Happiness is where you are [Donatella]

[Deleted]

April 18, 2026

The students were a lively bunch this morning as the group headed down to the Hogsmeade village for a visit. They'd all recently returned from their Easter Holiday break earlier in the week and had so very much to talk about after just two weeks. Severus had stayed to watch over the kids who didn't go home and was glad to see the vibe genuinely lift with the return of the others. As always, the students were instructed on their expected behaviour in the town before they left and reminded as they arrived. Severus explained where he would be spending the time they were in town and that should they need him, they should definitely come and get him.

Really, Severus knew that he should keep a regular patrol of the small town like a prison warden but he trusted those students who were in the group (and he'd do a round or two every now and then anyway). The group dispersed the moment they were allowed and Severus stood in the middle of the ancient street watching them splinter off into their own little social groups, hurrying about the various shops like bees to flowers. A sense of amused pride brought a smile to his face and beneath the warmth of an April sun Severus decided that it was a good time to visit the Hogs Head for a pleasant drink (or two). His black, polished dragonhide boots crunched on the pebbles that lined the street as he took himself off in that general direction.

@donatella

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Ella was in Hogsmeade to in the hopes of potentially surprising her brother. Bit it hadn't fully worked out. No worries. She'd just head back to the circus. Maybe she could practice her new routine. True, the newest bruises she had developed would still hurt, but there was magic and potions for that. Most had healed, but her most recent bruise was a nice one on the side of her calf. It was dark and vibrant for the world to see, as she happily wore shorts that day.

The girl slipped into The Hogs Head as she heard the sound if dispersing students. Maybe she would try to see if her brother was around a little later. Maybe not. It all depended on her mood. She made her way to the bar, at first being ignored. The normal patrons seeming much more questionable than the young girl who had walked in. She tried clearing her throat, but the old man continued to clean and ignore her. She knew exactly what to do. She propped herself on the bar, extenuating her assets, the lecherous old bartender seemed quickly snapped to her attention. She smiled "There we go. Hi. Could I possibly get a firewhiskey?" She smiled, sure her tattoos alone marked her as being older than a student. The man went off to make her drink and she settled into a chair with a sigh. Some one seemed to be approached and she looked, smiling at them.

@severus

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Severus entered the Hog's Head just in time to see how a young witch used her feminine assets to get the attention of the barkeep. A slightly crooked smile began to form on his lips as the way she'd propped herself up on the bar lent just as much of a pleasant view as no doubt the barkeep had and Severus took his leisurely time reaching the bar himself because of it. When the gentleman passed her the drink, though Severus had not heard the order himself, the wizard knew by smell and sight alone she'd chosen firewhiskey as her poison.

"One for you too, Shacklebolt?" he heard the barkeep ask as he stood next to Donatella, his hands splayed casually on the counter top. "Unfortunately not, I am technically working. However I will take one back with me, if you please?" Severus replied warmly, always happy to have his own stash for a good night tipple after a hard day's dealing with teenagers.

"And a butter beer? As an excuse to sit and make new friends with - I'm sorry, what is your name?" he turned his attention to Donatella with a flashy smile.

@donatella

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As expected, Ella's action received the desired result. She was well aware that her actions of propping herself up to accentuate the front, the rest of her body complied, leading to anyone behind her to get an enjoyable show as well. Her body condition was excellent, it had to be for her life and career. Once she received the drink, and sat down, a man approached, and the bartender offered on to him as well. That figures. After she had done all the hard work. Was the bartender gay? No, if he was, the old man wouldn't have snapped his attention to her as he did. He also would be looking at her face whenever he glanced her way. No, he wasn't gay. She knew that because his line of site was much lower than her face, even now.

As the two men spoke, she took the opportunity to get a better look at the man. he seemed familiar, but only in a "I've seen you before." thought. This wasn't a new idea, she went to school with many people. Honestly, he seemed a bit older, so probably just saw him in passing. But it wasn't as though she knew him. The name Shacklebolt was familiar, but probably in the same way as he might recognize her surname. Familial ties were sometimes the worst. That was why she never gave if if she could help it. Her father had happily disowned her, by following her heart. He didn't deserve her legacy. The man had mentioned not drinking anything alcoholic because he was working. That was interesting, the girl smirked at the comment. "Working man, huh?" She muttered under her breath. It was clear the man enjoyed the drink, wanting to take some with him for later. She took the shot glass in her hand, it warmed her fingers. She loved having a job where half the time the cast had some alcohol on them. Not that they performed drunk, that would be stupid, but they did like to enjoy themselves. She wondered what kind of job he had where he couldn't drink while on the clock.

