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translations-by-aiimee · 2 years ago

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The Husky and His White Cat Shizun - Chapter 50

Original Title: 二哈和他的白猫师尊

Genres: Drama, Romance, Tragedy, Xianxia, Yaoi

This translation is the product of my limited knowledge of Chinese characters as I attempt to learn the language. If I have made any egregious mistakes, please let me know.

Chapter Index

Chapter 50 - This Venerable One Likes You

As a person who cherishes weapons, such a situation left Chu Wanning absolutely speechless.

He was afraid he had seen a fool.

Under the blossoming tree not far away, he saw that Mo Ran had summoned Jiangui. The divine weapon could expand, contract and control its size, but most people were generally willing to make their weapons bigger and more powerful, and they'll keep their normal appearance like Chu Wanning. But Mo Ran had made Jiangui very small, about the length and thickness of a string to tie one's hair. Its broken leaves were exquisite, the divine weapon looking like a poor little child.

Everyone's spiritual power is different. After Chu Wanning's Tianwen was infused with spiritual power, it was golden, but Jiangui was red.

So leaving the willow leaves aside, Jiangui looked like the red line of the ancient moon. . .

"Shi Mei, take this. I want to know if Jiangui is the same as Tianwen and also has the ability to coax people to tell the truth."

"Uh. . . you want me to try?"

Mo Ran laughed: "Yes, because I'm the best with you, and I believe that you will never lie to me."

Shi Mei was still hesitant: "That's true, but. . ."

"Ah, I'll never ask tricky things. Do you believe me? Let's pinky swear on it."

Saying that, he stretched out his pinky finger.

Shi Mei didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "How old are you yet you're still so childish."

"Whether eight or eighteen, anyone can pinky swear. Even if it's an eighty-eight-year-old, they can still pinky swear. What's so childish about it." Mo Ran said. He smiled as he held Shi Mei's hand, extending his pinky finger. Shi Mei was amused by his antics, but there was no way out of it, so he had to go along.

Unexpectedly, when Mo Ran held Shi Mei's pinky finger, instead of pinky swearing with him, he squinted his eyes and smiled: "Jiangui, get to work."

Jiangui swished a couple times and swiftly wrapped around Shi Mei's pinky finger, Mo Ran still holding it up.

The handsome young man smiled like a sly fox who had ascended to heaven. With deep dimples, he said joyfully: "Congratulations, you've been fooled."

Shi Mei couldn't stop laughing: "You!. . . Let me go now."

"There's no rush." Mo Ran smiled. "I'll let go after asking a few questions."

In fact, ever since Jincheng Lake and the golden brocade box and how Shi Mei had failed to open the box, Mo Ran had felt a little uneasy.

Although Shi Mei was wearing gloves at the time and couldn't directly touch the box, Mo Ran still couldn't completely let it go. Not to mention the fact that the box was actually opened by Chu Wanning in the end.

Chu Wanning. . . how was it possible. . .

So Mo Ran felt that the brocade box must be broken.

But in order to prove it, he thought it would be best to double-check it with Jiangui.

He didn't doubt his sincerity towards Shi Mei, but he was worried that in Shi Mei's heart, he was actually not important at all. As for Jincheng Lake's comments about liking, it was more than likely his own delusion.

He feels that Shi Mei had a gentle temperament, usually quite good to everyone. Unlike Chu Wanning, who had a face that looked much older than his age with an expression like he was owed mountains of gold and silver, which was especially disgusting.

Don't look at Ta Xianjun as a gentle person. When he thought about his sweetheart, this guy was entangled with death.

"First of all." Although Mo Ran was secretly anxious, he was still smiling, pretending to be relaxed and casual. He decided to deliberately throw a few innocuous questions to start things off.

"What do you think of Xue Meng?"

With a pain in his finger, Shi Mei couldn't help but be honest: "The young master is very good, but his speech is too straightforward and sometimes difficult to tolerate."

Mo Ran stroked his palm and laughed: "Huh? There's also times when you can't stand him? Hahaha, it's no wonder. After all, he is so annoying."

Shi Mei blushed: ". . . Keep your voice down. Don't let the young master hear you."

"It's fine." Mo Ran smiled. "But I'm especially happy when you say bad things about him."

Shi Mei: ". . ."

Mo Ran asked again: "Then what do you think of Shizun?"

"Shizun is very good, but he has a little temper. . ." It seemed that Shi Mei didn't want to comment on Chu Wanning, but he was helplessly tied by Jiangui. After biting his lips for a while, he still said aggressively, "He's a little irritable."

"Haha, what do you mean by a little? He's clearly very irritable. He gets angry every now and then and refuses to admit it when he is angry. I think the imperial concubine has it better off than him."

Chu Wanning standing in the corner: ". . ."

Mo Ran was suddenly a little curious and asked: "Then why do you still worship under his tutelage if you know that your master has a bad temper?"

