The following week, after the birthday celebration, Cora walked as if in a trance.
She figured she'd do exactly as professor Snape had suggested, and just live her life as if nothing had happened. She went to class, did her homework and ate her meals by the Slytherin table. All the while ignoring Draco's questioning looks.
Walking through the halls of Hogwarts, she also tried to block out the sudden outbursts of tears and shouting coming from fellow classmates. Some of them had been teamed up with a partner they did not want, and found their fate utterly unfair. She could hardly blame them for it. She wasn't very happy about her spouse, either.
Her husband, on the other hand, had his hands full with organizing a separate wing for married couples at the school, so he rarely spent any time in the Dining Hall. Cora was more than fine with his absence.
By Thursday the tension at school was almost unbearable. The older students were complaining, the teachers were exhausted and the younger students were terrified. What if the Ministry were to lower the age limit and two of them were paired up with the Carrows?
Cora felt like everything she ever knew was falling apart. Something had to be done, or she'd certainly have a nervous breakdown herself. And how would her father respond to that?
That night, during dinner, Cora sat by herself in the Great Hall and ate in silence. A thunderstorm was raging outside, and it matched perfectly her inner self. She contemplated whether she'd have another run through the Black Forest, despite the horrid weather, and if her husband would even care.
Draco, though, might've had something to say about it, but he was currently too busy calming Pansy Parkinson's whining down. He tried to explain how he had to marry the youngest of the Greengrass sisters, despite her not being 17 until next May, and Pansy was having none of it. Although Cora felt for Draco, as he was sitting in between his ex-girlfriend and soon wife-to-be, she was glad. No Pansy Parkinson at Christmas. At least there was something right in this world.
Behind her, at the Gryffindor table, Seamus and Neville were fixing up an old radio. The strangled noises coming out of the speakers were giving her a headache. Maybe she should fix it for them, just to have some peace. Or shove it down one of their throats. At the moment both options seemed equally appealing.
She threw an annoyed glance over her shoulder towards them. The two boys were definitely up to something, and it certainly end in torment from the Carrows. Neville looked past Seamus's back towards the teacher's table. None of the professors seemed to notice what was going on. He smiled mischievously, before huddling closer to his friend.
What now?
The song on the radio shifted, and out came a strong, electronic rhythm. The catchy beat came from the Swedish muggle band E-Type.
That's ballsy of them. Cora smiled. She couldn't remember the last time she'd listened to muggle music.
"I'm a truuuue believer," Nana Hedin sang, and the sound caused more than a little irritation from the professors.
Amycus Carrow stood from his chair, wand at the ready, but Cora suddenly had an idea. She quickly arose, gave him a pointed look and he slowly found his seat again. The benevolent smile on his face made her stomach lurch. He held out his hand, as if to say: "Go ahead. Show them what the heir of Slytherin can do."
Cora drew her breath through her nose, and went over to the two boys.
"You think it's appropriate the way you're playing that muggle song?" Cora asked Seamus. The Gryffindors around him went quiet.
"Yeah, I do, actually." He gave her a challenging look.
"I disagree." She raised her wand and Seamus looked nervous. From the corner of her eye she could see Amycus' smile grow even more sinister. Snape, on the other hand, didn't move a muscle. He watched her attentively, and that only seemed to throw more gasoline onto the fire. "This is how you do it." With a flick of her wand, she turned the volume up, lowered the lights in the Dining Hall and made little disco balls appear instead of the floating candles. "Let's dance!" she shouted.
"Hell yeah!" Neville replied, and his fellow Gryffindors broke into a roar.
Within seconds students were jumping to their feet and began moving to the music. Ginny Weasley filled the floor with fog that changed colors, so it seemed like they were all caught in the midst of a rainbow colored thunderstorm, and that quickly turned the Dining Hall into a rave. Even the Slytherins seemed to ignore that it was a muggle song, and were dancing along with the others.
Cora could do nothing but laugh. She grabbed the hand of Seamus, who had jumped over the Gryffindor table and let him spin her around.
"This is better than the Yule Ball in fourth grade!" he shouted, and lifted her up in the air.
"I know!" she shouted back.
The staff looked on with a mixture of confusion and anger, although some of them, Professor Flitwick in particular, also seemed to rather enjoy the situation.
As the song came to an end, the headmaster stood up. He swiftly cleaned out the fog and the disco balls, and gave Cora a glare that could've made Hell freeze over. "My office - NOW!"
