Chapter Thirty- Four- Demonstration of Abilities *Warning- This chapter contains mature content.

Clara slept on and off for the next few days, only waking up long enough to eat, drink and visit the loo. Severus desperately wanted to spend every waking moment kissing and caressing her. He longed to discover all of the secrets and pleasures her body had to offer, but she was so weak she could barely focus on a conversation that lasted more than a few moments at a time. So instead he spent most of his time outside of his classes helping her build up her strength, and when she was up for it, kissing her until she melted limply into his arms. She would regain her strength eventually and when she did, he planned on making her his completely.

"Do you want to try walking around a little today?" Severus asked when he felt Clara had begun to stir next to him.

"What day of the week is it?" she mumbled, still not opening her eyes.

"It's Saturday, love. You told me that you wanted to be up and about by Sunday."

"If I don't get out of bed, what are my other options for entertainment?" she said softly as she peaked open her eyes.

"Well seeing as there are no classes for me to teach today, I suppose we could spend the day doing a little of this..." he murmured, as he grabbed a hold of her hand and began smothering wet kisses up her arm, eliciting a round of giggles from her lips. "or we could do a little of this…" he purred as he quickly rolled her underneath him, trapping her in a searing kiss.

Clara quickly found herself pressed up firmly against Severus' body. His kisses drove her nearly insane, and over the past week she had looked for any excuse to be in his arms. This had not been difficult since she was still sharing his bed. When Albus had suggested she return to her own quarters, Severus had been adamantly against it. He felt that she still required constant care since they were unsure if all the drug and poison had left her system. So now she was back sleeping in his bed just like before however this time things were different. There was an undeniable heat between them. With each kiss they lingered a little bit longer and felt a little bit braver. But just when Clara felt like they might finally take things further Severus would pull himself away, leaving her flustered and panting like a virgin on prom night.

"Severus, I really don't want to get up," she protested as he once again pulled away from her and began tugging her out of bed.

"If you are really wanting to go to Slughorn's ridiculous party next week than you need to build up your endurance," he said sternly.

Clara gave him a dramatic pout and flung her legs over the side of the bed. What is his problem? she thought to herself as she began making her way across the room on shaky legs. He's treating me like I'm made out of glass.

"You know I'm not going to break," she said, giving him a seductive grin just before her legs began to buckle.

Severus was there in an instant wrapping his arms around her waist to keep her steady. "You were saying?" he said with a smirk.

"Uuuggghhh, my stupid legs just don't want to work right. I want to be able to move around without feeling like I am going to topple over." And to make love to you without feeling like I'm going to break.

"You will get there. It will just take time before you are back to your old self," he said, smoothing a strand of frizzy curls back behind her ear. "Shall I draw you a bath?" he whispered into her ear.

"Yes," she breathed, eyes wide opened. Perhaps he was changing his mind and was ready to take things further?

Severus gently led her to the nearest armchair and quickly disappeared into the bathroom. In a matter of minutes he returned to usher her to the waiting bath. The bathtub was a welcomed sight, full of multicolored bubbles and the delicious scent of eucalyptus and peppermint.

"Does this please you?" he asked, his voice slightly strained as he wrapped his arms around her waist once again from behind. "Shall I help you undress?"

"Oh!" was all Clara could squeak out. She had never been naked in front of him before. The idea was both terrifying and tantalizing. "That would be nice," she finally managed to say.

Without saying a word, Severus slowly let his hands slide from her hips up the front of her tummy, gracefully sliding until they found the bottom button of her nightshirt. With the grace and ease that only Severus possessed, he began to slowly undo each button as he lazily kissed the side of her neck.

Clara's breathing accelerated as each button exposed a little more of her flushed skin. Periodically Severus would pause to run his hands over her stomach, caressing it until his own harsh breathing matched hers. "So soft, so beautiful," he whispered against her ear.