She downed her drink which warmed up her insides as it went down. The man mentioned getting a non alcoholic drink to sit with, who? A friend? Oh, her. She gave a cheeky smile at him. "Ella." She offered her hand to him. She then turned back to the bartender. His attention now fully on the two. Go figure. "I'll take a butterbeer too." She said with a wink.

@severus

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The wait for a drink was barely noticeable as Severus had turned his attention to the company at the bar. Her countenance was pleasant, with the kind of facial symmetry that was conventionally considered beautiful. Further down his eyes did not wander, for his peripherals could see that she enjoyed her tattoos enough for both Severus and herself and besides. Instead, the man gave an equally cheeky grin to the girl as she introduced herself as Ella and replied with, "well don't you have a marvellous smile, Ella? I'm Severus."

When the young lady had to order a replacement drink herself, a sudden bout of social shame swept over Severus for not having asked if she'd like another drink. "My apologies, I should've asked if you'd like a chaser," Severus shook his head a little at himself before taking the time to put the butterbeer that had just arrived near his fingertips to his lips instead. The foam was a delight that he'd enjoyed since adolescence and the warmth of the tankard seemed to spread out from his tummy to the tips of his toes to the fingertips.

"Ahhh, if I cannot be drinking firewhiskey, this is the next best thing if I do say so myself. Although remind me next time, if you will Ella, to make sure I specify I'd like it cold in a bottle?" he said in a lower, conspiratorial tone that probably meant she'd have to lean in closer to even hear. "How are you today, Ella?"

@donatella

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It was nice that the man didn't wander over her form, and also puzzling. She was muscular and curvey girl. Most men spent more time looking down, than her face. So, perhaps he wasn't interested in her physically. He complimented her smile, which only made her smile more. She wondered what his angle was. What exactly what he trying to get at? "It's a pleasure, Severus." she commented, happy to have a name to the handsome face.

Ella was an independent soul. She ordered a new drink, seeing as she has downed the previous one so fast. the man apologized for not offering to get her a following drink and she chuckled, slightly arching her back. "Well, if things go well, you may get your chance." She winked. The girl wasn't blind. The man was sweet eye candy. Of course she was going to flirt. What he did with it, was his choice. Her drink arrived quick enough. She glanced at her own drink as the man tasted his.

Once again, he mentioned not being able to drink firewhiskey again. He spoke softly, and as a good girl, she leaned closer to him. She didn't have much of a personal bubble. "Don't worry, I'll make sure you get a nice cold drink..." She spoke softly, pausing between the last three words as she leaned even closer to him, "...the next time we meet." She chuckled. Pulling way from the man, but only just. He asked how she was and she grabbed her butterbeer, taking a nice drink from it. Letting him wait for her answer. "I'm much better now that your here." She spoke, setting the drink down.

"So, Severus, tell me what sort of job prohibits you from drinking like an adult." She had a few guesses. Best guess, it was something to do with the students being in the village today. Chances are, he was Hogwarts staff of some sort.

@severus

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The compliment clearly had the intended effect, with the recipient beaming with pride. Severus found Ella's smile infectious and so his pearly whites flashed in an earnest grin. "The pleasure's all mine, I assure you," he replied, finally allowing himself a quick, appreciative glance over his companion. Merlin, she was fit. She made it almost impossible to look up when she arched her back but the gentleman in Severus made him glance towards the barkeep instead, as if to check on where the butterbeer was.

Oh, it was in his hand, Severus took the opportunity to take a sip before turning his attention back to the young lady beside him. "Well, here's to things going well then," he gave her his most charming side smile and took a seat at the bar. It was perfectly timed, it seemed, as Ella leaned in closer just as he'd aimed for by lowering his voice. Goodness, she smelt lovely. "Much obliged, Ella," he replied. "As much as I look forward to seeing you next time, Im just getting started this meeting."

