Me & You

Severus rolled his shoulders back and cracked his neck as he skimmed over the letter in front of him. There was a sixth year Slytherin struggling with their marks, and though he was loathe to involve parents in such things at that year level, he wanted to get ahead of any howlers before grade reports were owled home. Some duties couldn't wait, regardless of the day and previously made plans.

It was Valentine's Day; Severus did not have rounds, and he'd already lectured his house about what would happen if their behavior landed them in any trouble. As such, he expected a quiet night. In fact, he should already be enjoying his evening; but here Severus was, finishing a letter while Miriam waited for him.

Miriam opened their bedroom door and watched as Severus finished addressing his letter. He'd taken his robes and frock coat off long ago and rolled his sleeves to the elbows. His large hands deftly pressed his Head of House seal into the warm wax on the envelope. He secured the letter to the owl's leg that waited perched on the edge of his desk. His dark eyes looked towards the door; with a flick of his wrist the door came open and the owl flew off on its errand. Miriam heard the door close and lock as Severus turned to look at her.

Severus couldn't help the look of delight that crossed his face when he saw his wife. She wore a dark green dressing gown with a plunging neckline. It tied at the waist and had flowy long sleeves and a billowy bottom. All of its edges were covered in feathers; it immediately reminded Severus of those heroines in the Old Hollywood movies Gram would sometimes watch on the telly. Idly, Severus wondered if that was all she wore; every step Miriam took towards his desk showed off a long expanse of bare leg.

Miriam stepped behind Severus' chair and placed her hands on his broad shoulders. As she squeezed, she heard Severus sigh and she smiled. She gazed down on his dark head of hair and continued to rub Severus' shoulders for several minutes until she felt his tension abate. Satisfied, Miriam ran her fingers down Severus' arm as she stepped around his chair. Severus' eyes opened and he watched her. Without a word, Miriam grasped his hand; with a small tug, he rose and followed her to the couch.

The fire cast its warmth and light over the sitting room and its inhabitants. Miriam's large vase of flowers Severus sent her sat prominently on the coffee table. As Miriam poured the wine, Severus admired the bright colors of the arrangement. Now that he knew just how much Miriam loved flowers-and her favorites- Severus made sure all major holidays were observed, in addition to some random times 'just because'.

Miriam handed Severus his glass before she took a sip of her own. She watched him over the rim of her glass as he tasted the elven wine, and her eyes drifted to the open buttons of his linen shirt. Their eyes met, and Miriam knew Severus had read her lustful thoughts. She couldn't help it; he'd been on her mind all day. Her patience thin, Miriam scooted closer.

"Those are rather wanton thoughts, Madam Snape," Severus said as he looked down his nose at Mia. As his arm wrapped around her, his hand gently rested against the curve of her neck. "I see you got your chocolates and flowers."

Miriam finished her glass, sat it aside, and smiled. "I did. Did you get the books I sent?"

"I already added them to my office library," Severus replied, his voice laced with a touch of smugness. He finished his glass. As he sat it down, he felt Miriam's hand touch the bare skin of his neck. His eyes flitted to her hand before looking her in the eyes.

"Is there anything else you would like?" Miriam asked.

Though her voice was soft and innocent, Severus could see the desire in Miriam's eyes. "Do you have any suggestions?" Severus asked. He smirked; he always enjoyed teasing Mia like this.

Miriam slid her hand down Severus' shirt. She felt his muscles contract at the gentleness of her touch. The open palm of her hand rested against the buttons of Severus' trousers. "Well…you can have me however you'd like," Miriam purred.

"Really," Severus breathed. He pressed his lips against hers. Severus wasn't in a rush. He plied Miriam with soft, unhurried kisses as his hand caressed her exposed thigh. He paused and gazed at Miriam's flushed face. When she looked at him, he smiled. "However I'd like?" Severus asked softly.

Miriam licked her lips. "Yes," she whispered. She felt Severus' hand tug at the tie that kept her gown closed. She watched his pleased expression as he gently caressed her waist.