Clara could feel her mind shut off and her body respond to his touch. All thoughts of the inviting bath in front of her were banished from her mind and were replaced with images of Severus' body claiming hers under the warm, inviting blankets in his bed. His fingers finally made it to the only remaining button that held the offending fabric from exposing her waiting breast. Clara could feel his growing erection pressing against her lower back, making the clear statement that he wanted her as much as she wanted him. Just as his hands were about to undo the button he froze and slowly dropped his arms to his side.

"Have a good bath, sweatheart," he said, his voice sounding huskier than she had ever heard it before. "I'll see you when you get out and will have breakfast waiting for you."

Before Clara could so much as mutter her protest he was gone. "Oh come on!" she yelled, yanking the rest of her pajamas off of her body, leaving them in a heap on the floor. She was used to rejection. The only other man she had ever been involved with romantically had pushed her away countless times. For Ben, sex was just a means to an end. They only "made love" if he wanted it, which was rarely. Severus was not like him at all, she could tell he was pushing her away for a different reason. It was obvious that he wanted her in a way Ben never did. The evidence of his desire had been poking her in the back every night she feel asleep in his arms and every morning when she woke up to his kisses. He must be afraid she was still too sick. Settling back into the bath she let out a loud sigh. She would have to work extra hard to show him that she was well and ready.

After settling Clara into the bathroom, Severus quickly retreated up to his potions lab, kicking over a stack of books in the process. He had been irresponsible and selfish to let things go that far. Calm yourself, he thought, rubbing his eyes as if he could erase the heavenly imagine he had just left. "She needs more time you fool. She was nearly dead just days ago and already you are trying to seduce her," he muttered to himself, fighting desperately to control his arousal and anger. He had seen how her legs still shook when she tried to walk and how her fingers still trembled when she took the few meager bites of her meals. There was no way she would be able to handle his carnal appetite. It had been years since he'd had a woman and he doubted he would be able to control himself. Until she was well he could not touch her. She was his to protect and that included protection from himself.

Clara's health did continue to improve. With Severus' doting care she quickly regained strength and stamina. A few days before the end of the term Albus thought it prudent that Clara make an appearance back in the Great Hall so as to ease suspicions. Albus had explained to her students that she was recovering from the Muggle flu, which she caught while visiting her family. Her students greeted her with enthusiasm when she showed up for her first meal, although the multitude of enchanted get-well cards might have been overkill. One of her first year Hufflepuff boys even burst into tears due to the fact that a fourth year Gryffindor convinced him the Muggle flu was one hundred percent fatal, and Clara only had a few weeks to live. After a long explanation on Muggle ailments and cup of hot chocolate, the boy finally calmed down long enough to relinquish his hold on his beloved teacher's hand.

Horace Slughorn's Christmas Party was scheduled just before students left to go home for the holidays. Clara had been so excited all week about the prospect of finally being able to show Severus that she was well enough to do anything. She was also hoping that her choice of outfit would put a few thoughts into his head. Severus had been very clear that they could show no signs of affection or even friendship in public. This was for both of their safety, but that didn't mean that she couldn't have some fun flaunting what she knew he wanted.

The outfit she had chosen for the occasion was a simple, green cotton and lace, knee lengthy dress with a fitted waist. The wow factor was the Marilyn Monroe halter style neckline. The plugging neckline was much more daring than she would normally wear. Tonks had bought her the dress when she first arrived at Hogwarts but she had not been brave enough to wear it. Mainly due to the fact that with the bra she had to wear, her breast looked voluptuous and ready to spill out of the dress. She knew that it would help catch Severus' attention. She paired the outfit with silver pumps that she practiced walking in every time Severus left to teach one of his classes. Using a few pointers that Minerva had given her, she pulled her hair up into a simple twist, leaving a few tendrils framing her face.

She had hoped that since Severus could not technically escort her to the party, Albus would be her official date, but at the last minute he said he had business outside of the school. She decided to just go alone with the hopes that she would at least be able to steal a few moments away with Severus.

