Madness takes its toll...

[Sola]

Alright. Am waiting for Lies...throu I still remember how I have been waiting for her to update 'Memoires of a moron' ....ahhh...but ....whatever ;D

You DO know the general direction?...now that's suprising ;D
Well...how general?...that there will be a wheelchair race?...well...could be enough

I only can imagin the 'strikes of genius' or Jean...that takes over for writing this. ;D

Anyway...check if you're schizophrenic...cuz I think I detect a certain Jean-side with you ;D

Sola

[KayleeTonksLupin]

Kaylee here. Finally. And I want to firstly apologize for being away from the board for so long...and secondly, congratulate you two on a lovely fic. But really, JB/SS? Diana will have a fit, as she supposes SS is already married to her "friend" Limuerea Hawk. ^.^ Still, I love the idea! Kaylee-wolf treats to everyone who reviewed, and double to Rikki and Lies for every chapter. *grin*

Hugs,

Kaylee

[Rikki]

I'm not sure if I should ask who that Hawk lady is. But well... just wait and see what happens.

Hugs, Rikki

[Rikki]

Shortly afterwards the group made their way back to the castle. Though Jean hated to admit it, the wheel chair ride had given her quite a thrill. And despite the danger and Albus quite… obscure way of ensuring their safety, it had been fun and quite exciting.

And suddenly Jean realized that she was hungry. A look at her watch told her that it was already noon. Time had flown by very quickly, but then again she had had quite an interesting morning. First riding a broomstick and then the wheel chair race… That was certainly more exciting than her days at Marcia Blane. Even with Teddy and Gordon courting her.

Right now she was walking beside Hermione. The young woman was quite pensive, and Jean guessed she was thinking about her future. It all depended on that wheel chair race. Jean decided to let her think and instead try to question Dumbledore about that potions master she had met before breakfast. Despite his icy demeanour he seemed to be a very interesting man.

“Professor Dumbledore?” Jean hurried to keep up with his pace.

“Please, call me Albus.” The old wizard smiled at her gently.

“Oh… Albus then.” Jean thought for a moment how she could ask him about the other man and not to make it too obvious.

“Do you wish to know anything?” Albus sensed that there was a question Jean didn’t dare to ask. And he did have a feeling that he knew what it was about. He had seen the looks Jean had given Severus during breakfast and noticed her attempt to engage the potions master in some conversation. A futile attempt as Albus knew. Severus had never been a morning person but with his teaching position it couldn’t be avoided.

“Well… this morning I met a man and…” Jean’s voice trailed off. Now that hasn’t been very subtle, she scolded herself.

“Professor Snape? Yes, indeed. You shouldn’t think about his refusal to talk to you over breakfast too much.” Albus smiled gently.

“Oh, right. Well, he doesn’t know me, and he doesn’t seem to be the person to talk to strangers.” Jean said lightly. “Uhm… is there… I mean, is he…” She just didn’t know how to say that.

“Does he have a wife? No. Severus has never been married, nor does he have a girl friend.” Albus smiled at Jean’s slightly shocked expression. He hadn’t told her that he could read minds. But at the moment he didn’t even have to in order to know that she was interested in the potions master.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you but I noticed that you seemed interested in him earlier.” Albus patted her arm.

“Well, he certainly is an interesting person. And I shouldn’t be prying into his privacy but… well…” Jean blushed slightly which was quite uncharacteristically for her but this whole affair here at Hogwarts seemed to change her.

When they entered the castle, Albus led Jean directly to the Great Hall. Hermione followed them, still thinking. It was weekend now, and her parents were still there. They would stay till the day of the race. Suddenly, Hermione felt a hand on her shoulder and she looked up.

“Hermione, how are you?” Minerva looked at her with concern. She knew that the current events took their toll on her young Gryffindor but she also knew that Hermione was strong.

“Fine, thanks, Professor.” Hermione tried to give her Head of House a convincing smile but failed.

“I know that it’s hard, Hermione, but I know you’ll succeed. We’ll do everything to support you. Don’t worry, okay?” Minerva squeezed her shoulder lightly and then pushed her gently towards the Great Hall.

***

In the meantime, in the Great Hall, Jean was being introduced to the- mostly quite curious- staff members, and though some of them did not exactly- appeal to her too much, some others- and one in particular- did manage to attract her attention in a very positive way indeed.

[Rikki]

And now Jean didn’t know if the Headmaster had done it on purpose, but the last one whose hand she got to shake was the Potions Master- and was it just her imagination, or was she not the only one whose hand lingered a little longer than was strictly necessary? Part of her really wanted to shake its head at her own, definitely schoolgirlish, ideas- and yet part of her couldn’t really explain exactly what attracted her so to the black-haired man, but definitely knew that she was attracted.

Only as, moments later, she turned away from Severus again did her eyes meet the, suspiciously twinkling, ones of the Headmaster- and the not less amused ones of the woman who was, Jean suspected, not only the Headmaster’s Deputy, but also his wife. Briefly, the Scottish woman wondered whether they approved of her obvious pursuit of the Potions Master- and somehow deep down, she realized, to her great surprise, that they did.

Indeed even Minerva couldn’t but smile at the sight of the younger woman’s obvious liking for the young man whom she had regarded as a surrogate son for quite a few years. True, Jean was probably not the perfect woman she had always wanted Severus to find one day- but Severus wasn’t perfect either, no-one was, and on that moment, Minerva realized that even she, used to always being in charge, had to simply accept some things the way they came.

She simply hoped for Severus that that feeling of hers was right.

“Actually, Professor Snape and I already had the pleasure to meet this morning.” Jean replied, breaking the awkward silence which had, somehow, crept between the different staff members because of her and Severus.

“We did. I fear I was not too polite with you, Miss Brodie, for which I sincerely apologize.”

Sincerely, my arse.

Jean nearly smiled as at that moment, in the eyes of the Potions Master, she read something very similar to an emotion she herself knew only too well. It was pride, and it was composure- and yet it was something else as well. Not bravery, perhaps, but- strength. Perhaps strength really did come closest.

And stubbornness- of course.

It was with a certain- gleam in her blue eyes that Jean allowed herself to faintly smile at the man standing opposite her, and as she shook her head, Jean suddenly knew what she was about to say.

“Well, Professor Snape, I shall forgive you- if, that is, I would be granted the privilege to be shown your classroom. I have understood that the art of potions making is indeed a quite interesting branch of magic…”

And now she didn’t know if it was just her imagination, but as she practically dragged the Potions Master along, Jean could have sworn she heard Albus chuckle…

And Albus chuckled indeed. While he was walking back to his study after lunch, his arm linked with Minerva’s, he thought of the slight look of panic on Severus’ face. And that thought made him chuckle.

“I know what you’re laughing at. And that’s not nice of you,” said Minerva with a grin.

“I’m sorry, my dear. But you know, I have a distinct feeling that Miss Brodie might be just the woman to catch Severus’ eye. Only that he’s not aware of that so far.” Albus grinned mischievously.

