Year 9
 Early Winter, 1998

Remember to breathe.

In. Out. In. Out. Beads of sweat dotted Arah's forehead, a cold trickle rolling down her temple. Arah cracked her neck, silver hair sticking to her slick skin. Talbott stood stock still across the dueling matt, watching her through beady yellow eyes like a hawk. Arah pushed away any outside distractions, Tonk's groans fading into the background.

It was just them. No wands. That was the rule.

Study your opponent.

The two faced each other, frozen in combat - fingers twitching in anticipation as they each waited for the other to make the first move.

It had started out two against one- hardly a fair fight, yet here Arah remain with Talbott as the last one standing. Arah did have the upperhand after all, it's not like they could read minds.

Look for tells of weakness.

Wandless magic wasn't the only skill Arah had sharpened. She closed her eyes, listening for the echoes of Talbott's thoughts to fill her mind like a whisper. It was much harder to penetrate minds when one anticipated it, and Talbott was a brick wall.

But Arah learned his thoughts became clear right before he was about to strike.

"What are you waiting for, Winger?" Arah taunted, trying to ruffle those serious feathers of his. "Afraid I might take down the Auror's newest HIT Wizard?"

A shadow of a smirk splayed at his lips.

Diffindo

The spell drifted through her mind like a soft breeze just before he slashed his hands in the air, a thin cut of energy slicing toward her with unfathomable speed. The breath hitched in her throat as she leaned back, the spell barely grazing her as a lock of silver hair drifted to the ground. There was a reason Talbott had been promoted to HIT Wizard. He was fast and precise, reading his thoughts hardly gave her an advantage against his speed.

Be Patient. Wait for your opportunity to strike.

"That all you got?" Arah teased, masking the intimidation she felt.

Incendio.

The voice tickled her brain as flames erupted from his palms spiraling toward her. Arah barely had enough time to brace herself, crossing her arms as the flames licked around her as if surrounded by an invisible bubble, the ward protecting her against the radiating heat.

Before the fire could fall away, Arah dropped her shield, magic flowing through her veins, powerful and fierce. Surging her power forward, the flames parted as an invisible force barreled through- catching Talbott by surprise. The energy slammed into him, body hurling backward, sliding across the dueling circle, barely catching himself inside the ring.

Arah cursed under her breath, sprinting toward Talbott as he stood up, slicing an arm through the air. A ripple of disturbance shot toward her. Arah dropped, sliding to her knees, ducking under the hex, always one step ahead. Only barely.

The spell left him vulnerable. Seeing an opportunity, Arah swung her leg around, catching his ankle and flipping his legs out from underneath him. A soft oof escaped his lips as he landed on the mat hard, eyes wide as she held out her palms, calling her magic forth to push him out of the ring.

"Truly sorry about this, Tal." A smirk crept to her lips at the near taste of victory before cold bony fingers wrapped around her wrists. Arah could see it in her mind before it happened, yet her body was too slow to react as Talbott gripped her, kicking his feet up from under him, burying them into her ribs and launching her back, body tumbling in the air and crashing hard onto the floor. Arah groaned, looking up to see the painted lines on the floor. She had landed outside the dueling boundary.

She'd lost.

"Nicely done, Winger!" Mad-Eye praised, stomping his cane on the floor with verve.

Arah lay on her back, feeling the bitter wave of defeat wash over her. She balled her fist, tapping her forehead, Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. She could feel Callum's disappointing stare. It was his advice that ran through her head, his words that almost carried her through that fight.

A sweaty Talbot loomed over her, offering a hand. "You talk too much." He panted, the ghost of a smile on his lips.

Arah accepted the hand gratefully, deciding to ditch the pity party she was throwing herself. "He speaks!" she joked between huffs of breath.

"Ha Ha." Talbott dripped with dry sarcasm, swiping his shoulder on his sweaty forehead.

Arah leaned over Tonks who still lay unmoving on the floor. "Need a hand?"

"I'm going to lie here a bit longer. Just a quick kip." She said between a mixture of a laugh and a moan, gripping her side where Arah had blasted her with a well-timed Flipendo.

"Clear the ring!" Mad-Eye barked as Tonks let out a groan, rolling off the ring like a limp corpse. "Annon- you let your guard down at the end. You may be able to read minds, but you need to move your body just as quickly as your thoughts do."

"Yes sir."

"Callum, I want you to spar with Arah. No magic. Pure combat."

Arah dropped her hands to her knees, still trying to catch her breath. "Seriously?"

Callum nodded tersely, taking his place in the ring and getting into a fighting stance. By the look on Mad Eye's face, he was as serious as a centaur during a Sunday mass. Arah sighed, stepping forward and mirroring Callum's stance.

Focus on your speed. Annon. Speed.

