Author's Note: WARNING! This chapter has a cool glass of rather lemony lemonade. I've added just a bit of sugar, but not quite enough. If you don't like lemons…do the right thing and read something much less tart! Enjoy.

Chapter 4 – Wish Fulfillment

Charity pulled back from Severus' embrace. It was clear that the proverbial ball was in her court. She stole a breath, leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on his lips.

"Thank you," she breathed.

Severus seemed surprised.

"For what?"

"For finally trusting me," she replied, "and for finally realizing how much our friendship has always meant to me."

Charity leaned back and cast her eyes away, afraid she was revealing too much.

"We have been friends for a long time, haven't we?" he reflected.

She nodded in agreement.

"But you wanted more?" he inquired.

Charity gnawed on her bottom lip. Slowly she returned his gaze, speaking carefully so as to guard whatever was left of her heart.

"Do you remember the Yule Ball in my final year?" she asked, avoiding his question.

"Of course!" he replied smiling at the memory, "That was the first night I noticed how truly lovely you are."

Charity blushed crimson, butterflies rising in the pit of her stomach.

"I wore that emerald gown with the silver-black trim, just so you would notice me," she responded sheepishly.

Severus smirked, cocking an eyebrow.

"Well...it worked!" he replied provocatively.

"So why didn't you ask me to dance?" she accused.

"Forgive me," he rejoined defensively, "but I was your teacher!"

Charity rolled her eyes.

"Ok…but we had also become friends when I was Head Girl. I mean…I spent more time in your lab than I did with my friends. And, by the way, you are only a few years older than me, you know."

"It wouldn't have been appropriate," he replied firmly. "Not only would tongues have wagged, but I know Dumbledore would have killed me, not to mention your parents!"

"Fine…I'll give you that," she huffed, "but what about my final night at Hogwarts?"

"The night before you left for Cambridge?" he asked, furrowing his brow.

"Yes, the night before I left for Cambridge," she mimicked impatiently. Charity eyed him closely. "Why didn't you kiss me that night?"

Severus had no idea where she was going with this trip down memory lane.

"I don't know, Charity," he returned, slighted frustrated.

"But you wanted to, right?"

He paused, thinking back to the night in question.

Charity had come down to his office after her Graduation Ceremony. It was very late, but, somehow, he had been expecting her. He never told her that he was being summoned by the last of his cronies. The mark on his left arm, the one she had accidently seen after he had burned himself on a scalding cauldron, no longer called him, but he was still bound. Rising from behind his desk, he felt torn as he walked toward her. He proceeded to congratulate her on her accomplishments and wished her well in her future studies. She thanked him, remaining in place. From the moment she had entered his office, he had wanted to touch her face and brush her lips with his, but Lucius was waiting. Dark Revels waited for no one! He couldn't bring her into this life, could he? Silently he took another step toward her, closing the distance between them. She was near enough for him to take into his arms, but she stayed still, waiting for him to make his intentions clear. Charity must have known what he was thinking because her head tilted up toward him, her lips slightly open, ready for his. But the obligation to his continued role as a spy brought him back to his senses. He was going to take the Crucio for being late to the "party." He couldn't wait any longer – he had to leave. Abruptly, he tore himself away from her gaze. He knew she would be hurt, but it was for the best. Steeling his nerve, he walked straight past her toward his robe hanging near the door. As he moved his hand brushed hers. She tried desperately to grasp his fingers. Had he let her he knew he would lose his resolve and both their lives would be compromised. He couldn't take that risk. She had come to mean too much to him over the past year. He would not do that to her! Besides, she would find someone else. That night was the first time she called him by his given name, but he didn't turn to face her. He simply walked the hallway to his private exit. The next morning, she was gone.

Charity placed her hand on his knee, bringing him back to the moment. He looked at her wistfully.

"Yes, I wanted to kiss you that night," he finally replied.

"Well, I wanted you to…desperately," she admitted, her cheeks flush.

