Holiday: Part 2

Disclaimer: It's not my creation, but I do enjoy manipulating things. No money for me though. Enjoy.

A big thanks goes to my lovely beta, Charmed_Nay, and cheers go to my friends over at Potter_Place.

Hermione couldn't believe that she'd bared herself to him in such a way. Perhaps the liquor had given her courage. His black eyes gazed at her from top to bottom and back up again before they found her eyes. She could see the appreciation and lust in his eyes.

Slipping the wand from his pocket, he pointed it towards the door, warding it further, keeping anyone from hearing them or being able to unlock the door with a simple charm. Nervously, she stood there as he dropped his wand, pulled away his shirt, and began unfastening his trousers. Unable to resist, she reached out to touch his chest, pale and wiry beneath her fingers. Noticing that he seemed to smile at her boldness, she softly glided her hand over to the smattering of dark hair in the center, nails raking his skin as she moved. Her reward was another sharp intake of breath.

In moments, his trousers and underpants were at his feet and kicked away. He stood there bared to her, wanting her to see him. Her eyes followed the line of hair down his chest and stomach to where it thickened and centered around his partially erected penis. Blushing, she looked away, only to look right back. It seemed to grow beneath her gaze. Emboldened, she moved her hand down to lightly touch it and felt it shift beneath her fingers.

Hermione's eyes lifted to meet his. She wanted to speak, but she was uncertain on what to say in a moment such as this. Severus lifted a hand to cup her cheek and guided her face to meet his, lips brushing against hers softly. Both of her hands moved to his shoulders as his other hand came up to cup her other cheek. Again, he brought his lips to hers, this time he parted his lips, and his tongue probed for entrance. She opened her mouth and eagerly deepened their kiss.

His hands slid down her body and encircled her waist, lifting her up against him. Startled slightly, she wrapped her legs about his waist instinctively and held onto his shoulders more tightly. He didn't allow her to break the kiss. He simply cupped her arse and moved with her back towards his bed. Once there, he placed her down, moved over her, and broke the kiss.

"Are you quite certain that this is what you want, Hermione?"

"It is."

Severus didn't reply. He lowered his head and kissed her neck, marking her lightly before moving down to taste the flesh of her breasts. Uncertain on what to do, Hermione closed her eyes, arched into his touches, and caressed his back and hair with her hands. When his tongue began flicking over one of her hardened nipples, she moaned.

"There you go. Relax. Feel," he said quickly, then returned to her breast. One hand steadied him over her body, but the other hand moved along her flesh, exploring all of her.

"God, Severus..." she said breathlessly after he nibbled and suckled the underneath of her breast.

"Open for me," he said, eyeing her expectantly.

She felt his hand wedging between her thighs and parted her legs. She wanted this. She wanted him to bring her to orgasm as he'd done before. She needed him, wanted him. Wanting to show him how she felt, she reached down to grasp his arse tightly. Hermione loved his arse and often wished that he didn't wear his robes, hiding it from her view.

"I want you," she breathed.

"Hermione," he ground out between clenched teeth. "If you keep that up, it'll be hard for me to resist my need. Let me make you feel good."

"I already do."

He simply raised an eyebrow and inserted a finger into her.

"Oh." That felt good.

"Exactly," he said silkily.

His head lowered to her stomach, and his tongue circled her flesh erotically, teeth occasionally nipping at her. Hermione began trembling. His thumb lightly caressed her clitoris with every few strokes of his fingers, now two inside of her. Stimulation and sensitivity to his touch were making her dizzy.

"Ow," she said when she felt another finger slide into her. Her internal muscles clamped around the digits uncomfortably.

"Don't fight it. Let me in," he whispered. "You're so wet already. Relax."

She mentally concentrated on relaxing her grip and allowed him to move them in and out of her more easily. With each push in, it felt as if he went further. His thumb began circling more often while he applied a little more pressure. It was then that she felt the first tiny wave, indicating that it wouldn't be long before that needed orgasmic feeling would come for her.

"Don't stop, please," she blurted, hands trying to weave their way into his hair.

He maneuvered slightly, and his tongue replaced his thumb. So many things went through her mind at that moment. It had been a couple of days since she'd trimmed and shaved. Was his face being prickled? What did he think of the way she tasted? What made this feel so good?

Stop, Hermione, she told herself firmly. Feel. Don't think. Don't ruin this.

