SYNOPSIS: Charity Burbage finds Severus Snape alone at the Astronomy tower, after he yet again, fails to show up to another Great Hall feast. Severus is upset, but he cannot tell her why. She comforts him, but sometimes a single touch can bring the most comfort. Early HBP.
DISCLAIMER: I have no affiliation with JKR and earn nothing from this - I just enjoy the playground in the magical world that she created.
Another day.
His seat, yet again, remained empty.
Severus Snape failed to show up again at the Great Hall, which was becoming a habit in recent weeks.
He was a dedicated man. One who worked so tirelessly more than anyone, and yet he was lonely and disturbed behind those darker eyes. He was usually the first to arrive, and yet first to leave the feasts on an average day. But recently she had noticed the lack of food and drink reaching his lips, even sometimes spending most of that time shifting the little food he had on his plate. At times she would even deliver food to his office, earning no more than a frustrated scoff under his breath, and a quick cast away.
She wasn't offended. She had only wished she knew what was going on within his troubled mind.
Charity Burbage grew concerned for him as the weeks rolled by and she knew very well that something was deeply wrong. He appeared tense and even more withdrawn than he usually was, and sometimes she would catch the man's trembling hand as he reached for a glass of red wine. She noticed a lot, and yet confronting him about it was something she was often afraid to do. The paleness in his complexion highlighted the new gauntness within his cheeks, and the darkness of his eyes made them appear sunken, and empty.
He was usually dismissive. Even towards Minerva herself. She noticed the shifted glances he had with Albus, and she felt like there was much more between them than she knew. She had to wonder if the other members of staff took notice, but she knew she did. And she couldn't ignore them.
One night she did confront him within his quarters, only to find him completely broken down and vulnerable. She insisted she'd stay and hold him whilst he wept, but if only she really knew why. He told no one, but something so buried within him tormented him on every waking day. Perhaps it was the things he had seen as Voldemort's minion. The tortures and slaughters he'd have to witness…The idea of it sickened her and yet her own heart wept for him knowing he was facing that abomination every single day. Her heart wept for the man who barely held himself together each school day and scattered in silence.
And yet she held him on that night until he fell asleep within her arms, cradling him like a lost child. Never in all her time of knowing him, did she ever see him like that. It broke her heart. If only he could summon the right courage to confide in her because she knew she'd be able to keep that secret safe within her. She wanted to know, so she could figure out how to help him. How to care for him.
How to love him.
Once the feast was over for that Friday evening and waiting for Severus to arrive was now useless, she set off to find the elusive man. She checked the usual office and even knocked upon the door to his quarters. But nothing could be heard. Eventually, her feet began to wander through each floor, each classroom, and every other place she could think of combing the halls for any sign of the Potions Master. Once she realised she was ascending the main tower holding the hem of her robes, she found herself climbing the staircase to the Astronomy Tower. With each subtle creak of the staircase, she knew was running out of options.
But her worries soon ceased, when she discovered the familiar black cloak slightly billowing in the evening breeze. She did her best to hide the smile of relief when she found him safe.
"So, this is where else you've been hiding, " Charity's heart relaxed, when she noticed the man sitting by himself upon one of the stone benches overlooking the horizon, "You're a hard man to find."
The sun had begun to dip low in the west, casting a deep golden glow across the Great Lake. Heights wasn't something she was ever comfortable with, but she found this particular part of the castle very beautiful. They were indeed lucky to have such magnificent views, away from Muggle eyes. The light slowly dimmed as the sun began to vanish from sight. The shadows in the tower shifted, casting a less harsh light on the pair on them. The faintest of stars had already begun to shine.
Severus glanced over and watched as she settled herself on the other side of the bench. She placed a friendly, warm hand upon his upper back, feeling the man tense slightly beneath it, before retracting it again. Her other hand rested upon the lap of her layered peach-coloured robes, which appeared to match her almost porcelain complexion. Her light dusty brunette hair hung thickly across her broad shoulders, with its slight natural waves. Her almond-shaped hazel eyes blinked back softly upon his gaze, empathy exuding within them as they always did when he looked at her.
