Outside The Rain

Women's Intuition - (Oneshot, 13+, 2,140 words.) Minerva tries getting Severus to ask out the new professor. Romantic fluff. A companion piece to Send Me an Angel but can be read as a stand-alone piece without context. (Tumblr link)

XOXO - (Oneshot, 18+ for smut, 3,165 words.) What do two horny Hogwarts professors do when their work schedules keep them apart? They sext via owl, of course. But Severus finds it increasingly difficult to focus on the task at hand... (Tumblr link)

Birthday Fantasy - (18+ for smut, 1,997 words.) Part of At Last, posted in celebration of Sev's birthday. Severus tries to keep his birthday a secret, but his girlfriend insists on celebrating. (Tumblr link)

Wicked Game - (18+ for smut, 3,391 words.) Part of At Last, posted in celebration of Valentine's Day. For the first time in his life, Severus Snape has a Valentine. The only problem is, she's too bloody busy to celebrate. Late that evening in her office, he makes sure they more than make up for it. (Tumblr link)

Keep Quiet - (18+ for smut, 1,272 words) Part of At Last, posted in celeberation of Alan Rickman's birthday. There’s a new teacher at Hogwarts… and he has the hots for Sev’s girl. Though he tries not to let possessiveness get the best of him, Severus can’t help reminding her who she belongs to. (Tumblr link)

For Educational Purposes Only - (G-rated fluff, Snape x Charity Burbage) It began as yet another of Dumbledore's tedious assignments. "Field research" with Professor Burbage on Muggle courtship. But somewhere between the wonders of Tube travel and Muggle cinema, the lines between academic research and something decidedly more personal begin to blur.

Professional Development - (18+ for smut, 4,581 words, Snape x Reader) Your sixth-month performance review as Potions Teaching Assistant at Hogwarts has just concluded, and you head down to the dungeons to properly thank your boss for his positive assessment. The cauldron is steaming. The sex is even steamier.

The Potions Professor's Perfect Assistant - A collection of smutty tales about Sev and his un-named teaching assistant. Some will be Snape x You (female reader,) some from Sev's POV. Each can be read as a stand-alone piece. No plot here, just smut!

🖤✨🖤✨🖤✨🖤✨🖤✨🖤✨🖤✨

   "You'd be surprised. He's actually quite the romantic, it seems. Stella is a lucky lady."

   Nigel flashed his cheeky grin at her. "I'd say he's the lucky one in that duo! Speak of the devil..."

   Stella had popped in to put a note in Beth's inbox. "Not talking about me, are you Nige?"

   "Only good things, Stella Belle! Miriam tells me you've got a romantic evening planned."

   "Mmm-hmm. Oh, we're going to Hogsmeade for the afternoon, did you want me to ask Stevie about that dress for you?" she asked Miriam.

   "Only if it's no trouble."

   "No trouble, I need to pick up something there anyway. Well, see you tonight, I think we're meeting at the apparition point at seven?"

   "Yes, seven. See you both tonight! I've not been dancing in ages, I hope I still remember how!"

   "If not, we'll just enchant your feet," Stella said with a wink. "Bye, Nige. Behave yourself."

   "No promises!"

   Stella took her leave. Once the clicking of her heels had faded away, Nigel grabbed the papers from his inbox and said goodbye to Miriam. "I've just remembered I need to send an urgent owl. Have a lovely evening!" He left, heading briskly for the owlery. Thanks for the intel, Stella Belle. Very useful info indeed...

********

   Once they were off castle grounds, Severus took her hand, and they had a nice walk into Hogsmeade. Springtime was beginning to make its return; the weather was still chilly, but the sun was bright and the sky clear. Lovely as the day was, however, Severus was on his guard, looking out for the creep who'd been following Stella last Thursday.

   Thankfully, the dodgy bloke seemed to have disappeared, and they had a leisurely stroll through the village, browsing through the shops. Stella was looking through a cabinet of jewellery in one corner of Alice's Antiques when Severus wandered to the other end of the shop to peruse a shelf of books.

   "Hello, lovely to see you," Alice said to Severus. "Those just came in; this one might be of interest." She pulled a leather-bound volume called Musickal Magick for Potiones, and handed it to him. He looked it over with interest.

   "Thank you. I'll take this one actually, if that's alright."

   "Of course! I'll just leave it at the counter for you. By the way..." she lowered her voice to a whisper. "Has she seen it yet?"

   "No, not yet. Soon," he replied quietly, with a slight smile. 

   "Ahh." Alice gave him a knowing smile and headed to the counter.

********

   Severus couldn't bring himself to accompany her into the lingerie shop. It just seemed... wrong. What if a student saw him? Gods, I'd never hear the end of it in lessons. Instead he spent some time in the bookstore across the lane, where he'd at least be nearby if that creepy bloke showed up again. After a while, he saw her through the bookshop window, heading out with a large bag. He very much looked forward to exploring the contents later...

   She was just stepping out of the shop when a man in long robes and a big hat appeared as if from nowhere and snapped a photo, the sudden movement startling her. He disappeared as quickly as he'd come, leaving Stella stunned on the shop steps, blinking from the bright camera flash.

   Severus swooped over, putting a protective arm around her and drawing her close. "Was that him?"

   "Yeah. God, he came and went out of nowhere. He must have apparated. Who the hell is he?"

   "I thought perhaps it might be... someone from my past. But I don't recognise him."

   "I'm actually getting scared now. Why does he keep taking pictures of me?"

   "Don't worry, darling. I won't leave your side. If he comes back he's going to regret it."

   "Should we go home?"

   "No, let's not allow some creep to spoil your day. I'll make sure nothing happens. Besides," he said, "I did promise to buy you something pretty."

   Stella still felt a bit unnerved, but Sev seemed sure it would be alright. I guess once you've dealt with the Dark Lord, some creep with a camera is child's play. "Well, if you insist... Stevie did say she had some new things in..."

********

   "So then I slapped the hell out of him, right there in the middle of the dance floor. It made the papers the next day. I still have a copy somewhere," Stella said over the table at Dillinger's. "I haven't watched any of his movies since."

   Orion and Miriam were laughing heartily at the story. "I had no idea she was such a spitfire, Severus!" Orion said, wiping a tear from his eye.

   "You don't know the half of it," Severus returned. "Ask her about last year's Yule Ball."

   The sommelier brought over more wine, sparing Stella from having to share that thrilling tale.

   "That's just gorgeous," Miriam said, pointing to Stella's necklace - the one Severus had given her, the one that had belonged to his mother.

   "Thank you. It was a very generous gift," she said, giving Severus an adoring gaze.

   "Marching earrings as well! He really does spoil you properly, doesn't he? You should take notes!" she said with a laugh, looking at Orion.

