Clandestine Moments

Miriam lengthened her stride to keep pace with Severus as they walked to the staff room. Professor Dumbledore had called an early meeting to discuss the events surrounding Halloween and the Chamber; all staff were required to attend. Everyone—professors and students alike—was in a right state. Argus was still rightfully distraught over the petrification of Mrs. Norris, and the bloody graffiti on the wall had the students scared witless. Even Severus and Miriam had spent several late nights privately discussing the Chamber of Secrets and what it could mean for the school going forward.

Ever the gentleman in public matters regarding his wife, Severus opened the door and waited for Miriam to step through. Miriam gave her husband a small smile as she walked past him. Only two seats remained close together, so Miriam claimed one and Severus sat opposite her. Miriam stifled a yawn as she opened her bag and placed a pen and note pad in front of her. She looked across the table and watched Severus pull a notebook and pencil from his cloak. He caught Miriam staring, and raised an eyebrow in question. Miriam opened her mouth to speak, only to have Albus cut her off as he called the meeting to order.

The atmosphere in the staff room was somber. Aside from Dumbledore's voice, the only other sound was the occasional sniffle from Argus. Miriam and the other professors busied themselves with taking notes and later asking questions, but as talk continued in circles over the same topics, Miriam found her mind wandering. A subtle movement caught her attention; Miriam's eyes were drawn to Irma as her hand slid over to cover Argus', and the librarian gave it a gentle squeeze. Miriam smiled to herself; it was such a sweet, yet small gesture. Everyone deserved to find love, Miriam reasoned, and Irma and Argus were no exception.

Miriam's woolgathering then turned to Severus, and their own small, shared gestures. She looked at her husband. Severus had taken to doodling in the margins of his notes, and various plants had sprouted up on the pages' edges. His large hand gently held the pencil as he shaded the drawing; Miriam once again was struck by the dichotomy of delicateness and size of Severus' hands.

She shifted in her seat and crossed her legs as she watched Severus draw. Her gaze moved to the buttons on his sleeve, and she silently counted each one as she thought about undoing them. Miriam's musings continued as her eyes traveled up his arm, over Severus' broad shoulder, and down the row of buttons that held his frock coat closed. She wished they were back in their chambers instead of this meeting. There, she could act on her desires instead of leaving them unfulfilled.

Severus had effectively tuned Albus out, but as he drew, he got the feeling someone was watching him. Severus raised his eyes; black met grey as Miriam stared back at him. Although, Miriam seemed somewhere else; her eyes held a faraway look. Her left hand toyed with the delicate gold chain around her neck, and the metal caressed her exposed collarbone. Abruptly, Miriam returned, and Severus saw in her eyes a familiar look. It was desire laced with lust—a look she only gave Severus when they were alone, in their most intimate moments. Severus watched Miriam's eyes widen, and her cheeks tinge bright red at the embarrassment of being caught staring. She lowered her eyes to the table, and Severus wished he knew what his wife was thinking about.

Unfortunately, Severus would have to wait to find out. He had a first-year potions class to teach, and Miriam had her own class to tend to. As Albus dismissed them, Miriam quietly told Severus she would see him later, and hurried out of the staff room. Severus frowned at Miriam's retreating form; he sighed heavily and began the long, solitary walk to the dungeons.

Miriam was unable to put Severus out of her mind, but she managed to get through her first class. As she stood in the corridor and watched the students, Miriam wondered how she could conjure up an excuse to go see Severus. Logically, she could drop by anytime. However, Miriam felt she needed a valid reason to disturb Severus—and her wanton thoughts wasn't one. Her grey eyes lighted on Poppy's white muslin cap as it bobbed above the sea of heads.

Madam Pomfrey stopped by Miriam's door. "Miriam, I'm glad I caught you. Are you able to run this list of potions for the infirmary down to Severus? I've got my hands full with sick students, on top of the petrifications," Poppy said hurriedly.

A thrill of excitement raced through Miriam, but she quickly tamped it down. "Of course, I'd be happy too," Miriam replied evenly. She took the offered list and headed towards the dungeons. Miriam couldn't believe her luck—in fact, she would have skipped with joy if she wasn't surrounded by students. She deftly wove her way through the crowd, her feet barely touching the flagstones as she rushed off.

