Diary - Siruis Black - October 2002

2002-10-01 01:57:00,
HOUSE ELF NOTE TO PROFESSOR SNAPE,

Master,

Shall I cease taking the Potion?

2002-10-01 07:37:00,
HOUSE ELF NOTE TO PROFESSOR SNAPE,

(The note arrives with a large stoppered bottle full of a sweet smelling Potion.)

Master, here is the remainder of the batch. As we both know, it works, and you are welcome to store it for later usage, or have me destroy it at a later time.

2002-10-01 09:51:00,
Potions (Incomplete)

Jack returned to the dorm after taking his morning shower. His hair was wet, combed back out of his eyes, and he was wearing a Slytherin Bath Robe. He set his personal items back in his nightstand drawer, then went to his dresser, and pulled out a clean shirt, tie, and underwear. He glanced over toward Draco's bed, seeing if he was out of bed yet.

After the nerve racking dream, Draco was far from unable to go back to sleep..perhaps dozing once and awhile, but his mind wouldn't let him forget what had happened upon that ethereal plane. By the time the other just started to wake up, Draco was long gone and already dressed, being as quiet as possible in his doings. Instead, he took his solitude towards the common rooms for the rest of the time. Trying to pry his mind away from other things by reading a book, but that was quickly shunned and he finally settled towards just simply watching a small area on the wall, allowing to think about last night..despite his attempts not to.

Jack put his underwear on first, and then this trousers and zipped them up. He stood for a long time, looking at his reflection in the dorm room mirror. He reached a hand up to stroke at the silver snake coiled around his neck, and smiled softly. As he stroked it gently, it lifted it's wee head and hissed playfully at his fingertips. Jack smiled, then turned from his reflection, and finished getting dressed. Draco's bed was empty, so he must have gone down earlier. Once he was ready to go, he gathered his bookbag, and went down to the common room, heading to breakfast.

Within his own thoughts, Draco found himself starting to fall asleep, truly finding it hard to stay awake, but both hearing people come down the stairs..and the sudden flash of that bleeding couch..he jerked his head up. Rubbing eyes, he looked towards the stairs..only to find Jack bounding down the stairs behind two third years. Pushing up, he gave a soft smile. "Morning..sleep well?" Deciding to keep things to a gentle small talk. Where he found himself rather comfortable with. But even that couldn't hide the yawn he emitted.

Jack looked over at Draco, not noticing him sitting there until he spoke. He smiled softly, then walked over to near where Draco sat. "Quite well..." he said, then looked Draco over. "You on the other hand... look like you had a rough night..." he said in a concerned tone.

Draco shrugged some, acting completely casual about whatever ails him. "We all have a couple of those in our lives, last night was just one of them.." Seems he had been keeping a lot of things from Jack..then again, they weren't exactly close as they once were. Quirking brows he nodded towards the door. "Ready to go down to breakfast?" What a wonderful way to change the subject.

Jack nodded solemnly, and reached out a hand to Draco, to pull him up to his feet. "Sure, here, hand up mate." he said with a small smile. "We don't want to be late for Potions." he said in a reverent sounding tone.

Draco took his offered hand and pulled himself out. Picking up his bag, he nodded with little or no emotion, way too tired to really give any for anybody. With that said and done, Draco pushed from his spot and towards the portal. Happy to be heading down towards breakfast..being rather hungry as he thought about it.

Jack watched Draco walk ahead of him, and feeling that he wasn't in the mood to talk, particualrly to him, he shrugged it off, and went in for breakfast.

Fifth year Potions with the Gryffindors and Slytherins had been as dully monotonous as ever, with only the occassional moment of 'Ohpleasedon'tendupblowingupmylab'. Well, the lesson had been boring. Snape was sitting in his chair, watching the last students finish clearing up, willing them to hurry up.

Jack had finished his potion on time, perfect and with no mistakes, as per usual. Only Hermione had been his equal in skill and speed. He was not really speaking with Draco. Ever since their awkward conversation this morning.

Snape didn't want to look up at the class. The desktop was... safer? No. Oh Gods definately not. He resorted to counting, a low rumble he could feel deep down, killing each minute until the lesson and the torment would end.

Once he had put everything away, cauldron, books and supplies, he pulled out a novel he had started, and resting it on his desk, began to read until the bell rang.

2002-10-01 20:02:00,
Observances,

Watching. That is what I find myself doing a lot of now. Housemates, teachers, other students. What can I learn from this? I am not sure.

Perhaps just the different dynamics of mood, personality, and lifestyle is interesting enough?

Maybe. Maybe it's because I am bored, and my schoolwork is completed, and I am just sitting here, relaxing, and feeling wrong about that.

It's been so long since I have had free time to just, sit. Well WANT to just sit, not forced to.

Funny thing that. Or maybe not.",,

2002-10-02 22:45:00,
Voices

Another day of studies has been completed here at Hogwarts. Despite 'certain things' that are different in my Private Life, the days are a flow of monotony. Wake, eat, learn, eat, learn, study, retire. Preparation for the Adult world treadmill of exhistance? Perhaps.

Harry seems well enough, from what I am able to gather. NO word of Voldemort comes to my ear or my mind. Draco. Is petulant, and distant. Perhaps he is Voldemort's new Pet? I would have no way of knowing. He does not deign to talk to me of his personal matters.

I would listen should he want to of course, but I will not nag at him for conversation. I can find enough idle chit chat with the other inhabitants of this house.

And of Severus Snape? Ah... as I sit here just considering him, a voice whispers in my mind's ear, and the Ouroboros stirs.

"I do not... want to be alone..."

I find, that neither do I. Coming Master.

As ever.

2002-10-02 23:18:00,
Summoned to the Master.

Snape put down his quill, closing his journal carefully. He didn't want to write any more; he couldn't keep his mind on it. Elbow resting on the desktop, he pinched the bridge of his nose, frowning at the beginings of a headache. He turned and glanced over his shelves, eyes catching on the newest addition to his apothecary, before he forced himself to find what he was looking for, and take a small spoonfull. The vile taste had him struggling against his gag reflex, but cleared the approaching mugginess.

Jack found it quite easy to slip from the Common Room to the Hallway outside of Slytherin House, then into the Potions Classroom. He walked silently and directly to Snape's door, then paused outside of it, and rested his forehead against the wood. Had he been called. The Ouroboros lifted it's head and tickled his earlobe with the tickle of metallic tongue, then layed back down again. Jack took in a long steadying breath, and knocked softly, twice, then waited.

The horrid philtre scratched at the back of Snape's throat, and his voice was a low growl- slightly pained. "Come," he said, keeping his face as expressionless as he could, dismissing the immediate worry that it wasn't real and crushing it down where it couldn't bother him.

Jack heard the monosyllabic command come from within, and after taking a steadying breath, opened the door and slipped inside, silently closing it behind him. Upon entering, he glanced around the room, and spied Snape in his normal hunch over his desk. Jack swallowed, not sure what to say, or even if he should even speak. So, he stood there for a moment, then moved to sit on the edge of the platform where the desk stood, and a leaned a shoulder against it, back to Snape, but within reach.

With a small whuff of -amusement? relief?- Snape watched as Jack entered, and sat down. For long moments he said nothing, simply content to watch. He let his eyes slide lazily over him, over his collar, where he knew his... little pet? lay. Almost conversationally Snape said without warning, and a little ruefully, "I never did give you back the rest of your essays, did I, Grim?"

Jack nodded slowly. "It is of no consquence Master. I know there is much else to keep you busy these days. Mark then at your leisure." he said softly. "In fact, if it is not too presumptuous of me to say, perhaps you would like to retire for the evening...."

Now Snape was definately amused. "Oh, trying to tell me something are you?" he snorted, shaking his head gently. But thinking about his age was the last thing he wanted to do. His good humour vanished, and he stood up abruptly.

Jack turned around and looked up at him, patiently. "It was merely a suggestion Master." he said quietly. "I would not presume to instruct you in any matter. That is for you to do alone." he said, then smiled ever so slightly. Without waiting for a cue, he stood up, and moved to wait near the door leading to Snape's Chambers.

Snape flashed between annoyance, fustration, amusement, resignation and... got very confused, and decided it wasn't worth the effort. This time. Though he decided he'd have to get up early to keep on his toes. With a nonchalant air, he moved to his door, as if he'd already been planning on it. Well, he had in a way. "Good, take care that you don't... presume," turning the handle.

Jack lowered his gaze as Snape approached, nodding. "Yes, Sir." he said as he laced his hands behind his back and awaited further instructions at this point.

Snape opened the door sharply, so the barrel made a loud clanking sound, pulled it evenly back, and looked from the room within to Jack. "Well, why are you still here?"

Jack looked surprised for just a second, then calmly replied, "Beacause you did not wish to be alone, Master," he said, in a deferred tone. "I came to... ease whatever wants you might have. I did feel a summons...."

Snape rolled his eyes, deliberately. "Yes, I obviously called you because I desperately need someone to sit guard at my door, Grim." Oh actually, now he mentioned it... No. Silly idea. 'Don't be so daft'. He looked at Jack again before he walked in, leaving the door open.

Jack felt his face warm, and get red, but swallowing down any reply that could make Snape's mood worse, he entered, and turned, closing the door, and locked it manually before rounding and crossing the room. He approached Snape's bed, and paused there for a moment. A sudden attack of nerves, and reality washing over him, then with a blink and a shake of his head, he began to turn the bed down.

Surreal. That was the word for it. One thing in... the heat of the moment? But this calm, almost bloody normal... Stop thinking, he told himself. That's what he'd decided, and that was what he had to do. Lords but he hated awkwardness. Ruffled, he headed to the small washroom.

Jack looked around as Snape departed to the washroom, and for a moment, was at a loss as to what to do right then. He KNEW with almost a certainty what was wanted and going to be occuring here, but he was at a loss as to how to go about it. He knew the machinations of course, but the roles here were different, the dynamics were all, skewed. He knew Snape would not want to talk, to just, do. So, with that in mind, Jack quickly disrobed, and slipped under the pulled covers of the bed, and scooted to the far side. He tried to assume a casual pose, but found all awkward or preposterous. At last he laid on his back, covers pulled up to his chest. A quick glance around the room, and he extinguished all but one candle near the bed with a hissed "Nox".

Snape ran the tap, and splashed water into his face, stinging his eyes, well aware that he was just going to find any excuse to get distracted right now. A moment's hesitation and he took off his heavy work-robe, leaving him in his shirt. He folded his robe over-carefully, placing it on a low stool, and bit his lip. Braced himself. Walked back into the room and veered to the unoccupied side, eyes steadfastly avoiding contact, and he sat down to start untying his shoes.

Jack looked over lazily at Snape, not saying anything and in that moment wishing for all the word he had a pint in him already or at least a few tokes. We virigin Wedding Nights this awkward? Like he would ever know. He watched Snape for a moment then closed his eyes, feigning sleep.

Shoes, socks, both off and sitting on the floor acussingly, the tongues lolling. He unfastened the cuffs on his shirtsleeves, undid his pants, slid them to the floor, and before he could think twice loosened his collar and whipped his shirt over his head. He was beginning to wish he hadn't... felt lonely? The very idea of... He got up, walked over the cold floor and pulled on his nightrobe as he went, walking into his Office without a word.

Jack lay there for a moment. He had felt the weight on the bed, the sounds of shoes and other things removed, then the weight was gone, and he had opened his eyes in just enough time to see Snape disappear out to his office beyond in a swirl of robes. "What the fuck?" he muttered to himself, leaning up on one elbow. He stared at the open door, then at the empty side of the bed, and sighing, rolled onto his side, offering the room his back, and closed his eyes again.

A sink gurgled as it struggled to deal with a rather hasty disposal of liquid, then a clank as a jar was slammed down. A few more noises, and Snape stormed back into the room with a goblet. "Well, what are you bloody waiting for?"

Jack quickly rolled back over, hair tossled, and confused look on his face. "You. Master...." he said with a bit of a confused tone to his voice. His eyes found the goblet Snape was holding, and he frowned slightly, then looked up at Snape. "Mead for you Sir?"

Oh Gods, he was going to have NO patience by the end of the night. Screw subtlety. With his free hand he grabbed Jack by the scruff, pulling him upright, and pushed the goblet to his lips. "Do I have to spell each and every single thing out to you?"