As if in answer, her legs began flexing, and her feet dug into the bed. Nothing could have kept her body from arching into him or her hand from trying to push his face more firmly against her. "It's..." She couldn't speak. Her breaths began coming in pants, gasps, and moans. Finally, she could take no more, and the feeling overwhelmed her. "Severus... yessss!"

As she lay there with a befuddled mind, he began placing chaste kisses up her body, circling her nipples and then finding her mouth. "Kiss me," he ordered when she didn't open her mouth as his lips pressed against hers.

She tasted herself on his lips and realized that he likely enjoyed going low. Opening her eyes as he broke their kiss, she found him staring at her. It's time, his eyes seemed to convey to her. Hermione smiled, bracing herself with one hand on his shoulder, one on his back. She could feel his erection pressing against her for entrance. His hips were nudging against her, as if waiting for something.

Her legs parted a little more and hooked behind his thighs, giving him all the access he'd need. Without a word, he began sliding in easily. There was no barrier to stop him, and she was more than lubricated enough to aid his girth. Her internal muscles began closing against him.

"Shhh," he whispered, as if soothing a crying child. "Relax."

The grip released slightly, and he quickly slammed all the way in. "Ah," she said. He looked at her. She shook her head. "It's all right." He pulled nearly all the way out and pushed in again, hard and fast. "Oh!" she exclaimed this time. "Feels good." It was a different feeling than him having his fingers within her. It was a more solid, more pleasurable feeling...the pressure, the sensation of being filled, the friction when he moved, and so much more. She wanted him to go on.

His head dropped and rested on her shoulder. It was tilted enough so that she could feel and hear his breathing in her ear, enflaming her further. The man really had no idea how much his breathing in her ear turned her on. She brought her mouth to his shoulder and sucked hard, as he'd done to her, allowing her tongue and teeth to give him the same pleasure. Severus' strokes began hard and fast, and she couldn't keep up with him, though she did try. Just as she was feeling that maybe another climax would come for her, he groaned loudly and bit her shoulder roughly.

She yelped from the pain of the bite, barely noticing the spurt of hot fluid within her body. "So good," he was murmuring between quick kisses, obvious attempts to soothe the pain he'd inflicted. While a wave of accomplishment flooded her, she seemed lightly frustrated. Shouldn't she have done something more? Made him call out as she'd done for him? Shouldn't she have climaxed again? Hermione made to wiggle out from beneath him, but his body held her down.

"Don't," he said. He lifted his head to gaze down into her eyes. Her lips searched out his, and their tongues began dueling. His flaccid penis slipped out of her, but it didn't seem to worry him. Pulling away from her slightly, he said, "You belong to me now."

Cheekily, Hermione asked, "And you?"

"I need only you," he said, voice raspy. "Made for me," he said, suddenly fervent. He moved to hurriedly kiss her breasts and mark her flesh. In the next instant, she felt his erection being pushed back into her. It wasn't as firm as before, but with each torrid stroke, she could feel it strengthening, demanding to find release within her again.

Again? she thought dazedly. Hell, she'd thought that once per night was enough.

This time his strokes were less gentle and more frenzied. It was as if he was searching for something. He only stopped for a moment to move her legs, which had collapsed after their first coupling, about his waist. Each time he thrust into her, he nearly lifted her pelvis off the bed. One of his hands accompanied his movements, stimulating her when the grinding of his pelvis against hers would not. She arched and pushed her body against his, trying to meet his strokes.

She could feel that glorious feeling coming back for her again, and she knew that this time she would be allowed to grasp it and follow it into oblivion. Severus couldn't have been too far away, and after an undetermined amount of time passed, she felt his strokes change. Short, choppy, rough strokes that rubbed against her clitoris had her screaming out his name for the second time that night. This time, however, she was pleased to hear him answer with the triumphant shout of her name.

Covered in sweat, he collapsed onto his elbows. "Mine," he said darkly before crushing his lips to hers. "Always mine."

Hermione reached up to wipe the dampened hairs from his face. "Yes," she agreed. "And you are mine."

Suddenly, he chuckled loudly and moved to lie next to her. "Come," he invited, opening his arms. She scrambled to be enclosed within his arms and allowed sleep to come for her after only a few minutes of listening to his heartbeat. We finally did it! Twice! God but I love him, she thought happily before drifting off to sleep.

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Draco couldn't believe his good fortune. He'd been accepted by the people he'd hated the most in previous years. Weasley! Granger! Potter! He knew that his family was still superior to the lot of them of course, but that didn't hinder his newfound happiness. So what if he'd fallen in love with a Weasley? She understood him. She didn't care about his money. She wanted him!