"Come on, you can do this," she muttered whispered words of encouragement.

"Wait." Callum dropped his stance, taking a step forward. Arah furrowed her brows as he took his hands in hers. "Don't tuck your thumbs in, that's how you ask for a broken hand." He gently pried her thumb out, laying them on the outside of her fist.

Arah flushed, sensing the knowing look Tonks and Talbott were shooting each other. "Thanks," Arah murmured, ignoring the way her heart lurched at the gentleness of his touch.

They mirrored each other again, Arah reciting his words all over.

Remember to breathe.

She took a deep breath, seeking Callum's quiet mind as she'd practiced a dozen times during their duels. As always, his thoughts were muddled and soft, always hard to make out, as if a dozen whispers were overlapping the other.

Study your opponent.

An arm lunged at her. Arah batted it away, sensing it coming before he ever even moved. Using his weight against him, Arah shifted to the side as Callum stumbled forward, digging an elbow in his kidney.

"You've been practicing." Callum smirked, a flash of pride in his dark eyes. Arah squashed the leap of joy that burbled through her chest.

"I have a good mentor." She grinned, ducking under a fist that flanked her right, driving her hand forward into his left rib, but he was ready for it. His hand gripped her arm, twisting her around, bending the limb at an odd angle, her back flush against his torso.

"Too slow." He rasped in her ear, the warmth of his breath sending a shiver down her spine.

Arah pushed away the distraction, mind muddled as she tried to connect with his thoughts again. Arah cranked her arm away, kicking up her knee and slamming her foot in his shin as she squirmed out of his grasp.

Look for tells of weakness.

They faced each other once again, chests rising. Callum was toying with her, she could sense it.

"Don't go easy on me." Arah huffed, lifting her fists again as he'd taught her.

The whispers went dead quiet in her mind, a vision crashing forth like a stampede of Graphorns. It was of her... only it wasn't her- it couldn't be. It wasn't a memory she could recall. It was the night of the Gala, Arah wearing that black dress, strutting toward Callum, dripping with a foreign sultry sense of confidence that seemed alien to her. This version of her gripped Callum's suit, pulling him close as her lips grazed the shell of his ear.

Don't go easy on me. The confident Arah teased- the very words she'd just spoken.

Arah blinked as brief moments played in her mind, stealing her breath; Callum trailing his lips down her neck, slipping the black straps off her shoulder, the two of them crashing lips fervently against each other, her bare chest pressed against his, the way she writhed underneath him, sounds of her pants echoing through her mind as she whispered his name.

No, it wasn't a memory at all. It was a fantasy.

Arah gasped, pulling herself out of his mind just in time as her legs were tossed out from underneath her. She landed hard on her back, her head pounding against the floor with a crack, the wind completely knocked out of her lungs. Callum gripped her wrists and pinned them to either side of her head, his leg between her own.

"Did you give up already? You completely froze-"

Her eyes were wide as she stared into his dark pupils- his smile fading as he took in her state. Arah wheezed, head pounding as Callum scrambled off her as if she were a hot iron- a flittering look of panic on his face.

"Are you okay? I didn't mean to- "

"What the hell was that?!" Mad-Eye boomed.

Arah rolled over, urging air back into her lungs. "S-sorry." Arah choked, "I... I just need a moment."

Callum stepped forward to help, but Arah stopped him, his face twisted with worry. She stood on shaky legs, fleeing before she could earn permission to break. Blood rushed to her ears, droning out the sound of Mad-Eye's scolding. The room spun as Arah burst into the locker room, leaning on the cold metal, holding her face in her hands.

Godricks heart, what had she just seen? The images still flashed through her mind. That was Callum's thoughts- no, fantasies about... her. How could she ever look him in the eyes the same again? No, she had to pretend she'd never seen it. Merlin, why did she have to be such an awful liar?

Arah groaned, feeling flustered and disoriented. Footsteps entered the room- Arah pictured her pink-haired friend walking in to check on her.

"I'm fine, I just needed a break- "

"Arah." Callum's voice echoed. Arah went rigid, nerves fluttering in her stomach as she glanced up at him, his face shrouded in worry. "What happened back there?"

"N-nothing." she shook her head. Callum's eyes narrowed, studying her from afar, keeping his distance as if she were a wild animal.

"I'm just tired."

"You've always been a terrible liar, you know that?"

Arah swallowed, unsure of what to say.

He took a tentative step forward. "Did you... see something? In my mind?"

Arah tore her gaze away, too embarrassed to look at him.

"Fuck." Callum cursed under his breath, combing a nervous hand through his jet-black hair. "I... shit, Arah, I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry, I didn't mean for you to-you have to know that you are very- I didn't realize-"

"What if I don't want you to apologize." The words came out as a whisper- escaping Arah's lips before she could reign them back in. Perhaps he hadn't heard- but the look on his face told her otherwise.

