The Sleepers Awake

Chapter 4: Twin Souls

Severus Snape may have lost his first opportunity. He was not going to loose his second. "And what will you say to her eh clever clogs," said the small voice inside him. Filled with uncertainty, he decided to follow her. "An opportunity will present itself," he thought. "Saying it won't make it so, Snivellus," said the voice. But follow her he did.

Erszhebet made her way through the throngs of people in Washington Square Park. As she neared her exit, a group of rowdy teenage rollerbladers slammed into her hard, knocking her over. As she fell forward she hit her forehead on a rusty bit of metal sticking out of a rubbish bin, slicing open the flesh between her eyes. Severus ran quickly to her, knocking people out of his way in the process. She was lying on the ground, which was getting covered in blood, and obviously in pain.

"Somebody call an ambulance," he heard someone say.

"Don't worry, mademoiselle; it will be alright," said Severus, in French.

Erszhebet was in a daze; perfect French. Where was that silky voice coming from? Someone was holding her. Someone in black. English, not American.

She lifted her head up, the flesh between her eyes flapped open and found herself looking in to the black eyes of Severus Snape. She was blinking rapidly, feeling the blood run down her face. There were gasps and murmurs at the sight of her wound. The music in the park had stopped.

"I...I'm...bleeding...it hurts...please...please help me," she said. Tears had started falling uncontrollably and she was trembling.

"Here, use this to stop it. It's clean. Keep it," said someone else. A small crowd had gathered.

Severus looked at the material he had been handed; it was a small blue baby blanket. He held it to Erszhebet's head and cuddled her in his arms. The young woman looked into his eyes. He had not flinched looking at her and her wound.

"Please make them go away," she pleaded softly, embarrassed. She could not help her tears and upset.

"Move back, give her some air damn you!" shouted Severus to the crowd. "Bloody Muggles," he thought.

Just then a police officer turned up. "All right, all right people, show's over. Nuthin' to see, You got no bidness heeuh, move alawng," The officer shooed the crowd away with his nightstick.

Severus did his best to comfort her. Erszhebet cried softly; allowing herself to be comforted by this mysterious stranger with the pale skin and black eyes.

Severus looked down at the young woman in his arms. She was so lost and vulnerable in her distress. He had never allowed himself to be this moved by anyone before, except his mother. "Shhh, shhh; it will be ok," he said banishing thoughts of his mother from his mind.

"Anybody call an ambulance?" the officer asked him, looking at the young woman. There was a sharp intake of breath as he surveyed the scene before him.

"I am not sure," Severus replied stiffly. "I know that it was suggested." He was not about to reveal that he did not know what an ambulance was. Damn it, he wished he could use Wizarding healing techniques. It just wouldn't do in this situation. Even if he could, Severus did not have what was needed. He frowned. He did not like to see her suffering like this.

The bleeding showed no signs of abating.

"Head wounds are serious stuff, we can't wait for the ambulance. Make sure blood doesn't get in huh eyes; could blind huh. I'll take you to the hospital," said the officer. "Come wit me."

Severus put Erszhebets left hand on the blanket and stood up. There was quite a bit of blood on him. "Will you be alright holding that," he asked her gently.

"I think so," she replied thickly.

"I am going to pick you up. Press as hard as you can against it, ok?" he said.

Erszhebet did as she was told.

Severus picked up her shoulder bag and then picked Erszhebet up in his arms. She slid her right arm around his back, holding onto him tightly, laying her head on his chest. She closed her eyes, feeling dizzy. Severus looked down at the woman he had fallen in love with on the NYC Subway. "Keep your eyes open; you mustn't fall asleep," he said softly. He followed the police officer to his car; he gently put Erszhebet in the back seat and then got in next to her. He took her in his arms again holding the red-stained blanket to her head.

The police officer called in the situation as the police car raced through traffic with the siren blaring the whole of the way. Luckily NYU Medical Center was nearby. A nurse was waiting with a wheel chair when they arrived. She pulled the blanket away and gave a sharp intake of breath; the wound was sliced through almost to the bone.

"This is very deep, at the very least she will need stitches; she might have to stay overnight," said the nurse to Severus as they made their way into the Emergency Trauma Unit. "Are you with her? What made the wound, how did it happen?" she asked. Severus said that yes, he was with her and then explained what he had seen. "She will have to get a Tetanus booster too," said the nurse. "You need to fill out some forms," she said handing Severus a stack.

"Do you have medical insurance?" Severus bent down, he could not help it - but he was tempted to stroke Erszhebet's cheek. "Do you have medical insurance?" he asked her, speaking in French again. He erred on the side of exercising restraint.

"Yes, my bag...," she replied, her voice trailing off. "Wait out here, shouldn't be too long," said the nurse to Severus.

Erszhebet looked up at her knight in shining armour, "Will you stay with me please?" she asked, blinking. The light was hurting her eyes.

Severus kneeled down until he was eye-level with her. "I was not planning on leaving you," he replied. "Don't worry, I will be right here waiting for you," he said in English low enough only for the two of them to hear, looking into her beautiful eyes.

"Thank you, for everything," Erszhebet replied; to Severus' surprise, and her own, she impulsively kissed him - on the mouth.

[[[]]

While Erszhebet was being tended to Severus handled the formidable stack of paperwork. He opened her shoulder back and took out her wallet. He looked through the identification documents including a French driving license and a MedicAlert card. All this time had passed and he still did not even know her name. He looked down.

No. Not possible.

Erszhebet Severina Bathory.

Can't be. Severus blinked his eyes and looked down again.

Erszhebet Severina Bathory.

Bathory. Erszhebet. That name was familiar to him. He had seen it before, perhaps even spelled differently. But Severus could not recall where or why and how. Too much was going on; perhaps it would come to him when things had calmed down.

Severina.

"I'll be damned," Severus said to himself in shock.

[[[]]]

Severus handed the completed paperwork back to the rather harried old nurse at reception. He was filled with nervous energy and decided to stretch his legs. Anything was preferable to tedium and grimness of the waiting room. As he made his way to the cafeteria he contemplated the morning's events.

It was not normally like Severus to be filled with nerves and unable to control them. Not only had he found the young woman from the night before, but something outside of them was definitely conspiring to bring them together. It was a rather fortuitous yet curious turn of events that Severus found himself worrying about her; this young woman who had so captivated him the previous evening.

This was truly remarkable; for Severus Snape the adult had repressed his emotions and would not allow himself to feel for anyone or show anything other than coldness, hatred or nastiness. Completely unlike the emotional child he had been who cried and recoiled in terror from the never-ending systematic abuse that his father directed towards Severus and his mother.

In Sejanus Snapes' eyes, emotions were a sign of weakness - he took every opportunity to punish his wife French wife Severine and their son Severus for this and many other infractions and imagined insults to his character. There was nothing in Sejanus Snapes' personal background to suggest or encourage such a cruel, hateful and cold-blooded nature. He just was what he was. Sejanus would rather have people fear him than like or respect him. His family was no exception. After Severus' mother had died at the hands of his father, the young Severus Snape learned very quickly to get his emotions and any other perceived faults in check. At stake was his very survival.

The Dark Lord Voldemort too had used anything and everything to hold sway over his followers and his enemies. Severus was no fool; wearing your heart on your sleeve or giving in to haunting memories would get you killed. It was a fact, not a mere possibility. It was even more so once Severus had joined the Order of the Phoenix for the final war against the Dark Lord. One careless slip would have brought Severus a torturous death. Due to his turbulent family life and mistakes in life choices in the Wizarding world, it had been very necessary for Severus to subjugate every other aspect of himself almost to the point of elimination before the final fall of the Dark Lord at the hands of Harry Potter.

But Severus had also had to do an enormous amount of playacting to give credibility to his ruse in deceiving Voldemort and his followers. He had returned, yes; but he had only returned at great personal risk to himself to spy for Dumbledore and the Order. Few in the Order believed this. They believed the reputation and persona that Severus had carefully and cleverly crafted.

After Voldemort's eventual death most of the Order, including Harry Potter, thought Severus would take the opportunity to fill the void left by the Dark Lord. It was true that Severus was ambitious and cunning, attributes typical of all Slytherins. But he did not harbour any ambitions with regards to that kind of power. He was not interested in world domination unlike the Death Eaters who were now in Azkaban Prison. Severus had very different ambitions, outside of the usual ones for the Order of Merlin, and was only just beginning to understand what it was that he wanted the most. They were personal - a fact which would have been just as shocking for the Order as they had been for Severus himself.

How wrong the Order of the Phoenix had been, especially Potter who still would not admit it. Severus felt he as due a big apology; but he would never get it. But of course no one ever really knew Severus Snape save for Albus Dumbledore, Madame Pomfrey and perhaps Minerva McGonagall. No one else cared to. These three remarkable people had brought him back from the hell of his own making. And it was due to them that he now found himself here in New York City for his first ever proper holiday and was just beginning to find himself. He was not to realise it as he waited impatiently for the doctors to finish with Erszhebet, but this woman would be central to him finding himself and realising his hidden ambitions.

[[[]]]

Several hours and a load of paperwork later the doctor in charge of Erszhebets case released her. A different person wheeled her out into the waiting room where Severus now sat impatiently waiting. He did not trust Muggle medicine.

"Where is Poppy where you need her?" he had mused to himself ruefully, thinking of the Hogwarts Mediwitch. There was no one better when it came to healing whether in mind or body. She was one of the few people Severus had any modicum of respect for when it came to her profession.

"Neebody heeuhwitchoose?" the young porter asked Erszhebet in a heavy New York City accent. That damned accent was getting on Severus' nerves.

"I am," said Severus, striding over, having seen Erszhebet wheeled out from the treatment area and deciphered what was asked of her.

Erszhebet looked up, relieved to see him; grateful that he had not left her alone.

The doctor came out. "Mr. Bathory?" he asked having not even checked to see whether or not Erszhebet was married.

Erszhebet looked at Severus with surprised eyes and smiled, stifling a laugh. "Amazing how she could do that given the circumstances," he thought. But he could sense something else beneath her bemused exterior.

Severus tried to hide his amusement and dare he admit it, curious delight, at the prospect. "Yes?" he asked raising his eyebrows and looking at his 'wife' smiling at him.

"She can go home, but you must keep her awake for the next 8 hours. Not so much as a catnap and no alchohol," said the doctor. "Just a precaution against neurological damage," said the doctor handing Severus the discharge sheet with a list of instructions and medication Erszhebet would need along with his business card which had the doctors personal phone numbers and address on it. "Any questions or problems, feel free to call me. See you in a week for follow-up."

"The stitches can come out in a few weeks, maybe sooner, depends on how it heals," he continued to Severus. "Nothing for the pain for at least 12 hours, keep the injury clean. Change the dressings as much as you need to." The hospital needed the bed; the young doctor could not convince the head of the unit to admit her for a couple of days of observation. In truth, it was not a necessity. She had lost some blood, yes; but not enough for a transfusion. The young doctor had gotten dressed down by his superior for wasting time.

"Ahem, hem; Pardon me," interrupted Erszhebet glaring at the young doctor. "You presume too much and you should be addressing me. I am not a child or some imbecile who does not understand and cannot take care of herself." She was bristling with anger. "As it so happens, I am supposed to be in Paris in another week. I will follow-up with the Salpetrière!"

Severus was surprised at Erszhebets display of temper, and even more surprised at her comment about Paris. He did not want her to go. Not now. However he erred on the side of caution and opted to keep his own counsel. Severus did not want her to be angry with him before he had even had the chance to spend some time with her.

The doctor stumbled for words and attempted to give an apology. In turn, he found himself being dismissed.

"Can we go home now, dear?" Erszhebet asked Severus and giving him a sly wink.

He smiled back at her, his black eyes twinkling with a bit of warmth. "Of course, my darling," he replied in his silky baritone; he was enjoying their charade.

Had anyone from the Wizarding world witnessed this they would think they were ripe for commitment to the psychiatric wards at St. Mungo's. Imagine that. Severus Snape was not only with a woman; the bastard was actually pleasant. His usually empty black eyes, which Harry Potter had once described as 'cold empty dark tunnels' were anything but when he looked at Erszhebet.

[[[]]]

"Dereza cab outside," said the porter, gesturing towards the ambulance bay.

Several sets of eyes followed the couple as Severus wheeled Erszhebet towards the Exit.

"Guess she told you, Stratten," cackled the old nurse at reception, pleased to see someone put the condescending young jerk in his place for once.

The old nurse was gossiping with the surgical assistants about the young doctor. Since when did it take 4 hours to suture such a wound? The nurses in the ER saw right through it. The resident playboy always trying to "mac" anything with breasts.

The young doctor glared at them. He had taken longer than usual with Erszhebet, yes. Just making sure the wound was clean and that he did a good job on her stitches. Plastic Surgeon perfect for a doctor who wasn't one. But she would have a noticeable flesh colored scar despite his handiwork; a scar in the shape of a Crescent Moon to be precise.

[[[]]]

Erszhebet was dizzy and could hardly stand. Severus helped her into the taxicab and climbed in after her. "Merlin's Beard, these things are tiny compared to London," he thought as he tried to fit his long legs in comfortably.

Erszhebet looked at him closely. "All this time and I don't even know...what is your name?" she said softly.

"Snape; Severus Snape," replied Severus.

"No," said Erszhebet, her eyes wide.

"Oh, yes," said Severus smiling at the irony of their names. "Severina." There was, however, another thought about her name; a thought which he could not bear to give voice to.

"You are kidding me...," she said. "He looks quite handsome when he smiles," she thought, finding him very attractive nonetheless even when he did not.

"I assure you I am not," Severus said smiling. He showed her his British Passport. It was a matter of necessity for anyone from the Wizarding world who spent time abroad. The Ministry of Magic had an arrangement with the British government which enabled them to make identification documents. In these dark times one never knew what could happen.

There had been stories of witches and wizards stranded abroad without a wand and out of touch with others of their kind having not prepared carefully. In the Muggle world really you were nothing without documents such as these.

At least with these the British Embassy could get you home, even if they had to use Muggle transport. They had witches and wizards on staff. The key was in knowing what to ask for rather than whom. It was especially useful if you found yourself in trouble with Muggle authorities.

"Geez Louise mack, lady, I ain't got all night!! Where to??" said the taxi driver heatedly. As night fell the best money to be made on a Saturday night was at clubs and restaurants. He could get some decent tips. He had only agreed to this run as a favor to the Doc; he owed him a few.

"1313 Christopher Street," said Severus having memorized all the personal details about Erszhebet from her bag. He was surprised as Erszhebet put his arm around her and lay her head on his chest with her head tucked under his chin while she curled up on the back seat.

As Erszhebet cuddled him, Severus stroked her hair which had come undone. He was careful not to touch the rather large bandage covering her stitched up wound.

"Do you mind...this?" she asked looking into his black velvet eyes.

"I would mind if you didn't," Severus replied in that silky voice of his. Merlin's Beard, since when had he gotten so...cheesey, he thought cringing inside.

The driver stayed quiet and adjusted his mirror. They were foreigners, what did they know; he would take a slightly longer route to Christopher Street. He had been around too long to not know when there was going to be some action in his back seat.

There was a slight breeze through the open windows. It was still early in the evening but a bit dark due to the storm clouds rolling back in. "Hey, driver; no short cuts," instructed Erszhebet knocking on the Plexiglas partition that separated front from back. New York City taxi drivers were notorious for misleading anyone who was obviously from out-of-town in or who did not know their way around the city order to raise the fare.

The driver glared at her in the mirror. Little Bitch.

Severus looked down at Erszhebet, who was struggling to keep awake. Her eyes were closed. He touched her chin. "Hey mademoiselle sleepyhead, don't fall asleep on me now," he said gently in French. He wanted their conversation to be private, just for them only.

"Mmmm I was just resting my eyes," she lied, meeting his gaze. "You will have to help me stay awake."

Severus gave her a look, raising his eyebrows.

Erszhebet gave him a smile. Before each had time to think about it Erszhebet found herself giving Severus a kiss. It was not a little peck like at the hospital; it was a proper kiss which grew deeper as Severus responded.

After some minutes had passed Erszhebet raised up her head. The damned driver was going completely the wrong way and was almost on the other side of town. She ripped into the driver asking what did he think he was playing at taking them away from the direction in which they were supposed to be going and then proceeded to direct him to the shortest route to her apartment.

She was livid. Erszhebet did not take shit from anybody. For his part, Severus was getting angry with the driver for upsetting Erszhebet as well as the obvious delay in getting to her place. He kept this to himself.

Severus and Erszhebet both remained quiet until they reached their destination after the impromptu sight-seeing trip across town. Severus thought back to the hospital and to this latest incident with the driver. "No doubts about it; she is definitely a strong woman," he thought.

Severus admired that and liked seeing that side of her too; he was not intimidated by or turned off by it. Weakness was not an attractive quality. Erszhebet was obviously very connected to her emotions, but she was not ruled by them; she had a sense of balance within herself that Severus did not. She at least allowed herself to feel if her kisses were anything to go by. Erszhebet was not an insufferable goody-two-shoes nor was she dominated by darkness like he was. Severus found it - intriguing.

[[[]]]

Erszhebet and Severus were glad to finally be at her place. Severus got a jolt when he walked into her living room just off the Creme-coloured hallway.

He could have been in his suite of rooms at Hogwarts.

Erszhebets taste ran to gorgeous antiques and luxurious soft furnishings, just like his. Unlike most people who lived in lofts she did not particularly care for so-called modern or minimalist living. There were sumptuous tapestries and lush paintings adorning the walls. Rich supple colors of emerald green and paprika mostly accented the room, in addition to royal blue, gold and deep purple. The colour of the finished walls was a deep rich dark red. In the center of the exposed brick wall was a large American Victorian fireplace typical of older buildings New York City. Unusually, large - a person could actually stand up in there, he thought. Above it was a large antique mirror. "Gods, that is remarkably like the Mirror of Erised," thought Severus.

The floor to ceiling windows were covered in linen Roman-style blinds and woven draperies tied back to ornate black iron holders. Quality was obviously important to her; no expense was spared in this room. Severus looked around and the luxury hand poured candles and sumptuous cushions adorning the oversized sofas and chairs.

The built in bookcases held first editions of classic novels and literature. There were also classic works on Chemistry, Astronomy, Physics, Spirituality, Philosophy and Religion. She seemed particularly enamored of someone called Stephen Hawking. Severus couldn't believe it. Chemistry of all things; perfect grounding for Potions. All highly advanced tomes as well. She had a keen intelligence and some interests that matched his some of his own.

Erszhebets loft was simply amazing - even by Wizarding standards let alone NYC standards. It was spread across three very large floors and was at the very top of what used to be a chocolate factory.

The roof was all hers and she had a gorgeous roof terrace with a Jacuzzi and a large Observatory with Lunar, Tele and Sun scopes. The place was huge. The first floor contained a luxurious indoor Roman-inspired swimming pool; amongst other things.

The rest of the building was empty; she was in negotiations to buy the rest since no one new had moved in below after the last tenants left two years ago. Erszhebet watched quietly as Severus made his way around the vast room picking up this object or that; looking at this painting or that tapestry.

He also had to make his way around several piles of books, a guitar, a small keyboard, some CDs and handwritten sheet music strewn on the floor and her coffee table. There was a half-eaten chocolate éclair, an empty bakery box, more sheet music and an almost empty glass of milk on the grand piano to the rear of the room. Some of the keys had tell-tale signs of chocolate and custard cream on them.

The room could definitely do with a tidy-up, but it was a lovely room just the same. He was shocked when she revealed that with the exception of the furnishings, she had made a lot of what he saw here and had decorated it herself. No overpriced Interior Designers for her. She knew what she liked and loved the act and art of creating. The creative and performing arts were very important to her. It had taken Erszhebet years to do what Severus saw here - but she was proud of what she had accomplished. "Rightly so," thought Severus.

Erszhebet sank down onto one of the three oversized sofas in the room, the one facing the fireplace, putting her throbbing head into her hands. She could not help it; tears brimmed in her eyes.

