Slytherin & Gold

Slytherin & Gold chapter 8


Harry

Harry went through the portrait hole into the Gryffindor common room. Professor Snape’s advice still heavy on his mind, he looked around the room. There were a few students milling about. As he scanned the room, he saw her. Ginny was sitting in a chair in the corner reading.

Harry looked at her, as if for the first time. She was very pretty, fair skinned with bright brown eyes thet oet off her Weasley red hair. She had liked him at one time, he knew. But he had always thought it was because he was ‘Harry Potter’, not because he was Harry, Ron’s friend. walkwalked over to her, knowing he had to find out.

“Hi, Ginny.” Harry said looking down on her. She looked up from her book and smiled. Why hadn’t he noticed how lovely her smile was before ?

“Hi, Harry. I didsee see you at dinner.” Harry sat down on the floor at her feet.

“I wasn’t hungry.” saidsaid hoping she couldn’t tell he’d been crying. He mulled over Snape’s advice and thoug may maybe he should just ask.

“Ginny , do you ……… do you like me ?” The question hung in the air. Ginny’s brow furrowed as her eyes searched his.

“Yes, Harry, of course I like ”
”

“No…… I mean me …..not just as a friend.” He searched her face for some clue as to her feelings.

“Yes ….I do.” She finally said softly. Harry sat up on his knees and hugged her, then he pulled back and kissed her lips lightly. He sat back releasing her.

“Would you go to the ball with me ?” Harry asked smiling at this new revelation.

“Yes…..I’d love to go with you.” Ginny smiled back at him as her eyes danced over his face. He sat up again and kissed her more firmly, feeling her respond to him. He felt an empty space in his heart filling up and brimming over.

“HARRY !! and Ginny ?!!” Before he even turned around he knew it was Ron. Harry and Ginny both looked at Ron and Hermione, who had just come in. The room was unnaturally quiet and he could see some students escaping up the stairs.

Harry stood up taking Ginny’s hand as she stood. “Wait Ron…….”

“How could you ?!!” Ron spit at him. Hermione had her hand on his arm trying to calm him.

“Let them explain Ron……please” Ron looked at her and softened. Hermione smiled at him, then turned her attention back to Harry and Ginny.

“Harry’s just asked me to the ball.” Ginny said looking at first Hermione, then her brother. “I don’t need your permission, Ron, so back off !” Her eyes flashing a challenge, as only a sibling could.

“Wait …” Harry said trying to sooth the situation. “Maybe Ron’s right. I should have gone to him first. Not for permission,” He said looking at a disbelieving Ginny. “but because he’s my friend and you’re his sister.”

Ron relaxed a bit, but didn’t seem to know what to do next. He took Hermione’s hand and lead her up to his roo room.

“I don’t get it. Is he mad at me or not ?” Harry asked Ginny. She shrugged her shoulders and said something like ‘brothers’. She turned back to Harry and pulled his head down to kiss him again. Opening her mouth to him slightly, he felt a thrill go through him.

“Goodnight, Harry. I’ll see you at breakfast.” With that she walked up the steps to her dorm.

Harry knew he had to talk to Ron. He wanted companionship and love, but he didn’t want to lose his best friend.

When he entered his dorm room, Harry saw Ron and Hermione sitting on Ron’s bed. Hermione saw Harry come in. She leaned over, said something to Ron and kissed him. Then she got up and left the room.

“I’m really sorry, Ron.” Harry offered.

“I just ……she’s my little sister, Harry. There’s loads of other girls ……why her ?” Ron said still looking conflicted.

“I’m following some good advice.”

“What’s that ?” Ron asked.

“To look for the girl who likes me the best. I had a talk with Professor Snape.”

“Snape ? I can’t get used to you two being so buddy buddy.”

“That aside, I think he’s right. I do like Ginny and she likes me. I just never did anything about it because of you.” Harry said as he watched Ron think this over. “She makes me feel less lonely.”

Ron’s expression softened visibly. “I know what you mean, mate. I just ……. I guess I don’t want to see either one of you get hurt. Are you sure about this ?”

“Are you sure about Hermione ?” Harry asked raising an eyebrow at him.

