Beth H (bethbethbeth) wrote in hp_beholder, @ 2010-04-16 12:49:00 |
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Entry tags: | beholder_2010, eileen prince snape, eileen/irma, femslash, irma pince |
FIC: "Forbidden Fruit" for alwaysasnapefan
Recipient: alwaysasnapefan
Author/Artist: snapesgirl
Title: Forbidden Fruit
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Eileen (Prince) Snape/Irma Pince Eileen/Tobias implied Severus/Gideon implied
Word Count: 4450
Warnings: (minor)character death,
Summary: Eileen always had a fondness for things she shouldn’t indulge in.
Author's/Artist's Notes: Many thanks to wolfish_cat, elfflame and angela_snape for the beta reading, hand holding and making sure I didn't wander off track.
***
"Those who are faithful know only the trivial side of love; it is the faithless who know love's tragedies." ~Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, 1891
***
Every day, Eileen watched the other women. She noticed them chasing after their children, hanging out laundry, walking to the store or the pub. It was rare for her not to admire a nice pair of stockings or shoes. Rarer still to not wish her dresses fit better or her nose smaller. However, Eileen also noticed like her, the others wore second hand clothes and lived in drab row houses.
Some days, she had fantasies about never leaving the Wizarding world. Those dreams were easily quashed with a pint of bitters. While being married had its downsides, at least with a Muggle she was free of her parents and their meddling.
The steam whistle at the mill blew. This shrill sound could mean an accident or it could mean a shift change. Eileen glanced at the clock and shivered. It was too early for her man to be coming home. The whistle meant an accident had happened and it was time once again to pretend care for her abusive spouse. She joined the stream of women rushing to discover who was hurt or maimed. Eileen worried she would not react properly if Tobias were injured.
The fire company lorries flew by the women causing them to speculate wildly. There was a group movement to one side for an ambulance followed by some police vehicles.
Having a reputation for being sullen and angry was useful. None of the others asked her opinion and Eileen was glad to keep her wish to be widowed to herself. Her boy would soon be a man. There was no need for her to be tied to a drunkard nor to a wastrel or even to a brutal bastard like Tobias. She was old enough to live her own life once she was free of her marriage vows.
Someone brushed against her. Eileen shivered at the accidental contact. It was so difficult to not reach out and caress the bosom nearest to her. Far too many years had gone by without her knowing soft flesh, gentle touches and the type of kisses only another woman could give.
A woman broke into tears. Another followed suit, which annoyed Eileen. She considered them ninnies for getting worked up over an accident. It was not like their husbands were miners.
“Scalded.”
“Molten iron.”
“Bad business.”
“Should have been shut down.”
These and similar phrases hammered at Eileen, making her wonder if she was underestimating the trouble.
An official from the mill was calling out names. One woman fainted when she was summoned to the head of the mob. Eileen found herself becoming numb at the sound of her own name. It couldn’t have happened, because her wishes never came true. The crowd parted, making way for her. When she felt a hand at her elbow, urging her forward, she realized Tobias had been involved in the accident. Eileen schooled her features to show no emotion. A part of her felt as if she might have just won in the Wizarding lottery.
“I’m sorry to inform you your husband has been injured. He’s been taken to the hospital. Do you wish a ride?” One of the foremen put an arm around her shoulders in an effort to comfort her.
Ride? On your broom? I think not.” Eileen’s mind came up with other inanities as she numbly shook her head. It was an effort to simply walk home when a part of her wanted to dance with glee.
Once she was safely behind closed doors, she allowed herself a small jig. Eileen suddenly stopped dancing once she realized her celebration might be premature.
"Slow down, Eileen. He’s not gone yet. Don’t be trying out shop girls right away. Sweet Salazar how I want to suckle on a nice pair. Not too high and tight, maybe a bit more than a mouthful.” She wrapped her sweater close and glanced out the window from behind heavy drapes. “Damn it, here comes the ladies' aid society or whatever they call themselves. At least I will not have to cook meals for the next week.”
Eileen reluctantly answered the door. She mouthed the right responses to their consoling platitudes and eventually accepted a ride to the hospital. Her chauffer was an older slim lady who’d been widowed thanks to the mill.
The hospital was as drab and depressing as Eileen remembered from past visits. While she didn’t think twice about using magic for herself or Severus, she saw no need to expend effort in healing Tobias of his current injuries. After all, this was the man who had beaten her for being a witch.
