5 September, 1995
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Later that same night, well after curfew …
Gryffindor Tower
Minerva woke in her bed again, her arm still reaching out for Elphinstone despite the fact that he had been gone almost a decade now. She reached for her wand and cast a bright "Lumos" as she grabbed the picture from her bedside table and watched the happy couple wave to her as they walked through the streets of Hogsmeade.
She sighed and put the picture back in its place.
Nothing lasts forever, does it, Minerva?
"Nox," she quietly said, and the light went out.
She rolled into what was once his side of the bed, trying not to cry.
Hufflepuff Basement
"You really are too soft with them, you know," Rolanda said to Pomona as she joined her in bed.
"I can't help it, love. Sex is a wonderful, vital part of life. Nothing or no one should make them think anything different," Pomona replied. She kissed her partner's waiting lips before she gathered the covers around her. Giggling, she grabbed the little midnight snack from their bedside table.
"Raspberry jam?"
"Leftovers from our little discussion. Here, have one," she said, popping one into Rolanda's mouth.
Rolanda licked her lips and sighed. "I love you, dumpling."
"I love you too, dear."
Ravenclaw Tower
Filius kept reading long into the night, well past the time he knew that the children of his House were in bed.
So many questions this year, even more than usual. He enjoyed their inquisitive nature – it was the reason they were sorted to him anyways. However, with the questions always came more questions, and they built and built until he was afraid that they would finally figure out his little secret.
He groaned and took a delicious cupcake from the tin in his desk drawer.
They really didn't need to know that he was a sixty year old virgin.
Slytherin Dungeon
"Did you take your Potion?"
"Yes, Sir."
Severus examined Charity as she disrobed and willingly walked to the shackles. He chained her, taking his time to make sure that the cuffs were not too tight around her wrists. She moaned as he trailed a finger over her collarbone and down one arm.
"And what would you like to do tonight?" he asked, whispering in her ear and feeling her shiver.
"Whatever you like, Sir," she said nervously as he placed the blindfold over her eyes.
He chuckled as he grabbed a crop from the wall. "Your wish is my command."