Severus ran his hand over Miriam's sheer, short nightie. "There's no better gift than when you give yourself to me. Though you know mutual satisfaction is the rule, not the exception. I have never left you wanting," Severus said quietly before he kissed Miriam again.

Severus' voice was like velvet, and hearing his words made Miriam's ache for him even deeper. It was true, the only want he ever left was Miriam's want for the next time they could be together.

Suddenly, Severus broke the kiss as he leaned away slightly to look at her. He smiled faintly as Miriam tried to follow his lips; first with her eyes closed, but when the kisses didn't continue, she opened them. "What are you doing?" Miriam asked, slightly cross.

"Thinking about how I want you," Severus replied. He made a show of glancing around their sitting room. "There are so many options, and you did say I could have you however I wanted," Severus reminded Mia. Miriam narrowed her eyes slightly, and Severus could see she was becoming aggravated. He smirked at the witch and she huffed in annoyance at him.

A thought occurred to Miriam and she voiced it. "You're leaving me wanting, Severus." With that, she leaned in and tenderly kissed his cheek. Then she straightened and looked him in the eyes as she waited.

"That simply won't do," Severus said with a look of mock concern. Before Miriam could say anything else, Severus scooped her up in his arms and stood. Mia gasped in surprise and wrapped her arms around Severus' neck as he readjusted his hold. "I think we'll take this to the privacy of our bedchamber, Madam," Severus said. As he walked through the door, Miriam grinned wickedly and pushed it closed behind them.

Reality returned much too soon when their alarm startled Miriam awake. Miriam silenced the alarm and groaned. She felt Severus pull her closer to him and for a moment Miriam allowed herself to relish his touch. At length, she spoke, "Severus, we have to get up."

"No," Severus mumbled, his voice muffled by Miriam's hair. "I don't want to teach today."

Miriam smiled and rolled over. Severus gazed tiredly at Miriam and brushed her hair away from her face. "Did you enjoy your Valentine's Day?" Miriam asked.

"Very much, though I'm not sure why we even bothered going to sleep. You're going to be the death of me, little witch."

"Well don't depart too soon, we have our one-year wedding anniversary in ten days," Miriam said as she grinned.

Severus returned his wife's smile. "I'm not going anywhere yet."

/-/-/

Severus awoke too early for his liking on the morning of their anniversary. After taking time to freshen up, he returned to bed and crawled under the covers. Miriam was still asleep. He had gifts for her; impatient as he was, Severus decided not to disturb her slumber. With his head resting against the pillows, Severus watched Miriam as she slept. He had done this many times over the last year, but seeing Miriam so at peace by his side never got old. Severus mused over his good fortune until Miriam at last opened her eyes.

"Good morning," Severus said quietly.

Miriam smiled. "Morning," she said with a stretch that turned into an embrace. She placed a small kiss on his stubbled cheek. "Give me a minute?" With that, Miriam slipped out of bed and retired to the loo.

When Miriam returned, Severus had propped himself up with his pillows. There were two wrapped packages next to him on the bed. Miriam's eyes lit up and she hurried over to her nightstand. She opened the top drawer and pulled out two wrapped packages of her own. "Are we starting the celebrations now?" she asked as she settled into bed. Severus nodded and Miriam grinned. "Here, open this one first."

Severus took the offered package. He paused only for a moment to admire the gold filigree paper before he tore open the present. Severus lifted out a black leather-bound journal and read the embossed title out loud; "Potion Advancements and Improvements: Volume One by Severus Snape, Potions Master." He thumbed through the blank pages of high-quality parchment and raised an eyebrow at Miriam. "Volume One?"

Miriam smiled. "I had this made so you'll have a place to keep all your research. Since you're so brilliant, I just assumed there would be multiple."

Severus turned slightly pink at her praise. "Thank you, Mia. Here-open this one first."

