The Other Side of Sev

Chapter Two

September Y7

Severus and Evelyn's second meeting was far more memorable than the first, but unfortunately, not completely pleasant. After struggling with his emotions until he was tormented, Severus decided that this indecision could last forever, and unable to sustain his sanity in that state, he would do something about it. He had made up his mind, and then brewed a special potion for this morning. He already felt more confident and courageous, but not cocky. Just the right blend. But he would not do it again. Damn I'm good. If he wanted to, he could make a fortune with this stuff, but chose not to, knowing that it was addictive, and possibly dangerous. But just this once, he promised himself again. He couldn't get her off his mind. When he saw her his stomach tied in knots, but at the same time he felt elated. He did vaguely remember a blonde girl who was his best friend when he was very young. This was the woman he dreamed of. Since he had taken every opportunity to watch her, after their first encounter, he soon noticed that she had the eccentric habit of dressing in the most outlandish clothes and costumes, each day something different and more interesting than the last. A different woman each time, but the same woman...

He entered the library in time to hear one of the Slytherin girls ask his beloved about her clothing. As she began to answer, Draco Malfoy laughed and remarked, "It's not Halloween every day, around here. Even if we are witches and wizards." He got a few laughs, but most of the students, especially the girls, just glared at Malfoy. "Really, I mean, what is this nonsense with the clothes? Is it a Muggle thang or a suthun thang?" he asked maliciously, mocking her accent.

Severus had crossed the room like a bullet, and had not Malfoy's comment caused several gasps and then complete silence, his sudden presence there would have. "Mr. Malfoy," Severus snapped in icy tone, "that will be twenty-five points from Slytherin for disrespect to a member of the staff. And twenty-five points for interrupting the lady while she was speaking."

Malfoy's jaw dropped and then he whined, "But thats fifty points!"

"Mr. Malfoy," Severus hissed, "there will be a deduction of an additional hundred points from Slytherin House if you do not apologize immediately and then take yourself elsewhere swiftly."

Draco, aware that he had made a huge mistake, recovered his cool and mumbled an extemely gallant but empty apology, eyes moving from Snape to Evelyn and back again throughout it.

Evelyn glanced at Draco and, unable to speak, nodded her acceptance. Then her eyes returned to Snape; she remembered their first meeting, she had sort of flirted with him, but he obviously didn't get it, didn't care, or just had no sense of humor. Today she had been unable to take her eyes off him from the moment she saw him there, noticing at the same time his voice, which startled her when she heard the anger in it. But he was coming to her rescue, and so she disregarded the menacing snarl.

After that the room cleared quickly, and then Snape was left standing there with her. Thanks to his superior skills at potions, he was able to think of something intelligent to say. It certainly wouldn't make a good impression to stand there like a swooning schoolboy with severe crush.

Severus told her in a much softer and more charming voice, "I apologize for the rudeness of my student." She nodded as he continued. " I hope you won't allow such stupidity on his behalf to hurt your feelings." Then she shook her head no. "Well, I happen to find your, er, unique fashion statement interesting." He smiled at her; although they were communicating, he was not aware, at that time, how rare it was to see this woman speechless. Now, without the icy tone, his voice caused her to feel trembly and weak-kneed...

"Thank you" was all she could manage to say. She was still reeling with emotions from the events of the past few minutes, disgust, and pity for Malfoy; insecurity and embarassment, for herself; and respect, gratitude, and attraction for the man standing with her. Alone. All the students, where did they go?

"I have not had the pleasure yet, my dear lady, of being introduced properly, so allow me to do this honor myself." He took her right hand in both of his. The slightestest of caresses on her wrist and palm caused her to shiver and she hoped desperately that he wouldn't notice it.

"I am Severus Snape, Potions Master, and head of Slytherin House, and it is an honor and a pleasure to meet you ," and kissed her hand. YES!!! He was fearless, and he had never been more charming in his life, except maybe as a small child, before he learned how to be cold and distant. She blushed but he held her hand, examining the many silver and turquoise rings.

Pull yourself together! she told herself, and responded, "And I am Evelyn Dumbledore."

She blushed again, not knowing what to say and then told him something he had never expected to hear in his life, but she was never one to keep a thought in her head if she could get it out her mouth.

