She could hardly bear it, the excitement of his touch, the thrills and shocks of pleasure that made her skin shiver and her muscles tremble. Every movement, every caress was bliss that set her on fire, starting down between her legs and spreading upwards to the tips of her fingers and down to make her toes curl. This man, this sexy man was finally finally touching her and it was safe. She didn't have to think, she didn't have to hold back, she could let go- and let go she did.
Her hands ran firmly over his arms, up to his wide, muscly shoulders and finally down his chest, a chest that was so much more defined that the last time she had been naked with him. She marvelled in the contrast between his gorgeous chocolate skin and her light caramel fingers. She gasped as he pulled her even closer, stopping all conscious thought as his mouth found hers again and his warm hands slipped beneath her shirt and found the delicate skin of her stomach. One hand held her steady as the other moved up, finding her bra and pulling it up and out of the way, letting him palm one of her breasts magnificently. Serena's head tipped back and she let out a sound of pure pleasure, pushing her chest further into his hand. "Oh godssss" she moaned, revelling in his touch. His other hand began pulling her shirt up and over her head and her bra quickly followed.
Kingsley leaned back slightly and gazed at her hungrily with heavy lust-filled eyes. She smiled as he took her in, and moaned again as he bent down and took a pert nipple into his mouth. She clutched at his hair desperately, holding him tighter to her and stroking his back with her other hand. This felt amazing.
Kingsley withdrew and focussed his attention on the other breast but Serena soon pulled him back to her mouth and lowered her hands down to his belt. She revelled in his attention but she needed more, her whole body was screaming for more contact, she could feel every fibre of her jeans and her knickers were practically soaking already.
"Please," she breathed against his wet lips, "I need more, I need you, please…"
Kingsley smiled and kissed her again, letting his tongue play with hers for a moment before suddenly pulling away and scooping her up in his arms as though she weighed nothing. She laughed and wrapped her legs tightly around his waist, rubbing herself against the bulge she found there.
"Patience," he chuckled, carrying her to his bedroom where he laid her down gently on the bed and crawled on top of her.
"I can't be patient," she breathed, looking up at the ceiling breathlessly as she felt Kingsley taking off her shoes and jeans. "Can't you just vanish the clothes?"
He chuckled again, a low, deep chuckle that sent a shiver all the way down to her glistening mound.
She sighed as her jeans were finally pulled off and his lips found her ankle. His kisses started soft and low but he slowly made his way up to where she really wanted him. She almost burst with frustration as inch by inch he lowered her black cotton knickers and breathed upon her bare clitoris.
"Oh my Christ," she breathed, squirming beneath him, waiting for the touch to come.
When it did she was not disappointed. Kingsley's mouth made contact with her sweet spot and his moan of pleasure vibrated through her entire body. He lapped and sucked and teased her gently, before pushing two thick fingers inside of her. It took her less than a minute to come in a flurry of swear words and squirming, animalistic sounds. When she came to, he was slowly undoing his belt and staring heavily at her like she was the most beautiful thing in the world. She gazed at him in amazement. It had been years since she'd felt like that.
Her hands found his belt and helped him pull his jeans and boxers off, her eyes widening as she took in his naked form. "Bloody hell," she whispered, "I'd almost forgotten… You are magnificent…"
He chuckled and then hissed as her small hands closed around his big, black shaft tightly. "Gods Serena, stop, or I'm not going to last."
She stroked him twice more and then pulled him closer, guiding him to her entrance. "Slowly," she whispered, looking deeply into his eyes and conveying her small moment of hesitation. "I'm not used to your…"
"Don't worry," he whispered, nuzzling her cheek with his nose. "You show me. You're in control."
It took almost a minute for Kingsley to be seated inside her, but when her body had accepted him she let out a glorious sigh and closed her eyes. "Gods I remember this, it's bliss, it's pure bliss."
He kissed her hard and began slowly rocking inside her. The both moaned as he began to move and the pleasure coursed through them in electric shocks. Serena's emotions tumbled out of control as Kingsley's pleasure was added her to own, each time he thrust into her she felt his excitement building with her own, getting stronger and stronger until it reached an almost unbearable peak, taking over her entire body, making her tremble, making her see stars, she screamed as she came again hard and a moment later she felt him pulsing inside her with a low moan, before collapsing, sweaty and sated on top of her. As exhausted as she was, she clutched him to her, this wonderful, sexy man, who had made love to her for the first time in years. She hadn't lost control, she hadn't hurt him, she'd just given him every part of her mind, body and soul she could.
