Diary - Sirius Black -January 2003

2003-01-04 14:41:26,
Of Ravens and Snakes, Jack and Roger have a chat.

Roger had little to do. Most of his friends weren't back yet- those who would talk to him. He had a few books scattered over at his usual table near the arithmancy books. He didn't feel like working, however, so he was doodling idly on a piece of parchment, mind wandering. He didn't register what his picture was of, though. The Ravenclaw rubbed at the back of his neck and wondered what else there was to do today.

"What fools, these mortals be.... What FOOLS, these mortals be.... What FOOLS, these MORTALS be... " came the repetitious saying of a line from behind a wall-like bookcase. Jack paused in his oration and rubbed at his chin. He was sitting in a window alone in a row of bookcases considering the proper emphasis on his line. Bored? Oh you bet. However, it was keeping him from thinking about other things, people.

The Beater had decided enough pretend-study was enough, packed his bag and was about to leave and find some other 'entertainment' when he heard something that made him want to rub his face in his palms. Bag slung on one shoulder, he peeked his head round the bookshelf he thought the sound was coming from, and cocked an eyebrow. "And the faeries aren't much better off either, " he half-smiled. Straightened. "You're that Slytherin one, aren't you? " he asked with a look of intense concentration.

Jack paused in his oration, and slowly, balefully looked up at the one addressing him. "Yes... I am a Slytherin... " he replied silkily. "I DO have a name, but I suppose recalling it is beyond your capacities Mr. Davies... " he said softly, with a raise of an eyebrow. He closed his book, and waited for a reply.

Roger laughed. "You probably don't want to know what they call you! But... ah... I do know, it escapes me at the minute... " He leaned against the wooden shelves, wracking his brain. "...Gr... Grint? You leant Cho that Firebolt, didn't you? " he said, frown of concentration lessening a bit.

"Grim..... " he snarled, "As as if I give a hippogriffs ass what anyone thinks of, or calls me 'behind my back'. Now saying it to my face. Well, they would have to have balls first to do that. " he said in a low angry tone. He paused, sniffed, then continued. "Yes, that was me. She never bothered to offer to give it back either... " he said with a slow grin.

Roger backed up, hands in a defensive posture. "Don't get your knickers in a twist, lad! I didn't say I called you that... we're not all house-prejudiced... " he said, a little warily. Bored and lonely he may be, about to put up with excessively hostile people he was not. "Well, Grim, I'm Roger to most, and I suppose I owe you thanks for that at least... even if we could have won you anyway... " he kept eye-contact, to show he wasn't really being malicious, eyes an open question. "So... even? "

Jack's grin widdened, his attitude had had the desired effect, so he extended his hand to the other. "Jack is what I prefer to be called Roger. Good show on that match by the way. " he said as he shook the other's hand firmly, then let it go.

Roger nodded. Perhaps he was getting the hang of this Slytherin thing. He might even write a handbook... test it out on... that Draco boy, or that third year... or even Professor Snape... No. He might have been an investigator at heart but he wasn't completely foolish. "Thanks. Took time enough to lick them into shape though... do you play then? " he asked, and half-sat on the tabletop.

Jack slowly shook his head. "No. I just bought the broom to play around on. I mean, I have flown since I was small, but not on a house team or anything. I have no desire for competition sports on the pitch. " he said with a leer.

Roger nodded. "Didn't think I'd be too into it until I got picked for the team... but then, each to their own. So... tell me, Jack, what are you competative with then? " he asked.

Jack laughed softly, then glanced around casually before answering. "Other Slytherins... " he said at last, folding his arms over his chest. "You? " he asked, then his eyes narrowed. "Wait... you were the bloke that Blaise went to London with... " he smiled. "I can imagine how that little affair must have gone... "

"They the only competition...? " Roger asked, with a genuine interest. "Some of them I can see... but others... " he shook his head. "You have a complete array in your house, don't you. " He sniffed a little, then shuffled. Looked away, a little sheepish. "Yeah... that was me... she's a decent girl, Blaise. " A slight sadness crossed his face as he thought of how she'd been that last night...

Jack snorted at Roger's assessment of Blaise. "Decent? Well, she DOES have you snowed Mr. Davies. I just suggest you watch your back... " he said, then slowly his expression softened, and he looked thoughtful as if considering something. "She has many faces, one for every persona she wants to show the world. " he explained, then shrugged. "Maybe you are seeing the REAL Blaise, I don't know, best of luck to you mate. " he said with a shrug.

Roger's face looked drawn. "I... think I am. I hope I am... just because she's Slytherin... or acts the way she should... " he shrugged, this was all sounding a little too silly and vague and he didn't have many concrete thoughts on the matter. And he didn't want to bring them all up now. "Maybe I'm just an optimist, " he shrugged, then looked at the book Jack had been reading. "So, how's Puck coming along? "

It was Jack's turn to shrug. "He is coming along slowly. " he smirked. "It's not Arithmancy, " he said, glancing at the books Roger was carrying around. "I get to play a trixter, a fairie, no big deal. Some would say it was type casting... " he said casting a scrutinizing look to Roger, to see what his reaction would be.

"Maybe... except there's no wings... " the Ravenclaw leaned on one foot and peeked over Jack's shoulder to make sure he was telling the truth, settled back down on the terra firma, and nodded. "Whereas I got Lysander... and I wasn't even trying... do you reckon the Headmaster is trying to tell us something? " he asked, a slight grin on his face.

Jack watched Roger closely as he leaned in, invading his personal space to look for wings, or something else. He was always looking for alterior motives. He was a Slytherin after all, right? He watched Roger lean back, and he clicked his tongue idly. "Professor Dumbledore, from my experience, doesn't drink a cup of tea without having a pllan in place. " he grinned. "Cagey old guy to be sure. "

"I suppose you don't get to be Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.. or defeat Grindewald without having a good head on your shoulders... " A slight shrug. "Who knows what goes on in the minds of teachers. "

Jack just GRINNED ever so wickedly at that comment, "I do... " he said in an ominous voice, then gave Roger a wink. "But enough of that. Tell me, have you seen Cho wearing any new jewelry lately? "

"You do? Then you must be as mental as they are... I swear to god that Binns is a lunatic... " Roger shook his head, sighing dramaticaly, before looking up. "Cho? I don't see much of her lately... huh, seems I spend most of my time hanging around with you Slytherins rather than Ravenclaws... she might have... I don't know... I think there was something but I don't notice much. She's usually in Quidditch gear when I DO see her... " He sounded a little mournful at that. If he was paranoid he would feel people were avoiding him.

Jack was picking up on the subtle empathic waves Roger was putting out, he was a patsy ripe for the plucking, but for some reason... He didn't feel like playing with him. Perhaps he was finally starting to mature? God forbid! "Yeah, she's an odd duck, and not the most emotional of women... " he mused. He recalled their last communication, yeah, THAT had been fun. "But she and I have talked in the past. Guarded, very guarded is that girl. "

Roger sighed. "I know you weren't here... but I suppose you know why? " He looked a tad sad again. The older student mostly wore his heart on his sleeve- in that respect he was almost like a Hufflepuff or Gryffindor. He just didn't feel the need for deceit. He rubbed at one elbow, and shivered. He didn't want to think about... him.

"Cedric. " Jack said in a low, sad sounding tone. "I heard. I know quite a bit about this school despite being new here. I have been told, and have found out quite a bit in the short time I have been here. Interesting place, " he said with a slow nod.

"Yeah. Interesting is one word to use... " Roger's head sunk to his chest, and he stared at his feet, before looking up eventually. "She's strong though. I can see by how she plays... I think... I hope... she'll be alright... " A weak grin. But he felt bad dicussing this with other people- especially younger Slytherin. It was too much like gossiping for him.

Jack nodded slowly. "Well, they were only steadies for a little while, Christ, it's not like they were married for 20 years or anything. " he said with a bit of impatience in his voice. "Mourning for the dead is one thing but letting it rule your bleeding life.... " then, his voice trailed off, and a sunken feeling came over him, swallowing him. He went quiet, staring off at a point beyond Roger.

Roger was stung and he didn't know why. Maybe partly because he still hurt over Selene, even if he tried not to at times... his voice sounded wounded, but controlled. "Sometimes... Jack... you can think you've found someone. I don't know. Maybe there isn't such a thing. Maybe there are several someones... Maybe we just need to believe it too much... " he shook his head now, sadly. "They were friends before they were together, you know. And you should stand by them... " He tried desperately not to blush, or get upset. That was all he needed. He'd known Cedric too. God, who hadn't? The boy had been a lovely soul.

Jack could feel the mental spiral this kids was starting to go down, and while he didn't want to help him along or sit there and revel in it, he didn't want to pick up the pieces either. He jumped down from his perch in the window, and clapped a hand on Roger's shoulder. "Buck up mate. School is the boot camp for life, or the practice before a play. Things will work out, things will change. Just do your best to keep up with the changes. " he chirped, then started to walk past the Ravenclaw, and head out of the library.

"Yeah, " Roger said, but he wasn't impressed or about to take any of his advice. That was just... cold. Maybe excusable because he hadn't known Cedric himself, but to be so callous about Cho's feelings? Was he THAT self-centred? Roger sat down fully on the table, still looking sad. He couldn't rate human life at such a low level... not even someone like Jack.

Jack strode out of the library, a light whistling tune on his lips as he made his way out of the library, and headed for the Great Hall. He was feeling a bit peckish, and if he hurried, he would be early for tea."

2003-01-04 14:51:49,
Arsenic and Old Lace

An IC RP with Snape, Jack Grim, and INTRODUCING Narcissa Malfoy.

Jack followed Professor Snape as they walk up to the large, expansive Malfoy Manor, and he sighed, rolling his eyes, and communicated a desire to be anywhere but here right now. I wonder how much I can nick from this place without them noticing.... he mused mentally.

Nothing, the House Elves will have you hanging from the battlements before the first spoon hit the floor. Severus Snape did not want to be here. But his company, of all things, had been requested by the Lady of the House. He just hoped the Lord would not be home... And then, to add insult to injury, Draco had written to Jack requesting his presence as well. Which had had to be reported to the House Head for permission to leave- who happened to be going the same day... Oh yes, could you say coincidence, quite? The gargoyle by the door recognised him, and he snapped up at it. "Inform Mrs Malfoy that her guests are here, " he commanded, imperiously.

Narcissa opened the door slowly and examined the two standing in the doorway. Her gase passed over Severus and stopped at Jack. "You must be Draco's friend, then? Come in, come in. I've just instructed the house-elf to make tea."

As the door opened, Jack went "on " and his hands were clasped behind his back and a wide, pleasant grin on his face. (No teeth showing, you don't do that with carnivores or Slytherins) and he bowed slightly to the Lady of the House. "Good afternoon Madame Malfoy, it was so kind of Draco to invite me to your home. " he said in a perfectly schooled, polite voice.

"Where is he, Narcissa, " Snape asked with no preamble, no formalities. He did not appreciate being 'summoned'- which was how he felt. This old game of theirs had literalyl grown old (or so he felt when he didn't quite have the upper hand.) "There are a few things I should like to tell him. " Upright, was Snape's posture, if not his moral standing. His own eyes didn't wander, but remained focussed on one spot.

"If you'll kindly remain here, I'll fetch him," Narcissa replied, tossing her hair and turning a corner. The sound of one of the many closed doors being opened could be heard. She returned with Draco in tow.

"Draco, Severus has something he wishes to discuss with you," she said in a calm, even voice, although her expression was questioning. She pushed her son forward a bit, towards where Snape and Jack were standing.

Jack's eyes were slightly narrowed and he gave Draco a polite nod. "Draco. You have quite a nice home. Thank you for the invite. " he said in a silky tone, then chanced a glance over at Snape.

Snape couldn't address the boy as 'Malfoy' here without it being out of place, so he avoided the problem by not using a moniker. "I believe young Master Goyle and yourself were involved in an incident before Christmas, " he waited until he saw the light flicker in the boy's eyes before continuing. "I can inform you that the correct instigators have now been accordingly dealt with. "

Narcissa looked on in cold disapproval. She hadn't been told of this "incident", and although she made sure not to show it, she was strangely eager to hear more.

Draco nodded, but didn't reveal his feelings one way or another. "Thank you for informing me, " was the dispassionate reply. He looked to Jack, "Thank you, Jack. I suppose it is rather nice... you hardly notice... " he drawled, no sarcasm immediately evident. He looked up at Narcissa. "Mother, shall we be taking tea in the sitting room? "

"We shall," she replied cooly. "Can you show our guests the way? I have business to attend to. I'll return in a moment. Thanks ever so much, darling." She patted her son on the head and disappeared somewhere into the manor.

Jack gave Draco a tightlipped grin, as he was addressed, and when it was decided that they depart for the sitting room, he fell in step beside Draco, and muttered something to him under his breath.

Draco nodded, but didn't reply to his mother as she left. "It is this way, " he said, and made a gesture with one arm, before setting out to lead.

As if I don't know the whole house back to front and in my sleep, Snape groused silently, but no trace of his irritation above and beyond his normal level showed. He found the second-biggest chair in the room (the biggest was Lucius') and sat himself down without waiting to be told.

Jack followed Draco into the room, and looked over at Snape as he was mentally grumbled at. I bet you know the entire place, bedrooms included. he snarked, just to get a reaction, then turned to look at the fireplace and approached it, holding out his hands to warm them.

Narcissa returned from the hallway, walking gracefully over to Lucius' chair and seating herself in it, tucking her legs underneath her. "Please. Sit," she instructed, this last comment directed at Jack.

Ever heard the phrase 'know thy enemy'? Its in Biblical language for a reason... Snape replied with a surprisingly even tone. His hands resting on his lap he watched, looking eminently bored. Draco moved to stand by his mother's side, awaiting her instruction.

Jack shuddered at something and it wasn't from a chill. He turned at the motion made by Mrs. Malfoy, and after a long lingering, and appraising look at her, took the indicated seat and waited to be served. Please, no details....

Narcissa waved her hand at Draco approvingly. "You may sit," she ordered snappily, then folding her hands in her lap, surveying her surroundings with a look of half-approval and half-disapproval. Her lips parted in speech. "...So."

Draco did as he was told, and sat between his mother and Jack, looking over his shoulder for the House Elf to pour the tea. "How do you take it? " he asked Jack with the slightest of smirks on thin lips. I could tell you things that would make your toes curl and your hair stand on end... and that's just about his personal habits... "Yes? " he asked aloud, directed to Narcissa, and deceptively helpful. He took the tea offered him and sipped at it, noting how someone had instructed him to put sugar of all things in it...

Jack remained calm faced, he was a pro by now at not showing reactions to the silent conversations in his head with Snape, and he answered with no small amount of cheek, "No sugar, whiskey only. "

Narcissa raised both eyebrows for a fleeting moment, surprised at the stupidity of men, before requesting her tea with milk and sugar.

Draco's face registered a small amount of surprise, eyes wide a second before they narrowed, calculating. He nodded. "Wise choice... " was what he said, though whether he meant it or not was another thing entirely. You, my boy, will have no liver left, Snape mentally snorted, and resisted the urge to roll his eyes, looking instead to Narcissa. "How is Lucius these days? It has been... awhile since we last met... "

Jack snorted, he was only kidding, right? But before anyone could add whiskey to the tea, (Like Snape would allow that) he picked up his cup. "Plain actually, thank you. "

"He's... pleasant," Narcissa replied cooly, resisting the urge to smirk. "A bit upset about things at work, apparently. He's taking a bit of a vacation at our summer home in Paris."

Pleasant was hardly a word Severus Snape would have used of his peer, and to have his wife use this as the first thing come past her lips... well, there was something. He mentally commented as much to Jack. Snape feeling bitchy? What a shock. "I do hope things sort themselves out. I hear Paris is quite nice at this time of year, " he said, and wondered why he'd even bothered bringing his brain. He didn't need it for this company. Draco's sickly smirk never faded as he watched Jack carefully, eyes barely leaving him. But he wasn't about to attempt conversation, especially with adults in the room- these adults. He tensed invisibly upn mention of his father, and listened.

Jack glanced over at Draco, and for just a moment, wish he could communicate with him silently to suggest another activity. He settled for rolling his eyes at him at the mention of Pater Malfoy, then sipped at his tea, and was the first to reach for the pastries. No shock there.

Narcissa suddenly became very interested in studying her nails as the conversation persisted, squeezing her legs together a bit. She stirred at her tea impatiently before snapping her head up abruptly. She turned to Snape. "So, how has your job been?"

"Much the same as ever- only moreso. " He tossed his inky hair a little before continuing, by means of explanation. "Albus had the school open during the Summer... more and more students are staying for longer, " he said, his eyes flickering over the two such in the room. He shrugged a little. "It has been as satisfying as ever. " Sip, look over the rim. Draco seemed to be getting bored with this. As good as it was getting ammunition, or playing the social game of the purebloods, he really didn't want to be here right now- and his body-language more than said such. Thankfully, Father wasn't here or he'd have to be more attentive.

Jack sipped at his tea, ate pastries, until he had had as many as he thought he could before looking like a glutton. Bored, bored, bored... he thought, and looked at Draco, giving him a look that showed he shared his enthusiasm for such gatherings.

Narcissa sipped at her tea, noting with interest -- and disgust, after she was able to decipher them -- the words and body language of all three guests. She glanced up at the clock out of curiosity. They hadn't been there long. Scoffing to herself, she narrowed her eyes a tad before inquiring whether her son was to be staying "longer" this year.

"That all depends on you, " Snape replied, voice smooth. Or perhaps not, and on Lucius... he didn't care to guess at how they lived- but then he had an overly-negative opinion of practically everyone. He replied back with an irate tone to Jack, Yes, I had noticed, and you are not the only one. I can think of a myriad things involving hot pokers I would rather be engaged in now. Keep your eyes open, we weren't invited here idly. Draco sat up. "Am I to, mother? " he asked, pale eyes fixed unblinkingly on her, inquisitive. If nothing else, the question had got his attention. He looked back over at Jack after a minute. He was staying on- did he ever even leave? It would have been enough to drive Draco mad- but he didn't feel pity.

Narcissa looked thoughtful for a moment, drumming her fingers on the arm of the chair and taking a dainty sip of her tea before stating her decision. "I think... you shall," she replied tentatively, running the thought through her mind again to make sure she had made the right decision. Yes, being alone with Lucius for the better part of the summer had... possibilities.

Jack thought about the summer past, and hadn't even considered the coming summer it was so far away. He supposed if Harry went back to his "relations " he would follow in the fur to keep watch. I plan to take he next summer off. he announced triumphantly to Snape.

Wish we all had that bleeding opportunity, Snape mentally grumbled, nodded to Narcissa, and caught Draco's reaction from the corner of his eye. He wondered what Lucius would make of this. "Very well. It is probably best to inform the Headmaster via owl. " Gods, why had she even asked them round? Draco, for his part, was every bit his father's son and a Slytherin to the core. If he felt anything he didn't show it, merely nodded. Stiffly. "Yes mother. " He really didn't want to stay any longer, and shot his mother a tacit glance, asking to be excused.

Narcissa checked the clock. "Yes, you may. I think, too, that it's getting about time for you all to be on your way." She gave Draco a glare that said 'You'd like that, wouldn't you?'

Jack looked between the others, looking for, who-knew-what, and while they were sniping at each ot her, took another couple of pastries and wolfed them down. What shall I be looking for? Skeletons? he asked dully.

Then you know you're too late, Snape replied and stood abruptly- for such a tall man he could unfold with frightening speed from a chair. He stood where he rose, however, hands clasped tgether in front of him again. A slight inclination of the head. "Thank you for your hopsitality, Narcissa. " Well, Draco hadn't expected the whole kit and kaboodle to be over that fast. Something must be... Oh he wasn't about to analyse. He stood up too, braced to lead the way back out as the current man of the house.

Narcissa thanked Snape and Jack for being able to come, and stood until her son led them out of the room before slumping back down into the armchair once the room was devoid of people, rubbing her temples as she often did when she was irate.

Jack turned to look at the now sitting again woman, then back up at Snape, "Where to now sir? " He asked, thinking he had better speak verbally to his Head of House.

"Oz, " Snape replied, casual as you like. He waited until Draco was standing by the door, before he put one hand to his stomach, and one to the small of his back, and bowed neatly as though he folded neatly in half. Head lowered, his expression hidden under the mucky mop of hair. He straightnened, and turned on a heel, waling out the door and nodding at one of the House-Elves, not bothering to look back at the other three. Draco bit his lip and lounged when he thought his mother wasn't watching. Half-glared at Jack, analytically. "Enjoy your trip... "

Jack watched Snape bow, and mimicked his moves with precision. He looked at Draco when spoken to, and smiled, "Right, I will bring you back a Munchkin to torture. " he smiled, then turned and followed Snape.

Narcissa turned to Draco, motioning towards the doorway with one hand, then asking: "Friend of yours? You haven't mentioned him before."

"Mind you don't get him wet, " Draco said, low enough for only Jack to hear, then closed the door on the two ad walked over to stand by his mother's-- no, his father's chair, drawing patterns on the arm idly. "You never asked. He's new... god knows what his family is like... but at least he has more brains than most of them. Barely. " A slight smile, and he noticed her empty cup. "Would you like another drink, mother? "

"Not tea," she replied. "A bit of champagne, perhaps. It's been a long day." And it's not over yet, she added to herself. As her son started to make for the kitchen, she stopped him. "Call a house-elf to do it, dear." When returned to stand beside the chair once more, she began again. "I certainly don't approve of a friendship if there's no knowledge of the family."

"But, you're older now," she added in contradiction, "and I suppose you've a reason for befriending him. However, he shan't be discussed in this house any further."

Draco nodded his assent. He knew full well what friendship meant to his parents- links, advancements, 'favours'... A very impersonal approach. But sometimes even he felt he needed something other than toadies. Whatever. And now... he would be staying over the summer... just... great."

2003-01-04 14:45:18,
Somebody shoot me, please.

Snape and I have tea with the Mrs, and Junior Malfoy this afternoon.

Yee Gods...

Ihave been "invited " in such a way that I know I will not be permitted to send my regrets....

Joy.

2003-01-04 14:55:25,
Spooked is a mild way of putting it..

An IC RP with Snape and Jack Grim.

Severus Snape wanted nothing more than to hide in his rooms and never ever leave. Which was an even more childish reaction than his last. He also wanted to play up- god knew what for... But he had to leave his rooms from time to time, even if it was only to deliver a letter to the owlery. He fumbled the parchment in his hand distractedly, and stomped his way there looking for all the world like he got out of the wrong side of bed.

Jack was running out of places to be ALONE. Even though it was a castle of hundreds, perhaps thousands of rooms, tunnels, and alcoves, he just couldn't find a place to sit and read ALONE, and undisturbed. First Snape had found him in that other alcove, then the bloody Ravenclaw in the library. He was considering hiding out in the tunnel to Hogsmeade next, but for some reason, that was sending of danger signals to him. So, now, he was in a side room just off of the owlry. It was a fairly clean space, considering, and boasted a table, a chair, and several barrels of owl feed. It's oaty, alfalfa smell ALMOST overpowered the stench of the owl crap. Almost.

Since Snape was currently walking as though he had a locomotive shoved where the sun didn't shine... abruptly stopping and turning around didn't really seem like a viable option, though he was sorely tempted when he saw one of the people he was determined to avoid in front of him and in his way. AGAIN. A mental note of dismay and despair sounded, but he didn't feel the need to keep himself to himself if Jack was going to be closed about him. Sod him then he would just totally blank him, Snaoe thought, and carried on walking. And he wouldn't even change his backward journey because that would look like Jack had some kind of control over wherever he went...

"Gum on the bottom of your shoe mate... " Jack said casually with only the slightest glance up from his reading. His grin was slow to come, then he looked back down at his book. He folded his legs up under him with a practiced move. Mustn't be in the way of the Perfesser, oh no.

Snape would have preferred not to reply aloud, but there was no one around, and he had no choice. "You better not have been the one to have thrown it, " he said, diffidently, not looking down or breaking pace, but easing slightly closer to Jack so his cloak-tail fluttered too close for comfort. He went into the owlery, and decided to take his time. No matter whether he felt repentant or not, even when he was sorry he was still annoyed- if only at himself. So much so that these days he found it hard to work out who he was angry with. So better to treat everybody equal.... no preferential treatment from Severus Snape...

Jack smiled as Snape swooshed by, amused by his "stick-up-the-arse " posture and watched him go into the owlery. "Dear Rita, My name is Severus Snape. I am writing to you to ask... " he called out, then stopped when Snape was out of range presumeably, and went back to reading. Chuckle.

Snape didn't hurry in tying the message to the bird, but when it was done, he sent it off with a swift swipe of his arm. The bird took wing abruptly, and huffily. Snape slowly went to the door. "Dear Rita, I am writing to ask the best way to use boiling oil. Is it better for full immersion or just pouring into ears? " he said, eyes a dangerous glint. Charitable feelings went further still out the window.

Jack slowly looked up at Snape, his vision was partially obscurred by his ever-present fringe, and he just grinned at Snape. "New hobbies then, eh Professor Snape? " he asked, clearly amused. "Well, I suppose someone with as much free time as yourself has to have a hobby of sorts. " he surmised, then held up his book, "See? I am looking into the Liberal Arts. Seems I have a talent for drama. " he said, then winked.

