Chapter 11
"Lexi," Severus' quiet voice broke the peaceful, perpetual silence that had fallen since their post-coitus coma. "I think we'd best show ourselves to the staff."
"Mm hmm," Lexi murmured into his chest, hugging their bare bodies closer.
"We'll be late for dinner," he persisted, although making no move to extract himself from her hold. "I'm fairly certain that Pomona and Minerva will gossip like old hags if neither of us show."
"Uh huh," she repeated incoherently, ignoring Severus' protestations.
She felt Severus wriggle beneath her in an attempt to initiate some movement, but Lexi's aching limbs preventing her from any form of undertaking. She giggled as he left out an exasperated sigh as he realised his protests were falling on deaf ears.
"You are an alluring creature." He sighed contentedly, as she nuzzled his neck. "I find myself surrendering my every whim to you."
"There are many ways I can make you surrender," Lexi purred seductively. "As I believe I have proven many times since last night."
"That you have," Severus growled, stroking the small of her back. "As much as I'd like to remain with you and have you prove it over again, we must attend dinner with the staff."
Lexi grumbled audibly, not wanted to leave the blissful bubble that she and Severus had created around them since the previous night. They're bodies had connected in a way she hadn't thought possible. Their bond was unlike anything she had experience before; even her years spent with Sirius hadn't engendered what she'd discovered with Severus in less than a year. She looked up and saw him watching her with a curious expression on his face, as though he didn't quite believe the sight before him.
"What is it?" She asked, propping herself up with her elbow. "You look as though you've never seen a naked woman before?"
"I can assure you that I am well-acquainted with the female anatomy," he assured dryly. "Especially yours." He added with a smirk.
"Well one would hope so, you conducted a fairly thorough examination," Lexi giggled.
"I adore your laughter," Said Severus gazing at her lovingly. "To know that I have caused it … I cannot tell you what that means to me."
Lexi leant up and kissed Severus deeply. Their arms snaked round one another, wrapping themselves in their own world. Severus moments later they pulled apart, breathless and wanting, although both of them knew where they wanted it to lead it seemed reality had begun to set in.
"I do apologise, I seem to have distracted you from the task at hand," Lexi said, stretching.
"While your distractions are most welcome, I fear we must return to the real world." Severus said, reluctantly extracting himself from her embrace and rising from the bed.
Lexi grinned mischievously as Severus tried to act disapproving at her lack of movement. He dressed himself in his familiar black attire, attempting to straighten his wild-looking hair so it didn't give away their passionate trice. Letting out an audible sigh, Lexi joined Severus and stood to dress.
"You had better return to your quarters and change," Severus frowned at her disheveled appearance.
"Good thing you pointed that out, I was going for the 'just-fucked' look." Lexi responded dryly.
Severus scowled at her, but the corners of his mouth twitched with amusement. "I shall have to get used to that smart mouth of yours," he said authoritatively, tilting her chin up to meet his. "I am not used to such defiance."
Lexi smiled pressed her lips lightly against his. "I hope you can handle me, Severus." She whispered seductively in his ear.
"I think I have proven myself capable of handling you," he replied huskily. "All of you, in fact."
"That you have," she uttered. "I think I had best make myself decent before you drag me into bed again." She kissed him on the cheek. "I'll Floo myself out, see you at dinner."
With great difficulty she left Severus in his room and entered his chambers, stepping into the grate and scattering the green powder at her feet. Seconds later she was brushing flecks of soot from her arms and ambled into the familiar surroundings of her staff quarters. The house elves had unpacked and stored all her belongings as they had been two years ago. Late evening sunlight was all that lit the room, basking Lexi in the intensity of the days' dying radiance.
She entered her bedroom and found all her clothes neatly arranged in the antique wardrobe. She chose a pair of tight black jeans and a burgundy lace top, ran a brush through her curls then plaiting it loosely. She washed her face and applied a small amount of make-up, trying to conceal her flushed cheeks that may give away her day of intense erotica. Once she was sure her appearance was passable, she left her quarters and made her way down the marble staircase. Returning to the castle this time had been a much less traumatic experience that the first. Much of her ghosts had been exorcised, especially since the revelation of Sirius' innocent. Even though it was tinged with the bittersweet memories of her time spent with Lily and the rest of the Marauders.
As she crossed the entrance hall she was met by the kindly and unassuming figure of Filius Flitwick. As her ever-suffering Charms teacher, Flitwick had suffered most at the hands of the pranks her; Sirius and James had performed in their time at Hogwarts. This was not, however, due to any dislike toward her Professor, but more so because he was a good sport and enjoyed a good-natured lark with his students.
"Oh, hello Lexi!" Filius exclaimed happily. "The Headmaster mentioned you'd be joining us again, but I didn't think it'd be so soon."
"Hello Filius," she greeted warmly. "I thought I was doing you all a disservice with my absence, so thought I'd return early."
"The staff meetings have been much quieter without you I must say," he chuckled. "How were your travels?"