…
The morning of the holidays could not have been better. Serena woke up wrapped in the warm arms of a sleeping Kingsley, his naked body pressed firmly against her own. She shifted gently and turned in his hold to face him.
He stirred and opened his eyes sleepily, a broad smile spreading over his face.
"Good morning," he whispered, kissing her forehead and pulling her even tighter against him.
"Mmm…" she sighed, snuggling into him and kissing his collar bone. "This is the best wake up I've ever had."
He chuckled into her hair and lightly trailed his hands down her side to linger on her hip. "I know how to make it even better..."
After another glorious bout of lovemaking, Serena took a hot shower and changed into her favourite scarlet cloak.
Her and Kingsley had spent hours talking that night about the future, and they had decided that she would go and live with him for this first week of the holidays in his apartment. She had been hesitant at first, but they had made a pact to not try and relive the past, but to start again, and to look only into the future.
"So, I'm going to head by to Remus' office and tell him the news before he leaves," she said, slipping on her trainers. "Then I'll be at Severus' for a little while, I'll pack up some things from my quarters for the holidays and I'll meet you in the entrance hall at noon?"
"Meet me at the school gates," he said, kissing her. "I need to go home this morning and… make some space for you."
She smiled, "you mean tidy up and hide all your porn magazines don't you?"
He laughed, "no, but I do need to clean a bit. I want it to be perfect."
She kissed him happily and picked up her bag. "I'll see you at the gates then."
"I love you," he said deeply, pulling her in for a final kiss.
"Me too," she smiled, before finally tearing herself away.
She arrived at Remus' just in time as he had just finished packing and had already sent his trunks down to the entrance hall with the houselves.
"Oh my god!" he shouted, scooping her up into an enormous bear hug. "That is amazing! This is the best news! I am so happy for you!"
She laughed and hugged him back tightly.
"Bloody hell, does this mean Severus Snape is officially a hero?" he laughed, releasing her.
"I'm afraid it does," she smiled widely. "I owe him so much. He is just a complete genius."
"This is just amazing," he repeated, grinning at her. "We'll have to celebrate when we both get back, you're in Hogwarts for the second week too?"
She nodded, "yeah. I'm staying with Kingsley this first week…"
Remus winked at her. "Well, I'm sure he'll keep you well and truly entertained."
She gave him a playful shove and smiled, thinking about the last amazing night they had spent together.
They said their farewells and merry Christmases and Serena skipped happily down to the dungeons, wishing happy holidays to the few students that were staying.
Severus was in his storeroom when she entered, placing several bottles into his leather briefcase.
She lingered at the door of the cupboard, watching him.
"I'm going to be really sad not being able to come here every weekend," she said quietly.
He continued sorting his potions and didn't even look at her. "I highly doubt you'll have a moment spare."
"I will," she countered, "Kingsley works most weekends at the moment, I'll have as much time as I do now. Plus, I've really taken an interest in Occlumency. I think I'm going to continue learning, I'd love one day to be able to create a mind palace."
Severus scoffed and bent down to pick up his briefcase, snapping it shut and stalking past her. "If you think you can reach that level with a few books you are very mistaken."
Her face fell, and she followed him through to his kitchen with disappointment.
"Do you think? Is there anywhere they teach it? Or a place I can take a course or lessons in-"
"Very well," he interrupted briskly, busying with the clasp on the large leather trunk that stood in the centre of the room. "I will continue teaching you, I suppose you're not the most hopeless student I've ever had."
Serena looked at him with surprise. "Do you mean that?" she asked hopefully.
He straightened up and finally looked at her. His face looked tired and his hair fell limply around his face, but it was his eyes that spoke to her the most. He looked young, suddenly, as though he was unsure and lacked confidence. His eyes gazed deeply into hers and she sensed he was doing more than simply looking at her.
"Is that what you want?" he asked awkwardly.
She grinned, "yes, it is."
"Then that's settled then, we shall start after the holidays."
Her grin widened and she had to refrain from hugging him. She'd probably already traumatised him the night before.