Jack made a little frightened sound as he was gripped and the goblet shoved to his mouth. He muttered an apologetic sounding word or two, then gripped the goblet, and tossed the contents down in a quick sucession of swallows. He was unable to stop from wincing at the taste, then handed the goblet back to Snape. He looked up at him, running his tongue over his upper lip to wipe away the remains. "Perhaps, Master, if you were to make known to me.... what would please you best..." he said, then lowered his eyes. He was going to get cuffed, he knew it. Dogs always did. "This is unfamiliar to me as well. I only desire to please... not anger..." he added, then waited.

Snape was far from pleased. and kept hold of Jack as he drank, snatching the goblet back when he was finished. Slammed it on the bedside table. "I can see you need a careful eye keeping on you, though I had hoped you wouldn't be so... slow. Let's hope you aren't untrainable." He let go of Jack's neck, white marks turning red where he'd gripped a little enthusiastically.

Jack's eyes went wide, and all he could do was shake his head dully. "Please..... just tell me..." he said in a whisper, then closed his mouth and watched Snape's tense posture. His heart was pounding and had he not drugged his own sexuality to numbness, he was quite sure he would have a raging hardon by now. Wait....

"Well for one, you can lie back," Snape said, and emphasised his point by pushing back at one shoulder. Teaching, still, it seemed. "I take it you know how to prepare, at least?"

Jack nodded quickly, and eased back onto the bed, still watching Snape with wide cautious eyes. He swallowed, and looking to the side and spotting Snape's hand on his shoulder, clutching he got an idea. Reaching over with his opposite hand, he slid his hand over the back of Snape's pale one, and then back down to lace his fingers with his, Jack's smaller hand on top. He moved the joined hands over toward his face, and closing his eyes, slowly ran his tongue over Snape's palm. There was a numbing bitter taste, but that quickly went away and he traced a trail down across Snape's palm to suck at the pulse point of his wrist.

Alright, it wasn't such an irredeemable situation then. Snape closed his eyes to the warm, wet touch, before deciding it wasn't nearly enough. His question hadn't been answered, either, but for once he decided to let the issue slide. His other hand splayed on the mattress next to Jack's head, and he managed to keep his hand fairly still as he got onto the bed, straddling Jack at the hips, thighs brushing. He sat back a little, took his weight off his hand and onto his knees. "No matter, it is not to hard to learn."

Jack nodded slowly as he continued to suck on the pale skin, just to the point of leaving a mark, then let go of the hand and laying flat, slid down farther between the pale thighs that framed him and moved a hand to grip at the rising flesh just before his face. "I want to learn..." he smiled, then gripping Snape firmly at the base, took in a deep breath, and relaxed before sliding his mouth over him.

Snape reached out with one hand and cradled it around the back of Jack's head. Breathing in and out through his nose, he leaned forwards as he pushed Jack further down over himself, before he grabbed a handfull of dark hair and pulled him back. None too gentle, he dragged him back til he was supine again, and shuffled backwards. "Then you shall," he said, leaned forwards, and swiped his tongue over Jack's stomach.

Now Snape was definately amused. "Oh, trying to tell me something are you?" he snorted, shaking his head gently. Bt thinking about his age was the last thing he wanted to do. His good humour vanished, and he stood up abruptly.

Jack lowered his gaze as Snape approached, nodding. "Yes, Sir." he said as he laced his hands behind his back and awaited further instructions at this point.

Snape opened the door sharply, so the barrel made a loud clanking sound, pulled it evenly back, and looked from the room within to Jack. "Well, why are you still here?"

Oh gods, he was going to have NO patience by the end of the night. Screw subtlety. With his free hand he grabbed Jack by the scruff, oulling him upright, and oushed the goblet to his lips. "Do I have to spell each and every single thing out to you?"

Jack made a little frightened sound as he was gripped and the goblet shoved to his mouth. He muttered an aplogetic sounding word or two, then gripped the goblet, and tossed the contents down in a quick sucession of swallows. He was unable to stop from wincing at the taste, then handed the goblet back to Snape. He looked up at him, running his tongue over his upper lip to wipe away the remains. "Perhaps, Master, if you were to make known to me.... what would please you best..." he said, then lowered his eyes. He was going to get cuffed, he knew it. Dogs always did. "This is unfamiliar to me as well. I only desire to please... not anger..." he added, then waited.

"Well for one, you can lie back," Snape said, and emphasised his point by pushing back at one shoulder. Teaching, still, it seemed. "I take it you know how to prepare, at least?"

Jack had just fallen into the rhythm of the task at hand, when Snape suddenly pulled him back, off of him and pushed him back down onto his back again. He was going to be taught, that was certain, but what? He leaned his head back, hanks of his long hair still twisted tightly in Snape's long fingers, then he felt the cool moistness of Snape's tongue slide across his belly. He shivered, and clutched at the coverlet with his hands. "S-Sir...?" he asked nervously, feeling Snape move over his body hungrily.

A low growl, and Snape moved to bite firmly at one hip, a hand making sure the other one stayed down. Then he slid backwards, crouching on his haunches, his face close to Jack's groin and his nose full of his scent. "Patience, first," he muttered, past tingling lips.

Jack cried out at the nip to his hipbone, and shuddered again, "Yes.... yes Master.." he panted. Why was Snape doing this? Had he forgotten about the potion he had brewed and drank? What was the point, unless.... the potion he had been given.... Jack felt an odd tensing in his lower stomach as Snape moved his mouth around in close proximity to his groin.

Snape laughed, silently, and not showing his teeth at the evident confusion and the potion, slowly seeping through his veins. He could almost see it, trace its progress through flushed skin. Hear it, in the thud-thudding in his ribcage. He ran a long, thin tongue over the insides of his thighs, slowly, stimulating the blood flow further.

Jack let out a moan as the feeling of tongue on his inner thigh. He closed his eyes, and held his breath. He was feeling, SOMETHING, but he wasn't sure what. A warm, tingling sensation was creeping over him, making him eager, and nervously excited. The fear of the unknown. He was begining to guess what was in the draught Snape had fed him. How nice and considerate of him.

Leaving his hands gripping, and lightly massaging Jack's hips, Snape leaned forwards, and pushed his nose against the flat plane of stomach, pushing it up along his chest, breath quickening as the movement brushed his own member against something warm. Some things were worth doing properly. Eventually he had to let go of Jack's hips and use his hands to support him, as he held his face close to Jack's ear. "Now, Grim, I want you to prepare yourself."

Jack was laying still as Snape moved to hover his body over his. His breath caught in his throat at his nose moved up his bare body, closer and closer until his face hung just above his, and he could feel the pulsing hardness of Snape's shaft against his leg. Prepare yourself. Is what he heard, but he had no idea what else he could do at this point, in this position, so he nodded. "Yes... yes sir...." he whispered.

Dark eyes closed, and with great reluctance and care, the taller man drew himself back to sit on Jack's shins. Brushing back a few errant strands behind one ear, he watched, hungrily. He murmured an Accio, and held out a small, blue bottle, before he eventually sat back and off Jack.

Jack took the bottle from Snape and smiled shyly. Dammit, he was blushing. So, Snape wanted to watch... Something new? He was up for that, in more ways than one he could feel. Jack scooted himself farther up on the bed, to lean back against the headboard, and while looking down at his belly, filled a palmful of the ointment, then slid the hand down his belly, and around his cock. He closed his eyes, and spread his legs apart, allowing for a better view, and gave himself a few slow lanquid strokes before sliding his hand down farther, over his balls, and slowly inserted his slicked middle two fingers inside. "Oh....." he moaned at the sensation. He let his head fall farther back into the pile of pillows as he slowly began to finger fuck himself.

Snape ran his tongue over the top of his palate, swallowing at how dry it suddenly was. One hand slid to grab a handful of the covers and he tangled his fingers in it, forcing himself to wait. He watched Jack's growing arousal, gaguing his delay with growing impatience. Something both needed to learn, perhaps.

Jack's body began to undulate slowly in a soft wave of young flesh. His hips rose and fell, timed with his movements of his hand. He paused, added more of the linament with his off hand, then resumed, adding a third finger, and some wrist rotations. He was fully erect by now, but that part of his anatomy went ignored as he fingered himself, deeper and deeper. His mouth fell open, slack, and he grunted, panting for air as his heart raced, his blood thundered in his ears, in his veins.

As much as it was nice to watch, Snape had supped his full. "I think that's enough..." he slipped his hand about Jack's, pulling his fingers out, and wiping that hand over Jack's stomach. He kneeled between splayed legs, and looked down between them at the youth's erection. "Are you going to behave, or am I going to have to restrain you?" he asked.

Jack opened his eyes when he felt Snape move in closer, and pull his hand from him. He smiled lazily, his face flushed, and a glow with building desire. "I never know if I am going to behave or not Master, in any situation..." he said softly, then laughed, a bit nervously. "Which would please you more, Master?" he asked in a whisper.

"Right now... I want you to wait... And if you can't..." He shuffled a little, and lifted Jack's legs a little around him, pressing himself up against the slick opening, cursing the further delay.

Jack sighed as Snape moved to mount him, and concentrated on relaxing everything, including his mind. "I shall be punished..." he grinned, as if he desired that more than anything, "Yes, Master...." he sighed as he clutched his hands tighter into the bedcovers and surrendered himself.

Well, at least he wouldn't have to spell everything out. Snape settled himself, gripped slender hips, and slowly pushed himself in, unblinking. Surprised how intelligble his voice was, he said, slowly, as he started withdrawing, "I want... to watch you... sssnap." Snap, break, and fall apart. And scream. Scream like he had done when he'd used the Cruciatus on him... That thought had his heart skip a few beats, and he pushed in harder this time.

Jack tensed despite his best efforts, and moaned as the Potions' Master entered him slowly. Three fingers was NOT enough, remember that next time. Perhaps a Bobby's club would have been better. "S-nap, Sir?" he asked, then let out the breath he had been holding as Snape withdrew, then he gasped when he trust again. "Ugh!" he cried, knuckles white as he was speared and pressed down into the bed.

"Snap..." he repeated, as if that explained everything. He grabbed a handfull of multicoloured fringe, palm resting on his forehead. In, out, and he looked between them, at Jack's unattended cock; it was going to have to wait.

"I.... Uh...... uhngh..." was all Jack was able to manage as Snape continued, setting a deep and jarring rhythm. He winced as his fringe was gripped, and pulled, making his eyes sting, and water. Reflexively, he move a hand from the coverlet, and snaked it across his belly and began to stroke himself eagerly. That felt so nice...

Snape noticed the movement, and growled lowly, letting go his mop of hair, to bat at his hand. "Did I, or did I not, tell you to wait?" he hissed, angrily. "If you can't do as you're told, then you'll have to learn another way." His hand gripped Jack's shaft, and he dragged his fist along it once, twice, before he moved it back to the base, and squeezed tight, cutting the blood flow right down.

Jack flinched at the larger hand batting his away, and he made a pitiful whimper of disappointment. "Sorry, Master...." he panted, and moved both hands underneath his ass, too keep them from mischief. When Snape gripped his cock, and stroked it, he bucked his hips eagerly until the chokehold was applied, he moaned an bit down on his lower lip. He was starting to understand what was wanted of him, denial.

Snape's fingers stayed locked, and he rubbed his thumb slightly over the underneath. "Sorry isn't good enough, Grim." No. Remorse wasn't. As Jack bucked, he had to bite his bottom lip, and responded by an answering thrust of his own. His legs were beginning to cramp, knees protesting the harsh treatment, urging him to go faster.

Jack continued to move his hips up and down in an eager motion. He opened his eyes and looked up at the face of the man above him. He sighed, something changed deep inside of him, he wasn't sure what. His gaze fell on those acerbic, thin lips, and suddenly, he wanted to taste them. Would they be dry and bitter, or soft and sweet?

Snape had to close his eyes now, the feeling of being surrounded, smothered, too much. What did he want? A question he wasn't the only one that asked him now, and normally one he would answer in that he wanted everything and nothing. Wanted and didn't. Torn, balanced, between two conflicting feelings. But now... now he thought of nothing but driving himself in deeper, and making Jack writhe beneath him, to watch him come. His rhythm broke a little, digging his nails into warm flesh, dragging Jack's hips up to meet his.