She gave him a nonchalant smirk, turned on her heel, gave Seamus a high-five and exited the Dining Hall. Cora felt like she had just won the House Cup.
The headmaster caught up with her in the hallway, and he was practically fuming. Seeing him so angry put her down a few nots. But only a few. They kept a fast, steady pace towards his office, and Cora was wise enough to hold her tongue. She was not too excited about what was about to happen next.
"What the HELL do you think you're doing?!" he bellowed, once they were inside his office. The former principles were all ears in the photographs on the walls, and Cora wished they could've had the conversation in a place more private. Snape was pacing in front of his desk, like a tiger in a circus cage. Cora followed him with her eyes, and waited anxiously for the tirade that was about to come. "Well?!"
"Well, what?"
"What do you have to say for yourself?" he snared, and came to a full stop, facing her.
"I was just trying to ease the mood a little." Her honesty did nothing to sooth his rising anger.
"Don't act all coy with me, miss Riddle, you knew exactly what you were doing." The headmaster started pacing again, and then continued to rant for a full five minutes about her being irresponsible, self-centered and stupid. As his words came out like lashes from a whip, he didn't see the dark clouds that had gathered in her narrowed eyes. Of all the obnoxious things he said, 'miss Riddle' was the worst. Although she didn't quite understand why it bothered her so much. "I have enough on my hands as it is. I do not need the games of an immature child!"
Had he stood a little more closer to her, she would have smacked him in the face. Instead she remained stone cold and watched as he hit the desk with his fist, and turned his back on her. The other hand went up to his forehead to rub his aching temples. Overhead of him the other principals looked more than a little embarrassed by the whole display, and probably wished they'd had some other portrait to go to. Like professor Dumbledore, who'd been absent in his portrait since the beginning of the conversation.
Cora gritted her teeth for a couple of seconds, before locking up her mind and heart.
"If my actions have caused you embarrassment, headmaster, I apologize," she said calmly. "That was not my intent." He gave her an annoyed look over his shoulder and went to sit behind his desk.
"What was your intent?"
"Like I said, to ease the tension." This rewarded her with a heavy sigh and rolling eyes. Fine. If he wanted more facts to it, then she would give it. "Sir..." It caused her a lot of effort to address him according to his stature. "The student body has been like a timebomb waiting to explode for weeks now. People are scared, angry and have very little clues about what will happen to them. Dancing, on the other hand, has been scientifically proven to release dopamine in the brain." His eyes narrowed, by the mention of her muggle terminology. "And in effect could be used as an antidote for the stressful situation we're finding ourselves in."
"Dancing? What a stupid -"
"Yes, dancing!" She threw out her hands, hoping to Merlin that he would understand. "It won't solve the problem, but in case you didn't notice, people were laughing."
"So you suggest we have a rave every week to ease the tension?" he asked mockingly and crossed his arms over the black robe and vest, with way too many buttons.
"I suggest you do something to ease the tension. Otherwise the school will be falling apart." The candor in her cold statement made him think that she was actually making a point. Seeing some of the arrogance leave his pale face made Cora relax a little, but not enough to lower her inner guard. "If I may?" She sat down on the wooden stool in front of him and folded her hands in her lap. "There are many things that could be done about -"
"Please." He held up a hand. The man seemed utterly exhausted. "I do not have time for your suggestions. All I ask is that you from now on refrain from such reckless behavior. Have I made myself clear?"
Her throat was tightening up again. Much like it had on the day of their wedding. It was suddenly very clear to her that whatever she said in this conversation, or any other conversation with him for that matter, would fall on deaf ears. Without another word she slowly got to her feet and began walking down the stairs, and away from him.
"And where do you think you're going? We haven't even discussed your punishment yet."
"Out." She gave him a cold look. The headmaster, behind his fancy desk and arrogant demeanor, had never looked more appalling. With a low voice, and every word dripping with ice, she continued. "You may be the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Severus, but I am the heir of Slytherin." The comment hit more than close to home. A vein at his temple pulsated as he clenched his teeth. "This school is my legacy, and I do with it as I please."
"Do. Not. Push. Me. Cora." His tone was tremulous, and he too stood to his feet.
