Some of you may be familiar with the other books in this series, "Within the Wings of a Storm" and "Black As Night." This is the third installment and the conclusion of the story of Sirius and Colleen, Rhiannon and Severus. You may have followed the link I provided to this story over on A03 after reading Book 2 "Black As Night." If not, I've decided to publish it here on FFNet as well. Hope you will give it a read (or a re-read!) and enjoy.
This book contains Mature Sexual Content including foursomes and some kink - so reader discretion advised.
If you haven't read "Within the Wings of a Storm" and "Black as Night" yet, click on my profile to find them and give them a read for the best understanding of this work. However, I write the first couple chapters of this one with enough recap to get you up to speed.
Chapter Title from "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure.
"Ohhhhh...ohhhh...OHHHH! Sirius...oh...mother of Merlin, YES!"
"Gods, is this what living with them is going to be like every single damn day?" Severus groaned, slamming shut the large hardcover book that covered his lap, with a frustrated bang.
"Well, it was your idea to move in together," Rhiannon reminded him sweetly, slipping her whisper of a figure onto his lap in place of the leather bound volume. Severus's hand came to rest on her delicate pink floral sundress, and Rhiannon immediately nuzzled in against the patch of chest his navy blue button-up shirt revealed to her. It was rare to see him in anything but black, and rarer still to see him in Muggle clothing at all. But since their move to the Scottish coast, his free days from his summer holiday Headmaster duties had become surprisingly more relaxed.
Shifting location had been good for him. Rhiannon loved the subtle change, as dumbfounding as it was when contrasted with the ever-looming darkness that threatened to suffocate their lives. It was like Severus had constructed a wall, with Hogwarts and the Death Eaters on one side, and his life in their seaside house with Rhiannon and their friends on the other.
"Friends" was perhaps a bit too loose of a term- for her husband anyway.
"I suppose I could ask you what in Morgana's name he's doing to her?" Severus mused. "I'm assuming you know what elicits that type of scream?"
Rhiannon pressed a soft kiss to his jawline. "Severus, you know I'm not quite as much of a screamer as Colleen. More like a girl who moans with pleasure, murmurs in delight, purrs your name..." She pressed more kisses to his warm, pale skin in between each utterance, and Severus's grip on her flesh became harder as she undid his belt, slid his zipper down, and ran her tongue along the bottom of his length, right there in their living room, with the walls of books looking on.
Severus's voice shuddered a bit, laying a moan over the breath he released as his fingers curled in her golden hair, encouraging his tip past her lips. "I seem to recall hearing a few screams from your delectable whore mouth on occasion," he murmured.
Rhiannon felt her nerves electrify the way only Severus's low, dirty words could manage.
"What the hell, Rhiannon? Moony and Tonks could be home with Ben any minute!"
Rhiannon's head snapped up from Snape's lap to see Sirius trekking to the kitchen, a pair of gray sweatpants clearly slapped quickly onto his hips, as they barely covered any of the chiseled "V" leading down his torso.
"I love how you immediately scold me and not Severus," Rhiannon called after him, reluctantly standing. "It's always the woman's fault, isn't it?"
In truth Ben had only been gone with Lupin and Tonks about forty minutes, on their afternoon hike over the ocean cliffs. The couples typically swapped turns taking Ben on outings so the other two pairs could enjoy a little more privacy. Well, relatively speaking.
Sirius returned to the living room and leaned casually against the credenza that held their gramophone and one of their smaller Potion cabinets. He opened it and withdrew a glass vial, setting it down next to the bottle of Gillywater he'd brought from the kitchen. He lifted a hard pumpkin cider to his own lips and observed the couple with a smirk.
"Letting it all hang out there, Severus? I must say I had pegged you as the shy type, before we all decided to cohabitate in this pleasant little abode."
