A Christmas Carol

The day after Christmas, Severus arrived at his shop later than usual, having stopped for coffee. “Good morning everyone.” He called as he walked to his desk, billowing robes behind him.



“Good morning sir.” Several people called out. He took off his coat and cloak, facing his staff in only his trousers and dress shirt, sipping coffee.



“I trust everyone controlled the egg nog?” He ventured, bringing about a few giggles. “I’m sure Douglas has also informed you of his new position as Head of Staff.”



Affirmative answers and congratulations were given out. Severus took a few moments to clarify Douglas’s new duties to the staff, and letting them know he was in charge in his absence. When everyone seemed to understand, he turned to his desk, asking Douglas to join him. “They can come to you with concerns,” he raised an eyebrow, “or grievances. If it’s something you can’t handle let me know. I will also be spending more time away from the shop.”



“A new research project sir?” Douglas asked, as he took notes.



“The same research I normally do, but I want to take some personal time for myself also.”



“Good.” Severus looked up at his employee.



“Good?” He asked.



“Yes. You are always here, never late, focused and driven, which is admirable. But to see you take time for yourself if always a wise idea Sir.” He spoke with the knowledge of a man who had been silently observing him for some time. He wasn’t sure what to make of it, but knowing that Douglas had children, Severus surmised that he was aware of his surroundings.



“Yes, well, that may be but my focus on the lab and apothecary will not diminish in any way.” He said firmly.



“Of course.” Before Douglas turned to his station, he faced his employer. “Thank you sir, for the promotion and raise. I won’t let you down.”



Severus met the younger man’s eyes. “I know you won’t.” Douglas went about his work. A few hours later, Severus left for the day, leaving his new head of staff in charge. He had a dinner to prepare.







Hermione arrived right on time, dressing in a traditional little black dress. Her legs were bare and her toes perfectly manicured in strappy black heels. Severus took in her appearance with pleasure. He took her cloak and hung it up giving her time to take in his own black dress trousers and dark grey shirt. Nothing overly fancy, but both giving the impression that they had taken extra care to dress for the other.



He had a hot Italian meal waiting for her. He knew she was fond of Italian from their time at Hogwarts and it pleased her to know he remembered. “Severus, this is amazing.” She said sitting down. “Did you have it catered?”



“No, I cooked.” He said, pouring them wine. “Cooking and potion brewing are the same, just different ingredients.”



The food was delicious, the wine fabulous and Severus and Hermione spoke easily about anything. He was filling her in on a potions conference he had attended. She was fascinated and eagerly probed him for more information. He made it a point to invite her to the next one he went to.



“Severus, this has just been delightful. Thank you so much for inviting me.” Hermione’s smile warmed his soul.



“Thank you for accepting.” He stood up. “I’ll be right back with desert.” He waved his wand and their dishes cleared off the table floating behind him as he moved to the kitchen.



Hermione looked around as she waited. His house was small, but cozy and they were dining in what could be called his common room. The books on the shelves called to her but she resisted temptation. She’d ask Severus if she could snoop around later. She saw a few photo frames scattered here and there, but she couldn’t make out any faces.



She wondered why all of a sudden Severus invited her to dinner after never letting her think he was interested. She wasn’t about to challenge it but she didn’t want to have her heart broken. She loved Severus, she had for years but if he wasn’t interested in anything long term, then she would have to cut her losses now. Thinking that he wanted nothing more than a regular physical visit or even a one night stand was a depressing thought, and she wasn’t about to torture herself.



Severus arrived a moment later carrying a small plate. “Cheesecake!” Hermione exclaimed. “Oh Severus I love cheesecake.”



He sat down and cut the small tart size cake in two, handing her a piece and taking the other. “I know. At the Valentines Day party the staff threw at Hogwarts, a few of us went without.”



Hermione chuckled. “I didn’t eat all of it.” She said taking a bite.



“No, just most of it.” Severus returned, listening to her chuckle. “I have something for you.” He took out a small box from the empty chair next to him. “Happy Belated Christmas.”



“Severus, you didn’t have to do this.” She took the box and began taking apart the paper.



“I know, but you didn’t have to give me anything either.” He watched as she opened the box and her expression was priceless.



“Severus, it’s beautiful.” Hermione took a moment to lift the anklet out of the box, holding it gently with her fingertips. The gold lioness head shined in the glow of the candle Severus had lit.



“I’m glad you like it.” He said with a smile.



