Snape's Obsession

Snape’s Obsession ch. 6


Valora woke up to the sensation of being held in strong comforting arms. Her back was pressed against Severus’ front and his arm wrapped around her, his hand cupping her breast. She smiled to herself, happy with the nights activities. He wouldn’t take her virginity, at least not yet, but with last nights events, it hardly mattered. Severus had said he was going to speak to Dumbledore about dating her. This made her feel both exhilarated and fearful, what if the Headmaster said ‘No’. She wouldn’t put Severus’ job and reputation in jeopardy, she couldn’t hurt him that way. Valora would be 18 soon though, surely the Headmaster couldn’t object, if she was of age. This made her think about school. How could she be apart from him now ? Severus had been awake when she arrived last night, which meant he was having as much trouble sleeping without her, as she had been without him. How could they see each other in class by day and endure not being together at night ?

Severus stirred, pressing their bodies closer together, as he squeezed the breast in his hand lovingly and let out a happy ‘Mmmmmmm’. Valora reached back and placed her hand on his naked hip, caressing him. She felt his warm lips grazing her shoulder and the back of her neck, making her shiver.

“Oh so sensitive.” Severus breathed the words against the back of her neck, bringing on a bigger shiver. Valora could feel that her shiver had made his body react, feeling him hardening.

“You\'re insatiable.” She said lying flat on the bed to look at him.

“Only where you are concerned.” He said gazing down at her. Valora raised her hand to his face, her thumb grazing his lips. Looking into his eyes, she wanted to tell him, she could just whisper ‘I love you’, but the words caught in her throat. Maybe it was too soon. Severus cared for her, she knew that, but this man, so used to a solitary life, how might he react ? Valora sighed. He noticed her sigh.

“Tired of me already ?” Severus said with a smirk.

“Never.” The answer came rushing out before she could think. Soft warm lips covered hers, drawing her into a deep passionate kiss, eliciting a long moan from her. He moved over her and covered her body , grinding his hardened length into her folds. The sensations emanating from her center were so intense, all she could think was ‘take me, please, take me now’. Valora wrapped her legs around Severus, grinding their hips together. With a slight shock, she realized if she tiled her hips right, she could bring him inside her. She moved experimentally, not succeeding in sheathing him, but Severus pulled away and looked into her eyes shocked.

Ring. Ring.

They both turned to look at the phone. Valora released him. Severus sat on the edge of the bed and answered the phone, as she had taught him.

“Hello……….. Yes, Veronique. Valora came to pick me up early. …….. Yes, she is right here.” Severus said handing her the phone, looking a little disturbed. As Valora took the phone, he went into the bathroom.

Valora spoke briefly to her mum. Telling her she was taking Severus to breakfast and they would both be along soon. She hung up the phone feeling strange. She didn’t like lying to her mum, but this wasn’t the time to tell her mum she was in love with one of her professors. ‘This wasn’t the time’…….. isn’t that what Severus kept saying. It was finally making sense. If she and Severus really cared about each other, loved each other, then waiting to consummate that love was inconsequential. She heard the shower go on.

Valora stood and walked into the bathroom. She hoped Severus wasn’t mad, but he probably was. She pulled back the curtain and stepped in behind him. His hair was already wet and he had started washing his body. He turned a surprised look at her. She took the soap from him and began washing his body as he stood in silent contemplation.

“I’m sorry …” Valora said washing his chest and arms. She looked up into his face, his jaw was clenched though his eyes were still soft. “I shouldn’t have tried …… that ….earlier.”

“I am not …… It is not that Valora, though that was a dirty trick.” He said with a meaningful look. “I do not like lying to Veronique.” Severus said as he changed places with Valora, so she could wet her hair. Letting the warm water run through her hair, she felt him washing her arms, breasts and stomach.

“I don’t like it either, but …… I think I understand now why you say ‘this isn’t the time’. Mum has her own healing to do. She doesn’t need other worries right now. “ He had washed her whole body and was now getting shampoo for her hair and his own. Severus’ strong sure fingers massaged her scalp. Valora closed her eyes for a moment, enjoying the sensation.

