Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or any of its characters. This story is for entertainment only.

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Ch. 38

What Couples Do

Severus leaned against the cognac leather cushions of Mia's office chair and rubbed his eyes. He really should call it a night, Severus thought to himself as he glanced about Miriam's office. It was a quiet space, and Severus found time quickly slipped away from him in such serene surroundings. He absently ran his hand over the smooth mahogany desk as he admired its Chippendale workmanship. A small lamp sat on the corner next to a picture of Miriam and her nephews in a gilded frame.

Across the desk sat two leather-clad straight back chairs. They flanked a marble top table in the same Chippendale style as the desk. Damask wallpaper in muted golds covered the walls; their warmth complimented by the light wood floor. To the right of Severus were two cathedral windows that ran floor to ceiling, framed in delicate gold drapery. A large hutch stuffed with books took up the remaining wall space.

The left wall was floor to ceiling bookshelves, complete with their own rolling ladder. On the wall opposite Miriam's desk was an exit to the rotunda, and a stone fireplace with a small seating area. Above the mantle was an original Degas; the dancer's impossibly long limbs stretched in a graceful pose. Interspersed through the room were large vases of fresh flowers on pedestals, and a couple sculptures Severus didn't recognize.

A hidden doorway in the bookcase opened and Agnes Willoughby, Will and Miriam's personal secretary stepped through. "You're still here?" the aged witch asked Severus, her words laced with surprise.

Severus closed the file in front of him. "Just finished, actually," Severus answered. He placed the file back in its cabinet and locked it with a wave of his hand. He turned around to watch Agnes draw the drapes closed with her wand.

"I just closed up Mr. Bourgia's office, and there are a few things to tend to here for Miss Magowan before I head home," Agnes said as she vanished Severus' empty plate from the desk. "Miss Magowan likes everything neat, and I intend it to be just that when she returns. How was your dinner, by the way?"

"Oh, it was fine," Severus replied absently as he watched Agnes tidy up. "You didn't have to do that, so thank you."

"I know, dear," the matronly witch said. "All of us at B&M appreciate your help to make our business safer, and keeping you fed is the least I could do." Severus silently observed as she checked the flowers, fluffed a few pillows, and put out the fire. At last, Mrs. Willoughby looked around Miriam's office, and with a satisfied nod continued. "Time to head home. Will you stay longer?"

"No, it's getting on and I must return to Hogwarts." Severus stood and walked with Agnes to the reception area. The rotunda was classic with its marble columns and mosaic domed roof. A large curved oak desk took up most of the space. "This room is quite impressive," Severus mused as he fastened his cloak.

Agnes nodded. "Miss Magowan redesigned it after the mail incident; I think her taste is impeccable. She can decorate my house any day, but I think my husband would object."

"Does he mind you working late?" Severus inquired as they walked through the building and down the stairs. The oak planks of the floor creaked with age as the pair continued to the main entrance.

"Tonight is poker night," Agnes said with a roll of the eyes. "It gives me time to catch up here, and he gets time with his friends – everyone wins," she added with a wry grin.

Severus gave a small smile and held the main doors open. Agnes locked them, and the pair walked to the Apparition point. "Well, Mr. Snape, it was a pleasure to meet you. I'm sure I'll see you again."

Severus nodded and bid Mrs. Willoughby a pleasant evening. He watched her disappear before Apparating himself. Severus appeared before Hogwarts and began his walk across the grounds. Winter's hold lessened considerably the past few weeks. The snow was gone, and the landscape seemed poised to burst forth with foliage and day. Perhaps he could use the change in weather to coax Miriam outside the castle; a walk would do them both some good.

The castle was quiet when Severus entered the main doors. His dragonhide boots sounded hollow against the worn stone as he climbed the stairs to Miriam's chambers. When Severus arrived, he found Miriam curled up under a blanket on the couch. Will sat next to her as they talked, but both stopped to look at Severus as he stepped through the portrait. "Ah! Just in time," Will said brightly. "I was beginning to dread the idea of dosing out Miriam's potions."

Severus shrugged out of his cloak. "Miriam can handle that on her own now," Severus answered back. "I would have returned sooner, but it took several tries before I got Miriam's file cabinet unlocked, then several more spells before her files allowed me to read them," Severus said as he clasped Miriam's outstretched hand in his own.

"Well, I can't make it easy. What's the fun in that?" Miriam teased as she smiled up at Severus. He squeezed her hand in reply. He tried to seem put-out, but the mirth she saw in Severus' eyes betrayed him.

"None, apparently," Severus shot back. Miriam smiled as Will chuckled at his reply. "Stay comfortable; I will retrieve your potions."

Will watched Severus leave the sitting room. He shook his head and turned to Miriam, a smile on his face. "Severus is something else. He's quite clever, and I hope to know him better – in due time."

Miriam smiled. "That he is."

