Tel\' Lindar (The Bard)

Chapter 21

Oh God, I\'m in Disco hell or Dream a little Wet dream

***

The hallway was dark, barely lit, but even so, the Voyeur could tell it was late at night. He looked around, took in the cut stone of the walls, the sconces hung in the carved marble.

He could feel at home in these cold walls.

Voices.

But of course, there are voices, he thought snidely. Never have a dream anymore where there weren\'t voices or music or nude women who dance in the sand.

He rather enjoyed the nude woman who danced in the sand!

Around the corner, two Elves crept. They were not dressed like the Big Elf or his entourage. These were dressed in woodland greens. Their hair was blonde, more yellow, and not the moonlight white of the Big Elf and his kin or the silver of the Lord of Lorien.

One was carrying her.

She was slung over his shoulder, curvaceous legs and hips held with a firm grip. She was not struggling and he stepped back as they passed.

She wasn\'t struggling because she was apparently either passed out or drugged.

Or under a sleep spell.

\"I do not think the King should do this. The March Warden will come for her!\" The one not carrying the woman was obviously stressed, worried. His voice, even though whispered, was full of concern.

\"I do not advise the king, I simply follow his orders! Sweet Elbereth! She is heavy!\"

\"But still, Leaduin, You saw how the March Warden was at the mereth! Once he realizes she is gone, he will unleash his fury. I do not think the Silver Lord will stop him!\"

The Elf carrying the Woman turned on his companion. \"And what would you have me do? Tell the king no? Tell him that he should slake his lust on a more willing female? Forgive me, my friend, but I have no desire to spend the next two centuries studying the rocks last perused by a bunch of Dwarves!\"

\"This could start a war with Lorien! The last thing we need is The Lady of Light as our enemy! ‘Tis bad enough, we are hardly on speaking terms with the Lord of Imladris!\"

The Elf - Leaduin - turned back to his companion, his hand laid gently on the woman\'s rounded bum. \"Fine. You tell Thranduil no.\"

A look of pure horror crept onto that one\'s face. \"ME?\" he squeaked. \"Me? Do you think I have a death wish?\"

\"Neither do I!\" Leaduin turned with his cumbersome burden and continued on. \"At least we do not have guard duty outside their door. Let us deposit this one and hie as far as possible from this side of cave.\"

The two Elves and the Woman disappeared around the corner.

Hmmm.

Interesting.

The Voyeur stood for a moment, wondering if he should follow or stay put.

He decided to stay put. After all, this was a dream and the Big Elf would sooner or later come and make proclamations and tell him how to act and think... at least how he should act and think. He leaned against the wall and proceeded to inspect his nails.

He was not left alone for long.

The Big Elf came around the corner, his face a mask of unadulterated fury. He wore nothing but barely laced leggings, the pale skin across the sinews of his arms and chest standing out in hard lines. He carried a rather wicked sword - not the one with the strange markings, the Voyeur noticed, - strapped to his back and he watched the Big Elf\'s approach with much interest.

\"They went that way.\" the Voyeur thumbed the direction.

\"Follow me!\" The Elf stalked by and the Voyeur heard him mumble under his breath, \"Neithadol!\"

\"Neithadol... that means Wronghead, correct?\"

The Big Elf never stopped as he continued to quietly prowl down the cavern hall. \"Never let it be said that you are a stupid Wizard!\"

The Voyeur continued to follow, acting rather like an amused tourist, taking in the sights. \"So, what is this lovely place called?\"

\"We are in Mirkwood... the Greenwood.\" The Elf\'s response was clipped.

\"Ah.\" The Voyeur sounded almost jovial. \"And who owns this luxurious mansion?\"

\"It is a cave, and it is owned by King Thranduil, King of Greenwood.\"

\"Ah!\" The Voyeur\'s robes swished behind him. \"I take it this... King... is the one who has stolen our Treasure and Jewel?\"

\"Uma!\"

\"Uma. That is Elvish for ‘yes\'.\" The Voyeur mused. \"I am starting to get the hang of this Elvish gibberish.\" he shrugged. \"Still, English would be so much...\"

\"Would you shut up?\" The Big Elf turned to look over his shoulder. \"Pay attention!\" They came around the corner to find a single chamber door, guarded by a single Elf. He too, was clad similarly to the previous Elves and his eyes widened as the Big Elf struck him in the jaw once, felling the poor thing with a left hook to the jaw.

\"Some guard. If I were king, I would have him in shackles.\"

The Elf didn\'t even stop to glare. Slowly he undid the latch and after unsheathing his sword and bringing it to the ready, the two crept into the room.

It was large, lit by many candles and the Voyeur could clearly see the Woman. She was clad in a simple cream night shift. She was pinned to the wall by a tall Elf who looked strangely familiar. He had a hand on her breast and was attempting to kiss her.

She was NOT welcoming the advance and looked rather relieved at the sight of the Big Elf. Quietly, he raised the blade and placed it to the back of the large Elf.

That one slowly turned, turning the Woman loose. She immediately grabbed her robe and huddled under the protective arm of the Big Elf, causing the Voyeur\'s heart to clench in a jealous rage.

As the blade tipped frighteningly close to the King\'s throat, the room froze. The Elf turned and resheathed his sword.

\"You must protect her at all cost.\"

The Voyeur\'s arms spread out, taking in, gesturing to the magnificent opulence of the room. \"Protect her from what? The large, obviously comfortable bed?\" He picked up the candelabra. \"The rich knick knacks of this cave?\" He motioned to the blonde Elf, who looked so strangely familiar. \"Him? Perhaps she really did not wish to be rescued from a mighty ruler?\"

The Voyeur found the blade quickly unsheathed and pressed against his own throat. \"You tread on very thin ice, Wizard!\" the Big Elf whispered maliciously. \"You have no idea of the responsibility that has been placed upon your shoulders. You scoff at the dire consequences, you pay little heed to the recovery of an object more important than your mible,ble, pathetic life.\"

The Voyeur forced himself to remain calm and not appear at all unsettled by the fact that a very sharp blade was pressed firmly against his adam\'s apple. \"I suggest you remove this blade. If you kill me, there will be no one to aid your wife, therefore hindering her safe return!\" The blade was immediately removed and while the Voyeur heaved a silent breath of relief, the Elf resheathed the sword.

