Betrayal and Truth
Chapter 9 of 10
BulletTimeScullyHindsight is 20/20...
Disclaimer: Nothing recognizable is mine.
So sorry for the long wait! I thought I had posted this one already. It's rather short, but the next one is nearly finished and is rather long.
Enjoy!
~*~*~*~*~
Cara had a child.
A child she had never even mentioned, not once.
He raised the photograph once more, features tightening as he looked at the smiling woman holding the baby. Something twisted in his gut; it felt like fear… but not any fear he had ever faced. He knew the fear of death, the fear of hopelessness, even the fear of those he cared for coming to harm, but this… this fear was new.
How could a woman who so obviously loved such an innocent being ever love a man like him – a scarred, broken murderer with absolutely no redeeming qualities?
He blinked. Love?
Oh, Severus… you fool…
In a flash of frightening clarity, he realized that he shouldn’t be here. Cara trusted him. Merlin knows why, but she did. His very presence was betraying that trust. What if…
“You fucking bastard!!”
Severus spun around at the sound of Cara’s utterly furious voice. She stood in the doorway to her bedroom, a suitcase in her right hand and a traveling cloak dangling from the other. Her face was a mixture of emotions that Severus was unaccustomed to seeing. There was anger, which he had seen; and sadness, which he had also seen; but the one emotion that he was entirely unfamiliar with when displayed across her features was the look of utter hurt and betrayal that glared back at him now.
“Where have you been?” he said without thinking, his ire matching hers.
She didn’t answer him. Instead, she dropped her things and stormed up to him. She snatched the picture from his hand and looked down at it. Something passed over her face, but it was gone before Severus could decide what it was. However, when she looked up, there was no mistaking her anger.
She held up the frame.
“You went through my things?!” she whispered. “You came into my room while I was gone, went through my personal things, and now you have the audacity to question me about something that is absolutely none of your fucking business?!” Her voice rose as she finished the sentence, and her ire was so great that the air practically sizzled with angry magic.
“Miss Benoit…” Severus said again, trying to talk her down, even though he knew that he was most definitely in the wrong.
“Goddamn you, Severus…” she growled, running her hands through her hair. “Where’s my wand?” she said suddenly, frantically patting the pockets of her jeans before rushing back to her dropped bag. “Where is my wand?!” She turned back to him, finger pointed accusingly. “I should hex you… no… I should kill you! Of all the ungrateful, underhanded, sneaky, malicious…”
“Cara!!” he bellowed.
His use of her first name stopped her for a moment, and she simply stared at him in disbelief for a moment. “No…” she hissed, shaking her head. “Don’t you dare use such familiarity with me, Professor! Get out! Get out, or I swear to God I’ll hex you out!” She pointed her newly found wand at him, the tip shaking with rage.
He raised his own instinctively. “You wouldn’t dare—”
His robes were on fire before the words had left his mouth. He frantically waved his own wand to put them out, but not before getting badly singed. He opened his mouth to swear at her, but was unable to as she half sobbed, half screamed, “Out!” one last time. He found himself on the other side of her door, which was then slammed violently in his face.
The fact that he could hear her sobs through the thick English Oak did nothing to quell his anger. Well… nearly nothing.
Fucking hell….
Who was he kidding? He now felt like a complete and utter ass; he knew he was in the wrong, but how dare she speak to him that way? And she had set him on fire! He had just purchased these robes, and now they sported a quaffle-sized hole in the leg. Not to mention the second-degree burn he now sported on his upper thigh.
Another heart-wrenching sob came from the other side of the door, followed by the sound of breaking glass.
Shite…
The little angel on his shoulder prodded him… telling him that he should apologize at once. This was entirely his fault after all; he had no business snooping in things that were none of his concern.
Severus told the angel to shove it.
The third time he heard her anguished cries, he actually raised his hand to knock, intent on begging – yes, begging! – forgiveness, but when the sobs cut off abruptly, he knew she had silenced the room. Growling, he kicked the door with all his might before turning on the spot and leaving her rooms. He would deal with… this… later.
However, despite his anger as he stormed his way to the dungeons – smelling of burnt wool, his pride wounded, and his leg hurting like hell where Cara had hexed him – he could only wonder if she hated him now... and desperately hope that she didn’t.
~ TBC
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Latest 25 Reviews for The Wine of Life
26 Reviews | 1.92/10 Average
Hmm. Well, this is clearly a rather transitional chapter. I'm a bit surprised that she forgave him (or even was civil to him) so quickly. She's a fairly prickly person, and I just can't see her acting medrely reproaching him, as if it were a minor thing, just a few days later, particularly since she's annoyed anyway. But his apology was perfect. Wise man.