Shi Mei said: "Shizun is cold but kind. I'm not as gifted as others, but he never thought I was stupid. He said that there's no difference in teaching. Since I'm not good at attacking, he teaches me the art of healing and recovery. He-- He treats me very well."

Mo Ran was originally happy, and when he heard this, he suddenly restrained his smile and gradually became silent.

After a while, Mo Ran said: "Where does he treat you well? It's not just to teach you some spells, and occasionally take care of you. Any shizun would do the same."

"That's not the same—"

Mo Ran was suddenly unhappy. He puffed out his cheeks: "He doesn't treat you well anyway! I can do everything that he does with you!"

Shi Mei stopped talking.

In this embarrassing silence, Mo Ran gradually calmed down the cluster of evil fire in his heart. When he saw Shi Mei lower his eyes and stay silent, he suddenly felt guilty and whispered: "Sorry."

"It's okay." Shi Mei said. But after a while, Shi Mei said somewhat abruptly: "In the early years, before you arrived at Life-Death Peak, there was a time when I was walking on the road and suddenly there was a rainstorm."

"I was not yet under Shizun's tutelage at that time, and when I was running inside the rain, I met him. He was holding a red oil-paper umbrella. Seeing me in a mess, he asked me to hide under his umbrella. I had heard of his cold reputation for a long time, and I was so apprehensive when I walked beside him."

"And then?"

Shi Mei looked gentle and said: "Then? Then we didn't speak the whole way."

Mo Ran nodded in agreement: "He's so boring. There's really nothing to say to him either."

"Yeah." Shi Mei smiled. "Shizun said very little. However, when he dropped me off in front of my house, I thanked him. Suddenly, I saw that his right shoulder was all wet while I stood all the way on his left side, not getting wet at all."

Mo Ran: ". . ."

"The oil-paper umbrella was very small, and it was only big enough for one person. He blocked most of it to me, and I watched him walk away in the rain. After returning to the house, I wrote a post on discipleship, begging him to take me under his discipline."

"Stop it." Mo Ran suddenly said, "You're too kind. If say anymore, I'll feel sorry for you."

Shi Mei said warmly: "A-Ran, shouldn't you feel sorry for Shizun? He only has such a small umbrella because he has always walked alone, and no one wants to accompany him. So sometimes when Shizun is a little harsher with me or reprimanded me more, I don't care. Because I remember his soaked shoulders."

Mo Ran didn't say anything, but the tip of his nose was slightly red, and there was a trace of sourness in his heart.

The sour feeling was a little vague. Suddenly he didn't know who this feeling was for.

"A-Ran, let me ask you a question."

"Okay, go ahead."

"Do you really hate Shizun?"

Mo Ran froze: "I. . ."

"Or rather, you don't like him, right?"

When Shi Mei asked this sentence, his calm and soft eyes seemed a little sharp for some reason. Mo Ran had been unprepared, and under such a sharp gaze, he was suddenly speechless.

Mo Ran stiffened. He neither nodded nor shook his head. After a long time, he forced a smile and said: "Ah, wasn't it me who asked you the question? I'm surprised you got me sidetracked. How could this happen?"

Seeing him avoid talking about it, Shi Mei was composed and didn't force it. He just smiled: "I'm just asking casually. You don't have to take it to heart."

"Mmm." Mo Ran softened the mood, and then raised his gaze, looking at Shi Mei's beautiful moon face through a thick curtain of eyelashes.

Originally, his third question was to ask Shi Mei whether he liked him or not. But after this conversation, the mood suddenly became too heavy. He pursed his lips and was silent for a while. Mo Ran suddenly exclaimed: "He's my shizun, and only my shizun. I can't talk about whether I like him or not."

Hearing his words, standing in the dark, Chu Wanning's eyelashes moved slightly, like the rustling wings of a butterfly when it was injured.

Although some things are clear in his heart, when he truly thinks about them, he still feels like a drifter and his heart sinks into the sea. Perhaps the autumn air had arrived a little early. Chu Wanning suddenly felt a chill.

In the distance, Mo Ran and Shi Mei were talking. He closed his eyes, and the slight nausea that appeared recently came to his head.

He suddenly felt exhausted and turned around to leave.

However, after walking a few steps, Mo Ran's voice was carried again by the autumn wind and passed by his ears. It made him stop involuntarily.

Mo Ran was asking Shi Mei a third question: "Alright, you've talked about Xue Meng and you've talked about Shizun, so let's talk about me."

He minimized the care and effort in his voice, and asked cautiously, even a little humbly:

"Shi Mei, what do you think of me?"

Shi Mei, however, suddenly stopped talking.

Like Tianwen, Jiangui obviously had the ability to force the truth. Shi Mei resisted answering and Jiangui became more red because of this, tightly locked around Shi Mei's fingertip.

Shi Mei frowned and said: "It hurts. . ."

