In The Dungeon Deep And Dark

A/N: To all my readers I thank you for your patience and urge you all to drop me a nice long review!! Detailed reviews are the bestest thing since chocolate and might just encourage me to post more often!!! :P

In the Dungeon Deep and Dark – Chapter 18

Severus and Georgia braced themselves for trouble that morning in the shop, but the worst happened before they had even opened up. The post owl brought their subscription to the Daily Prophet as usual but neither was prepared for the front page.


“DISGRACED PROFESSOR IN STUDENT LOVE SHAME! By Rita Skeeter.”


“What the hell?” Severus roared, snatching up the offending article.

There on the front cover were photos of himself and Georgia. Her photo was one taken last year as a shy, innocent looking student in her Hufflepuff uniform. His picture however was a stock photo taken sometime during the war, looking haggard and evil. The twisted bitch was doing just what he predicted; making him look like a despicable monster who preyed on impressionable young girls.

He scanned the text, becoming more irate the further he read. The story mentioned nothing of the attack by Death Eaters, as that was a secret known only by himself, Georgia, Dumbledore, Sprout and probably McGonagall. It was stated that he had been summarily dismissed when the Headmaster had discovered that the pair had been having a “steamy affair”.

It also mentioned that they had been “caught in a compromising position” but failed to mention by whom. Severus didn’t remember being interrupted, and it wasn’t the sort of thing he was likely to forget. He therefore assumed that much of the story had been taken from Hogwarts gossip and students had a habit of embellishing stories.

Georgia was described by “anonymous sources” as being a shy, quiet and studious girl; not popular or sporty or the top of the class, and fairly innocuous. Snape’s character was painted as black as possible though; former Death Eater, strict and cruel professor, adept at the Dark Arts, spy, traitor. Obviously most of the sources were students.

“I told you this would happen.” He spat, as Georgia read the article with dread.

She felt sick, seeing her and Severus’ private lives splashed all over the front page for everyone to see. Even worse was that it had been written with a biased and untruthful view.

“Hardly any point in opening the shop today; we will have no customers and I don’t fancy opening the hate mail and howlers in full view of the Alley.” He growled.

He was pacing nervously and his countenance was murderous. Georgia was very nervous. He had never really lost his temper with her. She didn’t like to see him so upset.

“You want us to hide out here? For how long?” she asked worriedly.

“I am NOT hiding! I am merely saying that our livelihood has just been trashed by that article and it is only going to get worse, foolish girl!” he barked at her.

It still bruised his pride after all this time to be accused of cowardice. She physically jumped at his tone.

“I’m sorry Severus.” She said in a small, sad voice.

He looked at her and saw she was close to tears. He immediately regretted his harsh words and felt very guilty. He hadn’t intended to take his temper out on her but she was the nearest human being at the time and he needed to vent. He ran his hand through his hair with a deep, cleansing sigh; pushing his anger down for now.

“I’m sorry Georgia, I didn’t mean to snap at you.” He said in a pacifying tone, extending an arm toward her invitingly.

She stepped into his embrace, pressing her face into the familiar comfort of his frock coat and the soothing scent of him. He held her close but she did not weep.

“I love you Severus.” She said softly.

“I love you too Georgia.” He replied, kissing her forehead.

She tipped her chin upward to meet him in a kiss that signified reconciliation and love. They both needed reassurance of their love at that moment. They needed to be strong and united against the oncoming storm of outrage against them.

“We should open up you know. Show them this doesn’t bother us and life goes on.” She suggested.

“Sounds like a Gryffindor idea to me.” He grumbled half-heartedly.

“Oi! No need to be nasty.” She joked, causing him to smile briefly.

Even without the fact that he despised cowardice, he knew he had to agree. If they didn’t open the shop there would definitely be no customers, but if they opened there was always the chance that people who didn’t know or didn’t care would come into the shop and they needed the business.

