AN/ Hello everyone. Thank you for reading yet another chapter of my story. I appreciate those who have taken the time to review. This is a rather odd chapter. It sort of fills in the gaps and continues the story. Anyways, I really hope y'all like this story. I'm not going to ask and put some demand that I get so many reviews until I post again. I'm not like that. But I would appreciate if you would please review. I just want to know how I'm doing and if you are enjoying the story.

11. Love & Everything Between

"A relationship is like a rose, how long it lasts, no one knows. Love can erase an awful past, love can be yours, you'll see at last to feel that love, it makes you sigh, to have it leave, you'd rather die. You hope you've found that special rose, 'Cause you love and care for the one you chose."

Rob Cella

Holly was remarkably a very simple person. Not in a bad way. She wasn't simple-minded; unintelligent; or anything of the sort. She was just, simple. At least on the exterior. Severus could only imagine what lurked under the shell Holly had built up. Severus knew there was a shell, he had one too. A wall, a shield. Something to protect themselves. Holly's was just much more subtle, and you would never guess it at first appearance. She always appeared so delicate. But Severus had learned better, yes, she was delicate, and soft. But there was a fire within her. She did everything which such a passion that Severus had not seen in many years. She was a whirlwind of emotion, all carefully bundled together and kept under lock and key.

At first, this bothered Severus. When he first realized how complex Holly was, it almost made him paranoid. His old habits of being a spy tried to take over, but he forced them away. He shoved aside any suspicious thoughts of Holly. He just, he couldn't believe Holly was something to be suspicious or cautious about. But then again, he would think later on, the Trojans thought the same thing as they accepted their gift horse. But he accepted Holly in. After eight-years, he had put his faith in Fate. He prayed that she was not leading him into another trap and another lifetime of pain. When he would ask her, later on, she would just smile and say 'I can't tell you Severus. That part is up to you.' He remembered her saying once. 'Remember, I can only nudge you in the right direction.'

Holly could see through Severus' shell quickly. His defenses were almost useless against her. Somehow, she just knew. Severus grew to like her quickly. Though, he would later realize that he had since the moment he saw her cold, shivering figure on his porch. Since that moment, he had been entranced by her. A few times, Severus was wondered if maybe he was under some enchantment curse. But no, he wasn't. He knew that, he was just scared by how easily he was taken in by her. She was a natural Siren, for him. If she spoke, Severus would come to her. No questions asked. He wouldn't let her see this though. He wouldn't let her see how eager he was to give her a good home; and make her comfortable. Make it so that she would want to stay.

x

Severus felt like a love-sick school boy. Much like he had when he had been in school with Lily. It was still hard to think about her, but he had moved on, he felt. He finally felt that she had maybe, just maybe, forgiven him. He realized quickly, that he was also falling for Holly fast. Holly loved physical contact, even if it was quite simple. She naturally would reach out and hold Severus' hand while they shopped for supplies; or lean against him as they read at night after dinner. Severus nearly jumped back when she first touched him. She needed a warmer jacket, so they were shopping for one. This is when he also realized her dislike for crowds and strangers. It was a busy day in Diagon Alley, and they were trying to make their way through the crowd. She had quickly grabbed his hand, and squeezed tightly. He froze, briefly, but squeezed back. He saw her start to tremble, but not from the cold. He didn't know what else to do, he saw her breathing get heavier as he saw the puffs in the cold air. He quickly wrapped his arm around her, and he moved them to the side into a random little store that wasn't nearly so crowded. He guided her to the back, and sat her down on a little chair. Her breathing was ragged, and her nose red from the cold. He told her it was okay, and that they would wait until the crowd thinned out. She just nodded, and closed her green eyes as she calmed down.

Severus realized then how easily she could get overwhelmed by even a handful of people. He had her carry a small vial of calming drought he made, just for her to calm her during a panic attack. She worked fine in the store, however. No more than three people were ever around her at a time, and any more than that was children. Holly adored the small children that would come in with their mother's as they bought supplies and potions for them; for colds and rashes and various other things. Severus remembered watching her from the back as she played peek-a-boo with a little girl, no more than a year old. Fate teased him for days about how he was becoming a 'softie'.

x

Then came Draco's big party, to celebrate Pansy and Blaise Zabini's new clothing line. Severus took Holly with, but not before she had taken a calming drought. He somewhat feared how badly she would react, when he realized how many people were there. It wasn't a lot, thirty people, maybe. But it was enough that Holly might have an attack because of it. Severus saw, drought the night, that she was more or less fine. She would seize up if a small group crowded around her, but she forced herself to stay calm. Severus was impressed, to say the least.

