Cold Feet

Miriam leaned against the headboard as she read the latest issue of Potions Quarterly. Severus already went through it, and Miriam read his notes scribbled in the margins with interest. The depth of Severus' knowledge never ceased to amaze her. She also loved the dry, witty commentary Severus added next to any underlined passages he disagreed with. Thank Merlin Severus wasn't an editor for PQ; most of their articles wouldn't make it to publication, Miriam thought idly. Miriam crossed her legs, turned the page, and continued to read.

Severus stepped out of the bathroom and gazed across the room at Miriam. She appeared ready for bed; her large amount of hair was brushed out and loose, and she wore a wine hued flannel night gown. Miriam was so focused on the magazine in her hands she hadn't noticed Severus' presence. He took a moment to study her before Severus crossed the room, and joined Miriam under his dark green eiderdown comforter.

Miriam felt the bed move; her concentration broken, she looked beside her and smiled at Severus. Since he'd put a floo connection between their rooms the couple spent practically every night together. The arrangement suited Miriam just fine; she hated sleeping without Severus, especially on cold dreary November nights such as this. Miriam placed the magazine on the nightstand as Severus extinguished the torches with his wand. The fire that blazed in the fireplace offered them subtle light and welcomed warmth against the chilly dungeon air.

As they snuggled together under the bedding, Miriam leaned closer and gave Severus a lingering good night kiss. When they parted, Severus appeared stoic as ever, but his dark eyes conveyed his love for Miriam. She rolled over and felt Severus slip his arm around her. Miriam smiled to herself as she listened to the fireplace crackle and the heavy, warm comforter relaxed her. She stretched, and as she did so, her feet brushed against Severus' legs.

"Bloody hell, witch!" Severus said loudly, startling Miriam.

"What?" Miriam rolled over and propped herself up with her elbow. Severus looked at her, a scowl on his pale face.

"Where are your socks? Your feet are like ice!"

Miriam stiffened at Severus' accusatory tone. "I don't have any here, just my slippers," Miriam replied tartly.

Severus pursed his lips together and glanced around his bed chamber. Though they didn't technically live together at Hogwarts, there were enough of Miriam's personal effects scattered about that any stranger could deduce she slept here more often than not. He looked back at Miriam. "I think that's the only thing you don't have here," Severus teased.

"Oh, hush," Miriam answered back. Severus watched, amused, as Miriam's cheeks turned pink. He tossed off the covers and turned away from Miriam.

"Where are you going?" Miriam asked as Severus slipped out of bed.

Severus opened the top drawer of his dresser. "Well, I can't very well let you sleep with cold feet—I don't want you to catch a chill. Here." Severus tossed a rolled-up pair of socks to Miriam.

Miriam caught the socks with ease, and while Severus closed the drawer, Miriam unrolled them. They were long, and made of a soft, thick wool. Her eyes widened as she took in the bright striped pattern. The stripes were of varying widths and colored red, blue, orange, and green.

"These are rather garish, Severus. They're certainly a departure from your usual somber attire," Miriam added with a small laugh.

Severus crawled back into bed. "They were a Christmas gift from Albus," Severus said as he rolled his eyes. He pushed the covers aside and took the socks from Miriam.

Miriam rested her head against the pillows and observed Severus with her pale grey eyes. "You're going to touch my feet, aren't you?"

Severus heard the trepidation in Miriam's voice. "I've touched you everywhere, but now you're bollocking me about rubbing your feet?" Severus looked pointedly at Miriam as he pulled her feet into his lap.

Miriam swallowed hard as she thought about Severus touching places other than her feet, and she felt her cheeks burn. She clasped her hands together and rested them over her stomach. Severus' large hands deftly slipped the socks on, and the cozy wool wrapped her toes in warmth. Miriam sighed and her eyes drifted closed as Severus grasped a foot with each hand. Suddenly, her feet felt very warm, and her eyes snapped open.

"Warming charm," Severus said nonchalantly as he began to rub Miriam's feet.

