Snape's Obsession

Snape’s Obsession
chapter 8


“Albus, now that the punishments for those Slytherin thugs are out of the way, I would like to speak with you on another matter.” Severus said. Albus raised an eyebrow, sat back in his chair and steepled his fingers under his nose. Severus took a deep breath and sat forward in his chair.

“Since Valora’s accident …… she and I have become rather ……. close.” Severus looked up to try to read the Headmaster, but his expression remained the same, attentive. “When I took her home after her father died, we realized we had feelings for each other.” Severus said. “I …… I am in love with her, Albus and she loves me. I know she is a student and quite young, but …….”

Dumbledore waved his hand lazily. “Valora is of wizarding age.” Severus wasn’t sure how to react to this. Was the Headmaster encouraging them or not ?

“I know, but by muggle standards she is not of age. I haven’t …… we didn’t ……. She is still chaste and will remain so, until she is of age.” Severus said, looking away from the Headmaster feeling his cheeks begin to burn. “I intend to pursue the relationship over the summer, after her birthday. I will understand if you wish me to resign before next term as she will be in her 7th year, but Valora and I will be together.”

Dumbledore chuckled lightly, then looked over his glasses at Severus. “And why, dear boy, would I accept your resignation ? As I said Valora is of wizarding age. I can not stand in your way, though I would hope you would be discrete until the end of term. Other than that, I am very happy for you both. I have had hopes for you two all year.”

“All year ? …….But we have only had feelings for each other since the accident.”

“No, Severus.” Dumbledore said shaking his head patiently. “If you think back carefully and are honest with yourself, you will realize you have loved her for sometime.” Dumbledore said seriously. Severus thought back and of course Albus was right. He gifted Dumbledore with a rare half smile.

“I had better check to make sure she is alright. Valora was very upset about Mr. Weasley.” Severus stood and offered his hand to Dumbledore. The old wizard shook it warmly.

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“It’s alright. You may sit with him now, dear.” Madam Pomfrey told Valora. Valora nodded and walked past the curtain that had been drawn around Charlie’s bed. His swollen eye was closed and his face was bruised. She felt tears threatening to spill out of her eyes. Why, damn it ? Charlie had only been trying to help her, he didn’t deserve this.

She pulled a chair up beside the bed. Sitting down, Valora took one of Charlie’s hands into her own. He squeezed her affectionately. Looking up she found him looking at her with his good eye.

“Charlie …I am so sorry. If I thought anything like this……” She started, but he interrupted her.

“Valora, stop. This wasn’t your fault.” Charlie said.

“But …If I hadn’t …….”

“Stop it now. I feel stupid enough without you feeling guilty.” He sighed. “Bane didn’t like a Gryffindor going out with a Slytherin. He thought he would teach me a lesson. I got the last laugh on him though, didn’t I ? I have you all to myself now.” Charlie started to laugh, but had to stop as his side was still sore. Valora smiled weakly at him, the tears in her eyes still threatening to spill over. They sat for a while in a companionable silence, all the while she held onto his hand rubbing it gently.

“You’re in love with Snape, aren’t you ?” Charlie asked studying her . V. Valora’s eyes widened and her mouth opened in shock. “I heard you call him Severus.” He explained. She tried to pull her hands back, but he held on to her, squeezing her again.

“Yes, I am. I’m sorry you found out this way.” She said looking down.

“You never lead me on, Valora. I knew you only had friendly feelings for me, no matter how much I hoped for something more. How …… how does he feel about you ?”

“He loves me, too.” She said slowly. Saying this out loud for the first time made her heart skip.

“Then ……well then I’m happy for you.” Charlie said taking his hand back. “I think I’ll get some rest now.” He crossed his arms over his chest and looked away. Valora stood to leave.

“I’ll come back tomorrow, to see how you’re doing.” When he didn’t respond, she left the Infirmary. Not knowing where to go, but knowing she didn’t want to go back to the Slytherin dorms, she sat on the stairs.