“You have helped me with my healing.” Valora said opening her eyes again. “I wouldn’t have made it through this with out you.”

“You are stronger than you think.” He said washing his own hair.

After drying, dressing and packing, Valora took Severus out for a nice breakfast. She encouraged him to wear his muggle outfit again. He laughed, but agreed. When he was dressed, they nearly ended up in bed again because Valora couldn’t keep her hands off of him. Severus threatened to dress in his regular attire, if she didn’t desist. Valora begrudgingly agreed to behave herself.


The day was spent sorting through dad’s stuff. A very hard thing to do, but now was as a good a time as any, while Valora could be there to help. She kept several of her dad’s favorite tee shirts, his watch and his copy of Shakespeare’s plays from college, along with a few other things.

Valora sat on the floor of her parents bedroom thinking. Dad would really of liked Severus, she thought. They were both fiercely independent and took great pride in their work. Just then he came in to grab another box to take downstairs. She looked up at him with a half smile.

“You all right ?” He squatted down next to Valora.

“Yeah …. I’m fine. I’m just glad you’re here.” He searched her face for a moment, kissed her forehead, then went back to hauling boxes. Severus had really been such a help through everything, she couldn’t imagine the hell this would have been without him.

Later in the afternoon, Valora noticed Severus had gotten quiet and now seemed edgy. He must want to leave, she thought. Under the pretext of getting him to take a break, Valora got them each some lemonade and took him out into the yard to sit under a tree. Severus took a couple of sips, while staring into space, not looking at h
“
“You want to leave, don’t you ?” She said softly.

“I have too.” He said still staring ahead of him.

“Do you ?” Severus turned to look at her. “I mean …… you don’t really need to be there, until the morning. You could always floo back before class.” His face was unreadable. “The Headmaster did say to take the time we needed, just to keep him informed.” He looked away again. Valora put her hand on his thigh, rubbing him with her thumb.

“Mum and Aunt Vesta are going to my grandparent’s house in a while. They’ll be staying overnight. If you think you could ……” He looked back at her. “ …I’d like it , if you stayed.” Valora could feel his muscles relaxing under her hand.

“I would need to send an owl to Dumbledore.”

“No problem. Harmony lives out back here.” Valora said standing up. She made a trill sound, standing by a perch. A tawny colored owl landed on the perch, tilting it’s head towards her to be pet.

“Harmony ?” Severus said raising an eyebrow and petting the owl that looked at him curiously.

“What do want ? I was twelve when we got her. I liked the sound of her screech.”

“I will go write a note. When should I tell the Headmaster you will be back ?” He said turning to go.

“I will be there for classes on Tuesday. Aunt Vesta will be staying for another week. I can’t afford to miss many more classes.” He nodded and went in.

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Severus looked at the note he had written. If Dumbledore had not suspected his feelings for Valora, he certainly would now. Staying an extra night, no real explanation and mentioning Valora in the same message, as if they were already a couple. He suddenly realized, they were a couple, last night had cemented that. He smiled to himself. Maybe it would be easier to talk to the Headmaster about seeing Valora, if he had guessed what they felt for each other.

Well, for the moment, Severus was just happy to spend what time alone with Valora he could. She was right, he didn’t need to be there until morning, surely no one would miss him. And he was not looking forward to going back to a teacher/student relationship with her. The intimacy they shared made him hunger for more, not just physically. It had been way too long, since he had felt close to someone and he felt sometimes she knew him better than he knew himself.

This morning, looking into her eyes, as she lay naked and receptive to his touch, Severus had wanted to tell her how he felt. How he loved her, had loved her for years really, but it seemed too soon. Better to wait, until they were properly dating to reveal such emotions.

“Severus ?” Valora said looking in the back door. “Did you find a pen and paper ?”

