Chapter 38

Sarah arrived at Hogwarts a full hour before seven o’clock, sneaking her way slowly up from the kitchens to the Astronomy Tower with her cloak wrapped tightly around her and her wand clutched tightly in her free hand. As it was Sunday, the corridors were empty, and Sarah had hoped that everyone would be in the Great Hall for dinner. The only presence as she crept through the corridors was the mournful shape of the Grey Lady, floating gracefully ahead. The sight of the school ghosts still startled her whenever she caught a glimpse of them. She hadn’t yet come across Peeves or the Bloody Baron and was desperately hoping tonight would not be the night she would be acquainted with them.

Sarah slipped silently up the stone steps to the top of the tower. The coast was clear and no-one had seen her. She removed her cloak, folding it carefully before laying it across one of the wooden window seats. She leaned over the rail to take in the view of the clear, Scottish September evening. The sun was beginning its descent over the skyline, bathing the tops of the trees and the pale stone of the castle in warm golden sunlight. Sarah particularly loved the light of the change of the seasons between summer and autumn, the long sunny evening just mild enough before winter once again set in. She breathed deeply, filling her lungs with fresh highland air. She loved this place, and she loved the man who had brought her here. What she was about to do was very risky, but if she didn’t take drastic action, the situation may never be resolved. At least this way she would be able to lay all her cards on the table and know one way or the other Severus’ true intentions.

She sighed, turning away from the window. She smoothed her satin robes down, enjoying the feel of the material underneath her fingers. She’d decided to wear her new purple dress robes, as she thought they were both extremely witchy and more than just a little sexy. Part of the plan was to go on a full glamour offensive: she’d used irons on her hair to make it poker-straight and made herself up carefully using slightly bolder shades than she would ordinarily, choosing to make her eyes smoky, her lashes full and her lips a deep and luscious red. Her robes, although not terribly revealing, clung to her in such a way as to enhance her many curves and were cut to flatter her neck and cleavage. She needed to both act and dress Slytherin, whatever that entailed. Sarah’s instinct was that Slytherin equalled vamp, and so that was the look she was going for.

She surveyed the available space at the top of the tower, looking for her vantage point. The room was octagonal, with glassless windows surrounding the periphery. To the left of the door was bathed in shadows, which were growing longer and deeper as the sun set. She would hide in the shadows and strike from there. Now it was a waiting game. She clenched and unclenched her wand hand nervously. What if Winky didn’t give him the message? What if she lost her nerve? What if the words failed her or the spells didn’t work? The more she dwelled on it, the more pathetic the plan seemed. She’d almost managed to talk herself out of it and was about to gather up her cloak to leave, when she heard the clicking of rapidly ascending footsteps speeding up the stairs. Oh, God. Here we go.

The door flew open, and the imposing figure of Severus Snape strode in with his wand out, looking to the right. She had no time to lose. Aiming her wand, she quickly yelled “Expelliarmus!”

Severus’ head snapped to the left as he watched his wand arc out of his hand and into the air behind him. He spun around angrily to find the source of the spell, and she followed up with a loud “Impedimenta!” Severus was instantly frozen to the spot.

“What is the meaning of this?” he snapped viciously. “Show yourself!”

Sarah stepped out of the shadows, holding her wand out in front of her like a sword.

“I’m sorry about this, Severus, but you gave me no choice.”

Severus opened his eyes wide with shock. His first impression was that Sarah looked absolutely stunning, sheathed as she was in deep purple satin. “You?” he breathed.

“Yes, me,” she replied, walking forwards slowly and lowering her wand slightly. “Winky told you there was a student up here in great danger, and that student is me.”

“What nonsense is this? Let me go, you silly girl!” he roared.

In a second, Sarah had closed the gap between them and held her wand up to his face in a threatening gesture. “Don’t make me silence you,” she hissed, with as much venom as she could muster. The surprise in his eyes echoed her own at the commanding tone of her voice. She managed to keep her cool exterior however, whilst Severus was becoming by turns irritated and aroused.

“I happen to be in very great danger,” she continued in a low voice, walking slowly around him, wand held aloft, soaking up the unexpected surge of power that flowed through her. “I am in danger of losing you.”

She stopped and gazed deeply into his black eyes.

“I know why you are pushing me away, and I refuse to accept it without a fight. Meeting you and being given the powers to enter into the wizarding world are the two best things that have ever happened to me, but I would rather live as a Muggle than spend another day in this world without you by my side.”

Severus’ mouth gaped open. He didn’t need to be put under Silencio, he was truly lost for words.

“I love you for who you are, and who you have become, despite everything you have done and everything you have been through. To prove it, I offer you not just my heart, but some of my own worst memories.” She reached into her cleavage, pulling out the small crystal vial of swirling, smoke-like memories. Severus watched, his body twitching at the sight of her pale skin. “Take them. I hide nothing from you. Then we can be equal.”

She moved so close to him now, their bodies were touching. The air almost crackled with tension. She reached her hands up and ever so slowly inched them inside his robes, tracing them down the length of his torso before toying with the pocket of his frock coat, finally dropping the vial inside. All the while she never once broke eye contact. From the gentle brush of her fingertips, she could tell his body was beginning to respond to her.

“If you love me as I love you, come to my cottage in one hour. I will be waiting. If you fail to show up I’ll presume you never had any feelings for me, and I’ll never contact you again.” She reached up on her tiptoes and placed a gentle, sweet kiss on his lips. “One hour,” she breathed before turning on her heel and sweeping to the door. With a flick of her wand, she Summoned her cloak, and with another, she released him from her spell. She left the room hurriedly without once looking back, her heart hammering in her chest through sheer adrenaline.

Although now free from the spell, Severus stayed rooted to the spot for some time after Sarah’s departure. He was absolutely stunned and more than a little aroused. Once again, I underestimate the power of Sarah Shaw, he thought, a smile pulling at his lips.