“Good point.” Ron stood up and started to undress. Harry did the same and put on his pajamas. Crawling into bed and closing his curtains Ron said ‘Goodnight’. This seemed to be a silent consent. Harry smiled at his friends concerns. They were all so young, who could say what would be forever. Maybe they all were right for each other right now, couldn’t that be enough.

Harry crawled into his bed and pulled the curtains. Lying under the covers, he sighed. Closing his eyes, he could see Ginny’s face smiling at him, her brown eyes shining. He thought about the freckles on her little nose and cheeks. He thought about kissing each one of them, memorizing them. Then he thought about her lips, the soft feel and taste of her. As he lay thinking these thoughts, he could feel his body start to respond. Slowly, he brushed a hand across himself. He shivered at the sensation. Reaching into his pants, he grasped himself firmly and stroked. Images of Ginny replacing those of Viviane, whom he usually thought of. Her smell, the moistness of her lips. ‘Yes’ she said. She liked him. Her smile, those eyes and pretty pink lips. His movements became faster and more insistent. The way she kissed him, pulling his head down to her, opening her mouth to him, allowing his tongue in to explore her almost as if………as if………

Harry lay still finally. He reached under his pillow and pulled out his wand. He threw back the covers and weredered a cleaning charm over himself. As he lay there, he heard Ron working himself. He must have spent the evening kissing Hermione and needed the release. As Harry closed his eyes, he wondered that this didn’t bother him. Smiling again, he thought about going to the ball with Ginny. Walking in with her on his arm. How could Snape have been so sure ?


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Viviane

Viviane said goodnight to Remus. Severus closed the door and put up the locking and silence spells. He was quite insistent on having those in place. From his days as a spy, she thought. She put her arms up and stretched trying to relieve some of the collected tension in her body. As she stretched, Severus came behind her and hugged her to him kissing her neck.

“Mmmmm” she moaned leaning back into his firm chest as his arms closed around her. “Do you have any idea how sexy you are right now ?” she said lacing her fingers into his hair.

Severus chuckled softly into her ear “Tell me what I’ve done, so I may do it again.”

“The way you handled Harry. I like seeing the paternal side of you. Our children will have an excellent father.” She said turning in his arms to face him. Severus looked thoughtful.

“I just …….. I think I understood the pain he felt. He’s too young to have had the experiences he’s had. It’s no wonder he melted down, surprising it hasn’t happened before.” Severus said.

“Do you realize how different your attitude is towards him ?” she asked looking up into his eyes. Severus closed his eyes and hugged her.

“I’m a different person than I was before.”

Viviane decided not to press him. “I think I’m going to take a warm bath.” Severus pulled back and his face alight.

“May I join you ?” As if she could stop him, he seemed almost giddy at the thought. He quickly went into the bathroom and started the water. She looked in to see him taking a bottle out of her cabinet she didn’t recognize.

“What’s that, Severus ?” He smiled at her and poured some in the water causing bubbles to appear. The fragrance was lovely, like nothing she had ever smelled before, but familiar at the same time.

“I made it for you. It’s a combination of rosemary, maidenhair, lavender and cherry blossom. It’s sweet and spicy and soothing. At least I hope it is.” Viviane kissed him lightly and went out to take off her clothes. From the bathroom she heard ‘Retexere Exuvarum’, Severus’ clothes appeared in the chair by the hearth. Then there was a splash and a very masculine ‘Aaaaaahhhhhh’ from the tub. Viviane chuckled to herself imagining the content lookhis his face.

She continued removing her clothing, then walked into the bathroom naked. Severus had his hands behind his head with his eyes closed, a half smile played at his lips. He opened his eyes, when he heard her next to the tub. He looked her over and placed a splayed hand on her stomach where it had already begun to swell with his children. He looked up into her face.

“When is it Poppy said you were due ?” he asked.

“Well, we’re not sure. Poppy thinks May possibly.”

“Possibly ?” he raised his eyebrows at her.

“Well…..we don’t know what the gestation period is for a nymph and these children are nymph and human. All she is sure of is that they are growing at an accelerated rate, even for twins.” Severus rubbed her rounding belly deep in thought.

“Severus…..it’s cold. May I get in ?” He looked up and offered his hand to help her in. Ooooh the water felt heavenly, as did the smell. Viviane relaxed back onto him and let him wet her and massage her limbs.