“Yes, I was just finishing.” He said rolling the note up and handing it to her. Valora smiled up at him, her violet eyes sparkling. He felt a warmth in his chest. Love, he thought, this is what love feels like. Severus brought his hand to her chin and tilted her face up, kissing her affectionately.

“I’ll send Harmony off now.” Valora said walking out again. He followed to watch the owl leave. Harmony might be a strange name, but it was a lovely creature. After tying on the message and releasing the owl, Valora turned back to him.

“I’m glad you chose to stay.” She said.

“So am I.” Severus said smiling. Around her he found smiling easy. “We had better get back to work.” Valora nodded, and they went back into the house.

Most everything appeared to be sorted, it was now a matter of boxing items together. Severus and Valora were packing away some books, when Vesta brought them a few more from upstairs.

“Hmmm.” Vesta said breathing deeply. “Something smells really good. Is that Jannie’s soap then ?” They both looked up at her sharply. Vesta smiled and left with a wink. Severus could feel a blush rising to his cheeks. Looking at Valora, he saw she was blushing too. Maybe showering together had not been the best idea.

Around 5:00 in the afternoon, Veronique’s car was all packed. She and Vesta were saying their goodbyes to Valora. Then Veronique turned to him.

“Thank you, Severus.” She said hugging him. “You have been more help than you know. You will be going back tonight, I understand ?” Severus started to answer, but Valora interrupted.

“I promised Severus I would get him some pizza to try. He’s never had that muggle delicacy.” Valora said quickly.

“Vesta and I will be back about midmorning. Will you be alright here alone, Valora ?” Veronique asked.

“Yes mum, I’ll be fine.” Valora hugged her mother and aunt, then waved to them as they drove away.

“Pizza ?” Severus asked.

“I …. I didn’t want either of us to have to lie. So yes, we will get some pizza tonight. Have you ever had it before ?”

“No, I have never tried it.” He admitted.