Slughorn's office had been magically enhanced to be three times its actual size and was decorated with some of the most exquisite decorations she had ever seen. The ceiling and walls had been draped with emerald, crimson, and gold hangings, so that it looked as though all the inhabitants of the room were inside a vast tent. An ornate golden lamp dangled from the center of the ceiling casting a rich red light across the room. Upon further inspection Clara was delighted to see that real fairies, which were happily fluttering, each a brilliant speak of light, caused the source of the light. Clara was immediately intimidated by how crowded and stuffy that room appeared. Loud singing accompanied by what sounded like mandolins issued from a one corner making Clara roll her eyes at the though of Sir Thomas just moments ago attempting his best version of The Twelve Days of Wizard's Christmas. In another corner, a haze of pipe smoke hung over several elderly warlocks deep in conversation, one of whom was non-discreetly staring directly at her ample cleavage with no shame. Actually, the man seemed to be looking at her like she was a juicy steak he would like to sink his teeth in. Just lovely, she thought, as she non-too lady-like knocked back a glass of champagne she had been given by a house elf.

"Don't you think it would be wise to be a little more discerning about what you put in your mouth, Miss Lanning?" came a low voice just behind her ear.

Masking her emotions, she slowly turned around to find herself face to face with the one man she truly wanted to see at this party. Clara was pleased to see that despite his best attempt at looking calm and collected; his eyes traveled slowly down her body, lingering on her delectable décolletage. His breathing accelerated and the normally chalky complexion warmed to a dusty pink.

"Would you like for me to get you a drink, Professor? You look a little flush," she asked, giving her best innocent façade.

"I am afraid a drink will do nothing to satisfy what I suddenly find myself craving, Miss Lanning," he whispered, only loud enough for her to hear. "You look positively sinful, my dear. Make certain that you remember who you belong to tonight, because I assure you every man in this room will want to take you home."

"So you approve?" she whispered, making sure to keep her facial expressions neutral as if she was merely discussing something academic with a colleague.

"Absolutely not. I never want you wearing that dress in front others ever again. It is driving me mad knowing that they are awarded the same view as me tonight," he teased, curling his lip ever so slightly to show her that he was not actually angry.

"Well, I could always take it off if you feel that it is too revealing, Professor," she purred, flirtatiously pulling up her the bottom of her dress as if she was going to take it off.

In an instant her body was yanked behind one of the long crimson drapes that covered the walls. Before she could utter a word Severus' mouth consumed hers in a possessive and demanding kiss. If it wasn't for the fact that her back was pressed firmly against the wall, she might have melted into a puddle of contented goo right there on the stone floor.

"Behave yourself," he murmured, giving her chin a playful pinch. "Oh and by the way, that man who was staring at you like he wanted to take a bite out of your delicious looking flesh is a vampire named Sanguini. He looks hungry tonight…stay away from him. I'm the only one that gets to do this to you," he whispered, as he playfully nipped at her neck before disappearing back out into the party.

"Holy shit, this place is nuts," she giggle out loud.

Clara remained behind the curtain until she felt that her reddening face had finally cooled down. She only made it a few steps from her hiding place before literally bumping into a highly intoxicated Horace Slughorn. He was having an animated conversation with Professor Trelawney, Harry Potter, a little blonde girl she recognized as being a Ravenclaw, and a very bored looking Severus.

"Ah, Professor Lanning, I am so delighted you were able to make it. I heard about your near death flu experience. You know you really should have contacted me. I could have whipped you up a potion to make you feel better in no time. Of course, Harry here could have done the same. I was just telling Severus that he must be very proud to have produced such an exceptionally talented Potions student.

"Indeed," said Severus quietly, his eyes boring into the uncomfortable looking Gryffindor.

"Yes, I suppose Harry has Severus to thank for such a fine education. Professor Lanning, did you know that Severus was at the top of his class when it came to his love making skills," Slughorn droned, drunk as a skunk.

Clara had just taken a sip of wine that Severus had passed her, when she promptly spit out its contents all over Professor Trelawney's hideous beaded robe. "Excuse me, Sybill. Horace, what did you just say?" she croaked.

