
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Dumbledore ushered Phaelan into his office and sat facing her in front of the fireplace. "Lemon Drop, Miss McKenzie?" he offered.
Phaelan smiled at the signature opening to a meeting with the Headmaster. "No thank you sir, I'm trying to cut down on processed sugars."
"Well, since I'm too old to care..." he responded just before popping a sweet in his mouth, "Now, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company my dear?"
"Sir, my upper sixth class has been working diligently since the beginning of the year. Their hard work has put them well ahead in the planned studies for this term." She began. "I am firmly convinced hard work and success should be rewarded with a tangible honour; something germane yet enjoyable. Something that will remain as a memory long after the reward has past."
Dumbledore nodded, "I quite agree, Miss McKenzie. Hard work and effort should be recognized. Did you have something in mind?" he asked looking over his glasses at his young teacher.
"Well," she said hesitantly, "the kids; that is the upper sixth have decided they would like a field trip."
"A field trip?" he asked, unfamiliar with the North American expression.
"Oh, what did they call it...an excursion, that's it. They would like to see a movie...a picture at the cinema."
"I see. Well, that presents some unusual challenges." He told her thoughtfully. "I'm sure our resident Auror and other faculty would wish to help, however. Do you have details?" he asked.
Phaelan looked at her boss for a moment weighing the options, "I had some thought on the matter but I need to put a little work into pulling everything together. I can put together an agenda shortly. I would also like to include the sixth years. Their studies almost parallel the upper sixth." She shifted in her chair, worried about her next topic.
"There is one other matter that pertains to the excursion." She started, "The matter of funding."
"Ah yes, there is always a financial aspect, is there not?" he asked rhetorically.
Phaelan sighed, "Sir, some of our youth are having a hard time financially. I don't mean that they have overspent their allowance from their parents. I mean...well...they have been left virtually penniless while they are here or their family is in financial distress. Frankly, some of the kids are afraid to write home and ask for cash."
Dumbledore nodded, "I am aware, Miss McKenzie. We have a payment plan set up for fees to be paid as instalments for the students to attend. There are more than a few delinquent accounts."
Phaelan frowned, "I would hate to leave any student out due to financial need, sir. If one goes; they all should."
Dumbledore chuckled, "Why don't you arrange a separate fundraising for your trip?" he suggested."
"Sir?" she asked aghast at the suggestion.
"How about this; a small fund raising event prior to the excursion, with mandatory participation for all who wish to go. You earn some money and the rest of the funding will come from the existing coffers that you have so exponentially grown with your singular efforts." He suggested.
Phaelan sighed deeply, "Okay; I'll work on it." She rose to leave but turned back, "Sir, about the security."
Dumbledore patted her shoulder, "It is a concern, but if all the students go; those whose parents are either in favour or out of favour with Tom; we are likely fairly secure. Do your research and let me know your final plans. We can arrange covert security by order members and you will have several members of the DA with you."
Phaelan shared a relieved smile; it had gone better than she had anticipated, "Thank you sir. The kids and I will work it out." She turned and opened the door.
"Miss McKenzie?" Dumbledore called, "When you do go, can you bring me back a large packet of the sweetened popcorn...Sugarkist I believe it's called?"
"You can count on it sir." She replied with a final smile before heading down the stairs.
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Draco was making his early rounds of the halls seeking out first through third years whose curfew was eight o'clock on weekdays. Pansy accompanied him; seventh years had a ten o'clock curfew. They were walking the upper battlements leading to the astronomy tower. Entering first, Draco made sure they were alone before pulling Pansy into his arms and wrapping his robes about her.
"Did you speak to Snape yet?" she asked.
"No, there hasn't been a chance. I'll talk to him this week, I promise." He told her then leaned his forehead against hers. "I wish I could stay for the Holidays too."
"Can't you?" she asked hopefully.
He shook his head, "Daren't, that would bring my father barrelling in here demanding to know why I was not sent home. Even if I played sick, he'd want me moved to St Mungo's or something." He pulled her over to the side and sat on the ledge. " 'sides, I want to see what's going on at home. I need to know where things stand."
Pansy stroked his cheek and turned him to face her, "Be careful, Draco. Don't get into something you can't get out of."
He shared a small smile with her, warmed by the look in her eyes. "Don't worry, luv. Everything'll be fine." He stroked her face in return and kissed her softly. He pulled back minutely to look once more into her dark pupils and drew her into his arms to kiss her as he had never done before.
They parted, panting, both slightly surprised at the feelings they were sharing.
"Draco," she swallowed deeply, "I...I...I'm so afraid I'll loose you. I think I love you." She told him in a timid voice.
Draco smiled and pulled her onto his knees to hold her even closer. "Never," he declared, "you can't get rid of me. I'm your Head Boy." He paused, "And... I think I love you too Pansy. I'll make things right, you wait and see. Everything's going to work out."
Pansy laid her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms about him as he cuddled her and whispered assurances into her ear. He only hoped everything he told her would come true.
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Severus apparated to the graveyard and stood with the other members of the inner circle. He took his place and waited for the arrival of their master. Standing in silence, he took the time to look around the assembly and saw several empty spaces. Goyle of course, Bullstrode, Crabbe, Davis and Jugson were gone as far as he could tell. Behind them, lower ranks of the faithful formed with spaces among their number as well. The missing followers foreshadowed an uncomfortable night.
Pettigrew entered the circle and took his place as the gathered Deatheaters fell to their knee to make their obeisance for the Dark Lords entrance. Voldemort entered and stood at the centre of the circle, silently scrutinizing those present. More importantly, he made note of those absent. Beckoning Peter to his side, he bade him present the list. Using his wand, Voldemort touched the parchment several times causing some names to rearrange.
"I am most aggrieved, my children. You have let your brothers and sisters slip from among you. Why have you not sought them out to return them to the purity of our circle? What transgression have they committed to cause them to flee our benevolence?" he approached Malfoy and pulled back the hood to stroke the blond hair. "Lucius, my shining one, where are your brothers in arms?"
Malfoy didn't dare to lift his eyes, "My Lord, I fear I have no knowledge of their whereabouts. I have begun discreet inquiries..."
"You must apply more diligence, loyal one. I expect you most of all, would want to bring them back to the fold for...proper disposition or retraining." He pulled up Malfoy's face. "Hire more spies." He rounded on the still kneeling Deatheaters, "I want all who are present to put your energies into finding and returning the missing brethren to me. If I don't see results soon..." he trailed off leaving the unsaid as a threat. "If any here suspect another of treachery, I expect you to come forward with a name. If I should come to know that you had knowledge of a traitor and did not divulge their identity, I shall hold you equally responsible...nay more at fault, for you had the power to prevent the treason and did not act."
He stood quietly in the centre once more and looked around the circle finally resting his eyes on Snape. "Severus, I have need of you this evening. I award you an audience in my private chambers. The rest of you; take heed, I will brook no more weakness."
Turning, Voldemort strode from the centre of the circle. Peter came to Severus and bid him follow.
"What is it now Scabbers?" Snape asked.
"I don't know brother, but Nagini is moulting and it always puts him on edge." He replied, hurrying Snape along. "He did say something about needing a diversion." He added quietly, sliding a secretive glance at the Potions Master who stumbled slightly and looked back at him.
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Phaelan was standing with Remus and Kingsley in the Room of requirement as half the DA went about their marshal arts exercises. The militia had now been formally split into two divisions based on their strengths. There was also a contingent of broom riding airborne, who were made up from the Quidditch players. They had been training with the Weasley twins at the Burrow every Sunday for a few weeks; Arthur had provided portkeys.
"What do you think Kingsley? Is there something else we could train them on? Something the Deatheaters might use we don't see at Hogwarts." Phaelan asked.
Frowning in thought, Kingsley tapped his lips with his forefinger. "Lupin, you've come across a few gatherings on the nights with a full moon. Is there anything you've seen?"
Remus shook his head. "Outside of intimidating masks, they carried nothing I could see." He replied.
Ron had been standing close and had overheard the question, "I saw something once." He told them.
"Well, go on boy, out with it." Kingsley demanded.
Ron swallowed and stepped closer to the teachers. "It was three years ago, the year He returned." He said referring to Voldemort.
"The year of the Triwizard Cup." Lupin clarified.
"Yeah." Said Ron. "It was at the Quidditch World Cup when the Deatheaters first showed up again. They were marching through the campsite where we were staying." He looked away and frowned, "They looked awful...terrifying. Anyway, as they marched through, they were each carrying a pole or something. It was long and thin and it had a pointed end."