It was a complete disaster; parents crossed the street with their children, nosey old busybodies stuck their heads in to gawp and shout admonishments at one or other of them. One audacious young wizard attempted to ‘liberate’ Georgia from Snape’s clutches, causing her to hex him out of the shop in indignant rage. Severus was incredibly dismayed, but it had amused him to see his sweet little Hufflepuff finally bare her teeth and claws!

Having discovered the damage they had inadvertently caused, the Weasley twins began to feel very guilty and sorry. George decided to try and put things right, venturing into the Apothecary.

“You! Have you any idea of the damage you and your brother have caused?” Snape ranted when he walked into the shop.

“Professor Snape, me and Fred are really sorry about all this, honest! We didn’t mean for your story to get out and what that cow Skeeter wrote was just appalling. Anyone who knows you two knows it wasn’t like that.” George protested.

“I can’t believe you were talking about me behind my back George. I thought you were my friend.” Georgia said with a wounded expression.

George felt even worse now. He had accepted that Georgia wasn’t available, but he still liked her and he and his twin had caused her a lot of bother and pain.

“Look, I’m really sorry and if I could take it all back I would!” he insisted. “I’m not barred am I? Coz Fred and I really could do with a top up of ingredients.” He asked.

Snape was torn between wanting to throw the trouble-magnet ginger out on his ear and needing the custom.

“What precisely do you need?” he asked grudgingly, bringing a look of genuine relief to George’s face.


They usually made quite good trade out of the Weasleys with their elaborate range of magical sweets and fun potions, many of which required rare or controlled ingredients that Snape was one of few on the Alley, or even Knockturn, was qualified to provide. However, they could not survive on the income from Weasleys Wizard Wheezes alone and as there didn’t seem to be any likelihood of more customers that day Severus prepared to shut the shop early.

Unfortunately, before he could, another meddling Gryffindor stepped into the shop.

“Remus Lupin! Come to gloat have you? Tell me you told me so?” Snape sneered.

“Good afternoon Severus. I actually come to you with two requests today; a potion and some advice.” Lupin replied evenly. He had known Snape a long time and had figured out that when Severus felt cornered, patience was the best way to deal with his mood.

“A potion? Why not ask Slughorn? I am well aware of the current state of my reputation but I am not yet in need of charity from you Lupin!” Snape spat.

“It isn’t charity Severus. I have need of the Wolfsbane and Slughorn’s version of the draught is not as potent as yours. Horace is also preoccupied with his own projects and he nearly forgot to make it last month. I need a supplier who is reliable; both in providing it and in quality. That means you Severus.” He insisted.

This was indeed true, but it had the added bonus of feeding Snape’s ego at having surpassed his teacher and it soothed his pride a little to be considered as trusted and reliable, even by a former foe.

“Very well Lupin. Do you wish to return for it or will you be waiting?” he relented.

“I’d prefer to wait, if you don’t mind. I have something of a delicate nature I wished to discuss with you in any case.” Lupin replied nervously.

“Ah yes, you mentioned being in need of advice. What makes you think I am willing, or indeed able to provide such a thing?” Snape asked.

Lupin looked around, and noting that Georgia was at the other end of the shop, tidying a shelf, continued in a low voice.

“Because it is something you have personal experience of, and I was hoping for some personal insight.”

Curiosity peaked, Snape gestured for Lupin to follow him into the back room while he brewed.

Although he would never admit it, he had missed being able to converse with a contemporary about adult topics. Georgia was a bright girl and he loved her, but it wasn’t the same as having a conversation with a fellow his own age, and he and Remus had formed a tense and grudging friendship. He hadn’t realised how much he had missed out on, sharing the company of only his lover.

“Go on.” He said invitingly, while he prepared the ingredients for the Wolfsbane.

Remus was amazed at how Severus could follow a delicate conversation while working on such a complicated potion. He took a deep breath and explained.

“I’m having problems with a NEWT student. It’s become clear that she has developed an infatuation with me, and while normally that would be easily enough dealt with, I find myself equally attracted to her. She’s intelligent, mature, confident and understanding and she’s driving me crazy! I don’t know what to do.” He moaned dejectedly.