It was an effort to hide her reluctance to enter the ward. Eileen quietly stood next to the narrow bed and listened to beeping machines. There were too many witnesses for her to disconnect the breathing tube.
Words like 80% burns, possible pneumonia, among other warnings helped her make up her mind. Eileen reached out with a small touch of magic. She used a simple little spell to stop bleeping on one of the machines. The miniature bellows stopped moving and Tobias' lungs ceased to be forced to work. There was a pause followed by alarms and people moving quickly to the bedside. Eileen allowed herself to be shuffled out of the ward. She sat on a hard chair in the waiting area while the commotion continued in the ward.
Was it wrong to prevent him living life as a cripple? She shook her head at the latter thought. Medical bills were not a worry. Her creating a malfunction in a machine would not save or take Tobias' life. She just gave his body an opportunity to live or die.
Mrs. Abercrombie was filled with sympathy and hugged Eileen when the doctor finally announced Tobias was gone. Eileen faked a few tears and leaned heavily on her escort as was expected of a newly bereaved woman. They left the hospital and Eileen insisted upon being taken home. The duo rode in silence. Eileen was grateful to not have to converse. She doubted she could come up with many happy memories to share.
Once she was safely alone in the drab row house on Spinner’s End, Eileen sat down and began to plan. She liked her independence, so there was no need to inform her relatives of her being widowed. Severus would need to be informed. Perhaps she should visit him at Hogwarts and tell him in person. The mill should take care of the funeral. If not, there were worker’s aid groups and other charities to help her get Tobias properly sent off in Muggle fashion.
~~~
Three days after the mill accident, Eileen was able to slip away from the neighbours' watchful eyes. After casting a charm to conceal noises inside her home, she Apparated to Hogsmeade village.
The village had not changed much in the years since she completed her education. Eileen marched up to the school gates and entered the grounds. She noticed students walking near the lake. A pair of boys caught her attention. One was slim and dark haired, the other was a red head. Eileen frowned in concentration, however, she could not be certain it was her son.
"I should speak with the Headmaster first. There's no need to create a scene out here in public." Eileen whispered as she continued to walk up to the castle's main entrance.
The doors were open and Dumbledore appeared in the doorway as she walked up the shallow stairs.
"Greetings, Mrs. Snape, I trust you are well."
"Afternoon, Headmaster. I need a moment of your time. I prefer we speak in private." Eileen clutched at the front of her robes, pulling them closer as if she were cold.
"Certainly, come in. I shall send for tea."
Eileen followed the elderly wizard inside, recalling his fondness for tea, sweets and conversation before business. This was not what she desired. All Eileen wanted was to break the news to Severus, make arrangements for him to attend the funeral, then go home.
As usual with life, her best laid plans went astray. Irma Pince was waiting to see Dumbledore. She nodded her head in greeting at Eileen then began to complain about students wreaking havoc in the library. She wanted to see them flogged, if not expelled.
Eileen dipped her head to hide a smirk. Some things never changed, it seemed Irma's devotion to books was in this category.
"Don't look so smug. Your boy is as bad as these Gryffindor hooligans. You would be appalled at how many times I have caught young Severus writing in margins and tearing out pages." Irma's voice took on a whining tone.
"Some of us value being able to make notes as we see fit, Irma."
"Madam Pince, I promise to speak with the culprits and with their Head of House. They will be properly punished for their pranks. Mrs. Snape, do you take your tea with honey or lemon?" Dumbledore gestured for his guest to be seated after a tea tray appeared on his desk.
"A hint of lemon, thank you." Eileen was seated and watched her former dorm mate and one time best friend leave the office.
After they had their tea, Dumbledore eventually asked; "What brings you to Hogwarts?"
"I need to speak with my boy." Eileen found herself concentrating on her hands. "It's about his father. There was an accident at the mill."
"How badly was he hurt?"
"Tobias' funeral is on Monday. If Severus wishes to attend, I would appreciate him being given leave to come home for a day." Her voice remained steady and she glared at the older man as if daring him to attempt any display.
"My sympathies." Dumbledore busied himself with the tea things. "Would you rather I break the news to your son, or do you wish to see him?"
"As I said, I need to speak with Severus."
Dumbledore nodded and looked at one of the many portraits lining the office walls. "If you would be so kind as to inform Horace?"
Eileen watched the former Headmistress leave her frame. The elderly witch soon returned.
"They will be here soon."
Horace Slughorn entered the office first, soon followed by Severus. Eileen held out a hand to her boy. She smiled when he took it and gave it a small squeeze.
