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.

A/N: Snape does a bit of a 180 in this chapter, so sorry if it makes your head spin! It will make sense as things go along. Thanks for the reviews, they help my muse! Keep them coming!

There was a buzzing in Megan’s ears when she awoke. She was laying in one of the beds in hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey flew over almost immediately and began to run her wand over Megan, checking her vitals. The wand was glowing faint green over most of Megan’s body.

Madam Pomfrey let out a sigh of relief.

“You’ll be okay, my dear. You just fainted.”

“Okay, for now.” Megan muttered.

Madam Pomfrey looked at her oddly, unaware of the curse. Megan forgot it wasn’t common knowledge. She attempted a smile and tried at act as if everything was normal.

“I must alert Professor McGonagall immediately.” With that, Madam Pomfrey hurried off.

Megan sat up and propped herself against her pillows. She closed her eyes and could hear the almost utter silence of the castle. While she had been passed out, though not sleeping, the students must have left for the holidays. The quiet was a welcome thought, until she remembered how she would be spending her first week of Holiday Break. A frustrated sigh escaped her lips as she wondered what she was going to do.

As if on cue, McGonagall walked into the ward. She strode over to Megan’s bed and took a seat beside it. Pomfrey stood by, attentive.

“Madam Pomfrey, if you would be so kind as to go get a cup of tea and leave us with some privacy? I have some rather delicate matters to discuss with Miss Malfoy.” McGonagall asked, trying to smile politely.

Puzzled but not suspicious, Madam Pomfrey nodded and said:

“If you need anything, just send a house elf for me. I will be in my rooms.” She turned with a smile at Megan and left.

As soon as the door closed, McGonagall turned back to Megan and laid a sympathetic hand on hers.

“How are you, Megan?”

“I’m still alive, Professor.”

“Considering the current circumstances, you may call me Minerva for now until this is over. It seems unfair to expect student like behavior from a young woman in such an adult situation.” McGonagall frowned slightly but her eyes were tender.

“Okay, Minerva. Wow, that feels really weird. Then again what isn’t weird today?”

“Weird is a little bit of an understatement, Megan.”

“How long have I been out? Where is everyone?” Megan asked.

“About four hours. As for the rest, they have gone their separate ways to deal with this situation. Severus and Remus need to come to terms with the contract and what it all really means.”

“You mean they have to come to terms with sleeping with a student?” Megan said sarcastically.

“It goes far deeper than that. Dumbledore had to talk to both the men after you were carried out. To say the least, they are not very happy with the situation.” McGonagall muttered.

“What did Dumbledore say? What did they say?” Megan was intrigued.

“Megan, it is best you were not aware of what was said. It might be hurtful to hear or confusing. People tend to say things in times of anger and stress that they do not mean. Can I be frank with, Megan? I know it is not the natural order for a Slytherin young woman to confide in or speak in depth about her problem to the Head of Gryffindor. Normally, this would be Severus’ territory but with his own involvement he is not an unbiased party. I, on the other hand, can look at this from all sides.”

“You are unbiased? I will gladly talk to you, Minerva but I must admit Ii do not believe you to be unbiased. If you want to speak with me about this, at least be honest and admit you don’t want me to sleep with either professor.” Megan crossed her arms across her chest and raised her eyebrows at McGonagall.

McGonagall sighed and shook her head, her hand falling back into her lap. “Yes. I admit I don’t want you to have to do this. However, not for the reasons you may think.”

“What other reasons are there than the corruption of a student or a breach in student-professor protocol?”

“By crossing this line with these two men you will save your life. But what becomes of your life after you’re cured? Your relationship with Remus and Severus, not only as their student, but as their friend will be tainted by this. Remus and Severus will never look at you the same again. It may cost you an apprenticeship, two very good friends and mentors. Furthermore, it is hard to give yourself to two different men for seven days and not develop feelings for one of them. Maybe even both. Your heart could become broken because it is very unlikely either man will continue a relationship with you after you are healed.” McGonagall stopped to take a breath and sighed again.