"Or what? You'll kick me out of the bedroom?" Her harsh words made his black eyes widen in fury. She continued mockingly with an index finger to her chin. "Oh wait, you already did." After throwing him one last glare, she exited the Headmaster's office and left the door open. Making her way down the swirling staircase she could hear him curse in frustration.
The week was finally at an end. The Thursday rave had indeed eased some of the tension of the student body, but not enough. Weddings were planned, and for those who were to marry someone outside the school, special living arrangements had to be made. It was clear that the Ministry hadn't thought this new law and its ramification quite through.
Friday night Cora found herself in front of the gargoyle to the Headmaster's office again. She'd been summoned earlier that day and knew it was time for her punishment. She almost envied Neville and Seamus, who had detention with Amycus Carrow. He would hurt them physically, but it would hurt far less than the emotional hurt she had in store.
After a short trip up the winding stairs, she drew a sharp breath and gave three small knocks at the door.
"Come in."
Cora couldn't make out the emotions in Snape's voice, and after entering the office, she had an even harder time reading him. She chastised herself for not practicing at Legilimency more. Her room mates were easy, but a skilled wizard was near impossible. The professor in front of her had the same stony appearance as the gargoyle downstairs.
"You summoned me, Headmaster," she said firmly, closing up her mind, and remained standing in front of his desk.
"There's a situation we need to discuss." Snape made a gesture for her to sit.
Cora nodded, impatiently wishing that he would skip the semantics and just get the punishment over with. She sat down, crossed her legs and folded her hands in her lap.
"I've managed to keep the Carrows from mention last nights events to your father." His tone was as rigid as his straight back. "However, I would advise you to refrain from such impulses again. I doubt the Dark Lord would appreciate his daughter listen to muggle music and dancing with blood traitors."
Cora swallowed hard. She honestly hadn't thought about that.
"I have neither time nor energy to punish you for this, so I'll leave you with a warning."
The young Slytherin nodded. Although his words had been spoken calmly, she felt more embarrassed than ever before. She'd been careless, and they both knew how unwise that was.
"Thank you, professor," she said quietly, and was about to stand up and take an early night.
"I've received word from the Ministry." He pushed a parchment across the desk. She reluctantly picked the letter up and read it.
"Are you kidding me?" Cora let her head fall backwards and let out a frustrated sigh. "I thought you'd handled this!" She halfway threw the letter back at him, and watched how his eyes narrowed at her accusing tone.
"I did!" He snapped, and then pinched the bridge of his nose. "But since we consummated after midnight, we're under the Marriage Law after all."
Cora rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. This was unbelievable.
"There's more."
Cora didn't want to hear it.
Just breathe. Just breathe. Just breathe.
The chanting in her head was like a bullet train.
"I've been informed that if we don't... consummate...again within the weekend, we'll both be escorted to Azkaban." The pain in his eyes matched the pain that suddenly occurred in her stomach.
So they would have to live together as husband and wife after all.
Cora let out a shuddering breath. Her hands were sweaty and she didn't know whether she should make a run for it or stay.
A heavy silence fell between them as both contemplated what to do about the situation.
After what felt like forever, the Headmaster sighed.
"I'm sorry."
Cora gave him a quizzical look.
"I never meant for it to be like this." His mouth turned into a vane, apologetic smile, but then, as if he'd suddenly thought better of it, he cleared his throat. "No matter. What's done is done."
"It matters to me," Cora said meekly, contemplating what he'd been trying to say.
"Cora..."
"Please, hear me out."
Professor Snape gave her a condescending look that made her regret that she'd taken the initiative to go deeper. She drew in a long breath and let it out through her nose. Unsure of how to proceed, her hands were fidgeting with the hems of her skirt. She looked down on them, afraid to see his reaction as she spoke.
"It matters... because you don't want me there." She sighed, eyes glued to her fingernails. "And that hurts." She bit the tip of her tongue as tears threatened to fall down her cheeks. Exhaustion from the whole ordeal was about to overpower her. "If we're going to live together I don't want to be a constant pebble in your shoe. Or treated as such."
"Neither do I."
His answer surprised her, and made her green eyes dart up to meet his black. She could see that he'd meant it.
The revelation gave her a tiny sense of guilt. Making other people feel small and insignificant was her parents' forte, not hers. And although she still felt confused and angry about Snape's part in Dumbledore's death, it gave her no joy to see him hurt because of her behavior.