"Mother, I hope you are well."
"I am fine, Severus. I do have news about your father. There was an accident." She dipped her head, using her hair to hide her lack of tears. "His funeral will be Monday."
"Mother?" Severus knelt in front of her. He looked concerned by his mother's display of emotion.
"If you wish to come home, I am certain Headmaster Dumbledore will make arrangements." Eileen's voice shook just enough to play on the old man's sympathetic nature. "I would appreciate having you with me."
"I will attend if it will comfort you." Severus awkwardly stood up. Keeping a neutral expression, he bowed to her before sweeping out of the room.
Eileen knew her son well. He would be as far from prying eyes as possible before giving into the urge to celebrate their freedom from Tobias' tyranny.
~~~
Monday morning was sunny. Birds sang in celebration of another lovely day. Eileen's heart soared with glee. Once her duties for this day were over, she would be a respectable widow. She was free of her parents, free of Tobias and most of all, free to look for a female companion.
She kept an eye out for her son. He was of age, so she doubted he would have a teacher with him. It was close to time for the service, so Eileen pulled on her hat and opened the door to leave. Just then, Severus walked up to the house with Irma Pince. Eileen blinked in surprise at his escort.
"Irma, why are you here?"
"I thought you might want a friend by your side during this trial."
Severus fought back a smirk at the women. "Mother, you look a bit too well. Perhaps you should put on a veil?"
Eileen reached up and tugged the veiling on her pillbox hat down. It covered the top half of her face. She glowered at her offspring then took his arm.
He offered his other arm to Madam Pince. "Where are we going?"
"Around the corner to that hole in the wall church your father was fond of. There will be a car to take us to the cemetery." Eileen took a deep breath and mentally braced herself for being in the center of so many Muggles.
"Are you all right, Eileen?"
"Yes. Fine. You'd think after all this time I would not be so fearful of them."
"I fail to understand how you married one when you have this phobia."
"He was big and brash and had a motorbike. In short, Tobias was everything my family disapproved of."
"You married Father to rebel against Grandpapa?" Severus' voice held a note of disbelief mingled with disapproval.
"As a male, you would never understand."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning your mother married out for the joy of straddling a petrol fueled vibrator."
"Irma!" Eileen choked on laughter
"What?" Her one time dorm mate looked innocent.
"Ladies, we have observers." Severus whispered as they neared the store front church.
Eileen bowed her head and began to play the role of grieving young widow. She toned down her performance after Irma pinched her bum when they were being greeted by various members of the community following the funeral service.
~~
"Seriously, Eileen, why on earth did you leave for that man?" Irma asked once the day's ordeal was over and both witches were safely away from listeners.
"For Severus." Eileen toyed with a teaspoon. "I'd gone to town to see the Muggles. It was forbidden and scary and thrilling. I met this big fellow at a pub and we chatted. He took me for a ride on his motorbike and afterwards, we fooled around. It was not often anyone found me attractive, so I was hungry for attention." Eileen snorted. "I was such a foolish thing. I did not bother with precautions and as they say, it only takes once to get pregnant."
"And that is why you ran away?"
"I needed to be away from my father. He wanted me to marry Mulciber, or was it Nott? Whichever, I had no desire to be a pawn in the machinations to improve our family fortunes so I ran away. Can you imagine me married to a first cousin?"
Irma shuddered. "Being a spinster is not so bad."
"If one has older siblings. I am an only child." Eileen sighed. "Once I was certain, I told Tobias and he did the honorable thing. By the time my parents knew, it was too late. He did try at first. He only beat me the one time. After that, we fought."
"You should have left him."
"But the scandal."
"Eileen, you created a bigger one by becoming a blood traitor and marrying that Muggle beast. Your boy is following in your footsteps. He's been spending far too much time with a Prewett."
"Don't say so."
"I will say so. It's the truth. I caught the two snogging one night in my library."
"He's of age."
"That does not matter."
"Irma, I will discuss it with him later. Right now, I am tired and in need of comfort. It's been years since I had a proper cuddle."
"What has that to do with me?"
"I thought you liked women."
"I'll not be your rebound toy."
"I just want to cuddle on the settee for a bit. Nothing more."
"No tricks?"
"No tricks, no groping or kissing. Just sitting together." Eileen stood up and offered her hand. She was relieved with Irma gave in.
