Ival Pythonica

A/N: I do not own Harry Potter, any of its characters, etc. They are all the property of J.K. Rowling. For no profit of any kind, I am simply borrowing her characters for a short while. Only the Original Character of Megan Malfoy is my own, though her last name is borrowed from J.K. Rowling.

A/N: To all my readers: I apologize for the VERY long wait for an update!! Let’s just say I have been through the fires of hell and back the last 6 months and had neither time nor inspiration to write. However, here is the continuation of my tale. Please review and comment, because your words are what keep my Muse flowing and my desire to write going. Thank you!

The dawn softly broke through the magical window and over Snape’s sleeping form. Megan laid in his arms, starring at his face and occasionally stroking it as if committing every inch to her memory. He was so innocent looking when he slept. There was no scowl or sneer on his soft lips which quietly took in and out air, no lines on his pale forehead or crinkles around his eyes as they fluttered in deep sleep and his eyelashes were as dark as his hair, a stark contrast against his sharp and high cheekbones. His chin was just as sharp in bone structure but like his entire face, it too, was relaxed in sleep with his lips slightly parted. Megan leaned forward ready to kiss those soft lips and lay feather kisses all over his sweet face. She got within centimeters of his lips . . .

The necklace tingled and sang against her skin, making her jump into present reality.

“Day two begins.” Megan whispered sadly.

She carefully scooted out of the large bed and off the edge, so as not to disturb Snape. While she went through her usual bath and makeup routine, she flashed back on the night before and a smile stretched across her face in the mirror.

Megan remembered how Severus and her had tested every piece of furniture in the common room: the couch (twice more in different positions), one of the chairs, the coffee table and finally collapsed into bed both very spent but happy. Just the memories made her shiver and start to become wet. Megan took a deep shaky breath and walked out of the bathroom to dress.

Snape was still sleeping soundly but a note with a goblet sat on her bedside table. The note read:

My Most Precious Flower,
Here is a potion to help heal all the possible soreness and damage to your physical frame that our frantic and passionate lovemaking probably created. It should work almost immediately for I made the potion from your notes I had made copies of that night years ago. It is a Pain Reliever potion as you know. Enjoy your day and I look forward to having you in my arms again tonight, in my company and most definitely in my bed (or whatever piece of furniture you want to try next.) Just kiss me goodbye gently and it should count as a parting kiss. I will count the hours until your return.
I Love You.
Your Lover and Dearest Friend,
Severus.

Megan smiled and grabbed the goblet, drinking it down. Immediately, she felt all the bruising and muscle pain fade away. Looking over, Megan watched his sleeping frame for just a few more moments, leaned down and kissed his lips. He kissed back in his sleep and grunted softly, then rolled over. Megan pocketed her wand and walked toward the brick wall which Snape had also altered so she had to simply touch the stone with her palm and it would allow her to dissolve the barrier and walk through. She walked through the open wall and made her way to the Dark Arts classroom.

Easily navigating the castle, she arrived at Lupin’s personal quarters very quickly. Megan knocked on the door to Lupin’s apartment and waited. There were small sounds of movement and a few grunts before the door creaked open. Lupin stood there blinking through bloodshot eyes and licked dry lips as he struggled to speak.

“Remus? Are you okay?” Megan starred bewildered at the disheveled man. “Are you wearing the same clothes you were yesterday?”

“Yes,” Lupin said, looking down at his rumpled clothing. “It appears I am.” His voice croaked out. “Please, come in. Don’t mind the mess.” Lupin attempted a smile and winced.

Megan tilted her head in confusion and stepped inside. She gave Lupin a soft kiss on the lips as she walked past him. He tentatively kissed back. She smiled at him and then turned to look around his common room.

There were empty glass decanters and bottles all over the table and three empty glasses. The floor had a few bottles and some empty plates scattered around. Megan walked around the edge of the room and let out a startled gasp.

There was Sirius asleep on the couch on his back with Isabella snuggled next to him, her head on his chest and his arms holding her to him. Megan was relieved to see that both were still fully dressed but still was unhappy to discover such a sight. Megan grabbed her wand and waved it around the room. The bottles all disappeared, the empty decanters went back into the liquor cabinet and the dirty dishes disappeared. Megan put her wand away and reached for a blanket on the back of the couch. Carefully, she draped it over their sleeping forms.