Miriam took the box Severus offered her. She took her time unwrapping the pale blue paper as Severus fidgeted beside her; she knew her dallying drove him crazy. When Miriam opened the box, it was filled with her favorite parchment from Flourish & Blotts. A smaller, hinged wooden box sat atop the parchment. Curious, Miriam lifted the lid and she let out a small noise of surprise. Severus gifted her a new wax stamp monogrammed with her initials, M.S. in gothic font and several sticks of colored wax. "Thank you, Severus," Miriam beamed.

"Now you won't have to borrow mine," Severus teased.

"True," Miriam conceded. "I do have one more present for you." She hesitated slightly before handing him a smaller gift box.

Severus opened his last present to find another journal. It seemed they were both following the first anniversary theme of paper for a gift, Severus mused. This journal had a smooth, dark blue cover but no title, and as Severus flipped through the pages, he found them filled with Miriam's beautiful handwriting.

At Severus' questioning gaze, Miriam spoke. "This is a journal I kept as a record of our first year of marriage. I wrote every day about something we did together, or something I love about you. I figured you could read it on those days you need reminded how much I love you."

Severus inhaled deeply and ran his hand over the cover. He had no words. "I'm speechless." He looked at his wife. "Thank you, Mia."

Miriam leaned in and kissed Severus on the lips. "You're so welcome. Happy Anniversary, love."

"Happy Anniversary," Severus said as he pulled out his last gift.

Miriam grasped the large, thick envelope Severus handed her. "What's this?"

"A letter. I know you don't get them from me as often as you used to, so I wrote you a letter about my…feelings this past year." Severus tripped over his words a bit, but he held Miriam's gaze as he said them.

"You wrote me a love letter?" Miriam's eyes filled with wonder as she pressed the envelope to her heart. "Severus Snape, I thought you didn't write love letters."

Severus truly blushed at Miriam's words. "Only for you would I do such a thing. Besides, you are more than deserving."

Miriam grinned. "Can I read it now?"

Severus gave her a nod of affirmation before he picked up Miriam's marriage journal. He began to read as Miriam opened her envelope. He started with the first entry where Miriam talked about how excited she was for their wedding. Severus read about her morning preparations with interest. She mentioned how nervous she felt because she didn't want to fall short of Severus' expectations. Severus shook his head. She had no reason to be nervous, then or now- he was the happiest he'd ever been.

Curious, he flipped to the last page, which was dated just last night. Miriam wrote: Sat., 23 February, 1985. Severus took me out tonight to the Muggle Cinema. Maltesers and buttery popcorn for the win! Severus seemed surprised that I chose the cinema when he said I could pick anywhere, and we would go. I'll never forget our first time there-it's such a special memory to me. I don't think he realizes how much I love being next to him with his arm wrapped around me. There's a thrill to sneaking kisses in the back of a darkened theater that most witches won't ever experience, but I have…

A small smile tugged at his lips. So, she likes public displays of affection? Good to know, Severus thought as he mentally filed that information away. He stole a glance at Miriam; he noticed she looked a little doe eyed as she read his letter. Severus returned to the journal and randomly flipped to a place in the middle.

Tues., 18 September 1984. Things have settled into a routine now, but Severus still hasn't relaxed his demeanor—still very formal around the staff and students. Which means I, too, must be as well in mixed company. How different he is when it's just him and I. I love that our marriage is so private—no one else gets to see Severus like I do, and he me. Tonight, the elves served chocolate cake for dessert, Severus' favorite, though he tells me mine is better. As we ate, a smidge of chocolate frosting on the corner of his lip caught my eye. It was all I could do to not lean over and lick it off before giving him a kiss. I would never embarrass Severus publicly like that, but a witch can have her private thoughts even in public, right?

Severus' eyes widened slightly at the image in his mind of Miriam kissing him at the head table. It seems there were all manner of thoughts floating around in his wife's head. She was right, though, he would be embarrassed.

Meanwhile, Miriam opened Severus' letter. It was several pages long, Miriam realized as she unfolded it. Seeing his cramped, spiky writing against the white page made her smile instantly. Dearest Miriam, Happy Anniversary to my better half the letter began. Miriam smiled and kept reading. You always remind me to see myself as you do, but I am still in awe every day I wake up with you next to me. Twelve months, fifty-two weeks, three hundred sixty-five days, eight thousand seven hundred sixty hours, five hundred twenty -five thousand six hundred minutes, and three million one hundred fifty -three thousand six hundred seconds you've been my wife. If I'm blessed with one hundred more years, there still won't be enough time for me to love you like you deserve.

