You didn't think I'd forgotten about these two, did you?? No, not hardly. I'm afraid Lucius has been demanding all the attention the past few months, but he decided to give me a little break today. Hope you enjoy!

The icy winds of winter that blew round the stone halls of Hogwarts Castle were soon swept away by the warm sun and gentle breezes of spring. Groups of students who once huddled together under blankets around their common room's blazing fireplace to keep warm now dotted the lush green hills around the castle, lounging and relaxing with either schoolwork or sweets from their last trip to Honeydukes. Days were beautiful with clear blue skies and happy birds that seemed to sing constantly while the cold earth once covered in ice now brought forth new life and growth.

Hermione gave birth to Sabine Malaise Granger-Snape two weeks after the New Year's party and had a decidedly tougher time with her than Malachai. She was teaching her morning potions class when the contractions began to hit. She sent one of her students to find Minerva, as she was on stand by since Hermione was due at any time. Severus had prepared their quarters ahead of time as well so he'd be ready when she was ready to deliver.

Malachai's birth had been relatively easy, as births go. Sabine, however, did not want to cooperate at all, causing complications for Hermione. Twelve hours into labor found her screaming, even with her husband's extremely strong potions. The pain was just too much for her to handle, tearing the sheets of their bed into shreds as she writhed in agony. Albus, Minerva, Ginny and Poppy tried to offer their assistance while waiting outside the couple's chamber, but Severus, hair wet and face dripping with sweat as he peered around the door at them, told them that they created the child together and they were quite capable of bringing it into the world, just like they did with Malachai. He did not need their help.

It was the following morning before Sabine finally met her parents. The night had been long and trying for Severus and Hermione. She'd screamed and cried and clutched the metal frame of their bed as if life itself depended on it while Severus scrambled with the makeshift lab he'd created in the bedroom just for delivery, and searched for anything that would give his wife relief. After a few attempts, he would finally find a combination of ingredients to make her sleep and then could allow his frustration freedom before that particular potion wore off and her screaming began again. He loved Hermione more than he ever thought he could love someone and, while he didn't show it like other men did, the depth of his feelings for her were limitless. It pained him greatly for her to be in such a state, as he wasn't used to feeling so helpless. The elixirs he'd provided for Malachai's birth did not work as well with Sabine for some reason and he couldn't figure out why.

Hermione had never known such excruciating pain as her daughter was putting her through. She'd always heard the second child was supposed to be easier but it was not, at least not for her. Her eyes burned from salty tears, her throat hurt was screaming and her body felt like it was being ripped in half. She had verbally lashed out quite a few times at Severus and he had returned the harsh words of course, which only made her cry more in her turmoil. She knew he was doing everything he could, logically, but her hormones were in control instead of her brain. The intensity of her pain knew no reason.

After one last ear piercing scream and head splitting push, Severus found himself staring at the scrunched up, crying, red face of his daughter, already donning a head full of fine brown hair. While Hermione wiped tears and caught her breath, he quickly cleaned Sabine and bundled her in a warm blanket. Her cries quieted when Severus carefully placed her in Hermione's trembling arms.

Hermione couldn't speak initially as she held her daughter tightly to her body, just allowing the flow of tears to cascade from her bloodshot eyes, both from happiness and exhaustion. Severus slid into bed beside her, lying upon the tattered remains of their sheets, holding his wife and daughter as best he could, a few tears of relief slipping from his own tired eyes, mainly because Hermione was no longer suffering. He kissed the top of her wet head and touched the soft hair of Sabine.

A few minutes passed before Hermione looked up at Severus with red eyes and a tearstained face. "Thank you," she managed to whisper in a raspy voice, smiling weakly. "She's beautiful."

"That's because you're her mother," Severus told his wife. "But we need to take care of you now. Sabine will be fine." He took the wrapped baby from Hermione, eyes never leaving his daughter's still splotchy face as he slowly walked to the door, and kissed her tiny forehead and cheek. He opened the door to find the small group still outside, waiting for them. Everyone gasped and smiled when they saw the baby in his arms.

