The Infatuations And Disenchantments of Loving A Snake (Severus Snape)

23 | The Marauder's Map

Anastasia and Severus kept up their...well, their agreement for weeks. They told themselves it didn't mean anything and they were fine with the arrangement, however that couldn't be farther from the truth. While Anastasia was fighting a battle within herself trying not to fall even harder for the man who hated her, Severus was fighting a battle of his own. He hated staring into her eyes as they came together as one to fulfill their needs, there was too much raw emotion shown in them. Her eyes always were filled with lust, softness and was that love? He refused to stare long enough to figure that out. But he also hated how good she felt under him, around him, on top of him... and how soft her skin felt in his hands.

He despised her for walking away a year ago and did not think he could ever forgive her for that. But he also despised himself for feeling that slight rush of butterflies every time he saw her. It was a feeling he buried deep down within him, it used to be so prominent it would make his stomach flip, but now it was a low lull of a feeling, barely there but still noticeable. He would cringe every time he felt it because he knew deep down if he really let himself think about it, he still harbored feelings for the girl. She was kind, understanding and patient and full of blind trust... it was the trust she so carelessly placed in him that used to make his heart melt under her gaze... but things were different now.

Neither Professor returned home for the Christmas holiday as all the staff  were on strict schedules of patrolling the castle grounds. Albus was on edge, though he did not let it show, the staff knew it and they felt it too. Everyone was on high alert fearing for the lives of the students with Sirius Black on the prowl.

Nothing out of the ordinary happened of course, only if you count the mysterious gift Harry received for Christmas in the form of a Firebolt. Minerva confiscated it to do testing in order to make sure it was not jinxed hexed or poisoned. This not only infuriated the Gryffindor quidditch team, but Anastasia as well. The poor boy had received a very generous gift from someone and it was taken from him not a day after he'd gotten it! He barley received mail let alone gifts! He already had such a tough and sad life why add to it by taking away one of the rare joys he'd gotten?

Anastasia of course had a few choice words with the older witch but was immediately shot down by her and half of the staff as well including Albus. "I just think it's unnecessary and unfair to the boy." She mumbled as she crossed her arms during the staff meeting they held regarding the broomstick in question.

"I understand your concerns for Harry's happiness, Anastasia. However, it is imperative that we take all necessary precautions regarding the boy. If Black hadn't escaped his imprisonment, then things would be different. But he did and they aren't." Remus put a reassuring had on her shoulder and gave a sympathetic smile. "Fine." She sighed looking at the man "I'll stop fighting you on this. But just make it known that I am against it one hundred percent!" She quipped.

Severus eyed the scarred man's hand which was still placed delicately on Ana's shoulder. He was sitting in the far corner of the table silently listening and watching as she flirted with the man. They talked quietly to each other, her hand occasionally splaying out on his arm or flipping her hair. He knew she was a flirt and sometimes did not realize she was flirting to begin with, however he got the feeling this was all too intentional...

•••

Anastasia had been on her patrol of the castle and was just about to meet Severus in his rooms when she heard voices. One sounding rather harsh and cold and the other of annoyance. Scrunching up her brows, she walked down the dark corridor as she lit her was with her wand.

Suddenly feeling a presence behind her, Anastasia turned swiftly almost colliding with a tall dark figure. She let out a light scream before she lifted her wand to illuminate the outline of the man who was now laughing at her surprise. "Remus!" She scolded "you bloody pratt" she cursed "you know I don't mean to startle you, Tate. You're just easy to scare." He told her with a smile. Rolling her eyes at him attempting to hide the smirk growing at the corners of her lips. "Well, now that you're here, I suppose you wouldn't mind investigating this chatter down the hall with me?" She ignored his comment completely changing the subject. "I'd gladly accompany you, Tate" he said in a soft tone that made her blush.