Miriam blinked her tears back as she read on. I remember when you arrived at Hogwarts. Unassuming at first, you gradually challenged everything I knew or thought I wanted. Little did I know then how much that brilliant, stubborn witch would weave her way into my life. Now, I cannot fathom my life without you in it; you truly are my confidant and right hand.

Miriam's expression softened. It was true they had blended their lives together seamlessly. However, it was not all sunshine and roses. They were both stubborn and prideful; they argued sometimes and drove each other crazy. But—they always came back better. She and Severus knew loneliness, but for the first time—together—they learned how it felt to be accepted completely for who they were. That was not something you willingly walked away from once found.

I know all your eccentricities too, little witch. No one else knows that you talk in your sleep when you're exhausted, that your closet is organized by color, or that you have a fascination with Muggle vinyl records. Miriam chuckled; all those things were true. Peonies are your favorite flower. You currently have seventy-three pairs of heels in your closet. Two more Sherlock Holmes books will complete your collection, and you have a vexing habit of putting your ice-cold feet on me while we sleep.

I also know how you feel when you lay in my arms after we make love. Or the way you whisper my name, laced with lust. Every curve and line of you my hands have memorized; from your curls down to the tiny birthmark on your ankle. Your beauty aside, the tenacity of your wit and intelligence challenge me every day. Yet for all your brilliance and confidence, I also know you occasionally like a firm, gentle hand. No one knows you like I do. As long as it's in my power to provide, I will never leave you wanting.

Miriam blushed hard as she imagined Severus spanking her. Firm hand, indeed. She would never tolerate such treatment from anyone else, but with Severus she felt safe enough to relinquish her unusually tight control. Mia knew he'd never abuse the privilege, and it was quite pleasurable to submit to Severus during those times. There was much more to the letter, but as Miriam looked at Severus beside her, she decided to take a break. Carefully, she folded her letter and put it back into the envelope.

It was a pleasant interruption for Severus to feel Miriam settling into his lap. Severus wrapped his arms around Miriam and looked into her grey eyes. She seemed a little flustered from the pink tinge on her cheeks to the way her hands played with the ends of his hair. He idly wondered how far she'd gotten with the letter, but when she kissed him and her tongue twined with his, Severus no longer cared.

"Is there something you need, Mrs. Snape?" Severus purred. He knew the use of her title and his voice would stir her desire even further. Sure enough, Severus watched Miriam's eyes darken with lust at his words.

"You," she breathed. Immediately, she felt Severus' lips on hers, and she willingly gave herself over to the powerful wizard as he tightly held her close.

/-/-/

Miriam walked in step with Severus, her hand wrapped around his arm as they returned to their rooms. The corridor was empty, so she rested her hear against his shoulder. A sigh of contentment escaped her. It had been a quiet day, just the two of them spending time together until they had to make their appearance at dinner. Now, they could retire for the evening—except there was one more surprise Miriam had up her sleeve if Millie was able to come through for her.

Trying to not seem anxious, she took off her hat and cloak and hung them up before heading down the stairs to their sitting room. Severus was only a few steps behind her. When her feet touched the stone floor, Miriam looked at the coffee table. She clapped her hands together and a small noise of excitement slipped past her lips. Naturally, Millie came through for her, Miriam thought to herself.

"What are you on about?" Severus asked as he slipped his arm around Miriam's waist.

"Millie did it! I'd put a surprise away for us, but I couldn't seem to find it. Look!" Miriam pointed at the coffee table and turned quickly back to Severus.

Severus frowned at the white…thing…on the table. He squinted his eyes. White frosting rippled like ribbons around a small cake tier, topped with dusty plum hued flowers. "Is that our wedding cake?" Severus asked skeptically.

