Swept From the Past

Chapter 59: The Emerald's Heart -- part twelve

Katarina Burns was in Severus' arms, still shocked and embarrassed. Realising that she could have lost him in the attack, she'd kissed him in front of her whole crew. Now, everyone knew that they were committed in a relationship. Damn!

"Time to face your responsibilities, Captain," Severus murmured silkily.

Bastard! Burns felt irate. So he was amused to see her so embarrassed! How funny to see her humiliated! No, actually... not humiliated. Just terribly embarrassed. Burns reasoned with herself, realising that her anger was unfair. Severus was probably amused by the way she'd reacted. No. She was just mad at herself.

Gathering her courage, she took a deep breath and stood up, trying to look as stern as she could. But having kissed Severus in front of everyone didn't help. How could she make herself appear terrifying? It was obvious to everyone that she cared for him. She cleared her throat and gripped the handle of her sword to give herself confidence.

"So," she said coldly, "Can anyone tell me what happened?"

No one replied. The Pirates appeared to be shocked. Some looked away as if they hadn't heard.

"I'm losing patience," Burns hissed. "Don't force me to ask a second time. So?"

"Er..." Taz said finally, "Rob attacked you by surprise, Capt'n. But your... er..." Taz cast a quick glance at Severus, "well, he pushed you away from the curse at the right time. Killed Rob."

"An Unforgivable Curse," Alphonso commented. "Forbidden by the Ministry's laws."

Burns looked at Alphonso, who displayed an awful smirk. She saw the glare of hatred he cast at Severus and she perceived the threat behind his words. So Alphonso wanted to denounce Severus to the Ministry? Cretin! Did he really think she would let him do it?

"Alphonso," she snapped. "Ministry laws don't apply here. This is war. And Professor Snape acted in self-defence to save my life." She screwed up her eyes. "Don't you dare bring trouble upon him. It would be like betraying me."

An awkward silence followed. Alphonso looked shocked.

"Actually," Burns continued, having a sudden idea, "Professor Snape didn't do anything. I am the one who uttered the Killing Curse and killed Rob to defend myself. As an Auror, my judgment was that I couldn't do otherwise." She looked around at her whole crew. "Has anyone here seen Professor Snape attack Rob?"

No pirate replied. Some of them shook their heads.

"Fine," she responded. "So who killed Rob?"

"You, Capt'n," the whole crew replied at the same time.

"But, Capt'n--" Alphonso said in a defensive manner.

"There is no but," Burns replied between clenched teeth. "You're my best fighter, Alphonso. It would be a shame to replace you."

Alphonso blanched. He appeared flabbergasted.

"What has happened to you, Capt'n?" he exclaimed angrily. "That bastard has cast an Imperius Curse on you!"

"Shut up!" Burns cut him off. "Who do you think I am, Alphonso? A weak student who's not able to protect herself from the Imperius Curse? Do you think anyone could seduce me by magical means?"

She clenched her teeth and glared at him. He had to know she knew what he'd tried to do with his Veela Charm.

Alphonso looked petrified.

"You fought hard last night," she continued. "That's why I haven't punished you yet for your impudence. But don't push your luck too far. Don't forget who I am! I am the Capt'n here, and you're here to obey. Professor Snape is my bastard, is that clear? Don't you dare insult him again!"

Had she really said that Severus was her bastard? Damn! Why had she spoken without thinking? It implied more than what she wanted to say. She swore under her breath.

Alphonso looked at her with a strange stare, a mix of deep disappointment, anger and pain. He appeared to be hurt.

"Capt'n Burns," he said sourly, "Permission to leave the room. I'd like to rest."

Burns nodded. "You can retire, but you're still my second-in-command, Alphonso," she said, speaking less harshly and trying not to be unfair. Alphonso had fought well during last night's battle. He deserved honour at least for that. "You've proved your value and you're worthy of this rank," she added. "Don't spoil your efforts for a chimera. Your sister deserves more than that."

She looked him straight in the eye. She wanted to make him understand that his feelings for her, whatever they were, had to end. He couldn't win this time; her love was something he'd never have. Truly, Katarina didn't want to hurt him, but she had no choice. The quicker he'd understand, the quicker he'd heal.

"Aye, Capt'n," Alphonso replied. He looked away and left the room.

"Fine," Burns said. She sighed and tried to sort out her thoughts. Rather difficult with everyone staring at her.

She cleared her throat.

"What were we talking about before this interruption?" she asked, as if nothing had happened. "Ah, yes... Rob's attack." She paused and remembered Rob's strange words.

"What did Rob say about his wife?" she asked. "And since when did he have a wife?"

"Since never," Taz replied.

Katarina frowned. How had Rob managed to utter the Killing Curse against her? It was impossible! The contract he had signed was unbreakable. No one in her crew could attack her voluntarily. How...

Severus stepped forward and leant over the dead man. He observed the corpse, then turned to Burns.

"He smells of Polyjuice Potion," he said. "Surely this explains the Portkeys. A Death Eater in disguise."

Of course, Polyjuice Potion! Why hadn't she thought of it before? She was stupid! It was not surprising that the cards hadn't designated him as the traitor. The real Robbie Artz hadn't betrayed her! But... his name had appeared on one of the five red cards. Did it mean that there were four other Death Eaters in disguise in her crew? Hmmm... she had to check. The best way was to ask one of the four remaining suspects something only he and she knew. And she had the perfect candidate for that. Someone who actually deserved a little lesson...

"Greg," she called.

"Yes, Capt'n?" the man asked with an apprehensive look.

"Tell me," she said, "what did I tell you when I caught you peeing over board?"

A murmur of disgust filled the assembly. Many pirates grimaced.

"What?" Greg replied. His face turned scarlet.

"Measure of security," Burns responded. "I have to check if you're really you, and it appears that I caught the real you peeing overboard one night. So what did I say?"

"Er," Greg muttered with embarrassment, "if I remember well... it was 'Clean that up immediately, dirty bastard, or I'll make you clean the whole deck with your tongue.'"

Another murmur of disgust was heard.

"You're obviously the real you," Burns replied. "Interesting... and actually still disgusting..." She grimaced.

So her new theory was wrong... At least, Greg wasn't a Death Eater.

"But if this isn't Rob, then who is he?" Mox asked.

"Someone whose wife I hurt, I suppose," Burns replied.

"Rodolphus Lestrange?" Severus asked.

"Probably," Burns responded. "We'll be sure of it in a couple of hours, when the effects of the potion wear off."

Suddenly, she felt dizzy. Her vision blurred and the room began to spin. Burns staggered. Her muscles seemed heavy and her strength left her. It was as if her body wouldn't carry her much longer.

"Capt'n!" someone exclaimed. "Are you all right?"

"I..." she replied. She felt cold. Her hands trembled on their own. Burns had the disagreeable sensation of blood draining from her face. "No..."

Severus rushed over to her and prevented her from falling. He conjured a chair.

"Sit down," he said. "You look pale. You must rest."

Burns obeyed reluctantly. She hated to feel so weak. What sort of leader was she? She had almost been killed by a spy and had kissed Severus. All that in front of her whole crew. And now she couldn't stay on her legs? Damn! Her crew looked at her awkwardly. What were the Pirates thinking? Did they share Alphonso's opinion about the Imperius Curse? Would they think of turning against her?

"We should examine Rob's pockets," Taz said. "Maybe we'll find something."

