A quick word before I continue with the story. I appreciate the reviews and the people who read my tales, thank you for your kind words and thoughts regarding the story. You may have noticed that this one is a little bleaker than usual and I will warn you that it is only going to get worse (before it gets better?). I intended this one to be dark and I think it is living up to my expectations. This is why I am writing Mistletoe and Wine at the same time - I like things light too. That said, I am enjoying writing this on my days off from work and I do hope you continue to enjoy reading it.

Lu

Waking with the dawn had long ago become a habit for Severus. Waking at dawn with a face full of brown curls wasn't but it was quickly developing into one. He just hoped that this time he wouldn't end up with a sore eye. The bruising had faded from the last time at least and although it had swollen rapidly, at least it had gone down quickly as well. Still, the warmth of her body beside his and the comfort of the bed and thick blanket did much to soothe his fraught soul. He wondered if she'd mind overly much if he put his arm around her. Before he could second guess himself, he did it anyway and was rewarded by a soft murmur. Surprisingly, she snuggled back against him and he let his eyes drift closed once more. The scent of her hair surrounded him as he buried his face in her curls and he let out a deep sigh of his own. His feet were warm. For the first time in a long time, he was completely thawed out and comfortable. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing better than this. Maybe that seemed a touch trivial, maybe even a little bleak but that was what their world had become and little moments like this needed treasuring.

She rolled over, her arm draped over his waist and all of a sudden, the whole morning changed. Her sleep messed hair framed her dream relaxed face and her soft breath tickled his cheek. She'd moved onto his pillow and a soft smile graced her cheeks. He brushed a soft curl back from her face before he knew what he was doing and she nuzzled into his calloused hand. "Severus?" she whispered without opening her eyes.

"Hmm," he whispered.

"What time is it?"

"First light," he replied.

"Don't make me get up just yet, let's stay here for a little longer," her arm tightened around him a little as she spoke and he was more than willing to stay right where he was. He opened his mouth to speak but she nuzzled into his chest, robbing him of most thoughts and certainly all speech. Instead, he curled his arm around her back and drew her close against him. She whimpered a little but didn't push away or fight him. She seemed to relax even more if that was possible and he found the idea curious. His mind harked back to a day when the worst thing that might happen was she might not know the answer and interrupt his teaching. The start of a smile began on his lips and he let out a sigh; life had been so much simpler then, even with the threat of the Dark Lord's return.

"What is it?" she asked when he'd tensed without realizing it.

"Nothing, I'm just thinking."

"About what?"

"It's not important."

She seemed to accept that as an answer, which was a surprise, and returned to her contented snuggling. Her scent washed over him once more and he swallowed hard. Her proximity seemed to be having a profound effect on his long dead libido. The way she was pressing against his entire body would have her discovering the effect pretty soon and that was something he was rather keen to avoid. Though he wasn't entirely sure why, she was pretty enough and she seemed to have gained a curious attachment to him. Why, he had no idea. As far as he was concerned, he was the same as he'd ever been. Not great to look at with a sour disposition. Still, here she was, pressing her warmth against him and not being commanded or forced to do so.

Before he could stop himself, he pressed his lips to her forehead. It was a warm, tender gesture and although he didn't mean all that much by it, she shifted back a little. He looked into her tawny eyes as they searched him. The smile on her face gave nothing away but she tilted her head to the side a little before speaking. "Did you just kiss me?" Her tone was curious rather than outraged but he flushed none the less.

"Sorry," he muttered. "I don't know why I did it."

She didn't answer with words; instead, she gently pressed her mouth to his. He inhaled sharply at the sudden contact and knew he'd gone rigid. All he could do was lie there, like a stone, as she held her lips against his. Moments later, she broke it and he cursed himself inwardly. The first physical contact he'd had for Merlin knew how long and he'd bloody well frozen. "Too much?" she asked with barely a whisper.

Shaking his head, he tried to find his voice. The first time he opened his mouth, nothing but a croak came out. Coughing, he tried again, "No Hermione, just… surprising." Her hand caressed his cheek softly, brushing back strands of black hair, "It's been a long time since anyone kissed me, I-"

"It's alright," she said, cutting off his words in an infuriating manner.