"You shouldn't be here, " The man finally spoke, pulling his cloak tighter around him as he shivered.
"You weren't at the Great Hall for dinner tonight, again, " Charity said, concerningly. Her voice was kind and soothing and yet as much as the company was appreciated at that moment, he just felt he needed to be alone.
"I wasn't hungry."
A comfortable pause emanated between them. Charity looked sideways at the man and noticed his hands tensing up within his lap. He was nervous. His slender finger traced where she knew his Dark Mark resided.
Was he waiting for something?
To break the ice, Charity leaned beside herself and nudged the man gently at his side, breaking whatever thoughts appeared to be plaguing his mind. He raised his chin, acknowledging the friendly gesture until he slumped back into his defeated posture once again.
"We are friends, aren't we, Severus?" Charity asked. Her gentle voice was soothing to Severus' ears, and although he did wish to be alone, her presence was silently welcoming to his erratic mind.
There was a slight pause in hesitation, as Severus' eyes trailed between each of hers. A small twitch of a smile tugged at the corner of his thinned lips, "Yes. We are."
Charity appeared relieved, "Good. Sometimes I simply have to guess. You're far too conservative."
The man shifted almost a little uncomfortably within his perch upon the bench, turning his head sharply to face her, "Charity, you must take caution. We are delving far into horrific times. You haven't toned down your Muggle teachings as I told you, it is dangerous – "
Charity seemed unbothered. They've had this conversation multiple times before, "No, I will not back down. You don't think I am well aware of the danger I place myself in? All the more reason to inform the students that Muggles should not be feared and that we can co-exist without a war. I will not be conquered by fear, especially one induced by him."
Severus' eyes widened, "Don't you see? This is the kind of nonsense that will get you killed!"
"Nonsense, you say?" Charity said firmly, "No. If we are to form a better world, then I will stand for them. Muggles are helpless in this war, Severus. If Voldemort prevails – "
" – Don't say his name."
"If he prevails, then Muggles will not stand a chance. I will fight for them, even if it takes my last breath. If I cower, flee, and do nothing, then I am useless."
Severus swallowed bitterly. He looked paler than he usually was, and she noticed the state of his panicked breathlessness when he looked away. He said nothing and she could see his mind ticking away with thoughts and emotions she knew very well he was trying to subdue. He was good. Very good. But she also knew very well the danger he puts himself in every single day.
"And yet you remain within his company, facing that monster, every day, " She continued with the gentlest of tones, causing Severus himself to draw in a trembling breath at her choice of words. Her frustration was controlled and measured. Subdued, unlike the shaken man at her side, "Severus, I see how afraid you are. It is unfair of Albus to place this task upon you to pursue him. You're in as much danger as I."
"I have no other choice, Charity, " Severus said, almost uncharacteristically timidly. That alone seemed to unnerve her. The coldness in his tone caught her by surprise.
"I know well enough, you have none, " Charity carefully reached for the man's hands still trembling and held them within her own. At first, Severus stiffened, unsure of how to take such a new gesture. But eventually, Charity felt his hands slowly relax, until she found her dainty thumb tenderly brushing over his calloused skin. A few old scars riddled across his fingers, creating many questions within her curious mind.
But the man was still shaking; his head bowed low, with his curtains of raven hair falling across his face and shrouding whatever emotions he did not want her to see. She held both of his hands tightly, until his trembles eventually subsided, along with his breathing. And yet she continued to soothe him, with her fingers gently entwined through his.
They had been so close before. They had once shared a single kiss, both intoxicated one night at The Three Broomsticks, and yet it was Severus who stumbled away shamefully, not wanting it to continue. Since that night, she had always wondered why. Why he was so afraid to get close to anyone? To confide in a single soul. To share his troubles, which he clearly was not handling very well. But since that kiss, all she could think about was him.
She could still taste the whiskey on his lips.