His father had always said that witches wanted money and a good name above all things. That was why he'd made a deal with Parkinson's father. She was a pureblood like him, and her family had money. It would have been a perfect match for the families, but Draco was happy to be free of her. She looked as though she belonged with Weasley.

Lip curling in disgust, he thought of Ronald. If that prat wouldn't be Ginevra's brother, Draco wouldn't bother trying to be on good terms with him. It had been a surprise when Scarhead and the Weasel had approached him to extend an olive branch. It was an even greater surprise when he'd found out that the Mudblood had sent them. He'd accepted... reluctantly...after Ginny requested that he befriend them. It felt odd to talk to Potter and not spew obscenities or threats, even after everything that had gone on.

Smirking in amusement, he thought of Ginny's older brothers, the twins. Those two weren't all that bad. He'd had a good time with them fixing drinks and talking about their upcoming items for their store. Her parents and Bill weren't so bad either. Yeah, I'll do fine. As soon as this war rubbish is over, things will be better. My family name will be restored, and I can show Ginny how people should truly live. Fancy dinners. Parties. Fine clothes. The works. She deserves it all.

Hoping that she'd enjoy his Christmas gift, jewelry of course, he turned over and tried to fall asleep. It was hard to sleep when his mind wandered to the previous day and the time he'd spent with Ginny.

He'd been furious when that werewolf had dared to show his face and asked to speak with her. Thinking quickly, he'd followed him outside and spied on them. He'd heard nearly every word that they'd said. Part of him had been angry for Ginny even allowing him to even get near her, but when he'd heard her tell Lupin that she had made her decision, he knew that there was no reason to be upset.

That had been the one thing that worried him. Lupin. He felt that if they crossed that hurdle, they could get through anything. After he'd shown himself and hugged her in an attempt to soothe her, he'd been surprised when her soft kisses became eager. He wasn't so thick as to turn down something freely offered to him. They'd gone off even further into the wooded area for more privacy, using a Warming Charm only once, and he'd shown her how he felt about her. He'd told her that he'd never felt that way for anyone else, and she'd admitted to the same. Her words flowed through his mind.

I thought I'd felt every feeling that there was to feel, Draco, but each day with you brings something new. Thank you for standing by me.

In a small moment of disappointment, he'd realized that she was not new to the ways of loving, but that had vanished almost immediately. Who was he to judge? He'd had other lovers as well. He didn't know when they'd be able to have time together again, but he'd wait for her. He'd let her decide when it was time again.

He wondered suddenly if Ginny's father was suspicious of the extent of their relationship. He'd been giving him a talk nearly everyday. Their last conversation had been odd. He'd been talking about spark plugs and some other Muggle rubbish. He'd been lost for most of it, but he'd feigned interest. After about an hour, the man had clapped him on the back saying that the moral to the story was something about him being a welcome part of their family and that he approved of their relationship. "I'll take care of her, sir," Draco had said to him. For some reason, everything seemed as if it were meant to be: his relationship with Ginevra, his father's capture, and even his stay with the Weasleys.

For a brief moment, Draco felt guilty. His mother was alone for Christmas. She would wake in the morning and have nobody. She likely thought his father to be dead, and she was likely worried about her son and wondering if he'd been killed as well. "She's strong. She'll survive," he reassured himself. "I'll make it up to her." With that, he fell into a fitful sleep.

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Severus propped himself up on one elbow to look down at his sleeping witch. Finally. He'd had her. She had been worth the wait. He could practically still feel the wet heat surrounding his cock as he pounded within. Breaking the hymen those weeks earlier had proved quite useful.

Hermione sighed in her sleep and mumbled something incoherent. Unable to resist, he lowered his mouth to press his lips against hers for a soft kiss. When she didn't move, he did it again. Her eyes fluttered open. "Good morning," he said silkily. "I trust you slept well?"

"Morning? What time is it?"

"It's not yet daybreak."

She stretched and smiled shyly. "Did... did you sleep well?"

"I did," he said, hand automatically moving to trace the curves of her breasts. "I am afraid we haven't the time for any other pleasurable activities. You'll need to get back to your room."

Grinning broadly, Hermione said, "Happy Christmas."

Severus gifted her with a rare smile. "It is indeed." He shifted to look over his shoulder. "Would you like your gifts now?"

