Spur of the Moment

Chapter 66

Harry stretched as he slowly woke up and rolled over onto his back. He yawned and rubbed his eyes free of the remaining sleep. He blinked up at the ceiling and smiled, remembering the night before. Who needed gifts for Christmas when you could have the man you loved in every way? He turned his head and looked at the man beside him who was still sleeping. How had this happened? He had never imagined that this was where they would end up when they had been forced to work together over a year ago.

Now, here they were. He had found someone he loved and who apparently loved him back. Funny how things change given time.

"You are staring at me again," Severus said, his eyes sliding open a fraction.

Harry just smiled. Severus let out a deep breath that also sounded like a contented sigh. Still smiling, Harry leaned down and captured his lover's lips. It had been quite a fabulous Christmas.

"How do you feel?" Severus asked when they parted, knowing it had been Harry's first time.

"I'm fine, honestly," Harry said. "I feel great actually. Couldn't be happier."

"Hm, no need to exaggerate," Severus said, pushing himself up until he was sitting, leaning back against the headboard.

Harry laughed. "I'm not."

"Good," Severus said and leaned in for another kiss. "Would hate to begin lying to each other so soon after promising to work on keeping secrets."

Harry grinned. "No secrets here. I'm fine and happy. Never better."

"I hope yesterday was to your liking aside from the lack of presents," Severus said.

"Yes, it was. I had fun. It was a great Christmas, particularly the ending," Harry said and Severus smirked.

"Somehow I believe I may have created a monster in you," he said and Harry laughed. He put both hands on Severus' face and pulled him into yet another kiss. He couldn't get enough of the man. There's no way he would ever be letting Severus go.

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They had been lounging on the sofa on January seventeenth when Severus was summoned by Voldemort. Harry watched sadly and in concern as Severus dressed in his Death Eater robes and grabbed his mask. Before leaving, Severus gave him a thorough kiss and then rushed from the castle. Severus ran down to Hogsmeade and then Disapparated.

He appeared before Voldemort and quickly bowed until he was told to take his place in the circle. Doing as he was told, he realized that it was only the Inner Circle that had been called. He could feel that something was different, but shrugged it off. Nothing was ever certain with Voldemort. As Voldemort spoke, Severus only partially listened since the madman was saying the same things he always did. He instead looked at the masked Death Eater standing directly across from him.

It was Lucius Malfoy and even through the mask, Severus could tell that he looked gleeful and smug as he returned Severus' gaze. Severus frowned. What could possibly make Lucius so happy? If anything, he should be seething that he hadn't managed more damage on Severus in Syria.

"Leave." Voldemort's command startled him and he started to leave with the others. "Stay, Severus."

Severus nodded and stayed where he was. Voldemort didn't speak as he waited for all of the others of the Inner Circle to disappear. Finally Goyle Sr. left, and Severus and Voldemort were alone.

"My lord?" Severus said, bowing his head.

"Severus," Voldemort hissed and he hid a shudder. "I have neglected to inform you of the raid tonight. I wish you to participate."