\"You are a snake!\"

The Voyeur arranged his white cuffs under his jacket. \"Thank you for the compliment.\"

\"Trust me, it was not one!\" The Elf settled in front of the Voyeur, crossing his arms and staring at him. \"The Valar have saddled me with a fool! Would that I had a Took to get the job done, it would have a better chance of being done than with you!\"

The Voyeur rolled his eyes and spat, \"Why have you brought me here? What great words of wisdom are to pour forth from your verbose mind? What is it you wish me to learn?\"

The Elf turned away, hair flying. \"Bah! I have been fastened to an idiot.\" He turned and looked over his shoulder. \"A dunderhead of the First degree!\"

The Voyeur made a moue with his mouth. \"Call me all the names you wish. It will not aid you nor me. Either give me something to mull over or let me sleep!
T
The Voyeur found himself pinned to the wall, held by one hand of the Elf. Although he stood a little over the Elf, he realized he was dangling, his feet not touching the ground. The Elf flung his other hand at the Woman and the King.

\"That is King Thranduil. He took an interest in her because she was mine. Not because she was beautifur unr unusually comely, or that he had never had a woman or needed one, but simply because she was mine! He did not love her or care for her. She belonged to someone else, so he felt the right to sample her . As king, few would gainsay him.\"

\"But you did!\"

\"Aye! I did.\" The Big Elf took a cleansing breath. He dropped the Voyeur. \"He waylaid her as she came from the bathroom...\"

\"The bathroom?\" the Voyeur spat. \"That is disgusting!\"

\"Yes,\" Big Big Elf smirked. \"I believe all agreed on that point that night. It was late and I wished to accompany her, but she insisted she was safe; insisted on going alone.\" The Big Elf turned and snapped his fingers. The Voyeur watched as a hazy version of the Big Elf materialized in the dream and the sequence continued; watched as the room began to flood with Elves; the Silver Lord gently removing the sword from the Big Elf, only to draw it himself on the King. It, in turn was removed from his grasp, by the King\'s son - Legolas - who in turned pulled it on his father.

The Voyeur found himself almost feeling pity for the monarch. No respect. No respect at all...

\"You must protect her. Protect her at all costs. Even with your life!\"

\"My life?\" the Voyeur scoffed. \"I think not!\"

He found himself pressed back against the rough stone. \"Every time you walked into the Evil One\'s den, you protected others with your life! In fact, you are shocked you still live!\"

\"That might be all well and good,\" the Voyeur sneered, \"all the more reason to want to keep my life!\"

He felt himself slammed back against the wall, his head bouncing painfully against the hard stone. \"What is one more life to protect for you? I gave my life to protect her!\"

\"That you did.\" The Voyeur agreed, sparks dancing in front of his eyes. \"And in the process, you saddled me with her. Forgive me if I do not thank you!\"

He found himself flung to the floor. Before he could budge, move away, the Big Elf\'s hands closed around the collar of his coat, yanking him to his feet. \"Nay! In the process, I saddled her with a Shield who I do not trust, who I do not believe can protect her as she should be protected!\" He flung the Voyeur against the wall. \"For 38,000 years, I have protected and watched, kept her from the pit of vipers and now she stands in the middle of them with the biggest of all as her supposed protector.\" The Big Elf turned in disgust. \"I have failed.\"

The Elf went flying, shoved hard as the Voyeur attacked. \"Do NOT foist your shortcomings on me, Elf!\" The Elf turned, the two males circling each other, weaving between frozen bystanders of a different confrontation. \"The fact is, you got yourself killed, whether by your shortcomings or another\'s, but the bottom line is you cannot bring yourself to turn loose. You failed to do your duty and now you cannot step back and allow another to succeed where you sank!\" The Voyeur continued to stalk, press the Elf backwards, his robes curling, swirling around the feet of others. He pursed the retreating Elf with snake-like precision, preparing to strike at his most vulnerable, exposed side. \"For 38,000 years, you have set yourself to be her sole protector, her only hope and now you have been replaced!\" The Elf\'s fist shot out, caught neatly by the Voyeur. \"You have been replaced by one younger, faster, more powerful.\"

\"Another six million dollar man, are we?\" the Elf sneered.

The Voyeur let that sink in for a moment and decided it must be a Muggle joke. He tossed the Elf\'s fist to the side.

The Elf stopped his retreat and stood firm. \"Replaced? By you? I think not. A temporary stand - in... maybe. A sad, pitiful excuse...\"

\"I do not know, Elf. You had many a long year to prove your ineffectiveness. Give me a little time to prove mine!\" the Voyeur chided.

\"You do not have that kind of time!\" the Elf hissed. \"All shall fade, die, if you do not succeed. And in order to succeed, you must understand!\"

\"Understand what?\" The Voyeur began to circle the enraged Elf. \"Understand that you are so immersed that you cannot turn loose? That you are so wrapped within her that you have taken the form of a lowly cur to continue your toe - hold on her. That you are so frightened of another quite possibly stealing her affections...\"

The Voyeur watched, saw the Elf began to change.... as he shrunk in physical size, his already long nose, growing in length, ears, pointing more forward, hair sprouting, teeth, narrowing, sharpening...

Oh gods... a living nightmare from long past...

Remus.....

The Voyeur began to back-pedal, attempting to put as many bodies between himself and the rapidly changing wolf...

Growling... growling as the Guardian came around the legs of the Silver Lord, neither noticing that THAT Elf\'s eyes had followed the entire exchange; continued to follow in rapt fascination.

The Guardian\'s muscles bunched as he prepared to spring, the Voyeur now pressed against the door, as he fumbled for the latch. He finally managed to fling the door open, throwing himself from the room...

... into his own bedchamber.

With a deep chuckle, Severus fell to the floor, pent up laughter at the entire situation finally rolling, bursting from his body. Finally, he had managed to best the Elf, force his hand.

He was no longer a victim, a by-stander in his own dreams.

He could... manipulate.

As his laughter subsided, he realized there was an echo in his chambers.

The echo of deep, angry growling.

