Holiday: Part 3

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.

Narcissa blankly looked from her sister's face to the slumped shoulders of her brother-in-law. "What do you mean? Dead?" No, she'd misheard something. Why was Bella saying such things?

"He was killed for crossing the Dark Lord, Cissy. He's gone." Bellatrix nodded to her husband. "Rabastan was also killed, though by the Dark Lord himself."

"But... no... Lucius is simply hiding away someplace safe. Severus would have told me had Lucius been killed," Narcissa said, hoping her words were correct.

Bellatrix stood, dark eyes glinting. "It was Snape that killed him. Yaxley and Crabbe are lost to us as well. We've captured a centaur, but he's only speaking to the Dark Lord."

"What do I care about a centaur?" Narcissa asked angrily, rising to face her sister. "My husband has always followed the Dark Lord. He would never have gone against him! Not unless..." Unless what? Unless he'd been certain he could get away with it?

Bellatrix scoffed. "Our Lord believes that he has, Cissy. It's done, and it was his will. I just thought you should know. Be glad you have not been bidden to join him in death." She turned to her husband. "Rodolphus, tell her."

He looked up, haunted eyes taking in Narcissa. "The Dark Lord told me that Snape killed him after tricking him into telling him some information. My brother and Yaxley were very close. It seemed that Yaxley was working with Lucius and the others on something that amounted to treason. My brother was killed for opposing Snape and not alerting our Lord of what he knew."

"So... Severus..." Narcissa sank back down. No. He wouldn't have done it.

"He is the reason for their deaths," Rodolphus said darkly. "Bastard. He shall pay."

"He will not be touched," Bellatrix said firmly. "He is favored and was only doing our Lord's will. You would have done the same. Any of his faithful followers would have." She squatted down and patted Narcissa's hands. "Take care, my sister. I'm sorry, but we cannot stay long. The Ministry may realize that we are here. I shall come again... soon."

Both vanished a moment later, leaving Narcissa alone. Breaking down, her body began to shake as she sobbed loudly. Lucius was gone. Her husband. Dead. Severus had done this to him! He'd always cared for Severus, treated him like family. Could Severus have not given him a chance? Was an order from a deranged leader more important than his friend's life? Draco adored Severus! Looked up to him! She had nearly slept with Severus already. He'd turned her down before they could go as far as she'd have liked, saying that it was respect for Lucius that kept him from having her. She'd even tried to get him to stay with her on his last visit. The visit when he'd assured her that he could help her son and try to help her husband.

He'd betrayed them all, betrayed her. There was nothing that she could do to hurt him. Severus Snape didn't care about much, including himself or his life. Somehow, she would make him pay for his treachery. Lucius would be avenged. She wiped the tears away from her cheeks. "Please let Draco be all right. Don't let Severus find him. He'll kill him if he's commanded to do so," she prayed.

How could Bella take things so casually? She and Lucius had always gotten on well with only a few arguments over things. Shaking her head, she realized that her sister would always be on the Dark Lord's side, no matter what. Perhaps Rodolphus would know of something that could be done that would avenge their lost loved ones. He didn't seem as accepting as Bella, and he'd vowed that Severus would pay. "I am certainly interested in helping," she said, stiffening her spine and raising her chin.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thinking about the conversation that she'd had with Severus, Hermione grinned. The man thought of everything. She'd been worried about not having any potion to protect against pregnancy, but he'd told her not to be concerned about it. It seemed that he'd slipped her a dose that lasted up to six months when they were sharing a home together. She'd never noticed anything odd about her drink either. Their conversation came back to her.

"I thought it prudent to give you the potion and not upset you about it. If you will remember, you were nervous. I didn't want something else on your mind."

"Not unless I allow it," he said arrogantly.

"You've been happy lately. I thought you were bound to have a horrible stay here," Ginny said, moving to sit next to Hermione and interrupting her thoughts.

"It's turned out to be a nice holiday," she replied, hoping Ginny would change the subject.

"Since the Christmas party, I've been watching you. I thought that maybe George could give you some company and cheer you up." She leaned closer. "That night when you ran off, I followed the two of you. I realized then that I was wrong to try to shove the two of you together, especially with you both fancying other people."

Hermione raised her head. "Yes, George did say that he has his eye on someone else."

"And so do you."

She took in Ginny's knowing smirk and asked, "What?"

"Professor Snape," she said. "I didn't see it before, but when he came to stay here, I noticed the change in you. I even saw him looking at you a few times." She smiled sadly. "Remus used to look at me that way. It's a look that says, 'you're mine, but I cannot let anyone else know,' and your glances towards him say the same."