She began to notice he was spending an increasing amount of time massaging her breasts and that his hardened length was pressed between the two of them. He reached down rubbing his hands over the babies, then his fingers slid lower. Warm, caressing fingers were sliding along her folds, teasing her and making her wriggle against him.

“Severus stop now, I don’t want to get out of the bath yet.” But she was feeling more and more like taking him to bed. Severus caught her earlobe in between his lips and sucked on it gently.

“Who said anything about getting out, my dear. I like it here, just fine.” He began to rub himself against her backside, seeming to enjoy the slippery contact. Viviane dropped her head ont onto his shoulder allowing him to kiss and nibble her neck as he continued teasing her with his fingers.

“Severus please…..I want you tonight.” She had sensed reluctance from him lately to enter her. Poppy had told her this was fine as long as she wasn’t having any problems or pain. She heard him moan behind her, but wasn’t sure if it was excitement or frustration.

“I don’t ……it can be …….I don’t know that we should. I don’t want to take any chances.” Severus hugged her to him, placing two protective hands over her stomach. She sat up and turned around to look at him.

“Severus, your never rough with me. I want to make love to you, all of you. Poppy said I’m fine, I’m not having any problems.” She placed a hand along his cheek running her thumb across his lips. “Your fingers are wonderful, but it’s not the same.” He looked into her eyes, then closed his. “My sweet, I promise, if irts rts or gets uncomfortable I’ll tell you.”

“Very well, let’s finish our bath then.” He still sounded unsure. They washed each others hair and rinsed off. They got out of the tub and dried each other off. Severus picked up his wand and preformed a drying spell on his hair. When he turned back to do the same for Viviane and stopped.

“How do you do that ?” he said mildly annoyed.

“Do what ?”

“Your hair is waist length, thick and already dry. Mine comes to my collar and would still be wet if I hadn’t spelled it.”

“Hermione seemed to think it’s one of my natural talents. A nymph’s natural defense is being attractive.” She shrugged at him. He laughed and took her into his arms. She pulled back and pulled his lips down to hers kissing him deeply, teasing his tongue with her own. He ran his hands over her body and pressed them closer together. He pulled back abruptly.

“Are you sure about this ?”

“Yes, you’ll see. It will be fine.” she reassured him. She stepped out of his arms and taking his hand lead him to the bed. They crawled under the covers to keep warm. Viviane laid down on her back, expecting him to crawl on top of her. Severus stayed on his side. He rolled her onto her side and pulled her back against him in a spooning position. She had liked this position a lot before, so she let him have his way. He just couldn’t be convinced he wasn’t going to hurt them. His concern sweesweet and frustrating at the same time.

His long graceful fingers reached down into her fold again, helping her get ready for him. He was kissing her ear again and nuzzling her shoulder as he stimulated her. She reached a hand behind her to feel his length and stroke him gently. He whispered encouragement in her ear as she relaxed against him, opening to him.

Soon, she was tilting her hips back and trying to place him at her entrance. Severus reached down and positioned himself and pressed in slowly. Stopping when he was only about a third of the way in. Viviane moaned against him, trying to push herself down onto him. She felt him pulling back, away from her. She reached back and placed a hand on his hip encouraging him to her while pressing back. When he was halfway in, he stopped again.

“Slow down, Viviane. I don’t want to hurt you. We need to take it slow.”

“Severus ….. please. You feel so good, there’s no pain, I promise. I want to feel all of you.”

Viviane felt him continue to press in slowly, until she felt his curls tickle her bottom. The feeling of fullness, knowing it was all of him, made her all the more excited. She tilted her head back, whispering his name, he leaned up and kissed her lips, his tongue teasing her. She squeezed him with her inner muscles, encouraging him to move. He groaned into her mouth and broke off the kiss burying his face in her hair. She began to pull away and press back onto him. He moaned softly and held her still, so he could use his fingers on her hard little nub again, stimulating her gently as he thrust in and out, going slow and gentle.

“Ummm …..Severus….that’s so nice ……yes….” she said her voice as soft as a caress. His movements lengthened, but were still slow and gentle as she began to call out his name. He made three quick deep thrust and moaned out his release pushing into her.

They lay entwined together. For several minutes.

“See…… I told it would be fine.” Viviane said. Severus laughed, as fine was an understatement.

