Uncanny Snake

XVIII - Christmas Storm

A ray of sunshine hit me, and I gazed at the partially covered window, a single streak of light filtering through, just to hit me. Severus' cheek pressed against my own, and I was thankful he was not a drooler. The cover barely managed to cover his legs, and I smirked, perhaps being so tall wasn't such a good thing. I was trapped against the sofa, however, and sighed. "I know you're awake," I whispered patting his chest, the little optimist in my heart hoping he would let me go so I could go scavenge the kitchen. Despite my efforts, all I got in return was an annoyed hum and the feel of his arms tightening around my frame. Optimism crushed.

After much too long, he finally spoke, his voice tired and uncompliant. "I'm not." He tilted his head to place a kiss on my cheek, and I mumbled a silent insult his way. I just wanted food, was that too much to ask for? Severus had never been one to sleep in, but lately, he was just full of surprises. While I wasn't always the most pleasant morning person, I preferred to get up before noon, and my gut told me I was a little late for that. I finally gave up and relaxed, resting my head back down on his arm.

My lack of resistance caused Severus to sit up, brushing my hair back on the way, and I shot him an annoyed look. "You confuse me," I mumbled, closing my eyes. I heard a faint chuckle, but I ordered my smirk away and waited for him to lower his guard. Once I saw my chance to escape, I sat up abruptly and pushed against his chest, hoping he would topple over the edge. However, he wrapped his hands around my wrists, and any momentum I had gained quickly dissipated along with my expectations. He rose his eyebrows quizzically at me, and I gave him a sour look willing myself out of his grip and Severus rolled his eyes, finally getting off the sofa.

The morning was rather uneventful, Sev drank three cups of coffee, but I didn't say anything. Within the hour, he was back in his dark, gloomy robes. I wouldn't tell him this, but I missed those darn robes. It represented the cold condescending professor who gave no fucks and took attitude from no one, except maybe me. The unsubtle scowl on his face spoke in defense of what he was expecting today. Needless to say, someone did not want to spend time with the Weasleys, but they weren't that bad.

I inquired about why he liked coffee so much, but the answer I got was unsatisfactory, something about having to deal with pesky things in the morning, which was referring to me. I gave him the bird and stomped up the stairs sorting through my suitcase, and luckily for me, I was always used to packing one formal attire. However, when I stood in front of the mirror, I frowned. This dress was so much shorter when I was actually wearing it, this was false advertising, or I'm an idiot for not trying it on, one of the two. But my friend, that's why leggings were invented. I slipped a pair on and met Severus in the living room. "Ready to go?" I smirked, and he ran a hand through his hair with a sigh, his eyes somewhat hostile, but he would have to deal with it. We locked arms, and with a goofy grin on my face, we apparated to the Burrow.

We landed a ways off from the Burrow, and I smiled taking Sev's hand in mine as I led him through the long grass. "Guess I'm a bit rusty."

"Good to know we could have gotten splinched," he murmured as he took hesitant steps to follow me. This grumpy pants. Once we reached the home of the Weasleys, I never got the chance to knock as Molly threw the door open, a broad and beaming smile on her lips.

"Come in, come in! You two make yourselves at home now, you hear!" I took a single step forward and was engulfed in a bear hug a bit too tight for my liking, and out of politeness, I smiled awkwardly and patted the woman's back. Severus was as Severus as ever, offering a cold nod in return, but Molly's smile only grew at his show of indifference. I honestly think she was just happy to see me in a committed relationship and vice versa. I had a certain reputation during my teenage years. I was a total player. I was already at home as soon as the smell of baked goods hit my nose, and with a smile, I skipped to the kitchen, Severus following with a keen eye as he inspected the room.