Jack's body arched as Snape pulled him tighter to him and let out a cry of discomfort at the angle and force of Snape's thrusts. Shapeless words were choked out of his mouth with each entry and retreat into him. He was getting so close to coming, so close, but... he had to wait. He had been told to wait. "M-Master...." he moaned.

"Not.... until..... I tell you..." Snape managed to get out, tightening his grip on the base of Jack's cock reflexively, dragging his hand along its length as he shuddered and shot his load deep into the other, willing him to hold on. A low keen taking over speech as he had to move his hands to the matress to hold himself up, panting and trying to catch his breath.

Jack body continued to be jostled on the bed with each of Snape's eager thrusts. His breath was shuddered with each push of his Master's body into his. His eye's were halflidded, and he smiled lazily as he watched Snape's body tense, and his face hold a rigid expression as he at last came. The sight of that was enough to push him close to the edge, again. He tilted his head back, baring his throat and moaned with the strain. So close, he was so close.

Snape growled, his head spinning dizzyingly. He wanted to do nothing more than collapse now, curl up around and inside him. Not... quite... yet. He leaned forwards, shivering as the cold caught him at last, and he licked across a warm throat, feeling the silver token there moving. Slowly he wrapped his fingers around Jack's straining member, and stroked hard, and evenly, holding his face close to the other's, saying deeply, "Now you can come for me, Grim."

Jack was so lost in the strain of holding back, waiting for the cue, that he barely heard what Snape has said. He heard it more on a subconcious level than auditory, and he let a long moan escape as he began to buck his hips in countersync to Snape's encouraging fist. "Mas-Master.... Please...." he said, pain showing in his tensed face. His hands clutched at the cover beneath him, fingernails rending the fabric, then he went stiff and let out a strangled cry as he came. It was such a powerful release, he stopped breathing and just remained in a rigor state. Only his pumping of seed onto his belly and Snape's fist were the only sign of life.

That cry slid along Snape's spine, like fingers down a blackboard, and had he not just come he was sure he would have done at the sound of it. He tilted his head to one side, biting firmly, but not hard, behind one ear, the taste of sweat on his suddenly-sleepy tongue making him moan. He waited only til he felt Jack start to relax beneath him that he bent the elbow of the arm supporting him, rolling to one side and sliding himself reluctantly from the warm, young body beneath him. "That's... better."

Jack took in a breath at last, after the orgasm, after the claiming bite, after, so much. His head was spinning, and he laid there with his eyes closed, floating on sensation. He felt Snape move from him and pleading sound rose from his throat. Surely there is more?? More. Please. His mind called out in need. Then, the slow, deep tones of his Master's voice calmed him, and his breathing slowed, his pounding heart slowed, and he opened his eyes.

A warm muzziness, not the murkiness of enroaching pain, nor the drugged emptiness... but... satiety. Lying on one side, Snape felt the chill air lick about him, chilling the sweat and stealing his heat. He felt the plaintive whine without having to hear it. The sheets were too far away by far, and he fumbled blindly for them, finally getting a handful to pull up over them, feeling his head sink deeper in the pillow.

Jack sighed, and closed his eyes again. Spooned around him was a chilled and damp form, but blankets were added now, and he could warm them both. He reached for a hand, lacing it with his own, then rested then at the hallow of his thoat. "Yours." he whispered, his voice a bit harsh and dry, "Thank you..." followed, then silence.

It was getting harder to keep a hold on consciousness, let alone lucidity. He rumbled something that might have been a thought, but certainly was unintelligble, and muffled through a mouthful of hair. Snape was vaguely aware that he was pressing against something warm and soft, but that was about it, and he gave up trying to think at all.

And they slept.

2002-10-03 07:54:00,
Dealing with the Devil?

An IC RP with Jack Grim and Cho Chang.

Cho was still slightly annoyed with herself for not catching up with Jack Grim sooner as she made her way towards the Great Hall for breakfast; the Quidditch match against Slytherin was very soon and if indeed she was going to use his broomstick she still needed to become better acquainted with it before then. All the racing brooms had different handling capabilities; the Firebolt was likely to exceed any Cho had tried before.

So when she turned the corner and spotted the fifth year by the entrance to the Great Hall, standing idly by as though he may not even go in, it seemed the perfect opportunity to broach the subject.

Jack himself wasnt' sure why he didn't want to go in for breakfast. For once, he was his usual raving starving self. His mind was not on food, but the night before. He glanced around the hallway in which he stood, considering sneaking outside for a fag instead of breakfast, when his eyes caught something. On the other side of the Entry Hall, approaching carefully was Cho Chang. Jack met her eyes with his, and gave her a soft smile and a lift of his chin in acknowledgement. If she wanted to talk, he was accessable.

'Hey Jack,' she approached him with a light-hearted smile, 'you look you're up to something.' She was only teasing, but still, he was a little suspect and if he was up to something it wouldn't surprise her; that wasn't really her business to ask about though.

Jack grinned at her, then sighed and rolled his eyes dramatically. "Oh yes... The Evil Bastard Jack Grim waits outside the Great Hall. He is eager to see if the Poison Porridge will successfully obliterate all of his most hated enemies..." he said sarcastically, then gave Cho a wink. "But I like you... so have the eggs today." he added, then laughed, and recrossed his arms over his chest, and shifted his leaning weight from one foot to the other.

Cho raised her eyebrows in mock surprise and gave him a guileful smile, 'I'll keep that in mind.' Cho gave herself a silent reproach for behaving coyly around the Slytherin wizard; he had the great temerity to always engender reactions like that from her; it would have been annoying if it weren't so charming.

Really Cho, she lectured herself, he's a *fifth year*. Cho disregarded that last mental note and pressed forward, 'anyway Evil Jack Grim, I've been meaning to catch up with you about that broomstick offer.'

Jack grinned wider, ah yes, the mouse was back near the trap. He could tell she thought he was a certain level of slime, beneath her attention normally, but yet, he had something she wanted. Badly. "The Firebolt. Ahh yes... It WOULD be a grand help to you in the match, especially considering how Malfoy got his arse kicked and has come up lame..." he grinned. "Still interested Chang?" he asked with a lift of a coal colored eyebrow.

You don't think much of Ravenclaw, do you?' she asked, but grinned anyway. Jack was a Slytherin after all, of course he'd belittle his own house's rivals. Cho was definitely a member of the Firebolt Skeptical Society - she was tremendously impressed by how it looked in use with other players; but she wasn't quite convinced that it would suit her own style of play. Still, now was as good a chance as any to find out.

"Oh I think well enough of Ravenclaw, but perhaps not in the right places..." he said, cracking a wicked grin at her. "I try hard NOT to underestimate my.... adversaries. Doing such often brings hard defeat, wouldn't you day, Chang?" he asked, then rolled his head around on his shoulders, and yawned lazily, lifting a pale hand to cover his mouth.

'And I try hard not to over-estimate my adversaries,' she said with a small smile and locked a mischievous expression on him, 'especially since I'm better than them.'

Jack nodded, barely supressing a burst of laughter. The smirk on his face and the crinkling up of his eyes, showed his obvious amusement. "So." he said in a voice, forced calm. "What price should I make you pay for the use of my marvelous.... 'Stick'?" he said with a leer. "Or... " he added, lifting up his index finger, perhaps you don't want to use it after all, seeing as how... secretly superior Ravenclaw is to Slytherin...." he teased, enjoying this far to well.

'It's not a secret Jack Grim,' she winked and then straightened up, attempting to school her expression into one of at least semi-seriousness. 'As for the price, hmm, name it.'

Jack brought his hands around to lace together in front of him, and he rolled his eyes as he thought. "Hm... I am sure there are several things I could ask of you.... Many I am sure would get me slapped, or cursed within an inch of my life, but I think....." he paused, looking upward briefly at the ceiling as he thought. A moment later he looked back over at her. "The Yule Ball. Allow me to be your escort." he said, then waited for her reaction.

For a second she thought she'd misheard him, or gone temporarily insane, or even imagined what he had just asked of her; seconds after the moment she still wasn't entirely certain that she'd understood correctly, was he serious? Cho played his words over in her mind again; yes, she definitely recalled mentions of slaps and curses. The Yule Ball. He had said it.

Disregarding her own coy act and his playful tones she gave him her first truly sincere expression for the whole conversation, 'I don't know if you know Jack, but my Yule Ball dates have a tendency of ending up dead.'

There, macabre and definitely off-putting; if he hadn't thought she was strange by then he probably did now.

Jack shrugged. "Diggory, God rest his soul, was killed by Voldemort, not by Squiring you around in a Formal Robe." he said solemnly. Yes, even death of other students seemed to be a sacred matter to Jack Grim. "So, if that is your only concern about being my date, my health...." he said, then bowed before her with a flourish. "Upon your agreement Milady, I shall have the Firebolt delivered to your Dorm via House Elf this very afternoon." he said, then slowly stood back up, waiting for her reply.

Jack's question had suddenly put Cho on the back foot and she wasn't quite sure how to say what she wanted to; had she misjudged him? He seemed as sincere as the first day she had met him, yet she had seen him around enough to know that he wasn't always so sweet; he had a strange way of reacting to things and to people, it wasn't the same as the other fifth years, or any of the other students really.

She felt a little uncomfortable doing so, because she didn't know how he'd feel about it, but she put her hand on his for a moment to convey her acquiescence, 'you don't have to lend me your broomstick, but I will go with you if you want me to.'

Jack looked down at her hand on his, and made no move to hold it, or trap it with another. "A favor for a favor." he smiled warmly. "I ask for no Charity, and do not give it where it is not welcomed or needed." he said, standing himself up straight. "I would be Honored to be your escort Miss Chang. I shall have the broom delivered to you this afternoon, or we can meet on the Pitch this afternoon after classes, and I can help you with any questions you may have about it's flight."

'You're a very complicated person, Jack Grim,' said Cho thoughtfully, withdrawing her hand and not really bothering to show any tact, 'but whatever your will; have it delivered, or I'll meet you - I don't have a preference.'

"Mental, most would say. " he said, correcting her. "Very well, the Pitch at 1630, sharp." he said with a smile, then reaching out and lifting one of her hands up, placed a kiss on the back of it, then released it, and turned to leave. "Until then Miss Chang... study well..." he said turning, and heading into the Great Hall to eat after all. He was suddenly famished.

Cho watched him walk away and then glanced at the hand he had just placed his lips upon; what a very odd wizard, she frowned and turned back the way she had come. Breakfast didn't seem that appealing anymore.

2002-10-03 17:44:00,
Hello again Blaise...

An IC RP with Blaise and Jack Grim.

Jack was sitting near the fireplace in the Slytherin Common Room, reading as usual; as he did most of the time lately. He was sitting alone, and he seemed to not mind it at all. If he was lonely, he didn't show it, but every now and then reached up to touch something that was hidden around his neck, under his tie and collar.

"Jack Grim, I have been wanting to have a word with you," Blaise sat down beside him looking at him with a emotionless expression. She wanted to talk to him yes but also wanted to know if some how he told her father or something. She notice he was messing with something near his neck but didn't say anything.

Jack slowly looked up at Blaise, and with a calm smile, closed his book and set it aside. He put his hands in his lap, and said, "A word? Which one would you like?" he said with a grin.

Blaise glared at Jack and laughed, she should have known he would make some comment to make her laugh, "Oh I don't know the words you might have said to my father, if you did say any." Blaise wasn't about the Drag this out she was going to be up front, and if Jack got pissed he would get pissed, but she was going to get to the bottom of this. "And Jack I am not accusing you I just need to know if you said anything."

Jack knitted his eyebrows together and looked genuinely confused. "Your father? I haven't talked to anyone's Father, Blaise." he said quietly. "In fact, I have been rightly shunned by most of humanity for weeks now." he said in a tired tone. "Why?"

"Oh, okay, Well I got a letter from my asshole of a father, I didn't think you had said anything but I had to make sure." Blaise looked at him, confused, "Shunned? How so?" Blaise still had the letter with her she kept it in her book bag that was now lying on the floor beside her.

Jack shrugged, and picked up his book again. "Draco mostly I suppose. I have never really gotten on with anyone here...." he paused and looked up at her with a wicked grin, "Except for you of course..." he whispered, then looked down at his book again. "But no... I have not said a word to anyone about anything we have ever.... discussed." he said calmly, and turned a page.

