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>I wonder how much I can nick from this place without them noticing....</i> he mused mentally.

<i>Nothing, the House Elves will have you hanging from the battlements before the first spoon hit the floor.</i> 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.

<i>As if I don't know the whole house back to front and in my sleep,</i> 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>I bet you know the entire place, bedrooms included.<i> 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.

<i>Ever heard the phrase 'know thy enemy'? Its in Biblical language for a reason...</i> 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. <I>Please, no details....</i>

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>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...</i> "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. <i>You, my boy, will have no liver left,</i> 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. <I>Bored, bored, bored...</I> 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, <i>Yes, I had noticed, and you are not the only one. I can think of a myriad things involving hot <b>pokers</b> I would rather be engaged in now. Keep your eyes open, we weren't invited here idly.</i> 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>I plan to take he next summer off.</i> he announced triumphantly to Snape.

<i>Wish we all had that bleeding opportunity,</i> 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. <I>What shall I be looking for? Skeletons?</I> he asked dully.

<i>Then you know you're too late,</i> 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 <i>father's</i> 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', <i>pastimes,</i>, 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. <i> No sir, the snake doesn't have my tongue, and lately, neither have you had it either.... </i> 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>I might not have, but neither has anyone else. And I doubt it has tasted all too appealing of late...</i> 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? " <i>You know the Lestranges?</i> 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. <i>Don't make me follow you,</I> he threatened, remembering the last time he had had to do that. <i>Now bloody well come back here and tell me what the problem is...</i> he said, taking a half-step forwards, but steeling his resolve. Jack would have to come to him... if he could make him...

<i>No. I can't. Please.... just forget it. </i> 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.

<i>No, I won't. I don't forget...</i> 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. <i>Now calm down and come back here. Where do you know the Lestranges from?</i>

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> 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. </i> he thought. Again.

"Azkaban? " Snape replied dumbly, almost-whispering the word. His mind blanked defensively for a moment or two. Azka... <i>I don't think this is the best place to be discussing <b>that</b> place,</i> 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>I suggest we stop standing here like a bunch of statues... I think this warrants another of your beloved 'talks'.</i>

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> I can't.... need to get out. I have to get out of here. </i> 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.

<i>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?</i> 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. <i>Now bloody well calm down, alright? The bloody Lestranges- none of them- can get to you <b>in Hogwarts...</b> So why don't you just...</I> Step, step step, turn the corner, <i>Come back like a good little brat.</i>

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. <i>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.</i>

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. <i>Its shock setting in. Listen to me, and concentrate,</i> 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... " <i>And a strong cup of tea. THEN we'll talk...</i>

Jack was standing there shell shocked. He was staring straight ahead, and simply nodded to the instructions given. <i> Tea. Yes please. </i> 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<i> Prophet</i>. 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. <i>Grim? Are you busy at the moment?</I> 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>I am busy studying for my Arithmancy Class,</i> he replied after a pause. <i> Why, need someone to abuse?</i> he then snarked, a grin creeping across his face.

<i>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...</i> 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>I have him Sir. Your office then?</i>

<i>Staffroom,</i> Snape corrected. <i>Door should be open... Hmm.. ah that's where it is...</i> he muttered to himself as he found his seal, and managed to fix his scroll shut. <i>Hm... that should do it...</i> 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> I am here, Sir.</I> 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. <i>Hmmm... that should do it... Let's see... when do they print...</i> 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. <i>Oh... yes... your promptness was appreciated....</i> 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. <I>Been busy at all Sir?</i> he asked idly, then made hasty paces for the great hall, and food.

<i>Hmmm... busy, yes. I suppose you could call it that....</i> 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. <i>If you want to know... drat I forgot to get a copy sorted....</i> 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. <i>There. Hm. Yes. You can read it later if you like.</i> 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

<I>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, <b> Sirius</I></b>

(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 <i>Prophet</i> 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 <I>Prophet</i> 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

<I>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,

<b>Sirius</b></i>"

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 <i>other</i> 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. <I>Where was that bloody wand?</i> 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. <i>Remus?</i> he thought weakly as his head began to spin.

Remus started, his head rising towards the sound. <i>A student then...</i>

"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.

<i>That's the one, isn't it, Grim, again. Extraordinary though..</i> Remus looked at the boy in the light, and allowed his vision and his mind to clear. <i>So similar, the damn smoking pose..</i> 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. <i>Look at the pride in this boy, the defiance. Look at his eyes.. Merlins Balls..</i> 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. <i>Not hampered by a large group of friends or followers... is that what this is, Remus?</i> 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...

<i>Oh no, it's not possible..</i> 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. <i>Master? I've come to see you...</i>

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 <i>something.</i> "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 <i>nicely</i>... 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; <i>Just don't leave me like this...</i>

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. <i>Do I look ready?</i> 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.

<i>You look overdo for having someone like me fuck you silly and leave something warm within you...</i> 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.

<i>Sssomeone like you?</i> 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 <i>this</i> 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. <i>Perhaps... But maybe I'm not the only one who's been kept waiting too long...</i> 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...

<i>Too long.... yessss too long... to do this... </i> 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. <i>This isn't my best position mind you... But it will do for now...</i> 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. <i>Patience... is a virtue... We'll see... we'll see...</i> 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. <i> Yes..... Yes..... Almost there..... Almost.... there.... fuckfuckfuckfuck oh God.....</i>

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 <b>SHIT</b>!" 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.<i> Oh fuck the bastard had a heart attack! </i> 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. <i> Master? </i> he tried, accompanied with soft stroking motions across a wide, and damp back.

<i>M'gonna stay here a little while...</i> came the punch-drunk-sounding answer. <i>Tired.</i> 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 <b>was</b> going to sleep now dam