Severus grinned cheekily.

"Did you now?"

She laughed a small laugh, remembering her overwhelming teenage feelings for her Professor-friend.

"Yes," she drawled coyly, cocking an eyebrow. "I had many willful and completely wanton thoughts about you when I was 17."

Now Severus was interested. Subconsciously, he licked his lips. But her demeanor fell.

"That night," she continued sadly, "I thought we could begin something new. Lily was gone, and I was no longer your student. I even knew your secret…"

She looked away again. Severus pressed his hands to her thighs, regaining her attention.

"I couldn't bring you into my life, Charity," he declared. "The Dark Lord was gone, but he was not defeated. Bellatrix, Lucius, many of the Death Eaters, they were underground, but still active. I never told you, but I had been summoned that night. I didn't just walk away from you without reason. It was dangerous then. It could easily become dangerous now."

Charity looked at him carefully. Dangerous? Now? But it's been so long. Surely, he can't mean that. Brushing the thought aside, she smiled.

"I understood Severus. Well…maybe not at first, but eventually, I understood."

"Is that why you agreed to finally meet with me two years later?" he jibed.

Charity grimaced.

"Yes, well, I was also seeing Bill at that time. I was otherwise…preoccupied," she confessed, feeling slightly embarrassed.

Severus chuckled heartily.

"Charity, you are like all four seasons in one day! How do you feel all these conflicting emotions in a matter of minutes and not burst?"

She tittered at his acknowledgment of her ever-changing moods. Confirming his observation, she suddenly and deliberately ran her hands up his quads, stopping short.

"I just wanted to hear you admit it, that's all," she surmised, shrugging her head flirtatiously.

"Admit what?" he smirked.

"That you've wanted to kiss me for a long time!"

Severus halted their verbal game.

"I have," he stated firmly, looking deeply into her eyes.

Charity smiled in relief. She knew Severus' answer, but she needed to hear him say it. Placing both hands on his chest, she pressed him back against the couch. Slowly, she moved toward him.

"I'm glad you finally did," she breathed.

Running her hands further up his chest, Charity pushed forward off the coffee table and onto the settee, her legs straddling his hips. She looked at him intently for a long time, stroking his forehead and cheekbones lightly with her fingers. Running them down along his jawline she studied his lips. Severus smiled slightly. Raising herself up from his lap, just slightly, Charity placed her hands on his shoulders, her gaze falling wholly upon his mouth.

"Won't you kiss me again?" she purred.

"With pleasure," he replied huskily.

Severus leaned up toward her and wrapped his arms around her back. As she pressed her torso against his, he found her lips. They were dewy and open, set to permit his tongue. He explored her mouth deeply and passionately as she responded in kind. He drew his hands up to her face in order to control the pace of their kiss. Her hands were in his hair, tugging lightly as her excitement mounted. Their mouths rolled together in sync as her hips moved down and ground into him. He was firm and with every thrust of her hips, she could feel him growing harder. Instinctively his hands moved down to push her hips more forcefully against him. His lips moved deliberately from her neck and then back to her mouth as if he wanted to devour her but didn't know where to begin. As his hips returned her motion, she offered soft short murmurs upon his mouth. Their kiss was overwhelming, wet, and fervent. Severus ran his fingers, once again, up under her jumper. He inched their tips to her swelling breasts. She hitched as he took her in his hand, grazing her nipple. In response, her tongue slowed to languidly explore his. She pulled away from his mouth and tipped her head back as he lightly caressed her skin with his calloused hands. Charity sighed contentedly noticing the heat building in her core. She needed to slow down, yet she simultaneously wanted more contact.

