Another Dark Star

Chapter 42 – Auror school year.


Severus Snape was in a furious snit. Bloody Gryffindors had been trying his patience all day and, just when he was looking forward to a pleasant weekend with Sadira, he received a late owl from her cancelling their plans. What the hell was ‘team building’ anyway?

After fuming in his office for well over an hour about ‘fickle females’ and drinking a little too much brandy, he decided to search her out. After all, if it’s for work, how long could it take?


He Apparated to the Auror training grounds but it was empty, and appeared as though it had been for hours. ‘Where was she?’ He apparated to her flat next but it was empty too. Obviously she hadn’t come home yet, but as her team... thing hadn’t been held at the school, what and where was it? It was very late already.

He felt a dreadful nagging in the back of his mind; mistrust. ‘Why hadn’t she said where she would be, or for how long? What exactly was the nature of this exercise?’

He felt a cold lump in his stomach. That awful voice; the one he knew he shouldn’t trust, the one which always ruined everything for him, was muttering poisonous words in his head. ‘Can you trust her? Why did she cancel at the last minute? Where is she? Who is she with?’


Following a vague feeling and a stab of fear, he wandered into Soho to where the clubs and pubs she was known to frequent were. He found her in the third one he came to. She was there with that silly Hufflepuff, Miss Tonks as well as those Gryffindor reprobates; Taylor and Mason. She was quite well into her cups, laughing and dancing, appearing for all the world like any young woman without a care out with friends. Cold fear turned to red hot fury.

‘How dare she drop him just like that to go out on the piss with her mates? Especially when she knew that James Mason wanted to get in her pants.’ She was dancing on her own slowly to the rhythm; swaying and rolling her hips seductively, her eyes closed as she appreciated the music. Perhaps she liked the attention? Maybe she was tired of being hidden away in a dungeon like some tawdry secret by an old lecher. His subconscious suggested.

“Bitch.” He cursed.

This was what happened every time he trusted someone. They always screwed him over. Well, he wasn’t going to hang around any longer. She’d made a fool of him enough for one evening. He’d see her in the morning and have it out with the lying bitch then. He returned to the castle to finish the bottle of Brandy he had started earlier.

Sadira was now dancing with Tonks, hugging and giggling with the blue haired whirlwind. They were both dressed casually in jeans and vest tops, with a little make-up.

“So, having fun?” she asked.

“Yep, thanks for coming along Sadira. I really didn’t want to come out with the lads on my own again tonight.” Tonks said.

“It’s ok, but you owe me one. My boyfriend was meant to be coming around tonight. He’s going to be so pissed off that I cancelled at the last minute.”

“At least you have a boyfriend. I keep coming out with the lads but I never find anyone decent. I’m tired of one night stands with arseholes and losers.” Tonks complained.

“You project the wrong image for the nice guys and your expectations of love and the perfect man are unrealistically high.” Sadie said wisely.

“Where do you get this stuff?” Tonks asked, bemused.

“Cosmopolitan. It’s a Muggle magazine, but well worth a read.” Sadie replied.

“So, this older man of yours. You keep telling us how great he is but we never meet him. When are you going to come clean and introduce us to him? And more importantly, when do I get to meet his mature and debonair single friends?” Tonks asked.

“You’re really that interested in my love life?” Sadie asked, cocking a brow. “You must be desperate. As for his friends, I haven’t really met any of them myself yet. He’s more of the solitary type.”

“Like you, you mean? I think it’s a bit sussed that you haven’t met his friends, like you’re some dirty secret or kept mistress.” Tonks said disapprovingly.

“It’s not like that at all Tonks. He loves me; we just have to be careful. Besides, there’s no real need for us to spend time with his work colleagues and I’ve never heard him mention any other friends. Maybe that’s why we get on so well. He understands me where I was so misunderstood by everyone else, and I understand him. Well most of the time.” She explained.

“What do you mean?” Tonks asked, finishing her drink and calling the barmaid for another round.

“He’s a bit of a tortured genius type. You know; misunderstood, dramatic and temperamental. We tend to avoid each other when I’m pre-menstrual because we used to have some really nasty rows.” Sadie told her.

“Great make-up sex though?” Tonks enquired with a grin.

“You have no idea.” Sadie replied with a grin of her own.


James Mason made his way over to where they were stood, beer in hand.

"You girls having fun?” he asked.

“Yep, where’s Taylor?” Tonks replied.

“I got tired of watching him chat up that blonde barmaid so I left him to it.” He said with a hint of envy.