The Pirates gathered around Rob's corpse and started their investigation, but Burns was almost sure they wouldn't find anything but the bottle of Polyjuice Potion. Spies didn't carry signs of their real identity on them.

'The cards,' Burns thought. 'I must understand.'

She pulled the cards out of her cloak.

"Kat," Severus whispered under his breath so that the Pirates couldn't hear him, "You've done enough."

Kat? It was so odd to be called that with all the pirates around. This name came out the depths of her past. And Katarina knew exactly what Severus' aim was. A long time ago, she'd have been troubled by his tender words and would have followed his advice. But time had passed. She was still troubled by his voice and the way he was talking to her, but she had responsibilities now. Before resting, she had to know what had happened. An unconsidered decision could be dangerous. What if there was another Death Eater in disguise in her crew?

"Not yet," she murmured. "First, I want to know why some of my cards turned red. So will you help me or will you waste your time trying to convince me to rest?" She paused. "Remember I've been attacked once. Who said there was only one spy? There were five red cards in the set."

Severus frowned. Katarina saw his hand clench his wand tighter.

"I won't let anyone hurt you," Severus replied at low voice. "Never." He paused. "But you said you'd restrain your use of magic." There was reproach in his voice. "Using these cards is dangerous for you. Don't tell me otherwise."

Yes, using the cards was dangerous, but Burns didn't want to argue.

"Help me to think and understand what happened," she murmured. "I promise I won't use magic again for a few days. I mean... except in a case of real danger."

Severus looked at her suspiciously.

"I promise," Katarina repeated in a whisper. "But I can't leave this place without knowing if there's another spy somewhere in the castle."

Severus sighed. "I suppose I don't have any choice," he said. "I'd better help you."

"Capt'n!" Taz exclaimed before Burns could respond. "We've found something!"

"One flask, I suppose," Burns replied.

"Er, no," Taz responded. He scratched his head. "Five, actually."

"Five?" Burns exclaimed. She would have jumped from her chair if Severus hadn't placed his hands on her shoulders to keep her in place. "Five flasks?"

She stared at Taz, who motioned the Pirates to pick up and show her the bottles. Each flask was different from the other ones.

Now Katarina understood what had happened. Why hadn't she thought of it before? Five flasks of Polyjuice Potion. Five opportunities to borrow the identity of someone in her crew. A wise way of spying, but very dangerous. The intruder stood a good chance of meeting his alter ego. But if the spy never impersonated the same pirate twice, he was less likely to raise their suspicion.

"Well," Burns said, "it seems that our spy was impersonating five of you. The real Rob is probably somewhere in the castle." She sighed. "The mystery of the red cards is solved. But from now on, I won't tolerate any intruder in my crew. I don't know how he managed to do this without being caught, but it must never happen again."

She stood up. Now the mystery had been solved, she had no reason to linger here with everyone. She wanted to rest.

"What must we do now?" Taz asked.

"About what?" Burns replied.

"The ship has sunk," Taz responded, "we have nowhere to go. Nowhere to live."

"Oh," Katarina replied. She hadn't thought of that. "Well," she said, "I'll speak of that matter with the Headmaster. For the moment, just... just check if the castle is secure."

"Aye, Capt'n," Taz responded.

Burns turned around and left, followed by Severus.

"So," Severus asked when they were alone, "I'm your bastard?" He looked amused.

Katarina felt she was blushing.

"I, er... I was furious with Alphonso," she replied, ill at ease. "And yes, you're a bastard! You gave me a mark on my neck. I can't believe I didn't notice!"

"You hid your engagement ring under your glove," Severus said. "So I had to find another way to show you belonged to me." He sounded amused.

"So I belong to you?" she replied, trying to look offended although she wasn't. "How conceited!"

Severus chuckled.

"You can't deny that you're completely mad about me after the way you kissed me in front of everyone," he responded. "I don't think anyone will notice your mark now."

"You may laugh," she replied, "but I really got scared." She stared at him. "What if Rob... I mean Lestrange... had killed you? What if I had lost you?"

"I'm still here," he responded, "with no intention of being killed. And I'm willing to give you another mark as soon as possible." He smirked.

"How dare you stare at me with this arrogant expression on your face?" Burns asked playfully. "Maybe next time you will have a very embarrassing mark on your skin. What will the students think if their terrifying Potions master has a very suggestive bruise on his neck?"

"Who cares about those imbecile students?" Severus asked. "I'll take the risk. After all, it was rather fun to witness Alphonso's reaction," he said with a satisfied smile. "I love the way you humiliated him."

"That was not my aim," Burns responded. "I just... er..." She cleared her throat in embarrassment, "defended my honour. Alphonso suggested that you manipulated me. I really couldn't tolerate such behaviour in front of my crew."

"So you called me your bastard just to defend your honour?" Severus replied sarcastically. "Interesting... From where I was, it sounded differently."

Katarina cast a look at him and saw the smirk on his face.

"You know exactly why I said what I said," she responded teasingly. "But stick to the official version for the next few hours, will you? My heartless reputation has suffered a hard blow. At least make some effort to preserve the illusion."

"I'll give you a few hours of respite," Severus replied with a silk voice. "But don't celebrate just yet. I'll come back to that subject later."

Suddenly, he stopped at the foot of the staircase that led to the second floor. He looked around as if he'd just realised where he was.

"Where are we going?" he asked. "This is not the shortest way to go to the dungeons. We should have taken the other staircase in the Entrance Hall."

"We're not going to the dungeons," Katarina replied. "We're going to Dumbledore's office."

Severus scowled. "Dumbledore's office?" he repeated. He looked disappointed.

"My crew asked me something," Burns replied. "So I must talk to Dumbledore now. His old portraits will tell us where to find him." She paused. "A chief has responsibilities, Severus," she continued. "I want to spend time with you ... But I have to talk to Dumbledore first."

Severus sighed in irritation.

"Although this decision doesn't please me," he responded, "I suppose this is the wisest thing to do. Let's go..."

They both walked in the direction of Dumbledore's office. Soon, they found themselves in front of the staircase that led to his quarters. The wall and its gargoyle, meant to guard the threshold, had already disappeared, leaving them full access.

"Someone's already there," Severus said.

They walked upstairs. Severus knocked at the door.

"Come in," Dumbledore's voice said.

So Dumbledore was here? Burns was relieved. She didn't relish having to search the whole castle for him.

Severus and Katarina entered.

Dumbledore was seated on his golden chair, a strange smile on his face. He looked tired, but he nevertheless appeared to feel better than last time Katarina had seen him. Maybe because he was not in mortal danger anymore.

"I was waiting for you," he said. "Both of you. But I suppose that as an Auror, you would like to talk first, Professor Burns."

Burns hadn't expected that. She didn't know what to say. Where to start? What were you supposed to say after such a terrible battle?

"Professor Dumbledore," she replied. "I, er..."

Maybe she had to use tact or something like that?

"The Emerald Heart has been destroyed," she said. "My crew has nowhere to live now."

Okay, it was too late for tact. She bit her lip.

"I am well aware of the fact," Dumbledore replied. "Your people fought to defend Hogwarts. It would be fitting if Hogwarts helped them in return. I will ask Minerva to find them bedrooms in the castle."

"Fine," Katarina responded. "My crew will be grateful to you for that."

"Do you want some tea and biscuits?" Dumbledore asked. "I suspect that you have not had a meal since yesterday evening."

