Against His Nature

CHAPTER 9

“Where did you get it?” Snape looked up suspiciously from the three vials sitting on the Headmasters desk. The contents of the vial’s glistened crimson against the morning sunshine streaming in from the windows. Dumbledore was reclined casually in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of his chin as he stared at Snape seriously.

“How they were obtained is none of your business Severus.” Snape’s lips tightened in irritation. Was it not bad enough that he had to suffer through the painful process of naturalization without having to suffer the indignity of being fed like a wild animal? “Consider them a gift.” Snape huffed contemptibly and was about to tell Albus where to shove his gift when the elder wizard reached over and uncorked one of the vials. Almost instantly the air filled with the metallic flavored scent that sent chills of exhilaration down Snape’s spine and re-ignited the empty burn of need in his stomach. Without realizing it Snape had unconsciously moved himself over the top of the open vial, his eyes closed as he inhaled deeply on the fresh aroma still lingering.

“Straw Severus?” Snape’s eyes snapped open immediately when he heard Albus’ smug tone of voice. Snatching the humiliating spectacle that was the offered crazy straw Snape begrudgingly picked up the vial and took a long sip of the liquid inside. The liquid was cold, and made him shudder. Ultimately he would have preferred body temperature but no doubt the vial had been stored for safe transport. The liquid settled heavily in Snape’s stomach making him groan in satisfaction that he hadn’t felt since he’d stopped taking his potion. Licking his lips between the automatically dropped incisors Snape continued to sip the liquid through the straw, his sky blue eyes defiantly cursing the old man who was smiling at him.

“You need to be sparing with it, but constant. Blood lust dulls your other senses making your ability to find a mate harder.” Snape growled beneath his breath as he drained the last few drops of crimson life from the vial before licking the straw clean as well.

“Who suddenly made you an expert on my behavior Albus?” Snape politely burped behind his hand already feeling the calming affect the liquid had on his body, and the way the aches and pains of the past weeks were finally beginning to ease.

“Again, I have my sources.” Suspiciously Snape nodded his head as Albus unwrapped a sweet from the tray on his desk and promptly popped it into his mouth. “I would expect you to be well enough to return to classes. The blood will calm your temper and make the heightened senses much more bearable.” Again Snape nodded, this was not news to him at all. He had after all grown up in a family that had embraced their heritage, although only ever behind closed doors.

“And what of the hoards of suitors barricading themselves outside my door?” Snape shuddered as he thought about all the cards and flowers he’d received from over enthusiastic students, parents and strangers alike. Albus chuckled and shook his head, his smiling eyes beaming knowingly over the tops of his half moon glasses.

“You have no doubt dealt with student crushes before Severus, I have faith in your ability to turn away any unwanted attention from students.” Snape sneered at Albus’ implication towards his reputation, but chose not to comment and further incriminate himself. “As for the families currently requesting an audience, I shall personally write to each of them informing them of your refusals.” Snape sighed and nodded in thanks to the headmaster. Intimidating students was a piece of cake compared with trying to intimidate adamant parents. There was a short pause where Albus stared at Snape in thought before sighing heavily, an unusual thing for the ever-happy headmaster to do. “I can not however help you with the Malfoy’s and Riddle.” Snape too sighed heavily and turned his attention to the fireplace crackling away on the far side of the room.

“He’s persistent and I fully expect to be summoned sooner rather than later to receive my orders in the matter.” Albus nodded in agreement an expression of sympathy washing over his face as he stared at Snape’s blue eyes.

“Perhaps it is the lesser of two evils to simply entertain Draco Malfoy. You know that Riddle will look favorably on the match between you and the boy so if you give them the impression you’re thinking on the idea it might buy you a little time before Riddle gives you the ultimatum.” Snape sighed again and turned his gaze back on Albus, the blue of his eyes fading behind the mask of magical concealment he’d erected over himself to avoid detection.

”Your right, it would buy me time but I can’t very well seduce the boy not when it goes against everything I value.” Albus smiled at Snape’s rarely shown conscience. Standing up, Albus moved around the desk and placed a comforting hand on his potion professor’s shoulder.

“Boy’s like Draco Malfoy do not need much to keep them entertained Snape. Use your charms and persuasive nature to convince the boy you’re interested, and then play with him a little until you discover your mate. It’s a small sacrifice to make, and I assure you the boy will get over you despite his fathers urgings.” Snape rose from the chair and walked with Albus over to the fireplace where the floo was already connected. “Go to bed and get some rest Severus. I hear Professor McGonagall is an abysmal Potion’s teacher and your classes are in disarray!” Snape growled angrily wondering what no one had told him of this earlier. However before Snape could say anything Albus had pushed him into the fire and with a sparkling smile from the elder wizard Snape was gone.

TBC>>>>>>

A/N Wooohooo another update so quickly, aren't you guys all lucky.....

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