I normally don't like Severus with anyone but hermione in fanfiction but, I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading more. Cara seems a match for Severus and I love that she is American. Great story so far I'm hooked!
Yes, indeed. There's clearly something about Severus that makes people want to set him on fire, isn't there. And he's being particularly terrible here. I like Cara, although the amazing horses seem rather un-Hogwarts-like. (Are there stables with house-elves anywhere in canon? I don't even remember a horse.)
I don't usually read stories where an OC is the central character, but I remember very much liking your HP-Buffy mix-up on OWL a few years back, so I thought I'd try this one. Which I seem to have missed the first nine postings of, somehow. Thanks for posting! Now that I've finished catching up, on to your most recent chapter!
Dear BulletTimeScully.I am so glad that you're back. I've missed this story, and Cara, especially. Right now I have an overwhelming urge to knock Severus over the head. But I think I will let Cara do that for me. I look forward to the next chapter, and will send your ailing muse as many positive thougths as I can.
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
Thank you so much! I'm so glad to have an update for this story... I've missed writing it! Cara will definitely knock him over the head when she finds out... and Severus will find out some things that will change the nature of their relationship...Thank you for all the positive thoughts! I'm going to stockpile them until I can pound out the rest of this story... ;)
Well, Snape's going to have to make some decisions about whether he wants to be part of her life for sure or not. It appears that if he had accepted her invitation, he would have found out the truth that night, anyway.
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
He certainly is. I know that he'll definitely be confused... Cara has been so open with him about her life, but why not this? And does he really have a right to know? They're not 'together,' after all. Perhaps she means more to him than he's comfortable with... considering his reaction to the photograph. I guess the real question is, does Severus mean enough to Cara for her to forgive him if she finds out? I guess we'll see.Thanks so much for the R&R!
What - an - idiot! Men! What gives him the right to treat her like a first rate jerk and then go to her room and snoop all over the place??? I hope she comes back with a whip and scourges him!
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
He's a man... what can I say? ;) He's got it in his mind that she's wronged him, and he'll be damned if he's going to let her get away with it. It's petty that he breaks into her rooms, and even more so that he snoops through her things for something she clearly wasn't ready to tell him about. Oh, and you can be sure that when she finds out, it won't be pretty. I have a feeling that Severus will see a whole new side to Cara in the near future...Thanks for the R&R!
He seems almost interested in her. He definitely seems to fell responsible for her.
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
He does seem to feel a bit responsible, doesn't he? I think it's because she's been so open with him, and she doesn't shy away from him like most others... it intrigues him as much as it irritates the hell out of him... As for his interest... well, I think he's more interested than he knows... but he should realize it soon enough. Thanks for the R&R!
Don't tell me he wrote out her lesson plan for the entire year?!?!?
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
Oh, goodness no! She already had the first week finished. He simply helped her outline the next three weeks. Cara is a bit of a procrastinator... and she has other things on her mind as well (which I know is not a good excuse for not getting your lesson plans done), but we'll find out about that a little later. Thanks for the R&R!
I have no personal experience with horses, but it was so cool to read about the two of them taking a ride together!
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
Thanks very much! I couldn't resist putting Severus on a horse, and I'm glad it didn't come across too cheesy. I've had horses for twenty years, and Oberon and Onyx are my dream horses... *sigh* Maybe one day I'll be lucky enough to own them!Thanks again for the R&R!
That was a fun morning! I like the small ways in which they're getting closer.
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
It was fun, wasn't it? I think even Severus had a good time... though I don't think he'd ever admit it... at least not to Cara. I'm glad you picked up on the subtle shifts in their relationship... that's what I'm going for. I think he really *wants* to talk, but he doesn't know how... maybe Cara will help him with that. :)Thanks for the R&R!
It's so delightful to see Snape nonplussed like that. Usually he's got all the answers and all the control. Interesting things happen when he's a bit off balance.
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
Thanks! You're right... he is always in control and he really doesn't know what to do when he isn't. Interesting things are indeed ahead... :)
It's better if she leaves. I can't imagine they'd remember anything of this night if he let her stay. Eventually, I suspect she intends to make full use of that bathroom and perhaps some of the other amenities to be found in the dungeon.
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
It is better... Cara isn't one the sleep around... but she will definitely drink you under the couch. Perhaps Sev was worried what he might do if he allowed her to stay any longer... ;) Oh yes... I'm sure at some point the bathroom will definitely be a central figure...