Rhiannon saw her husband sneer before stuffing himself back in his trousers. "I seem to recall you being rather curious about such things not so long ago, Black. Just thought I'd level the playing field a bit, given all the little gems I've been able to see in your thoughts and Rhiannon's over the past couple of years."
"I don't believe I would say there's anything level about it, Snape," retorted Sirius. "Wouldn't you agree? Seems a bit tilted in one party's favor, if you ask me. And speak for your own gems. Mine are far from little."
Severus's black eyes narrowed into slits. "Always so cocky, Black. But no sense in challenging your brazen assumption, when it's clearly the only category where your merits may rival mine."
"Well, in a measure of modesty, I have to admit the credit is due Padfoot and not myself, but I'm content to reap the benefits." Sirius winked as he chugged from his bottle.
"All right, that is more than enough," Rhiannon chimed in. She knew if she didn't, the two wizards would trade jabs and innuendos like this for an hour, leaving Colleen no doubt naked in bed and wondering why the hell her husband had disappeared.
They were of course referencing the rather "interesting" time in their lives over a year and a half ago when Rhiannon had ended her engagement to Sirius once falling in love with Severus. That interim period had included some preoccupations with one another's endowments and abilities as they tried to one-up each other. Rhiannon was eternally grateful for Sirius finding Colleen Gilmore— now Colleen Black. She was breathtaking, angelic, strong, and incredibly kind. Not to mention an amazing mother to Ben. It was a joy to witness their little family interact on a daily basis now, and to see Sirius so happy as Ben's adoptive dad.
"What are you putting into Colleen's Gillywater?" Rhiannon asked, coming over next to Sirius and sniffing the vial. "What enhancements could she possibly need after whatever you just did to her?"
"Not enhancements— pain relievers," Sirius corrected her, still grinning from ear to ear.
"What exactly did you do to her?" Rhiannon inquired. "Severus wanted to know," she couldn't resist adding.
Sirius gave Severus a raised eyebrow. "Position number 394 from Magical Maneuvers and Ministrations for Newlyweds. Apparently Tonks bought it from that new Red Room at Flourish and Blotts last week, and Colleen's been a bit obsessed."
"I hope you're not working on them in order," Rhiannon teased. "I would worry that you're not sleeping enough."
"Have you removed the enchantments from every damn book in the house, Rhiannon?" Severus demanded. "The Muggle doesn't need free reign over the library."
"Not every book," she replied. "Tonks must have done that one. But if you're trying to curtail Colleen's magical knowledge, Severus, I'm afraid you're woefully too late. Since she left the law firm in February she's been studying more than a Hogwarts student. I would say her textbook knowledge is at least a third year if not more. Such a shame ability is all tied to blood."
"Hey, I do what I can to help her along, to let her experience the feeling," Sirius reminded her. "Muggles are surprisingly good mediums for spells, especially when they've studied as much as Colleen has. She likes it when I conduct magic through her."
"Yes...we heard," Severus quipped, finally returning to his book while he awaited enough privacy to finish their previous activity.
Rhiannon giggled. "Seriously though, I know you let her play with magic, but with the war coming to a head, we've got to make a plan for her and Ben. Moving in together was a first step, but she and I have got to get back into candle magic and crystals now that we're settled. Please tell me she had her candle burning just now for position 394?"
"Of course," Sirius replied. "Colleen knows not to waste a perfectly good climax."
Rhiannon nodded with a smile. She had begun working with Sirius's Muggle wife in late September of the previous year, not long after they'd started dating— teaching her the practice of sex magic and how to channel her feminine power to her protective advantage and self-improvement. It was certainly too "new-age Muggle-like" for Snape's taste, but it was actually rooted in very ancient Celtic magic as well as the voodoo traditions in which Rhiannon herself had been raised in New Orleans. And it was better than leaving Colleen and Ben completely defenseless in the battle against Rhiannon's father. Rhiannon and Sirius were trying to strengthen Colleen in any way they could.