Snape paused in his movements to turn and glare at the werewolf.

“Are you purposely taunting me or is this yet another example of Gryffindor hypocrisy?” he asked icily.

“Severus please! I don’t know who else to turn to. When I first found out about you and Georgia I though these things were so simple; now I understand that is isn’t as clear cut as I once thought. I still believe it’s wrong for a professor to sleep with a student but I don’t know what to do about her.” he beseeched.

Snape sighed. The sentimental fool was falling for a student and actually asked for his advice? He must truly be desperate; knowing how well Severus’ own romance had panned out!

“How old is the girl?” he drawled.

“She’s eighteen already.” Lupin assured him.

“That is in your favour at least. Who is it?” he asked.

Lupin looked at Snape, then hung his head in shame.

“Hermione.” He breathed.

“Miss Granger?! The hag-haired know-it-all?” Snape gasped incredulously.

“Severus, she’s a very bright and vivacious young woman.” Remus defended.

As far as Snape was concerned the bossy chit could never compare to his own sweet Georgia, but he supposed there could be no accounting for taste.

“How far have you taken it so far? Are we in need of damage limitation?” he asked calculatingly.

“NO! Really Severus, we’ve just been spending a lot of time together in my office, talking. She has also taken to looking after me following my transformations. She complains that none of her peers understand her. We have spent many enjoyable evenings by the fire discussing a variety of topics. However one evening last week, just as she was leaving, she leaned in and kissed me goodnight. I haven’t been able to think of anything else since.” Remus complained.

“What do you expect me to say? As far as I can see you have the same choice that I had; either risk what little credibility you have and pursue her, or wait until she’s graduated and take cold showers twice a day till then.” Snape said flippantly.

“That wasn’t what I was hoping to hear.” Lupin said sadly.

“What did you expect? Do you not think that if there was another way I would have chosen
it? Do you think I wanted to destroy my reputation and cause Georgia this disgrace?” Snape snarled unsympathetically.

“Of course not Severus! I was surprised that you of all people were in such a position. As long as I’ve known you, I’ve been amazed by your level of self-control.” Lupin remarked. Snape sighed.

“I suppose I could lie and say I was tired of being alone and flattered by the attentions of an attractive young witch. The truth is, when she intervened in the attack upon me she invoked a Life Debt. You do remember what that entails, I assume.” Snape sneered, reminding Lupin uncomfortably of the time James Potter saved Severus from being mauled by Lupin in werewolf form.

“That was just the beginning however. Combined with her mutual attraction, there is also the fact that she has showed me great loyalty, understanding and above all love.” Snape explained, looking wistful. Lupin stared at him in wonder.

“Wow, you really do love her then?” he remarked.

“Of course I do you lupine nitwit!” Snape snapped. “Were it not for her I would have disappeared somewhere remote and uninhabitable like Antarctica or the American Midwest!” he sneered.

“Why stay then? After all this... unpleasantness has occurred?” Lupin questioned.

“Because her NEWTs are coming up and because she is very close to her parents. I could hardly drag her off to the back of beyond with no qualifications and no support network.” Snape replied as though it were obvious.

“You know Severus, I think I misjudged you gravely and for that I am sorry. You and Georgia clearly love each other and I can see now that you do have her best interests at heart. This seems to have worked out for you; maybe I should just go for it!” Remus determined.

“About time you grew a spine Lupin!” Snape teased. “But not too rashly I should hope. Discretion is paramount!” he warned.

“Of course Severus. Slytherins aren’t the only ones with a sense of self-preservation you know.” Remus smiled. “I think we need to take this relationship very slowly in any case. I want to be sure that this is what she wants. As you said, the NEWTs aren’t far away now. If we can keep this fairly chaste till then we should be able to keep it quiet.”

“It seems I have managed to teach even you something useful.” Snape drawled with a smirk. Remus laughed out loud.

