Chapter Nineteen

Making her way down the street, her hand delicately holding Severus', Ember allowed her mind the go back over the last few weeks. Barty had decided to show Severus how much he truly despised him by doing everything in his power to make his life miserable. Not that all of them worked however, most of the time Severus honestly looked at the man as though he was a waste of space. The small action always seemed to visibly frustrate Barty more than anything Severus could do in return. Barty had found one way to wind Severus up though, which was to hit on Ember whenever he saw her; which was a lot. Ember was worried the man was stalking them at one point.

Severus had ignored it at first, even though it infuriated him to no end, due to the knowledge that Barty was only doing it to wind him up. He wasn't going to give the prick any satisfaction of knowing he had actually got to him. There was only one time when Severus nearly snapped and physically attacked the guy and that was when Barty had groped her quite heavily in Malfoy Manor. The only reason he didn't was because Ember had beaten him to it and punched him square on the nose. An image that still amused him days later.

Thankfully Barty had backed off after that, though both knew he hadn't fully given up on trying to terrorise Severus. He truly had an agenda when it came to him.

Shivering, Ember moved closer to the man beside her in hopes of absorbing some of his body heat. They were close to hers so she didn't bother with a warming charm, there was no point. Hearing Severus call her name she brought herself back to reality as she turned to him. He had a small crease sat between his brows as he stared straight ahead in concentration.

"What's wrong?" she asked softly, squeezing his arm comfortingly. After a second he turned to face her.

"I juat wanted to ask you something, but I was trying to think how to word it without sounding demanding or accusing." Severus said, his voice low and precise. Ember frowned. Severus turned his gaze away from her as a grimace appeared.

"Well, what did you want to ask me?" Her voice was careful, a little wary from the way he was behaving. Severus didnt reply straight away but she felt a slight pressure on the hand he was holding.

"Is there something you aren't telling me?" He asked hesitantly, finally turning to glance at her before his gaze went back to the front. "I don't mean to sound intruding, or like I said before accusing, but my insticts tell me something isn't right. They've never really led me wrong before."

Ember came to a stop causing Severus to frown. Giving him a small smile she nodded her head to the side, the sight of her front door hitting Severus in the face. He hadn't even realised they were so close, he would have walked right passed it if she hadn't stopped him. Both entered the house in complete silence, their minds heavy with thoughts. Sitting down on the couch heavily Ember patted the spot beside her to indicate for the tall man to sit next to her. He did, body tense. Here it was, he thought. He didn't know what she was about to tell him but with his luck it wasn't going to be good.

Taking a hold of his hands, Ember tilted her body towards his before giving him a reassuring smile. His demeanour didnt change, he just sat there stonily staring at her.

"Okay, I'll be honest with you, there is something I haven't told you yet but please don't fret, it isn't anything bad. At least I don't think so." Ember started, stroking the rough skin of his palms and fingers. "I need a little bit more time but I can promise you I will tell you. I can also promise you it doesn't effect us."

Tightening her hold on his hands she stared nervously at the man before her. He still hadn't moved but she was used to him now, she could tell he was thinking carefully over her words. Sighing, he rested his head against hers.

"I can wait." he breathed, pressing a chaste kiss upon her lips. He could, he decided. She had waited patiently when he asked not to be pushed about his father. She had waited weeks and never once pressured him into talking. The only times she did was when he had brought his parents up, and only then. Ember graced him with a happy smile, wrapping her arms around him tightly. Her relief was clear to see, he could practically feel it.

Pulling her with him as he sat back in the couch the two spent the next hour just relaxing in each other's arms as they spoke about random things. They only ended their chatter when a soft tapping was heard. Frowning Ember sat up, glancing at the window to see an owl impatiently pecking at the glass. Within the next second she let out an excited squeal when she recognised the animal.

Rushing over she allowed the bird to fly inside the house, sunmoning some owl treats which she placed onto the table in a scatter. Ripping the letter open she scanned the words written elegantly upon the thick parchment. Severus leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, simply observing the beautiful bird. Soon she lowered the letter to stare at the man opposite.

"So, I think it's time you met my parents don't you?" she asked airily, causing him to narrow his eyes. "It's Christmas, a time for family you know?"

"What exactly was in that letter?" he demanded. Ember grinned sheepishly at him but he also caught a bit of hope too. Placing the letter down on the table she moved to sit back beside him, Severus picking up the quite expensive looking parchment as she did so.

"My parents invited you to Christmas!" Ember exclaimed suddenly, a little frown on her face when she noticed Severus lift the letter to his nose. His body stilled when the words exited her mouth however. Slowly turning to look at her Ember bit her lip to stop the small bubble of laughter that wanted to escape her when she spotted the small, yet distinct, flicker of fear in his dark eyes.

Taking a deep breath Severus stiffly nodded his head. Not verbal but his way of agreeing. Not that Ember was truly going to take no for an answer. Leaning back on the couch with a happy sigh she burst out laughing at what Severus uttered next in a clear moment of confusion, waving her mothers letter in the air.

"Is this thing scented?"

Edited