   "Is my scintillating company not enough?" he answered back merrily.

   "Oh, it's lovely, dear. But diamonds - or emeralds - are a girl's best friend..."

********

   The ladies room at Dillingers was nearly the size of Stella's chambers, including a powder room with a row of ornate vanities. Stella was sat at one touching up her makeup after the meal, thinking how nice it was to be out with friends.

   "Your dress is gorgeous," said the woman at the vanity next to her. "You had a beautiful one last time as well, I recall." Stella looked over to see the striking image of Narcissa Malfoy, delicately patting powder onto her face. "Is it a Stevie Drysdale?"

   "It is." She smiled politely. "Good eye."

   "I love her designs," Narcissa said. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't I see you in an ad for her boutique? In Witch Weekly?"

   Stella began to blush. "Oh, um... well, Stevie's a friend of mine, she talked me into it."

   "Lovely." She turned back to her mirror. Stella carried on refreshing her lipstick in her own mirror.

   "How did you and Severus meet?" Narcissa asked after a moment.

   Stella wasn't sure how she should answer.  Honestly, I suppose. "We met at Hogwarts."

   Narcissa's eyes widened a bit. "Hogwarts? You must be a professor, then?"

   "I teach the new music classes."

   "Ah. You... don't sound like you're from around here."

   "Oh, I'm not. I moved here from the States."

   Narcissa gave a hmm of acknowledgement. "It's good to see he's doing well. I suppose you must know... I owe him quite a debt of gratitude. It would be nice to thank him properly sometime."

   Stella wasn't sure what to say. She knew Severus had absolutely no desire to have contact with the Malfoys ever again. Narcissa continued. "Well, if he ever fancies a chat, do send an owl." She stood to leave. "Have a lovely evening, um... sorry, I didn't catch your name?"

   "Stella. You as well." Stella watched in the mirror as Narcissa left the room. God, that's twice now. Do they live here or something?

********

   Severus watched with smug pride as Stella returned to the table. She looked ravishing in her dark green gown, and he was quite pleased that she'd worn the jewellery. His mother never had, and it seemed pointless to keep it tucked away in a box, never to be seen. He recalled once as a young child, his mother had shown it to him, and said he could give it to a very special lady one day in the future. Well Mum, here she is, he thought. An unexpected pang of melancholy rose in his chest. He had a large gulp of wine and shook off the sentimentality before it became too much.

   "Fair warning," Stella said quietly once she sat down. "The Malfoys are here. Narcissa was in the powder room."

   Severus wasn't pleased, but he wasn't going to let them ruin the night. "Hmpf. It's as if they live here. Well, Miriam and Orion are already on the dance floor. Shall we?"

   "I thought you'd never ask."

   The band was playing an instrumental version of Etta James's At Last; they joined the other couples on the floor and danced slowly, Stella marvelling again at how light on his feet Severus could be. Beyond the dance floor, at a table near the front of the room, she spotted the Malfoys: Lucius with his bad wig, Narcissa, and a young man who was obviously their son. He was handsome, with the same platinum blonde hair as his father, slicked back like a character from The Great Gatsby. Beside him sat a pretty young woman with chestnut hair. Beautiful people, bad wig aside. Too bad they're evil, Stella thought. She turned her attention back to her own beautiful man, smiling up at him as they swayed to the music.

   They danced for several songs, enjoying the ambiance and each other's company, lost in their own little world, until Orion came over and proposed swapping partners for a song or two. "Don't worry, I'll bring him back in one piece!" Miriam said with a giggle.

   "I wonder if you might be able to help me?" Orion asked Stella as they danced to Body and Soul. "Miriam's birthday is next month, and I want to get her something nice. She likes jewellery like yours. Would you mind giving your opinion, helping me pick out something?"

   Stella beamed happily and leaned in closer to speak. "Of course! There's Bewitching Gems in Hogsmeade, or Alice always has nice things at the antique shop. We could even go tomorrow if you're free. How -"  A blinding flash of light stopped her in her tracks. It took a moment for her vision to return, "What the..."

   Severus was over in an instant, having swooped Miriam over briskly. "He's here, the bastard. Are you alright, love?"

   "I'm okay, just blind... what the...? How'd he know I was here?"

   "Is everything alright?" Orion asked, confused.

   "There's a dodgy man who's been following Stella around. He's just taken a photo." He looked around the room. "Is he still here?"

   "I don't see him," she said.

   "Please," Severus said to Orion. "You two keep dancing, don't let us spoil your night. I think we should speak to the host. We'll be back."

   They had a word with the host, who confirmed that no solo patrons had come in that evening, and none had reservations for later. He'd not recalled seeing anyone matching the description of the creep. He further confirmed that there was nothing stopping anyone apparating in and out of the building; they didn't typically require security of that nature.

   "Maybe we should go home, honey. This is scary."

   Severus sighed. He had no idea what was going on, and hated that she felt unsafe. "Alright, love. Let's just go tell them that we're leaving."

   As they were heading to the dance floor, passing by the Malfoy's table, Narcissa spoke. "Hello, Severus."

   He stopped. "Narcissa," he said flatly.

   "Evening, Sir." Draco was smiling slightly at him.

   "Hello, Draco."

   "We're celebrating Draco and Astoria's engagement," Narcissa said. The young lady held up a hand, showing off a massive diamond ring that glinted ostentatiously in the light. Sheesh, thought Stella. That thing oughta have a highball around it. 

   Severus remembered Miss Greengrass from potions class. No surprise she was marrying into the Malfoy family; a pretty, rich pureblood girl for a pretty, rich pureblood boy. I suppose I'll be teaching their pretty, rich pureblood children in about twelve years time. 

   "Congratulations," said Stella, mostly out of reflex.

   "Yes, congratulations," Severus intoned. "We were just leaving." Just as he took Stella's hand to leave, another blinding flash startled them. Severus looked around, wand drawn, but didn't spot the culprit. "Come, darling, let's make our apologies and get out of here." He took Stella's hand and led her back to the dance floor, where they explained their early departure to Orion and Miriam, before exiting the building.

   Severus looked around, wand at the ready. "I don't see him, love. Let's go." He apparated them back to the castle grounds, and they went to Stella's chambers.

   Stella shut the door behind her and stood before him with a lost look on her face, similar to how she'd looked the night of the Blissbane incident. It tugged at his heart. He hated seeing her upset. He pulled her into a close embrace, and she sighed deeply. "I just don't understand. Who the hell is he? Why is he following me? How does he know where I'll be?"

   He wished he had answers for her. "I don't know, love. But I think you'd better stay on the castle grounds for now, for the next few days at least. I'll ask around, see if I can find out anything. You're safe here. No one can go past the boundaries without permission. I promise, you're safe here."