"Oh," Miriam said softly. She'd have to remember that little trick for later, Miriam thought as her eyes closed once again. Though Miriam didn't particularly like her feet touched, she had to admit Severus' foot rubs were delightful. He always seemed to find Miriam's sore spots as his large hands massaged from toe to ankle. Miriam willed her body to relax, and she focused solely on the firmness of Severus' hands as he worked.

After several minutes Severus stopped rubbing Miriam's feet and gently squeezed her toes. "Are your feet warmer?" Severus asked Miriam once she opened her eyes.

"Much," Miriam said as she smiled. She unclasped her hands and stretched them overhead. Miriam's left hand rested on the pillow beside her head while her right draped over her stomach. She looked appreciatively at Severus, his long legs crossed over one another in front of him, her now warm feet cradled in his lap. It was chilly enough Severus had on actual pajamas, The pale blue and navy striped material clung to his lean frame, and accentuated his impossibly long arms and legs. "You spoil me, you know."

"Because I rub your feet?"

Miriam laughed softly at the disbelief in Severus' voice. "Yes. You also give me your socks, share your bed, let me invade your space, keep me from overworking myself, and deal with me when I get in a mood." Severus smirked at Miriam's last comment, and she continued. "Sometimes I wonder why you even put up with me."

Severus looked at Miriam as she laid in his bed, her dark chocolate curls splayed across the pillows. Her perceived shortcomings were anything but, especially when compared to Severus' idiosyncrasies, the wizard thought to himself. "I would do anything for you; you know that. Besides, the benefits of our relationship make putting up with you more than worth it," Severus joked.

"Really?" Miriam mused. "Care to enlighten me about these…benefits?"

Severus felt Miriam's foot brush against the bulge of his pants, and his eyebrows shot up at her antics. "Careful," Severus admonished her as he shifted slightly.

"What?" Miriam asked innocently. She couldn't help herself, and teased his growing erection again with her other foot. "Something wrong?"

"Cheeky witch," Severus groused, and Miriam laughed. Severus pushed Miriam's feet off his lap and laid down beside her. Propped up by his elbow, Severus gazed down at Miriam. "I've never had to 'put up' with you," Severus mused as he caressed Miriam's face with his large hand. Miriam's eyes drifted closed, and Severus trailed his hand slowly downwards. He watched, fascinated, as Miriam's body arched off the bed as he touched her.

"Mmm, Severus," Miriam purred. She looked into his eyes and pressed a slender finger against his lips. "You sound like a wizard in love."

"Is that so?" Severus tightened his hold on her. Miriam shivered at the possessive tone of Severus' voice as his black eyes bored into hers. "You're the only one I will ever have in my bed, the only witch I will ever completely give myself to," Severus breathed. "What does that tell you?"

Miriam didn't even have a chance to reply before Severus' lips covered hers. He tongued her teasingly as he explored her mouth. Miriam slipped her hand into Severus' hair as she kissed him back. Severus' kisses became more passionate and possessive as they enjoyed one another, and Miriam was content to enjoy Severus just like this for as long as he wanted. As Severus covered Miriam's body with his own, he felt her arms wrap around him. "You're mine, witch," Severus said covetously.

"Severus," Miriam groaned as his lips found her throat and the weight of his body pressed her into the mattress. Miriam was his as long as Severus wanted her—hopefully, forever. She never again wanted to know a time when Severus wasn't hers. Her hands slid down his back before they slipped under his shirt. There was too much in the way. Miriam pushed against the bed, twisted her body, and used her weight to roll Severus on his back.

A curtain of curls fell around them as they stared at one another. Severus felt Miriam's hands deftly undo his buttons. The wicked smile she gifted him as her hands caressed his bare chest made Severus ache to flip her back and settle between her thighs. Instead, he allowed Miriam her moment—for now. Severus grabbed a handful of curls and ravaged Miriam's lips with his own. Miriam moved sensuously against him as they kissed, their desire for one another growing as the minutes passed. Severus shuddered when he felt Miriam's lips leave his and move slowly across his neck; she teased him with her teeth and tongue before she returned to his mouth.