"So..." They were at an end pass. Cora desperately hoped he would use that otherwise brilliant mind of his to find a solution to all of this. "What do we do now?"
"I don't know." He shook his head wearily, leaned forward across the desk to retrieve the letter and put it away in a drawer. To see him struggle with the same question gave her a small comfort.
"If I may." The two of them jumped when Dumbledore's portrait suddenly spoke. Both had a slight pink color in their cheeks out of embarrassment, because they suddenly remembered their conversation hadn't been private. "I suggest that the two of you spend the weekend together in Severus' quarters and get to know one another as husband and wife."
Cora wanted to hex his portrait, but thought better of it and held her tongue. Mostly because she didn't have a better suggestion, and also out of curiosity. The way professor Dumbledore said her husband's name didn't sound like a man who resented the other. He sounded fond of him, in a strange sort of way.
Professor Snape looked absolutely livid, but he refrained from rejecting the former headmaster's proposal. He glanced sideways at Cora, as if calculating his next move. "Would that be alright with you?"
"Yes." The word slipped her mouth before she could think better of it.
"Very well."
"Excellent." Professor Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, and then he disappeared from his frame again. Probably to hang out on a chocolate frog card, or wherever he was going nowadays.
Cora was too mortified to speak. Why hadn't she said no?
Professor Snape found a new piece of parchment and scribbled down a couple of sentences, before sending it off in the fireplace. For what Cora could read upside down, it was a message to McGonagall that he would be occupied this weekend and not to be disturbed.
A couple of minutes later, the two of them were walking silently down towards the dungeons and his quarters. Thankfully without any interruptions from other students or staff. The headmaster gave her the password to the door - "Lemon drops" - and informed her that the wards now included her, being his wife and a part of him.
All Cora could do was to nod. Both because she didn't want to anger him again, and because she didn't know what to say. As they stepped into the living room, he turned towards her and said matter-of-factly: "I assume you don't need a tour."
Cora shook her head. "Just where I can place my things."
The tight expression on his face made her regret she'd said anything, but then he nodded and summoned a house-elf to collect her belongings. All of her belongings, and not just some clothes for the weekend.
"We might as well learn to live together sooner rather than later," professor Snape drawled, and looked like a toddler who had been forced to share a toy. Despite not being keen on the idea, Cora agreed with him. Living together was inevitable. "But before we do, there are some things I need you to understand." Cora waited patiently by the entrance, dreading what he would say. "I don't like people touching what's mine, so ask before you borrow anything."
"Ok."
"And I like it tidy, and quiet, so I expect you to respect that."
"Uhm -"
"I don't like chit-chat or emotional outbursts, so do keep that to a minimum, if you can."
This made her blood boil again, but still she remained silent. Clearly he was an introvert and she was not.
"When I brew my potions I won't take kindly to being disturbed. This -" He made a gesture to the living room. "Is not a common room. So if you want to have friends over, do find somewhere else to meet. And although we are married, I expect you to show up in all of your classes and address me as Headmaster when out in public. At home you may address me by my given name."
Cora blinked twice.
This was going to be a disaster.
"Any questions?"
"Sir..." He gave her a pointed look. "Severus. If we're going to live together we have to come up with the rules together." He crossed his arms and looked far from amused. "It will be hard, considering our positions over the last six years." He rolled his eyes. Clearly she was stating the obvious. "but if this is going to work, we have to see each other as equals."
Severus snorted.
"Fine!" Cora shouted, almost making him jump. "Let us turn ourselves over to the dementors then!"
"Don't be so dramatic." His condescending look annoyed her further. Did the man own other expressions than arrogance, black stares or being overbearing?
Now it was Cora's time to snort. "That's rich coming from you. You're the biggest drama queen at the whole school!" She threw her arms out, as if to underline her point. The lightning that flashed across her husband's eyes, made her scared.
Severus closed the gap between them in two strides, so they were nose to nose, and lowered his arms into two fists.
"Let me speak plainly," he said slowly, towering one head above her, and made her suddenly realize why her father had chosen him as a Death Eater. "I did not choose you, anymore than you chose me, but I will not be spoken to like a toddler in my own home. Have I made myself clear?" His warm, fuming breath hit her face hard, and for a moment all she could do was to stare back into his infuriated eyes.
Instead of being disgusted by their close proximity, or feeling utterly intimidated, Cora felt a small sensation in the pit of her stomach. She blinked a couple of times. All her snarky, clever comebacks had flown away, like a Golden Snitch in a Quidditch match.