"Well, someone must have overheard or something, cause I got a rather nasty letter from my father," she said in a very low tone for only Jack to hear. Blaise leaned closer to him, "I am sorry that Draco is shunning you, I haven't talked to him in ages, and we used to be able to talk for hours on end." Blaise gave Jack her sultry smile, "Of course we get along fine, it seems I don't exactly get along with many people here either."

Jack looked up at Blaise, bored now. "I DIDN'T say anything Blaise. I have no one to talk to, and I have you my WORD I wouldn't." he said in a tense tone of voice. "you are the one who likes to TALK and WRITE...." he said, referring to her journal that had been read by another once before.

Blaise took a deep breath, "Jack I believe you, and trust me no one can get into my diary again. Look here," Blaise grabbed her book bag and pulled out the letter and handed it to Jack. "And Jack yes I like to write, I AM a girl; I have to write my feelings down in my Journal. I do not like to talk some times it just happens." She took a deep breath, "I believe you didn't tell, but you know I am not the only one that writes, you have a journal your self," Blaise then smiled, "I trust you that you didn't tell, I can see it that you didn't, my trust doesn't come easily Jack, if you haven't realized that by now."

jack flashed Blaise a gaze, and annoyance read in his eyes, "I didn't tell anyone, and I didn't WRITE about it to anyone. It DIDN'T happen as far as I am concerned..." he said sounding definitely edgey. "I did that for YOU." he added, then glanced at the letter. "I don't need to read your mail Blaise. It's not my business..." he said then looked back down at his book.

Blaise took a deep breath, she wasn't about to lose on him, it Just wasn't going to happen. She wasn't going to let him know how much it was angering her. "Excuse you? Didn't happen? Why?" Blaise knew he was edgy but didn't really understand it, she was starting to get annoyed as well but kept her tone indifferent. "Jack is something bothering you? And do not say me," Blaise took the letter back she was sorta relieved that he didn't read it.

Jack looked up at her, pale eyes glaring out at her from under his long fringe. "Yes Blaise. It DID happen, it was wonderous, however... Because of the reputation you so badly want to preserve, I have pushed it from my mind. I though that was what you wanted." he said, then cleared his throat. "Now, if that is all, I have quite a bit of text to get through before supper." he said curtly, then went back to reading.

"Jack, it isn't that I don't want people knowing, it's just I don't want them knowingâ¤? it was you." She said in a very soft tone. "It wouldn't really bother me if people knew about us, I also thought you didn't want anyone to know?" Blaise took a deep breath, "Not, that there is a "us" like boyfriend-girlfriend wise." Blaise looked at Jack, "It was wonderous, and I would do it againâ¤?" Blaise bit her lip and nodded, "Yeah I understand, the reading, I need to get back to mine as well." Blaise sat there watching wondering if he would respond, or he would just go back to reading.

Jack sighed, but didn't look up at her, "There is no "us" Blaise. I told you that to begin with, that it would be a one time thing. It was a favor to you, from me. Please believe me Blaise, I enjoyed it, but because of so many reasons, it cannot be repeated." he said quietly.

"I know there is no us, and I will leave you, I don't want an us." Blaise nodded, "I shall leave you now perhaps we can have a better conversation another time," Blaise grabbed her things, "Have a nice day or what's left of it." Blaise then walked away.

Jack sighed, not happy with himself, but he rarely was.

2002-10-03 22:08:00,
What happened today?

Well, it started out well enough. I am tired. From late last night, but that is another story. I am still not sure how to assess it.

As for today... Well, Cho Chang graced me with conversation today before breakdfast, and she wants the Firebolt. She asked me to name my price, and I did. I thought she was going to choke. But, I now have a date for the Yule Ball. Imagine that. Cho Chang not only going to the Yule Ball with an UNDERCLASSMAN, but a Slytherin at that.

Who'd have thought, huh?

Blaise came to chat with me before dinner. I had just returned from delivering the Firebolt to Cho on the Pitch and was wanting to get some studying done when She wanted to "talk" again. Seems her Father sent her a note, and she seems to think I talked to him, about her and I. Ridiculous.

She's the one with the readable diary. "Not now",, she assured me. Oh whatever... I need to get to bed. I am beat.

As ever.

2002-10-04 08:18:00,
The weekend arrives.

And what are my plans? I have none to speak of. There is the First Quidditch Match of the season of course. Slytherin vs. Ravenclaw. I will be expected no doubt to be in the stands cheering for the home team. Right. I have such House spirit I loaned a Firebolt to the opposing Seeker, and smirked at Malfoy getting his rumb tronced.

(I hear through the grapevine it was Krum who did it.) Interesting. I may have to watch him a bit. Eveything else in Hogwarts is ... quiet. There is no othe word for it. I find it unnerving and eery. Quiet can only be a bad thing from Voldemort.

I am wondering, with my new "association" with Snape, would it be possible to share my concerns on this with him? If ANYONE would have told me 15 years ago I would be looking to him as an aly and getting hard just at the thought of the things he does to me... I would have knocked their head clan off of their had.

But now...? I will just plead Mental Instability by Defect. Maybe it's what we both needed a long time coming.

As ever.

2002-10-05 22:27:00,
Weekend Update

Well, the Match went well enough. For Ravenclaw. Pretty much as I had expected. They gave Slytherin a fair routing, and I of course am completely abivilant about the whole matter. I can only wonder how I will feel when Gryffindor plays...

I decided to have a closer look at this Viktor Krum fellow, and was unable to spot him at meal times, or in the stands during the match. I was lead to believe that he and Hermione were practically joined at the hip, if not the lip most of the time. Further investigation on my part found he is away for the weekend... Odd that a student would be taking such a leave, but then again, he, like me, is a special case here.

But aren't we all in some way? Anyhow. I shall look for him during the week. I am still doing copious amounts of reading, and researching Potions. I can't figure what has started this burning desire to master the art...

(Large blot of ink, as if a quill rested in one spot too long)

Desire. Master. Funny how seeing them in the same sentnece now causes my thoughts to go... askew. Perhaps I shall go for a walk.

As ever.

2002-10-06 16:14:00,
"Of beasties, and bisquits...."

An IC RP with Snape and Jack Grim.

Jack sat on the steps of Hogwarts. It was mid afternoon, and his work all done for the weekend, he was relaxing. In his lap was a book, as usual, and he was browsing the pages, looking over pictures of magickal beasts it seemed.

Severus Snape didn't eat much. He wasn't hungry now, but he'd found himself in the habit of having a small lunch away from the students and the faculty on Sundays- the only time he was away from the Great Hall on a more or less regular basis. Somewhere he could ground himself. He was supposed to be doing that just now, but he wasn't. Instead he was walking about, not really sure of what he was doing, where he was going, or what exactly he hoped to achieve. His office was calling to him, but at the minute the pull wasn't too strong that he couldn't resist it, and he found himself passing by a doorway- one he rarely came by.

Jack's concentration on his project was momentarily interrupted by a transient thought in his mind, and a stirring of the Ouroboros. He looked up, then around, and not seeing the source. Frowned. Master? He inquired. I am on the steps if you wish to see me.

Snape's stride faltered a little, not expecting the sudden call. Had he been looking for Jack? He didn't know, maybe he had without realising it. But... on the steps? He radiated a mixture of revulsion and disgust.

I am going to lunch,he replied, wondering when he had started needing to explain his movements to anyone. Or... If you want to bother me I shall be in my office.

Jack let a small smile cross his face, and then glanced at his watch. I shall be there in a short while Master. Thank you. he thought back, then resumed his research. He would welcome going in. He was getting a bit peckish as well. He continued through a chapter or two more, then collected his book, and made his way to the dungeons. On the way, he spotted Cho Chang, and in a quick, guarded moment, congratulated her on the Ravenclaw victory before continuing on. He entered the Potions classroom without hesitation after making sure no one saw him, and up to Snape's office door.

Snape was sitting in his office, not the best of places to dine, admittedly, but for the most part he was working at the same time as well. A few papers were strewn over one side, with no visible care. At one side there was a stool, similar to those in the classroom; old and battered looking. In the middle, however, was a small tray, delivered by one of the House Elves, with a pot of tea and some toasted muffins, a little bowl of condiments and preservatives nearby. Snape was holding one, and lightly spreading something on it.

Jack knocked lightly on the door, and opened it a bit, peering inside before entering. "Good afternoon Sir," he said quietly, choosing to leave the more intimate honorific for more, initmate spoken opportunities. "I am not disturbing you too much am I now?" he said as he slipped in, and closed the door, a book tucked under his arm.

Snape didn't look up from his task, setting the breadknife down on the plate quietly, before he raised his eyes. "No more so than I am accustomed to, and if you were disturbing me too much, you would soon know of it." He put the muffin to his lips and bit, never breaking eye contact.

Jack laughed softly, and selected a fruit scone for himself, piled it high with clotted cream, then stuffed the entire affair into his mouth and devoured it before reaching for a glass of juice to wash it down. Once that was acomplished, he sat down on the stool nearby and began to look through his book once again. "I shall just provide polite conversation and company then Sir," he said with a sly smirk.

Snape raised one eyebrow at his companion's more... robust eating habits, but said nothing. He slowly ate his mouthful, swallowing, and washing it down with a sip of tea before asking, "What are you reading?"

Jack looked over and lifted up the cover for viewing. "Magickal Beasts for Familiars - A Wizard's Complete Compendium." Jack then handed the book over to Snape and proceeded to devour three more of the coated pastries with voracious gulps. He paused to look over at Snape over the rim of his juice goblet.

Snape took the book carefully, let it rest on one knee, and opened it at the first page. He read a little, before turning back to the publishing information, and snorting. "I see they haven't updated it yet," he said drily, before starting to hand it back, taking one look at fingers which were decidedly in danger of being called sticky, and placing it on top of the papers away from the plate instead. He took up his teacup again.

"I was thinking of getting a... you know... familiar..." he said with a tentative smile, then set the goblet down, and managed to cover his mouth with a napkin before the belch erupted. "Pardon, Sir," he said quietly.

"I can see that," Snape said, tempted to roll his eyes, but settled instead for another sip of his tea, not touching his muffin any more. He replaced it in the saucer, cradling it. "Shouldn't eat so fast," he chided. "It isn't as if its going to run away."

Jack looked over at Snape, and laughed softly. "Sorry Sir, years of lean living you know..." he said, then made quite a show of slowly preparing and eating several more of the pastries and cups of juice before looking like he might be done. He had emptied most of the plate. "Do you have any recomendations, Sir?"

"Animals?" A thoughtful look crossed over Snape's face as he weighed things up. "The Headmaster will only tolerate owls, cats and rats... And toads, though they make abominable familiars." The cup and saucer rejoined the rest of the things on the tray, half-empty. His hands steepled under his chin. "Of course, it is much more a case of what animal you are chosen by, if you want to do it properly."

Jack nodded, letting a sigh escape. His tummy was full, and he was getting sleepy. "I suppose that is true. I guess I need to go to Hogsmede or Diagon Alley and wander the Bestiary." he mused as he lifted a hand to his chin and rubbed it thoughtfully. "I think a companion may be nice..." he said, then looked over at Snape, "But then... I suppose the Ouroboros is like a companion animal."

"Perhaps," Snape said, not bothering to indicate which part he was replying to. He frowned at the crumbs on the desk as a distraction, and noted with detached amusement that he seemed to have eaten even less than usual. The sight of someone devouring it so enthusiastically... he swallowed, and looked back up.

Jack reached an hand up, and rubbed at the serpentine collar currently lying inert around his neck. It felt warm, blood temperature from laying next to his skin. "He moves around quite a bit, when I am alone." he said, then smiled softly. "Perhaps he is all the familiar I need, I just need to learn his ways..." he mused with a smile.

Snape looked from Jack's eyes, down to his neck, and up again. He'd never had an Ouroboros himself, and aside from what was written, he didn't know quite what to expect. "Do what you think best."

Jack snorted and rolled his eyes, "I should be so wise..." he said, then glanced around at the room then were in, and then paused as a gasp and stretch attack came over him. "Sakes, I am tired all of a sudden..." he sighed, then gave a mock panicked look over at Snape. He covered his mouth, "You've poisoned me!" he squealed in faux terror.

A snort. "Do you honestly think I would resort to that? It is far too easy... More likely the vast quantities of food you consume tires your digestive system, a natural soporific." He examined the fingernails of one hand. "Or I might just be lying."