Severus set down a large purple vial of potion on the kitchen table and gestured for her to sit down. "More serious matters."
She nodded and sat down excitedly. She was mesmerised by his words and he explained the incredibly complex potion that now sat in front of her. He spoke simply but she was aware of the hours and hours of reflection and labour that this potion represented. She took a few notes and he passed her a list of ingredients and a reminder of the dosage and timings.
"So where are you going for the holidays?" she asked again.
"To my house, in London," he replied shortly.
"Do you do anything special for Christmas?" she asked, although she already knew the answer.
"No."
"Me neither. Always a great time for food at the supermarket though," she smiled. "Can't beat it."
He merely raised an eyebrow.
"Are you here for the second week?" she asked.
"Merely the last weekend."
"How did you manage that?" she cried, "I only get a week off!"
He smirked, "did you ask for more?"
"Well, no-"
"Then there is your answer."
"Pfft, I feel completely duped!"
"Indeed."
"Right," she said standing up and taking the large vial of potion carefully. "I'd best get going, I need to pack."
He stood. "And you are staying..?"
"With Kingsley, in London."
He nodded.
"Can I reach you by owl?" she asked.
"Of course. Or Patronus if urgent."
"Ok…" she found herself once again wanting to hug him goodbye but had to stop herself. "Take care of yourself, have a nice Christmas."
He merely gave her a small bow and she saw herself out, hurrying excitedly towards her rooms now, the prospect of packing and living with Kinglsey making her bubble with excitement.
…
The first week of the holidays was the best week of her life.
Her and Kingsley had fallen into a wonderous, dreamy routine and every second had been perfect. His apartment was magnificent, it was large and spacious, in a modern style with large panoramic windows that had been charmed to maximise the light. The open kitchen and living area was clean and modern. The kitchen was white and shiny clean with a transparent glass dining table, and the living area was a mix of grey and white tones. There was just one bedroom, a large, spacious room with a king size bed, a black chest of drawers, a set of lifting weights and Kingsley's various robes hanging on a rail in the corner. The bathroom was white, clean and simple.
She could see that a man lived there by himself, but the apartment spoke of a man with taste and money.
He had cleared her some space in the bedroom for her trunk and they had fallen into bed, where they had spent a large part of their time together. They had also gone for walks in the countryside, long, wandering strolls, hand in hand in the crisp, cold air, walks that made Serena's heart swell and her mind settle. They had gone to the supermarket together and found that their tastes had changed vastly since they had last lived together. They had cooked together and eaten out at a restaurant.
They had even met up with Kingsley's brother, Samuel, on Christmas Eve. She had been extremely nervous to see him again. For one, the last time she had seen him she had been extremely young, and two, she thought he would be furious with her for hurting his brother. She had been relieved when he had pulled her into a hug, told her that he had missed her, and ordered her a beer.
They had spent Christmas day wrapped in each other's arms, reading books and listening to music. Kinglsey had offered her a beautiful pendant necklace with a photo of the two of them inside. It was a recent photo, from a night at the Three Broomsticks with the other staff, and she warmed to see them both laughing together at the table and gazing lovingly into each other's eyes.
She had bought him a magnificent deep purple hat, and two tickets to a winter dance in Diagon Alley at the end of January. She had also sent a cashmere scarf and gloves set to Remus, a box of sherbet lemons to Albus, and she had managed to find a muggle hand-drawn map of the Scottish Highlands, right where Hogwarts should be, for Severus. She thought it might go with the other two ancient maps he had in his hallway at Hogwarts.
She took her potions with great care every night before going to bed, and always associated that moment with pride and relief. Thanks to that little purple liquid she was living the life of her dreams.
On the last evening, Serena lay with her head in Kingsley's lap and her acoustic guitar clasped over her body, her fingers moving deftly to play a gentle tune. Kingsley had poured them two glasses of red wine and he had conjured a fire in his modern grate.
"So," he said in his deep voice, stroking her arm tenderly. "What happens now?"
Serena kept playing and didn't reply for a long time.
"What do you want to happen?" she finally asked, timidly.
"I'd like to stay here with you forever," he sighed, "but I don't think we can."
She smiled sadly, "no."