Severus was still fuming, and impatiently awaited her response. When she still held her tongue, he seemed to notice a turn in the argument. Why wasn't she fighting back? Had he scared her that much? His black eyebrows knitted confused together, and he tried to read her eyes, all the while keeping the tight space between them intact.
Cora felt him trying to enter her mind, but blocked him out, though with a lot more effort than usual. Her mouth went dry, and she wet her lips with her tongue. Damn it. He noticed.
After what seemed to be an excruciating long pause, she figured she should say something.
"I'm sorry for disrespecting you, Severus," she said genuinely. Despite his unreasonable demands, a part of her still held him in great esteem, and she knew she had crossed a line. "It won't happen again." She let out the breath she didn't know she'd been holding, but not so loud that he could hear it.
Severus looked like he'd been kicked off the moon. Clearly that was not the response he'd been expecting from her. He relaxed his jaw a little and loosened his fists.
"You're... forgiven," he replied quietly, as if testing the words before he spoke them, and found that he'd meant them.
Very few people had ever been given that response from him, and frankly he couldn't remember the last time the words had escaped his lips, but he figured her honesty had made her deserving. After teaching her for six years, he knew when she was lying and not, and he had never seen her so sincere.
Besides, he knew that if he didn't yield a little, she might turn out to be his biggest enemy. And his cover as a spy might be blown.
Despite his ability to read her face and tone of voice like an open book, he still hadn't figured out which side she was truly on. Her mind shields were strong and she only showed him what she wanted him to see.
Their mutual distrust unsettled him a little.
His words, however short and small, were rewarded with a little smile. Two dimples occurred on her cheeks, and he wondered if they'd always been there. Her smile resembled her father's, and sent shivers down his spine, but the dimples, they were like a warm breeze after a long and cold winter.
The enigma of Cora Green, which had been her name until the discovery of her Slytherin heritage, continued to baffle him.
She was sly and cunning, making her Slytherin ancestors proud, but had a kindness to her demeanor that unarmoured even the strictest of professors. A fact she knew, and unapologetically used to her advantage at times. Her temper, however, was like a mandrake, and she had a cleverness to her hexes and charms that almost seemed sinister at times. Still he wondered. How could an orphan girl, the offspring of the Dark Lord and his most fanatic follower, turn out this... nice?
Feeling her green eyes gaze at him, like a snake considering its next move, Severus decided to ease the tension even further. "I'll... try to rearrange my habits a bit." The compromise would cost him a lot, being a creature of habit and solitude, but for the sake of the war he would try to accommodate her.
After seeing how that brightened her face, his mouth was parched. Damn it.
"I appreciate that." Cora rewarded him with another smile and studied how his face went from disapproving to carnal to warm to perplexed and to emotionless. All in a matter of seconds. That's all folks! No more emotions for today. The thought made her sad, and she took a few steps back. "So..."
Thankfully she didn't have to finish her sentence, for the previously summoned house-elf popped back into the living room with her trunk.
"Mistress." He took a small bow, and popped right out again.
"I'll show you where you can hang your clothes."
After showing her a small walk-in-closet, which consisted solely of black attire, Severus left her to sort out her things. Cora let out a long relieved breath. This living arrangement was going to be interesting.
She was still invigorated, after discovering she'd have to sleep with him again, and not knowing how she felt about that. Appearance wise she'd always found him at least slightly attractive, but when it came to personality, they had a long way to go.
With a flick of her wand, she opened her trunk and looked around. The right side of the room had shelves, a wooden dresser and a rack with empty cloth hangers. She quickly found a new home for her uniforms, casual clothes, pretty dresses and shoes. Everything was neatly folded and organized by color, just as she liked it. At least that wasn't going to be a change in her everyday life, even if everything else was.
She noticed how all her colorful clothes stood in stark contrast to the black trousers, shirts and cloaks on the other side of the room.
"Just like our personalities," she mumbled to herself.
The trunk was almost empty now, and all that remained was to find a proper place for her underwear. A small, and unwelcome, thought came to mind. I wonder what he likes.
Cora shook her head. What was she thinking? She quickly slammed her trunk shut, as if to lock the thought inside of it. She could sort her underwear out later.