They quietly walked into the front room and sat on the settee. Eileen rested her head on her friend's shoulder and gradually relaxed. Irma eased one arm around her then began to stroke Eileen's hair.
"Why has it been years since you've had this?"
"After the boy was born, Tobias became withdrawn. Once Severus was accepted to Hogwarts, there was little to no intimacy between Tobias and me. His idea of foreplay eventually became the phrase 'brace yourself'."
"Say no more." Irma shuddered. She hugged her one time friend. "Would it please you if I were to visit from time to time?"
"That would be lovely."
"Will you move back to our world?"
"Not right away. The mill is letting me stay here. I have a pension and I do a bit of brewing from time to time. If I am frugal, I can live comfortably."
"Stubborn."
"Yes, I am."
~~
Irma did not visit often. When she did, she brought small presents. Eileen wondered if maybe she was being courted. The day she received an owl with a rosemary plant for her kitchen, she decided Irma was serious.
"How do I get her to kiss me, let alone do more than hold my hand?" Eileen asked the room.
"Get who to kiss you?"
Eileen jumped and whirled around at this reply. Her son was leaning against the wall watching her.
"Severus, you could have announced your arrival."
"You knew I was coming home today. Term is over. The train ride was lovely, thank you for asking." He smirked.
"Impertinent brat." Eileen hugged him.
"Who are you wanting to kiss?"
"Never mind that. Are you hungry?"
"Starved."
"There's stew in the cauldron, help yourself." Eileen placed the rosemary plant on the window sill.
Severus got out a bowl and mug. "Should I set a place for you, Mother?"
"Please."
"What was that? You used the word please? And didn't call me a dunderhead?"
"Mind your manners or I'll do more than call you names. Who is the ginger haired tart you were snogging this year?"
"Nobody." He set their meal on the table.
"Madam Pince caught you with another bloke. She said it was a Prewitt."
"Mother, it was not like that. Gideon was a bit exuberant when I helped him find a book. That is all there was to it."
Eileen joined him at the table. "He was grateful and acted like a Hufflepuff female?"
"Something like that."
She watched her son eat and smiled at him. "I'll stop with the questions so long as you mind yourself and not ask about my personal life."
"Deal."
"Too easy. I should have requested more."
"You are out of practice, Mother. Hopefully, Madam Pince will keep you on your toes." Severus teased and ducked the hex Eileen threw at him.
"If you are seeing a blood traitor, I hope you have the sense to play stallion to his mare."
"Yes, Mother." Severus finished eating. "I need to unpack then I will be going out for the evening. Do not wait up."
"Stay safe, Boy." Eileen listened to him move around upstairs. She sighed and finished eating her meal.
After cleaning up from their frugal supper, Eileen went into the bathroom. She began to fill the tub with water and soap. A bubble bath would be a nice way to relax. Eileen undressed and eased into the filling tub. Her hair needed cleaning. She pinned it out of the way and shut off the water. Shampooing the greasy locks could wait until after a nice soak.
After she finished her soak, Eileen washed her hair then wrapped herself in a towel and wrapped a second towel around her freshly washed hair. She drained the bath tub before padding out to her front room. As she walked through her front room, the floo flashed in green causing her to wish her son was back in school. They only had company when the boy was home. Eileen sometimes thought he invited friends over just to annoy her. She almost dropped her towel when Irma Pince stepped out of the fireplace.
"Bad timing?"
"Not at all. I do so enjoy company seeing me at my best."
"I think you need to fully drop your towel for me to see your best."
"Irma, have you been drinking?"
"No. I have, however, been thinking." Irma stalked closer to Eileen. "I think we have both danced around the subject for long enough. Neither one of us is getting any younger. You used to appreciate a nicely turned ankle and a firm pair of breasts. Are you still interested in me?"
"I thought I made myself clear the day of the funeral, Irma."
"You are shivering."
"I'm a bit damp and the room is chilly. Come upstairs." Eileen led the way to her bedroom. She picked up a comb then unwound the towel from her hair.
"Let me." Irma took the comb from her.
Eileen sat on the edge of her bed. She began to relax as her friend eased tangles from Eileen's long dark hair.
"Remember Hester Yaxley?"
"What about her?"
"I recall she used to put rouge on her nipples to make them darker."
"You don't need to do that on my account." Irma used the comb to loosen up the knot on the towel around Eileen's body.
"I was going to warn you things had changed."
"So I see. You appear to be more than a mouthful." Irma was openly appreciative of Eileen's bosom.
"I nursed my boy for the traditional length of time."
