~ Tuesday ~
I skipped dinner last night, using the excuse that I needed to rest. I have D.A.D.A. first period, so I needed to prepare myself. Entering his class for the first time since allowing him into my mind was like being stupefied. As soon as I stepped foot in the classroom, his eyes met mine. I felt the wind get knocked out of my lungs.
"I see you read my letter. Your walls feel stronger." His voice sent shivers down my spine. "Actually, Professor, I reinforced them prior to receiving your letter." His heart sank when I did not address him by his first name. I wanted him to know that I have not forgiven him, and that I was more than capable of strengthening myself without his help.
~ Wednesday ~
I don't have D.A.D.A. today, but I do have rounds with him tonight. He unfortunately did not pardon me from rounds all week, only on Monday. I stood outside his office, knowing he could feel me, so I didn't bother knocking. The door swung open, and he was still seated at his desk. I waited just outside the threshold; the thought of entering his office sent flashbacks of his betrayal to the forefront of my mind.
"Very well, then." He stood up and walked towards me. "I will not force you to do anything you don't want to do." He towered over me, his hot breath fanning across my face. This was going to be a long night, so I needed to lock the butterflies in my stomach in my drawers, where he couldn't feel them. He clenched his jaw as he felt me block him out.
"I would like my key back, Professor." I puffed out my chest as we walked the halls. "Back to formalities even in private, I see." He smirked. If I were standing in front of him, I would slap that arrogance straight off his face. "Would you like your name back, too?" I couldn't respond. My feelings towards him are so conflicting that it hurts to breathe.
~ Thursday ~
I have a double period of D.A.D.A. today. We are practising nonverbal spells again, so I was quite bored. I am quite adept at nonverbal magic; one of the perks of Legilimency.
I was helping Sabrina Pickett, a fellow Slytherin, with her technique when I felt the familiar chill of his voice ringing in my mind. "I would not normally allow students to help one another in my class, Hazel." He is still using my first name, but I won't roll over so easily. "Come over here and tell me off then, Professor." I quipped, knowing full well he wouldn't.
Though I meant "tell me off" in the literal sense, I felt a heat rise in my stomach that shot straight to my core. It was so quick that I didn't have a chance to hide it, and I know he felt it too. He had been watching over a pair of Ravenclaws when he abruptly turned on his heel, swinging his cape dramatically to cover his front, and returned to his desk. I chuckled, and he sneered.
~ Friday ~
I couldn't think about anything other than tonight's party. I even forgot that I had to endure one last class with Severus, which just so happens to be the last class of the day. I could barely sit still and had an incredibly hard time hiding my grin as I entered his class.
"Happy this afternoon, are we?" Shivers shot down my spine. I need to compose myself if I want tonight to go according to plan. "It is Friday, sir." I smirked. We have a test on the use and benefits of nonverbal spellcasting today. I was waiting for Dumbledore to arrive to cast my mandatory muffliato barrier. "Dumbledore is not available; he asked that I cast the spell." I should have guessed Dumbledore would tell him about that little rule.
Severus waved his wand, and the tests flew out to lay in front of each student. He glanced at me briefly. "Sit still." He instructed, casting muffliato nonverbally, and the whole class faded from my mind. I sighed in relief; it is always a welcome silence. I wasn't sure if I would still be able to hear him. This bond seems to defy the laws of magic. And space, for that matter. "This charm won't work on us." He confirmed. "Noted." I shuddered. Us.
I knew this test would be a breeze, so I was not surprised when I finished with thirty minutes to spare. I filed away every emotion I could that might alert him to my plan. As I stored the last lingering butterfly, I pulled out a snippet of the party tonight. I couldn't show him too much, only what was necessary. A flash of the Slytherin common room, filled with students drinking firewhiskey and butterbeer, danced across my mind. I quickly realised my "mistake" and stowed it safely back in my drawers.
He snapped his head, immediately meeting my eyes. He removed the silencing charm with a discreet flick of his wrist. "Miss Goldstein, if you are finished, you may leave." He ordered. I nodded and stood up to pack my things. "You will meet me for rounds tonight to make up for missing Monday." My back tensed. I couldn't make a scene. "That's not fair." I protested. "Do you have any other plans?" He knew what he was doing. "That's none of your concern, Professor." I began walking towards the door. "See you at eight o'clock, Hazel."