Charity's hands made their way to Severus' sides. Pulling out the tuck of his shirts, she rested her hands against him, appreciating his cool flesh. Her grinding slowed as she deliberately began opening the top buttons of his dress shirt. The light of the fire allowed Charity to see him as she had never seen him before. Beneath his undershirt, and through the sparse hair on his chest, she could see that there were scars on his torso that had never been treated by a Healer. She didn't want to think about how he received these marks; she just wanted him to know that she sympathised. Running her fingers along his scarred skin, she leaned down offering gentle kisses upon each one. Severus' hands entwined with her hair as she kissed his chest. She pulled down his undershirt and ran her tongue delicately along one scar toward his heart. Lightly tracing his nipple with her tongue, she brought it to life with her lips. He moaned quietly and brought her mouth back up to his. As his tongue found hers again she automatically ground down against him. His heat was mounting as he lightly rubbed her sides beneath her top.

Severus pulled his lips from hers. She whined in response, but he ignored her staring intently at the top button of her jeans. More than anything, he wanted to touch her. Reading his mind, Charity raised herself up again. She unbuttoned the top of her jeans and unzipped the fly. Gently, he tugged them down just enough to give his fingers access. Slipping his hands beneath her knickers, he cupped her hips with his fingers while his thumbs slipped down through her curls toward her core. She began to breath harder as he explored and grazed and caressed and meandered. Feeling how wet she already was, Severus grew excited as he considered the ways in which he could make her come in his hands. He began to trace light circles around her nub. She hitched at his touch. He did it again, this time with his other thumb lightly stimulating her core. Charity gasped quietly and kissed him, inviting him to do it again. He obliged. Soon his grazing turned to stroking her with the pads of his thumbs. She began to hum as she moved methodically against his touch. Her back arched while she continued to connect with his mouth. He could feel by her movements that she wanted more. Her thrusts were becoming deeper, encouraging him to go lower.

"What do you want?" he whispered.

Charity writhed and whimpered. Drawing up to provide his hand further access, she caught his jaw with her hands.

"I want you to really touch me," she pleaded in desperation.

Severus straightened in his seat and traced one hand from her hip to the small of her back, resting it there to support her. With his other, he cupped her fully allowing her to grind freely on the palm of his hand. She was ready and as her mouth crashed into his, she slipped down onto two of his long, strong fingers. Charity gasped at his touch. At first, she took the lead, thrusting and grinding against him at her own pace and depth, while he kept his mouth and tongue at the ready. As she grew tighter he drew back his fingers slightly and began to move them with her.

"Sev," she cried quietly, swallowing hard.

Hearing his name, he gave her a little more and then, a little more. Her body readily followed in kind; the pressure inside her mounting. Gradually, her long thrusts became erratic as her fingers squeezed his shoulders. She was so very close.

"Gods, Sev!" she called a little too loudly, unable to stop her motion.

"Shhhh," he soothed.

"But I'm coming," she whined breathlessly. Severus smirked and caught her mouth with his. Charity's back arched further with her final thrusts. She climaxed around his fingers, moaning incoherently and raggedly upon his lips. Helplessly, she fell limp against him, her body tingling.

Severus nuzzled her hair trying to recall the last time he felt so gratified. Silently he hoped Harry hadn't heard any of that. If he had they would definitely have some explaining to do. Severus pushed the thought from his mind. His hands were on her back, his fingers running lightly up and down her spine. Charity was clearly intoxicated. He laughed quietly to himself and sat back cradling her in his arms. Her head was resting against his shoulder as he stroked her hair. She was breathing deeply and heavily as if asleep. It was very late.

The clock chimed again bringing Charity out of her reverie. She leaned back from Severus taking in his long, angular face with hooded eyes. He was smirking at her immodesty on his sofa. Too elated to be gauche, she kissed him slowly and deeply. Charity tossed her head back and let him nibble a little on her neck. She shuffled in his lap. He was getting hard again.

"Severus," she whispered in between his kisses.

He looked at her attentively, his hands squeezing her bottom.

"Take me to bed," she breathed, letting her forehead rest against his.