“You know that little redhead in the corner is giving me evils because she thinks I’m your girlfriend.” Sadira said, gesturing with her eyes to a girl in a booth on her own in a very tight pink dress.

“How do you know? I’ve only been stood here a minute.” he asked, staring at the pretty ginger who shot him a million pound smile.

“Legilimency; I don’t need a wand.” She said simply.

“You’re not supposed to do that. Especially on Muggles.” He said warily.

“What are you going to do; stand here and read me the riot act, or go over there and buy her a drink?” Sadie snapped.

He appeared to mull it over for a moment, then took her advice and did as he was told.

“Legilimency? That’s complicated shit. How did you learn that?” Tonks asked in wonder.

“My boyfriend taught me. I’m a fairly good Occlumens too.” She explained, sipping her Courvoisier with a nonchalant elegance that came naturally. Tonks admired the frosty Slytherin for that.

“Wow, he must be a powerful wizard if he could teach you that.” Tonks said appreciatively.

“Oh, he is. Scarily so sometimes, but brilliant.” Sadie said wistfully.

Sadie woke next morning with a thumping head and her back felt like it was on fire. Her mouth felt like Professor Kettleburn had used it as a stable for the hippogriffs and she was sure she didn’t want to remember what happened last night. She padded to the bathroom, gargled with mouthwash, ran a damp flannel over her face and threw her dressing gown on before making her way into the kitchen in search of relief.

She stopped dead when she saw the dark shape of Severus Snape sat at her table, drinking tea and glaring at her with a furious expression. Suddenly she felt like a third year who had just lost 100 points for Slytherin and was about to face his displeasure.

“Looking for this?” he asked, deadly quiet and holding up the vial of potion between his long, elegant fingers.

“Yes, thank you Severus.” She said facetiously, taking the vial and downing the contents. She was in no fit state to deal with his moods until it kicked in.

“Where were you last night?” he asked. His voice was still soft and silky, but every Hogwarts student of the last 12 years knew the signs of Snape’s loosely reined temper.

“I told you, I was going to be out with my colleagues. I’m sorry I cancelled at the last minute but Tonks begged me to come. I couldn’t say no, she’s my friend.” She defended.

“You said you were team building, not going on a bloody pub crawl.” He snapped.

“It was team building. It brought us closer and established trust. You have no idea how much closer a night of drunken stupidity can bring a group.” She replied glibly.

“DO NOT PLAY GAMES WITH ME SADIRA; I AM NOT IN THE MOOD!” Snape roared, making her back up slightly.

“Why did you lie?” he asked, once again barely louder than a whisper but he was nearly shaking with restrained fury.

“I didn’t lie to you. I just didn’t tell you the full story. I knew you’d get mad at me.” She defended.

“I’m only angry because you were not honest with me. How can I trust you when you don’t trust me?” he asked.

“I’m sorry Severus, really.” She said quietly with genuine remorse.

“And what exactly did you get up to on your night of debauchery?” he asked.

“Just a few drinks, a bit of dancing. Not much. I only went because Tonks wanted to go on the pull but she’s sick of being stuck with the boys on her own.” she said.

“And what about you? Did you enjoy flaunting yourself?” He asked with a sneer.

“What? How dare you Severus!” she snarled indignantly.

“I dare because it seems my witch has no reservations in lying to me in order to go out drinking, dancing and flirting around Muggle London with a group of reprobates and doesn’t expect me to find out!” he yelled, advancing on her.

She back stepped away from him until she hit the wall and she winced. She suddenly remembered why her back hurt and her eyes widened.

“Severus, you’re being irrational.” She defended.

“What happened, why are you in pain?” he asked, bordering between concern and suspicion.

“Nothing you need be concerned about.” She snipped, tired of the inquisition.

“And what is that supposed to mean?” he snarled.

She stopped and stared at him for a moment.

“I don’t know, I’m tired.” She sighed.

“That is your own fault.” He snapped. “Now what have you done to your back?”

“Nothing, forget about it. Why are you so insistent about knowing if it’s all my own fault?” she sniffed.

“Because we are supposed to be in a relationship. Although that clearly means nothing to you.” He sneered.

“You’re right. Obviously I don’t give a shit, you supercilious bastard.” She snapped, sitting on a chair but hurting her back again.

“Tell me what happened.” He ordered, testing her mind with Legilimency but she shoved him out.

“Fuck off out of my head Severus. I’ve warned you about that.” She snapped.

His head began whirling. ‘Why won’t she tell me? Was she attacked, beaten? Did she do something stupid? Did she find someone else? Did he do this? Did she want him to?’