I should have known I wouldn't get away with being so sly. I moped all the way back to the common room and sank down in an armchair, waiting for Draco to return. Just as I was starting to get comfortable in front of the fire, the door swung open and he strolled in, looking as suave as ever. "How did you get out of class so early?" I asked, standing up to give him a quick hug. "We had a test; I finished early. You?" He was so pleased with himself. "Me too. Nonverbal spells are my strong suit." I chuckled.
"I have some bad news." I slumped back down in the armchair. "Please don't tell me you've invited any Gryffindors tonight." He sat down next to me, crossing one leg over the other. "Worse. Snape is making me do rounds with him tonight." I rolled my eyes. "That slimy, old bat. How late will you be?" His insults were starting to make more sense to me. "We are usually done by 9:30, sometimes later." I am going to walk as fast as Severus does to try to get it done earlier. I will run if I have to.
"Do you still need me for whatever game you're playing?" He tried to sound nonchalant, but he was practically begging me to say yes. "Definitely." I smirked. "When I return, I will get a drink and head down to my room. Follow me." I instructed. He stood up and bowed dramatically. "Anything for you, Head Girl Hazel." I stood and curtsied back, giggling.
"I'm going to skip dinner tonight. When you see Tas, tell her to come to my room before dinner." I called out as I ran down my private passageway. I have to shower and get changed; I need to be fresh for tonight. I laid out my outfit: a red lacy bralette that certainly didn't leave anything to the imagination and a matching G-string; a black, tight-fitting wool skirt that fell just above my ankles; and an extremely tight forest green turtle neck.
I was standing in my bathrobe in front of the fire, feeling very impressed with myself, when I heard a knock at my door. I waved my hand and Tas waltzed in, looking happier than ever. "Ready for tonight?" She was buzzing. "More than ever." I laughed, pulling her into a hug. "I will be late, though. I have rounds with Snape." She rolled her eyes. "He's such an asshole." Another insult that I had come to understand.
She walked over to my bed and gasped. "Is this what you're wearing tonight?" I smiled and nodded. "And who are these for?" She held up my bralette. "Myself, of course." I winked. I saw an image of Draco and me flash across her eyes. "And Draco." She gagged. "Maybe I will wear something sexy, too. Blaise has been following me around like a lost puppy this week." She mused. "Nice choice. He's hot." I decided to leave out the fact that I had caught him snogging Pansy a few weeks ago. After all, it would be better that she was distracted.
"Your personal assistant told me that you're skipping dinner." She was disappointed; she hates sitting alone. "Yes, sorry. I like to prepare myself." She shivered at the thought of being alone with Severus. I laughed internally, thinking about how I shiver when I'm alone with him too, but for a very different reason.
I got dressed and waited until I was sure everyone had left for dinner before walking into the common room. It looked amazing; all the chairs and couches that surrounded the fireplace had been moved to the outer walls, making room for a dancefloor. I assume Pansy and Sabrina were on decorating duty. I filled a tumbler with a double shot of firewhiskey and stood in front of the fire. I needed to calm my nerves before seeing Severus, but I also wanted him to smell it on me.
At 7:45, I made my way to his office, knowing that the students would be returning from dinner any minute. I sucked a sharp breath in when I felt him inside. I had expected him to still be at dinner. I pushed the door open, not waiting for him to do it for me. "You're early." He drawled, not looking up from his grading. "So are you." I jested. He still didn't look up, but I saw his smirk.
I walked slowly, with a slight sway in my hips, up to his desk. I wanted to be annoyed at him, but being alone with him again made my heart race. He finally looked up at me, and his mouth parted slightly, letting his eyes travel slowly from head to toe. "Hardly an appropriate outfit for rounds, Hazel." He tried to sound stern, but I felt the heat shoot to his groin just as it did to my core. "You can't seem to make up your mind, Professor." I was baiting him, and he knew it.