"It is, the very top!" Miriam pulled Severus over to the couch before she sat. As Severus took off his coat and cravat, Miriam continued. "It's tradition to keep it frozen for the couple to eat on their first anniversary."

Severus sat down next to Miriam and worked on rolling up his sleeves as he watched her pick off the flowers. "Why would you eat year old cake?" Severus asked as his nose wrinkled. "Does it even still taste like cake?"

Severus eyed the cake suspiciously as Miriam spoke. "You can still eat it," Miriam reassured him. He tilted his head and looked at her with disbelief. "Honestly Severus, who's the resident baker and Charms Mistress around here? Even Muggles eat their wedding cakes—without the preserving charm I used on ours," Miriam said exasperated.

"Well, I suppose I shall defer to your expertise." Severus looked at the cake and then Miriam. "Go on, then."

Miriam picked up the cutting knife, then paused. "Will you help me cut it?" she asked sweetly.

"Just like last time?" When Miriam nodded enthusiastically, Severus smiled. "If that's what you want, then yes."

Severus scooted close and wrapped his left arm around Miriam's waist. He looked over her shoulder as he wrapped his right hand over hers. "I never thought I'd be doing this again," Severus mused as they cut a slice of the cake together.

"You're a professional now," Miriam teased as she placed the slice on a plate. Without reaching for a fork, she turned to Severus and broke off a piece of cake. "Open up," she said as she offered him a bite.

"You're joking," Severus said. One look at Miriam's face told him that no, she was not.

Miriam smiled brightly as Severus allowed her to feed him. She absentmindedly licked a bit of frosting off her thumb as Severus took the slice from her. A devious thought popped into Severus' head. He broke off a thicker piece of cake with ample frosting.

Severus cleared his throat and Miriam looked at him. "Now, it's your turn," Severus said. Miriam leaned in and Severus placed the piece of cake in her mouth. He knew, though, that her eyes would involuntarily close like they always did when she took her first bite of something sweet. In fact, he was counting on it. When her eyes drifted closed, Severus used that chance to smear some of the frosting across her lips.

Miriam tasted the sweetness of the cake before she felt Severus' lips on hers. Just as she was about to wrap her arms around him, Miriam felt Severus lick her lips and pull away.

"What are you doing?!" Miriam laughed.

"Isn't that what you wanted to do to me in the Great Hall?" Severus sat the slice on the coffee table as he waited for her answer.

Miriam's mouth opened in surprise, then she quickly closed it. She knew right away the journal entry he referenced. She straightened and looked Severus in the eye. He wanted to tease her? That was fine, Miriam decided. If Severus wanted to play, she'd play.

"Not quite," Miriam said. She looked at the cake tier, then to Severus, then back to the cake. She reached out and drug her left index finger up the cake's side, gathering frosting as she went. She smeared the frosting over his cheek, and with an exaggerated smirk, she leaned closer.

Severus felt Miriam's tongue warm and soft against his cheek as she licked him. He stiffened at the sensation, but when she kissed him, he relaxed and quickly kissed her back. Eventually, Mia pulled away.

"That's what I wanted to do," she said.

Severus saw the way Miriam tilted her chin as though challenging him to continue. He wasn't about to back down, though. He leaned over and scooped up some frosting with two fingers and gazed at his wife. She seemed slightly nervous as Severus' eyes traveled down to the deep v of her neckline. It was a perfect canvas, Severus decided. Before she could move away, Severus drug his fingers over the bare skin and descended on her.

Miriam inhaled sharply as Severus licked the frosting off her neck. As he pulled her closer, Miriam's hands drifted into his hair; she completely forgot about the bits of frosting still on her fingers.

Severus pulled Miriam onto his lap as he continued to kiss her. Miriam ran her hands down Severus' chest and tried to unbutton his shirt, but her hands stilled when he once again latched onto her neck. She sighed and tilted her head to the side as he kissed up to her ear.

"Am I distracting you," Severus whispered into her ear. She felt his lips turn into a smile as he brushed them against her cheek.