“Yes, I know. Just wonder what will happen after the race.” Minerva looked pensive as they arrived in front of Albus’ office. He gave the password and the stone gargoyle sprang to life. As they stepped on the spiral staircase, Albus put his arm around Minerva and pulled her into his arms, kissing her lips lightly.

“But right now, I’m glad that I have my wife to myself for a change.” He winked and they disappeared into his office and further into their private rooms.

[Sola]

HA! SS/JB!!! ;D
...I see it coming! there's no way getting around it now! -hopefully-

Anyway...interessting as always. And I'm anxiouse for the wheelchair-race to start.

Sola

[Rikki]

Well, I'm glad Lies and I were not the only ones seeing SS/JB. ;D We've called that ship HMS Potions and Poise.

So you can be really looking forward to the next part. I'm just waiting for Lies to add her part and then I can post it.

Hugs, Rikki

[Sola]

'HMS Potions and Poise' -quite like that.
How about opening a comunity? ;D but first you have to participate at w-a-r!

Well, and I see a LOT of thinks, so it's quite apreciated, that this one isn't only in my head ;D

Anyway....I AM looking forward. Actually I can't wait...

Sola

[Rikki]

In the meantime Severus and Jean went through the chilly corridors which led to the dungeons. Jean studied the potions master intently – and not very discreetly. He seemed to notice but not to mind.

“So, how long have you been teaching here, Professor Snape?” Jean asked, linking her arm daringly with Severus’. He looked down at their arms but didn’t remove his.

“For a couple of years now,” were the pressed answer. He seemed to be awfully tense. Jean sensed that he was nervous because of her.

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to make you nervous.” Jean unhooked her arm from his and stepped back a little. They had arrived at the potions class room and Severus opened the door, motioning for her to enter.

“No, please. I’m… It’s just…” Severus silently cursed himself. No woman had ever had that effect on him. Well, usually women didn’t really dare to approach him, let alone like that.

“I’m just not used to getting so much female attention.” Severus had turned his back to Jean so he didn’t have to look at her. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder. A small, delicate hand, slightly trembling. He took a deep breath but turned around obediently when he felt a gently pressure on his shoulder.

“That’s nothing to be ashamed of,” Jean said softly. Her hand still rested on his shoulder, her beautiful blue eyes searching his black ones.

Severus felt his knees go weak at her intense gaze.
“Miss Brodie… Jean… I…” he stammered. This couldn’t be. He wasn’t one to fall head over heels for someone. He didn’t even know that woman. She wasn’t even a witch.

“I know… I don’t understand it either,” Jean whispered, still staring in his eyes. Gently she raised her hand and touched his cheek, caressing it with her thumb. She had never felt like this before, not even with Teddy. This was such an intense feeling and yet so new and… unnerving. She felt like singing out loud, now that she was with this man, and yet she was slightly scared because of the intensity of her feelings for him. But deep down she felt a connection with him that was beyond the ordinary feelings, beyond time and space.

Hesitatingly, Severus raised his hand and mirrored Jean’s movements. This was completely new to him; and though he had had lovers before, this was different. With Jean it seemed to be a completely new experience. Gently he pulled her closer and lowered his head until their lips nearly touched. He felt Jean shiver with what he hoped was anticipation- and indeed it was.

Jean Brodie had kissed quite a few men in her lifetime, true- and yet as her lips, finally, finally, touched the surprisingly soft ones of that extraordinary man whom she had developed such a sudden fascination for, there was no Miss Jean Brodie left within her. All left of her was, once more, and for the first time in many years, just Jean, that gawky schoolgirl of fifteen who, already hating the two long blonde braids which she would cut off less than a year afterwards, for the first time kissed a boy- kissed Hugh, her soldier boyfriend- and probably the only one she had ever loved. Along with Teddy.

[Rikki]

Uhm... lemon alert. ;D Long Live HMS Potions and Poise, I'd say.

---

Teddy and Hugh- Hugh and Teddy. So much alike, and yet so very different, while Severus… Severus, Jean decided, reminded her of both of them- and yet for the first time in what felt like years, the memory was not a sad one- not bitter- just… a memory, and that’s what it was.

Kissing Severus was just decidedly different.

As their lips parted again, Jean opened her eyes and, with a smile, realized that Severus had his eyes still closed- almost as if he wasn’t able yet to realize what had just happened. His next question proved that idea.

“Jean- you do realize what you just did- don’t you?”

“I kissed you- or you kissed me. In short; we kissed each other.”

Her voice didn’t give away any surprise, or any disgust- and this surprised Severus. She didn’t even seem to be startled- or inclined to run away. It was a long time ago indeed since he had last encountered that emotion in a woman.

“You know I used to be a servant of Voldemort?”

“You know I used to be a teacher in the most conservative school of the whole of Edinburgh?”

This, Severus realized with a wry smile, was the essence of Jean Brodie indeed. To her, conservativeness and a true criminal past were just as much a crime- and for some reason, the simplicity of her reasoning appealed to him.

Perhaps it was her whom he’d been, unconsciously, deep down, looking for for years. Perhaps it really was her.

As he, tentatively, kissed her again, there weren’t many doubts left.

Jean’s arms sneaked around his neck and her body came closer to his. She could feel Severus’ heart pounding against her chest, matching the rhythm of hers. Severus’ lips were on hers, caressing her gently, licking her bottom lip and sucking it lightly. Jean’s whole body felt on fire now. And she was still completely dressed. She didn’t understand what kind of power he held over her or if he used magic but she just knew she had never felt like this before. Her experience with Teddy had been… well, quite overwhelming at the time but it was nothing compared to this.

Severus hands moved over Jean’s body with a gentleness that surprised even himself. He was known to handle his lovers quite roughly most of the time but this time… He couldn’t help it.

Suddenly he felt Jean’s tongue on his, caressing him just the way he had caressed her before. He couldn’t stifle a moan.

“Jean…” he said in a husky voice. “Jean, I think we should stop here. It’s not the right place for this…” He could see the disappointment in her eyes. She was still pressed to his body and could feel his hardened desire for her against her hip.

“But…“ Jean’s voice trailed off. This had felt so wonderful.

“Are you sure you want this?” Severus looked at the petit woman in front of him and searched her eyes. She merely nodded. Suddenly Jean found herself swept up in his arms and carried towards a door she hadn’t noticed before.

Severus gave the password and entered his chambers swiftly. Jean took a hurried look around before she began another assault on Severus’ lips. Somehow he managed to find his way to his bedroom and let Jean down right next to the large four poster bed.

Tenderly he stroked Jean’s cheek and pulled her then closer to him. Merlin knew he wanted that woman so much. Jean didn’t waste any more time and pulled his face down to hers to kiss him hungrily. Again she felt Severus’ hands on her body; they seemed to set every single nerve ending on fire. She wanted to feel his skin on hers, so she started pulling off his robes and groaned as she realized just how many layers of clothing he wore. He couldn’t help but chuckle at her obvious frustration. With a wave of his hand both his and her clothing disappeared and they were stripped to their underwear. She looked at bit astonished but recovered quickly.

