Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or any of the Harry Potter characters.
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Ch. 7
You Don't Have To Go
Miriam groaned and rolled away from the light. It was too early, especially for a Saturday. She shifted around until the soft cotton sheets felt just so and pressed her cheek into the pillow. Miriam breathed slowly and tried to ignore the dull ache in her head. It was times like this that Miriam wished she didn't suffer from insomnia. Sleep would be most welcome.
With great care, Miriam reached out and felt for her wand. Once in her hand, she flicked her wrist gently and watched in mild amusement as a vial soared from her bathroom and into her open palm. She uncorked the vial and quickly swallowed its contents. Miriam exhaled in relief as she felt the dull throb dissipate. She vanished the vial and rested her head against the pillows as she absently played with her wand.
As Miriam traced the intricate scrollwork on the handle with her finger, Miriam's mind returned to the reason for her headache. She and Severus were still dancing around each other. She definitely noticed him watching her, stealing glances when he didn't think Miriam was looking. Miriam was doing the same thing to Severus. When they were together, their interactions consisted of witty banter and excuses to touch each other. She could not deny the thrill that raced through her body when he was close to her. Their attraction was obvious, but something was still holding them back.
Miriam rolled over and curled up in a ball under the covers. Relationships were an area that Miriam struggled in; she found it difficult to trust men and to believe their intentions honorable. Severus was one of three men that she trusted, and a good friend. What if she royally messed things up by thinking Severus wanted more than that? Part of her wanted desperately to believe that he did want more, that he could take her for who she was.
For the first time in her life, Miriam had a problem she didn't know how to solve. She wished there was someone she could talk to; a place she could go to gain some perspective. Miriam squeezed the pillow and closed her eyes, lost in thought. Several minutes passed. With a jolt, her eyes flew open and she sat up. She laughed and shook her head. Why hadn't she thought of visiting sooner? Miriam tossed the covers aside and walked to the bathroom. She was going out for the day.
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Miriam apparated with a loud crack to a large stone house nestled between a river and a large hill. As she strolled up the gravel path towards the back of the house, Miriam could feel her excitement build. Miriam slipped though the side door into the library and frowned when she realized it was empty. Quietly, she slipped through the door and into the hall, which was also empty. Tired of the quiet, Miriam took a deep breath and called out, "Where is everybody?"
There was a brief silence after the question, abruptly broken by the sounds of chairs being moved and shoes running across stone. Miriam smirked at the ruckus, which quickly turned to a full smile when she saw the noise round the corner. Two little boys came bounding towards her, their arms outstretched.
"Auntie M! Auntie M!" they shouted in unison.
Miriam dropped to her knees as the pair engulfed her in a hug. The boys began to talk over each other, eager for Miriam's attention. Miriam hushed them and leaned back to look them over. Her heart filled with pride as she looked at her god children. She smiled as she looked at Ian, five years old and the mirror image of his mother, Inga. Blonde, curly hair, with fair skin and blue eyes, Ian was the troublemaker of the pair. She looked over at Phineas and ran her hand through his long, straight brown hair. His large brown eyes gazed back at her, observant and serious even at the age of three. Miriam glanced down the hall as Inga came towards them, a tea towel in her hands.
"We were just finishing up breakfast," Inga stated as Miriam stood and accepted her hug. "The boys have their music lessons first thing this morning. I hope you can stay because Will is out until noon. I thought we could use that time to catch up," Inga said.
"That would be lovely," Miriam replied. "I was hoping to talk to you."
Inga gave Miriam a questioning look before she turned to her sons. "Come along, boys. We mustn't keep Mormor waiting."
Ian and Phineas trotted off down the hall, with Miriam and Inga close behind. Miriam could smell breakfast long before she entered the kitchen, the aroma torture for her empty stomach. Upon entering the kitchen, Miriam saw Inga's mother, Helga, bustling about the elves. Helga, or Mormor as the boys called her, was an imposing woman. She was tall and plump, her blonde hair streaked with gray. Helga knew how to get things done and never hesitated to give her opinion.
Helga turned and smiled at Miriam. Miriam stepped up quickly and gave Helga a hug and a small peck on the cheek. Helga's blue eyes studied Miriam's face.
"You should eat! Sit, sit, and I will fix," Helga exclaimed in her heavy Swedish accent. Miriam grinned. In Helga's mind, food fixed almost anything. In this case, Helga was right; Miriam realized she was starving.