Callum's throat bobbed, breath caught the same as hers as they stood across the room- the air suddenly humming with thick tension.

His eyes flared like the dull burning end of a cigarette. He took a luring step toward her... then another- gaze fixated on her and only her. "Then I'd take back my apology," he said, voice low and even.

Arah stood level with him, an unexpected boldness heating her skin as she bore into him, unashamed. "What else?"

Dark eyes lingered on her mouth, his tongue flicking across his bottom lip. She wondered what it might feel like to have his tongue graze her lips like that.

"I'd tell you how I've had to use every ounce of self-control to keep myself from pushing you against a damn wall and snogging you senseless."

Arah's throat tightened as he placed a hand next to her head, leaning on the locker and trapping her under his looming shadow. Close enough to smell the cloves that clung to his skin and hair.

"And something tells me I don't have to read minds to guess you want the same." he breathed, so close she could nearly taste him. How she ached to press her lips against his. All she had to do was stand on her toes and close the small gap.

"Everything good in here?" The voice of Mad-Eye's called out, the sound of his gruff voice bouncing off the empty walls.

"Yes sir, we were just leaving," Callum called out cooly, yet his gaze never left hers, eyes burning with unsatiated desire.

Arah had forgotten how to breathe, the old Auror's grumblings fading behind the sound of the door closing- leaving them alone again.

"Say the word and I'll walk right out that door and pretend this never happened," Callum's words were clipped, yet his eyes betrayed him with a heated plea.

Arah swallowed, lost in his burning gaze. There was no doubt Callum was true to his word. He'd carry on like nothing ever happened, able to compartmentalize and lie and pretend like the expert he was. All Arah had to do was leave and it would be as if this moment never happened. But Arah was no coward. She was brave, courageous as a lion.

"No."

He crashed into her, a loud crack resounding around them as Callum embraced her, the floor and ceiling warping around dizzyingly as they appirated in his office. He crushed her against the door- lips crashing into hers messily and carnal. He tasted of whiskey and cloves, the faint sound of a click reached her ears as Callum locked the door behind them- never once breaking the kiss.

Arah really should stop, knowing fully how inappropriate it was to be snogging her mentor. If Flump ever found out, he'd surely blow a gasket, probably fire her...or him... or both of them. Yet instead, she grazed her tongue against his bottom lip as he let out a groan. He tilted his jaw, deepening the kiss as he parted her mouth, delving his tongue into hers. Fingers raked through her silky hair as she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. He pushed into her harder, as if he couldn't possibly get close enough.

"I've wanted this since that night at the Gala." He growled hungrily, gripping her thighs and lifting her with ease as she coiled her legs around his waist. Lips trailed hungrily down her throat- her breaths coming in short bursts. "You're... incredible."

"Even if you are my mentor?" She panted, a playful smirk played on her lips.

"Frankly, I don't give a fuck." he kissed her hard, Arah nipping playfully at his bottom lip, enticing a low growl that vibrated her chest. Suddenly, he was carrying her across the room with ease, setting her atop the desk, wood groaning underneath her weight as a smattering of paper, books, and quills clattered to the floor.

Neat and proper Callum had lost himself completely to this savage hunger, losing complete control, snogging her senseless just as he had said.

Hands grip her hips, pulling Arah flush against him- the lines of their bodies melding into one as they devoured one another. Arah arched into him, combing fingers through his soft black hair, always curious how it would feel slipping between her fingers.

Callum pushed against her, Arah's hands flying back to brace their weight, an empty whiskey glass shattering to the floor. His towering body leaned over, eyes darkened and heavy as he rocked his hips into her, the swell of his desire pressed between her thighs drawing a whispered moan from her lips.

His eyes flared at the sound, grinding his hips into her once more, his lust bulging against her- eliciting a soft whimper. Radiating need shot up her spine, taking over every logical thought or need. It was only uncontrollable desire. She needed more.

"Callum, please." Arah begged, not even sure what it was she was begging for.

"Tell me. I'll do whatever you ask." He rasped against her mouth. "Just don't you dare tell me to stop kissing you."

"Never." she sighed, tossing her head back, giving him better access to her neck. He trailed his lips hungrily down her skin, tongue darting out to lick her collarbone as he slipped her jacket off her.

"Tell. Me. What. You. Want." he spoke the words between each kiss, her core heating up.

It wasn't what she wanted. It was what she needed.

"Touch me." she demanded.

His eyes darkened as a guttural growl shook his chest, gripping the fabric of Arah's shirt and peeling it upwards and over her head, exposing her black bra. He kissed her hard, suddenly, working at the laces of her boots, each falling to the floor with a thud. The aching desire building, torturous and desperate.