Severus answered, with a growl of his own.

***

Thousands of miles away, the Silver Lord sat straight up, sweat dripping from his brow. He slung back the heavy braid, aware that his wife sat in her garden, viewing all through her mirror, reaching out to him. \"Oh Galadriel. How do we help the three of them?\"

***


By the next morning, the aging piano was moved into the large empty area in Bronwyn\'s room. It was an eight - footer and once the harpsichord was moved, there was plenty of room. Nellyth had written down the list of materials needed and Bronwyn had ordered them.

Severus escorted Bronwyn to breakfast, sitting her next to him. She was cool and aloof, but she did not ignore him.

She received several owls that morning, all carrying parchment, books. As she removed them, Snape noticed she was grinning right evilly at Goyle. She allowed him to look at her parcels - they contained information on human spit and as promised, on Monday, Goyle had his required reading for his detention.

Her back, however, was still up with him. She was cautious, reserved. For four weeks, he was patient. He remained courteous, no, he walked on eggshells around her. He did and said nothing untoward. Outside, he was Severus Snape, dreaded Potions Masters, Scourge of Students and Taker of all points not Slytherin. Outside, he was painstakingly patient with the mouthy Muggles Studies Professor across the hall, who stared at him as if he would transform into Fluffy at any moment. Outside, he was the controlled, snarky, self-possessed professor students hated and professors gave room for.

Inside, he seethed.

The dreams continued. Despite the one night lapse where he and that Elf almost came to... well, the night Severus realized he had more say than he thought, most nights he dreamt of her. Naked, dancing in the sand, followed by an evening on a balcony, over-seeing an unknown ocean. There were nights of a large bed, strewn with flower petals; others, nights in the woods, on the beach, always erotic, always heated with passion. Some nights, the dream was completed, Severus waking to wet, sticky clothing. Other nights, he was interrupted by his own erratic breathing, hard as stone, painfully throbbing. He always finished himself, crying out her name, hating himself for his weakness. It was frustrating, as he found himself mulling it over during class, catching himself, catching his mind wandering.

Were they his dreams? Or memories of the Elf being forced on him, to irritate him, to torment him, to drive him insane? Some mornings, she blushed when she saw him. Why? Was she sharing the same dreams?

Bronwyn woke most mornings wanting to beat her head on the piano on the other side of her room. She woke too many nights, writhing, her orgasm over- whelming. Her frustration grew, along with Severus\' with the passing weeks. As the days passed, the leaves turned, a painter\'s palate of fiery reds, golds, and oranges and the weather turned crisp. She watched the black haired Wizard with unending caution, relaxing only slightly each day. She was aware he was making an enormous effort to be pleasant to her. His manner was strangely courteous and as time passed, she decided that it was her as he was obviously making an effort to be... human. By the beginning of October, she decided that she was being over - anxious and began to show up in the evenings as he worked over his cauldrons, asking her endless questions.

And through it all, the wolf watched, watched both closely and saw how they hid themselves from each other.


Using the wide spread family tree she had printed, she had also found what she thought were promising leads on her bow. Severus, using his skills learned with Voldemort and with the Order, spent several nights, following up, going to places unknown to check out her suspicions.

He came back empty handed each time.

It was irritating to both of them.

***

This is for the ones who stood their ground
For Bronwyn and Snape who never backed down
Tomorrow\'s getting harder make no mistake
Luck ain\'t even lucky
Got to make your own breaks

It\'s my Life
(with apologies to)
Jon bon Jovi

***

It had been mentioned, every week at staff meetings, that the students were unusually... reserved. Classes were well in session, the temperature was cooling down, as the first big season moved to its first big holiday; Halloween. The first trip to Hogsmeade was coming up in a few weeks and rather than the expected rift of excitement that any child would have, there was barely a ripple.

Severus sat in a corner of the staff room, arms crossed. The reason for the lack of excitement was clear to him.

It was clear to Bronwyn as well. The school was at less than half its normal occupancy. It had been the site of a vicious, deadly battle not five months previously - a battle almost every child and adult there had taken part in. Every one of them had lost friends, acquaintances, and family.

***Children playing adult games.***

Where had she heard that before? The memory was not clear and Severus watched her closely, feeling the pain of her reaching for the elusive memory. After several minutes, she apparently found it, as she relaxed.

Professors were offering suggestions; chaperoned trips to Hogsmeade for the younger years, a free day, House Skits for House points, Plays by Professors...

\"What? What did you suggest, Bronwyn?\" Snape had a headache brewing like one he had not had in a few months.

\"The university where I last worked... well, the Professors got together and we put on humorous, skits, one -act plays, parodies of student life from our time, how we saw our students. It was a huge hit. Very funny.\" She looked at Albus. \"We raised quite a bit of money.\"

Severus picked lint from his robes. \"Bronwyn, I am not performing like a trained monkey for the amusement of the students. They can take happy pills, but I will not debase myself like that!\"

\"Pity.\" She mimicked him. Despite her humorous attitude, she sensed the headache and could see oil and his bared back in her very near future. \"I was so looking forward to your reenacting Mr. Longbottom\'s boggart.\" Snickers went up from the staff and Remus had the decency to blush. Severus\' eyes narrowed. Random thoughts of the werewolf\'s throat in his hands over-whelmed him for a short minute, before he realized that Bronwyn had changed the subject and was addressing the Headmaster.

\"Maybe a dance? I know Quidditch starts in two weeks and while I know there is a feast, perhaps on this short notice, we can have an informal dance?\"

Albus considered the suggestion thoughtfully. \"It would have to be very informal on such short notice. I don\'t know about booking a band...\"

\"I know for a fact there are several student groups. There are several groups of Upper Years that love to show off in my classes. They aren\'t bad. Perhaps, we should approach them about a set or two. If all else fails, we can get a karaoke machine-\"

\"A what?\" Severus was sliding further and further into his over-stuffed chair. The light was starting to hurt his eyes and he had covered them with his hands.

\"A karaoke machine. It plays the background to popular songs and you are the soloist!\" She peered at the sullen professor. \"Don\'t tell me you have never serenaded anyone.\"

His look should have pulverized her.