But she also knew that he felt something for her, too. At times she'd catch him staring; glancing in her direction, only to avert his gaze almost embarrassed. There were times when they brushed passed each other in the corridors, and the smell of dried rosemary and vanilla off his robes drove her mad at times. He was a peculiar soul. Often irate and moody, but under that harsh exterior, he was sensitive and hurt. And Charity had the sickening feeling that no one else had ever seen him like this except for her. She daresay even Minerva or Albus knew of the true extent of his pain.
Yet, she herself wished she knew. But she could sense it, and all she could do was be present and patient with him.
A few minutes ticked by, and Charity felt his hands warm within hers. She lowered her head so that her forehead was so close to his own, "What can I do for you, Severus? Please confide in me."
A few words barely escaped the man's lips, and she knew he was trying to find the right words. He shook his head lightly; his breathing picked up the pace once again. "I cannot tell you, as much as I wish for someone to know. I must not speak of it. But you are right…I am afraid."
Eventually, he raised his head with great effort, and it was then Charity realised his eyes were reddened.
Her heart sank further.
She released one of her hands from her hold on his, slowly reaching out to Severus' pale cheek. At first Severus flinched and drew back slightly, but the moment her hand touched his skin, his shoulders appeared to collapse with the released tension. Charity could feel the man melting within her touch once her palm covered the left side of his face. Her thumb tenderly brushed just underneath his eye, and Severus slowly blinked back at her with those dark, troubled eyes. Those glossy orbs, which carried so much sadness and pain trapped within. Not many other people were able to get close enough to notice, and Charity was relieved to know that at least she did.
Charity leaned closer and planted a single, soft kiss on his forehead. Severus released a breath he didn't realise he was holding.
Severus moved his hands over the one resting on her cheek, and gently peeled it away from his face, "Why do you still insist on being here? No one can help me."
Her shoulders sunk, "You need someone, Severus. I daresay anyone else has bothered. And I don't think Albus is soft enough to do so."
Severus snorted almost condescendingly under his breath. Oh, she had no idea. Even that old coot would never dare to acknowledge the constant struggles he was thrown into. Albus didn't realise how much this mission was killing him from the inside.
"No, " Severus said quietly, "He doesn't." His hooded eyes trailed from her peach lips – full, and perfect. Her hazel eyes piercing into his own were almost overwhelming, causing him to look away. He felt her kindness and even though she had no idea what a simple gesture could do, he was grateful for every moment she chose to stay. Her presence warmed his own heart, iced over from the times he kept his emotions and precious memories at bay.
But Charity was different. She was patient, tender, and gentle with him. Every time he lost his temper, there she was calm as ever. Unmoving. She held him at times when he couldn't bear too, and he kept so much from her. So many things he wished to tell her but couldn't. The mission was far too dangerous and delicate. One wrong slip and many could lose their lives. And already hers was at such great risk.
Admittingly, he always felt at ease with her. More so than any other Hogwarts staff. Her demeanour with him always made him feel like he could release his pain into the tears he so desperately held within, and he knew she wouldn't judge him for it. No, she saw deeper than that. She looked past his bitterness, his snarkiness…She saw something else. Far more than he ever saw himself. No matter how sour his mood was, she was always there, comforting him with words that felt like a balm to his bleeding soul.
With Charity – he felt more than just a friendship. He still remembered the kiss they shared, despite the less-than-ideal circumstance of that. It happened so quickly, and yet it never left his mind. After that, he could not stop thinking of her. But never once did he ever think he'd have her, and it wasn't until her hands entwined with his at that moment, did he realise that he really did feel something more with her. And the way she was gentle with him, told him she may have even felt the same.
He allowed his hand to move to her lips and ran his own thumb over them, shifting over each one slowly, and precisely. Charity sat unmoving and yet a shadow of a smile plagued the corners of her lips.
Her eyes gleamed.
Severus found himself edging closer to her, leaning close enough to smell the sweet pecan remnants on her lips from her earlier dessert that evening. Without a second thought – and for once he wished he had – his lips met hers, sinking into her slowly and deliberately. Her sweet lips parted with his, savouring the taste of each other.