Lupin and Shacklebolt looked at each other in realization. "Did they point it at anything, Ron?" Lupin asked.
At this, Ron grimaced. "I didn't see much more Professor. I was too busy trying to get my backside into the woods and away from them all."
Lupin shared a smile and clapped him on the shoulder, "Quite right too. You'd have been no match against them then. Now...well, you've come along way."
"Yeah." Ron smirked, "Oi, Dennis, not like that." He called and returned to training.
Phaelan turned to the two men beside her, "Well?"
"It sounds like either a magical quarterstaff or longstaff." He told her.
Phaelan snorted, "Like the boy scouts or Robin Hood?" she asked sarcastically.
"The magical quarterstaff is made from an enchanted wood such as oak or hazel and has a groove carved into it where a wand may be slatted in. It can also be used as a regular quarterstaff or Bo." Kingsley told her. "It magnifies any curse passed through the staff to make it effective over a wide area. A true weapon of war."
Phaelan thought about what he said, "Is there anyone who knows how to use one on our side?" she asked.
Kingsley now laughed. "Believe it or not, our very own Tonks is a Master of the art."
"Will she teach them?" she asked nodding at the youths behind her.
"Oh, I don't know, trying to get her to spend more time at Hogwarts might be a challenge." Teased Kingsley, enjoying the embarrassed blush on Lupin's face. "I'll bet she'll be here with bells and whistles on."
"Great," Phaelan replied, "I haven't had a chance to fight with a Bo in ages." She turned back to watch her students workout, looking forward to giving them a new weapon for their arsenal.
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Severus was ushered into the chamber that served Voldemort as a private sitting room and bedroom. He shivered unconsciously. There were memories of this room from when he was younger, much younger. Memories of a loss of innocence he hadn't thought was there to be lost. Memories that came unbidden in the wee hours of the morning when he was weakest.
"Ssseverusss, you have not attended me for a long time." The sibilant voice came from a darkened corner, "Have you missed my special times with you, precious one?" he asked seductively.
Severus answered cautiously, "I serve as you command my lord. It is not my place to yearn for what is not rightfully mine to want."
Voldemort glided over the floor, his silver dressing gown trailing behind him much like the train of a king's robe. "You were ever the one to avoid a direct answer, weren't you? Your father trained you well my son." Lifting his hand, he cupped Severus' cheek in a tender embrace then leaned forward and pressed an icy kiss upon his brow. "Come and dally with me Severus. I have missed you."
He placed his arm about Severus' shoulders and led him into an ante chamber. In the centre of the small room sat a solid low slung wooden table. The walls held shelving and hooks used to hold Voldemort's toys. This was the Dark Lords play room.
"Remove your robes, Ssseverusss, I long to see your pale skin once again. Are my marks still upon you precious one?" he asked tenderly. At Severus' silence and hesitation he raised his voice slightly. "Come, come now, no false modesty. We have far too much history to allow that. Don't make me punish you."
Severus swallowed and began to undress, watched intently by the deviant across the room from him. As he removed his shirt, Voldemort moved to stand beside him and stroke his back.
"Don't stop Ssseverusss, I have pictured this moment all day." He commanded before running his hands over Severus' shoulders and down his arms. Then as Severus pants were lowered, Voldemort cupped the buttocks and kneaded the muscles. "I've always enjoyed your body Severus. So fine and fair yet so resilient."
Severus closed his eyes and fought to breathe as his lord wrapped his arms around his waist as one would a lover and kissed his shoulders.
"Come sweet one," instructed Voldemort, "take your place on the table. You know the way."
Severus walked as though mesmerized. While trying to keep his mind a blank, Severus climbed on the table and knelt at its centre. He was barely cognizant of his wrists being shackled and pulled up by chains, of his knees being parted and fastened to the table by ropes.
Now cackling, Voldemort stood beside him and rubbed his abdomen, "It's been too long Severus, I have sorely missed you. We must make it a memorable evening."
"I saw the memory of your toy Severus; you must leave it in a pensieve for me. I should like to enjoy it again. You have learned well my son." Voldemort told him as though praising a bright student. "Now, where shall we begin? Ah yes..." Voldemort shrugged off his robe, sending it to hang on a hook to the side. He was now as nude as Severus.
"Accio!" he called summoning several objects at once which leapt into his hands.
Severus watched then closed his eyes to find some peace within before the torture began.