\"Even in the shower? You haven\'t used a shampoo bottle as a microphone and just let it go?\" She was oblivious to the venomous glare. \"You know, I play a mean electric broom!\" She inhaled, strapping on an imaginary guitar and belted, \"My baby does the hanky-panky, nar nar nar narnararnar ...\"

The look became grimmer.

\"Nar... nar... never?\"

Never, Snape mouthed.

The conversation had gone on without them and she turned back to the front of the room. Albus was asking her a question.

\"Do you think you can procure one of these... karaoke machines?\"

\"Shouldn\'t be a problem. Maybe we can get someone to act as a DJ...\" strange confused looks greeted her, \"... disc jockey... master of ceremonies? Either way. Leave it to me. I might need some help-\" she took in Severus\' look or horror \"- not you! Maybe Remus? Or one of the Muggleborn Seventh Years?\"

\"Two weeks, Bronwyn.\" Albus sounded delighted. \"Can you handle all this on such short notice?\"

Severus stood up and proceeded to pull Bronwyn from her chair. \"Headmaster, you are talking to a living, breathing-\" a particularly sharp pain stabbed him between the eyes. \"-karaoke machine.\" He waited for the wave to pass. \"If this meeting is over, I am going to my chambers.\" Severus glided from the room, shutting the door softly behind him. The staff broke up in small groups, Sybil Trelawney making her way to Bronwyn. \"I foresaw that you would suggest this.\" Her voice was high-pitched and airy. \"It will be a big hit and you in particular will travel down a path you never thought to take!\" The woman blinked at Bronwyn from behind large glasses and wandered out, her strange, over-heady perfume wafting after her.

\"You go deal with Snape.\" Remus touched her on the sleeve. He was thin and pale, the full moon having risen two nights past. \" He was looking rather pinched around the mouth.\" Bronwyn had to agree. \"I\'ll ask Harry and Hermione about groups and DJ\'s that are popular right now. We can get together tomorrow after dinner and start making arrangements.\"

\"My upper years are in class tomorrow and I can ask them if they want to play and if they want to take turns, so they can both enjoy the dance and be a part of the entertainment. Thanks, Remus.\"

The two walked out side by side. \"What is itwith Severus, do you know?\"

\"Me, but I don\'t know what I did to set his headache off.\" The two stopped at the top of the dungeon stairwell. \"Something is going on. I want to say he is after something, but it\'s been several weeks since he gave me the piano and I figured he would have made a move by now.\" She shrugged. \"Maybe I misjudged him.\"

Remus reached out to caress her cheek. \"Don\'t let your guard down. But don\'t be afraid of him.\" He smiled shyly. \"I\'d better go. I have papers to grade and I want to talk to Harry and Hermione before it gets too late.\" He smiled again, a big grin, before turning and heading up the steps.

Bronwyn smiled to herself as she went down the stairs.

Draco and his sidekicks, along with Pansy, watched maliciously from the shadowed alcove, malcontent glittering in their eyes.

\"What a slut!\" Pansy breathed. \"Throwing her self at that... thing!\"

Draco smiled at his buddies. \"Well, we will just wait and watch. Pretty soon, they will both screw up and we will be rid of them!\" The foursome laughed together before heading down to the Slytherin Common Room.

***

Severus anticipated her coming, was looking forward to the oils and ministrations. He was unprepared however, for the presence of the animal. Bronwyn was measuring oils and handed the vial to Severus for warming.

\"Must you bring him everywhere?\" Severus was pulling off his shirt, snarling at Amadeus. He crawled up on the bed, never losing eye contact. \"I am sure he would be most bored.\"

\"It\'s the strangest thing. He insisted on joining me. I swear he acted worried about you.\"

The wolf was grinning, its thoughts invading him.

*You made a promise!*

Aye, Severus thought, I did.

So he spent a frustrating evening, Bronwyn undula on on his back, rubbing, working him into oblivion. He was so irritated that he gladly drank the tea that knocked him out for the evening.

***

The evening of the feast and dance to herald the Quidditch cup season was upon them faster than the Golden Snitch. Remus and Bronwyn worked feverishly, getting all ready and in order. Two student bands jumped at the chance to show off their talents for a set and raucous music could be heard between the last classes and dinner for the time leading up to the event, if you were in the right part of the castle. Between teaching, grading papers after class duties (strangely shared with Severus) and the dance, Bronwyn found herself falling into bed practically every night, too tired to contemplate the location of her bow, much less play on her new instrument. Her body was wearing down and occasionally she felt a tickle at her throat. The smell of peppermina pea permeated her part of the dungeons and Severus sniffed at the scent disdainfully.

\"What is the dress code again?\" Ron Weasley asked. \"Do we have to have a date?\"

The Seventh years were in their customary circle, Bronwyn in the middle on a stool. The class had relaxed somewhat, to the point where Bronwyn didn\'t dress to impress or command. This day, she was in a deep maroon dress with bell sleeves. As was her wont, bare toes curled and gripped the support bar on the stool.

\"The dress code is no school clothes! No uniforms, no robes. That does not mean, Mr. Malfoy, that you may come naked!\"

\"Damn.\"

Bronwyn could see Severus from the corner of her eye, watching from the doorway. \"Five points Mr. Malfoy, for language.\"

Draco was playing fingers games on his lap. \"If I keep swearing, will you keep taking points?\"

\"No.\" Bronwyn answered smugly. \"You could write a lovely paper on spit, I suppose, or the history of certwordwords in the English language.\" She noticed that Goyle had blanched, \"Or I could just save myself the hassle and turn you over to your Head of House.\" She pointed with her chin.

Draco turned, looking over his shoulder and paled considerably upon seeing the black eyes of the Potions Master. He dipped his head in apology, but Bronwyn caught the look of defiance in his eyes.