"Perhaps… when we return to Hogwarts, you could leave some clothes and a toothbrush in my room… and… I could leave some robes in yours?"
She looked up at him and smiled widely. "That sounds like a good start."
"We're lucky for the moment that I can stay at Hogwarts… If they catch the prisoner, you know I'll be sent back to the Ministry, don't you?"
She shrugged and stopped playing her guitar to sit up and look at him properly.
"I know… but, you know, I don't think I'll stay at Hogwarts forever… you know I've always wanted to be an auror too…"
He beamed at that. "You still do?"
She gave a small smile, "yeah. I thought either an auror or the Dark Arts Defence League, I don't really know for the moment. But I only really moved to Hogwarts because of Albus, and now that I'm cured…"
"You're not cured," he said gently, "you were never ill. Now that you have control of your magic, you should say."
"Yeah, I suppose you're right."
"So, auror Lake!"
She laughed. "Maybe."
"Or maybe there will be two auror Shacklebolts one day," he said quietly, causing a deep blush to appear on her cheeks and a flicker of excitement to course through her body.
She pulled him to her for a deep kiss. "That sounds magical."
…
Serena unpacked her trunk in her rooms and flooed directly over to Kinglsey's quarters with some of her clothes and a spare toothbrush. She only meant to stay for five minutes but they ended up falling into bed together and spending the afternoon there.
The atmosphere in Hogwarts was magical. A thick powder of snow coated the hills and stuck to the turrets of the castle. In the Great Hall snowflakes fell down from the enchanted ceiling and baubles and fairies holding lights floated around the walls. The ghosts burst into carols spontaneously and the doors liked sprouting mistletoe unexpectedly. A party was to be held for the remaining students for new years eve and the hallways were full of excited giggles and talks of dresses and high heels.
That evening she joined Minerva, Remus, Kingsley, Albus and Hagrid at the one table that was left in the Great Hall. All the houses shared the same table. She was sad to see that whilst the Hufflepuffs, Gryffindors and Ravenclaws all ate together, the seven Slytherins that remained sat alone. She made sure she went and sat with each group for at least five minutes, questioning them about their holidays and their Christmas presents.
The next day her and Remus had a snowball fight against the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, and in the afternoon she had organised a revision group for the three seventh years that had stayed.
The few days after that were filled with too much eating, flying and walking with Remus, and sleeping in Kinglsey's arms. It was bliss.
It was on the last Saturday that she was finally pulled from her dreamy new life back to reality.
"Severus!" Serena jogged along the Transfiguration corridor and caught up with the billow of black robes that she had just spotted.
The dark figure slowed and turned to wait for her. She swore he almost looked pleased to see her.
"Professor Lake," he gave a small bow and they turned to walk together.
"It"s great to see you again, how are you? How were your holidays?"
She met his pace and smiled at his usual, unreadable face. He looked better than he had before the holidays, she remarked. He looked slightly less pale and his eyes were brighter.
"Perfectly fine, thank you, and yourself?"
"Lovely," she sighed, "completely stress free, thanks to you."
"And what of the potion? Any side effects?" he queried as they turned a corner and walked towards the entrance hall.
"Nothing important, I've written down in the diary you gave me the changes that I-"
"Serena," he hissed said suddenly in a low, sharp voice, "apply occlumency. Now!"
Serena froze for one split second and then did as he said without hesitation. His entire posture had changed, from casual to straight and stiff and his eyes were suddenly hard and unseeing.
"Severus, my old friend!" The smooth voice was accompanied by footsteps and Serena and Severus turned to face a tall, thin wizard with long blonde hair and a pointed, handsome face.
Severus took a step forward and gave a tight smile. "Lucius, what a pleasure."
As the two men shook hands, Lucius' gaze strayed over Serena, who kept her Occlumency shields in place just as Severus had taught her. She felt suddenly tense, but her face was calm and controlled.
"And who might this be?" Lucius' silky voice enquired, looking Serena up from top to bottom with bright blue eyes.
"This is the Potions Mistress," Severus replied in a bored sounding voice. "Professor Lake."
Lucius raised his eyebrows. "Lake? Not the daughter of dear Alexandria?"
It took all of Serena's discipline to force her face into a smile, feeling the sense of danger this man arose in her. "That's me," she said softly.