"I only ask you to say one thing." Mo Ran couldn't bear it, but this question was buried deep in his heart. His past and present lives had almost become his inner demons, so he still insisted on asking, "What do you think of me?"

Shi Mei shook his head and closed his eyes. It seemed to be painful, his long and slender eyelashes couldn't stop trembling, and his forehead was gradually seeping fine sweat.

". . ." When Mo Ran saw him like this, he was still soft-hearted, and sighed, "That's all. . ."

He was about to withdraw Jiangui, but Shi Mei endured it to the extreme. His face was as white as gold paper, and he said hoarsely: "I think you are very good."

Mo Ran's eyes suddenly widened.

After Shi Mei said this, his originally pale face quickly turned red, and seemed to be embarrassed. He dropped his eyes and didn't dare look at the other.

Jiangui turned into a little red light, like the petals of a residual flower, and retreated into Mo Ran's palm. Mo Ran didn't press him. He lowered his head then let out a soft laugh, raising his gaze to look at Shi Mei. His expression was the epitome of the arrival of spring flowers.

There was a lazy smile in his voice, but his eyes were a little wet, and he said, "Okay, thank you. I also think you're very good. Even though you've been told all over again in Jincheng Lake, you don't remember any of it. So I want to say it again, you're really. . . likable."

Although he didn't elaborate on what kind of like he meant, Shi Mei's neck was a deep red and he couldn't say a word.

Mo Ran's deep, dark, lacquer-like eyes stared at him. The luster in his eyes was so clear, as if the stars were immersed in the sea, and the fine waves surged toward the Milky Way.

"I want to treat you well and make you happy."

Shi Mei wasn't stupid. Looking at his expression, he was well aware of his intentions, and he can't help but bow his head.

Mo Ran looked moved. He couldn't help but want to raise his hand and touch Shi Mei's hair. However, before he could get close, suddenly a golden light flashed by, and a vine whip solidly struck Mo Ran's face with a "snap."

"Ah!" Mo Ran held in the pain and looked back in shock.

He saw Chu Wanning's snow-white clothes, standing with his hands behind his back. He was standing beside the green eaves and white walls, looking down at them coldly. Tianwen was like a spirit snake hissing and spitting, coiled on the ground. The willow leaves are trembling, and from time to time a cluster of sparks and rays of golden light burst out.

Shi Mei was shocked: "Shizun. . ."

Mo Ran held his face and said: "Shizun."

So what if he's hated, so what if he's not liked?

Others might have cried out in pain, but when it was Chu Wanning. . . cry? Ridiculous. Of course, he beat the blind man.

Chu Wanning looked very cold. He walked modestly and said coldly: "What are you chatting about here if you're not cultivating properly? Mo Weiyu, you think you're amazing for getting the last divine weapon? So you're a sure winner and no one can beat you? You're very laid back."

"Shizun, I just wanted to. . ."

Chu Wanning's eyes were fierce, and Mo Ran shut up.

"Shi Mingjing will fight with me, Mo Weiyu." He paused and said with disgust, "Go practice. If you can't perform more than ten moves against me when I come to spar with you, go back and punish yourself by copying the Clear Heart Technique three hundred times. Get lost."

Ten moves?

Mo Ran felt like it'd be better to go straight to copying the Clear Heart Technique.

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professorsnape394 · 4 years ago

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The Potions Master’s Apprentice

Chapter Sixteen: Halloween

A/N: This is the sixteenth part to my fanfiction ‘The Potions Master’s Apprentice (Severus Snape x OC)’. Chapters 1-16 can be found already uploaded on Wattpad under the same name. Feel free to leave requests in my inbox for anything Snape related you want me to write. Leave a comment below if you wish to be added to my tag list.

Pairing: Severus Snape x OC (Dumbledore’s Granddaughter)

Summary: A talented young witch is employed as an apprentice professor at Hogwarts, but who will she be working under? Severus Snape is not best pleased with his new responsibility of taking on an apprentice, however she is relentless to create a friendship between them. Will she be successful? Or might the friendship just go a little two far? With the eyes of her grandfather constantly watching over them, an attempt at a relationship might not be in the cards for Aria Dumbledore and Severus Snape.

Word Count: 5342

Warnings: mentions of sexual harassment, alcohol consumption.

Credits to Gif Creator

"Harry Potter." Dumbledore whispered, his lip almost trembling as he read the scrap of parchment that had just been spat out from the goblet.

The hall felt silence.

"Harry Potter." He spoke louder, looking furiously around the hall.

All eyes now searched for Harry.

"Harry Potter!" Albus yelled for a final time.

Aria felt her heart pound in her chest, surely this was a mistake, he wasn't even of age. She looked to her right, hoping Severus would provide some reassurance, though he too seemed just as shocked as she.

The young Gryffindor rose gingerly to his feet, being forced up by his friends and classmates. He seemed petrified, and just as confused as everyone else.

Students heckled him as he walked through the hall, assuming he had found some way to cheat the system. Neither Snape nor Aria believed this could be the case.

