Bonded to her

Chapter 10

 
I sat at the late night staff meeting barely paying attention. They were arguing about which colors to display for Christmas holidays and I just couldn’t be bothered. My mind was on her.

I could feel her light magic swirling with mine, an addictive substance that seemed so different from mine that its presence couldn’t be denied.

I didn’t think she had bonded with me yet. It was a step in the right direction. Somehow I had assumed the bonding was only one way. I didn’t anticipate her taking my magic or being left with a piece of hers. It was somehow far more intimate than her kiss had been, and that had been fiery in the best of ways.

She had been pointedly ignoring me again and had skipped our next meeting apparently trying to keep her distance. I knew her magic would try to keep pulling her closer and closer to me. I had her within fingers grasp and I was terrified of loosing her.

“Severus, what are your thoughts?” Professor McGonagall asked with a huff after arguing with Pomona for a solid twenty minutes.

“Hmm?”

“What colors do you prefer?” She snapped her annoyance increasing knowing I wasn’t paying attention.

“Reds fine.”

The room was silent.

“What?” I asked distractedly.

“Severus, you realize red is a Gryffindor color, right, you always argue for green and silver. Every year. Without fail.” She said sounding way too concerned about my color choice. I scoffed at this.

“Look, I have far more pressing things on my mind. If this is all you have, I’m leaving.” I said standing up and walking out.

Its not like the headmaster could fire me, this was just a job I took to appease the Dark Lord to keep eyes on Albus. All my real money was in actually selling the potions I brewed in my off time. I made more money than I could ever hope to spend from that and the best thing was I didn’t have to deal with stupid, idiotic staff meetings. If I did it full time I would be in seven figure income easily. I was one of the only potion masters left and yet demand was never better for a high quality product.

“Severus, wait up.” Lupin called running after me. I sneered and walked faster.

“Are you okay? You have something on your mind.” He said more of a statement than a question. I hated people prying into my business.

“I’m fine.” I snapped turning the corner hoping he would get the hint. He didn’t.

“Its weird for red to be the first color that pops into your mind.” He said pointedly.

“Is it though?” I said with a dark grin. He wasn’t scared of me like most of the teachers. Unfortunately. He just rolled his eyes at my comment.

“Look, can we talk. Privately?” He asked. I debated refusing him. He was very persistent and annoying though so after a moment I sighed and waved my hand putting up a muffalito charm.

“Fine. Go ahead. Make it quick though.” I said reluctantly slowing down my pace of walking so he didn’t have to race to keep up.

“I can smell her on you.” It shouldn’t have been such a terrifying statement, yet it was. I fidgeted with my wand absently debating how to respond.

“What I do in my free time is none of your concern.” I said dismissively.

“The headmaster knows?” He asked without an accusing tone.

“Of course. It was his idea.” Lupin raised an eyebrow to that, but nodded.

“I’m just tutoring her.”