Severus knelt down in front of her. "I have been so inconsiderate," he thought. "Erszhebet, are you alright?" he asked. "I know it must be very painful." She looked pale and distressed.

Overwhelmed by pain, tiredness and her attraction for this mysterious stranger; all she could do was nod - tears streaming down her face. Her lips were trembling and she started to shake.

"Everything is getting on top of me," she said, choking back a cry.

Severus moved the sheet music that Erszhebet had sat next to. He sat on the sofa and pulled Erszhebet into his arms pushing her hair away from her face. She felt hot. "It's been one hell of a day. I'm sorry they won't let you have anything for that." In the Wizarding world it would have been different; she would not have had to endure so much suffering.

"I'm so tired," she said fighting fatigue.

"I know you need some rest; but you can't sleep yet. Not for another few hours," he said.

"Are you leaving?" she asked wearily, sounding worried. She didn't want him to go. "Stay with me Severus, don't leave me." There was no tone of begging in her voice. She just wanted him with her.

"Do you want me to stay, really?" he asked, looking at her, trying to hide his amazement. It had not occurred to him to think about what happened after he met Erszhebet let alone if he took her home. Coming here like this had never even been a remote possibility in his mind. No more than actually finding her and speaking with her.

Severus was tempted to use the Legilimens technique, but that would be dangerous given her injury. He wouldn't take that risk. The adrenaline of the situation was obviously wearing off for her. She looked exhausted and in pain. No, she wasn't thinking straight.

Erszhebet looked at him in disbelief. She was angry. "I am not in the habit of making a public display of myself with someone whom I don't want to stay," she said. "Not that I do this or even all the time, you understand. I am nobody's whore, Nobody's! Goddess and God help me please. You, Severus, you are different. There is something real and palpable between us, we both know it. But, do not expect me to explain what I also do not fully understand!" That was a bold statement, but it was the truth.

Severus, not used to such thoughts about himself or being spoken to in that way, did not know what to say. Normally he might have said something scathing or insulting in defense and that would have been that. He was struggling to accept her feelings for him even though he wanted her to have feelings for him. He was struggling to accept his own feelings and surfacing instincts in this situation.

The Goddess; he knew that there were Muggle spiritual paths that acknowledged the Goddess and her consort the God. The Muggles he had come across which acknowledged this usually had Witchcraft and/or the Earth Religion Wicca as their path. The Old Ways of the Wizarding world acknowledged this also. Some Muggles were closer to the truth than they realised.

"He is holding back a lot - and it is so deep within," thought Erszhebet picking up on his struggle with his jumbled emotions. "Conflicted and complex he most definitely is. But he is not Patrick. No, not all."

"If you want me; I will stay," he said after a moment of energy-rich silence between them. "I want to stay." Severus leaned in to kiss her, but then pulled away unsure of himself. "I will stay as long you need me; as long you want me." "Since when are you so weak?" said the small voice.

"I do, you know that" she said softly taking his face in her small artist's hands and kissing him. "I need a bath and you will too...," she said changing the subject and touching Severus' shirt.

Severus looked down at his clothes, soiled with her blood. "I will need to get my things from the hotel; it's near Central Park," he said reluctantly. He didn't want to leave her. He felt that if he left all this would disappear and that he would find it was all a dream. He did not want this particular dream to be over. Erszhebet was feeling the same.

"There are shops in the neighborhood where you can get some clean things if you don't want to go back to your hotel tonight," she said. "Since you have to do that you may as well go get your things."

Severus frowned. He did not want to risk leaving her alone in the condition she was in. Erszhebet was already struggling to stay awake as it was.

Erszhebet picked up on this. "Do you have a mobile phone? I will program my number into it."

Severus panicked, but it did not show. Taking a gamble with the truth he said, "No, I haven't felt the need for one before. Mug...technology is not a strong suit of mine."

"Thank God for that," she mumbled. Severus heard it and knew she was referring to Patrick.

"Here," she said, handing him a small silver object. "Take mine then."

Before Severus could panic Erszhebet showed him how it worked. Apparently she had a new G3 model that was quite the business in terms of what it could do. She had been mad enough to spend $20,000 on a limited edition put out by some famous designer. He looked at the casement. Was that his imagination or were those diamonds? "Sometimes I have more money than sense, listening to someone I shouldn't have," she said. Patrick again. "Unlike others of these, this one will work anywhere, even underground."

As Severus was unfamiliar with most Muggle technology he did not know just how unusual this was.

"Guard that with your life," she joked. "Seriously though, that thing is a muggers dream," she said.

"Muggles?" he asked, shocked. Had he just heard her say Muggle?

"Mugger...a thief," she said. "I guess you don't call them that in Britain."

Her home phone number was stored in it. All he had to first was flip it up by pressing this button on the casement, then press one button twice to retrieve it and then another with a symbol on it to dial the number. He needed to click yet another symbol to end the call and turn off the phone. "You can leave a message after the beep if I don't pick up, it will give you instructions if you can't get through" she said, "If I don't call back straight away then you know something is wrong. If I pick up and say something - strange - then something is definitely wrong. And please don't shout into it. I don't need a burst eardrum or a bigger headache. How is that?"

"You must really trust me," said Severus looking at this obviously expensive piece of Muggle wizardry. He also noted that she took a lot more care explaining it to him that you would expect Muggle to Muggle. Do all Muggles have a strategy for what happens if something is wrong or was he being paranoid?

"You have earned the trust I have given you so far," said Erszhebet.

"Why, why do you trust me?" he asked. "You haven't even known me for 12 hours yet. You don't even really know me yet," he said. "You can be a right bastard, eh Severus," said the voice again.

Erszhebet put a hand on his heart and closed her eyes. He could feel... what?...energy? She then did this to his Solar Plexus area. Severus stared at her, stupefied.

Muggles were not supposed to know how to do this. Even most wizards couldn't, and they definitely couldn't without a wand. Erszhebet took one of his hands and put it on her heart and then her Solar Plexus area. There were etheric cords between them. Heart to Heart and Soul to Soul. He could see them. He had read about this, but never seen it with his own eyes. Even in the Wizarding world he was sure it must be a rarity.

"Just what in the hell is going on here?" thought Severus. He had steadfastly always refused to believe in the possibilities of love and relationships. Both had always been denied him. This was the mark of Soulmates, of Twin Souls. This was not something he would have ever thought possible for himself.

"I just know that I can; it is a start albeit not a 'normal' one," she said opening her eyes, "As do you with me Severus." She knew it and so did he. Erszhebet noticed that her little exercise to detect the etheric bonds between them had not scared him off. Not yet. It had not scared her off either.

"We need to talk when I get back," said Severus touching her hair again and then kissing her. He just did not know what to make of this situation. Truth be told he was beginning to wonder if there wasn't some serious Dark Magic going on. It wouldn't be the first time he was set up to be humiliated. "Impossible," he thought. "Why else would someone like her want to be with someone like you," said the small voice. He didn't want to believe it. Not about this. Not about her.