“Merlin, I’ve missed your sense of humour. Not that we ever saw much of it. It’s been good to see you again Severus.” Remus said with genuine affection. Snape faltered.

“I... it has been... a welcome visit.” He said awkwardly. “I trust I shall see you next month then?” he asked as he bottled up three large doses of the Wolfsbane and handed them to Lupin.

“I imagine so. I may even pop in before then, if I’m in the Alley.” Remus suggested. Snape nodded his assent.

“You can settle up with my lovely assistant. Fifteen Galleons.” He said, clearing up his work space.

When Remus left, Georgia locked the door and came into the back room to see Severus.

“What a day!” she sighed exhaustedly.

“Yes, quite a trial.” Severus agreed, marking down in his ledger that he needed to acquire more Aconite in preparation for the next full moon.

“What did Professor Lupin want?” she asked.

“Wolfsbane.” He replied.

“Yes, what else?” she pressed, knowing there had to be more to it than that. Snape smirked at her.

“It seems our so noble and righteous Lupin finds himself firmly in my shoes!” he replied.

“Sleeping with a student?” she gasped.

“Not quite yet, no. But I doubt they will hold off for long.” He replied.

“Oh my! Do I know her?” Georgia pressed.

“I believe you do. Our wolfish friend finds himself enamoured of the Head Girl!” he crowed.

“Hermione Granger? That frigid bitch?” she choked. Snape was shocked; both at the vehemence of the statement and that she would say something like that, (however true he believed it to be) about Hermione.

“I thought you two were friends?” he asked.

“I can’t prove it, but I’m pretty sure she’s the one that grassed us up!” she complained.

“Oh really? What gives you that idea?” he asked curiously.

“Well, she started taking a close interest in me after the attack, asking questions and walking to lessons with me. I think she was following me really. She must have gotten suspicious about our actions and the odd disappearances we pulled.” Georgia explained.

Snape hadn’t known any of this, but it made a lot of sense. If any student could have figured out their affair, it would have been Granger. She was, after all, the only one to work out from his clues that Lupin was a werewolf.

“Perhaps. I may ask Lupin about her when I see him next.” He pondered aloud. He sighed deeply. Today had taken a lot out of him. He wasn’t used to the constant stress anymore and wondered how he had managed to survive all these years under constant threat.

“Let’s go home; I have an idea how to make you feel better.” Georgia suggested. Snape smirked and led the way.


When they got in, Georgia ran Severus a bath with herbal salts in it for his aching muscles. It was one of his own blends and was sure to alleviate the stress that Weasley and Skeeter had caused. She poured him a tumbler of Firewhisky and told him to relax, earning her a grateful smile.

He lay in the soothing herb-scented water thinking about their situation. The South Pole was sounding more and more attractive by the minute. He absently wondered about the possibility for experimentation with penguin and permafrost related potion ingredients.
But Georgia was just barely on good terms with her family as it was. He was sure her family would never forgive him for Portkeying her away from all civilisation.

He lay further back, closing his eyes and submerging all but his famous nose in the water, allowing the salts to soak into his hair. It was one of the few things that could completely strip the oil from his locks, but unfortunately had the side effect of making it fluffy. At least only Georgia would see it, and she could be relied upon to not laugh.

His thoughts turned dark and sombre. He wasn’t sure how much worse the situation would get for them. Would anyone mourn him if he drowned himself there and then? Of course Georgia would, but she was young; surely she would get over it and move on in time. But no, he was not a coward. A selfish and often cruel bastard, but not a coward. He would never take the easy way out. And the thought of Georgia with another man made him feel ill. Perhaps going to the Prophet and torturing Skeeter would be the best option. He smirked to himself, imagining the ridiculously attired hack twitching and trembling under his Cruciatus. That mental image was enough to cheer him.

He was so lost in his meditations that he failed to notice when the bathtub stretched wider, lowering the water level. He did however notice when something warm and soft brushed his knee. He bolted upright in alarm and was rendered breathless by what he saw. Georgia stood above him wearing nothing but a naughty smile. She straddled his legs and leaned forward, kissing his forehead, cheeks and lips.