Jack paused in his histrionics as an idea came over him, if Snape were to watch his face closely, he would be able to see the wheels turning. "THAT could be some fun sport..." he said after a moment. "Poison me, and I have to try to guess the right draught antidote from the taste and effects of the poison..." he said with a terrible bright glint in his pale eyes.

Snape opened his mouth slightly to reply, before his eyes narrowed. Voice carefully measured, he watched. "That would involve me knowing precisely what your level was, and judging it precisely."

Jack's grin widened, and he rested his chin in his hands as he leaned forward on the side of the desk. He raised his eyebrows up and down several times, obviously intrigued by the game. "Yes, the ultimate in a final exam, wouldn't you say?" he whispered. "You should do that in class..." he said with a wicked glint in his eyes, pure malevolence. "Separate the wheat from the chaff as it were."

Snape stood up, and picked up the tray, opening the door with one hand. "Perhaps... but Albus'd never let me do it," he shot over his shoulder as he walked into the clasroom, leaving the tray where the House Elves could find it. He looked back over his shoulder, waiting.

Jack shrugged, and seeing Snape departing the room, slipped from his stool and collected his book. He followed Snape from the Office and into the Classroom. "Pity that... Too bad you just couldn't..."

Snape shot Jack a wicked look. "I'm already in too much trouble as it is," he admitted, with the hint of a grin. "And killing or otherwise maiming students is not something I could get away with, for obvious reasons." As if the thought, or similar, hadn't occured to him over the years. Brushing his hands fastidiuously, he leaned over to close the door to his office behind Jack.

Jack gave Snape a sideways grin as he leaned near, and canted his head slightly in the opposite direction, exposing the side of his neck and allowing a bit of the ouroboros to show. "True... They would never understand your motives to merely give a practical life lesson to your thick headed students." he said in a snarky tone.

Tell it to someone who knew. Snape bent his head a little, letting his breath play over bare skin gently. "Only that and nothing more. Of course." Obviously, no worse ulterior motive.

"Of course," Jack whispered in a soft echo. "But I understand..." he said quietly, then turned his head back to look at Snape. "I understand much..." he said with a lift of his eyebrows, then stepped forward, and began to stride for the Classroom door. "Good afternoon Sir. Summon me if you need any aid." he said in a neutral tone.

Dark eyes closed, and he nodded, almost imperceptibly. Tone surprisingly normal. "Good afternoon." He looked down at the bench he was standing by, idly noting the graffiti there, none too complimentary. Waited till Jack was at the door. "I will."

Jack paused at the doorway, his back to Snape, and he lifted his arms up slowly to cross them at the wrists, then sauntered out of the classroom with them still over his head, and out into the dark hall beyond. I know.....

The pitch, the timbre, was different, somehow. He couldn't define it, but it was, this voice in his head. The message he sent in return wasn't really vocalised, more the feeling accompanying a string of images which came to mind. Snape looked at the carving in the wood, and considered obliterating it, tapped his wand against it, but thought better, and started preparing for the next day's classes.</lj-cut>",,

2002-10-07 15:01:00,
Monday

Another quiet day. Classes, meals, now to studies. The castle is buzzing over the Ravenclaw victory over Slytherin, still.

I had tea with Snape yesterday. Just tea. The want was there on both sides of the desk I feel, but we restrained for now.

I am trying to not think about the repercussions of our actions if they were to be discovered. I do not want harm, or expulsion to come to either of us. So much would be dragged into the cleansing light of day. Not all good. Not all for the best.

I feel more in control of my urges, and desires ever since I was "collared". Perhaps that is what this dog needed all a long. A short leash, and a firm Master.

Who'd have thought Severus would be holding the leash?

As ever.

2002-10-08 11:03:00,
Death in the lavatory,

PART ONE:

Harry packed up his things as the bell sounded. He was happy to get out of there. He had finally finished his essay, and placed it on Snape's desk before walking out of the class room. He had a while before Medicinal Magic started. He needed to drop off his potions texts and pick up some medical texts. That was the only bad thing about that class; the books. There were so many, and they were very heavy. He walked slowly though the students, twisting and ducking out of the way.

It had been a pleasantly decent class, as far as potions class went. But things had been finally caught up..and despite the homework being dished out for next time, Draco was far from complaining about such things. Packing up his bag, he was waiting to turn in his essay as well. Along with a couple..late ones he had finished the night before.

Jack had finished cleaning up after the potion had been tested and marked by Snape. It was again a quiet class, no major events. He gave a glance around the room, at no one in particular, and then shouldering his bag, left for the hallway, and in the direction of the Boys Lavatory.

Snape shuffled his papers, watching as the last students left. Next was the seventh years, but before than he had a short respite, which he intended to use to its utmost. He started putting out the sylphium, lining up the bottles.

Fred rested his hand against the bottom of his chin, as he sat in the library, as George went on about how he really needed to study for the exams. It was nearing break, and as such Fred's mind was wandering,so he decided to make his excuses and got up.... Fred threw his bag over his shoulder, and pushed open the bathroom door....

The door to the bathroom came flying back at Fred with incredible force, and the rushing form of Jack Grim was the cause. He looked terrified, panicked, and without a word, shoved past the redhead and took off on a run down the hall.

Fred jumped back from the door, hands held up protectively, and blinked after the running form. "Some people..." he said with a shake of his head, wondering if someone had pulled a prank on him- and if not, why not. Those thoughts left his head as he walked in, and took in the scene.

There sprawled in the middle of the boy's bathroom floor was the crumpled form of a tall boy in Hogwart's robes. He was laying on his side, unmoving. From this angle, it was hard to tell who he was, or what house he was from.

After a few minutes of unsuccesful revival attempts, using magic or simple first aid, Fred sat back on his heels, running a hand through his hair. "Bloody hell..." This was beyond him. He looked about, and cast a repelling spell, before running down the corridor shouting for help.

Snape used one hand to halt the running Weasley, not bothering to identify which one it was. "What is the problem?" he demanded, stopping him from running further.

"In... the boy's.... bathroom.... someone.... someone dead!" Fred was close to hyperventilating from shock and effort of running, so Snape hissed at him to fetch Madame Pomfrey and set off at a run.

Jack continued to run down the halls, he wasn't sure where he was going, only that he was leaving that area of the castle as fast as he could. When he finally stopped after crashing through a door, he found himself in an unused room, used for extra furniture storage apparently. He bent over at the waist, panting and gasping for air as a painful stitch in his side nearly caused him to cry out.

A small ring of students thronged around the doorway, peering in, but none were brave enough to enter- and those who stepped close enough were repelled, ad that was enough to stop them trying more. Snape shoved his way past the students, seeing Professor Sinistra trying to get through on the other side. "Everyone stay where they are," he bellowed, before raising the charm and heading in, Sinistra close on his heels.

From inside the room came a gasp, and Professor Sinistra came out rather rapidly, leaning on the doorway. After a brief pause, she thanked a girl who placed a hand on her arm gently, nodding. "It's Victor Maxwell..."

PART TWO:

Snape barely registered Sinistra's departure, intent instead on examining the body, and the area. He crouched down, to get a better look. Two small puncture marks on the neck... Snape hovered his fingers over them, not touching the cooling flesh. He was still trying to call to Jack, having heard a mental distress call- and now nothing. He got up, and had to refrain from pacing the floor into oblivion as he waited for Albus.

Jack was reclaiming his normal breathing, but his hear was still pounding. It took several minutes before he was able to calm enough to call to. Master? he asked, standing up, and looking around the dusty and empty room for the first time.

It seemed forever until Minerva, Poppy and Albus all came in at once. Fred Weasley too, his House Head hovering protectively over him. Snape rattled off his account, listened to that of the Gryffindor, and made his excuses as soon as he could without attracting too much attention to himself.

Outside the timid witch and one of the prefects were trying to calm the students, who seemed to be multiplying. Snape managed to elbow his way through, and when they realised it was him, they parted to let him pass. Annoyed and a little worried that he was being ignored, Snape headed first to check his office.

Jack circled the room a few times, pacing, trying to get straight in his mind what had happened. I'm afraid, Master... He tried to... to rape me again... he lamented in a mental cry, pacing around and around with is arms wrapped tightly around himself. But Snape wasn't answering him. Why? Why now?

Snape found his classroom, and his office empty. Not good. Next the Slytherin Common Room, earning him a few rather startled looks from the older students who had study leave, and even odder ones when he checked the dorms. No. Fast running out of places, and Hogwarts was a big place. Snape managed to wangle from a seventh year (who should have had Potions with him, but had sneaked back to the Common Room when he hadn't turned up to teach) exactly which was Jack's bag, snatched it, and left.

Jack looked around the room, and spotted at last the door he hand entered moment before, and considered it. Should he stay here? Should he go? Where would he go? To Snape? To Albus? Run? What had happened in that bathroom? Did he harm Victor? So many questions, and no answers. He stood there running several plans over and over in his mind until he at last opened the door, and peered out into the hallway. He found he was in a hallway near the Ravenclaw House entrance. Far from the safety of the dungeons, or a door leading outside.

Snape dumped the bag on his desk with no ceremony, and rummaged through it, grabbing his quill. he checked the nib-- well-used. Good. A bowl, found. A quick distillation poured and sprinkled, muttering a spell, and he placed the quill on the surface. The tension and natural water-repellant covering held it aloft, and it started to turn around.

Roger spoke with the Prefect by the door, explaining that he thought some of his team were outside practicing, and that they hadn't told Professor Flitwick. It wasn't easy, but he persuaded her to let him out, and he slipped into the corridor, looking about a bit nervously. He saw Jack, the new Slytherin- and stared at him. "Shouldn't you be with your own House?" he asked.

Jack spun around, now seeing the Ravenclaw Captain, and gulped. He wasn't sure why he felt so nervous, but something HAD happened to Victor. "I... I... got lost..." he stammered, which wasn't far from the truth. He WAS a new student here afterall. "I lost my way.... I heard... something happened.." he said, forcing a calm tone to his reply.

Snape waited only until the quill had settled before storming out again, wand in hand, in the direction it was pointing, bawling at the students still wandering the corridors and taking the steps two at a time. The quill-compass had only given him a general direction, no specifics. But it was better than nothing.

Lost? It was already October, and the First Years already knew their way around well enough. Ah, they were Ravenclaws Roger realised, and made adjustments for his mentally inferior companion. "It isn't wise to be running around now," he said. Oh. He was running around now. The Slytherin (an audible level of disgust) Common Room is over this way."

Jack stood there, not moving right away, then deciding that Slytherin House would be the last place he wanted to be right now, he stood his ground. "I... think I should go find.... Professor Snape... first." he said in a thoughful tone.

Somehow Snape thought he could probably skip looking in the Arithmancy class, and that the girls toilets, on this occasion, should be pretty much an unlikely place for missing students to be. He stalked down past the Ravenclaw portraits, wondering what Jack was doing over here. The Astronomy Tower? He turned a corner, cursing a blind streak.

Someone would want to find Professor Snape? Just wait til he told Selene that! Roger remembered exactly what he was out here for. He gave Jack a final, dismissive look. "Well, you do that..." he said, and started off down the stairs heading to the pitch. Maybe they were there. Hopefully.

Jack gave Roger a sneer in response, and turned to follow him down the staircase to the lower parts of the castle. "Silly git." he muttered, "It was ME that helped your bloody team win, you posing prat." he muttered, and followed him three paces behind.

Roger was a little surprised, first that he was being followed, and second that he said THAT. Although his past history with Slytherins should probably have warned him against it, he shot over his shoulder without stopping, "We could have won anyway, even if you did have your stupid Seeker."

Jack raised his eyebrows in mock surprise, "Really? Well, I suppose we will never know that will we?" he snarked, anger replacing panic now. "Your welcome for THIS victory anyway..."

Snape reached the top of the steps, just in time to hear voices being raised. His eyes widened at who he found, snapping, "Grim! What are you doing here!" He didn't even bother looking at the Ravenclaw.

Roger gasped, a little taken aback to see the Professor up near the Ravenclaw tower. He was a little worried that he would be shouted at for being out in curfew time, but at the minute he seemed to be being ignored rather well.

Jack opened his mouth to speak in reply to the Head of his House, and only managed a confused stammer. "I... I... got turned around Sir," he said, and lowered his eyes to the ground. "I am sorry if I am out of bounds."