"Melodrama, " Snape corrected. Then stood up fully, clear of the door. "I have plenty of 'hobbies', pastimes,, Grim. But I tend to perfect everything I practice... " He was NOT amused, to paraphrase a certain monarch whose expression he was unconsciously pantomiming. "I am sure prancing about pretending to be someone you aren't and saying what someone tells you to would be right up your street. "

Jack just stared into Snape's eyes, still grinning like a fool, then with a shake of his head, he looked back down at his book. Dismissed you have been. He snorted in an amused fashion, then turned a page with a delicate move of hand and wrist after licking his fingertips.

But Severus Snape took badly to being bossed around. His wounded pride only let a very elect group do that, and then only under sufferance unless treated just right. And this was not the way to go. "Snake got your tongue? Better hope you get it back for opening night... " he purred, silkily, and started walking back the way he had come at an unhurried pace. When he felt like being a bastard, he would.

Jack snorted, then that became a guffaw. "Oh, that was brutal... " he muttered to himself, then pretended to be studying his book. In truth, he was laughing too hard. No sir, the snake doesn't have my tongue, and lately, neither have you had it either.... he sent.

"You don't know the meaning of the word, " Snape shot over his shoulder. Andas though to back the thought up, he sent something which had been preying on his mind of late. Sometime around New Year, not so long ago really... the Lestranges... he clamped down on that thought, surprised at himself. Shakily turned his mind elsewhere. I might not have, but neither has anyone else. And I doubt it has tasted all too appealing of late... He didn't sound amused. He sounded... something else.

Jack shuddered at the thoughts sent to him, they made him feel cold, numbed almost. Just thinking of the Lestranges, and where they were, brought back a brief flashback of his own internment at Azkaban. The images, sounds, and a smells were there before him before he could shut the tap fully, and with a shudder, and a cry, he clamped his hands to the side of his head, and began to chant under his breath, "NO.... No.... Not again... not again.... "

Snape stopped. narrowed his eyes, and slowly looked over his shoulder. "What. Now? " You know the Lestranges? he added, frowning. he hadn't thought of them in a while. But hadn't they been locked up quite a while now?

Jack broke himself out of the spell, and looked up. Panic showed in his eyes and he blinked and jumped down from the seat he was occupying and took off running down the hall, opposite from where Snape stood. He offered no reply, mental or verbal, just the sound of rapidly departing footsteps.

Snape was confused. What in the hell had he done wrong now? He still didn't know what he'd done over the past few days... Dreaded to think actually. Don't make me follow you, he threatened, remembering the last time he had had to do that. Now bloody well come back here and tell me what the problem is... he said, taking a half-step forwards, but steeling his resolve. Jack would have to come to him... if he could make him...

No. I can't. Please.... just forget it. He sent back and while he stopped running, he continued to walk in the opposite direction. His heart was still racing and the smell, the stench of his fear, and the despair of that place was in his nose. It wouldn't go away.

No, I won't. I don't forget... He winced. That was half the problem. His memory had this nasty habit of keeping every gory deatil and replaying them over and over like some glorious event... they never left him, not the one. Whilst useful for somethings, Snaoe despsied his memory for that. Which was why, from time to time, he tried his best to ruin it when it got too much. Now calm down and come back here. Where do you know the Lestranges from?

Jack slowed his walking and stopped. He wanted to run, he wanted to hide, he wanted to run to Snape and confess everything, then he wanted to crawl into a hole and cease to be. He forced his thoughts to calm, to put the panic away, and come up with an answer. A plausible one beside, "I saw them in Azkaban. " He took in a deep breath, I do not know them. I heard of them, what they did. I know where they are. I don't ever want to be like them, I don't ever want to go where they are. he thought. Again.

"Azkaban? " Snape replied dumbly, almost-whispering the word. His mind blanked defensively for a moment or two. Azka... I don't think this is the best place to be discussing that place, he thought. Tried to smother the amount of reactions and associations that place brought up. Too much, for out here, in the open, where people... could see... I suggest we stop standing here like a bunch of statues... I think this warrants another of your beloved 'talks'.

Jack felt his gut tighten at that suggestion, and he looked around the hallway he was in, mind racing. He had to get out. He had to be outside, free. The walls were starting to look closer than they had before, and there were no doors! He began jogging down the hallway, lost now that he wasn't thinking straight and he found a staircase. It wound around down, down, down, until he found himself on a landing and next to a window. I can't.... need to get out. I have to get out of here. came the last coherent thought on the channel, then there was a sound of breaking glass, and then the thoughts became more of impulses, of fear, panic.

Jack Grim you get your sorry excuse for a backside here, NOW, or I am telling you I shall not be held responsible for my actions... Do you hear? GRIM? Snape fumed. Absofuckinglutely PERFECT. What happened to shutting himself up and not having to deal with the world any more? Oh no the world wouldn't let him be. And now he supposed he would have to go and find Jack. If nothing else, he was his House Head and it WOULD be on his head if anything happened to him. A malevolent little voice inside squeaked to just let him go and be damned with him- he'd be back with tail tucked t'wixt legs as soon as dammit... Fuck. Why weren't things simple. He carried on thinking just in case Jack could hear. Now bloody well calm down, alright? The bloody Lestranges- none of them- can get to you in Hogwarts... So why don't you just... Step, step step, turn the corner, Come back like a good little brat.

Jack wasn't listening, his mind was beyond reasoning at his point and was fully lost in the moment of the panic attack. After he smashed the window glass, he lept up to the sill, and began to work his way outside.

Snape could cover distances fairly fast, and his reflexes and nose for trouble were legendary. He turned the corner as he saw Jack breaking the window, and starting to head through. "Oh no you don't... Ten points from Slytherin, " he said, with definitely a wounded tone as his hand caught hold of Jack's collar and refused to let go. Surprisingly strong, were Snape's hands. Sh... Calm down... I'm not about to do anything but I can't let you do that... Shhh... Don't struggle, or I'll have to act worse.

Jack was indeed halfway out the window, and he was in danger of evicerating himself nicely had Snape not caught him by the scruff. He struggled, it was his first impulse, then he gashed his left forearm nicely in the process. He let out a howl of pain, gripping the left arm with the right hand, and stopped his flight attempt. He only barely heard the voice in his head, the pain in his arm breaking his concentration and fixating it there now. He stopped struggling, and stared at his arm.

With clinical, economic ease, Snape set the student back down on his feet, and standing behind him gripped the left elbow in his left hand. "Stay still... " he cautioned, and let his right hand find his wand. Its shock setting in. Listen to me, and concentrate, he advised, and armed himself. "Resolvo, " he muttered, and a gentle, steady glow came from the end of his wand, quickly closing up the wound. The hand on his elbow tightened in case the pain made Jack jump, and then when he was done he grabbed his wrist and crossed it in front of Jack's chest, holding it by the opposite shoulder. "Keep it elevated- and mind not to strangle yourself in the process, " he growled. Brilliant. He couldn't even move him straight off. Snarled. What the hell, or course he could. "Now come on, you need some witchazel on that... " And a strong cup of tea. THEN we'll talk...

Jack was standing there shell shocked. He was staring straight ahead, and simply nodded to the instructions given. Tea. Yes please. came the passive reply, and he held his arm as directed as he was directed along the passageway and to where ever Snape was taking him."

2003-01-05 23:22:09,
Yes, let's chat of things innane...

Jack's thoughts, for the time being, were on Remus as he moved like an automaton to the deeper parts of the dungeon. What the hell was he playing at giving Remus "that" sort of look. He was angry with himself now, and would flog himself later for toying with him like that. Then, he recalled, he hadn't written to him since right before the visit during the full moon. Again, the guilt. He was so lost in these thoughts that he didn't recall the walk to Snape's office until he was stopping at the door.

Snape leaned past Jack and opened his door, muttering something in an arcane tongue that probably had something to do with his paranoid wards, locks and other magical blocking devices. The place was even better protected than the kitchens. He definitely didn't want to be staying outside the door long and so hurried them both inside, closed the door behind them, then went past Jack to go into his office first. The door opened he went straight to his shelves and gathered a few small bottles and jars and then went to the small kettle he had. "Do make yourself less and sit down," he said over his shoulder as he started working.

Jack was looking down at the floor, sulking as he did so. Why was he worried about Remus all of a sudden? Guilt? Perhaps. Dammit. After getting settled in the chair, and sighing aloud, he looked up to see what Snape was doing. Bottles, a cauldron. Perfect. "You don't need to go through the trouble Sir. I've had worse done to me..." he said softly. Of course he had had worse done to him. Belt on the back anyone? Have a Crucio or three?

"Doubtless you have, as have most, but I have no intention of having my own hide flayed for not taking due pains," Snape retorted. After a minute or two had had a cup filled with tea- and something else of his own concoction. Unnamed, of course, because the Ministry would likely want to test it extensively, even more so when they knew that he had made it. Still, it worked, and he used it himself from time to time. With no grace he held out the cup, and took one for himself to the put on the writing desk by his chair. "Drink," he ordered, and waited until Jack had done so before he started asking questions.

Jack took the cup, and was suddenly not in the mood to fight, to argue. The panic attack had taken quite a bit out of him and he wanted nothing more than to curl up in bed and sleep for a month. He sipped at the tea. It was pleasant, but he could tell it was spiked with something. The aromas filled his nose, and cleared his sinuses. He made a vow to send an owl to Remus and perhaps a belated Xmas gift. How daft he must have been to forget all about him. Well, he had been away during the break, right? Sure, that was a viable excuse. He sipped at the tea again, until it was half gone, then set it down on the desk and slumped further down into the chair and sighed.

"Now," Snape started, knowing that they could speak aloud for as long as both wanted to here, if nowhere else. "I am going to ask you to answer my questions fully and in all honesty. There is no reason to get alarmed," he said, with a pointed look. "I doubt you could tell me anything I hadn't heard- or done- already." His own cup of tea was left to steam alone. He left a lot of cups like that. "You said you met the Lestranges at Azkaban?" The door had been surreptitiously locked- Jack would have a hard time running.

Jack let a long yawn escape before attempting to reply to that. Time for Marauder Mode. If only he wasn't so damn sleepy all of a sudden. "I didn't meet them... Sir," he started slowly, in a contrite tone. "I said, from what I recall, that I don't want to be like them. I don't want to end up LIKE them. In....Azkaban." he said softly, slowly looking up at Snape with sleepy eyes.

Snape did not believe a word of it. "That, Grim, does not explain your reaction." Yes, anyone who knew anything about the wizarding world would shudder when they heard that name, but that kind of knee-jerk reaction was not normal. Even he wasn't that bad, and he'd come damn close to being incarcerated. Too damn close. His eyes narrowed and he exhaled, heavily. "Tell me why, or I'll find out another way."

Jack was still playing it calm. He knew well the trump card Snape would play if not placated. Veritaserum. He could slip it to him at anytime and he would never know it until he was spilling his guts on everything. Everything. He shuddered, thought, and then played the role for all it was worth. "I was there.... once." he said in a nearly audible tone. He was still looking down, summoning the emotion behind the lie, that wasn't a lie. Method acting they called it, pulling on personal experience to project for the character you were playing. Only he wasn't acting about this. "Before I came here. Before I transferred. There was an incident, involving my parents...." Jack looked up. Eyes were red-rimmed, wet. "It was insane, after they were killed, people panicked, and blamed everyone, anything that was close at hand. Including... me." he said with a choked tone. He then looked down, and wiped quickly at his eyes with the sleeve of his good arm. "They put me in there for a short time. I was suspected. But cleared," he added, then went silent. He closed his eyes, and said a silent, non-communicated prayer. Let the lie stick.

Snape listened, watched, and took up his cup of tea as a distractionary measure. It let him sit and assess for longer without feeling as &endash; well- silly. He appeared to be digesting and absorbing everything- weighing it up, putting two and two together. As far as he knew, there had been few children in Azkaban- few people under the age of eighteen, for obvious reasons. But people like Fudge ruled the world, and he had no faith whatsoever in their judgement or abilities. Anything was bloody well possible. He bit his bottom lip and thought. That would explain a few things, come to think. Including… Riddle. "You were lucky, then," he said, eyes wary, posing as a believer for the time being. "Not many people are let out." And a good job too, he couldn't help but thinking. Actually, he was getting chilled talking about the place. It dredged up too many bad memories. "I take it the Headmaster knows?"

Jack nodded, sniffed, wiped at his nose again. "It wasn't meant to be common knowledge Sir," he said in a warbly voice. "I was told not to discuss my past, or the circumstances to which I had been brought here and allowed in." He stopped, a heavy inbreath, then a long weary sigh. He looked up at Snape, face blank. "I know I should keep nothing from you Sir, but I was afraid that if you knew...." Pause, "You would reject me in every way..." he said with a tone of soft despair, then looked at his teacup. He took it, and downed the rest, then carefully replaced the cup to saucer.

Snape laughed. Unfortunately, it was not a pleasant sound, because he was not in the best of moods. So instead of the warming sound it was supposed to be, it was half-way between a snort and an almost pained-sounding exclamation. "Good gods, you have seen the misfits and scum that get sorted into my house of late haven't you? Bloody insult to Salazar if you ask me," he replied, and shook his head. He then inclined his head to the left, indicating his arm. "Do you really think that means much to me, considering who my past associates comprise? Do you really think I am that bothered?" Incredulity coloured his voice. Hell. Most of his childhood friends were currently retired at the Ministry and Dementors' pleasure.

Even though he wasn't a Slytherin, a true Slytherin, Snape's words stung him to the core. Unwanted, misunderstood, and no worthy of anyone's consideration. He inhaled and hated the sound he made, on the verge of tears. He was beat, and drugged no less. Could it get any worse? "I suppose I am not better than the rest, no matter what .... affections you may bestow upon me." Self pity anyone? Sure, make two cuppas.

"Oh for Merlin's sake have you been on the gin again?" Snape demanded, and was this close to throwing his hands up in the air in entreaty. Instead, he rolled his eyes. "Are you seriously placing yourself on the same intellectual level as Crabbe and Goyle Junior?" Snape shuddered- both at the thought of their mental prowess, and that they were in the same year. "It isn't just the ability to put two and two together, any Ravenclaw brat can do that, even a few Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors," he allowed, grudgingly. "It's the ability to see what the number four can be used- for." Alright he hadn't thought that far ahead. "And if you in all honesty rank yourself along with them then you have no business being in my house- go and mope with the stupid Gryffindors." His face was suffused with frustration, disgust, annoyance. God, look at the simpletons he had to deal with. Humanity was wasted on humans.

Jack was feeling tired, depressed, and completely not in the mood for the verbal jousting. He wasn't sure what Snape had doped him with, and was even less sure he wanted to be here when it kicked in full force. He didn't FULLY believe he has been poisoned or anything nefarious like that, but who knew what was in that cup? "I'm sorry sir. I am far from myself now. Perhaps I should be excused to my dorm?" he asked, then ventured a weary look up at the person on the other side of the desk. "I can tell I am wearing on what little humour you have for me. I should go," he said, then rose from the chair, without waiting for an answer. Let him hex him in the back. At this point, he didn't much care and would welcome some tangible pain, and perhaps black oblivion for a while.

Tired was what Snape was, with the world and everything. No matter what he did or how hard he tried… "Fine. Make sure you don't get lost." Sod Jack, sod all the stupid little Slytherin, sod the Sorting Hat, Albus, Lupin and anyone else he could think of. And those he couldn't. He just wasn't made out for the conversational type. He would just stay here all on his own and have himself be the only person he could pass judgement on or be infuriated with. Snape put down his tea and didn't wait to see Jack leave his office before he went huffily into his rooms. See if he bleeding cared. The only mental communication, however, was a wave of low-level surface emotion, the feeling radiating off him, un-projected. "And get someone else to help you if you do get lost." He shut the door.

Jack felt the apathetic conveyance, and for a moment stood there considering it. Why was his life the most difficult of all. It hurt. It always hurt, and now that Snape was somehow tangled up in his feelings whether he realized it or not, it hurt more. He thought for a moment, and then shook his head and left the room with shoulders slumped, and hands in pockets. Maybe someday I will be well, maybe someday I can make you glad you know me, he thought, then headed back to his room, he felt a long heavy nap coming on.

And maybe someday you'll see me cheering Gryffindor at Quidditch, came the automatic response. He didn't know why his first instinct was to lash out at people. It was just there. Whether he liked it or not. And he had never really thought there was any other way to exist anyway. Sulking was what Snapes did best, aside from Potions, and so he did. For the rest of the night.

2003-01-06 18:49:12,
Back to School,

Well tomorrow we return to classes. This is a good thing I suppose. I have much to keep me busy and not obsessing on Snape.

The Play. Harry, who is doing well. Remus being here... Cho and her... obsession? Voldemort, is he gone for good, or just waiting, again?

Yeah... I have a full plate and then some. I need to send an owl to Remus. It's been forever since I wrote to him, and he is lonely I am sure. Poor bastard. I have only added to his misery.

As ever.

2003-01-06 18:52:30
,Letters to the Editor,

An IC RP with Snape, Grim and Loony Lupin.

Snape picked up his quill. He was damn well going to write to the Prophet. And, while he was at it, any wizarding publication he coudl think of. The nib had barely touched ink before it was scrawling confidently up and down the parchment, fuelled by the confidence that he was in the right. And that he would get somewhere. He realised, when the quill needed reloading somewhere halfway down the page, that he needed his owl. He wanted to send this off as quickly as possible. Hm. Grim? Are you busy at the moment? he asked mentally as he tried nt to smudge the still-wet ink.

Jack looked up from his reading. Classes had started again, and with the school back to capacity, it was time to turn his mind to studies again. He was glad for the distraction from his 'feud' with Snape. When he felt the mental question come along, he slowly looked up from his book, and closed his eyes, sighing. I am busy studying for my Arithmancy Class, he replied after a pause. Why, need someone to abuse? he then snarked, a grin creeping across his face.

Hm, unless you can bring me Fudge's head on a stick... though I would settle for Euclid. If you have a minute at the start of dinner, be so kind as to fetch him for me from the owlery would you? I'm ever so slightly... tied up... his concentration wavered as he got to a particularly long-winded argument and completely forgot to use short, easily-understood sentences. Snape in his natural element wrote very much like a textbook. He hardly seemed to have noted Jack's tone or words, too caught up in his task. His hand was a blur across the page, writing with note-taking speed. When he ran out of parchment he stood up and looked blindly about the room for more.

Jack sneered, then sighed. He opened his eyes, and looked down as he closed his book. He checked his watch next, and saw that "before dinner " was right about, now. "Bloody Hell, " he muttered and pushed back from the table, and headed for the owlry to retrieve Snape's owl. He could only wonder if it would be as much as much of a prick as his owner.

Lupin sat as close as possible to the window, leaning back in his seat against the casement - enjoying the view of the grounds and the relatively peaceful bustle of the staffroom between classes. The relatively peaceful bustle suddenly seemed to escalate, and he turned to see Snape attacking parchment with quill in a grim fury. Lupin smiled to himself, imagining the quill bursting into flames at any moment, though he noticed with no little shock that Snape was - very nearly - smiling as he scraped through his missive. /What on earth?/ Remus wondered, then shaking off the query he returned to viewing the grounds.

Snape was looking flustered and distracted and very much hell-bent. Quill still in hand he dragged his hair back behind one ear and nearly drew on himself. Seeing Remus, he decided it would be quicker to ask. "Do you happen to have any parchment? " he demanded, single-minded in his focus. He had to get the damn thing out NOW before he lost this.

"Hm? Parchment.. Yes, " Reaching down, he found his battered leather satchel, and leafing through, extracted a few end sheets of parchment. Some showing nib-test marks at the edges. "All I've got at the moment, will it do? " Reaching the papers over to Snape.

Jack reached the owlery after depositing his book bag in his dorm. He entered the drafty tower and looked around. He had a vague idea of what Euclid looked like, and closing his eyes, and holding up his arm, he concentrated and tapped into Snape's psyche to help him call to the bird, "Euclid, your master bid's you come with me to take an errand for him! " he called out in a deep, commanding tone. His voice echoed off of the walls of the owlery, and sent a few of the more skittish birds to flight.

Snape nodded and fairly snatched the scraps, grunting what passed as a thanks before walking back over to the small desk. He hadn't been this animated over something since his thesis. He sat back down, half-sweeping his cloak beneath him, untidily. He chewwed on the feather's tip for a moment, and hammered out the remaining paragraph, before signing it with a huge flourish, setting down the quill abruptly, and looking for his seal. No... not there... blast, where had he put the damn thing? A growl and he stood up patting down his robes. He could have sworn he'd left it in one of them...

Lupin resettled the contents of his case, glancing curiously at Snapes efforts for a moment, then looking longer into the bottom of the case. He'd kept some brief notes of Sirius' in there, and there they were, still tied together and safe. He spared a glance at the parchments clutched in Snapes fist as he re-seated himself in his nest of fury, to reassure himself of the papers innocuous quality.

Jack heard the strong rustle of wings taking flight a few seconds later, and opened his eyes to see a massive, and elegant Eagle Owl soaring slowly down towards him. He held his arm still as it circled him twice slowly before landing on his arm. He winced as the massive claws bit through robe, and once the bird was settled, he turned and left the owlery. I have him Sir. Your office then?

Staffroom, Snape corrected. Door should be open... Hmm.. ah that's where it is... he muttered to himself as he found his seal, and managed to fix his scroll shut. Hm... that should do it... Snape stood up, holding his scroll, proud of his work. He looked impatiently to the door, ignoring everyone else in the room.

Jack replied with the mental equivilent of a nod, and made quick steps toward the Staff Room. Not only was he getting hungry, but he was eager to get this owl off of his arm while he still had some flesh on it. When he reached the door to the Staff Room, it was indeed ajar. He paused, and knocked both verbally and mentally. I am here, Sir. he sent, then knocked in case Snape was not alone in the room. "Professor Snape? I have your owl, Sir. "

If anyone didn't know better, they would say Snape had just done the equivalent of a jump. He all but ran to the door, for him, and opened it. He stayed by the threshold, leaned forwards, and affixed the roll or paper to one clawed foot. That done, he nodded, and the large owl bowed its head and took off, flying straight over Snape's shoulder and to the window near where Remus was sitting. Unfortunately, Snape wasn't thinking straight (he was still a little... giddy.. that he'd written it at all, let alone sent it, so he wasn't in his right mind) and didn't say anything aloud. Hmmm... that should do it... Let's see... when do they print... He stopped watching the owl not and turned back, seemingly just realising Jack was there. He blinked. "Haven't you got... dinner or something? " He sounded confused. Blinked some more. Oh... yes... your promptness was appreciated.... Snape definately did not sound himself. Too.... distant.

Jack watched Snape as he affixed the letter to the owl's leg, wincing as it clamped down for purchase while Snape fiddled with it. He made a soft sound of pain when it took flight, and headed out for the window. It was then he noticed Lupin near the window, and then looked from him to Snape as he babbled in his head.

It would be impossible not to be impressed by the energy Snape was expressing, yet Lupin resisted expressing his utterly blind gobsmacked astonishment at the man's athleticism up until the thundering ball of feathers launched at his head. Dropping his case and sliding from his seat, Lupin shoved the casement open in time for the hurried bird to fling itself through. Rising carefully, wry amusement evident in his every gesture, Lupin eyed Snape and straightened his robes. "Well.. " was all he said.

Jack watched Snape, then nodded as he was asked about dinner, "Yes Sir, I will go there now and see to my studies later. " he said, then with a nod to Lupin, and a shy smile he turned and slunk back out into the hallway. Been busy at all Sir? he asked idly, then made hasty paces for the great hall, and food.

Hmmm... busy, yes. I suppose you could call it that.... Came the distracted reply as Snape looked at the wreckage his sudden inspiration had wreaked all over the desk. Gods. It... looked so messy. To him at least. He transmitted as much. If you want to know... drat I forgot to get a copy sorted.... Snape picked up the quill, found the last scrap of parchment and charmed his wand to copy everything it had just written. The panic faded to contentment. There. Hm. Yes. You can read it later if you like. Snape licked at his bottom lip, feeling enormously pleased with himself. He wouldn't tell Albus. He was going to wait until it was published and THEN they would all see... ah yes.... Snape was very much pleased."

2003-01-07 01:32:55,
OWL POST to Remus Lupin

Dear Remus,

I am so sorry that I have been remiss in keeping touch with you. I am busy, still moving around, staying safe. How were your Holidays? I am sending you a bit of something with this owl. It isn't much, but I wanted to let you know you are always in my thoughts. How is Harry doing? Have you seen him at all lately?

I enjoyed our visit at the shack, however brief it was. It was nice being so near you again. You always were a calming force in my life. I hope you are well. Drop me an owl when you can, I will try to do better about answering you in a timely manner.

Be well Moony.

Fondly,  Sirius

(Attached with the owl are four sets of new teaching robes, that have been shrunk down for easy shipment. A simple Engorement spell returns them to normal size.)"

2003-01-07 23:28:44,
Breakfast and owl post

How long has it been since we really talked? Snape and I? A long time it seems. I was summoned yesterday to bring him his owl so he could send a letter off. He seemed, decidedly odd to say the least.

Giddy, preoccupied. Bloody mental. Well, I didn't stay around to find out WHY. I took my rare compliment with a grain of daisy roots, and went on my merry way throught the rest of the day.

He was "humming " for the rest of the day and the night. Not verbally humming, but his... emotions, vibrations... Hard to explain. It was an unnerving change of pace, but welcome I suppose.

