Ival Pythonica

A/N: I do not own Harry Potter, any of its characters, etc. They are all the property of J.K. Rowling. For no profit of any kind, I am simply borrowing her characters for a short while. Only the Original Character of Megan Malfoy is my own, though her last name is borrowed from J.K. Rowling.

Megan tossed and turned to no avail. It seemed she would just start to drift off to sleep when her eyes would snap open.

‘It’s the curse . . .’ Megan thought to herself, staring up at the ceiling. ‘It’s Ival Pythonica.’

The conversation in Snape’s office played through her mind. He said he knew what the curse was and alerted McGonagall and Dumbledore. So, there had to be a counter-curse the other two wizards, especially Dumbledore, had to know. Besides Snape now knew everything Megan had tried. It would allow him to research for other cures she may not have thought of or potions she hadn’t come up with. If anyone could find such knowledge it was Snape.

Professor Snape.

Megan jumped when she remember that wasn’t all he saw. He had seen other images. Images she had intended no one to ever see, hear, or know about. They were private and for her alone. Yet, now someone knew the inner workings of the romantic center of her subconscious and it was the last person on the planet Megan wanted to know about those thoughts.

Severus Snape.

Megan closed her eyes and shook her head. Sitting up she glanced around her private room and put her head into her hands. Her mind, already tired and weakened, could not force him out fast enough to save her dignity. Well, at least he didn’t see the rest of the fantasy she had dreamed the other night. But still, she never wanted him to know how she felt, to see what she sometimes thought or dreamed about him. It would, she knew, change his opinion of her and affect how Snape treated her. Furthermore, Megan’s apprenticeship that was slowly growing would cease if he knew about her growing feelings for him. He would be appalled, disgusted, and steer clear of her at all costs in order to avoid furthering her interests and desires.

But what on Earth were these desires and where were they coming from?

'It’s just the curse.’ Megan announced to the dark room.

‘It’s just the curse.' She repeated the mantra over and over in her mind but Megan knew it was not the curse.

******
Snape had become an object of affection over time, the last year especially. After the war ended in her Sixth year, bring with it the death of her mother, she was elated he survived. He was the first at her hospital bed when she awoke. Although when she woke up, Megan had no idea how she got there or that the war had even ended. Snape gave her little detail but broke the awful news that her mother had died. Narcissa had been struck with an Unforgivable killing curse. Megan cried and wailed, Snape watching her silently, searching her face. It seemed odd he reacted such a way but Megan was so distraught at the time she didn’t notice. The next thing she knew, Madam Pomfrey was begging her to drink from a goblet which Megan took without complaint. Suddenly she felt sleepy and relaxed, falling back onto her pillows, sliding into darkness.

Ever since that day, Snape, though still cold and snarky, was always at her side it seemed. She dove into her potions work and took an offer from Dumbledore and Snape to apprentice with him her Seventh Year. It was to be continued for as many years after graduation as Snape saw fit. Megan jumped at the chance. Suddenly, she was given privates rooms and a private lab. Though she still had a bed reserved in the common room which she occasionally used. In fact, she was only down the hall from Snape’s private office, lab, and rooms. So, it was no great distance to go work with him on any given day.

They spent all Megan’s free time on potions brewing, studying, debates, discussion, tests and experiments. She even helped him grade papers and prepare lectures occasionally. Snape treated Megan the same as any other student except in their moments alone. Then she was a colleague, a potions maker, almost an equal. His voice was different, his tones lighter, his expressions less hard, his sarcasm seemed to also lessen.

But in the last few months something changed. One evening, about six months ago, when exhausted, Megan was having trouble stirring a potion that required a lot of strength as it began to finish brewing. Snape must have seen her or heard her struggling because without a word he was behind her, his chest nearly touching her back, his arms looped around her body and his placed his hands over hers. He gripped her hands gently, yet firmly and began stirring with her. Shocked by his close proximity, Megan froze and held her breath. He had never come in such contact with her before. (The Garden episode happened not long after this night, actually.) Never had he become so personal. He must have sensed her confusion and fear because she felt his lips at her ear, hot breath blowing onto her neck, giving her chills.

“Just relax and follow my movements exactly. Move with me on the count of three, one . . . two . . . three!” Snape whispered.