   A few tears of frustration flowed down her cheeks. "I never thought a castle could feel like a prison."

********

Sunday, 1st April 2001

   "End of passion play, crumbling away, I'm your source of self-destruction...". Stella sang softly as she idly plucked at the ukulele. She'd come to her classroom to prep for lessons, but got distracted trying to play Master of Puppets on the ukulele. Something about Metallica done on the ukulele really tickled her.

   She was toying with the chorus when Nigel appeared. "Not out enjoying the sun, Stella Belle?"

   "Not today, too much to do."

   “Yes, I can see you're busy with something very important!" His laugh pealed off the high ceiling. "Enjoy yourself last night?"

   "Yeah," she said flatly.

   "You seem down, chiquita. What's wrong? Not a lovers quarrel, I hope?"

   "No. Just..." she sighed, too stressed to be coy. "Some weird guy has been following me around for days. He shows up everywhere, and he keeps taking pictures of me. I have no idea who he is, and it's really freaking me out."

   Nigel had an odd expression on his face. "Ohh... that sounds tough."

   "Yeah, it is. I don't feel safe leaving the castle now. It's like I'm on house arrest. He apparates in and out; we can never catch him fast enough to do anything about it. He even accosted me in the restaurant last night. We had to leave. We barely even got to dance."

   "Maybe he's just a big fan of your work in Witch Weekly!" Nigel laughed again. Stella didn't.

   "I'm glad you find this funny, because I sure as hell don't."

   "Sorry, I -" Nigel spotted Severus at the classroom door. "I was just leaving. Take care, yeah?" He dashed out like greased lightning.

   "Hi, honey," she said tiredly. "All sorted?" Severus had been setting up for tomorrow's lessons in the potions class, and they were going to visit Reina the phoenix after.

   "Mmm. Are you alright?"

   "Yeah. Just... tired, I guess." She put her arms around him, feeling more secure immediately.

   "After bird duty, why don't you have a long nap. I'll even let you put your cold feet on me."

   She smiled. "An offer I can't refuse."

********

   Surprised to find Nigel knocking at her door on a Sunday, Ruth beckoned him in and shut the door. "I've got some bad news. She's on to us."

   "No!"

   "I’m afraid so. She's spotted our paparazzo. Said he's been following her for days, popping up everywhere taking pictures. I thought you said he was a pro?"

   "He said he was!"

   "Well, he's not very stealthy. She's seen him multiple times. We'd better call it off."

   "Hmm. Well, he's sent over some photos today, it might be enough. I'm meeting with Irma next Saturday anyway, not sure we'd uncover much over the next five days. I'll owl him, tell him the jig is up."

   "I think you better. If Snape ever does catch him, he's done for. And that'll mean we're done for."

   "Not to worry, Nigey-boy. Leave it with me." She grinned maniacally as she reached for a quill and parchment.

********

   "D'aww, look at her, all aflutter! She knows her Mummy!" Reina chirped merrily from the boot nest as Stella approached, and hopped up eagerly to perch on her hand.

   "Hi pretty girl!" Stella cooed over the bird as if it were a human baby. Her first feathers had grown in nicely, in shades of deep purple. She looked like a proper bird now rather than a plucked chicken.

   "Reckon yeh can take her home today! She's been flyin' all o’er the house lately!"

   "Really?" Stella asked, delighted.

   "Yeah, she's more than ready! Yeh can get her a nice perch in Hogsmeade, til then I've made this, it'll do fer now." He sat a small perch on the table, handmade from some oak branches. "Take her to lessons with yeh, let her bond with yeh, they like a bit o' music, phoenixes do."

   "Thank you so much, I know I'll have more questions for you later. Well, let's go home, baby girl!" Reina chirped happily and flew onto Stella's shoulder.

   "Here's a bag o'seed, she'll fly off and find her own food too. Don't worry if she leaves, she'll always come back home."

   Severus took the bag and the perch. "Thank you again, Hagrid. I'd say she's more than thrilled."

   "It weren't no trouble a'tall. Look at yeh, a happy little family!"

   Stella giggled and they headed out. "Well, not exactly a half-bat, but she's cute."

   "She's got your looks, darling. Thank gods."

Severus remembered with crystal-clarity the day the tabloid newspaper his father read began a new sales tactic: Page Three Girls.  Each day a fresh new coquette with her tits out for the working class blokes of Britain to drool over.      Reading the paper as usual in the morning, when he was still sober enough to pose as a functional adult, his father suddenly spat out his PG Tips like a startled Scooby-Doo character, his eyes going wide as saucers.  “Gordon Bennett!  Will you look at that!”    Ten year-old Severus rounded the table and peered over his shoulder with great interest.  Right there in black and white, a gorgeous blonde woman sat naked in a field, posed in side-profile with one perfectly perky breast on display for all the world to see...

   She was just leaving the counter at the apothecary after collecting her Dead Sea sponge and having a chat with Ambrose when she noticed the dodgy man again, peering into the shop's massive front window. Very weird. No shrinking violet when it came to creepy men, she looked him squarely in the eye as she left the shop, letting him know that she realised he was watching, in hopes he'd get spooked and piss off.

   She popped into Alice's Antiques for a quick look around, and lo and behold, who should also pop up but the same weirdo. She swore she heard a camera flash as she left the shop. This was becoming less annoying and more creepy now... she hoofed it to the music shop, deciding that if he followed her there as well, she'd not leave alone.

   "Hi, Miguel!" She said brightly as she entered.

   "Hello Estella!" Miguel always called her the Spanish version of her name. She didn't mind. He and his partner, Mateo, had gotten to know her quite well, and she loved their effervescent charm. "Here for the guitar strings?"

   She glanced behind her... the weird guy was peeping into the shop, and this time he actually snapped a photo; the flash was blinding. "Yes, the strings. And also..." she leaned over the counter and spoke quietly. "...could I possibly borrow your owl, to send a quick note to the castle? This weird guy is following me. I don't want to go back alone."

   The owl in question flew down from its perch and landed near her on the counter, ready for business. "Oh, clever boy aren't you? Have you got a quill and parchment, Miguel?"

   "Si, of course. Will you be alright? Who's that guy?"

   "I don't know, but he's been following me everywhere, and it's really creeping me out. I'm just going to ask if anyone can see me home." She scribbled a note, then folded it and put it in the owl's beak. Miguel opened the back door to the shop, and the owl flew off towards the castle.

   "Ooh, that is dodgy! Just stay here then, until you hear back. While you're waiting, Estella, let me show you the new ukulele's we just got in. I remember you said you wanted one."

   She made herself comfy in a corner of the shop and had a play about with some ukuleles, hoping someone could come meet her soon.

********

   Expecting to find the usual memos and paperwork in his inbox, Minerva had instead oh-so-graciously left him another stack of old photos, with a note: Stella will want these, even if you don't! 