"If I'd known I'd be meeting a knight in shining armor, I would have dressed medieval today."

For the second time since he walked in today, her eyes left him. She stared at the floor. I did NOT just say that!! Oh my God, I did.

She heard him softly chuckle, and was unable to resist looking back at him again. Their eyes met. Many moments seemed to pass. She smiled at him. His heart seemed to ache, as freezing fingers do when warmed, and he knew at once that he didn't just want her. He wanted her forever. His mind had been bewitched and his senses ensnared, not with a potion or a spell; she had just done it.

Maybe this feeling would fade, but at this moment, he felt he would do whatever it took to win her heart, except magic. She had captured his heart naturally; and he would settle for no less than than hers the same way. While that thought didn't concern him at the moment, because of the potion, it would countless times in the future plague him with doubt and anxiety.

She was unable to stand the mystical magical silent connection between them without a distraction. I can't just stare into his eyes like an idiot all day! He'll think...I don't know what he'll think. She pulled her wits together.

Gently squeezing his hands for a moment, she smiled. She backed away and he reluctantly released her hand. "Professor, today I am wearing traditional Native American regalia of the Sioux Nation. During the 1800's... well, until then, they lived on the plains, hunting the buffalo. Fascinating culture..." she explained, turning in a slow circle to exhibit her ensemble of deerskin, beads, bones, braids, silver and turquoise.

"I am, however, not Sioux, but one quarter Creek, one quarter Cherokee, and half English."

Severus silently beheld with wonder this unique creature he must have, would have, or die trying. He was intoxicated by the scent of her, and his eyes were frequently drawn to the sight of her lips and tongue, which, although surprisingly enlightened his mind in such an enchanting voice, he would rather silence at once with his own. He considered it briefly, but logic prevailed, so he listened, and basked in the moment.

"I'm not exactly sure about the jewelry. I know they didn't wear this much." On her fingers she wore at least half a dozen rings. "I don't even know if the Sioux wore silver, I know the Navaho did...

"I made the choker myself, and of course the jewelry is mine, but the rest came from my magic wardrobe. I just open it, and whatever I am thinking I want to wear that day is there," she exclaimed with wide-eyed pleasure. He remembered that smile.

Then her smile faded momentarily, remembering the snide remarks Draco Malfoy made earlier. She smiled again, somewhat sadly. "It was gift from my uncle, and I adore it," she confided.

There was a moment of silence then, with only smiles and the meeting of eyes and the mutual awareness of attraction. The more he looked at her, and listened to her voice, the more memories of her came back to him. He remembered when they were about 4 or 5, hiding with her in the attic, he had told her he had a secret, to close her eyes and he would whisper it in her ear, but he had kissed her instead.

He wondered whether he should ask her if she remembered him, but decided not to rush it.

The other girls still seemed to be busy and Severus decided the most favorable moment was at hand. "Listen, I want you to call me Severus," he began, and she nodded.

"Ok, and call me Evelyn." She smiled.

"Evelyn," he repeated softly, and then courageously and confidently asked the question that would change his life forever. "I wonder if you would care to accompany me to lunch this weekend." He waited what seemed like hours.

"Yes, Severus, I would," she answered, smiling. Oh my God! Oh my God!!

Is she blushing? he thought.

"Severus?"

"Yes, Evelyn."

"Do you remember...?" she hesitated.

"When we were young?"

"Yes!" she agreed, her eyes dancing. "Uncle Albus told me about it. I had forgotten most of it."

"Me too." He smiled.

"But I'm remembering things, slowly."

"Me too," Severus admitted.

He smiled and suggested they meet that evening. She agreed.

The other girls were on the other side of the shop, unable to hear but now watching covertly . Snape glanced over at them and tried to scowl, but could only manage a half-hearted smirk. SHE SAID YES! Due to the potion, he could have stayed for hours and easily charmed all the girls there, but old habits die hard, so now, with his mission accomplished, and no further reason for being there, he felt he should go, though he ardently wished he had an excuse to stay. So with a promise to see her later that day, he walked away, robes flaring, unknowingly making a dramatic and very romantic exit.