They were slow and careful at first. But the kisses soon deepened, eventually allowing their tongues to meet. They sat for a moment, with each pair of hands grasping hold of the other's neck and jaw. But eventually, Severus peeled himself away.
"I am unsure if this is wise."
"We're both not back in our drunken stupor as we were those few months ago, " Charity gave him a reassuring smile, gazing deeply into his eyes, until her sweet expression turned more serious, "Allow me to love you, Severus. At least for tonight."
"I'm just not sure if this is the right thing for us to be doing. My mission…"
"…Can surely allow for you to have your time, " Charity concluded but noticed the look of longing on the man's face. Minutes passed and noticing how conflicted he looked, she eventually nodded in understanding, she stood up to leave, but Severus' hand gripped harder on her which he never dared to let go.
"No. Stay. Please, " Severus' voice was at first commanding, but soon followed the last words at no more than a whisper, "Just stay."
Squeezing back his hand, she felt herself being pulled back down by his side until his lips met hers once again. This time their interlocking lips grew deeper and far more passionate. She felt Severus' confidence begun to ascend, and the thought of Severus wanting her to stay aroused her in a way she never thought possible. As their kisses grew more sensual, she felt her hands drifting down over his chest, whilst her fingers ran over every button on his navy suit. Her breaths laboured and she wanted nothing more than to tear them open.
But her hands weren't the only pair finding something else to touch. She felt his hands caress across her shoulders, finding bare skin, causing a ripple across its surface. A small moan escaped her when his gentle hands eventually brushed down to her chest, caressing the bump of her breast separated by her robes.
Charity felt her cheeks flush, stealing heated words between his passionate kisses, "Oh, you are good."
Severus allowed himself to smirk; that was a first for her to witness, "Well, I didn't sit you back down, so I could do a piss-poor job at it."
Oh, how she missed Severus' sense of humour. She couldn't help but grin, nibbling cheekily on his upper lip, "I'm not complaining."
Severus' eyes drooped once again, pausing the kisses they shared. His forehead rested with hers, "Are you truly sure about this? Before we go any further?"
Charity stared at him, eyes flashing intensely, "I want you to fuck me, Severus. Hard."
Taken aback by the woman's unheard of colourful language, Severus' own cheeks flushed before he drove into a deeper kiss, driving his tongue deeper into her mouth, until he drew back enough to speak again, "Tell me how sure you are."
"Tell you?" Charity smirked, before guiding Severus' hand to find the underneath of her blouse between her robes. He felt his now warm hand fondling her breast tucked behind her bra, feeling her nipples harden with his touch. A murmur of pleasure escaped her lips, "Is that enough for you?"
Before he could respond, she allowed her free hand to further travel down his pelvis, until she reached a bulge within his trousers. Severus groaned, feeling a puff of breath hit her cheek. The sound of his euphoria further aroused her, and it drove her utterly crazy. He felt the grip on her breast tighten when soon enough, his long, slender fingers began to stroke her hardened nipple.
When eventually the kisses upon her sweet lips lessened, his own lips marked trails down the side of her neck. Every soft kiss upon her skin continued down to her exposed clavicle, causing her wanting more.
He was so careful, so gentle, so precise. She had to wonder if he ever considered a partner because she knew he would make a wonderful one. He would take care of them with everything he had, and whoever that lucky person would be, he would do anything for her.
She wished he could be hers. But she knew Severus was right. His mission – whatever it entailed – would put her in danger. So, with that in mind, she wanted to ensure she gave Severus the care he needed and the touch that he so desperately craved.
Even for a single night.
"Come to my quarters, Charity, " He breathed; his voice exuding desperation.
"Too far down, and we'd surely be seen. It's not even curfew yet, " Charity explained, knowing full well the evening wards for the students were now active. No student would venture up here during this time, but it was still quite a risk. No one else was to know about this.
Severus' eyes drifted to the floor, clenching his jaw when Charity's fingers massaged his stiffening bulge, "We go one below. It's adequate enough and sheltered."