“Good, then that was the truth too.” She said hugging him.

~~~~~~~

Severus pointed his wand at the empty hearth and a roaring fire appeared. The evening was cool for this time of year and he had offered to start a fire. They had finished eating the pizza. It looked a bit strange, but he found he liked it. He had especially liked watching Valora eat it, she was so relaxed and conversation flowed freely between them. Staring into the flames, he sat motionless, thinking.

“Is that what I looked like ?” Valora asked good humouredly.

“Pardon ?” He said moving to sit with his back against the chair, pulling her back into him.

“The other morning when I was staring into the fire. That must have been how I looked. There isn’t anything wrong, is there ?” Valora turned to look at him, concern flashing across her face.

“No, nothing is wrong. I …. mmm……well I like these domestic times, when we are alone.” He brought a hand up brushing back her hair and delving deep into her eyes. “ I find………I like taking care of you. Would anyone of believed it of an old curmudgeon like me ?” Severus said chuckling.

“I would. You’re the most caring person I know. I know you have to keep up your ‘professor face’ for the students. But it never fooled me for a second.” Valora put her hand on his chest leaning into him. “I could feel the warmth and caring from you and the need to have it in return.”

The hand on his chest went to the back of his neck, urging his head down slightly, so she could kiss him. He kissed her slowly, exploring his young lover, finding out how she responded, how he could best please her. Valora answered him with the same slow, deliberate intensity. This is the way he imagined making love to Valora, not like the heated exchange of last night. He wasn’t even sure he wanted anymore than to kiss her tonight. Valora’s presence, her willingness to be touched by him, was gratifying enough. Wher her hands roamed under his shirt, he clasped her hands in his own, bringing them to his lips.

“We do not have to do anything tonight. I enjoy being with you.” He said.

“I know we don’t have to do anything. But I like the feel of your skin against mine. After tonight …….. it will be so long before we can be together again. Can’t we at least lay together ?” She said nuzzling his neck and kissing behind his ears. She whispered in his ear, “I want to feel your body against mine.”

Sevelet let go of her hands and let her continue fondling him. Valora knelt up and straddled his lap, looking down into his face, as she continued to rub his chest. She took the dominate position over him, her violet eyes boring into his black ones. She teased his lips lightly with hers, licking his lower lip, causing him to shiver. If she was trying to change his mind, it was working. He brought his hands up to her hips, then moved them around to clasp her butt as she deepened the kiss. Suddenly, Valora began giggling against his lips. Severus drew back, raising one eyebrow inquiringly.

“I’m sorry……. it just struck me funny….. when your hands….um” She giggled softly again. He glowered at her, not sure how to take this. “Don’t be upset, I’m ….. just a bit nervous, is all.”

“Why would you be nervous ? I think I have proven I am not out to ravage you.” He said seriously. Valora sighed and sat her butt down on his lap,ll sll straddling him.

“Severus, please don’t be upset. I’ve just ……. built tonight up so much in my mind, you know. It will be weeks before we can be together again. I….. wanted to make it special for you.”

“Valora, being with you is special. I meant what I said, we do not need to do anything. We could just talk or just sit, I do not care.” His arms were wrapped around her in a hug. She put her head on his shoulder hugging him.

“I have an idea. Get up for a moment.” Severus said helping Valora off his lap. He got up, went into the kitchen and came back out with a hand towel. Going to his bag, he retrieved a bottle of oil. Picking up his wand, he transfigured the hand towel into a very large towel spreading it on the rug in front of the hearth. Valora was looking up at him curiously.

“Retexere Vestimentum” Severus said pointing his wand at her. Valora sat naked and surprised. He was gratified to see she wasn’t giggling anymore. “Lie down for me, aquila puellae.”

Valora’s eyebrows shot up looking at him, but she crawled over to the towel and lay down on her back, looking up at him expectantly. Severus took a moment to admire her naked form. She was so beautiful. Her full bust rising and falling with each breath, her round inviting hips, all of her skin bathed in the firelight, making her appear ethereal. He smiled down at her as he took off his shirt and pants, leaving on his boxers.