And then... while I was watching him GRIN, and act all slap happy at breakfast this morning, he interacted with Remus a bit, my owl arrived.

It was amusing how the owl damn near clipped Snape in the process of delivering it. Remus acted oddly upon seeing it, then seeing it was from ME, and then cluthing it like a love letter he rushed out of the Hall to read it I suppose...

I hope I did the right thing by sending him that gift. Such was my intent. Well, classes soon.

As ever.

2003-01-10 00:16:47
Remus

Or should I say, Professor Lupin. Yeah, like that ONE faux pas won't hang me like the rest of his torrid book will. Anyway, he seems more... chipper? He must like the robes and such I sent him. It kills me to see him dressed like a beggar, and I know he would be insulted if I sent him things any time other than Christmas or a birthday.

So this is what I shall do. I will send more on his birthday. More robes, other clothes, perhaps a few personal items. Or... will that send a message I don't want to, or SHOULDN'T be sending? I belong to another, more that that "other " knows I have a feeling.

Yes, there is the Ouroboros, the sexual bondage, but now... at least for me... there is something deeper I have realized. So what do I do? Let a normal snark from him be cause to distance myself away from him, and avoid him in the halls, and his eyes during classes. Such is what I did today again. I want to be invisible, and he seems to be obliging me. Why? He is preoccupied with something, it's made him... giddy it seems.

Another... person? Oh, don't be an ass Sirius. You would KNOW if that were the case. I have a feeling this metal viper works as a two way conduit to such infidelities, and I would know if he was desiring another.

My God, what would I do?

2003-01-10 00:45:13,
Thursday.

He barely looked at me today. I was watching him, but I was truly invisible. I think I saw him SMILE.

I felt sick at the poisonous thoughts in my jealous and insecure mind. I kept them to myself. I will not show HIM my weakness and moments of vulernability. I have given him too many of those already, along with my soul.

God, I need a quest. Things are too quiet. Harry is fine. Voldemort is MIA. Am I even relevent, or needed to be here any more? I wonder how much he would truly miss me if I were to go? Would anyone mourn Jack Grim?"

2003-01-10 21:41:32,
Owl Post.

"Something came in the mail that didn't agree with Snape. I was watching him during breakfast, and he got a copy of the Prophet and read some part of it intensely, then dropped it and looked like his best friend had died. That would be a possibility if I knew he HAD friends... Besides me that is, and we haven't even been that much lately.

I was surprised when an owl came for me... addressed to Sirius. Bloody stupid bird, and since I am still on everyone's Ignore List, no one was looking at me when it landed on my eggs. I quickly stuffed it into my robe, and read it later. Remus was glad to hear from me, I hadn't realized how long it had been since I had written to him, and how worried he had been. I am such a prick.

He liked the robes, took it as a dig for him to stop dressing like a hobo and show his fancy side. Perhaps I meant for that to happen unconsciously, but the result was pleasing. He looks marvelous. Respectable. Lickable. But I can't go back to that way of thinking. I need to cool my thoughts before I owl him back.

Well, a short day of classes today, then maybe I will visit Snape. Something is quite off with him, and even though he is shut off from me, I can still sense it.

As ever.

2003-01-10 22:01:27,
Shut out, shut in....

I tried to see him, this afternoon after classes. He woudn't answer when I knocked on his office door. It was locked and warded so heavily I had to leave, it was giving me a migraine. He wants no company, that is clear.

I tried the mental approach and have never encountered such a block before. Nothing. I coudn't even get an impression of his mood, his state of mind, and I am not ashamed to admit here that I am worried. Really worried. He was SO up these last couple of days, and now... something in the Prophet has sent him into seclusion? I had a look at it, and found a letter to the editor from him. It was a short little piece, and somehow didn't quite sound like him. Severus when he writes, and speaks, is quite verbose and complete in thought and arguement. This was some short little bit. I just don't get it.

I want to help, but if he won't even answer me or let me near, how am I to do that? Bastard.

As ever.

2003-01-10 22:33:49,
OWL POST TO REMUS LUPIN

My Dear Moony,

The robes were not meant as an insult to your choices in clothing, but now that I think about it more. Perhaps it was a good thing to get you moving to take better care of yourself. We are all that is left of our little group of contemporaries, our "Pack " as it were. We need to care for and about each other.

I am well, I apologise again for taking so long to write. Time passes so fast for me despite my deplorable living conditions, and I forget that I DO have those that care and worry about me. I will make as firm a promise as I can to write you once a week at the least? Will that help ease your fears?

What did the Ministry want with you, besides the usual? Please keep me informed, I can do my best to look after you as well. As for how I am doing, I wish I could be living a normal life, but for now, such as it is, it is going all right for me. I have a safe, secluded place to live, a steady food supply, and some peace of mind. Rumor is that Voldemort has been striken down. Not killed, but banished again from a corporeal form. We can only hope he stays that way until we can find a way to kill him for good.

Ahh... but this is turning depressing. I adore your letters Remus. I even enjoy the scoldings, so keep them coming. Until we write next, be well my dear friend.

Fondly,

Sirius"

2003-01-11 14:52:26,
Drastic measures.

Spent the night in the tunnel, waiting. Calling. Pleading, threatening, begging, wishing. Nothing.

Today, I go through the door. It leads directly to his rooms, I will either find him there or not. I will either be slain for the trespass or not. Either way, there will be resolution to this.

2003-01-12 12:42:13,
"Hello Professor Lupin, fancy meeting you here..."

An IC RP with Moony and Padfoot in disquise...

Night had fallen, cold and clear, and Remus could see the dark sky and twinkling stars over the forest and in the small portion of the lake visible from the windows of his chamber.

Detention served in the morning by Slytherin students had gone rather well, though the children did unnerve the professor with their reluctance to open up. They couldn't seem to believe he'd wanted them to help with anything less than drudgery, and seemed horrified when he'd tried to actively interact with them; helping, working alongside them. He'd assumed it was the usual issue, lycanthropy - and had given them physical space, yet still attempted to engage them verbally. He'd taken a chance and the children had eventually greatly enjoyed in depth instruction in lycanthropy (no, they don't have cubs. yes, it hurts one a great deal.) before they'd left. However rewarding, the interaction had taken its toll, and Remus was feeling emotionally bare by the end of the day.

Sirius, he'd been thinking about Sirius again. He'd successfully resisted the urge to write to him once again; amused at Severus' wonderfully clever young charges, anxious as the approaching full moon set his hands to trembling, curious as to the nature of the mission being attempted so covertly and so close by.

Remus wanted, more than anything, someone with whom to share everything -- of late he'd been desperate to share anything, truth be told. So, his thoughts turning to the past more deeply as the night settled over the castle, he slipped on his boots and strolled through the lesser used passages and followed the footprints of the long ago Marauders.

"Supposed to be walking for fitness, in any event, mental as well as physical, " he mused, as he ducked under an ancient tapestry, hung to obscure an effectively secret passage entrance. He was well into the maze of passages, and high in Gryffindor tower, and his mind was years ago.

Jack had decided earlier in the day to go through the tunnel of buggery, to the panel that led to Snape's door and open it and see for himself what lay beyond, but.... he was stalling. It was early evening now, dinner past, and he noted Snape's absence at the evening meal if few others did.

So, what was he doing now? Besides stalling you mean? He was sitting in an alcove of a particularly obscure tower in the ancient school. He knew it well. He spent much of his "free " time here egaged in rule-breaking activities. He was crouched, squatting in an alcove narrow but deep, adjacent to an arrow loop. His hands were handing loosely between his splayed thighs, the glowing ember of a cigarette casting an eery flickering light on his features and the rough stone of the alcove.

He glanced to the side, his eyes adjusted to the illumination provided by fag and waxing moon to see the graffitt left by his former self many, many years, and two lifetimes ago. He smiled, lifted the cigarette up to his lip and took a long drag before blowing expert rings that drifted out of the loop and skyward. He was planning on going to barge in on Snape after a calming butt, however, he was now on his second.

Lost in thought, Remus walked slowly towards the destination he'd unconsciously selected during his musing on the past. At the termination of this last winding corridor was a tower rondel, hugging the castle wall to the right and open to the air with a row of tall narrow windows overlooking the forest. He'd spent how many hours with the others during their school days; watching Sirius smoke endless badly rolled fags, listening to James reading passages on animagi practice from pilfered books, .. other thoughts, other times, sneaking up with Sirius and learning other secrets.

He hugged himself lightly against the cold and looked up into the distance, knowing that he'd soon be seeing the moonlight filtering in through the windows.. and instead..

"Sirius.. " he gasped the name before his breath caught and wouldn't come again. The silhouetted figure, of which little could be seen, could have been an image lifted from Remus' mind - any of the times he'd come to find his friend in their Den. Just as then, he could see the lean figure of the teenaged Sirius perched in an impossible niche, long arms hanging carelessly, and Gods! the glow from the ember of a lit smoke glinting from his eyes.

Remus stepped into the moonlight, reaching a hand out to steady himself against the wall; he could feel the strength leaving his legs but had to know if this was his mind playing tricks, or.. could he be here? how? or could this be a shade?

Jack's heart froze, he didn't even hear the soft approaching footsteps coming to his sanctuary, and then, from the dark, someone was addressing him! Not just Grim Him, but HIM.

His breath caught in this throat and the cigarette fell from his hands as he scrambled backwards into what was a dead end and fumbled for his wand. Who ever it was would not live long to tell the tale, he would NOT be going back to Azkaban! He found his throat so tight he could not make a complete answer to the inquiry, so a choked sound of panic and surprise came out instead. Where was that bloody wand? he thought as the figure advanced, looking closer.

The figure moved with celerity, leaping to the floor and backing into the illumination of the windows. Remus stared; a boy, a student apparently by his dress, though he couldn't see *who* it was and still couldn't be sure it wasn't an illusion. His heartbeat was racing, fast and shallow, and his dimming vision was pricked by stars. Despairing and confused, he scrubbed the back of his hand over his eyes and felt his way towards a narrow window where he knew he could lean against a low casement. "Sirius, is that you? " The words might have been spoken from one ghost to another, so lightly they brushed the air.

Jack was retreating and stopped when he felt his back press against stone. He barely heard the questioning tone in the voice of the other as he finally found his wand and drew it out of his robes preparing to take aim and end this little unfortunate encounter right here and right now.

"No.... I am not... Sirius.... " he intoned in a voice a little lower than his normal talking voice, and with his arm extended, he advanced: he would see clearly who this person was before obliterating their mind and erasing the memory of seeing "Jack Grim " here, then perhaps he would take it even futher, it depended. He took a deep breath and then moved forward into the light. He opened his mouth to speak the charm, but something halted the words in his throat, and caused him to stare impotently. Remus? he thought weakly as his head began to spin.

Remus started, his head rising towards the sound. A student then...

"Ah, I.. " He leaned back to semi-sit upon the window ledge, trembling hands pressed down to the cold stone on either side of his hips for balance. "I'm sorry for surprising you. I thought.. this isn't.. not many people, students or staff, know their way through this part of the castle. " He smiled for the boy at the end, though he hoped he wasn't visibly pale in the weak light. "Who are you, then? " he asked, voice returning to more usual mild strength from the somewhat broken tone he'd just managed.

Jack blinked when he heard more of the voice and his arm slowly lowered. He was stunned. His mind reeled and and tried to put this together. What the Hell was Remus doing up here? Why had he called him Sirius? What the HELL was going on with the man? With him? Then.... it struck him. This was THAT alcove, the one they used to hold court in so long ago.... Then more of this began to coelesce in his mind. Remus thought he was seeing Sirus, the Sirius of then, but it was the Sirius of NOW, hidden in the body of a Slytherin. He got his mind to stop racing and forced himself to be who he was NOW. Jack Grim, Slytherin. SLYTHERIN.

"Grim. " he snarled, moving out from the alcove, more into the pale light, and regarded the startled professor with a cold, and discrediting stare. "Jack Grim, " he said evenly, and folded his arms across his chest, wand still in his hand.

That's the one, isn't it, Grim, again. Extraordinary though.. Remus looked at the boy in the light, and allowed his vision and his mind to clear. So similar, the damn smoking pose.. he thought, and his eyes traveled over Jack, considering, comparing while his smile slowly faded and his look became intent. The thin professors' breathing was evident, and his hands still trembled beside him, though the rest of him was still for some time. Look at the pride in this boy, the defiance. Look at his eyes.. Merlins Balls.. Finally shaking his head slightly, with a small snort of laughter, he looked out the window to the left of Jack.

"Well, Grim, how do you like the Marauder's Den? " He returned his gaze to the boy, his expression much softened.

Jack was a pro at putting on masks, he had been doing it for the better part of what, forty years now? He sneered, and shrugged. "Not what I would call a Den... " he said casually, glancing around with disdain. "It looks like a third rate place to grab a fag and a snog judging from the remains I have found left here... " he said with another trademark Slytherin sneer. He had learned them well rooming with Malfoy and his twin mental defectives. He got them daily from Draco for one reason or another. "What the Hell is a Marauder? " he asked after a beat, furthering the illusion he knew nothing of what Lupin spoke.

Remus looked at Jack with a sad smile, his eyes held a weary look, weary and lost. "Well, probably nothing that would interest you, come to mention it. " He nodded to indicate Jack himself. "Tell me, Grim, why a Slytherin student would humble himself by enjoying such a dismal location? " His eyes twinkled a bit, as he warmed up to a bit of ribbing. "I suppose an older sibling at school told you about it, or your father; you wouldn't have explored Gryff territory on your own, would you? "

Jack smiled a crafty smile, and nodded slowly, setting to lighting himself another cigarette before speaking. "I go where I want in this castle. See, since I am not hampered by a large group of friends or followers, I get to do a lot of exploring. " he explained easily. Lies were his specialty. Except when he was telling the truth. "I found this place a few weeks back. Nice, quiet, and secret. I like being alone Professor Lupin. This is one of those places that suits my tastes in recreational locations. " he said with a wicked grin, showing teeth.

The moon was rising over the forbidden forest, it had been pulling itself above the trees for the past hour, and now hung, fat and waxing in the sky. Remus stared at it, entranced. "Hmm.. " he gave by way of reply. Not hampered by a large group of friends or followers... is that what this is, Remus? he asked himself, expression unreadable, watching the moon.

He looked down at his hands, stretched the fingers to gauge the tremble, then collected himself and turned to face Jack. "Well, I'm going to have to ask you to head back to your dormitory prior to curfew. " Once again he found himself watching Jack's smoking, the way he held the thing, how the glowing ember gave light to his tousled hair and...

Oh no, it's not possible.. Remus had suddenly thought of a way the resemblance could be explained, but surely this boy had parents, a family, a father - surely.

"And I'm going to have to ask you to start back now, Grim. " He offered a resigned expression, pulling rank.

Jack's grin was a challenge. No matter what house he was in, he was an exception to any rule. Rules were for the weak and unimaginitive. Those that got caught, but then... wasn't he busted now? It was ironic, it was hilarious considering, but then, he was the only one in on the joke.

"If you say so Professor... " he said in a silky tone, then took a final long hit of the fag in his hand, and tossed it up into the air where it vanished with a "pop " and a sparkle of light. Jack then dropped down from the ledge with cat-like grace and started to move past Lupin, keeping his eyes partially on the man. "Don't get lost on the way back to Gryffindor Dorms Professor, I hear the Gryffs have a pathetic sense of direction... " he snarked as a closing comment.

"Been coming here since before you were born, Grim, I don't suppose I'll have much of a problem. " Remus felt battered in the wake of the manic cheek from the teenager, and he wondered if - once again - lycanthropy had lowered his status in the mele, or if youth would simply always triumph over age.

"Oh, and, Grim... " Smiling an enigmatic smile, Remus spoke in the air, knowing his words would carry down the tunnel to the retreating figure. "Five points will be taken from Slytherin House for the smoking; I know Slytherins have a terrible sense of self preservation, but we'll enforce it on you if we must. "

Jack had his back turned to Lupin by the time the Professor got around to announcing the deduction in points. "Make it ten, I had two... " he said cheekily, not concerned about the repurcussions from housemates or Snape. Something was coursing in his veins, a cocky confidence he had not felt in some time. Had seeing Lupin here, like this re-energized him some how? He wasn't sure, but he WAS sure of one thing, he would go and see Snape NOW, before he lost all of this fire he was feeling.

Remus caught the comment, and it struck him like a damn clever thing to say, damn clever. His laughter as he turned to again regard the moon was clear and free. "I will do so, Mr. Grim, I will. Thank you for your honesty... "

Jack laughed, loud enough for Lupin to hear as he began to descend the stairs. "Honestly has nothing to do with it Professor, a Slytherin always wants what is coming to him. " he sassed, then made a quick pace down the circular stairs, toward the dungeons. He had a Potion Master to resurrect."

2003-01-13 01:43:04,
I come though not invited.

An IC RP with Jack and Snape. Rated NC-17 for some unexpected slash.

Jack took a deep breath, then pressed his hand to the carved symbol on the door. "Sempre Servitus " he intoned softly, then a beat later, the door slid silently open. He shook away the bits of dust that fell onto his hair. He was freshly showered, groomed well, and in clean casual wear. Stepping out from the tunnel, he glanced around, letting his eyes adjust to a room nearly as dark as the tunnel. Master? I've come to see you...

Snape sent a non-commital response. He didn't want to speak to anyone. Couldn't be arsed if he never saw a person more than was necessary ever again. He was sitting at his desk, dumstruck, wondering how anyone could live on when the bottom had fallen out of his world. He just.... gods.

Jack moved slowly, cautiously over to where Snape sat and stood along beside him. He waited there for a moment, considering his next move. At last, he leaned forward, pressing his nose into the side of Snape's hair and sniffing softly. Pain. Anguish, Despair. The smell of it hung on him like a second layer of skin. Jack pressed his nose to the skin of Snape's neck, then rubbed it up and down a few times before slowly retreating from the awkward leaning position.

The Potions Master hardly moved. His eyes were closed, pressed quite tightly together, unseeing. His insides never sat still enough long enough to examine them; take stock and recuperate. Grim was in his office with him. Of this, he was barely aware. A brief intrusion upon his thoughts of touch-which he, for a split second leaned into- but barely registered, and he sunk back down again. This was how it was. This was how it would always be. His head went down, closed, unseeing eyes facing the desk. How could he go on like this? He was vaguely aware of a retreat, leaving him alone, but that was about it- he was sold to his misery.

"I'll just take a place over here, by the fire and study Sir, until you have need of me. " he said aloud and mentally. It disturbed him to see Snape so low, so utterly beaten. He knew the feeling of course, he knew it quite well. However, he couldn't say so, not without it bringing things to light and no doubt making things much worse. It pained him to see him like this. Where in his youth, he would have given his teeth to see Snape crushed so, now.. now it was a pain unlike any other he had felt before. "I won't leave you. Ever, " he added, then selected a book from the shelf at random. 'Poisons for Profit' and curled up in a chair to read.

Normal communication flew more-or less over Snape's head. Society was beyond his skills right now. All he wanted right now was complete oblivion of the kind he rarely found through potions or sleep. A small sound escaped him- pain? Difficult to say. Everything wound together too tightly to extract, and he found he couldn't help himself and his head fell to the desk. Mentally, he sent out a note of resignation. He'd been kicked in the ribs once too many, whatever back the donkey had had been broken. He couldn't verbalise his thoughts- they came in a confusion of feelings and wishes, pleas... Snape was a broken man.

He was still staring at the letters page of the Daily Prophet. From time to time he would turn back to the front page, check the date, the name. Then go back and check the year... Look at the letter printed, four lines about the state of the world today being not what it was, and his name. S.Snape, Hogwarts. It was true, not some horrible joke or nightmare. True. Gods.

Jack got up from his desk where he had been studying, and went over to Snape, unable to watch any more. "Something troubling you Sir? Besides me, of course?" He grinned.

Bleary, exhausted eyes looked up. Whatever confidence and hope Snape had been able to keep locked up somewhere, stored, accumulated over the years, fortressed against the world.... The whole damn lot had just been pulled from under his feet. Of course there was something troubling him. He pointed first to the small section of print crammed between a discussion on what to do with floating-cabbage-rot and just what colour was the new in-colour for the fashionable witch's hair. Then he pointed to the letter he had written, a copy of which had already been given to Jack. "How long do you have?" he asked.

"Eternity," Jack purred as he slowly decended to kneel beside the beleaguered Potions Master, then placed his hands on the sides of the rolling chair upon which he sat, and slowly turned him to face him. He took care to not bang the knees of his Master on the desk as he turned him a quarter turn. Once he was facing him, he placed his hands on Snape's knees, and slowly pulled them apart before moving to kneel between them.

"I don't have that much time... or breath..." Snape replied, watching Jack carefully, but making no move of his own. He closed his eyes. Forced them shut tight. He let out a little laugh- mournful-sounding, lost, maybe even a little wounded. "I've been an idiot... You'd think at my age I would have learned but I haven't..." he shook his head, listened to his voice, too-taught and inching up higher at every touch. I take my leave of trying...let the world do with me as it pleases.

Jack simply nodded and with slow graceful movements of his hands, lifted up the bottom section of Snape's long cassock like robes, and leaning forward, disappeared under them, head first. His hands felt along, up tensed thighs, and to the fasteners on his Master's trousers where his hands played nimbly.

Despite himself, Snape found that he was leaning slightly into any contact afforded him, needily. A pale, almost serpentile tongue licked over dry lips, and the little snake about Jack's neck mirrored the gesture, hissing in a soft, almost inaudible fashion- slowly, unhurriedly. Snape shifted so his legs were out more or less straight, and along Jack's flanks, hooking his feet over Jack's, and under his backside, thankful for their length- not for the first time in his life.

Jack made quick work of the button and zip on the trousers, and pulled them open to find silken tented boxers beneath. He was again quick with hands, but gentle, freeing what he sought and found there. He leaned forward, purring softly in response to the serpent's caress on his neck, then nosed gently against the hardening shaft his grip. Slowly, up and down he ran the tip of his nose on the underside until he reached the top again, and slowly slid his mouth over it.

Snape didn't care how ridiculous he looked, no one would see him, and any possible shame and self-consciousness had gradually been eroded away, only resurfacing from time to time. It was too much bother trying to part his robes right now so he could mess with Jack's hair, which was what his fingers wanted to do mostly right about now. Instead they had to clamp down, and release, and clamp down again on the arms of the chair, like a cat flexing claws.

He managed to nudge his feet together and locked them, so that Jack was sitting back on them in his kneeling position, and tugged in as close as he could wangle with his over-long limbs. There was a low, sort-of satisfied rumble coming from deep in the Professor's chest, as he rolled his shoulders a little, tensing in places he really needed to relax. I'll give you one thing, he admitted grudgingly, You can unwind me almost as good as wind me up... Almost... The ghost of a smirk chased across his thin lips.

I do my best to please and perplex, Master... he mentally purred again, then began the familiar up and down oral motions, and crept a hand down to caress and massage the base of Snape's shaft as he tended to him. He hummed intermitantly, sending vibrations all throughout his mouth, and the length of the member in his mouth. He could almost see his Master clutching the chair, he smiled. It was fun denying him the familiar hair grip he used when Jack "unwound" him so.

That you do... Snape replied, his mental voice just as silky as his verbal one. Deprived any contact of his own by the situation, and reliant on Jack (which, he had to say, somewhat infuriated him) he had to make do with the Ouroboros- but it simply was not the same. There was a slight keening sound in the back of his throat, and he decided to remedy that soon. Hm. Maybe in just another minute more...

Jack began to move himself up and down faster and faster, his hand clenching tightly at the base, and then slipping down to massage and squeeze Snape's tensing testicles. He hummed again, a strange Muggle tune in case anyone cared, and he sent mental strokes of comfort, ease, and arousal to his Master, urging him along the path and pace he was chosing, for now.

Tiredom had conquered most of Snape's fight, he just wasn't in the mood to bicker, and more amenable than usual. Lulled, and aroused, in equal measure, he was content to lie back in the chair for the moment, rocking himself back and forth a little, pulling his feet up a little harsher, and so taken up that he moaned, gently. Yessss>... that's nice... Don't stop...

Jack was lost in the motion he was making, and the grip Snape had on his legs, holding him prisoner when the mental command came over. With a grin, he stopped, and lifted his mouth from Snape, then blew his breath ever so gently over the wet and heated flesh. He repeated this twice more, waiting for a response.

Snape actually whined, and his dark eyes looked wounded and unfocused as he stared down, even though he couldn't see Jack, and vice versa. He pouted, but didn't push his hips up any higher than had come naturally, swallowing instead. "Can't you follow... a simple order?" he growled, too breathless for his liking. Exhaled heavily through his nose, put his head back, and closed his eyes again. Any longer and he would see to himself. He was definately not going to beg anyone.

Jack chuckled and dove back down to cover Snape once again, and this time, the pace was faster. His hand moved quicker up and down his Master's organ in counter time to his oral ministrations. He hummed louder, and intermixed that with moans of his own. He was aching for some release of his own, but for now, he wanted to feel Snape let go, to surrender however briefly to him. I am not stopping now Master... Let go... let it go... he coaxed softly in his mentor's mind.

Snape bit back the reply that he damn well had already, and his nostrils flared angrily. It was quite one thing doing something, quite another if he was told to. His automatic reaction was to question why, or stall before obeying, unwilling to let anyone think they had any sort of control over him whatsoever. He made a half-strangled noise as he automatically stiffened, and stopped relaxing.