"We're only friends. Since he's been watching over me..."

"Stop," Ginny interrupted. "Your secret is safe with me. When I told Draco what I thought, he told me everything. I know that you two are a... couple."

"How dare he gossip about my relationship with Severus?" Hermione demanded hotly. "It isn't his business to tell!"

Ginny grinned and shrugged. "So what, Mione. It's just me. I'm glad to know it. Now, I can see why it was easier for you to let Ron go. I don't begrudge that." She sighed and looked around. "You know how Remus came to see me the other day?" Hermione nodded. "Well, he was here to talk to me about his feelings for me."

"Oh?" Hermione asked curiously.

"He was all confused, saying he loves Tonks and me. I told him that I was with Draco now and didn't appreciate his coming round to confuse me."

"Wow," Hermione said, impressed. "Wh-what did he say?"

"He respects my decision and will bother me no longer," she said, though Hermione could see the sadness in her eyes.

"What is it?"

"Well, I suppose I'll always wonder what could have been." She took Hermione's hand. "Your age difference with Snape is nearly the same. Don't ever let that be a factor in your relationship, Hermione. If you love him, don't let your inner fears talk you out of it. If Remus had had the courage to talk to me about his feelings, however unclear they were to him, and if he'd had the courage to face my parents with me, things might have been different."

"What of Draco?"

"I think I love him." She laughed. "I know that I do. I feel at ease with him, and I know where I stand with him. He doesn't treat me the way Remus did, and he's even better with me than Dean was. Now, that is saying something, that is! I think of a dozen new reasons each day as to why I like having him in my life and want him with me always."

"Gin, I'm really happy for you. It wasn't that long ago when I thought maybe you needed a bit of counseling. You didn't seem to be all that stable." Hermione hugged her friend. "I love Snape, too," she whispered suddenly. "Can you believe it?"

"It's odd to think of the two of you in such a way, but you can't really choose the one you're meant to spend forever with," Ginny said, patting her friend on the back. "How does he treat you?"

"Well, he likes to think that he's in charge, and to be honest, he usually is. However," Hermione said, smiling nastily, "I'd like to think it isn't as often as he truly believes. I've learnt ways of getting what I want."

"I just really can't imagine him being all that personable. Draco swears that the professor is a great mentor, but... I guess I've just not witnessed him away from Hogwarts or away from here at headquarters." Ginny lowered her voice. "Just please don't let him come between you and Harry."

"Never," Hermione said firmly. "We've been through that already. He knows how I feel on it." She smiled. "Really, things are great! I just have to learn to stand up to him. It's damn hard to do at times. He talks over what I'm saying or distracts me somehow. When he said he wasn't coming here, I was disappointed, and I didn't handle myself as well as I could have. I acted a little silly, but I did stick with my decision on coming here without him if I had to." She giggled. "And he showed up, didn't he?"

Ginny nodded. "Not a minute too soon! I'm happy for you. Just remember my advice."

"Don't worry. I shall." Hermione grinned. Ginny's advice had been good, but if anyone knew how to deal with having Severus Snape as a lover, it was she. Besides, it wasn't as if her friend had truly dated Remus. Sure he was an older man like Severus, but there truly was no comparison. Hermione wondered fleetingly if perhaps Ginny and Remus had ever done anything sexual. No. Ginny would have said something.

She watched as Ginny moved to the door and intercepted Draco, kissing him quickly while nobody else was around. Had they shagged? They seemed closer than ever. Hermione's cheeks reddened, and she looked away. Since when am I so obsessed with other people's sex lives? She'd found herself wondering about everyone since she and Severus had made love the first time. She hadn't really thought of it much before, but now...

"Miss Granger," Severus said, gliding into the room. "I do believe you're in my chair."

"Sorry, Professor," she said, quickly moving to sit in the chair opposite.

He said nothing, seating himself and summoning a book to him. Pretending to read the book in her lap, she eyed him closely. He was in deep concentration, index finger idly tracing his lips, brow furrowed. She wanted to go to him and straddle him where he sat. She wanted to kiss him, make him breathe heavily in her ear.

"Ha!" he shouted suddenly. Startled, Hermione yelped, dropping her book as she did so.

"What is it?" Arthur Weasley asked.

Shite! When did he come in the room? Hermione wondered. She hoped he hadn't seen her eyeing the professor.

"It says right here," Severus said, pointing to a passage.