"Why I was merely pointing out that Severus was at the top of his class when it came to his potion making skills," he said, completely oblivious to his little slip of the tongue.

Clara glanced over to Severus and found him standing stiffly with a smug look on his face. He raised his eyebrows and gave Clara a heated stare in return. Professor Trelawney and Harry seemed completely oblivious of Slughorn's little mess up and continued to stare blankly at the man while he prattled on. The little blonde witch however must have heard his blunder, and looked to be about to bring it up in conversation. Clara quickly tapped her leg with her foot and shook her head as if to say "don't you dare."

"Well, if you have not had a chance to experience his work, than perhaps sometime over the Christmas holidays Severus can show you a thing or two, dear."

Clara felt like she was truly going to lose it after that. Her face turned bright red and she had to bite her tongue in order to keep from laughing.

"Don't worry, Professor. I have already planned on showing Professor Lanning an in-depth demonstration of my abilities over the school holidays, and perhaps even a preview tonight," he said, giving no hint of an expression except for the small curl to the side of his upper lip and the dark gleam in his opaque eyes.

Clara again chose the wrong moment to take a sip of her wine, but instead of spitting it she accidentally snorted it up her nose, eliciting a round of nervous giggles. Breathe, Clara, breathe.

Before Clara could completely pass out, their conversation was interrupted by the gruff voice of Argus Filch. "Professor Slughorn," wheezed Filch, his jowls aquiver and the maniacal light of mischief detection in his bulging eye, "I discovered this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor. He claims to have been invited to your party and to have been delayed in setting out. Did you issue him with an invitation?"

The handsome blonde, Clara recognized as Draco Malfoy pulled himself free of Filch's grip. "All right, I wasn't invited!" he said angrily. "I was trying to gatecrash, happy?"

"Guess daddy's money couldn't buy everything, eh junior?" thought Clara, eyeing the young man with intense scrutiny. Something wasn't right about him. To be quite honest he gave her the creeps. He was more intense and high stressed than any boy his age should be. The young man look almost ill, he had dark shadows under his eyes and a distinctly grayish tinge to his skin. No, something was definitely not right. She wasn't the only one eyeing him. Severus and Harry seemed to take extra interest in the young man as well.

"You're in trouble, you are! Didn't the headmaster say nighttime prowling's out, unless you've got permission, didn't he, eh?" snapped Filch.

"I'd like a word with you, Draco," said Severus suddenly.

"Oh, now, Severus," said Slughorn, letting out a ridiculous hiccup, "it's Christmas, don't be too hard-"

"I'm his Head of House, and I shall decide how hard, or otherwise, to be," said Severus curtly. "Follow me, Draco."

They left, Severus leading the way, Malfoy looking resentful. Severus did not so much as glance over at Clara as he swept out of the room. She wanted to follow after him, but Horace immediately linked arms with her in an attempt to bring her into a conversation with the captain of Puddlemere United. It took her a few minutes before she could finally get a word in to excuse herself. Making sure that no one was watching, she discreetly slipped out of the room and took off as quietly as possible down the corridor.

Clara pressed her ear against door after door as she dashed down the corridor until, with a dull thud she rammed up against something solid right outside of a classroom door. She heard what she thought was a young man's voice say "ouch." Expecting to see a person or at least a large object blocking her path, she almost yelled out when she realized there was nothing there, at least nothing she could see. How odd? she thought, as she waved her arms out in front of her. Maybe I still have some of that damn drug in my system? she thought, rubbing the small knot that was forming on her forehead.

Her attention was suddenly brought over to the classroom door where raised voice could be heard. She recognized immediately the booming baritone voice of Severus. The other obviously belonged to a very unhappy sounding Draco Malfoy.

"…cannot afford mistakes, Draco, because if you are expelled-"

"I didn't have anything to do with it, all right?"

"I hope you are telling the truth, because it was both clumsy and foolish. Already you are suspected of having a hand in it."