Charity smiled again, "Sounds enticing." Her hands eventually pried away his belt, freeing his cock from his trousers, which were already growing deliciously hard and erect. Her warm hand wrapped around it and began to massage. She watched in glee as the man arched his back in pleasure, hearing a deep, languid moan escape from him as he suddenly gripped her.
"You drive me crazy, witch, " Severus hissed, but Charity caught sight of the man's smirk beneath his slightly tousled hair.
Every moment with him, made her grow more aroused, and she felt herself wet within her underwear. The heat of his breath, his gentle purrs when he moaned, set her on fire. He was so fucking good, and she desperately wanted his hands all over her.
Eventually, his fingers trailed over her navel, slowly working its way down. She shifted position, knowing full well where he intended to go, parting her leg further for him. His hand dug deep within her robes, finding once again, warm, moist flesh below her pelvis. His fingers found her vaginal opening amongst the light pubic hair she sported. Immediately, his finger wriggled away inside, causing her to embrace him so suddenly.
"Severus – " She moaned, feeling absolute bliss by his careful touch. She found it difficult to stroke him whilst his own finger teased her sensitive skin. She knew she was growing wetter by the moment, as evident as the ease of his access.
Severus leaned in to kiss her again, panting lightly in between. She knew he was growing more aroused, too. They were taking it slow, savouring every part of each other before giving themselves completely. Soon, he inserted another finger, "Fuck, Severus…!"
The man flinched, appearing as if he had hurt her, "Charity?"
"No, it felt good. You didn't hurt me, it's alright, " She quickly reassured, sensing his slight panic, "Mmm, keep going."
Understanding the request and now looking relieved, his fingers dove back in, gaining traction and speed. Severus held onto her other shoulder to grip onto her as he sped up, causing Charity's moans to grow louder within his ear. Eventually, she tipped over the edge, crying out as she felt an orgasm explode within her with legs trembling. He removed his fingers, as she rested her head in the crook of his shoulders, trying to catch her breath for the moment, "Your fingers know how to work."
Severus' smirked underneath his hair, planting a kiss on her forehead, "That's not all I can do."
"Take me, Severus, " Charity murmured within his ear, begging for more, "I want you. Please."
Leaning in for another heavy kiss, Severus rose from the bench with her, leaving Charity's eyes to drift towards Severus' erected cock. Her vagina was still wet from his fingers, but she was hungry for more of his touch. He made her feel so much joy and pleasure. His touch was both energizing, yet soft. She didn't know how he did it, but she loved the feel of his trailing fingers upon her bare skin. His lips were something she never wanted to pry away from. Those delicious lips which touched her own ignited a fire within her.
He was remarkable. So much love in a person, and yet was so afraid to show it. She wanted him to know that he need not be afraid of it.
Everyone deserves love, even Severus Snape.
Hands interloping and never parting, Severus led her down one flight of stairs down in the tower, reaching a very hidden room filled with old furniture, and things that had appeared abandoned for decades. Drawing out his wand, Severus swept it over each surface, removing the dust that had caked on some of them. Observing a small two-seater couch lying dormant on the corner, he waved his wand over it, repairing the holes upon them and removing the dirt evident on its threadbare ugly maroon surface.
She watched as the final sweep of his wand was the Silencing Charm activating all around them. Charity grinned naughtily, knowing full well the both of them desperately needed to satisfy their urges. He needed the sexual release as much as she did.
Severus turned back to her, his tongue poking subtly through his lips, "Adequate enough?"
Without a word, Charity grabbed hold of the front of his robes and pulled him into a deeper kiss. Their tongues meshed together, hungrily drawing in each other's breaths as they did so. Severus pulled her against the wall, soon pressing his tall and lanky form against her own. The kisses deepened, and she felt his exposed again erected cock brush against her inner thigh. Her own clitoris throbbed in anticipation until she couldn't bare it any longer.