Let me relax you Master.... I want nothing else... please.... let me serve you... he purred softly in Snape's mind, not giving up yet. His motions were increasing in urgency, and speed. He swallowed with every other stroke, putting tight suction on Snape, and tasting saltiness mixed with his own saliva. That's it.... Master.... That's it....

The Potions Master wanted little more than an end to being so persecuted, even by Jack, now, it seemed. No matter what they said there were all out for themselves... it didn't make sense any other way. It was just foolish to even think otherwise. His jaw gave up being tightly clenched, mouth slightly agape to let in more air, as he felt his body betraying himself again. No matter how much he fought, that slow, seductive ease, with its terrible siren-song telling him everything would be fine, he had nothing to worry about if he stopped fighting the current... that voice mingled somewhere along the line with that of Jack, and the two became hopelessly entwined in his head. Surrender was dishonourable, was suicide, death of self... but he was giving in anyway, eyes closed as he stopped making any audible sound, stopped clutching tight, and just let his muscles act of their own accord. Damn you...

Jack didn't send a mental reply of words, but more emotion. Damn me, but I so love being damned by you... Being yours.... Serving you.... You will always rule me... he thought in intangibles as he pressed his face down until his nose pressed against the dampness of Snape's belly, and he inhaled his musky scent. He moved up, then all the way down again, timing himself, and then urging Snape to grab hold of him, to finish it.

Denied any hand-hold, Snape could only wrap his legs tighter, and pull him up from underneath until he was practically sprawled over his lap, only the fact his legs were occupied stopping him from rising from the chair himself. His fingers dug deep into the worn wooden armrests on the chair, causing his knuckles to go white with effort. Eyes closed, his head tilted back as he let go, restrained by Jack's weight, but feeling his climax curl up and rip up out of him, even if he couldn't move- and taking gods knew what along with it.

A half-verbalised plea echoed in his mind, needy, lonely. He felt so empty- but this was what Jack had said he wanted from him. Was this what it was like when he relaxed, and let the tension go? Was it such an integral part of him that he felt so goddamned - alone- when it left? He slumped back, panting, legs slipping down, feet unlocking. His arms felt empty and he wondered if other people felt sad afterwards, or if he was just a freak, as per usual. He was vaguely aware that Jack still needed attentions, but, until he calmed a little, he was in no fit state to deliver. Give me a minute, he seemed to ask, without those exact words, but something else that amounted to much the same thing. Just... a minute...

Jack was so skilled at this task, he could do it chaind and upside down if need be. He played the part of skilled courtesan, and finished the task with skill beyond his years, and once he had, found himself in need of fresh air. Slowly he backed up, taking care to not tred upon Snape's legs, and emerged from then black tent of robes, and sat back on his rump on the floor. He was panting for air, and reached up to brush his wet hair back from his face. He gazed lazily up at Snape, and smiled at what he perceived was a relaxed and sated state.

Don't show weakness, don't show weakness. Do, and you find yourself very quickly in deep water, ready to boil. And from thence, to the fire. He desperately needed not to be alone right now, but he couldn't dare swallow his prode enough for that. For once, a stupid little voice was saying that if he did, he would look a fool, or that Jack would leave him to spite him. And he didn't want that. But what was worst? So close, yet so far away... After a minute his chest had stopped heaving quite as badly, and he pulled his head upwards, and fixed slightly unfoccused eyes on Jack. Tried to make them look as doleless and mournless as possible. He bit his bottom lip. All he had to do was tell him to come over, and he would. But he didn't trust any part of his voice for the minute. And he sure as hell wasn't going to cry. Sniff a little, maybe, but nothing else. He started trying to compose himself, reassemble the man he showed the world, but it was slow going and he didn't really want to. Maybe he would have the first move taken from him and he wouldn't have to make any. Unlikely. he could but hope.

Jack looked up at the man seated before him, and felt a pull. They empathic dog part of him was telling him things most humans would miss or not feel at all. Slowlyl, and without moving his eyes from Snape's, he crawled forward, and slowly, carefully, nestled himself crossways into Snape's lap. He rested his head on Snape's shoulder, and then pressed his nose, his face into the Potions Master's hair. Then, he began to purr softly. It wasn't much more than a soft rumble in his chest, but it was there as he draped his arms around Snape's shoulders, and pulled himself closer. I'm here.... eternally, was all he thought.

Definately not going to cry. Nope. Not in the slightest. Snape didn't have to tell his arms to wrap about Jack's waist, nor his hands to rub at the small of his back, the seemed to know to do so of their own accord. Which was fortunate, because he sure as hell didn't know what to do himself, and was quite lost from the word go. He knew, deep down, what he wanted, just not how to go about it. Which was, in all respects, rather sad. He propped his chin on Jack's neck, and let his eyes close. I'm glad, came the quiet reply, but before he could dwell on that he shifted a little, leaning into Jack's chest, and rubbing against him slightly. He could still sense his need, and knew he wouldn't be happy till Jack was. He was still breathing heavily- though he didn't need to as much, wanting to smell him, them.

Jack nuzzled back, his breathing was slowing and he was finding himself falling into a calmer state the longer he sat there cuddling with Snape. He was content to sit there, like this until the end of time came, or something from the bloody world interrupted them. I like this.... just... being here, he thought idly, then a deep breath in became a happy, contented sigh going out. Could stay like this forever... So warm... So... right, he thought, then went silent, shifting only slightly to alleviate pressure on Snape's legs, but not loosening his embrace of him.

Warm? I suppose... came the slightly disjointed question, brain still not connecting gears and belts up. He was getting very very sleepy, and less panicked now Jack was in his arms, like a horse blinkered, or a hen with her head under her wing- he stilled. As his mind slowly calmed, and slowed- not working at the usual ten to the dozen pace, but somewhere just barely above animal, bare necessity, he licked gently, lapping with the tip of his tongue at the slight rise of bone at Jack's nape, finding to his annoyance that his collar was in the way, but too tired to do anything to rectify the issue. His fingers had worked their way under his shirt at the back, and were gently smoothing across the base of his spine- he knew, instinctively, just how to calm someone. Then do stay... don't have to move. Just stay... don't need anything else, he decided, stubbornly.

Jack nodded slowly a moment later, Yes. Shall we just go to bed then? To Sleep? Perchance to dream? he thought with a mental grin, but not much, he was quite drained himself. He thought then of warm beds, dark rooms, and a larger, warmer form curled around him from behind. He smiled.

So far... Snape complained. Why is my bed so far away? I should keep one everywhere... they are so very useful... he yawned, and blinked, surprised. He was still imagining having a bed in his classroom, or one in the Great Hall for after meals, when he realised he was probably being very very silly indeed. Oh well. You'll have to help... my old knees aren't up to this... he thought, babbling, as he struggled to rise, still with one arm wrapped about Jack's waist, the other finding the chair's arm again, trying not to overbalance, but not to touch any less of the younger wizard either.

Jack slowly stirred from his near sleepy state, and slid down from Snape's lap. He bent over and slipped an arm around Snape's waist as he made to stand up, then pulled him close and leaned his head against his side. He stood there, waiting for Snape to get his legs under him before attempting to walk. "When you are ready," he said softly, then a huge yawn caught him off guard, and had him gaping wide.

Somehow, he managed to stand, and not fall over. Which was fortunate. He had to sacrifice and just leave one arm wrapped around Jack, or walking would be a nightmare- he certainly was no up to carrying the other, no matter what weight he could make him. Seeing Jack yawning, he couldn't resist- leaned in, and bit on his bottom lip, firmly but not hard, before licking it dryly, pulling back, and tugging him along. "Come on or you'l catch your death... and I could do without that..." he mumbled, and continued to drag him along, willing or no.

Jack made a soft whimpering sound as his lower lip was captured and bitten, then relaxed. When Snape started to walk, he followed, and snickered at his faux concern for his health. "You always say that, but it never happens. Off all of the things that have stuck me down and afflicted me since coming here. A simple rhinovirus is the least of my concerns..." he grumbled, as he followed Snape to bed.

"Don't scoff, I bet if it wasn't for me you would have died from complications due to a cold," Snape groused. He couldn't help it- it was one of the few things he'd picked up from his mother, aside from his frame. She had been a real waif. He mock-clouted him, as they were getting there, and used one hand on the bedpost to strip himself as fast as possible, before he literally dived under the covers, rarely so happy he had them. Sat up, for a minute longer, he growled at Jack. "Hurry up already I don't have all night."

Jack was standing there, an amused smirk on his face, and once commanded, he began to disrobe. It was going to be a slow striptease. He puckered his lips, and started with his tie, then shirt. He removed them with slow practiced moves, and then dropped them one by one to the floor near the foot of the bed. He then lifted up a hand and licked his palm before running the same palm down over his bare chest, and down towards his belly, then over his groin which he squeezed slowly. "Ah...." he sighed. Then moved his hands to work the button and zipper next.

Snape rolled his eyes. "Exhibitionist. Stop showing off and get yourself here before I decide I'm going to sleep," he said, and rolled over, pulling the sheets over his head. He bit his lip to stop from snorting, or shaking, but it was hard. he considered things, and found his wand. If Jack wasn't going to hurry up, then he'd have to be hurried.

Jack scowled, and gave Snape a long slow raspberry, and continued his slow strip tease. Pants were undone and slowly pulled down, then tossed aside with a kick of his leg. This left him in sock and underwear and Ouroboros. "Don't I look so fetching and ready to be molested?" he said in a falsetto before diving towards the bed, and squirreling under the covers next to Snape.

Snape whuffed in laughter but rolled so his back was to Jack. When he spoke he was muffled by sheets and duvet. "No. Go away I'm not in the mood." Now his skills as actor, traitor, deceiver were put to good use as he affected the most disinterested tone he could. To all visual and auditory senses, he was exactly that- completely unresponsive. But he found it hard to lie in other ways, or wasn't trying. Teach him right to take so bloody long- Snape could play hard to get too.

Jack snorted, and gave Snape's back a jab with his elbow as he settled onto his back. "Fine, old man... don't tax yourself..." he snickered, then folded his right arm under his head, and the pillow, and began to lazily fondle himself with his left through his underwear. "Sometimes it's better to just take matters into your own hands..." he muttered softly before another monster yawn overtook him, and he paused.

"Hmph," came te response, as he found a new form of revenge and shoved two ice-cold feet back against Jack's lower leg, rocking him a little, and held there. "Oh' I'm sorry, did I jar you?" he said with forced concern, staring over one shoulder. He leaned back one elbow to rest on Jack's hip. Lull him into a false sense of security first.

Jack cried out at the feeling of the icy feet on his warmer body, and snarled in reply. "No, you didn't disturb me. I can do more that one thing at a time. I am multitalented that way," he snorted, then quickly rolled onto his side, back to Snape. That was tactically a bad move he knew, but that is what made it fun after all.

Hmmm, scratching post, he thought idly, and pressed back, rubbing his back against Jack's for a minute. "Multitalented eh?" he asked as he rolled over, finished rubbing, and draped one hand over Jack's hip, the other propping him up. "Can you rub your belly and pat your head at the same time?" he asked, as lazily as he could.

Jack snorted, "No, and neither can you..." he drawled lazily, closing his eyes with a sigh. He paused, then laughed "But I can lick myself if I want to." he bragged, then yawned again. He shifted around slightly in the bed, getting settled and comfortable now that the covers were warming up nicely.

"Can too," Snape replied, sounding wounded. But to demonstrate he patted Jack's belly with the hand that was by his hip, and rubbed his head with the other. Yawned, snorted, and lay back, arms behind his head in a relaxed manner. "Lick yourself? Like to see you try..."

Jack snorted again. "Fine, so you are the better man than I am... again. Hurrah, hurrah..." he said in a bored tone. He strayed from the topic of licking himself. Of course he could, in his Animagus form and showing off THAT talent would make things, awkward to say the least. He instead snuggled back against Snape, and moved a hand to lace with the one laying across his belly.

"You don't make it all that difficult," Snape commented, scratching idly with his long fingers, and yawning heavily. He was getting tired and thought as much aloud. He buried his face in Jack's neck and hair, mrring gently, and sprawling- letting his hand pet indiscriminately. "You could make things a..." yawn... "...little harder for me... Or I get bored..."

Jack let a chuckle escape, "Just WHAT would you like me to make harder for you, Master?" he asked with a grin. He was in fact, too tired now for some reason for sport, he surmised he was even too tired to be blown, but Snape had rarely done that for him. "Then get bored.... I am not stopping you..." he muttered petulantly.

"Oh for the love of..." Snape muffled the rest purposefully in Jack's back, and uttered a stream of unintelligible expletives. He thumped his head against shoulderblades as though a wall. Rested his head there a minute. "Roll over," he said, one hand to hip, shuffling back so he could get Jack supine. He was going to make damn sure the pair of them went to sleep happy or someone was going to get hurt. A resigned look on his face, he waited until Jack did as he was told. "Sometime today please, I have to get up in the morning."

Jack complied with a reasonable quickness, then looked up at Snape through the darkness, his eyes now fully adjusted. He frowned slightly. "You don't have to do this you know..." he said quietly. "Just go to sleep, I don't want to be the reason you don't get your 8 hours in. I'm fine." he said calmly, blinking slowly as he stared into those pitch colored eyes above him.

"As if I can sleep with you moping," Snape replied with over-done hard-done-by tones. "And besides, I never get that much," he calmly added, moving to straddle him with ease. Another advantage of long legs. He was kneeling astride, half-sitting on Jack's stomach, hands on his shoulders for balance. He didn't feel like much else right now, so this would blood well just have to do. He slid back, until he felt he was bumped up against something, then smirked. he rubbed a little, cocked his head to one side to gauge Jack's reaction. You were saying...?

"I'm not moping!" he protested, perhaps a little too loudly, then bit his lower lip and moaned as Snape sat astride him. Eyes closed, and he sighed. Somethings he could control, others he couldn't and his damn cock was one of them. He arched his back, and lifted his hips up toward Snape, another soft moan. Damn you.... was all he managed. He was well tranined it seemed, to respond when Master desired, even if he had not the drive.

Too late, I am already consigned to Hades... and my soul is sold several times over... he wriggled, and put a little more pressure on as he used his hands and knees to give him the purchase he needed. I am just waiting... for them to come and collect it... and realise I only have one... Have one to spare for me? He smirked, bit his bottom lip, and watched Jack's reaction beneath him. Hm. Perfect. His fingernails dug in slightly, tensing.

Jack laughed mentally, he couldn't do anything vocally at this point, his brain has gone south. Mine was sold long ago as well. Sold to the Lord of Revenge... he mused, then sucked in a breath from between clenched teeth and pursed hips as Snape dug in with his nails. He lifted his hips again, or rather tried, Snape had him quite well pinned now. He wasn't going anywhere he wasn't wanted.

Shame. There's so many things you can do with them... but so much more fun to be had without them... He lifted his weight momentarily, then ground himself back down against Jack's hips- no mercy shown. He had to say he was enjoying watching the reactions he could elicit from something so simple. Then, stilling, he leaned in to bite under his jaw for a minute- he was tired, but not utterly exhausted. He wondered vaguely if he could do this without ever using his hands or mouth. Decided that he had to investigate this properly, and with effort, slid himself flat, and his belly along Jack's groin. Oh it was so hard not to use his hands. He wanted nothing more, but instead he found Jack's wrists to keep himself distracted.

Jack moaned louder this time as Snape pressed himself down onto him, then came the bite. He shuddered, his cock twitched, and he gasped, sounding wounded, but being far from it. "Oh Gods..." he sighed as he felt the friction of the larger body on his. He struggled a bit when his wrists were grabbed, but not much, that would delay what would happen next. He wanted to get to that quickly. He was no longer ambililent about his needs. Not by a long shot.

Knees pinched tight into Jack's sides as he pulled both hands together, made them into fists, and held then with one of his. Brought his face to rub the knuckles against his closed lips. He rocked, gently, from side to side, rolling them both a little, eyes intent on watching Jack's. "Tell me what you want, Grim," he quite literally purred, knowing just how to sound sultry, even if he only just managed to feel it- but despite himself, he felt Jack's mood was catching. Worse than the common cold. "Why don't you tell me," he went on, "What it is you need..."

Jack's mind was thrumming, as was his body, he kept trying to lift his hips, to thrust, to rub, to do... anything that would let him come at this point. He wanted it NOW unlike earlier when he was content to just fall asleep. Damn that man! "I want to come Masssster..." he hissed between teeth held close. "Fuck me.... let me fuck you.... I don't care...." he breathed softly, keeping his eyes closed for now, then let out a long sigh.

Alright so he had to put his hands somewhere, so he pushed Jack's back over his head, and transferred one back to a shoulder again, not putting too much weight on, but enough to keep himself supported and Jack pinned. His breath hitched a little so he started to speak to better cover the fact up, those dark, too-deep eyes alight with something. "You do want that, do you?" he asked, tilting his head to one side as if straining to hear something far away. "Seeing as you asked so nicely... Accio wand," he called, focussing intently, and smirking when his free hand was filled. He knelt up, as high as he could, putting no pressure on the other wizard as he tried to sit clear. He held his left hand cupped in front of the business end of his wand, whispered something with a grin that you couldn't say wasn't malevolant. That hand disappeared behind his back for a few moments, his elbow working as he did squirm a little, but didn't make a sound.

Jack watched with wide eyes, and slightly parted lip, his heart began to beat a bit faster as his mind worked quickly at what he THOUGHT he was seeing, what he THOUGHT might be happening. It was a moment later he realized he was actually panting, tongue hanging out of the side of his mouth, the whole routine. He rectified that, and swallowed a dry moan. He opened his mouth again to speak, but found he coudn't.

The light flush of colour over Snape's high cheekbones was deepening steadily-settling there and looking very much out of place on his pale, sallow skin. He couldn't bite back the smug smirk- so he still had what it took, and could surprise as well? With practiced ease, not only on other people, but in the past on himself, he closed his eyes and slid a slickened finger inside himself with efficient ease, then stroked a minute-adding another, finding his arousal returning slowly, but steadily. He bit his lip, and opened his eyes, fixing them on Jack as he slid his fingers out with a little sigh, then moved his lubricated hand to Jack's straining member, holding it firmly and still for a second, and slowing his breath with effort.

Jack found himself falling down into a place he could not name or recall being before. He watched Snape with a mesmerized expression, and pulled on his hands, wanting them free to touch him, to touch himself, to do something! When Snape gripped him, his hips thrust upward eagerly. It has been so long since it had gone this way... "Yes.... Oh Please... don't make me wait, Master..." he moaned and closed his eyes, biting down on his lower lip in frustration at being held down, and being held between Heaven and Hell.

Snape made a little thoughtful hurrming noise as he shuffled- aligning himself as best he could whilst he held Jack still. He peered over one shoulder to better see what he was doing, talking somewhat distractedly. "So you'd... leave me like this? And after... all this effort... not even wait..." Bit his lip, closed his eyes, caught his breath and started lowering himself as slowly as he could... "...until you were inside?" His voice gave way at that point into a hiss, but it wasn't all that mercenary sounding, or even sinister, just a forced out-breath past clenched teeth. He'd forgotten what this felt like. It had been- what? A fairly long time in his memory, and even longer if you were only counting the times that- what, counted, so to say?

His exhaustion helped to deaden the pain a little, and his own long custom with pain in most all its forms meant he wasn't all that averse to a little. In moderation. But he wasn't thinking about those times at all for once- was not living in the past of recollection and association, or there was no way in hell he would still be in the same room as Jack. "I'm not going to make you..." he stated, using both hands for the minute to slowly slide upwards, and freeing his weight from Jack's chest somewhat- allowing him to breathe more easily again. His thumbs rubbed under collarbones, fingers flexing and relaxing, the mental afterthought left unsaid; Just don't leave me like this...

Once his hands were freed, they went to clutch on the outsides of Snape's thighs as he was slowly sheathed BY Snape instead of the other way around. He arched his head back, baring his throat and let out a long keening moan as he felt the tightness envelop him. "So.... long... So long since I..... Oh God.... Oh God...." he muttered as he felt the unfamiliar tightness swallow him. He wasn't even cognizant of Snape speaking to him, verbally or mentally at the moment. Once the initial penetration was complete he let out a long breath, and opened his eyes to look up at Snape. His were clouded, dazed, yet serene and warm. "Are you ready for me?" he asked in a voice deep, almost too deep for his size and age. Before he got an answer he moved his hands to his sides, and braced himself, then began to undulate his hips up and down with a slow urgent rhythm.

A shudder ran the length of the Potions Master's spine as he felt Jack's hands move- and if he noticed anything other than the fact they were holding him, he didn't say. The automatic glib response (never far from Snape's mind) that he was born ready parted his lips and was just about to escape past his teeth when the body beneath him started moving and interrupted lucid thought for- oh, the next few days? Well no, Snape thought muggily as he fought to retain some semblance of concious thought, moan turning into hiss as he clawed his way back up. Do I look ready? he asked mentally, squirming with as much restraint as he could muster, which wasn't much. That did feel... a lot better. Nowhere near as empty and cold whatsoever. His breath was laboured- and stopped altogether for a heartbeat or two when he decided he needed a free hand to tend to himself, snaking it over his belly quickly.

You look overdo for having someone like me fuck you silly and leave something warm within you... he replied, then finding the grip on the bed not nearly enough, he bent his knees up slightly, giving his feet purchase on the bed, and move power to his hips. He let out a long sigh that slid into a moan as he began moving his hips up and down with more leverage now. Sounds came from his mouth, neither words, or groans but something feral and wild. Slowly he opened his eyes, and looked up at Snape. He grinned. How many years had he dreamed of something like this? Oh many to be sure.

Sssomeone like you? he asked, smirking. What, a younger Slytherin for a change? Oh yes, he'd forgotten he wasn't going to go there, certainly wasn't going to consider that he was doing this with someone what- half his age? Young enough to be his son? Nope. So he didn't. Eyes closed, damp lashes resting on his cheeks, he tried to ride out the rhythm Jack's hips were dictating, front and back as much as up and down. Perhaps... But maybe I'm not the only one who's been kept waiting too long... he smirked, clawing at exposed ribcage with one hand, stroking himself furiously with the other.

He wasn't as worried as he had been in the past- perhaps the insurance-clause of one small silver snake helped with that, or something else. He neither knew nor cared, too busy trying to scratch the dreadful itch he couldn't reach, looking for all the world lost to his task; lips pursed, eyes shut, slight frown-line creasing between his eyebrows. Aside from the knot in his gut which was slowly tying itself tighter, he did feel less anxious and more at peace than he had in years. And he hadn't even had a drink...

Too long.... yessss too long... to do this... he thought and quickened his pace. He had youth on his side, and he thrust for all he was worth, he wanted nothing more than to make it uncomfortable for Master to sit come the morning. If not that, leave him with the ache of having been had so well. This isn't my best position mind you... But it will do for now... he growled with the increase of pace, then felt another desire overtake him. He sent the image, the desire of Snape moving his hand from where he was clawing at his ribs, to up his belly, over his chest, and encircling his neck to join the Ouroboros. Would he take the bait?

A quiet whimper somewhere at the back of the throat was the only audible articulation Snape was currently capable of- he much preferred to keep his intelligible voicings private for the most part- why, he wasn't too sure. He had to agree that Jack had a point, however, this was far from the most practical position possible, but beggars couldn't be choosers, so it- and all the inconveniences attached to it would have to do. He stifled the mental laugh at how bold the current situation made Jack (who wasn't, shall we say, the most retiring of people) and wondered if he could make Jack's mouth run to the point he said something he shouldn't. He was still musing on that, and thinking his reply, when he realised almost absent-mindedly that his hand was in the wrong place. Concentrating on getting the words all in the right order, he slid a flat-palmed hand up to rest just at Jack's neck, feeling the windpipe beneath, the constrictions and relaxations of muscle as he breathed in and out. Patience... is a virtue... We'll see... we'll see... he rumbled, mantra-like.

Jack snorted, letting him know how he felt about patience when it came to sex, and he began to move for all he was worth. He repositioned his feet, and again bracing with his arms, he began to drive himself relentlessly up and down as hard and fast as he could from this angle. He was going for broke, as he felt the touch on his throat, the power play being hinted at there, he felt himself ready to come. Yes..... Yes..... Almost there..... Almost.... there.... fuckfuckfuckfuck oh God.....

In through the nose out through the mouth? Not likely. Snape was gasping in air for all he was worth, his sides working overtime so much so he thought he had pulled something and would struggle terribly tomorrow. Sod that. As Jack shifted angle yet again he felt himself thrown much too far forwards and automatic reflex kicked in- grabbing hold of anything for dear life. Which happened to be both Jack's throat and his own straining member. He yelped as his knees chose that particular moment to desert him and go in opposite directions- outwards, and land heavily on the youth beneath him. "Oh SHIT!" he yelled, thrashing blindly. Good job there was nothing breakable to hand.

The soft choking was nice, the tightness convulsing around him, very nice, then... then... Oh God... stars before his eyes and he let out a cry as he clutched the covers in his hand, he felt fabric rending and a shudder from his rippling body as he came and the world went white. "Yes! Oh God! Yes! Oh.... God...." he chanted in a rasped voice as he felt the clench at his throat then suddenly it tightened and he felt his throat being gripped too tightly then with a sudden impact, something else was falling on him, knocking the wind from him, and causing him to wheeze for breath. His eyes shot open, and for a moment his vision wouldn't focus. Sensory overload.