Aria Dumbledore stumbled slightly on her heels as she looked around desperately for someone to correct the situation. Without thinking she gripped her hand around the potions masters arm, clinging on for dear life. "Severus." She pleaded, her eyes wide with desperation, brow furrowed in frustration. "He's only fourteen."

Snape looked down at his apprentice, the look in her eyes paining him possibly more than the thought of the young boy competing in a deadly tournament. He opened his mouth to speak, almost about to place his own hand onto hers. But froze as Harry approached the Headmaster, and the parchment was thrust into his hand.

Severus broke away from Aria, turning his gaze outward as the boy came face to face with him.

Still completely shell shocked Harry made his way out of the room, earning a reassuring motherly tap from Minerva McGonagall on the way before disappearing along with the other Tri-Wizard champions.

Instantly the remaining students were dismissed back to their dormitories while a commotion broke out among the professors.

Both Headmaster Karkaroff and Madame Maxime outraged at the mere prospect of Hogwarts having two competing champions. The resident professors however, were far more concerned with Potter's safety than having a leg up in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Dumbledore flew from the room, Severus following at his heels, and all the other teachers not far behind. Minerva faltered for a second, falling in line with Aria as they made their way from the room, clinging to each other desperately.

"Harry Potter, did you put your name in the goblet of fire?" Dumbledore asked calmly.

"No sir." The boy stuttered, his eyes darting between the crowd of professors.

"But of course, 'e is lying." Olympe accused, towering above even Hagrid.

"To hell he is." Mad- eye moody stepped forward. "The goblet of fire is an exceptionally powerful magical object, only an exceptionally powerful confundus charm could have hoodwinked it, magic way beyond the talents of a fourth year."

"You seem to have given this a fair bit of thought, Mad-eye." Karkaroff spat in return.

While the two men continued arguing, Aria broke arms with Minerva, once again working up the courage to approach Severus. Bringing his attention away from the chaos, she wrapped both hands around Snape's bicep, forcing herself closer to him. "Please." She begged.

Severus faltered. He saw the desperateness in her eyes, as well as in his friend Minerva's. He knew they both cared deeply about the boy. But what exactly was he meant to do?

"The rules are absolute." Barty Crouch sr. spoke. "The goblet of fire constitutes a binding magical contract. Mr. Potter has no choice, he is, as of tonight, a Tri-Wizard champion."

Severus locked eyes with Aria, wishing he could do more. Slowly Aria let her hands fall, she knew now he would not intervene.

Back in the potions classroom, Aria had almost become furious with Snape for not speaking up. Severus on the other hand, was getting sick of the woman going on at him about it, and was rather more concerned with why she chose to hold him in the way she did. A thought that hadn't let his mind since her fingers left his arm.

"I cannot believe you didn't stop them, Severus. Harry is not skilled enough to compete, not to mention the competition is renowned to be deadly. I can't believe it's actually still allowed to continue."

"And what exactly did you expect me to do Miss Dumbledore?" Snape questioned flicking his cloak behind him as he took a seat by his desk. "Barty said it himself. The rules are absolute, he is contractually bound. Nothing I could have said would have made any difference."

"But you could have tried." Aria whined, slamming her palms on the desk.

"And achieved what?" Snape shot up, his tone sharpening. "You overestimate my influence in this school, Miss Dumbledore. While your grandfather may rely on me for trivial duties, that is where my power stops." He snapped, getting annoyed at the woman for consistently guilting him.

"But you must know he didn't put his own name in, he couldn't have!" She persuaded, exasperated.

"Whether I believe he did or did not is irrelevant. He is competing and that's the end of it. That also goes for this conversation. I don't want to hear anymore of it." Snape warned, his eyes piercing into her. "Take the rest of the day off." He commanded.

Given that it was Saturday he had no right to keep her there anyway, though the witch had hoped she could spend the day with him, even if it meant giving themselves more work. Now that she had been banished from the classroom the prospects of her day were low and given that it was Halloween she suspected almost all of the students would be hauled up in their dorms throwing their own private parties. She had heard from Fred and George that it wasn't uncommon for the Gryffindor common room to be host to a number of events throughout the year, today certainly wouldn't be any exception.

Thinking of the students enjoying themselves sparked an idea for Aria. If they students were having party, why couldn't the professors?

Aria dedicated her day to doing her rounds of the school inviting every professor and member of staff she could think of to a party in the staff room that evening. It appeared the professors were just as in need of a night off as the students were, by the looks of it the party planning had gone quite successfully.

* Making her way briskly through the dimly lit dungeon corridor, Aria headed for the Hogwarts staff room, hoping not to cross paths with any suspicious looking rogue students on her way. As she passed by the old wooden door of Snape's office it occurred to Aria she had neglected to invite one crucial member of staff to this evenings event.

"Fuck." She groaned, running a hand through her sleekly styled hair.

