to abide the law

Chapter four

Chapter 4

Sipping a much needed drink of fire-whisky he sat in his favourite armchair

at the fire-place, brooding.

>He should be angry with her, he was hurt, but he couldn't muster enough energy

to care.

He really had tried hard with her, has been gentle, patient and considerate,

- by his standards at any rate.

He thought they had made progress. That she rejected him so vehemently

should made him furious. But it only left him weary.

A comrade- a female one like her just wasn't meant for him.

He was too tainted.

She needed a gentle soul, a sensible, charming young man

who could show her the beauty of life. Someone patient.

Not someone as jaded and bitter as him.

No, she deserved better and so he was resigned.<

Decision made he resolutely flood the headmaster.

"Albus, are you awake?"

It took some shouting before the old wizard emerged.

Clad in a purple gown covered with silver stars, a fitting night-cap with ridiculous long

point and soft- looking garish- green shoes with yellow dots on his feet he stood in Severus

rather spartan chambers, looking out of place.

He was as jovial as ever, despite the very early hour. Dawn hadn't even set yet.

His blue eyes twinkling curiously behind his golden half-moon glasses.

Nothing gave the impression he was just called away from a deep sleep in a warm

cozy bed.

"Severus, my boy, what can I do for you on this beautiful early morning?"

"Serious business, Albus, I'm afraid."

The old sorcerer looked concerned at his obviously distraught potions-master.

"What has you in such an upheaval, my boy?"

"I need your help to dissolve the engagement, Albus.

Miss Blythe needs a more suitable man."

"What happened? You two looked so comfortable last night."

"She attempted suicide, Albus!" he spat "Because she has to marry me." His shoulders slumped "I repulse her."

"No, Severus, don't ever think that" a soft voice called from the door.

None of the men had seen her enter.

"You do not repulse me." She took a few steps towards the stern man "I do want to marry you,

but I just can't" the young woman implored him to understand.

"Amanda" her intended enquired surprised "You are supposed to be sleeping,

I gave you a draught!"

"The potion doesn't really work for me anymore, I used it too often"

she answered, her dark blue eyes looking exhausted.