Summary: When the road you're on is already in the verge of crumbling, you could either choose to foolishly continue onward, or turn back and change paths. Harry decided on the latter. MoD!Harry

Main Pairing: HP/LV (Marcaunon/Voldemort – not Chaos)

Side Pairings: Pending

Warning: AU, Time-Travel, Universe Hopping, New Identity, Slash (this means Boy/Boy), MasterOfDeath!Harry, Killings/Torture, Mentions of rapes/abuse, Incestuous relationships

Disclaimer: If I were the author of Harry Potter, Dumbies would have chocked on a Lemon Drop and drop dead, not AK-ed. So no, I do not own Harry Potter.

"Speaking"

"Parseltongue"

Chapter 19.5: Valentine's Day Special

Date: 14 February 1976
Location: Hogwarts, Great Hall

Excitable (irritating) audible whispers could be heard by him as he walked towards the Slytherin table at the Great Hall for breakfast. Today was the day he dreaded most during his Past and present school days; Valentines' Day – the day where he would be mobbed by endless numbers of chocolate giving students. And of course, those chocolates would be given (disposed) to Marcaunon at the end of the day.

He would often than not wonder about the stupidity of Muggles during this so called celebration that Dumbledore, the bumbling old fool, had brought forth into the Wizarding Community. After all, why would Muggles consider the date that Saint Valentine dies the day of love? Was it because Valentine decided to write a farewell letter and sign it off with 'Your Valentine'? Did the Muggles think that it was cool and suddenly decided that 'oh, let us sign Your Valentine at the end of our cards and give it to the one we love as well? Just like the person who was sacrificed! Minus the sacrifice and death part of course'.

He mentally snorted at his own somewhat amusing train of thoughts as he took a seat near the Head table – this way he could observe (read: eavesdrop on) his Professors better.

His surrounding Housemates greeted him as he sat, and he returned in kind, his expression not once showing his great dislike for most of them. He was far too old to humor them or talk about quidditch (but he will if required), which he loathes by the way, seeing that he very much preferred flying without the aid of brooms. He would never risk his life riding those oversized giant twigs they called broomsticks. Not to mention how uncomfortable it was for men to actually ride those – brooms in this time were not as advance in their cushioning charms sadly.

He took a piece of toast and spread butter on it mechanically as he continued his thoughts, a fake smile already permanently plastered onto his face as he listened to his Housemates' conversation with half a ear, replying only when appropriate. Marchosias didn't believe in true love, though Magical Creatures came close to that by definition – they have life or soul mates. He believed that Humans are far too greedy and envious to truly consider settling down with another – divorce and affairs existed after all. A human would only marry another for their fame, fortune, knowledge, benefits, body, genes, lineage or all he had previously stated. That was what he had concluded in his true childhood.

His younger counterpart sadly fell into all the categories he had listed – seeing that they were both one and the same. He somewhat understood Riddle's feelings for Marcaunon though, and if Marc were not his mother, he would've felt intrigued and wanted Marc to give birth to his heir as well. This was why he didn't want Riddle to court Marcaunon – his mother might get hurt since Riddle was only going to use him as a baby making machine (this was what he truly believed anyway since he himself would do so).

He sighed inaudibly as he shot a subtle glance at his mother. He idly wondered if mother had ever fallen in love before, and if he had, would he explain those feelings to Marchosias, who was unable to grasp the concept of true love between humans?

"E-excuse me, Gaunt?" A meek voice was heard behind him, and he looked over his shoulder with a small questioning smile.

"Is there anything I can help you with, Abbott?"

The Hufflepuff teen fidgeted for a few seconds before she straightened up and presented a red box to him, determination in her honey colored eyes. If she was not wearing the Hufflepuff scarf, he would've thought that Abbott was a Gryffindor.

"Please accept my gift for you."

"Thank you, Abbott." He stood up from his seat and accepted the gift with a kind smile. "They smell lovely." And indeed it did. He was sure that his mother would be delighted to eat such delicious smelling chocolates.