Teetering on her heels Aria debated knocking on the door. Though it was highly unlikely Severus would even want to attend her party, she knew it would inevitably be better asking him at the eleventh hour than to not ask at all.

Braving the knock, she prepared herself for the ridiculing she was bound to receive.

A moment or two passed with no response, assuming Severus was located elsewhere, Aria chose to let herself in, just in case.

To her surprise Severus Snape was sat, hunched over his desk as he usually was. Only this time his desk was no longer cluttered with papers but displayed a singular framed photograph, which seemed to captivate Snape. He was evidently deaf to the world.

Coughing lightly to declare herself, Aria gently shut the door behind her.

"Professor Snape." She announced trying to get on his good side, though a hint of surprise and embarrassment remained.

Straightening his posture, Snape extended his arm slowly, slamming the picture face first into the desk, desperate to keep it hidden.

"Miss... Dumbledore." He droned, eyeing the woman up and down. A slight look of disgust forming on his face. "What are you doing here?"

"I... I erm... I've arranged a small get together in the staff room tonight; you know, some drinks and snacks and music, since it's Halloween and all. I was wondering if you wanted to come?"

"I think not, Miss Dumbledore." He said, instantly turning away, disinterested.

"Of course: I understand." She nodded her head nervously. "It's so last minute, I doubt many people will come anyway, to be honest with you." She shrugged, shuffling on her feet.

Snape looked up from his desk, watching the woman squirm, he almost pitied her.

"Professor Flitwick informed me of your little 'get together' earlier this afternoon Miss Dumbledore." His voice dropping with boredom. "It seems the whole faculty is excited by the prospect of a party. I wouldn't worry about attendance too much."

Aria's heart practically flew out of her mouth. It hadn't crossed her mind for one single moment that Severus would have interacted with anyone besides herself today, let alone been discussing social events.

"Fuck." Aria said again, under her breath. "I meant to tell you Severus, honestly. It slipped my mind, I didn't mean to leave you out. I feel so stupid. I'm so sorry." She rambled.

"Relax, Miss Dumbledore." He commanded. "Whether I knew about your party or not has no affect on my decision. I wouldn't have come either way, I assumed you would know better than to invite me, it's a waste of time and energy for the both of us."

"Oh, I, er... I thought maybe since it was me, you might have reconsidered." The words had come out of her mouth before she had even realised what she had said. What made her any different from any other Professor?

"Don't flatter yourself, just because I am forced to work with you everyday does not mean I am willing to change my entire personality for you." Snape scoffed.

"I just meant- oh what's the point, your right, this is a waste of time, I'll leave you alone."

The witch turned to leave, one hand reaching for the door, before she heard the voice of the potions master speak up again.

"Wait." He demanded. "I'm curious. What exactly are you supposed to be?" The potions masters eyes travelled up and down the girl, inspecting her outfit for any trace of a costume.

"Oh." She stopped in her tracks. "I'm a sexy devil." She grinned, showing herself off and brandishing a pair of cheap plastic horns and a pitchfork she had been anxiously twiddling behind her back.

"Of course you are." He scoffed, rolling his eyes in disgust.

"I got them from Zonko's, it was the best I could do at the last minute." She shrugged, shying away.

Reaching again for the door handle, Aria froze, spinning back on her heel.

"Who is she?" She asked abruptly.

"I'm sorry?" Snape retorted, baffled that she dare even ask.

"You got a question, now I do too. Who is she?" The Professor nodded to the toppled over picture frame.

"How do you-"

"I just do. Who is she?" Aria pressured once more.

"A friend." He answered simply.

"Do you love her?" Aria couldn't help but pry further, though she had no idea why she wanted to know.

Severus simply looked up from his desk, his eyes connecting with Aria's. They shared a knowing look, neither of them needing to verbalise it.

"Oh." She responded, pressing her glossy scarlet lips together. "I guess you're not as heartless as you pretend you are after all." She smirked, finally leaving the room.

"Severus couldn't make it then?" A feline-esq Mcgonagall asked, joining Aria next to the drinks table.

"No." Aria replied. "He was busy. I shouldn't have expected him to anyway, this isn't exactly his sort of thing is it?" She said looking around at the crowd of professors disguised as pirates, superheroes and zombies, casually chatting and swaying away to the music.

"I shouldn't think it is." Minerva agreed, taking off her pair of false cat ears, giving her head a moments release. Aria couldn't help but laugh at her choice of costume, which I'm sure was professors desired reaction.

Pouring yet another drink Aria felt herself swaying back and forth in her heels, the alcohol was finally beginning to take its toll.

"Pace yourself, my dear, the night is still young." Minerva chuckled, taking a sip of wine.

"Sorry." Aria chuckled, gulping down the rest of her cocktail, completely ignoring the advice from her friend. "It's just been a while since I've allowed myself to get drunk, ya know, the side effects don't agree with me much."