Before Miriam could move, Inga cut in. "Mum, could you have the elves send up a tray? I thought Miriam and I could catch up while the boys have their lessons."
A knowing look passed between the two women as Miriam looked on. It was times like this that Miriam became acutely aware of how lacking her relationship with her own mother had been. She had never discussed anything with her mother, or shared knowing glances with her, and never would since she passed away almost two years ago.
Helga nodded. "Of course, you two run along. I can handle things here," Helga finished with a glance toward the boys.
Inga grinned and grabbed Miriam by the elbow. Together, they made their way up the large staircase and down the long hall to the master bedroom, talking and laughing as they went. As they walked through the door, Miriam took off her traveling cloak and tossed it over a cream-colored chair next to the fire. She kicked off her heels next to the chair and sat on the bed. Miriam settled against the headboard, crossed her legs, and arranged her dress to cover them and her feet completely. Inga sat next to Miriam on the bed. A large tray of food appeared between the two women; various fruits, Helga's homemade cinnamon buns, and juice.
"So what have you been doing all this time at Hogwarts?" Inga asked as she picked up a large purple grape and popped it in her mouth. She held up a finger as she chewed, and continued, "Don't leave anything out. I want to know everything," Inga finished with a heavy inflection on the last word.
Miriam grinned as she licked the frosting from her fingers. As she cut into her cinnamon bun, Miriam told Inga about her arrival at the castle. She talked about the other professors and her impressions of them. Miriam then became more animated as she went on about Severus and how nice it was to see him every day. Inga continued to listen, and asked several questions when Miriam spoke about her classes.
After almost an hour, Miriam finished talking and the breakfast was gone. The two women still faced each other, and Inga regarded Miriam with a serious expression as Miriam gently traced the pattern of the lace coverlet with her finger. After a long pause, Inga took a breath and started in.
"I think Hogwarts is the perfect place for you." Miriam gave a small smile and nodded her head yes. "Something is missing from your story though," Inga said with a tilt of her head. "There's more that you aren't telling me."
Miriam hesitated, then closed her eyes and nodded her head again. "Or maybe there isn't more," Miriam said softly. "I am….confused."
Inga sat up straighter. Miriam was rarely confused. She always knew where she stood and what she wanted, and often used any means necessary to get it. This she had to hear. Inga knew Miriam well, and she could hear the excitement in Miriam's voice when she talked about Severus. Inga cleared her throat and went straight to the point, "Your confusion wouldn't have anything to do with a dark-haired potions professor, would it?"
Miriam's eyes widened with surprise. "I didn't realize I was so transparent," Miriam said dryly.
Inga chuckled. "You aren't. I am, however, a woman and I have known you since you were fourteen. Give me some credit," Inga said. "So, tell me what you're confused about. It sounds like things are great. You see Severus every day and get to spend time with him. "
Miriam sighed. She had no idea where to begin. She opened her mouth to speak, only to abruptly close it again. Miriam took a breath and tried again, with the same results. She groaned and buried her face in the pillow.
Inga frowned and rested her head on the other pillow. When Miriam opened her eyes, Inga gave her a small smile and said, "Tell me what's bothering you."
Miriam took a deep breath and slowly began to voice her jumbled thoughts to Inga. She told her about the covert looks, and how she thought at first it was her imagination playing tricks on her. Then, about the time where she felt Severus was going to kiss her. Inga listened as Miriam told her in detail about their chess game. Inga noticed the soft look on Miriam's face when she talked about Severus letting her hair down, and how she stayed up for hours after Severus left reliving the feeling of his hands in her hair. As Miriam hugged the pillow, she told Inga how often she thought about Severus, and how scared she was that if he found out about her feelings their friendship would be over.
"Why do you think he feels nothing for you? Men who feel nothing don't run their hands through your hair or almost kiss you," Inga said as she frowned.
"That's the thing," Miriam replied. "If he felt something for me other than friendship, why did he stop? Why not kiss me? I'm just worried that…" Miriam left her thought unfinished as she turned her attention back to the coverlet.
Inga was not about to let this go. "Oh, no you don't! Finish what you were saying."
"Have you ever had a hunch, a feeling about something, even if you had no proof to back it up?" Miriam asked Inga.