The dark blonde seventeen year old blushed and returned his smile, though it was genuine unlike his. She excused herself with a stutter, and made her way back to her House table, where a group of girls waited and congratulated her with a pat on the back.

He returned to his seat and subtly directed the flow of conversation away from his person. The rest of his Housemates' (where was Severus by the way?) chatter was tuned out as he continued to eat his breakfast. He hoped this day would end soon – his gut was squirming with bad feelings.

"Marvolo." He greeted with a small smile, although he was inwardly surprised as he spotted the politician relaxing on his recliner in his living area.

He has just finished breakfast and was on his way to the designed classroom to advice for his student's Extracurricular Activity, but then he noticed that he had left some of his materials back in his private chambers, so he headed back. Once he had entered his private chamber, ignoring the way Salazar had winked at him (it was disturbing), he had stumbled across Marvolo on his way to his study.

"A fine morning this is, isn't it, Marcaunon?" The man purred as he stood up from his seat.

"I suppose." The weather was indeed fine, albeit a little cooler.

"Would it be a bother to ask for your company this fine day?"

"I have work, Marvolo." An apologetic expression appeared on his face.

Marvolo only hummed nonchalantly as he stopped just a step away from Marcaunon. He sometimes had to wonder if his cousin didn't know the definition of personal space. Or perhaps this was how cousins normally treated one another? He didn't know, since he doubted that Dudley was a good example.

"Please?" was said as the Dark Lord tilted his head to the side cutely, a few strands of hair falling onto those sharp cheekbones in a seductive kind of manner.

He fought the urge to look anywhere but those exquisite crimson orbs. His heart was beating wildly, as if he had just finished running a marathon, and he inwardly groaned. He was suspicious of Marvolo, seeing that this problem always occurred when he was in the man's presence. Perhaps he had been cursed without his notice? He took a mental note to research on heart pounding curses.

"I can't simply leave without any prior notice." Hopefully that would be enough to make Marvolo return to wherever he came from. He loved his cousin dearly, really, but sometimes he hated him as well. Humans – if he still classified as one – were contradictive, he mused.

"Then will you be able to if Dumbledore is notified?" He ignored the way the Headmaster's name was spat out, already used to it.

"Yess. A week before the actual date –"

"I've already owled him." Marvolo smirked as he leaned closer, their breaths mingling. "He was reluctant – as expected since I was the one who contacted him – but I managed to obtain his permission for you to take the whole day off. Shall we now proceed?"

"I – uhm… that… Alright. I'll just, go fetch my coat." He answered awkwardly.

Just as he was about to swirl on the balls of his feet, a dark brown coat was draped onto his shoulders. Marvolo only raised a brow at him when he blinked owlishly. He sighed and murmured a thank you under his breath as he shrugged the coat on. He did not so much as to twitch when Marvolo wrapped his Hufflepuff scarf around his neck, already expecting it.

He was then led to his floo network, and just as Marvolo threw a handful of powder, he saw his adorable son saunter into their living area – probably just finished breakfast. His lips parted in preparation for him to greet Marchosias, but Marvolo only wrapped an arm around his waist and stepped into the fireplace, forcing him to move along.

He didn't notice the blood draining out of Marchosias face, nor the horror in those ruby eyes of his, as the two adult Gaunts disappeared in a flash of green.

OOOO

They stepped gracefully out of the floo with not even a single soot on their respective coats. He gave a questioning glance at Marvolo when he noticed that they were at the Leaky Cauldron. The arm around his waist tightened momentarily before it was removed by a smirking Marvolo, the usual air of confidence and charisma surrounding his person. His cousin didn't reply to his gaze, he only continued to guide Marcaunon with a hand placed on the small of his back, towards the apparation area.

Without so much as a warning, Marvolo apparated them to who knows where. The surrounding area they were in didn't clue him to their destination, it only made him all the more curious. Snow covered trees were the first thing he spotted, before his eyes landed on a frozen lake.