"Well your still young I suppose, people your age often are out partying every weekend. I think you should allow yourself the luxury just this once, eh. The side effects are tomorrow's problem." The older woman winked.

"God, I hope not." Aria whispered, but continued pouring drinks nonetheless.

"Join me?" Aria said, clumsily pouring two very large shots, for the pair to down. "Let's get a bit more life into this party, shall we?" She announced, turning up the music and began filling a tray of shot glasses up, passing them around the room.

"Everyone gather around and let's make this interesting." The young woman mischievously announced.

Lining up numerous shots glasses and filling them with various miscellaneous liquors, Aria waited for the staff to gather round the table.

"Truth or dare. Alcohol edition. If this doesn't get us all absolutely hammered by the end of the night, nothing will." She laughed, hoping that getting these witches and wizards drunk and spilling some secrets would be a bit more fun that just standing around talking.

"And on that note, I feel this may be my cue to retire for the night." Dumbledore informed, taking Aria by the hand, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "You lot have fun." He smiled, chuckling to himself as he walked away.

One hour, two bottles of tequila and several very very drunk professors later Aria Dumbledore was satisfied with her attempts at spicing things up. The game had begun to wind to an end, with a couple of teachers tapping out, a few more passed out, and, in the case of Hagrid and Olympe Maxine, making out.

"Your turn again Aria; truth, dare or drink." Aurora Sinistra enquired. The small crowd buzzed, hyping her up as she carefully considered her decision.

"Truth!" She shouted, chickening out of yet another dare, and she truly did not think she could handle one more shot.

"I have one for you." Igor Karkaroff confessed, seemingly appearing from out of nowhere and plopping himself down in the empty space next to Aria.

"Then go ahead." She allowed, gathering her legs in a basket and turning to face him.

"How do you really feel about Severus Snape?" He breathed, his face inching closer to hers the longer she paused to think. The few invested professors fell silent eagerly anticipating her response.

"How do I feel about Snape?" She slurred, letting out a small amused laugh, as her body continued to sway towards Igor unknowingly.

"He's... curious." She began, finding her words amidst a sea of drunken thoughts. "He has the capacity for love and friendship just like the rest of us, yet he chooses to be mean-spirited. And for what? No apparent reason but his own satisfaction. He can be rude and arrogant and cruel. And despite it all I try my best try to show him kindness, but where does that get me? He calls me out in front of practically the whole school? That was so fucking humiliating, and I'm just supposed to forgive him? I think it's safe to do say I'd live a happy life, if I were to never see that man again."

"It's seems you've had a bit of time to think about this? I assumed you and Severus were friends." Madam Pomfrey commented, as the room fell silent.

"Can anyone really be friends with that man." Aria scoffed, beginning to feel uncomfortable, as it became clear to her that others did not share the same opinion.

"Admittedly Severus can be a hard man to get along with. But really he's not so bad once you get to know him." Minerva informed. "While he may not show it, he does care. Give him another chance, Aria, it takes a while to warm up to him."

Aria gave a small nod, thinking now might be a good time to wrap things up. She felt guilty for saying such bad things about Severus but it had also been some what of a release to get it all out there before she was truly able to forgive him for all the horrible things he said.

Picking up her scattered heels she had abandoned some time ago, Aria decided to call it a night.

Severus Snape had barely moved from the moment Aria Dumbledore had left his office. He sat frozen in time, simply staring at the picture of her. It had become routine for him at this point, every year, on Halloween, he would mourn the life of the woman he had once called best friend. He thought back to that night when he found her, murdered by the man he had put his faith in, the man he believed would spare her life, the man he vowed from that point onwards, he would help put an end to. It was on this day every year, he reminisced on his life full of regrets.

It was then he heard a small amount of commotion and scuffling echoing through the dungeon corridor. Assuming it would be a couple of excitable teenagers Snape made his way out, ready to deduct a couple of house points for disrupting his evening.

Unable to distinguish any facial features in the dark, Snape listened carefully to the drunken mumbles from down the hall. As he closed in on the pair it became clear to him that what he once assumed to be a playful make out session, was in reality an act of unwanted attention. The female was clearly drunk and struggling to dissuade the man's advances.

Illuminating the tip of his wand, Severus ripped the man away from the woman, thrusting him into the light. "Karkaroff?" Snape winced, releasing his tight grip on the headmasters collar. Slowly coming to terms with the reality before him, Snape's eyes darted towards the woman, who, seconds ago, had been pinned to the cold stone wall. Pealing away the curtain of hair from her face, Aria timidly revealed herself.

"What the fuck are you doing Snape?" Karkaroff grumbled, stumbling backwards, struggling to keep his balance.

"I could ask you the very same question, Igor." Severus seethed, pressing the tip of his wand firmly into Igor's neck.

"No need to get so defensive." Karkaroff chuckled. "Do not believe this innocent act, she wants this just as much as me. She's gagging for it, Severus, you should know that more than anyone." He burped grotesquely, making a move in Aria's direction.