Eventually, Severus trailed his hands down Miriam's back. He began to gather her nightgown in his hands, up to her waist, before he rolled Miriam under him. As Severus slipped his tongue past her lips, his hand slid over her stomach. Slowly, he moved lower, and Severus felt Miriam open herself to him as she kissed him back. One long finger slipped between her thighs and over Mia's lace knickers.

"You're so wet," Severus hissed as Mia pressed herself against his hand. He tugged the damp fabric aside and teased her sensitive flesh, and Severus felt her shiver beneath him. He slipped inside her, and his fingers gave Miriam only a small taste of what she needed

Miriam moaned softly; she moved with Severus as he pleasured her. She forced her eyes open to find Severus staring at her. "What does that tell you?" Miriam breathed.

Severus smirked. "It tells me that they need to be removed."

"That's right." Miriam tugged at the waist of his pajama bottoms. "I need you, Severus. Get these clothes off. Now."

Severus pulled Miriam's knickers down to her knees before he started on his clothes. As he removed his pajamas, Severus watched Miriam slide her knickers down her legs and pull her nightgown off over her head. Severus took advantage of Miriam's full hands and covered her breast with his mouth as he teased the hardened peak with his tongue.

Miriam's hands found purchase in his black hair and kept Severus close as she laid back against the pillows. Severus settled between her thighs as he released Mia's breast and kissed her chest and throat. "Spell, Severus, don't forget the spell," Miriam suddenly remembered as she writhed beneath him.

"Damnit," Severus muttered as he pressed his hand beneath Miriam's navel. "We've got to get better at remembering that."

"We d—oh, Severus!"

"Mmm, yes," Severus groaned as their bodies joined; he slipped his arms under Miriam and cradled her head in his large hands. He kissed her passionately. Severus' thin lips returned to hers again and again as he tilted Mia's head occasionally to run his tongue over her throat. Slow and controlled, Severus delved into Miriam over and over. Her soft sighs and gasps were music to his ears; a song he alone was privy to.

His dark eyes intently studied Miriam's face as they moved together. Severus slipped his right hand to Miriam's thigh. As he caressed her leg, Severus covered Mia's mouth with his; their undulating movements in sync with his tongue as he tasted her. Miriam began to tremble beneath him. Severus stilled as he felt Miriam climax, her breath hot against his ear, her hair teasing his nose. He gazed at her and waited for her moment to pass. With her eyes closed, flushed cheeks, and wild hair, Severus couldn't remember a time Mia looked more beautiful. When she finally opened her eyes, Severus smiled. "Shall we continue?"

"Yes," Miriam breathed. "Give me everything. Don't hold back this time."

Severus' dark eyes appeared to glow at Miriam's words. He didn't plan to, now that he knew what Miriam wanted. All Mia needed to do was ask, and Severus was more than willing to indulge her desires. "On your knees, witch," Severus growled.

Miriam's eyes darkened with lust when she heard the edge in Severus' voice. Not caring if she appeared too eager, Miriam quickly turned over and went to her knees. Suddenly, Severus grabbed her; his arm slipped around her waist, pulled her up, and drew her tight against his body. His other hand swept her hair aside.

His tongue skated over her neck to her ear as the arm around her waist slid lower, lower, until Severus' long fingers again caressed the sensitive flesh between her thighs. Miriam bucked her hips reflexively, but Severus held her firm. Miriam groaned as he bit her neck, his left hand fondling her breasts as he began to pleasure her. Miriam rolled her hips; she moaned loudly as she ground against his hand. Severus continued to nip and kiss Miriam's neck. Severus' hard cock rubber against Mia's soft ass, and his heavy, raspy breaths in her ear only made her hotter; she moved faster and faster until another orgasm hit her and Miriam shrieked Severus' name.