Lupin gingerly approached the couch and glanced over the back of it. He sighed and shut his eyes as if he waited for Megan to explode. When there was nothing but silence, he finally opened his eyes and dared a glance at Megan’s face.

She looked as if she was studying their faces and then she smiled a small smile. She pointed to the bathroom and Lupin nodded. He followed her into the room and shut the door behind them. Megan cast a silencing charm to the room and then hopped up to sit on the bathroom counter. Her eyes starred at Lupin with raised eyebrows, her arms crossed across her chest.

“I am waiting.” Megan sneered, pursing her lips in anger.

“For an explanation, I know.” Lupin leaned over the sink basin and held his head in his hands. “What can I say?”

“You can start with the liquor party and end with why MY BEST FRIEND IS CURLED UP IN THE ARMS OF MY COUSIN ON YOUR COUCH!” Megan bellowed, her face reddening with anger.

Lupin sighed, turned on the faucets and splashed his face with cold water. Reaching up he opened the medicine cabinet and pulled a vial from it. Lupin uncorked the purple liquid and downed the vial. With a deep sigh, he felt the headache, light sensitivity; nausea and exhaustion fade from his body. Tossing the vial in the waste basket, he walked over and stood in front of Megan, easing his body between her parted knees. Lupin placed his hands on the countertop on either side of her hips. He leaned forward and tried to kiss her lips but she pulled away.

“No! You will not distract me. I want to know what happened last night!” Megan glared at Lupin.

“You are not my mother or any authority I owe answers to! However, if you want to be such a pain in the ass, I will tell you! All I remember is Sirius and Isabella showing up at my door around midnight. I poured us a couple of drinks and we talked. One turned into a whole bottle of Fire Whiskey, and next thing I remember was passing out in my chair by the fireplace. Whatever happened between Isabella and Sirius after I passed out is up to them to tell you. If it makes you feel any better, when I awoke to answer the door I was a shocked as you to still see them here and with my stronger nose, I did not smell sex. So, as far as I can guess they were too tired or drunk to walk back to their rooms and fell asleep on my couch. That is all I know.” Lupin glared back at Megan, almost daring her to challenge him.

Megan didn’t flinch. She simply continued to glare back.

“You are correct in one thing. I am NOT your mother but you DO owe me answers as a friend! How can I trust you, Remus, if you are so eager to avoid to telling me the truth?”

“I would never lie to you! I told you all I know!” Lupin practically growled.

“After I pushed you to!” Megan countered with her own snarl.

“Well, I do not appreciate being pushed. When my buttons are pushed, a side of me comes out you would not like in that least.” Lupin snapped at her.

“I would not have to push, Remus if you would be honest with me when I ask something. You have never denied me an answer to a question or hesitated to explain something to me. Why suddenly have you decided to change the rules?” Megan huffed.

“I changed the rules?” Lupin let out a sarcastic snort. “If I have changed the rules it’s because the game has changed.”

“Game? What game?”

“The game used to be that asked questions as a student or a friend and I answered. There were boundaries you and I couldn’t cross then, questions you couldn’t ask, and answers I was not required to give. Up until now, even if you asked me a question or demanded an explanation I could decline but now I MUST tell you anything you want to know. I have to treat you as an equal, a lover and a companion. NOW, I am stuck in a situation where I must always be candid about every thought, feeling, and emotion. I HAVE TO SHARE MYSELF IN WAYS I NEVER HAVE WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS NO RIGHTS TO ME!” Lupin’s voice reverberated off the walls and tile, making it boom.

“THIS IS A GAME TO YOU!?” Megan shook with fury. “Remus Lupin, how dare you call this situation, this attempt to save my life, a game? This is life or death for me, not a round of chess for Merlin’s sake! I am WELL aware I have no ‘rights’ to you and I do not want any ‘rights’ to you. If being candid is so hard for you, then just kiss me, screw me, then hang around me. That is all the curse requires. I do not want to know you deepest, darkest secrets or read your soul. Besides, I doubt there is truly any darkness in you at all, so cut the crap.” Megan’s shoulders tightened and she attempted to push Lupin away.

“Is that so? I can assure you, Megan that I have a darker side, one you have never seen. That side of me that has nothing at all to do with chocolate, smiles, and hugs. I can be just as hostile as you can, if…not…worse. You could never handle what I am like when my anger takes over. Lupin pushed his face so he was almost nose to nose with Megan, grounding out each word with a deep, rough, voice.