Miriam paused at the door to Severus' office and took a measured breath to calm her eagerness. She knocked firmly three times and waited for Severus to bid her enter. When she heard his deep voice, Miriam opened the door and quickly closed it behind her.

They looked at one another from across the room. To anyone else Severus would appear fine, but Miriam noticed the pinched lines around his eyes and the way his fingers tapped against the top of his desk. Something was bothering him. "Severus, what's wrong?" Miriam forgot about what brought her here originally as she focused on her husband.

Severus sighed heavily as Miriam walked towards him. "You just missed Lockhart."

"Oh?" Miriam frowned as she wandlessly slid a chair over to Severus' side of the desk and sat next to him. "What did he want?"

"Apparently, he plans to reinstate the Dueling Club and he wants my 'assistance'," Severus groused.

Miriam chuckled drily. "Gilly couldn't fight his way out of a wet paper bag, what makes him think he can run a proper Dueling Club?"

"Those were my sentiments exactly."

Miriam crossed her legs and leaned her left elbow against Severus' desk, her left hand supporting her head. She studied Severus intently. "You agreed to help him, didn't you?"

"Yes," Severus huffed. "Despite knowing it will be an absolute shit-show, someone needs to make sure the students don't die."

"Since you specified die, I assume maiming isn't off the table?" Severus laughed, and Miriam smiled, pleased that she improved his mood. He certainly seemed less agitated than when she arrived. "Mind if I tag along? I can 'assist' you," Miriam teased.

"You're always welcome by my side, you know that." Severus paused and shrewdly studied his wife; now that his mind was more ordered, he wondered why Miriam came down to the dungeons. He remembered the staff meeting, and decided to chaff her about it. "I'm surprised to see you. Did you come down here to stare at me lustily some more?"

Severus watched his wife's cheeks turn pink as she sat straighter in the chair. "Not exactly," Miriam said cagily. "After all, you do have another class shortly. Poppy asked me to give you this."

Miriam pulled the piece of parchment from her robe pocket and handed it to Severus. Curious, he unfolded it. Severus hummed noncommittally as he skimmed over the list. "And?" Severus asked as he tossed the list on his desk. He leaned back in his chair and gave Miriam a look that said he knew the list wasn't what she really came down here for.

Miriam studied Severus, and a coy smile crossed her face. She gracefully rose from the chair and took a small step towards him. Severus remained where he was, his dark eyes intently taking everything in. As Miriam leaned towards him, Severus felt her soft hand touch his cheek. Then, her warm lips pressed against his, and his eyes closed. For several moments they kissed, her mouth moved sensuously over his, and her tongue slipped into his mouth. It was over much too soon for Severus' liking, and he felt Miriam's warm breath on his skin after she pulled away.

"Ah," Miriam sighed. Severus opened his eyes and gazed at her. She smirked and ran her thumb over his thin lips. "I've wanted to do that since the meeting this morning." Miriam straightened, turned and walked towards the door. "I'll see you later," Miriam softly told Severus as she slipped out.

Severus closed his eyes and rested his head against the back of his chair. He could still feel the warmth of Miriam's hand on his cheek, and smell the lingering notes of blackcurrant, ylang ylang, and iris from her perfume. He growled softly and draped his robes across his lap. Severus would need to put Miriam out of his mind, or his next class would prove to be quite awkward, but from prior experience Severus knew that task would be nearly impossible.

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Miriam shrugged her robes off and her chair creaked as she leaned over the book on her desk. Her lips pursed together into a thin line as she added some finishing touches to her lesson plan. Satisfied, Miriam flipped the book closed and leaned back in her chair. She swiveled her seat and gazed out over the grounds through her arched window. Though the trees were barren, the view was spectacular. Regardless of the season, there was something about the highlands Miriam found quite alluring.

With a sigh, Miriam stood. She gathered her books and walked over to her bookcase. Miriam paused in the doorway of her office and looked over the empty charms classroom. Few things had changed since her time as a student, and for a moment, Miriam allowed herself to get lost in her memories.

The witch shook her head. Now was not the time for daydreams, Miriam decided as she began to shelve her books. Just one more class, and she was done for the day. Miriam simply could not wait. There was a bottle of elven wine in their sitting room with her name on it, and Miriam planned to crack it open as soon as she got home. Miriam smiled to herself as she thought about plying Severus with some wine and conversation; perhaps they could continue where they left off earlier as well.

