Chapter 16- Unforseen Amusement

In all honesty, this party brought back many painful memories that Snape wanted to remain buried. He grabbed his black dress robe and magically combed his hair. The only thought getting him through the night was cock blocking students and taking away points. The thought of potentially ruining this night for other people, put a smirk on his face. Slughorn's parties were notoriously known for hookups and that meant punishments such as detentions and house points.

Once Snape arrived at the Slug Club Party, he noticed Potter hiding behind the curtain with McClaggen. Snape always knew Potter was a bit off seeing as though he never had a girlfriend or wasn't the typical ladies man like his father and godfather was. One would think he would go through girls like quill ink being the "Boy Who Lived" but he never did. Snape needed to convey a message from Dumbledore to Harry so he figured he was go ahead and get it over with. Making his way toward the curtains he noticed that Harry was trying to escape, but once he drew back the curtain revealing Harry and Cormac, McClaggen threw up what looked like Dragon Tarter on his shoes. Snape was furious but remained calm. He glared at McClaggen and informed him, "You've just bought yourself a month's detention McClaggen…" Snape notices that Harry was trying to sneak away and adds rudely, "Not so quick Potter." He steps away from the curtain and faces Harry.

"Sir, I really think I should rejoin the party. My date…"

Snape cuts him off and states, "can surely survive your absence for another minute or two besides I only wish to convey a message."

"A message?"

"From Professor Dumbledore, he asked me to give you his best and he hopes you enjoy your holidays. You see...he's traveling and he won't return until term resumes."

"Traveling where?"

Snape gave Harry a blank stare and walked away. Snape always knew the boy was noisy, but did Potter honestly think he of all people would give him information. "Idiot! Just like his father." Snape mumbled to himself. Looking into Potter eyes, Lily's eyes, sent a sharp pain into Snape's chest. As if the night wasn't hard enough already, Snape had sick all over his black dress shoes. Snape pulled out his wand and was about to wave it over his shoe when he saw her. Tonks was looking at him smiling. She had obviously saw what happened and just thought it was the funniest thing. He rolled his eyes at her and looked down, "Scorgify" he thought and the sick cleared away. He couldn't help but take a second gander at her appearance, and thought she looked nice with her lavender hair.

"Take your hands off me you filthy squib!" Draco was being forcefully pulled in the party by Flitch. Snape couldn't help but roll his eyes with annoyance.

"Professor Slughorn sir, I just discovered this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor. He claims to have been invited to your party." Fitch explained to Slughorn, hoping for some authoritative backup.

"All right, I was gatecrashing...Happy?" Draco confessed rudely.

Snape entervined quickly to hurry and remove Draco from the situation. "I will escort him out." he made sure to sound irritated.

"Certainly professor." The tone is Draco's voice angered Snape because he sounded as though he was going to get off easy. Snape grabbed ahold of Draco's arm and left the party to take care of the little brat.

Once Snape and Draco left the party, it kicked back up as if the interruption did not occur.. Tonks was sipping butterbeer and observing the party like an outsider. Sure she felt welcomed and included in the Hogwarts family, but she had to keep a certain appearance because of her Auror status. Afterall, she was at Hogwarts on business, not pleasure. Hagrid approached Tonks already a bit knackered. He slapped his hand on her shoulder roughly and obviously unaware of his half giant strength.

"Yer Avin' fun Tonks?" Hagrid asked.

"Sort of, but you more than me." Tonks joked.

"Maybe some drink'n will 'elp yer a little."

"I don't think that is such a good idea." Hagrid gave her a shocked expression because he had seen Tonks on numerous occasions just as drunk or even drunker than he. Noticing his shocked expression, and she didn't want to come off judgemental she explained, "I am on Ministry duty at the moment." Tonks knew that it was hard for her to let loose in front of all the students of Hogwarts and it was her job to keep them safe.

"We all are at work, but I guess yer jus waitin' on the next party."

"Something like that." Tonks stated while suddenly distracted. "Good catching up Hagrid." She noticed Snape returned. He headed straight for the bar which seemed unusual because Snape usually remained professional around students. She couldn't help but wonder why all the Hogwarts Professors drank on the job. Deciding to take Hagrid's advice, she walked to the bar toward Snape.

As she approached the bar, nerves began to flutter inside of her. The few encounters Tonks had with Snape were not the most appropriate, and not to mention extremely awkward. "I guess great minds think alike?" Tonks said jokingly. She figured a joking approach would be better to help ease the tension.

Not even turning around to acknowledge who was behind him, Snape commented, "You simply cannot believe a life of sobriety is possible with the way events are unfolding."

"Definitely impossible." Tonks agreed with a grin. "Well drinking and great company is definitely a requirement."

"You are delusional to ever associate me as great company. Unless you're insinuating that you are great company."

"Oh c'mon Snape, I can't be the worst you've hung out with?" Snape didn't respond. His face was blank and completely emotionless. "Really? I'm that bad huh?" she hinted trying to get him to show some kind of way he was just joking, but he remained silent. She was about to walk off because clearly he was not in the mood to be civil. Knowing Snape, Tonks knew that he was going to make everything difficult and would be the last person to ever meet someone halfway. She began to confess, "Look Severus I…"

"You have no respect for personal boundaries." Snape stated rudely. He was not in the mood to talk to anyone."