   Bloody Minerva. He rather preferred to leave the past in the past. She was right though - Stella would love them. I suppose I may as well see what humiliation she’s found this time, he thought, sitting down to look through the photos.

   He was trying to recall the names of the other students in a photo of his third-year potions class when Ruth came in, making a beeline for the table when she realised Severus was alone. Having considered his reaction earlier that week in the Greenhouses, she'd decided to scrap the idea of trying to bond over tragedy, and instead appeal to his sentimentality. She remembered Stella's sappy conversation with Minerva about the old photos, and about her feelings for Severus - and how Minerva said he felt about her. All that nonsense about the job being meant for her, to bring them together.  If he liked that sappy sentimental tripe, she was prepared to give him a double dose.

   "Exhuming the past again, Snape?" She plopped down in the chair next to him and peered over at the photos.

   Severus wondered if she had a tracking charm set on him. She always seemed to find him alone, anywhere in the castle. The only safe place seemed to be his office - and even then, she turned up at the worst times. He gave a noncommittal noise in response, hoping she'd take a hint for once in her wretched life.

   "You must have so many memories of this place. You've been here for so many years."

   "Mmm." He kept his gaze on the photos, wondering if a well-placed spell could perhaps make the ceiling above her collapse, spare him from further torment.

   "You know, when I answered the ad for the Arithmancy job, it really felt meant to be. Like it was exactly where I was supposed to go. I thought at first that it was just because the job was so suited to me... but now I realise, maybe there was more to it." She leaned closer to him, reaching out for a photo, making sure her arm brushed his. She slowly pulled her arm back, letting it rub conspicuously against his. "Perhaps it was putting me in place to meet someone special. Someone like -"

   A tawny owl glided into the room, landing nimbly on the table and hopping over to Severus to present the letter in its beak. He opened it, intrigued, immediately recognising Stella's bubbly script:

Hi honey, 

Sorry to bother you, but I'm at the music shop in Hogsmeade and a really weird guy is following me around. I would apparate back, but what if he knows where I live... is there anyone about who can meet me at the apparition point at the edge of the castle grounds? Or failing that, could Hagrid come walk me back? I'll stay in the shop for now. Send a note back with the owl. Thanks, honey. 

Love you, Stella 

   He immediately sprang from the table, grabbing a nearby quill and parchment, and penning a response:

Darling, 

Stay there. I'm on the way. 

Severus

   Ruth watched, flummoxed, as Severus sent the owl off with a note, then swept swiftly from the room without a word, leaving the photos scattered on the table.

********

   Stella looked up from reading Sev's note to find him entering the shop. Damn, that was fast. "Where is he?" he asked, sounding as if he were prepared to dole out a few unforgivable curses.

   "I haven't seen him in a bit. He followed me all over, then took a picture through that window. I think he's gone now, but it really creeped me out."

   Severus approached and looked her over, concern etched on his face. "Are you alright?"

   "I'm fine. Just a bit weirded out. You nearly beat the owl here, honey," she said, chuckling.

   "Did either of you recognise him?" He asked Miguel and Mateo.

   "No," Miguel said. "Never seen him. But we'll keep an eye out."

   "Please. Do let us know if anything comes of it." He glanced down at the collection of shopping bags at Stella's feet. "I see you've made good use of the wait," he intoned.

   "Miguel gave me a good deal on a ukulele, and an ocarina."

   "A what?"

   "A potato flute."

   "Of course," he said, none the wiser. "Shall we go?"

   "Sure. Thanks, guys. See you soon."

   "Thank you for looking after her," Severus said.

   "Anything for Estella!"

   Severus gathered up the bags and held his arm out for Stella. She linked hers in his, and he apparated them to the designated spot just outside the castle grounds.

   "Let's stop by the staff room on the way to your chambers," he said. "I've left something there."

   They entered to find Minerva and Ruth at the table, looking through the photos. "Oh, there you are!" Minerva said to Severus. "Ruth said you dashed off, is everything alright?"

   "Yes," he said. "Apologies, I had an urgent owl. I've come back to collect these," He indicated the photos on the table.

   "Did she get herself cursed again?" Ruth asked with a cackle. "You flew out of here like a bat out of hell!"

"She's just fine, thank you," Stella said cattily.

   Minerva guessed there was more to the story, but knew they probably didn't want to speak about it in front of Ruth. She'd ask about it later. "Been shopping, dear?" She said cheerfully to Stella. "Got some pretty new clothes from your friend's shop?"

   "Not this time. Just books, and Miguel at the music shop talked me into a ukulele. I've been wanting one."

   "Oh, lovely. Well, do have a look at those photos, Severus was quite young and adorable in them!"

   "Ooh, I will!"

   "Here love, you take these, I'll take the bags." He handed her the stack of photos. "Thank you for dredging up the past again, Minerva. Stella at least will enjoy them."

   "Plenty more where those came from, I'm sure. Albus really was sentimental about that sort of thing."

********

   They had just stepped into Stella's chambers when her mobile rang. "That's probably Mikey." She grabbed the phone from the coffee table and headed into the bedroom. "Moshi moshi..."

   Severus made himself comfortable on the sofa and looked through the bag of books she'd bought; a few of those tawdry romance novels she said were like "reading candy." She liked them after a long day, something she could read in the bath without having to put forward too much brainpower. Always with a busty heroine in a flowing dress being embraced by a shitless man with giant pecs and long hair on the cover... She'd also picked up a few more substantial reads: a copy of Gone With the Wind, one called Memoirs of a Geisha, and a few by that horror writer she liked, the one who wrote that Green Mile story. She'd mentioned that the film version was incredible, and she wanted to show him, but said it was too emotionally fraught and never seemed to be in the mood. (It wrecks me for days...) He remembered her saying that library books were her saving grace as a child. Her family couldn't afford to let her take music lessons or go to summer camp, but the library was always there, and she read voraciously over her summer holidays from school.

   He loved that about her; her love of books, her ability to read happily for hours, like himself. They often spent evenings reading separately together, each occupied with their own book, sometimes snuggled up close, other times down separate ends of the sofa, quietly enjoying the other's presence.

   She giggled upon her return from the bedroom, finding him snuggled under a blanket engrossed in The Highlander's Bride. "Good book?"

   "Not exactly. However, I suppose there's something to be said for having three rather erotic scenes within the first two chapters. Who the hell decided that "perky rosebuds" and "throbbing staffs" were sexy turns of phrase? And why are the women always fainting?"

   She laughed. "Well, there is much better written smut out there, but it doesn't often turn up in Clarence's shop."

   He put the book on the coffee table and beckoned her. "Come here, love." She sat across his lap, her legs to one side, and he wrapped the blanket around them. "I'm just so glad you're alright," he said, holding her close. "Who do you think was following you?"