[Rikki]

“I think I’m beginning to like magic,” she murmured softly against his newly exposed skin, making him shiver while she planted butterfly kisses on his neck and chest. Gently, Severus pushed her on his bed and lay down next to her, stroking her arm languidly.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered before his mouth started travelling down her body. He kissed and licked his way from her earlobe down to her neck and further to the swelling of her breasts. Cupping her breasts with his hands he squeezed softly, making Jean moan. He could feel her nipples hardening under his administrations, her hands on his shoulders, pulling him up to her face to kiss him.

Impatiently Jean pulled down her bra while exploring Severus’ mouth with her tongue. She felt a need she had never felt before. When his hands were finally on the delicate skin of her breasts she arched her back and moaned loudly.

“God, Severus, this feels incredible.” Her blue eyes were closed and her whole attention focussed on his touch. Severus looked at her flushed face for a moment and then lowered his mouth to her nipple, drawing slow sensual circles with his tongue while his fingers copied his movements on the other side. He could feel that Jean was already nearing climax just from his touches but he found that he didn’t care. This was just for her, and he wanted to pleasure her as much as possible.

While his hands were still on her breast, Severus’ mouth moved further south, kissing her belly and her thighs. Suddenly he felt Jean’s body tense and she screamed out his name as the first orgasm rocked her body. Gently Severus settled next to her, holding her in his arms until she was able to focus again.

“That was… incredible,” the blond woman whispered against his chest. He could feel her heart still pounding. His own desire didn’t matter at the moment; she was the only important matter right now.

Jean had just recovered from her orgasm as she felt the desire for the man next to her rise again. Her hands started travelling over his body, stroking and caressing him and memorizing the places where he seemed to be especially sensitive.

She kissed him hungrily, straddling him to gain better control over him. His eyes widened as he felt her on top of him.
“Jean, I hope you know that I can’t take this much longer. Watching you has had a … quite stimulating effect on me,” he managed to say.

“Well, I certainly hope so,” Jean purred, sliding down his body, leaving a wet trail where her tongue had been. Severus moaned when she reached his throbbing erection. She planted a feather light kiss on the tip of his cock, then took him into her mouth, sucking and licking it.

Suddenly she felt Severus’ hands on her shoulders and in the blink of an eye she was under him.
“Please, let me have it my way,” he said before he kissed her again. One of his hands wandered down to the centre of her desire, stroking her and spreading the wetness, before he entered her in one swift stroke. A sharp intake of breath from Jean made him stop for a moment to let her adjust to him, before he started moving slowly in and out of her. She had her legs wrapped around him, pulling him closer to her. With each thrust she bucked up her hips to meet him, encouraging him to move faster.

Together they moved towards heights of pleasure no one of them had known before. Moments later they both reached their climax, each the other’s name on the lips.

As, later on, they finally cuddled up together under the now ruffed sheets, neither of them spoke up. It was with a lazy and surprisingly tender thumb that Severus started tracing the blonde woman’s features- still in silence- and Jean smiled as she allowed the man whose arms were around her to study her face.

[Rikki]

“That was- amazing.”

It took Jean more than a few seconds to realize that it was indeed her own, now slightly hoarse voice that had uttered these three words- and when, finally, she did, a small smile graced her thin lips as Severus echoed her words.

“I most certainly agree.”

His voice sounded almost deeper than before as, black eyes near illegible and yet so very clear, he locked gazes with Jean again, who smiled. It was nearly as if the man whom she- did she dared to say it?- had fallen in love with so suddenly couldn’t really believe she was really here.

But indeed Jean Brodie was very much there- and softly covering Severus’s cheek by an uncharacteristically tentative hand, she, as usual, immediately spoke her mind.

“Yes, I am really here. Not planning on leaving anytime soon, either.”

Jean Brodie didn’t really realize that what she saw was regarded as an unique sight by many people indeed as, lazily, nearly- happily- Severus Snape’s lips folded into something very close to a smile as he pulled her a bit closer.

“I hope you won’t.”

But deep down, through the smile on his lips, Severus realized that not leaving anytime soon wasn’t really anything she, despite every good intention or even the love he could barely believe in on her part, could honestly promise.

After all he knew- and mustn’t forget- that even if she loved him, if he had finally found a human being capable of loving him the way he loved her, she had only come into his life through a mission- a mission after which she would, most probable, disappear from his life just the way she had arrived there.

All of a sudden.

[Sola]

Long Live HMS Potions and Poise, I'd say.

oh, ya! long and prosper!

“You know I used to be a servant of Voldemort?”

“You know I used to be a teacher in the most conservative school of the whole of Edinburgh?”

-that was so.. ;D

And the rest was of course quite the way I like it

But I see something new coming: a drama...will JB have to leave? ..if...poooor Severus (HUH?! POOR?! ...oh. no...there was a time I dispised him.woe)

Anyway...All hail the HMS Potions and Poise.

Sola

[Rikki]

Well, currently we're thinking about what to do with Jean. Might be interesting meddling with the time line. But I guess Jean will let us know what she wants. One way or another.... ;D

Hugs, Rikki

[KayleeTonksLupin]

Yayness, lemony-type updates deserve lemon-flavored Kaylee-wolf treats? How about lemon meringue pie-flavored? *grin* For a change. If I wasn't such a SS/Limuerea shipper (ask Tabby Bee, those of you who don't know) I'd be SS/JB for sure!

Hugs,

Kaylee

[KayleeTonksLupin]

Yayness, lemony-type updates deserve lemon-flavored Kaylee-wolf treats? How about lemon meringue pie-flavored? *grin* For a change. If I wasn't such a SS/Limuerea shipper (ask Tabby Bee, those of you who don't know) I'd be SS/JB for sure!

Hugs,

Kaylee

[Rikki]

Well, whoever that Limu-someone is... she's not Jean. ;D And since Jean is Mags... you get my meaning?

Hugs, Rikki

[Big Sis]

Whew, I had quite a lot of catching up to do! I had to laugh during the scene where Minerva and Jean met each other, I kept picturing one of those crazy movie stunts where one actress plays two characters and they meet and look at each other like "woah." ;D

Anyway, this is the craziest story I've ever read, but it's very entertaining. I like the fun side of Albus that you're portraying.

[Rikki]

Major update, folks. ;D Hope you enjoy it. And don't forget to review!

---

A couple of floors above them, Albus and Minerva sat on a love seat, snuggled up against each other. Albus held a book open for both of them to read but he sensed that Minerva’s mind had wandered off.

“Penny for your thoughts?” he asked softly, stroking her hair that was running freely down her back and arms.