"Out of this world," Lexi replied, holding one of the large doors open for Filius to step through. "China is incredible, I could have lost myself in the Muggle markets and ancient cities."
"The Far East has always held special intrigue for me," Filius commented as they strode past the rows of empty house tables up to the high table. "I sometimes wonder whether the Muggles are the magicians, and not us."
Lexi spied Severus seated at the far end of the table. Once again he wore his severe, unreadable expression that Lexi knew only too well. She averted her gaze as she felt a smirk tug at the corner of her mouth. She positioned herself in the vacant seat between Severus and Minerva. She embraced her former head of house warmly. Far from the stern professor she remembered from her school days, Minerva had become a confidante during her first year as a Dueling Instructor at Hogwarts. Providing her with confidence when hers faltered, her no-nonsense approach preventing Lexi's wallowing.
"Ahh Lexi, it's good to see you." Said Minerva, in a very business-like tone Lexi had become accustomed to.
"And you, Minerva." Lexi said, pilling her plate with scrumptious-looking vegetable lasagna and potato wedges. "You look well."
"Oh tosh, I look more haggard by the day." Minerva said with a small smile. "It's those blasted Weasley twins, I think I drew the short straw when they were sorted into my House!"
"I bet you said the same thing about Sirius, James and I." Lexi grinned. "And look at the gaping hole we left in your life when we graduated!"
"That's because I removed the memories of you three as soon as you left," Minerva said darkly. "I think I aged several decades in the seven years you attended!"
"I like to think we made your days more interesting," Lexi commented lightly. "I mean, just about how boring your job would have been had we not livened things up?"
"'Liven up' is an accurate summary, yes," Minerva remarked wryly. "I trust you have settled in well?"
"Yes, thank you." Lexi said, careful not to catch Severus' eye.
"I did come by your quarters this morning in the hope of a chat, but you weren't there." Minerva said innocently.
Lexi dropped her fork on the floor so she had to stoop to pick it up. "O-Oh, I – err – must have been out for a walk in the grounds." She explained feebly.
"Hmm," Minerva observed her with a frown. "You always were a terrible liar. But I shan't pry."
Lexi returned her gaze swiftly to her plate of food, feeling her cheeks burn.
"Have you appointed a replacement Defence teacher?" Lexi asked, trying to change the subject.
"Albus spoke with a candidate yesterday, but he hasn't said whether he appointed." Minerva said conversationally, although still eyeing Lexi will some suspicion. "I hear it may be someone from the Ministry though."
"I thought as much," Lexi said. "Scrimgeour eluded to me that the Ministry wanted tighter control on the school. He agreed with me, albeit furtively, that Fudge is in denial about Voldemort's return."
Minerva tutted and shook her head. "That will be his downfall, he cannot ignore what is right in front of him." She said disapprovingly.
"Fudge is the master of ignoring trouble if it means more work," Lexi said derisively. "Scrimgeour would make a better Minister, and he's about as charismatic as wet paint."
"Ever thought of going for the top job yourself?" Piped up Filius.
"Ha, gods no," Lexi laughed at the ludicrous notion of her holding such power. "I'd hate the thought of being on top."
A sudden snort of laughter came from Lexi's right. She turned abruptly and saw Severus sniggering to himself. Lexi bit her own lip to conceal her own amusement as the rest of the staff stared down the table in complete shock at the sight before them. Severus looked up at the bemused faces staring at him; his grin faded instantly and was replaced by a look of embarrassment.
"My apologies," he coughed, placing his knife and fork on his place.
He stood and left the Great Hall hurriedly. Lexi pressed her lips together in order to prevent laughter from escaping her. She felt Minerva's eyes on her; she tried to compose her features. She quickly finished her meal and bade her colleagues' goodnight and hurried from the room before Minerva conducted the Spanish Inquisition on her. Her footsteps echoed loudly as she headed for Dumbledore's office as per the Headmasters' request. Severus was concerned that her dreams were in the guise of something more sinister, so hopefully Dumbledore had some answers.
Once stood in front of the ornate door to the Headmasters office, she knocked and her heard a muffled 'enter' from within. She pushed open the door to see Severus and Dumbledore standing by a stone basin behind the desk. They appeared to have had an argument interrupted by her presence in the room. She frowned and made her way towards them.
"Ah, Miss McNaughton," Dumbledore greeted her happily. "It is so good to see you inside the castle once more. Please, take a seat." He gestured towards one of two empty seats opposite his.
"Thank you, Albus." Lexi said, taking the proffered chair glancing at Severus from the corner of her eye.
Severus took the empty seat next to her and, to Lexi's immense surprise, took one of her hands in his, then placing it on his lap. She furrowed her brows at the soft but serious expression on his face, there also seemed an air of apprehension about him. Dumbledore eyed them with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Now, what I am about to divulge to you cannot be discussed outside of these walls." Dumbledore said sternly. "For the safety of us all, you mustn't allow anyone to gain this information."
"Of course," Lexi replied, her curiosity piqued and she felt Severus squeeze her hand.