"Who suspects me?" said Malfoy angrily. "For the last time, I didn't do it, okay? She must've had an enemy no one knows about- don't look at me like that! I know what you're doing, I'm not stupid, but it won't work- I can stop you!"

There was a pause and then Severus said quietly, "Ah…Aunt Bellatrix has been teaching you Occlumency, I see. What thoughts are you trying to conceal from your master, Draco?"

Who the hell is Bellatrix? thought Clara, pressing her head a little bit closer to the door. Bitch better not mess with my man. Master? Does he mean that Voldadouche guy? Why is Sev talking to this kid like he is a Death Eater already? Surely not!

"Listen to me," said Severus, his voice so low now that Clara had to push her ear very hard against the keyhole to hear. "I am trying to help you. I swore to your mother I would protect you. I made the Unbreakable Vow, Draco-"

Unwhatable vow? she thought, so engrossed in their conversation she didn't realize that Harry Potter was also listening to the conversation just a few feet away from her under his invisibility cloak. His knee still ached from where she had run into him just moments before. He thought about revealing himself to her, but figured it was best to just keep quiet. Professor Lanning always seemed to be the curious type, maybe in would come in handy to have another person hear this conversation.

"I know what you're up to! You want to steal my glory!"

"You are speaking like a child. I quite understand that your father's capture and imprisonment has upset you, but-"

Clara and Harry barely had a second's warning before footsteps on the other side of the door became louder. Clara quickly darted into the darkness of the nearest alcove and Harry flung himself out of the way just as it burst open. Harry waited until Malfoy sprinted off down the corridor and Severus step out of his path before tiptoeing quietly back to the party.

Severus stood there in silence, his expression unfathomable. Clara watched him from her hidden cubby, not sure about what to do next. Crouching in her rather snug dress, she became uncomfortable very quickly, causing her to squirm and wiggle. Her slick shoe slid out from under her causing her to tumble onto the ground and out of the dark corner in which was hiding her from Severus' gave.

"Clara! What the hell are you doing here?" he yelled, grasping onto her arm to pull her up.

"Oh…I ummm…crap. I'm so sorry, Severus. I wasn't trying to spy. That Malfoy kid just creeps me out and I was worried about you when you left the party. I honestly don't know why I followed you…"

Severus cut off her rambling by pushing her deeper into the alcove, holding up his hand to silence her. "Hold on a moment," he whispered. Turning his back to her he held up both hands towards the opening of the alcove. With a graceful wave of his hands, hundreds of gray colored bricks materialized, stacking themselves neatly until the little alcove was completely sealed in and they were securely incased within four walls. Only the large arched window granted a small amount of light into the space.

"Are you mad me?" she asked quietly.

"No, I'm not mad at you, but we need to get some things clear," he said, pacing from one side of the make shift room to the next. "This is a dangerous game you have entered into Clara and in order for me to ensure your protection, you must do exactly as I say. How much of our conversation did you hear?"

"Ummm, a lot. Enough to know that you made some type of vow to help little blondy succeed in his mission and that you are pretty pissed because he keeps giving you the slip. What are you trying to help him with, Severus? This kid sounds like he is up to no good. Shouldn't you tell Albus about all this?" she questioned.

"Stop…the first thing you must do is trust that Albus and I have everything under control. The second thing you much promise is to not ask questions. I cannot tell you everything and if this is going to work between us than you much be okay with being in the dark about certain things. Can you handle that?" he asked, his eyes pleading with his.

"Are you trying to protect him?"

"Yes"

"Are you in danger?"

"Always"

Clara drew in a loud breath as she hopped up onto the window ceil. "I don't understand why you can't tell me more Severus. Do you not trust me?"

"Clara, you are the kindest, gentlest, and most trustworthy person in this castle. It has nothing to do with you, sweetheart. There is information that is passed between the Headmaster and I that could end this war. If you were to become privy to such information, it could possibly cause you to be a walking target, love. I told you that I would do anything to keep you safe and I will, but you have got to trust me. I will be as truthful as I possibly can but I am telling the truth when I say, I cannot tell you everything," he said passionately.