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Severus

A week before Christmas, Severus got up early to shower and dress. Viviane was watching him with her hands on her hips.

“Blast it, Severus ! What’s wrong with you ?!” Viviane said annoyed. It was at least the 6th time he’d looked in the mirror.

“Do I look alright ?” He asked for the 4th time.

“My darling, you are as handsome as ever. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you had an old girlfriend coming to the castle.” Viviane said. Severus giggled nervously.

“OY ! That’s it ! When Severus Snape giggles, something is up !” she said challenging him.

“I have a surprise for you, after breakfast.”

“What kind of surprise ?”

“One you’ll like, let’s go.” he said leading her out her chambers.

Severus barely ate any breakfast. He was too worried about getting food on his clothes. He raked his hand through his hair for the 100th time and checked his watch. Viviane seemed to regard him with caution. She ate her breakfast, while stealing sidelong glances at him every so often. He couldn’t help himself, he was nervous. He’d never had to do anything like this before.

After glancing at his watch again, Severus announced it was time to go. Viviane stood and walked out into the entry hall and waited for him. He came out holding their outdoor cloaks and lead her to the front door.

“Are we going somewhere ?” She asked.

“I told you, it was a surprise.” He said lifting an eyebrow at her.

They stood on the steps of the castle looking out at the front gate. Every couple of minutes Viviane would look up at him, then back at the gate.

“Ah, they’re here.” Severus said grabbing her arm and walking her down the stairs.

“Who’s here ?” Viviane asked as he pulled her along.

Coming through the front gates was an older couple, who had just apparated outside the grounds. The man being very large, not as big as Hagrid, but quite impressive. He waved cheerfully, his white hair shining in the sun. The woman was smaller with a long bright copper colored braid falling down her front and a broad smile on her face.

Viviane stopped in her tracks, as she seemed to realize who it was. She looked up at Severus tears already in her eyes. She threw both arms around his neck, nearly knocking him off his feet.

“I love you so much. How did you know ?” she said smiling up at him through her tears.

“Later, go say hello.” Viviane ran into the arms of her father squealing ‘Da’. The large man picked her up effortlessly and spun her round,n sen set her down so she could embrace her mother. Severus stood back slightly, not wanting to impose on a private moment. But seeing him standing away from them, the man who was a good head taller came over to Severus and grasped his hand heartily and clapped him on the shoulder.

“You must be Severus Snape. I assume, reading between the lines, yer our Vivvy’s young man.”

“Yes sir.” Severus said still not having been released from the gentleman’s grip.

“Govannon, son, Govannon. This is Vivvy’s mother Melissae.” The small copper haired witch came over and kissed his cheek as she hugged him. He could certainly see where Viviane got her cheerful nature.

Viviane started leading her mother back to the castle walking ahead of her father and Severus.

“Snape ? I remember your father well. It was a shame to lose him. Silenus was a good man.” Govannon said looking intently at Severus, as he wrapped a large arm around Severus’ shoulders.

“Thank you, sir.”

“I ‘spose Albus has talked to ye.”

“Yes sir.”

“Thank ye for inviting us, son.” Govannon said giving Severus another hearty squeeze. “Vivvy’s mum has been worryin’ her head off, since we told Albus the truth. We thought for sure Vivvy would come home to talk to us, at least over a weekend.”

“I’m sorry sir, we’ll have to explain all that. I believe the Headmaster is waiting to welcome you, too.” Severus said.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I see why Vivvy couldn’t come home now.” said Govannon looking at Viviane and Severus. “What can we do Albus ?”

“We must be diligent. We are doing all we can to insure their safety, and have called in some reinforcements.” Albus said not elaborating.

“Yes Da, Remus is here.” Viviane offered.

“Is he now ?” Govannon asked a bit surprised.

“Don’t worry sir. I’ve made him the Wolfsbane potion. He’s no danger.” Severus said.

“So our little Vivvy’s pregnant ?” Melissae said turning the conversation in a different direction. “With twins none the less. How are you feeling, love ?”

“I’m fine, Mum. I haven’t been sick at all. I cry at the flick of a wand, but it’s not that bad. Severus has been very understanding.” Severus suddenly felt very uncomfortable.

“We are, of course, getting married sir.” He said to Govannon as he shifted in his seat. “That is with your permission.”