"Lucky Severus."
"Irma!" Eileen gasped in shocked surprise.
"What, he got to see and touch them for two or three years. Me, I never got to touch you and rarely managed to see you."
"I was very shy." Eileen blushed while making this confession.
"We all were a bunch of ninnies." Irma went back to combing Eileen's hair. She lightly caressed Eileen on the neck and shoulders while she worked. "Was Millie so bad she scared you away from birds?"
"Millie? You knew about us?"
"Yes, I doubt anyone else knew you two weren't playing gobstones when you'd disappear."
"She was sweet and soft and perfect for fooling around with. To be honest, Carrow was a nice kisser and I saw a girl from another House a time or two."
"Along with four blokes that I know of." Irma tweaked one nipple hard. "You were a shameless hussy, something I will not tolerate if we become lovers."
"Pinch me like that again, and I'll-"
"You will what?"
"Beg you to take the hair brush to my bum." Eileen giggled. "Irma, I want kisses. I need caresses and I yearn to suckle at your bosom. Would you please undress, already!"
"Get up off your lazy arse and help me." Irma softened her rebuke with a kiss.
Eileen stood up while they kissed. Her fingers traced up and down the other witch's robes, carefully unfastening buttons. She dipped her head and licked at exposed flesh as she eased Irma's robes off.
"No knickers?" She asked when she cupped an almost bare bum.
"Just garters and stockings. I like a breeze on my bits."
"Such lovely bits they are." Eileen's fingers teased at dark curls, seeking and finding a hint of dampness. "You seem to be eager, Dearie."
"I've been looking down at a nice pair and a sweet arse for the last thirty minutes, I'd have to be dead to not react." Irma stroked Eileen's breasts, her fingers lightly caressed at perky nipples. She soon discovered Eileen liked having her collar bones licked and her ribs caressed and that spot beneath the bicep where it felt so good to be nibbled.
Eileen was shameless in begging for more. She'd not had this much positive attention in her life. While she was greedy, she did more than her share of tasting, touching and caressing Irma. When she left a love bite on her lover's bum, both ladies fell into gales of laughter.
"On your back, Eileen and spread your legs." Irma rolled over and tugged at her lover.
"Whatever for?"
"Don't play coy. I want to snog you. In fact, I want to eat you and make you writhe and scream for more."
Eileen flopped onto her back. "That is the best offer I've had in years." She wrapped her legs around Irma when the other witch moved over her. They began to kiss. Eileen arched her back, rising up to meet Irma's fingers as they teased her nipples. She sighed and moaned when Irma suckled at her breast. Her scream brought someone to the bedroom door.
Eileen saw her son in the door, looking ready to protect her. His expression changed to confusion, followed by disbelief at his mother wantonly spread out on the bed with a dark haired female licking her belly. He blanched and pulled the door closed, making his mother laugh.
"What is so amusing?"
"That tickles." Eileen fibbed. She saw no need to let Irma know Severus had caught them in flagrante delicto. Further coherent thought died when Irma used her tongue to tease at Eileen's clit. Little tiny flicks followed by long slow slurps had Eileen moaning and tossing her head. She bucked her hips, begging for more then screamed at a tiny puff of air across sensitive flesh.
When Irma added her fingers to the torment, Eileen thought she'd died and gone to heaven. She spread her legs wider and reached down to stroke the back of Irma's head.
"OH, oh, fuck, Irma! There. That's brilliant." Eileen screamed, this and other words of incoherent praise. Her body shuddered and bucked as she rode through an orgasm.
Irma kissed her way up Eileen's body. She pulled her lover closer and cuddled her.
"Shh, Poppet. Try to catch your breath now."
"I don't want to. I want to fly again, and again." Eileen smiled at Irma.
"You will, Princess. I promise you plenty of flying lessons. I think we need to sound proof your little home before we do much more playing. The neighbors might complain about the noise."
"They'd only be jealous of me having good sex." Eileen nuzzled at Irma's jaw. "I want to try doing that to you."
"You've never gone down on a woman?"
"No, you will be my first." Eileen kissed Irma after making this confession. She wrinkled her nose. "Is it supposed to be so salty?"
Irma laughed. "Yes. Don't tell me a man's flavor is different."
"Well…not so much different as there is not as much to taste if you swallow him down."
"Eew, that sounds painful."
"It can be." Eileen moved down to suckle at Irma's breast again. "On the whole, forbidden fruit tastes the best."