Inga laughed. "Every day in this house!" She quickly sobered and replied, "To be serious though, yes I have."
Miriam nodded and continued. "I worry that Severus doesn't have room for me in his life beyond friendship." Inga gave Miriam a confused look, and Miriam held up a hand before she could interrupt. "When I came to Hogwarts, Severus hung around Lily Potter constantly. You could tell Severus practically worshipped Lily; the way he acted around her wasn't subtle. As the year continued on, Severus trailed after Lily. Her friends were downright rude about their friendship, and several boys from our house gave Severus grief for hanging out with a 'Mudblood Gryffindor'. After we sat our O.W.L.'s, they had a nasty row. I wasn't there to see it, I just heard about it second-hand. Their friendship ended. Severus changed, and since he was around more we became closer friends. Sometimes, in the back of my mind, I wonder what went on between them. I wonder if he's never gotten over Lily. There's no possible way I could compete with a dead person."
"So then don't," Inga stated simply. She ignored Miriam's eye roll and continued on. "Before I address that comment, is there anything else?"
Miriam lowered her eyes. "I have never felt like this towards anyone. Ever. I know I am not everyone's cup of tea. I am hard to deal with. What if I put myself out there and Severus rejects me?"
"Oh, Miriam," Inga said softly as she ran a hand through Miriam's dark curls. "Never question your worth. You are an amazing witch, and someday there will be a wizard grateful to have you. He will take your worst and help you be your best."
Inga paused to gather her thoughts. "Don't waste your time worrying about things you can't change. You are here now, Lily Potter isn't. Severus may need your help in learning how to move on from his past. Make him realize how good it is to have you in the here and now," Inga finished with a grin.
Inga watched as Miriam absorbed what she said. After a long silence, Miriam finally said, "You're right." She turned to face Inga and asked, "If I do pursue this, how would you suggest I go about it?"
Inga sighed and said, "Well, you know him best. I would think you'd want to stick with what makes him comfortable." Inga propped herself up on one elbow, excited by an idea. "Do you think he likes naughty surprises? What would he do if you showed up in some negligée and snogged him senseless?" Inga asked with a sparkle in her eyes.
Miriam pursed her lips together and replied, "Probably have a heart attack and die, which is not what I'm looking for." At Inga's raised eyebrow, Miriam continued, "Severus is a Slytherin, not a Gryffindor. He would go for subtle, not direct."
Inga waved her hand dismissively. "Houses aside, Miriam. Severus is a man, and as such he has desires. I don't know a man alive that would turn down a woman as beautiful as you if he knew of your interest in him," she finished.
Miriam blushed and lapsed back into thought. Inga bit at her bottom lip as she debated the question she wanted to ask. She had always seen Miriam as the younger sister she never had, and as such, Inga felt it was her job to educate Miriam about sex. Inga felt she had done a thorough job, but she still didn't know if Miriam had put her knowledge to use. Miriam rarely dated; her work often came before anything else. Inga also knew Miriam was very selective and distrusting of men in general. She opted for the safe route and sat up, storing the question away for another time.
Miriam watched as Inga rose and walked over to a bookcase along the far wall. She took out her wand and removed a charm from a row of books. Inga thoughtfully selected four tomes and brought them back to the bed.
"What are these?" Miriam asked as she sat up and reached for two of the larger books.
"Some of my most recent acquisitions," Inga replied with a glint in her eye. "These are two muggle books on sex and relationships, and the other two are wizarding books on the same topics. All new editions with the latest research in the field," Inga finished with a sweep of her hand.
Miriam's eyes widened. She selected one of the muggle books and began to flip through the pages.
"Merlin!" Miriam breathed. "This book is certainly…detailed,"
Inga leaned closer and looked at the page Miriam had open. "That it is," Inga replied. "Though, it's a pity that one isn't a wizarding book."
"Why is that?" Miriam asked as she looked from the book to Inga.
Inga smirked and said lowly, "Because then the illustrations would move."
Miriam gave a small snort and busted out in a fit of laughter. Inga joined her, and the pair of witches laughed until their sides ached.
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" a voice exclaimed from the doorway.
Both Miriam and Inga jumped. They turned to the doorway, startled into silence. Will leaned against the frame with his arms crossed, a large grin on his face. "It's not every day a wizard comes home to two beautiful witches in his bed," he joked.