She nodded and sat up, pulling the duvet up to cover her nakedness. Smirking, he stood without caring about his state of undress. "I was uncertain as to what you wanted. I hope these shall suffice."

He gave her a rolled up parchment and a small plainly wrapped box. Intrigued, she opened the parchment first. It was blank. She looked up to him questioningly. "I don't understand."

Turning away from her to retrieve his shirt and underpants, he said, "You wondered how I always know where you are. I told you it was a spell. You asked for me to even the field."

Hermione eyed the parchment suspiciously. "I see nothing."

Clothing on, he returned to her with his wand and hers. "Here," he said, handing the wand to her. "You'll need to activate it. Flick your wand at it like so." He demonstrated with his wand. "And simply state your name."

She flicked her wand and said, "Hermione Granger."

The parchment glowed a yellowish color for a moment and returned to its normal state. "Hold your palm over it and say, 'Locus Severus,' and tell me what you see."

"Locus Severus," she said eagerly. In an instant, there was writing on the parchment.

Third floor, bedroom at the end of the hall, number twelve, Grimmauld Place with Hermione Granger.

Eyes wide, she looked at him. "So this is how you always know?"

He nodded. "We're now even," he said quietly, hoping she would appreciate the magnitude of his gift. She could find him at any given moment whilst doing any given thing. "If you are not with me, it will give names of others that are, and sometimes it will even tell you how I feel."

"Severus, this is the best gift that you could have given me. Do you realize that this means you trust me completely? This proves to me that you do love me."

He held up his hand, not wanting to partake in such a conversation. "Hermione..."

"Shush," she said, putting her arms around him and squeezing tightly.

He could feel her soft breasts crushing against the fabric of his shirt. Arousal followed. Pushing her back slightly, he said, "Open your other gift." If he started making love to her at that moment, she'd never get back to her room in time for someone to not notice.

She quickly tore through the plain wrapping on the other gift and squealed in delight. "I love it!"

Severus had found a silver bracelet with moon designs engraved within. "The pendant. It reminded me of it, so I thought maybe..."

"It's perfect," she said, clasping it about her wrist. "I have the pendant in my room. I'll compare them when I go back in."

"Speaking of, you'd better get dressed and make your way back."

"Oh, no!" she said. "I haven't any clothes. I washed up before I came and just threw the cloak on. I can't put Harry's cloak on after... that."

Severus deftly cast a Cleaning Charm on her. "There. All tidied up."

She grinned. "It's going to be awkward still. I wasn't thinking last night when I came."

"Intoxicated then? Just as all the other brats were?"

"No," she said indignantly. "I sobered up!"

He smirked and shook his head in amusement. "I believe, dear Hermione, that you had a bit much to drink, and it gave you the nerve to come to me as you did. Dare you deny it?"

"Well, I might have still felt it slightly, but I would have come regardless. Are you angry that I had drinks with them?" she asked, worrying her lip suddenly.

"Of course not," he said, moving to the wardrobe. He found a gray shirt. "Here. Put this on at least." As she began to button the shirt, he said, "Things went well last night. Don't you think?"

She looked up, smiling. "Perfect. I hadn't imagined it to be like that or to feel so good."

Ego boosted, he said, "I admit that I am quite pleased." He pounced on her without thinking, claiming her mouth with his. Breathing ragged, he pulled away and said, "You'd better go before I haven't any restraint left."

"I have your gifts though! How can I slip them to you?" she asked.

"Bring them to me tonight... after you borrow Potter's Invisibility Cloak," he said, sounding as if it was what they'd planned all along.

"All right. I'll see you for breakfast."

"I'm off for a shower," he said and quickly pulled up his trousers and gathered a fresh set of clothing. When I open the door to go to the loo, you can make your way out. She simply smiled and disappeared beneath Potter's cloak. Severus caught himself before he called out to her. What had he wanted to say? Shrugging away the thought, he opened the door and gave her enough time to exit, pretending to be checking the doorknob over.

He quickly made his way to the bathroom, discarded his clothing, and began his shower. He leant against the wall remembering the night's events. "She's mine," he said aloud. He'd often said that before, but it had never been completely true. Not until he'd had her fully. Not for the first time, he found himself wishing that the feud between Potter and the Dark Lord would be over and done with, no matter who the victor. He wanted to get on with his life...especially now that he had someone to share his life with... and share his bed with of course.