Severus did not need to be asked twice. Leaning forward he kissed her roughly, propelling himself off the couch. Charity wrapped her legs around his hips and rested her head on his shoulders as he strode to his room just past the kitchen. The door was ajar. He lightly kicked it open with his foot, his lips finding hers again. As he entered, he backed her up against the door, closing it shut. He growled as he pushed her harder against the door trying to create as much friction and contact as he could between their bodies and the fabric of their clothes. She was breathing heavily as their lips continued to meet and part and then meet again.

Charity shuffled down from her elevated position around his waist and made her way to the bed, pulling her sweater up over her head and on to the stone floor as she walked. Tossing off her flats, she eagerly abandoned her jeans. Her body was not without flaws, but she felt sure Severus would take pleasure in her curvy frame. Turning toward him, almost naked, Charity observed Severus picking her clothes up from the floor and laying them on the chair by the dresser. He was still dressed.

"Severus!" she demanded. "What in Merlin's name are you doing?"

When he didn't respond immediately, she suddenly felt very, very foolish.

"Gods!" she exclaimed, "I'm rushing you! I'm such an idiot!"

Charity moved toward the chair to retrieve her clothes and whatever was left of her dignity. Severus stopped her mad rush. Placing his hands on her bare shoulders, he looked down at her steadily. She was definitely appealing, to say the least, but something was making him hesitate. Severus played with the straps of her pink-flesh-colored lace bra. He could see her erect nipples through the mesh and felt very undecided. As he deliberated, the cold of the stone floor gripped Charity's feet, shooting upward. Goose pimples covered her skin. She shivered noticeably.

Now Severus felt like an idiot.

"I'm sorry," he said apologetically, "I should have realized you were cold."

Charity groaned inwardly as he stepped around her toward his bed and pulled off the navy-blue blanket folded at the foot. Turning back toward her he placed it around her shoulders. Feeling resigned to fate, Charity stepped on to the rug by his bed. She was freezing. Severus was supposed to be filling her up, keeping her warm from the inside out – not apologizing for his uncertainty.

"Severus," she stammered trying to catch his eye, "what the hell just happened? One minute you couldn't get enough of me and the next…you were picking my clothes off the floor," she said in disbelief. "What's going on?" she queried, not certain she wanted to know the answer.

Severus cringed. He was irritated with himself, but he couldn't find the right words to explain. Charity tried to help.

"I know it's late. Are you tired?" she asked carefully.

"Yes, but that's not it," he replied.

"Are you afraid you don't remember how?"

Severus looked offended, his lips pursing together rather unattractively.

"What makes you think I am lacking experience?" he responded, slightly vexed.

Charity scoffed and sat down on the bed.

"Severus," she continued trying to contain herself and not embarrass him any further, "I don't think it's a secret that you haven't had...relations…in quite a while. You are very uptight."

Severus scowled, heat rising to his pale cheeks. Wanting to stop his discomfort, she reached out from under the blanket and squeezed his hand. Patting the space on the side of the bed next to her, she silently requested that he too sit down. He complied, feeling indignant.

"Please don't feel badly," she entreated earnestly, "I actually think it's really… sweet."

That did not make him feel better.

"Sweet?" he said with disgust.

"No really, Sev! Listen. It doesn't make me want you any less. Despite your ridiculously foul moods, I actually admire your…restraint." Charity suddenly became reflective. "Some men don't even know the meaning of the word," she derided.

Severus raised his eyebrows in understanding.

"So, that's why you're here teaching at Hogwarts and not in London with Bill."

"Are we really going to talk about Bill right now?" Charity asked, obviously annoyed.

Severus turned toward her, his shirt still hanging open from their earlier encounter. It could have been the late hour or the fire whiskey, but his almost naked torso was affecting her concentration. Charity shrugged nonchalantly attempting to move the conversation along.

"What's there to tell?" she declared. "He cheated. I left. It's immaterial really. We were over long before that anyway."

Severus did not want to push her further, but he recognized the hurt and betrayal in her voice.