\"Folks, it\'s simple. Dress normally, no school duds. Everyone is welcome and that includes the First and Second Years. We have two great bands to start and a Master of Ceremonies - one Stanley Fleagel...\"

\"You got the Flea?\" Crabbe looked impressed. \"He\'s the best DJ on Witch Wireless Radio!\" The boy realized that he was being stared down by his House Mates. \"What? What\'d I say? How did you manage to get him? I bet he cost a fortune!\"

Bronwyn had no idea how they had procured the Flea, who apparently was the hottest name that didn\'t sing in the Wizarding World. She gazed at Severus, who was now standing inside the room, leaning against the door. Remus had hemmed and hawed around the details and she had a feeling that Severus might have had something to do with it. She mentally shrugged. Well, it was a done deal and she wasn\'t going to worry about it.

\"I know it\'s early, but there is a busy night tonight. I know several of you have parents coming in tonight and of course, we have the Big Game tomorrow. Who\'s playing again?\" She screwed up her face as if deep in thought. \" I keep forgetting...\"

\"ARGH!\"

\"Professor Powell!\"

Wads of crumpled paper went flying across the room, aimed at the teacher who laughed with them. \"Hey, clean this up - NO MAGIC and put away the desks and chairs and you can clear outta here!\" Within minutes, the room was completely cleaned, students stampeding from the room. They each skirted around Professor Snape, ducking, eyes downcast.

\"You are much too lenient with them.\"

\"And you are too stern!\"

A long, hooked finger slid under her chin, lifting her face. Severus closely inspected her facial features. \"You smell of peppermint. You have not gotten outside much. That will be remedied tomorrow.\" He turned her loose abruptly and crossed his arms. \"Would you have any idea as to why, for some unexplained reason, my First year students break out in giggles when they should not be laughing?\"

She imagined the Wizard before her standing in a rather nasty pink flamingo thong...

\"No.\" Her voice strangled on the barely restrained chuckle.

\"Hmm.\" Those same long fingers, drummed on his forearms. \"I have duties this evening, due to my position as Head of House. I have parents that I will need to make sure are settled in guest quarters, as well as other activities to monitor. I do not suppose Remus could bear to put himself out as your escort?\"

Bronwyn smiled up at him, mirth dancing in her eyes. \"I figured you would have your hands full and as Remus and I have been working on this together, we had decided to continue the arrangement. Don\'t worry about me.\" Imaginary pink fluff wafted in the closed air...

\"Madam, whatever it is you are thinking about, please cease!\" Bronwyn quickly altered her thoughts to a memory of a trip to the zoo, the rancid, briny pool of elegant flamingos...

Smile, girlfriend.

\"I should not have to remind you,\" Severus drawled lazily, \"that you are an adult and should behave as such this evening.\" Bronwyn snickered and rolled her eyes. \"Be watchful of...\"

\"Pumpkin juice spiking, students sneaking off into dark corners and dirty dancing!\" She swung her hips provocatively before saluting him. \"Yessir!\"

She was not taking him seriously and that was worrisome. Severus waved her classroom door shut and strode over to the door leading into her private quarters. \"Name a rather obscure composer that you will not be discussing in any of your classes.\"

Bronwyn thought for a moment.

\"I do not have all night, madam!\"

\"Carl Philippe Emanuel Bach.\"

Severus waved his wand, redoing, resetting wards. \"I have changed your password to that. Mischief will abound this evening and I would not have anyone sabotage your quarters.\" He turned and looked down at Amadeus, who had been sitting quietly at her side. \"One more thing, Bronwyn. I must insist that you leave your companion here this evening.\"

Amusing thoughts of Severus in amusing underwear from Victoria\'s Secret vanished at the order she leave Amadeus behind. \"I will not. Everyone knows him-\"

\"No, everyone does not!\" What little room was between the two professors, quickly dissipated as Severus pulled her to him. \"Must I explain everything, over and over? There will be parents here, parents who know nothing of you save the reports in the Daily Prophet. There will be parents here who do not wish you here, parents who have access to the Minister\'s ear.\"

Oh. He felt her emotions sink as she processed the information.

\"Keep that in mind, Bronwyn. Do not go anywhere without an escort of myself, Remus, or Dumbledore. I would rather it be me, but I will be otherwise occupied for most of the evening. Do not leave without me. Regardless of whatever duties I have, I will see you safely to your rooms tonight. Have I made myself clear?\" Not waiting for her answer, he turned and strode to the door. He reached for the latch. \"Oh, and wear something... appropriate. That would include shoes.\" He slung the door open and disappeared into the gloom of the dungeon hallway.

Bronwyn\'s breath escaped in a rush before her sense of humor returned. \"Appropriate?\" She looked down at a worried Amadeus. \"I don\'t think so!\"

***

Inappropriate clothing lay on the bed, while the woman who planned to wear the items stood against the large window, looking down into her patio. The sun had set, the last orange rays beaming through the greenhouse roof. Bronwyn sank to the floor, her fingers in the ruff of the white wolf.

\"I can\'t take much more. My nerves are on edge.\"

Amadeus whined, placing his head in her lap, his eyes pleading. She was right. Her nerves were frayed, her body on edge.

\"Every lead I have found in that damned family tree has been a dead end.\" Her eyes stole over to the stack of paper on the harpsichord. \"Severus has explored half of them. My luck, it will be the last one.\" Fingers continued to dig into the fur.

For several minutes, it was silent. Her thoughts rampaged, flitted through subjects, topics, class schedules, music. The wolf was aware of her musings, knew where she was...

\"Celibacy sucks, Amadeus. Being human sucks, too!\"

Amadeus knew where this was going. It was the subject he had dreaded, because he knew it would come.

She was now picking at the carpet on the floor.

\"He is snarky. And a bully. He is a prat, a jackass, a twit. He acts like he knows everything and thinks he can tell me what to do, order me about .\" She lay down, rolling on her stomach, propping her chin in her hands, her feet, with black painted nails, waving in the air. \"He skulks in the shadows, when he thinks I don\'t know. I can see his eyes... damned unnerving, it is.\" A long pause.

Does he have a soft side, girlfriend?

She snorted. Stupid thought. Severus? Soft? Not on your life. Memories of strong arms, wrapped around her, coming out of the throes of nightmares...

Too many erotic dreams as of late...

How many times had she woken herself up, in the throes of orgasm, screaming his name?

Severus.

Neeeeed...