Megan let out the breath she was holding and taking another deep one, began to stir with him, their bodies moving in one fluid motion. As they stirred she could feel the warm, calloused skin of his hands gripping hers and the strength of his arms over her own. The most interesting was his breath slow and evenly making his chest rise. It moved against her back as his heart beat through his robes into her shoulder blade. His breath, still on her ear and neck as he gazed down at the potion they were stirring, was warm and made her skin tingle. Megan began to feel warmth in her face, her body started to sweat, and a nervous shiver ran through her.

She turned slightly, still stirring, and gazed at his face. She discovered he was starring at her. Their eyes locked and she thought she saw a spark of desire flash across his face for a brief moment. Then, without warning, Snape leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers, very softly. Megan gasped and, as fast as he had kissed her, he suddenly backed away.

“There, the potion should be finished now.” He looked into the caldron. “Yes. The color is a dark red with a purple shimmer. Excellent work this evening, Miss Malfoy. Please bottle the potion and leave it on the lab bench. Clean up the lab and I will see you at
7:00 p.m. sharp tomorrow to work on the Wolfsbane Potion.”

She felt her senses return to her as she nodded her head and began to grab the empty glass vials and bottles on the lab bench beside the caldron. She heard him walk away into his office and close the door. Only then did she sigh heavily and take deep breaths.

“What the hell just happened . . .” Megan wondered aloud as she carefully bottled the potion.

With a flick of her wand, Megan cleared the lab benches and tables of mess and ingredients. Now clean of the potion, her caldron sparkled. She walked back to her room in a fog, touching her lips. Trying to rationalize the moment, Megan simply shrugged.

‘Must have been the potion I was brewing. The fumes caused an involuntary bodily reaction, that’s all. He will of course tell me this tomorrow and it will all be cleared up.’ Megan assured herself.

However, the next night everything remained as it had been. Their kiss and their intimate potions stirring had not been discussed. As was if the had moment never happened.

However, Megan did not forget and that’s when her feelings for Snape began, her fascination with him and the fantasies.
******

Megan crashed back down on her pillows and tossed around for another half an hour.

‘It’s no use.’ Megan groaned, punching her pillow. ‘I have to get some air, rules or no rules about curfew.”

Megan threw on her robes over her silk green pajamas and then her fur lined cloak. The cloak was a gift from her father last Christmas that she wore everyday, since the castle grounds were so drafty this time of year. Heading out the door, she grabbed her wand and warded her room.

Walking down the stone corridor and up the stone stairs to the main entrance, Megan headed for the main doors towards the grounds. This time she headed out onto the lawns towards the lake.

Megan ambled forward only stopping when she felt the sand collect between her toes, the wet water lapping at her heels. She sat down and removing her shoes and socks, rolling up her pant legs to let the icy water cool her aching calves and feet.

"Aren't you cold, Megan?" A gentle voice suddenly said.

Megan jumped a little but not much, it was more from fear than being snuck up on. She knew the voice; he was the only adult that called her by her first name. She smiled and glanced up at a smiling Professor Lupin standing above her. He tilted his head and raised his eyebrows at her.

She blushed.

"I apologize, Professor Lupin, but I can explain . . ." She started timidly.

"Of course, I am sure you can. You are my brightest student with an answer for everything.” He chuckled slightly.

"Well . . . thanks, Professor Lupin." She stuttered, embarrassed.

“You’re always welcome.” He sat down beside her and glanced out over the dark water.

“It’s only a half moon. How did you know it was me sitting here?”

"I have my ways.” He laughed at her confused look. “The silhouette was obviously female and as I got within a few feet I saw the long, silver-blonde hair. Only one student I know of has such lovely hair.” He winked.

Megan blushed and starred at her toes in the water.

“You shouldn’t say such things. Someone might hear you and think there was something indecent between us.” Megan looked sideways at Lupin.

After looking around he leaned close to her.

“Do you think the Giant Squid will think we’re up to something out here in the dark?” He whispered playfully.

Megan giggled as he pulled away. Lupin sighed, starring at the water again.

“I thought I was the only one who took early morning strolls around the lake. I guess I am not the only one who can’t sleep tonight, huh?” He looked at Megan again.

“No I can’t and I probably won’t tonight.” Megan dug her toes deeper into the cold sand in anger. “I thought some night air and water would calm me. Nothing else has helped.”

“It’s pretty late or early depending on how one looks at the time. How long have you been outside and how long have your legs been in that freezing water?" He questioned, looking at her face and then her legs, worried.

"I have been out here maybe half an hour, possibly a little less time. How long have I had my legs in here? About the same amount of time I have been sitting here. I know its December but the water’s always warm at this spot in the lake year-round. Why are you so concerned? How long have you been watching me?" She asked, raising her eyebrows at him.

"Maybe a few moments, but I swear I saw nothing!" He confessed playfully.
Megan just laughed.

He had lied.

******
Remus Lupin had gone for a late night stroll. He was having nightmares and couldn't rest. So, he strolled around the lake…that is until he saw a figure by the water. It had caught Lupin's eye but he assumed it was his imagination playing tricks on him in the dim moonlight. When he got closer, he saw the obviously female figure. She was swishing her feet in the water and gazing around the lake. The moonlight caught her features and he could make out in the tiny bit of natural light that it was Megan Malfoy.

‘What is she doing out here so late? She’ll catch cold with her feet in that December water!’ Lupin thought, puzzled.

Lupin starred at her and marveled how tired she looked. Thinking back to the past few weeks, Megan’s classroom activity had slackened, her responses less, her hand no longer in the air as often, and she had trouble answering questions when asked. Lupin gave her the benefit of the doubt due to the hard times she had gone through losing her mother and because she was so busy with Snape. In fact, it was likely Snape was running Megan into the ground.

‘Damn Snape. If only I could be as fortunate to have a stunning young lady with such a bright mind and beautiful smile as my personal assistant and apprentice. That creamy skin, soft lips, blue sparkling eyes, curvy and voluptuous figure brushing up against mine . . .’ Lupin licked his lips and sighed, his mind a flurry of naughty and sexual thoughts.
******

Now sitting next to Megan he wanted to smack himself at the thoughts he had moments earlier about her. She was a beautiful young woman but barely of age and she looked up to him. She was his student for Merlin’s sake! How could he think of her in such carnal ways!?

‘Am I really more animal then human? What have I become?’ He thought as guilt began to emerge.

Megan’s voice broke his thoughts.

“I know I am breaking curfew and I am sorry, Professor. Please don’t reprimand me. I have had enough of that tonight and don’t tell anyone I was out here. Please?” She pleaded in earnest not wanting to endure another lecture that night.

"No need to worry. I am the last person to reprimand anyone considering my own youth.”
He chuckled but then turned a serious face towards her. “I won't tell but you had better not do this again. It's not safe, you know." He pointed out, actually worried.

"I know. I know."

"Well, then why are you out here so late? And who else reprimanded you tonight? What else did you get caught doing?" He inquired, curious, but with a look and tone that was as full of authority as ever.

Megan sighed and recanted the whole story to Lupin as she had with Snape and McGonagall. His eyes widened and Lupin frowned when he heard what curse she was under. When Lupin heard about Snape’s actions, he let out a small growl which made Megan jump in surprise.
However, in process of explaining her story, she left out the invasion of her private thoughts about Snape by Snape. No one else needed to know her darkest secrets tonight.

"That sick bastard!” Lupin uttered.

“What did you say?” Megan eyes widened in shock as once again that night she experienced a strange reaction from someone she thought she knew well.

“I apologize for my language, Megan. Please forgive me for that outburst. Snape SHOULD NOT have used Legilimency on you in this terrible state, when you are unable to defend yourself with Occulmency properly. He just does what he pleases to get what he needs. I swear that man never thinks of others!” Lupin shook his head and tightened his lips in
disgust.

“He did what he had to do.” Megan lied, not sure why she was defending him. “I could not have recounted all the magic I used these past two weeks. It was faster to search my mind, though I do wish he would have asked first.” She looked away at the lake. “And stuck to what he was allowed to see.” Megan muttered very softly.

“What?” Lupin asked.

“It was nothing of importance. I just wish I knew more about this curse he says is so very dark and where in the name of Merlin it came from. Of all the people in this castle, why’d they pick me!?”

She kicked the sand in anger, a tear dropping from her eye.

“Well, from what I can tell you it is a dangerous curse and it is nothing to be played around with."

"Well, I have only heard a few bits about it, what is it exactly? You are, after all the “Defense against the Dark Arts” Professor again this year and you have a lot of experience and knowledge. Tell me something!?"

Megan turned to him, pleading. Lupin saw the fear and uncertainty in her eyes, which were watering, on the brink of tears. So, figuring she deserved a little information, he began to explain what he knew, as if giving a lecture.

“Ival Pythonica is a curse used mostly by cruel people against someone a group doesn't like. The more hate amongst the group, the stronger the curse. The spell does something to you of the casters choice until you have broken the spell. It can be trouble sleeping, eating, walking, and breathing even, whatever they choose. It's breaking the curse that's tricky." He said softly.