   "No idea. Probably just some pervert. He was so blatant about it though. It was really creepy."

   "Someone in the village must know who he is. Gods, I don't want to let you out of my sight." He squeezed her, the protective, possessive feeling flaring up like fire inside him.

   "Unfortunately, it's just part of being a woman. Sometimes creepy men just follow you. It's one reason we like to travel in packs."

   "Hmpf. Well, I'll be with you next time, on Saturday. Let him try something. I'll hex him before he can blink."

   "I know you will." She lay her head on his shoulder and breathed him in. It was rather nice to feel so cared for, so protected.

   "How's Mikey?"

   "He's good. He was calling to tell me that he'd spoken to Nigel, actually."

   "Oh?"

   "Yeah. Nigel sent him an owl, apparently wanting to catch up, reconnect. They've not been in touch since school. So Mikey talked to him over the floo yesterday, at Chris's place. He said it was normal at first, just talking about old times. But then Nigel started asking him a lot of questions about me... about what happened to my family, how I coped afterward. Whether I'd dated anyone in New York, things like that. Mikey got a bad feeling and cut the chat short. It's weird, because Nigel was asking me the same things Monday night. I answered him honestly, so why's he now asking Mikey? It's like he's trying to find something incriminating on me."

   "Perhaps he thinks if he does find out anything, it would break us up."

   "Hmm. Well good luck with that. I have too many clothes to have room for skeletons in my closet."

   "Truer words were never spoken, darling." He kissed her lovingly in the top of the head. "Mmm. Your hair smells of coconut." He thought for a moment. "I know you asked me not to, but... I could go into his mind, just briefly, and find out what he's up to?"

   "No, honey. Absolutely not. Doing that has caused nothing but drama. I don't have any embarrassing secrets to hide anyway, so who cares what he's doing. I'm not letting an idiot like Nigel come between us."

   He sighed. "Fine. I shall bow to your will, Madam."

   "Damn straight. Ugh, you know what the worst part of today is? I didn't even get to finish my shopping."

   "You can make up for it on Saturday. I'll buy you something pretty to cheer you up."

   "I was going to go to the lingerie shop."

   "Oh..."

   "What? Not interested?" she teased.

   "Oh I'm interested. I've just... never been in there."

   "Well you can stand guard at the door while I go in, if you want. Their new spring collection is in. I have far too much black, I need something more colourful."

   "What's wrong with black?"

   "Oh, nothing. It's my favourite. But variety is the spice of life."

   "That must be Nigel's motto."

   She laughed heartily. "You mean you wouldn't do the same, if you were him?"

   He gave a huff somewhere between offence and disgust. "I could never be him, love. Or at least, I can't fathom it. How can having nothing but meaningless sex ever fulfil anyone? I'd honestly rather be alone for life, given the choice between the two."

   "Really?"

   "Really. I assumed I would be, for a long time. It wasn't fulfilling, but I'd prefer it to just chasing one one-night-stand after the other."

   "Honestly, me too."

   "It's a good thing I finally stopped listening to my stupid brain and kissed you, then. Or we might both have ended up alone forever.”  She put her arms around his neck and kissed him tenderly. "On second thought," he said, "I'd have ended up alone forever. You? Not a chance."

   "Oh honey, you say the sweetest things," she said, laughing. "Well, what should we do tonight? I may not have another evening free until spring break."

   "Hmm. Why don't we order dinner in, have a nice long bath, then retire to bed and watch a film. Or... not." He glanced at the romance book on the table. "Perhaps there may be some sheathing of throbbing staffs."

   Her face screwed up in laughter. "Okay, but fetch the smelling salts, lest I should faint in your rugged arms."

He could never see himself settling down with any woman for the long-term, but should that day ever come, he'd want it to be with someone like her.  It was also a shame her boyfriend was Severus Snape.  He was going to get back at the bastard no matter what, and Stella was going to end up being collateral damage.  Oh well.  Maybe, just maybe there was still a slight chance he'd get a shag out of it, if he played his cards right?

   Cleo headed back to her dormitory, and Stella sat back down in one of the audience seats to finish some paperwork.  Nigel sidled over and sat next to her.  "Well-done, Stella Belle, that was incredible work!  I thought she'd never get there."

   "I knew she would, she just needed the confidence."  She continued with her paperwork, not looking up.  

   "It's getting late.  Your loving bat must be wondering where you are." 

    "Piss off, Nige.  How many times do I have to tell you," she said, too tired to hide her annoyance.

   "Sorry, sorry."  She carried on with her paperwork.  "Who did you date before him, anyway?  You must have had some interesting boyfriends in New York."

   "I had a serious boyfriend for a few years.  A really sweet guy from North Carolina. He died in the storm, too."

   Nigel was taken aback.  He'd not expected such a frank answer.  But perhaps he could use it to his advantage... "Gods, I'm so sorry, I had no idea.  You must have been devastated."

   "I was."  Was he really bringing this up now?  Fucking hell, Nigel.

   "How did you cope afterwards?  After the storm?"

   Stella sighed.  Nigel had a lot of talents; reading a room was not one of them.  Fuck it. She'd give him straightforward answers, hopefully make him regret asking, then finish her work and finally get to see her loving dungeon bat.  She looked up from her parchment. "Not well.  I really went through a bad time.  It took years to become something like myself again.  It's not something you ever get over, really.  It's more like the overwhelming grief just slowly becomes easier to live with.  Never easy... but slightly easier."

   "Is that why you won't take a cheeky little toke with me?  Was it drugs?  Is that how you coped?"

   Stella laughed and rolled her eyes.  "No, Nigel, it wasn't drugs.  I worked myself nearly to death.  And when I wasn't working, I was off in some nightclub trying to dance my grief away.  I barely slept for three years. Mikey had to quite literally scrape me off the sidewalk.  I came to my senses and took a year off, living in a van and driving all over the US.  Then I came here."

   Nigel was furiously making mental notes.  "Lived in a van?  Wow, I never thought you'd be the sort!  Well, I guess you're stuck here forever now, huh?  Now that you've crossed paths with the infamous Severus Snape."

   Stella shook her head slowly.  Nigel really was unbelievable.  "I'm really happy here.  For the first time in a very long time.  I don't want to be anywhere else.  Or with anyone else."

   "Oh, for sure!  But what about when you were living in a van?  You must have some stories!"

   "Not really.  I kept to myself, drove around, camped in different places, and did a lot of sightseeing on my own.  That's really it."

   "Oh come on, you must have some crazy tale to tell!  Some embarrassing story to share with your old friend Nige!"

   "I really don't.  Are you gonna interrogate me all night, or can I finish my work now?"

