Leech

I own nothing but this sordid little tale. All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I am not making any money by writing it. I must be insane.

Chapter 21

Severus was all geared up for rejection and when she caressed his cheek, his fear abated a little, but when her lips met his, his dread at being rebuffed fled in an instant. He could not believe she’d kissed him of her own free will. His eyes, which closed at the first contact of her fingers on his cheek, now opened wide, hope glittering from their depths as he tried to read hers, which peered back at him with equal intensity.

Suddenly he could hold back no more. He slipped one hand round the back of her head and pressed his mouth to hers, their lips mashing in a searing, passionate kiss. He probed with his tongue and her lips parted. He took full advantage as his muscle explored her mouth, the taste of Brandy Snaps and warm heat assaulting his senses.

She moaned softly into his mouth, forcing him to finally release a growl in return before they broke apart, both gasping for air, equally stunned at the intensity of their passion for each other.

As much as he wanted to pursue this, Severus forced himself to take a step back. “It’s best I go, now, while I’m able to.” He said, hoping she would understand. He wanted her, Gods how he wanted her, and he was sure she wanted him just as much, but he worried that once they’d engaged, when it was done, that she might regret her actions and resent him for taking advantage of her.

Kathy in turn was in turmoil. She had never felt as needful as this before. Ever. Her relationship with David was fulfilling, and he was always gentle with her, but she’d had never felt an overwhelming need to have him take her like she had now, with Severus. Immediately she felt guilty again. She knew what Severus had said was right, that she deserved a stab at happiness, but she was unable to control her thoughts, her emotions, in the same way she controlled her Leeching. It was not something that would be switched on and off like one of those new fangled televisions everyone was talking about in the shops and on the street where she’d lived. Maybe it was best he did leave now, she only hoped it didn’t mean he’d changed his mind, that he decided he didn’t like her after all, not after the way he’d made her feel.

Severus was careful not to make himself too obvious over the next few days. Each time he was near her, his nostrils flared, the scent of her driving him wild. He wanted to hold her, kiss her senseless, take her to his bed and love her as he’d loved no other. But she needed time, he realised that as much as Kathy did, maybe even more so. He accompanied Albus to the Order meeting, prepared for and took his classes after the holidays, and added another five pair of the protective, magical gloves to Kathy’s collection. So far the first pair were still in use and showed no sign of weakening.

Three weeks after the new term started, Severus felt the unwelcome burn in his forearm.

He was seated in Kathy’s living room, along with her and Albus. The Headmaster knew immediately what was happening, while Kathy gave him a concerned look. She’d seen the sudden grasping of his arm, the pained expression on his face before he quickly schooled it into one of irritated annoyance.

“I have just remembered I am meant to be overseeing a detention tonight. Please excuse me.” He said in a tight voice. ’Damn the man was impatient tonight.’ Then left for his rooms.

Albus continued chatting as though nothing untoward had happened, while Kathy narrowed her eyes at him.

“You can stop pretending Albus, I know something is wrong. Why did Severus look to be in pain? Will he be in his classroom if I look right now?”

Albus looked at her sadly. “I cannot tell you Kathy, I am sorry. At our next meeting, provided you are inducted into the Order, then all will be revealed. For now I suggest you forget what just happened and enjoy reading your book.”

“Huh? You’ve got to be kidding me. He was in pain Albus, I saw it clearly in his eyes, even if he did try to hide it. I want to know what’s wrong with him, is he ill, is it something terribly serious and you’re both afraid I’ll be upset when I find out? Is that it?” She asked frantically.

“No, he is not ill, that much I can say, and please do not attempt to enter his rooms and talk to him, he will no longer be there.”



“Well where is he then? This is so unfair.”

When he didn’t reply she paced the room, reminding Albus of Severus when he was agitated. She started moving things, little knick-knacks that the elves provided to make the place homely, his teacup was whipped from his hand mid sip as she took the tray in the kitchen and began washing the pots.

He watched her drag a duster over already gleaming surfaces aggressively as she fought to control her anger, worry, and keep busy.

“Kathy please, these rooms are already clean, sit down and try not to think about Severus.”

She ignored him, her whole body moving with the vigour of her hand swiping the duster across the fireplace.

When she’d been through every room, she brought a bucket of soapy water from the kitchen and made her way into Severus’ office. Once again the jars of pickled things were subjected to having their containers cleaned. Jack/Cyclopes, eyed her warily as she rubbed at each bottle and jar in turn. When it was his turn he closed his one eye until she’d finished. He would have sighed with relief if he was able, once he was safely back on the shelf. When he opened again, he was annoyed to find he was facing the wall and could no longer see anything that was going on in the room.

Each book was taken from the shelf to have it’s cover cleaned with a soft dry cloth, then replaced on the now polished woodwork.

Albus decided it was best to leave her alone, if working was her way of dealing with nervous tension, he would not interfere.

When Severus returned just after three in the morning, Kathy was busy scrubbing his bathroom.

“What on earth are you doing woman?”

She dropped the scrubbing brush and sprung to her feet. “Severus, where were you? What happened to you?” She took in his dishevelled appearance, the cut over his eye that parted one eyebrow, the dark bruising on his neck and the edge of his jaw. Then she saw the mask in his hand, the red cape draped over his shoulders and her concern turned to horror. She shook her head, desperately wanting to deny what was before her, but she couldn’t. “You… your… that… “ She pointed at the mask, snatching her hand back when he reached for it.

“Kathy please, it’s not what you think.”

She stared at him, eyes wild and terrified, tears streamed down her cheeks as she backed away from him.

TBC