Chapter 43

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Though both men had participated in many Beltane celebrations in the past, this year's had been a bit hazy. After moving to the area set up for refreshment, the well-wishing and congratulations had continued. Dobby had taken the children back to the nursery when it appeared dusk would be coming soon. After changing into robes of palest sage, they stood with the other's in the Circle and participated in the ritual. Adrenaline began to flow as the evening commenced, and the flames of the Bel-fire burned high. Singing and dancing to the drums and the pipes, good food and much honey wine; the magick of the Queen Goddess and Greenwood God, and the thinning of the veil between the worlds.

The magick danced along their skin, as they ran into the wood, the sounds of the celebrants, and the music, and the roar of the Bel-fire faded a bit as they moved. The air cooled, then Breen was on his back in the cool grass, Severus lay over him, his body radiating heat, as they kissed deeply.

He could feel Severus' body against his own, their erections cradled together between their bodies. Where had their robes gone? It didn't seem important as long fingers buried themselves in his hair, and kisses were placed all over his face, and down his throat, as Severus began to worship his body.

Their bodies undulated against each other, limbs moving and tangling, as they touched and kissed, tasted and nipped each other; discovering every inch of the other's body. Gasping for breath between kisses, arousal had built to such a fevered pitch, that thier bodies felt strung as tightly as a huntsman's favorite bow.

Breen wrapped his legs around Severus, thrusting his hips upward, cock rubbing against that hard body. His eyes were the deepest green in the moonlight, glazed with lust; his hair spread out around his body. Severus looked down at him, drinking in how beautiful and handsome his husband looked; his hair in raven waves around him, skin golden in the moonlight and his eyes--his eyes shown with love and a yearning Severus could not mistake.

"Love you, Sev--so much!" Breen whispered. "Make us one."

"And I you, My Breen."

Reaching down, Severus hitched Breen's legs higher, to wrap around his waist. Centering himself, he leaned down to kiss Breen deeply, as he thrust into the moist, tight heat of his husband's body. Breen's body arched, and he moaned into the kiss, as their bodies quickly fell into the ancient rhythm.

Later, when they lay entwined, Breen noticed, and brought his husband's attention to, a bottle of honey wine and a basket of oatcakes that sat nearby. Next to them lay their robes, neatly folded.

Severus reached over and pulled the cork from the squat bottle and took a deep drink, smiling when he tasted the herbs he knew Ailey had added to the wine. Offering Breen some, he also shared some of the oatcakes, before he fell upon his husband again. The rest of the ritual night passed thusly, with only the creatures of the forest, and the fairies to hear their passionate cries.

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When they exited the wood, into the clearing, there were already preparations being made for the May Day Celebration. Several people turned, smiling and waving when they saw the couple. Dressed again, they walked hand-in-hand, Severus carrying the now-empty bottle and basket, and Breen, an armful of flowers they had gathered in the wood, on the way back.

Crossing the meadow and the gardens, they approached the manor, not noticing the faces at the kitchen windows.

"Mallaidh! Com'!"

Ailey motioned Molly to join her at the windows near the sinks. Hermione and Maire were right behind her. The four women leaned together to look outside, spotting the barefoot and robed couple as they neared the manor. Rosy cheeks, and bright eyes; mussed hair teased by the breeze as they talked quietly, their arms around each other's waists. Ailey nudged Molly and pointed toward the empty bottle and basket Severus carried.

"Nay eh drop nor eh nibble ta be see'n!"

The woman scurried back to their previous task, attempting to look innocent of mischief when Severus and Breen entered the kitchen. There were hugs all around, and as Breen headed upstairs, Severus approached Ailey, handed her the bottle and the basket, gave her a knowing look, and leaned down the kiss her cheek.

"Tapadh leat, Màthair." He whispered before stepping back.

Severus crossed the kitchen, toward the hall, only stopping to place a kiss on the cheek of a very surprised Molly. All four women watched him exit the kitchen before three pairs of eyes fixed on a very satisfied-looking Ailey. A red eyebrow cocked up above an inquiring smirk.

"T'will be eh bairn fer Imbolc!" Ailey announced with a straight face, before turning back to the food she was putting out for the meal. Maire began to giggle and just shook her head.

"Bloody Hell! She would have made a good Slytherin!" Molly whispered in surprise, suddenly sounding quite like her Ronnie.

"Molly!" Hermione squeaked, never before hearing the woman speak such language.

Molly turned to the younger woman. "Tsk, Hermione dear! It's the truth!"

Ailey smiled to herself and began to hum, as she pulled several more bowls and plates of food toward her.

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Albus and Iain sat together on a bench under one of the Oaks and watched the dancers around the May Pole, gaily-colored ribbons moving in the breeze. Albus nudged the Scotsman with the mug of meade he was holding and nodded to their left, his blue eyes twinkling madly.

They could see Lucius and Remus dancing together, and not far away were Molly and Arthur. Next to them were Hermione, Draco, and Neville. But what had caught their eyes was the couple under one of the oldest Oaks in the grove. Severus and Breen, wrapped in each other's arm, lost in another kiss and totally oblivious to everything and everyone around them. A few moments later, they watched as the couple disappeared again, into the woods.

Iain laughed. "Och! Pay up, Albus!"

The Headmaster dug in his pocket and flipped Iain a Galleon. "Care for another wager, then?"

"An' tha' wou'd be?"

"Two Galleons. A baby born on Ostara."

"Nay—Beltaine. Two Gall'ons 't'is."

Albus held out his hand, and as Iain's hand closed over his, he looked up to see Cainnech Duchovny grinning down at the older men.

"Nay—'twill be Imbolc."

~finis... but is it ever??.. never... ~

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Tapadh leat -- Scottish Gaelic for 'thank you.'

A/N:: Its DONE.. DONE DONE!!!

Tears and Rain will posted next.. well not tonight.. but in the next few days.. Reviews are LOVE.. clicky the cute little green button..