"It's obvious he's won your heart," Will added as he patted Miriam on the arm. "I'd never thought it possible, but here we are." Will walked to the door and picked up his cloak. He shook his head as he remembered something. "You know, if it wasn't for your voice coming out of that Patronus, I'd never have figured out it belonged to you until it was too late. I'm so glad I did, and that you're here with us." Will grinned and kissed Miriam on top of her curls. "I'll see you tomorrow. Cheers, Severus!" Will exclaimed down the hall. With a small wave to Miriam, Will left for home.

Miriam frowned slightly as she absorbed Will's words. What the hell was he talking about? Her Patronus hadn't changed. Miriam stewed silently as Severus returned. "I see Will headed home," Severus said as he sat beside Miriam. "I'm pleased he was available to keep you company, especially since I went past my time." Severus frowned when Miriam remained silent, and he glanced up from the bottles in his hands.

Miriam looked back at Severus, confusion plain on her face. "Mia, what's wrong?" Severus asked.

Miriam shook her head slightly and drew her wand. She closed her eyes and pushed everything out of her mind except those memories that brought her pure joy. When her happiness reached its peak, and she felt like a bubble about to burst, she opened her eyes and cast the spell.

She expected the silver wisp to take a familiar form – her hawk. Instead, the silver formed a new shape. The mist grew darker, yet kept its iridescent sheen as it shaped into a raven. The bird looked at Miriam with curious eyes. It was beautiful, with a large curved bill, strong legs, and graduated plumage on the tail. The raven cocked his head and spread his wings as though to show off his impressive wing span before it disappeared.

Severus blinked several times as the silence stretched long. Miriam sat rock-still, apparently as shocked as he over what transpired. Severus read about Patronus changing, but only in instances where loyalties shifted. A strong attachment or major life event were often the cause. Why a raven, Severus wondered? He glanced at Miriam, and found her staring at him. When their eyes met, Miriam blushed crimson. She averted her eyes to stare at her hands as the color spread down her neck.

Suddenly, Severus understood. It was him, or rather their relationship, that caused the change in Miriam's Patronus. Severus smiled slightly. He felt smug about the change – obviously Miriam's love ran deep – and Severus would be lying if he said it didn't boost his ego. He leaned closer as his left arm slipped behind her. "So you fancy me a raven, then?" Severus teased Miriam gently.

Miriam looked at Severus, her shock and embarrassment gone. "You know I love you, Severus," Miriam replied softly. "I had no idea, until Will told me he didn't recognize the Patronus I sent him from the alley." She closed her eyes and sighed heavily. "It's not how I imagined this playing out."

Severus stiffened slightly. Apparently, the change was an unwelcome one. "You are disappointed," Severus said flatly.

"No!" Miriam exclaimed. "I'm just surprised…and a little confused." She looked at Severus. "Has yours changed?"

"I do not know. I haven't cast that spell in a long time," Severus answered truthfully. "Besides, a wise witch once told me the form a Patronus takes matters little. It is the memories one uses to conjure it that mean the most."

Her heart sank as Mia realized the change could be one-sided. Miriam shook her head. "You use my words against me." Her words were meant to tease Severus, but they fell short. Miriam's statement sounded hollow to her ears.

Severus hesitated; he knew Miriam wasn't about to let this go. With a small amount of trepidation Severus drew his wand. Happy moments with Miriam flooded his mind in rapid succession, and he quickly cast the spell.

Miriam watched as the silver wisp spilled forth from Severus' wand. It lingered briefly as mist before materializing into a doe. Miriam blanched slightly. It was as she feared; Severus still clung to remnants of his past, where she already embraced their future. The doe looked at Miriam with its large soulful eyes before it vanished. Miriam stole a glance at Severus and her heart sank further still when she saw the wide, almost giddy, grin on his face.

Severus noticed Miriam staring, and he became alarmed at the sad countenance she wore. "What's wrong, Mia?"

Miriam shook her head. "Nothing," she said curtly. Severus shot her an unbelieving look, and Miriam pursed her lips. "I just thought…after all this time…you could move on from the past and just be mine. I see that's not the case."

There was a brief pause, then Severus began to chuckle. Miriam looked at him in disbelief before anger clouded her features. How dare Severus laugh at her! She angrily tossed the blanket aside, and as she made to stand, Severus' hand on her leg stopped her.

"Mia, please. I'm not laughing at you. It's just that while you saw my Patronus, you didn't really see it."

Miriam's angry retort was quickly replaced by confusion. "I- What?" Miriam asked.

Severus raised his wand and cast the spell again. The doe appeared and stared at the pair before slowly gliding towards them. "This is not my old Patronus," Severus began. "Yes, it's still a doe…but she's different. The coat is darker, and the spots on her rump are new. She's smaller. Her eyes are rounded rather than almond shape, and her ears have a sharper point to them. The darker band of fur around their edge is new, too. It's good," Severus said to himself as he stared at the doe. "She's beautiful."