“I just bet. However, you seem to forget, Remus that I am a Malfoy. I … do … not … back … down.” Megan whispered harshly, her eyes squinted at him.

“We shall see about that.” Lupin barely whispered.

Before Megan could question his statement, Lupin grabbed both sides of her hips and yanked her body against his. He captured her mouth as it opened with the gasp at his sudden movement. He clamped down hard on her lips and began to battle with her tongue as she fought back against the kiss. Lupin reached up and grabbed a fist full of her hair so he could push his tongue deeper. He roughly explored her mouth, their tongues dueling more than caressing.
Meanwhile, he put a hand on her lower back and pushed her body roughly so she was forced to the edge of the counter and had to spread her legs wider. Her core was pressed firmly against his groin, which was hard, straining against his jeans. He ground his hips into her as hard as he could.

Megan began to feel hot all over, her lower abdomen clenched tight as the arousal built to a screaming, consuming fire. She moaned loudly into Lupin’s mouth and began grinding back against his own movements. Soon, she began to quiver and shake. Pulling back from the kiss, she bit his bottom lip, firmly but not enough to draw blood. She panted. Her anger was still there but it was mixed with her growing passion. The crotch of her jeans were soaked through and she could feel her climax building as she leaned back her head, letting out a long growl of pleasure.

Lupin ripped open Megan’s long sleeved shirt and tore off her bra, throwing them aside. He grinned wickedly at the sight of her flushed skin, breasts heaving with effort to breathe and her nipples so taunt they were almost red. He continued to grind into her, loving the feeling of his member being stroked through his jeans which were becoming wet with her juices. Leaning forward, Lupin took one of her nipples in his mouth and sucked hard, then bit down. Her loud moan of shock and pleasure made him shiver with delight. He sucked hard again, bit, and then repeated the process until Megan was shuddering continuously against him, gripping his back. He switched to the other breast and repeated the same actions until Megan screamed over and over, her body racked with the pleasure of orgasm. Lupin let out a long guttural sound as her nails dug across his back, breaking the skin and drawing blood.

When she stopped shuddering enough, Lupin grabbed Megan fiercely off the counter, spun her around and bent her over the counter. He grabbed the back of her jeans and underwear in both hands and ripped them from her ass and down her legs like the materials were tissue paper. He leaned down and looked at Megan in the mirror, seeing the shock on her flushed face.

“You wanted to see my darker side? Well now you will.” His voice sounded gruffer and deeper than she had ever heard it.

Lupin reached down and pulled off his own jeans with one hand and held Megan still with the other. With a grin which was akin to an animal that just spotted prey, he looked at Megan in the mirror, grabbed both her legs and spread them wide as they would go. Lupin positioned himself at her entrance and thrust forward, hard. Megan’s back bowed and she screamed in surprised delighted. Lupin leaned over her back, their sweaty bodies touching and whispered in her ear.

“Now, you can watch … me … fuck … you.” He pulled his hips back slightly and slammed back into her all the way to accentuate each word.

Megan’s eyes nearly rolled into the back of her head. She reached forward and placed her hands on the mirror to steady her body. She felt like her entire body was on fire and the fire was consuming every inch of tissue, burning it up. The pleasure was so strong she cried out with every thrust, almost sobbing the emotions in her were so strong, so vivid.

“Dear Merlin, Remus!” Megan exclaimed as he thrust deep again and again.

Lupin grunted with each thrust, keeping his body bent over hers. He pulled back his hips only a few inches and pushed back in again. Each time the thrusts were hard and as deep as he could go. His member swelled and pulsated as her walls pulled and clenched around it. He leaned down to her ear and whispered in it.

“Oh Megan … so wet … so tight … so soft. Do you like what you see? Do you like watching me fuck you from behind? Watching my hips pump into you? Do you like the sound of my flesh smacking against yours? How about you watch this?”

Lupin pulled his body back from hers and stood up straight. Grabbing her hips with both hands and gripping hard, he began to pound in and out of her faster and harder. Using all his anger and his strength, he pushed so hard and deep that his pelvis made loud smacking sounds as it bounced off her ass. He took no care for her comfort or pleasure, only searched to satiate his own needs. The anger rolled off him in waves and flowed through every thrust. He was so angry at the whole situation he wanted her to feel his ire and he pounded as if he could push right through Megan. He watched the mirror to see Megan’s wide eyes flashing with anger, her teeth gritted and face scrunched in effort as she match his every thrust with strong shoves of her hips backward. Lupin could feel her defiance, her anger radiating from every pore, every inch of her body until his anger was practically merging with his.