"Is everything all right down here?" Colleen glided delicately down the stairs, arms crossed in front of her oversized baby blue t-shirt. Her strawberry blond locks, normally straight or featuring just a slight curl on the end, were gloriously disheveled in true post-shag fashion.
"Everything is all right down here, but was everything all right up there?" Rhiannon teased her.
Colleen's pale skin blushed and she smiled. "More than all right." She took a grateful drink of the Gillywater as she leaned next to Sirius and laid her head on his shoulder.
"I need to get my hands on this book apparently. Right, Severus?" Rhiannon called to him.
"You could have written the book," Snape remarked, never looking up from his page. "Of course you already have the number one spot at Flourish and Blotts and have held it for over a year. No need to write anything else just yet."
Sirius cleared his throat. "I believe Bruce Wayne now holds the number one spot, according to the Prophet."
Colleen's aquamarine eyes lit up. "What?! Congratulations, Batman! I'm so proud of you!" She immediately pulled him into a mini, living-room-appropriate snogging session.
Severus let out an annoyed sigh at the couple's endless Muggle pop culture references, and Rhiannon felt a twinge of envy in her stomach now that her Practical Magic book had been overtaken by her ex's "how-to" guide for disclosing the magical world to your chosen Muggle partner. Sirius had published it under a pen name since he was still presumed dead by most of the wizarding world— using Colleen's nickname she'd invented for him when she'd learned about the vigilante nature of the Order of the Phoenix.
The select group that knew the truth about Sirius's existence still chose to keep it hidden, for the sake of security. The fewer known targets for the Death Eaters, the better. Even Harry was still in the dark. After the boy had put himself at such grave risk to try to rescue Sirius at the Department of Mysteries, Dumbledore had insisted on it. Sirius had held a grudge against the old man regarding the forced separation for a long time, but after joining Dumbledore on his Horcrux hunting mission last winter, Sirius seemed to have a better understanding of delayed gratification for a larger goal. He still missed Harry like crazy, constantly asking Rhiannon and Severus for the least little bit of news. But hopefully they were nearing the finish line. Things certainly seemed to be escalating quickly.
It had been quite the summer. It had begun with Dumbledore's death at Snape's hand, a strategic mercy kill that had resulted in the six of them making their unlikely alliance in the first place. As the only six who knew the truth, they required a base to talk openly and plan accordingly. Shortly after, Sirius and Remus had held their weddings with their brides at Grimmauld Place, and the group had decided to call themselves the Wonderwall— based on some Muggle song of Colleen's— much to Severus's annoyance.
Newly formed and named, the six of them began selling unnecessary property and started the laborious but hurried process of relocating to their chosen seaside spot. Sirius had taken charge of that endeavor, wanting to find a charming spot near the water to help Colleen find some happiness and stay calm in all the turmoil. Enlisting the help of a Muggle real estate agent, they'd found a five bedroom cliffside home with plenty of charm and plenty of room. That had been fortuitous, since they'd also recently learned that Remus and Tonks were expecting and due in April.
The group assumed once the war was over they would all go their separate ways, but it was a beautiful place to live in the meantime. With the crashing waves and the seemingly endless blue skies, the salty winds and the twinkling lights of the nearby village, and the comfort and safety of living in a pack, Rhiannon was the happiest she'd ever been, and she knew the others felt at least some security as well. It was the right place for this otherwise frightening time.
Severus wasn't there every night. Even though it hadn't been announced publicly yet, the Dark Lord had installed Snape as Headmaster, just as they had suspected. His new duties obviously required his presence to prepare for start of term, and would so even more once all the students arrived. Rhiannon's father had also appointed the Carrows as Muggle Studies and Dark Arts professors. Yes, the "defense" part was a thing of the past, and now the Dark Arts were a discipline at Hogwarts. Severus would have to monitor them carefully once term began, making sure their reign of terror didn't reach too far, while also not compromising his own position in the ranks.