“Oh…” Minerva came out of her dream world and looked her husband. “Well, I’ve been thinking about Severus. He seems to be really taken by Miss Brodie, and I hate to see him get hurt when she’ll have to leave.” Minerva’s voice was full of pity for the potions master. Though they loved to quarrel over quidditch and the house cup, they liked each other. And though Severus pretended to hate it – which wasn’t exactly true – Minerva tended to fret over him and his feelings. Most people wouldn’t even say that the potions master had any – but Minerva knew that he had. And he could be hurt easily – had been enough in the past, which had made him the man he was today.

“I know, my dear. But perhaps we’ll find a solution,” Albus said enigmatically. Minerva looked at him sharply but didn’t ask. She knew to trust her husband. And though Albus was rather carefree at times, she knew that he wouldn’t meddle with time. It was highly dangerous to change the time line.

So Minerva just nodded and settled back into Albus’ embrace. She couldn’t concentrate on the book anymore though, her eyes closed almost automatically as soon as her head was comfortable on Albus’ shoulder. Seconds later she was fast asleep. The excitement over Voldemort’s challenge as well as Miss Brodie’s arrival had clearly taken its toll on her.

Albus smiled softly and planted a kiss on top of her head. He’d carry her over to their bedroom later on. It wasn’t exactly the first time she had fallen asleep like this.
“Sleep tight, my darling,” he whispered before turning back to his book.

***
The next morning came way too quickly for Jean and Severus. After their lovemaking they had fallen asleep in each other’s arms and now just woken in time for breakfast. Jean smiled at Severus and kissed him softly. She couldn’t believe what she had done. She regarded herself as a proper lady who didn’t jump into bed with every man she found attractive. Yet with Severus it was different. He was different from all those men she had met before. And it wasn’t only because he was a wizard. It was his demeanour, his icy gaze and then again the tender side he had shown only hours ago. Jean couldn’t really explain it but she knew she had fallen in love with that man.

“Good morning, love,” she whispered. She smiled as Severus raised one of his long fingers and traced her lips with it.

“Good morning.” Severus pulled her closer and kissed her again, properly this time. Jean moaned when she felt his tongue enter her mouth and his hands on her body.

“God, Severus, you should really stop doing that or we’ll never get out of bed,” Jean said with a wicked grin. Not that she would mind but she remembered why she had been brought to Hogwarts in the first place.

With a sigh Severus got up and grabbed a robe, tossing another one over to Jean.
“Do you want to go to the bathroom first? It’s over there,” he said, pointing at a door behind him.

Jean simply nodded, tied the robe around her slender body and went to the bathroom.

In the meantime, Severus thought about his options. He had fallen head over heels for a woman he barely knew, yet he felt so complete with her. Finally he knew what all the fuss was about and what Minerva had tried to tell him all the time. But he had to fall for Jean of all women. Jean who’d have to go back to her time after that damn race with Voldemort. Once again Severus had the feeling that the Dark Lord had screwed up his life. Once again Severus would lose someone because of him. And once again Severus would end up being lonely because of him.

But Severus was sick of it. Albus Dumbledore was the greatest wizard of his time, wasn’t he? And Albus Dumbledore had always come up with a solution when there was a problem. So perhaps this time he could help too. Severus sincerely hoped so. He already missed Jean when he only thought of having to live without her again. While Jean was taking a shower, Severus decided to go to see Albus first thing after breakfast. Jean would be required to go and practice with Hermione anyway. And this time Minerva could oversee the practice so Albus would be free.

[Rikki]

When Jean emerged from the bathroom some minutes later, she found Severus in a pensive mood but didn’t ask why. While showering she had had enough time to think about the present situation herself, and the outcome of her thinking hadn’t been too pleasurable.

She knew, after all, with every bit of common sense in her body, that she would have to return to where she’d come from, once it would all be over. She knew that- and despite the prospect of seeing her girls again, of seeing Teddy and Gordon again, she couldn’t but feel that she’d ended up in a better world here.

Slowly but surely, her life had been tumbling down, after all- she did realize that now, with a distance of over sixty years separating her present from her past. Gordon would not return to her- and Teddy would, despite every love he possibly, maybe, felt for her, not follow where she led, just like he had told her. Her girls, too, were drifting apart- even Sandy. They were growing up, and once they would be adult women- and then?

While here- here she had it all. Most of all, she had Severus and if there was one thing that Jean knew for sure indeed, then it was that she didn’t want to lose him- not so shortly after finding him- and not ever. It seemed so frustrating that she would be forced to return to a gradually becoming unhappier existence, while what she left behind was, what she had always, deep down, craved- love.

Someone who understood.

As, hours later, the blonde woman once more found herself sitting in the wheelchair of the day before, she had to forcibly chase her worries away to the back of her mind- seeing how she did not want to do any more attempts to crash, after her earlier experience. When she caught Hermione casting her a worried gaze, she- composure!- once more folded her lips into a semi-relaxed smile.

The girl has enough to worry about already.

When, finally, Jean and Hermione, observed by the green, watchful eyes of a sleek, silver tabby cat, set off on another wheelchair training session, neither of them knew that they were watched by a pair of worried, black eyes from one of the windows of the castle behind them.

Severus, a frown on his face, didn’t really know where to start telling his employer and friend what he wanted to tell. He was not really afraid of Albus’ reaction- seeing how he assumed that he, who knew Severus so well, had already noticed something- but still. He knew that what he was about to ask Albus was against every single law of mankind- of the world- and yet he knew he had to ask for it.

Only as Albus’ voice interrupted his thoughts did Severus realize that the Headmaster knew his Potions Master very well indeed.

“Severus, I do know you want to ask me to let Jean stay.” Albus looked at the young man with worried eyes. He had been thinking about this, and he had known that there would be complications. But time was complicated. One couldn’t just meddle with it according to one’s own wishes.

Severus dropped his gaze and looked at his shoes. He didn’t know what to say. Earlier today he had thought about the reasons he could give Albus to let Jean stay. He had searched for the details of Jean’s life, of the life she would have let, had Tom not come up with that ridiculous plan and turned all of their lives upside down. A deep sigh escaped Severus’ lips.

“I know, boy. Come on, sit down. I think I’ve come up with a plan.” Albus put his hand on Severus’ arm and led him over to the sofa, urging him to sit down.

“You see, I thought we could have it like this…”

***

The following two days passed in quite a blur. The days were filled with practice for Jean and Hermione, always under the watchful eye of either Albus or Minerva or both. They had become quite good, as even Severus had to admit. He thought the whole affair was highly ridiculous, though he was grateful that it had brought Jean into his life.

Jean and Severus spent the evenings together, either making love or just snuggled up against each other, reading or talking. Tonight was the evening before the race. Albus, Minerva, Hermione and Jean would leave in the morning for London and for the race. Severus would stay at Hogwarts, he didn’t want Voldemort to see him with Jean and give him ideas. It was already bad enough as it was.

“I’m scared, Severus,” Jean whispered. It was very unlike her to admit that, but that was how things were at the moment.

“I know, my love. But you don’t have to. It will be alright. Albus and Minerva will be with you.” Severus pulled her closer as they sat next to each other on the love chair in Jean’s chambers.