“Turn over.” He said softly. Valora’s brow knit together for a moment, but she complied. Severus gave her a throw pillow from the couch for her head, and he moved her long black hair to one side. Holding the bottle of oil between his palms, he whispered a warming spell. Valora watched him as best she could from her vantage point on the floor. He put some of the almond oil on his hands and rubbed them together before massaging the oil into Valora’s back. As he worked over her muscles, she rewarded him with appreciative moans of pleasure. He worked the oil into her skin with a firm pressure, hoping to relax her. He worked the muscles of her back, shoulders and arms. Even massaging down each finger. Getting some more oil, Severus started at her lower back and ran both hands at once down over her butt and legs all the way to her toes. He repeated this several times as Valora let out deep throaty moans, bringing a smile to his lips. He then used both hands and massaged first one side of her, then the other ending at her feet where he applied more oil and worked it in. By the sounds now coming from her, he could tell her feet were one of her erogenous zones. Another was Valora’s neck, as he had found out this morning.

“Roll over, aquila puellae” He said softly, not wanting to break her relaxed mood. Severus had thought she might almost be asleep, but one look into those violet eyes told him differently. A roaring passion blazed in her eyes as she reached for him. He leaned down and kissed her, but resisted letting her pull him down on top of her.

“Patience, my sweet. Let me continue.” His words whispered against her lips. Valora sighed contentedly and let him go.

Severus put more oil on his hands and starting just under her breasts, massaging up covering her breasts with oil and working his way to her shoulders and neck, repeating several times. Stroking down again he lingered at her breasts, rubbing the oil into her hardened nipples as she let out a small whimper. He smiled down at her. A knowing smile crept to her lips as she watched him. Yes, he was really enjoying this, as his tented boxers attested to. With more oil, he worked his way from her stomach, down her legs and to her feet again, much as he had massaged her back. But this time he let his hands get closer and closer to the soft moist curls between her legs. Valora had begun lifting her hips as he got closer and whimpering her frustration at the lack of contact. After the forth or fifth time he did this she whispered to him.

“Severus ….. please.” He smirked at her.

“Please what, aquila puellae ?” Severus wondered how well she would convey her wants, her needs to him. The emotions playing across her face told him she was having an inner battle. Assertion won out. Valora took one of his hands and placed it on her mound, spreading her thighs and lifting her hips up to him.

“Touch me…please. I want to feel your finger inside me.” She whispered it, but the need was evident in her voice.

Severus lay down next to her and granted her wish. His oily finger slid in very easily, as his tongue slid into her mouth. He barely had to move as Valora pumped her hips into his hand. He was having a hard time not imagining what it would feel like to have her lifting her hips to meet his thrusts into her. He groaned into her mouth at the thought, which brought a high pitched whimper from her. His thumb immediately found her nub as he pressed his finger into her firmly and wriggled his hand gently. She lifted her hips pressing into him and broke away from kissing him. Valora began calling out his name and gasping as her inner muscles clenched his finger tightly. He continued his actions until she lay quiet finally. He started to pull out his finger, when her hand stopped him. He looked into her face, surely she didn’t want……..

“Put another one in.” Valora said pulling him down to kiss him again. He made a mmm sound into her mouth and complied. She gasped into his mouth as he pulled out, then inserted two fingers. Severus was careful not to push too far in, he didn’t want to cause any tearing. He felt her clenching him, but her passions seemed spent. Looking into her face he smiled.

“I just wanted to see what it might feel like.” Valora said. He pulled out his fingers and cupped her sex lovingly.

“Better than that, I hope.” Severus chuckled softly.

“Frankly, you\'re …. um … proportions…. are a bit intimidating.”

“You do not need to worry about that now. When the time is right, you will be ready.” He said kissing her again.

“I think it’s your turn now.” Valora said, a mischievous light coming to her eyes. He raised an eyebrow.

“Indeed. Turn at what ?”

“Mmmm. I get to run my hands all over your body.” Valora said as she got up. “And take those off.” Indicating his boxers. How could he refuse ?

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Valora felt so relaxed and yet tingly at the same time. Severus’ thorough massage had left her literally breathless, he had such talented sensual hands. Valora wanted to make him feel the same way, hoping that her enthusiasm would make up for her lack of experience.

Severus kicked off his boxers and lay face down on the towel, looking at her with a playful smile.

“You just relax. Let me know if I should go harder or softer.” She said getting pouring some oil into her hand.

“Harder.” He said before she had ever even touched him. Well, he would know what he likes, she thought.

