Chapter 9

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Miss Granger,

S. Snape

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What an impertinent girl! How dare she make me wait like some fool while she... I don't even know what to call it. Primped? There was no reason for her to show up late, and there was certainly no reason to have her face painted up like some Geisha or to have her hair straightened and silky. And why did she have to insist on those dress robes? I simply went as I was and wore my teaching robes. I hope she doesn't have any delusions about what's between us. This is a job. Nothing more.

Dumbledore found it amusing of course, and he had the nerve to take a photo of us together. I am certain he intends to blackmail me with it one day. I shall destroy it at first opportunity. And I'm now waiting again for my bride--said she had something to retrieve before... Merlin, where's my Ogden's? Did I just say bride? How the fuck do I let Dumbledore talk me into these things? And those twinkling eyes of his. Bastard.

Well, what do you know. She's knocking on my door now. I think I shall make her wait for a change. I want to get this over with quickly, so perhaps I should invite her in. It should be fun to see that determined air faltered as she realizes what being my bride means.

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Well, that was a surprise. I had no idea what exactly to expect, of course, but my nature dictated to expect the worst, and anything better than the worst would end up being a pleasant surprise. Only, not in my wildest dreams would I have expected to actually enjoy—Enjoy—myself. Oh, I knew she is a highly spirited being; I knew she is intelligent; two traits I find admirable in any human being, even more so in such a young one. But I also thought I knew she talks to much by default; thought her brand of intelligence is entirely book-driven; thought she only shows it off because of her need to belong, to be recognised. I learned she knows when to keep her mouth shut. I learned she is compassionate. And I learned she is actually, genuinely intelligent. What a revelation. I find I no longer absolutely dread the time I'm forced to spend with her.

Naturally, the prospect of giving my right hand some relief and have the real thing instead whenever I want it sounds rather appealing, too. She's inexperienced—considering her age, any other status would have rather shocked me—but it seems to be a subject she is very keen on learning more. And who am I to deny her this knowledge?

Before she left this morning—appearances must be upheld if we are to defeat the Dark Lord—for her own dormitory, she even came up with an ingenious idea. Dumbledore opened a Floo connection between my chambers and a disused classroom so she can come here without arousing suspicion amongst her House mates. It wasn't sufficient for her: she pointed out how it might be necessary for us to contact each other for whatever reason. So she charmed the copyright page of our Potions books for seventh year Advanced Potions so we can write each other messages. As she rightly stated, "Nobody ever reads that page, even if I do leave it out for anyone to see." Clever girl, that one.

Damn, an owl from Lucius.

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Severus,

Lucius

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Merlin, it can't already be the effect of our bonding, can it? I better let Hermione know not to come here until Lucius is gone. And I better remember to close the Floo the moment Lucius arrives, too.