Severus wrapped his arms around Draco and returned the kiss with fervour. It had been far too long since they'd had time together and he was surprised to find how much he'd missed being with his lover.
"So have I," he replied then he suddenly scowled as he made a decision. He was not sacrificing all and sundry this time. There was no need any more. "I have nearly managed to establish some control over my serpents. They had been running riot under Slughorn. Give me a week or two more and I shall be able to spend more time here, especially on the weekends."
He nodded at the news about Faustus. "I trust he has not been too upset about being relocated here?" There had been a moment when Severus had told him what was happening that he'd received a highly mutinous look but that had faded almost instantly and Faustus had gone without a word of protest.