What had happened that meant he couldn't breathe? Snape wasn't sure, but the burning sensation that his brain told him was coming from his lungs wouldn't go away no matter how much air he sucked in. He was dizzy and exhausted and spent as it was already, and his hands relaxed- falling- falling, did they ever hit anything? They must have, but as far as he could tell they were still moving downwards. Which was all very silly. But for now, he couldn't for the life of him think who, what or where he was and lay sprawled over something warm. All he knew was he rather liked being like this, and wasn't ever going to move unless someone made him. Forcibly. The whole remembering shebang could come later.

Eyes finally focused, and Jack looked around. He found Severus' shoulder near to his cheek, and he felt like he was dead. Dead weight. Oh fuck the bastard had a heart attack! was his first cognizant thought, and he forced his hands up to embrace the back of the man, and hugged him tightly. "Hey... You alright?" he wheezed with great effort. His throat was sore, he was sure it had gotten bruised somehow, and slowly he was regaining the ability to intake air without painful stitches in his side. He tried to shift his body, no luck. He subconsciously noted they were still joined, and well, it wasn't so bad really. Unless the old fuck had keeled over. Master? he tried, accompanied with soft stroking motions across a wide, and damp back.

M'gonna stay here a little while...</i> came the punch-drunk-sounding answer. Tired. He nodded slightly, and shut his mouth in case he started drooling. He caught a mouthful of pillow in the process, and spat out disgustedly, before he shuffled in an attempt to get his legs and arms in semi-comfortable positions, but it was like trying to do something in front of a mirror with legs crossed; working out left from right took a while. He yawned, and half-curled over, half-smothered Jack. He was going to sleep now dammit. With a bit of mental effort he managed to get out one last thought. Mmm'at least stopped you moping.... even if you'rre mooning now i'stea...

Jack listened to the mad mutterings of a man well shagged, and grinned wide. Of course he wasn't dead. He was Severus Snape for crissakes, the most foul human to walk the earth, he would outlive everything but God, and even then that was up for debate. He felt him move into a semi coddling position, and accomodated him, moving only the slightest bit to settle himself before calling to sleep. Next time, I shall select the position, and to all... a good night... he sent, then almost immediatly fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

2003-01-13 01:45:19,
Ah... the morning after.

An IC RP with Grim and Snape.

Snape was half-asleep. Well he wasn't sure which part of him WAS awake but some part of his brain, the toes on his left foot (which were tingling due to something, probably lack of blood- he tried to wriggle it a little) and possibly his back, which was most assuredly aching. There was an annoying nagging thing in his head that told him to keep his eyes shut and his head down and that he really didn't want to face wakefulness and normality today. But he was a stubborn bastard and if things were trying to hide, he was more likely to try and find them out. He was vaguely aware that he was making up for several sleepless nights, but by now his thoughts were far too active to calm down again. He stirred, struggled to get elbows beneath him, and forced his eyes open. When they focussed, he saw- well. He wasn't alone.

Jack was still mostly asleep, sleeping the rest of the Welly-shagged and Content. Only the pressure of a nagging full bladder was nudging him to consciousness. He sensed on a subconscious level movement behind him, and reflexively he moved back to close the chilling gap between bodies that had been made. He muttered something as he reached a hand back to find another and draw it over his waist. He laced his fingers with the colder, larger ones, and let out a contented sigh.

All attempts to prop himself up were rather quickly abandoned, and Snape let his head fall back heavily on the pillow. He just wasn't capable of getting up yet. He was still much too tired. And sore. He realised that like a kick to the stomach. A few things started filtering back in and he buried his face in hair in response, trying to hide, muffling a low moan.

Moments passed and Jack's eyes slowly flickered open and he smacked his lips, tasting what ever was the last thing he imbibed the night before. "Good morning Master... " he said in a soft tone, giving that hand a squeeze. "Just so you know.... I still respect you as much as I ever did... " he said solemnly, but the smile on his face was so wide, it was nearing painful. He held his breath, waiting for the reply.

Snape sighed heavily. His eyes were closed but he wouldn't have seen much had they been open, trying to burrow between Jack's head and the pillow. Alright, so yesterday would take a while to assimilate. Aside from his own behaviour, however it was explained, he still had to face a world that thought he'd bothered to write a two-sentance, one-note letter to the Prophet and thought it worthy of air-miles. "Do me a favour and tell today it can bloody well piss off until I'm ready to face it? " he asked, sulkily. He didn't make to move away, but was clearly heavily confused.

"Right! First order of business it shall be. " Jack chuckled, and snuggled back against the form behind him, trying to rouse him slowly. He was feeling frisky, and wanted to play... or do something besides mope. "Then what shall be the second order of business Master? " he inquired. "Shall I order breakfa.... " he paused to look at the clock. "Oh! Brunch for us...? Bloody Hell, is it that late already? " he commented.

"I missed morning? " Snape asked, not wanting to look at the clock. "I said tell it to wait not get rid of it! " he moaned, and wriggled his hands until they were wrapped about Jack's waist, pulling him back like a human blanket in an attempt to smother himself. "In fact, cancel today, and do what the hell you like. Sod the world. " He was, now he thought of it, a tad hungry. And starting to feel not the slightest resentment towards certain people. Which was better than just plain old self-loathing. That got a bit wearisome.

Jack laughed softly. "Yes, I am afraid you have fallen into another of my bad habits... sleeping past noon on the weekends. " he grinned, then rolled over onto his back to look over at Snape. "I am such the bad influence on you Sir... I should be punished. "

Snape pinched the bridge of his nose sending his voice more nasal than usual, then dragged his hand over his face to wake up his features, hopefully, and give that tongue of his a little more exercise. Calculating eyes seemed to be weighing several things up. "Quite. It would not do for me to be gadding about like you. Some of us have an example to set. And lessons to teach. Go clean yourself up, for a start, " he said, making no move to shift himself just yet.

Jack groaned and pulled the covers up over his head. "Don't want to get out of bed yet... " he muttered. "You go first and leave me some water in the shower. " he chuckled, imagining what Snape would look like in the shower, hair cap and all.

"Stroppy little git, " Snape bickered, and gave him a shove with a knee. "Shift or I hex your sorry little backside to kingdom come. And THEN make you go the the bathroom. "

A growling sound was Jack's reply, and he shoved back, driving elbow into boney ribs. "Gerrof! " he snarled back. "Don't start hexing duels you can't win... " he challenged, then prepared himself for the repercussions of his actions.

"I was hexing before you were even the twinkle in the milkman's eye, " Snape shot back, and rolled over, making sure he trapped Jack's arm underneath him. "You either get up now, or I'll turn you the most delightful shades of maroon and gold, then drag you to the bathroom myself where you can try and scrub it all off. " One brow raised archly.

"Milkman! " Jack snorted. "Don't bring your father into this. " he retorted as he tried to pull his arm free from the dead weight laying on it. "Is colors the best you can do? Why not change me into something? " he grinned.

Snape snorted. "Had I been a bastard I would have likely been exposed at birth, but unfortunately for me I wasn't, and I inherited more than my father's name and money... " Snape refused to budge and free Jack, wicked, lazy grin spreading over his face. Neither wand was in reaching distance like this, and would have to be summoned, or one or both of them move. "No it isn't the best I could do... But what to change you into? Something useful... a doormat? Or something after your character... " He appeared to look thoughtful.

Jack laughed. "The thought of your naked and exposed to the elements.... precious. " he laughed in his wicked boy tone way. "Then... something that fits me... how curious. Perhaps my namesake.... " he laughs, and with a mighty jerk, pulls his arm free, and nearly falls out of the bed and onto the floor.

Snape shuffled backwards to sit with his back against the headrest with a casual ease that belied the fact he'd got closer to the bedside cabinet where he habitually kept his wand. He draped the nearest arm over the headrest, gestured with one hand as he snorted. "Well that's one sight you're spared. Hm. A grim? " He squinted, tilted his head to one side, examined him from along his nose, seemingly weighing the choice, before dismissing it entirely. Certain Transfigurations were taboo subjects in front of the Potions Master. "Maybe I should just gag you- or use the Imperious- only way it seems you'll behave. " Reminder of that particular type of spell had spoiled his, at best, capricious, changeable humour, and most of it had vanished from his voice. He reached over, not caring for the game much, and picked up his wand, twirling it idly.

Jack watched Snape move carefully, ready to duck and run if need be should he go for his wand. "Not a Grim!! The foreshadower of Death! " he said and feigned terror, then a moment later began to laugh again. He paused when Snape mentioned the Imperious. "Oh you mean this, isn't a pretty version of that? " he said, hooking a finger under the still Ouroboros and lifting it up to glint in the light.

Snape snorted at the amateur dramatics. "In that case you can sod off, I'm not ready to die yet. Not made enough people miserable. " He splayed his wand-hand over his stomach and let his head fall back. "Don't they teach you ANYTHING in Defence? Bunch of useless.... " Snape's sotto voce diatribe rambled into incomprehensibility. Then he shook his head and adopted his best lecturing tone. "The Imperious curse is unlike any other form of persuadant in that it will force the victim to do absolutely anything- including self-harm, whereas such complete control over unwilled actions is rare to the point of almost non-existence in other curses, draughts, artefacts... " Bored, now, he rubbed his shoulders back a little. "Like it or not, that, " he nodded, "Will not, on its own, make you have a wash! " And with that he flicked the end of his wand slightly, and concentrated. A few incantations and JAck's mouth was filled with soapbubbles, which were rapidly multiplying. He rolled onto his side, back facing Jack, wand still ready.

Jack was grinning wide, listening to Snape lecture, it was so amusing, and then as he started to laugh, his mouth erupted in soap bubbles. "Bathard!!! " he called out, and tried to catch the spewing mess in his hands until they filled and the surplus ran over onto the floor. "Sthop it! Schtop it!! " he called out, then looked around and decided on a more immature retaliation. He gripped the covers of the bed, and with a huge yank, tore them off of the bed, and bared Snape to the room before he ran choking into the bathroom, dripping bubbles the whole way.

Snape laughed. For once, it didn't sound too badly, and made more advantage of his voice. Well, that was just too precious. He draped his hand back over his chest and stomach, not really covering his modesty, and drew his legs up a little, but those were his only concessions to dignity. Over the years he had become the master of the perfect hex- or so he liked to think. Some people thought the best way was painful or hideously embarassing, but Snape was the student of the best ways to push buttons. Not entirely malicious, he was more interested in causing the maximum effect for the least effort. "Need any help in there, Grim? " he called.

Jack's answer was to through something in a blue phial out of the door of the bathroom, sending it smashing on the stone floor of the bedroom beyond. He was bent over the loo, spewing bubbles in a constant stream now. He felt another urge, and managed to keep his mouth closed long enough to empty his bladder, then flush before having to spew more bubbles.

Snape blinked when he saw a flash of colour and heard a crash, but the whatever-it-was must have gone under the bed or somewhere else out of sight. The smirk remained in place on his face, and he looked over hsi shoulder. Whatever-it was couldn't be smelt, seen or detected by him yet... Nice game of Russian Roulette then. Hm. Going to give me a clue or not...? he asked. He had faith enough in his abilities to not-get killed.

"Crash! " was heard as another bottle came flying out of the bathroom, and broke on the floor near the bed. His aim was improving it seemed. He then tried to yell something, but failed miserably, and continued to spit up bubbles right up until the moment he stepped into the warmth of the running shower. Bastard!! You don't need a clue for that! he replied angrily.

Oh,</i> Snape thought, sounding a little disappointed. He'd half-hoped Jack had known what he was throwing, and had done so for some reason other than hitting him. "Don't know the counter curse? " Snape called, even though he knew that casting it would be highly difficult should Jack have had his wand. He spent a few more minutes enjoying his chaos, then relented. "Abdo aquifam... " He sat forwards to see if it had worked, ready to duck any more bottles.

It apparently had. The hacking and spitting had stopped, and Jack was now leaning forward into the spray of water, one hand on the wall for support, the other swiping across his lower belly lazily. He appeared to be humming to himself, relaxing as he stood there, letting the water run over his body. Well, thank you for that much.... he said sourly. I should have nothing but sweet things to say all day now thanks to you.

I doubt it, somehow, Snape mentally replied, lay back, and decided he really couldn't stay in bed all day. It was just too much of a stretch for him- he'd feel the day wasted. Even half-dead he managed to get up and to a chair. He did so, and wandered over to find a big night-gown, slipping it over his shoulders and cincing the belt into a knot quickly. He found a wall, and leaned on it. Two hands behind his head and rotated his head, freeing up some of the tension in his neck.

Jack at last moved about in the shower, found the soap, shampoo and the like and set about to washing himself down. I wonder if I will be missed at all, in my dorm by Malfoy and his cronies.... he thought idly. When Draco was giving me the grand tour upon my "return " to Slytherin House, he commented something like, "Here is your bed, for when you are in it... " or somesuch...

Is being missed by them- or not- such a wondrous thing? Snape mentally snorted, and then let himself slide down the wall, bending his knees and lowering himself to the ground. Fully down, he wrapped his long arms about equally gangly legs- though not as disproportionately long as once they had been. He propped his chin on his knees, bare, because the gown fell to the floor, and noted vaguely that they were a little too skinny. Seriously, though, he could be a problem. All of them- and I don't just mean mein Malfoys...

Jack's reply was an obscene thought, and he finished up his shower, and after locating a robe of Snape's that was too long for him, he bundled himself up, and then went to start coming out his hair in the mirror. So, hex them all next, or let me do it. I am always up for some maleveolent mischief... he chuckled, then found a comb at last.

Hah, I so much as lift a finger the Ministry will have me in so many chains that Houdini would have a panic attack on seeing them... Do anything to Malfoy, satisfying as it may be, but you'll find he runs to Daddy Dearest as soon as you let loose... Snape turned his head as he heard a little crack, followed by a rustle, then another crack, and his head whipped round to the door. Shooting a warning glance in Jack's direction, he got up and slunk over to the door, opened it slightly, and peered into his office. Closed it, and headed towards the bathroom. "House Elf. I'll open it later. Had enough correspondance for one lifetime... "

Jack emerged from the bathroom a moment later, towel around his waist and his hair for the moment, combed slick back out of his face. "And what of Malfoy Senior? I have a score to settle with him... " he said dangerously. "Yes, I recalled that as well, " he said darkly, then moved to walk past Snape and collect his clothing.

Snape passed Jack, but decided to skip everything else and go straight for the shower. Much more economical, and he was in no mood for finesse. He grunted as he turned on the water, laid his forehead to the tiles, and let the warm water course over his neck and between his shoulderblades. "Don't remind me. Lucius.... Lucius and I have a lot of old debts, reneged, unpaid, scores not settled... " A low, mental moan. "He's just another person on my hit-list of people who need to suffer before I die. I... " A wearied sigh. "I'm just not going to think about that for a little while longer... " He still smarted too much from his rough treatment at the hands of the Prophet last time he'd actively tried anything, and the reminder made bile rise. He shoved the heat up, despite hating the heat. "I... need a little time first. ""

2003-01-15 00:00:07,
OH what a weekend.

Busted by Remus in the tower with a fag in my hand on Saturday evening....

That was a close shave, and a near heart stopper. He must have been walking in the past or fantasizing about.... Oh I don't know what, but when he saw my New Young Self, postured like my Old Young Self used to, with him, he snapped, and called me Sirius. He thought he was seeing his beloved Sirius, and in truth, he was.

It nearly killed me to have to play the part of Jack Grim, smart assed Slytherin, and act the part of "Snape's Pride and Joy " when I wanted nothing more than to drag him into that cubby like I had so long ago and... well, it did't happen, and it won't. Ever.

Fidelity Sirius. You have pledged. Again. This time, make it stick.

Then after getting 5 points deducted by Remus, I insisted he make it 10 just to keep myself from laughing at the ludicrousness of the situation... I went to call upon Severus. No, the irony was not lost on me.

He was unresponsive to me at first, so I just grabbed a book and started to read. Eventually he dropped his head on the table, utterly crushed by.... I still don't know what, and I went to him. I comforted him in the only way I know how, for the time being, and it was good. It got better in fact. Snape doesn't like being beholden to anyone, and insisted on returning the favor, and even though I initially wasn't needing it that bad, he convinced me otherwise. He let me be the pitcher, from the bottom of course, but still.

Wow. I am still reeling from it. It doesn't seem real. It didn't really happen. Did it? I suppose it did. I woke up in his bed, and showered, after he hexed me into spewing bubble for ten minutes... If he truly adores me, he has the most twisted way of showing it.

Well, I am going to turn in early, for me anyway. I need the sleep tonight."

2003-01-15 00:03:18,
Betrayed by a Brother?

I passed Remus in the halls this early afternoon. I was looking at him, and when he met my eyes, he couldn't return my gaze. He looked down, away. Had he a tail right then I am sure it would have been tucked.

He's done something.... but what? I suppose if it involves Snape, I will find out soon enough. Swell."

2003-01-16 12:53:32
All's quiet on the Western Front..

Perhaps a bit TOO quiet. Snape has been aloof, for the lack of a better word. Not much transpired in Potions on Tuesday. I was neither praised or scorned, which was not true for the Gryffindor side of the room.

Draco, was being an insufferable prat. I made sure to distance myself from him physically, and ended up paired with Millicent B. She's not quite as garish looking up close as everyone says, and she seemed to think initially I would bite or hex her, but by the end of the period, we were talking casually and the potion came out top notch.

The little bit of observance I gave to Snape, he was busy. Well, he is always busy, but I can see something is preoccupying him again. God, I hope it isn't another attempt at Social Reorganization... for everyone's benefit. Well, time for next class. More later perhaps."

2003-01-16 13:01:14,
Here's mud in your eye.

"Goodnight, Severus, " said Remus quietly, and moving suddenly was through the door and pulling it closed behind him. He closed the door softly, as silently as he could, then fled - walking slowly, then faster and faster only preventing himself at the last from breaking into a run.

Snape wanted to break something. He wasn't sure what. Wanted to rail, and moan, and raze the place down. He also wanted to lie down, and let it all happen. Unfortunately, you just couldn't do both at once. Not and live. It was very, very difficult for the man to keep his voice down, though. Silent and reserved enough in grieving, he knew, though, he'd have to voice it one way or another. The potion needed finishing. He clung to that, as a sort of lifeline. The potion needed making, and he needed to make it. Shoulders shaking, he went to fetch the fly agaric. But he knew he'd need to voice this, sooner or later.

Fine then. Seeing as Jack had been at least partially responsible, and still needed Snape to lay down exactly WHAT he'd done wrong, he called out. Finish whatever you're doing and come here. Be prompt. Snape worked on autopilot, completing the final preparations needed, banishing all thoughts of Gryffindors from his mind. Or trying to. He couldn't quite manage it.

S==========S

Jack winced when the unexpected calling came to him. He was in the middle of supper and rolled his eyes, I am in the middle of eating, so how gracious with time are you feeling, Master? he asked as he heaped his plate for a second time, and then sipped at his juice.

I've just been giving some of that to our resident werewolf; make your own judgement, Snape replied, with the mental equivalent of a slammed door. The final preparations of the potion didn't, in all honesty, take that long- he'd done all the hard work already. He could send this before five, but wouldn't.

Jack closed his eyes, and sighed. He knew all along this was coming, and delaying it any further would not bode well for him. So, after a last few large forkfulls of food, and a final drink of his juice, he left the Great Hall and headed for the Dungeons. He made his way to Snape's Office door with no incident and a minimum of contact with others, and knocked. Jack Grim, appearing as requested... he announced.

"What are you waiting for, the red carpet? " Came the terribly taxed-sounding voice from within, slightly muffled by doors, and the cauldron he was absently leaning in- which incidentally almost deafened him when his voice reverberated around his ears. He didn't bother to stop working straight away, he'd finish his task first. His office was so spotless, however, it was hard to know he WAS working.

Jack sighed, and rolling his eyes, he pushed the door open, stepped in, and then closed it behind him. He immediately spotted Snape at work, and with a curious smile, walked over to see what it was he was brewing now. He sniffed, and the pungent odor from the cauldron made his nose sting, and his eyes water. "Christ... I hope that's not for me... " he moaned.

Dark eyes narrowed at Jack, thin lips pulled back into a sneer more pronounced than the one Potter usually got treated to. "No, but if I ever need to see the effect on a 'normal' human, I'm sure I have a captive audience, " he replied darkly, before finishing off, drawn defensively up to full height at the assumed intrusion into his personal space, and liberty. He didn't back off, though. "This, " he snarled, "is for the werewolf. " And if ever Snape spat words, he spat that.

Jack didn't realize he was shrinking back from Snape's looming glare until he felt himself bump into something. He was in no position to be drinking any more potions than he was already on... Side effects of mixing them could be fatal, or worse. "I... I.... understand. Sir, I am sorry.... " he said, lowering eyes, and folding his hands behind his back. This was going to be a festive meeting, he could tell that already.

Snape scooped up just the right amount by eye into a small bottle, clunked the stopper in, and fastened the holder over the top securely. Then he placed it on his desk. He stayed with his back turned to Jack, voice low. "I don't begin to suspect you could list the number of things you've done wrong. Doubtless you could apologise- but what difference does that make? It doesn't undo it. You were still there, still found by him. " He was having a hard time not letting his own feelings colour his voice now. He inhaled with a heavy rattle. "No matter what I do... No matter what anyone does... Almost makes one believe in fate, hm? Destiny? " A macabre little laugh, eyes dead when he turned round. Clearly far from happy.

Jack could feel the anger in the room, eminating from Snape, and wafting over him, chilling him from the outside in. He shuddered. "I understand I was out of bounds sir, and breaking rules. Rules that are meant for all, but also, rules I am not to be CAUGHT breaking... " he started, then took in a long breath and continued, "I was fairly certain I was in hidden well enough, it took two secret passages to get to where I was, I wan't just loitering around any old hall Sir, " he explained, then waited.

"Gryffindors are more trouble than they are worth, Grim, " Snape replied, his anger momentarily redirecting upon a score or so of his particularly despised 'acquaintances'. "And if nothing else, Professor Lupin knows where students hide in this castle, " he admitted, grudgingly. And out of it, he couldn't help but add. Snape knew too. Why did you have to let him find you, of all people? he mentally complained, mournful as much as angry. Had it been practically anyone else- even Albus, even Minerva, he could have coped better... Anger flared up again- white hot flashes that seered up and then left him momentarily drained when they passed. Damn it, he couldn't even manage rage properly at the minute.

Jack's initial anger at the slandering of the Gryffindor name abated slightly as he recalled WHO he was now, and had to portray, lest his true feelings and thoughts betray him. "I was in the wrong being where I was Sir, and doing what I was doing. I understand completely that the most grievous part of my misjudgement was getting found by... Professor Lupin. " he said in a contrite tone. "I know how much you dislike him sir, and I cannot imagine the anger and afront you felt when he reported to you regarding me. " he said, hoping against hope that that was what Snape wanted to hear. Not bloodly likely, but it was worth a try.

If Snape was feeling in a picky mood, he would find fault with an angel, truth be told. Fortunately he hadn't had the opportunity to prove this yet. If he thought something was going to be annoying or difficult or uncomfortable, it was a case of self-fulfilling prophecy, and he made it so. Good job he never read his horoscope, then. "No, I don't suppose you could, " he snapped back, unable to quelch the feeling that Jack was being impudent. He silently fumed a minute longer.

Jack wasn't sure how to respond to that, or if he even should. He decided the best thing to do for now was to stand there, and just take what would come next. He found the waiting in the silence the worst part of it by far. Silence, in a room with Snape was deathly oppressing. He sucked all the oxygen out of an area it seemed.

Silence? It sounded as sullen as Snape felt, heavy about his ears, oppressive, smothering him and choking him. Had he been feeling descriptive at all, Snape would probably have told you it felt like fingers were being shoved down his throat. He gagged a little at the thought. He didn't think a word, didn't say a word either. Not when he didn't feel he had an adequate grasp on everything. Why couldn't he focus? It was supposed to be one of the first things you learned- which was you, which was someone else. So why couldn't he even sort that out? 'Not happy', was the only thing his body language and state of mind could communicate with any fluency. He found himself walking closer over to Jack, the Wolfsbane forgotten, without any real plan in mind. He needed to sort some things out. Desperately needed them to be right or go away. Only trouble was he didn't know what or how. One minute he was giving off a threatening air, the next, defensive, resigned... unsettled on his course of action for now.

Jack felt Snape move the second before he started to approach, and he slowly raised his eyes to look out through fringe of mixed colors to gaze at the approaching man. He forced himself to be calm, to not show fear, to not put his weight on the foot he would be leading with should he chose to run. Running would be bad. Running would get him a hex in the back at the LEAST, a dagger more than likely.

The Potions Master didn't need any better a nose than he had to sense fear when it came to Jack- he'd be able to sense the slightest trace unless he were deliberately dissembling. He halted, right before him, watching, blinking owlishly. His words were as slow and laboured as his thoughts had somehow managed to be, drawn through treacle. "I think... I think it would be better... if you knew what happened when you annoyed me, " he said, thoughtfully. His head tilted to one side with a serpentile grace, before he closed his eyes, and visualised where his wand was, wondering if he wanted to get it or not.

Jack shuddered, in spite of himself, and closed his eyes as well. He bit down on his lip, and steeled himself. I won't be beaten like before. I won't let you do that to me... came the simple, and even tempered reply. What I did was an infraction, not a gross breach of conduct.... Sir, he added, then waited.