Megan panted, gasping for air as he assaulted her body from behind. She watched in the mirror, fascinated and exhilarated by the sight of Lupin as in rode her body with increasing roughness and speed. Yet, she was so angry at him for his words, the way he handled her body so roughly, and him using her body to work off his own anger. She was determined to push back hard as she could and let him feel her own anger, see the anger on her face so that he had no doubt his actions would not break her. She could feel his fingertips dig into her skin and she knew she would have bruises later. However, her emotions began to be conquered by her bodily reactions of his harsh and passionate assault of her frame.

Megan’s body began to shake violently, sweat dripped off her face and chest, her skin flushed a deep scarlet and her vision began to blur as orgasm after orgasm crashed through her body. But Lupin didn’t stop he only began to do sharp swallow thrusts, staying as deep inside her as he could while still moving. Megan watched as he began to shake also, and he leaned over her body once more, panting. She felt his arms go around her stomach and his chest plaster itself to her back. He gave two more sharp thrusts and bit down hard on her shoulder. Megan cried out in a mix of pain and pleasure as Lupin’s head roared up to scream out at the top of his lungs.

“Sweet … fucking … Merlin, YYYYEEEESSSSS!”

Lupin continue to pump his hips as his orgasm, the strongest he had ever had, crashed into him like a train. He felt his seed jerk out of him in long spurts and as another orgasm hit Megan, it milked his member causing another orgasm to hit him.

“Megan, Megan, Megan …” Lupin kept moaning in her ear.

He collapsed on top of Megan. They stayed there for what seemed like an eternity, panting and regaining their breath. Finally, Lupin stood, shakily and pulled away. He leaned against the wall behind him and starred at Megan, who was trying to stand and finally gave up. She turned and slid down the front of the sink cabinets to the floor, laying her hot face against the cold marble tile. After a few moments of silence, Megan turned her head and starred up at Lupin who had recovered himself, mostly.

“So, this is what happens when you get angry? This is your dark side?” Megan gestured with her eyes to her shoulder where there was a large, quickly swelling bite mark with blood trickling from it.

Lupin looked horrified and knelt down to help her sit up. Then he picked her up and placed her I the bathtub. With waved of his hand it began to fill with water and he added Megan’s lavender bath salts. Lupin climbed into the tub behind Megan and let her lean back against his chest. Without a word he began to wash her body with a washcloth and lavender soap. Then he soaped up himself and used a nearby pitcher to rinse them both off. Megan leaned back against his chest as he washed her hair and rinsed it. He said nothing the entire time he washed them both. The two lay in the tub for awhile soak in the hot water. Finally, Lupin whispered in Megan’s ear and wrapped his arms around her body, almost in a hug.

“I am sorry if I hurt you. I never intended to get so rough. I was angry, Megan but it was anger at the situation not at you. I used you for an outlet for my deep frustration. As for the bite, I got caught up in the moment of such animalist pleasure. No puns intended.” Lupin chuckled lightly.

Megan turned her face so she could look at him. The laughter and smile did not reach his eyes. Reaching up, she cupped his cheek and kissed his lips softly.

“Do not feel guilty. I am sorry, too. I was also angry but not entirely at you. I despise the situation we all have been put in, too. Consequently, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I am not sorry it happened, I think it was exactly what I needed: to blow off some steam and anger I have been holding in. I think we are both needed it. We took out our mutual anger on each other with the heat of passion. I forgive you for the bite. It barely hurts and I know you aren’t contagious in human form this far from a full moon. There are no worries. Smile, Remus, enjoy it as it should enjoyed.” Megan kissed him again, long and soft.

“I was pretty good.” Lupin grinned and kissed Megan on the top of the head.

Suddenly, a loud knocking made them both jump.

“Remus? Remus? Can the rest of us use the bathroom? You have been in there over an hour! What have you been doing in there?” Sirius’ groggy voice vibrated through the door.

Megan and Lupin exchanged looks and laughed. They both got out of the tub and dried off. Lupin wrapped a large towel around his waist, while Megan put her hair up in a smaller towel and wrapped a larger one around her body. She was taller then Lupin by a couple of inches but the towel was magical so it extended below her knees and wrapped around her body perfectly. After the two were covered and dry, they glanced around the room.

“How can we clean this up before he comes in?” Remus looked worried.