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Phaelan found herself falling asleep at her desk in her chambers. She'd spent two hours after meeting with the DA marking essays and reviewing her lesson plans. In the back of her mind, she was also trying to figure out how to come up with another fund raiser. They were becoming harder to devise. Maybe the same conniving group of teenagers could come up with something to do. It was their idea in the first place. She yawned and stood up stretching. After pulling clothes from her wardrobe and dresser, she grabbed a handful of floo powder and headed for the dungeons and bed.
Phaelan stepped out of the green flames to an empty room. Odd, she thought as Severus usually greeted her. Making her way into the bedroom, she checked the bathroom to see if he was soaking in the tub. With a sinking feeling, Phaelan returned to the bedroom and opened the door to the wardrobe to look inside. The heavy black cloak he wore to his meetings with Voldemort was missing. She shivered; for some reason she had a feeling things were not right. Flooing back to her own chambers, she pulled on her warmest clothing and made her way to the tower to watch for his return.
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Severus felt the tears stream down his cheeks. His back was aflame in pain from the lash. His buttocks were black and blue from the leather paddle. Other pain coursed through his body as well to the delight of his master.
Voldemort stood in front of Severus waiting for his attention. Severus saw the hem of Voldemort's robe and followed the fabric up to look into his face.
"You have done adequately tonight Severus." He walked away, "I have heard disturbing rumours about you and your Muggle. I hope they are not true. Tonight was just a reminder of your past and your future if you dare defy me. Stand up!" he ordered.
Severus looked at the floor and rose to his knees stopping at the pain coursing down his back and hips.
"I said stand up Severus!" Voldemort commanded and waited as the tortured man pushed to his feet. "You may leave. Remember what I told you and your brothers in the circle. I am impatient. There shall be no more failure." At the last word, Voldemort swept past Severus into his personal chambers and closed the door leaving him alone.
Turning slowly, Severus shuffled towards the corner where his clothes lay on the floor where they were left. Peter entered from a hidden door and approached him carefully.
"Severus, my friend, can I help you?" he asked.
"Don't touch me." Severus replied through clenched teeth.
"Of course not, dear brother...perhaps a charm... for your clothes?" he offered.
Closing his eyes in defeat, Severus nodded, "Quickly then."
Peter pulled his wand and waving it over the robes on the floor as well as the wizard said, "Corpus habili"
The clothing quickly arranged itself on Snape causing him further suffering at its touch. He bit back a groan, leaning a hand on the wall to balance himself against the wave of vertigo.
"Come brother, you must leave." Peter extended a hand to Snape who brushed it away. He took a step and stopped as pain washed over him.
"Lean on me Severus, come on." Peter pulled Snape's arm over his shoulder.
Putting his weight on Pettigrew, Severus managed to get to the front door where the smaller man gently placed the heavy outer robes around Snape's shoulders.
"I have created a port key to get you to the Shrieking Shack Severus. Once there, you're on your own."
Snape nodded and again leaned on Peter to get him passed the wards. Handing him a piece of Muggle newspaper, Peter scurried back to the house without looking behind. Severus pulled his wand and said, "Portus," while passing it over the paper. Moments later, Severus arrived at the Shrieking Shack and fell to his knees.
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Phaelan waited in the cold and dark for a figure to appear at the foot of the tower. The foreboding had not diminished as the evening wore on and as time passed the knots in her stomach tightened. A sliver of moon escaped the clouds to cast a dim light on the grounds. In the faint shadows cast by the meagre beacon, Phaelan saw a figure stagger towards the hidden entrance. As she had before, Phaelan ran to the dungeons and met Severus, seeing him slump against the stone wall and slide to his knees as she approached.
"Severus, I was so worried tonight. What has happened?" she knelt beside him and lifted his face to look into his eyes. His breathing hitched when she touched his shoulder. "You're injured. Let's get you to your chambers."
Phaelan pulled his arm around her shoulder and helped him to stand. "Just help me to my chambers then leave Phaelan. I can look after myself."
"I'll fetch Poppy when I get you settled." She told him.
"NO!" he growled through a clenched jaw, "I prefer to look after myself."
Phaelan was impatient with his pride. "Don't be stupid, you need proper care. More than I can offer. Let Poppy loo..."
"I SAID NO!" he insisted as they reached his chambers. When they entered, Phaelan led him to the bathroom and eased off his outer robe.