Lucius stepped away from Severus and moved towards her, standing much too close. He held out his hand and she took it with a small smile. His emotions did not surprise her: greed, interest, confidence, aggression, and something quite evil indeed. It was the flashes of memory that surprised her, however, and it again took all her will to not react to the two scenes that flashed before her: this man, Lucius, as a Death Eater, standing in a circle in a dark room with others wearing Death Eater masks, and the second, of him and Draco Malfoy, whom she now realised was his son, hunting.
Lucius held her hand in his warm palm for much longer than was socially acceptable and seemed to pull her closer to him.
"Well now, this is an unexpected surprise," he murmured, his eyes grazing over her face hungrily. "Severus didn't mention that he had such… delightful colleagues.
Serena gave a small smile and raised an eyebrow. "Nor did he tell me that he had such… worthy friends," she said flatteringly, lowering her eyes.
Lucius made a pleased noise and released her hand. "Well, well, the next time I pay a visit to the school we shall have to take a drink together."
"Are you quite finished?" Severus drawled suddenly; sounding completely bored with the whole conversation. "I'm sure you didn't come here to flirt, Lucius."
Lucius gave a deep chuckle and finally turned his eyes back to Severus.
"I shall see you next Friday, Severus?"
Severus gave an affirmative jerk of his head.
"Until then… Good day, Miss Lake." Lucius gave her a small bow and descended the steps to the Entrance Hall.
Neither Serena nor Severus moved until he had stepped into the castle grounds and was out of their sight.
In a billow of black cloak Severus spun to her and pulled her behind a tapestry. To her surprise there was a large space hidden behind it, like a small cave.
He stared at her, his expression furious, breathing heavily through his nose, his hand still gripping her arm tightly.
"Do you know who that is?" he hissed eventually in the darkness.
She sighed and pulled gently out of his grasp. "Of course I do." Her voice was bitter when she spoke and her disgusted tone seemed to calm Severus. "Don't worry," she said dryly, "I was taught how to speak and behave around pureblood wizards long before I could walk."
Severus' shoulders relaxed ever so slightly and his breathing slowed.
"Pureblood wizards always want to feel superior. They also want to instil fear and awe. I'm sure he was more than satisfied."
"And is that what you wanted?" he hissed. "To satisfy Lucius Malfoy?"
Serena shot a dirty look at him and took a step closer to him, glaring in the dark light of the hidden space. "Be careful what you say," she growled quietly. "I just know that I would never upset a pureblood wizard, and especially not a Malfoy. You seem to be quite chummy with him anyway."
Severus gave a huff and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Since the disappearance of the Dark Lord I find it pertinent to know what the remaining Death Eaters are doing and thinking at all times."
"Indeed," she said shortly. "And next Friday?"
"That's none of your business."
Serena grimaced at him but didn't push further. "What in Merlin is he doing at the school anyway?"
"Lucius is a school governor. He was recently reinstated. He comes and goes as he pleases. He enjoys having power over Dumbledore. It was due to him that Dumbledore went into hiding last year, with all the basilisk business."
Serena said nothing, thinking that she would probably have to cross him again if he was a governor.
"You made me occlude," she remembered suddenly. "Why?"
"It would not do for Lucius to see that we have a relationship closer than simple colleagues," Severus said quietly.
Serena couldn't help but smile widely in the darkness: it was the first time he had admitted they were friends.
"Well… we'd better get out of this creepy hole in the wall or people will be jumping to other conclusions!" she gave a small laugh which deepened at Severus' sudden awkward and uncomfortable expression.
She checked there were no students in the vicinity and they both stepped out from behind the tapestry.
Severus looked around and brushed imaginary dust off his robes. "It would be useful for my research to see your notes on side effects. Perhaps you could bring them to dinner in the Great Hall this evening? And for occlumency, I suggest Sunday evenings starting next week?"
"Ok sounds good. I will be late tonight though, I'm on duty to escort the first and second years up from the train with Hagrid… See you at dinner then."
She turned to leave but he called her back quietly. "Serena?"
She span around with a wide smile that made his heart ache. "Yes?"
He stuttered to find the right words, and eventually managed to spit out through gritted teeth, "Thank you, for my Christmas gift."
She beamed at him. "You're very welcome Severus. See you this evening."