She roughly began to pull away the man's travelling robes, feeling heat rush through her body. The warmth of them both in that moment was well enough to protect them from the cold. She wanted to make him sweat and flush those pale cheeks with his energy. Between each removal of both sets of clothes, they stole deepened kisses, barely allowing any time apart.
Charity finally pulled off her own blouse, exposing the white bra underneath. Her hardened nipples rubbed against it, and she was ready to remove them. Severus parted her robes again, tearing them away as he held her up against the wall, seeking and fondling the flesh between her legs once more.
She released another moan, this time far louder than before. Her nails dug into his skin, "Such a tease, Severus – " Her voice trailed to a breathless whisper, reaching for the cock still rubbed up against her. She felt the man's teeth nibble her upper lip in the same fashion she did earlier. His breaths elevated and grew deeper, as her hand around him moved in a more rhythmic motion.
She was careful with him, as he was with her.
"I love when my name reaches your fucking tongue – " Severus growled, growing more aroused with each passing moment.
His own voice rippled through her skin, tingling every part in contact with him.
Pulling his arm around her curved waist, the man led her to the couch eagerly waiting for them both to use it. Charity said nothing, as he bent her over the armrest, running his fingers delicately and sensually over her hips, feeling the edge of her underwear.
"You will no longer be needing this, " Severus whispered, sliding down her underwear all the way to her ankles. She felt his throbbing cock rub against her once again, until he felt him give more control as he teased her exposed genitals. Inch by inch he grew closer to her, and each passing moment left Charity feeling wild with arousal. Her energy was unlike anything she had ever felt, fuelled by the powerful man plastered against her now naked form. With his hands fastening hold onto her firm buttocks, she felt him ease into her vagina slowly. She heard a released moan of pleasure within her ear, feeling his heated breath upon the base of her neck as he bent right over her. She grasp hold of whatever surface of the couch she could, feeling him deepen within her. "Shit – Charity – "
With each slow movement, she could feel him draw back and re-enter her gently each time. She felt so wet, that she was relieved they did not require lubrication.
She had been ready for him for far too long. And now, finally, they were able to share a night together.
Each ease inside deepened and increased in speed. She ensured her legs parted even further, giving him more room to move. The room itself was slightly cramped, so manoeuvring around the abandoned furniture was nothing short of challenging. But all that mattered to her was him. She didn't care what furniture they'd have to break to make it happen, but fuck, she couldn't get enough of him.
She wanted him to fuck her senseless – it was a long time coming.
Severus' weight grew heavier over her, with each thrust. His hands held her down as he continued, both moaning almost in unison now. Charity felt close, but not quite there. She felt his hands trail to her breasts, holding her closer to him as he panted within her ear.
"Severus, my love – sit, " Charity breathed through each thrust, offering to save some of his energy. She felt him pull out and instead guided him to the seat of the couch. She wanted to hold him and kiss him all over again. She wanted to savour this moment, and lips close together when she came. His face was all she wanted to see when she did. She only wanted to see him happy, even for a moment.
Severus sat down on the couch, holding onto his dripping cock – Charity smirked again at the state of it. Oh yes, he was close, too, given the way he was still panting. Beads of sweat were already evident on his neck and chest. Bringing her leg up, she climbed over him and nestled into his lap, facing him. Her knees tightened against his hip, and she felt him enter her once again.
Her head fell forward into the crook of his shoulder, feeling him even deeper than before. Warm, strong arms reached around her back, pulling her closer to him. His fingers grabbed fistfuls of her hair. Their naked bodies melted together, feeling the heat emanate from the surface of their skin. It was a glorious feeling. They were close – oh, so close.
Charity enveloped her arms around him, pulling him into a deeper kiss. As she began to rock gently over him, his salty kisses deepened. Severus released another moan, his voice deep and enticing. Each one rolled off his tongue like silk, exciting her further. Hearing him turned her on. Hearing him would send her spilling over the edge very soon. Her rhythms increased, and soon enough, he was joining her like a rehearsed dance. Bodies melted together as one, pleasuring the other so close to ecstasy.
