Mermidian Silke Lady Shadow

One

Harry gently dislodged Hedwig from his arm, watching her white wings against the black night until she faded with distance, taking his letter to 'Snuffles' along with her. He remained by the lake under his invisibility cloak for many long minutes as the moon rose higher, simply enjoying the night and was just about ready to get up when he saw someone approach. Realizing that by height and build it must be a teacher or seventh year, he quickly checked to make sure he was covered and watched curiously as the figure drew nearer to the water. With start Harry realized it was his potion's master, Severus Snape. Now he went from being more than mildly curious to out-right suspicious and found himself moving closer to see what Snape was up to. Severus looked around nervously, then to Harry's astonishment he began to strip. Harry's first reaction was of course to make a face and cover his mouth to prevent bile from spilling out before making a hasty retreat, but something made him stay. Call it curiosity, the gathering of black mail material, or temporary insanity; but Harry Potter remained by the lake, hand pressed against his face to keep the strangled sounds from being heard, eyes wide with shock. Naked with his body bathed silver in moonlight, Severus tested the water with one toe, then abruptly dove in, his body bending gracefully and barely creating a ripple as he submerged himself. Harry found his jaw falling open in wonderment. The man was beautiful when his mouth was shut and his expression was unguarded.
Severus surfaced with a sigh and swam gracefully toward a rock near the shore. Harry watched in wonderment as he pulled himself up to reveal his body. It was not what the young teen on the beach expected. His potion's master had a tail.
Snape stretched and opened his eyes. He became suddenly still as his eyes connected with the place where his student was hiding under the invisibility cloak. Harry held his breath and remained very still but Snape's eyes never left his.
"You don't blend in with the scenery very well." He said suddenly. At the moment Harry was too confused to marvel at how melodious his professor's voice sounded. He looked down and his feet and felt the blood drain from his face. There pooled around his old sneakers was his invisibility cloak.
"Well.I guess you've discovered my little secret, haven't you?" He seemed fearful, apprehensive. Harry swallowed hard and didn't move; trying to make himself look a little more relaxed.
"I guess I have.." He answered lamely, eyes switching nervously.
".What are you going to do about it?" Severus inquired quietly. Harry realized that Snape thought he was going to tell the whole school that Snape was.whatever he was.
"I-I won't tell anyone, I promise." Snape relaxed slightly and cocked his head to one side, surveying his student. It was Snape that finally broke the silence by diving back into the water. Harry looked up to where he had been and couldn't help but feel a bit of remorse when his professor suddenly surfaced by his feet. He gave a startled squeak and Severus chuckled dryly.
"Well since you already know you may as well ask questions." He decided finally, seeming a bit distressed and a bit bored and a lot apprehensive. Harry carefully sat down and looked over the other man critically, blushing when he realized he was doing it.
"Go ahead." Snape urged. Harry bit his lips and carefully took in the other man's face. He seemed so much younger and there were sparkling blue and green jewels that created a hook from the end of his dark eyebrows and along his cheekbone nearly to his nose.
"Professor.?" Harry asked tentatively. Snape lifted a delicate eyebrow and looked up at him inquisitively. Harry took this as permission to continue and licked his lips nervously. "Exactly what are you?" Snape laughed again and the corner of his lips twitched up in what Harry eventually decided was a smile.
"I am what's know as a Mermidian Silke." He answered, tipping his head to one side and then the other, blinking rapidly.
"And that is...?" Harry prodded carefully.
"It means I'm something similar to a 'merman' in the water, and something similar to a human out of water, but not really either." Harry's brow drew together but he decided not to push Severus' talkative mood. After another several minutes of silence Severus dipped under the water again and came up soaking wet.
"Do you swim, Mr. Potter?" Severus inquired. Harry looked up slightly startled and nodded. "Would you care to join me?" Harry swallowed, hesitating.
"Isn't it.cold?" Severus shrugged.
"I wouldn't really know.but I suppose to you it might me. That's quite alright; you should be getting back to your dorm anyway." Harry couldn't ignore the sound of disappointment in his professor's voice and wondered at it.
"Maybe next time? Do you come out here every night?" Severus tipped his head again in that particularly curious way that reminded Harry of a puppy and his inner lids blinked. Harry jumped slightly.
"Nearly so." He answered finally. Harry shifted his weight nervously, tossing glances at Snape who was eyeing him dispassionately. "Go on then, off to bed before I have to take points.and Potter.? Please keep this to yourself." Harry nodded silently and picked up his cloak before heading to the castle at a run.