A meal? Burns had completely forgotten that she hadn't eaten for a while. She'd had other things to think of.

"It would be nice," Severus replied.

With a flick of his wand, Dumbledore conjured a large tray with three hot tea cups and a plate full of biscuits. Katarina hesitated to serve herself. Her stomach ached in anxiety. She wasn't sure she'd be able to eat anything.

"Professor Burns?" Dumbledore asked. He looked at her questioningly. "Are you not hungry?"

"I'm not sure," she replied. "I feel nauseous..."

"Sit down," Severus said, offering a chair to her.

"I'm all right," Katarina replied.

"A typical reaction from someone who almost died a few hours ago." Severus replied with sarcasm. "You're still exhausted. You need to rest and eat something."

"Severus is right," Dumbledore said. "In fact, we should all sit down and talk about last night's events."

Katarina sat on the chair and reluctantly took a biscuit and a cup of tea from the plate. Severus was now holding on to her. She knew he would insist and didn't want to argue. And after all, it was nice to have an attentive fiancé who wanted to take care of her. The only problem was that Dumbledore could witness these attentions. It felt really odd...

"So," Dumbledore said, when he had sat down. "It seems that Voldemort's plans have failed once more. Fortunately, our enemies have been defeated. And Harry is safe and back to Hogwarts."

Burns sighed in relief. Lily's and James' son was all right. If Harry had been wounded, she could have never managed to forgive herself.

"Are you sure it was prudent to bring him back here so early?" she asked.

"In these times of war, who can tell what is prudent or not?" Dumbledore responded. "But Voldemort has lost this battle. His troops are frail for the moment, and the Ministry has been informed of the attack. Voldemort will not risk a second attack while Hogwarts is full of Aurors. Besides..." Dumbledore smiled paternally, "I do not think that Harry would have agreed to stay at Grimmauld Place after last night's battle. The impetuosity of youth..."

"James' son," Katarina commented. "Tell him not to return to Hogwarts and he will do it. A danger to himself..."

Dumbledore nodded.

"At least he survived last night," Burns said, almost to herself. "From where they are, Lily, James and Sirius have watched over him."

Burns' heart tightened at the thought of her friends. They had all given their lives to protect Harry from Voldemort. No doubt that they still kept an eye on him from beyond death.

"Through you," Dumbledore said.

"Me?" Katarina asked absent-mindedly.

"If you had not arrived at the Great Hall in time, Professor Burns," Dumbledore responded, "who knows what would have happened to him and the rest of us. I really doubt Minerva could have pushed Bellatrix Lestrange back."

"I did my job," Burns replied, ill at ease. "You were lucky enough to escape at the right time."

"Your humility does you credit," Dumbledore said.

"Humility?" Katarina responded. "No. I don't deserve any thanks."

Burns didn't feel proud of herself at all. Before fighting Bellatrix in the Great Hall, she had almost killed Severus. And she had been too imprudent; so much that she'd wanted to sink with her ship. Risking her life when she'd had enough of living... No, she wasn't the one who deserved honour. Severus deserved a medal for what he'd done for her. It was much more a proof of courage, tenacity and love than all that she'd done. She wouldn't have saved Harry if Severus hadn't saved her own life before.

"May I ask why?" Dumbledore queried.

"I... have my personal reasons," Burns replied.

An awkward silence followed.

"Do you remember your conditions for accepting the Defence Against the Dark Arts post?" Dumbledore continued finally.

Katarina nodded. What was he up to?

"You said that you would only stay here for one year," Dumbledore added. "Non negotiable. Well, I would like to renegotiate." He smiled slightly. "Considering that Voldemort will try to kill Harry again, I think that you should stay on for another year. Maybe more." The Headmaster looked at Severus. "At least, if you don't mind, Severus," he said. "I know that you have always been interested in the post."

"I really don't mind, Headmaster," Severus responded. "I have other matters of interest."

"Professor Burns?" Dumbledore asked, waiting for her response.

"I suppose I could stay another year," she replied. "I had forgotten that the view on the lake was so beautiful and that the architecture was so fascinating." She cast a quick glance at Severus. "Besides, my house has landed on your lawns, which means I'm officially homeless."

"Well," Dumbledore said, "that is good news. Now that we have dealt with that subject, another subject requires my attention. Hogwarts has been damaged, but the students must resume their studies as soon as possible. I think that with the appropriate spells, we can restore some semblance of order in a few days. This operation will require the help of all the staff."

"If I might, Headmaster," Severus said, casting a worried look at Katarina. "I don't think--"

"I'm sorry, Professor Dumbledore," Burns interrupted, knowing exactly what Severus was about to say, "but I won't be able to help you to fix up the castle. I must refrain from using my powers."

A promise was a promise. She didn't want Severus to worry more.

Dumbledore appeared to be thinking.

"Very wise decision, Professor Burns," he replied. "I guess that Severus told you that it was dangerous."

"Yes," Burns replied, "Se..." she cleared her throat and corrected herself quickly, "Professor Snape has indeed told me the risks of using my powers now."

"Professor Snape?" Dumbledore repeated, an amused light in his eyes. "I think, Katarina, that Severus would prefer if you addressed him by his given name from now on."

Burns choked and almost spilled her tea. Did Dumbledore know?

"I beg your pardon?" she asked.

"This is the very first time this year," Dumbledore replied, "that I have observed you following Severus' advice. Unless I am much mistaken, you and Severus have had an important discussion since yesterday. And is that a bulge on your glove above your ring finger? Am I wrong in concluding that you and Severus have reconciled?" He smiled.

Katarina blinked, not knowing what to say. She could see the little bulge on her glove, but only because she knew the ring was there. How had Dumbledore noticed it? Was he really a good observer or had he just guessed that she and Severus had got back together? Anyway, Dumbledore had always been strange...

"Indeed," Severus replied in her place. "Katarina and I have reconciled."

From the tone of his voice, he didn't want to say more. Burns was thankful to him for that.

"That is good news," Dumbledore responded. "Really good news." He paused and took a sip of his tea. "So," he continued, "I had heard that Bellatrix quite suddenly disappeared from the castle. Since you were fighting her when we left Hogwarts, may I assume that the duel turned to your advantage?"

Katarina felt ill at ease. Explaining what had happened on the grounds was too difficult and embarrassing.

"Not at first," she replied. "But... yes, she's dead. Really dead. I don't think Voldemort told her how to escape death."

Dumbledore was deep in thought.

"May I ask you how you defeated her?" he asked.

"Oh, I didn't do anything," Katarina replied, irritated by his question. "Lord Grindelwald came back and used me to destroy Bellatrix. He was the Heart of the Emerald."

Dumbledore smiled.

"You are wrong, Katarina," he responded, "Sigurd has never been the Heart of the Emerald. He left a part of himself, a part of his power and will in the Emerald's Star. A presence able to guide you when you needed its help. But it was you... your heart, to be precise, that had the power to defeat Bellatrix. It is your love for Severus that destroyed her."

"My heart?" Katarina repeated, stunned. "My... lo...?" She felt she was blushing. "But how...? I don't understand."

She was confused. Was it true? How did Dumbledore know this?