Snape grabbed Jack by the elbow brusquely, and tugged. "You're coming BACK down now, Grim," he said, and flashed a vitriolic look at the other student. "And you- back to your Common Room!"

Roger choked. He didn't really want to talk to Snape under any circumstances, least of all when he seemed in as bad a mood as he was, so he scurried back to the portait which guarded their room.

Jack let out a noise of surprise as he was grabbed, but did not speak any further. He was sure he would be instructed to when needed, and he was NOT looking forward to that.

Snape didn't bother watching Roger leave, tugging Jack along behind him instead, and heading back to the Slytherin side of the castle.

Jack fell into step with Snape, struggling to keep up with his longer, purposeful strides and didn't say a word. The Inquisition, he knew, would be conducted in the solitude of his offices no doubt forthwith.

PART THREE:

The door opened, they entered, it shut. Loudly. Snape didn't bother with niceties. "I want explanations, Grim. And they had better tell me what I need to know." Snape carried on walking, until he was behind his desk, hands resting on it, wrists outwards.

Jack moved to stand before the desk, not sitting in the other chair since it had not been offered. "Sir... I am not sure...." he started, looking down at the ground. "I was in the lavs, and suddenly he was behind me, again." he said swallowing before continuing. "He had something around my neck, his arm I think. He was.... he told me he was going to try and... " he stopped, venturing a look back up at Snape. "He was going to try and have me again, but I fought him..."

Snape's face betrayed nothing, but his eyes flashed, once. He didn't know what he'd been expecting but to have... this? "Why didn't you tell me, tell me where you were?" he asked, deliberately ignoring the rest for the moment, in an attempt to preserve his sanity.

"I tried!" Jack cried, trembling now that the shock was again wearing off. "I called to you, over and over. You didn't answer!" he said, then continued with the narration, "He had me by the neck, then we struggled. Suddenly, he cried out, and fell away from me. To the floor. He looked like he was having a seizure or something. I panicked and ran." he said, eyes wide.

Something was wrong with the Ourboros? Snape went round the desk, stood at Jack's side, and put one hand on his shoulder, waiting so as not to frighten him. The original call he'd heard had sounded distressed, to which he had responded in a wave of posessive anger, but after that... "Let me see, Grim."

Jack watched Snape approach, and froze when he was gripped. When he heard the command, he quickly reached a trembling hand up to his neck, and loosened his tie and shirt collar. He pulled the collar away, and tilted his head away to allow Snape a clear look at his necklace.

Nothing. It wasn't there. Snape couldn't remember all the particulars, but he was pretty sure that it was VERY rare for an ouroboros, by very name eternity, to disengage without great effort. He let go of Jack's shoulder, asking with over-cautious levity, "Where is it, Grim?"

Jack blinked, and moved his hand to feel around his neck, panic quickly showed on his face. "I... I don't know Sir." he said, voice going up an octave with the nerves jangling inside of him. "It must have come loose in the struggle." he explained, then a more worried feeling came over him. "I didn't remove it, Master! I wouldn't.... EVER!" he said in a pleading tone, clutching Snape's robes with shaking hands.

Snape snarled, not at all sure what he believed right now, but hardly likely to trust anyone's word. "There is a student lying dead in the bathroom, Grim. You were the last with him, and now this..." Stopped himself from swallowing. "You were also seen, by one of the Weasley tribe. Running in the opposite direction...."

Jack felt a cold cramp of fear seize his gut and he collapsed into the chair nearby. "I DIDN'T kill him Sir! I didn't we were wrestling about, he didn't even hit the stalls or anything, he just suddenly screamed and fell away from me. I am telling you the truth! I didn't kill him!"

Snape closed his eyes. "I expect Albus will be along shortly," he said, with a resigned tone, and turned his back to Jack. Brought his fingers up to pinch the bridge of his nose. Whatever was he to do now?

Jack looked at Snape, still trembling. "What do I do Sir? What do I do? He was trying to attack me... Just like before...." he said, voice trailing off.

Why was he asking him this? How the hell was he supposed to know? "Not bloody wind up with him dead for a start!" he snapped. "Stay." He stormed out of the office.

Jack trembled at the sound of Snape's voice, and fought the urge to go hysterical. Then, suddenly, after a barked command, he was gone. Jack was alone.</lj-cut>",,uncomfortable

2002-10-08 11:26:00,
Death in Salazar House,

Victor Maxwell is dead. I was the last one to see him alive, we were stuggling. Struggling because he had grabbed me from behind and was intent on buggering me again.

I fought, but I KNOW in my heart I did nothing to cause his death. I was fighting with his grip around my throat as he dragged me from the stall and suddenly he screamed and dropped to the floor, shaking like he was having a seizure.

He was alive when I ran out, and into Fred Weasley.

We are all confined to Houses now. Snape has left me here in his office for some time now. I want to be anywhere but here, under these circumstances. Shall another murder be pinned on me? Do they send children to Azkaban?

Oh yes... they do. Barty Crouch Junior. There is a difference between he and I however. He WAS guilty, and I am not. Not this time, not ever. I shan't go alive if they come for me for this. I will cut my own throat and bleed out before I go back. I swear it.

I hear footsteps approaching. More later.

2002-10-08 11:30:00,
It's looking Grim...

An IC RP with Snape and Jack Grim, NPC'd Remus and Albus.

Jack yawned, despite being far from tired, and glanced over at the ominous looking clock on the mantel in Snape's office. He had lost track of how long he had been sitting there along. Was he going to be taken away? Expelled? What would Albus say?? He groaned, and rested his face in his hands.

The door to Snape's office opened quietly, and two figures entered. First was Albus Dumbeldore, looking rather more composed than the man behind, Severus Snape. Albus walked with quiet care, and stopped off-centre in the room, with a quiet "Hello, Jack." Snape looked very far from happy, his hands clenched into fists by his sides, jaw clamped shut. He offered no greeting, but skulked near the door.

Jack sat up and turned quickly, looking at the Headmaster with pleading, panicked eyes. "Professor Dumbledore!" he said in a voice cracking with stress. "I didn't do it! I didn't kill Maxwell! I didn't! He was trying...." he paused, swallowing to calm himself before continuing, "He was trying to attack me again..." he said softly, then looked down at his lap. He was unable to look at either man.

Albus nodded slowly, and walked over to place a hand on Jack's shoulder. "It's alright Jack. We will find out the truth in this matter," he said, then looked over at Snape. "What do you know of this incident so far Severus?"

Snape's head snapped up at being addressed, in a tone of voice he knew only too well. "What he has told you, Headmaster. I arrived a few minutes after the incident to find the body under a charm set by Mr Weasley..." he said, automatically, but not without thought.

Jack turned to look at Snape, his eyes silently seeking an answer to the whereabouts of the missing Ouroboros.

Albus nodded, and looked back at Jack, "Mr. Grim. Did you see or hear anything that would possibly be the cause of Mr. Maxwell's death? Any at all out of the ordinary?" he asked, eyes bright, but calm.

Jack looked at the Headmaster when he was addressed, not sure if Snape had found the snake or not, "No Sir. He had me in a chokehold, from behind, and I was trying to pull his arm from around my throat when he started to scream, and fell to the ground. He looked like he was having a fit of some sort. That is when I ran out, and ran into Mr. Weasley..."

Albus nodded, sighing, and looked again to Severus. "Did you find any hex or curse marks on the Maxwell boy, Severus? Poppy is examining him now of course..." he said, "But did you see anything unusual?"

The answer was almost simultaneous, and perhaps a little too fast. "No." Snape stood stock still.

Jack glanced at Snape, then back to Albus, who seemed to be deep in thought, rubbing his chin thoughfully. "Well then... I suppose we shall wait for Poppy's report." he mused then looked back up at Severus. "All students have been confined to their houses for the remainder of the evening. Since Mr. Maxwell was in your house Severus, I will need you to come with me to notify his parents after you escort Mr. Grim to his Dormatory." he said in a weary tone.

Lupin set off down the corridor, something was wrong, he expected to have at least been met by a student at the gate, but nothing. He'd sent his owl, surely Albus knew he was coming? He set off at a pace, towards the office, something was wrong and he was determined to know what. He reached the staircase with its gargoyle guardians and attempted various passwords.

"Orange sherbet?" He tried, flicking a strand of long grey hair from his eyes. Eventually after trying various silly sweets, the door swing open and he made his way up the stairs, before finally coming to the office door. He drew his coat around him and attempted to make himself at least even remotley presentable..and knocked.

After knocking for a few minutes, he heard the coughing behind him. He spun round on his heels and stared into the translucent face of Nearly Headless Nick. "Ahem," said the spectre...

"If you're after Professor Dumbledore sir, you'll find him in Professor Snape's office" Said the ghost with a strangely concerned look on his face. Lupin nodded his head in thanks and made his way down the corridors...

Eventually he made his way to Snape's office, and with a sigh knocked on the door, he wasn't sure whether he wanted to know what was going on...but he was in Hogwarts there had to be something didn't there!

Albus looked at the door as there was a knock, and then he looked to Severus, it was HIS office after all.

Jack shrunk down into his chair, wanting to disappear, this could only be worse news, he was sure of it.

Snape was about to reply to Albus when the knock interrupted his train of thought, and he spun to his door, mouth still open. "Come in," he snapped, glaring at the intrusion.

Lupin pushed open the door, at the snapping tone of voice. Same old Snape, he thought to himself as he walked into the room, to stare at what appeared to be the intterogation of a young Slytherin... there was something familiar about the boy...But he paid it no heed.

Jack looked fearfully up at the form crossing the door and entering, and suddenly, his heart seemed to stop dead in his chest. His mouth fell open of it's own volition, and he sat there dumbstruck, staring at the new arrival. "L-Lupin..." he managed to whisper.

Albus looked up at the door, and smiled wide. "Remus! You've arrived at last!" The Headmaster exclaimed as he crossed the room to greet the new arrival.

Possibly Snape should have been expecting Remus, but it had been such a long time since he was 'coming' and 'be there soon' that he had resigned his free periods to teaching Defence, and figured the Governors of the school had drummed him out totally. What abominable timing! Snape growled something under his breath, and shot a look at Jack that could have melted lead.

Lupin looked at the boy, trying to place where he'd seen him before, there was indeed so much that was familiar about him, even his scent was like retracing a forgotten memory. He shrugged it off, ignoring Snape, and turned and smiled at Albus. "Albus!" he said, grinning. "Have I arrived at a bad time?"

Jack received Snape'e withering stare, and immediately looked down at his lap whee his hands lay laced so tightly, the knuckles were white. "Shit... shit.. shit.... Remus.... he repeated over and over in his mind.

Albus smiled warmly at Remus and walked over to give him a hug. "It is never a bad time to see old friends!" he cheered. "Come, let us go to my office and we shall get you settled in, and I can bring you up to date..." Albus steered himself and Remus toward and out the door, pausing to look over his shoulder at the seething Severus. "Be gentle with the boy, Severus, and see he gets back to his dorm soon. He looks like he could use a rest," he smiled.

"Headmaster," Snape replied, deliberately not answering either way. He glared at the two other men until they left, bristling until they left HIS office.

Lupin nodded, and smiled at Albus, ignoring Snape's glares as he left...but he gave one more glance at the boy....something familiar he thought as he left the room.

Jack heard the other men leave, then the door slammed firmly shut. He winced at that, but did not look up. He was quite afraid to.

Now Snape was too furious to speak, grinding his teeth together so hard that his vision went a little funny, and he knew he'd get a headache. He stormed to his side of the desk, and flung down the something which had been writhing in his hand the whole time onto the desktop, turning his back on Jack to storm to the other side of the room a moment.

Jack flinched again when he heard something metallic strike the desk, then the sound of short steps by Snape. Slowly, he turned and opened his eyes, looking at the desk. His heart lept, it was the Ouroboros. It raised it's tiny head and hissed a metallic tongue at Jack, watching him. Jack looked away from it, and up to Snape. "You found it." he said, then winced. Duh, state the obvious Grim. Wonderful He chided himself before Snape did.

"I found it," Snape said, forcing the words past his lips. He was breathing through his nose, hands balled into fists again to resist the urge to smash something. He turned around in a whirry. "What have you got to say for yourself before I take you back to your dormitary?"