Thinking of all those long nights they'd slept together and not consummated their relationship made him want to kick himself in the arse. She would have been fine had he pushed it, wouldn't she? She responded to his every caress eagerly. Each response the night before had been accepted appreciatively. Though she was not a practiced lover, their sex had far surpassed any that he'd ever had. It wasn't the naïve sway of her hips, her voice calling his name as he pleasured her, or any other such triviality. No. He'd been the first to have her. He could teach her to do whatever he liked. Each new time they were together, she would learn new things, things he enjoyed and wanted.

There was something else, but he couldn't quite place it. It was something that also made their experience the best that he'd had. The feelings he held for her perhaps? Of course not. He'd felt that way... Never. Not for anyone. He dismissed these thoughts and began to wash away all evidence of their night together. Not even Lupin would be able to discern what had gone on, the nosey bastard.

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"I want to remind everyone about the gathering Fleur has arranged for this evening. Most of us will be here anyway, but some Order members will show. Hope you all don't mind," Bill said jovially, his wife beaming at his side.

"Dress your best," Fleur said, looking around at everyone.

Ron grimaced and quipped quietly, "Hope she doesn't expect me to put on any dress robes for this rubbish. Not like this is a real party anyway!"

"Ronald Weasley," Molly hissed quietly. "Behave yourself."

Hermione shook her head in amusement and looked around at the other occupants at the table. Severus was at the far corner speaking in hushed tones to the headmaster and occasionally Arthur Weasley. Draco and Ginny seemed to be having a quiet discussion, each blushing. The twins were trying to get Harry to go along with a prank on Gabrielle and Pansy. The two girls in question were in a deep discussion about the gifts they'd received.

Every now and then George would try to drag her into their conversation or have her join in the conspiracy. She refused each time. "Come on, Hermione. Lighten up!"

"It's Christmas," she said. "Don't prank anyone today!"

"'Course not," Fred said.

"Honestly! As if we'd do such a thing," George agreed.

"Hmmph," she said, crossing her arms. "I'll believe that when I see it." George winked and went back to speaking with the others. Hermione's eyes lifted and met Severus' from across the way. She didn't like how they shifted suspiciously between her and George. She hoped that he wouldn't think anything.

Harry and the twins rose. "Er... come on, everyone. Let's leave the old crowd to it."

Hermione didn't want to leave, but it would look strange if she remained behind. Disappointedly, she moved to follow them, still feeling her lover's eyes on her back. After that, the day crept on slowly, only granting her one chance to see Severus before the party.

She had been going up the stairs while he was coming down. "Pardon me, sir," she said, gazing at him with a small smile playing upon her lips.

"Watch where you are going, Miss Granger," he said, raising an eyebrow. "You nearly knocked me over."

"I apologize," she retorted quietly.

He whispered, "I shall consider giving you a detention."

Giggling, she brushed by him and went to the room she shared with Gabrielle. A thought occurred to her. She could slip upstairs and place Severus' gifts upon his bed. When he went up to change for the party, he'd see them and open them. She'd wanted to see his expression as he did so, but something told her that it might be better if she allowed him to be alone when he opened them.

She was able to complete her task with no one being the wiser. Deciding to get ready early, she went to the loo for a shower. Wanting to look good for him, she pulled up part of her hair away from her face, leaving her fringe and a few loose tendrils to hang about, framing it slightly. The rest of her hair flowed down her back in a mass of waves and curls. It wasn't often that she wore her hair in such a way, so she thought that it dressed her up a bit. She hoped he liked it.

Next, she chose the casual, pale blue dress that her mum had sent to her as a Christmas gift. It fit perfectly. She put on the pendant that Severus had given her weeks prior, adorned her wrist with the bracelet, and opted for dangling silver earrings. After feeling confident that she looked her best, she sprayed a light fragrance between her breasts and on her wrists. Ron had given it to her years before, but she'd not worn it often, not really being a perfume-wearing type. As she turned to leave, she remembered the other gift that Severus had given her. She quickly took it from her trunk and chanted the quick spell.

In the study of number twelve, Grimmauld Place, speaking with Headmaster Dumbledore, feeling bored.

Hermione giggled. This was the best gift that anyone could have given her, especially him. This had meant more to her than anything. He must truly love her, even though he was still too stubborn to admit it. Smiling, she put the parchment away and made her way below.

The next couple of hours were quite boring, but she was able to make eye contact with her lover now and again. He so easily scowled at her and ignored her that it felt like the night before had not happened.

