Ravenclaw

Chapter 80- Do What You Like

Song for the chapter: Let Me by Zayn Malik

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After the birth of her best friend's first-born, Helga had no choice but to return to her usual, cheery state for at least a few days. It wasn't in her nature to be this grumpy, Debbie-downer-- in fact, the bright and joyous woman that bloomed at every mention of Rowena, Godric and their child was the person everyone was more familiar with.
Even her almost-equally sullen-faced husband, who had lost his cheer ever since he knew about Salazar's relationship with Helga, became infected with her contagious mood. Since the couple took what Muggles call "maternity leave", Percival visited the baby and let the twins, who were reached their first year since their birth, play with their new distant cousins.
Helga was still skipping to her office on Wednesday, the Gryffindors' third day of absence, when soon, all colour was drained once more from her face. Yes, she was in her happy mood, yes, there was almost nothing that could bring it down again-- but almost nothing definitely meant that something could bring it back down to rock bottom again.
Or someone.
Salazar was perched on her desk this time, no longer sitting comfortably in her chair, but leaning casually on the desk, admiring the little sculpture of a opaline badger on the desk, running a finger along its perfectly carved edges, looking perfect as the sunlight pouring from the window rested gently against his complexion.
He looked up briefly when Helga came in and closed the door, before returning his attention to the object in his hand. "Helga," he said, not looking up at her. "So very pleased to see you again."
"Professor Slytherin," Helga nodded curtly. She had decided to address him in the way she addressed the other teachers; she no longer wanted to get close to the man for fear of being hurt for the umpteenth time. "What brings you to my office? Again?"
Salazar put down the badger; he took his wand from his back pocket and pointed it at the door. It locked with a single click. Helga's body tensed, but she tried not show it as he continued to point his wand at the windows, shutting curtains over them so that no one outside could peer in. It was a ridiculous precaution, in Helga's opinion, for who could see them, with an office quite high up from the ground? Unless they were flying from a Hippogriff or a broomstick, it would be impossible to see Salazar advance on Helga, a sly glint in his eye.
"I've been meaning to see you," he murmured, cornering her and pressing her against the door. Helga couldn't tell whether his grip was meant to hurt her, or arouse her-- in the meantime, it did both. "I recall your numerous promise to never leave me, to always love me, yet you seem to fail to fulfil that now."
"My promises? Maybe think about you maybe never fulfilled yours in the first place, Professor." Helga spat, trying to push away from him with as much force as she could muster, but to no avail-- Salazar remained stronger than her than ever.
"Why struggle, my love?" He whispered seductively, his lips right beside her ear. "We could have that joy again-- you're happiness is infectious these days, makes me feel like we could have a second chance again."
"I've given you one too many chances," She said, but his voice had sent chills down her spine. Again, she didn't know whether she was spooked or in love. "You've hurt me too many times to count. I'm not your love-- get off of me!"
Helga slipped from his grasp momentarily, but Salazar quickly cornered her again, pushing her back into the seat of her chair. She shrunk into it as he placed both hands on either of the armrests and pressed his forehead to hers. The contact should've given her warmth-- but the cold she received eliminated any warmth she once felt.
"You shouldn't be running." He said, and it was clear in his firm tone that he was quickly losing his patience. "Our children will be upset."
"Our children wouldn't want their father assaulting their mother!" Helga shrieked, indignant. "They might already hate their father, yet he continues to worsen their image of him!" Salazar moved away-- people say glares are hot and full of hatred, but now, his was cold, full of ice, able to freeze an ice cube.
"I am not assaulting you," he said sternly. "You are just not doing what I want you to do."
"Exactly!" Helga said, standing up and pushing Salazar. He stumbled, grabbing the desk for support. Helga unlocked the door with a wave of her wand and set the windows right again. There were no Hipogriffs flying around, but she'd prefer them closed after what had happened-- or what could have happened.
"Why don't you find someone who will do what you want?" She shot at him, before slamming the door and marching off. An idea popped into Salazar's mind at her words-- someone who will do what he wants...
He hadn't set his students much work-- he needn't stay in school to mark many assignments, he's already through three-quarters of it. A cunning smile crept onto his face, and he, too left the office, a dangerous plan cooking in his mind.