He stood up abruptly, causing me to jump. He kept his eyes pinned on mine as he walked around the desk and towered over me. My nipples hardened instantly, and he couldn't help but let his eyes drop briefly. "Is that firewhiskey I smell?" I bit my lip nervously. Another wave of heat bubbled up in my stomach and his. He cleared his throat and stepped back. "You are excused from rounds tonight." I was disappointed, but more so relieved to be able to get to the party early. It's just after eight o'clock; people would be arriving any minute. He glared at me, and I know he heard me think about the party. I smirked and spun on my heel. "See you tomorrow night, sir." I called out as I shut his door.
I burst into the common room with a grin plastered on my face. "Who's ready to get this welcome-back party started?" I yelled into the crowd. All the Slytherins were gathered around the makeshift dance floor, and they cheered, raising their drinks. Music was playing, and people were already taking shots of firewhiskey.
I joined Tas on the dancefloor, and she immediately handed me a tumbler with a double shot. "You're earlier than I expected." She bounced on the balls of her feet, excitement bubbling out of her. "The dungeon bat let me go, and I didn't stick around to ask why." I smirked, taking a sip. The second double shot in less than thirty minutes; this was going to be a great night. I did feel slightly guilty about how it would end for everyone else, but I was selfishly consumed by my own excitement. I could deal with the consequences tomorrow.
I realised that Severus would probably be overcome by curiosity, and come barging in at any moment. I had to act quickly. I told Tas I was heading to my room to go to the bathroom. "I'll be back in a minute." I kissed her on the cheek, and poured the firewhiskey down my throat in one gulp. I made eye contact with Draco from across the room and jerked my head slightly towards my chambers.
I didn't even make it all the way to my door before he wrapped his arms around my waist, pressing himself against my back. I moaned instantly, internally mumbling "Severus", and my door swung open. I was much more relieved to moan his name than my grandmothers. We stumbled into my room, and I made sure to leave my door slightly ajar. I let my walls come down completely, counting on Severus to be listening.
I lifted my arms, and Draco ripped my turtleneck off, laughing as it got caught over my ears. He pressed me against the cold stone wall and palmed my breasts. I gasped, throwing my head back, allowing him the space to latch onto my neck. He nipped, sucked, and hummed against my skin. I was moaning for Draco, but I was burning for someone else.
Just as Draco started tugging at my skirt, we heard the familiar roar of none other than Severus Snape. A few terrified yelps and the sound of students running to their dorms filled our ears. He was furious. Not at the party, but at me. My heart started to pound in my chest. Draco abruptly stepped away from me, panic smearing across his flushed face. "It's okay. Go!" I urged him. I knew Severus would be here any second.
Just as he reached for the door, it flew open, crashing against the wall behind it. Draco cleared his throat and stood up straight, trying to block me from view. Severus grabbed him by the collar. "I will deal with you later, Draco. Get out." He sneered, tossing him out of the room. He didn't have a chance to apologise to me, but I felt his guilt. He had no reason to feel guilty; I was the one who set him up.
Severus stepped forwards, waving his hand to shut the door, careful not to let it slam. I was still pressed against the wall, heaving. I was sure he could hear my heart hammering against my chest. My nipples were painfully hard, and I trembled as he towered over me. "You said you'd knock next time you came in here, Professor." Even in my mind, my voice shook. I gulped as he smirked. "You planned this, didn't you?" He stepped closer, so the tips of our shoes were barely an inch apart. "I wanted to make you feel as powerless as I do." I bit the inside of my cheek in an attempt to keep my composure.
"Tell me, Hazel. Who do you think has the power now?" He grabbed my jaw, turning it slightly to inspect the bruises Draco left behind. He was rough, but my core ached at his touch. He turned my face to look into my eyes. "I asked you a question." I could feel the heat rising in his groin, and I knew he couldn't ignore it this time.
"I do, Severus." He frowned, slightly tightening his grip on my jaw. "How long do you think you can ignore the fire that ignites your stomach when I am near?" I lightly traced my hand across his abdomen. I smirked when he flinched. "How long will you ignore the magic that surges through us when we touch?" I reached out and wrapped my hand around his unoccupied one. As soon as our fingers intwined, we felt the same sparks flood through us.