He seemed to have drawn the conclusion that she was ashamed because she had either been raped or attacked or she was scared to tell him she had cheated on him. In his mind, he could see her in some drunken fumble against an alley wall. In his fevered mind, her paramour looked like his arch nemeses, Potter or Black.

“Clearly I was mistaken in your intentions toward me. I’m sorry for wasting your time Miss Prewett. I’ll be off then, I shan’t bother you again.” He said coldly, sweeping out of her kitchen.

“Wait Severus, damn you! Don’t go.” She called after him.

“I appear to have made a grave error regarding the nature of our relationship. I will not remain to be made a fool of further.” He said, head bowed, hand hovering on the handle of her front door.

“Please don’t go.” Sadie said softly, covering his hand with hers. “I love you, you know that.”

“Then what is it that you cannot tell me?” he pressed, fixing her soft green eyes with his cold black ones. She sighed.

“I didn’t want to tell you yet because I feel foolish but you’ll find out anyway.” She relented.

He turned to face her and she untied her dressing gown, revealing the naked flesh beneath. His body reacted instantly but he held his position, arms crossed over his chest waiting for an explanation.

She turned away from him and dropped the satiny robe to the ground, revealing a large black mark along the length of her spine, raised and crusty, with redness surrounding it.

“What the hell?” he asked, astounded.

“It’s a tattoo Severus. We were all dosed up on liquid courage and somehow decided it was a good idea.” She replied. He looked closer and could make out the design. It appeared to be some sort of serpent.

“Bloody stupid woman.” He snapped, and Apparated back to Hogsmeade.

All the way back to the castle, his mind was working overtime. ‘Stupid Sadie. Stupid fucking stupid Severus!’ he thought.

‘Why had he assumed she was sleeping around? Why had she got that bloody tattoo? And why had he walked away from a naked witch who was sorry and had a lot of making up to do? He couldn’t help feeling jealous; he’d never had any woman make him feel like this before, especially one who was so beautiful. He knew she was desirable, and was more than aware that he wasn’t. It made perfect sense to him that she would be tempted.’

“Fuck!” His head was a mess, and he resented that. He’d always been in complete control of his mind and emotions.

He’d been only a year or so younger than her when he’d gotten a stupid snake tattoo, but his had been worse; a mark of evil that he had branded to his arm with full knowledge and intent. Hers was just a harmless Muggle tattoo. Stupid though her choice had been, at least she had the excuse of alcohol. It wasn’t really all that bad when he thought about it; quite interesting actually. But she should have been honest with him from the start.

Almost an hour later, Severus apparated back to Sadira’s flat. He found her sat in her living room in a small but squashy armchair, clutching a cushion and looking very sorry for herself. She was dressed in pale grey jogging pants and a ratty pale blue t-shirt and her hair was tied back in a low ponytail. It was not at all like the girl who was usually so together. There were the cold remains of a cup of tea on the floor and there were streaks of tears on her face.


“Severus?” she called softly, puzzled at his return. He cleared his throat and stepped closer.

“I’m sorry for leaving like that. I have something for your back.” He offered her a flask of a milky substance.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Murtlap essence. Put some in a bowl of warm water and apply it to the skin. It should bring down the swelling and reduce, if not eliminate, the pain.” He told her, reverting to more familiar ground; lecturing.

“Thank you.” She said quietly.

“Sadira, I was angry that you were hiding something from me. I do not like being kept in the dark about anything.” He explained by way of apology.

“I know and I’m sorry.” She replied.

“How was I to know what sort of secrets you were keeping from me? It could have been anything.” He justified.

“Or anyone?” she asked, raising a brow. He looked at her sharply. “I know you have issues with feelings and you admitted you’re no good with relationships but I thought you knew I was faithful. How could you think I would cheat on you?” she asked.

“I never said any such thing.” He said.

“You didn’t need to accuse me. It was written all over your face. First I thought you were angry because I got too drunk, but I worked it out. You thought I slept with someone else.” She shook her head.

“Why wouldn’t you want someone else? Someone younger, richer, better looking. One who can take you out in public and tell everyone you are his; who can see you more often than once or twice a month.” He ranted.


She stood up and shoved him sharply into a chair. He fell easily, shocked and not expecting the move.

“Listen to me Severus Snape. I love you. I want to be with you. I don’t want anyone else. And the sooner you get that into your thick skull the better.” She told him, stood with her arms crossed under her breasts in a fair imitation of his intimidating stance when berating dunderhead students. The move also made him very aware that she wasn’t wearing a bra under the thin cotton top.