"It can't be that bad . . . how do you break it exactly?" She winced at the thought.
Lupin turned to her and shook his head softly.

"Oh . . . it's not as simple as you think. The cursed individual has to do whatever the casters of the curse have set aside for them. Say they wanted you to do two hundred laps around the lake . . . you'd have to do it in order to be free of the spell. So, whatever your enemies have set aside for you is what you have to do to free yourself. That's probably why all the spells and potions you have tried haven't worked. That's never good. Dumbledore will have to find who did it, why, and what your penalty is to get free. If he doesn't . . . well let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Severus will help you, you’re his favorite, and you know that." Lupin nudged her shoulder with his, playfully.

Megan jolted awake and grimaced. The very idea of whatever they wanted she had to do in order to get free made her sick to her stomach. So did hearing that she was “Severus’ favorite student,' again.

‘What has that man being telling people?’ She puzzled to herself.

But what was more important was the idea that someone had control over her. In order to return to normal she had to do someone’s bidding. It could be anything and she was trapped to do it.

“It could be anything . . .” She shivered at the thought.

Lupin watched her shake and reached into his robes, pulling some chocolate out.

"Here, this will help." He handed it to her and she took it, smiling.

"Do you always carry spare chocolate around? That's your answer to everything, isn't it?"
She nibbled on the sweet substance and smiled at him, knowingly.

"It works, doesn't it?" He winked and watched her stare back out at the lake in worry.

"Worst comes to worst you’ll have to do their homework for a week or something. I am sure Dumbledore will pan it all out for you."

Lupin had tried to comfort her but she only continued to feel sick to her stomach and quiver inside. She felt something was very amiss here . . . very amiss . . . and she was going to get a rude awakening come morning, she knew that.

“Let’s get you inside before you freeze to death.”

Lupin stood up and offered her his hand. Megan took his offered hand and stood. After rolling down her pant legs, she waved her wand at her feet. Her legs were dry and warm, socks and slippers firmly on her feet. They began to walk towards the castle. At the main doors, Megan glanced back to see the sun starting to rise over the far edge of the lake. She sighed.

“Beautiful. Isn’t it?” Lupin said.

“I would have to say yes and no.”

“Both? Why?” He seemed puzzled.

“It’s both because a few hours ago it would have meant my freedom from all humanity for three weeks. Now it means the answers to my fate are just a few hours away.”
Lupin sighed and patted her shoulder. She turned her chin toward him. There was a sweet but sad look in his eyes.

“Do not think like that. It will be alright.” Megan just let another tear fall, silent.
Lupin gave her a quick hug.

“I promise things will be okay, Megan. You’ll see.”

Megan pulled away, shrugging.

“I hope so.” She whispered.

Megan turned and walked towards the steps leading down to the Dungeon corridor. Lupin walked along side her and insisted on walking Megan to her room. They were silent until she reached her door. At her door she took off the wards.

“Thank you, Professor Lupin. Your company and your knowledge were a great deal of help.” Megan tried to smile but just managed a small grin.

“You’re always welcome. Don’t worry. I will come tomorrow morning to Dumbledore’s office and see what help I can give on the matter. I only wish Professor Snape had given me the courtesy of a warning about this. But no matter, I know now.” He patted her on the shoulder. “I will see you in a few hours. Do not worry, as I said. The answers will soon be clear and the matter will be over before you know it.” Lupin smiled.

“Let’s hope.” Megan muttered and nodded to Lupin as she shut the door.

Megan found a note on her bedside table with a green candle lit next to it. It read:

Miss Malfoy,
I have no idea WHY you are NOT in your room trying to lie down as I instructed. I would search the castle but I am sure you will return in time for this message. I have discovered who cursed you and have spoken with Dumbledore. I will be at your room at 9 a.m. after breakfast to collect you for a meeting with your attackers, myself, McGonagall, and Dumbledore. Professor Lupin may also be present since the Headmaster believes his knowledge useful in this matter.
I will see you at the appointed time. DO NOT BE LATE!
Cordially,
Professor S. Snape.

Megan threw down the note and sat on the edge of her bed. Watching the sun begin to rise in her transfigured window, she sighed. She would have her answers but what in the world would those people want her to do?

“More importantly, why did they do this? Why?” Megan asked the air.

At least she had comfort in knowing the truth would be revealed.

“I’ll just do what ever they want and be free of this but what would they want of me?”
She again asked the silent air

“Their demands couldn’t be too bad. Could they?”

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