Mr. Weasley squinted his eyes and readjusted his horn-rimmed glasses to have a better look. "So it does. Let's show Albus." With that, the pair moved off. Severus looked back once over his shoulder as they left.

She wished that she could go after them and hug him tightly. She hated not being able to truly converse with him. "Damn it," she said in annoyance. He would be leaving the next day, and she'd hoped for a walk out in the snow later in the day. It was not meant to be. He'd be holed up with Dumbledore and Mr. Weasley most of the day. They hadn't had much time for conversation.

When she had gone to him each night so far, he'd pounced on her. She didn't mind. She wanted to share herself with him, wanted to please him and to be pleased in return. They would speak quietly after, sometimes making love a second time, sometimes not. Tonight, though, she planned to talk to him. She wanted to know his plans for her, but she was afraid to push him. He would admit his love to her when he was ready, she supposed, although it would be nice to hear it. She simply wanted to know if anything had changed since they'd been forced apart. Did he still want to share his home with her after this year ended? Would he meet her parents? Would he truly not mind if she sought out that job at the Ministry she'd been thinking on? Would he allow her to be her own person without trying to rule over her?

She'd find out soon enough. Placing her book on the stand next to her chair, she stood and made her way out into the hall, running into Arthur Weasley.

"Hermione, sorry," he said, catching her by the arms. "All right there?"

"Yes, sorry, Mr. Weasley. I was just off to go up and have a bath."

He looked at her oddly for a moment and smiled. "Off you go. See you at dinner. Molly is having meatballs."

"Thanks," she said, feeling uncomfortable. Why had he looked at her like that? Was he disappointed that she and George hadn't worked out? Surely he wasn't worried on her situation with Ron? They'd sorted that out already. Pushing the feelings aside, she ascended the stairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Remus, how am I supposed to know what's wrong if you won't talk to me?" Tonks asked, eyeing him levelly. "You've been moping about, and I'm tired of it. What have I done wrong? What have..."

"YOU LIED TO ME!" he yelled suddenly.

"What? I've not lied to you!"

"You knew where Ginevra and Draco were! You were there at that cave before and after they moved on to Hogsmeade!" He stood and threw his napkin onto his plate.

Tonks paled considerably. "Remus..." What could she say? It was the truth.

"Did you think about her mother when you decided to keep quiet about it? Good Lord, Nymphadora, what would Dumbledore say?"

"I just thought that if..." Say it.

"Yes?"

"If she stayed with him for a while... well, it might get her over you."

Remus paled this time, seating himself. "Her mother and father, they deserved to know. It was your job...an order from Dumbledore...to find them. You didn't report it. What if Lucius Malfoy had found them? Your reasoning should have had nothing to do with me!"

"Damn it! I thought that if she openly had someone else in her life, you'd stop being so overly concerned about her! I've had enough of it. Perfect Ginevra. Sweet Ginevra. Innocent Ginevra." She looked away from him, and she deepened her voice in imitation of his, saying, "If you hadn't been there, this wouldn't have happened."

"I said no such thing," he said, reaching across to take her hand.

She moved her hand away. "You did, and I resented her for it. Remus, I need to know how you feel about her. Is it more than you've been letting on?"

He swallowed visibly and thought things over. "I went to see her a few days ago."

"I know."

"But you've no idea why."

"Enlighten me."

"Well, I wanted to make certain that she was happy with young Malfoy, wanted to hear it from her lips." He sighed. "She's very happy, and I will respect that."

"My God, Remus, you sound as if you would have tried to date her if she'd told you no." Tonks' horrified expression turned to one of anger. "That's it, isn't it? You would have left me. Just like that."

"No," he said quickly. "I told her that I love you."

"Well, then what? I don't understand. You have to explain this to me."

Remus put his head in his hands. "I told her that I love her, too, but I told her I accepted her decision."

Tonks rose, knocking her chair back as she did so. "That's it. We're over. I can't do this anymore, Remus. I'll not be second best, ranking after an effing child."

"She's not a child, and you don't rank second. I do love you. It's just complicated. I care about her, and I would see her looked after. We can move on now that I know she will be," he pleaded, moving to halt her.

"Let go of me."

"Dora, no," he said, panic evident in his voice. He moved his hands from her as if they burned. "Please..."

"I'm sorry, Remus. I'll not sit around and wait for the next person to catch your fancy." She wiped an errant tear away. There would be time for tears later. "This is not good enough for me any longer."