He nearly laughed at himself; sat there shocked, being told off by his teenage girlfriend and in a combined state of offence and arousal. ‘Bloody pathetic!’ He wanted to stand up and lay down the law to her but the sensible part of his conscience had taken over now and told him that shouting at her wasn’t a very good way of getting her undressed and that penitence might be the best way to salvage the situation.
He stood and placed his hands lightly on her shoulders.

“I’m sorry Sadira. You’re right, I should have trusted you. Let me make it up to you.” He said softly. She looked up at him for a moment and after a moment, smirked at him mischievously.

“Ok, there is one thing you could do for me.” She said.

“And what would that be?” he asked warily.

“Put that stuff on my back please? I can’t reach myself.” She said, blushing. He gave her a smirk of his own.

“It would be a pleasure my dear.” He replied, picking up the flask.

He went into the kitchen and filled a heatproof glass bowl with warm water and mixed in a measure of the murtlap. He retrieved a flannel from the bathroom and carried the bowl into the bedroom.

Sadira was already waiting; topless and lying on her stomach with her head supported by a pillow and her joggies pushed low on her hips. He wanted nothing more than to pull them down and fuck her right then; to push her onto her back and kiss her breasts, but he knew how sore she was and he had promised.

He put the bowl on her bedside table and dabbing at her back with the flannel. It stung at first, but after a few applications it felt much better and she told him so. He began stroking the flesh of her back, kissing the Python tattoo which was no longer black and sore but smooth and green and brown. He decided he rather liked it.

“What made you choose a snake?” he asked.

“I suppose some of it was House pride, but really I’ve loved snakes since I was a little girl.” She admitted.

“Did the others get their House mascots?” he asked.

“Not really. Taylor and Mason got matching griffins on their biceps, which is nearly a lion I suppose, but Tonks got the word ‘Peace’ in Chinese on her ankle.” She told him

“So you just had to outdo them all I take it?” he asked conversationally, although he was pushing her trousers down so he could caress her bottom.

“I don’t know, maybe.” She laughed.

“Do you really hate it?” she asked.

“I did at first, but I think perhaps it has its charm.” He confessed, pulling her closer to him and pressing his arousal against her, leaving her in no doubt how he felt about her.

“Am I forgiven then?” she asked, unbuttoning his coat while he fondled her bare breasts.

“For now.” He conceded. “Am I forgiven for being an Ass?” he asked.

“For now.” She repeated, grinning at him.


He swiftly divested himself of his clothing and she kicked off her pants so they could lie naked in each other’s embrace under the patchwork quilt her grandmother had made.

“I love you Sadira.” He whispered, holding her tightly.

“Prove it.” She whispered back, kissing him fiercely.

He pushed her onto her back, entering her swiftly. She was already more than ready for him. Immediately she began meeting his strokes, kissing his neck and chest. She had missed his touch so much, craved his body. She was sick of being frustrated and missing him. She was tired of not being able to tell anyone who she was sleeping with.

“Oh Severus, I’ve missed you.” She panted.

“Say my name again.” He ordered.

“Severus! Oh Severus, I love you.” She moaned.

“I love you too Sadie, you feel so good.” He groaned, intoxicated by the feel of her.

“Fuck Severus! Even when you’re being a bastard, I still want you.” She confessed. He grinned at that remark.

“Even when I do this?” he asked, biting hard on her shoulder at the same time as a particularly hard thrust.

“Yes! Especially when you do that.” She gasped.

He kissed her again more forcefully, grabbing her wrists and holding them above her head in one large hand.

“You are mine Sadira, never forget that.” He growled, pounding her tight hole harder and nibbling at her breasts.

Her skin felt so hot it tingled. She felt so needed, so wanted. She felt her need gather in her belly and move down between her legs. She shifted so that her knees were by his shoulders, her arse in the air; spreading herself completely and offering up her depths for him to plunder.

He loved how readily she surrendered herself to him, offering everything she had and allowing him to sink his length deep into her.

The tension and anger from before added to the feeling of their lovemaking and Sadie let herself go completely, clawing and clutching at him as she screamed his name in passion at her climax. He soon followed her into the oblivion of release and lay panting by her side.


After lying with her for a short while, Severus got up and began to dress again.

“I have to get back.” He said simply.

“I know you do, but we’re not finished here.” She said, shocking him. He looked at her questioningly.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“This relationship is about more than just sex, Severus. You need to learn to trust me. You also need to learn that you don’t own me. I know you have duties at school, so we will have to talk about this another time, but it needs saying.” She told him.