Valora began rubbing the warm oil into Severus’ upper back and shoulders, trying to keep a firm pressure as he had done, but do to his size and the shortness of her arms it was proving difficult. Eventually, she realized if she straddled his lower back, she could apply the right amount of pressure. When a groan of pleasure escaped him, she wasn’t sure if it was because of something she was doing or because she was now sitting on him naked. Getting more oil, she scooted down him and massaged his lower back, butt and thighs. She was paying particular attention to his butt, he was well muscled and it felt good under her hands. When she lingered there too long, she heard a chuckle from him. Blushing a bit now, she continued down him legs to his feet. He didn’t react the way she did to having her feet rubbed, though. It had been wonderfully erotic to her, but he gave no indication of it being anymore than pleasant.

“Roll over, aquilum dominus.” Valora said softly. When he rolled over she was almost disappointed to see his length had gone soft, but she tried not to show it.

“Is there somewhere in particular you would like me to rub you ?” She asked. A slow devilish grin spread across his face, as she noticed a stirring in his lap. She blushed profusely.

“Anywhere else, I meant.” Valora spread oil over his chest and shoulders, stopping to rub and tease his nipples. She wondered if she should straddle him again, but that might progress into something else too soon. She continued massaging him all the way to his feet. His hands were behind his head as he sat up watching her. She noticed he was fully hard again and waiting for her to massage that area.

Straddling his legs, she got more oil and applied it to the area around his shaft, then his sac, finally working her way up to the hardened length. She was using both slippery hands, working him quickly, one fist after the other stroking up only. Severus had closed his eyes and begun gasping. Valora got an idea and scooted up until her moist curls touched his shaft, then with one hand she stroked the top of him, while her moist folds stroked the bottom of his shaft. His eyes opened suddenly as he called out her name, thrusting himself into her hold on him. A last deep growl came from him as he spent onto her hand and his stomach. She continued to stoke him lightly, making his over sensitive body shake. Finally, he reached for his wand and uttered a cleaning charm.

Valora lay down, curling up next to Severus. He grabbed another throw pillow and summoned her quilt from her bedroom to cover them. They snuggled together there in front of the fire, finally falling asleep.

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Severus stumbled out of the hearth into Dumbledore’s office. He had just 20 minutes before his first class started and he needed to change, since he was wearing his muggle clothes. He was already testy, since he had woken up late and not to mention the fact he didn’t want to leave Valora, at all. She had been very supportive this morning though. Helping him to get his things together and making him some breakfast.

Looking up, he noticed the Headmaster was at his desk, looking at Severus expectantly.

“Good morning, Professor Dumbledore.”

“Good morning, Severus. All is well with Valora, I hope.” Dumbledore said waving Severus to a chair. Inwardly, Severus sighed.

“She is doing as well as can be expected. You received my note, I hope.” Severus said sitting down.

“Yes, I did. I have the feeling there is something you would like to discuss with me.” Dumbledore’s eyebrows went up and he looked over his half moon glasses at Severus.

“Yes, Headmaster there is, but right now I need to get to my chambers to change for my first class. Excuse me.” Severus got up and left, not waiting to be dismissed. He didn’t like being cornered by Dumbledore like a naughty student, it was degrading. Rounding the corrithatthat lead to his classroom he saw students were already filing in. Blast !! He would just have to go through them.

“Everyone take your seats and open your texts to chapter 16 and begin reading. I will be back presently.” Severus didn’t even stop to see the expressions of the class, he marched into his office slammed the door and continued into his private chambers.

Ten minutes later Severus was de-sooted, and dressed in his usual attire. Every bit the Professor Snape his student had come to know and fear. When he re-entered the classroom he noticed there was considerably more talking going on, than reading. Well, that was going to cease right now.

“25 points will be taken from each individual who decides talking is more important than following my instructions.” He glared menacingly around the room. All eyes went back to their books.

Severus went into the potions room and took out a medium size cauldron setting it on the counter. The class was going to be reading for a few minutes, so he thought he would get something started he had been thinking of making. He could always step out and glare around the room every few minutes. He should be able to finish this by the end of class and send it off.

Later in the owlery, Severus looked around scanning the sleeping birds, then he saw her.

“Harmony.” He called, trying to make the same trill sound Valora had made, but failing miserably. Harmony flew down, landing on his outstretched arm. She cocked her head sideways and blinked her big eyes at him, as if she were terribly amused. He tied the package to her leg.

“Take this to Valora as quick as you can.” She blinked at him again, then turned her head towards him to be pet. Severus laughed softly and pet her head, then she was off. He watched as she disappeared into the sky. He hoped Valora was alright. had had seemed so this morning, but he knew she was alone and that bothered him. Hopefully his package would cheer her some.

