Special Delivery

[m4moony]

Date: Wednesday, 14 February, 2001
Time: Gifts Delivered at Intervals during the day, beginning at breakfast and ending just after final curfew
Location: Hogwarts
Rating: PGish
Characters Involved: Remus Lupin & Severus Snape ONLY

Comments

[subtle_simmer]

Severus was as fond of fresh fruit as the next man, but he had no particular affinity for a certain type of apple. Moreover, to have them delivered in such a fashion with such a note clearly meant there was more to the story than just a nice wooden box (he already had ideas for uses for the box!) and a cryptic note. Then again, considering all of Severus' extensive reading, it should be no surprise that he recognised the 'signature' and the story behind it - and it was this which sent his heart racing and his mental confusion higher.

Hippomenes, in Greek Mythology, used three golden apples to distract Atlanta from their race. In that way he won the race -- and her hand in marriage, as she had out run all previous suitors and sworn not to marry unless a man could outrace her. Being she was the swiftest of all, she had believed it impossible for herself to lose. She hadn't been counting on Hippomenes finding away around her defenses.

Pleasure and confusion were warring inside of him for supremacy, but he had classes to teach and no time for leisurely pondering.

He left the apples in the box. His defences would not be quite so easily overcome - though they were clearly weakening, alarmingly, where the werewolf was concerned!

Minerva did not bother to hide her knowing smirk when Severus arrived at the staff table for lunch - quickly slipping the box from his chair to his pocket as the now-familiar heat rushed to his face yet again. Mortifyingly, he found he couldn't wholly suppress the embarrassed smile he cast at Remus before managing to school his features back under control.

"I really must commend you boys for setting such a fine example of how well members of Gryffindor and Slytherin can and should get along," she said, smiling from behind the rim of her teacup. "I had not expected you to take your Heads of House responsibilities so to-heart, but I am most pleased with the outcome."

"With all due respect, Headmistress," Severus drawled sarcastically - clearly not intending any respect at all, "mind your own bloody business."

Far from being affronted, Minerva merely chuckled and passed Severus the dish of potatoes.

Severus spared a glance at Remus who was sitting on his other side, and caught that gleam of mischief spoiling the attempt at appearing 'innocent'. Raising a dark brow in amused challenge, he fished a golden apple out of his pocket and began to slice it meticulously, ignoring the potatoes.