"Have you ever skated on ice before, Marcaunon?" His cousin questioned with a small smile. It was a rare sight that only Chaos and he had had the privilege to see.

"No." His sight returned to the lake, marveling at the sheer beauty nature had provided them with. This only made his resolve heightened and all the more determined to destroy those Parasites (and that person) – before they could destroy Magic and Mother Earth.

"I'll teach you. It's exhilarating."

"Did you bring ice skates as well?"

Marvolo only chuckled, as if Marcaunon had asked something obvious.

"We are Wizards, my dear." His cousin took out his Yew Wand, the twin to Chaos's, and flicked it at their boots, which turned into a pair of dark ice skates. "And I'm a master at transfiguration if I do say so myself."

Marcaunon's response was for his arms to shot out and grasp his cousin tightly, who was busy with looking at him in mirth, to find his balance. It had been quite a long time since anybody saw how ungraceful he was being right now. He swore his cheeks were red with embarrassment rather than the cold.

"A little warning would do wonders next time." He murmured grumpily.

"Don't worry, dear cousin. You'll get used to it, and you won't fall so long as I'm around."

"I almost fell though." He pointed out with a scowl.

"I'll always be there to catch you." The following words were whispered into his ears, making him shiver from the hot air. "No matter what. Trust me."

Marvolo then proceeded to pull him onto the iced lake. He wobbled and tightened his hold on his cousin, not at all minding their closeness – he relished in the body heat actually, it was bloody cold. He didn't want to fall on his bum, it was beneath him to do so.

His balancing pole suddenly disappeared and he flailed for a moment before his hands were grabbed. He shot the chuckling man a glare (pout).

"I don't understand why I have to learn how to skate on ice. It's not as if I'll continue to skate in the future." He huffed as he continued to balance whilst his cousin in front of him glided slowly backwards.

"Now, don't say that." His cousin crooned. "It's relaxing – and I plan on inviting you to skate with me every year. Be sure to keep February 14th a free day from now onwards, alright?"

"Do I have a choice?" He deadpanned at the innocent expression on the taller Wizard's face.

"Not really, no." Marvolo smirked, still gliding on the ice gracefully unlike Marcaunon, who almost tripped on air.

They continued on silently, both enjoying each other's company whilst they glided slowly on the ice. He was getting used to the balance, and as he looked up from the ground (he was too worried about tripping to really look ahead), he almost lost his balance due to the soft smile playing on Marvolo's lips. It was a breath taking sight, even more so than the lake's scenery, and he wondered what kind of thoughts were inside his cousin's ever working mind.

Was ice skating with him really that enjoyable? For Marvolo to actually smile without any form of malice or amusement? Deep within the corners in his mind, he dearly hoped so.

"Looks like you're getting used to this."

He only hummed in agreement, his eyes not once breaking contact with the person in front of him.

Marvolo's fingers on his hands loosened, and he took that as a sign for him to try and skate on his own. He dropped his hands and propelled himself slightly forward, feeling gleeful that he didn't humiliate himself by faceplanting. If he did, he would've undoubtedly apparated away within a split second.

"You're doing well." Marvolo complimented. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Are you?" He countered as he tentatively brought his other leg forward.

His balance wavered and he flailed his arms around. Just before he could actually fall, an arm wrapped around his waist.

"I am. Immensely." The breath of hot air tickled his cheek as his cousin brought him closer to the Dark Wizard's chest.

His face flushed, and he looked away from those intense crimson orbs.

"I-I'm getting thirsty though." He stuttered out, eyes roaming anywhere but on the person holding him.

"Hot chocolate?"

"If it's no trouble." Sadly, the flask bangle that Chaos had given him was accidently left behind at Hogwarts.

"None at all. We'll continue skating afterwards."