He gingerly lowered himself to sit on the vanity stool. "I will look after myself, Phaelan. Please return to your own chambers." He told her quietly.
Phaelan sighed, "Severus, you've been hurt. Let me help you at least get some potions, some dressings."
"LEAVE! I have not the energy to argue. Just go." he snapped.
Phaelan wondered what had happened to him to turn him so vicious but let it go for tonight.
"Alright, I'll just floo." She told him before standing to leave. "Should I send Dobby?"
"No, just leave me alone." He groaned finally.
Phaelan nodded and reluctantly left him alone. She flooed to her chambers and changed for bed. Suddenly, she realized she had left her clothing for the morning in Snape's rooms. Grabbing floo power once more, she returned to the dungeons. As she entered, she heard Severus swear loudly. Phaelan crept to the bathroom and looked in. She saw the bloody stripes on his torso and bruises on his behind. What drew her attention most was his posture on the bidet where he had squatted to apply a healing salve on his privates. She approached him carefully, looking for his wand. It was lying on the vanity. She quietly took it up before speaking.
"Severus," she called softly. He turned quickly, grimacing at the sudden movement.
"I told you to leave." He told her through his clenched jaw.
"Let me help you Severus. You can't do this for yourself." She insisted.
"I have in the past, I shall again. Now, stop your persistent prying and interference and leave." He shouted.
Phaelan walked to face him, "What are you afraid of? Admitting that Severus Snape can feel pain? That you are the same mortal, fragile human being as the rest of us? You've seen my worst in my mind and accepted me." She knelt and extended his wand in one hand and an empty palm on the other. "Am I not worthy to accept you as you are? Let me help you. I am your lover but...I hope I am still your friend and comrade too."
Severus closed his eyes against the tears of frustration that threatened to fall. With a final sigh he submitted to her plea. "This is the same salve I used on your ice burns. Use it here." He pointed to his groin and scrotum.
"And your back and hips?" she asked.
"The green jar there."
Phaelan applied the potions, which offered immediate relief to his body.
"Better?" she asked, wiping her hands on the face towel.
Severus nodded silently.
"He's done this before, hasn't he?" she asked quietly.
Again he nodded. Severus took a deep breath and rubbed his face with his hands. "It's been a few years since I was his subject of interest. When I was much younger...suffice it to say I was favoured by his attentions frequently."
Phaelan tipped his head up to kiss him lightly on the lips only to have him turn his head.
"No, I...I'm unclean, Phaelan." He stood stiffly and opened the medicine cabinet. He withdrew two phials; one held a brown liquid, the other large capsules. "Please, let me have some privacy"
Phaelan withdrew to the bedroom, closing the door behind her. She could hear nothing of what he was doing. Long minutes later, he emerged; pale, red eyed and obviously weak. Phaelan heard the sound of the toilet ending the flush cycle. She immediately understood what he had done.
"What do you want to drink? Is there anything I can get to settle your stomach?" she went to him and putting her arm around his waist, led him to sit on the bed. "I have a Muggle remedy if you don't have anything to hand." She was plumping the pillows for him to lie on and tried to ease him down.
He grasped her wrist, "Stop it Phaelan. This isn't the first time I've been in this situation. Just...Gods I feel like shit."
"Induced vomiting and diarrhoea will not heal you Severus." She told him.
He snorted, "I'm not so far gone as to believe it would." He paused and gingerly leaned back on the pillows. "I'm just not sure the bodily emissions from the Dark Lord are not toxic."
Phaelan sighed, "You should drink something." She told him lamely.
He shared a minute smile with her, "Perhaps one of your electrolyte balancing concoctions."
Phaelan smiled back, "Right away." She summoned Polly to get her supplies.
Later, Phaelan eased into bed beside Severus who had downed a pain relieving potion after having drunk the Gatorade.
"Feel better?" She asked quietly.
Severus nodded, "Yes, I'm alright." He told her, surprised at his own truthful response.
"Severus, I don't know what to say. " Phaelan was uncomfortable about confronting Severus with what had happened.
Severus understood her reticence to go forward.
"Phaelan, it is over and I have returned relatively unscathed. Sex is but a tool to the Dark Lord. The only pleasure he garners from it is in his ability to dominate another and control the conditions. I do not allow myself to feel demeaned by him. I submit and endure. I do not permit him to overpower my will nor will I surrender my soul to him as I once did." He held out his hand to her, "Submission is not enslavement – you of all people must understand this."