Rule One of the Care and Handling of Snapes: Never, ever tell them what to do. Not unless you were certain you could enforce the behaviour you wanted on them. Much easier if you humoured them and let them think the decision was still their own. "I don't see you'll have much of a choice should I chose to. You're in no position to demand anything. " He was speaking aloud deliberately. "And I see I have to agree with the werewolf for once, your attitude is appauling... " Stubborn streak kicking in, he leaned in, using his height and presence, rather than magic in an attempt to intimidate. "You have absolutely no idea what you're letting yourself in for behaving like that. "

Jack didn't back away this time, he held his position, and narrowed his eyes, gazing back at Snape. "My attitude may be appaling, but your behaviour is likewise, " he replied in a low whisper, then grinned wide. "So, assign your detention for me, keeping in mind who you are dealing with, Sir, and I will leave you to your tasks and not take up your time any further. "

"I am old, set in my ways, and have to deal with you rabble, " Snape hissed, lips drawn back from his teeth. He was spoiling for a fight, quite evidently, from his bearing and manner- all-too familiar on him. "My behaviour is none of your business- unless at some point you became my mother and forgot to mention it? In which case, add incest to my list of sins- I am already serving time for them all, a little more will do no harm. " He paced relentlessly forwards, until there was practically no room between them, invading personal space and anything else he felt like. "I think my current aggravation and provocation are sufficient... Your detention will have to be something to instill the correct amount of respect for authority in you... Say... Ah, I know. I have the perfect task in mind... But you shall have to wait... "

Jack continued to look up at Snape, tensed, and ready for a fight. "Why delay it then? Doesn't the phrase go, "Justice delayed is Justice denied? " he said in a low growl of his own. He blew up with his breath, clearing his bangs from before his eyes, giving him an unobstructed view of Snape's deathly glare.

"Because this particular task cannot be accomplished yet... " he hissed past his teeth, now decidedly not ready to back down. Toes were now met. Quite with a bump. Had they been animals, it would have looked like two territorial beasts sizing one another up. Snape's hot-headed temper, when it flared, had gotten him into many a fight, along with his pride. "I don't believe in justice, " he said, bitterly, "There's none but you take for yourself. She's blind... and can do nothing... " His control was dissolving though, and with it, his right mind. "Are you saying you would rather I mete what's due out now, then? " Had he a gauntlet, this would be when Snape threw it down. He mentally started counting down the seconds until his composure went out the window.

Jack continued to stare at Snape, he was all beast when it came to holding ground, and defending territory. Parts of him, deep inside were waiting to be unleashed. Shift, then give the bastard a fright for his money... "I think you should do what you think you are capable of and what you think is best Sir, " he said tersely. "Everyone in Hogwart's knows you got where you are today by always knowing what is best for everyone... " There, have a gauntlet, it's right there by your foot.

Touche. Snape's current opinion of himself had certainly suffered under the weight of several blows, and he was struggling to keep it at a tolerable level i.e. existant. "What I think I am capable of includes a lot more than I am given scope for, " he said, struggling to defend himself for once. But he was an obstinate ass, and would argue the sun itself were made of cheese for peversity's sake. "I might not know everything, Grim, " he growled, leaning and using his weight to push against Jack, "But I know a damn sight more than some idiot like Fudge! " Then he shoved, two flat-palmed hands, and followed any space vacated, hot on Jack's heels. He needed a good opinion of himself. Nobody else seemed to have one of him.

Jack was expecting the shove when he saw the hands come up, but he still went back with the force of it. SLAM! The back of his head contacted a bookcase and it's unyeilding contents with a terrible sound. He winced and groaned at the impact, then quickly recovered. His glare back at Snape was murderous, and he brought his hands up to reply in kind. He held them just off of Snape's shoulders, invading his space now, but not touching. "No.... No..... you aren't worth laying hands on... " he smirked, then looked Snape directly in the eyes. "Not like this anyhow.... " he drawled slowly, keeping his hands up, ready. "I suppose I will be the more mature here, and not stoop to physical violence, " he said, baiting Snape further.

"There's no need to stoop, Grim, " he hissed, eyes ablaze. He leaned in until he was holding himself just above the raised hands, till he could feel the heat there. Or thought he could.

"None of us ever evolved, we just refined the ways we could behave like animals... Humanity? Don't. Make. Me. LAUGH. " With difficulty, because he wanted to wipe the floor with the other wizard- floor, walls, anything he could slam him into, drag him over and against- he rocked back onto his heels, glowered, and seemed to be thinking about things for a minute- or pretend to at least. But no, Snape was definately not feeling mature. Not if unless you thought throwing yourself bodily at someone just to catch them unawares and do as much damage as possible was anything like mature.

Jack slowly lowered his hands down, moving them to behind his back and smiled sweetly. "I shall not attempt to amuse you then Sir, " he said. "You didn't collar me for THAT purpose I am sure... " Hands felt around behind him on the shelves until he felt a phial, then a bag, a bag filled with what felt like power, or sand of some sort. Using nimble fingers, he pried the bag open, and filled a palm with it. Just in case...

Snape was much too close for Jack to fully get out of the way anyway, and when he threw himself forwards, he managed to bang all one side into him, winding himself, and jarring his elbow into the bookshelf in the process. He was out to cause maximum damage and everything else be damned. WhenIwantaclownI'llbesuretotellyou... he thought in a rush, pained, and realising slightly too late that he could still feel that.

Jack rocked with the blow and nearly lost the payload in his palm. He grunted again with the body block dealt by Snape, then before he was hit again or restrained more, physically or magically, he brought his hand up and flung the power into Snape's face while simultaneously dropping down in a crouch and diving to the side, out of hands reach, hopefully.

Snape yelped, and his hands instinctively went to his eyes, pawing at them with his palms and most likely making it worse. He made another pained cry, and turned, so his back was against the bookcase, knees giving and bending- not carrying him to the ground, but holding him half-way above it as he tried to get rid of the annoyance. Common sense enough to use magic wasn't there. He couldn't help it, but the way Jack was behaving was making him feel like HE was a bloody fifth year again, and he didn't like that thought in the slightest. He hadn't enjoyed his student days at all. Mentally, he cried out and demanded revenge, but he was still preoccupied with his own problem at the minute, sulking.

Jack crawled to a safe distance from Snape, then paused. Triumphant glee was soon replaced with a sickening regret at the state Snape was in. He thought for a brief moment to go to him, but then something told him sympathy would get him killed outright. He swore softly to himself, then called out "I'm sorry Sir.... but I can't let you do that to me again... " he said, then with a swish, was gone out through the door and out of the classroom to the hallways beyond. He collided with an unknown Ravenclaw as he made his escape and kept running until he collasped onto his bed, shuddering.

After a few minutes of rubbing his eyes raw, Snape had enough presence of mind to see to himself properly- got up, slowly, and went to the bathroom. He turned on the tap, let the cold water run out, and splashed his face, using one hand to drag over his features, he managed a bleary, weary look in the mirror, before he looked down again. No, the person on the other side of the mirror *was* still the same. And no, the world hadn't really drastically changed. He'd just never had the grasp of it he'd fooled himself he did. He kept radio silence a long time, until he undressed and got himself in bed, fighting the urge to pull covers over his head even if no one would see. That was supposed to be the mark. If you did something even if no one ever knew but you. Laying flat out on one side, he sent one sullen, resigned thought before wallowing in silence- the only sound in his ears his breathing and his heart. Good for you... came the sad little thought. Good for you.

2003-01-16 13:06:42,
DADA

Remus was looking decidedly ill in class today. I looked at my charts, and sure enough, the moon is upon him. Poor guy. As much a bastard I may be, and all the pain I have put him through, I hate to think of him going through that every month.

I wonder if he could be cured? I will have to find the proper time to ask Snape, and see if there is even a theory of a cure, or a preventative potion that would stop the change altogether. Unless it would slowly poison him.

The cure would be worse than the malady. But that is not for me to judge. It is for Remus. I will still have to find an offhand way to ask Severus just WHAT the Wolfsbane Potion is ding to him. It can't be good.

As ever.

2003-01-16 13:10:05,
OWL POST To Remus Lupin

Hello Moony,

I see the full moon is nigh, and I hope this reaches you before the change. I won't pretend to know how this is for you beside painful, and damned lonely, but I wanted you to know that I am with you in spirit, and my thoughts are of you.

Be well Moony. Hopefully fate will allow us time again soon.

Fondly, Sirius"

2003-01-19 12:07:33,
Radio Silence, again

I cannot find, what possessed me to do what I did yesterday. Fear I suppose. I wonder if that excuse will work before a magistrate, or the irrational ire of Severus Snape should he be my Judge.

But, I WAS scared. He had that mad look in his eye, and I didn't feel like being flayed raw again to assuage his temper at other things. Me getting caught with a fag by Lupin was a minor infraction, a graver one against his Snape's ego by far since it was a triumph by one of his Old Enemies...

I will pay for this, I know I will, it's just a matter of when.

2003-01-19 14:11:21,
Friday Potions Class,

Jack was not looking forward to Potions that morning. Not by a long shot. He had received nothing tangilble in the form of communications from Snape since the "fight " on Wenesday, and to say he was nervous about facing his Head of House, was putting it mildly. He slouched his way to class, and for a moment considered taking a seat at the very back, but as he moved to do that, realized, as long as he drew breath, he was not out of range. His hand went reflexively to the Ouroboros around his neck. Warmed by his blood, but still and liveless for some time now. He had expected it to bite him in his sleep, but somehow, the absense of communication, and touch, was far worse.

He moved down to his regular seat in the front row, and set up his supplies without looking around the room much. Snape wasn't there yet, but he could sense him just out of sight.

Snape arrived with the bell, and swept- bat-like, to the front of the room. It took more than even the Dark Lord to make him late, usually. He snarled at a Grffindor who was leaning over to talk to someone- partially blocking his way, and they jumped back quickly. With no preamble he announced the course of study for the day- the different ingredients in sleeping potions and common problems encountered when they weren't made correctly, before he took up his pose- standing, arms folded over his chest, black eyes glaring at anything that moved, and quite a bit that didn't. He gave off the air much like he usually did, of one who hated the world, and everyone in it.

Jack sat there a moment longer than most after the assignment was given, then when he wasn't stricken dead with a glare or muttered spell as an example, he looked down at his book and began to work. An elbow in his ribs from his right caused him to look up and he met with the sneer of Draco. "Mother and Father say I shouldn't consort with the likes of you since your Family Pedigree is a question mark... " he taunted. Jack simply narrowed his eyes and gave a look of nonchalance back to Draco. He would deal with him later. Looking back to his books, he tried a hailing call. I suppose I am persona non grata to you Sir..

Snape made no move to show he'd been addressed in the slightest- in fact, he looked perfectly normal for him. A little more weary, a little more strained about the eyes- but his expression did not invite scrutiny. Outwardly he gave no sign he'd heard, but mentally a lot of things happened very quickly and very shallowly- shock, fear, annoyance, resignation, boredom... He seemed not to have decided what to do, and so did nothing, but cover up as much as he could.

Jack felt the muddled confused reply, and suddenly his gut tightened. He had hurt him more than just physically, along with whatever else was beating Snape down. He was angry at himself for his selfishness, and with a disgusted sigh, stopped his potion preparations, and rest his head in his hands, and leaned that way for a moment. A comment from Draco earned him a shin kick under the table, and he blocked the one in return. Don't ignore me... I can't stand that... it's... he paused, did he really want to reveal that weakness to Snape? Not like he didn't know already. Solitude was nigh fatal to his tenuous grip on sanity. ...it's something I can't bear. If you want to punish me, I beseech you not to go this route. Please...

You are in my class and you will work, was what Snape replied. What was it? Don't work with children and animals? No. Hm. Don't eat cheese before bedtime? No... Don't mix buisness with... well, talking right now would hardly be a pleasure. He forced his mental voice emotionless. He could barely deal with his own problems right now, let alone anyone else's. Work first. I'm not bringing anything into this class. That was thought a little more venomously than he'd expected, and after shooting what he hoped was a reinforcing glare at Jack, he walked over to terrorise the Gryffindors and escape further interruption.

Another sigh, and he pulled himself out of his slouch position, and set to the tasks at hand. Even though he had eaten breakfast earlier, he found his stomach feeling empty, and unsettled. Why should he be surprised at Snape's reply? It was spot on considering where they were and what was going on. Aye Sir, to work I go. he replied, then set to his task, focusing on the sleeping potion and making it perfect. He recalled this one from years past, and how he had failed back then by not paying attention to the sequence of adding the ingredients. He would not make the same mistakes of old. Perhaps if he was perfect in this, it would alleviate some of the sourness Snape was feeling. Not likely, but perhaps.

Snape was mentally silent- he refused to let himself think or feel anything that wasn't related to teaching the brats not to poison themselves in later life. Most common problem, as well he knew, was self-medication amongst people not qualified. He forced himself to be professional, to concentrate only on the task at hand, to chase everythng else away. Later. He'd make up for this later, he told himself. In the meantime he took out his frustration by frustrating Hermione to the nth degree,

The class wore on, and Jack leaned his chin into one hand, while stirring with the other. He let part of his mind wander, but kept close watch on the potion as well. He would glance at Snape as he prowled, and criticized those targeted in the class. Numb. He found himself feeling numb, and wishing the class would end, wishing the week would end, and then... a random thought, where was Remus and how was he doing?

"NOT LIKE THAT! " Snape yelled as he saw someone managing to add too much foxglove, too fast. "If you do that you will go to sleep but you won't wake up again. Is that what you were planning, Mr Longbottom? To do the world a favour? " What was it with them! It was simple! He'd picked this up in third year for Merlin's sake. There was literally no hope. This was Britain's future, he knew- and look who was teaching them, and what they did. Gods, why didn't they just give in to Voldemort already. There was nothing worth bloody saving. "Miss Granger, PLEASE inform Mr Longbottom of the correct doseage, " he said, and went to slump at the front of the room in his chair.

Jack couldn't help but look over at Snape's outburst, along with the rest of the class. It was gorey human nature. If he was yelling at someone else, he wasn't yelling at you, or dressing you down before the class. Soon enough however, the storm had passed, and the students went back to working until the potions were completed. Jack sighed with boredom, his stomach rumbled, and he looked to the front of the class to wait.

The class rumbled too slowly to the end, and when it finally screeched to a pathetic halt (somewhat of an anti-climax) Snape hasd begun to think it never would. Sullenly he set homework, making everyone late, and then dismissed them all. He didn't rise from his seat. As the students started filing out he lifted his head slightly- almost as if he was about to add something, mentally preparing himself... only to slump back down, thoughts unvoiced. Instead, he let weary eyes slide off of Jack and onto his desk. Only how many years to retirement? Maybe Voldemort would have pity on him and torture him to death before that happened.

Jack finished cleaning up his supplies, and purposely lagged behind the rest. He had no gang to run with, so no one was waiting on him. He glanced at Harry who was busy comforting Neville along with his chums, and heading rapidly from the room. He was soon the last one behind, and with bag slung over his shoulders, he approached the desk, and stood before it silently, waiting to see what Snape would do. I'm sorry. he sent in a heartfelt message. I should be your ally, not your adversary...

Snape's eyes were closed, and it looked- almost, as if he was trying to listen to some music somewhere, a faint tune, whistling on the air. His lips were pursed slightly, in thought, but after a brief period of self-consultation, which was completely unintelligble even to him, he opened his eyes- and no easy task to distinguish what he was thinking or feeling from them either. "You will be late for class, Grim. Or had you forgotten? If you need to speak with me it will have to wait," he said in an even, dead, almost polite voice. Then he rose and went to the blackboard and began to pull it down to the next class' notes.

Another punch to his gut. Dismissed, in the most dispassionate of tones. Anger was his first emotional reaction. He would NOT be ignored, pushed aside, reduced to insignificance!! Then as he glanced at Snape's back and pictured hexing it to oblivion, despair took over. He turned away, and headed for the door of the class room. "You know where, and how to summon me sir. Have a good day Professor. " he said sullenly, and made quick steps for the hallways beyond."

2003-01-19 15:01:29,
House ELf Note to Professor Snape

I wish.... that we could talk like men.

I wish that I was the age I need to be, to be the kind of companion you need.

I wish I wasn't me. I wish we weren't here, in this time.

I wish I could make it all better, instead of worse.

The note is unsigned.

2003-01-20 13:37:46,
It seems..

That I am being let go. Left aside. Discarded for the better of all involved. At least, that is how it appears to me in the letter I just recieved from Snape.

I suppose I always had a feeling it WOULD end. I just didn't think it would be so sudden, so soon.

I will be alone again. No one to confide in, to talk to, to touch. Not that I was able to confide EVERYTHING to him before. Perhaps I should have? Of course not. It's better this way, that he never know the truth about me.

He wants to talk, but what more is there to say? I can take a hint, I can take this in a mature fashion. I hope.

I am going to try to sleep now. Doubtful, but I shall try.

2003-01-22 11:18:31,
We Need to Talk,

Snape and Jack talking in the Tunnel... Yeah, it gets racy...

Snape was nervous, edgy. But no matter how much he wanted to take the coward's way out and stick his head in the sand... he couldn't. He didn't know why. Sitting behind his desk with the bare minimum of pretence, he thought how best to word his call for a long time before settling with a mental 'bugger it' on, Grim? I do believe I said we should talk?

Jack was laying on his bed, avoiding the common room and the clustered groups of studying Slytherin. He wanted solitude, he was going to be having even MORE of it quiet soon. He snorted to himself and turned a page in a text book for Arithmancy, and then, the call came. He didn't even break pace in his reading, letting the complex formulas float back with his reply. I suppose this time is as good as any... Location? he thought casually.

The Headmaster's Office. Where do you think? came the mental reply. It started off forcably, but whatever imptus Snape had was lost by the time he reached the end of the thought. He couldn't even manage extended periods of irritation it seemed. Well, that had to be a bad sign. He twirled his quill in distraction, watching the feather slide round and round between his fingers and never get anywhere.

I'll be in the tunnel then, no one will miss me, and there is no one in the Dorm with me. I have no friends.. he said sullenly, then slammed his book shut. He glanced around the dorm as he rose, he was indeed alone, and went to shut the door to the hall just to be sure. He retrieved a pack of his muggle fags from a hidden niche in the wall before accessing the panel that led to the Slytherin Tunnel. He made his way to the halfway point between his room and Snape's, then slid down the wall to a squatting position, and lit up. Waiting.

Fine fine. If Jack was going to be deliberately antagonistic... And? In my experience, 'friends' are highly overrated. Would you like for me to have a word with your fellow Slytherin? At least that had Snape's normal sneering tone of disdain on it, an aura that he managed to produce (or perhaps just the smell of one who spent their days working in the dungeons). Whatever it was, it proceeded him, like the Cheshire cat's grin reversed, until eventually he was standing just close enough to where Jack was sitting to be distant, but not too far, and folded his arms over his chest. He said nothing aloud yet, composing his thoughts.

Jack felt him approach, and didn't look up right away. He could smell him draw closer, even through the pungent aroma of his cigarette. He took in a long drag, blew out rings, then stood up and crushed out the butt on the stone floor. He said not a word, but walked over to Snape, folded his hands before him and lifted his head back, exposing his throat and the inert Ouroboros. "There. Take it. " he said in a low tone, eyes closed, and breath shallow.

Snape blinked. He hadn't been expecting that. Incredulous, when he replied his words were laboriously slow, measured, cautious. "I... did not give it idly. " His frown deepened and his posture stiffened perceptibly. "That... is not why I called you here... " His nose wrinkled, along with his brow, an unconscious gesture. His eyes flicked a second. If you wish it, though. I will take it. His eyes travelled back up again, lightning-quick, and he willed his face to betray nothing. If anyone could see anything, it was a chink in the armour, an Achilees heel. He couldn't have that.

Jack's head slowly lowered, and his eyes came to meet with Snape's. Confusion read there. "You don't.... want it back? " he said softly, then quickly looking away, he retreated a few steps, and turned sideways, leaning agains the wall of the tunnel, arms folded over his chest, and one foot propped on the wall. "I misunderstood the intent of your missive then... " he said after a moment, still looking down.

Elusive was not the word. Snape just out-right refused to be plain and simple. "I... know I am not the most straight-forwards of people... I doubt anyone could read any correct intent in anything I wrote, " he admitted, gingerly. "Which is why I thought that we should... discuss this like men. " Not used to talking, each word felt like it was dragged out of him by force. "I just... want to see if there's a way we can... " Frustrated now, at his inability to express himself, he cursed under his breath. Gods! I give in, I can't say a damn thing. Wound up again, he started to pace. He needed to DO something. Inaction was driving him mad.

Jack gave him a weak smile, and just watched him as he struggle to vocalize what he was wanting to say. He tried to make himself as calm as possible, non-judgemental if possible and help Snape speak his mind. "I will listen to whatever you say, Severus.... " he said softly, then flashed a wicked, if friendly grin at the Potion's Master.

He could drop fifteen-syllable words into everyday conversation, and he couldn't say anything he wanted to. Typical. Automatically he rolled his eyes at Jack, and rattled off the expected snap. "Your mother was a donkey's whore and your father thought shoelaces were things you bought from Honeydukes. " He stopped pacing. Serves you right. Now, do you understand what I'm <b>trying</b> to say? Gods, maybe I need to draw a diagram. I was always good at those... If he wasn't going to hep then Snape could arse around too.

Jack scowled, the snark at his family, no matter how playful cut deep. They were dead, slain by Voldemort, Snape's former keeper. His temper boiled, and he clenched his jaw tightly, biting back what he wanted to say, it would not help the current conversation any. Say what you came here to say, and leave my family out of it if.... you.. please... came the tense reply. He continued to stare down at the floor, though he wasn't really seeing it by this point.

Whoa. So Snape hadn't been expecting THAT either. He appeared a little shocked. I... I hadn't meant... No he hadn't. Just a quick remark, thoughtless, intended in jest and... hadn't he hexed people blind over less? The stubborn bastard said that well, he hadn't had a malicious intent, and it was only a simple comment, so Jack had no right getting so het up about it... All I wanted was to... find out how we can... make this work, a little better? He was half-asking himself, and had to turn his back now. I can't... can't keep... being unhappy... Oh Hecate's tears, WHY can't I bloody well say what I mean? he yelled at himself.

Jack looked at him as he turned his back to him. He was cooly unaffected, still seething from the comment about his parents. I thought it was working just fine. he replied neutrally. Apparently not.. He reached into a pocket and lit another cigarette, nervous energy. He said nothing more, now forcing Snape to speak his mind more.

"Then I'm afraid our versions of 'fine' do not tally, " he spat, turned on his heel, suddenly angry at them both. "Aside from the quite obvious chronological problems, which I think we are both well enough aware of that I don't have to spell out for you- I doubt that even a Hufflepuff would think any relationship as destructive as ours was FINE. Fine? I'm the sort of bloody person I'm supposed to be PROTECTING you from! " He was yelling and right now, he didn't bloody well care. "I'm obviously incapable of my job, or even fucking doing this right, or we wouldn't be discussing this right now. " He punctuated his speech by letting the Ouroboros rear its head and hiss, angrily, like a rattler disturbed. But it was trying to stare Snape down. "I've had it up to here with me being unhappy, you being unhappy, I just want that all bloody well GONE. However the hell its done. " Cheeks flushed, he seemed a little out of breath and taken aback by his outburst. Oh.... shit. No doubt he would have made things worse yet again.

Jack remained calm, unaffected almost as he listened to Snape rail. He inhaled, blew the smoke away from his Master, and shrugged. "I can't really do much about the age difference now, " he said softly, "It doesn't bother me, but I can see that it is an issue for your peace of mind. It would be the same if I was a female too I suppose, the Inappropriate Factor. However. I may be a minor, but I am not naiive. You weren't my first... " he said, voice trailing off, then he continued, "And I am sure I won't be heavily scarred by what we have, no more than any of the other traumas in my life. So, it seems to be how do we make YOU happy with the situation. I am fine with everything except... " he paused, then looked at Snape directly, "Having this end.... " he said darkly, then looked back down at the ground, inhaling again.

Snape was feeling childishly pedantic. "Well, unless your m-- " He paused. He'd been about to say that unless Jack's mother had been teaching him, he'd doubted having that dubious honour, but stopped. Well, there'd been that other Slytherin boy as well. And... the person who was causing all the problems now it seemed, even if he wasn't corporeal at the present. "It isn't that as much. Strange as it may seem to you, I WAS once your age, yes, I know you've heard it all before... But I also remember what I was like. So bloody sure he knew everything, " Snape's voice adopted a cocky mimic of his adolescent tone, "So sure he was smarter than everyone else and mature enough to decide things for himself... " Very very bitter. "But I didn't know what was best and I ended up with the Mark to prove it. I... want to make sure... that nothing like that ever happens again. " He pursed his lips a moment, head forwards. "Me being unhappy is... more or less a given, though. " Why on earth had he asked to 'talk'? He hated talking. But he couldn't go on assuming. He had to swallow the bitter pill.