"You are aware, I am sure, of Severus' role as a spy?" He asked, clasping his hands on the desk and leaning forwards.
Lexi turned and gave Severus a reassuring smile. "I am," she said, stroking the back of his hand with her thumb.
"Severus informed me that, after a recent meeting with Voldemort, that he has become very interested in you." He said, observing her closely.
Lexi felt her heart rate begin to pick up. "I'm sorry – what?" She said, looking from Severus to Dumbledore. "Why on earth would Voldemort be remotely concerned with me?"
"It seems your old friend, Pettigrew, informed The Dark Lord of your relationship with Potter." Severus explained disgustedly. "He wishes to use you to –" Severus broke off.
"What is it, Severus?" Lexi said softly, leaning closer to him hoping the proximity would soothe him.
"He wants to … make an example of the resistance with … you." He voice broke as he spoke.
"M-Make an example of me?" Lexi said, feeling fear grip her. "H-How?"
Severus took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving hers. "When the time is right for The Dark Lord to reveal him self he –" he broke off, his gaze shooting towards Dumbledore. "- I cannot do this! I cannot tell her the fate that awaits her."
"What is it?" Lexi said loudly. "Will you please tell me what is going on?"
"Voldemort wishes to use you to reveal his return," Said the Headmaster rather more bluntly than Lexi would have liked. "When the time comes, he will take you and attempt to kill you."
Lexi began to tremble violently at the enormity of what Dumbledore had just revealed. Nobody lived after Voldemort had decided to kill them, and the notion that he desired her role in his big theatrical reveal sickened her to the core.
"W-Why me?" She stuttered as cold chill washed over her.
"Potter," Severus stated from beside her, his hand still clasping hers. "You and Black are the last the boy has of anything resembling a family. You are his godmother, respected Auror and a Hogwarts teacher. If he killed you … it would devastate those who fight against him. You embody everything the resistence stands for and it was cement his return."
"N-No, he …" Lexi shivered, turning to Dumbledore hoping he could offer a miracle solution. "Albus?" She pleaded.
"I cannot offer much in the way of comfort," Dumbledore said serenely, despite the severity of the conversation. "Voldemort has yet to disclose the finer details of his intentions, but I daresay that he will divulge vital information to Severus with time."
"Since when has The Dark Lord become predictable?" Severus hissed. "How can you be sure he will reveal anything?"
"He trusts you, Severus.' Dumbledore replied calmly. "He would not have told you of his plans for Miss McNaughton if he did not."
"That's all the comfort I'm being offered?" Lexi shouted. "That Voldemort might say something to Severus and, ta-da, I'm saved!"
"We have time," Dumbledore said calmly, which annoyed Lexi even more. "Voldemort will want to capitalise on the Ministry's lack of action. It will allow him to operate under the radar, which is why Severus' job is so important."
"I cannot believe your flippancy, Albus!" She shouted, her heart pounding. "The only person to have survived Voldemort is Harry! Everyone marked by him met the same end!"
"I will not allow anything to happen to you," Severus assured, turning her face towards his. "For as long as I am with you, I will do everything in my power to protect you."
Lexi brought her hand up to meet his. "I know you will," she said in a softer tone, feeling her anger waver. "Is this … why I've been seeing … my father?" She added, feeling her eyes well.
"Voldemort, it seems, is implanting memories and emotions from the most horrific event in your life," Dumbledore answered. "Which brings us to the subject of Occlumency."
Lexi looked up, thoroughly puzzled. "Occlumency?" She queried. "I received a small amount of interrogation resistance training when I first became an Auror, it included Occlumency but I don't recall doing anything substantial."
"I will train you to close your mind completely to outside influence," Severus said. "It will prevent anymore nightmares and stop The Dark Lord accessing information about … about us."
"Us?" She quizzed. "What has our – relationship, got to do with Voldemort?"
"If he finds out about … us," Severus said with some urgency. "Then my position will compromised."
"I … can't deal with this right now," she groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Why can I not have a normal life?"
"The answer to that one eludes us all," Dumbledore answered. "I cannot offer certainty, but know this, you have many people who will do everything in their power to keep you safe."
Feeling a sharp pain begin to radiate from her forehead, Lexi stood up and headed towards the door. Severus made to follow her, putting his arm round her shoulders protectively. His touch comforted her instantly.
"I think this is enough for tonight, Albus." Severus said firmly. "We will see you in the morning."
Lexi was steered from the room before she could respond. Severus led her back to her quarters, where a warm fire greeted them. She followed him into her bedroom, where the sheets had been turned back and the room was lit by a collection of dimly lit candles. Severus pulled off his robes, trousers and shirt then climbed into bed. Lexi followed suit, then positioned herself in his arms next to him. He pulled her closed, running his hands through her hair and kissing her forehead. Love suddenly overwhelmed her, and the notion that Severus could be torn from her at any moment spread panic through her.
"Don't leave me," Lexi whispered desperately. "I could not bare it. Promise you'll be with me?"
"Always." He uttered.