\"It\'s unfair, Amadeus! Celeborn says I shouldn\'t be afraid to love again. Remus pleads on his behalf. Hooch and Sprout seem to think he is sex walking!\" Bronwyn flopped on her back, arms stretched out. \"Okay. So I agree. He is. I suppose we could come to an agreement. I need it. He needs it.\" Her voice trailed off. \"Who am I kidding?\" Her face tilted towards the wolf and it broke his heart to see a single tear trickle from the corner. \"I like him too much to use him.\" Large eyes finally opened and looked at the wolf. \"I\'m done fighting it. I love Haldir and I miss him, but I will cross that bridge when I come to it. What happens is going to happen and I guess I\'ll just have to deal.\" She flipped over and pulled herself up. \"I wish you could talk.\" she whispered. \"I could sure use your advice.\"

Bronwyn did not see the wolf\'s anguished look as she began to get dressed.

***

Lucius Malfoy sought him out upon his arrival at Hogwarts. Severus had expected him and now they slowly moved through the darkened hallways of the dungeon.

\"So Severus, my son tells me that the new Muggles Studies teacher is now attached to the Werewolf.\"

\"They are good friends. They work well together.\" Severus never let his eyes wander, simply kept his gaze on the hallway ahead.

\"A Werewolf and the Muggle? Well, they belong together. Tell me - have you found anyone for yourself yet? You aren\'t getting any younger, Severus.\"

Severus was in no mood to discuss his social life, especially with Malfoy. He stopped dead in his tracks and looked over at his ‘friend\'. \"And what do I have to offer an eligible, attractive Pureblood witch? A luxurious manor? Fine jewelry? High social standing in the community? Money? House Elves to answer her every whim? No!\" he spat. \"I have none of those things to offer. I am not handsome. I am not socially skilled. I like my solitude. If I were to submit myself to marriage, it would be with whom I please, because I please and not solely to ensure the continuation of the Snape family name or to increase my fortunes.\"

His angry words echoed in the close hallway. Malfoy\'s ice - cold smile did nothing for his features. \"Despite your lack of finances and land, a Pureblood wizard who is the last of a long noble line would be welcomed by most fathers in the Wizarding community. I daresay...\" Music was wng bng behind the Wizards, two lively voices chattering up a storm. \"What is that racket?\"

The racket came bouncing around the corner with the Werewolf in tow. He had her by the hand and it appeared they were... dancing and singing their way down the hallway...

...You\'re the.... best in the world
I can tell!
Shake shake shake!
Shake shake shake
Shake your booty... shake your booty...


Lucius was stunned into silence.

*Is that a hex? Will she teach it to me?* The thought crossed Severus\' mind much too fast.

Bronwyn was wearing something black that defied gravity. It was strapless and clung to her bountiful curves. To her credit, she was wearing a sheer big shirt, shot with green threads. The snake necklace and ring could clearly been seen.

Lucius was outraged. Oh yes, someone would be hearing about this!

\"Professor Powell. Professor Lupin.\"

They looked up from their revelry just before they danced into the two Wizards. Bronwyn\'s friendly smile warmed Severus down to his steely heart before her gaze shifted to the Wizard next to him. Her smile dropped suddenly and her face paled several shades. Lucius, a Malfoy to the core, reached out and took her hand. \"Professor Powell. My... son has told me all about you. Lucius Malfoy, at your service.\" He smirked and lifted her hand to icy lips. If he was shocked at her suddenly glittering stare, he did not seem too put off. He released her hand and proceeded to inspect his suit, his robes. \"Is something out of place?\"

It took a blink for Bronwyn to find her tongue. \"No, I\'m sorry. You just... remind me of someone I used to know.\" Her voice fell. \"A long time ago.\"

\"Really?\" Lucius looked mildly interested. \"Who would you know that resembles me?\"

Severus felt her hackles go up. Apparently Remus felt it as well, because he backed up a step. Bronwyn took a deep breath, her entire demeanor changing to one in command.

\"Thranduil.\"

Lucius shook his head. \"Who? That is an odd name.\"

\"Thranduil. He was an Elf.\"

Malfoy was aghast. Severus was working very hard to keep from laughing out loud at his ‘friend\'.

\"Why would I remind you of an... Elf?\" The Wizard actually had the gall to say it as if it were foul.

Bronwyn had many bad memories of Thranduil, but she also had some good ones, like the final time she saw him, forever etched in her mind;

***His arms had been wrapped around his son, Legolas, whispering frantically in his ear. As the ship pulled out of its moorings, he stood behind Beckett and Anselm, his hands on their shoulders. In the years that followed, he had watched, kept an eye out and protected her left behind children...***

Bronwyn was jolted by fingers snapping in front of her face. Remus looked at her concerned. She looked at Severus, Malfoy...

\"I\'m sorry. Did I just project...\"

\"Yes!\" Remus whispered. \"What was that?\"

Her eyes darted back and forth between the Potions Master and the head of the Malfoy line. Her gaze hardened and she stared directly into Lucius\' cool blue eyes. \"Thranduil was a king. He fought in the battle of The Last Alliance, losing his father. He also fought in the Battle of Dol Guldur. He was an excellent and able ruler and much beloved by his people.\"

\"A King, you say?\" Lucius began to preen.

\"Yes,\" Bronwyn agreed quickly. \"A king. He was also a complete and total prat!\" And with that, she swept around the two Wizards, beckoning to Remus. The music rose and the two continued their haphazard dance down the hall and around the corner.

...Shot through the heart
And you\'re to blame
You give love a bad name...

(Jon bon Jovi)

Severus was pinching his nose.

\"Did that woman just call me a ... prat?\"

\"No. She called the Elf you resemble a prat.\"

Malfoy was deep in thought. \"I saw... is this how she teaches Muggle Studies? By projecting history?\"

\"I have not observed her class.\" He had, in the shadows, but Malfoy did not need to know.

