The Professors Mistress

Chapter 7

I went down to the leather market nearby, just as instructed. An old man, apparently named Marcus greeted me and asked what I was looking for. "Mary sent me for 2 journals," I replied with a raised eyebrow. The man looked me up and down, with a little grin behind his beard.

"Of course. Pick what you want. I've got photos of samples in this book here or you can tell me what sort of design you would like on yours," he replied from behind the counter.

"How long does it take you to do the designs?" I asked as I picked up two of the same brown leather bound books. I brought them to the counter and told him exactly what I wanted. To my surprise, Marcus was exceedingly fast, having the task finished with in a few minutes by use of his wand.

Once he was finished, he wrapped the two journals each in brown paper, tying them with a piece of twine before sending me on my way. I inquired about the payment but I was told, that was between the two of them. The way he said it gave me a tinge of jealousy, I must admit. I wasn't exactly sure what it meant but in some way I was jealous of the fact he had known her for so long.

I went back to the store, finding Mary on a ladder organizing some potions behind the counter when I came in. "I can do that," I offered as I walked up behind her. She grinned down at me, "I'm sure you could. We need to talk while no one is in here," she said as she came down from the ladder.

"How was Marcus? In bright spirits?" she asked curiously taking the books from me and placing them on the counter. She used her wand to unwrap both of them causing the brown paper to disappear in a puff of smoke. "How could I know? It was the first time I've ever met the man," I said in a slightly irritated voice.

Her eyes cut back to me briefly as a smile spread to her flushed lips. "He's not a boyfriend of mine. Simply a friend. His wife has been ill, that's why I asked. Sometimes I forget you haven't been here long," she replied, studying my face.

"My apologies. I didn't mean it like that," I replied feeling a bit of an asshole. "Do not lie to me, Severus Snape. You're terrible at it. Now let's have a look at these, shall we?," she replied blankly. She smiled instantly at my book because it was simply stunning.

"This is nothing personal. Just business," she remarked reading the inscription. "How true that is. It's just business. A fact that I hope you remember when you meet a client tonight," she replied looking up at me.

A look of surprise over took me. "Tonight? I thought you said I needed a weeks worth of lessons. I've only had 2 so far," I replied, slightly hesitant.

"Extra time is a luxury given to few. I need you to do this tonight. Don't worry, it's Mrs. Lenoir. You already know she's somewhat attractive. Or at least, I think she is," Miss Shadowborn remarked. She placed the books together, saying "Te audio, te loquor. Una sumu," as a swirl of light surrounded the books, binding them together forever.

"I hear you, I speak you, Together we are one." I replied, reciting her incantation. "You speak perfect latin," I added.

She smiled at me softly, "Thank you. I studied abroad for a bit after Hogwarts. Latin happens to be a little passion of mine. What would you like your passphrase to be? It needs to be something that no one else can guess, no family, no girlfriends, no one. What is said between his book is only between the two of us, for liability reasons," she replied, looking at my face for signs of deceit.

"I understand. Verbum Silentium," I replied. It meant, the word of silence. It was a word I had known so well through my youth. Mary gave me a little curious look for a second before whispering the passphrase to the book.

With a flick of her wand, the book was no impervious to intrusion from outside sources. She was sure to write the passphrase inside her own book, just incase she ever had to retrieve it and destroy it, for obvious reasons.

"Will I know the phrase you put on my book?" I asked curiously. "No, it's the same for all of my books, though I shouldn't tell you that. A phrase you'll never guess, so do not try. If you haven't guessed, I'll write to you in my book, and you will respond when your presence is requested. It's the fastest way to get ahold of my employees you see.

My clients hate to be kept waiting so I know you will not keep Mrs. Lenoir waiting tonight. When it's time, I will write the floor number and time. I'll give you any details you may need for the encounter. Here, I got you a little bag of condoms and lubricant.

Sometimes you need a little extra help, especially considering your side and the age of some of my clients. You will find some of us older women are not as lubricated as a younger woman might be.

I want you to keep this book on you at all times. I do not joke about that. Perhaps a satchel would be handy in your case. I know you come to work everyday with other books as well," she remarked, handing the book to me. "Did you have any questions? Perhaps there is something I didn't cover," she asked.

"Let me get this straight. I show up to a random woman's apartment or hotel.. whichever and I have sex with them? What if they want something I'm not comfortable with? Am I allowed to say no?" I asked curiously.

"Everything is consensual. Don't do anything you don't want to. When I see you again, you can tell me if you're not willing to do something specific that is requested of you. Maybe you don't want to be pissed on, who knows.." she continued.

I blurted out, "WHAT?" my eyes were as wide as galleons. Miss Shadowborn burst out laughing, grabbing my arm as she chuckled heartily. I had a look of horror on my face as she continued laughing.

"I'll put that down as a hard limit for you. Or is it a soft one? Would you be willing to try? It isn't my thing but my customers have varied tastes," she replied, still holding my arm. "You may go ahead and place that in the hard limit category," I said shaking my head.

She just smiled up at me, "You are too sweet Severus. Sometimes I think this may be the ruin of a young man like yourself. Alas, I have a business to run. Do what you want, don't do anything you hate. If she asks you to stop for any reason, you do so immediately without hesitation. I cannot make that clear enough. If I hear otherwise, you're gone immediately. I don't employ brutes," she informed me.

"Yes Miss. You have my word; I am no brute. I won't do anything to her that she doesn't want," I replied looking down into her eyes. "Good luck, Severus. You have the rest of the afternoon off to work your nerve up. Try not to show up too drunk to her floo. I've had that happen far too many times with young men your age," she said. 

"One glass of wine," I grinned down at her. "Good boy," she replied. before sending me off.