No matter what Charlie said, Valora couldn’t help feeling guilty about this whole situation. She should have known her fellow Slytherins would try something like this. As far as they were concerned she already tainted their house, but to now be openly consorting with a Gryffindor. A Ravenclaw they might have turned a blind eye to, but not a Gryffindor. Valora hid her face in her hands and sighed.

“Problems, my Lady Valora ?” A breathy voice asked in front of her. Valora looked up to see BlooBloody Barron floating in front of her. She awarded him a small smile. The Bloody Barron was the most feared of the Hogwart’s ghosts, but he had always been very friendly to Valora.

“Good evening, Barron. Please, join me.” She indicated for him to float down next to her on the steps.

“I heard about the incident with Mr. Weasley. Quite a black mark on our house.” He said.

“Yes, it is.” She said, then was silent for a time. The Barron waited patiently. “Why ? Why would they do this ? It’s not as if any of the Slytherin boys give two knuts about me. I just don’t understand it.”

“Well …… I suppose they see your relationship with Master Weasley as a disloyalty to your house.”

“Then why not take it out on me ? Charlie was only helping me. Now he doesn’t even want to speak to me.” She admitted sadly.

“I find that hard to believe.” The Barron said. Valora looked at him, but then was silent again.

“There is one Slytherin who is most fond of you.” A smirk came to the Barron’s usually expressionless face. Valora looked up at him sharply. He knew. Well, of course, he knew. The ghosts heard and saw all that went on in the castle. “And I believe I hear him heading this way.”

She could now hears quick footsteps coming her way. She turned her gaze to the Barron again.

“Take heart, Lady Valora, all will play out for the best.” The Barron brought his hand to her cheek. She could feel the cold breeze against her skin, then he floated away.

Valora looked down to see Severus at the bottom of the stairs gazing at her curiously.


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Severus came to a quick halt, not believing his eyes. Valora was sitting on the steps having a friendly conversation with the Bloody Barron ! Severus had never seen the Barron take a personal interest in a student. The ghost talked with him occasionally, since the Barron felt as the resident ghost for Slytherin he should be on good terms with the head of house.

As Severus looked on in wonder, the Barron moved his hand to Valora’s face in an affectionate gesture. In awe, he watched the ghost float off and disappear through the ceiling. Valora looked down at him with such a sad expression, Severus felt his heart hurt. He quickly climbed the stairs to sit beside her.

“Does the Barron speak with you often ?” Severus asked unable to hide his surprise. Valora furrowed her brow.

“Jealous of ghosts now, are we ?” She said. He let out a laugh.

“No. But I have never seen the Bloody Barron speaking to a student in that manner.”

“The Barron has always been kind to me. At times, I felt him to be my only friend here.” Valora said staring off ahead of her. Severus thought he had better change the subject.

“How is Mr. Weasley ?”

“Madam Pomfrey healed his ribs and gave him a potion to help with the bruising. He is still quite sore.” Valora let out a sigh. Severus placed a hand over hers.

“He will be fine in a couple of days, don’t worry.” He said. Valora stood suddenly and descended the stairs. Severus, a bit taken aback by this behavior, stood and followed her. He caught up to her on the landing.

“How can I not worry ?” She spat at him. “This is all my fault. Charlie was doing this for me.”

“I do not imagine he sees it as your fault.” He said.

“Yeah well, at the moment he’s not speaking to me.” Valora said moving on again.

“Wait. “ He said stopping her by placing a hand on her shoulder. “Why wouldn’t he be speaking to you ?” Valora looked into his eyes, then looked away.

“Charlie knows I’m in love with you. He heard me call you Severus earlier and put two and two together. He said he was happy for me, but ……… he’s still hurt.” Severus didn’t know what to say to this. “Oooff !! Sometimes I think the world would be better off if I just flung myself from the north tower !!” Valora said in her animated fury.

Severus grabbed her shoulders roughly, looking her in the eyes. “Do not say that !! Do not even think that !! If something were to …… “ He pulled her into his embrace unable to finish that thought. If someone saw them, then so be it.

“I didn’t …… I’m sorry, Severus. I didn’t mean it. I am just fed up with the whole situation.” She said against his chest. Severus stopped breathing and the pit of his stomach sank. What was she saying ? Valora must have felt him tense up. She pulled back and looked into his eyes.