All that remained now was her velvet, red bag with makeup, soaps and perfumes. After closing the door to the closet silently behind her, she swiftly made her way across the living room carpet to the bathroom. She noticed that her husband was standing by the recently lit fireplace, occupying himself with pouring Fire Whiskey into a heavy, crystal glass.
She had to admit, despite their disagreements and ridiculous marriage, at least he had good taste. His living room wasn't as decadent as the Malfoys, with their chandeliers, over-the-top family paintings and centuries old china. It was more subtle and elegant, less show-off, and Cora found that she appreciated it. It made her feel less like a poor orphan and an outsider.
Stepping into the bathroom she saw that Severus had left a couple of shelves and drawers for her to use. When all was in order she sighed and contemplated whether she should go back into the living room or turn on a hot bath, with candle lights and classical music. The latter sounded utterly amazing at the moment, but she wondered how Severus would feel about it. As if on cue he cleared his voice behind her.
"I hope everything is in order."
"Yes." She replied quickly and turned to face him. From where he was standing in the doorway, he didn't seem quite convinced. "I just wondered, if -" Her hand gestured towards the bathtub with lion feet.
He cleared his throat again, and suddenly looked way younger and more insecure than his 37 years. "Maybe, after we..."
"Of course! It would be more practical." She smiled briefly, as if talking about a school assignment. She took a few steps towards the door, eager to get past him, but he didn't move.
"We have until midnight... and it's getting late." He looked down on her, almost apologetic. Or was the gentle tone something she'd just imagined, just to make the situation more sufferable for her? Why was he being so nice?
"And..." Cora swallowed, dreading what was about to come next. "you want to get it over with." She folded her hands in front of her, as if to make a wall between them.
Of course his supposedly gentleness was less about her comfort and more about him not wanting to sleep with her, a student of his and 20 years his junior.
Of course he preferred a woman, and not just a girl. A girl, with little to no experience, who'd just turned the legal age in the wizarding community.
"Yes."
The thought didn't seem to spike any particular interest in his eyes, and it made Cora feel even less about herself than she already did.
When he turned his back on her she bit her lower lip and followed him silently through the living room.
They continued into the bedroom and towards the king size bed next to the window. It seemed like an eternity since the last time they had slept together, and still like yesterday.
"I'll make it quick," he said and began unbuckling his belt and trousers. "Just lie down towards me."
"Ok." Cora let her black-laced underwear slip to the floor. Obediently she lay on her back at the edge of the bed and pulled her skirt up a little. Between her bare legs she could see that he was already hard. She swallowed. The good feeling from before had evaporated. She remembered how painful it had been the first time, and how scared she'd been to do something wrong. Would this time be any better?
She hated that she had so little experience. And even more how insecure he made her feel about it. Her previous statement about being the heir of Slytherin and ruling the school, seemed ridiculous now.
"This might hurt a little." Severus gripped her thighs on either side and pulled her firm, but gently, towards him. Cora looked up at the ceiling and bit her lip again. As if sensing her discomfort, he removed his right hand from her thigh and waited. Then he found a nice spot between her lower lips and began to rub her at a comfortable pace. The motion made her close her eyes.
After a little while, he removed his hand and placed himself by her entrance, before slowly making his way in. The act hurt only for a couple of seconds, jolting her eyes open, and then Cora felt a pleasant sensation replacing the pain. When Severus saw how she relaxed more, he rocked back and forth. First leisurely, then quickening the pace.
Cora closed her eyes again and let herself enjoy it for a moment. This was different than the last time. He let his middle finger slide down to her clit, and rubbed it, while thrusting. A small moan escaped her lips, and she quickly opened her eyes again, embarrassed by her own response. However, it hadn't appalled him, nor made him stop. Instead he gave her a hungry look and thrust further in and harder.
Cora moaned again, and hoped he would come as far in as possible.
"Do you like it?" His husky voice created a sensation in her abdomen.
Cora nodded. "Yes." Oh my goodness, yes!
"Good." He sounded pleased, and it made her glad. Despite everything that had happened the last couple of months, his approval still counted a lot to her. And since he was more experienced, she didn't want to disappoint him.
When he finished inside of her and pulled out a couple of minutes later, she longed for more, but didn't dare ask for it.
Once again she laid on the bed, looking up at the ceiling. Her heart was leaping, even though he had been the one to do all the work, and she secretly hoped she wouldn't have to wait until next Friday to do it again.