“Did Dumbledore tell you to give me a pep talk or reasons to commit suicide?” Megan asked, a little angry. “I am fully aware of the problems that will arise from my choices: I will either die or destroy the relationships I have built between myself and these two extraordinary men. You don’t have to warn me, I am not as naïve as you would think of me.” Megan rose to get out of the bed.

“Megan, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel I think you’re naïve. I just wanted you to go into this with open eyes.” McGonagall rose from her chair as Megan walked past it. “I also think you should rest.”

“I need to have some time to myself. Though you never told me what happened upstairs, what was their decision?”

“They would consent to the contract in order to save your life.” McGonagall stated matter-of-factly.

“Then I guess at sundown I will have to report to Severus’ private rooms. This means I should pack.”

“No. I have arranged for everything you might need over the week while in the company of each man and had it sent to their perspective rooms. Take some time to have a nice bath and relax. Here are the warding instructions for the large private prefect bathroom on the third floor. Here Dumbledore wished to give you this.” She handed Megan a piece of paper. “If you need anything Megan, don’t hesitate to come to me.” With a nod, McGonagall turned and left the Hospital Ward.

Megan sat down on the edge of a made, empty bed by the door and opened the note.

Dearest Megan,
I will assume if you have read this, you are awake and about. I have spoken to both gentlemen and they concluded that to save your life was of great importance and they would consent to the terms and conditions of the contract. Minerva has sent your stuff along to their rooms and the warding instructions are written below for the private bathroom on the third floor. Please try to relax. Be easy on Severus and Remus, for this is as hard for them as it is for you. As for your enemies, their trial is set for three weeks from today and it will require testimony from you as well as Severus, Remus, me, and Minerva. When it gets closer to that time, we can discuss the details. Do not forget you must be at Severus’ private quarters by sundown. I have enclosed a special necklace with an hourglass charm. When the sands run down, it means the sun has set. When the hour glass is full again it means it is dawn. The necklace will vibrate and glow fifteen minutes before you must transition between the two men. Take care and come see me if there is any questions or problems.
With Regards,
Albus Dumbledore

Megan pulled the necklace that had been attached to the parchment and placed it around her neck. It was silver with bright white, fine sand filtering through it. By the looks of it, the amount of sand left gave her about an hour before she had to be in the dungeons. She stood and made her way to the third floor. She reached the third floor private bathroom rather quickly and placed her wand tip on the painting on the South wall.

“Squeaky Clean.” Megan announced and the painting swung aside, allowing her to step inside.

The room was reminiscent of an indoor pool. It was stone walls all around but tile flooring around a pool large enough to be an indoor swimming pool, or bathe about 30 people in. She discovered a note attached a fluffy green robe and a very large towel with the Slytherin crest on it. There was already a bath filled to the brim with hot water and what smelled like lilac bath salts. Megan lifted the note off the robe and discovered a set of clothes underneath the robe. It was a set of silver silk pajamas. By the glancing under the bench she saw the pair of fuzzy black slippers. Megan opened the note but the seal and the colors of the clothes seemed to already relay the writer.

Megan,
I have taken it upon myself, I hope you don’t mind, it draw you a bath with your lilac body salts and provided a set of your pajamas. However, you did not own a bath robe. So, I had one mine left for you and your slippers. Please enjoy your bath and I added a calming potion to the water to help you. I will see you at sundown. I assume you know the way to my private apartments. I will have removed the wards and will meet you at the door. I look forward to seeing you.
Your Friend,
Severus

Megan starred, astounded at the note, rereading it.

“What the hell did Dumbledore say to him? What happened while I was passed out?” Megan said as she stripped off her clothes and climbed into the tub.

******
Four hours earlier . . . .

Megan was carried out of the office and McGonagall looked between the three men. She sensed the silence building to an intense feeling.

“Well, somebody say something!” She huffed.

“I have no clue, Minerva, what words could possibly describe this utter catastrophe.” Snape pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes.

“Disaster, I think disaster definitely covers it!” Remus shouted.

“Now, Remus calm down. We have to think about what matters here . . .” Dumbledore started.

“What matters?! What matters is that I refuse to share a young woman with Severus and have sex with her everyday for seven days! I cannot do this. Even if I wasn’t with Tonks, I wouldn’t do this. It’s wrong!”