Miriam looked at Severus' content expression before she tore her eyes away from him to focus once more on the doe. Again, the doe looked at Miriam with its soulful eyes. Though small, the doe's stance was graceful yet strong. Its shimmering body was lithe and radiated a sense of purpose. Miriam was once again drawn to the eyes; large, round, and dark - much like the ones she had as a baby. Oh. Miriam drew in a sharp breath as she understood.

The doe disappeared and Miriam quickly turned to face Severus. He brushed aside a lock of hair and Severus studied her face. "You are the memories that make my Patronus possible, Miriam. I am not your grandmother by any means, but perhaps you would consent to be my petite biche?"

"Oh Severus," Miriam breathed. She cradled his face in her hands, and swept back his hair. "I'd love to." Mia rested her forehead against his and smiled at Severus. "We'll have to work on your French, though. Your pronunciation is très mal."

"Well, perhaps you can help me with that," Severus teased as they embraced. He sobered quickly when he realized Miriam's gaze shifted to his lips. They hadn't been intimate since before the attack, and Severus hadn't pushed the issue. However, with Miriam this close – and her stare so curious – Severus never wanted a kiss so much.

Miriam was keenly aware how much time had passed since their last encounter. She missed the closeness - it wasn't that Miriam no longer wanted Severus - she felt worried. What if everything was different now?

Miriam ran her hands across Severus' back as she continued to stare. As her mid weighed the options, Miriam noticed everything. She felt the heat from his body warm her hands, and his skin still smelt of sandalwood aftershave. Mia leaned closer and ghosted her lips across the angled lines of Severus' jaw. She would never know the answer to her question if she never plucked up the courage to try.

The roughness of Severus' stubble yielded to a familiar softness as Miriam's lips found his. Severus reciprocated, though his actions felt tentative to her. He touched her as though Mia was made of glass, and Severus feared she would break. Miriam scooted closer as her arms tightened around him. To her, everything felt exactly as she remembered. Excited by her discovery, Miriam pushed Severus against the cushions and crawled over him.

Miriam's actions surprised Severus, and he stared up at her with searching eyes as she straddled him. She simply smiled and lowered her lips to his. "I won't break, Severus," Miriam murmured against his lips after she kissed him.

Severus gazed at her for a long moment. He tightened his hold and rolled over to his side so they faced each other, before he kissed her properly. Miriam bent to his passion like a willow in a storm, as he conveyed without words how much he missed her.

When they had to come up for air, Severus noticed immediately the sparkle in Miriam's eyes; it was beautiful to see after such a long absence. "Severus," Miriam breathed. "I'm ready to forget."

Severus was unprepared to hear those words from Miriam. He blinked several times as he gazed down at her. "Are you sure?" Severus finally asked.

Miriam nodded. "Yes." She leaned closer and swept his hair aside. "Here. Now. Help me remember us, what love feels like."

Taken aback, Severus glanced quickly at their surroundings. "Here? Are you sure you wouldn't rather-" Severus stopped speaking as Miriam shook her head no. She smiled shyly at him, and Severus returned her smile with one of his own. He shifted slightly so that he was over Miriam, and he kissed her lips softly. She sighed and Severus whispered in her ear, "You can tell me to stop anytime you want."

Miriam placed a hand on Severus' cheek. "I know," she answered. "But I won't need to."

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Severus stretched and blinked his eyes several times. He rolled over and propped himself up with his elbow. The room was still in the early morning silence. He glanced down at the curves under the duvet and smiled. Miriam slept curled up beside him, her mass of hair plaited down her back. He leaned closer and debated waking Mia up, but ultimately Severus decided to her sleep.

The last week was especially trying for her. After their first night together, Miriam wept in his arms, and Severus panicked, for he was sure he'd hurt her. She confided that she felt Severus wouldn't want her in that way anymore, and she reassured him that her tears were happy ones. That made absolutely no sense to Severus, and it was then he realized parts of a witch would always remain a mystery to him.

The trial of the living brother resulted in a twenty-five year sentence in Azkaban for his assault, attempted rape, and accessory to attempted deception by Polyjuice. It wasn't long enough in Severus' estimation, but he knew Miriam felt relieved to have one trial behind her. It was difficult for Severus to watch from a distance as Miriam was forced to relive those moments, unable to shoulder her burden. Because of those circumstances, Severus made certain the time they shared was quality.

"Severus, I can hear you thinking," Miriam mumbled. Severus jumped slightly, caught unaware that Miriam was no longer asleep. She rolled over and stared up at him with sleepy eyes.

"You do no such thing!" Severus scoffed.

Miriam stretched lazily. "Fine," she drawled. "I can feel the weight of your regard. Is that better?"