She moved about their bedroom, pointing her wand at this and that to pack her things. Remus stood in the doorway and watched, expression blank. She was disappointed that he'd decided to let her go. He wasn't even saying a word or attempting to keep her with him. Perhaps he was longing for the girl to leave her new lover one day. I may have been dishonest, but he's the only person that I love. I won't have it. Once her things were nearly all packed, she went into the bathroom and began to go through things there. When she saw her toothbrush, she stopped, closed the door, and slid down slowly. Realization hit her. She was leaving him. She'd sleep alone at night. Cold bed. No arms around her. They'd gone from having dinner to arguing to splitting up.

"I love you, Remus," she said softly, crying lightly, knowing he'd come to stand on the other side of the door. She could always feel him when he was near.

On the other side of the door, Remus sat against it and said, "And I love you." Losing her would be the worst mistake of his life. Yes, he cared for and loved Ginevra, but the thought of losing her was nothing like this. "Tonks, I can't be without you. Seeing you pack your things..." His voice cracked. "It's more than what I feel for her. While I was disappointed that she'd gotten over me, I was relieved, too. You are the one that I want. If you left me, I would be nothing."

The door clicked and opened behind him. He turned to look into her eyes. She was also sitting on the floor. "How can I trust that? What if she leaves Draco next week?"

He scooted closer and pulled her into his arms. "Well, it won't pay for her to talk to me because I'll be away on holiday with my wife next week."

"Wife? What?"

"I'll commit. I'll marry you if that will keep you with me," he said firmly.

She shook her head. "I didn't do this to force your hand. If you weren't ready before, you certainly aren't now."

"No, things are very clear to me now. Guilt. Lots of it. I felt that if I hadn't turned away from her, she never would have gone off with that boy and endangered herself. I fear that I have confused protectiveness with love." He cupped her face with his hands. "I admit that I am attracted to her...on some level...but I swear she doesn't make my blood boil the way that you do. You are all that I need. Can we not move on?"

"I won't leave, but I won't marry you either." She kissed his lips reluctantly. "I want to. Truly, I do. Being your wife is my goal, but not like this, Remus. I don't want it this way. We need time."

A sound of emotion escaped his lips as he forcefully kissed her lips, trying to show her the extent of his feelings. He moved to lie on the floor and pulled her atop him, tugging at her blouse as he did so. "Dora," he murmured as her lips found his throat. He ran his fingers through her short, brown hair, loving her all the more when she took on her own form. "Just as I like you."

She paused. "Really? I thought you liked when I changed."

He shook his head. "This is what I like to see. Just you."

"Are you certain that you want a life with me?" she asked quietly.

"I am."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Hermione entered Severus' room, she frowned. He was standing near the window, peering out of the curtains. "What's wrong?" she asked, pulling Harry's cloak from her. She placed it over the back of a chair and walked over to him, putting her arms around him from behind, resting her cheek against his back.

"Just thinking," he said nearly inaudibly.

"About anything in particular?" she asked, not liking the sadness in his voice.

He turned around to face her. "Nothing that I'd like to talk about."

She nodded. Usually when he was like this, it was something about his past. Something that he didn't want to share with her for whatever the reason. She never did pry when he retreated in such a way. She felt that everyone had the right to keep certain things private. "Well, if you ever do want to talk about it, I am here for you."

Severus looked down at her and nodded slightly. He raised an eyebrow. "Dressed warmly, are we?"

She grinned. "My parents sent this." Her mum had sent many things for Christmas. This was the first time she'd put on the light blue nightgown that she'd sent. It was long, thick, and extremely soft to the touch.

"It's acceptable," he said, running his hands up and down the sleeves. He leant forward and whispered, "Come to bed with me." Something in the tone of his voice called out to Hermione, made her want to cater to him. He sounded as if he needed her, not just her body...but also her soul.

Hermione took one of his hands in hers and led him to the bed. Once there, she pulled her nightgown up and over her head, leaving her clad in only her knickers and socks. Visibly, he only wore the dressing gown she'd bought him for Christmas. After she tossed it aside, he only had on his underpants. Feeling naughty, she stepped closer to him, pressing her body against his, and stood on her tiptoes to kiss the line of his jaw lightly before moving her lips over his. Not lingering, she moved her mouth down to his throat and then to his chest, leaving open-mouthed kisses along the way. Her hands were upon his back, caressing and exploring his flesh, making their way down as she did. She kissed one flat nipple, satisfied when it swelled beneath her lips, causing her lover to grunt with approval. She flicked her tongue over the other eliciting the same reaction and moved down his stomach, tasting his flesh.