“Not a problem.” Megan said as she picked up her wand from the ripped jeans and flicked it around the room. “There. All the clothes are in the hamper, the floors and counter clean and the tub dry.”

Remus smiled and kissed her on the nose.

“My, my, we are a smart girl.”

“Of course, I thought you always knew that.”

“I did but until today I had no idea how much sexuality you always had hidden under those school robes.” He chuckled as he pinched her ass through the towel.

“Watch your manner, sir!” Megan gasped playfully and smacked at his hand.

They were laughing when Megan reversed the silencing charm and opened the door.

“Well, it took long enough…..” Sirius stopped mid-sentence as he took in the sight of the two in their bath towels with no clothes in sight. He breathed deeply and pursed his lips for a moment.

“Good morning, Sirius.” Megan said, bravely, looking Sirius right in the eyes. She waited for him to challenge her, or explode over such a sight but her eyes and posture said she had done nothing to be embarrassed about or chided for.

Sirius leaned forward and placed a kiss on her toweled head. He smiled at Lupin and nodded.

“Good morning to you both or, by the looks of it, should I say very good morning?” Sirius smirked.

Megan blushed slightly and scooted past her cousin to Lupin’s bedroom where she was sure there was a change of clothes in his dresser waiting for her. Lupin laughed, patted Sirius on the shoulder and followed Megan.

After they were dressed, Megan and Lupin walked out into the common room.
Isabella and Sirius had showered and dressed, probably having had the house elves deliver them some fresh clothes. They had taken the liberty of ordering breakfast for everyone. They ate in relative silence, Isabella shooting glances at Megan every so often. After the meal was over, Megan stood and grabbed her coat.

“Let’s take a walk. I could use some fresh air. Besides, I think you and I need to have a conversation?” Megan raised her eyebrows at Isabella as she handed her coat to her.

“Yes, I do believe a conversation is way over due.” Isabella nodded.

The four of them prepared for the winter cold and went outside, walking along the lake. Megan put her arm in Isabella’s and pulled her a little ahead of the men. Taking out her wand, Megan cast a spell which put a wall of silence between them and the men.

“So, I take it your improving color this morning was not from your bath?” Isabella smirked.

“No. It was from hot, lustful, sex which is something I better not hear you were doing last night.” Megan’s voice dropped low and anger practically seethed from her eyes.

Isabella froze in her tracks like deer in headlights. She pulled away from her friend as if Megan had scalded her. Her jaw dropped open in surprise. Then she shut it, pursing her lips so tight they were almost white, her fists balled at her sides.

The two men stopped walking and realized a fight was about to occur. They tried to step forward but Isabella put up a hand and the two men stopped short. It was as if an invisible brick wall had appeared in front of them. However, Isabella’s blocking spell counteracted the silencing spell, so the men could hear every word.

“Are you implying what I think you are, Megan Malfoy?”

“What do you think, Isabella Huntington?”

“How dare you! You know me better than that! You think just because you saw me asleep in your cousin’s arms this morning, I slept with him? How could you think so low of me that I would give my body to a man I just met not twenty-four hours ago?” Isabella shook with anger.

“Well, I saw the way you two looked at each other last night and then there was that private tour of the castle. All ending in a drinking binge in Remus’ living room! I have never known you to drink until you passed out with men you barely know! So, how am I supposed to react?” Megan shouted.

“Like a best friend! A best friend gives the benefit of the doubt and has trust in the other person. You have always trusted me and NEVER accused me of something without proof. You have no proof I have done anything other than over-indulge in liquor and pass out beside your cousin. We were fully clothed. There is no proof anything illicit occurred!” Isabella stamped her foot in the snow.

“Well you two must have been awfully comfortable with each other to drink until stupid then curl up all cozy!” Megan’s face was red with anger.

“I was having a good time!”

“I just bet you were.” Megan ground out through her teeth.

“Megan, what in the world is wrong with you! I have been so busy with OUR shop that I haven’t had one night out in ages and I don’t have any friends to go out with! It was nice to hang out with other people, to laugh, to joke, to tell stories and have a few drinks. I admit I had one too many but I had fun last night for the first time in years! You should be happy for me not mad at me!” Isabella raised her voice higher and higher.

“What’s wrong with me?” Megan snorted out a sarcastic laugh. “What’s wrong with me? The question should be what’s wrong with YOU! That is MY cousin and MY friend, as well as MY professor you were partying with last night! YOU should have been in your room sleeping!”