“What’s the matter Remus can’t get it up that many days in a row?” Snape sneered.

“I am surprised you would even know where to put it, Severus. That is if you have anything worth putting anywhere.” Remus crossed the room towards Snape.

“Well, we all can’t be hung like DOGS, now can we?” He snapped.

“I’d rather be hung like dog than a BAT!” He was toe to toe with Snape now.

“What are you really afraid of Remus? Are you afraid your skills will pale in comparison to my skills?” Snape retorted with his eyebrows raised in a questioning manner.

“SILENCE!” Dumbledore’s deep voice vibrated the furniture it was so loud. “Both of you step away from one another this instant and stop this insane pissing contest! We must concentrate on Megan and her welfare. Do you both want her to die?” Dumbledore was still standing with his hands leaning on the desk, he looked furious.

“No.” Remus said quietly.

“No.” Snape whispered, walking over to a window to stare out.

“Well, if you do want her to live you MUST follow this contract to save her, regardless of how uncomfortable or insane it may be. You must work together and stop fighting for once in your lives. You must stop the pettiness and hate that is so natural to you both when it comes to each other. Megan needs tenderness, care, friendship and even some love right now.” Dumbledore sat down.

“I understand this, Albus but we all know what we are about to do is very difficult. I care about Megan as much as my position allows but I am crossing more lines than Severus is. It is not just the relationship of professor and student or of friendship I am crossing the lines of; I am also cheating on my fiancée. Tonks may do whatever it takes for the common good, but it will affect my relationship with Tonks forever.” Remus sounded distraught.

“Has it occurred to you Lupin, that I may not have a fiancée but I am her Master, she is my apprentice as well as my student? I am teaching her the craft she needs to learn in order to have a future career. Once we cross this physical line, our work together, everything I have taught her will be tainted. She can never look on me as a mentor or a Master of Potions again. I will no longer be above her; I will have made us equals through physical means. She will have to start all over with another Master, maybe go to another school. All her talent and progress is wasted now.” Snape starred out the window, not wanting them to see the hurt on his face, imagining Megan leaving.

“I am sorry, Severus. I had forgotten your work with Megan for a moment. I don’t wish to see her future ruined, either. How can I teach her about the Dark Arts after this? It will be the same for me and yet not the same. You two have a closer bond but she needs Dark Arts knowledge as much as potions if she wishes to be a Potions Mistress. If I can’t teach her, she will lose more knowledge.” Lupin shook his head. “We either ruin her future or allow her to have no future at all. That is a terrible set of choices.”

“I think you gentlemen are jumping the gun as they say. Megan is such an intelligent young woman. I am sure she can still look up to and recognize authority in both of you after this incident. She understands it is only to save her life. I believe she will stay on for her last six months here and can continue her apprenticeship as planned. It is up to you gentlemen to make her feel as if there is still a future here for her after this is over. If you treat this as a life altering circumstance by making love to her, she will feel the same and your predictions may come true.” Dumbledore looked at both men.

“Albus, how can you say it is not life altering to give yourself physically to two men you care for? It will change her. I cannot see how it would not.” Severus turned and looked at Dumbledore.

“For once, I agree with Severus.” Lupin nodded.

“Yes. It will alter her life but how deeply or severely it is altered depends on how you both treat her the next few weeks. Talk to her about how you feel and how things must be after this is over. Megan can do this if you are ho nest with her. Treat her with all the kindness in the world right now and as the week winds down and she is feeling better, then we will all sit down and talk about the future. Let us concentrate on now. Have no shame or fear about this, gentlemen. It is unfortunate and unprecedented but it is only as uncomfortable as you make it.” He raised his eyebrows at both men.

“There is no other way, Albus?” Lupin asked.

“No, Remus, this is how it must be. Use your care for her and work with that. Megan knows you don’t love her but you do care for her. She can believe you are helping her because you care for her welfare, for her life to continue, that you have a friendship like love for her.”

“Yes, I love her as a friendship goes and I do care. I can use those emotions, your right. I will also call a truce with Severus for the duration of this curse, if he can as well.” Lupin stood and walked over to Snape offering his hand.’