"How so?" Tonks started to lose her temper. "Oh I see. This is about me saving your life the other night. I guess the next time I'll just let you bleed out in the snow."

Snape turned to face her. "For your information, Nymphadora, I'm talking about when you came into my chambers and attacked me."

Snape had always been a straight forward, cut to the chase kind of man. Her face turned bright pink and she was unable to hide her embarrassment, but being the firecracker Tonks was, she didn't give Snape the satisfaction of making her uncomfortable. Knowing this conversation was going to be an awkward one, Tonks thought she would just rip the band aid off quickly. "I will admit I was not my true self that night, and I am deeply sorry I made you feel violated, even though you did reciprocate it back. So to use the word "violated" is a bit overkill."

Snape sneered at Tonks making her feel even more uncomfortable. She had no idea how he would respond. "I suppose… I accept your apology," Snape responded, and he noticed her perk up at his response. "but on one condition." He added.

"What might that be?"

"If you happen to see me lying on the ground unconscious, you will respond as you were trained." Snape stated dryly.

A grin spread upon Tonks' face and she agreed, "Deal." She didn't know what it was about the potions Professor that made him joyus to be around, but it was the only thing she looked forward to lately. Snape was a deep, complex man that felt like a constant jigsaw puzzle to her. A jigsaw puzzle that was constantly entertaining, yet infuriating because everytime she felt she was getting somewhere the puzzle started back at square one. If having to apologize and discuss an awkward situation kept whatever was happening between them going, Tonks was willing. She often wondered if what happened in his chambers was the reason she hadn't seen him around. "I haven't seen you around lately, is everything alright with you? I've been extremely worried about you and how you've been feeling."

"I've been busy. The end of term is hardest on us professors. I've actually been meaning to speak with you." Snape stated. "I wanted to thank you for helping me the other night. I apologize for my rudeness at your aid… You caught me off guard."

"Completely understandable, I'm just glad I found you. You were in a horrendous state."

"That is just the price of living a double life."

"Do those type of…situations occur often?"

"Unfortunately...yes. I've had my fair share of the Dark Lord's wrath."

Tonks shook her head in disbelief. Thinking to herself why would people follow such a corrupt leader that punishes his loyal followers.

They drank their beverages in silence for a short time. Snape remained facing forward, but his eyes peeked over to catch a quick glance at Tonks. Being a typical man with needs and desires, Snape couldn't help but notice her feminine curves and contours. He tried to get a sneaky glance, but of course Tonks noticed what he was doing. Feeling caught he decided to complement her.

"In case no one tells you, you look nice tonight." Tonks knew that it took a lot for Snape to complement her, but she was shocked that he would complement her all together.

She figured he was just trying to be nice and asked, "You really think so? Or are you just trying to make me feel better." As soon as she said it, she immediately regretted it. Tonks could've just thanked him and ended the awkward encounter, but she just had to make him suffer.

Snape rolled his eyes with annoyance. "You have me confused for someone else if you think I will stroke your ego. Besides...if you want reassurance, look at all the students gawking at you."

Sure enough when Tonks looked around there were a lot of teenagers staring at her hungrily. "Gross" she said out loud. "You never know Severus, they could be crushing on their charismatic potion Professor." Snape looked disgusted as well and rolled his eyes. "I'm serious! You clean up good! I remember plenty of girls that had the hots for you in my year." Tonks giggled. She loved how easy it was to make Snape uncomfortable.

"Can we not talk about hormone confused teenagers? I would actually like to keep down my mead." Tonks brought her finger to the left side of her mouth and pretended to zip it shut. "What convenient timing. The party is almost concluded and we need to head to our patrol locations." Snape commanded with a little pep to his step. He seemed all too excited to get to work.

"You seem excited."

"Why wouldn't I be? It's a great night to take away some points."

Tonks rolled her eyes. "You enjoy this entirely too much."

Snape nodded and turned away from her. Before he was out of hearing range, Tonks shouted, "Hey Severus!" Snape turned around listening."Are you coming to the staff after party?"

"I suppose."

"Great! See you in a little while."

Snape looked annoyed to Tonks, but little did she know that a smirk appeared on his lips once he turned his back on her. He would never say it outloud, but Severus Snape was actually enjoying himself.

Tonks must of taken over 200 house points away with the most being from Hufflepuff. There was just entirely too many sexually frustrated teenagers now days. She made her way back to Slughorn's party to finally let loose and have some fun. When Tonks had returned to the party, Snape had already made it back and was talking to McGonnagall. She walked over to the bar and ordered a Firewhiskey. She glanced around at all of her old professors and couldn't believe where she was for a moment. Hagrid was going to fall over unconscious at any given moment, and Flitwick was dancing alone in the middle of the room.

Snape was walking toward the bar and passed Hagrid on his way over. Snape of course rolled his eyes at the ridiculous site of a blacked out half giant.

She was excited to finally be able to let loose since it was now the professors time to party.

Tonks sat down next to Snape and asked with joy, "So how many points did you take away tonight?"

Let's just say, I live for nights like this." Snape said with a smile and after finished off his drink.

Wow, Severus Snape actually enjoying himself, what a rare sight." Tonks joked.

Snape looked into Tonks' eyes, making Tonks feel uneasy and stated seductively, "I can be unpredictable at times."