She took his hand and kissed his knuckles. "I will not let you push me away when you are hurt Severus. We've come too far for that. Please understand, there is very little that bother's me. I've see too much. I want to help you in every way I can."
"I've seldom had a more understanding partner. I concede to your wisdom my lady."
"Good, now let's get some sleep. If you're not up to teaching in the morning, I'll get Dum..."
"NO YOU WILL NOT." He told her firmly. "I have no class first period. I will attend the others."
"Okay," she replied soothingly, "Just let's get some sleep."
Severus eased down the bed until he was prone, "Yes, sleep...with you." He extended his arm and pulled her close.
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Phaelan presented Dumbledore's answer to the request for a class outing. She also shared her idea for the sixth years to accompany them.
"More fund raising Professor?" complained Parvati.
"I don't think there's a Knut not spoken for in the castle." Harry added.
Phaelan sat on her desk facing them. "Alright, I hear you." She called over the different conversations. Goyle, Crabbe and Nott were in a deep huddle. Phaelan over heard 'we can get him for...' and ' or else we'll'
She walked up behind them and leaned over "Extortion and bribery are not acceptable, gentlemen." They straightened and had the decency to be embarrassed.
Phaelan leaned on her desk again. She placed two fingers in her mouth and blew. The piercing whistle shocked the class into silence.
"Thank you." She sighed, "I have to admit coming up with another idea to get money was really hard but...well here's my idea; a slave auction."
"What?" asked Draco aghast at the idea.
"Oh. I've heard of those." Hermione offered. "People can buy your services by the hour or by the day."
"Yeah, that's pretty much how it works." Phaelan agreed.
"What can we offer?" Seamus asked.
Phaelan smiled, "Thank you Mr. Finnegan. You have brought us to our next topic. I want you to list all of the skills you have that might be helpful to another. Something you can do that someone else might have difficulty with. Then, think of things that other people might wish they could have someone else do for them and list those. These are the things that will go on the auction block."
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Thursday dinner was by normal standards, well attended. Phaelan noticed an extra body at the far end of the table where Tonks had joined Lupin. Her lurid blue hair stood out from the greys and blacks like a parrot's plumage in a flock of seagulls.
"Did you have Tonks as a student?" Phaelan asked Severus.
"Hmm." He replied in the positive around a mouthful of veal piccata. "She was in Hufflepuff same as her father."
"What was she like then? Did she do the thing with her hair?" she wondered.
Severus snorted, "Worse. Do you remember the hairstyles girls sported in that decade? We used to place wagers in the staff room on what abomination she would come up with."
"I like her. She's spunky." Phaelan told him decisively before polishing off the Parisienne Potatoes on her plate.
"Spunky?" Severus grimaced.
"Yeah, you know; just like me. We care SFA what people think once we've made up our minds."
Now Severus frowned, "SFA?"
Phaelan leant over and explained.
"Ah, yes. I must say however, you have her beat in that department." He decided.
"How so?" she wondered.
"You are willing to be associated with me in a very delicate and personal manner. I don't know of any other woman so inclined." He told her stealing a sideways glance at her face.
Phaelan smiled and winked, "They don't know what they're missing. Lucky me!"
After spooning the last of the feather light Mango Mousse into her mouth, Phaelan sat back and waited for the Headmaster to call the hall to order for an announcement.
Looking over at her, Dumbledore asked silently if she was ready and at her nod tapped his water glass.
He stood as the room quieted, "We have a brief announcement this evening of interest to the first through fifth year students. If you are as bright as I think you are, what is about to be offered could be quite advantageous to you. Listen closely. Professor McKenzie." He indicated Phaelan should continue.
Phaelan stood and allowed Severus to cast a Sonorous charm for her. "Thank you Headmaster. As part of their curriculum for Muggle studies this year, the sixth and upper sixth years are planning an excursion away from Hogwarts. This will be a day trip only. In order to defray the costs of the trip, your senior students will be offering a special fundraising event on Sunday afternoon. We will be having, what we used call when I was in college, a Slave Auction."