They both glided to the edge of the lake, and just as they reached, their skates returned to their original state of boots. Marvolo then pulled out something from his pockets, and dropped it onto the snowy ground. Right before his very eyes, a light blue picnic blanket resized along with a picnic basket, two thermo flasks, and seat cushions.

He was ushered onto the blanket, and they sat down on their respective cushions, side by side, leaning against each other. He idly wondered if using a heating charm would be more convenient, but pushed that aside when the basket opened and revealed chocoly goodness.

He could feel himself salivate at the sight, and he gulped discreetly as Marvolo slowly brought out all the different kinds of chocolate cakes onto the blanket. A fork and plate was given to him, before his cousin – bless the man's soul – plopped a slice of cake onto it.

"Chocolate cheesecake." Marvolo pointed out.

As soon as his cousin had served himself (he had manners after all), Marcaunon forked out a chunk from his slice and plunged it into his mouth. He almost melted at the taste, moaning at how sweet it was. Oh how he thanked Circe – or Death actually – that he could never be subjected to natural illnesses such as diabetes.

Just as he took his last bite, another set of cakes was set onto his plate. He thanked his cousin with a smile.

"Molten chocolate cake. Would you like some hot chocolate, or coffee?"

The pattern continued as they ate and conversed. When all the cakes were cleared, with him eating majority of them and Marvolo only watching him, they fell silent. It wasn't awkward, far from it actually. He enjoyed their outing and grinned at the prospect of doing this every year. But… Why at the 14th specifically?

"Why are we here again?" Marcaunon mumbled sulkily as he was pulled towards the Parasite wooden square building in front of them by their interlocked hands.

"For relaxation purposes." Marvolo stated calmly for the nth time, not once losing his composure.

"But why here specifically – of all the places you could choose from?" He protested (whined), his nose scrunched up at the very idea of being near those waste of spaces.

His lips curled as Marvolo ignored him in favor of pushing the wooden door open. There were a few rows of lockers lined up inside, and Marvolo pulled him to the closest. He looked over the taller's shoulder and sighed inaudibly at the towels provided.

Without prompt, he started undressing. Why he had agreed to follow Marvolo to a traditional Finnish sauna – for relaxation purposes, he says – that was located near Parasite territory was beyond him. The git even convinced him to remove all his glamours back at the lake. Stupid persuasive Slytherin.

He startled when fingers brushed the scar on his bareback.

"Marvolo?" He paused, only half way unbuttoning his trousers, and looked over his shoulder. Marvolo's eyes were unreadable as those spidery fingers trailed down his back.

"When will you finally allow that servant of yours to rid your body of these scars?" Marvolo finally said after a minute of silence.

He sighed. This wasn't the first time Marvolo had asked. He turned around with his arms crossed, an annoyed expression on his face.

"You were the one who told me to drop my glamours." He disliked dropping them since this conversation would undoubtedly start.

"Forgive me, Marcaunon." Marvolo whispered as he stepped forward, eyes never once leaving Marcaunon's chest. "But it pains me to –"

"I know." He interrupted with a resigned sigh. "Perhaps it's best if we return ho –"

Marvolo's eyes sharpened.

"I apologize for bringing it up, but since we are already here, we might as well enjoy ourselves." With that, Marvolo shrugged off his coat.

They both stripped, leaving only a towel tied loosely around their hips. Marcaunon averted his eyes from looking at his cousin's toned body, a little self-conscious of his small frame and scarred body. Marvolo was the exact opposite of him; broad shoulders, toned yet not overly muscular body, and smooth skin without any form of blemish.

They entered the sauna room, the heat already doing wonders to his slowly unwinding muscles. There were several male and female Parasites lounging around the wooden benches, with towels wrapped around their hips and bodies respectively. His nose scrunched up automatically and he fought the urge to make a bloody mess out of them – quite literally he might add.

"I've already set up an anti-Muggle ward around the perimeter. They'll be leaving in less than five minutes – I'm sure you can tolerate them for a while longer." Was whispered into his ear as Marvolo pulled him towards the bench that was furthest away from the Parasites.