"Bellatrix acquired strong power because of her hate," Dumbledore replied. "She killed to become powerful and she used her power to kill. Ordinary magic could not prevail against her. Doubtless, Voldemort would have used those powers himself if not for the prophecy." He paused. "Only a different sort of power could destroy Bellatrix. Something as strong as her hate. A power both violent and desperate, based on love. The power of someone who had had her heart broken. Your power, Katarina."

"My... power?" Burns repeated in a whisper. "But... No... I'm not an Emerald or anything like that. And even if it's my middle name... I'm still not my grandmother. How could my heart ever be... How could I ever be..." She stopped, not knowing what else to say.

"On this point," Dumbledore replied, "I think you should consult with Severus. Maybe together, you will find the answers to your questions." He smiled again.

Severus didn't reply. He appeared to be thinking. Then he stared at Katarina with a look which showed that he understood.

'Later,' he said with his eyes. 'I'll tell you later.'

Burns nodded. She didn't want Dumbledore to listen, if it was something personal. She looked at the Headmaster.

"Did you know it from the beginning?" she asked, still shocked. "I mean... my heart being the Heart of the Emerald."

"I had theories," Dumbledore replied. "Based on my own experience. I have had time to observe Sigurd and Emerald. And I have had time to observe Severus and you. I once caught a seventeen-year-old Slytherin and a sixteen-year-old Gryffindor in the Hogwarts park at night."

Burns raised an eyebrow and stared at Severus interrogatively. What was Dumbledore talking about? She didn't remember.

The Headmaster's spoon fell onto the floor. He bent down to pick it up while he kept talking. Katarina took advantage of this second of inattention and looked at Severus. She read on his lips the word 'kiss', which obviously meant Dumbledore had caught them in a very embarrassing moment when they were young. Damn!

"I am old enough to recognise love when I see it," Dumbledore said. "And having witnessed Sigurd's fate, I knew what you were going through after your brutal separation from Severus, Katarina. The overwhelming desire to destroy yourself to be rid of the pain. The need to find the one you loved again." He paused. "Pensieves are the easiest way to forget, but they only hide a part of the memories. They cannot stop the pain. They have no influence on love or feelings. They do not erase the trace of the memories from your mind, especially if the memories were strong."

"So that is why Katarina was sometimes in trance?" Severus asked.

Dumbledore nodded. "Katarina searched for what she missed the most. She searched for you, Severus."

Burns stared at the floor, lost in her thoughts. She remembered crying without reason while she was staring at her memories. She'd often woken up in the corridors or in her quarters and wondered what she'd just done. So she was... reliving some parts of her memories? She was trying to find Severus again?

"I didn't know it," she replied.

"Sigurd also used Pensieves after he lost his wife," Dumbledore continued. "He said he could not bear some of his happy memories with Emerald. He could not even bear the sight of their daughter."

"He knew he had a daughter?" Katarina asked. She gasped and stood up abruptly. She had always thought Grindelwald had never known he had a daughter. At least, not when he was alive...

"Yes, he knew," Dumbledore replied. "That is why he enclosed a part of his power in his ship before his death."

But Katarina didn't listen to the rest.

"He knew and he didn't raise her?" she exclaimed. "But... she was a part of Emerald! Through her, he had... hope! He had the chance I never had!"

Burns was shocked and revolted. This information had reopened a wound that had just started to heal. She'd been alone for so many years. She couldn't understand how Grindelwald had refused to raise the daughter he'd had with the woman he loved. As young and broken-hearted as she was, Katarina would have jumped at such a chance.

"You have Severus back, Katarina." Dumbledore replied. "Sigurd could not revive his wife."

"But I didn't know Severus and I would get back together one day!" Burns exclaimed heatedly. "Bloody hell, I was convinced... that Severus had played with my heart! Grindelwald had a daughter. He had something real, a gift from his wife! I had nothing. I..."

It was too much. Tears had already formed in her eyes. Burns stormed out of Dumbledore's office. Severus quickly caught her in the corridor. He looked angry.

"Katarina," he hissed, "don't you dare leave m..."

But she didn't let him finish. She threw herself in his arms and embraced him as hard as she could. She needed his presence more than anything. Severus appeared to be taken aback, but he wound his arms around her waist and neck protectively.

"He knew he had a daughter..." Katarina whispered. "Why didn't he take care of her?"

Severus sighed.

"I suppose it was too painful for him, Love," he replied. His voice had softened. "Maybe there was too much of his wife in his daughter. He knew he would never see Emerald again. Seeing her in his daughter... or objects that belonged to his wife... A picture... a photograph... a ring... That can drive a man mad."

A ring? Burns was disconcerted. Why did Severus mention...? But he wasn't talking about Grindelwald, was he? Lupin had said that Severus had 'forgotten to live'. That 'he'd lost all that mattered to him the day Harry defeated Voldemort'. Had he felt as desperate without her as she'd felt without him?

"Or maybe..." Severus continued, "he thought he'd have made a horrible father." He paused. "Remember what you said to that bloody Potter. You thought you'd have made a terrible mother, silly girl. Maybe Grindelwald was convinced he wouldn't have loved his daughter as she deserved. Sorrow makes you say, think or do stupid things."

Harry... Burns remembered what she'd told him. Yes, Maybe Grindelwald had thought his daughter would be happier without him. Maybe he'd feared she'd become like him. Maybe he wanted to protect her.

"I don't remember you being so wise before," she replied. "Clever, yes, but not so wise." She paused. "Why did Dumbledore say... you know, what he said about the Heart of the Emerald? How could I be..."

"You are my Emerald," Severus replied. "My jewel. You probably don't remember, but I told you once. This is the way I think of you."

"Really?" Burns asked. Emotion filled her heart. She gulped, trying to contain the bloody wave of feelings.

"Really," Severus replied. "You're more precious than anything to me."

"So," Katarina murmured after a few seconds, "it was not only my love that destroyed Bellatrix. Not entirely. Yours sealed her fate as well."

Katarina raised her head and looked Severus straight in the eye. She felt guilty to have scared him again. She'd just wanted to leave Dumbledore's office. But he had thought...

"I... I'm sorry I stormed out of the office like that," she said. "I didn't want to scare you. It's just..." She gulped again.

"Tell me," he said.

She placed her arms around his neck and whispered in his ear. She didn't want to use Legilimency. He deserved to hear her words and see that she was trying to make their relationship work. Even if it was just a whispered confession.

"I missed you so much for so long," she murmured with a trembling voice. "So much... Life seemed so empty without you. It would have been a blessing for me to have something -- anything -- to make it less empty..."

"I know," Severus whispered. "Believe me, I know." He kissed her forehead. "But we'll have our child," he said. "Soon. And you'll be a wonderful mother."

"I hope so," Burns murmured. "I don't know if... Maybe it is too late."

"To conceive a child?" Severus asked. "You're still young. And with potions--"

"No potions," Katarina interrupted. "My power is... I don't want anything to interfere with it and hurt that baby, if he or she comes. And... I wasn't only mentioning the conception..."

"You doubt you'll be a good mother?" Severus asked. "That's rubbish."

"You're not objective," she replied sternly. "Ask anyone in the Wizarding World what he thinks about me being a mother."

"You said it," Severus said, "we both have the reputation of being heartless. And yet we're mad about each other. The reputation doesn't mean anything."

"I fear love makes you blind, Severus," Katarina replied.

"Me, blind?" Severus repeated. He smirked. "I've spent the year being your victim! I'm more realistic than anyone when it's about you, my cruel little pirate."

Burns' heart tightened. But she knew she deserved it.