Kneeling before him, her hands came round to either side of his waist and pulled down his underpants slowly, releasing his erection. Pleased, she looked up to see if he was watching her, but his eyes were closed, head tilted back. Comfortable that she could explore without any pressure or an audience, she pressed her lips to the tip of his penis. She didn't take him into her mouth; instead, she used her tongue to trace his length and circle round his width. Wanting to explore further, she moved her tongue down to the base of his shaft and traveled over his scrotum. She could feel his legs shaking slightly and wondered if he was simply tired of standing in the same spot or if that was an effect that she had on him.

Looking up, she found black eyes watching her. Hermione wasn't thick. She could read the message in his eyes. He was ready for her. He wanted to be inside of her. She wanted that, too, but for tonight, it would be on her terms.

She rose to her full height and eased him back onto the bed. Slowly, she pushed down her knickers. Severus scooted back to put his head upon the pillows, and Hermione crawled over to him, straddling his waist. When his hands went to her arse, she didn't move them. She simply lowered her mouth to his for a scorching kiss. She could feel him moving impatiently beneath her and decided it was time.

One of her hands moved between them to help position him while the other was pressed against his chest for balance. Tentatively, she began to lower herself onto him. They'd not tried this position before, but she felt that he would guide her if she needed it. She was comfortable enough to give it a try at least. Nearly reaching the bottom, she paused, enjoying the fullness of him within. She shifted her hips, feeling him slide further inside of her than ever before. He sucked in a breath just as she exhaled heavily.

Her other hand found its way back up his chest and rested near the other. I hope I'm not hurting him, she thought, feeling as though all of her weight would crush him. From his expression, though, she could tell that he didn't care about anything except joining with her. She watched his facial expression change as she rose up, nearly off of him, and slid back down. The appreciative look combined with the tightening of his hands on her arse and the low growl emitted urged her to continue. She closed her eyes and began to slide up and down. Each uncertain stroke led to another more confident stroke.

Before long, she realized that he was thrusting upward into her, and she barreled down to meet his arching pelvis, grinding hers against him, stimulating her clitoris. Not wanting to lose the feeling, she quickened her pace and applied more pressure, chasing her orgasm. She heard him mumbling, but she couldn't stop or be bothered with trying to decipher his words. "Oh... my... God," she chanted continuously. "Severus, I'm about to lose..." Her words were lost in a succession of gasps and whimpers.

Moments later, she realized that she had slumped down against him, breathing erratically. She could still feel him within her, though he wasn't as hard as he had been. Had she climaxed to soon? Did he have one? Did he think that she did all right? She looked up and found him smiling smugly.

"Did you...?"

"Shortly before you," he admitted.

"Oh, I hadn't noticed," she said, adding, "sorry about that."

"On the contrary, I enjoyed seeing you above me in such a manner." He kissed her temple and moved back a lock of her hair.

Noting that the melancholy had dissipated, she decided it was time to talk to him about their future. "Severus, can we talk for a few minutes?"

"Aren't we already?" he asked dryly.

"You know what I mean," she said, moving to lie beside him.

"One moment," he said, moving from beneath her and reaching over to collect his wand from the nightstand. He waved it over both of their midsections, using magic to take away the evidence of their coupling. He placed his wand back on the stand and pulled the duvet up and over them. "What is it?"

"After this is over, do you still intend to have me at your home?"

His lips curved upward. "Our home, Hermione. I thought we'd discussed this already. I want you with me."

"Well, we've had this time apart, and there have been a few differences of opinion on things. I just wanted some reassurance that our plans remained," she said, relieved.

"If things had changed, I would not be here with you right now. I'm where I want to be for the moment," he said. "Now, is there anything else you'd like to ask?"

"Well, I'm still thinking about trying for a job as an Unspeakable."

Severus nodded. "I will support whatever you decide. I've told you that already."

"I love you." She saw his scowl immediately. "You don't have to say it."

"Why do you insist on saying that to me?" he inquired, brow arched.

"Because it's how I feel."

"Did you also tell Weasley that you loved him?"

"I..." She was stunned. Why would he want to know that? "Well, of course, I did. We were dating, but it wasn't like this."

"Some people are careless with their words," he said, caressing her breast lightly. "I shall never utter those words to you, Hermione, unless I truly mean them."

She bit her lip and nodded, disappointment flooding through her. "Will you ever?"

Sighing in exasperation, he said snidely, "I'm no follower of Divination."

