Severus and the Thunderbird

Caught

Seren / October / Sixth Year

She stormed out of the castle, not taking the time to mask herself. Stomping her way down to the edge of the grounds, upset and embarrassed. A tall man appeared just before the wrought iron fence, a long beard moving in the wind, spectacles slid down his nose; wearing an impish grin, silver robe glittering in the moonlight, extending his hand

"I don't believe we've met. I'm Albus Dumbledore"

She gasped, face to face with the headmaster and arguably greatest wizard of all time, certain that she was about to be arrested for trespassing but shook his hand just the same

"I'm Seren Murphy. The book finder. I was delivering a book to Professor Snape"

A bald faced lie. But necessary.

"Intriguing. I wasn't aware of any deliveries. Did the delivery include a raucous row? The portraits in the castle are rather gossipy, especially when it comes to a good fight"

She blushed, nervous tingling all the way down into her toes. Caught up in a trap. Stupid ghost portraits. Severus had sealed off the potions lab but not his chamber door. They heard through the walls.

She shook her head no, feeling the sharp prick of Legilimecy. She occluded her thoughts quickly.

"Ah. I see. Would you like to come to my office for a biscuit?" Albus asked with a wink, letting her know it wasn't voluntary

Once in his office, she gazed around at the books, and the gorgeous red phoenix in the corner. He flew over to her, nuzzling her neck like a cat.

"Fawkes likes you. But he senses distress. Is there anything you would like to tell me?" the older wizard asked kindly, setting a plate of cookies down in front of her

Everything about him screamed gentle old man, but she sensed a deep and dark power within. He was dangerous. Everything about her felt as if it were on display. As if he could see and sense all her thoughts and feelings. They certainly didn't call him the best wizard for nothing. She noticed his blackened hand, cursed.

"I don't have anything I want to tell you sir" she answered honestly, skirting his question.

"Let me phrase it this way. Why were you really talking with Severus? He is my staff and as such cannot bring unsupervised guests onto the property. Shall I go get him to clear this up?" Albus asked her, light tone belying his intentions.

She didn't want him to call Severus. He didn't need to know she was still here. Showing off his one vulnerability: their nights together. She sighed, rubbing her forehead. She just wanted to sleep and forget this whole day. Fawkes crowed, nestling onto her shoulder.

"No! He can't know you found me. Severus and I had an agreement...for several years. We ended it tonight. I can't compete with a ghost anymore" she told him somewhat vaguely, certain that he would understand if he and Severus were close.

"He has very little control over that portion of his life I'm afraid. He has little control over any aspect of his own life if I'm being genuine" Dumbledore told her sadly, holding onto his blackened hand

She sat quietly, unsure of how to answer. A moment passed before she questioned

"Severus said this job was penance. I assume he meant for Lily. Am I right?"

Dumbledore bowed his head, the years catching up to him in one moment

"Yes. He is fulfilling many promises on my behest. Tell me, what would you do for Severus?"

A breath caught in her throat. What would she do for him? The question felt like a dare. He was her best friend. As much as they said it was just sex, over the years it had morphed. He was steadfast, funny, acerbic, and loyal to a fault. She wanted nothing more than to be the only one he stayed with. Even now, fury and regret bubbling in her veins, she knew the answer immediately, effectively throwing herself at this possible sociopath's mercy