“Do you love him, Vivvy ?” Govannon asked her.

“Govannon !” Melissae interjected.

“I love him something awful, Da.” Viviane said smiling up at Severus, then looking at her father.

“Well, that’s I need to know !” Govannon said laughing suddenly and clapping Severus on the back.

“Thank you, sir.” Severus said feeling how different he was from these people. These people truly live life, he thought. Trouble was to be faced head on, as was joy.

“Albus, please, tell the boy to use my name.” Govannon said laughing again.

“Severus has a mind of his own. You’ll have to deal with yourself, Govannon.” The headmaster said smiling at Severus. “How long will you be staying with us ?” Albus asked.

“We thought to stay to the new year, if that was alright.” Melissae said.

“Wonderful, I will show you to your chambers.” Dumbledore said standing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


“Are you sure you don’t mind taking him ?” Vivianked ked Severus as she played with the phoenix necklace she wore all the time now. Govannon said he wanted to go to Hogsmeade a couple of days ago, and Severus had offered to go with him.

“No, I don’t mind. He is going to be my father-in-law, we should get to know each other.”

“He likes you a lot, you know.” Viviane said looking at him. Severus could feel himself starting to blush at the compliment. “He’s also told me what a nice man your father was. Why is it you never told me your parents were dead ?” she asked.

“I don’t know, I guess I never thought about it. Both my parents died before I came to Hogwarts, I was raised by my grandmother and she died before I graduated. I don’t have any other family.” he said. Viviane placed a hand on his cheek and kissed him.

“I’m sorry you grew up so lonely.” she said tears coming to her eyes.

“There goes that wand again.” he said laughing lightly and brushing her tears away. “I better go. Will you and your mother be alright ?”

“Yes, and I know, we’ll stay in the castle. We’ll most likely be in my chambers when you get back. And don’t forget my package. And no peeking !” she said kissing him again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
veruverus was having a good time talking with his soon to be father-in-law. Govannon was very pleasant company and he was only too glad to tell Severus stories of Viviane’s childhood. They went to the sweets shop and bought some things for Christmas and treats for the ladies for when they got back. Then they went to pick up Viviane’s rather sizable package. Severus performed a shrinking charm so he could carry it in his pocket. They had lunch and a few drinks in the tavern. Severus didn’t think people like this existed. He decided he would enjoy being a part of this family.

“I have another stop to make before we head back. Viviane’s Christmas present.” Severus said as they walked out the door. They walked into the jewelers. Severus was greeted happily be the owner.

“Professor Snape, I have your items ready for inspection.” The elderly man said pulling out two boxes and put them on the counter in front of Severus. Severus opened the larger box and breathed a sigh of relief, it was beautiful. He wasn’t sure how his idea was going to look in the end. He pushed the box over to Govannon to get his opinion.

“My…. it’s beautiful son. What is the stone ?” Govannon said holding up the necklace.

“It’s a lapis. I had it set in maple wood casing, and put on a gold chain.” Severus said proudly.

“Wood and water, nice. Vivvy will love it.” Govannon said handling it back to Severus.

“My, my. Shopping for baubles are we ?” Severus didn’t need to turn around to know Lucius Malfoy was behind him. Severus closed the box and started to reach for his wand. He felt Lucius poke a wand into his back. “Now, now let’s play nice in public.”

Severus looked over and met Govannon’s eyes. Govannon turned and looked down at the much shorter blonde wizard. “Well, if it isn’t little Lucy Malfoy !” Govannon said clapping Lucius on the back roughly, knocking his wand from his hand.

“Govannon Trisstt, how interesting to find you here with Severus.” Lucius said retrieving his wand.

“Yes, we’re visiting Vivvy at the school. Professor Snape here was kind enough to offer to show me around Hogsmeade.” the older man said.

“Really ?” Malfoy said slowly through his teeth. He obviously didn’t realize Severus was with someone and thought him an easy capture, a prize for his master.

Govannon grabbed Malfoy around his shoulders and lead him away from Severus roughly. “How has your father been, lad ? Don’t believe I’ve made him a sword or dagger in ages.”

Severus paid for his items quickly and followed them outside. He wasn’t sure Govannon knew what he was getting himself into. By the time he got outside, he saw Malfoy stalking off. Severus walked over to Govannon.

