A Gift

Ok, another short one. I thought my not working would give me more time. WRONG! LOL Just gave me more remodeling jobs around the house to do! Anyway, short but sweet.

She stands just inside the stall, watching Severus as he adjusts the girth out in the paddock. She slowly exhales, letting the deep breath calm her nerves. \"Ok. Here it goes.\" She murmurs softly.
She lifts her chin and hautily walks out into the paddock, holding the crop Sarah told her Sabine had always carried with her in hands clenched so tight she knew her knuckles were white. He quickly looks up and glares hatefully at her, as she gets closer. She sniffs loudly at him, never taking her eyes off the stallion. \"Aren\'t you about done? My house elves are faster than this!\"
His body stiffens at her tone, his eyes boring into hers behind her veil. \"If you\'d like the girth to be loose so you will fall, then by all means, jump right on.\"
Her tone turns even more hateful. \"I want him ready and I want him ready NOW! If there is one thing you missed that causes my injury, you will pay for it threefold.\"
He gives the girth one final tug before holding out his hand for her foot. She steps into it, letting him boost her into the saddle. He looks away as she adjusts her skirts, his face set as if he would rather be anywhere but near her. He gives her a quick lesson before striding over and leaping up behind the saddle.
Her body stiffens as his arms settle around her waist. \"As this is my only hosre at this time, you will have to deal with this if you wish for your morning ride.\"
\"Very well.\" She hisses back, kneeing Dameon into a slow trot out to the fields.
She feels him relax against her slightly, the warmth of his body sending shivers through her. Thinking they may be safe now, she whispers softly. \"Did you really have to go through this every time for 2 weeks?\"
\"Yes.\" His breath brushes her ear as he whispers back. \"After the first day I would be anxiously waiting for the beginning of classes.\"
\"I understand.\" She turns her head slightly looking into his eyes. Her hand slides off the reins enough to gently squeeze his hand. Suddenly she sees movement by the woods out of the corner of her eye. \"Must you hold on so tight?\" She growls out, acting as if she is trying to pry his fingers off her waist.
His body instantly stiffens, his eyes roaming the area. \"If I did not, you would try to have me thrown off.\" His voice hisses hatefully in her ear. \"So long as I am holding you, I can be assured that if I come off so do you.\"
She swings the stallion wide, turning back towards the barn. \"I\'ve had enough of you already this morning. I want to ack ack now.\"
\"As you wish.\" His eyes still scan the treeline as they trot back to the barn.
Without waiting for him to dismount first, she quickly slides out of the saddle as soon as Dameon stops in the paddock. He snarls a few oaths at her as she strides off back to the house, her head held high in disdain. As soon as the door to the cottage slams behind her, she lets out a slow breath and sags against the wall.
\"One day and I hate her already.\" She whispers softly. She turns towards the window, looking out hesitantly. A streak of black exiting the paddock catches her eyes as Severus takes Dameon out into the field at a run. \"I\'m sorry, Professor.\" She blinks back the tears as a wave of sadness overtakes her.