“Not between us. I love you.” She said and Severus could breath again. “I meant the situation with the Slytherins. I don’t think I can tolerate them anymore. If I have to go back to my dorm, I just know I’m going to hex someone.” She said it calmly, but he could see she meant it.

“Stay with me.” It came out of his mouth so fast, he was just as surprised as Valora was to hear it.

“Severus …..No, I can’t ….your position…” She said.

“My position be damned !!” He said violently. She resolutely shook her head at him. “Very well, just for tonight then. I need to talk with you. Tomorrow we will speak with Dumbledore about finding you a private room.”

“What will the rumor mongers do with this new bit of information ?”

“To hell with what other people think ! If you won’t stay with me, I need to at least know you are safe.” Severus said. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. Not the soft kind of kisses they had shared earlier in the day, but demanding and passionate. He needed her to understand how important she was to him. Valora moaned softly and melted into him. He was losing himself in the soft feel, taste and smell of her. He deepened the kiss as he pressed her against him.

“Sir Snape !” A voice called from above them. They broke apart and looked up to see the Bloody Barron. “Sir Snape, students are coming from dinner. Best to take Lady Valora somewhere more private.” Severus blinked. The Bloody Barron was actually smiling at him.

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When they were back in his quarters, Severus started feeling nervous. Valora was going to be here, in his room, in his bed tonight. They had each professed their love to the other and that would usually lead to consummating the relationship. Only they couldn’t. Severus had promised Dumbledore Valora would remain chaste until she was at least 18. He intended to keep that promise. May Merlin help him !

“May I borrow a pajama top ?” Valora asked, bringing him out of his thoughts. Severus went over to his dresser and took out a pair of silvery gray silk pajamas. Dumbledore had given them to him years ago. As far as Severus could remember, he had never worn them.

“Please put the bottoms on, too.” He said. Valora raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. She began removing her clothes there in front of him. He looked away quickly and went to get himself a drink. After pouring the whiskey, he took off his greatcoat and stared into the fire with his back to her. Severus didn’t want to tempt his resolve by seeing Valora undress.

A few minutes later, he felt her hands rubbing his back through his shirt. Severus turned to look at her and had to chuckle. Valora had indeed put on both pants and top. The arms and legs were cuffed many times to make the outfit less cumbersome for her. He set down his drink and hugged her. It felt so good having her here. He guided her to the sofa to sit.

“I spoke with the Headmaster…….. about us.” He could see Valora was holding her breath. “He is not adverse to our relationship.”

“Really ?” She said disbelieving.

“Yes. He seemed to intone it was about time, too. Dumbledore said he has had hopes for us all year.”

“So then ….. we can be together.” She said excitedly.

“I did promise the Headmaster your ……….virtue would remain intact until you were 18. And such time as we …….. I mean when you decide the time it right.” Severus added quickly. Valora was smirking at him.

“It’s alright, Severus. I can wait.” He looked at her a bit surprised. He thought she might have pushed the issue. Or did he hope she would ? “Don’t look so disappointed. If you can be patient, so can I.” Valora stood, then planted herself in his lap. She put her arms around his neck, gazing into his eye
“W
“We have found some rather ……… satisfactory alternative activities in the past.” Valora pressed her lips over his, drawing on him gently and teasing his lips with her tongue. Severus hugged her tighter, feeling her wriggle on his lap. His arousal was becoming more evident. This beautiful little witch had no idea how easily she could drive him to the brink of madness.

Valora slide off of his lap onto the floor between his legs. She began unbuttoning his trousers, rubbing her hand lightly over the painful bulge growing down his thigh. She pulled his pants down, giving his swollen shaft room to grow. Looking down, she noticed she had forgotten to take his shoes off first. As she leaned down to fumble with those, it gave Severus a moment or two to think. Why was she doing this ? Was Valora doing this because she thought it was what he expected ? Sex was not the reason he had asked her to stay with him. He didn’t want her to feel pressured. Indeed, the thought of sleeping with her in his arms again was satisfaction enough. He didn’t need this, not that he wasn’t enjoying it, but it was not required of her. Valora had just removed his pants. She sat back up on her knees, caressing his thighs.