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Valora looked up to see Harmony tapping on the kitchen window. She opened the window and let the owl in. Harmony had a package tied to her leg. Valora untied the package, gave the owl a few treats and let her back out. Sitting at the table, she opened the package knowing it must be from Severus. Pulling out the note, she saw underneath was a bar of soap in the box. Curious she opened the note.

Aquila puellae,

Think of my touch when you use this.

Missing you,
Severus

A smile came across her face. She almost expected it to be the type he used, but the smell was completely different. Pulling to soap out to smell it, she saw a small piece of parchment under it. It read: jasmine, mint and green tea. Valora breathed in the scent of it. It had a fresh, crisp, but decidedly feminine smell. He had made this especially for her. She headed straight upstairs to take a shower. She would most certainly be thinking of Severus’ touch while cleaning herself with the scent he had created for her. She could hardly wait to get back to school to tell him how much she appreciated the gift.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

8:00 Monday evening, Valora stepped out of the hearth into the Headmaster’s office. She was surprised to find Dumbledore sitting there behind his desk, as if he had been waiting for her.

“Good evening, Headmaster.” She said. Dumbledore stood and walked around the desk to her. Waving his hands over her once, she saw she was completely soot free now. Valora smiled up at him gratefully.

“How are you, my dear ?” He said pulling her into an unexpected hug. She sighed into the old wizards robes that smelled of lemon drops and peppermint.

“I’m ….. doing ok, sir.” He looked at her sympathetically.

“I met your father once, Valora. A most extraordinary person. He told me how proud he was of you.” Dumbledore spoke softly, a hint of sadness in his voice.

“Thank you, sir. That means a lot coming from you.” Valora said stepping back and wiping the tears that had come to her eyes.

“I have some of your things here.” He said indicating her book bag sitting on his desk, and handing her wand to her. Valora was disappointed. She had hoped to go to Severus’ quarters to retrieve these herself, and thank him for the gift.

“Thank you, Headmaster.” She managed to get out, trying not to let her disappointment show. “I will stop by Professor Snape’s office and let him know I’m back.”

“I will let him know you have returned. I need to see him myself. I will walk with you down to the dungeons.” Dumbledore said, raising a hand indicating for her to proceed him down the stairs.

Dumbledore left Valora at the entrance to the Slytherin common room, as he headed off to Severus’ office. She sighed, gave the password and entered. There were several students lounging in the common room. As Valora started to cross the room towards the girls dorm, she noticed all talking had ceased as the students saw she was there. The silence was quickly replaced by hushed whispers and giggles. She felt a blush rise to her cheeks and walked quicker to her room. Luckily none of her roommates were there.

‘What has gotten into everyone ?’, she thought. For the most part, they would usually ignore me. Valora sat on the bed, contemplating her new seemed celebrity.

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Severus sat at his desk reading essays from his 2nd year class. He glanced over at the clock for the 20th time since getting back from dinner. 8:35 the dial read. Surely if Valora were coming back tonight, she would be here by now. He had left his office door ajar, so she would know he was in there. But she hadn’t come. Severus sighed, rubbing his hands across his eyes. He was having a hard time concentrating because she wasn’t around and he wasn’t looking forward to going to bed alone. It wasn’t even the sexual play they shared that he would miss, it was having another person there, hugged to his body, who cared for him. Loved him, maybe ? That was what Vesta had said. Did he dare to let himself believe it ?

Severus heard a light rapping on his door. A smile came to his face and he stood up saying ‘enter’. To his great disappointment, Dumbledore opened the door and walked in. Severus groaned inwardly.

“Good evening, Headmaster.” He managed before sitting back behind his desk.

“Good evening, Severus. I just dropped by to let you know Valora made it back safely. She will be going back to classes tomorrow.” Dumble sae said as he stood by the door.

“How did she seem ?” Severus blurted out before he could curb his tongue. The Headmaster looked at him raising his eyebrows.

“Much as you said ‘She is doing as well as can be expected.’ “ After a bit of a pause, Dumbledore turned to go, then turned back as if he had just remembered something else. “Just let me know, when you want to have that talk, Severus. My door is always open.” Then he was gone, closing the door behind him.