Severus didn't say anything as he pulled his trousers back on again and walked towards the bathroom. Cora wondered if it had been as pleasurable for him as it was for her. From where she was lying, she could hear him turn on the hot water in the bathtub, and the sound made her smile. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.
After awkwardly crossing each other's path in the living room, Cora lowered her body into the bathtub and sighed. The warm water felt like a friendly hug to her shattered nerves. She let her arms fall dully through the bubbles, so only her head was above water, and leaned back against the edge. If this was the beginning, how was the rest of the weekend going to be?
Half an hour later she came out in her kimono, all flushed in her cheeks, and feeling rather sleepy. She found her husband in one of the comfy chairs by the fire, in his silky pajamas, reading a book.
Cora curled up in the opposite chair, and drew a woolen blanket over her bare legs. "That was nice."
"Which part?" He turned a page in his book about Romanian potions, seemingly unaffected, but his eyes twinkled a little bit.
"All of it." Cora said, drowsily, and yawned. If the chair had swallowed her whole, she wouldn't have minded.
"Good." Behind his precious book, Severus allowed himself a brief smile. He'd rather enjoyed it too. A part of him felt awkward about it, and probably would for quite some time, due to their previous stature. Another part, however, was happy he'd managed to transform an uncomfortable situation into a pleasurable one.
He knew he wasn't the most handsome one, and that she'd probably think he was too old or obnoxious. So when she'd moaned in delight, he felt a slight relief. He didn't want her to feel like he was taking advantage of the situation. That he was the monster everyone thought he was.
Cora's eyelids were getting heavier, and she enjoyed the comfortable silence between them. For some strange reason, it felt like everything was back to normal. Hogwarts was her home again. She was safe. And the crackling fire filled her with peace.
"Maybe we should get some sleep." Severus lowered his book and watched how his wife, who resembled a curled up cat, just hummed in response. Pretty soon he'd have to carry her off to bed. "Come on." He shut his book closed and placed it on the table next to him.
Cora reluctantly let him steer her towards the bedroom. Once there, she let him take the robe of her naked body, before she climbed into bed and felt the duvet being placed gently over her. The pillow felt cold and wonderful against her cheek.
"I'll sleep in the living room," Severus said and turned to leave.
"You don't have to," she said sluggishly, with her eyes closed and back to him.
He hesitated for a moment. "Are you sure?"
"Mhm..." With the moment they'd just shared, what did it matter if he slept beside her or in the living room?
Severus slowly joined her under the covers, constantly arguing with himself, before giving in. He flicked his wand and the room went dark.
"Good night," she said, half asleep.
"Good night," he responded quietly.
Soon after he could hear her steady breath. He, on the other hand, was wide awake.
He couldn't fathom why Dumbledore had suggested that she moved in with him. Wouldn't that destroy the whole operation? How could he continue to play double agent when his enemy's daughter was lying next to him?
He turned his head over to the side and watched her still frame, allowing himself to fully take her in.
Despite being the offspring of the two most vicious people he knew, he had always been amazed by how different she was. Her parents wanted to kill muggles, while he had never heard her talk badly of them. Her family thought they were better than everybody else, while she strived to be liked. Her father wanted to destroy Harry Potter, while she had been seen laughing with him on a couple of occasions. Was it all a charade, or had Cora simply inherited the few drops of good from her parents and blown it out of proportions? He couldn't tell. At least not until she'd let him into her mind.
Severus looked up into the pitch black again.
The thought of Potter made him think of Lily.
What would she have said if she'd been alive and seen all of this? Would she have judged him and been revolted by him? Or would she have been understanding of this terrible situation and offered a helping hand? Would he have taken it?
Severus shut his eyes, and forced the beautiful face of Lily Potter into the back of his mind. Into the box that he seldom opened. She was gone. And it was all his fault. He'd tried and failed to save her. And there was no way to bring her back from the dead. No use in dreaming of 'what if's' and 'what not's'.
He let his breathing go slower and slower, wishing that sleep would take him and make him forget. And after a while, he was granted his wish.
As the clouds broke over Hogwarts, and sent a cascade of rain over its windows and steeples, the sleeping headmaster drew the heir of Slytherin into his arms. Exhausted by the latest week's events, the two of them slept peacefully throughout the night. Both completely oblivious of what was about to happen the following months, and how it would affect them forever.