Miriam rolled her eyes as Will walked into the room. The witches tucked their feet away as Will flopped face down across the foot of the bed.
Inga leaned over and kissed Will on the cheek. "How was your morning?" she asked.
"Long," Will replied with a groan. He looked at the books on the bed, then at the witches. "What are you up to?" Will asked.
"Research," Inga said promptly as she exchanged a look with Miriam.
Will picked up a book and read the spine. "Bloody hell! Are they teaching sex ed at Hogwarts now? Never mind," Will added quickly as he raised a hand. "I'm not even going to ask."
Miriam smirked and pulled the book from Will's hand. "Best you don't," she added with a small laugh.
"Before I forget," Will said. "The boys have finished their lessons, and are getting quite agitated that you are keeping yourself from them. You'd best go down before we have a riot on our hands."
Miriam and Inga charmed the book covers to have them seem innocuous, and headed downstairs. She spent the rest of the day with her nephews. Together they read stories and played in the garden. The joy and enthusiasm the boys expressed was contagious, and Miriam found herself in better spirits than when she arrived. When the boys went down to rest, the adults had tea in the library. Late in the afternoon, Miriam said good-bye and promised the boys each a letter. Miriam was so grateful for her talk with Inga. She was hopeful that when she returned to the castle, she could decide what she wanted from Severus.
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Severus frowned and pushed the food around on his plate. Miriam was absent from dinner. Ever since her absence on Saturday, things between them had been…odd. After his usual Saturday morning routine, he had gone to Miriam's chambers with the thought of them spending the day together reading, only to find her gone from the castle. Severus had built up a good store of anger as the day wore on, and he planned to make Miriam aware of his frustrations when he saw her.
He happened upon the Slytherin quidditch captain as he walked across the grounds. He quickly scrawled out the permission slip the boy needed, and sent him on his way. As Severus turned around, he caught sight of Miriam as she walked through the gate from the apparition point. Severus stood frozen as she walked towards him, arms laden with books, her dark hair swept away from her face by the wind and cheeks flushed from excitement. She looked lovely, and Severus felt his anger melt away when Miriam gifted him with a beautiful smile.
He carried her books back to her chambers, four rather heavy books on gardening that Inga insisted she read. Miriam invited Severus in, and they sat in front of her fire and shared some quiet reading time before dinner. He noticed several times that Miriam was watching him, and when he looked up, she held his gaze.
Now, it was Wednesday, the past few days a blur of classes, grading, and rounds. There were moments where Miriam's actions had left him disconcerted. Miriam would smile when they passed in the halls, or her hand would brush against his as they passed food at dinner. Miriam had sat with him at every meal for the last three days, but not tonight. The chair next to Severus sat empty, the air around him chilled without her warm body next to his. He realized abruptly that he missed her.
Severus sat his fork down and summoned an elf from the kitchen. After an exchange of words, the elf disappeared and quickly returned with a covered dish. The elf sat the dish on the table, bowed and disappeared with a pop. Severus tossed his napkin on the table and stood. He grabbed the dish, and as he made his way to leave, the Headmaster caught his eye.
"Are you off to see Miriam?" Dumbledore asked as he eyed the dish Severus was holding.
"I am," Severus replied with a slight frown.
Dumbledore smiled. "I'm sure she will be most pleased to see you after the day she has had," he said as he returned to his meal.
Severus arched an eyebrow. He left through the staff entrance, Dumbledore's words bouncing around in his head. Severus wasn't entirely sure where Miriam was, but he thought he would try her chambers first. When he arrived at Miriam's portrait entrance, he gave the password and shifted the dish in his hands so he could pass through.
The sitting room was empty. The lamps were lit and there was a fire burning in the hearth. Nosferatu occupied one of the overstuffed chairs by the fire, curled up in a tight ball of black fur, his tail twitching.
"Mia?" Severus called out. He thought she might be in her bedroom, but felt uncomfortable going past the sitting room. Just because he knew her password didn't mean he lived here.
Severus heard footsteps coming from the bedroom. Miriam stepped into the sitting room and smiled when she saw Severus standing there. It was plain that Miriam wasn't expecting visitors. Her hair was damp, and she had on a stretchy pair of black leggings. Her sweatshirt was purple, with faded lettering that said 'Pardon My French'. The large scooped neck had slid down to show her bare shoulder, and the three-quarter sleeves flattered her slender arms.