He had lost sight of her for only a few moments, and couldn't find her again shortly before the party ended. His mind whirled frantically. Where was Holly? Did she have an attack and run off somewhere? Draco told him he thought she was upstairs. Severus forced his heart-rate to even back out. He nearly groaned in relief when he saw her asleep on the couch. He checked on her, seeing she was asleep. That was the first time an outsider, other than Fate, said something about how he felt about her.

Later that night, Severus took Holly through the floo back to their house. Their house. He looked back down to the sleeping woman in his arms. Yes, it was her home too. Or at least, Severus hoped she felt that way. He wanted her to think of this place as her home. He wanted her to want to share this place with him. He held her close to his body as he walked upstairs to her bedroom and laid her down on her bed. At this point, all she had really done with the room was enchant the ceiling and started painting the walls. Severus frowned, she might tear the dress if she slept in it any longer. He pulled out his wand, and with it, carefully stripped her down to just the black slip underneath it. He stopped, looking over Holly's frame. He felt his face grow hot, when he realized what he was doing. He quickly hung up the dress and left the room.

x

Not to long before Valentines day; Holly dragged Severus out to a secluded little park near there house. Severus complained, but still followed with no other resistance. Holly looked adorable, to say the least. A red and white sun dress, that matched her hair perfectly. Severus had a hard time keeping his eyes off her. She sat them down near the edge of a pond, and produced a basket of food. The two had a picnic style lunch that day. The basket between them as they watched the ducks on the pond. They talked comfortably, and Severus even thought about making some sort of move. Even if it was just holding her hand. He decided against it though, it was far to soon, he thought. A cold breeze picked up, and Holly shivered. It was unusually warm for February; so she hadn't brought a jacket. Severus slid his off and he put it around Holly's shoulders. She blushed, but accepted it happily. He didn't see it, but Holly was ecstatic She pulled the jacket close around her. It smelled like the Cinnamon tea she would make him, and like the ingredients pantry at the shop. She indulged in the scent as long as she could. Eventually, the two left the park.

x

March and April passed by rather uneventfully. Severus had reassured Draco that there was really no rush at all to find anything out about the journals. Draco had stopped by the shop, because he was near by. Which Severus knew that really meant he wasn't and that he was checking in on him. Severus said nothing though, his godson was just looking out for him. Draco watched as Holly and Severus worked. He was chatting lightly with Holly, occasionally bringing Severus into the talk. But mostly he watched as the two worked together. It was a rather amazing sight, as he saw the two work. They were perfectly in sync with each other now. Severus couldn't even see Holly, but he knew to lift the small cauldron he was carrying as she passed by. The two knew when to dip and weave as they walked around the back of the store with the other. Holly would go up to the counter when a person rang, and Severus would fetch whatever potion they needed, or Holly would jot down the requested order. Draco smiled to himself, it was clear he didn't need to check up on his godfather. He was happy that it seemed to be working out. He pat Severus' on the shoulder. Told him how he needed to go do some business and that he would see them again. A pleasant peck on Holly's hand later, and Draco left.

x

May came, and it was the first time that he really picked up that Holly indeed liked him back. To some extent. He was silently stiring a potion when he heard a familiar voice come inside the store. He couldn't see the front at this angle, but from the voices it was two women who came in often. They were some of the regulars to the shop. Holly greeted them happily, making small talk. The women, two middle-aged witches named Jenna Goldwine and Cora Dines squealed when they saw Holly. 'Oh Holly, it's so good to see you again dear.' Goldwine said, setting her bags down on the floor. Dines followed suite.

'Oh yes, it sure is. It's been a while, hasn't it?'

'It sure has. How have your garden's been doing? You havn't been in, so I'm guessing well?' Severus could almost hear Holly's smile.

'They are doing wonderfully thanks to Severus and you!'

'Yes, just wonderfully.' Goldwine and Dines started to gossip with Holly. Holly never had much to say, other than calm little bits of advice that the two women honestly seemed to take to heart. But this time, they were starting to ask Holly direct questions.