He needed to talk to Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts who was also said to be the greatest Wizard of the age. He was; even though he kept passing Severus over for the Defense Against the Dark Arts Job and never told him why.

The only thing Severus knew with absolute certainty was that he was becoming attached to someone he only just seen 24 hours ago for the first time and that they are bonded to each other in a way that most couples believed they were but few actually were.

It was the stuff that Muggles loved to theorise about judging from what he had come across in Muggle libraries and bookstores over the years. But it was more than theory. A lot more than that. This situation was certainly proof of that.

"Yes," Erszhebet replied quietly. "We do have a lot to talk about, Severus. Both of us."

[[[]]]

Severus thought about nothing but Erszhebet as he made his way uptown to his hotel, showered, changed his clothes and packed.

TAP! TAP! TAP! A tapping noise broke his reverie.

Severus could not believe it; there was Fawkes resting on the coffee table in the other room with a package.

[[[]]]

Severus was in shock; Fawkes was Dumbledore's Phoenix and a lot faster and even more reliable than an owl. Being a magical creature the Phoenix could travel great distances at fast speeds when they flew. They could also Apparate and Disapparate at will and were not restricted in the ways that Wizards and Witches were.

He looked at the envelope; a Hogwarts seal, Dumbledore's seal.

Severus gave a deep angry sigh, "He never misses a thing, does he?" he said to himself. "How the hell is that?"

Fawkes gave an affirmative squawk and waited.

Well, it must be important for Dumbledore to not only have taken this trouble, but to have also sent the Phoenix. "I thought that was for Gryffindors only," Severus said sarcastically. Severus seriously hoped there was nothing wrong. He was not ready to go back to Britain just yet, but at least now he could send a note back with Fawkes.

Severus opened the note that came with the package first.

Dear Severus,

I hope this finds you well, now that you have finally taken a much needed holiday after all these years. As there are some time to go before the new term starts do not feel that you have to rush back Hogwarts. You are entitled to and deserve to have a personal life. I know that we have often disagreed on the subject, but I feel it is worth saying again. Put your heart and soul into your time away from here.

Life does not often offer us second chances at anything. Take this time to experience something new, to discover something new, perhaps something always denied you by yourself. Trust your heart and soul; not your Slytherin mind and inclinations.

I don't need to tell you this but it bears repeating even in these dark times: The next second is not promised to any of us. You know this better than anyone Severus. Start living, stop existing.

You might find it useful to go to 1919 Mockingbird Lane in West Greenwich Village to a shop with crescent moon hanging out front. Hopefully it is near you. I believe the nearest major thoroughfare is Christopher Street.

The little alley there leads to someplace you might want to explore, Salem Street and Malleus Maleficarum Way - though quite a dodgy lot tend to meander around the Way. Tap out the points of the Triquetra and that will get you through. Any questions, have a word with the shop owner Livia P. Halliwell-Munstor; she is an old and dear friend and is happy to help you and whomever else needs it. If she is not available ask for Marilyn, but beware of Herrmann or Granpa; be careful as Herrmann is a bit thick and Granpa is a bit mad, bad and dangerous to know, so don't take anything off of either of them. I shudder to think of the consequences. They are worse than the Weasley Twins if you can imagine that!

You mind find it useful if you ever in Paris to go to 333 Rue Esprit Du Corps to the Bistro with a full moon hanging out front. Go straight through to the courtyard and tap out the points of a pentagram on the wall with the full moon artwork on it. Do this over the artwork itself.

I trust you will find what you need on Rue Coeur Devant La Vérité more so than Le Boulevard de Mephistopheles. Or use one of the owners' rather interesting implements in lieu of a wand. Interesting sense of humour that man has. The Bistro owner is a Monsieur de Sade (I wouldn't trust him any female living or dead by the way); he can give any information needed.

If you want to send a message back, there is no need to write. Just tell the message bearer what you feel. The message will get back to me I assure you. He wanted to come to you if you must know; something that would not happen for anyone other than those who show me great loyalty. A worthy attribute not restricted to only those individuals of my former House.

I am enclosing some items which may be useful during your time away. I trust you already have most of these, but some extra never hurts. Once can never be too prepared as we well know.

You know where and how to reach me otherwise. Remember, Hogwarts is always here for those in need of it. Take care my son.

Yours truly,

Albus Dumbledore

P.S. If you pass a sweet shop stop in and try Jelly Beans; I am quite partial to the chilli-flavoured ones myself.

P.P.S. Remember, Olivanders is best when purchasing a wand.

P.P.P.S. Poppy sends her regards and says to tell you that Livia will have an ointment that you might find most useful in your travels. Apparently it is not available just yet here.

P.P.P.P.S. The shop has pretty, little contraptions called Bongs. Try "chilling out" a bit as Livia says. Stop thinking and overanalysing so much as the Americans say. Professor Sprout has enclosed a little something to help you on that count.

P.P.P.P.P.S. Minerva will take the little something from Professor Sprout something if you decide you don't want it.

Severus was in shock, it was too much to take in; he sat down on a chair and could only look at Fawkes. "That man doesn't miss anything does he?" he muttered, wondering how on earth did Dumbledore know? What was it that they all seemed to know? "Bloody annoying!" The man was not the greatest Wizard of the age for nothing despite some flaws.

Fawkes gave a squawk and draped his wing over the package indicating for Severus to open it.

Severus opened the package.

There were several types of Floo Powders including the internationals used for travel to and within France; some Whoopee Weeds (the little something) and other herbs from Professor Sprout; a small book of healing treatments and spells by one of the greatest Mediwitches that ever lived, Mother Secole, and some ointments and tonics from Poppy; maps of Malleus Maleficarum Way, Salem Street, Rue Coeur Devant La Vérité and Le Boule de Mephistopheles with shops details; an Invisibility Cloak; two pensieves and portable potion-making equipment and some hard-to-get ingredients from the dungeons. All in a nice carrying case. How convenient; it matched the trunks and luggage he already owned.

Severus frowned. He did not see the sense in some of the things which had been sent. He was on holiday for Merlin's sake! "Overkill," he thought.

He had never done anything to encourage anyone to care about him and do anything like this either. "Erszhebet cares about you already as you do her; She will show you if you let her," said the other small voice, the one he kept silent for all these years. "I don't deserve it, I don't understand it - what she sees in me," he said aloud. But he knew what Dumbledore was getting at. "You want it, you need it," said this other voice. "There is no shame in wanting to love and be loved; in loving and being loved." He had always been wary, a bit afraid of this voice. Severus Snape had been afraid of this aspect of his nature having denied and been denied it for so long.