Wow, this is going to be some night. She knows just how to handle him, somehow.
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
You're right... it is going to be interesting... Cara treats him like everyone else, and not like some horrible, evil person. She can see the good in almost anyone... and since she's a foriegner, she doesn't have any preconcieved notions about the man. Thanks for the R&R!
I always meant to come back to this and never did. Cara cracks me up.Surely it means something that they both reached for the Tequila. Does that mean limes are in the offing?
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
I'm very glad you decided to come back! *hugs* I'm glad Cara could make you laugh! Hmm... there should be some teeny tiny limes coming up soon... not too much, but maybe enough for a shot or two... hehe...Thanks for the R&R!
There are some interesting bits in here. I hope the next part is coming soon.
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
Thanks for reading! It's very appreciated!! Yes, the next chapter should be up within the week. :)
Adorable chapter! ITA about Sev's taste in music. I don't think he listened to Disco much, but the early metal scene...I always imagine him listening to Zep, Sabbath and Floyd for some reason.Cara's definitely put a bug in his ear. She likes him and I think he could warm up to her too.Update when you can!
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
Thanks! Yes, I've never taken him for the disco type either. It's very easy for me to visualize an 18 year old Severus listening to The Wall while smoking something of a questionable nature... but that's just me... 
You're right... they have definitely peaked each others interests... I hope they can learn to get along... hehe...Thanks for the R&R!
I found this story today and read up to here in one sitting. Wonderful! I just love Cara. She can match wits with him, and snark as well. And because she is an American, she doesn't know she's supposed to be frightened, intimidated, or repulsed by him. She's perfect.I wonder if some day, someone will tell her how he got injured in the final battle, so she will understand his reaction to her "I won't bite..." comment. I bet she'll feel mortified.Great job. This is fun. I got several real laughes from this scene in particular. The banter between them is perfect.
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
Thank you very much! I'm very glad you like Cara. You're very right about her not knowing she's supposed to be frightened, etc of Snape... that's one of the main reasons I made her an American. 
I wanted her to have an outside perspective on things.Yes, I'm sure she'll feel like an ass when she learns of how he was injured. I'm hoping Severus will eventually tell her himself, instead of her finding out through school gossip... but he can be dreadfully stubborn about those kind of things... ;)It makes my day that I could give you a laugh! Thanks again for the R&R! I hope you continue to enjoy!
Sev's met his match, no doubt! :)
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
Thanks for the R&R! Oh yes... he has met his match... in more ways than one... ;)
Hey, she's cheating. He's already halfway pissed. Hehe. I like it! :)
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
Hehe... thanks! Yes... Cara is taking advantage of the situation, isn't she? I like to think that Severus might respect that (however twisted the reasoning), being a sneaky Slytherin and all.
His first sentence sounds like Captain Haddock from the Tintin books. Blistering blue barnacles! :)
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
Hehe... yes, Severus does love his adjectives... Thanks for the R&R!
She's got balls, that one! :)
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
Loads and loads of 'em... Hehe... thanks for the R&R!
She's got balls, that one! :)
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
Loads and loads of 'em... Hehe... thanks for the R&R!
I have no idea why, but for the strangest reason, this story makes me think of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor and the tempestuous relationship and eventual love affair between them that was initially fueled by their mutual affinity for alcohol.... This is most interesting tale and nothing like anything I've read before.... Do go on !!
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
Thank you so much! Yes... their relationship will definitely be fueled by alcohol... at least at first. I hope you continue to enjoy!
Love Cara... I laughed the entire time while reading... I do believe Severus has met a female version of himself. I look forward to more! I can't wait to read more!!!
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
Thank you! I'm glad you like Cara, and I'm very glad that I could make you laugh. :) Yes, Severus has indeed met someone very like himself... more to come soon!
You know, I don't ususally enjoy stories with original characters in the main pairing, but I must say I really like this one a lot! I love your Cara, she's smart and sassy and sexy, and Snape will have his hands full! Looking forward to the next chapter!
Response from BulletTimeScully (Author of The Wine of Life)
Thank you so much! I'm glad I could lure you in! I'm also glad to see you describe Cara that way... that's the type person I was going for (among other things). I love the thought of Snape not being able to snarl and yell and intimidate her. He'll be utterly at a loss as to how to treat her... I also love the thought of it bothering him if he does happen to hurt her feelings... which is undoubtedly hard to do... but we'll see! Thanks again!