“Valora. You don’t have to do this.” Severus said putting his hands on her shoulders and looking into her eyes. “This isn’t why I wanted you here tonight. I wanted you to feel safe. I didn’t expect anything in return.” She sat back on her heels and smirked at him again.

“Well, aren’t you the self centered one ?” Valora said. What ? How in the name of Merlin was he being self centered ? “Did it ever occur to you I might be doing this because I wanted to ? Because I love you ? Because you are so damn sexy ? Or maybe because I’ve done nothing else but dream about touching you all week ?” Severus had to admit to himself that none of those reasons had crossed his mind.

“But…… if I am bothering you…….” Valora said as she stood up. Severus grabbed her wrist.

“No, you are not bothering me, you little vixen, and well you know it. I just didn’t want you to think it was required.” Severus pulled her back to him. Valora straddled his lap and put her arms around his neck. He ran his hands over her body, enjoying the feel of the silk against his skin. He reached around and cupped her bottom, expecting her to giggle as she had done last time. But looking into her eyes, it wasn’t amusement he saw, but desire. Desire for him and for his touch. He kissed her again, deeper and longer. He barely felt her unbuttoning his shirt and pulling it aside. It wasn’t until he felt her soft, delicate hands on his chest he realized his shirt was open.

Valora’s lips moved to his neck kissing and nipping him, sending his pulse racing. Severus moved his hands under the top she was wearing to touch the bare skin of her back. He felt her pull his earlobe into her mouth and bite it a bit hard, making him suck in his breath. But then she massaged it between her lips and the pain melted into pleasure. He brought his hands back between them to unbutton her top, just letting it open. Then he pushed her back a little and planted a kiss between her breasts. Nuzzling each breast, he breathed in her scent and smiled. She smelled of the soap he had made for her.

“You smell lovely.” Severuid aid as he kissed her breast before exposing all of it to the cool air. Valora let out a throaty laugh.

“Taking showers with your soap has been the only way I’ve made it through this week.” Valora said. She let out a whimper as he pinched a nipple between his lips, before taking the whole thing in his mouth. Each whimper and moan she emitted, only made him ache for her more. Severus revealed her other breast, treating it the same as the first. She was pressing down on him, rubbing herself against his throbbing loins.

“Stop…...” Severus whispered pulling his mouth away from her nipple. Valora stilled and pulled up some, lessoning the pressure on him.

“Sorry.” She said sheepishly. “But it was feeling really good.”

“Maybe we should take this to the bed.” He said wanting to calm down and get Valora out of her clothes. They removed their clothing and lay on the bed.

Valora wasted no time in pushing Severus to the bed and working her way down his b Ki Kissing, nipping and licking a trail to his hardened shaft. He groaned deeply as she licked the tip and swirled her tongue around it. She took him in, sucking on him gently. Which felt indescribably luscious, but didn’t excite him near as much as looking into her violet, desire filled eyes and watching his shaft disappear into the warm depths of her mouth. Valora’s hand began stroking him, while she worked her mouth up and down, massaging him with her tongue. He felt the throbbing getting stronger and knew he was losing control. Finally he gave in to it, throwing his head back emitting a guttural cry as he exploded in her mouth. Severus lay panting. Gradually he felt Valora still mouthing him as his shaft softened.

“Aquila puellae, come up here.” Severus said pulling her up beside him. “Is it self centered of me to wish to reciprocate ?” Valora let out a throaty laugh, that caused a twinge in his loins again.

Severus could feel Valora’s body trembling with her need for release. He knew exactly what he wanted to do. Moving down, he settled between her legs. Valora looked down at him with a slight frown.

“Aquilum dominus ?” She said softly, obviously unsure about this.