Severus re-packaged the Whoopee Weeds and gave the package back to Fawkes. The weeds did have medicinal purposes and could be useful for some ailments and potions. However, it was not something that Severus had any interest in and did not need it regardless of the Headmaster's thoughts.

Snape addressed Fawkes: "It would seem that the Headmaster knows better than I do what is at work here, how I will never know. I thank him for everything and will contact him if I think I need to. At the moment, it would seem I do not. I guess it is safe to say that if I should not trust her then Albus would have indicated it. It does seem that he will not, as usual, tell me what he knows and how he knows it. So, I will just have to get on with things...I shall do," he said.

The idea of pouring his heart out to anyone, let alone a bird was not a comfortable one. Even if it was magical. "If I have to talk to anyone, it will have to be her that is obvious - Severina, Erszhebet," he said quietly to himself. Severus still could not get over their names. Specifically, how similar her name was to his mother's. That was the thought which had been to painful to give voice to. Severus Snape liked to be in control and he clearly was not in control of this situation.

Fawkes gave an affirming squawk and Severus gave him some chocolate before helping him out the sitting room window where the bird disappeared in a flash of flames.

[[[]]]

Severus rang Erszhebet from the hotel lobby after checking out. "I am on my way back. Are you OK? You haven't fallen asleep at all?" he asked. Interesting little gadget, this mobile phone.

"I'm ok; struggling a bit but to be honest I will be glad when you are back," she replied. "Severus?"

"Yes," he said softly

"I'm glad you are coming back," she replied.

Severus took a deep breath. "So am I," he replied after a moment's hesitation.

"I will see you in half an hour or so; I am taking another taxicab," he said. "Courage, courage, where is your courage," said the other small voice.

"Erszhebet," said Severus closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

"Yes," she said softly.

"No, not yet - not like this over a Muggle phone," said the other small voice.

"Everything will be alright; I promise you that," Severus replied. Just as strong and equal to "I Love You" in many ways for Severus Snape. But Severus would indeed come to love Erszhebet, as ridiculous as it might seem to himself or anyone else in the Wizarding world, and in time he would tell her so.

[[[]]]

Severus let himself in with the spare key that Erszhebet had given him. He left his bags in the hallway and went into the living room.

It was dark outside now and Erszhebet had built a fire and lit some of the candles in the room. She had also tidied it up. The room was now warm and cozy. Severus liked it. He liked it a lot. He noticed the large, Cream-coloured roomy sofa in front of the fireplace. A low rumble from outside. It was pouring rain now; a thunderstorm was brewing. "Made it just in time," he thought.

Severus heard a low hum and followed the noise to the back of this floor. Another room of good proportion; it had two large machines in it and some other Muggle contraptions. One of the machines seemed to have clothes in it. Severus could see through some glass in the machine and could see water and soap. "A washing machine," he vaguely recalled from a Muggle Studies book he had read some time ago. Some Wizarding families were starting to get these sorts of things. They were actually quite useful.

Severus made his way back from the utility room to the wide airy hallway and over to the staircase leading to the upper floor and rooftop, passing more rooms on this floor. Most had closed doors. Time enough to have a look tomorrow. He did not want to pry, thinking that would not go down too well with Erszhebet at all.

Severus made his way up the wide carpeted staircase. The rooms upstairs were just as large and as sumptuous as the floor below. He heard some humming and smiled, "She is happy," he thought. "You have made her happy," said the other small voice inside him.

The sound was coming from a bedroom. Severus looked in - there was a door slightly ajar on the far side of the room. He could see the flickering light of candles being reflected on the exposed wooden floor. There was a large fireplace in this room as well. It too had a fire. There was an oversized French 4-poster bed of Rosewood with luxury tapestry quilts and what looked to be linen sheets with at least a 250 thread count.

On either side was a nightstand with a black iron candle holder containing 3 candles; pink, red and white. Upon closer inspection he could see that they had been carved, dressed with essential oils and decorated with different colours of glitter and tiny beads.

A sizeable chunk of Rose Quarts crystal lay in front of the candles on each nightstand. One of the nightstands had an unwrapped bar of luxury chocolate. Severus chuckled, "she certainly knows her stuff, that is for sure," he said softly to himself. Pretty good Muggle magic, and very close to what he would have done. Severus was very impressed. That was saying a lot for a man who rarely allowed himself to be impressed by anything or anyone.

It was not possible that she could have done all this, tidied up and built the fires while he was gone. The candles had to have already been done. Severus got a sinking feeling in his stomach, hoping that Patrick had not been here; that she had never done any of these things for him.

There was a matching chaise lounge and two large comfortable chairs positioned around an antique Oak table. The walls in this room were a deep Emerald Green and were decorated with Venetian Masks. Severus padded softly over the Persian throw rugs to have a closer look. Interesting; she had signed each of them with the one name of Severina. So she had created these too. They were so beautiful; a few of them looked quite tragic and intense; with a strong connotation of Darkness. "In tune with her Dark side," he thought fleetingly. There were several large urns dotted around the room sitting on the floor. In these were any manner of reeds or large feathers or a combination of both.

There was a large ornate wardrobe in front of the bed. Muggle technology and what he recognised as Muggle music. Severus did not recognise the other things, but assumed they were for entertainment as well. He would have gotten a shock to the system had he actually looked closer. Erszhebet had a number of her own CDs, concerts and films on DVDs upstairs and down in addition to things she liked by other performers.

Severus closed the doors quietly looked around the room. He was glad that the entertainment things could be hidden from view. The room was spoiled with them out in the open like that. How remarkable that they shared the same tastes and preferences. Erszhebet was certainly one for atmosphere and details as was he, Severus noted.

Severus made his way quietly to the door where her humming was coming from and could just make out Erszhebet in a very large roll-topped bathtub with clawed feet. He had the same type of tub back at Hogwarts.

"I'm back," he said through the door.

Erszhebet gave a little jump, splashing some water out of the tub "You scared me," she said heaving a sigh of relief, happy to see him and not an intruder.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean too," he replied. Severus debated with himself whether or not he should go in her bathroom. He wanted to, very much so.

"Severus, you can come in; it's alright," she said softly.

Severus poked his head around the door after hesitating for a moment. She was beautiful sitting in her bath with her hair all pinned up. Spirals and curls fell out here and there. Her hair was slightly damp at the back. There was the slightest hint of bubbles It was a scented bath, something floral to be sure. Lilacs.

He stepped in and had a quick look around the room before turning his attention to her. It too was very large and sumptuously decorated. Another door on the other side of the room led to another large room used as a dressing room. No expense was spared in this room either.

This was a woman who appreciated good taste and sensuous comforts. Yet another fireplace. Erszhebet had not lit a fire in this room. The sole lighting in this room at the moment was candles; the same as the rest of the flat. Flat. More like a mansion high off of the ground, he thought. She obviously had done well for herself. Severus was assuming her money was made from fine art or arts and crafts. She was obviously very talented at it. "Do you like it?" came Erszhebets soft voice behind him.