"I trust you, Severus," she said quietly, making sure to look him straight in the eyes.

Their eyes locked in silence, the moon illuminating both their faces in a pale wash of light. In Clara's opinion Severus had never looked more handsome. She wanted him desperately and judging by his sudden labored breaths he was thinking the same thing. In two large strides Severus closed the space between them. His hand snaked around to plunge into hair, pulling the clips to release her chocolate tresses. She reveled in the feeling of how large they were as he cupped her head. She wondered briefly just what kind of pleasures those hands could bring. With a light amount of pressure he rather tenderly guided her towards him.

Clara's blood quickened through her veins. She had no choice but to obey and let him pull her closer. Closer to his dark and stormy eyes. Closer to that blindingly exquisite face. Closer to his sinfully sensuous mouth. Did he realize the kind of hold he had over her?

This was not their first kiss, and it would become only one of many, but something was different this time. This was no ordinary kiss, nor was it a soft kiss. This time Severus was demanding, he plundered, he claimed and if Clara still had any lingering doubts as to his desire for her they were promptly forgotten. His strong, warm tongue breached her mouth and explored the untouched recesses. Crippling pleasure seemed to paralyze her, making her slump limply into his arms. Only his firm grip on her arms kept her from sliding off the window seat and onto the cold floor below.

As the kiss continued a fluttering burning sensation began to grow deep in her belly, radiating outward on a feverish pulse and culminating in a moist rush to her loins. Severus deep groan reverberated through her and then his hands began to move. Strong, demanding fingers that had been gripping tightly around her arms suddenly drifted, kneading in a rhythm that matched his mouth, trailing to her breasts. He sucked in a sharp breath in tandem with a guttural moan from Clara's lips just as he reached his goal. Pushing away the fabric of her dress, he freed her already aching breast with a look that could only be described as pure wonder.

"So beautiful," he murmured. "Why the bloody hell did it take me so long to do this?" he questioned to no one in particular.

Lingering over their softness, his hands were gentle as they stroked and worshiped the soft mounds. The rough pads of his thumbs stimulated the sensitive flesh of her nipples and a stunned gasp of delight escaped her. Severus swallowed it as he continued to kiss her with added enthusiasm and answered back with a fervent moan as his fingers continued to drift lower.

Severus stroked her soft, trembling belly, wishing that he could rip off the rest of the hindering fabric. Continuing on, he ran his hands down her hips and thighs until he met the exposed flesh of her legs. They were soft, warm and smooth. He could only imagine what they would feel like wrapped around his naked waist as he drilled into her over and over again.

"Do you trust me?" he whispered, his hot breath sending chills along her spine.

"Yes," she managed to choke out.

He gave a firm squeeze to her kneecaps and attempted to push her knees apart. Overwhelmed with a myriad of sensations she didn't realize what he was attempting to do. "Open for me, sweetheart," he said huskily.

She complied and without hesitation he slid his warm, sure fingers up her inner thigh, never dropping his eye contact from her face. His eager fingers finally met the soft cotton fabric of her knickers, causing an involuntary reaction from both Severus and Clara. "Look at me, Clara," he commanded, after noticing that her head had dropped back and eyes fluttered closed. She slowly blinked her blue eyes open and greeted him with a lazy smile.

"I want to bring you pleasure. You have to tell me what feels good, all right, love? But first we have to dispose of these lovely knickers," he said with a deep rumble in his chest.

Without giving her a chance to comply, he scooped his hands underneath her bum, grasped her undergarments and yanked them down with one mighty tug. Clara let out a yelp as the cold, drafty air hit her most private of areas. After pocketing her knickers, Severus quickly returned his hands to trail up her legs once again. He continued to plunder her mouth and drank from her as a parched man would from a well. When he finally trailed against the trimmed triangle of curls covering her sex, Clara clutched at his wide shoulders as though to lock him into place. When his fingers dipped into her cleft, he found a river of desire. Breath escaped them both as he delved into the slickness feeling the engorged flesh aching to be touched. Clara jerked against the movement involuntarily, seemingly losing control of her reflexes.