How merciful of his cousin. Perhaps Marvolo was refraining from killing the Parasites because they were kind of on holiday? He shrugged and crossed his right leg over his other. True to his cousin's words, the Parasites gradually began to lessen, their eyes dazed from the wards placed by Marvolo.

When the final one finally left, his tension left with them, leaving his shoulders feeling lighter as he leaned against the wooden walls. A wave of his hand later and a bucket of water was dumped into the hot sauna stones, making them produce more steam.

They sat there silently for a little longer enjoying the steam on their skin, before Marvolo cupped his cheeks and turned him towards the taller male. He raised a questioning brow, wholly ignoring the flip flops his stomach was busy doing.

The man's thumb rubbed circles across his cheeks, and his eyes fluttered close at the sensation.

"It's been awhile since we last saw each other." The whisper made him snap his eyes open. He almost recoiled at the face only centimeters apart from his. Almost. He did go cross eye for a split second though.

"What've you been up to?" He asked softly, not wanting to break the mood(?) they were in.

"This and that." Marvolo's body shuffled closer. "And you, Marcaunon dear?"

"Just the usual."

"Really?"

"Ye –" he was cut off when soft lips pressed against his.

He froze, not really knowing (and understanding) what to do as his cousin's lips left his. He saw something flicker into Marvolo's eyes, but it was gone before he could decipher the emotion. Marvolo smiled apologetically and tucked a few of Marcaunon's hair strands behind his ears, apologizing for startling him and explaining that family would often show their affection by kissing one another.

His shoulders relaxed and he returned the smile, absently saying that Chaos would often kiss him on the cheek rather than his lips when his son was younger – but in the back of his mind, he noted that he was feeling disappointment. Why he was disappointed, he didn't know.

OOOO

They both left the sauna after twenty minutes, and cooled down by taking a shower at the provided shower stalls. After they have donned on their clothing, Marvolo held out a hand to him.

"Where are we going next?" He asked curiously.

"One of my followers recommended a restaurant, but I have a better idea."

"Was it Abraxas?" He held onto the presented hand.

"You know my followers well."

"More like slaves."

"Now, that was rude of you. Just because they act as such does not make them a slave." Marvolo chided, though he was smirking cruelly. "I may be a tyrant, but I have a good heart."

He snorted in disbelief. If Marvolo has a good heart, Grindelwald wouldn't be living in Nurmengard right now.

"Alright, enough delaying. I'm sure you're hungry."

"Famished actually."

They both disappeared with a soft, almost inaudible crack.

OOOO

They reappeared at a snowy meadow, a picnic blanket already prepared along with a basket, wine bottle and two wineglasses. He blinked. They were having another picnic? He idly wondered why Marvolo was acting so out of character today.

The moment he stepped onto the blanket, he felt heat seeping into his boots. Ah, a warming charm to keep them cool. A wonderful idea, seeing that it was almost nightfall. They both settled near each other, similar to before when they were near the frozen lake, and the taller Wizard took out two empty plates.

The smell of delicious food wafted out from the opened basket, and Marvolo flicked his Yew wand, making all the food lay out by themselves, and the wine to pour itself into their respective glasses.

"Cheers." Marvolo raised his wineglass.

"Cheers." He smiled and lightly tapped his own wineglass against his cousin's.

He took a sip and hummed at the sweet taste. It was to his liking. As he set aside his glass, three floating Oyster Rockefellers landed inside his empty plate. Seeing that Marvolo was already preparing to eat the ones on his plate, he did the same.

"It's good." He commented as he made a grab for another shell. "Although it doesn't taste like the ones your houseelves made."

"That's because they were not the ones who cooked for this occasion." Marvolo answered with a smug smile.

"Oh? Let me guess, you did?" He replied sarcastically, a playful grin on his face.

"Indeed."

The fork that was halfway to his mouth paused in its journey.