\"Perhaps, you should.\" Malfoy\'s voice oozed ice. \"Perhaps, it is time the Minister was informed and an official... observation was in order.\" Malfoy caressed the snake head of his cane, fingers lovingly edging the grooves. \"I read the Prophet. Her hiring... concerns me.\" He grinned at Severus, \" I understand she forced Goyle to write a report on the disgusting properties of... spit.\"

\"Do what you will, Lucius.\" Severus drawled. They came to the steps and proceeded up to the main levels of the castle. \"For the most part, she is a popular teacher and the children are learning under her tutelage. She is knowledgeable, yet unorthodox in her methods.\"

The snake-headed cane came to rest on Snape\'s well-muscled forearm, stopping him on the steps. \"She has embraced Slytherin as her house.\" Malfoy chided. \"How could you?\"

\"It was not my idea, but the Bloody Baron\'s.\" Severus started to elaborate, but was interrupted by the arrival of Draco. \"Lucius, you know where the Slytherin guest rooms are located. I have taken the liberty of having your bags sent there already.\" Severus nodded his head towards the elder Malfoy. \"Draco. You will need to be well-rested for tomorrow morning\'s game.\" His smile did not reach his eyes. \"I should not have to ask you to retire at a decent hour.\" The Potions Master turned and glided from the pair, entering the transformed Great Hall.

\"How bad is it, Draco?\"

The younger Malfoy snorted. \"Bad. We can\'t tell whom she is with. The Werewolf dogs her heels, like a puppy, yet Snape shadows her every move. He backs her up, backs up her silly assignments. I can\'t believe that horrible paper she made Goyle write.\" Draco shuddered. \" I can\'t figure Snape out. I thought he was on our side.\"

\"He was never on our side, son.\" Lucius\' lips twisted in a cruel smile . \"Like a true Slytherin, he hedged his bets and made sure he was in a position to come out smelling like a rose regardless of who won.\" The cane touched down on the stone floor way. \"You mentioned in your last note home that dear Severus had gifted her with something... large?\"

Draco\'s mouth was curled, the lip in a Malfoyesque sneer. \"There was an old beat up piano in one of the alcoves. He made a great show bringing her in to view it. She wanted it and he gave it to her.\"

\"Interesting.\" Was Severus so desperate for female companionship, that he was bribing them? But that didn\'t make sense. He could always afford to pay for companionship at a decent brothel. Still, the chit was comely in her own, weird way. \"Draco, you will continue to ... watch them. Tell me if something happens.\"

\"Of course, father.\"

\"Good then.\" Lucius took a deep, cleansing breath. \"It is time for the feast to begin and I, for one, would feel horrid if it started without us!\" And with that, the two blond Slytherin\'s made their way into the Great Hall.

***

Severus was grateful for the headache potion he had taken before coming up to dinner.

And for the headache potion he had taken at dinner.

And for the headache potion he had taken before the dance.

Somewhere, they had found a disco ball.

Oh, yes.

His hand was in his pocket, grasped firmly around a fourth vial of headache potion.

What he really wanted to do was pull out his wand and zap that infernal rotating... thing... that made the Great Hall look like a common discotheque. And then, in the dark, he could make good his escape, pulling Bronwyn along with him.

Hmmm.

The idea did have merit. He had been in a state of semi- arousal all evening, ever since she had danced her way through the dungeon. His eyes combed the Great Hall, searching for her. She stood with Remus and Albus, chatting in an animated fashion. The student bands had played their 45 minute ‘sets\', much to the vast appreciation of the student body and now they were all under the spell of...

The Flea.

It was beyond his meager imagination why anyone would go by such a ridiculous nick name. He had led the entire student body.., and most of the faculty, including her, in some of the most puerile gyrations he had ever seen the human body screw itself into.

The Stomp Cha cha cha.

The chit had actually had the audacity to come and grab him by the hand, pleading with him to join them. Severus thought his own eyes would explode from his head, he stared at her so. She had finally given up, when Albus, of all people, whisked her onto the dance floor, pulling up his robe and kicking up his heels like someone a hundred years his junior.

\"I say, old man. How does Dumbledore manage to move like a teenager?\" Lucius had decided to keep him company, watching the festivities from the sidelines. The two Wizards watched in morbid fascination as the bespectacled and revered Headmaster of Hogwarts, jumped and pranced about, giggling to...

Y.M.C.A???

\"What is that shite that Flea person is playing?\"

\"Muggle Music.\" Snape muttered.

Lucius leaned closer to Snape\'s ear. \"What? It is so loud, I can\'t hear you!\"

\"Muggle Music!\" Snape raised his voice. \"They are playing Muggle Music.\"

\"Merlin!\" Malfoy grimaced. \"Muggles listen to this? No wonder they are so inferior!\" He continued to watch Albus dance out on the floor. \"Someone should really tell the Headmaster that he looks utterly asinine!\"

\"Be my guest.\"

The dance ended and the headmaster walked Bronwyn back to the back of the hall, into the clutches of Remus and Minerva. Several songs later, she started a new one.

\"Severus? What is that woman doing?\"

Snape looked out over the room, found her at the head of...

\" She appears to be leading a conga line.\"

Malfoy\'s blonde hair glowed in the twinkling light. \"What is a conga line? And what is my son doing in it?\"

Severus let out a long suffering sigh. Draco was having too good a time. \"When you are tapped by someone in the line, you go to the end of the line. It is a disgusting form of \"follow the leader.\"

***You should know about Follow the Leader, Malfoy.***

The two former Death Eaters watched as the line made its way to them. Bronwyn smiled at Severus and reached out her hands...

\"No.\"

She swerved the line away from the two, gazing hotly at Malfoy, before moving on. Draco\'s eyes were slightly dilated and he started to reach out to his father, only to change his mind as he wiggled by. Albus was bringing up the rear and he was eyeing the two Wizards in a most unsavory fashion.

\"Lucius, I suggest we move before the Head Master gets to us.\" Snape took several steps back and moved in the opposite direction of the slithering line. The Potion Master went to the punch table and sampled the various refreshments sitting out. No. Nothing was spiked... yet. He glanced over the room and found Bronwyn chatting with several students. The line had broken up and he recalled the flush on her face as she approached him on the floor.

***Patience, Severus. Be patient.***

He looked further and saw Lucius looking at her, watching her. He gazed at her with the mixture of loathing and childish desire.

***I have been patient long enough.***

The students were now crowding around the disc jockey and clamoring at...

Oh no. She had not been joking.

It was the ever dreaded karaoke machine.