Severus knelt down at the side of the bath as Erszhebet knelt in the bath, turning a bit as it was not wide enough for her to turn fully. Some water splashed out in the process. She gave him a hug; wrapping her arms around him, getting his clothes a bit wet in the process. They kissed deeply, happy to be together again. "I do," he said. "I lo--like what you have done. It's beautiful, just like you." Severus cringed inside at what he had said and the word he had almost said. Though it was his truth, he was not yet comfortable with expressing himself in that way. It was not often he had ever said a kind word about or to anyone. But it was true, the way he regarded her already. He would not yet allow any variation on the word 'feel'.

"I'm glad," she said, just before she explored his mouth with her tongue.

Severus didn't care about his clothes. His hands moved over her wet skin, savoring the silkiness and softness of it. Erszhebet did not pull away nor did she push him away. She had a beautiful body; a woman's body. It was soft and feminine. He liked it. He liked it a lot. Severus held her with his left arm and caressed her with his right hand.

As they kissed, his hand moved around to her front, stroking and caressing each of her full breasts in turn. Further south it traveled. Over the swell of her belly with its piercing of Rose Quartz to soft black curls. Soft black wet curls.

Severus hesitated. He wanted to touch her; to know her intimately, but having never had this kind of experience before, an experience that was not forced under the threat of death; he was not confident that what he was doing was right. He did not want to be like bumbling, clumsy teenagers losing their virginity. But in a sense that is exactly what he was.

Erszhebet sensed his hesitation. "It's alright. Don't worry about it," she said she said sitting back down in the tub.

"You should have waited until I came back," he said softly worried that he had upset her but could not bring himself to broach that subject. "You could have fainted or fallen and really hurt yourself." Merlin's Beard - he sounded quite the Professor.

Erszhebet looked into his black velvet eyes. "I'm sorry; I wanted to be clean and refreshed for when you got back," she said.

"No more baths without me," he said firmly.

"I promise only if it means you are taking them with me," she said teasing him.

Severus frowned; he was not used to the teasing that happens between lovers.

"I am not making fun of you, Severus," Erszhebet said catching the look on his face. "I'm sorry if I offended you." She looked - sad and disappointed. To anyone else it would have seemed like he was blowing hot and cold. Erszhebet knew that the truth was much more complicated than that. It was up to Severus to open up to her. This friendship and relationship was not going to be easy, she thought. Severus was going to have to work hard and Erszhebet was struggling with how patient and understanding she might have to be. "But not to the detriment of my own self respect if that is what it comes to," she thought.

"You haven't," he said tilting her head so he could look in her eyes. "I am the one who is sorry - I am just not used to this; not at all." That was all he was going to say, for the moment.

"I do need help with my hair please, if you don't mind; it's the bandage. I didn't want to get it wet," she said sitting back in the tub and pointing to a cabinet on the other side of the room. Best to change the subject for now.

Severus took out the herbal shampoo and conditioner. "Can you tilt your head back a little? He asked not wanting to get her bandage wet.

Erszhebet did as she was asked while Severus went to work on her hair. After wetting it and applying a bit of shampoo he gave her a gentle head massage as he cleansed. He was glad that she had given him an excuse to be here with her. He wanted to be, very much so.

"I am not hurting you am I?" he asked. "How is your neck?"

"No," she replied. "My neck is wonderful. I needed this." Severus applied the conditioner; he washed her back and gave her a massage until it was time to rinse it out.

"How was that," he asked, looking at her and trying not to stare her breasts or underwater.

"Wonderful; an amazing talent you have there with your hands," Erszhebet sighed, feeling totally relaxed and refreshed.

Severus held out his hands and Erszhebet took them, so he could help her out of the tub.

Erszhebet stood up, her tawny skin glistening in the candlelight. Severus could not take his eyes off her. "What have I done to deserve this," he pondered gratefully as he helped her out of the bath. "Imagine, that old man; you are actually grateful, for the attention of a Muggle," he thought. Grateful was not a term anyone would have applied to Severus Snape, particularly in reference to a Muggle. Severus struggled with this revelation from his conscious.

Before Erszhebet could reach for a towel, Severus scooped her up in his arms and carried her to her bed. It was dark out now; no noise save for thunder, lightning and pouring rain. He lay her down gently, his heart racing.

Erszhebet pulled him down next to her and then wrapped her body around his at first as Severus kissed her. He held her with one arm and with the other hand started to caress her wet body. She was not feeling the tiredness that had been hovering like a dark cloud all afternoon.

Before Severus could think about it, they took his clothes off, throwing them across the room and Erszhebet caressed his body as he had done hers and then explored him with her mouth. His whole body was as pale as his face and hands.

He was trim; but his body had a bit of the softness and swell that comes with Middle Age; not that Erszhebet minded. His arms and legs were muscular and he was obviously strong. She took pleasure in his body and in pleasuring him. Severus moaned with pleasure, the first time he had ever done so in his life. He was marveling at her prowess and fleeting wondered in spite of himself. if she had done this with Patrick.

"You should be resting now; we shouldn't," said Severus suddenly, panicked and pulling away from her. It was too soon for this. He tried to sound calm about it, hoping his voice and his action did not betray his inner turmoil. What he wanted was something he now found he almost feared.

Severus did not have the confidence he could please Erszhebet or that intimacy was something he could handle. He did not know what would please her. She most certainly was not like the women at the Voldemort and Death Eater revels which Severus had been loathe to be around; Women who had presented themselves to the public as pristine and proper when they were anything but, especially during those particular dark times not so long ago. Most of them had ended up in Azkaban as collaborators of the Death Eaters, but some were still free. Being Upper Class or extremely well-connected to the right people has its privileges regardless of morals or actions, even in the Wizarding world. The idea of it had filled Severus with rage and still did. Privilege had not been a part of his reality.

Erszhebet was certainly different, despite her Muggle origins; there was no denying it. However, Severus Snape just was not confident or comfortable with the unknowns of intimacy and sex with someone he was actually attracted to and might possibly be developing feelings for.

For every confident thought that tried to come to the forefront of his mind another would come contradicting it, blotting it out. It was like being a virgin all over again in many ways, only a hundred times worse. He was afraid of making a mistake; a mistake which would cost him her affections.

Erszhebet picked up on this and put a finger to his lips.

"Whenever you are ready, I am here for you," entered a thought to Severus' mind. The thought was not his own. He realized with a start that the voice he heard was Erszhebets, though she had not spoken. Her lips did not move; not once. He looked at his lover with surprise. "You are not alone in this; do not shut me out. If I am what you want then let me help you." Another thought.

"I don't know if I can," he said aloud frowning. This was all beginning to be too much and he was not going to break down. But these words were the most honest words he had ever spoken; they just came tumbling out.