“But… what if we lose. I mean, there is so much that depends on that race. Hermione is still so young…” Jean’s voice trailed off as she thought of the young woman. She had grown quite fond of her during the last days. Well, hardly a wonder, after all she was Sandy’s granddaughter, wasn’t she?

“If you lose, Albus will find a way out. He’s the greatest wizard of our times, remember?” Gently Severus pressed his lips on Jean’s head which lay on his chest. He could feel how tense she was, and he hated it. He couldn’t do anything about it. Just hope that everything would indeed be fine.

[Rikki]

Looking at his watch, he realized that it was growing late.
“You should go to bed and get some sleep. You’ll need to be wide awake tomorrow.” When he tried to rise from his seat, he felt Jean’s hand on his arm.

“Stay with me tonight.” Jean knew this would be their last night together. As Albus had pointed out at her arrival, she would be sent back to her time right after the race.

One, single glance from her big, blue eyes, and Severus didn’t hesitate no more. He, too, felt that this was a night to cherish- despite any promises or half-promises Albus’s words might or might not have told him. He still couldn’t fully believe Albus, who was always so careful about “meddling with time”, would ever make an exception for Jean- and indirectly, for him.

Sure, he knew Albus was rather fond of him. Though he always found it hard to accept that anyone would care to learn his name, much less actually like him for the person he was, he had to admit that both Albus and Minerva had always been exceptionally kind towards him- and he cared for them, too, more than he showed at times. Still he knew that he couldn’t expect Albus to do for him what he had, silently asked- so when he gently scooped Jean up in his arms, Severus looked down upon her with a sad smile on his lips.

As finally, hours later, the new couple fell asleep, once more cuddled up in each others’ arms, it wasn’t without tears in them that Jean’s eyes- finally- fell shut. She knew that the next day would be fateful in every single way- and she knew that the outcome of her and Hermione’s wheelchair race would be decisive in so many ways- and yet she also knew that no matter what they won through it, she would suffer a horrible loss as well.

As Jean glanced up at the face of her, already sleeping, lover, she knew, suddenly, for sure that these few, short days at Hogwarts had indeed changed her. No, she hadn’t become a wholly different person all at once- but she just felt as if a part of her which had always been there, the part of her which had cared about her pupils, the part of her which had loved her profession, had become stronger and stronger.

And that was more than partly Severus’s doing, Jean realized as, propping herself up on one elbow, she gently traced the man’s features with a soft finger. He wasn’t the most perfect man in the world, perhaps, but he was perfect for her. He’d not had the easiest past ever, she knew by now, but then again, had she? No, she hadn’t- and as she cuddled up to him once more, Jean nearly smiled again.

“Goodnight, my love.” she muttered, pondering whether she should say anything more- yet then realizing that those, three words left nothing unsaid.

“Goodnight.”

***
The next morning, Severus woke rather early. He looked down at the small form rolled up next to him, snuggling into his warm embrace. He sighed softly and pulled her a little closer. In a while they’d have to get up, and Jean would have to get ready for the race. Severus knew that her heart was set on winning the race, for Hermione and perhaps even for herself. And what would happen afterwards… Severus wasn’t sure he could ask such a huge thing from Albus. But Albus had seemed determined to give him an opportunity to love.

Checking his watch, Severus saw that it was time to get up. Carefully, he extracted himself from Jean’s arms and crept out of bed. It wouldn’t do if the students saw him emerging from her quarters at this time of the day. So he would go back to his chambers, change his clothing and then pick Jean up for breakfast.

Silently Severus dressed and placed a soft kiss on Jean’s forehead. She didn’t wake but stirred lightly in her sleep. Severus smiled and then left swiftly. Soon enough Jean would have to get up for a day that would decide about Hermione’s future.

Minutes later, Severus arrived in his chambers. He showered and dressed again in fresh clothes. Just before he was to set off to pick up Jean he remembered that he still had something for her. He went back to his desk, opened the drawer and took out a small box. Slipping it into his waistcoat pocket he finally left for Jean’s chambers again.

At his arrival, Severus found Jean dressed in some light sweatpants and sweater along with trainers. She looked at herself. When he entered, he got the impression he had just interrupted her giving herself some pep-talk. She turned around to greet him.

“Good morning, love.” She came towards him, encircling her arms around his neck and kissing him lovingly. She felt him pulling her closer and deepening the kiss.

“And a very good morning to you too.” Severus winked at her and planted another feather light kiss on her lips.

“God, Severus, I’m so nervous. What if we lose? What will happen then? And I don’t want to go back. I know I should focus on the race but I don’t seem to be able to. And… I don’t want to lose you. And… I’m rambling.” Jean sighed deeply.

“I know. I don’t want to lose you either. But we’ll discuss that after the race, okay? And don’t worry about the outcome. I’m sure you can win the race. And here’s something for you.” Severus pulled the small box out of his pocket and handed it over to Jean.

Jean opened it and gasped. Inside laid a golden necklace with a small locket. When Jean opened the locket, she saw a picture of Severus, waving at her and blowing kisses. Jean couldn’t help but laugh.
“Severus, this is wonderful. I love it. Can you help me putting it on?” She handed him the necklace and turned around so he could close it. When he was finished, she turned back and kissed him.
“Thank you, love.”

Jean felt that with the necklace she would be fine. Everything would work out eventually, and they would find a solution for their problem. And they would win the race.

Of course they would.

They had to.

When, after breakfast, Jean met up with Hermione, the nervousness in the young girl’s eyes was obvious- though just as obvious were her attempts to hide it as well as possible. Once more, Jean recognized Sandy in Hermione’s reactions and realized that it could just as well have been Sandy who stood here, next to her. Nervous and worried- but with a determination in her eyes and on her face that would and could conquer that nervousness- and with a wisdom beyond her age in every gesture she made.

[Rikki]

“How are you feeling?”

Worry was obvious in Jean’s bright blue eyes as she turned to Hermione- worry for this girl who was Sandy’s age- Sandy, whom she had once labelled as “just a child”. Just a child- and yet such a huge responsibility was resting on the shoulders of the girl in front of her. And Hermione’s words proved that she was very aware of that responsibility indeed…

“Okay enough to do whatever I can. How are you feeling?”

Jean couldn’t keep a sigh from escaping her lips before smiling and nodding.

“Quite the same.”

As, a moment later, they were joined by Albus and Minerva who both- despite every appearance of calmness and determination- did look a bit paler than usual. When the Headmaster showed Jean and Hermione the Portkey that would take them to London, where the race would take place, Jean couldn’t but stare at the object in front of her.

It was nearly funny- because the oh-so-important Portkey that would take them to one of the most important contests ever was- a purple, striped toe sock.

A grin graced her lips as Minerva rolled her eyes and sent her- husband?- a rather irritated glare, shaking her head in the process.

“Albus- please…”

And it was rather amusing, too, how the greatest wizard of all times all of sudden terribly resembled a toddler, caught with his fingers in the cookie jar- and with a nothing less than sheepish grin, the Headmaster turned towards his Deputy.

