After proving to Madam Pomfrey that he was fine, and getting some privacy to change into his normal black robes, Severus, with a gleam of anticipation in his eyes, was worried. What if he was hated by the entire school? What if Harry had explained his situation? Would it matter? And what about his room? Did Bethany find any... unsavory things while cleaning?
He ran a quick inventory of his room in his head. The worst thing he had was a photo album Lily had given to him years ago. He sighed in relief. He didn't believe in keeping dirty possessions, especially when one had no lover, or had the possibility of having guests. It always led to problems. He entered the mostly rebuilt hallway, and was met by Bethany, or Professor Timble, as the students called her.
She was dressed in a long emerald velvet dress, with a matching cloak. Her orangish hair was pulled up in a ponytail, with her bangs surrounding her wide face. He didn't mention her heavy eye makeup, which gave a clue to her last occupation. It didn't suit her as well. Her lips were pulled up in a smile, and she hugged him as tight as she could.
"I'm glad you're better. I've got great news!" she hopped up and down like a child. In actuality, she was probably wired on sugar and pumpkin juice.
She took his hand and led him down hallways that were so familiar to him. She dropped it soon enough, though. Severus was surprised to find he was a bit disappointed at this. They walked by students, who all seemed happy at seeing her, but their smiles dimmed at the sight of him.
"They're just a bit nervous. After all, when you play double- agent, someone's bound to get hurt." she didn't look at him when she said it, but he knew it was directed to him all the same.
They made it to his chambers, and he opened the maple double doors to find it wasn't quite as changed as she made it seem. Yes, everything was cleaner, but nothing was drastic. She even added a few things, like pretty curtains, and a chaise lounge against a far wall. His living room was neat and tidy, with a slight feminine touch, and driftwood from the Black Lake burned green in the fireplace. The doors to her room, with a small sign tacked on, were open.
They revealed a small bed with green satin sheets and bed spread. Lace curtains hung from the window, and Bethany pushed him ahead before he could get a good look at the shiny thing in the corner.
The doors to his room were open as well, and light poured in from open
windows. His eyes betrayed surprise. The green silk sheets were wrinkle- free and pulled taut in hospital corners you could bounce a sickle off of. The pillows he used were drowned in the new green silk and black lace throw pillows. The iguana that was found was in his cage, albeit a bit annoyed. His writing desk was organized.
His robes were hung neatly in the wardrobe, and his personal effects were neatly arranged. His photo album of Lily was on his bookshelf, with its own bookends to separate it from the rest of his tomes. A framed picture of his mother and himself as a child was hung on the wall. And, best of all, everything was CLEAN!
"This is so... kind, Bethany. Thank you," he was shocked to say the least.
"Not really. I just couldn't have you come to live in a half- destroyed room." she sat on the couch, and tucked her legs under her, which drew Severus's attention to her long, pale legs.
"H- have you gotten your teaching supplies?" he changed the subject.
"Not yet. I thought we could go together, since school term begins tomorrow. I can't WAIT to start!" her joy was evident as she looked up at him with those glittering violet eyes.
"Very well," he took his traveling cloak off the coat rack next to the door. "I believe a trip to Diagon Alley is in order."
After helping Bethany put on her traveling cloak, Severus led her off Hogwarts grounds.
"You do remember the Leaky Cauldron, correct?" he glanced down at her. She was so SHORT without her heels!
"Of course! I'll meet you there!" she twirled gracefully and disapparated with a pop.
Severus Snape sighed, and stepped into the void of apparition.
It was going to be a long day.
He apparated in a London alleyway with a loud crack, and looked about. It was raining, and he pulled his hood up. Severus saw that Bethany was no where to be found. He jogged his way to the Leaky Cauldron, getting strange looks from the muggles on the sidewalks. Upon entering the pub, he found Bethany, chatting away with the barkeep, Tom.
It was clear that Tom found the redheaded woman to be attractive, as did a few wizards at a table. They nudged each other and gestured at her obscenely behind her back, mostly with what they would do with her.
'Of course they would,' Snape thought bitterly. 'She IS very... appealing.' He disliked their rudeness and their attentions toward her. He decided he would teach a thing or two to them, and he walked up to her.
"We best get going, dear Bethany." Snape murmured in her ear, and a blush crossed her face, hot and pink. The wizards at the table looked at each other, and Severus felt a bit of pride.
Here he was, boldly taking Bethany's hand to go shopping. Almost like a date. An almost date with a beautiful woman. He shook the thought from his mind.
"Right, I'll see you later." she waved goodbye to Tom, and Tom leaned against the counter.