"Well, Weasley always was a complete moron," he offered, trying to make her laugh.

"That he is!" she sniggered.

Reaching out again, Charity entwined her fingers with his.

"Look, if you want to wait, I'm ok with that," she said.

"Really?" he inquired doubtfully.

"Really!" she said firmly.

Severus didn't actually want to wait, but he was very distracted by his current circumstances and they were getting the better of him.

"Charity," he breathed, bringing her hand to his lips, "I want to be with you. I really do! But, I'm not alone in this equation. I'm not just accountable to the Headmaster anymore."

Suddenly Charity understood.

"You're worried about Harry," she stated, finally understanding what was holding him back. She sighed under her breath in relief.

"Yes," he replied simply. "Harry's been with me…with us…for less than a month and I don't want to confuse him. We need to make certain Albus understands and then we can tell him."

Severus squeezed her hand tightly in reassurance.

"Whatever you do, please do not think that I don't want you," he swallowed hard, trying to steady his emotions, "because I do. I have for a very long time."

Charity smiled as she gazed into his honest eyes. Kissing his cheek lightly, she got up to go. He gripped her hand.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asked, feeling a rush of urgency.

"Ummm…back to my rooms?" she responded, unsure of his intentions.

"I'd like you to stay…for a little while anyway," he clarified.

Standing before him in her underclothes and a blanket, Charity shook her head in confusion.

"You just told me that you didn't want to confuse Harry."

"I don't, but I also don't want you to go."

"If I stay, Harry will be confused."

"We'll get up long before him and I can walk you back to your rooms."

Charity contemplated his proposal.

"What if we get caught?"

"We won't!"

"This is a bad idea, Sev."

"Perhaps," he replied quietly. "But I don't want to let you go just yet."

He pulled her closer, resting his hands on her hips.

"Lie with me."

Charity knew she should turn him down, that staying was foolish, but after her climax, she desperately wanted to nestle next to him and feel his arms around her.

"Alright," she replied against her better judgment.

Severus nodded a slight smile. Charity stood back and watched as he leaned down to take off his black boots. He slipped the pair off and slid them to the end of the bed with his foot. He then took the blanket off her shoulders, opened it and threw it over the bed. Quietly, he slipped his shirt off his shoulders and threw it on the chair by the dresser. Undoing his belt he pulled it off and placed it on top his shirt. He left on his trousers but removed his socks. Charity crawled underneath the blanket while he undressed. Standing in his undershirt and bare feet Severus noticed the chill in the room. He stepped quickly to the window to draw the curtains and consequently most of the moonlight that had been lighting the space. Sliding in beside her, he nestled his face into her hair. She smelled like lavender, with a hint of sandalwood – an unusual combination. Kissing the nape of her neck, he pulled her body close to his own.

"I can't stay long, Severus," she reminded him.

"Yes, I know."

Charity took one of his hands in hers, intertwining their fingers.

"You were gorgeous when you came, by the way," he observed.

"Well, if I looked good, it was all thanks to you. You're not just a Potions Master, Professor Snape," she cheeked, turning her head back to kiss the tip of his nose.

"Really?" He smiled at her familiarity.

"Uh-huh. I always knew you were good with your hands."

Severus leaned over her slightly as she snuggled back down in his arms. He rested his hand on her shoulder and kissed her smooth skin gently.

"Would you like to find out what else I can do?"

"Yes!" she replied happily, without hesitation.

Severus ran his hand lightly along her thigh, up her back to her exposed shoulder. He began to massage her soft skin. Charity hummed contentedly and scooted further back into his arousal. He settled down next to her and continued to knead lightly as he listened to her slight moans, and her eventual even breathing.

What was he doing? This was not smart! Severus' mind wandered to their kiss and the look of ecstasy on Charity's face as she came for him. She was beautiful as she cried his name. Soon his hand stopped as he fell into a deep and peaceful sleep.