“Is this what this is about?” Isabella shook her head. “You’re mad because I am allowed to sleep and you can’t, so my staying up most of the night and not enjoying a full night of sleep you feel is me not taking advantage of the normal function YOU can’t. Oh, Megan, that is so petty. I know you can’t sleep because of this curse but that doesn’t mean you should be angry with me because I can sleep if I choose to.” Isabella sighed and shook her head again.

“Petty?” Megan snarled. “I am not petty. I am not jealous of the fact you can sleep and I cannot. I am angry that you seem to be having a wonderful time while I am suffering, you are partying while I am starring at the ceiling, you are laughing while I am crying and YOU” Megan pointed at Isabella, her body shaking with fury, “are having the time of your life while I am fighting for mine!”

“Oh, really? I guess your Professor Snape doesn’t have the stamina to keep you occupied all night? What’s wrong? Is there something wrong in paradise? I guess he’s not as good as you imagined or is it that he isn’t as good as the other you’ve had?” Isabella raised her eyebrows in questioning.

“The others?” Megan blushed deep scarlet. “What others? Are you suggesting I have been sleeping around?”

“Well, if Snape isn’t ringing your bells than you have obviously been with men who have. It’s the only way to know: you have to have had good sex with others to know bad sex when you experience it. Or, is it so good the others pale in comparison?” Isabella smirked.

“I wouldn’t know because there has been no others to compare Severus to! Unlike you I was a virgin until this curse! I doubt you are because you speak like a woman who has been around the block quite a few if not many times!” Megan shouted, furious.

“Just because you are sleeping with two men at once doesn’t mean every other woman on the planet is just as loose. After all, curse or not, you are a Malfoy and as I hear Malfoy’s are the loosest wizards of them all. They say your father has had half of the witches in this country and quite a few others elsewhere. Your brother will screw anything that moves, female or male, doesn’t matter as long as he gets off. As for your mother, well, who knows how many men she had before your father AND after?” Isabella spat out her words, her face reddening with anger.

“YOU DISGUSTING MUDBLOOD! HOW DARE YOU ACCUSE MY MOTHER OF BEING A WHORE?” Megan screamed and pulled out her wand, aiming it at Isabella before she could react. “CRUCIO!”

Isabella fell to the ground writhing and screaming. Megan’s body shook with anger, yet tears poured down her face.

“MEGAN! MEGAN, STOP!” Sirius screamed.

But Megan continued, walking a few steps forward and screaming the Unforgivable Curse over and over, her wand pointed firmly on Isabella’s chest from just a few feet away.

Isabella screamed and screamed, tears of pain pouring out of her eyes. Blood began to froth out of her mouth as the convulsions overtook her body, bending and bowing her frame.

Lupin and Sirius frantic pulled out their wands.

“EXPELLIARMUS!” They both shouted and Megan’s wand flew to their feet. Lupin picked it up.

Megan collapsed onto her knees and put her face in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably. Lupin ran to her and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight as she sobbed and shook. Megan panted, and gagged, then threw up her breakfast in the snow.

Sirius ran over to Isabella and tried to help her sit up. Isabella shook from the aftershocks, blood dribbled out of Isabella’s mouth as she lay unconscious in the snow. Sirius attempted to get Isabella to come around by tapping her check and talking to her but she didn’t move. Sirius quickly scooped Isabella up and stood. Lupin let go of Megan and crawled back a few inches. Megan
looked up at Isabella’s sagging frame in Sirius’ arms, drops of blood falling from her lips to color the snow by Sirius’ feet. Megan starred wide-eyed at Isabella then let out a howl of anguish and pain. She quickly scooted back from everyone, shaking her head back and forth wildly, as if she could not accept what she was seeing. Lupin attempted to reach for Megan.

“Don’t. Please just leave me alone!” Megan crawled over to the nearest tree and huddled against it, shaking.

Lupin pulled his arm back and starred up at Sirius, wide-eyed himself. Sirius just looked amazed and confused. He pulled Isabella’s body into his arms tighter and turned toward the castle.

“I am going to take Isabella to Madam Pomfrey for treatment. Merlin only knows how bad the damage is. I have never seen this reaction to a Crucio curse unless the witch or wizard was very powerful. Please, take care of Megan. I will check back with you later?”

“Yes, of course, hurry and get Isabella some help. I will do what I can here.” Lupin brushed the snow off his pants and sighed as he glanced over at Megan’s crumpled form.