Miriam slid the last book in its place as the classroom door came open. Curious, she leaned around the doorframe and made eye contact with Severus. He flowed like water as he walked towards her; his steps were practically silent. For a moment Miriam wondered how he managed to pull it off, since the wood floor creaked if you so much as looked at it wrong.

Severus stepped into her office and stared down his hooked nose at her. Her earlier musings were quickly forgotten as Severus pulled her into his arms and kissed her. His long arms enveloped her, and held her firmly against him. For a moment, surprise at his actions stilled her, until Miriam wandlessly shut her office door before wrapping her arms around Severus' waist.

Beneath his robes, Miriam's hands slid up his back before she teased her fingers down his spine. Severus shivered and clutched Miriam tighter; one hand caressed the small of her back while the other squeezed her arse through the full skirt of her dress. He felt Miriam's arms tighten around him and he deepened the kiss. Severus began to rub his hands up and down her back, over the dip and curve of her bum; with each pass, his caress encouraged Miriam to move against him. Severus was acutely aware of the time, and knew he needed to stop, but Miriam felt so good wrapped around him that Severus continued on.

Eventually, Severus pulled away and looked down at his wife. Through hooded eyes, Severus watched Miriam's glassy eyes focus on him. Mia pulled him closer, seeking more of his kisses. Severus allowed one last kiss on the lips before he released her. "I'll see you later," Severus purred before he turned away, opened the door and slipped through.

Miriam leaned against the door and watched Severus leave. His black robes billowed magnificently behind him. She heard the classroom door close with a heavy thud, and Miriam crossed her arms. "What a wizard," Miriam softly sighed to herself. She absentmindedly touched her lips as she sauntered over to her desk. She heard the door swing open; voices of students fill the room, and the abrupt noise startled her. Quickly, Miriam slipped on her robes, took a deep breath, and tried to put the intimate moment in the back of her mind.

/-/-/

The day, at long last, was finally over. Severus carried a crate of potions to grade down the corridor. He slipped into their private sitting room, and rolled his eyes as he felt Nos twine around his legs. Though he quite liked Nosferatu, Severus wished he'd stop trying to trip him when his hands were full. Carefully, Severus shuffled across the room and sat the crate on the edge of his desk. He glanced at the owl post stacked beside the crate and idly wondered if Miriam was home yet.

His question was quickly answered when he saw Miriam's stocking feet descend the stone steps from their upper floor. Severus watched her walk across the room; her plum and gray plaid dress swung playfully with every step. Miriam had taken her hair down, and as she came towards him, she flipped her curls over her shoulder. The scooped neckline left her smooth shoulders and chest bare, save for the gold necklace around her neck.

Miriam stopped on the other side of the desk. Gently, she placed her palms against the polished wood and leaned forward. "How was your day?" Miriam asked softly.

Severus swallowed hard. Miriam's posture conveniently put her cleavage on full display. "Routine, save for a couple of clandestine moments," Severus answered truthfully. He arched an eyebrow. "How was your day?"

"It seemed to stretch on forever. Especially my last class."

Severus matched Miriam's posture and leaned towards her. "Really?"

Miriam shivered at the way Severus' velvet voice drawled out the word. "Yes," Miriam whispered. Her small hand reached out and grabbed the front of Severus' frock coat.

Their lips touched, and Severus happily realized that since they were alone in their private quarters, he didn't need to stop. Not breaking the kiss, Severus wrapped his fingers around Miriam's upper arms and pulled her across the desk. Miriam came willingly, and Severus slid her towards him as her hand released his coat to wrap around his neck. Emboldened, Severus kissed Miriam deeply, tasted her warmth with his tongue as his hands slid over Miriam's arse. Her stocking feet were tucked beneath, and Severus couldn't resist; he playfully ran his fingers over the soles of Miriam's feet.

Miriam burst out laughing, and Severus smiled. She lovingly touched his cheek. "Severus," Miriam breathed.

"Miriam," Severus whispered against her lips. He kissed her again, and again. Slowly, Severus moved his lips over to Miriam's ear. "I want to kiss you all…over," Severus groaned as Miriam grasped his face and brought his lips back to hers. The last word died in her mouth as she kissed him.