"No, it's not." His words came out a little sharper than he'd intended and he let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. Leaning forward, this time when their lips met, he relaxed in her arms and savoured the sensation of her soft mouth under his. He let out a little whimper as the moment stretched and her tongue nudged against his closed lips. He was about to part them when there was a rough knock on the door.

"Come on! Wake up!" Rolnda's morning coach voice boomed through the door and Hermione sprang back away from him as if they were a pair of teenagers caught doing something they shouldn't be.

"This is far from over," she hissed as she threw the covers off and jumped off the bed. He gave a curt nod before sitting up. He was in no real state to stand just yet but sitting was manageable.

"We're up and we've been waiting for you!" Hermione called. The door burst open and the bright eyed witch beamed at them both. When her eyes met his however, they darkened slightly.

"Still abed Severus?" she questioned. At that moment, he would be quite happy to throttle the stupid woman. Instead, he waved a hand and covered a theatrical yawn.

"Warm and comfortable is still somewhat new, I like to savour it while I can," he said dismissing her complaint. "I shall be up and about in no time," he added. That seemed to satisfy the bloody woman, who crossed the room and peered out of the window. Brilliant sunshine flooded into the room and she nodded.

"It's going to be a fine day," Rolanda said.

"Not what we wanted really," Hermione said joining her at the sill.

"Why not?" he asked.

"If the weather is fine, people are more likely to take to the streets. It's a small point I suppose but if it's raining, the Malfoy's would be more likely to stay inside." Hermione said. Rolanda nodded and he considered their words for a moment. It made sense. He knew it would be damned cold out there as well. Still, perhaps, if they were lucky and had a bit of time, he'd be able to find some shoes that didn't have holes in them. Maybe some better fitting clothes as well. He knew it was a minor point, the clothes at least, but he had to ask and he voiced his request.

"I don't see why not," Hermione nodded, "We're going to be near that side of the town anyway and nothing is better than a pair of well fitted shoes."

"I just hope we get in and out without attracting attention," Rolanda said. He knew that was her way of stating her disapproval but it was two against one so it would happen regardless. Feeling that he was able to stand and not embarrass himself, he rose from the bed and pushed dark hair from his face. He picked up his pack, rearmed himself and gave a nod.

"I'm ready when you are."

Within ten minutes, they'd left the safe house and were heading towards Pontefract. The route Hermione chose wasn't on the main road, which was sure to be watched. It was over the overgrown fields. They provided plenty of cover until they reached the edge of the town. The landscape slowly changed from countryside to suburban and he found his fists were clenched by his side. He'd had more than a few experiences of towns since the change and none of them were good ones. Hermione's tale of Minerva's demise wasn't exactly heart-warming either and he found his breath coming in short bursts.

"Relax," Hermione whispered as she sidled up alongside him, "We're all eyes and the tenser you are the more likely you're going to jump at a shadow," she added. Her small hand slipped over his and she forced her fingers to entwine with his. When she gave his hand a squeeze, he forced his breathing to even out and his other fist to uncurl.

"I don't like this," he stated.

"None of us do but Moody depends on our success," she replied.

"I'll not let anything happen to you," Rolanda added. He nodded at both witches and followed their direction. They'd not let him astray this far and he had no reason to not trust them now. The suburban gave way to urban within fifteen minutes and as they walked, all their talking stopped. Hermione led them through gardens and down cuts rather than on the main roads and within a few short minutes, Severus had lost track of where they were. He kept reminding himself that they were only going to be there for a short while and that nothing bad could happen during this trip. However the deep nagging in the back of his mind that something was amiss would not leave him alone. The tall buildings loomed over them, cutting off the sun and the world seemed a whole lot darker here than it had this morning. He kept his eyes open and his ears alert as they silently made their way through the dark, forbidding town. Litter was scattered over the streets and here and there, a corpse lay abandoned by those that killed it. Of life, there was no sign at all. Not a bird chirped, nor an animal stirred. There was no one to mark their passing that he could see but still, the sensation of pending doom would not leave his mind be.