"I have no intention of following your path into Voldemort's ranks. " he said calmly. "I would die first. He slayed my parents, and many others I loved over the years. " he said darkly, then shook his head. He sighed. "I want to do what I can to make your at ease with this, with me... But I don't think I have that power. I don't even thing you possess that power Severus. "

"Not when I am so set on being unhappy, no, " he said, with a resigned little sigh. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "You musn't delineate everything into Death Eater or no, Grim. There's plenty as didn't join his ranks as are worse than those still there. Believe me, there's no litmus test for people. " He turned back, then. "I shouldn't... I shouldn't take out my stupid frustrations on you. That was... " Now he flat out refused to finish that thought even in his head. Instead, he did something very close to a pout which did look mostly stupid on him. With a tone dripping irony and sarcasm, "Quite obviously everything is all my fault again. Makes you wonder why I get up in the morning. "

"It's alright, " he said dully. "I am used to taking the blame for other's actions, and punishments not due to me. " he said, also with a sad tone of resignation. "It's quite alright. It seems to help you a bit. Flogging on me that is.. " he added, then finished the cigarette, dropping it and crushing it out on the floor next to the other. "You are entitled to some happiness Severus. Everyone is. Eventually. "

"Have to earn it first, " Snape replied, morosely. He sighed, thought aloud. "Just how much do you have to do to earn it for the rest of your life, I wonder. " He couldn't help but feel he was on trial here, and the entire notion was completely abhorrant to him. "Just... don't ever let me... " Don't ever let me go too far, was what he asked, and then laughed a little. Nervous reaction. "And tell the Fates they forgot about me. "

Jack stood there, thinking that over, then turned and walked over to Snape. He stood beside him, and draped one of his arms across his chest to rest on the opposing shoulder. He pressed his nose into Snape's ear, and nuzzled softly. "I won't let you go too far, on any journey. " he whispered, then nuzzled again and nipped at the skin on the side of Snape's neck. Animal behaviours sometimes were better than spoken clumsy words.

Snape did not trust himself as far as he could throw himself because he knew full well what he was capable of, even when supposedly in his right mind. partly the reason he was here- the Ministry hadn't said as much, but they'd wanted him where he could be watched, and what better place than a school full of people? But... if he'd bloody well warned him... told him he wasn't always responsible (and he should be, he knew that, knew desperately that he should always be in control of himself and a situation) ... well then what more could he be charged with? He wasn't about to admit to anything else as difficult for a long time if he could help it though. Making a soft little keening, he cautiously wrapped his arms about Jack, barely applying any pressure, and fighting the urge to squeeze the life out of him just to prove they both still existed. That was scary too. He tilted his head slightly, first to give Jack better access, then to bury his face in hair and breathe deeply. You're going to be the death of me one way or another, I see, he thought, distantly.

Then I shall take you out with a smile on your face. he purred, then slid the tip of his nose through hair, and pulled his face back as he leaned intothe embrace. He brought his eyes to meet Snape's and let them linger there before leaning foreward to touch his forehead to Snape's. Think less on some things.... It helps, it really does. he thought then a hand slid across Snape's belly and down, and stroked slowly in a familiar way. You need a good sceam right now I think.... he thought and the grin on his face widened.

Hah, tell my mind to shut up, it doesn't listen to me... he replied, bemused. Then a rather hasty intake of breath as he leaned up into Jack's hand, his own pulling the other wizard tighter in and attempting to burrow under his shirt. This your... solution to everything? he wondered as he shuffled them over to the nearest wall, sliding one leg outside Jack's right one, craning his neck to lick broad sweeps between shoulder-blades as best he could. His hands gave up exploring for a minute and just clutched, tightly. And you're a damn fool if you think I'm ever going to give you up to anyone or anything...

It's my answer to nearly everything... he replied, then bit the underside of Snape's jaw before he moved to administer like attention to him. A smile crossed Jack's face at the final comment from Snape. I've never wanted to belong, and to be bonded to anyone like I have you... I don't know what to call what it is... we have... but I want it to go for the rest of my life... he thought, then pulled back from Snape long enough to remove his own shirt and toss it aside before slithering back into Snape's arms.

"Arrangment, liasion, tryst, affair, conspiracy... " Snape took extra-special delight in sounding out the words, pushing them deliberately past his lips in the melodic purr he loved second only to his most scathing tone. One hand stayed at the small of Jack's back, thumb stroking idly whilst his other hand cradled the base of his head, fingers tangling deliberately in hair. He moved his head until noses brushed and his breath ghosted over Jack's face. "Which would be correct... from a purely linguistic point of view... " He smothered any verbal reply with his lips then. It doesn't need a name at all... But you'll regret saying that when I'm old and grey. Which will be sooner than you'd think teaching here... A smirk, and then a shudder at a brief thought of being Albus' age... He half-laughed and banished that. He wouldn't let thoughts like intrude right now, would stay right here and now.

Jack did in fact have a reply ready, but grinned around the kiss pressed to him before he could answer. I don't mind being with someone OLDER... he teased right back. I can still bugger you when you are too old and impotent to get it up. I may even wake you from your numerous daily naps to let you know the fact.... he replied saucily and eagerly sent his tongue past two pairs of lips, seeking the other, and pushed his hips forward against Snape's.

Little brat, Snape laughed vaguely in reply, drawing in Jack's tongue as he did so, coaxing it in, pulling his lips back from his teeth to drag over a little. You do remember you're talking to the Potions Master, no? Well, as long as you don't dislocate anything I'm sure I could sleep through it... he replied with feigned banal disinterest, though the fact he was pulling Jack in closer about the waist belied his current interests. He vaguely wondered about their current location, but hell, you only lived once.

I will make is so rough... and deep, you won't be able to sleep through it... he said with a sly promise over silent airways. He can't hold back the grin crossing his face, and he followed the pull on his waist, leaning into it, then slid a slender thigh between those of the Potion Master as he continued his carnal massage, a bit firmer and more attentive now.

Then you'll have to get up early, Snape countered. I don't sleep in late all that often. You know how it is, places to see, people to annoy... Smirking, he broke the clinch, partly for air, and let lazy, slightly unfocused, glazed eyes blink indolently. Feeling rather less inhibited than usual, and ready to show off, he rubbed himself down over Jack's leg a little, grinning maliciously, and moving his hands to start unfastening the other's belt.

Then I shall have to start.... rising earlier... he sent back, and when Snape pulled back after the playful grind, he laced his hands behind his head and looked down as the other began work on his belt. "So... what would the Master desire this evening to set his mood better? " he asked in a low purr, as he slashed his tongue over his lower lip.

Snape didn't need to look at what he was doing all that much so he glanced up- or down, ever so slightly, blinking deliberately slowly. "Two words. Both one syllable. Why, are we playing crosswords now? " he asked, smug grin broadening as he managed the buckle and slid out the leather band from its loops in one, long, smooth tug. Then he let it fall with a final-sounding *clunk*. A flick of finger and thumb at the right angle and a button obediently undid. "Hm... what would I like... " he mused, clicking his tongue against the back of his teeth and looking for all the world like he was trying to work out a difficult formula.

Jack laughed and tilted his head back, hearing it echo off of the stone walls of the tunnel. "I bet I can guess.... " he mused and slowly began to sway his hips from side to side, making the task a bit more difficult for Snape.

"Ants in your pants? " Snape asked, in perfect imitation of a concerned voice. "Oh here, let me help you with that if nothing else... " His face the perfect thespian's mask, he moved forwards like a cobra striking, one hand to Jack's shoulder, and pushed him into the wall to hold him still as he tugged pants down one-handedly. "Can't have you being uncomfortable now can we? "

Jack let a little gasp of surprise slip when he was shoved back against the wall, the coldness of the wall seeping through his clothing and chilling him. "No.... can't have the pet uncomfortable... " he said in a low husky voice as he watched Snape closely.

One black-shod foot nudged between Jack's, pushing them apart a little further to make his task a little easier as he bent a little to push trousers all the way to the floor. He bent over to whisper in one ear, "And is that any better? Or is the pet still uncomfortable? " Sickly-sweet and saccharine was his tone.

Jack inhaled a long and loud breath theough his nose, much the same way Snape did. "Getting there... I am the rather pampered and spoilt sort. So says my keeper, but then.... " he says, bringing down his arms and placing them lightly on Snape's shoulders. "Master wouldn't want his pet anything but pampered, well trained and.... " he paused, rolling his eyes as he thought.

Spoiled, are you...? He mentally mused, and admired his handiwork a moment. "And what? " Snape prompted, placing his cold hands on warm hips, thumbs stroking up and along the slight curve of bone there. The Ouroboros was stirring steadily now- a slight, almost imperceptible movement, but there. Not seeming to mind his own state of dress, he shifted his hand to under Jack's thigh and lifted it slightly, supporting it on one palm.

Yes.... so spoiled... </i> he purred back, closing his eyes and sighing as his leg was held and lifted. Spoiled and in need of positive reinforcement training... he thought, and laced his fingers behind Snape's neck, playing idly with the strands of hair he found there as he balanced himself on one leg.

Biscuit? Snape asked, cringing his head into his shoulders a little as it tickled a bit, making a little bit of a face, but relaxing some when it ceased being AS irritating. Instead of scooby snacks, though, he slid his arm along the underside of Jack's upraised thigh, still supporting it, but letting his fingers brush along as he went. Can't teach him bad habits after all.

"Hmmmm.... no.... No more bad habits. I have too many already, and then there are those I have learned from you... " he purred softly, and felt his pulse begin to increase, and his desire along with it. "No... not a bisquit or walkies... this pup needs exercise... " he grinned, eyes still closed and a grin on his face.

"I'm afraid I haven't the slightest inclination of what bad habits you speak, Grim, " he replied, managing pretty damn convincingly to sound wounded. "I am the very picture of innocence, " he said, but the last was muffled as he bent his head to nip between ear and neck as he groped about and gave an experimental squeeze. What's on the program? he asked mentally, mouth too occupied.

Jack was opening his mouth to reply, but that was short circuited, and send flying as dual stimuli overloaded his brain. Oh God.... he thought and clung tighter to Snape as he thrust his hips forward into the touch below his waist. He was breathing through his mouth now, a slave to baser desires. "You can set the program Master, let me learn from your experience... " he managed to say with a straight tone in his voice.

Snape didn't pause in his attentions to Jack's neck, licking with a few sweeps before settling in to whirl his tongue around where he knew was the most sensitive spot there. He resumed his stroking again, fumbling for his wand with his other hand- they were far too far from his office and rooms for him to be bothered fetching anything. Hmm not sure what I could teach should be on any syllabus... Hold on... he instructed, and decided it was time for a bit of ad hoc wandwork again. He knew advanced charm casting had been a good thing to study in-depth, if he hadn't predicted al the uses he'd put it to.

He was only barely aware of the words being spoken to him now. He was concentrating on feelings, sensations, and slipping into that dark, warm place he craved nearly every moment of every day and night. "Teach me... yes, don't spare the rod.... " he laughed darkly, then bit down on his lower lip and urged his hips back and forth, eager, wanting.

Sometimes Snape had an inordinate amount of self-control, and this was usually when people were reliant upon him for just that. He managed to direct his wand with his left hand, towards his right, smirking when he felt it grow warm and viscous. Pressing himself a little into the leg still supporting Jack, losing his wand again to lean on the wall, he made a deliberate job of exploring all the territory between Jack's thighs, one minute sliding between warm cheeks, the next cupping his testicles, then leaning back slightly to quickly rub over his stomach and the straining member he found there. Just revisiting... places too long missed, he reassured, before he let his hand fall back to tease at his entry, tracing a circle before he pushed firmly inside. "I think you'll find me... a dedicated tutor... " he decided. Gods knew how in the hell he was concentrating this hard. The strain was evident in his voice though, as he fumbled a little with the front of hiw own robes.

Jack made a groan of desire, of surrender, he lifted his head back and panted softly, feeling the hand explore, stoke and then thrust into him while the Ouroboros circled his neck slowly. He couldn't speak, only feel, move, and moan as he was manipulated so skillfully. I welcome you... inside then, and offer you my most sincere... hospitality... he thought in a daze.

Snape eventually managed to get his robes satisfactorily undone, and even longer after, it felt, every other piece of irritating clothing that he wondered why he bothered with right now. That done, he made sure Jack had a sufficient hand-hold for the minute, and found his other thigh. This, he thought, with a detached air, was a very, very bad idea for his back. And not something he was going to attempt on a regular basis without some kind of help or other. Using the wall to take some of Jack's weight, he bent his knees a little and tried to lift him up a little, belatedly realising that he was making life far too difficult. He braced his knees and waited until the movement had settled and he knew whether or not he had a cat in hell's chance of not killing or maiming someone like this.

Jack slowly opened his eyes and gazed over at Snape as he felt himself lifted up, and pressed back against the wall, apparently for an "up against the wall " maneuver. "This may be.... dangerous to attempt... " he muttered softly, then nuzzled the side of his face against Snape's, moving his scent onto him. "Turn me around, let me stand and it will go better.. " he purred, then nipped at an earlobe.

Snape was a stubborn bastard and didn't like being told what to do, but he wasn't entirely stupid. Biting back on the original acerbic response, he thought a minute. He could, if he was feeling inventive, find some way to make things easier on the pair of them. He considered both their heights, and weights, and wondered if it was bloody worth the effort even for his stubborn pride. Then, he decided he could compromise. Licking between nose and lip he slowly stepped back, bending his knees and not his back to lower the wizard, but not without adding, "Only because we're here... remind me to show you a thing or two, " he said, pulling back only to guide Jack around with a steady pressure on one arm.

Jack's reply was only a long sigh, and he allowed himself to be guided around, back to belly and belly to wall now. He smled. "I know you can show me plenty, but I also know a shop we can visit that will provide us with the most wonderful of... toys... " he purred deeply, then turned and faced the wall, bracing himself with his palms upon it.

"Not sure Hogsmeade trips are meant for that... Though... " came the amused response. Snape quickly covered the distance between them, and slid his hand to prepare himself a little better, hissing through his teeth as he did so, impatient. One last, lingering caress with his warmed hand, and he lined himself up, closing his eyes, breathing in deeply, and guiding himself inside. He let out a moan of pleasure, wordless.

Jack was breathing out when Snape advanced, and he held what breath was left when he felt himself entered. His moan was low and soft and he rose up onto the balls of his feet at the feeling. His hands clutched at the stone before him, trying to find a grip, but there was none of any mention. Breath let out when he was feeling dizzy, and he inhaled again, pressing back, and lowering his head down between outstretched hands. "Yes.... Oh..... that's.... nice... " he moaned to the wall.

Snape was making a constant humming sort of noise, without being aware of it. It rumbled around in his chest, but he wouldn't have attempted to stop it had he known anyway. Holding on tight, he started to rock himself back and forth, timing his strokes with his breathing, drowning in his senses. Mmm... yes... ah have to... agree with you on that...</i> he thought, and as he settled into something of a rhythm he reached around to Jack's front, found his shaft, and started firm, slow strokes along the length. Perfect...

Moans, soft gutteral, animal sounds was all Jack was capable of now. He let Snape set the pace, surrendered to the touches, and moved in counter time to the timing being set by his Master. Yes, that's it..... that's it... so good... so good... he thought in a daze. He bit down on his lower lip, hating how his mouth was idle, but that was a passing thought, quickly dispersed.

But there was no way on God's green earth the Potions Master could possibly keep up that rhythm- not after so long apart, not after- well, never. He didn't think. Eventually, he always wanted too much too soon and damned if he didn't get what he wanted. His breath hitched as he threw his weight further forwards, making a keening sound. GOD.... Oh I bloody well... Thoughts went further into the incoherant side of the spectrum as warmth, being surrounded, and not just physically... all decided to conspire against him again and drive him out of his mind.

He could feel the closeness of Snape's climax, rolling down over him, both of them like a wave. It wouldn't be long for either of them especially if... he concentrated, and let himself fall farther into Snape's spell, his hands, his ownership. "Yes.... oh yes.... I'm yours... yours... " he choked out between gasps for air. A moment passed, then he cried out, hands clawing at the wall until finger pads were raw. "Yes! Oh God! Yes!! " he cried out as his hips began to buck with a rhythm all their own.

Snape couldn't help but respond to the form writhing beneath him, tightening about him, and screaming in his mind. Though he doubted anyone could blame him. The hand at Jack's hip clutched desperately, and it seemed he had enough presence of mind to think something of his partner because he carried on pulling firmly, relentlessly, giving him no mercy whatsoever. His head tilted back, throwing his messy hair over his shoulders as he did, in fact, yell, howl, and call out as he came in one last thrust that took his knees from him, giving way at the last minute and sprawling over Jack's back.

Jack felt and heard the release coming from behind, then Snape slumping over onto his back. He groaned, barely able to hold up his own weight, let alone that of the other as well. He growled, grunted, and tried to remain standing, but eventually failed. He slumped down sideways, landing on the floor of the tunnel, and then grunted again as Snape's nearly dead weight landed on top of him. "Oi.... Thank God you are a slim bastard.... " he muttered, then rested his forehead on his arm, and remained there until his strength and mind returned."

2003-01-22 11:24:33,
Well, well, well

Yes, well, we are talking again, or at least shagging each other silly. I will take that for now.

I must say, I thought I was the ultimate in Tortured Souls, but he takes the prize. He wants me, I want him. I may him happy, I get him off, I make him miserable. I wish, some of my Devil May Care attitude could seep into him like I feel parts of him have seeped into my persona.

No pun intended.

But seriously, I will, among other things I have to do, will strive to find a way for him to be happy. I suppose even Severus Snape dserves a bit of respite from agony and mental torment. I think so anyway.

As ever.

2003-01-22 11:30:18,
OWL Post to Remus Lupin

Dear Remus,

I hope you are well, that the change went as well as can be expected for you. I wish I could be with you each month like in the old days. When we all were. We are a pack of two now Remus. I find that so unnerving, and I am sure you do as well.

Not much more to report to you this week. The downfalls of a weekly note eh? But as they say, no news (of Me, in the Prophet) is good news, right? I must go for now Moony, but be well. Keep me posted on the latest at Hogwarts.

Fondly, Sirius

(Attached is a small package of spiced, and slightly hallucinagenic teas.)

2003-01-24 21:52:36,
Routines

It's going well, I think, for both of us. A casual look from him today in the halls, and a silent mental stroke. I replied in kind, then went about my classes and rehearsals for the play.

It is coming along well. I think that is because we have Susan Bones in charge. The Ravenclawsseem to do well at organizing things, and I have to hand it to her, when she is playing director up there, members from four opposing houses manage to cooperate and get things done. She could go far.

Speaking of Ravenclaws... little snips and rumors of torrid romances between Slytherins and Ravenclaws are reaching my ears. I am morbidly curious to find out the "who and where " of it all, but something tells me that since I am involved in my own torrid affair, I should just keep my nose clean and out of other's business.

I suppose I could always ask Blaise... She knows much about such things I am sure. I wish I had a confident at times. There is no one save for Harry I can write to about me, and even then, he is just a boy. A remarkable boy, but he can't be there for me.

There is Remus, but writing to him is not the same as sitting in a room with him and TALKING, really TALKING. I fear doing that though. I betrayed him, <s>I left him.</s> He kicked me out, and that rift has never really been healed or addressed. He missed me, us, what we had briefly, and it would only break his heart to know it can't be that way again. Not now.

I have to tell him, but how. I can't REALLY tell him WHO I am with, but I need to tell him I have... someone. He won't beleive me of course. How could Sirius Black, fugitive, murder, etc., etc., have a LOVER in this time and place? Clever boy that he is, he may even guess it is Severus, but not know the half of it, not the depth of our sin.

Bugger! Late for supper now!

2003-01-24 22:07:47,
Finally Friday

It went well, all the classes from Potions to DADA. The Gryffindor who ALWAYS has problems had problems in class, like clockwork. I pity the boy I really do. Harry is looking well, and the rest of his pack.

Snape and I exchanged glances only once in class, but had a nice conversation on the mental level. I made a suggestion for a rondesvous Sunday afternoon in the Tunnel, and he was quite agreeable to the idea. Why wouldn't he be?

Fancy a shag at Tea Time sunday, Sir? "

Hm, tough choice, Tea with the Headmaster, or confinement with you in a small space...

You mean, confined within my small space, don't you?

I do believe I do.

Nice... this is how is it supposed to be, free and easy just like.... the old days.

We have rehearsals most of tomorrow afternoon for the play. I have all of mine learned, now to work with the others and work on blocking and the like. I live in fear of two things. My costume. Snape, seeing me in my costume.

Azkaban is almost preferable to that horror. Almost.

2003-01-25 12:28:50,
Post on Saturday

I received one from Remus, and thought about how I should reply to that one, and perhaps send another. This morning as I was going through my trunk, I found the journal Cho had given to mee, and decided to read it.

It seems that Snape is not the only one I have confused, vexed, and frustrataed over the last several months. I HAD noticed her attraction to me, I would have to be deaf, dumb, and blind to have NOT. However, she is but a child, and I will not cross that line. Again. Blaise, yes, that was a terrible moment in misjudgement. But then, my life is filled with a litany of stupid ass stunts. Just add t hat encounter to the long list."

2003-01-27 13:50:45,Sunday Tea. Do you take yours with serpents? (Part One),"An ICRP with Snape and Grim.

<lj-cut text = "Nothing is EVER simple ">

Jack turned the page on the muggle magazine he was reading. It was ancient, dating back to his FIRST time in these halls, and he had come upon it while prowling the old haunts one night. He was sitting on a thick feather bed he had conjured up, and enjoying a clove cigarette he had swiped from another Slytherin.

Snape knew Jack was already waiting, but he didn't mind being fashionably late. He also had something to ask. So he sauntered down the tunnel, roll of parchment in his hand, feeling good in and of himself for once. The cocky young show-off he'd once been (or tried to be) but just a little taller these days and slightly better built. He paused, trailing his toes gently over the floor, wicked grin on his face- mock-coy beneath his fringe. He raised a brow at the cigarete but said nothing. "Afternoon, Grim. "

Jack looked sidelong over at Snape, and gave him a lift of his chin as he closed the magazine and stuffed it under the feather bed, and removed the cigarette from his mouth. "Good after noon Sir, " he smiled. He looked at the parchment and smiled. "Brought your own reading material incase I bore you? " he smirked.

"I'm not the only one, " he said and slinked over, dropping the roll onto Jack's lap and then lowering himself down with meticulous care, folding his robes beneath him so as not to crease, even though he was wearing rather lightweight robes, and less of them, than usual. He slid his legs in front of him. He nodded towards the scroll, trying to hide his anxiety when it came to it. "'D appreciate your opinion, " he said, slurring his words in effort to make them sound unimportant.

Jack looked at the scroll, then after giving Snape a wink, looked it over as he unrolled it, and skimmed over the contents. "Hm... looks like quite a Manifesto you have going here... " he mused, still reading.

Snape squirmed. He didn't like Jack reading it in front of him. It was too close to what he-- what he was all about-- and couldn't bear to be there when it was digested. "You can... feel free to criticise... at length, when you have more time, " he said, and put his hand over where Jack was reading and pushed it downwards onto his lap again. "You can read anytime, " he complained, and leered in a little too close.

Slowly Jack looked over at Snape as he hovered close, and he smiled. "I see... Read on my own time, and make myself busy with other matters on yours... " he said in a soft husky voice. As he did so, he put the scroll aside, a safe distance from where they lay, and after disposing of the cigarette, he moved his face alongside of Snape's and whispered. "What does Sirrah want for tea this afternoon? " he said, barely audible, then blew a soft breath across neck.

Well, it seemed they were on the same wavelength. Snape rumbled his approval, Quick study, he thought, and placed one hand on the thigh closest to him. He was content to just breathe the air between them for the minute, taste it, feel it. "Tea? The Indian drink, or the Northern meal? " he asked, with a grin exposing sharp canines.

I'm much more than just a beverage... he replied with a mental smirk. You could make a meal of me, since so much of me is prime... he added as he lifted his chin slightly, exposing throat and Ouroboros. He was sans tie, and the top two buttons were already undone. He moved a hand over to slide across Snape's shoulder's drawing him closer to him.

Snape relaxed an awful lot more when he ceased feeling under scrutiny, and some of the tension in his back and shoulders dissolved. Some. Not all. Twisting, he kept his hand where it was, only stroking a little, and found the further side of Jack's waist with the other. I've never had an excessive appetite... he thought, before nosing along the exposed neck, peeking the tip of light pink tongue out, and flicking it gently out, like a lizard tasting. But I could make an exception...

"Oh please do.... " Jack sighed as he leaned closer into the soft touch. He was already primed from the reading of the smut rag, and he wasn't wanting much pretense this time. "Better hurry though... I'm best when I am fresh.... and still .... warm.... " he sighed, then moved a hand up to slide along the Potion Master's belly, then tugged at the waistband of his trousers. Jack let out a long sigh, his breath scented with the cloves.

Snape mrred, "If you insist... " and rolled his weight to one side, before he grunted, and rolled over to straddle Jack, kneeling, feet tucked under his backside. Not exactly easy on his knees, but then, he could cope. Given extra vantage like this, he leaned in and started methodically licking broad, even swipes until all the bared flesh had been covered liberally, then started to nip at Jack's jawline, nudging his head back with his mouth. Whilst he was occupied, he set one hand to undoing the buttons that still offered resistance. He laid his other hand on Jack's crotch. Ah yes, you are warm, aren't you...

Jack moaned, and tilted his head back as far as it would accomodate, and when he felt himself gripped, he lifted his hips up eagerly. Yes... burning up...</i> he thought as he traced his hand up along Snape's arms, then over shoulders and over to his front, quickly working on the buttons on his cloak, and then pulling it aside once opened. You STILL wear too much clothing to these gatherings. I will make you pay for that once I have my way with you... he taunted.