   Nigel sighed.  She really was a tough nut to crack.  

    "By the way, what the hell were you and Ruth up to yesterday?  Don't tell me you've added her notch to your bedpost?"

   Nigel sputtered.  "No, no!  Never!  Gods.  She just saw me in the pub and kept buying me drinks.  Who am I to turn down a free pint?"

   A sound caught their attention:  Severus, peering in from the auditorium door.  "I'd better get going, need to do something in my office.  Goodnight, Stella Belle."  He jetted out before Stella could even respond.  She looked up at Sev in the doorway and smiled tiredly.

   Severus came in and sat beside her.  "Hi darling.  I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to stalk you..."

   "It's okay.  I'm actually glad you showed up. He really doesn't know when to shut up."  She laid her head on his shoulder and breathed deeply of his comforting scent.  "I'm almost done, just need to finish this.  What time is it?"

   "Nearly eleven."  

    "Jesus.  I completely lost track of time. Poor Cleo... I had her singing for ages."

   "If it means she can't speak tomorrow in my lesson, then it was worth it.  She's one of those who can't seem to not talk out of turn."

   Stella giggled.  It was always funny what differing opinions they had of the students.  Cleo was chatty, but also hilarious, and had a beautiful singing voice. Not exactly Sev's idea of the model student, but ideal for music and theatre.  "I'll keep that in mind.  Maybe next time we can work on vocal projection without magic, really get the maximum strain on those vocal cords."

   "Please do.  Well Madame, there is a hot bath ready for you, if you'd like to accompany me home?  I added that peach-scented bubble solution you like."

   "Mmm.  Say no more, my loving dungeon bat."

********

Tuesday, 27th March 2001

   The sound of Madonna's Erotica album emanated from the CD player Ruth had finally figured out how to work.  She'd 'borrowed' the machine from the Muggle Studies classroom, thinking Beth wouldn't mind.  And if she did, so what?  After the way Beth had all but spurned her lately, she didn't really care if she minded or not.

   She'd found the CD in the used bookshop in Hogsmeade, which had a small selection of Muggle music for sale. She picked it up on a whim, figuring it was worth a listen.  If she liked Madonna, and Snape liked her, then why not see what it was all about.  She'd gone all the way to bloody New York to see this Muggle wench in concert, it must really be something special.

   The lyrics were shockingly sexual.  This was what Little Miss Priss listened to?  Did she let the students perform things like this?  

   She put on one of the dresses she'd gotten at the Belladonna Boutique, a plain black dress which was supposed to fall just below the knee; however, on Ruth's short body, it was nearly ankle-length. It had a high neckline, three-quarter length sleeves (which were nearly full-length on her,) and a thin belt with a buckle shaped like a bow around the waist.  It was quite form-fitting; the lady at the shop had called it a "pencil dress," and said it was the sort of thing Muggle business women often wore.  Ruth had a feeling she'd been trying to talk her out of buying it.  She kept showing her other things, but Ruth knew Stella owned this particular one because she'd seen her show it to Beth in the staff room after returning from shopping one day. If it was good enough for Little Miss Perfect, it was good enough for her.  

   She regarded herself in the mirror.  The dress really was figure-hugging, a far cry from the roomy robes she usually wore.  Well, if it was the sort of thing Snape fancied, she'd give it a go.

   Though she was fully committed to carrying out her plan, especially now that she had a partner in crime to assist, she still fancied the pants off the man.  No harm trying to get him while she still had the chance.  Maybe she'd even be the one to wreck their happy home, rather than Nigel.  Wouldn't that be poetic justice?

   She went to the mirror and started applying makeup, thinking that maybe this perverted music would put her in the right headspace for seduction.  

********

   Severus sat at the long table in the staff room, wondering what on earth Minerva had to talk about this time.  Hadn't they just had one of these meetings yesterday?  No, but it certainly seemed that way.  The chair beside him was empty; Stella had left the lipstick she wanted to wear in her office and had gone to get it.  She'd just now turned up; he could hear the heels she was wearing approaching before she entered, looking stunning in her new black pencil dress from Stevie's shop.

   She went to make a cup of tea for the meeting.  "Are we all here?" asked Minerva.  "Oh, just waiting for Ruth."

   Stella was still standing by the tea station when Ruth appeared, clomping in as if she were a child wearing her father's boots. She was wearing a rather matronly pair of shoes with short chunky heels... and the same black pencil dress Stella had on.  Everyone at the table looked over at the noise, then at Stella once they noticed the matching dresses.

    Stella was dying to laugh.  This was getting downright creepy now.  She could hear her Granny's country accent saying, "good lord, she looks like a busted can of biscuits!"  The form-fitting dress was doing her no favours.  And her makeup... There was a visible line where her too-light foundation ended; combined with the garish lipstick and eyeliner, she looked like a deranged geisha.  

   Knowing the entire staff had their eyes on her, Stella looked Ruth slowly up and down.  "Lovely dress, Ruth, " she purred with a smile, sashaying gracefully to the table in her elegant five-inch heels with her teacup, sitting smugly next to Severus and crossing her legs daintily. She had on his favourite stockings, and Ruth was only making her look even better by comparison.  God bless whoever donated brand-new Louboutins to that thrift store years ago!  She idly bounced her foot, her shiny black stiletto gleaming in the light, knowing it would catch his gaze.

  She was right.  Bloody hell, she looks like a goddess next to a goblin, he thought, knowing every man at the table was making the same comparison.  The thought gave him a fierce sense of pride and satisfaction.  Look all you want, you sorry sods. She's all mine. 

    Ruth clomped awkwardly over to the last remaining seat - right next to Stella.  At her age, and with her build, it was difficult to cross her legs in the same ladylike manner, so she instead crossed them at the ankle, the leather of her new shoes rubbing together with a loud squeak.  The belt strained around her as she sat, and she fussed with it to try and keep it from digging into her pronounced middle.

   Minerva had watched the scene play out with great amusement.  "Don't you both look lovely," she said, before launching into today's meeting notes.  It was difficult to keep her composure, looking at Stella and Ruth sat next to each other, in matching outfits; one the picture of grace and beauty, the other looking like a melted clown.

   Severus was tempted to go into Ruth's mind; if nothing else, it would be hilarious to know what she was thinking right now.  But he'd told Stella he wouldn't, and he didn't want to do anything that would upset her, after last week.  He turned his thoughts instead to the sexy legs looking so alluring next to him... fuck.  He may not be the only man lusting after her in the moment, but knowing that he'd be the one who got to touch her later mollified him, made him feel incredibly, deliciously smug. 

   When the meeting wrapped up, Stella went to her inbox; he watched as every male professor's eyes lingered on her as they left the room, save for Orion and Hagrid, who were real gentlemen.  In that dress, with those heels, and her hair and makeup done to perfection as always, she was the epitome of every man's sexy teacher fantasy.  Severus still couldn't believe he was lucky enough to get to live out the fantasy.  