Miriam's arms and head dropped to the mattress. Severus' arm around her waist kept Mia on her knees, and he curled his body over hers as he entered her. Severus' mouth dropped open as Mia's orgasm pulsed around him; she felt amazing. "Yes," Severus groaned as he stroked into the witch under him.

Miriam let out a choked cry of pleasure as Severus thrust into her. Every part of her body still tingled from his handiwork, and she felt the pleasure build again as Severus began to take her harder. Mia eventually gathered her strength and pushed up from the bed onto her hands. She leaned back into his thrusts and moaned as she took him deeper. Suddenly, she felt the sting of his hand as Severus slapped her ass. She gasped and looked over her shoulder at Severus. His movements slowed and his hands tightly gripped her hips. He said nothing, but Miriam could see the challenge he put to her in his dark eyes as he arched an inky brow. "More," Miriam demanded.

Severus grinned lasciviously as Miriam stepped up to his challenge and brought his hand down across Miriam's other cheek, earning him another, louder gasp from the witch. He continued to take Miriam harder, but Severus was careful not to take it too far. He only wanted to leave her with his burn—a need that only he could satisfy. His handprints added a lovely pink shade to Mia's ass, and Severus watched the round curves bounce deliciously as he pounded into her. He grabbed Miriam's wild mass of hair as he thrust deeply into the witch, Mia's bum pressed against his loins. He held himself tight against her as Severus tugged her head back. Severus resumed his pace and he whirled his hips to stay as deep inside Miriam as possible.

Miriam had no idea Severus could do such a thing. Her voice rose an octave as Mia cursed and praised the wizard. Severus narrowed his eyes as he watched Miriam lose herself to his ministrations. The witch met his enthusiasm thrust for thrust; her body shuddered as her hands gripped and twisted the sheets beneath her. His grip tightened on her hip as Severus' movements became more frantic. "Yes!" Miriam cried out as she felt the sting of Severus' hand one last time before her orgasm washed over her, intense and powerful. Severus groaned loudly and every muscle in his body quaked as he followed her. Exhausted, Severus struggled to hold them; when Miriam dropped onto the bed, Severus willingly went with her. He curled around her and rested his head against her back.

They floated from their shared peak of pleasure as normalcy slowly returned. Still, the pair clung to one another, unwilling to let go, both wanting to extend their intimate moment just a bit longer. Miriam laid next to Severus with her eyes closed and his arm wrapped around her as her heart hammered against her ribs. The only sounds in the room were their labored breaths and the fire as it crackled.

Eventually Severus needed to move, so he scooted up to where Miriam could lean against him and he could see her face as he spooned her. Miriam rested her head against his shoulder while Severus ran his hand down her side before he wrapped his arm around her. Miriam hummed appreciatively and said, "That was—"

"Yes, it was," Severus readily agreed. Miriam laughed lightly, and Severus felt her right hand caress his cheek. Severus smiled at Miriam. "Satisfied?" Severus asked.

"Completely," Miriam sighed. They laid together quietly for several moments before Miriam spoke again. "You know, I really should write Albus a thank you note."

"Whatever for?" Severus asked, his voice laced with surprise.

"For gifting you these socks, of course," Miriam teased.

"You wouldn't dare!"

Miriam grinned. "You're right, I wouldn't."

Besides, it's me you should thank. My massage skills have only improved over the past year," Severus told her smugly. "If Albus gifts me anymore ghastly socks, I'll thank him on your behalf and pass them on to you."

"I'm agreeable to that," Miriam conceded. She rolled over and wrapped herself around Severus and kissed him soundly. "Thank you for warming up my feet," Miriam whispered playfully. "Now, would you like the benefit of a shower and help me untangle my hair?"

Severus frowned and looked at the mess of curls that was once Miriam's brushed hair. He sat up and pulled Miriam out of bed with him. "It's a good thing we have the weekend to ourselves—your hair is going to take forever," Severus teased Miriam as he pulled her into the bathroom.

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A/N: Thanks for reading...