His position was about to get much more difficult, and was going to require the biggest leap of faith yet from Remus and Sirius. Rhiannon felt a lump in her throat in dreaded anticipation of the conversation that was supposed to take place over dinner this evening.
Sirius was going to be irate once he heard what game Severus had to play next, as well he should be. Rhiannon herself hated it. She knew Severus did too, but he would never admit it. Not even to himself. He often would tell her that hating their duties, or loving them, served no purpose. Because the duties existed regardless and were nonnegotiable. Emotions about them only made it worse and muddled your thinking, rendering you more likely to fail.
Having her needs thoroughly met by position 394, Colleen put on a pair of pants and began baking a filet of salmon in the oven for supper along with a tray of roasted vegetables. Sirius, now a master in the kitchen after months of free time in the Muggle world, helped her get everything ready. Rhiannon pulled Severus to their back bedroom on the second floor, insisting they finish what they had started before the stress of the evening's discussion would begin.
It was their typical rhythm; desensitize themselves from the most dark shit imaginable through sex. They had to do something or else they would lose their minds. It might as well be body worship and orgasms. And the Snapes were masterful at both.
"We need to discuss Potter's transfer on Saturday." Severus's voice rose from the one end of the table as their evening meal was winding down.
"What?" Sirius's head snapped up from his plate. "Why Saturday?"
"The Death Eaters will be expecting the transfer on his seventeenth birthday," Remus explained. "Since it's natural that as an adult, the first move Harry would make would be to free himself from the aunt and uncle he despises. The Order has decided to take him early, to reduce the chances of pursuit."
Sirius clapped his hands with a triumphant grin. "Finally free. After all these years. Take him for a drink for me, Remus. Tell him it's on me. Tell him I promised it before I died or something. Soon enough I'll buy him one for real, when all these fuckers are dead. Oh, sorry." Sirius patted Ben's back and looked guiltily at Colleen.
"It's all right, I suppose," Colleen said quietly. "Growing up as a child of war, he's bound to hear some rather impassioned honesty. I just hate he has to grow up so soon."
"They all did," Sirius nodded in agreement. "Harry, Hermione, Ron...but no matter. They'll be the better for it. All of us will be. Now what is it you wanted to discuss, Snape?"
"Rhiannon and I have been summoned to a banquet at Malfoy Manor tomorrow evening," Snape announced, taking her hand. Rhiannon wasn't even sure if he was aware he'd done it, it was so subtle. "At said banquet we will be telling the Dark Lord that we plan to move Potter to his new location on Saturday."
It took a moment for his words to register. When they did, Sirius promptly stood, his hand resting on his wand. "You will not."
"Sit," Snape ordered him, as if Sirius were in dog form. Sirius made no such move.
"Hear him out," Tonks offered with a sigh. "We did agree to be in an alliance. Snape must have a reason."
"Dumbledore had a reason," Rhiannon corrected gently. "He laid the entire plan out for Severus and communicated it via his portrait. Even the plan to confound Mundungus into offering up the best possible plan for protection to the Order, to prepare for the ambush that will undoubtedly ensue."
"What?" Remus said, aghast. "What use could Mundungus Fletcher possibly be?"
"Precisely," Snape replied. "Mundungus has no reputation to protect with the Order. If the plan goes south and there are mishaps, injuries, or causalities, then it's Mundungus that takes any possible fall. He's already soiled his soul enough with his selfishness and petty theft. I cannot afford for you to be the one to suggest it, Lupin. I need you and Tonks to continue on as my connection to the Order. Your integrity cannot be compromised. And, as Rhiannon said, it was Dumbledore's idea to use Mundungus. We have to follow through with his plan."
"And what exactly is this plan?" Sirius demanded.
"Sit down, love," Colleen pleaded with him. "We are all in this together. Things go better when everyone remains calm." Colleen's hand traced Sirius's arm, and Rhiannon smiled. The witch never got tired of watching the two of them together. They were just beautiful.