   Finally only the two of them, Minerva, and Ruth were left.  Stella finished up at her inbox and walked over to Severus, putting her arm around him, knowing it would make Ruth seethe.  "All sorted."  

   Minerva eyed the pair gaily; she knew they'd each enjoyed the scene as much as she had. Stella because she didn't care for Ruth, especially after their night out.  And Severus... well, he'd never said it directly, but she knew it must give him a thrill to be seen with such a beautiful woman next to him.  And he certainly wasn't fond of Ruth.  "You really do look lovely today, dear.  That dress is stunning on you."

   "Thank you.  My friend designed it.  She keeps me well-stocked in beautiful dresses."

   "And the two of you are matching today, how adorable."  Minerva winked at them conspiratorially, knowing it would annoy Ruth.  

    Stella giggled softly.  "I didn't even think of that.  Though he's not the only one I'm matching with today."  She gave Ruth a pointed look, then turned her gaze back to Severus.  "You better be careful, honey.  You might mistake one of us for the other."

   Severus couldn't help but audibly scoff.  "Never in a million years, darling."  

   Stella laughed softly.  "Well, I should go.  Walk me to class?" she asked, looking at Severus.

   "Of course, love."

   Ruth watched them leave through narrowed eyes, wishing Stella would twist an ankle in those stupid shoes.  

   Minerva turned her eyes to Ruth.  "You've got a bit of lipstick on your teeth, dear.  Here, have a tissue."  She pulled a small packet from her pocket and handed one over.  "You know, I've been to that shop, the Belladonna Boutique.  The lady who owns it is very knowledgeable.  She gives excellent advice on the type of clothes to flatter various figures.  Next time you should ask her, I'm sure she'd be glad to help."

   Ruth paused, tissue still pressed to her teeth, and watched Minerva leave the room as her words sunk in 

******** 

   Severus followed Stella into her office, where they both immediately burst into laughter.  "What.  The hell.  Is she thinking?"  Stella could barely breathe.  

   "Gods, the two of you sat together like that... it was like Snow White and the Wicked Queen."

   "Wow, nice Muggle reference, honey.  I really am rubbing off on you."

   "I did grow up in the Muggle world, you know..."

   "If she doesn't stop, I'm going to crack a rib from laughing.  Maybe if she weren't such a crazy bitch she'd have a nice female friend to help her with clothes and makeup."

   "True, you did wonders for Beth.  Even landed her a man."

   Stella giggled, hopping up to sit on her desk. "Yeah, see, nice things happen when you aren't a complete harpy.  I swear her makeup gets worse every day.  Stevie was evil selling her that dress!"

   "She did say she tried talking her out of it.  By the way, how on earth do you walk in those?"  He indicated her heels, which were exceptionally high, taller than her usual.  "Gods, you're nearly my height when you wear them."

   "Oh, I've been practicing since I was a child.  Used to clomp around in my mom's shoes all the time.  You just get used to it.  I could run a marathon in five-inch heels.  You know... I could use a charm to make my shoes silent, but I don't, only because I know it annoys her."  

   Severus laughed softly.  "My evil little witch."  He ran a hand appreciatively down her leg.  "Do me a favour?"

   "Sure?"

   He kissed her deeply, his hand still caressing her leg.  "Don't take them off when you get home tonight."  

--------------------

   Ruth passed by the auditorium later that evening, seeing Nigel and Stella both engrossed in play rehearsal with the Theatre students.  Good, she'll be busy for a few hours. She left the castle and made her way to the greenhouses.  She'd head Snape say to Pomona that he was going to come by and take cuttings of some plant. Pomona said she'd be out this evening, but to help himself.  

   She was going to try a new approach.  Nigel had told her about what happened to the Yank's family.  Who knew the little priss had a tragic backstory.  Well, if he liked the damsel in distress type, she'd play up to it.  It was worth a shot, at least.  

   She poked her head into Greenhouse Two and saw him with a small pair of shears, snipping off bits of some tall bush.  "Trimming the bush, Snape?" she gibed, immediately regretting it.  Shit, you're supposed to be the dainty, helpless type.  No more crass jokes. 

    Severus audibly groaned.  Couldn't he get a single moment of peace?  "What is it this time, Professor?"  He turned to find her in the same too-tight dress, her garish makeup looking even more melted than it had this morning.  

   "Oh, nothing, I just happened to be coming by for something and saw you, that's all."

   "Right."  He stared at her blankly.

   "I just needed some of... um... of this."  She pulled the closest potted plant near and began roughly ripping off leaves.  

   Severus raised an eyebrow.  "Surely you don't need stinging nettle so badly that you're willing to collect it barehanded?"  

   Ruth's hands began to throb and turn bright red where she'd touched the plant.  "Oh, silly me!" She attempted a girlish giggle, which came out as more of a harsh cackle.  "I'm a bit distracted today.  It's the anniversary of my grandmother's death."

    "Mmm."  He turned back to the bush he was collecting from.

   "Yes, she died a year ago.  It's been soooo hard for me since."

   Severus didn't say anything, wanting to finish the job at hand and leave, but Ruth prattled on.  "It was tragic.  She was a hundred and ten years old, died in her sleep. None of us saw it coming.  She had so much life in her still.  I've cried over her every day since."

  Severus was gathering his cuttings into a small bag, anxious to leave as soon as possible.  "A peaceful death at the age of one hundred and ten. Tragic indeed."

    "It's been so hard, not having anyone to comfort me."  She drew closer, until she stood next to him.  "I know I'm not the only one with a tragic background.  People can really bond over things like that, you know.  Be a real comfort to each other."  She put her hand lightly on his forearm, and stroked it lightly.  "We could be a comfort to each other..."

   Severus drew back his arm.  "I have all the comfort I require, thank you."  He began walking toward the door.  

    "What, from her?" she spat, her mood turning on a dime.  "From Little Miss Priss with her ten inch heels?"

   Severus smirked.  "Indeed. And I'm a lucky man. Doesn't she look positively stunning in that dress today? Every man in the staff room was drooling."

    Ruth sputtered, looking down at her own identical dress. 

    "Hmm," said Severus, eyeing her in the too-tight, unflattering dress. "Clearly one size does not fit all."

   He left, cloak billowing, hoping that the hag would get caught up in some devil's snare.

********

   Stella kept an eye on the clock this time, making sure play rehearsal ended at a decent hour. She was back in her office around nine when Severus stood in the doorway, watching her tidying a shelf on the opposite side of the room. She was still in her heels, looking like every schoolboy's fantasy, and gods, she'd used one of her Muggle pencils to put her hair up in a bun, adding that extra little erotic touch to the sexy professor allure.

