Stress Relief

"Paranoid maniac thinks the Potter boy is everywhere these days," Snape growled at Nicole.  "Summoned me.  Had the damn Carrows turn the castle upside down."

"Ah," she whispered, tugging him towards the leather sofa.  "I wish with all my heart that I could end this for all of us," she mused aloud.  

"If only you could.  If only anyone could.  War is coming, Nicole.  I don't want you here.  This is not your fight."  Snape almost seemed to plead with her, sinking back into the sofa, pinching the bridge of his nose to stave off yet another migraine.

"Severus!  Seriously!  Do you think this does not affect me?  Just because I am not British?  This war of 'yours' will affect the entire world, not just your corner here.  I do not wish to see a paranoid maniac in power here any more than I would wish to live under one's rule in France.  Your logic is failing you!" She huffed and made her way to side bar, reaching for the .crystal brandy decanter.

Snape allowed his head to fall back, sighing at her words.

"Furthermore, you arrogant bastard, Headmaster," she continued with sarcasm in her voice.  "I am on term leave for the students' reading period.  I will not be leaving until I must report back to Beauxbatons."

"It is not safe here, Nicole."  He sat up to glower at her.  "New necklace?"  The sparkling pendant caught his eye as it spilled out of the neckline of Nicole's tight fitting top.

"No, very old.  A family safety mechanism."  

“Elaborate,” he demanded, reaching out to touch it.

“No,” she stated bluntly. 

“No?” he asked incredulously.

“No.  I don’t feel like discussing this business any further after a long day, crouched in the Forest, waiting to see what was going on.” 

“You should not have returned here,” he reiterated with a grumble.

“Alas, poor, long suffering Severus, I did.  Now, I want you to draw a hot bath for me, complete with those lovely bath salts you’ve created.  Then you will undress me, worshipping every inch of my body as you do.  After I am naked, you shall wash me carefully, preparing my body for your tongue’s exploration.  When I am content that you have performed your bathing duties well enough, you shall join me in the bath, and cleanse yourself – completely.”  She stared deeply into his eyes while a slight flush began to rise to her face.

“By your command,” he answered with an evil grin, and a deep bow before leaving her to her brandy snifter as he strode to his private quarters to fulfill her wishes.

When the door closed behind him, Nicole hurried to his desk to pilfer both plume and parchment to pen a  hasty all-clear note to Marie.  Summoning Falan with a sharp whistle, Nicole stepped quickly to wait underneath the high open window to wait for the falcon who swooped inside with purpose, landing heavily on the owl perch. 

“To Marie, my friend?” the witch asked the warrior bird.  Falan nodded, snatching the scroll from her fingers and re-taking flight.  Nicole stood quite still, lost in thought, waiting for her companion from the dungeons returned for her bath.

A/N:

Not a Friday, but since today was my day off, I decided to frolic.  Hope y'all enjoy the little tidbit.  More to follow.  :D