She felt Severus' grip change upon her – he was coming close. His eyes gleamed upon her, awaiting the recognition that would allow him to spill.
Charity held onto him tightly, leaning into a last, passionate kiss, "Yes…please…do it…"
With newfound vigour, his movements suddenly rocked faster, plummeting into her with such drive, that in mere moments, he exuded a loud, primal moan. His sweat-covered body trembled as he released every bit of himself into her, whilst she moaned in satisfaction, soon ending in a joyous, elated giggle. They stayed together, connected, still feeling the remnants of him drip down as she lay upon his chest, feeling both of their heaved breaths.
Once she summoned enough energy, she peeled herself off, picking Severus' travelling cloak from the floor, and re-joined him onto the couch. Immediately those same hands that had touched every part of her skin, encompassed her once again, this time far gentler than how he had just handled her. Charity threw the cloak over the both of them, nestling herself comfortably against his bare chest. She felt the man's chin rest upon the top of her head, soon feeling his fingers brush through her hair almost affectionately.
He was gentle. Always gentle.
"That's…that's it, then? Isn't it?" Charity said, quietly. Amongst their now calming breaths, she could hear the roaring winds outside and was thankful for their decision to relocate.
"It cannot be anything else. You know that." Severus' voice sounded disappointed and knowing that, disappointed her too.
"I know, it's just…Not fair, " Charity said dejectedly, reaching for his other hand and holding it comfortable within hers. She allowed her fingers to slide over them, still feeling his clammy skin.
She felt what seemed like a heaved, shuddered breath barely escape him, "…I know."
"It'll be alright, " Charity's voice was soothing and calming.
Severus' head shook, "I do not think it will. Not for a long while." He looked at her and suddenly his eyes looked drained and wary. And not of the moment they had just shared, but of what was to come. The sadness in his eyes had returned, replacing the heated, blissful ones she had seen him display earlier. The sensual calmness of the man, was soon replaced by his lost and disturbed demeanour.
"I will always be here for you, Severus. It doesn't matter what happens. I will be here, " She responded adamantly.
Severus shifted slightly within the chair - his arms wrapped around her tighter, desperately, finding comfort with her against him and in that simple, peaceful moment, his head nestled against hers. She heard was sounded like the faintest of sobs, but she couldn't be sure. She said nothing else. They held each other for what seemed like many moments had passed, both relishing in their silence and peace within the company of the other.
"Thank you for tonight."
Charity smiled, happy to have been able to bring him some measure of bliss, "I just wanted to give you something."
Severus managed all but a weak smile, "I appreciate this more than you know. I wish - Charity – "
With a sudden jolt of his arm, Severus hissed, clutching his left forearm as if he were bitten by a dangerous spider.
"Severus?"
He stood up, leaving Charity naked on the couch. Passing both her clothes and his own, he began to hastily get dressed leaving Charity to simply stare at him, unmoving. It was a strange feeling. She was hesitant to dress herself, watching as the man climbed into every layer of his usual wear, meticulously fastening each button.
Once he appeared dressed, Severus turned back to Charity – eyes suddenly cold and almost hollow. She felt breathless merely by the now hardened, empty look the man gave her. He barely moved his lips, "Never speak of my name again."
"But – "
"Understood?" Severus commanded. His voice appeared to tremble as if he was trying to mask the pain of that spoken word.
Charity could barely nod wordlessly. A flash of deep sadness shone in his eyes – before he blinked and readjusted his cloak as if nothing had happened.
With one last pained look, he departed, clutching the Dark Mark on his arm.
She sat, unmoving. She wasn't sure she understood why, nor why he suddenly became like such a stranger. She didn't regret the time they shared, because the love and admiration she had for him was real.
She only wished he could be free of his burden.
Perhaps someday.
…When things became better.
FOOTNOTE: Hope you enjoyed my first smut one-shot - despite being a little depressing! (oops)
If you hadn't guessed it already, Severus recently had the conversation that he must end Dumbledore's life, and had begun his talks discussing Harry and what Severus had been instructed to do.