“Are you feeling better yet?” she asked in a far-too- coy tone.

He was still speechless. Her skin felt so good against his, made slick by the soothing water. She began running her hands firmly over his shoulders, kneading at the muscles there and he couldn’t suppress a groan as she worked out the tension in his aching neck. She moved to sit behind him, wrapping her legs around his waist and continuing to manipulate the muscles in his back.

Severus had never felt so good in his life. His lover’s hands relieving the pain in his aching body and her lovely legs wrapped tight around him; her breasts rubbing against his back. She reached for the soap and began gently washing him. The act was both highly erotic, and the most tender thing anyone had ever done for him. He became so aware of how their bodies slid against each other with the soapy water. He bit back another groan and Georgia chuckled saucily.

“Are you feeling better now Love?” she asked huskily.

She was beginning to feel a wetness that had nothing to do with the warm water. Running her hands all over Severus’ slippery, muscular body had made her want him so desperately. She had only intended on treating him to a massage, which he so sorely needed after such a trying day. Suddenly, Severus’ hand reached back and grabbed her wrist, bringing it forward to stroke his tumescent cock.

“Much better, but I believe you missed somewhere.” he said, his husky voice reverberating off the tiles, sounding like a predator’s growl to her ears.

She kissed his shoulders and neck tenderly, stroking his member gently, teasingly. Her other hand she moved to his chest, playing over his nipples which had pebbled in the cold air after having been in the warm water. He groaned and bucked against her hands, encouraging her to go further. Suddenly she stopped and stood, causing Severus to turn and look at her reprovingly. She moved to sit on his lap, exchanging their positions.

“Your turn now.” She purred, wriggling her firm bottom against his aching loins.

Georgia was instantly amazed. She had no idea that Severus was part octopus! His hands were all over her, kneading, stroking and teasing every part of her. His mouth was attached to her neck and throat, suckling on her sensitive spot. She had a suspicion that she would have a mark there later. He slipped one hand between her thighs, stroking her lips teasingly and urging her to spread her legs.

As soon as she allowed his hand access to her slit, he plunged one finger inside, simultaneously gripping her breast. She arched her back, pressing her bottom harder against his abdomen, trapping his hardness between them with almost unbearable tension. He stopped teasing her cunt and gripped her hips, lifting her up and plunging himself into her.

“Oh Severus!” she squeaked in surprise.

She began rocking against him as he carefully thrust upwards. While the water had been an aid to their foreplay, the slippery bathtub was very tricky to move in and neither of them wanted to slip and hit their heads or get a lungful of water. He pinched her hard nipples as she ground against him, providing delicious friction, but it wasn’t enough. He wanted more of her. He stopped moving his hips and put his hands around her ribs, lifting her off him.

“Get out,” he ordered.

She looked at him, surprised and wondering what she had done wrong, but he just pulled the plug and stepped out onto the bathmat, extending his hand to help her out. She stepped onto the warm towelling mat and he turned her around, bending her over the bath.

“Hold on tight.” He warned her as he slid back into her from behind.

She braced herself against the side of the bath as he pounded into her with violent passion. She loved the feeling of him filling her and his passion for her turned her on even more. He spread her legs even further, reaching deeper inside her and turning her moans into screams as she bucked backwards hard against him; impaling herself on his stiff shaft and driving herself towards her orgasm. Severus continued to ride through her orgasm, palming her slick breasts as he reached his own completion, coming hard and collapsing, panting, over her, supported by one hand on the tiles above hers.

Georgia felt so safe and protected as Severus wrapped his arms around her, kissing her shoulder before he wrapped them in towels.

“I think I need another bath now.” She commented, looking down at her thighs where Severus’ semen was beginning to dry.

“Leave it; it’s proof you belong to me.”Snape purred sexily

“God, you are so kinky!” Georgia said with a grin, before her mouth was claimed in a possessive kiss.