Severus laughed easily when Ella asked why he couldn't drink alcohol like a real adult. "Oh! See now if I confess my profession, you're going to be seriously reconsidering your previous offer of a cold drink the next time," Severus replied, placing his butterbeer down on the counter. "I'm escorting the Hogwarts students today as I'm the Professor of Muggle Studies. I get to drink but ... not when I'm on the clock," Severus explained. "How about you, Ella? Are you on a day off or..?"

@donatella

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Ella beamed at the man, and he smiled back. He had a really nice smile. Did she catch him checking her out? Absolutely. She wasn't shy. Ella was confident in her self, and her body. She was strong, and flexible like any good acrobat. But like a proper gentleman, his eyes didn't linger long. Wow he was certainly a charmer. And she didn't mind one bit. "Their definitely going in the right direction." She gave a little chuckle. She could absolutely see things heading in a rather intimate direction. Seeing as the man was working, she doubted anything would happen today. But maybe they could meet up on a holiday, or a weekend. The man seemed more than just a gentleman, it was clear that he cared about his work. For now, it was nice to have some company.

It was fun to talk and even think about a future meeting, but he was right. They were only just starting to get to know each other. She easily closed the gap between them. He seemed well groomed, one who cared about his appearance. While she wasn't one for high top of the line clothing, but she wasn't against it. She only bought what she could afford on a circus performer salary. "Alright, then, we'll just have to enjoy the moment." She said, still quite close to him.

She couldn't help but ask why he was refraining from drinking alcohol. He mentioned that if she knew, she'd take back her offer for drinks another time. "Oh really? Now you have to tell me." She teased him But it didn't take much to get him to tell her. So, she was right. The lack of drinking was because of the students. She laughed when he told her what he did. "Wow, you know, If the professors looked like you when I was going to school...I would have gotten in to a lot more trouble." She chuckled. Ella hadn't exactly been a model student.

He then flipped the question, asking about her. She nodded. "Yea, I'm off today, so to speak. I'm an areal performer at the Wizarding Circus." She wasn't sure how the man would take it. She didn't work a traditional nine to five job. If she was on the circus' temporarily set up grounds, their was a part of her that was always working. They traveled a lot, and through that, she had a chance to see all the great sites. Magical and muggle. It was quite wonder, and the people who worked there were just as diverse as the places they went.

@severus

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If only Sev could blow off work or send a quick note to Deva to come and cover him with the kids... maybe Severus would be able to have some real fun this afternoon. Alas, he'd have to abstain like he had for far longer than he'd care to remember and just enjoy a rather flirty afternoon. She stayed closer to him and his fingers yearned to run over her exposed flesh and under to that which is more hidden. He cleared his throat at that thought and turned a charming smile to his drinking companion. Enjoying the moment was hard when his body seemed to react to her closeness like one of his randy school kids.

"Yes, I imagine you would have," Severus replied as she said she'd have gotten into trouble. He had an inkling that she'd have been a handful and a half if she were his student and... he definitely wouldn't have been able to be left alone in a classroom with her. His professionalism may very well have faltered. "But I think you'd have gotten me into even more trouble," he said with a rather salacious smile creeping onto his face as he let himself steal another glance over her.

He forced himself to take another sip of his drink as Ella took the time to divulge her work. Merlin's beard wasn't an acrobat every man's wet dream? Severus gulped, "wow, what is it like to work for the circus?"

@donatella

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Ella wasn't shy about her body. She was fit and toned and enjoyed showing it. She was used to the eyes of of lustful people scanning over her. She was also fairly used to the occasional unsolicited touch. Sometimes she didn't mind, but other times she did. Being physically close to this man, she wouldn't be surprised if dared a venture. She remained close to him, almost daring him to dance his fingers across her skin.

Mentioning that he was a professor intrigued the girl. She had gotten into her own sort of trouble while at school. Well, that was, when she wasn't studying or at quidditch practice. But the man wasn't surprised. Her smile widened as she scooted a bit closer to him, letting one of her legs softly graze his. She was enjoying their back and forth flirting, and while she understood that they may not go much further, there was more to this little dance than simple banter. She gave a chuckle as he mentioned that she would have gotten him into some trouble as well. She leaned closer. "I could help you get into trouble now." She winked as her leg rubbed against his. "If you're interested." She gave him a wink as she took a sip of her drink. His smile was intoxicating. And like any man who found woman attractive, he couldn't stop looking over her curves.