Their kisses grew more urgent as he ripped off his jacket as if it were made of fire. He shifted his hips into her once again as she murmured his name like a curse- the need building within her, nearly unbearable.

"Callum."

"I know." he grinned against her mouth, "I haven't forgotten." his fingers dipped under the waistband of her pants.

It was torture as he worked at each button that trailed down her waist. Finally, he gripped the fabric and tugged as she wriggled out, revealing the matching black silk to match her bra. Hungrily he scanned her, up and down.

"You are so fucking beautiful."

Arah flushed under his gaze, a wave of embarrassment settling at the exposure. She'd never revealed herself like this to anyone before. Her cheeks flushed as nerves twisted her insides. Barnaby had been the only person she'd ever done anything with- even then, they hardly gone past snogging. But Barnaby...well, he was Barnaby. He had felt comfortable... safe. Callum was... wild, unpredictable, and experienced...

"Wait." Arah froze.

Callum stiffened, eyes darting over hers with worry.

"You should know... I've never..." Arah's cheeks flushed crimson, unable to finish the sentence. Apprehensive that the admittance of her lack of experience might expose her naivety and remind Callum that she was considerably younger than he, innocent in ways he was not. Fearful it might scare him away.

Callum's eyes widened in realization. "Never?"

Arah shook her head, nerves knotting in her chest. "Does that...change anything?"

He considered this a moment. "No. Not unless that changes anything for you." He said, the words at odds with his ragged breaths and the burning in his eyes.

A smile tugged at her swollen lips as she arched against him- the peaks of her breast pushed against his chest. His eyes flashed with desire. "Don't stop."

He groaned, smothering her again, tongue exploring her mouth the same way his hands explored her body, trailing up and down her bare skin, covering her flesh in goosebumps. He stopped at her breast and squeezed, thumbs grazing over the hard beads of flesh, a breathy gasp escaping her lips.

A hand slid up her shoulder, pushing her backward as she lay back, the cold wooden surface cool against her skin. The warmth of his body pressed between her legs that dangled powerlessly on either side of him as he continued to kiss her, his lips gliding down her neck, then chest, then atop the fabric of each breast, her fingers raking into his scalp.

Suddenly, he stepped back- the void of his warmth feeling like a tide of cold water, leaving her with want. As she opened her mouth to protest, his hand slid down the side of her body, landing on her upper thigh. Her lungs froze as his thumb trailed circles on the sensitive part of her inner thigh, fingertips dancing on the delicate of her skin.

He glanced at her with dark heavy eyes, seeking her permission to continue. Arah swallowed, mouth suddenly dry as she nodded, urging him forward.

"Yes." she breathed.

His thumb stroked across the wet fabric, her body arching with pleasure at the euphoric friction of his touch. A cry escaped her.

A smug grin played on his lips as he pointed an ebony wand to the office door.

Muffliato. He muttered thickly.

The air stilled as if it were just the two of them in the whole world.

He stroked her again through the fabric with expert hands, eliciting delicious moans as he teased her repeatedly, an unbearable tension building within.

Callum watched her through heavy-lidded eyes, darkening in pure ecstasy. Arah lifted her body upwards to kiss him, but a firm hand held her down. Arah knitted her brows in confusion, chest heaving as his fingers stilled.

"No. I want to watch you enjoy this." He licked his lips, eyes swimming down her body, "It's too beautiful to miss."

Suddenly, his skilled fingers were moving the thin fabric to the side, stroking her slicken core. Arah's eyes roll as a deep moan tumbled out of her, head lulling back in pure pleasure.

"More." Arah gasped.

Arah bites her knuckle as Callum slides a finger inside her, her walls clenching tightly around him as he slowly pumps into her before working in a second, her entrance stretching to fit him, filling her core.

Arah throws her hands above her head, gripping the edge of the desk for leverage as he continues to touch and tease, his name tumbling out of her in short cries, the movement growing faster, harder. His free hand slides down her chest, tugging at the fabric of her bra, revealing her breast before cupping it in his warm hand.

"Salazar's soul, you are stunning."

The pleasure was indescribable. Her body trembled at his touch- panting with each thrust. His fingers flex, curling against her inner walls as she let out a sharp gasp, adding in his thumb as it began to circle her clit, the friction pushing her over the edge as an intense wave of pleasure roils over her.

Arah arched, crying out, muffling the sound with her hand. Callum gripped her wrists and ripped it away, pinning her hand to the wooden surface.

"Don't quiet yourself for me." he whispered, "I want to hear my name spilling out of those lips over and over."

So he did. Twice more.

A/N: Guys, I am DYING to hear what you thought of this chapter as it was my FIRST time writing smut and I was freaking out while posting it hah! I'm sure my Callum shippers are happy ;,)

Please let me know what you think in the comments!