“And Remus?”

“Yes?”He glanced at Sirius.

“Be gentle and go easy on her. If she overreacted because Isabella touched a few raw nerves, then anything you say could set her off. She is very fragile right now and dangerous it seem. I know she didn’t mean it but I wouldn’t give her back her wand.” Sirius looked pale and worried as he nodded in Megan’s direction.

“Don’t worry, old friend, I won’t and I am well aware now what Megan is capable of in this state. Now go, quickly, Sirius and attend to Isabella before she goes into shock. I can handle Megan.”

With a nod of understanding, Sirius turned on his heels and walked away with Isabella carefully draped in his arms.

Lupin turned back and walked across the snow to Megan, who was still crying with her head on her knees and arms wrapped tightly around her legs. Curled up into almost a fetal position, Megan sobbed and gasped for air as tears ran like two rivers down her cheeks. Lupin reached out a hand, tentatively, to touch her shoulder but she shrank from his touch.

“Don’t.” Megan said in a small voice.

“Megan, it was an accident. You were pushed into extreme anger and reacted according to your emotions. You can explain it all to Isabella later and apologize. I can even help you. She will forgive you. After all, she is your best friend.” Lupin kneeled next to her, not touching but hovering as if he wanted to.

“I … I … almost killed her ….I could have killed her ….I would never ….” Megan starred up at Lupin with wide, shocked eyes. “I … don’t … understand. Dear Merlin in Heaven, what have I done? Why?”

“You don’t understand what, Megan?” Lupin looked confused.

“It was like I was outside myself, watching it from outside my body. I lost control of all my emotions. I just freaked. I had no control over my mind, I was reacting without thought. I would have never accused Isabella or talked to her in such a way. I love her like the sister I never had. I would never, ever hex her! Yet, all I could think was how I wanted to hurt her, make her feel the pain I feel. I WANTED to hurt her. What is happening to me, Remus?”

Megan turned and fell into Lupin’s awaiting arms, wailing and sobbing wildly. She beat her fists on his arms as she wailed. He let her react and just held on, rocking her back and forth like a small child until she stopped swinging her fists and just went limp. He held her quietly as the snow began to fall around them in large flakes. Lupin held her so long, the sky was beginning to dim. Megan was quiet now, except for the occasional sniffle but she wouldn’t look at Lupin. Megan kept her head buried in Lupin’s chest and let him rock her. Finally, he pulled her away from him. She still wouldn’t look at him. Lupin gently put his fingers under her chin and forced Megan to look at him.

“What you did today, from the anger in the bathroom to the anger out here, was not your fault.”

“How is that possible? I fought with you and I fought with Isabella. I said things I would never say, I did things I would never do and I hurt my best friend. I raised my wand at her. No one made me do it.”

“Actually, someone did.” Lupin sighed and brushed the falling snow off Megan’s hair.

“What? How?” Megan looked confused, bewildered.

“When recovering from an Ival Pythonica or any curse this strong and dark, as the body and mind recover they act wildly. Your emotions are all confused and so are your hormones. I was hoping, along with the others I think, that you would recover smoother than other victims because of our quick and thorough care of you. However, Megan, I believe we were all wrong. Please do not get angry with any of us, we didn’t know you would become easily unstable if pushed in the slightest way. I guess we will all have to act very gingerly around you for the rest of the curse. Otherwise, you will be furious and start hexing us all then wailing and crying for hours after.” Lupin sighed, a tired sound, and rubbed his eyes.

“I wish someone would have warned me that even recovery had side effects.” Megan muttered, wiping her eyes and face.

“Yes. We should have warned you, I am sorry we didn’t.” Lupin stood and offered Megan a hand.

“Well, I know now.” Megan took his hand and stood shakily. “I think my legs are numb.”

“Mine as well. We have been out here for at least 3 hours. Dusk is coming and you need to collect yourself before you go to Severus. Here let me help you.”

Lupin placed an arm around Megan’s middle and helped her walk towards the front doors of the castle. By the time they reached the entrance, Megan’s legs seemed to be working better but she didn’t let go of Lupin. As they waked through the doors, her necklace vibrated.

“Time to go.” Megan sighed and hugged Lupin, who hugged back tightly.

“You are never alone, Megan. Please remember that you always can talk to me, alright?”

“I will. Would you mind walking me to Severus’ apartments? I am still a little unsteady.” Megan wavered on her feet.

