A Chance at Happiness

25. Love Actually...

Charlotte had already returned to their ... new rooms.

When Severus and Nathan entered, they were amazed by the new arrangements.

Minerva also brought Bella back and proposed right away:

- Charlotte, Severus, if you don't mind, both Albus and I would like to suggest you to have the kids over for the weekend and spend some quality time with our "grand children".

Nathan and Bella were thrilled.

- Please, Mom? Dad ? they asked simultaneously.

- Of course, they both answered.

They would have the rooms for themselves for 2 nights and they could also have some discussions.

Nathan and Bella left immediately with Minerva, packing their things in seconds.

- Alone, again, Madame Snape, said Severus.

- Where is the wine , dear husband ? Charlotte asked.

- I will pour us wine and I want to discuss something with you first. Severus said.

Charlotte felt a bit strange and nodded.

Severus handed her glass and started:

- First of all, I want to say that I love you. And also I need to ask you not to interrupt me, because what I am going to say is not very easy for me.

Charlotte's eyes were starting to water:

- I won't interrupt you, but does it have to do with health ? she asked him

- No, don't worry , he replied and put his hand on hers.

Then he continued:

- It has to do with me and my stupid insecurities. I was dead jealous today with Stellan approaching you. I am generally jealous of any man who could even turn his eyes on you. I feel small. I feel like you deserve someone much better. More handsome. Younger. Richer. More funny. With better body. Someone who could offer more to you. You are, you have always been the woman of my dreams but I feel that I am not good enough.

- Severus , my love, I have to interrupt you.

Severus eyes were fixed on the floor.

-Severus, look at me , please.

He averted his eyes in order to look at his wife. His eyes were filled with tears and he was fighting really hard to keep them from shedding.

- I know. I know how you feel. I sense it. I feel it in my body. I am trying my best not to ignite any further feelings. I do not associate with any man. I avoid any kind of contact with any one else but you.

But, it is not healthy, Severus. You need to find a way to fight these feelings. I love you. You are the man of my dreams. Do you remember when we discussed our "marriage arrangement" ? You also felt nervous and I was terrified that you would eventually turn me down. I was willing to fight for us, although I did not love you at that time. Or maybe I did love you but in a different way.

I was beyond terrified when you asked me to lie down in order for us to just sleep together. Just sleep.

You hugged me and I felt like a frozen doll. But then I relaxed. I felt secure. I felt safe in your arms and it was the best sleep ever. I knew we were soulmates right there. I knew we could never fail.

After all these years and after all these problems we both faced, I can officially state that I am more in love with you now that ever before. I don't love you just as person or as a husband or as the father of my children. I love you as my lover and companion. So, I am here and I will do anything I can to help you fight those ugly feelings back.

This is why I asked from Albus to re arrange our rooms. I miss making love with you and I missed being fucked by you. I want us to be lovers. Especially now that our children are getting older and they do not depend entirely on us for every single thing.

Severus listened to his wife but still he felt insecure.

- Severus, she whispered, don't let jealousy take away what we have. I want your love and passion to be pure and not triggered by obsession.

He nodded in approvement and hugged her tight.

She responded with a passionate kiss and soon hands were roaming all over, pulling clothes off and ready to explore each other.

They slept in each other arms, naked.

Severus was walking in Diagon Alley, alone. Suddenly he saw a light. He walked towards the light that led to a restaurant. He literally put his face on the glass. Charlotte was having dinner with Botts! He was in despair, because he was watching Botts standing up and approaching Charlotte. He bent his back and gave her a passionate kiss. Severus was crying out of despair and started knocking on the glass. They both turned around and started laughing. No... NO he started to scream.

- Severus, my love, wake up! You are having a nightmare! Wake up, baby. Charlotte was shaking him gently to wake him up.

He opened his eyes, he was crying in his sleep and saw Charlotte in front of him.

- You were having dinner with Botts and he was kissing you, he accused her.

- Oh Severus, stop with this nonsense. Come, let me hug you and return to our sleep.

Severus grabbed both her hands and whispered:

- Promise me you will never leave me. I can't stand the idea of losing you.

- Sev, listen to yourself! We are married honey, we are under unbreakable vow, remember ? I can't leave you even if I wanted to! And I don't want to leave you. I am in love with you! Come on, Sev ! What's the matter with you ?

- I don't know. Honestly, I don't. he replied. He had to admit that he should work with his feelings.

He accepted Charlotte's offer for a huge hug and they soon drifted to sleep.