"No," Severus snapped. "Let me finish. Cruel, but also adorable. Don't forget I've been raised by an awful mother. Rest assured that you have nothing in common with her. She would have never pierced her arm with a dagger to save my life. She would have never risked her life for me. She didn't care about or for me."

"I.. didn't want you to think of her," Katarina said with bitterness.

Severus shook his head.

"This is not the point, stubborn girl," he replied. "The point is that you will never be like this old shrew. You will love our child, because it's the way you are."

Katarina looked away. The way she was still or the way she'd been?

"But," she said, "what will happen if I try to strangle our child? If I become so furious that I can't control myself?"

"It will never happen," Severus replied.

"How can you be sure?" Burns asked. "Bloody hell, I tried to strangle you! And yet... You heard Dumbledore. He said my love for you destroyed Bellatrix! If I'm able to strangle the person I love the most in the world, who knows what I'm able to do to a child? Even to my child!"

"So, you've changed your mind?" Severus asked. "You don't want children anymore?" He looked pained. "Will you give up now that we have a chance at having a family of our own?"

"You know what I want the most in the world," Burns responded. "You saw my deepest desire. But I don't trust myself anymore." She had a lump in her throat. "Imagine that there are two people in you," she said. "The first one wants to be happy and is on the verge of achieving her dreams. But the second one can be so furious that she can destroy everything in her way. What if the second one decides to come back? I don't want to be violent with you. Never again. And I don't want to be violent with our child."

"You won't be," he replied. "At least not with our child. I'm the one who hurt you. Your rage was turned against me because I made you suffer. You'd have no reason to feel such rage against our child. Quite the opposite. As you said, there would be a strong bond between us. I'm not only sure you'll never do anything to our child, I know it."

Burns caressed a lock of his hair. How could he trust her abilities like that? Why hadn't she understood earlier that his feelings were true? It seemed so obvious now. Their relationship seemed so obvious and right. She didn't remember all the details of their history, but she knew she wanted a future with him. How strange to think that a few hours before, she'd seen him as a stranger who wanted to hurt her. It was as if she was discovering him again. She could lose herself in his fascinating black eyes without fear. She was mesmerized by his lips.

"You want a kiss, don't you?" Severus asked. He smirked.

Burns realised that he'd been staring at her and knew what she was thinking. She felt colour rise on her cheeks.

"Maybe," she replied teasingly. "Maybe not." She pouted.

"No?" Severus asked. He raised an eyebrow.

"No," Burns whispered, saying the opposite with her eyes. She gently caught his lips with hers.

Severus chuckled and returned the kiss. Then the world seemed to fade for Katarina. She melted under his kiss and the pressure of his arms around her. It was not the first time she'd felt this sensation; but she hadn't expected to feel this while she knew Dumbledore was standing in the nearest room. Truly, Burns felt so well that she didn't care about the Headmaster. She silenced the logical part of her mind without effort and focused on the present time. The present was much more interesting.

After a moment -- too short for Katarina -- the kiss ended.

"Whaw," she said, still under the spell of that perfect moment.

Severus' mouth twitched.

"You stole my words," he replied. He paused. "You don't remember, but it's the first thing you said after our very first kiss."

"Really?" Katarina asked.

"Then you ran away," Severus responded. "I took it for rejection and disgust. But I was wrong, adorable girl."

"I suppose I got scared," Burns replied. "It happens to me... maybe a little more often." She sighed. "Our very first kiss..." she said with bitterness. "I'd like to remember this memory."

"You'll get back your memories slowly," Severus replied. "Don't worry about that. For the moment, keep in mind our last wonderful kiss."

Burns smiled.

Yes, that kiss had been wonderful, but so frustrating! So irritating! Katarina wanted to kiss him again and... Damn Dumbledore and his meeting! Damn the whole world!

"Severus... can we... er... leave..." she whispered. "Er... is Dumbledore still waiting for us? I mean, really? Or..."

"I think that he's unfortunately still waiting for us," Severus replied with a grimace. "Really."

"Bloody hell," Burns cursed. She sighed in disappointment.

"The quicker we enter, the quicker we leave," Severus said. "And the quicker we leave... the quicker we'll be alone together." He raised his eyebrow suggestively.

"So let's go back to his office immediately," Burns replied. "I've had enough of being responsible. I want to be alone with you with no intruder bothering us. I want to be bloody selfish and have you for my own."

***

Remus Lupin approached the stairs that led to Dumbledore's office and overheard Katarina's voice.

"Imagine that there are two people in you," she said.

Remus stopped cold and listened. So Katarina was fine? What a relief! But who was she talking to? And why...

"The first one wants to be happy and is on the verge of achieving her dreams," Katarina continued. "But the second one can be so furious that she can destroy everything in her way. What if the second one decides to come back?"

What she said... Having two people in you... Remus understood this feeling. The werewolf in him refused every bit of happiness to the man in him. But Katarina shouldn't feel the same. She had to live and not deny herself this happiness.

"... I don't want to be violent with you," Katarina said.

Was she talking to Severus? Remus wasn't completely sure, since he'd heard only Katarina. Did they have the conversation Remus had advised Katarina to have with the Potions master?

"Never again," she continued. "And I don't want to be violent with our child."

'Our child?' Had Remus heard correctly? He was in shock. Wha...

"You won't be," Severus' voice replied. "At least not with our child."

So... Katarina and Severus had got back together? And they wanted to have a child? Remus hadn't expected that. It was almost surrealistic. A few hours before, Katarina would have never agreed to listen to Severus. So... children? Dumbledore had been right to think that there was still hope for both of them. What had happened to make Katarina change her mind? Surely something Remus wouldn't like to hear about.

The rest of the conversation became too intimate. When Severus asked Katarina if she wanted to kiss him, Remus walked away from the staircase until he couldn't hear their conversation anymore.

He sat on a niche in the wall and thought. Katarina was afraid of hurting Severus and their future child. Remus recognized his own fears through hers. Not having mastery over yourself was terrifying. But what Katarina had said earlier about her parents had hurt Remus. How could she think it was her fault that they'd been killed? That she was evil and had brought misfortune to people? Remus sighed. He knew that Severus' words hadn't been quite enough to convince Katarina that she wasn't dangerous. Such fears couldn't go away so easily.

Maybe Remus could do something to help her? He wasn't one to interfere in other people's business... But maybe he could try to speak with her and give her the opportunity to talk to him? What was he waiting for exactly? The occasion to talk to her? To tell her that she could confide in him? Or just that he missed her friendship? He didn't know...

He stayed like that fifteen minutes more, not knowing if he should leave or not. But, remembering that he had come to see Dumbledore, he decided to wait here and see what would happen. Would Katarina talk to him if she saw him? Would they manage to clear up things between them?

Remus stood up and stepped to the foot of the stairs. No voices anymore. The stairway appeared to be empty. But soon, Remus heard Dumbledore's door open. People descended the stairs. Remus moved a few steps away, feeling uncomfortable.

A few seconds later, Katarina and Severus entered the corridor. At Remus' sight, Severus' features hardened immediately. Katarina looked ill at ease.

"Lupin," Severus said coldly.

"Severus," Remus replied. He stared at Katarina. It was so good to see her alive. But how could he address her? Their last exchange had been so cold. What were they to each other? Family? Friends? Strangers?

"Captain Burns," he asked. "May I speak with you? Alone?"