In a flash, he raised my hand and pressed it against the wall above my head. He slowly released my jaw and traced his fingers down my neck and across my collar bone. He hooked a finger under the strap of my bralette and snapped it against my shoulder, and I hissed at the sudden sting. He continued running his fingers down the inside of my arm, softly tracing the outer curve of my breast. I pressed my body ever so slightly closer to his.
"I knew you had little to no underwear on under that outfit." His voice was as ragged as his breathing. "Did you wear this for me?" All I could do was whimper. "I'll take that as a yes." His hand dropped to my waist, and I shivered. "I like you in green, but you look delicious in red." He leant forwards so his mouth was right next to my ear. "Do you want your key back now, Hazel?" I shook my head. I was a panting, whimpering mess beneath him. I couldn't handle this teasing any longer. I brought my free hand up to wrap gently around the back of his neck, tugging lightly so he would look at me again. I need to see his eyes.
"Your mind is mine, Hazel." His face was so close to mine that I could barely focus my eyes. "Yours, Severus." That was all the confirmation he needed. His lips crashed against mine, and I felt as though the universe had imploded in the most beautiful, earth-shattering way. We felt our magic meld together, flowing through each other's mouths, and down to the tips of our fingers and toes. It was like a rush of adrenaline that was so powerful it knocked the air from our lungs. I moaned when I felt his tongue swipe across my bottom lip, begging for entrance. The second I parted my lips and our tongues met, he growled. Merlin, that was the sexiest sound I have ever heard.
His tongue dominated mine, hungry to search every corner of my mouth. He rolled his hips against mine, and I moaned when I felt his rock-hard bulge press against me. I needed to be closer to him. Without breaking our kiss, I pulled my skirt down and kicked it to the side. I swallowed another groan as I brought my leg up to rest on his waist. Without hesitation, he grabbed the backs of my thighs and hoisted me up as though I weighed nothing. He pressed himself harder against me, his hand protecting my head from hitting the hard stone wall.
I knew I was dripping wet. I have never felt passion like this before. My barely covered nipples were scraping almost painfully against his robes. I tangled my fingers through his hair and tugged. He let out another low growl, dragged my bottom lip through his teeth, and moved his hands to cup my ass, squeezing tightly. I threw my head back, letting out a whimpering moan. He latched his steaming hot mouth onto the exact spot where Draco's had been barely ten minutes ago. "Still thinking about Draco?" He nipped at my sensitive skin. "Definitely not." I moaned as he sucked harder, marking me as his.
Rolling my dripping core against his fully clothed abdomen was not nearly enough. I was desperate for more. "Please, Severus." I didn't care that I was begging; I just needed him to touch me. He let go of my neck instantly and looked into my eyes. He felt guilty. "What's wrong?" I began to panic. I thought he was enjoying this as much as me. He set me down gently and stepped back. My legs felt like jelly; I had to hold onto the wall for support.
"Did I do something wrong?" Tears welled up in my eyes. "No. I did." He feels so ashamed and defeated. "No, you didn't. I wanted this." I stepped forwards and rested my hand on his cheek. "I was the one to start this, Severus." He closed his eyes and sighed deeply. "I am your professor, Hazel. I should have known better." He took my hand from his cheek, kissed my knuckles, and turned towards the fireplace. I followed carefully behind him.
"Please don't go." My whole body was shaking, this time from fear. Fear that he didn't want this, that he was rejecting me. "I did want this. That is why I have to leave." He turned to face me as he reached the fireplace and clicked his fingers. The same oversized t-shirt he gave me the night of my panic attack covered me instantly. My chin started to tremble as he reached for the floo powder. "We will figure this out; you have my word." He promised, stepping into the fireplace.
"Severus." I called out before he could drop the floo powder. He looked up at me. "My password is "Severus"." I stood on shaky legs in front of him, and I felt his heart skip a beat. "Smart girl." His heart was telling him to stay, but his mind was forcing him to go. He tapped the left pocket of his robe above his heart, where my key lies, and vanished.