'So, Holly, got your claws in a young man yet?' Goldwine and Dines giggled. Severus stopped stirring, and he quietly inched closer to the open door between the back of the store and the front where Holly was behind the counter. He could see Holly, barely. She blushed.

'Oh, no I don't.' She said, giving a little shrug.

'Oh~ I think our little Holly has someone in mind though.' Dines said in a sing-song little voice.

'So who is it?' Goldwine asked, the two women leaned against the counter. Holly shook her head.

'Oh, no, I don't. Really.' As good as she was at covering things, the two witches caught the glance back to the back room. Severus wasn't seen.

The two witches gasped. 'Holly!' Goldwine and Dines hushed their voices.

'You got a thing for Mr. Severus?' The two asked. Holly shook her head vigorously. Severus frowned, looking down to the floor briefly.

'I- it's not like that.' Holly murmured. The two witches giggled again.

'Oh nothing to be ashamed of deary.'

'And don't be worried about the age difference either.'

'Oh, yes! I mean, take myself and my husband. Twenty year's difference! But did that stop us?' Holly was a deep red by now. Severus watched with interest. Holly glanced back again to the door.

'Well- it's just...'

'Oh, young love.' Goldwine and Dines coo-ed happily. 'How sweet. I remember when my husband and I were like that!'

'Aye, same here.' Holly gulped, and she quickly went back to cleaning vail's. 'Don't be so modest, Holly!'

'Yea, why don't you say something to him?'

'Iv seen him eye-you before. It's not like he hasn't noticed you, at least.' The two prodded. Holly just smiled, almost sadly, Severus thought.

'Id rather not ruin what we have now. Ive done it before, and it didn't work out well.' Holly said softly, continuing to clean a large vail.

'Oh well, suite yourself.'

'But I'm telling you Holly, you should. I doubt it would ruin anything.' The three moved on and gossiped about other things. Severus stood in the back room, back against the wall. So, she did like him. At least, a little. This made his heart skip slightly. He shook his head, and continued to work on potions.

x

It's June. It's a warm day, and Severus doesn't think he's ever seen Holly look more beautiful. She's just standing in the kitchen, washing lettuce and the other vegetables Severus just picked up from the market. She's wearing jeans and a white t-shirt. It's a shirt she stole from him, because it didn't fit him anymore. She had rolled the sleeves up so that they rested on her shoulders. She was barefoot and she was swaying to some band from an old radio. Her hair is in a messy half-bun; and she isn't wearing makeup. She's gotten better at noticing when Severus enters the room. She smiled at him, and continued to wash the vegetables. "Severus, could you get a lemon from the fridge?" Severus did so, and he walked over to Holly. She looked up, and smiled at him again. "Thank you. Lunch will be ready soon. I just want to finish this up. How does a salad sound, with dinner? Everything was so fresh in the market today." Holly trailed off, Severus was just staring at her. He finally pulled his gaze away and he put his hand on her lower back. He leaned down, kissing her forehead.

"Whatever you want, is fine with me." He said quietly. He breathed deeply, petting her hair he moved away. "How about we go take lunch outside? Where we went last time?" He suggested. Holly smiled and nodded.

"Alright! It'll be ready soon." She said. He nodded, watching as she turned and started to pick up.

Severus watched as Holly ran ahead with the blanket to their spot. He calmly walked after, holding the basket of food. She rushed over, and quickly threw the blanket so it was laying out on the ground. She sat in the middle, crawling to the corners to smooth them out. Severus stopped at the edge, looking over her. She looked up, and gave a sheepish grin. "Well come on!" She grabbed his free hand and pulled him down. He was caught off balance, and he tumbled forward. He managed to keep the basket safe, but he fell on top of Holly. She was giggling like crazy; as he lifted himself off her.

"You're nothing but a pest. You know that?" Severus grumbled, sitting up. Holly shrugged. Laying out on the blanket as she watched Severus grab the basket.

"Yeah. But I'm really good at it."

He just rolled her eyes, "yes."

Holly and Severus ate, and then laid out on the blanket. Well, Holly did. Severus sat quietly next to her as she picked at a flower. "Severus, let's go swim." Holly sat up, looking to Severus. Severus blinked.

"What?"

"You heard me. Let's go swimming." She pointed at the pond. It was rather deep for a pond, really a small lake. Severus just shook his head.

"No, Holly. I don't swim."

"Don't or can't?"