"Oi! Hermione, up for a game of dares?" Fred asked.

She eyed him suspiciously. "No, I don't think so, thanks."

"Come on! Everyone else is playing. You don't want to be left out here, do you?" He looked around the room, filled with older Order members, and gave a mock shudder. He pulled her forward. "Got her," he told the others. "Let's go."

Helplessly, Hermione went into the next room with them. Ginny conveniently placed George next to her, much to her dismay. This was no good. She didn't want to lead the poor fellow on! "I really must insist on only watching. I don't trust the lot of you, and I won't play."

"Oh, join in, Granger," Draco said. "If I trust them enough to play, you can."

Sticking with her decision, Hermione declined to play and watched. The party wasn't all that bad, but she longed to be able to speak with her wizard. It didn't seem right to be in a house with him and not share a bed or lengthy conversations. A shouting voice broke into her thoughts.

"I dare George to kiss Hermione!" Ginny said brightly.

"What?" she asked incredulously. "I told you that I'm not playing."

George was already moving towards her. "She didn't say what kind, did she? Small one. On the cheek." Before Hermione could protest, he moved to place a small kiss upon her face. She turned to ward him off, causing his lips to collide clumsily with hers.

She backed away. "That's enough!" She rose and stomped from the room, through several others, and out into the winter night. It wasn't long before a hand spun her around. George.

She sighed and said, "Look, I'm sorry, but I don't like this. I don't feel that way. All right?"

"Neither do I. It's Ginny. She's been after me to talk to you and cheer you up. Truth is, I have my eye on someone else." He grinned wickedly. "She just doesn't know it yet!"

"Thanks, George. I'll have a talk with Gin."

"Fair enough. Now, come back in. You'll get ill out here if you stay too long with no cloak." Hermione followed George back inside, never noticing that someone else had followed them outside to watch.

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Severus opened the leather-bound book once more to a random page. Immediately, he heard Hermione's voice. "You've nothing planned for today. Would you like to add something?" it asked politely.

"Yes," he said in amusement.

"What would you like to add?"

"I want to make love to Hermione at noon."

"Noon appointment with Hermione. Topic: making love. Anything else, sir?"

"That will be all," he said and closed the book, placing it upon the nightstand.

She'd bought him a magical appointment book, and she'd then charmed it to have her voice. It was a very pleasing gift. He would simply have to make certain that nobody would be about when he opened it. Her other gifts had been of a more intimate nature, underpants and a warm dressing gown.

As if on cue, the door opened, revealing no one. It closed again with a soft snap. Severus pointed his wand at the door and warded it. She pulled Potter's cloak away from her, revealing her again naked body. He pulled his dressing gown over his head, revealing his nakedness and patted the bed beside him. She walked over to him, crawling towards him when she got to the bed.

"I missed you," she said. "Oh! Did you like your gifts?" she asked, nodding to the book next to the bed.

"I did," he said, pulling her to him for a quick kiss. "However, I've thought of nothing but your first gift all day."

"Which did you open first?"

He slid a hand down her body. "This one."

"What cheek," she said with a giggle.

He began nibbling on her neck and touching her breasts, loving the feel of them against his palms. Hermione's skin was soft to the touch and as smooth as fine silk. He could feast upon her creamy flesh without ever tiring of her. He reached behind her and cupped her arse roughly. "This is the only cheek I want to discuss."

Her hands began exploring his body, and she unflinchingly gripped his arse. "This cheek might also make a great conversation piece."

"Is that so?"

"It is."

Pushing her onto her back, he kissed her passionately, leaving her breathless. "Are you not tender today?"

"Only a little discomfort earlier. It seems all right now," she said honestly. Just as he positioned himself between her thighs, she asked, "Severus, what made you change your mind about coming? If it was my letter, I know it soun..."

"Enough for now," he said firmly. He'd not ever tell her that a conversation between two young Ravenclaw students had ultimately changed his mind about spending some of the holiday with her.

"But... oh!"

He cut her words short as he slid in completely and claimed her body once again.

Southern's Notes: I hope the EVENT wasn't a bummer for anyone. There was so much leading up to it, but I didn't want to make it too unrealistic or too perfect. Anyway, I hope it was worth the wait. If it seems that things will wind down now, that's not the case. I have a couple of other twists, and they'll hopefully keep you intrigued.

Cheers! Also, thanks to all who review. Your words encourage and guide me.

Suggestions? Requests?