Snape starred at Lupin’s hand, and then shook it saying, “Fine. I can be cordial for a week if you can.”

“Okay. I need to go have some time to myself and speak to Tonks as well. If I may go?” Lupin asked Dumbledore.

“Yes, Remus, by all means go and speak with her. Take some time to think but be prepared for Megan at dawn.”

“I will.” He turned and walked out.

Snape just turned and looked back out the window. Dumbledore raised his eyebrows at McGonagall and she nodded.

“I think I will go to the Hospital Wing and se how Megan is doing.” McGonagall announced and walked out of Dumbledore’s office.

Snape just continued to stare out the window. Dumbledore stood and opened a cabinet. He pulled out two small glasses and a glass decanter of dark orange liquor. He poured the liquor into the two glasses and walked them over to where Snape stood. He handed one to Snape who took the glass without looking at Dumbledore. Both men sipped their liquor and starred out the window.

“I cannot do this, Albus. Do not mistake me, I would do anything to save Megan’s life but this is too much for me to take on.”

The older man patted Snape on the shoulder.

“I know this is hard Severus. However, you already lost one love in your life, could you stand to lose another?” Dumbledore sat down on the window seat by Snape.

“What are you talking about Albus? You believe I love Megan as I once loved Lily? You are wrong; it is not like that at all.” Severus snorted and took a strong gulp of his drink.

“No, you are correct, Severus. I believe your love for Megan is stronger than Lily, because she loves you in return. Though neither of you say it, the love stands like an elephant in the room when you two are in the same space.” Dumbledore smiled at him.

Snape eyebrows leapt into his hair line. “I do not have any clue what you mean.”

“I think you do, but you’re not ready to admit it. In fact, it is the reason you are afraid to become physical with Megan, you love her and you are unsure if she loves you. You are afraid of yet another rejection from a woman you care deeply for. Over the years, I have seen the walls you build up around yourself to ensure no one really knows you or gets to see the inner you. I, myself, have only had glimpses of the real Severus Snape. But when you’re around or with Megan I have observed those walls come down, sometimes even disappear. Sometimes, for just an instant I see the hopeful young man you once were when you are with her. By taking this step, curse or not, it would cause any last resistance to loving her, all those carefully built walls come crashing down. And if that happens, getting hurt is a possibility, one you would not be able to handle. You can say no to me all you like but I have seen on occasion how you look at her and she at you. If this is not love between you then I do not truly know after all my years on this Earth, what love is.”

Dumbledore stood and finished his drink with one last sip. He walked away from a stunned Snape and set his glass down to refill it. Snape turned and sat down on the window seat, starring into his glass, hair falling into his face.

“I do love her. I ache to see her in pain. I could not live if she died.” He whispered, still looking down.

Albus walked back over and sat down next to the younger wizard.

“I know, my friend. She will not die. You can relate to her the best and she cares so much for you, take care of her, ease her pain and you may discover she can do the same for you.”

“I am afraid, Albus. I do not want to hurt her but I also do not want to hurt myself.” Snape looked up at Dumbledore with haunted eyes.

“Give her a chance, Severus and you may be surprised.” Albus looked over his spectacles and smiled.

“What if she returns my love, Albus? Once the curse is over I am forbidden to be with her. A professor and student may not be together and a Master and his apprentice may not either. There is no future for us.”

“I believe it is said that the Headmaster of the school in question makes the decision in both cases of faculty-student relationships and Master-apprenticeships. Last time I checked, that would be my decision, then. I believe I would approve as long as the relationship was not flaunted in public and kept to your private quarters and labs.” Dumbledore smiled wide at the shocked look on Snape’s face.

“So, as advice to an old friend, you think I should try to love her, tell her how I feel, and take the risk?” Snape stood up and starred down at the older man, looking like a lost soul.

“Yes.” Dumbledore stood and clasped Snape on the shoulder. “Yes, I think you should by all means Severus, tell her but wait a few days first. This matter is so raw right now she might not welcome more feelings arising just yet. You will know when the time is right. I know she will be glad to be loved by you, I bet all my Galleons on it.”