Jack looked up at Snape's towering form, and his eyes opened wide, showing fear. Failure. "I didn't do it Master.... I didn't..." he said, hating how small and pitiful his voice sounded. "I didn't remove the Ouroboros. I WOULDN'T! Ever!" he pleaded, then was suddenly on his knees before Snape, clutching the hem of his robe. "Please! You have to believe me..." he moaned, lowering his head.

Snape grabbed the Ouroboros sharply from the desk and it flicked madly in his hand, hissing loudly at the abrupt movement. Snape clutched it tightly. Was it the cause of all this trouble? As far as he could see, which meant it was dangerous in more ways than one. Either the Ouroboros had disengaged because it wasn't properly taken, or because it was. Too properly, maybe. Did he want to rechain him? The little snake alternated between trying to bite him, and trying to reach Jack. Well that answered the worry about one part, alright.

Jack looked up slowly at Snape, and the struggling Ouroboros. "I will not fail you again Master... I promise. I will be the best student, the highest marks, the most subservient..." he said, voice trailing off, then looked down at the floor again, losing himself in the shine of Snape's shoes. Pride? What was that? Remus?? Good God... He shoved that away. That was another time, another LIFE ago. "I ... will do as you desire, Master." he added quietly.

Dangerous. That was what his mind told him; dangerous. The entire sordid affair. And possibly the most stupid thing he'd ever gotten himself into. Or not. But ranking his idiocies hardly seemed appropriate now. But if he didn't place it on him, it wasn't his fault, right? A get-out clause? To present to who, though? Himself? Snape turned his hand palm-upwards, and the niggling voice cried out, protesting as his fingers opened and took the matter from his hands.

The Ouroboros, free from the tight and clammy grip hissed a final time before winding it's way down Snape's fingers, and onto Jack. Jack shuddered at the icy cold sensation as it wound around his throat, and tightened, perhaps too tightly at first. He coughed, but did not reach his hands up to defend against the grip. He closed his eyes and relaxed, praying.

As the metal of the tiny viper warmed, the grip eased, and Jack let out what he had thought would be his last breath. "Thank you.... Master." he sighed, then braved a look up at Snape. He opened his mouth to speak, but thought better of it, and instead turned his cheek to rub against the back of Snape's cold hand.

Snape turned his hand slightly, running his thumb over Jack's bottom lip, before pulling back his hand, slightly disgusted with himself. "You should be heading back to your dorm," he said. I have to go and speak with the Maxwells. He wondered that he'd added the second thought, and that he'd become so... dependant upon this link so fast. Flustered, he went to get something from his drawer.

Jack made a move to suck on that digit, but it was gone to quickly. "Yes Master," he said, raising to stand, head still bowed, but not enough that he couldn't watch Snape's activities.

A blank scroll, rolled up, was all Snape got, making it vanish somewhere in his robes quickly. He moved to the door, step checked a little to ensure he was being followed, and set out first to the Slytherin Common Room, not looking back.

Jack fell into step behind Snape, and followed him silently. He lifted a hand up to touch the flexing metal around his neck, suddenly feeling better, calmer now that it was back and safely around his neck.

Snape halted at the portrait. "Dirae ," he spat, and it swung obediently inwards, the massed students looking up at Snape, startled, and enquiringly. "I trust you know your way from here," Snape hissed, turning to look at Jack, still standing partialy in the doorway.

Jack nodded, and without further ado, when into the common room, and straight to his dorm room, leaving Snape to berate, instruct or announce whatever needed to be said to the collected House.

"Before the rumour mill exaggerates this to ridiculous extremes, assuming it has not done so already," Snape said, throwing his voice, but staring pointedly at a few of the worst offenders, "For those of you who do not know, Victor Maxwell, late of seventh year, died earlier today. The exact cause of his passing has yet to be discovered.

"You are all to stay here until lunch time, or you are given further orders by me or a member of staff. Questions?" he asked, as though it was the last thing he wanted to deal with, and fortunately it seemed the message got across. "If I find, or find that another teacher has found any one of you breaking curfew, there will be another less of you." And with that he left.

2002-10-08 21:39:00,
"Come, see the Freak Show...."

Well, that is how it feels. No one was excused from Classes today. ESPECIALLY Slytherin House. I suppose that is Snape's way of honoring the memory of The Hogwart's Strangler, and showing that not even death can slow his House.

Perhaps that is best. I am a pariah again, whispered, and furtive glances follow me in the halls, and Draco sits far from me in classes.

Remus. Dear God. He is here. Does he know? Does he know it's me inside this skin? Do I dare tell him? How would he react? Albus would not be pleased. I know that without having to be told.

"This is between the three of us..." he told me and Minerva when we started on this crazy plan. Right. Now my ex lover is here, and I am Snape's sex poppet. Things couldn't be getting any better.

As ever.

2002-10-09 20:02:00,
Autumn Nights..

It's cold tonight. Cold air, cold castle, colder emotions. Isolation makes it all the colder for me. Another day of whispers, fingers pointing behind my back, and suspicions abounding.

The common room empties when I enter. My slimey brethren slink off in twos and threes to discuss the "how" and "why" I did the deed. Sod them all to Hell.

I have the fireplace to myself, and the best chair in the room. Small consolation, empty victory. The clock reads only just eight o'clock, too early for a summons, if it even comes.

I wish it would. Some pain, some humiliation, at least it would be a break from the forced solitude, and disturbing thought of another Professor under this roof.

As ever.

2002-10-09 22:30:00,
A chat with a comrade,

An IC RP with Blaise and Jack Grim.

Blaise sighed deeply, the past few days had been rather interesting. A murder, someone she knew was last person at the scene of the crime. Then there was Adrian, she wasn't sure what to do about that either. And then the fact that Jack had gave Cho Chang his broom. But she wasn't going to lose her cool with anyone, not even Jack Grim. She opened the portrait hole and walked in to the common room seeing Jack sitting near the fireplace.

Jack was partially reclined in the chair before the fire, and he heard the portrait door open, and close, then footsteps entering the Common Room. He didn't bother to turn and look. Why invite more derision and abuse? He knew the truth, and it pissed him off that they wouldn't believe him if he told them. He sat there, waiting to be alone again, and wondering, it Master would call.

Blaise slowly walked over to Jack. She didn't know if he had actually killed Victor, but then again if he had, it could have been self defense. She still wasn't sure if she should talk to Dumbledore about it. Blaise took a deep breath, "Hello Jack."

Jack did not move a muscle, only his eyes shifted to the side to look at the source of the voice, Blaise. He bit back his initial acid reply, and after clearing his throat, replied softly. "Good evening Zabini. You are looking well."

"Of course I do, and you look ... good yourself." Blaise lied. She didn't hide it well either. Jack looked like death warmed over. Could she blame him? With what had happened yesterday and the way idiots reacted. Honestly, she could careless if he killed someone, it didn't phase her a bit. Just as long as he didn't kill her or Draco, she was fine.

Jack grinned, and turned to look at her, indicating an empty chair near him with a lazy wave of his hand. "You are a terrible liar Zabini, at least to me." he smirked, then shifted in his chair. "You're the first one to actually talk to me since Victor snuffed it." he mused. "I guess you don't fear me...." he chuckled..

Blaise walked over and sat down, "Fear is for the weak and I am most certinaly not weak." Blaise looked at Jack and laughed, "Lovely choice of words there, Grim. Is there a reason I should fear you?" Blaise glanced over to the fire, "Perhaps the person you should fear is yourself."

Jack sneered at Blaise's last comment. "I do not fear myself or anyone in this castle." he said in a growl. "I didn't kill Maxwell either. I don't know what the hell happened to him. Bastard. He was trying to choke me unconscious so he could bugger rape me again." Jack laughed darkly. "Looks like he should have stopped after the last time...."

"Hmm, you sound a lot like me, and that is scary." Blaise laughed a sinister laugh, "Pehaps he should have, he might still be alive, then again, he could be dead still." Blaise waved her wand and a plate of fruit appeared. She then picked up a plum and took a bit out of it.

Jack turned to look more directly at Blaise. "Do you believe me Blaise?" he asked simply, his eyes locking with hers. "I don't know why, but it would be nice to have one person in this bloody castle that does..."

Blaise looked at him, "I don't know, I don't know all the facts. Even if you did kill him, I am sure it was self defense." Blaise took a deep breath she honestly didn't knwo what to believe, "I don't want to go an jump to the wrong conclusion again, last time you nearly took off my head."

Jack laughed darkly, "Well, I must say, that is certainly wise of you Zabini. Better be careful, people will think you are getting smarter," he said in a snarky tone. He leaned over and snatched an apple from the plate of fruit and crunched down into it.

Blaise stared at Jack with a icy look, "You underestimate me Jack, you have no idea how smart I really am. No one has a clue what I am capable of. Not even you, or Draco for that matter." Blaise smiled darkly, "So, what really happened?"

Jack gave her a grin, and shifted his position on the chair to a more casual one, leaning closer to her. "It happened just like I told you..." he purred. "He came up behind me in the pisser, grabbed me around the neck and told me what he was going to do to me once I had passed out. I fought him, tried to pull him off of me, then all of a sudden, he started to scream, and fell on the floor twitching." he paused, and ate more of his apple. "That's it. I ran out, ran into Weasley, and ran off."

Blaise took a deep breath and whispered softly, "Okay, that is odd, perhaps Hogwarts isn't as safe as everyone seems to think it is, of course I already knew that." Blaise licked her lips slightly, "So who do you think did it?"

Jack gave her a perplexed look, "Not safe here? Well of course not." Why do you think Albus put me here you silly bint?! "This place is HARDLY safe at all..." he drawled lazily. "As for what did in old Viktor, the strangler? Not sure. He was fine one minute, then dropped screaming the next. Could have been a curse, a hex, who knows, maybe he had a heart attack...." he said shrugging. "All I know is that I didn't do anything to him."

Blaise smiled softly,"It is amazing how things that were once though safe go to hell." Of course in my opinion no place is safe. "At least you won't have to worry about him attacking you anymore," Blaise laughed darkly.

Jack nodded, then laying back in the chair, and stretched. Suddenly, he sat up, and blinked, he stared off into the fire, going stock still. It was as if he was hearing a sound or voice no one else could.

Blaise stared blankly at Jack, "What is up with you?" She glanced at Jack, "Are you okay?" Blaise stood up and walked over to him.

Jack snapped out of his daze, and slipped out of the chair, he did indeed look disracted now. "I have to go Zabini." he said in a rush, and started to leave, then stopped, and looked back at her, "Thanks. For just listening and giving me the benefit of the doubt. It means a lot." he said with a soft smile, then turned and dashed up the stairs to his dorm.

Blaise stood there baffled, thinking about what just happened. She then sat down and pulled out her diary to write in it. Jack was acting weird. She wasn't sure what was going on, but something was. She wondered if she was an idiot for actually believing him.</lj-cut>",,lonely

2002-10-11 17:32:00,"Sex, Lies and Spell-o-Tape","Isolation is one sure way to drive one quite mad. I thought surely I had licked that years ago, in... that place.

This however is so painfully different. I am surrounded by hundreds, but even more alone that when I was in a cell. I am invisible to everyone here it seems. Classmates, housemates, Superiors...

Radio silence for so long now. No call, no inquiry. I ache for just a conversation, a snide comment, anything at this point.

Perhaps I shall call to him? Would that be proper? Sod propriety! I need reaffirmation that I matter, that I make a difference, that I even exist in someone's eyes...

As ever.

2002-10-12 14:38:00,
House Elf Note to Professor Snape.

Master? Have I sinned against you? Please advise suitable pennance.

I can't describe the desolate place I am in. It is not your fault of course, but I need a remedy.

2002-10-12 22:15:00,
Think,

That is what I am to do? To think? That was about the last thing I wanted to hear from... Him, but... Master has spoken.

THINK. About what? What a Grand Mess my life is? How much I ache and desire for... him? About how bloodly lonely I am? How bloody tired I am of being the Guilty Party when I am not?

I need to stop obsessing. Really I do. On another topic, I have heard, or rather overheard (since no one but Blaise has spoken to me since Victor snuffed it) that Cho Chang has taken ill, and is in the Hospital wing.

This concerns and worries me, and I am not sure why. Perhaps because she is one of the few I would call a Friend? Because somehow, on some odd level we have a connection?

Right. In any case. I am going to grab a House Elf and send her a friendly Get Well note and some flowers or some such.

I have nothing else to do this night.

As ever.