“Would you?” She handed it to him with hope in her eyes. He couldn’t refuse and took it from her, waiting as she lifted her foot. She had the softest skin imaginable and he fought hard to focus on fastening the clasp.



Hermione was fighting for control too. His hands were warm when they came into contact with her leg. She wanted him to touch her, but she knew it wasn’t going to happen at the moment. She had hopes however. If he was willing to put the anklet on then physical contact was inevitable. She could however do something she had already done before.



“Thank you.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek. He leaned in and took it. Normally he would just accept it but ignore it. This time, he lowered his jaw and welcomed it. It was a victory for Hermione.



They took their wine and moved to relax in front of the fire. Hermione settled onto the couch and faced him, leaning into the high back. Severus did likewise and they faced each other in silence for a moment.



“Severus, why all of a sudden the change?” She asked. “You never were very social. I love it, don’t mistake me, but what happened to cause it?”



“Maybe it was just the Christmas spirit?” He ventured, emptying his glass.



“And dinner tonight?” She probed.



“I thought you might enjoy dinner alone.” His answer was honest, and she knew they were about to have the first intimate discussion they’d ever had.



“I did enjoy dinner. I enjoy this time alone with you.” She put aside her glass and looked at him. “You haven’t given any indication before that you would like this type of evening though. It’s always been just our friendship.”



“Yes, it has.” He set aside his own empty glass and thought for a moment. “Perhaps I see things in more detail. Things I have neglected or refused to see. We do see each other differently than most do. I suppose I never saw what was right in front of me for so long. If, that is, I am not mistaken?”



She smiled at him. “No. I find you very distinguished, intelligent, and dignified. I have always admired you.”



Severus nodded. “I see that now. While I knew and even contributed to that brilliance of yours, I suppose I needed some help to see the woman that wielded the wand.”



Her eyes narrowed and she grinned at him. “I always tried so hard to get even the tiniest compliment from you.”



“Yes, I know. And when you didn’t get one, you tried all that much harder for one. It pushed you as a student. There is no need for that now. You can push yourself. You don’t need me to teach you lessons.”



“I have a feeling you would have been more complimentary had I been in your house.” Her accusation was humorous and he saw it as such.



“We shall never know.” He met her eyes and reached, out taking her hand. “Did you truly enjoy yourself tonight?”



“Yes.” Her voice was soft and welcoming.



“I have plans to join my parents for dinner soon. I would like you to go with me.” He had no idea what possessed him to issue such an invitation. Perhaps he needed support in a stressful situation. Perhaps he just didn’t want to be alone with his parents. Perhaps he just wanted more time with her.



Her eyes widened. “I would love to Severus.”



“Thank you.” Their eyes met and for a moment Hermione grew nervous, until she saw Severus lean forward. She met him halfway and in the light of the fire, their lips met.



Severus had been kissed by her many times, but never on the lips. She was soft and warm, inviting him to take more, but he was still unsure. He wanted to move slowly with her, she was worthy of that care from him.



When he felt her arms slid around his shoulders, he reached out for her. Bringing her into his lap, he let his arms wrap around her, and he opened his mouth. She met his tongue with hers and set his whole body on fire. She was sweet, and tempting and he slapped himself several times for ignoring what she was showing him for so long.



Hermione shifted on his lap, pressing her body against his. She had wanted this for so long, and she intended to take as much as possible. It was clear that Severus didn’t see her as a mere amusement, or he wouldn’t have invited her to meet his parents. His tongue stroked hers with force, but not demand. He was passionate, exploring her lips and her body. His hands massaged her back and shoulders.



Her body was tempting, oh so tempting. Soft and curvy against his hardness. He wanted to carry her to his room and strip her naked, but this not the time. It was too soon. He was sure about Hermione’s feeling, but he wanted her to be sure of his. He wanted to show her that he had honorable intentions. Breaking the kiss, he focused on her face, taking in her swollen lips and slight flush. “We need to stop.” He told her.



Hermione wasn’t hurt. He was still holding her, so he didn’t want to stop, but he was right. Things would go too far too soon if they weren’t careful. “Alright.”



He helped her off his lap and into her cloak. After setting the time to meet her for his parents dinner, he walked her to the door. “Is there anything I can bring to your parents? Wine perhaps?” She asked.



Severus’s face brightened. “Yes, there is. There is muggle American treat that my father loves, but doesn’t get to enjoy too often.”



Hermione smiled. “What is it? I’ll find a way to bring it.”