Severus frowned. He clenched Katarina's hand in his and reacted as if he wanted to prevent Remus from approaching her. 'How unusual from Severus,' Remus thought ironically.

"I don't want to bother you," Remus continued, "but--"

"Really?" Severus replied icily. "Yet it's what you're doing, Lupin..."

Katarina snapped her tongue in disagreement and pulled a face at Severus.

"Er," Remus added, not wanting to provoke a quarrel. "Maybe we should talk another time..."

Katarina looked at Remus and motioned for him to stop talking. Then she turned back to Severus and looked him straight in the eye. Severus stared at her too. Remus felt they were talking to each other. It was strange to witness their silent discussion, to see that they understood each other with just a stare. After several seconds, Severus looked displeased. Finally, in front of Katarina's determined stare, he appeared to give up and sighed.

"All right," he said. He turned to Remus with a murderous stare. "But I warn you, Lupin..." he continued. "We're engaged. So you'd better only think of her as a sister or..."

Engaged? Remus was a bit surprised. But finally, if they had planned to have a child so early, they could have planned to be married even sooner...

"Severus," Katarina interrupted, "I think he understood the general idea..." She appeared to be embarrassed.

She looked at Severus again, but Remus detected a touch of tenderness in her reproachful stare.

"I'll wait for you at the stairs," Severus said, pointing at his right.

"I won't be too long," she replied.

Severus turned back to Remus.

"Be careful, Lupin," he hissed. "A Death Eater in disguise tried to kill her one hour ago. Get your wand at the ready. Pay attention to any sign of danger."

Remus nodded, relieved to hear such information now that he was sure that Katarina was all right. Had he known about that before, he'd have worried even more. Anyway, he wouldn't allow anyone to hurt her.

"I know how to defend myself!" Katarina exclaimed with irritation. "I'm an Auror!"

"An exhausted Auror who fought a part of the night and almost died," Severus responded. "As such, I expect Lupin to be vigilant as if his life depended on it... which is actually the case."

He cast a threatening look at Remus, which meant he'd kill him if anything happened to her. Then he left with a jerky gait that proved he disliked what was going on.

Katarina and Remus stood alone in the corridor without talking to each other. Finally, Katarina broke off the silence.

"He's damn paranoid," she muttered.

"I... I think he has the right to be paranoid today," Remus replied sincerely. "In his place, I would be too."

Silence came back.

"So," Remus continued, trying to find something to break off the silence, "you're engaged again?"

"Yes," Katarina replied. Colour rose on her cheeks. "It's just... for the moment..."

"For the moment?" Remus repeated, surprised.

"I mean," Burns replied, "it will be a long engagement... I hope. No marriage, but a serious commitment. We need time. Trust... doesn't come back in one day."

"I understand," Remus responded. Yes, it would take time to rebuild the trust they'd had. These things were always complicated.

"So," he said, "I suppose you sorted everything out with Severus."

"Yes," Katarina replied. "It was just... a terrible misunderstanding." She gulped and looked more embarrassed than ever.

"Er," Remus said, jumping right in, "Captain Bu--"

"Katarina," she interrupted. "You can call me Katarina. As... as before..."

Remus took several seconds to reply.

"So I suppose you're not dying anymore," he said finally.

"It seems so," Burns responded. "I feel better now..."

"That's very good news," Remus replied. "I worried about you." He stopped, hoping that Katarina would say something. But she didn't reply.

"So..." he continued.

How could he tell her she could confide in him if she needed to?

"Do you... Do you have plans for the future?" he asked. "Dumbledore said that you had applied to the Defence Against the Dark Arts post for only one year. Will you... renew your contract?"

"Yes... I think..." Katarina replied. She bit her lip. "I mean, I hope that I'll stay at Hogwarts for a while... "

"Hope is good," Remus replied.

"Hope is all that I have," Katarina responded. "Life is so cruel sometimes. You can lose everything in less than one second."

Remus perceived the bitterness in her response. But who could blame her?

"Yes," he replied. "One second and your whole life can change dramatically. One second... just time enough to be killed... or bitten..."

Katarina raised an eyebrow.

Remus took a few seconds to search for the appropriate words. Finally, he continued.

"Severus doesn't know," he said.

"He doesn't know what?" Katarina asked.

"What it is to have a part of yourself you can't control," Remus replied. "To be afraid you'll kill the persons you love." He had finally said it.

Katarina appeared to be taken aback. Finally, a sigh escaped her lips. She looked sad.

"No, he doesn't know," she replied. She stopped.

Remus felt the hesitation in her voice. Would she confide in him? With a stare, he encouraged her to do so. Severus would probably never fully understand her problem. But Remus had the same fears as her. And he was her friend, and somehow her brother. Not her lover.

"He has so much faith in me," Katarina responded. "Maybe too much faith... I... almost killed him last night, and yet he saved my life." She paused. "What if he made a terrible mistake? What if one day he regrets his choice?"

"I don't really know him," Remus replied, "but I'm convinced you're not a choice he'll ever regret."

"Today," Katarina responded. "But what about tomorrow? What about the future? He could regret saving my--"

"You saved my life," Remus said. "I could have bitten you or killed you. Do you think that one day you'll regr--"

"No," Katarina interrupted. "Never."

Remus smiled slightly. "I think you have your answer. You never regret saving the life of someone you really care for."

"This is not... exactly the same," she replied. "First, we've been almost raised together. Killing you... was out of the question. It's not your fault you're a werewolf. You weren't meant to be a werewolf when you were born. And you only transform on the full moon -- at least, when you're not kidnapped by Death Eaters and drugged --." She paused. "This is quite different for me," she continued. "My power, whatever it's based on, is a dangerous heritage, transmitted by a very dangerous Dark-Sorcerer. I'm totally unpredictable."

"I don't understand what you're trying to say," Remus replied.

"Severus is scared of the werewolf in you," Burns replied. "Yet, he knows that it's not in your bloodline. And he knows when your transformations happen." She paused. "He hasn't realised that I am a kind of werewolf too. But the werewolf in me can come anytime, and I can transmit this heritage to my children. I could even kill them without wanting it. I told you, I could have killed Severus last night." Her voice shivered. Her eyes moistened. She looked away.

Remus was so surprised that he didn't reply immediately. Severus' opinion about him and werewolves was clear. Remus couldn't ignore the scornful way the Potions master stared at him. But he also knew what Severus thought of Katarina and the way he stared at her.

"Severus may not understand your internal struggles," Remus responded finally, "but it doesn't matter. He's aware of who your ancestors are and your fears about that. Werewolves may scare and disgust him, but I'm sure of something: If I had bitten you, he'd have killed me, but he'd have never given you up. Even if you had tried to push him away to make things easier for him."

Remus cast her a knowing stare. He wasn't only mentioning Severus.

Katarina probably took the hint, since she looked away. Remus felt she wasn't ready to talk about her attitude towards him. The way she'd rejected him to protect him from the truth. Maybe he wasn't ready either. But she had to understand that some of her fears were unjustified.

"Think about it," he continued. "And don't forget that Severus is both a very powerful wizard and a Slytherin: he, more than anyone, has always been fascinated by Dark magic. I don't think that your origins, whatever they are, have ever bothered him. Remember that if he trusts you, there may be a reason. If you don't trust yourself anymore, trust him, and trust me."

