#8 ~ A Rather Catty Situation

Disclaimer: All characters belong to JKR (except Odessa Divine). All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.
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Chapter 27 ~ So Many Considerations

Odessa leaned against the closed door, breathing heavily for two reasons. The first was that she had been so close to discovery, the second was that the man of her dream insinuated that he would see her another time. Did he mean privately? Was this the break she was hoping for? She went into her office and opened her storage room. She paused.

They had been in here. Both the Potions Master and his wife. She could smell the candles, Hermione and Severus. They had seen her shrine. Oh gods. Why didn’t they say anything to her? Hm. That would explain Hermione’s initial silence when Odessa confronted her about being in her rooms. Odessa considered Severus’ change in attitude towards her. Could it be that he was flattered? That he found it arousing that she was so dedicated to him? Curious, maybe about what she would be willing to do for him? Yes, that must be the reason for the change in him. After all, what man couldn’t be flattered that a beautiful, sexy woman was so attracted to him that she kept so many mementos and reminders of him?

“Look out, Hermione. Once he’s in my lair, he’ll be mine,” she whispered.

Odessa walked into her bedroom, reached under her bed and removed her treasured carry-on bag. She placed it on the bed and reverently removed the two vials carefully concealed in the lining. One wrapped in red velvet, the other in black. The potion in the red velvet bag cost her three hundred galleons. A powerful odorless, tasteless lust potion of the highest quality, guaranteed to start a flame in the coldest man. It was temporary, but she intended to use it as a starter only. It only had to be added to the intended’s food or drink. And it was keyed to her and her alone, so there was no chance that if Severus imbibed it, he’d be attracted to anyone else. That was why it was so expensive.

The potion in the black bag had cost her two hundred galleons. It was her final answer if things with Severus did not go as planned. It would put her into a peaceful sleep, from which she would never awake. Odessa stared at the black bag, emotionless. She had this potion in her possession for the past year, and had often removed it, set it on her table and stared at it, debating whether or not it was time. This always happened after a night with another idiotic male, who hadn’t listened. Each time she considered it, she decided it wasn’t time. She had to at least try to fulfill her dream before she gave up completely. She was tired of being alone, tired being used by men, tired of a loveless life, tired of the killing. She couldn’t do Azkaban. Marcus had been right. Death was the kindest punishment.

She took the potions and put them in the kitchen drawer, sticking them to the roof with a binding spell. No one would see them if the drawer were opened. If Severus came to her, she would find a way to give him the lust potion, just as an added insurance that they would be intimate. She was almost certain once he had her, and tasted the depth of her love and passion for him, he wouldn’t want to go back to his wife. And if he did…

She closed the cabinet drawer. She would answer that if and when the time came.

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Hermione lay in the bed, next to her sleeping, sated husband. She was wide-awake, listening to Severus rhythmic breathing and thinking about Odessa’s insane obsession with him. Severus had said nothing about how seeing that shrine affected him. It had to be something heady, to know that there was someone out there who worshipped you. She wondered if some tiny part of him found that arousing. She would think most men couldn’t help feeling a physical attraction toward a beautiful woman who was willing to do anything for them.

She didn’t want her husband to be alone with Odessa. She understood what he was trying to do, and it was admirable. But a small part of her was afraid that Odessa would tempt him beyond his endurance. Her husband was a strong man, and he loved her. But he was still a man. Odessa’s desire for him might affect him…she was so beautiful. Hermione sighed, and ran her fingers through her sleeping husband’s silky hair. The idea of him taking another woman made her heart feel as if it was about to tear in two. She didn’t think she could survive it if that happened.

Hermione was afraid the witch would seduce Severus. She knew she would be listening in, able to tell exactly what was going on, and be right next-door, but she was still worried. She would just have to trust him to be able to handle the situation. She lay beside Severus, staring up at the ceiling long after the sun rose.

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Marcus returned to his rooms a bit shaken. That was twice Lady Snape had probably saved his life in one day. As much as he hated to admit it, he was indebted to the witch. Of course, she wouldn’t have had to save his life the second time if he had minded his own damn business and let what was going to happen, happen. Back in his Eradicator days, he could have easily have walked away and let them die. That was what he was good at, next to actually being the bringer of death. Odessa certainly wasn’t wasting time. She had wreaked more havoc in three days than he would’ve believed possible, and almost killed him twice in the process. He hadn’t even tried to make her pay for that. Damn, he was soft. By rights, he should slip into her rooms and snap her neck. That would end all of this. But he had never murdered anyone outside of his duty. He had killed during wizard duels, but that was different. He could have also been the one who died in those situations. Killing the witch might be satisfying, but it would be a true crime and clashed with his instinct for self-preservation. He had a good job now, was relatively well respected by his peers and students and still managed to fulfill his other needs effectively. All but his need for the Obeah. Sigh.

