As usual, I do not own Harry Potter or any of the recognizable characters. Though, it would be fantastic if I owned Severus Snape...absolutely fantastic...but I digress.

Thank you so much to those of you who reviewed, added my story to your alerts or favorites, and/or voted in the poll! You are all amazing. Though, I would be absolutely more motivated to write more if I got more reviews...just a thought for you. I'm sorry it took me a few weeks to get this chapter to you...I had band camp for two weeks and was really busy since I'm the coach for the color guard. I barely had time to sleep, let alone write. I have a few days off before I have to get back to the daily grind of teaching again, so I plan to use this to my advantage!

Please review so I'm more motivated to get you another chapter sooner! Oh, and please visit my profile and vote in the poll! Let me know if the baby should be a boy or a girl! Once that is figured out, I want to have your opinion on names!

Enjoy the chapter!

The remaining days and weeks before Christmas Holidays flew by since Severus backed off. While he wasn't constantly beside me, I knew he was available should I need him. He would leave little reminders around for me to show that he cared for me. This in and of itself surprised me. I had always seen him as a man that wouldn't show his affections or emotions. Though, I suppose, I still didn't see his emotions. I knew he cared for me as much as I cared for him. I also knew that I was really falling for him and I hoped he was falling for me as well.

The last day of classes before the Christmas Holidays was upon me before I knew it. I woke up and reached over toward Severus' side of the bed to wake him up as well, only to find the bed empty. It took me a moment to process the lack of my husband on the bed.

I turned over, startled, to find a single amethyst calla lily on the bed with a note.

Elle,

I'm sorry to leave before you awaken. I regret to inform you that I assigned a detention this morning before breakfast for a few dunderheads. I will see you at breakfast. Take care of yourself until I see you.

Yours,

Severus

I could almost imagine Severus' deep, silken voice speaking those words aloud and it made me smile. I dressed quickly and made my way to the Great Hall, eagerly looking forward to seeing my husband.

I found my husband already seated at the professor table and took my seat between Severus and Hermione. After a small smile of acknowledgement toward Hermione, I turned my attention to my husband.

"Thank you for the note and flower. It was lovely," I whispered in his ear while I placed my hand on his thigh.

He gave me a minute smile and nod in response to my thanks and held my hand on his thigh. Breakfast continued without event and soon I was scooting my chair back and making my way to my classroom to finish out the day before break started.

Students were clearly distracted by the thought of going home, so any real teaching that day was pointless. Classes finally came to a close and I made my way back to the Great Hall for dinner.

"Good evening students and staff. As I am sure you are all aware, tomorrow begins our Christmas holiday break. I wish you all safe travel tomorrow and hope to see you for our New Years Ball. Thank you and enjoy your dinner," Minerva announced just before dinner started.

I had forgotten about the New Years Ball and had yet to get a dress for the occasion. Though, I wasn't sure what capacity I would be serving for said ball. Would I be expected to stand off to the side and observe or would I be able to enjoy the ball and perhaps attempt to talk Severus into sharing a few dances with me? I realized I should ask Minerva about that soon as what I wore would depend on my role for the night.

My mind was brought back to the present by Severus' hand on my back suggesting I accompany him back to our chambers. No sooner had we gotten back to our chambers that I was thoroughly distracted by Severus' lips grazing my neck.

I turned around, startled, looking up with searching eyes.

Seeing the question in my eyes, Severus gave me a small smirk and answered my unspoken question. "I realized today that it has been far too long since I have had the pleasure of having my wife wrapped around me in the most intimate of ways," Severus said.

My eyes widened in surprise. "Oh! Well, you, of course, are right dear husband. Maybe we should rectify this extreme injustice," I jokingly responded.

Severus just gave a little smirk before sweeping me off my feet and carrying me to our bedroom where he carefully deposited me onto the bed and began showering my body with kisses, lingering on my bulging stomach where our child was growing.

Afterward, I lay in our bed thinking about how this was a wonderful way to start off the break and deciding how I might surprise my husband in the future.

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