2002-10-13 00:21:00,
HOUSE ELF Note to Cho Chang,

Hello Cho,

Firstly, I bet you are quite surprised to get this, then secondly afraid for your life like everyone else around me.

But really, I am saddened to hear you are ill. You have to get well soon, I am really in short supply of intellegent persons to converse with. I hope the flowers bring you some pleasure, they are just a show of friendship, nothing more.

If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to send word.

May you be well again soon.

Jack Grim

2002-10-13 13:16:00,
Library duty,

An IC RP with Jack and NPC'd Remus.

Jack had entered the library after eating lunch. He had skipped breakfast for a number of reasons. He was still being shunned by most. Teachers included only spoke to him when it was absolutely necessary, and even then, it was only for academic reasons. Snape seemed to be avoiding him as well, no calls had come for days now, and only a terse note. Jack felt as if he was again tainted, and no one, not even Snape wanted a smudge on themselves. He was secluded in a corner of the library, reading the few Non-Magickal Medical books in the library, looking for a clue as to what might have killed Victor.

Remus walked into the library, unsuprisingly for lunchtime it was dead, forgotten by all the students as they did all that obligatory socialising. He made his way towards the Restricted Section so that he could do a little lesson planning. Then he saw him, sitting in a secluded corner, that boy. He seemed to wrap the shadows around himself, not just forced to be alone, he seemed to be trying to have the monopoly on loneliness. Ever the caring teacher Remus made his way up to Jack. "May I join you?" He asked quietly.

Jack startled as he was spoken to, having been so entranced by his studies, that he didn't hear the teacher approach. He stared at Professor Lupin with a shocked expression, then quickly recovered, and closed his mouth, as it was hanging agape. "Uh... certainly Sir." he said blinking, then added, There certainly seems to be no shortage of chairs or tables." he said wryly.

Lupin let out a little laugh and sat himself down. "No indeed not, it appears that most students are more interested in their social lives, rather than there acedemic ones." He glanced at the cover of one of the books Jack was looking through and raised an eyebrow. "You on the other hand, I'm sure this isn't required reading."

Jack shook his head, and without meeting Lupin's eyes, shoved one of the books over across the table to him. "I am doing some research... I am trying to figure out what killed that bastard Maxwell so I can clear my name." he said bitterly. "I did nothing that would have caused his death."

Lupin raised an eyebrow "That is as may be, but it never does well to speak of the dead so harshly, what did he do to you to make you hate him so?"

Jack looked at Lupin directly then, his pale eyes, filled with anger, "You mean no one has told you?" he said in a low growl. "Well, his nickname was The Hogwarts Strangler, and he had a "thing" for choking and buggering others in the bathrooms." he said in a low hiss. "Let's just say I know of this first hand, not once, but twice..."

Lupin sat speechless an eyebrow raised in suprise and concern. "I did not know they allowed such things at Hogwarts, I'm so sorry, I can understand why you hated him so, and I must admit the anger you bear towards him does not help your case... It however gives you a good motive, no?"

Jack looked away from Professor Lupin, and shook his head slowly. "I never reported what he did to me, it only came out later." he said quietly, then sighed. "And I know that my temper has always been my downfall. Injustice is something I do not tolerate well." he added, then idly flipped through another book, but not really seeing the words on the page.

Lupin nodded, "Indeed injustice does not go well with people, I knew someone who once thought as you do" His eyes glazed over for a minute and he gazed out of a window for a seconds thought. "But people change, injustice changes you, how will you react to this injustice young Jack? will you grow from it? or will you shrink from it as you are now?" He stared straight at Jack for a minute.

Jack ran his hand through his long two-toned fringe in frustration as he looked through the books again, "That is why I am here. I am angry at the stupid prat for dropping dead whilst trying to bugger me again, but that is why I am doing the research." he made an angry snorting sound. "It's not like I don't have plenty of time for studying. No one in this school will come near me or talk to me. I might as well be in Azkaban..." he grumbled, then leaned his chin in his palm and sighed.

"I think you would find Azkaban far worse than here young Jack" said Lupin in an almost angry way. "But the fact that you are trying to prove your innocence is always a good thing, though not entirely what I was getting at. What I want to know is, how will you respond to those around you, should you prove your innocence?"

Jack looked into Remus' eyes, losing himself there for a moment, then blinked and looked away. "Do you mean, will I hold a grudge against those that thought me a murderer?" he asked slowly.

"Not so much a grudge, that is understandable, but will you treat everyone as opponents? Will you feel that everyone was against you, or will you move on and realise that mistakes are made?"

Jack sighed, suddenly seeming more weary than the time of day, or his age would attribute. "I am too weary to carry grudges, Rem-- Professor." he said, inwardly wincing at his slip. "I have many responsibilities here, academic and others, I can't waist my time with vendettas." he said sadly. "I suppose the best I could hope for is to be left alone..."

Lupin raised an eyebrow as he heard the boy begin to mention his first name. "We don't always have to be alone Jack, there will have been those that believe you innocent, I mean what of your friends before this incident, will they not think you innocent?"

Jack shook his head slowly. "I had but maybe three friends before this. Only one deigns to speak to me. The others, shun me as well. Funny thing that..." he said pausing to reflect, "The one I thought I was closest two, was the first to divorce himself from me. That surprised me, and hurt me the most I suppose. We shared..." he paused again, then shook his head, "We shared the experience of surviving the attempts of He-who-must-not-be-named trying to induct us as Death Eaters." Jack laughed darkly. "Perhaps the reason he does not speak to me is because he either has crossed to the Dark Side, or thinks I have."

Lupin raised an eyebrow. "He's recruiting young onces I see now." He said. "Perhaps you should talk to them? You'd be amazed at how often that helps."

Jack shrugged, "I don't have the desire to for some reason. I know that is petty, and lazy. Friendships take works, and open honestly." he said quietly. "I suppose it comes down to fearing cruel rejection were I to try and mend things. I've had enought of that to last me a lifetime."

"I know how that is," said Remus looking out of the window again for a minute. "But sometimes we just need to swallow our fear and pride. It's a sad world when you have to walk it alone young Grim, believe me I know" he let his eyes stare out of the window again.

Jack sighed, looking over at the Professor sadly, "Your life must have been hard as well. People fear you and what you are..." he said quietly, then winced, angry with himself. "I am sorry Professor, that was out of line..."

"No no, its common knowledge apparently," said Lupin. "People always fear what is different.." He let out a small laugh. "Curious then that there is no such thing as normality."

Jack managed a soft smile, "I think normality, whatever that is, would be frightfully dull, don't you agree?" he said giving the Professor a wide grin. "I think living on the edge would be much better."

"Being normal isn't a virtue," said Lupin smiling. "It merely denotes a lack of originality," He smiled over at Jack.

Jack grinned wider, "Or a lack of imagination." he concurred, then when he found himself gazing too long into those eyes, at that face, he turned away again. "What brings you to the library Professor Lupin?" he said, abruptly changing the subject.

Lupin let out a small laugh. "Do you know I've completely forgotten. The perils of old age my boy," he said with a boyish wink. "I'm sure it was somehting to do with lessons, this is after all a school, and last time I looked I was a teacher. I think."

Jack nodded, "And a wonderful one you make too." he said, then continued, "So I hear anyway... I heard you taught her a couple of years past, and were well received by the students for the most part."

"For the most part yes, but sometimes people just don't like it when they see the real person, as opposed to the nice image they carve for themselves."

Jack nodded, and feeling he should go, get away from this man before he said something he shouldn't, he rose from his chair. "If you will excuse me Professor, I think I shall get back to my dorm." he said, then looked at Remus and offered him his hand, "Thank you for the advice Sir, I will do my best to put it to good use. Thank you,"

Lupin nodded and smiled, turning back to looking up books, still considering the odd boy, and the even odder feelings he stirred in him. </lj-cut>",,contemplative

2002-10-13 17:14:00,
Of wolf and dog...

Can he smell me? Can he sense me? I can him. Faint, not as sharply as when I am, myself, but the faint musky, sensual scent of him lingers in my nose, and caught in my brain.

These are ghost memories more than anything I am sure. I have not buried my muzzle, nor nose in the dampness of him for... a lifetime now. I most likely never shall again either. I broke his heart, more tragically, lost his trust. Wolves mate for life, and dogs.... we mount anything that passes by. And now... Snape mounts me. Why do I submit, even crave his lecherous touch? Penance, I try to convince myself. Lust is what my mind and body tell me.

He is still the soft, caring man he always was, and reaches out to those hurting and in need of the simplest of humane treatment. I don't deserve what he gives so freely. I should tell him it is me, and end the farce, save him further humiliation at my hands.

But, I can't. I will steer clear. Avoid. Be invisible. I don't deserve to suck on the sweetness of his soul any longer. I have to let him go. I am sure he has done likewise with me.

2002-10-14 19:37:00,
The lights are on....

A bit of IC RP with Jack Grim.

"Professor? Professor Snape?" Jack called out softly as he knocked on the door leading to his office. It was late at night. Another solitary and uneventful day was at an end, and Jack had taken to wandering the halls, lost in thoughts.

He had found himself outside the Potion's classroom after a long walk to the Astronomy tower for a smoke and more deep thought. When there was no answer, he tried the door and found it locked. "Dammit" he swore, slamming the thick door with his fist in frustration. Turning around and leaning back against the door, he closed his eyes, and sighed, "I only want to please you...." he said in a half whine. "I need to know someone will talk with me, even if you just call me names." he said, as if Snape could hear him should he be nearby.

If he was nearby, and just ignoring him, that made him feel worse, and sink farther into his mood of despair. He throught momentarily of his talk with Remus earlier, and for a second, the loneliness ebbed. The longer he sat there, the darkness of the classroom seemed to grow darker. Jack tilted his head up and tapped the back of his head against the wood of the door.

He wondered, briefly if he would ever tell Remus who he truly was. He knew he got a base, animal sense when he was near his old schoolmate, comarade, mate. Did he get the same feelings? Would he ask "Jack" about such things? Would he reveal himself to his former lover? "Not in a month of Sundays..." he muttered lazily.

Then, something happened, the lock on the door clicked open, the latch lifted, and because he was leaning against the door, it swung inward, dumping Jack on the stone floor of Snape's office.

"Bloody Hell!" he swore as he righted himself, and looked around quickly. No sign of Snape. Just his desk, and an assortment of papers scattered on it. Jack walked over, and glanced down at them. There seemed to be several notes scattered there on the top of the desk. Jack looked at them idly, moving them around a bit as he perused them. One to Alus, one to Minerva, an order for an Apothecary for supplies,

"Something unexpected has arisen, if I am not back in time for lessons--- (not finished)" and then... one in particular caught his eye, this one he read was apparently addressed to him,

"Grim, there are some things I would like to discuss. Kindly come to my office at your earliest convenience."

There were a few drafts like that, mostly scribbled or struck through so the full intent couldn't be made out. Jack smiled softly, letting his hand linger on the parchment. "So... you were going to call for me, but, why?" he asked, glancing around, and spotting a large bound volume on the desk.

Jack canted his head to the side, and lifted up the cover, turning past a few of the forward pages, and glanced at the handwritting within. A moment later he gaped, and slammed the book shut again. "A Diary." he whispered, then drummed his fingers on the cover of the book. He was temped to read it, to see into Snape's mind but something held him back.

What if Snape read HIS diary? What Armageddon would happen then? He at last shook his head "no". "No, I will not read it..." he said aloud to himself, then walking over to Snape's chair by the fire, he sat down, and stared into the flames. He sighed, and closed his eyes for a moment, trying to send out a summons of his own, but found only a cold emptiness instead.",,lonely

2002-10-14 21:33:00,
Solace,

An IC RP with Snape and Jack Grim.

Snape's mind assailed the self-inflicted walls he'd put up, to protect himself more than anything else. To keep himself together until he could force this all down far enough for it not to matter anymore. For it to fade, and leave. He entered the castle without really noticing, only passing Filch on his trek homeward, offering him no more than a growl. He hated Voldemort, he truly, deeply did.

He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even realise that the door to his Office was unlocked, tired, and ready to just throw himself into his chair and not move until morning. He almost did, on top of Jack, his presence only registering at the last minute, and he stared blankly for a second or two after that. "Grim?"

Jack's chin was resting on his chest, his eyes closed and his breathing slow. The warmth of the fire had relaxed him so much, he