She paused as a murmur passed over the hall. "When you return to your houses, you will see a list of services that might be purchased by individuals or groups from your fellow pupils. As the Headmaster has indicated, this could be an opportunity not likely to be repeated again this year. Choose wisely. The slaves go on the auction block Sunday just after lunch. Oh and professor's and Mr. Filch...you are not excluded from bidding." With a final smile, Phaelan sat down and had the charm removed by Severus.
Argus Filch looked positively ill. What kind of stupid suggestion was that she made? Pay a student to do work that should be completed on detentions. That's what they were for anyway. "Come on Mrs Norris. We know where we're not wanted. This used to be such a civilized place to work." He told his companion as he left the great hall. "First they get rid of proper punishment now they're paying the little buggers to do things they should be forced to do for nothing. The place is falling to the gnomes I tell you..."
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"Flying lessons. You're offering flying lessons." Hermione looked at her boyfriend and his mate like they had sprouted horns. "This is supposed to be something useful. What good are flying lessons?
Ron was sucking on a Sugar Quill as he worked on his Transfiguration essay. "Think about it "Mione. You could have used a few lessons in your first year. If we get enough interest, we could scout out some players for next year."
"Yeah and we could see who is up and coming from the other houses as well. That way we can make sure we don't give them any useful tips for Quidditch." Harry continued.
Hermione was looking down the complete list for the auction, "Well, boys," she emphasized the last word, "it seems you're not so singular after all."
"Wha'dya mean 'Mione?" asked Ron.
"Draco and crew are offering the same from Slytherin, Cadwallader in Hufflepuff and Goldstein in Ravenclaw." She looked at them and shrugged. "Oh well."
Ron sat back and looked at his girl friend, "Just what is it you are offering Hermione?"
"Well, just, you know...hilf wit thr humrk n plnrs." She muttered as she bent to push her books into her bag.
"What was that, "Mione?" Harry asked with a teasing smile. "Parvati and Lavender are teaching charms for hairstyles. Ginny's offering house hold charms."
Hermione sighed and stood up. "I said, I'm offering help with homework and organizing their study planner's. I've even made some charts up for them."
Harry and Ron laughed at her serious expression. Seamus overheard and was laughing as well.
"You think anyone wants to pay for more work?" Seamus asked.
"Well someone might care." She defended herself. "You wait, I'll bet I'll have lots of bids." She lifted her book bag and walked to the stairs leading to the dorms.
"Yeah, they'll be lining up to be miserable for the rest of the year." Called Seamus to her back. Harry and Seamus continued to laugh while Ron, trying to remain faithful to his sweetheart tried to hold it in finally loosing the battle.
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"A slave auction; it borders on the bohemian." Severus told Phaelan as they soaked in his bathtub Saturday night.
"They're just supposed to be fun. I'll bet the kids'll get a kick out of it." She responded. "Any more of the prosecco?" she asked holding out her glass.
"Have you seen the list?" he asked as he poured the wine into her glass.
"Yeah. Pretty creative stuff."
Severus chuckled softly, "Filch is none too pleased. He took it as a personal insult that the teachers would pay for the students to do work he would have them do in a detention."
"Where did Dumbledore find him?" she wondered.
"I think he was an old friend of the family to the Dumbledore's. Albus always takes in the strays. Look at me." He replied.
"Are you bidding on anything?" she wondered.
He snorted, "Can you imagine the horror of having your offer bid on and won by Professor Snape? Come to think of it, it might be fun at that." He lay back thoughtfully. "No, I think not."
"What would you bid on?" she asked teasingly.
"I would pay a good galleon or two for the services of a lovely wench to keep me company." He replied in the same tone.
"Really...perhaps I should have put in a lot to be bid on. I'm sure I could have had a few bids for my company."
She suddenly found herself lying atop a hard male body who was very aroused. "You madam are not to be within the sights of any man to be bid upon as chattel. You are mine. Priceless and precious." He pulled her face to his for a kiss. "To bed wench. I have much to be about."
Phaelan rose from the bath and found herself dried by a charm from Severus' wand. Before she could turn to face him, Phaelan found herself in a fireman's carry on the way to the bedroom. With one sharp whack to her backside, Severus threw her on the bed and knelt over her.
He stared into the warm hazel eyes that let him gaze into her innermost thoughts. "Now my lady, what am I bid for a night of pleasure?"
Phaelan beheld the twin dark pools that had enthralled her from their first meeting. "Just everything I am, body and soul."
"Done."
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