Why did Cassandra always creep into his mind at times like this? Probably because he needed her comfort, her strength and her wisdom. Something was happening to him, and he couldn’t understand it. He didn’t want it. Being cold and detached had always worked so well for him, kept life simple. He didn’t have all these battles of conscience. It had been hell on him, trying to decide what to do when Odessa’s form was slinking toward the Snapes. He had actually risked his own life for them. It was just…crazy. He didn’t even care about them.

But he had watched them frolic in the moonlight as animagi, and he had witnessed them once again as lovers. They stuck to each other through everything, every trial, every difficulty. Maybe it wasn’t them that made him act, but what they represented. Love. They were the living epitome of love. Something rarely recognized in Marcus’ world.

Severus and Hermione showed that love was possible. He had done his best to break that bond, or at least interfere, and still they came back together and stood strong. And despite his deplorable treatment of them, they still helped him, they still did what was right. Marcus did not consider them friends, but they weren’t his enemies. The truth was, deep down Marcus had learned to respect their love for each other. It was a thing of beauty in an otherwise cold, heartless world, and a harbinger of hope. Something that was needed as proof life could be good, even for someone as dark and undeserving as a Deatheater, or a former Eradicator. That was the real reason why he had protected them. Too few good things were in this world. He couldn’t let that hard-won love, that realized hope be extinguished.

Marcus hoped that after tonight, the couple would be able to put two and two together and figure out Odessa’s secret on their own. Hermione was a brilliant witch, and Snape was no slouch when it came to brainpower. He felt he had done more than enough, and wanted to wash his hands of the whole thing. He had wanted a little excitement, and got hit with overload. He was done in. Let them figure out the rest. He was finished with it.

He stripped down and climbed into bed, and placed his wand on the nightstand next to him. As an afterthought, he picked up his wand and checked the ward on his floo. It still held. As long as Odessa was at Hogwarts, he was keeping it up. He didn’t care if he had to walk everywhere on the grounds. That panther remembered him.

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When Severus awoke the next morning, he was greeted by a very worn out and tired wife.

“Hermione! You look awful. Didn’t you sleep last night?” he inquired, taking her into his arms and stroking her hair. She had dark circles under her eyes, and a worry line etched in the center of her forehead.

“No. I couldn’t sleep. I was too worried about you talking with Odessa,” she said.

Severus looked down at her tenderly.

“You have nothing to worry about. I’ve faced things much worse than Odessa,” he said soothingly.

“But few things as beautiful,” she replied.

Severus pulled her up against him, her back to his chest, and leaned so his mouth was next to her ear.

“Hermione, there is no woman as beautiful as you are in my world. Odessa may worship me, but I worship you. You are my goddess, my deity. I exist to please you and no other,” he whispered passionately.

He turned her face toward him, and looked into her amber eyes. He knew she felt threatened by Odessa’s beauty. But Odessa paled next to Hermione, who had been with him to hell and back, never abandoning him, never giving up on him, and loving him in spite of everything. And, oh, the way she loved him. What woman could ever measure up to her in his world? No woman.

“Severus, how can you still look at me that way, after nine years?” Hermione whispered.

“Because, my dear, a blessing never ages or grows old. You are and have always been my blessing. I feel about you like I did when I first admitted my love for you. Actually, that isn’t true. My love has grown much deeper over these years. We’ve been through so much together, Hermione. Believe me, my love, my wife…we will get through this too. You have nothing to fear from Odessa or any woman. I am yours forever, my sweet. My lady. I want you to stop worrying,” he said, holding her to his chest tightly.

“I’ll try,” she replied.

“Don’t try. Do it,” he said, kissing her gently. He was concerned about her lack of sleep.

“Today is Saturday. You have nothing to do. I want you to sleep,” he said.

“Are you going to talk to Odessa today?” Hermione asked.

“Yes. I think the sooner I do it, the better,” he replied.

“Well, I have to be awake to monitor the talk,” she said, yawning.

Severus sighed inwardly. He was sure he could handle this talk on his own, but Hermione needed reassurance.

“Very well. I think I will do it after breakfast. That way you can get some sleep right afterwards. Is that all right?” he asked her.

“Yes,” Hermione said. She was really feeling tired now.

“Ok. I’m going to have breakfast sent up so we can enjoy a quiet breakfast in bed, then I will go next door and talk to Odessa,” Severus said, moving his wife aside gently and rolling from the bed. Hermione looked at his naked body, a feeling of possessiveness washing over her as he pulled on his robe, tying the sash.

“She better not put one finger on you,” she said angrily.

“Now, Hermione…” Severus chided, “calm down, sweet. I told you, there is nothing to worry about. Now rest while I send for breakfast.” He kissed her on the forehead, then walked into the study.

Hermione lay back in the bed, scowling. A moment later however, she was asleep.

Severus returned, balancing two plates of cinnamon rolls and coffee. He looked down at his sleeping wife with soft eyes, set the food down on the table, and pulled the covers over her.

He sat on the edge of the bed, picked up a hot roll and bit into it. He chewed slowly, looking down at her. He’d let her rest. He could handle Odessa.

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A/N: Bad move, Severus. Walking into the panther’s den without the support of your lioness. I sense trouble on the horizon. Please review.