"Really?" He looked at Marvolo skeptically.

"Have I ever lied to you, my dear?"

"Well excuse me for being so skeptical. You were the one who said that cooking is only done by servants." He huffed and shoved the oyster into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. It really was brilliantly done.

"It is." Before he could open his mouth to speak, Marvolo continued. "However if it's for you, I'll do anything."

He could feel his blood rushing to his cheeks, and he quickly shoved the last oyster into his mouth as a distraction. Marvolo only gave him a knowing look, much to his irritation. Before he could make his irritation known, a small bowl of Shrimp Bisque floated towards him. He grabbed said bowl and the soup spoon beside of it

He took a spoonful and was amazed at the taste. If Marvolo knew how to cook, did Chaos know as well? He made a mental note to ask his son once he returned to Hogwarts, before he continued eating his soup.

"It's really a surprise, a very pleasant surprise, that you know how to cook."

"And you don't? Such a skilled Potions' Master like yourself would hardly have a difficult time in the kitchen. It's somewhat similar to Potions' making after all."

"Only simple dishes, dear cousin. Nothing as spectacular as yours. When and why did you learn how to cook, if I may ask?"

"As you should know, I travelled a lot in my younger days –"

"You're still young."

"– I prefer having to cook my own meals than to spend money eating out – seeing that I am not as rich as I am currently." He continued as if Marcaunon never interrupted.

Once they both finished their soup, a plate of Filet Mignon topped with blue cheese floated towards them. He absently grabbed the plate, knife and fork included, before raising a brow at Marvolo.

"You have expensive tastes."

"Says the person who spends at least a hundred galleons on candies and chocolates alone per month."

"Touché."

They continued their light conversation as they cut into their respective meats. He took note of how tender it was, and almost moaned at the taste – it was that great. If he were a lesser man, he would've just gobbled it all in one bite.

As they were half way through their meal, Marcaunon paused and turned to stare at the sky, where the sun was already halfway down the horizon, basking them both in its afterglow. The area they were in looked surreal as the sun temporarily dyed the snow orange. All in all, it was a beautiful and breathtaking sight – he even had to breathe out a small exclamation of awe. He wouldn't mind watching the sunset whilst having a picnic with his cousin again, next time they would have to include Chaos and Death, so they could have a family outing.

A few floating candles suddenly appeared around them. It made him smile at his cousin's thoughtfulness.

"This area is perfect for stargazing." Marvolo commented indifferently, but Marcaunon could read the hidden question; will you stay and stargaze with me?

It made him smile fondly at the Dark Lord. So different, yet so alike to his son. He silently swore that he would never allow Harry Potter to vanquish Voldemort at this alternate universe, and if the fake Harry somehow did, Marcaunon will bring his cousin back – sanity intact of course.

"I'll take your word for it, dear cousin."

Location: Hogwarts, Library, Corner

He chewed on his bottom lip, not even noticing how bruised it already was due to the vexation and resentment he was currently feeling. How dare that brat actually take his mother on a date! On Valentine's Day no less! How dare his younger counter part celebrate such an occasion! How dare he! How fucking dare he! A Muggle occasion!

He gritted his teeth and buried his face within the folds of his arms that were resting on the tabletop. He hated this feeling of uncontrollable anger that was radiating within his blood. He had once lost himself in mindless rage, and it scared him. He didn't want to lose himself.

It was all that brat's fault! If only Riddle had not taken an interest in his mother. If only he had killed Riddle the moment he had found out about his counterpart. If only Riddle had never been born into this world! If only that, everything would've gone on perfectly! He would've had a perfect mother, a perfect father-figure, a perfect life, a perfect everything! But no, Riddle just had to ruin everything by being alive!

"I won't be second. I won't allow you to take my place!" He whispered to himself.

He stood up from his seat, not caring that some of the books had been toppled by his movements. If anybody were near him, they would've undoubtedly fled the moment they saw his expression. An expression of pure, vindictive hatred that made his eyes glow bright malicious crimson.