Instantly forcing himself between the ex-deatheater and his assistant. Severus dug his wand deeper into the man's skin. "Do not come any closer, Igor. I suggest you leave now and hope to God that Dumbledore doesn't hear of this."

Karkaroff paused for a second, running his tongue along his bottom lip in contemplation. Slowly closing the gap between himself and he potions master, Igor Karkaroff whispered into his colleagues ear. "I can wipe her memory straight after, no one needs to know. Go back into your chambers and forget you ever saw anything. I wouldn't blame you if you did the same."

"You disgust me." Snape spat, shoving the man away from him.

Karkaroff laughed sinisterly once again, seeing no real severity of his actions. That was the last straw for Severus. Swiping his wand across his face, a small but painful cut began to appear on Igor's cheek, a tiny pool of blood quickly forming and spilling down his face.

"Go. Now. Before I regret letting you off so lightly." The potions master commanded.

Having silently witnessed the whole exchange, Aria felt her pulse racing, feeling utterly helpless in her drunken state. Half expecting Severus to simply turn and leave, Aria begun to fiddle with the hem of her dress, not wanting to see him walk away. To her surprise a warm hand rested itself on her bicep, defrosting her body from the outside in.

"Are you okay?" Severus asked sincerely concerned.

Aria nodded her head repeatedly, but refused to meet her mentors gaze. "He didn't really do anything. He... he just wanted to come in for a nightcap." She tried to convince herself.

"I think we both know what his intentions were." Snape droned, agitated by her stupidity.

"Thank you." She said solemnly, her eyes finally meeting his.

Acknowledging her appreciation, Snape turned on his heel ready to finally retire for the night.

"Wait, Severus." She spoke up, finding her voice again. "I could use some company tonight. Do you mind if I join you?"

"It's been a long day, Miss Dumbledore. I was planning on getting at least some sleep tonight."

"I understand." She hung her head, embarrassed for even asking.

Looking down at the disappointed look on the young woman's face, he did not have the heart to leave her after what had just happened. Letting out a hefty sigh, Snape made his way to his office, throwing open the old oak door, waiting patiently.

"Come on then." He offered, motioning to the empty room.

"Do you mind if I...?" Aria gestured to a rogue bottle of FireWhiskey. "For the nerves."

"Go ahead." Snape permitted, settling back down behind his desk, while Aria made herself at home in his office.

Truthfully Aria had found herself becoming rapidly more sober by the second and she was desperate to put an end to that feeling as soon as possible. She was already embarrassed enough without the risk of Snape asking anymore questions.

"How was your little party." Severus pondered, having nothing else to occupy him.

"Not bad. Would have been better with you there though." Aria confessed, taking a seat on the edge of Severus' desk, gulping down her glass of FireWhiskey.

"I doubt that that is true." He droned, rolling his eyes, unconvinced.

"Of course its true, you're my friend Severus. Why do you find it so hard to believe that someone could enjoy your company." She raised an eyebrow at the potions master.

"There is not much to like about a man like me, Miss Dumbledore. I simply do not see the appeal." Leaning forward in his chair, Snape averted his gaze.

"Well I do." Aria assured firmly, refusing to take her eyes off the man in front of her. "And clearly you were open to friends in the past. You speak of this woman for instance, the two of you were friends." She tried to get him to open up.

"For a while." He replied simply.

"See."

"When we were children." He elaborated, once again meeting her eyes. "And that brief phenomenon ended when the prospect of a better opportunity arose for her." Snape added bitterly.

"That cannot possibly be true." Aria scoffed, unconvinced he was telling her the whole truth.

"That, coupled with my less than amiable personality, and a few harsh words drove her away for good. And with final nail in the coffin being just that, there is no hope for a reunion any time soon." He finalised, his tone harsher and more agitated than before.

"Is that a habit of yours then?"

"Is what a habit of mine?"

"Attempting to drive away your friends by insulting them." She said it only to be playful, hoping to coax a small smirk from him, but clearly that night was still a sore spot for him, even more so than it was for her. "Why don't you allow yourself the simplest bit of happiness, Severus. I know for a fact there are many Professors who think very highly of you, if you only let yourself be liked, you would have a great number of friends."

"What makes you think I want friends, Miss Dumbledore." Snape relaxed in his chair, finally turning his full focus to the young woman. "Has it ever occurred to you I am like this for a reason. That I like to be alone. That I drive people away simply because I do not want them in my life."

"I don't believe that for one second."

"Why?" He challenged. His temper beginning to boil at the woman's unyielding persistence.