"You can, you can if you want to," came a reply in his head again.

The truth now.

"I am may be more comfortable with being hateful and evil and cruel than with ever being caring," Severus thought. "But, I do know that I don't want you to hate me like everyone else does. I don't want you to be like them. I don't want to make you hate me," He was too caught up in the moment to realise that their empathic conversation should not be happening. It was yet another impossibility.

"You are not evil, not at all. You are not entirely bad, Severus, nor are you entirely good. None of us are. We are all a composite; the percentages, the balance differing from one person to the next. Some of us are decidedly more one than the other, but the choice is an individual one as to how the scales tip. Hate is an extreme force, and I do not have any reason to look at you in that way. Don't push me away, not now," came another thought to Severus. "You have to let me love you and allow yourself to be loved if it is my love that you want; It's the same for me you know...I have to let you love me, I have to let you inside; and it is not easy for me either I assure you."

Beautiful, intelligent, loving and wise; for Severus, in spite of any other flaws besides her obvious temper and untidiness, Erszhebet was all these things and more.

For the first time since learning of Lilly's death and only the second time in his adult life, Severus Snape found himself holding back a tidal wave of emotion. He could not look at Erszhebet directly and could only hold her tightly as he lay his dark head on her chest and shut his eyes tightly. Severus did not want her to know how tortured and anguished he was.

Erszhebet held Severus close in silence. She sensed the struggle and would not push. She held him and soothed him. In caring for Severus, Erszhebet accepted him for all of his complexities and contradictions perceived by her. He would have to do the same with her and Severus knew it.

Finally Erszhebet spoke: "You have shown me nothing but love, compassion and caring from the moment we met, Severus. Obviously you are capable of it. You do have a heart and it is not black and empty. You do have a soul and it is beautiful, not some dark empty abyss," she said aloud. "I never thought I would say this, and so soon at that, but I am not giving up on you Severus Snape, and don't you give up on me," she said softly." I know what has been locked tight inside you for far too long. It will take time, but surely we have to try?"

"But you don't know me; you do not have any idea about the things that I have done, that I have had to do," he replied, his voice a bit muffled.

"Nor do you have any idea about the things that I have done, Severus, things that I have had to do," she said quietly. "A dark past is not exclusive to you only. And you are not the only person in this world or any other to have ever suffered." The quietness of her voice made what she was saying all the more powerful.

Severus looked up at the naked woman who held him. What could she have possibly done to have a dark past? A realisation dawned on him. What could have happened to her? 'This world or any other' - an interesting turn of phrase he thought staring at her.

"You have no idea...but you will do in time, if you still want me," she said mournfully with a deep sigh, answering his thoughts; letting him go and turning away from him.

Severus lifted his head up, his black velvet eyes meeting her milk chocolate brown ones as he pulled her back to him.

"I do," he said quietly. "That is the only thing I do know with any certainly, the only thing I can say at the moment," he said. Severus took a deep breath and closed his eyes. No, he could not and would not say anything further on the subject. Erszhebet put a hand on one side of his face and kissed him on the end of his nose. Severus opened his eyes and put his arms around her, burying his head in her shoulder. He wanted Erszhebet to know that there was something there for him as well. But he was struggling.

"There is no rush," was her answer.

Severus wanted to show her. He could not give voice to his attraction to Erszhebet. However, despite his surprising lack of confidence he would show her. He would take that risk because he wanted Erszhebet more than anything else in this moment. Severus stroked between her legs and Erszhebet moaned as they kissed passionately. He worked his way down her body exploring with his tongue and hands, giving in to his desires. Unable to hold back any longer, Severus at long last eased himself on top of her. Erszhebet could feel how excited he had become. Her excitement matched his. Severus did not want to make a fool of himself. "Do you still want me, Erszhebet," entered a thought into her head.

"Yes Severus, I do; can't you tell?" she answered it. She only wished he truly believed it.

Erszhebet gasped with pleasure and surprise as Severus entered her and they found their rhythm. "This is what it is supposed to be like," came a fleeting thought to him. "This is what it is supposed to feel like when it's what you want." Their lovemaking was passionate and frenzied.

As they reached their peak Severus looked at her. He could not take his eyes off of her and her enjoyment of intimacy with him; her enjoyment of him. He was fascinated and captivated by it. Erszhebet was flushed, her face and body; perspiration mixing with the wetness of the Lilac-scented dampness from her bath. She was a sight to behold caught up as she was in the heat of this moment. She opened her eyes; hers locking with his as she neared the point of orgasm. When it became too much, Erszhebet pulled Severus down, kissing him passionately. Both let out passionate moans and cries as they climaxed together.

[[[]]]

Afterwards, Severus carried Erszhebet downstairs. Neither of them had eaten since morning and they were both ravenous. Erszhebet had ordered in some Chinese food while he was out. It was still hot; she had placed it in a warmer in the kitchen.

They enjoyed their meal in the living room wrapped in blankets in front of the crackling fire. Other than that the only sound was from the raging storm outside. Severus cleaned her wound and changed her bandage after their meal; medicating her with one of the ointments Poppy had sent; an ointment for head wounds and giving her a bit of a tonic to help her sleep and ease the pain.

Erszhebet would feel no pain from her injury going forward. Severus could not allow it knowing that he could ease her suffering. He would have some explaining to do; just not tonight. Severus could not face the monumental task of explaining exactly who he was, what he had done and the world he lived in tonight. "The quiet before the storm," he thought.

Erszhebet cuddled against Severus after he had given her a body massage. They were warm and cozy underneath the blankets which he brought down. Both were comfortable and content in their silence together. Severus looked down at the woman in his arms. Erszhebet had finally given in to the deep sleep that had threatened to engulf her most of the afternoon. She was at peace and he could not help but to gaze tenderly at the sight. Erszhebet was now the most important thing in his life. In taking care of her, caring about her and making love with her and to her something had changed.

"I am not going to loose you, I can't," Severus whispered softly to the sleeping form in his arms, kissing the top of her head. "What I have waited for and wanted my whole life was you." Severus did not want to face the prospect of returning to Hogwarts without Erszhebet in a few short weeks. The spectre of Lilly Evans Potter would haunt him no more as it had done, as he had allowed it to. That was the past and should be left there.

Severus and Erszhebet would lay there intertwined all night waking up in the morning in each others arms. Something else very new for Severus. Each held the other protectively. The raging storm outside could not dampen their combined sense of purpose. These Twin Souls were happy and grateful to at last have found one another.

In the coming days each would face startling revelations about the other and new ways of being, feeling and thinking. A new and more authentic life for each of them and for them as a couple was in store. They would need their strength, love, loyalty and togetherness. Dark, painful times lay just around the corner; Dark times which would put each of them and their love to the test and Erszhebets life at risk.