He hadn’t done this for her before, indeed had not done it in a long time. But he wanted to maximize her pleasure, as she had done for him. He pushed her thighs apart a bit more, kissing each and stroking her with his hands to get her to relax. Running his thumb over her moist curls, he could hear her breathing increase and grow shallower. When his b wab was well coated, he pressed it into her, letting her inner muscles grip him. Then he moved his lips over her hard little nub, stimulating it lightly with his lips. Valora’s hips started to wriggle under his attentions and he felt a hand in his hair urging him to her. He rolled his tongue over her nub, from side to side as he pressed his thumb in and drew it out finding a good rhythm. She was soon gasping and calling his name as her hand pushed his face into her. Severus smiled to himself. The sounds of Valora’s release had been music to his ears. Her body lay completely limp as he crawled back up to lay beside her. He leaned over kissing her, letting her taste herself on his lips. She seemed less than enthusiastic with this, so he stopped and pulled her to him to sleep. She was still so new to all this, he had to remind himself. Severus looked forward to all the new sexual sensations they would soon share.

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Walking into the hospital wing after breakfast, Valora saw a great bustle of activity around Charlie’s bed. Valora recognized a slightly timid first year as Percy, Charlie’s younger brother. The red haired woman fussing over Charlie must be Mrs. Weasley. The little ones running around must have been G and and little Ronny. Charlie looked up and seemed grateful to see Valora.

“Mum, this is Valora Whinn, the girl I was telling you about.” He said trying to direct her attention away from tucking him in. Mrs. Weasley turned her head up and smiled. She thrust her hand out warmly for Valora to shake.

“So wonderful to finally meet you, dear.” She said shaking Valora’s hand vigorously.

“It’s nice to meet you, too Mrs. Weasley.” Valora said smiling. Mrs. Weasley looked exactly like Valora thought she would. Motherly, but also quite pretty, with the bright red hair passed down to all of her children.

“Ronny ! Ginny! The two of you get over here this instant !” The two smallest Weasleys came back to their mother mumbling apologies. As she was reprimanding the little ones Valora took the opportunity to talk to Charlie.

“Are you feeling any better today ?” She asked.

“Yes, about a lot of things.” Charlie said smiling at her and sqing ing her hand. Valora leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. Then whispered in his ear.

“Thank you for understanding.” She said. Valora turned to see the children still giving their mother a fit.

“Mrs. Weasley ? Perhaps I could take the children outside, it’s a lovely day. Then you and Percy could have a nice visit with Charlie.” The little ones pleaded to their mother with their eyes.

“Alright. But you two mind Valora and be good. Thank you so much, de Hav Have them back within the hour. And don’t let them run all over you.” Mrs. Weasley said firmly.

“Don’t worry, Charlie has told me all about these two.” Valora said giving the children as stern a face as she could muster before ushering them out of the Infirmary.

Valora walked the children out of the castle, all the time aware of the bright blue and bright brown eyes watching her.

“Are you Charlie’s girlfriend ?” Little Ronny finally got the guts to ask.

“Are you going to marry him ?” Ginny immediately followed. Valora took each of their hands and answered them.

“Charlie and I are friends and no Ginny I’m not marrying him.” She lead them out to a large patch of lawn with some shade. Picking up a rock, Valora took out her wand and transfigured it into a beach ball. Then she put a levitating charm on it and gave it to the children to play with.

The ball amused them for a time, but they grew bored quickly and found Valora muche ine interesting. In an attempt to keep them occupied, Valora began teaching them a few signs. The concept of a person having to speak with their hands was foreign to the children. But they found learning the signs to be fun and picked it up quickly. She taught them the signs for the alphabet and some common ones : ball, tree, sun, day, fish and a few more. She also taught them her own personal sign for her name. The two fingers up making the letter V, placed over her heart. The sign her father had made up for her. She was amazed how smart these two were. Ginny was about 5 and Ronny couldn’t have been more than 6 or 7. Valora gave them each a personal sign. Ronny’s was the two fingers crossed in the letter R and drawn over his head, indicating his hair. Ginny’s was the one finger held out in the letter G and drawn across her face indicating her smile.

Valora had been having so much fun teaching the children, she must have lost track of the time. Percy shyly came over to tells her Mrs. Weasley was ready to leave. She smiled at Percy and thanked him. Percy was very bright, but he had to get over his shyness.