Hermione turned away from him, wishing she'd not said anything. Could she live this way for the rest of her life? How dare he throw her words back and use them against her like that? She knew how the hell she felt about him. It was so much more than what she'd felt for Ronald.

"Don't turn away," he said softly, sliding behind her to put his arm over her and rest his head against hers, lips near her ear. "I didn't say that to hurt you."

"Well, it did," she said bitterly. "I give you all of me, and it's not good enough. I don't know that I can live like that. Not for the rest of my life. You can't just take. You have to be able to give."

He remained quiet for a long time before he spoke again. "No woman can say that I've ever been this way with her. You give me something to look forward to, Hermione. Can my actions not speak for me? Can they not show you that I care and to what extent?"

"Severus, I wasn't asking for a ruddy proclamation of your undying love. It's what I felt at that moment, and I wanted you to know." She pulled his hand up to her chest and held it against her, interlacing her fingers with his. "Who cares if I've told someone that before? I did love him, but it's quite pale in comparison to this. I'm in love with you. There. That's a little different. He's never heard me speak those exact words. I want to have a future with you. I want... oh..." He began to suck on her earlobe gently. "Stop."

"Why?"

"I want you to stop. I'm not finished." She turned over suddenly, startling him slightly. "Every time I try to discuss something important to me, you distract me or wave my words away. I don't appreciate feeling dismissed. You even make decisions about birth control for me!"

His eyes narrowed. "That isn't my intention."

"See? You're about to get angry, and then, I'm going to end up spending the rest of my time here tonight trying to make things better. I just want to be able to speak freely and have your full attention when we discuss things." She watched him closely for a reaction. His expression was unfathomable.

"All right. Ask me any question that you'd like, and I shall answer you honestly."

Instead of asking anything about their relationship or his feelings about her, she asked, "What were you thinking of when I came in here tonight?"

He looked away from her. "I was thinking of my mother."

"Oh, Severus, I didn't mean to pry. I'm sorry. You don't have to finish," she said, feeling guilty. He was quite touchy about his childhood and his parents.

"It's fine," he said testily. "I simply wondered if she would have liked you. I'm sure she would have." He shrugged. "I was thinking that maybe we should open their bedchamber at home, go through their things, and use the room as our own. It's quite large, and we'd be more comfortable."

Hermione's heart swelled. He'd been thinking of her and his mother. "I'd like that," she said, wrapping an arm around his waist. "You seemed so sad."

"Yes, I suppose. I try not to think of her...ever...but when I do, it hits me all over again. It's why I will be leaving in the morning and not see the first of the New Year with you."

"I don't understand."

"Tomorrow is the anniversary of her death. Life left her just as an old year died. She never saw the new one come in," he said solemnly. "In tradition, I spend the evening alone with a bottle or two of whisky." He placed a finger over her lips to halt her words. "Trust me, Hermione. I would not be good company. I think that you should at least be satisfied that I've spent this past week with you."

She nodded. "I am." She kissed him, hoping to convey her feelings to him, and was pleased when he seemed to be doing the same. For some reason, she felt as if they'd passed a major hurdle. He respected her enough to listen to her, and he now understood that she wouldn't allow him to manipulate her any longer. Their relationship could only grow stronger.

"There is something else," he said, voice tense. "Arthur Weasley overheard Dumbledore and I speaking about our relationship. He says he'll not tell Molly, but I get the feeling that he disapproves."

"I bumped into him in the hall today. I felt... odd."

"Did he upset you? Say anything?"

"No, but he looked at me strangely before reverting to his normal demeanor. I felt uncomfortable. So... he knows then?"

"Yes, I asked Albus if you could come back with me and stay in my chambers. We were interrupted by Weasley's gasp." He sucked the finger she'd placed near his mouth.

"That feels good," she said, enjoying the tingling sensations his tongue and lips wrought within her stomach.

"I want to have you once more," he said silkily, hand caressing her center possessively.

"No reason we can't celebrate a little early, eh?" she asked playfully, all thoughts of Mr. Weasley disappearing instantly.

"Indeed."

Southern's Notes: This will conclude the holiday! They will be heading back to Hogwarts in the next chapter, and trouble looms in their future.

What in the world is Narcissa planning? Did you notice that more people know about Severus and Hermione? Lupin and Tonks seem to be on the right track, and I think he finally understands his own feelings. Sometimes it takes losing something or nearly losing it to appreciate it.

I should have more up soon. It's going to be a little lively from here on out. I hope you all enjoy what I have planned.