"Mmm, I don't think you'll be able to cover all of me before dinner." She kissed Severus playfully. "Probably have to settle for a quick go."

Severus shook his head. "I'm not settling. Forget about dinner."

Miriam seemed surprised at Severus' words. "But Albus—"

"Bugger Albus and his rules," Severus cut Miriam off. His hands slowly caressed her shoulders, and his tone softened. "The only thing you and I are doing tonight is each other."

Miriam's eyes widened at Severus' declaration before they quickly filled with heat. "My, my, Professor," Miriam purred. "That's quite the offer you present to me." She watched her hands slide down the front of his frock coat and back up again before looking him in the eye. She started unfastening his buttons. "Go on, then. Kiss me—" Miriam's lips ghosted over his "all…over."

Severus gripped her hips as he leaned closer. His nose brushed against hers, and Miriam's hands stilled. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, and then, Severus softly kissed Miriam. Slowly at first, Severus leisurely returned to Miriam's lips over and over. Miriam's hands returned to her work, and the exchange became more passionate as Severus' buttons came undone. Severus stepped back and took his coat off. As he did so, Severus shook his hair out of his face and looked at Miriam. She was still on her knees, her legs tucked beneath her, and the fabric of her skirt spilled across his desk.

"Don't move," Severus commanded as he stepped around the desk.

Miriam's eyes followed him until he slipped from view. She waited, barely breathing—then, she felt Severus gather up her hair and sweep it over her left shoulder. Severus unhooked the clasp of her necklace and placed it next to the crate. Miriam felt one lone finger trace down her spine, followed by a trail of kisses. She gasped softly and lowered her head, and Miriam felt Severus tug her zipper down.

Severus stepped back around and considered Miriam for a lingering moment. He placed his hands on her knees, under her dress. "Up you go," Severus encouraged as his hands slid up her thighs and over her hips. Miriam rose slightly, and Severus pulled her dress off over her head. He unceremoniously dropped it on the floor and his eyebrows rose at Miriam's choice of undergarments.

"Silver with little green bows, really?" Severus grasped an ankle and swung Miriam's legs around so they dangled off his desk.

Miriam leaned back on her hands as she watched Severus take a seat in his chair. He grabbed her ankles and rested a foot on each armrest. Miriam took a stuttered breath as his hands began to slide up her legs. "What can I say? I am a Slytherin, after all."

"Oh, I know," Severus replied. Miriam bit her lip. Her state of undress compared to Severus was quite an imbalance of power—it filled Miriam with anticipation. Miriam's eyes watched his hand caress over her right knee to her stocking clips. He made quick work of them and tugged her stocking off before he tossed it aside. Severus looked her square in the eye. "I think I'll start from the bottom and work my way up."

Miriam frowned and watched Severus grasp her right ankle. He lowered his head until the tip of his nose brushed the top of her foot. Miriam swallowed hard and laid back so she was resting on her elbows. Severus knew how she felt about her feet, and her stomach was in knots as she anticipated his next move. Then, she felt it. A soft, warm kiss to the inside arch of her foot, followed by several more. Her toes curled and she inhaled sharply. She'd never experienced anything like it before, and it felt delightful.

Her eyes drifted closed and Miriam sighed. Severus had never paid her feet this much attention before. Sure, Severus had rubber her feet several times, but never this. Suddenly, Miriam felt her toe engulfed in wet heat, and she gasped loudly. Severus moaned, and the vibration shot up her leg and settled between her thighs. She writhed against the unforgiving wood as Severus released her toe and darted his tongue into the space between. "Severus!"

Severus smirked at the desirous way Miriam spoke his name. He looked up to find Miriam staring down at him, a pleased yet shocked look on her face. "I told you—all…over."

The way Severus' dark eyes glittered told Miriam Severus found her response quite enjoyable. He was going to relish dishing out his foreplay, and her submissive position on the desk meant Miriam was his supplicant. "Oh, Gods," Miriam gasped as Severus took the next toe into his mouth and sucked gently.

Miriam laid down across the desk. Little jolts of pleasure shot through her as Severus kissed her foot. As he slowly moved up her leg, Miriam cursed and praised the wizard. Her body arched and twisted under his ministrations; she ached for Severus to touch her more. It was a deliciously slow form of torture, which he then repeated on the other side. Miriam wasn't sure how much more she could take, but then she felt Severus slip his hands under the small of her back as he stood.

