InsaneJournal

Remus didn’t know how he managed to let Harry convinced him to accompany him to this masked ball.

“Remus, this party was the Ministry’s idea,” said Harry three days ago.  “I know it’s a bunch of rubbish, but Ron, Hermione, and I would very much like for you to attend.  You haven’t gotten out much since the war ended, and it’ll be good for you to…you know… see people.”

The last part, Harry said with hesitation, and Remus couldn’t blame the boy.  His relationship with Tonks ended on a bad note, causing Remus to withdraw.  However, Harry might be right, getting out of the house wouldn’t be such a bad idea, and it would be an opportunity to reacquaint himself with his friends.

So this was the reason why Remus found himself attending a masked ball dressed in a brown patched suit and wearing a black mask, which covered only his eyes.  At first he felt a little self-conscious against the glamour of the others, but as the ball continued, Remus felt more at ease.  He may have been dressed a little plain, but everyone seemed to be genuinely glad that he came, especially Harry and the others. 

The ball went by with Remus’ chatting with people and listening to the most recent gossip.  Of course, there was a dance, and there were many who asked Remus to join them to the floor, but he politely declined every one.  He was content to just watch until someone caught his eye.

Across the room, a woman, dressed in a black satin dress that was trimmed to highlight her long smooth legs, entered the scene.  She carefully scanned the room: her shinny midnight hair that perfectly framed her narrow face, swayed gently with the movement.  She seemed to be looking for something, or someone, and she didn’t stop until she was looking towards Remus’ direction.

Remus’ breath caught in surprise as this mysterious woman slowly made her way around the crowd of people and managed to find her way to stand directly in front of Remus.  Up close, Remus noticed the matching black satin gauntlets she wore up to her mid-forearm and a white silk scarf wrapped ornately around her neck.  Her mask covered half of her face, coming down just beyond her nose.  The mask was also black, outlined with crystal stones, which brought out her coal colored eyes.

Saying nothing, the woman offered a gloved hand to Remus.  Remus looked at the offered hand and then up into those dark eyes where he found a question and also a hint of a challenge behind those orbs.  Remus arched a questionable eyebrow.  He found himself unable to back down from this challenge, so he reached out and grasp the offered hand and led this enchantress out onto the floor. 

Even though this woman was the taller of the two, Remus couldn’t help but think how perfectly they fitted against each other as they danced.  His dance partner was silent as Remus took them through the movements, yet he sensed something familiar about this person.  The way she moved, the intensity behind those eyes as they gaze down into his golden ones, and the scent behind the lavender perfume were all somehow familiar to Remus.  He tried to remember where he had met this woman before, but nothing came to mind.

Sadly the song ended before Remus could think where they met before.  On the last note played, the woman stepped away from him and nodded in thanks.  Remus saw a hint of a sad smile playing on her lips just as she turned to leave.  Awestricken, Remus could do nothing but watch her leave.

Harry came up behind him, grinning wildly as he bumped Remus’ shoulder playfully, bring Remus out of his thoughts.  “So, who was that beautiful woman you were just dancing with, huh?”

“I honestly don’t know.”

Harry frowned at that.  “That’s strange.  From what I understand, the Ministry only invited the members of the Order, and of course the press.  I suppose she could be someone who works in the Ministry.”

When Harry mentioned the Order, it somehow jarred Remus’ memory.  “Excuse me Harry.  I’m going to find out who she really is.”

The smile returned tenfold, a spark of mischief danced behind those green eyes.  “Of course – go get her, Remus.”

Please, let it be who I think it is.  Remus rushed pass through the crowd.  He managed to exit the room and into the quiet outer room, where he found her making her way towards the outside door.

“Please wait,” Remus called out.  When the other only quickened her pace, Remus called out again.  “Severus, stop.”

Time froze.  Severus, who was standing a little distance away from Remus, stood with his back stiffly towards Remus as if he was under an immobilization spell.  Remus took advantage and pressed on.

“Severus I know it’s you,” said Remus, taking another step towards him.  “You’re alive.  We all thought you were dead – I thought you were dead.”  Remus took another step, slowly closing the gap between them.  “Why?”

Severus flinched at the last question and made a move to leave, but by then Remus was close enough to grab Severus’ wrist.  Remus spun him around and backed them against a wall so that Severus can’t escape.  With a shaky hand, he reached up to remove Severus’ mask.  He needed to see his face, and he didn’t meet any resistance as the mask fell, revealing Severus’ familiar face.

“Why?” Remus asked again.

Severus didn’t answer; instead he looked intently into Remus’ eyes, conveying his desire and with a hint of loneliness that only Remus knew all too well.  Remus groaned and crushed their lips in a hard bruising kiss.  They both fought for dominance, and when the need to breathe was too great, Remus pulled away.  Taking the scarf, Remus pulled it off and began kissing and nipping at the long column of flesh.

Severus tilted his head back, allowing Remus more access.  The only sound Severus made was a slight hitch in his breathing.  Remus was drunk with the sent of Severus’ desire.  He couldn’t take it anymore.

Roughly spinning Severus around, Remus fumbled with his trousers until he was free.  “I want you now,” he growled close to Severus’ ear, causing the other man to shiver.

Again Severus was silent, but he pushed back against Remus, giving his permission.  Remus grinned fertilely as he growled the preparatory spell.  He gripped both side of Severus’ hips and thrust deep inside, setting a punishing pace.  Remus reached around, maneuvering the fabric of the dress away and wrapped his hand around Severus’ straining arousal, and began pumping in time with his own thrust.

At this pace, both men couldn’t last too long.  Severus came first, muffling his cries in his arms.  Remus soon followed with one last thrust.  He latched his mouth to Severus’ neck biting hard, both marking him and to muffle his own cry of release.  Remus slumped forward, sandwiching Severus against the wall, and for a full minute there was silence except for heavy breathing as they both returned from ecstasy.

When Remus felt Severus stir beneath him, he licked the bruising mark in silent apology, but without regret, before pulling away enough to maintain contact but allowing Severus enough room to turn.  As an afterthought he murmured a cleansing spell on both of them and watched with some amusement as Severus tried to straighten his dress.   Severus looked thoroughly satisfied, which Remus took pride in knowing that he caused Severus to look so disheveled.

“Why?” Remus reached up and caressed Severus’ cheek with the back of his finger.

Severus smirked as he leaned into the touch.  He reached up as well and removed Remus’ mask, letting it fall carelessly to the ground.  “I saw an opportunity to take what I want,” Severus said, his voice husky, as he leaned in to capture Remus’ lips again.