Chapter Thirteen: Precious Moments
Christmas came to Hogwarts, and Reign was still there. After analyzing her relationship with Severus she had convinced herself to stay--even though she knew she was endangering herself. That same sickening feeling was growing stronger everyday; the feeling she got whenever evil was near. Severus felt it too, and showed it. His Dark Mark was always glowing, but no one saw it except for him and Reign--who, on the evening of Christmas, sat on the floor with him near the fire and gently kissed the scar.
"Merry Christmas," she whispered.
"Indeed," he replied as they kissed. Reign reached into her pocket, pulled out a small box, and placed it in Snape's hands. He looked at it curiously, having not received a meaningful gift since he was young. He froze--apprehensive about opening it--until Reign gave him a playful nudge to encourage him. He flipped open the lid and underneath was the most beautiful gem he had ever seen--an emerald. It was tied to a leather string, and his eyes started to water as the elf in his lap took the present and placed it around his neck.
"Not only can an emerald sense my powers, but it contains my powers also. So the same feelings you get around me will never leave you--even if I'm not around. And look," she said, turning it over, "our initials." S.S.+ R.C. It was a little childish--like carving into a tree trunk--but it was there as a reminder of their love for each other. The kiss she received afterwards was so sudden and passionate that she nearly fell over onto her back.
"Thank you so much, Reign," Severus sobbed into her hair. She wasn't quite sure if that was the reaction she was expecting. She had never seen him like this, but perhaps no one had ever gotten the chance to get close enough to experience the true Severus. Or maybe he was softening up because of her; either way, she was quite the lucky elf.
Severus pulled away and got up from the rug. He walked over to his desk and pulled out a package that had obviously been wrapped by him.
"This is not as nearly as personalized or special as your gift to me," he said sheepishly as he returned to her, "but perhaps you'll like it anyway." Reign smiled as she ripped back the paper.
"What is it?" she asked as she played with the small object in her hands. She didn't mean to be rude, but she was an elf. That should be reason enough to account for her actions.
"It's a snow globe," he answered, rather harshly. Reign fondled it a little while, watching the tiny flecks of white fall magically under the glass. The figure inside was a tree, but not just any tree. It was an ancient Japanese maple-like tree called a Suko--much like what muggles know as Bonsai trees. The Suko, however, is of the magical world. Its leaves are filled with all sorts of different enchanted elements--every one of them is different. Some contain fire: others, ice. The flowers from the tree were given by men to their significant others as a symbol of deep admiration. They were vibrant colors that reflected the powers of the leaves with which they resided. Some were a dark navy: others, a mellow yellow. The little mock tree in Reign's globe looked exactly like its larger counterpart, and acted like it also. Leaves would burst into flames or flash in and out of visibility, and the flowers would wilt and fall to the ground, making way for new buds to replace them. It was all quite extraordinary, as Severus explained to her.
"Severus, this is wonderful. It's the best gift that I have ever received." She kissed him deeply, and he returned the affection having recognized her true appreciation for his present. It was a precious moment for them--sitting together by the warm fire on the most special night of the year--and they didn't waste a minute of their time. Severus pulled Reign into his arms and carried her over to the bed. But as soon as he let go of her she scrambled off. The Potions master sat on the edge of his bed and heaved a great sigh--this was another one of several unsuccessful attempts at taking their relationship one step further.
"Is it me?" he asked, more to himself than her.
"For the hundredth time, no," Reign replied, walking around to where he sat and taking his hands into hers. She put them to her lips and they glowed like the sun. "I love you, Severus. But," she strained to find the right words, "it's just...rather...complicated. You being a human and me an elf."
"It can't be that complicated," he murmured, "you're still, capable, correct?" Reign laughed.
"Of course! Our bodies are both perfectly able, it's just that I'm not quite sure that your soul is able to handle the...passion." She was becoming uneasy. This time Severus laughed.
"Well, don't be so modest Miss Chambers," he smiled and pulled her back onto his lap. His strong arms enveloped her and held her close, and Reign dissolved into his hug.
"I'm being serious, Severus. It is the reason that elves aren't allowed to...well...mate with humans. The chemicals inside me are so overpowering that they have the potential to kill you." Severus snickered, but after seeing the disapproving look in her eyes, averted his gaze to the window. By the position of the moon he guessed it was around midnight.
"So what do we do? I am not sure if this is frustrating for you, but I know I can't go on like this." It was blunt, but at least he was being honest.
"I know, I know," Reign stared blankly out the window, and thought for a while. She thought she finally had a conclusion as she turned back to look into those mysterious ebony eyes. "Well, how about this. I will sleep with you--or rather, in your bed with you--all night every night until I find out how our bodies would react to each other. But you have to promise to keep yourself under control." Severus nodded.
"Shall we start tonight?" he asked.
"Let's start now. I'm exhausted." Snape kissed her forehead--something she couldn't get enough of--and went around to his wardrobe, where he started to pull off his robes and shirt. Reign did the same, but left her undershirt on. Severus hung all his clothes back onto their respected hangers, and frowned when he turned around to see Reign's clothes had been scattered on the floor. She noticed his look and picked up the garments, throwing them onto a chair. He smiled to himself as he pulled back the covers to his bed and slipped underneath them. As Reign joined him, he whispered a few words and the fire and candles died out, leaving them in total darkness. Reign cuddled close to him, placing her arm around his waist and laying her head on his chest. His breathing helped her relax. It had been a long time since she had been with anyone, but at that moment she realized how much she had missed those times. Severus stroked her silver hair and stared at the ceiling, trying to remember the last time he had felt this content. He concluded that he had never felt like this, and was about to say so. As he turned to Reign, he could tell that she was already half asleep. So instead of waking her, he kissed her forehead and sighed. It was the happiest moment of his otherwise meaningless life. But perhaps now it would begin to have more significance. Severus Snape felt like he had been reborn that night; and in a way, he was.
***SEE THAT BUTTON BELOW? PRESS IT...GO ON...YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO***