A/N: Snape's POV.

Severus woke up in that sleepy, comfortable, 'don't wanna wake up' kind of morning mood. His arm was holding something too soft and cool to be Nymphadora, and as his mind scrambled to put the pieces together, he was trying to fight himself from thinking.

She left me and replaced herself with a pillow.

Taking a deep breath, his nose hit the faint smell of tea prepared on his nightstand. He smiled at the small consideration she had given him as he sat up and sipped his tea, grateful that she had left it under a warming charm.

Before he set it back down, he noticed the note and small box left beside it.

Thank you for taking care of me last night. I had meant to give you this belated Christmas present earlier, but the proper moment never came.

Severus smiled as he recalled the sounds he had her making last night over the couch, and continued reading.

I can already tell you're smirking and thinking something completely and deliciously naughty, so with that, I'll wish you a Happy New Year, Sir. -Nymphadora

Severus opened the small box and his smile fell away in amazement. It was a sigil ring for potioneers and alchemists alike; the Ouroboros was the symbol for the duality of all existence. Light cannot exist without Dark, and Life without Death.

That the serpent was eating its own tail showed how creation and destruction were both to be in harmony to complete the cycle that is the balance that magic always strives for.

Pointing his wand at the ring, he made sure that there was no Dark Magic infused in it. Once satisfied, Severus slid the ring onto his right hand, and mused how this reflected their own relationship. The Dominant and the submissive.

As much as she was his, he realized that he was also hers. And that just maybe she got the ring because it was pretty and was a snake.

Taking another sip of his tea, he realized he could spend the day being lazy in bed. He enjoyed the holidays when he had nobody to answer to and could be selfish with his time.

The owl at his window, however, begged to differ. Severus opened the window with his wand and the Hogwarts Barn Owl dropped a letter on his lap and flew off without even bothering for a treat. The initials on the outside of the scroll, APWBD, warned him that he would not like what was inside.

After the displays of excessive testosterone at last night's meeting, I have asked Minerva to reschedule your patrols so that you and Auror Tonks will be less inclined into causing any further disruptions among members of the Order. Do not think that I haven't noticed the recent change in your Patronus. Perhaps when you are patrolling Hogwarts you can consider the fact that her own Patronus reflects where her heart's loyalty truly lies, and why your own Patronus has me so disappointed in you. -Albus

Severus threw his tea away, the crashing sound a small balm to his rage. Damn that man and his incessant meddling! He was furious at this, and the shards of broken porcelain gave him inspiration to let off his anger.

By the end of the morning, his entire workshop was reduced to rubble.