“Min- it was the first thing I could find-”

“If you would, just for once, put your socks into their proper drawer-”

Jean saw the tension on Hermione’s face relieved for a moment and she herself, too, had to forcibly restrain herself from smiling.

Like an old married couple.

Jean took one last look at Severus who would stay at Hogwarts and then reached out to touch the Portkey. Of course both Albus and Minerva noticed the glance that the two exchanged, and the headmaster and his wife smiled at each other. But now they needed to concentrate on the race instead.

Tom had named a very quiet road as the location for the race. It would go over a distance of 500m. One of his death eaters would join his team. A camera was positioned at the finish line to take a picture. Though Tom was cruel and loved his victories, he wanted a fair race.

When the Hogwarts team arrived at the scene, Voldemort and his followers were already there, getting ready. Tom turned around to greet Dumbledore but when he laid eyes on Jean he stopped. He hadn’t seen her in years, and even though he had changed a lot since the days when he had seen her in front of Marcia Blaine School, the old feelings were still there. Somewhere, buried beneath all the hatred he usually felt nowadays.

“Dumbledore.” Tom nodded at the old man, then turned to greet the women. He merely glared at Hermione, she was Sandy’s granddaughter after all. Minerva was greeted in the same way as Albus. And Jean… Tom extended his hand to touch her, then refrained from it. He couldn’t quite bring himself to do so, as much as he wanted to. He could see the disgust in her eyes as she regarded him with her head held high.

“Miss Brodie, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said jovially. Jean just frowned at the politeness with which the feared Lord Voldemort treated her.

“I wish I could say the same,” she said coldly, stepping away from him and taking refuge at Albus’ side.

Voldemort’s eyes narrowed, his already scary face turned even more into some kind of caricature which made Hermione whimper. She had never faced Voldemort before, but what she got to see now made the hair in the back of her neck stand.

“Shall we start then?” Albus decided that it would be better to get over with this race so that they could go back to Hogwarts. There was already enough strain on both Jean and Hermione, and he certainly wouldn’t want to give Voldemort – or Tom, as Albus preferred to call him – the satisfaction of seeing one of them crumble or back down.

“Certainly.” Tom turned away from him and indicated his “team mate” to get over.

Jean and Hermione took their positions and as soon as the whistle gave the sign for the start of the race, Hermione pushed as best as she could. She had gotten quite good at that during their training sessions, so they gained speed rather quickly.

Minerva clutched Albus’ hand tightly and watched the race. She nearly jumped when Jean seemed to lose control for a short moment but relaxed when she saw that the other woman regained control over the wheelchair.

The race took only seconds but to Albus and Minerva it seemed endless. Suddenly there was a bright flash, and everything was over.

[Sola]

Aaaah! unbelievable that I didn't review this before!
And even such a wonderfull long update!

and..aaaaahhh! what does the bright flash mean?
Evil you for ending here!
-so hurry-
Jean is getting better and better and...cooler ;D
Am *so* anxiouse to see her in the next chapters!
-so hurry-

“Min- it was the first thing I could find-”

“If you would, just for once, put your socks into their proper drawer-”

Jean saw the tension on Hermione’s face relieved for a moment and she herself, too, had to forcibly restrain herself from smiling.

Like an old married couple.

That was *so* fantastic! realy funny!

Anyway....you see...you have to update. Or Lies. One of you, dunno which turn. But one has to!

Sola

[tanja]

hi, ok, now I read it.Wonderful....weird at the beginning, but great afterwards.

[BlazeFourPaws]

More oh please. I love HMS Potions and Poise. They are so perfect for each other. This well written and to me rather plausible. I am also glad that I am not the only one to see Hermione Granger as a slightly nicer Sandy Stranger.

[Sola]

Lies and Rikki already wrote some more, but they are not really updating it here anymore.
PM one of them, they would sure send you what they got so far.
It's really awesome

[Rikki]

Whoops, I didn't realize that there was someone else reading madfic. *g* But here yo go then. Hope you enjoy it.

---

“Albus, is it-”

Minerva’s voice was much softer than usual as she turned towards the man who’d been her husband for many decades- and her green eyes were nervous and filled with worry as, in his blue ones, she found herself looking for the reassurance she knew he couldn’t give.

“It’s over, yes. That’s for sure- but there is indeed one thing we don’t know for sure- yet.”

It was with remarkably slow, remarkably hesitant feet that the man who’d been called the greatest wizard of modern age on so many occasions started moving towards where all four contestants, panting and sweaty, now stood. It was remarkable, Minerva nearly unconsciously pondered as she flashed Hermione, who looked positively drained, a hopefully reassuring smile, how much the four people she was walking towards suddenly looked like just that- people.

No enemies- no good or bad- just people.

And yet, as she felt her husband’s pulse beat against her own, she realized once more, once again, that she couldn’t help it- that there was good and bad in the world, and no matter how much she wanted to regard people as just people, she would never be able to. Too much had happened.

As both Albus and Voldemort, at the same time, moved towards where the camera stood, Minerva was glad she could finally hug Hermione. The young woman positively looked as if she could faint any minute- faint or throw up, that was. Her face was pale- eyes bigger than ever as they mirrored Minerva’s own question. As, moments later, Jean, too, was pulled into an uncharacteristically enthusiastic hug, her blue eyes, too, for the very first time, showed to someone else than Severus how vulnerable she, through her whole attitude and outer strength, really was.

Minerva, always quick to notice things, saw it- and recognized it. It might just as well have been one of the few likenesses between both teachers.

“Albus-”

Yet the picture in her husband’s hands said enough- as did the shocked expression on the young Death Eater’s face. A smile was about to enfold her lips- until a green flash brusquely stopped it.

“You won’t witness my failure!” Voldemort’s angry voice hissed, as he looked down on the dead body of that same, young Death Eater.

“I’m sorry, Jean. I never meant to disappoint you.” With one last longing look at the blonde woman Voldemort turned around and disapparated with a soft pop.

“What…” Jean looked from Albus to Minerva and then to the body of the Death Eater which laid in front of her.

“It was a killing curse,” Minerva answered softly. “They’re unforgivable and not used – except by Voldemort and his Death Eaters.”

Suddenly, all the tension seemed to fall off Hermione, and she burst into tears. She couldn’t believe they had actually managed to win that stupid race. Minerva scooped her into a tight embrace, whispering words of comfort to the young woman.

“What will happen with him?” Jean asked, indicating the body.

“I’ll take care of that. I suggest you take the port key back to Hogwarts. I’ll meet you there later.” Albus handed Minerva the sock and murmured a spell to move the body to a more appropriate place.

Within the blink of an eye Minerva, Hermione and Jean were back at the familiar surroundings of the headmaster’s office at Hogwarts. Severus had waited there all the time, it seemed. When the three women arrived he jumped to his feet and rushed towards them, never taking his eyes off Jean’s face.