“Are you alright, sir ?” Severus asked anxiously.

“Sure, sure. I take it you know Malfoy from you past days.” Govannon said looking seriously at Severus.

“Yes sir. Malfoy also has a son in Hogwarts.”

“Bad lot ! Always have been. I’d watch my back around that one, if I were you.” the older wizard said.


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Viviane


“We’re sorry we never told you before. You were just …… our little girl.” Melissae was saying to Viviane as they sat together in front of the fire.

“Don’t worry Mum, I know you and Da are my ‘real’ parents. I just wish I knew something about the nymphs that brought me to you. I know so little about myself, and therefore will know little about the babies. Strange things keep happening and we attribute then to natural talents I didn’t know I had.” Viviane said.

“Well, you always did have a way with animals. I believe you would have gotten that from your mother. I used to see her sometimes, when I went for walks in the woods near the cottage. See would talk to me at times, though always from a safe distance. She was afraid of human women. She thought they wanted to hurt her for taking their men. I told her if she left my man alone, she’d be fine.” Melissae said laughing. “The first time I saw your father was the day they brought you to us. We’ve never seen him since. All I can tell you about him is he was beautiful. Golden hair and deep blue eyes, he told us your name and after we agreed to take you, he disappeared back into the brook. Your mother kissed your forehead, then ran off back into the woods.”

“Did they say anything else about me?” Viviane asked.

“Your father said you were going to be a very special child to the wizarding world. We didn’t know what he meant. But you’ve always been special to us dear.” her mother said cupping her cheek gently. Melissae sighed. “So ……..tell me about Severus.”

“We went to school together here. As we’ve found out, we both liked each other then, but never told the other our feelings. Severus is the reason I took this job, mum. I had to see. I never forgot about him. I guess, he never forgot about me either.” Viviane said rubbing her swollen belly.

“When are you getting wed ?”

“Oh …..I don’t know………we haven’t talked about a date yet. I know he wants it to be before the babies come.”

“Pick a date, dear. It will give you something to focus on besides ……….” Melissae sighed.

Viviane put a hand over her mother’s. “I’ll be fine, mum. Severus and Dumbledore are looking out for me.” She automatically clutched the phoenix around her neck.

“Oh ……I don’t know how I feel about him having been a Death Eater.”

“He was a spy. He did what he had to do. They nearly killed him for it.” Tears were burning her eyes again. They both turned as the door opened. Viviane stood up to go to Severus. His expression was grim, as was her father’s and a grim look on her father was never good.

“What’s wrong ?” She said approaching them quickly.

“We had a run in with Malfoy in Hogsmeade.” Govannon said.

“Draco was in the village ?” She said looking at Severus.

“Lucius Malfoy. He thought I was alone. He had hoped for an easy capture.” Severus said as Viviane hugged him fiercely.

“Severus are you alright ? Oh ….I’m never letting you out of my sight again.”

“It’s alright. Govannon stepped in and Malfoy took off. He’s going to be a problem though, I can feel it.” Severus said pulling out of Viviane’s embrace and stepped a few feet away. “Your father and I were talking on the way back. I think …….. for the Yule Ball. Maybe Lupin should be your escort.”

“What ? Why ?” Viviane demanded, looking from Severus to her father.

“It’s too dangerous for you to be linked with me.” Severus said gruffly.

“Well I bloody well will be linked with you when we get married.” she challenged. “Besides what difference does it make anymore ?” Severus looked at her as if she had said something crazy. “I mean it. The Dark Lord knows your not on his side, Malfoy is out to get you, Draco is following us around the castle and if it weren’t for my robes, everyone would know I was pregnant. I love you damn it and I’m tired of having to hide it.” She crossed her arms and glared at him.

Severus smiled to spite himself. “My dear, I love you too, and I’m tired of hiding it. But ……. at least for the Yule ball, let Remus take you. I can protect you better that way.” He went over and pulled her back into his arms with hers still crossed.

“Listen to him, Vivvy. Ye don’t want to cause trouble for the students. It’s their ball.” Govannon said smoothing his daughter’s hair with his large hand. “Ye picked a good man, listen to him.” Viviane and Severus both blushed at the compliment.