“Blast it !!” Severus spat out. The Headmaster might as well have given him an order, he wouldn’t let this rest until Severus talked to him. But he wasn’t ready …… not yet. He needed more time, he couldn’t risk Dumbledore saying no. Severus didn’t want to go against Albus, but he wasn’t willing to give up Valora. No one had ever touched his life, the way she did. She made him feel whole, complete. A frightening realization in it’s self.

Severus sighed again and closed his eyes trying to gather his thoughts. That not working, he tried to empty his mind. Valora was here, she was safe. He would see her at breakfast tomorrow, even if he couldn’t talk to her. He should be content with that. Opening his eyes again he did feel somewhat better.

Two hours later Severus had finished the stack of papers on his desk. He stood up, stretching and decided some whisky was in order. After pouring himself a glass, he sat in an armchair staring into the fire. Draining his glass several minutes later he had come to a decision. It had been some time since he had inspected Slytherin house and now was a good time. If Valora was in the common room, he could make up some reason to talk with her. Severus knew he was being foolish, but he needed to see Valora, talk to her at least, since they couldn’t sleep together.

Upon entering the Slytherin common room, Severus began to wonder if this had been a mistake. Looking around he saw very few students here. He did see a 6th and 7th year couple kissing in the far corner of the room. The sight making him angrier than usual, he yelled at them and deducted 10 points each for lewd behavior in public.

“Looking for someone in particular, Professor ?” He knew that fake sweetness could only be Luthiera Malfoy.

“This is a random inspection, Miss Malfoy. I do not need a reason.” Severus said glaring down at her. He noticed a smile playing at her lips that incensed him. How dare she laugh at him !! “I sincerely hope you are working on your potions homework Miss Malfoy, since the abysmal grade you received on the last assignment.” She glared up at him sharply, as a few students nearby snickered. Luthiera gathered her books and headed off to the girl’s dorm.

Feeling a little better for getting the best of Malfoy, Severus decided to go. Valora must have gone to bed already, so this little trip had been fruitless. Keeping his stoic composure he glared around the room once more, then left.

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Valora looked up from her charms book as Luthiera came stalking into the room. She seemed more upset than usual, she throw her books in her trunk and slammed it shut.

“Something wrong, Luthiera ?” Valora was curious what or who could make Luthiera so mad.

“Snape.” Luthiera said venomously.

“Snape ? What’s he done ?” Valora asked, her curiosity really peaked now.

“He just insulted me in the comroomroom.” Valora drew in her breath quickly, Severus was here ? Her heart began to pound. Should she go down ? He must be looking for her. Valora looked up and Luthiera was looking at her through narrowed eyes.

“Why ….why in the world was Snape in the common room ?” Valora asked trying to look outraged.

“He said he was doing a house inspection.” Luthiera said still looking at her warily.

“He’s not coming up here, is he ?” Valora asked feigning a worried expression. She didn’t like how Luthiera was looking at her. Please, please Severus come up here, she thought.

“I don’t think so. He was just making a showing downstairs. He caught Marshal and Nova snogging in the corner.” At this both girls laughed. “Not really funny I guess, since he deducted 20 points from Slytherin for it.”

“Serves those two right. They spend too much time in the common room locked at the lips.” Then Valora went back to reading her book, or at least looking like it. All of her attention was directed towards listening for Severus to come up the stairs and walk into their room. After a half hour, it was plain he wasn’t coming. Valora sighed, closing her book. She would have to settle for seeing him at breakfast in the morning. Closing her bed curtains, she wondered if she would be able to sleep at all. She missed Severus’ arms around her, his smell, the texture of his chest against her cheek, the press of his body on hers. Valora groaned inwardly, and rolled over, she would never get to sleep with this line of thought.

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Severus surveyed the Great hall, looking for Valora to come in any minute. He didn’t have any trouble glowering around the hall this morning. He had tossed and turned for hours, unable to get comfortable or to stop himself from getting hard again and again. Finally, he had taken some sleeping potion, so he would at least be able to think today. But his mood was foul, and Albus nodding and smiling at him didn’t help.

When he was nearly finished eating, he looked up to see Valora coming in. She looked as if she hadn’t slept at all. As she came closer to the staff table, she smiled slightly at him then sat down. He had to force himself to look away and become very interested in the tomato and egg left on his plate. His gaze returned to her over and over. Finally, he had to leave to get ready for his class. He would have to think of a way to talk to her today, and to give her some sleeping potion.

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