Severus grinned as Miriam scooted close to him; her hands lingered over his bare torso. She then traced over his face, across his cheek bones and down the curve of his nose. He noticed Mia's gaze grow thoughtful. Severus bent down and kissed her forehead. "What troubles you?" Severus asked.

Miriam pursed her lips together. "Just wondering if the article Xeno published will bear any fruit. I hate waiting, and this 'probation' has me feeling like an ickle firstie that can't be trusted off the grounds." A scowl darkened her features. "It's out of my hands, and I find my lack of control unsettling."

Severus rested his head against the pillow and faced Miriam. He noticed that she molded herself to his outstretched body, and Severus wrapped an arm around her. "That was only a few days ago. We haven't heard anything negative. It flew off the shelves, if that tells you anything."

Miriam made a half-hearted sound of agreement. "Can we have a lie-in today? Breakfast with tea in the sitting room?"

"Books and pajamas?" Severus inquired as they touched noses. Miriam laughed as Severus' hair tickled her face. She nodded and Severus smiled. "I can think of no better way to spend my Sunday."

Later that morning, Severus and Miriam set up camp in the sitting room. Breakfast dishes littered the coffee table, and several books were stacked on the end table beside the couch. Miriam cradled a mug of tea in her hands as Severus settled in beside her with a book of his own. "I love spending time with you," Miriam mused. "It's one of the things I'm most afraid to lose."

Severus shook his head. "You won't lose me," Severus answered confidently.

Miriam had a retort ready, but Millie appeared with an armful of letters. "Professor McGonagall finished your mail," Millie squeaked as she placed the pile in Miriam's lap. The elf turned to the coffee table. With a snap of her fingers, the dishes stacked themselves and she levitated them to her hands. "Does Missus need anything?"

"Yes, another kettle of hot water. Thank you, Millie."

Millie disappeared and Miriam began to sort through her mail, while Severus started his book. She glossed over anything that looked like business and turned her focus to a plain manila envelope. Miriam opened the letter. As she read, her eyebrows climbed higher and higher, then she burst out laughing.

"What?" Severus asked as he closed his book.

Miriam held the letter between two fingers. "Guess who Witch Weekly wants an interview with," Miriam said as she tilted her head.

"You tease," Severus said. "Really?"

"Yes!" Miriam exclaimed as she laughed. "Though I shall have to speak with my warden about the opportunity," she added with a roll of the eyes.

Severus chuckled at the thought of Feinstein in the role of warden; to be honest, it wasn't much of a stretch. "Well, that answers your earlier query. Seems as though Xeno's article is bearing fruit."

Miriam nodded and opened a large envelope. She pulled out several pictures along with a copy of The Quibbler. A note attached in Lyra's fluid hand explained that this was the first printed magazine of Miriam's article, and the pictures were from the photoshoot. Miriam eagerly looked through the photos, curious about how they turned out.

As it were, Lyra had an eye for photography. Many were shot on the school grounds to take advantage of the budding greenery and natural light. Lyra's approach was unfettered and simplistic. There was a quiet beauty in her portrayal of her chosen subjects. Miriam liked every photo in the stack, but the last one gave her pause. "Oh, Severus," Miriam breathed. "Look!"

Severus leaned in and looked over Miriam's shoulder. In the photograph, he and Miriam gazed back. Severus remembered Lyra snapped a photo of them at the end of the afternoon, much to his chagrin. Now, thought, Severus had to admit it was an excellent photo of them together. Miriam stood in front of Severus, with his arms wrapped around her chest. Miriam's hands wrapped gently around his arms as Severus gazed over Mia's shoulder. As the picture moved, Miriam leaned into his embrace. Her head rested against his left shoulder, and once they caught sight of each other, both smiled happily.

"I'm going to frame this," Miriam said.

"You do look lovely," Severus said as he looked again at the photo.

"We look happy," Miriam corrected Severus. "Besides, I just realized there aren't any recent pictures of us together, save this one."

"Perhaps we should begin to cultivate our own memories, then," Severus mused. Miriam looked at him quizzically. "That's what couples do, right?"

Miriam stared at Severus before she smiled widely. "Yes. That is what couples do." She leaned over and kissed Severus on the cheek. She lingered briefly as she committed the moment to memory. They smiled at one another, and Severus returned to his book. Miriam lapsed into thought as she absently shuffled her letters around.

She wondered how much time they had allotted to cultivate those memories. Miriam felt relief over the tangible proof that people read The Quibbler article, but would it be enough? She returned to the photo and smiled wistfully. Relinquishing control was extremely difficult for her, but Miriam just discovered her reason to continue. She would frame this picture, and it would serve as a daily reminder of what she stood to lose. If keeping Severus was her reward, Miriam would play the game as long as necessary.

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A/N: Thanks so much for reading! Happy 2016 to you all :)