Severus slipped the fourth vial from his pocket and uncorking it with a practiced thumb, downed the contents.

***

Finally, someone had spiked the punch.

They had to have. Draco and his cronies, Goyle and Crabbe, had gotten a hold of the microphone and ...

\"Severus. What is my son singing?\"

Sometimes I know, and sometimes I\'m on the go
But I\'m comin\' back, so don\'t give me no flack, yeah
It\'s all you...

\"I would suspect, that it is something popular with that age group.

Click with you, is that love? Is that love, ohhh...
Push th\' little daisies and make \'em come up

Malfoy and the Malcontents faces were screwed up painfully, gritting, screaming out the words.

They were having a great time.

\"Severus. Truly this can get no worse.\"

*I beg to differ.*

Snape looked at the line, saw the next group up. His hand immediately went into his pocket, only to be reminded that he had only brought four vials of headache potion.

The Gryffindor Girls were next. Oh joy. What audible delights would they conjure? Severus\' eyes returned to the floor, scanning for the Muggles Studies Professor. Finally, he found her, surrounded by Remus and several other Professors.

Remus was trying to talk to her over the din.

\"Bronwyn? Have you had any of the pumpkin juice?\" Remus was sniffing it, his thin features in a scowl.

Bronwyn was on her tiptoes, trying to see over their heads. The karaoke machine had become a huge success, pretty much everyone wanting to try their hand at anything in the vast array The Flea had brought.

Sprout had wondered aloud if he had ‘The Walrus\' or any Supremes.

\"I am not getting in front of the entire school and making a jackass of myself!\" Hooch had whispered back. The two women argued back and forth for several minutes.

\"Bronwyn. Have you had any?\" Remus was persistent.

Never taking her eyes from the festivities, se shook her head., \"No. I hate pumpkin juice. Why don\'t you ask Severus. He knows potions and with that nose of his, he should be able to tell.\"

So Remus made his way through the crowd, a glass of pumpkin juice in his hand. Severus saw him making his way to him and making his excuses to Lucius, chose to meet him on the floor.

\"If I wanted refreshment, I would get it myself, Lupin.\"

Remus smirked. \"Very funny Severus. Check it out. I think it might be spiked or laced.\" He held the glass with the questionable liquid out towards the tall Wizard.

Severus took the glass and swirled as if to weigh it. He lifted it to his nose...

\"Bah! Where did this come from?\" He went to the nearest potted plant and poured it out. The two Wizards made their way to the punch bowls, shooing away the students in line. Motioning for Remus to grab one bowl, Severus grabbed the other, heading down into the kitchens. House elves backed out of the angry Wizard\'s way. Heading straight for the sink, Severus began to dump the huge bowl of pumpkin juice down the sink.

\"Really, Snape.\" Lupin came up next to him, dumping his as well. \"Wouldn\'t an anti-liquor charm do the trick? Or let the house elves deal with it?\"

Severus looked over his shoulder to make sure they had not been followed. \" I need a quiet word with you and I do not want to be overheard. You are to go to Bronwyn\'s chamber the minute this party starts to let up and remove her mongrel for the evening. The password is ‘Carl Philippe Emanuel Bach\'.\"

Lupin set the punch bowl down with a sharp ‘crack\'. \"You want me to what?\"

\"Do not play stupid. I know you are anything but.\"

Remus leaned back on his heels, his arms crossed. \"What\'s the matter, Snape? Afraid Amadeus will whine at the door, while you try to kiss her goodnight?\"

Severus smiled wickedly at the Werewolf\'s goad. \"I know who that wolf claims to be...\"

\"Claims? Amadeus is...\"

\"Silence! I know who he claims to be. If it is true, I will not have him in her apartment this evening. I may be a former Death Eater, but I would not be that cruel to her dearly, departed husband!\"

Remus scowled at the admission. \"If that is the case, why not take her to your place?\"

Because she must welcome me to her... ...

\"Remus? Did I notice you dancing with Miss Granger?\"

Normally mild eyes narrowed dangerously. \"Nothing happened. She asked me to dance, I danced. We were next to each other in several line dances. That is all.\"

Severus patted him on the shoulder. \"I am sure it was nothing more.\" He leaned over to whisper in his ear. \"Get the mutt out of there! He will be most uncomfortable if left and I will not hesitate to place a silencing spell on him!\" Remus watched billowing robes exit the kitchens.

\"Will the Professor be wantings us to make more punch?\" A tiny house elf peered closely at Remus.

Remus never looked at the little elf, to busy watching Severus storm up the stairs. \"Yes. That would probably be for the best.\"

Snape re-entered the Great Hall to discover that according to the Gryffindor Girls, (and to the delight of everyone)...

...it was raining men. Hallelujah.

***

He stood at the door, the only light in the classroom came from the windows.

Gods, he hated this. What a position to be put into. But Remus had no doubt that Snape would silence the wolf and go on about the business of ravishing Bronwyn without a second thought to the wolf\'s feelings.

And Bronwyn did not know. The knowledge would devastate her.

\"Carl Philippe Emanuel Bach.\"

The door swung open and Remus stepped inside.

He immediately heard growling.

\"Haldir. It\'s me. Remus.\"

The wolf immediately came to him, concern on his face.

Remus inhaled. \"Uhm... what say you and I go for a run tonight?\"

The wolf sat down hard, obstinate in his expression. Remus dropped his head, felt ashamed for having to say it.

\"Haldir. You don\'t want to be here tonight.\"

*N\'uma.*

\"I\'m sorry. I truly am.\"

*N\'uma.*

Remus rubbed his face hard. \"Look. I\'m sorry. If there was anyway I could talk him out of it... it\'s going to happen. You know it\'s going to happen. There is no stopping it, you said so yourself. I\'m so sorry.\"

Nose went to the air and the wolf let out the most painful howl. Remus let it go on and on. When the beast ran out of breath, Remus reopened the door. \"Come on. I\'ll apparate us to the other side of the lake. We can howl at the moon together.\"

For a moment, he thought the wolf would refuse to budge, but eventually, head hung low, he got up and followed Lupin out the door.

***
tbc
***






Shake your Booty
KC and the Sunshine band

Push the little daisies
Ween