Perhaps it was the fact that Rhiannon had been there in those first few moments after rescuing Sirius from the veil, when the fountain of Amortentia at the Department of Mysteries beckoned them, teasing them with its promise of revealing the deepest desire of their hearts. After smelling potion-essences woven into wool, leather boots, and treasured old books, Rhiannon had encouraged Sirius to share his: Muggle washing detergent, a mesmerizing perfume, and good quality coffee that turned out to be the house brew from the shop by Colleen's old flat in Highbury. It was a unique instance where Amortentia seemed to foretell the future, for Sirius met Colleen before two months had even passed. Sharing that moment and that bond with them must have cemented Rhiannon to them forever, because their every look, touch, and soft exchange filled her heart.
"The plan," Severus continued, "is to use Polyjuice Potion to produce decoys. There will be seven Potters, each with an Order escort and a different mode of transportation through the night sky. You should prepare for large numbers of Death Eaters advancing with little warning. I would wager even the Dark Lord himself. He will feel that this is the final moment."
"Then I want to be there," Sirius insisted. "Make me a decoy."
"No, Pads," Remus spoke up gently. "Polyjuice Potion wears off. And that puts you right back where Dumbledore was clear you cannot be. Harry cannot know you're alive until all this is finished. The boy would sacrifice it all for his chance at family, and none of us could blame him. It's better to hang on, just a little while longer. Let him fulfill this destiny of his. Besides, you have a family that needs you here."
"So do you!" argued Sirius. "You're sending my pregnant cousin, your wife, up on a broom, but you're worried about me?"
"Hey there, my participation is not up for discussion," Tonks said in a no-nonsense tone. "I'm the third most experienced with these types of moves after Mad-Eye and Kingsley, and I have had all the same training. The Order needs me. It's not a debate."
"Oh, Tonks," Colleen murmured worriedly. "The baby."
"Colleen, I'll carve the motherhood rune on your candle immediately, and you'll be in charge of casting protection from here," Rhiannon spoke up. "Specifically over Tonks and the baby. I want you meditating and focusing the entire time, until I send the all clear. Understood?"
Colleen nodded. "Of course."
Tonks made a face. "Is this that wonky S-E-X magic stuff? I don't really want my cousin thinking about me while he has S-E-X." At least she spelled for Ben's benefit.
That managed to get a laugh out of even Sirius.
"It's not as bad as it sounds, Tonks," Colleen assured her. "I just focus on the abstract idea of Protection during the, um, act, and then I can call that idea up and utilize it later during meditation."
It was Remus's turn to wrinkle his nose. "This is way more than I ever needed to know about your kinks, Pads."
Rhiannon gritted her teeth in annoyance. She was so tired of always having to defend certain aspects of her magical knowledge to more narrow-minded wizards and witches who liked to assume it was silly or even dark.
"It's not kink," Rhiannon responded coolly. "It's legitimate and powerful magic that taps into a woman's most sacred energy. And since we are doing this for the benefit of your wife and child, I suggest you be a little more grateful." She and Remus had always butted heads a bit, even in those first few weeks at Grimmauld Place nearly two years ago.
"Mummy, what does 'kink' mean?" Ben whispered.
"Grown-up word, darling. Nothing you need to worry about."
"Good gods," Severus muttered. "Are we finished with this conversation? Rhiannon and I need to get our beauty sleep to present ourselves to her distinguished father tomorrow evening." He raised his eyebrows, as he always did whenever he made an attempt at humor.
"I'm not finished with this conversation at all," Sirius responded rather morosely. "I want in."
"No," Remus and Tonks replied in unison, and that was that.
Except it wasn't. Rhiannon caught Sirius's eye, and he didn't look away. She allowed herself to tap into his thoughts and understood immediately what she saw there.
"Come on, Colleen," she said cheerfully. "Let the others clear the table, and you and I will go prepare that protection candle."