“I’m so glad you’re back. How did it go?” He pulled her into a hug, then stepped back looking at Minerva inquiringly.

“All went well, Severus. They won the race.” Minerva smiled at the sigh of relief from the younger man and patted his arm.

“There’s just one thing I’d like to ask…” Jean started. “What did Voldemort mean by his last sentence before he disappeared?”

“Well, we don’t really know but Albus has a suspicion. Tom Riddle went to school in Edinburgh before he came to Hogwarts. In fact he went to the boy school which is opposite the school where you teach. So Albus suspects that he might have had a crush on you as a boy. And … well, the rest is more than I can say at the moment.” Minerva bit her lip. She had nearly let slip that Sandy would ‘betray’ Miss Brodie by reporting her teaching methods to the headmistress of Marcia Blane.

“I see.” Jean’s face took on a pensive expression. She tried to remember the boys who usually stared at her from the other side of the street, tried to figure out if one of them could possibly be Tom Riddle. She knew it wouldn’t be the same when she went back there. She would always have to think about the boy and what would become of him in the future. A future she didn’t want to leave.

“Minerva, where’s Albus? There’s still a subject matter I’d like to discuss with him.” Severus seemed to be a bit nervous, and Minerva thought that she had a pretty good idea why that was. Of course Albus had told her about Severus’ request and about their subsequent conversation. But he hadn’t told her about the decision that had been made – or if there had been made any decision at all as a matter of fact.

[Rikki]

“Voldemort killed the Death Eater who assisted him in the race – Albus took care of the body.” Minerva searched the face of the young man for a sign of emotions but right now he seemed to have put on the only too well-known mask of his – a sign how tense he really was. Minerva knew him well enough to see that he worried about Jean and that he didn’t want to let her go. And she hoped that Albus would be able to come up with something to allow the potions master the happiness he deserved.

Jean clung to Severus with abandon, the race and their victory completely forgotten. At the moment, all that counted was that her time with Severus seemed to come to an end.

“Professor?” Hermione chimed in. She was still a bit shaky but seemed to have recovered from the race and the emotional strain of the last days.

“Yes, dear? Do you want to go and see your parents? I thought they would be waiting here but I think they will be in the Great Hall. It’s nearly time for dinner already.” Minerva smiled at the young girl encouragingly and indicated that she could leave and find her parents.

As Hermione disappeared through the hallway, Minerva, finally, fell down on one of the Headmaster’s large, comfortable chairs, covering her closed eyes with both hands.

“I am so glad that’s over!”

Her husband’s soft chuckle made her smile and with a playful gesture, Minerva slapped his arm, grinning.

“You should know better than to laugh, Headmaster! Honestly, just imagine what would have happened- and she’s only a child- but anyway, she’s safe now- as safe as anyone can be under these circumstances.”

The last line had come as an automatic correction of herself- because Minerva knew only too well that safety was not a luxury they could brag about having. The war against Voldemort wasn’t over yet- and that they had won the battle did not mean that they had won the war. The Transfiguration teacher had seen more than enough of war during her life to not realize that.

Still she was happy, for Hermione, for Jean, for Severus- and yet, as she noticed the way the two, younger people were still standing, the way they looked at each other, she realized that for them, it had been a bittersweet victory.

It was on that moment that Minerva McGonagall, as much of a teacher as she was, fought herself and won, realizing that, no matter how important the regulations on time travel were, there were more important things in the world.

And she also knew that she’d never be able to accept the happiness of the man she loved like a son and the woman she’d grown to appreciate being sacrificed.

“Albus-”
And yet as she noticed the twinkle in her husband’s eyes, she knew she needn’t worry. It was one of the main advantages of their long marriage and even longer friendship- some things she just knew. She, who’d never believed in any form of divination, telepathy, paranormal things whatsoever had had to admit the existence of at least that sort of it years ago.

“Jean, Severus-”

It was nearly funny how the two people, whom Minerva knew to be so stubborn, so independent, so strong, suddenly looked up with in their eyes the pure hope she’d always thought only children could feel. And yet there was something very un-childlike in their eyes, blue and black, black and blue, alike. It was the realization that every minute, they could be parted, and that if the Headmaster decided this was to happen, there wasn’t even much they could do about it.

“I think I have a plan.” Albus indicated for both Jean and Severus to take a seat. Minerva moved to stand behind his chair as he looked at the two young people in front of him.

“I know one shouldn’t meddle with time and so on but I guess we could make an exception in this case…” Here Albus was interrupted by a cheer from Jean. She had jumped up from her chair and pulled Severus in a close hug, followed by a passionate kiss.

“Hem, hem.” Albus tried to get their attention back which brought him a slap from Minerva who felt strongly reminded of Umbridge – and that wasn’t a very pleasant memory, thank you very much.

“Sorry, love.” Albus shot her an apologetic look, oblivious to the slip of term when referring to Minerva.

Jean looked at Severus with a raised eyebrow but he just winked.

“So, what do you have in mind then?” he asked. He knew that Albus had thought of something, the headmaster had told him earlier that he had been thinking about a plan, but Severus hadn’t dared to believe that he would actually see it through.

“Well, as I’ve already told you there would be a chance for Miss Brodie to stay here. Under the condition that she goes back to her time first, to settle her affairs and create some believable background story for her disappearing which will occur at the end of term. Severus, you will go back too and pick her up then.” Albus beamed at Jean who couldn’t believe her ears.

[Rikki]

“That’s… I don’t really know what to say. That would be wonderful. I’m not sure yet if I’ll be of much use but I’m grateful for the chance you are willing to give me. Thank you so much.” A single tear escaped her eyes – rather unusual for her, composure was very important – but she didn’t mind. She was much too happy that she would be able to see Severus again, let alone spend the rest of her life with him.

“Well, now that this is settled, I think it’s time to send you back. Severus will accompany you and drop you off at the time when Hermione intercepted you. Please, remember; don’t mention either Hogwarts or the wizarding world to anyone.” Albus stepped around his desk and looked Jean in the eyes.

“No, I won’t. So I’ll see you all in a couple of days?” Jean’s hand never left Severus’ but she smiled happily at Minerva and Albus.

“Yes, my dear. Have a safe journey.” Minerva hugged her tightly before letting go and handing Severus the time-turner so he could bring them both back to Marcia Blane.

Within the blink of an eye both Severus and Jean were gone while Albus and Minerva were left in the headmaster’s office, looking at the now empty spot.

“That was quite a day, my dear. But I’m glad everything turned to the best. And since we’ve already missed dinner, I suggest we retire to our chambers, have a little snack and then celebrate the victory accordingly?” Albus asked suggestively, wriggling his eyebrows. Minerva just laughed and slapped his arm playfully.

“That sounds like a wonderful evening.” She kissed him lightly on the lips before linking her arm with his. Together they left the office, the portraits whispering about today’s events.