Snape smiled slightly. “Don’t bankrupt yourself, old friend.”

“It would be worth it to see you happy. Now go prepare, she will be there starting tonight. Just take it step by step. Tell her how you feel as you go, it might make it less awkward.”

Snape nodded, set down his glass and turned to go. At the doors he turned, “Thank you, Albus but please do not tell a soul about this conversation.”

Albus laughed loudly.

“And ruin your hateful reputation as a terrible, mean, angry villain who hates everybody? No, Severus, I would not dare do that.”

Snape smirked. “A man has to have a reputation that speaks volumes.”

“That you have, Severus and always will. Now, go on.” Dumbledore waved him away.

Snape turned and walked out of the office.

“Maybe this curse will cure more than one tormented soul.” Dumbledore mused to himself out loud.
******

Megan finished her bath and dried off. Feeling clean and soft but still exhausted, she dressed in the silk pajamas, slipped on the robe and slippers and walked out of the bathroom. She turned and made her way to the Dungeons, pulling the robe closer against the cold drafts of the castle. She arrived at a door to the Dungeons and headed through and down the steps. She reached Snape’s private apartment door and knocked. Megan drew a deep breath and waited.

Snape answered the door and put a hand out to Megan.

“Welcome to my apartments, Megan” He said with a smile.

Megan took his hand and stepped inside the door. “Thank you, Severus.”

“Your welcome, Megan. I believe we almost forgot something.”

“What?” She turned to look at him.

Snape slowly and tentatively placed a hand on Megan’s cheek, stroking the skin with his thumb. He lowered his head and brushed his lips softly against hers. Megan stood still, unsure what to do. He placed a hand on her waist and she had to place a hand on his chest to keep her balance. He felt warm and his lips were soft and inviting. Megan relaxed a little and leaned forward towards him. Snape pulled her even closer, and slipped his tongue between her lips. Megan opened her mouth out of instinct and he began to brush his tongue lightly over her.

Megan let out a gasp and reveled in the sensation, lightly pushing her tongue back against his. The kiss deepened further. Megan forgot herself in the kiss, putting her arms around Snape’s neck. Snape wrapped his left arm around her waist and clenched her to him, reaching his right hand into her still damp hair, rubbing his thumb at the base of her skull.

They clung to each other kissing deeply until Snape pulled back from her, panting slightly.

Megan took a deep, shaky breath and starred at Snape, bewildered.

“What was that?” Megan whispered the question.

“A proper greeting.” Snape breathed.

“Do you greet everyone who comes into your home this thoroughly?”

“No, just very beautiful young women like you. Though I must admit you are the most beautiful to cross my threshold, ever.” He smiled down at Megan, disconnecting himself from her body.

“Really?” Megan stood still shocked.

“Yes. Now, would you like to see my home?” He offered his hand again.

Megan took it and he squeezed it gently.

“I want to make your stay here as comfortable as possible, Megan.”

“Thank you, I appreciate that.”

Snape reached over to the table by the door. He turned back and handed Megan a single white rose.

“What’s this?” Megan took the flower and sniffed it, smiling.

“It is a gift. Can I not give you gifts?” Snape tilted his head as he asked.

“Of course, it’s just you’ve never given me anything before, let alone something so . . . romantic.”

“I am possible of romance, my dear. I have just never had the chance to show you.”

“Of course, I am sorry. Let’s see the rest of your place.” Megan blushed.

Snape smiled wider. “You are so pretty when you blush.” He reached out and brushed her
cheek.

Megan blushed deeper.

“Let me show you my home. I am sure you will love it.” He turned to lead the way.
Megan followed but then he stopped when he felt her gaze boring into is back.

“What is it, Megan?”

“I am sorry, but all I can think is, who are you and what have you done with Severus Snape?” She looked at him quizzically.

Snape smirked at her and then let out a small laugh.

“I am the person I always wished to show you and now I can.” Snape looked at her with tender look, utterly loving.

Megan’s heart skipped a beat and she swallowed hard. A heart became a lump in her throat.

‘What am I in for?’ Megan thought to herself.

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