Tainted

Chapter 4 - Strange Tides

A/N IMPORTANT TO TAINTED. I know I havent explained it like at all (I will when I edit it) BUT when Allyce is talking about putting wards up when someone is trying to read her mind that is her using occlumency. It will be fixed later.

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A few months had passed since I had played for Severus. After that night those walks in the middle of the night turned into routine and soon he was showing up at my door like clockwork. We never talked about the song I played for him but I think it’s better that way. He didn’t really seem comfortable afterwards and I didn’t want to push him into something he wasn’t ready for, so I backed off a little as well. 

It was now the beginning of August and finally after so much of my free time sacrificed to plan it, we were going ahead with the talent quest. It was going to be a tight squeeze with the Triwizard tournament but it’ll work.

I sat on Severus’ right at the staff table in my cloak. It was strange but after he found me at the black lake he began to show up at the meals and eat at the staff table. Even though it intrigued me I never questioned it in case he reverted back to his old ways. The students were piling in, excitement on most of their faces as they sat down for dinner. They had been told there would be a secret house competition for points towards the House Cup but, none had a clue what it was. Dumbledore rose to speak.

“As you all may know Professor Somerhalder has kindly organised a competition of sorts for all students to take part in. I will step down now and Professor Somerhalder will explain the rules.”

I bit my lip nervously. Crowds were not my thing. I’d rehearsed what I needed to say in front of a mirror but I was still nervous. Oh well, I guess it will be good practise since I’m going to be the MC for talent quest. Standing up I let out the breath I was holding in and started to speak.

“Well, I thought it might be fun to start a challenge where you could compete for house points. I’ve decided we will be doing a talent quest. There are sign-up sheets just outside the Great Hall. All students are eligible to enter and a talent by definition is an ability. So that means anything from singing and dancing to a circus act or even stand-up comedy. There will be three prizes. The winner will receive seventy points to their house and the next two runner ups will both receive fifty points. For the purpose of this competition I have to say that although you may compete in a group as large of a number as you wish, all members must be in the same house.”

A few of the students started complaining but they soon grew silent and I suspect that had something to do with the glare Severus was giving them.

“Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall will of course be the judges with my assistance. The talent quest will be held at the end of the month so the last day for you to sign up will be the 28th. All the terms and conditions along with anything I’ve missed out will be posted next to the sign-up sheets. That’ll be all.”

I sat back down and lifted my goblet of amber liquid to my lips. As I took a sip I didn’t realise that the edge of my cloak had slid down my wrist, exposing my scars to Severus. Butterflies started up in my stomach making me panic. It only got worse when I saw Severus scowl and his hands clenched into a fist. The amber liquid became thick in my mouth. I gulped, forcing it to go down. This was not going well, I hadn’t intended for him or anyone to ever find out.

The only person here who knew about my past was Albus and that was only because he was the one who helped me get back on track. I nervously pulled on my cloak so it covered my wrists and mumbled an excuse before I walked out. Walking briskly to the corridor I was barely pausing to breathe. Not to mention very naïve to think that maybe Severus wouldn’t follow me. I managed to get to the foyer at the bottom of the stairs nearest to the Great Hall before I felt someone grip onto my arm and jerk me back. Stumbling, a pair of arms in black clothing surrounded me and pulled me close, refusing to let go.