Severus smirked as he read the shirt. "Seeking forgiveness for your lineage?" he asked Miriam.
Miriam looked confused for a moment, and laughed as she glanced down at her shirt. "Something like that," she answered. "I just got out of the shower, and since I don't have rounds this evening I obviously didn't dress up."
Severus held out the dish. "I brought you dinner," he said, then cringed when he realized how ridiculous that sounded.
"How wonderful! Thank you, Severus," Miriam said as she took the dish. "What is it?"
"No idea," he replied as he sat down on the couch. Miriam frowned and joined him. "I told the elf to bring me something that you would like."
Miriam lifted the lid and smiled when she saw the cobb salad. Severus watched her eat in silence for several minutes, then he spoke. "From the way Dumbledore talked, your day sounded rough."
Miriam huffed and chased a piece of lettuce around her plate. "Today the third-years worked on freezing spells. Somehow, Mister Pruitt conjured a fire spell instead." Severus' eyes widened as Miriam continued on. "He managed to singe himself and his neighbor, which earned them a visit to the hospital wing. The desk became charred and there were huge scorch marks on the stone wall as well. It took Filch and I two hours to set the room back to rights. Needless to say, all I wanted after that was a shower since I wound up covered in ash and soot," she said as she stabbed a tomato.
Severus shook his head. "Pruitt is an accident waiting to happen," Severus replied. "I'm sure his parents eagerly look forward to September first every year."
"Undoubtedly," Miriam said as she rolled her eyes. She smiled at Severus as she set her fork on the plate. She leaned over and placed the plate on the floor.
Severus watched as Miriam stifled a yawn and stretched. She brought her arms up over her head and rolled her shoulders back. The curve of her spine reminded Severus of a cat, but his eyes were soon drawn up. The purple material clung to her curves, and by the way it shifted over her breasts, Miriam wasn't wearing a bra. Severus shifted around and draped his teaching robes in his lap. He tore his eyes away from Miriam's plump breasts and let his eye travel down her leg. During the stretch, Miriam's foot had come off the floor as she pointed her toe and curled her foot.
Miriam leaned back against the cushions and winced as she straightened her foot. She frowned and rolled her ankle before looking up at Severus. Severus still had his eyes trained on Miriam's foot.
"Is your foot injured?" Severus asked slowly.
"It's just sore, but it will be fine," Miriam said evasively as she drew her legs up and wrapped her arms around them. She rested her head on her knees and gazed at Severus.
Severus rolled his eyes as he held out his left hand. Miriam gave him a questioning look. With a huff, Severus motioned towards his lap and said, "Well, let me see it."
Miriam's eyes grew wide. "You want to touch my foot?" she whispered.
"Is that a problem?" Severus asked tightly as he tried to keep his temper in check.
Miriam squeezed her legs and replied tersely, "I don't like my feet touched."
Severus scowled. "Why?" he asked.
"They're ugly, all right? I have long toes, and rough spots from running, and the last thing you want is to touch them," Miriam said in a rush.
Miriam's outburst floored Severus. It surprised him that Miriam was insecure, and about her feet no less. He watched as Miriam gazed at the fire so she wouldn't have to look at him.
"Mia, don't be daft," Severus said softly. Her eyes snapped to his face, and Severus leaned forward. He grasped her ankle and gently drew her foot into his lap. Miriam inhaled sharply, and Severus' eyes flicked to her face briefly before they returned to her foot.
Miriam's foot was slender, her bone structure delicate. Severus marveled over how small her foot looked in his hands. He gently squeezed from her heel to the ends of her toes, relishing in the physical contact. Severus had never rubbed anyone's foot before, but he planned to give it his best effort.
"Your feet are very delicate…..soft," Severus murmured. He glanced up and looked at Miriam through his hair. She had settled against the cushions, and wrapped her arms around a small throw pillow. He looked back to his lap as he ran a single finger down the center of Miriam's foot and continued, "Much too delicate for some of the shoes you wear."
Miriam exhaled slowly and replied, "I like my shoes. They give me confidence and I feel beautiful when I wear them."