"I can. I just don't." Holly shook her head, standing. She waked over to the edge of the pond. Severus stopped, staring at what Holly was doing. She slipped off her sneakers; then his white shirt. She wore nothing but the faded skinny-jeans and her green bra. She glanced back, then continued with her jeans. Severus watched as they dropped to her ankles, revealing her matching green underwear. She reached up, and undid her hair, letting it fall down her back. Severus was glad, quite suddenly, that she was not net to him as he felt his pants get tight. She walked slowly into the water, to when it was knee deep. Before jumping, and diving down into the water. She came back up, shivering.

"Bloody hell it's cold." She gasped, but smiled anyways. She turned and looked back to Severus, who was still staring. "Severus! Come in! Please? The water feels great!" Severus was going to hell for this. He just knew it. He felt dirty, for just looking at Holly. Let alone the fact that he was actually contemplated swimming with her. He tried to say no. He really did. But, then, he stopped. Oh, he was defiantly going to hell for this. He stood, and stripped to his boxers. He felt extremely exposed, but he walked down to the water.

x

The next day, they got a letter from Draco. Holly was excited. Draco was one of the few people she knew her age; Severus could understand. "Holly! Are you almost ready?" He called up the stairs. "Holly?" He heard shuffling, then a giddy Holly came bounding down the stairs. It was a short flight, and she didn't realize Severus was standing right at the end of them. But, he caught Holly, as she about lost her balance attempting to stop. He wrapped his arms around her waist quickly, pulling her close so she didn't fall flat on her face. "Holly, you alright?" He asked. She giggled, nodding.

"Yes, sorry. I didn't see you down here. I just gotta get my shoes. Then we can go!"

Tippy greeted them as they stepped out of the fireplace. "Master Severus; Madame Holly. Tippy is happy to see you again. Master Draco and Madame Hermione is in the den. Tippy has to tend to dinner. Master Severus, you know where the den is, correct?" Severus nodded.

"Yes, thank you Tippy." He said, leading Holly through the manor to the den. Draco and Hermione jumped, looking up as the two entered. The two stood, and met them half-way.

"Draco, Hermione." Severus dipped his head. Holly smiled, and she bowed her head. "It's good to see you again, Draco."

"It's wonderful to see you again, as well. Holly, this is Hermione Granger." Draco said. Hermione looked to Holly, getting her first good look at her. She paused, but held out her hand and shook Holly's.

"It's good to meet you Holly." Hermione noticed Holly seem hesitant, but honest. She shook her hand, smiling.

"Everyone, dinner is ready." Tippy popped into the room, announcing their dinner. Draco happily lead them into the dining hall.

Dinner went pretty easily. Severus kept a close eye on Holly. She was uncomfortable at first, and he understood why. Draco was still pretty much a stranger to her, and Hermione was completely. Severus squeezed her knee gently, under the table. After a few drinks, the dinner went easily. Hermione kept a close eye on Holly as well. Something about her seemed so familiar and she knew those eyes. They reminded her of Harry's eyes.

The four soon left their deserts for the garden. The two couples walked side by side. Holly was balancing on a small half wall that bordered the garden as the four walked. Severus held her hand as she balanced. "Holly, you are a monkey, honestly." Draco laughed. Holly just giggled, face a little pink from the drinks. "Is she like this at home?" Draco looked to Severus, his arms around Holly's shoulders. Severus nodded.

"Yes." He chuckled. Holly looked down to Severus, only taller by a few inches. She stopped, and turned to Severus. Holding her arms out. He carefully picked her up and set down on the ground. The night was dark by now. Holly was starting to get tired, Severus could see. She slowed down, yawning. "Tired, Holly?" He asked. She nodded, and Severus bent down and picked her up. She wrapped her arms around his neck, closing her eyes and laying her head down on his shoulder. Hermione smiled.

"She's been with you since Christmas, hasn't she?" Hermione asked.

"Yes." He said, carefully shifting her in his arms, and petting her hair. Holly yawned. "I didn't know she was such a light-weight."

"How long have you two been, together?" Hermione asked. Severus paused, and went pink.

"We- we are not. .." He said quietly.

"Oh. I'm, I'm sorry." Hermione blushed.

Draco squeezed her arm. "Nah, they should be though." He winked at Severus. He looked away, rolling his eyes.

"You two are crazy." Severus mumbled.

Draco and Hermione just smiled.

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