"Because you loved her, Severus." Aria Dumbledore blurted. A moment of silence filled the room, the pair both slightly in shock that she dare speak the words, that Severus Snape was capable of love, aloud. Nevertheless she chose to continue, seeing no harm in speaking her mind now. "She was your friend and you loved her. I know it broke your heart when she died. And I know your trying to protect yourself from getting hurt again. But you must let yourself be vulnerable, or else what is the point in living? I am determined to be your friend, Severus Snape. And while I know that probably terrifies you, you really do not have any say in the matter. If you truly liked being alone, you would have left me out in that corridor tonight." She finished with a sigh.

Hoping off the desk to pour another drink, Aria's mind hummed away. Something felt different between her and Severus tonight. Despite at first being thrown off, and admittedly, slightly jealous of the woman in the picture, it had given her hope. Not fully understanding what she was feeling, she decided to blame it on the booze. Whatever it was, was tomorrow's problem.

Intending to join Aria for a drink, Severus ventured out from behind his desk, meeting Aria in the center of the room. Having practically read his mind, she presented her friend with a very large glass of Firewhiskey, and began to make a start on her own. As the cold glass balanced on the edge of her lip, Aria suddenly became hyperaware of how close her and Severus' bodies were. His fingertips grazed her own as he made to take the glass from her, clearly lingering for much longer than necessary. Aria darted her eyes in his direction, wondering if he too noticed their closeness, she found him staring right back at her. With no sign of uncomfort or anxiety visible in his face, Aria felt her heart begin to beat faster than ever, and her palms became instantly sweaty. Gulping down the remainder of her drink, she slammed her glass down on the desk, turning to the door.

"I think I should go." Aria swallowed nervously, refusing to meet Severus' gaze. "Let you get some rest, finally. It's already so late."

She was panicking and rambling. It was obvious to both her and Severus. But the way he looked at her. She had never seen him look at anyone that way, he didn't look as harsh or mean or unimpressed as he usually did, and that terrified her. Though it wasn't how he looked at her that scared her, it was how it made her feel. Butterflies inhabited her stomach, her heart pounded in her chest, and her throat scratched when she spoke it had become so dry. She knew she had to get out of there before she done something she might regret.

"Aria, wait." Severus called out, placing his glass next to it's twin, though his remained untouched.

It was the first time he had called her by her first name. It felt so... intimate. She loved the way it sounded coming from him. His velvet monotone made her name sound so smooth and delicate. She could listen to him speak forever, she thought to herself. Shaking herself back into reality, Aria forced herself to turn and face Severus.

Without missing a beat Snape closed the gap between them, pulling her body close to his; one hand resting on her waist, the other cupping the back of her head. Before either of them knew what had happened the pair found themselves lost in a chaste, but passionate kiss.

Seemingly coming to his senses Severus Snape forced himself off of Aria, his face instantly flushing with colour. Averting his gaze, it was clear he was starting to regret what he had just done.

"I apologise, that was... I shouldn't have-"

To his surprise Aria cut him off, resting a cold hand on his newly warmed face. Their eyes met for a single moment, both knowing that this was what the other wanted. Standing slightly on her toes for height, Aria thrust her lips onto his, pulling him closer and tighter than before. Deepening the kiss Severus quickly regained control, letting himself lose himself in the moment. The couple found themselves drifting towards the door, using it as a support, allowing them Severus to be as forceful as he wanted. While Aria's hands roamed the whole of Severus' body, squeezing and grabbing anywhere she possibly could, Severus on the other hand, remained the perfect gentleman, keeping his hands strictly to her waist and face, and eventually settling on either side of her head, leaning against the firm wooden door.

Breaking away for a moment of air, Aria let out a satisfied groan, biting on her bottom lip seductively. Severus could not take his eyes of her, watching her every move hungrily, struggling to catch his breath.

"Wow." She finally exhaled, but instantly Aria pulled him in once more.

As the kiss continued and another second passed, the pair became hungrier for one another, and so the more passionate the kiss became. Getting almost too caught up in the moment, Aria made a move for Severus' belt buckle, hurriedly unclasping it, ready to undo his zipper.

"Stop." Severus panted, grabbing her wrist, before she went any further.

Coming to her senses Aria retracted from the situation, a wave of humiliation washing over her as she watched Severus re-buckle his belt.. Hiding her face in her hands, she moved out from between Snape and the door.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean-"

"No, It's not your fault." Snape tried to reassure. "I just... I wouldn't want to take advantage."

"You wouldn't be taking advantage, I was the one who wanted to-"

"I just think we need to end things here." Snape said firmly, once again cutting the woman off.

Accepting defeat Aria nodded to herself, knowing he was right. She had never felt so embarrassed in her whole life, she knew she would regret allowing herself to drink tonight, it never ended well.

"I should go." She whispered to Snape, refusing to look any higher than the man's shoes.

"Aria." He breathed, his voice full of sadness, knowing she was beginning to regret kissing him in the first place. He wanted to asked her to stay, but he knew it didn't matter what he said now to make up for stopping her, the moment was gone and so too was she about to be.

"Goodnight... Professor Snape." The witch sighed, reverting back to professionalisms and clicking the door shut behind her.

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