He had never been so resentful in his life. Not even for Harry Potter. Was this because he didn't want to lose the only man that has ever truly cared for him?

"Tom Marvolo Riddle." His voice was soft, dark and forbidding. "I'll kill you. So very slowly that you'll be begging for death."

OOOO

His episode at the library had gone unnoticed and unseen, much to his relief. It took him a few hours to control his inferno of emotions, but thanks to his occlumency training, he managed. Barely, but he did.

On his way to the courtyard, he was stopped a few times by many of his peers, both girls and guys alike, and presented boxes of chocolates for both him and his mother. He had plastered a caring smile and thanked them all, not once saying that he'll eat them, only smiling and letting them think otherwise on their own accord – he disliked lying, even to his enemies.

When he was finally alone, he dropped his mask and sighed. Thank Merlin for shrinking charms. Otherwise his arms would be full of chocolate boxes right now.

"Marchosias?" The familiar drawl came from behind him.

The mask he had earlier discarded came back in full force as he turned around.

"A fine afternoon, isn't it, Severus?"

"Indeed. I have not seen your father around… I would think that Professor Gaunt would gleefully be present at the prospect of free chocolates, or in his words, chocoly goodness."

"He's out." He unintentionally sneered, the feelings of resentment making itself known for a second. He hastily blanked his features and took a deep calming breath. Severus only raised a brow, not at all commenting on his lack of control – the future Potions' Master knew him since his body was that of a child's after all.

"Judging by your mood… Your uncle must've stolen him."

"Brilliant deduction, Severus! It's no wonder you're called a child genius." He scoffed, his tone heavy with sarcasm.

"Such a wonderful friend I am to bear the brunt of your unjustified anger towards my person without even the slightest feeling of upset."

He raked a hand through his hair and sighed, an apologetic expression on his face.

"Forgive me, Severus. You know how I am when uncle dearest decides to drop by unannounced and clearly uninvited."

"You need not apologize, Marchosias." Severus waved off his apology. "I have to wonder why the only time that man becomes such an annoyance is when in your very presence. The only reason I can come up with is that he just loathes your very being."

"The feeling's quite mutual." He stated drily. "Anyway, why are you here? I know you well enough to know your preference of being in the dungeons rather than the open."

Severus suddenly threw him a small package wrapped in paper, which he caught with one hand. He raised a brow at the green wrapping, and as he raised his gaze to question his childhood friend, Severus has already stridden off to wherever cave he came from.

With the curiosity of a child's, he unwrapped the gift and blinked owlish at the contents.

"My… How kind of you, Severus." He chuckled as he slipped a dark chocolate past his lips, humming at the flavor. It wasn't sweet (it was near bitter actually), but it was exactly how he liked his chocolate to be. He wasn't his mother after all.

With a lighter heart, he headed back to the library, intending to actually finish his class assignments there.

A/N: This is an extra/omake just in case you haven't noticed. Takes place a few months after the Christmas Special. Gosh. My head and eyes hurt from the nonstop typing. Stupid selective memory – Y U NO remember Vday until the last possible moment!? Happy Valentine's Day guys.

Don't expect another fluffy chapter from me anytime soon. I really, really, really, can't write more of this for now – did you see how sappy some lines are!? Fluffs are hard to write! I mean, I suck at romance and only want anime people to be my lovers. You can just imagine how sad my love life is.

Alright. The ending just wrote itself. I swear I didn't mean to make Chaos lose it. My fingers… They have a life of its own! And perhaps it's because I subconsciously needed some darker moments to replace the light heartedness. Gehehehe?

Story recommendation for today: A change of Occupation by GenderlessPerson. Is it wrong to recommend my own story? Insert sheepish laughter here. Anyway, this is my latest story – HP/KHR crossover. I assure you it will be worthwhile.

Your Valentine,
GenderlessPerson