"Lift your hips," Severus said hoarsely. Miriam did as he said, and Severus unclasped her garter belt. He removed it along with her knickers. Miriam shifted anxiously as she looked up at Severus. He stepped between her legs; his large hand slid up her thigh as he gazed at her, his hungry eyes partially obscured by his hair. "I must have you," Severus breathed as he leaned over her. His right hand dropped between her legs, and the faint sound of a zipper coming undone registered in her lust filled brain. She moaned as Severus teasingly rubbed the head of his cock between her thighs.

Severus pressed forward. He felt Miriam's body give and wrap snugly around him; he bit his lip as he stared down at her. "Mmm, yes," Severus groaned as he thrust deeply into Miriam and held himself there. "You feel exquisite."

"Exquisite? You mean after all this time, you're not tired of me?" Miriam teased. She grabbed Severus by his cravat and pulled him closer.

Severus rested his arms on either side of Miriam's head. "Never," Severus breathed. He drew back slowly and gently pierced Miriam again, earning a soft moan from the witch beneath him. "It's only been what, ten years?"

"Yes," Miriam gasped as Severus filled her again; the gentle friction their bodies created had effectively dropped Miriam's vocabulary to a few select words.

Severus smirked and continued his slow, easy possession of Miriam's body. She wrapped an arm around him while her other hand slipped into his hair. Gently, Miriam rubbed her fingers over his scalp. Severus hummed appreciatively and brushed his nose across her cheek before resting his forehead against hers. They stared at one another as the passion grew between them.

Miriam gasped when she wrapped her legs around him and took Severus deeper than before. "Mmm, more, Severus!"

The look in her eyes was the same one Severus saw in the staff meeting. Severus delved sensuously into Miriam again, and was rewarded with a soft cry of pleasure. "Like that?"

Miriam's eyes fluttered closed and her lips parted slightly. Severus covered her mouth with his and slipped his tongue inside, doubling the penetration of Miriam's body. He felt her hands slip under his shirt and slide up his back. Severus groaned as his skin tingled under Miriam's fingertips, and he slipped his hands under her to curl them around her shoulders. Their desire continued to build, until Miriam at last boiled over. Severus quickly followed, and clutched Miriam's shuddering body as he, too, trembled at the bliss of release.

Sated, Severus raised his head and looked at Miriam. What he saw in her pale grey eyes compelled him to kiss her again. "I love you." Severus brushed a damp curl off Miriam's forehead.

Miriam smiled and wrapped her arms around Severus' neck. "I love you, too. In fact, I believe my love for you is deeper now than it was ten years ago."

Severus straightened, and brought Miriam with him. He brushed her hair back over her shoulder. "Well, let's hope the fates see fit to give us many more decades together." His words brought a smile to Miriam's face, and Severus ran a hand through his hair as he felt Miriam untie his cravat. "What are you doing?" Severus asked.

"Undressing you," Miriam answered as she started on his shirt buttons. "Since you were in too much of a hurry earlier." Severus chuckled and stepped out of his trousers before he kicked them to the side. "Not to be pedantic," Miriam continued as she pushed Severus' shirt off his shoulders, "but didn't you tell me you wanted to kiss me all over?"

Severus frowned. "I did." Severus shrugged his shirt off while he watched Miriam reach behind her to unclasp her bra.

"Well," Miriam said. She raised an eyebrow and slid off the desk. She stepped into Severus' arms and tenderly kissed his neck. She looked him in the eye and continued. "You've still got a lot of area to cover, Severus."

Severus picked Miriam up, and her legs wrapped around his waist. He kissed her, and then smirked at her confused expression. "Who says I'm done with you, witch? We have the entire night ahead of us."

Miriam blushed and rested her forehead against Severus'. "I do like the sound of that. But what happens when you've accomplished your goal?"

Severus simply raised an eyebrow and carried Miriam off to their bedroom. "What happens?" Severus asked as he climbed onto the bed and gently laid Miriam down. He laid down beside her; they faced one another, and Miriam's hand slipped into his hair. Severus stared deeply into her eyes. "I'll start again from the bottom and work my way up."

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A/N: I've been working on one of my longer stories, but got sidetracked by this one. It's just a snippet in time that takes place during book two. Thanks for reading!