Under a Spell... - Book 2

Pestering

Over the next several days, I avoided Professor Lockhart as much as possible which wasn't always easy. It did help that I could hear thoughts which gave me a heads-up but I couldn't drop my barriers when term started. Severus was enjoying my antics as I ducked under the table out of sight unfortunately for me, Gilderoy took my chair which made me shuffle along to Severus by his legs, this wasn't right! I immediately transformed into an owl and made my way from the table until a hand grabbed me. It was Minerva. Thank goodness! "Severus I think your owl was about to escape, why don't you feed it? It seems hungry!" She pestered him, everyone on the staff table apart from Gilderoy knew that Severus doesn't own an owl. But no-one commented! Severus took me from Minerva's hands and examined me closely, wondering whose owl I actually was! He stopped on my eyes, he couldn't know. I tried wriggling out of his hands to free myself. "You are going to stay on the table and eat or I will punish you, Callow." He announced. I froze. He freed me to let me perch on the table, feeding me scraps of food that were left over.

Severus' P.O.V
Lockhart was chasing around after Rose again. I couldn't help but smile on the inside at this; it was amusing to see how she would escape from him. Tomorrow was the welcome back feast. Rose came racing down to the staff table, hair flying in all directions. She sat just before sliding under the table as Lockhart came into the room. I could feel Rose under the table by my feet as Lockhart nicked her seat. I was slightly preoccupied with eating my meal before Minerva interrupted me "Severus I think your owl was about to escape, why don't you feed it? It seems hungry!" I took the owl hesitantly knowing perfectly well I didn't own an owl but I looked it over anyway. The eyes I found shocking! The purest sea green like Rose has. No that's silly! I moved my foot where Rose should be but she wasn't there. I thought up something funny to say to confirm my suspicions "You are going to stay on the table and eat or I will punish you, Callow." I could see the owl gulp. I fed her scraps before daydreaming while absentmindedly stroking the owl aka Rose. Lockhart turned to me before whispering "Where has Rose got to?" He asked before continuing "She still hasn't succumb to my many charms but I will get her if she isn't already yours." "I'm sure she's just tired from staying up all night." I smirked knowing she could hear me. Lockhart took the meaning the wrong way. "Oh so she's that type of girl, now I understand!" He uttered before clamming up. I hadn't noticed that I stopped stroking Rose as soon as Lockhart started talking to me. I began again.

"Severus don't you need to make sure you have all your potions in check?" Minerva queried. I stood up "Yes I need to make sure I have all the essential ingredients." I had nearly gotten halfway to the door before realising I forgot Rose. "Callow" I called; which brought her to my shoulder in an instant. I strolled out of there making sure it looked like I wasn't rushing. As soon as I got a good distance away from the Great Hall, Rose landed on the ground and transformed back.

She hit me as soon as she could.

"What made you say that? Now he thinks I'm easy and he's going to pester me every night at my door from now on!" She mumbled before swaying on her feet. I was worried and angered that Lockhart would do that but I knew Rose would never give in to a fake like him.

She strutted off back to her quarters while I started organising my potions cupboard, I knew that it was an excuse for me to leave the Hall but I needed to do something to clear my mind. I regretfully went and fell asleep - ready for tomorrow. My dream was rather strange as Lockhart and Rose were a couple walking in the snow; hand in hand. I was fuming at the thought but I didn't know why? I woke with a start. I really needed a drink - Firewhiskey. I took down one of the bottles I had hidden around the room and took several gulps from it making my throat tickle. I had drunk the stuff so regularly that it didn't burn like everyone else said. I knew it was a bad idea but I finished the bottle off. A soft noise came from my door. "Cooomee innn." I slurred slightly. "Severus I was hoping you could make me a sleeping draught... oh Severus, you're drunk!" She stated. I nodded, throwing my head back and laughing. She took ahold of me and tugged me towards my living quarters. I purposely spun us around so she lay on the bed underneath me, she looked so innocent with them green emerald eyes staring up at me in shock. "Severus, you're drunk! Please let me go." She asked determined. I didn't care as I licked her face; she tasted of cinnamon, strawberries and rose petals. She wiggled under me, trying to get out of my grasp. I returned to her lips wondering if I should kiss them; I didn't. I withdrew myself when I got tired. I snuggled under the covers still holding Rose's hand in mine.

When I properly woke up, there was just me, no Rose. It must have been a dream then. I noticed then all my bottles of Firewhiskey were missing. Oh no, Rose had been here!

Rose's P.O.V
I wouldn't dwell on what happened, Severus was drunk! The sorting was rather short this time as I was only focused on Ginny due to the fact I had noticed Severus missing as well as Harry and Ron.

I was rather looking forward to this year as I now knew where everything was and what nearly everyone's names were! Minerva was going round all the students before coming to me. "Now your choices are..." "Minerva I want to do everything: Divination, Muggle Studies, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy and Care of Magical Creatures." "Well I think you will be able to, don't you?" Minerva whispered secretly. "Huh?" I looked at her oddly. "You don't know what it is? Your necklace?" She asked. "No I kept it from my parents vault when they died, why?" I queried. "This is a time-turner. You spin the hourglass backwards as many times as you need to; only up to 5 or 6 times which means hours though as it can become quite unstable. So you can go to your different classes - over and over until you've had them all. But you mustn't be seen by your previous self or anyone else." She instructed. I nodded, taking it all in. I was going to have a busy year.

I had only managed one day and I was already tired. I think Vigito was going to become my favourite new spell in the following weeks! I heard a knock on my door and pulled it open before regretting it instantly. Lockhart - of all the people. He forced his way into my quarters, I held my wand tightly in my right hand. "Nice place you've got here!" He muttered, casually shutting the door behind him. "What do you want?" I angrily asked. "I want you!" He replied simultaneously. I backed away before another knock on my door sounded. "Enter!" I commanded. It was Severus. "I can come back if you like." I shouted "No" while Lockhart said "Yes." "I'm sorry Lockhart but weren't you just leaving?" I snarkily stated. He frowned before taking as long as possible to get out of my room. The door shut. "Thank you Severus. Now what's wrong?" I demanded. "Harry and Ron were seen flying a car to Hogwarts by at least seven muggles. I thought you should know." He told me. I was fuming, why the hell didn't Harry use the train. There had to be a reason! I would talk to them both about it tomorrow, now I needed some rest. "Goodnight Severus!" I yawned, not noticing that he didn't leave. I removed my robe to reveal my short shorts and my small vest top and was about to go into my bedroom when a breath of air hit my shoulder. Oh no! I casually swivelled my head to see it was Severus. "What are you doing?" I stammered out, thankful that it wasn't Lockhart. "I don't know." He breathed on my skin. I stepped away from him and ordered "Get out!" He left with a nod. I dispelled all the thoughts in my head and went to bed knowing I would be utterly confused by everything happening.

The next day, I was adamant to go and have a word with Harry.