"But what if in the end, I deceive you both?" Burns asked. "Or kill you both?" She closed her eyes for a few seconds with an expression of pain and disgust.

Remus' heart tightened. He knew this feeling too well; the fear of seeing disappointment or terror in the eyes of people you loved; the anguish of losing control and causing them mortal harm. Being frightened of yourself. But Katarina didn't deserve to live like that. She'd suffered enough.

"Listen, Katarina," he said gravely, touching her arm. She opened her eyes.

"I know how you feel," he continued. "I have the same fears as you. But..." He looked at her with a serious stare. "Stop feeling guilty for who you are. You're not evil! Stop thinking that you bring misfortune to people or that your parents died because of you. They loved you. And they are not the only ones..." He paused. "Nothing in the world will change that," he said. "Not even death or family ties to an evil dead Dark Mage."

"I am evil," Katarina replied.

"No, you are not," Dumbledore's voice interrupted.

Remus jumped, surprised. He hadn't noticed the Headmaster's presence.

Katarina turned her head and frowned.

"And neither was Sigurd," Dumbledore continued. "At least, not at the beginning."

Dumbledore stepped slowly to Katarina and Remus.

"Sigurd became evil because he was very miserable and could not do anything to save himself," Dumbledore said. "But you have something stronger than your fears, Katarina. You have Severus, who is ready to fight your demons with you. He has proved his complete devotion to you on many occasions. The real danger would be to fight these demons alone."

"If I'm not evil," Katarina responded mockingly, "why do you think that Severus must help me to fight my demons?

Dumbledore shook his head.

"Not these demons, Katarina," he replied.

Remus sighed. It would be difficult to convince her, even for someone like Dumbledore.

"You have a great power," Dumbledore continued, "transmitted by Grindelwald's bloodline. But you do not have to repeat Lord Grindelwald's mistakes. You are a Burns before all. The baby your parents chose to raise. The fact that you have the potential to use your powers for evil does not mean you will make that choice. You will certainly transmit your powers to your children, as Wizards transmit magical abilities to their children. But their upbringing will temper their choices."

"My parents never taught me to kill," Katarina responded. "And yet I did it. You can't imagine what I did to our dear Professor Blazy when I learnt he had killed my father. He begged me to spare him, although Bellatrix had just tortured me. Stupid man. He begged me, but I killed him with no remorse. And even now, I don't regret it." She smiled sadistically.

Remus was shocked. He had never known about that. Dumbledore had told him what he thought was necessary, which was not enough in Remus' opinion. But now, it was too much information at once. So Bellatrix had tortured her? And Katarina had killed Blazy because he'd killed her father?

"I really am evil," she repeated.

"No," Remus responded. His voice betrayed his emotion. "You're just human," he said. "Anyone -- even I -- would have reacted the same. Do you think Sirius and I spared Peter because we wanted to? We did it because Harry asked us to do it! Because he didn't want us to become murderers! If Harry hadn't been there, I'd have killed that traitor with no remorse! You--"

"This is not the same," Katarina interrupted. "I'm not talking about the simple act of killing. I'm talking about torturing." She snorted. "What does the great Headmaster, a man who advocates mercy, think of this?" she asked ironically, staring at Dumbledore. "Doesn't he think I should be imprisoned in Azkaban?"

The old man looked at Katarina with an impassive stare.

"No," Dumbledore responded. "I am not here to give my opinion on such matters. I cannot decide if you deserve a punishment or not for what you did. Nestor Blazy killed many people just for pleasure. You killed him because he had taken someone you loved from you. This was an act of vengeance. Were you right to do this? Certainly not. You made a wrong choice. But let me ask you this: Why did you spare Bellatrix at the time?"

"Because she was insignificant," Katarina replied. "She didn't even exist. The only one who mattered was--"

"... Severus?" Dumbledore continued.

Katarina nodded and looked away.

"So why did you not kill Severus?" Dumbledore asked. "If I am correct, at that moment, in that street, he was for you the one who betrayed you the most. He broke your heart. So why did you spare him?"

Good question. Now, Remus understood where Dumbledore wanted to go.

"Because despite everything, I loved him more than anything," Katarina responded in a whisper.

"Do you really think that any evil creature would have done the same?" Dumbledore asked. "You have had several opportunities to kill Severus. But you seized none. Even at your worst. Do you really think you could hurt or kill Severus now that you know the truth about him? Your will and nothing more prevented you from hurting him.

"You stopped me once," Katarina responded. "Remember the day Remus attacked me. I could have slit Severus' throat."

Remus gulped. He felt very embarrassed. Katarina appeared to notice.

"Oh," she said. "Er, sorry... It was just an example."

"I only called your name," Dumbledore replied. "I could not have stopped you. Besides... you were furious about what had happened to Remus. And I really doubt that such an awful event will ever happen again. Let us hope not." He paused. "Katarina," he said, "fear is a part of life. But fearing to lose control over your powers does not mean you will cross the line. Sometimes, there is nothing to fear except fear itself."

"But what if I was right to be scared?" Katarina asked with bitterness.

"If one day you feel you're becoming dangerous," Remus intervened, "tell Severus. Tell me. Don't keep it to yourself. And trust your heart. But don't give up your chance at happiness for something that may never happen. It would be a waste not to seize your second chance."

Katarina appeared to be thinking. Remus noticed that she had blanched.

"Are you all right?" he asked, worried.

"Yes," Katarina responded. "I'm just... a little confused. I think I'm still in shock after the last few hours... days... I'm exhausted. This is too much for me."

"This is perfectly normal," Dumbledore said. "I do not feel very well myself, although I drank a powerful lemon revitalising Potion." He smiled.

Katarina looked very weak now. Remus felt that the conversation had ended. He didn't want Katarina to faint. And he had told her all that he wanted to.

"You should rest now," Remus said, more worried than ever.

"I insist that you rest for the next few days," Dumbledore said. "I will put Severus in charge of your health."

Remus noticed Dumbledore's amused expression.

"Remus," the Headmaster added, looking at him, "I am going to Minerva's office. Hogwarts must be under repair very soon. If you want to join us, we will talk about all the details in a meeting in half an hour. Meanwhile, maybe you should try to convince Katarina that she needs a bit of holiday."

"I will," Remus responded.

The Headmaster disappeared around the corner.

"So," Remus said, "what do you think about Dumbledore's idea?"

"A few days to think of nothing?" Katarina responded. "With no obligations of any kind?"

Remus nodded.

"It would be nice," Katarina continued. "But I'm not the only one who fought last night. Many people have been wounded. I can't--"

"You have been wounded too," Remus interrupted. "You fought harder than anyone. Harder than I, since you sent me out of the castle," he said with a hint of reproach in his voice.

"Oh..." Katarina responded, "er, yes, I did that. That's what you're supposed to do when you... er... take energy from people. Grindelwald's old manuscripts mention that in such a case, you, er, have to send people to your former house." She cleared her throat in embarrassment.

"Grindelwald's old manuscripts contain such a strange rule?" Remus asked, amused. Katarina would deny that she'd sent him away from the battle to protect him. "So let's say that Grindelwald saved my life," Remus continued. "He should rest now. I insist." He smiled. "Don't forget what I told you. It was the sincere opinion of your childhood friend. Now, let's find Severus or he'll rush back to hex me. I'll come with you to be sure nothing bad happens to you."

***

Katarina stood in front of the stairs where Severus had been waiting for her. He looked upset and glared at Lupin's retreating form.