“Sure, I would be glad to.” Lupin smiled and wrapped his arm back around her middle.

Megan smiled at him as they began to walk down the steps towards the Dungeons. They walked in silence until they reached Snape’s apartments. Megan turned and kissed Lupin softly.

“Goodbye for now, Remus. I will see you tomorrow morning. Get some rest, please? Oh and can I have my wand back? I believe I will be able to handle myself around Severus and if not, he is more than able to stop me.” Megan tried to smile but felt embarrassed as she put out her hand.

“I promise, wizard’s honor.” Lupin held up a hand to swear to it which made Megan smirk slightly. Lupin used his other hand to place Megan’s wand in her waiting hand. However, he didn’t let go of her hand, their hands holding the wand between them.

“Now, you promise me you will try to control yourself as best you can. If you get angry close your eyes and count back from ten and breathe deeply. It should help. Promise me?” Lupin squeezed her hand tightly.

“I promise, witch’s honor.” Megan muttered.

“Ah, ah. Try that again with more feeling.” Lupin demanded.

“I solemnly promise to not hex anyone, witch’s honor.” Megan raised her right hand and couldn’t help but giggle at the silliness of it.

“It’s good to see you laugh. Now, off you go.” Lupin let go of her hand and Megan pocketed her wand.

Lupin gave her a swat on her ass as she turned to enter Snape’s rooms. She glanced back at him in mock surprise as he winked and walked away, chuckling.

Megan shook her head as she walked through the door. She passed the little table just inside the door to find a dozen deep red roses with silver ribbons laced around the stems, to hold the bouquet together. Picking them up, Megan inhaled deeply and sighed heavily at the sweet scent of the flowers. With flowers in hand, Megan touched her palm to the stone wall and it dissolved, allowing her to step through into Snape’s common room. The room was lit only by the fireplace and candle around the room. Megan grinned as she saw Snape standing by the fireplace, facing her. He strode over quickly to her. Megan threw her arms around him and kissed him, but he kissed back chastely, just barely brushing his lips against hers. He then removed Megan’s arms from him and put a foot or two of distance between them, only their hands kept them touching. Megan raised her eyebrows in confusion and shock. She had expected by the flowers and the lighting a very romantic greeting and evening. Instead, Snape looked nervous and slightly angry.

“Hello, Megan.” Snape said politely.

“Severus, what is the matter with you? Are you angry with me or something? I find roses and romantic lighting, and then walk in here to be greeted like a common visitor, not your lover. What is going on here? Where are the overwhelming kisses I usually get? Didn’t you miss me?” Megan looked hurt.

“No, my darling, I am not angry and yes, I did miss you very much.” Snape whispered softly. “However, we have company.” Snape announced louder and turning he gestured to the high-backed chair facing the fire.

Megan looked at the chair and couldn’t see who was sitting in it but glanced at a hand which was leaning over the armrest, out to the side. It was twirling an object that looked like a cane. As Megan starred harder, she saw the firelight glitter off the two green jewels and fangs in the silver snake head on the cane. She watched in horror as the firelight caught the silver ring on the ring finger of the mystery guest. The ring glittered as the firelight caught the large emerald in the silver setting of the wedding ring. Megan began to shake with fear, her eyes going wide.

“No, no, it can’t be. It can’t be. Please tell me that’s not who I think it is, Severus.” Megan looked at him with pleading eyes.

Snape nodded at her and pursed his lips, confirming her fears. For a few moments she looked helplessly between Snape and the chair, not knowing what to say or do. The silence seemed to stretch on forever until the tension in the air was so thick Megan thought she couldn’t breathe.

The figure stood up from the chair and the cane’s tip hitting the floor made Megan jump. She glanced from Severus to the figure now fully lit by the firelight. Megan shuddered in fear as she stared into angry, stormy blue eyes which were squinting at her out of a sneering face. The pale cheeks flushed with anger were framed with long white-blonde hair. Megan thought she would collapse under those scrutinizing eyes but Snape’s grip on her arms as he stood slightly behind her kept her from falling to her knees.

“Oh, for the love of Merlin….not him….not now….” Megan whispered, her eyes closing for a second.

“Is that the proper way to greet your father, Megan Narcissa Malfoy? You do not seem pleased to see me. I wonder why that might be so?”

Megan opened her eyes as Lucius Malfoy glared at his daughter, the cold anger, disgust and sarcasm of his voice splitting the thick silence like an axe of ice.