   She turned to find him waiting in the doorway, looking at her with a peculiar gleam in his eye. "Hi, honey. You alright?"

   He came in and shut the door, locking it behind him. "I am now." They moved toward each other. He kissed her briefly, then held back at arm's length to look her over. "But it's been a long day. All day, when I should have been thinking about lessons, or about brewing for Poppy's stock, all I could think about was you in this damn dress, in those damn heels. Every man in that meeting today was sick with desire looking at you."

   She moved in closer, pressing herself against him. "Well, let them look. It's all for you." She pulled him in by the cloak and gave him a searing kiss; in the heels she didn't have to stand tiptoe or look as sharply up as usual to reach him.

   "Mmm. Have you silenced this room today?"

   "Mmm-hmm."

   "Good." He kissed her ravenously, slowly leading her to her desk. "You always look so fucking cute perched on this desk every morning, all dolled up for the day, swinging your legs so innocently. I've imagined bending you over it more times than I can count." His hot lips travelled over her neck, kissing and nipping at her soft skin. He breathed deeply of her delicious scent; strawberries, honeysuckle, and a hint of her peach bubble bath. "You don't look cute today. You look incredibly sexy. Like every schoolboy's wet dream. I nearly came by at lunch to ravish you in the cupboard." 

   "Maybe you should have," she replied breathily, rapidly melting under his touch.

   "Next time I will. For now, I'm going to live out the fantasy every man in this castle will be having tonight." He spun her around to face the desk, then resumed kissing up and down her neck, running his hands all over her. He hiked up her dress, nudging her closer to the desk. She leant over, resting on both hands. "Fuck," he inhaled sharply, taking in her black lingerie; one of her suspender belts and a pair of lace knickers, cut so that her arse cheeks only just peeked out. Combined with the stockings and heels, the sight caused a sharp pang of lust in his already hard cock. Merlin's fucking balls, will I ever tire of this sight? His hand stroked one stockinged thigh, caressing her arse cheek, and moving between her thighs; there he found a warm, damp little gift all wrapped in black lace. 

   She heard his belt undoing, felt her knickers being pulled to one side, then him, hot and hard against her; she let out a little moan of anticipation. 

   "Mmm, moaning already, Miss? Let me give you something to moan about, Professor." His cock filled her, slowly this time, inch by inch, and she surrendered blithely, leaning further over the desk. He paused briefly once he'd filled her completely, grasping her hips tightly and letting out a groan of pleasure, then commenced gliding in and out, his cock glistening with her slick arousal.

   "Fuck, baby, you feel so good. Mmmm... ohhhh..." Her moans intensified, ringing prettily off the vaulted ceiling. 

   "You feel like a dream. And you look like a fucking centrefold." His deep, breathy moans seemed to harmonise with hers, an erotic overture intensified beautifully by the acoustics of the room.

   The antique desk creaked a bit under them, each thrust rattling the various things atop it. A few items tumbled to the floor. He continued thrusting without care; it could be cleaned up with a spell later. Right now his focus was completely on the gorgeous sight before him; his cock thrusting into the sexiest woman in the world, wearing the sexiest thing imaginable, so wet and ready for him that they'd not even bothered removing her knickers, moaning his name as her breath grew shallower, her moans more desperate...

  "Severus... Severus...oh god..."

   "Mmm, fuck yes," he grunted through gritted teeth, his own explosive release juuust at the edge... "Cum for me, you sweet little tease. Mmmmpfh... fffffffuuuu..."

   She came with an angelic cry that reverberated like a siren's song, clenching rhythmically around his cock. He followed in seconds, grasping her hips, trying to keep his eyes open to fully appreciate the sight of finishing deep inside her like this, fully dressed in something from a fantasy photo spread in a lads' mag. 

   After a few deep breaths, he took in the glorious sight one more time, then lowered himself tiredly onto her chair, enjoying the view until she caught her breath enough to straighten up, fix her knickers, and tug her dress back down. She hopped back up onto the desk, sitting prettily as she did each morning, swinging her legs a bit and looking at him. He looked so gorgeous, flushed from the sex, his hair a bit mussed, his face relaxed in post-coital bliss. "Gods, you are incredible," he said, still breathing a bit heavily. "I didn't ruin your new dress, did I?"

   "No. But maybe you should write a nice review for Stevie's shop." 

     "Hmm. 'Clothes so hot they make grown men feral.'"

   She laughed. "Maybe she should put a warning label on this dress."

   "It's not just the dress. It's the whole thing... the stockings, those bloody shoes... you're the epitome of the sexy professor fantasy."

   She giggled, extending one leg out to examine her shoe. "They're Christian Louboutins. His shoes are like art. Most people find them hard to walk in. My friend Byron used to say 'they're for fucking, not for walking.' But hey, why not both?" She smiled cheekily at him. 

   "Get over here and cuddle me, before I bend you over that desk again, Miss."

   She hopped off the desk and onto his lap, laying her head against his shoulder. He was so cute; no matter how intense the sex was, or what sort of scenario they played out, he always wanted to cuddle afterwards. I bet no one would believe it if I told them.

   Severus encircled her in his arms, kissing her forehead and sighing in contentment. "You know, when you first moved in, with all those trunks, I couldn't imagine why one person needed so much clothing. But... I'm beginning to see the merits."

   "You do seem to appreciate it, more than most men probably would."

   "To be completely honest, I fucking love how you look next to me. I know it's wrong. I shouldn't gloat. But gods... when a man notices you, then realises you're with me? I feel like a fucking god."

   She giggled softly. "Conceited bastard."

   "Then when I get to take you home... or to your office... or to my office... Merlin, it's like having a new woman every night. The sexy professor tonight, the cute little vintage pin-up tomorrow, the party girl in the gold metal dress next week... it's like I won the lottery of sex."

   She laughed louder at that. "You're ridiculous." 

   "Perhaps. But I'm also a lucky bastard. And the best part is, you're just as sexy without all the trimmings. When you first wake up, with no makeup on, and your hair all messy, with your face all scrunched up like you have a personal vendetta against the morning... gods. I fall in love with you all over again." He felt her breath shuddering a bit. "Are you alright? What's wrong?"

   "Nothing," she said, sniffling and wiping a tear from her eye. "You're just so sweet. I love you so much."

   He smiled his half-smile and held her close, smoothing her hair and kissing her tenderly on the head. "I love you too, darling. So much you can't even fathom. Shall we go home for a nice bath? I'll come to yours; we can watch a film in bed."

   "Okay. But... you told me to leave these shoes on when I got home..." She gave him a questioning look, one eyebrow raised.

   "So I did. Not to worry, Miss. The night is young. I'm sure something can be arranged.”

********