"You said you wouldn't be long," he hissed. "I was wondering what you were doing with Lupin!"

Burns rolled her eyes. Damn jealousy! Severus would never change! He'd never make any effort!

"I'm tired," she said, disappointed and hurt by his attitude.

She wanted to be alone and think... or just sleep. All that Remus and Dumbledore had said... Strangely, they had pacified her fears. But now, Severus' reaction irritated her. The best thing was to retire to her apartments for the next few hours or she would say things she'd regret.

"I'll return to my quarters to sleep," she said, and kissed his lips. "Good night, Severus. I'll see you tomorrow."

She turned on her heels, but Severus caught her arm, preventing her from leaving.

"What's that supposed to mean?" he snapped.

"I'm just tired and need to rest," Burns replied, as softly as possible.

"Really?" Severus whispered under his breath.

Burns perceived the sarcasm in his voice.

"What?" she asked, knowing exactly what was wrong.

"I don't want you to return to your quarters," Severus replied. "I want you to go to my quarters with me."

Of course he wanted that! But she wasn't in the mood anymore. She wouldn't let him make a scene or try to control her. She wasn't ready for that.

"I want to sleep, Severus," she replied. "Just sleep. I'm exhausted. Exhausted and... disappointed."

The words had escaped her lips before she could stop them.

"Disappointed?" he asked. He raised an eyebrow.

"Disappointed and angry," she replied honestly. "We just got back together, and you're already overreacting. Your jealousy is bloody disagreeable."

"I'm worried," he replied, "not jealous."

Burns frowned.

"What about your little scene with Remus?" she asked. "The 'you'd better only think of her as a sister' and all the rest?"

"Measure of precaution," Severus responded.

"You've just suspected me of being unfaithful to you!" Katarina spat.

"Not unfaithful," he replied. "I was just worried."

Burns snorted.

"I'm not jealous, but I'm still possessive," Severus replied. "I wanted Lupin to know that we are together." He paused. "I got angry because I worry about you." He looked hurt. "Are you playing with my heart again?"

"No," Katarina responded. She bit her lip. "I just plan to rest after all these events."

"To rest or avoid me?" Severus asked with a soft voice.

"I don't know," Katarina responded sincerely. "I'm so tired that I can't think properly." She repressed her strong urge to run away.

"Look at me," Severus said silkily. He took her face in his hands and raised her head, so that they could look each other in the eye.

"You're just having a crisis of panic," he replied. "That is what I feared. This is the reason why I didn't want to leave you alone with Lupin. I knew that in the end, you would think of running away."

"But I came back!" Burns exclaimed.

It was unfair! She hadn't broken up with him. She had just come back and said that she wanted to sleep alone in her quarters.

"Shhh, silly girl," Severus responded. "I know you came back. But now, I have to make you stay with me again. It's just a temporary crisis of panic. It won't last. Our reconciliation is too recent. That's why we mustn't be separated, even for a few minutes."

He kissed her forehead.

Burns sighed. He was right. She was governed by her fears. Sometimes, she felt a rush of fathomless terror overwhelm her and wanted to run away as far as possible from Severus; like a few hours ago, when she'd realized that he really loved her. And the exhaustion didn't help.

"I won't let it happen," Severus added. "I want us to go to my quarters together. I want you to stay with me."

Staying with him? Yes, she wanted to, but...

"I'm really tired, Severus," she replied. "And I'd like to sleep. Really sleep. Do you understand?"

"I can sleep," Severus responded. He smirked. "I'm not a twenty-year-old boy. I can sleep with you in my arms and resist temptation."

"But what if I can't?" Katarina asked.

"It won't bother me," Severus replied with a seductive voice. "I don't have a dangerous secret anymore. I can sleep with you in my arms and cede to temptation."

Burns couldn't prevent herself from laughing.

"I just want us to be together, Love," he continued. "The rest depends on you. And I told you, my quarters are yours as well as mine." He paused. "Actually," he continued, and looked at her with a serious expression. "What about moving into my quarters? Indefinitely?"

Moving to his quarters? This thought was both frightening and appealing. It was a great step in their relationship. Maybe it was much too fast. But it was also very tempting. Would Burns really manage to sleep alone in her quarters, thinking she could be in Severus' arms? Now that the rush of panic had passed, she felt she'd miss him too much.

"Do you realise you said you didn't want to scare me?" Burns replied, a bit amused. "And now, you're asking me to move in with you? That is scary!"

"Maybe," Severus replied with a devouring stare. "But I don't want to waste another second, silly girl." He looked at her expectantly. "What do you think about it?"

"Let's go slowly," Katarina replied, although she felt herself giving in under his stare. "I suppose I could bring some of my clothes to your quarters, as a beginning. And I could stay with you today, and maybe... tomorrow..."

"And the day after?" Severus asked tenderly.

"Maybe..." Burns replied. "But for the moment, let's just think of today. Let's go to my quarters and get what I need for the next few hours."

Severus' mouth twitched.

"I have something to confess," he said. "I promised not to lie again, which means I can't hide the facts to you any longer."

Katarina raised an eyebrow. What had he done?

"I have taken the initiative to ask an elf to bring some of your belongings to my quarters," he continued. "Since you had mentioned your desire to be alone with me and have me for your own... I thought that you'd appreciate the gesture. Are you furious with me?"

In other circumstances, Katarina would have felt irate. She didn't like such initiatives, taken without her consent. But this one was different. Severus hadn't misinterpreted her words. And he had told her the truth.

"No," she responded. "I'm not furious. I should be, but I can't be. I think you have a bad influence on me."

"I hope so," he replied. "May we leave now?"

Katarina nodded.

Without warning her, Severus lifted her in his arms.

"What are you doing?" she asked, surprised, hanging to his neck.

"Bringing my wife to our quarters," he replied softly. "I will certainly not let you walk up there in your state."

Burns she felt too tired to object.

"Don't you think it's disgustingly romantic?" she asked.

"I can live with it," he replied.

***

Author Notes:

First of all, I really would like to thank my Beta-Reader, Eudora Hawkins, for all her corrections and advice (and patience, lol). You did a wonderful job and allowed me to "go further" in all that I did when I wrote this fic! And not only for this fic, actually! ^^ Every time I write something (about "Harry Potter" or just my original works), I try to think of all the little details that would make the story credible. So thank you for all that you did, it was more than helpful! Correcting more than 900 pages (And I don't even count the intermediate versions) must have taken a lot of time and energy. I was very lucky to find you! Working like that was a fantastic experience! I can't sum it up with words!

So, wish you the best! You really deserve it!!! ^^ *applause*

And thanks to sevysgalypaly123, maverick87, Lady Claire, Be Cunning, BlueMoon71, blackeaerials, and all the persons who reviewed before. I'll reply to you personally in the review thread for Chapter 59. Reviews are so important when you write!!!

Sorry it took so long to post this chapter, but I was busy, busy, busy, and tired, tired, tired...

As I said previously, I have planned to write a little sequel with Katarina and Severus. I'm thinking of it, I have ideas, but not much time. So be patient! I may be late, but I won't give up! If you want to ask me about the progress of this sequel, yell at me because I haven't posted yet (lol) or be notified when I post it (or anything else), just owl me!

So now... PLEASE REVIEW! I'll keep replying to you in the review thread. Of course, any new review will be welcomed! ^^

***

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