Ginny went forward and took Sabine from him as planned. "Everything is ready for her," she told him, cradling the baby in her arms. "She'll be fine. Just take care of Hermione." She knew her friend needed more attention than the baby.

"Thank you," Severus told her wearily. "Once I get her settled, we'll be sleeping for a few hours and then will call for you and Sabine."

"What's her middle name?" Minerva asked curiously as everyone gathered around Ginny to gaze at the baby.

Severus smirked. "Malaise," he answered.

Albus chuckled.

"Why is that funny?" Minerva asked him, glancing up at him over her glasses. "I think it's a beautiful name."

"Oh it is," Albus agreed. "It's also French for 'difficult'." He looked over at Severus and winked in understanding.

Ginny and Minerva smiled then and looked at Severus too.

"It seemed appropriate," he told them simply and then went back inside to tend to Hermione, closing the door behind him.

Hermione was curled up in a ball on her side when Severus returned. When she saw him, she said quietly, "I'm so tired and in incredible pain. Please give me something to sleep."

He knelt beside the bed, stroking her still wet hair from her flushed face. "You are the most amazing woman I know," he told her with a small smile. "And I apologize for not being able to help you more with the pain. I don't understand why the potions worked for Malachai so well and not for Sabine."

"Doesn't matter now," she told him. "It's over and she's here and I love you."

He leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. "I've got a hot herbal bath waiting for you," he told her, slowly helping her sit up. "After that, I have medicinal tea for you to drink and then we're both going to sleep for awhile." He picked her up, cradling her body to his, and slowly walked towards the bathroom.

The next day, The Granger-Snape family left Hogwarts for Spinner's End to stay for a month and allow Hermione time to recuperate before returning to their class schedule. Remus and Ginny worked out their schedules to cover their classes while they were gone. The event was not lost on William, either, who questioned his mother that evening.

"Sabine's pretty," he told his mother, remembering watching Malachai with her before they left. "I'd like to have a pretty baby sister."

Ginny had been preparing dinner, but stopped when she heard his comment. "You'd like a what?" she asked, eyes wide. Did he just ask for a sister? Dear Merlin.

"'Liza and 'Lisabeth have each other," he told her, fidgeting slightly in the chair he sat in while watching his mother. "And now Malachai has Sabine. You have brothers too. Doesn't have to be a sister. A brother would be fun. We could play together like me and Malachai do."

Ginny wasn't sure what to say, as this was at least the third time he'd brought up the topic. It certainly wasn't something she could easily explain to him. Then again, he already had to deal with complicated issues like death, being a werewolf and Remus being a 'special friend', so maybe he would understand more than she thought. Since he had grown up quite a bit in the past year, she decided to be as honest as she could be with him without using baby terms. He didn't like to be talked to like he was a baby.

"Darling, it's not that easy," she began, kneeling in front of the wooden chair where he sat, noticing the laces of one of his shoes was untied and began to tie them. "A baby has to have a mummy and a daddy to be borne like Sabine was. We don't have a daddy anymore. Having a baby is also a pretty big decision to make and I…well I'm not in a position to do something like that now being alone."

William watched her tie his shoelaces, but didn't understand completely. Remus was a special friend so she wasn't completely alone. "Remus doesn't have any kids, does he?" he asked curiously.

Ginny swallowed, as she stared into the big green eyes that reminded her of her own. "No, he doesn't have any kids," she answered truthfully, at least none that she knew of.

"Well, maybe he'd want one then," he offered in his innocence. "Can a special friend do that?"

Ginny sighed and stood up, turning away from him for a moment. "No, a special friend can't do that," she told him. Obviously it could happen, but this was more complicated than her son understood.

"But why not?" William asked, slipping from the chair clumsily. "You do the same things with him that Malachai's parents do with each other." He'd seen his mummy and Remus kiss and had also seen Malachai's parents kiss. What was different?

"William," Ginny said, turning back around to face her precocious son. "Please let's not discuss this anymore, okay? And please don't say anything to Remus." She could just hear the conversation now. She knew her son meant no harm, but he didn't understand the adult nature of what he was talking about. Things had been quite amiable with her and Remus and didn't need anything like the asinine topic of them having children discussed. She didn't even know if she wanted another child anyway, with Remus or anyone else.

"I don't understand," William said, raising his voice just a little. "Why are you scared of Remus? I thought you liked him and he…"

"William!" Ginny exclaimed a little louder than she'd intended, unable to downplay her frustration. "Enough!"

Instantly mad, William ran from the kitchen to his bedroom and slammed the door behind him. Ginny sighed and shook her head, feeling horrible at her outburst. A child with or without Remus was just not a subject she needed to discuss with her four year old son. She'd talk to him later. The full moon was three nights away and knew he was a little more irritable because of that. It was moments like these that she wished like hell her son could just be a little boy.

"Mummy, can I hold her?" Malachai asked when he crawled onto the large bed with his parents. It's where they'd spent most of their time since arriving at Spinner's End, relaxing and enjoying being together while Hermione rested and recuperated.

"Yes you can," Severus answered, moving over slightly to make room for him. "Sit here between your mother and me and I'll put her in your lap."

The five year old sat against the pillows in between his parents and opened his arms as Severus placed the bundled baby in them, making sure he held her tight and that her small head was supported. "Was I born with hair too?" he asked curiously.

"Yes you were," Severus told him, putting his arm around his son for extra support of the baby. "You had just a little more actually."

Malachai stared at his sister for a few more minutes, noticing that she didn't do much but sleep. "She doesn't know how to talk," he told them. "She doesn't move or anything."

"No, Honey, we have to teach her," Hermione told him. "Just like Daddy and I had to teach you."

"Can I teach her too?" he asked, watching with curiosity as she gripped the end of small finger.

Hermione exchanged a glance with Severus. "Of course, Sweetie," she answered, kissing the top of his dark curly hair. "All of us will."

Malachai adjusted his hold slightly and gently touched Sabine's chubby cheek. "How long before she can play with me?" he asked curiously. "She'd have fun with me and William."

"It'll be a number of months," Severus answered. "She won't be capable for some time. You can help us take care of her until then."

"William wants one too," Malachai told them, remembering what his friend had said before they left Hogwarts.

Hermione glanced at Severus again. "Wants one? A sister?" she asked.

"Yeah," he answered with a small nod. "He said Sabine was pretty and wanted a sister. I think a brother would be okay, too. Do you think he'll get one like me?"

Hermione wasn't very surprised at her son's question, having known that William had asked Ginny about it before. "I'm not sure if he'll get one or not," she answered honestly, knowing she'd love nothing more than for her dear friend and Remus to have a child. They both deserved it.

"I hope so," Malachai continued. "He needs one."

After Malachai had been put to bed and Sabine placed in her crib, Severus and Hermione took advantage of the quiet, knowing they'd be wakened in a couple hours when Sabine was hungry.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, pulling his wife into his arms in front of him when she crawled back onto the bed.

"Much better," she answered with a smile, as she settled herself against his body. "This was a good decision you made to come here. I've enjoyed this time away from everyone immensely."

"You had such difficult labor," he said, kissing her cheek and squeezing her slightly. "I had to take you away. You deserve a little quiet. Even I have to admit this seclusion has been welcome." He wasn't sure whom he was fooling really. Seclusion had always been welcome in his life.

"I still don't understand what happened," Hermione said, placing her arms over his around her waist and relaxing against him. "The potions you brewed worked so well with him. It was as if she was just determined not be born. I'm still very sore."

"Did you put on the restorative salve earlier?" he questioned.

"Yes, I did," she answered. "It does help, but it will take longer to heal from her." She turned her head to glance at him briefly. "I'm so glad you brewed that other potion for you. Even if I had entertained the idea of a third, I'm certainly against it now."

Severus smiled, resting his cheek stop her still bushy hair. "Two children is two more than I ever thought I'd have," he told her. "It still amazes me when I look at them to think how close I'd been to taking my own life years ago. I thought all was hopeless until this know-it-all Gryffindor forced her way into my life."

She gasped in surprise at his words, turning her head slightly. "What?" she said with a laugh. "Forced? I never held a wand to your head."

He leaned around her body so he could see Hermione's face and kissed her cheek. "No, you held it to my heart," he told her sincerely. "By not giving up on me when I tried to push you away."

"Well, I've always been a bit stubborn," she admitted, gazing into the obsidian eyes that once concealed much darkness, but now reflected warmth and peace. She regretted nothing about her life and loved her family more than anything.

"And for once, I'm very glad for that stubbornness," he replied truthfully. "Though it did make teaching you a trifle tiresome." He couldn't help but tease her.

"Sod off," she said with a laugh, hearing his quiet chuckle too. "Let's lay down and try to get some sleep. Sabine will be crying before we know it."

They disentangled themselves and stretched out under the cool sheets, quickly pulling the covers up and over them. Severus waved his hand to turn off the lights and laid down beside his wife, cradling her body against his and slipping his arm over her.

"Good night, Severus," she whispered.

"Good night, Hermione."

While Hermione was at Spinner's End with her family, Ginny was being run ragged with two sets of classes; Remus as well. They'd rush by each other in the hall with an armful of books and give the other a weary knowing smile as they hurried to their next class. They didn't even have time for dinner together in the evenings because of the preparation needed to keep up with their classes plus Severus and Hermione's. Knowing the favor would be returned if they needed their classes taken over for some reason, they didn't really mind all that much.

One afternoon, when Ginny was straightening up after her morning potions class, where she actually had an hour breather before her own class, there was a knock on the door before Minerva walked in.

"Well, good morning!" Ginny greeted, scrubbing dried toad's wart off one of the wooden tables. "Come on in. I'm just cleaning up a little."

Minerva smiled dreamily and sat down at another table near her. "It's a fine morning," she told her, wondering where to start, resting her chin in her hand and staring ahead, but not really seeing anything.

Ginny expected her to continue, but realized her previous teacher was not expounding on why the morning was fine. "Is everything all right, Minerva?" she asked curiously, joining her at the table and noticing the far away expression on her face.

In response, Minerva shook her head in disbelief, her eyes twinkling in happiness. "I just don't even know where to start," she said, trying not to tear up, hand clutching a tissue to her chest. "It's just…last night…Albus asked me to marry him!"

"What?" Ginny shrieked, briefly covering her mouth. "Are you kidding? That's wonderful!" She quickly stood up and hugged the older woman, thinking it was about time for those two to finally admit their feelings for each other. "Do tell! What happened?"

"It was a little bittersweet I'm afraid," Minerva told the young woman who had become a trustworthy friend, as they sat back down at the small table. "But still beautiful."

"Albus, I really should be going," she told him. "It's late and I've got class in the morning." They'd finished a delicious meal and were having tea in his sitting room when she'd glanced at the clock and saw the time.

"Stay with me, Minerva," Albus said quietly, reaching for her hand. His voice was not as strong as it once was, sounding tired and weak, every sentence an effort. He knew it was only a matter of time and needed to set at least one more thing right.

"Tonight?" she clarified. It was not uncommon for her to warm his bed periodically, as she had for many years, but usually she stayed on the weekends when there were no classes to worry about the next day. Many Saturday and Sunday mornings were spent in Albus' bed having breakfast, sharing the latest candy to satisfy his sweet tooth and discussing which students were excelling and which were spending too much time in detention.

Albus nodded slowly, hoping she would soon stay with him every night.

Minerva thought for a moment, realizing she really didn't want to return to her own room. The past number of months, she'd tried to spend every moment she could with him knowing that he was not well. "Okay, Albus," she easily acquiesced. "Let's get ready for bed then. It's getting late."

Twenty minutes later, Albus and Minerva were lying beside each other in his large circular bed covered by cool linens and thick duvets and had been quiet for a few minutes.

"What are you thinking about?" Minerva whispered in the dark around them, able to see his tired eyes watching her in the soft moonlight. It wasn't the real moon, of course. Years ago Albus had spelled a 'fake' moon to hang above his bed every evening and follow the phases of the actual moon outside, the small orb always casting a soft shimmering glow upon the bed beneath it.

"That I'm very tired," he answered feebly, his voice barely a whisper.

"Well then, go to sleep," she told him gently.

"That's not what I mean," he told her as one eyebrow rose to emphasize his point.

She sighed at his truthful words. "I know, Albus," Minerva replied, understanding what he meant. "But let's not talk about that now, okay?"

His hand emerged from under the covers to reach up and touch her aging face tenderly. "I've accomplished amazing and wondrous things throughout my long life," he told her. "Except for one thing."

"What is there that you couldn't possibly have done by now?" she asked, trying to keep the tone light. She always seemed to be fighting tears around him and hated that. The last thing she wanted was to fill his remaining days with sadness.

"Minerva," he began after clearing his scratchy throat. "I have been a stubborn and blind old fool. I've loved you deeply for many years and yet I always tried to keep you at a distance, using the school as a pathetic excuse for not giving you my affection. I should have done this when you returned to the castle, to me, so many years ago. Please forgive me for waiting so long." He reached for her hand under the corner of the pillow and squeezed gently. "Will you marry me, Minerva McGonagall? Spend my remaining days by my side as my wife?"

Tears were slipping from her eyes, both from immense happiness and intense sadness at his proposal. "Albus," she said quietly, voice shaky. "You're not a stubborn fool. And yes I'd love to marry you. I've always loved you."

"I don't know how much longer I have," he warned. "I just know I'm very tired and my magic has lost much of its power. Let's do this as soon as we can, my darling."

She wiped tears from her eyes and nodded. "Yes, Albus, we'll do it in the next few days," she agreed. "As soon as Hermione and Severus return." She moved closer to him, wrapping her arm around him carefully but tightly, as he did with her. "You've made me so very happy."

"You've always made me happy, Minerva," he said, holding her close to his heart. "From the very first day I met you."

Ginny's eyes were brimming with tears when Minerva finished telling her story. "And you thought my wedding would be first," she told her with a smile. "I am so happy for you both. That is amazing. It's so sad, but yet so happy at the same time. It's just beautiful."

"That's been our relationship in a nutshell," Minerva told her solemnly, looking over the rim of her small square glasses. "But I will treasure every single moment I have with him. Life is so precious. It's a shame most of it's gone by the time you learn that lesson." Youth was truly wasted on the young.

"Hermione will be beside herself when you tell her," Ginny said, still smiling from news of their engagement. "I can't wait for her to return."

"How is she doing?" Minerva asked with concern. "She had such a tough time in delivery." Malachai's birth had been extremely easy in comparison. If she remembered correctly, labor with him only lasted a couple hours.

"Much better," Ginny answered with a small nod. "They'll be home in a few days actually. I'll be glad. William has missed Malachai terribly." There had been quite a few tense evenings with Ginny having a double load of papers to grade and assignments to create and William not having his best friend to play with. She tried to make some extra time when she tucked him in at night, but still felt as if she'd been neglecting her motherly duties.

Minerva smiled in understanding. "He's been following you around, hasn't he?" she asked with a smirk. Ginny and Neville's son was one of the brightest she'd seen in years and couldn't wait until he could officially begin school at Hogwarts in a few years. She was certain he'd be a perfect balance of Ginny's resilience and Neville's determination, both providing equal intelligence. With Remus as a strong influence in his young life as well, Minerva expected the child to exceed both his parents and probably over half the school.

"That in and of itself isn't so bad," Ginny told the older woman she'd grown closer to the past number of months. "But he's asked twice now about him getting a brother or sister, which is a touchy subject for my son to be inquiring about. The other day he asked me if Remus had a child and would he want one. I have to admit, Minerva, I got a little frustrated with him. I know he's trying to cope with everything that's happened to him recently and I'm so thankful he likes Remus, but future children is just not a topic he needs to be asking about."

"That one certainly doesn't miss much, does he?" Minerva asked, stifling a laugh, nearly able to hear the child's constant questions in her head. "He's definitely not your typical four year old." She paused, wondering if she should inquire of her relationship with Remus. "How are things with you and my favorite werewolf anyway?"

Ginny instantly smiled as she pictured him with his shaggy graying hair and mustache. "Good," she answered safely. "Valentine's Day is coming up, you know. It was always one of my favorites. At first, I thought I'd be alone, but now I'm rather looking forward to spending it with him."

Minerva's eyes enlarged immediately. "That's it!" she said excitedly, clapping her hands together. "That's the day Albus and I will marry. Hermione will have returned by then, correct?" Why hadn't she thought of that before? It would be the perfect day to wed the man who had always been her 'valentine'.

"Yes, they get in the day before," she answered. "I'm so excited for you two. Can I help with anything?" Ginny didn't think any wedding would be as wonderful as Albus and Minerva's would be and was already excited.

"There's not much to help with," Minerva told her with a slight shake of her head. "It won't be anything lavish. Just something simple out by the water with our friends."

"And it will be the most beautiful wedding ever," Ginny told her with a huge smile. "Congratulations."

Friday evening, Ginny was relaxing on the couch by the fireplace, finally not needing any flames for warmth, and going over her lessons for the next week. Monday would be the last day to fill in for Hermione and Severus, as they were returning that afternoon, and Tuesday was Valentine's Day, the long awaited wedding of Albus and Minerva. As she sipped her tea, Ginny was startled when she heard a knock on the door. She glanced at the clock and realized it was almost ten.

When Ginny opened the door, she smiled instantly. "I'm so glad to see you," she told Remus as he stepped in and encircled her in his arms, briefly lifting her up. "I feel like I haven't seen you in ages."

Remus held her tightly, burying his face in her red hair and inhaling her scent, satisfying both the primal and human sides of his being. He'd been in his room, trying to work on lesson plans, but couldn't get her off of his mind. They'd had little time for each other the past month and he'd missed her terribly. By his gage of her hold on him, apparently she'd missed him too.

"I know it's a little late," he said, pulling from her just enough to see her freckled face as he closed the door behind him. "But I just had to spend a few minutes with you."

"I'm so glad you did," Ginny told him, reaching for his hand. "These classes have had me running ragged."

"Me too," Remus agreed, smiling at her, still amazed that she could feel towards him like she did. "I can't wait till Monday."

"Do you want some tea?" she asked as they slowly walked hand in hand away from the door and into her chamber.

"No thank you," Remus told her with a wink and sly grin, slightly squeezing her hand in his. "Just you."

Ginny smiled and blushed slightly at the implication of his words. Then she remembered what her father had sent her just a few days ago. "Oh! You have to see this," she said excitedly, pulling him with her towards the bedroom. "Dad sent it."

Remus watched as she approached a black box and pushed a round shiny dial. Instantly there were people moving and talking on the front of it. "I know what that is," he said, examining the small dials down the side. "It's a television set. Keeps muggles entertained for hours. Where did Arthur get it?"

"Muggle artifact office of course," Ginny answered with a look that told him he should have known. "And I understand why they love them so. I watched a bit and sometimes it's pretty funny." She paused. "Want to watch a little with me?"

Remus curiously poked at the hard screen, surprised that muggles were capable of making their own type of magic. "Of course," he answered, knowing he'd do anything just to spend time with her. "Shouldn't it be in color?"

"He said that it was an older one," she explained as they climbed onto her soft bed. "Newer ones have color I think."

Remus and Ginny reclined against her pillows while she spelled the television to hover at the end of the bed so they could see it easier.

"Does this…err….do these people have names or something?" he asked curiously, almost feeling like a nervous teenager in his girlfriend's room as he reclined into the softness of Ginny's bed that surrounded him and filled his nostrils with her sweet scent.

"They call it a 'show'," she answered, glancing over at him and feeling the butterflies begin to swarm in her stomach at the thought of being in bed with him. "I've seen this one before. It's called 'I Love Lucy'."

Remus laughed nervously. "Interesting," he said. "Who's Lucy?"

Ten minutes later they were laughing and holding their sides. Thankfully Ginny had spelled the room soundproof otherwise she was sure they would have awakened William.

Remus had tears streaming from his eyes. "This is…the funniest thing…I've ever seen," he said, still laughing. "Dear Merlin!" He never anticipated that this television would provide such entertainment.

Ginny had only watched a few shows, but this was one of the funniest she'd seen so far. "Ohh Ricky!" she exclaimed, doing her best to imitate the character.

"Now Lucy," he chimed in, trying to imitate the other character, which caused them to start laughing all over again because neither did a very good job.

When the show was over, Remus was near tired from his laughter alone. "That was something else," he told her, shaking his head. "I haven't laughed that much in a long time. Are there other shows like this one?"

"Yeah," she answered, spelling it back to the small table. "I'm not sure how it works though. I don't know if they cycle through, but I've caught a couple others. This one is one of the funniest though."

"Well thank you for sharing," he told her, feeling incredibly relaxed beside her on the bed. "It was great. I needed that."

"You and me both," Ginny said glancing at him and feeling the butterflies swarm inside her stomach again. He really did look good lying beside her still wearing his slate gray colored trousers that were somewhat wrinkled now and an untucked collared gray and white striped shirt that was unbuttoned enough to reveal chest hair she longed to touch. With his short shaggy tendrils and soulful eyes, Ginny thought he looked too good. Was there such a thing?

Remus rolled to his side next to her and propped his head up with his hand. "Know what else I need?" he asked quietly, deciding to test the water just a little. He certainly couldn't just leave her bed without so much as an embrace.

She rolled to her side then, big green eyes meeting his, and asked, "What's that?"

"A kiss from a beautiful woman," Remus answered with a wink.

"Let me see if I can find one," Ginny teased, pretending to get up.

He grabbed her arm instantly and pulled her down to him, covering her body with his quickly. "You would be the beautiful woman," he told her, sliding his arms under her body as not to press his weight on her. "The only one I can see anyway."

"Oh my, how you charm me," Ginny said, eyes twinkling. "However could I deny you, Mr. Lupin?" She wondered if he could feel her heartbeat pounding between them.

"I hope you never do, Miss Weasley," Remus answered before claiming her soft mouth with his, gentle but commanding, revealing to her through his lingering kiss just how much he'd missed her. It was just a brief reflection of his passion, but he needed her to know, needed her to feel it for just a few moments, so that she never doubted him. He forced himself to keep the center of his body away from hers, for he knew if he felt her heat, it would be his undoing. And though he wanted her desperately, he would not push her. "Now I must go," he told her, wishing he could stay beside her all night. "It's late and I don't want to wear out my welcome."

Ginny had been lost in his embrace and hated for it to end. She knew he was right though. He could not stay any longer. It wasn't that she didn't trust him, but that she didn't trust herself. She wanted him to stay, wanted to share love with him, but she simply wasn't ready for that quite yet.

After reluctantly climbing from her bed and straightening their clothes, they slowly walked to the door hand in hand. Remus turned and placed a chaste kiss upon her lips. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay," she said quietly, feeling like a giddy schoolgirl. "Good night Remus."

When she returned to bed awhile later, Ginny purposely chose the pillow he'd used because his scent still lingered. While it made her ache for him, it soothed her at the same time, as she'd missed the manly scent that used to cover Neville's pillowcase in their bed. A sound peaceful sleep found her quickly and with a smile on her face.

I know, I know. I Love Lucy is not English comedy. But it's funny, hence why I chose it. Reviews and comments always appreciated!!