They went inside the entry hall and saw Mrs. Weasley waiting for them. Percy headed back to his dorm, Ronny and Ginny ran to their mother excitedly showing her all the signs they had learned. Valora had to explain to the confused woman that her father had been deaf and communicated this way. Their mother just seemed happy the children had a good time. She hugged Valora, thanked her and told her Charlie was hoping she would stop back up for a chat.

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“Are you sure you don’t need to rest after all that company ?” Valora joked as she peeped around the curtain. Charlie smiled broadly and waved her to a chair.

“Mum was so impressed with you. She couldn’t get over you taking care of the little rats for her.” Charlie said.

“Ronny and Ginny were fine, really. When they got bored I taught them some signs. Your mother may or may not be happy about that.”

“As long as it was nothing rude.” Charlie chuckled. Valora shook her head and sat on the side of the bed.

“Are you still sore ?” Valora asked carefully.

“My body is sore, my ego is only a bit bruised.” Charlie sighed and gave her a small grin. “You really are amazing, Valora. I can’t help wishing things had turned out differently between us. I had my chance earlier in the year and blew it.”

“Charlie…… I know it’s the last thing you want to hear, but you really are a good friend. And I don’t have many. I hope you know I love you, just not in that way.” They were silent for a time.

“Does he treat you well ? As nasty as Snape can be, I can’t imagine him being very loving.” Charlie said.

“You would be surprised how tender he can be. I need to ask you not to tell anyone abSeveSeverus and I. The Headmaster knows, but asked that we be discrete until term is over.” Valora said. Charlie nodded and clasped one of her hands.

“If you are happy Valora, then I’m happy for you.” Charlie said sincerely. She smiled at him warmly.

“I had better go and let you rest. Let me know if you need anything. Oh and tomorrow I’ll stop by to let you know where my new room is.” She said turning to go.

“New room ?”

“After this …… “ She said indicating his state of health. “ Severus is talking to the Headmaster about getting me a private room. I’m not sure if it’s because he fears what might happen to me or fears what I might do to the other Slytherins.”

“Maybe it’s just so he can have you all to himself.” Charlie said letting a bit of his envy show.

“I don’t think so, but thanks. Get a good nights rest.” Valora said then went out the door.

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“I believe there are suitable rooms near the kitchens, not far from your rooms. Will that do ?” Dumbledore asked raising a knowing eyebrow at Severus. Damn Albus for gloating ! Severus knew the older wizard fancied himself a bit of a matchmaker. But as far as Severus could see the Headmaster had little to do with his and Valora’s relationship. Well, though to be fair, he could have made things a lot harder on them. Especially if Severus had not been allowed to take Valora home for her father’s funeral.

“That will be fine. Can the house elves move her belongings ? I don’t want her going back to her dorm. She is up now visiting Mr. Weasley. I can show her the rooms as soon as she is done there.” Severus said.

“Very well. I shall have everything prepared.” Dumbledore said.

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“Severus, this is perfect !” Valora said excitedly as she hugged Severus in her new rooms. He was pretty h wit with them, too. She even had a large window on one wall, her own bathroom and best of all, this room was fairly close to his. If she needed anything, he was right down the hall.

“You know, as Head Girl you would get your own room. Perhaps the Headmaster would let you use these again.”

“Aren’t you a bit ahead of yourself ?” Valora said arching an eyebrow at him. “Who says I will be Head Girl next year anyway ?” She said laughing.

“Your grades are certainly good enough and you know you have my vote.” He said pulling her into his arms. He kissed her gently, then spoke seriously. “Now if you need anything, I am right down the hall. But I had better not be seen coming here too often. Being Head of House only explains so much.”

“I know, you are right. I can’t wait for the school year to be over. For the first time, I am looking forward to exams. I want to be with you and not have to worry about hiding how I feel.” Valora said, making Severus smile. Yes, this arrangement would work out fine, but he could hardly wait until Valora’s birthday either.

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**** Short note : The signs that I mention will usually be ASL (American Sign Language) because that is what I feel most comfortable with. I am not sure what style is most predominant in the U.K., so if you know better, please indulge me.


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