“Oh …..very well…..I’ll speak to Remus. Do you have a set of dress robes he can wear ?” she said.

“Yes, I think I do, if he doesn’t mind black.” Severus said looking down into her face. “I don’t relish the idea of you being with Lupin all night either.”

Viviane sighed. “I’m just tired of lying to people.”

“The important people know the truth.” Severus said turning her towards her on-looking parents.

“Blast it, Severus ! You always know what to say to me.” She said pulling his lips down to hers. Severus broke the kiss short and looked at her parent, as pink came to his cheeks. Viviane laughed and hugged him.

“We were also talking about Harry, on the way back.” Severus said. Viviane raised her eyebrow at him. “Govannon would like to meet Harry. I thought maybe you could persuade him to come by after dinner tonight.”

“Why me ? You’re the one who’s been chummy with him lately.” She said chuckling. Severus raised an eyebrow at her. “Oh all right, I’ll ask him. I want you to be here, though.” Severus nodded his consent.

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Harry


Harry waited at the bottom of the stairs for Ginny to come down. He wanted to see her again, just to make sure last night had not been a dream. He had gotten up early and showered and dressed. Now he waited, feeling kind of silly as people kept passing by him.

“Good morning, Harry.” He turned, it was Hermione.

“Has …. do you know if Ginny’s come down yet ?” Harry asked trying to make it sound like an off handed question. Hermione laughed.

“She’s in the Great Hall waiting for you. Where’s Ron ?”

“Sleeping in.”

“Not for long.” She said charging up the stairs.

Harry laughed to himself and went down to the Great Hall. But when he got there he was distressed to see Ginny flanked by her twin bothers. Fred was happily talking to Lee and George was busy eating. With no other choice, he sat across from her. She smiled at him, when he sat down. He could feel his heart begin to race.

“So….are you two an item then ?” George said giving Harry his full attention. Harry looked at Ginny and she blushed.

“Yeah ……. yeah I guess we are.” Harry said and Ginny smiled even broader at him.

“’Bout time !” Fred piped up, then went back to his conversation. Harry took this as the twins blessings.

“Would you like to go for a walk, after breakfast, Ginny ?” Harry asked.

“Yes. That would be nice.” Her blush was so pretty. He couldn’t help staring briefly at her pink lips. He planned on kissing her again, any chance he got.

Half an hour later, Ron and Hermione showed up as Harry and Ginny were leaving.

“You two leaving, then ?” Ron asked in a brusque manner.

“Yeah, we’re going to a walk.” Harry said hoping Ron wasn’t going to make a scene.

“Right then ……um…….. have a good time.” Ron said, then walked into the hall.

“He really is trying.” said Hermione, then she went into the hall, too.

Harry smiled down at Ginny who just shook her head and said “Brothers !”

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Harry and Ginny ended up in the library. They sat in one of the far corners so they wouldn’t disturb anyone. He was really enjoying talking to her. Finding out about her classes, stories she had about her brothers. To his great surprise, she even started talking about RiddRiddle and the chamber. He was a bit fearful of this line of conversation, since it had been so traumatic and was linked to him. But she thanked him for saving her. She even kissed him lightly on the lips. She seemed to need to talk with someone who understood. Since Riddle had drawn Harry into the diary and the chamber, he was the only one who would understand. He was glad for what comfort he could give her.

“Do you still have nightmares about him ?” Harry ask concerned.

“Not ….often.” Ginny admitted.

“I wish you hadn’t had to go through that at all.”

“I know. Thank you, Harry.” she said clasping his hand. His heart swelled and he suddenly wanted to be alone with her. But where to go. “Harry, can I ask you something ?”

“Sure, anything.”

“Why now ? ……… Why ….me …..now ?” she asked looking very much as if she didn’t want to know. Snape’s advice came back to him. ‘If we learn to swallow our pride a bit and admit what we want is to be loved, we can be truly happy.’

“Because I like you. And at one time I knew you liked me. I had to find out if you still felt the same about me. I don’t want to be lonely anymore. ” Harry said looking into her for for her reaction. She smiled at him her eyes shinning.

“I do, you know. I always liked you, Harry.” She leaned over and kissed him. They broke apart abruptly at the sound of someone clearing their throat. Madame Pince was standing behind them and pointed to the door. They stood and left the library.

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