Ella then divulged what she did for a living and she saw his reaction and reveled in it. "It's a lot of fun. Everyone is like family there." She then moved so close to him that they would share the same breath. "It's important to stay extra flexible." She whispered.

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Severus was hyper aware that Ella was so close now that their legs were touching. He didn't pull away, but he did glance down to where the bare skin of her thigh pressed against his own and his fingertips felt that familiar itch of desire to manouvre her small body into... "The kind of trouble I'm interested in takes a little more time than I have to spare right now," Severus replied with a mischievous grin, finally giving in to the urge to place his hand on that naughty little leg of hers. Merlin, he hoped that none of his students walked in right now because his hand wasn't exactly hidden from view as he held her warm flesh. "It looks like I can't help sampling a bit of your trouble, though," he feigned an apologetic smile and made as if he were about to take his hand from her thigh, but instead it inched slightly further up instead. Did his butterbeer have a shot or two of tequila... or was she really that irresistable?

Severus was going to nod that he understood the circus was a fun little family atmosphere when he found Ella's lips mere inches away from his own, whispering about being flexible. Merlin's mud pies, Severus gulped, feeling very hot under the collar and pretty much sure that at any moment now he was going to wake up in a puddle of his own sticky mess back at Hogwarts. Speak! Severus' mouth ran dry and the English language deserted him as he felt the breath of the girl dance upon the whiskers of his beard and he almost leant in to close that last little gap between them when the barkeep interrupted with a deeply disgruntled sound that was reminiscent of a hog stuck in a mire. Severus blinked and sat back, removing his hand before he got into any more trouble.

"Ah.. hey! What do you think you two are doing popping your head into an establishment like this? Off with you now - no, I'm an adult, I'm allowed to get my drink away from you lot," Severus' voice had changed from the husky lust filled from only moments ago to his rather new teacher's voice. It was stern but not unfriendly and the two students who'd almost caught him backed out of establishment with whispers that did not bode well for the young teacher. "Sorry about that..." he said when he was able to turn back to his drinking buddy.

@donatella

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Ella was more than willing to show this professor exactly what kind of trouble she could get him into. And she was rather curious to see how far he'd let her go. It was fun. She stroked her leg against his and he didn't pull away. Well, that was promising. And from his words it seemed as though he was interested in having a lot more fun. Unfortunately it seemed as though he was good at his job. Well, professors should be good at their jobs, teaching and watching after the students that are placed in their care. Had he abandoned his duty for their fun, sure, she would have enjoyed it. But she was also sure that there wouldn't be a next time. Strangely enough, the responsible well put together professor was entreating to the girl. "Pity." She softly said, though she didn't pull away. His grin and hand said otherwise. Ella just about purred at the touch. "Sample away" She gazed into his eyes, seeing a spark or wanting there.

As his hand slid it's way up, and Ella leaned into it, her own hand being placed in what could only be described as a dangerous location. She wasn't afraid of trouble, or any form of public displays of lust. She had been told by one of her midnight lovers that it was a good thing she wasn't part veela, or she'd have gotten a lot more people into a lot more things.

After telling him her career, and flexibility level, he seemed to lose the ability to speak. Not like this was the first time Ella has had this reaction. She waited, letting her lips softly dance against the tips of his beard. But the moment seemed to end too soon. He pulled away from her face, and his hand retreating form her skin. A split second later, Ella pulled back as well, releasing his thigh and moving to grab her drink while she stifled a laugh. It appeared as though two students dared to enter the Hogs Head. Dearing, something she had done in her youth. But what she really found entertaining was the change in his voice. It went form being soft, husky, hungry, to authoritative in a truly impressive scene.

Ella peaked a quick look, curious if her younger brother was one of them. That would have been interesting. Though she didn't feel as though she would need to explain all that much. The only issue here would be if Raph was taking muggle studies. Then it might be a little awkward, but the boy would be graduating soon enough. After swallowing some of her butterbeer the man had turned back to her and she couldn't help but laugh. "I told you. I like trouble." She winked at him. A glint of temptress still in her eyes and in the way she held her body. "Such a shame your on the clock." she said with a mock pout before setting her glass to her lips.

@severus