"So wet," he murmured, as he positioned his hand to give her the most pleasure.

He barely had to move his hand, but only to hint at a pulsing circle, his knuckle pressed beneath the tight bud as his fingers mimicked the movement of his lips. Soon, her hips moved with him of their own desire, riding the pleasure he was offering like a horse ridding out of control. She knew it would carry her to a heavenly destination and she desperately wanted to get there.

"Severus…" she moaned, not exactly sure what she wanted to say. "So…good."

"Just let it feel good, love. I want you to feel good. You look so beautiful," he whispered in between heated kisses and playful nibbles on her lips. He relished the sound of her harsh intake of breath, which acted as a compass, showing him where to press harder or linger longer.

Severus added a second finger into her waiting heat, causing Clara to let out one of the most beautiful sounds he had ever heard. He made a promise then and there that he would make it his life's mission to elicit that noise as many times as he possibly could. Twisting his hand so he could reach further inside of her he moved his thumb in place over her swollen nub and began to rub relentlessly driving her higher and higher.

"Severus…please…please…"

"What do you want, love? Tell me what feels good?" he demanded, never relinquishing his hold.

"Don't stop…please don't stop."

"Just let go and let it feel good."

Clara could feel the moment coming fast and welcomed the impending released.

"I've got you, Clara. Come for me," he insisted, applying even more pressure.

His silky command was all it took to send Clara over the edge. She peaked in a wet rush of pure white fire. Her rhythmic cries followed the pulses of bliss centered in her core and were smothered by his relentless mouth. Her hips bucked beneath him but he held fast driving her ever higher until she collapsed into his arms.

Severus stood cradling her warm, trembling body against his as she calmed from her intense climax. Once her breathing evened out, he pulled her head up so he could look her in the eyes as he gently removed his soaked fingers from her wet heat.

"I'm going to make love to you, Clara Lanning," he said with the most sincerity she had ever heard from his lips.

"Now?" she questioned, her eyes wide and glossy. "Here?"

Severus let out a chuckle and placed a soft, tender kiss upon her swollen lips. He slowly drew his long, soaked fingers into his mouth, letting out a muffled moan of contentment as he savored her distinct flavor. Clara jaw dropped open with shock at his obvious delight. "You are the Princess of this castle and deserve to be made love to as such. My patrolling duties start in ten minutes and will last most of the night. As soon as the students are gone for the holidays I'm going to make you mine and you will not leave my bed until you ring in the new year."

Clara gave him a sheepish smile; her mind still reeling from the pleasures his fingers had brought her only moments ago. The thought of him bring her pleasures with other parts of his body for days on end was enough to cause her to drop dead of overstimulation. She nodded her head in agreement and allowed him to help her off the window seat.

"May I have my panties please?" she asked, smoothing down her now wrinkled dress.

"I'm afraid not," he said with a smirk, tucking the violet colored fabric deeper into his pocket. "I believe it would only be fair for me to keep it until you…earn it back. Now you better get back to the party before people get suspicious. Until next time, Miss Lanning," he said, giving a small bow before banishing the magical bricks that had been enclosing their alcove and disappearing down the hallway.

"I think this might end up being the best Christmas ever," she mumbled to herself before shuffling back to the sounds of the party, feeling quite sexy without her panties.

Once Severus and Clara disappeared back to their separate destinations a solitary figure immerged from a connecting hallway. "Now what is going on with those two?" whispered the conflicted voice of Draco Malfoy. "Oh Mother is going to be hearing about this."

A/N- Hope you enjoyed your first Clara/Sev lemon! I also hope it was worth the wait. There is A LOT more where that came from.

I haven't heard from a lot of you in a long time. I hope you are still with me. Reviews really keep me going so please drop me a note! I love you all!