***

Jean closed her eyes as, with an already familiar tug behind her navel, she felt herself and Severus being transported back in time- to the place and age she had once belonged in. She knew she only went to say goodbye, so to speak- but still she couldn’t admit she felt her heart jump just a little at the sight of that very familiar, brick stone building that she knew to be the school that had been her life for quite a part of her life.

In a way, she would miss Marcia Blaine, she knew. Not her colleagues, not the arguments- not the narrow-minded Headmistress, but her girls. Though perhaps sometimes in the wrong way, she had always attempted to teach them something, something valuable to make them into worthy young women. And yet, as she felt Severus’s hand in hers- as she looked into those black eyes she’d learnt to know so very well, she knew she had to leave her girls.

She’d given them everything she had been able to give, after all.

“Let’s go inside, shall we?”

Severus merely nodded, gazing at the surprisingly small building- and Jean had to admit that it was true; compared to Hogwarts, Marcia Blaine was nothing. Yet in her way, she had loved it- only perhaps not as much as she’d grown to love Hogwarts which was, undoubtedly, just a wee bit less boring and ordinary.

“I know it is small.”

A small smile came upon her lips as she had to gently drag Severus along. She’d heard from Minerva that Slytherins- usually- weren’t too fond of Muggles- but apparently this one could indeed hardly restrain his fascination for the Muggle centre of Edinburgh. With a sudden smile, Jean felt a wave of pride at the sight of “her” city.

Yes, she had always been proud of Edinburgh, no matter what.

As their footsteps started echoing through the empty school corridors, Jean headed for the only lit room- hall- to the ball again. She was wearing the colourful dress she’d been wearing as she’d disappeared again- and as they- she and Severus- stood in the door-opening, she could hardly believe how much her position had changed since the last time she’d been there.

Yes, she was still that same, fair-haired, blue eyed woman with the slender figure and pale skin- and yet in a way, she had changed so very much, too. Not only her relationship with Severus was new- there was more.

“Miss Brodie!”

The next moment, Jean found herself and her lover being stared at by two- obviously quite curious- young women. One was a red-haired beauty- one was dark-haired, and Jean smiled.

“Jenny, Monica, you don’t know how glad I am to see you two again.”

The surprise in the girls’ eyes was obvious, but Jean didn’t care for just this moment- and resting a hand on the girls’ shoulders, she answered their unasked question with a faint smile.

“This is Severus, girls. He is- a friend of mine. Where is Sandy?” Jean looked around for the familiar face but couldn’t see the young woman.

“I think she has already left, Miss Brodie,” Jenny replied, uneasily staring at Severus. Luckily, the potions master had remembered to transfigure his clothes into something fitting the time before they had entered the school. But still, Jenny sensed that there was something mysterious about the man she had never seen before but there was also something different about Miss Brodie. Though she’d only been outside for a couple of minutes she seemed … so much calmer and, well… different. Jenny couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was, and she wished Sandy was still here. Sandy would have been able to tell.

[Rikki]

“Oh, right. Yes, well, I think…” Jean checked her watch. It was shortly after ten, which was regarded as a reasonable time for young women to go home and to bed, even at an occasion like this one. “I think I should go and see Miss Mackay. Oh, and please tell Sandy I’d like to have a word with her on Monday morning.” Jean nodded and then watched Jenny and Monica walk off. She smiled thoughtfully as she saw her two students disappear.

“Well, I guess it won’t be easy to leave them all behind. I wonder what will become of them.” Jean looked at Severus, searching his dark eyes for an answer. She knew that there might be a way to check the fate of her gals.

“I suppose the headmaster will know.” Severus squeezed her hand gently and reassuringly. He felt that she needed him right now. And he knew that she felt a bit torn between her obligation to her gals and her love for him. So far her only goal in life seemed to have been to be there for her gals, to teach them and prepare them for the life after Marcia Blaine. But now… now was the first time she allowed herself to think of her own needs, to put them before everything else.

“Yes, you’re right. I’m sure he can find out.” Jean took a deep breath and then pointed to a woman who was standing at the far end of the ball room. “This is Miss Mackay, our headmistress. I suppose I should go over and tell her about my resignation.” Jean tried to sound secure but she didn’t feel like it. She knew that, to Miss Mackay, her resignation must seem like giving in to the constant pressure she’d experienced from the headmistress and from parts of the staff.

“Yes, my dear, but remember, I’ll be right with you.” Severus let go of her hand but never took his hand away from the small of her back, guiding her through the still partially crowded ballroom. When they reached the opposite end of the room he fell back a bit.

“Oh, Miss Brodie. I see you’ve brought a friend?” Miss Mackay asked with a false smile on her lips.

Jean, determined not to let the Headmistress get to her- not this time, not now!- merely sent a more or less sincere smile Miss Mackay’s way, and slightly inclined her head.

“I have- and actually he is the reason why I would like a private talk with you, Miss Mackay- if you can be missed over here, that is.”

For a moment, Severus thought the elderly, stern-looking woman would refuse- but then, as if she realized that the outcome of this could be something she had wanted for quite some time, Emmeline Mackay nodded.

“Very well. Follow me.”

She set off at these words- and Jean and Severus, joined at once by a hesitant, curious Jenny and Monica, followed.

As the little group had arrived at the Headmistress’s office, Jean turned towards her “gels” with a smile.

“Monica, Jenny, dears- I’ll join you again in a minute, okay? Have a look for Sandy, you never know if she is here still. Severus-”

As the girls, with an obedient nod and a “Sure, Miss Brodie.”- yet with badly concealed curiosity in their eyes- walked back the Hall, Jean turned towards the black-haired wizard who was still holding her hand.

“I suppose- you don’t have to go in with me, if you don’t want to, perhaps it would even be better if-”

A faintly amused smile came over the Potions Master’s lips, though, as he shook his head.

”For better and for worse, Jean. I may not have made that promise- yet- but I intend to keep it anyway. We go in together.”

Jean nearly grinned- and it was in a hardly understandable mutter that she commented

“Almost Gryffindor courage, Professor Snape- maybe someone should tell Minerva…”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“You’re right. I wouldn’t.”

This time, Jean really smiled- yet the short conversation was ended quite abruptly by a dry cough of Miss Mackay’s. The stern Headmistress was still standing in the door-opening of her office- watching the couple with a mix of curiosity and disgust of that curiosity in her spectacled grey eyes.

“Miss Brodie? You wanted to speak to me?”

Suddenly remembering exactly what she’d come here for, Jean nodded, heart suddenly beating harder than she had imagined it would.

This is it. It’s now or never.

As Severus pulled her arm through his, though, the blonde woman could breathe again.

And it’s good that way.

“Come in, then. And Mr-”

“Snape. Severus Snape.”

“Mr Snape, I suppose you will come in as well?”

“Certainly.”

As Jean felt the blood streaming again in her- slowly unfreezing- legs, she smiled and nodded again, as the couple entered the Miss Mackay’s office. The sober surroundings along with the inquisitive-defensive look in the Headmistress’s eyes brought back memories to the blonde teacher- memories of former visits- memories of much more to say and of much less to hope.