Without thinking, Severus scoffed, "You don't need shoes to be beautiful." He felt his ears turn red, and he chanced a small glance at Miriam. Severus feared his comment had ruined the moment. Miriam's lips were slightly parted, but then she smiled, and Severus knew he was fine.
Severus turned his attention back to Miriam's foot. He began to rub small circles into her skin with his thumbs, moving from heel to toe before gently rubbing his fingers down the top of her foot. The more diligent he was at his task, the more Miriam relaxed. Severus could hear her soft sighs, but he did not look up.
Miriam rested her head on the arm of the couch and hummed in appreciation. "You are very good at this, Severus," Miriam mumbled. "Very, very, good," she sighed.
Severus smirked at the praise. He continued to rub with a gentle firmness. Severus then made a fist and rubbed his knuckles against the arch of her foot as he tried to relax the muscles further. Miriam moaned softly, and Severus looked up in surprise. Miriam had her eyes shut tight, a red blush on her cheeks. It was a boost to his ego when he saw how much Miriam was enjoying his ministrations. He wondered what else he could to please her.
With small strokes, Severus began to rub the sides of her foot up to the ankle. When Miriam sighed again, he knew he was on the right track. He pulled her leg closer and began to rub her calf with firm strokes, moving from ankle to knee and down again.
As he rubbed up the back of her leg towards the knee, he felt Miriam tense. He frowned, and repeated the movement only to get the same result. When he tried again, Miriam let out a small laugh. "Don't!" she exclaimed. "That tickles!"
Severus paused, and then grinned lasciviously. "What does? You mean this?" Severus asked as he lightly ran his fingertips over the back of her knee.
"Yes!" Miriam shrieked. "Stop it!" she said through her laughter.
"No!" Severus exclaimed as he pulled Miriam towards him. He began to tickle Miriam in earnest, and his laughter mixed with hers. Severus held her foot by the ankle and shifted so that he was leaning over her as he continued to tickle her with his other hand.
"Ah! Stop! Stop!" Miriam gasped as she writhed on the couch. "Can't…breathe. Need…air," she panted as Severus stopped.
Severus looked down at Miriam. He was still bent over her, his weight supported by his right hand, while his left hand caressed the back of Miriam's right leg. Her hair splayed across the couch cushions, her arms beside her head. Severus watched her breasts rise and fall with each deep breath she took in. She was beautiful, Severus thought. And so, so close. He leaned closer, and stopped just before their noses touched.
Miriam's eyes fluttered open and met Severus' gaze. Her eyes glittered, and Severus smiled. He closed the distance and rubbed his nose against Miriam's ear. Softly, he brushed his lips against her cheek and felt her breath hitch. Severus closed his eyes and bit his bottom lip. His noble notion they should just be friends seemed foolish when her reactions to his touch were so sensuous.
He leaned back and looked at Miriam. She smiled, and reached up to run her hand through his hair. It was fine, and feather-soft. Severus sighed as Miriam tucked a strand behind his ear. "I should go," Severus said softly.
Miriam frowned and cupped her hand against Severus' cheek. "Are you sure? You don't have to go," she said quietly.
Severus leaned into Miriam's hand. "Yes," Severus said reluctantly. "I have rounds, and you should rest." It was the right thing to say, but his body ached to push Miriam into the cushions and snog the hell out of her.
Miriam studied his face intently and nodded. Severus moved back and helped Miriam sit up. The two adjusted their appearance in silence. Severus stood, and offered a hand to Miriam. She took it and walked with Severus to the door.
Miriam paused, not ready for Severus to leave yet. Severus turned to face her and she seized the opportunity to slip her arms around his waist. She grinned when she felt Severus reciprocate. Miriam frantically searched her brain for something to say that would keep him longer, and blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
"Don't forget we have lunch plans with the Malfoy's on Saturday," Miriam said.
Severus exhaled and nodded. "I remember. Shall I pick you up here?"
"That would be lovely," Miriam answered.
Severus studied Miriam with his dark, intense gaze. He squeezed Miriam gently and slipped out the door. As the portrait closed behind him, Miriam walked slowly back to the couch. She flopped down and released a shaky breath. Her whole body felt like it could float away. As her emotions settled, Miriam realized that it was only a matter of time before she and Severus would cross the line. Miriam just hoped they were ready.
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A/N: I hope this chapter was an enjoyable to read as it was for me to write. Thanks for reading/reviewing/following!