The buttons were no real chore, but Snape had to mometarily pause in his undressing to lean into any contact afforded him, greedily, making a hungry little sound as he did. He caught himself and went back to his task, sliding the shirt back off his shoulders as he did so, eyes going darker with desire. His hand started kneading the other wizard's groin fairly firmly. I like clothes... and they prolong this a little more... he thought, and paused to suck at the side of Jack's adam's apple. And as for the rest, all I can say, is I'd like to see you bloody well try... He paused his fondling to start unfastening, deciding that was the best next stept.

Jack growled a reply, and thrust his hips up into the rough fondling. The rougher the better, that was alright with him. You would like it you know... held down, and gazing up at me as I thrust myself into you slowly. You've prolly only been forced before, or had a lousy experience having it... that way... he thought. We could roleplay you know... I like playing games in bed... he transmitted, and twisted his head to allow him to bite on the side of Snape's jaw. He was ready to play.

Snape was a little uncomfortable discussing this. More than a little. He breathed a little harder than was necessary. He did his best to force his fingers to work properly as he continued, but some of his nerve had gone. He stopped sucking and started licking, consistently, but not forcibly. I... he started, but decided that was too close to the bone and changed tack. Maybe... he said, avoiding any definate answer, and concentrating on doing his job as best he could. But any silence was now a little opressive. Isn't easy, he thought, a little sullenly, and defensively.

Jack felt, smelt the change in Snape' mood and manner at his suggestion. He inwardly cursed himself for being such an ass. He was used to being the one to give, or once had. He pushed the thoughts of those romps from his mind, and tried fast damage control. Ah... but what do I know? You would break me in half anyway. Yes.... it's much better when you drive... he thought, and sent an accompanying image of him and Snape, bent over the desk rutting like fiends. Jack found he would not be able to remove Snape's shirt while he was busy with him, so his hands moved down again and he made quick work of button and fly, thrusting his hand down into dark warmth and sought until he gripped firmed flesh.

The Potions Master gulped and tried to keep his head as Jack started returning the favour, and sending lewd messages. He let out a slight whimpering sound. The automatic defence mechanisms were threatening to come back into place and drive the situation themselves. But he was supposed to be working on being happy, wasn't he? On both of them being happy. But you don't... you don't want that... he thought, and sat back a little, brushing lips together slightly. He'd managed to unfasten button and zipper- no belt- but he was lagging behind. Avoiding Jack's eyes, he thought a little, swallowing as he did so.

It was stupid, thinking that it was something to avoid. How in the hell did anyone have a relationship if everybody went around thinking that? He was being stupid, again. Fighting back the instant urge to just pound any and all such thoughts out of Jack, he let his worry and indecision prey on him a little longer. He could always shove it away after. He hadn't committed himself. I'm sorry. This... is difficult for me, he admitted, feeling stupid and childish. He brushed the hair off his face, putting off the minute when he snapped, refused to attempt to deal any more, and just ignored something that wasn't best ignored. He didn't want to kill the mood, but he also didn't want to not deal with this.

No, it's NOT difficult! came the growly reply, and with a surprising lunge, Jack sat up, and used both hands to shove Snape backwards onto the featherbed, and with a two handed rend, pulled the pants of his partner apart, and pulled undergarments aside, and leaned down, swallowing greedily what he found there. His hands moved then, pressing down on splayed thighs, and he moved himself to a hunched over kneel as he made fast, earnest work of the erection with his mouth. It's sex.... not science... Fuck you, fuck me, it's all the same!</i> he railed mentally. Stop bloody thinking with the smart head and listen to the other... he sent in a low dangerous tone.

Shocked, and put on the back foot, Snape responded the only way he knew- defensively. "It might not be for you! " he shouted, then yelped as he was forced backwards. A wash of panic was the next thing to sweep through his mind, and he fought to keep his reason and rationality. His body seemed hell-bent on betraying him, all his nerves raw; but he was unhappy. His self-opinion might have been fairly polar, but he didn't think so little of himself right now that his own happiness didn't matter. What the hell could he say? It was difficult for him. He couldn't just switch off and shut his head up if it didn't want to be shut up. Quite why he couldn't, he didn't know. It was only sex, after all, and if he kept protesting it meant it wasn't. But it was. Stop it. If I was going to do that it'd be because I wanted to and not because you or anyone forced me to, he reasoned in a slightly quiet tone, squirming. He was struggling still to take the middle road and neither fly off the handle, nor give in. Jack was treading on very thin ice, and Snape warned him as such.

It took a moment, but Jack slowly stopped, everything. He lifted his head from Snape's lap and retreated back to sit on his heels. His expression was dark, seething almost, as he wiped at his mouth with the back of his hand, and then looked away. He exhaled hard, through his nose, not speaking, in either way. His breaths were uneven and tension read on every part of his body.

Snape worried. It was something he did well and often. His last worry had been that Jack wouldn't listen. Snape very much disliked it when he wasn't listened to. It made him feel... less. That he had stopped when asked was a minor victory, and assuaged him slightly. Feeling every inch self-conscious, he pulled himself up a little, so he was leaning on his elbows, neither sitting nor lying. As though the words were strangled out of him, he managed a very quiet "Thankyou. " He kept his eyes on Jack's face, scrutinising carefully. Don't... don't push me too hard. I don't... take it well, he advised. He wondered what the hell they did now, both of them frustrated, neither of them happy. He bit his lower lip, hard. If I... just do anything for the sake of it, it will make it worse in the longterm, he thought, fighting the urge to look down when confessing what he saw as his own weaknesses. He sat up, leaned in- not too far to crowd, and placed his hand lightly on one of Jack's knees. "Think we can start again? " he asked.

Jack didn't reply, he sat stock still, a hand propped up under his chin now, thinking apparently. Inhale, and a quick petulant exhale. Why is it always so bloody difficult? He thought to himself, not noticing if it broadcasted or not. His gut was in a knot again, and he was definately "out of the mood ". He was standing before he knew it, and like the way Snape summoned a wand from nowhere, a fag was in his hand, and he was cupping a hand around it and the 'snap' of a lighter lid told it was now lit. "Sure... " he said with a smoky exhale, then walked off a few steps down the tunnel into the darkness. Top, bottom? Did it really matter as long as he was getting it? He had thought not. Apparently something deeper was wanting to return to the ways of old.

Severus Snape was really, really trying, but he wasn't an exceptionally patient person, and what patience he did have was wearing thin. Bullish pride had many a time led him to cut off his own nose to spite his face. Metaphorically speaking of course. I don't know, he thought back, angrily. I'm doing my best but quite obviously it isn't good enough, he mentally snarked, pouted, and decided he couldn't care less for all this self-improvement malarkey. He'd stay quite happily stuck in his ways and damn everyone. Change wasn't worth the effort. With a slight whumph of breath leaving him, he dropped back on the mattress and lay on one side, a hand under his head, resigned. He'd done trying to make sense or work past his own instinct. Sod it all. Please don't put yourself to any great trouble, he thought, sulking.

I shan't, but perhaps you had give me a list of acceptable buggery behaviours, he replied in a mental snark of his own. Fine, you fuck me, you set the rules, I will lay there and say nothing nor try to change things, he said in a bored drone, and continued on down the Hall. Where he thought it was a conduit between his Dorm and Snape's rooms, it seemed to continue on past his dorm, and descend further downward if he could believe the sloping grade under his feet.

I'm not asking the bloody moon on a stick! Snape replied, without stopping to think any more. Wasn't that what Jack had asked him to do? Its not as if I'm that demanding. All I'm bloody asking for is... Calm, breathe- he hadn't been breathing in when thinking, as if he'd been speaking aloud. Calm, and work things out rationally and sensibly, before all reason fled. His tone was petulant and childish. A whine of me-me-me. I don't want ever to feel I don't have a choice in anything. I don't want to be made to feel... unimportant. I don't want to be used and left. I don't think I'm being unreasonable, he thought, then got up, picked up his robe, slung it over his shoulders, fastened a few buttons, and scooped everything else up in his arms, holding his pants up with one hand. I'm sorry I'm not like you- but I'm just not.

And just WHEN did I ever give you the impression I was going to just use you and leave? I thought that maybe a little change and variety would be interesting, that's all, came the reply. Resigned, neutral. There was a long silence, then, But, I forget my place apparently. I am the one with the collar, not you. I temporarily forgot the primary dynamic of this... relationship. It won't happen again.</i>

Obviously not. Quite clearly I'm at fault for being one-note, unable to adapt, stuck in my ways, not satisfying you. In his room, he ditched his clothes on the chair and puled his shoes and socks off, not bothering with being neat. He tugged his robe off with no effort of attention and then kicked his pants off. Growling, he climbed into his cold bed. He buried his face in his pillow, because he couldn't bring himself to hide under it, or the covers. Grudgingly he admitted, You didn't give me the impression. I just... How in the hell did he explain the fact that he'd been left feeling that as soon as he let anyone... well, he'd lost whatever he did have that anyone could want and then... So he'd just gone and made Jack be digusted at him for different reasons instead. He felt sick. I give in.

Well, I don't give in, not anymore... I know what I want and I make plans to get it, he paused there, thinking. If you are not so bold, so be it. I am not here to try and change you any more. I saw a spark returning to you, but the more I fan it, the more you trod upon it.,he paused, the sense of looking, smelling, perception came over. Oh, so you have left... I guess that answers that. I guess I will keep walking and see if this tunnel leads down to Hell and just wait for you.

You left first, Snape accused. For all you said, you left. Not me. Forgive me if I don't want to lie alone there. Go find someone who'll spread their legs whenever asked and doesn't take pains to pick and chose. I do apologise for having a care what I do with my body. Hurt and resentment were more than evident in his voice and he did put the pillow over his head, as if it would help block it all out. His eyes were too damp for his liking. See, this was why he never tried to think about people other than himself. He ended up hurt more and it didn't work. He was stupid to try again. He mentally kicked himself. Hard.

There was a pause, radio silence, then the mental equivilant of a cry of anguish. Jack was crouched down, hands clutching his head, and fighting back tears. "Not again... not again... " he moaned. The words had stung harder than Snape ever could have intended, he couldn't have known that they nearly perfectly echoed the ones Remus had spat at him a little over a year ago. "Dammit! Damn it all! Damn me to Hell for good then! " he railed to uncaring and silent stone.

Stupid. He shouldn't care as much as he did what they did. But he did, because, god help him, what Jack thought of him was important to him. And the thought made him horrendously ill. But he was only choking because he'd just shoved his head under his pillow of course. He flung it at the wall in a passion. He hated himself. He was being stupid and obstinate and ridiculous and... I HATE YOU,</i> he yelled, aloud, and in his head, before silently fuming. I hate you for doing this to me. I hate feeling like this and it won't go away. Why won't it go away? It won't let me be... he complained, not caring what the hell he was saying. At first he didn't realise all the hurt wasn't his. He blinked. Covered his face with his hands. What a stupid thing to be doing.

I HATE YOU TOO! I ALWAYS have you selfish Slytherin Bastard!! Then when I found it wasn't HATE you make it be that anyway. GO TO HELL where you belong!</i> came the reply, then the rest was just pain and rage, getting a bit more distant, like a yell getting farther and farther away. Jack was up and running, on all fours. He could see better in the near light like this as he ran, spiralling down and down, farther down. Stone became dirt, and pale light became pitch until suddenly solid ground gave way and wasn't there anymore. PANIC. FEAR. FALLING. Silence.

2003-01-27 14:12:57,
Cave sepens (PART TWO)

Snape was furious. How dare he call him selfish? Selfish? He'd show him blody selfish! He hadn't seen the HALF of it. Snape could be stubborn, impolite, vicious, sadistic, selfish, manipulative- a thoroughly thoroughly nasty piece of work if he felt so inclined. He hated them both. COME AND TELL ME TO MY FACE WHY DON'T YOU? he screamed, apoletic. Or don't, because I'm going to tell you! he thought, and jumped up, furious, and dragging on his robe again. It was begining to get dizzy. He'd just started storming after him when he felt a punch to his gut that wanted to double him over, and for a minute he grabbed the wall as a wave of vertigo hit him. Panic re-set his mind momentarily and his first instinct was to demand, What happened? he asked, paling.

There was no reply, it was like a connection, telephone, or telegraph getting cut. Abrupt. Not even a dial tone. Somewhere, many many feet down, Jack lay unconscious. His last thought before striking the ground was the reversal spell, instinct more than cognizant thought.

Stubbornly, Snape refused to let it lie. Partly because he bloody well wanted redress, and partly because if anything happened it would be his fault. He jammed shoes on bare feet, wincing at the unpleasant sensation, and cursed Jack to the ceiling and back several times for the nth time that night. He set walking, determined and hurried, but not at a run. There better be a good excuse for this, he thought, not liking the silence- liking it even less than the shouting. After all, he was just going to yell at him really, nothing else. Wasn't worrying in the slightest. Jack really was going to be the death of him.

It was a chamber he had fallen into, the shaft had been used for centuries, and as recently as a few years ago by the basilisk. Salazar's pet. The green marble that covered the floor was cracked and moss lined, more cracks now radiated out from where Jack had landed. There was damage, to be sure, but he wasn't feeling any of it yet. Warm blood pooled near his head, but luckily, nothing grey was joining it. The grotesque angle at which his arm was akimbo to his body showed that it had taken the brunt of the 30 foot fall. As if sensing the arrival of.... prey? An Intrusion? Charmed torches ignited, casting grim, flickering light on the fallen boy and the altar nearby.

Snape had a good sense of direction within the castle- very good- but he had to admit he didn't know where the hell he was going. Down, was the best he could do. Away from his rooms. He started to get increasingly self-concious about his dress- or undress, as it were, and his legs felt cold. If this were just some new way to torment him there was going to be hell to pay. As he got further away from the perceived security of his rooms, he started to get more restless. Eventually, he came to a fall in the ground, and peered down it, from as far back as he could. Looked to see if the tunnel went beyond. It didn't. Great. And did Snape have his wand with him? Did he buggery. Oops. He didn't think he could summon his from his rooms- but if Jack had left his back... back there, or taken it with him... He closed his eyes, focussed hard, and called for it. Oh well. If it worked it worked.

Thankfully, for whatever reason, Snape managed it. It came floating up steadily from below. He was mildly and pleasantly surprised- but wasted no time on it, drawing a large circle in the hole before him and muttering an incantation. He needed to slow his descent as much as he could and it wasn't something he did every day. It would also have helped had he much self-confidence at the minute but he didn't. So he let determination serve as a second-best, and wondered what the hell he was gettng himself into. He managed to keep the spell going- rather wobbily, but functional, until he was just five foot or so off the ground and his nerve went- it was already going in panic at what he was going to find but when he did manage to look about he lost it completely and landed firmly on his backside with a yelp. He jumped to his feet immediately and looked hurriedly around, before walking over to Jack, exuding alarm like a tangible aura.

He was sprawled out on the ancient marble, on his back, right arm, his off-hand bent at an unnatural angle. There was a stilled puddle of blood emerging from under his head, and he was breathing, slowly and steady.

A stupid assignation had led to this. Snape was very tempted to haul Jack back to his lab and make him brew up enough Destimulatis to last them both for the rest of their lives. But he had to be, well, upright and things to do that really. He bent down and used his fingers and eyes to examine him- all the while keeping an eye around him. He knew where he was now. Healing magic was not easy in and of itself, even more difficult under less than perfect conditions and using Jack's wand was far from perfect. But he tried anyway- closing his eyes momentarily and deciding that a few moments' concentration and vulnerability was preferrable to not doing this properly. When he thought he was finished he looked up and around first, before another check.

Well. It was difficult to say if any internal injuries had damaged head and spine, but Snape hoped what he'd done was enough. The bleeding had stopped. That left his arm. He gingerly felt along it before deciding that he'd rather sort that out in better surroundings and with his potions to help, so he cast a sling-charm, followed by a lightening one, and levitated the inert body. He was tired by this point, incredibly so. He'd used up all of his nervous energy and was just functioning. He doubted he could float them both out of there. But he had to. Focussing as best he could, he tried sending Jack up first, standing slightly back from underneath him, swallowing every five seconds. He couldn't really ask for help, he had to do this himself.

Jack hung in mid air, like an unused marrionette, and slowly he floated up and back through the shaft to the tunnel above. He was set down with surprising care despite the duress the other wizard was under. One out, one more to go. Was that a slithering sound coming from somewhere in the corners of the dark room?

Snape was tired. And struggling, immensely. And very, very scared. He didn't think he could manage to levitate himself at all, but he didn't like being down here and certainly couldn't stay until he was fit enough to do anything further. Which meant he'd just seperated them. Oh goodie. Think, Severus. But he was more ready to send out a distress call. Letmeoutletmeoutletmeout... Right. Think... Laterally. Couldn't levitate. What else? Climb out. He looked at the walls, and thought how much strength he had. Nope.... Unless... His eyes narrowed as he looked at the stone. Then looked about. There was nothing he could fashion as a rope here and hewing stone was not an easy task. One more thing. He summoned the matress. That would be easier to fashion.

Jack sat slumped against the wall of the cave, his arm bound in a sling, and breathing steadily. A vagrant moan after several moments signaled a possible awakening.

Unfortunately Snape couldn't lift the blasted thing off the floor, and so it dragged along making a rather nasty sound as it did so, and Snape was glad when it finally fell down and he could stop pulling. He willed himself to keep going, and unravelled it, knotting it as he did into one long rope. He swiped a hand over his forehead at the headache and sweat there, oblivious the the world and intent only on his self-appointed mission.

Two glittering eyes watched the activity in it's den, it had been alerted when the first thing fell into it's lair, and it was just about to feast, to sink poisonous fang into flesh when another had arrived and scared it back into the shadows. One was gone now, but the large remained. It's back was turned. It would have to strike now before it left as well. Closer now... closer.

It took a while, but Snape had the rudimentary rope. He managed to levitate the end up an fix it. Now all that was left was for it to hold and him to climb. Pocketing the wand, he tugged his knotted rope ladder put one foot on the lowest knot, and his hands above one just above his head, pulled and pushed, and hung with one foot just brushing the ground as he waited for the inevitable /snap/. Not coming just yet... Ah good. He made to climb up.

One hand above the other, the feet sort of followed. Snape had never been good with this kind of thing. Anyone watching would have noticed how completely gracelessly he was ascending. And all that got worse when he swung around a little, looked down to find his foothold, and saw... oh dear. A snake. And in the Chamber, too. That wasn't good. He stared directly up the rope so he wasn't looking at it, and wondered if he didn't move would it see him... No, but it would SMELL him, and his arms would give way. Oh... shit,</i> came the weak thought, and then Snape was scrambling upwards for all he was worth and struggling not to have a panic attack. Or two.

Jack moaned above in the tunnel. He was not awake, but somewhere between realms of consciousness. Pain was sifting in now, stirring the brain to restart, to move him to reawaken.

The Basilisk looked up at the swinging entree, and slithered forward. It was not fully grown, not nearly, but still, a man would go down it's throat with effort. It crossed the marbled floor to where Jack had fallen, pausing to nose around in the cool pool of blood, tongue flicking hungrily, then it turned it's attention slowly upward.

There was hissing. Snape could hear that, and it made his blood run cold. Paranoid, he shook one foot when he thought he felt something wrapping about it, and decided that snakes could probably wind their way around ropes... Even if they couldn't he'd convinced himself they could. He felt like yelling out that he was the bloody Head of Slytherin House, but his tongue was thick in his throat and his hands were burning and he couldn't breathe and he wasn't going to be able to make the top anyway... Panic panic panic. He'd done enough of that today already but there was no way past it. He'd taken one too many blows. He was wasting far too much energy scrambling and getting practically nowhere but had he even the presence of mind to try and cast any sort of spell he wouldn't have had the self-control. Half-way. Half-way and too far and GOD he needed to get there. He started trying to reach father with his arms- and made it to the three-quarter mark.

It was getting away... the prey was climbing up through the whole it had not been able to reach before. It moved closer, raising up and reaching for the lowest rung of the rope ladder, twisting it's body to get a grip, and to move upward.

Then Snape felt actual weight on the other end of the rope and his mind whited out. He was within reach of the edge of the hole- his whole body shaking from effort, but he couldn't move another inch. It was going to kill him. It was. He was going to die on a rope in the middle of Hogwarts eaten by his own House's pet. The irony was not lost on him and he choked out a strangled half-sob half-laugh. His knuckles were as white as his face- and did he ever look deathly pale. He'd tried, tried and failed. He wondered if Albus would manage to find him here, or if he'd just be assumed run off to Voldemort again. That thought stung. But Jack would know... Oh. Unless... ah yes, the Basilisk was most likely not stupid. They'd both die over a stupid, petty fight. His fingers grasped the edge of the hole as his mind refused to work through the fear, shame, saddness and guilt. His cheeks were wet, but at least he didn't blubber. Small mercy to hold onto.

From above Snape came a soft sound, a moan, a sound of awakening, then static, fuzzy reception. Jack was coming back online. Severus??? Oh Merlin's balls... he moaned, pain coursing through him.

The climbing prey was moving fast, but now, slowing. The young Basilisk hissed, flicking it's tongue upward, and wound itself into the fabric of the ladder, moving upward slowly.

Oh brilliant. They'd both be eaten alive- and awake. And for some reason Snape didn't find the prospect of enjoying it in stereo over the Ouroboros a very nice one. He heard a louder hiss, a snap of jaws, and that was it. With the last strength he had in his legs he pushed as hard as he could, setting the rope swinging just as the Basilisk started to lunge up it, and he scrabbled awfully with his hands, trying to drag himself up. A muffled sound of pain and he was dragging his torso over the edge- doing his stomach no end of good, his shoulders even worse, and his mind least of all. But he couldn't get his legs over the edge and the damned snake was still coming. Snape looked up, and their eyes met. Basilisk, was all he could think as he dug his nails in to stop losing what purchase and ground he had. He wriggled terribly trying to get up, and then managed one knee.

Two hands reached out from the dark, gripping Snape's shoulders, and gave a pull, lurching him forward, and onto something partially soft with a groan then a cry of pain. He was laying on Jack. "Ow! Bloody Hell! Bloody Hell! Bloody Helll! " he called out over and over.

"Get up, get up! " he urged, finding his shaking limbs unco-operative as he tried to drag them both- mindless of any injury, to their feet. "We have to get away! " he said, as if he was speaking to someone particularly slow who didn't understand the principle when he heard a thud. He presumed it was the reptile's head making contact with the floor. Oh no...

Jack couldn't move, Snape was mostly covering him at this point, but the message that deadly danger was approaching got through. Instinct again, "ACCIO WAND! ACCIO WAND! " he called out and managed to hold up his uninjured left hand, catching the wand. "I've got my wand, now what? " he yelled, still pinned.

"KILL IT! " Snape yelled, well aware that he was between wand-wielder and Basilisk and this was not a good place to be. But there was no way he could out run it and he just had to trust Jack to kill it- and not him- and before it killed him. He mentally cowered into as small a space as he could manage if physically he stayed immobile- both so as not to distract or get in the way and because he couldn't move.

Jack felt cold fear chill him to the bone, and thankful for a sharp mind under duress, he aimed at the direction Snape had come from and bellowed his first spell, "Conjuntivium! " he uttered, and the spell flew over Snape and struck the Basilisk as it reared it's head from the hole. A resorting angry hiss told him he had struck true, then he shouted the next thing that came to mind, a transfiguration spell, "Transmutatum Medusa! " he yelled and aimed at the flailing form still advancing from the hole and it slowed, then with a sickening sound, slowly turned to stone.

The Slytherin House Head was mostly concerned with his toes. He was aware that they tingled. After the last death-hiss had grated up along his spine, and he'd heard Jack yelling, one part of him had switched off in its entirety. He didn't move for a long while, head tucked tight in his shoulders- quite happy to remain that way until something disturbed him. He was still waiting to be eaten. He..... hated animals. With a deep down loathing.

There was the continued excruciating sound of living flesh turning to stone, then a ripping, rending sound as the cloth ladder began to give way. There was a louder tear, it was failing due to the weight of the now stone basilisk, and with a last "Wrrrrip! " it tore from it's latching point, and fell back into the chamber. There was a second of silence, then a thunderous crash of stone on stone, of something shattering and shrapnel skittering across the marble floor below.

The clunk had the air of the final about it- and semi-catatonic as he was, Snape didn't miss it, or the sudden blankness in his mind where a minute ago the most active action had been. He looked up, and saw Jack slumped backwards, wand held limply in his hand. Oh. So he was responsible then. He vaguely grasped that he was hurt but wasn't capable of much more today, let alone cognisant thought. Acting automatically, he got up, and after trying and failing to pick the youth up, resorted to putting his hands under his armpits and dragging him backwards, step by backbreaking step. Sheer bloody mindedness was the only thing that drove him.

t took a while, but Snape eventually got them back to his room, and hoisted Jack up onto his bed without bothering that he still had his shoes on or that the bed was a mess. He seemed to have doubled in weight. More than. And Snape felt very very weak. He stumbled blindly over to his cabinets and started pouring things into a beaker by eye, placing his hand over the top, swirling, before limping over and forcing it down Jack's throat. Too tired to do anything else, he collapsed beside him, arm covering his eyes, and drifted into uncomfortable sleep.