"Yes, you know I love it when you do that," she breathed. With effort, she pushed against Severus' chest. Once she'd made room, Mia pushed Severus back against the cushions. Miriam grabbed the cake and placed it on the end table beside the couch before she straddled Severus' lap. Hurriedly, she unbuttoned his shirt and pulled his arms free of the sleeves She ran her hands over Severus' bare shoulders as she stared into his dark eyes. "You know, we still have some cake left; it won't keep after tonight, and it seems like a shame to waste it."

Severus said nothing as Miriam grabbed a handful of cake. He felt the sugary stickiness coat his skin as Miriam ran her hands down his chest. She then placed a dollop atop his nose and Severus scowled at her. Miriam simply laughed, then quickly licked his nose. Severus growled, but then his eyes drifted closed as he felt Miriam's mouth move to his neck and over his chest. He allowed her to tease him, her tongue warm and wet on his pale skin.

Eventually, Severus' patience wore thin from the friction of Miriam squirming in his lap and the feeling of her mouth on his body. He grabbed the hem of Miriam's dress and pulled it over her head, causing her to stop teasing him. He unceremoniously tossed the dark blue material onto the floor and reached behind Mia to unclasp her bra. That, too, wound up on the floor.

Miriam felt Severus' large hands ghost along her ribs and she shivered at the feathery touch. He cupped her breast gently, and she couldn't stop the sigh that escaped her lips. Severus chuckled lowly, and Miriam watched as he reached over and grabbed his own handful of cake. Her eyes widened; it was much more than what she had done due to the large size of Severus' hands.

Severus rubbed his hands together. He would have grimaced at the feeling of cake squishing through his fingers if he wasn't so focused on what he was about to do. He traced the swell of Miriam's breast with his hands before cupping them, covering them in cake. He ran his hands down her stomach and up over her sides.

"Severus!" Miriam gasped as she felt his mouth move from one breast to the other. He pulled her tight against him as his teeth nipped at her skin followed by the softness of his tongue. The frosting became even stickier from their body heat as he teased her.

Severus stopped, shook the hair out of his face and looked at Miriam. For a moment, he watched her breasts rise and fall as she tried to slow her breathing. Severus leaned them over and pressed her into the couch before sliding her knickers down her legs. He made fast work of his trousers before he settled over her. He kissed her gently, then waited as he felt her fingers in his hair.

"So, will I be getting a firm hand tonight?" Miriam teased.

Severus smirked down at his wife. So that was what had her so hot and bothered earlier. "Would you like one?" Severus trailed his hand down Miriam's side and gently cradled her arse as he waited for her answer.

Miriam squirmed under his touch. "Not tonight." She gently kissed his collarbone. "Severus," Miriam said softly as she gazed into his eyes.

Miriam didn't need to say anything else; he knew what she needed. As they made love by the light of the fireplace, Severus made certain with every kiss and every touch that Miriam could feel his love for her. They took their time exploring each other like new lovers do, and neither were left wanting.

Spent, but satisfied, Miriam tried to catch her breath as Severus sat back on his knees and tried to do the same. She looked up at the wizard between her thighs and burst into laughter.

"What?" Severus asked, confused.

"Oh, Severus, you're a right mess." Miriam sat up and pulled a piece of cake our of his black hair.

"So are you," Severus retorted as he traced a finger through a streak of frosting on Miriam's stomach. "You were right, though, the cake was delicious."

Miriam grinned. "Shall we take a bath?"

Severus nodded in agreement. As he helped Miriam up, he glanced at the couch. Cake should have been everywhere after everything they just did, but the leather looked untouched.

"Repelling charm," Miriam said lightly when she noticed Severus looking things over. "Surely you didn't think I'd ruin our furniture?"

"But you couldn't bother to use one for us?" Severus asked.

"Now, what's the fun in that?" Miriam grinned at her husband's put-out expression and pulled Severus towards their bath. "Come on, I'll help you get the frosting out of your hair."

/-/-/

A/N: This story will be several chapters, but I'm not sure how many. I've been sitting on it for awhile...we'll see how it goes.