The Sleepers Awake

Chapter 12: I, Severus

Erszhebet had made herself and Severus strong tall lattes with thick cream and cinnamon even though she herself could not tolerate coffee too often. It was one of several food allergies which had caused no end of trouble if she had too much of it. But she needed the strong drink tonight - she had an aversion to alcohol.

Erszhebet went to her seat on the small sofa next to Severus; before she could sit at the farthest end from him, worried now that she had ruined everything, he pulled her down next to him spilling some of her hot drink in the process. Severus still wanted her, but was not about to go into it again. It was enough for one night.

Severus not want to give Poppy any more ammunition than she already had. It was clear that Minerva had had a word; as Poppy did not raise any personal questions or impertinent comments. Especially when she saw the injuries to Erszhebets feet.

Severus had brought in a chocolate cake she'd purchased a couple of days ago from her favourite French patisserie not to far from her loft. It was a nice compliment to the other desserts which had already been laid out.

"Alright then, your turn. How do you know about Patrick, Severus?" Erszhebet asked politely.

Severus hesitated for a moment and then took a shallow breath.

Severus explained how he had been in the restaurant seated next to them; hidden by plants and how he had overhead the conversation. He repeated that he thought people like Patrick were hemorrhoids on the ass of humanity given what he had said and how little regard for her he demonstrated. It shocked Severus that Erszhebet could even use the word 'friend' when mentioning the little bastard. The man clearly did not know the meaning of the word.

He went on to explain about how he had followed her to the Underground and ended up deep in bloody Brooklyn before he could cross over and come back to Manhattan.

"So that was you then; trying to probe my thoughts as I left the station that night?" she asked incredulously thinking her comment about him reading her mind was too close to home it seemed.

Poppy did not fail to hide her disapproval, "Severus I am surprised at you! You of all people! What where you thinking?!"

Severus was having the same thought as Erszhebet about her earlier challenge to him to 'read her mind'. "Just hear me out," he said defensively. "I know I should not have done it - but I thought it was warranted given seriousness of the situation."

"And what situation would that be then, Severus?" asked Erszhebet thinking that such a thing probably should not be undertaken lightly.

"I wanted to know something about the woman who had utterly captivated me enough to make me follow her and use that bloody decrepit Underground against my better judgment," he replied as if he were irritated.

Poppy giggled.

"Get a grip, Poppy," said Professor McGonagall, as even she laughed.

"Did I?" asked Erszhebet incredulously. "Really?"

"Yes you most certainly did; Really," Severus replied. "I sat across from you the whole of the way and you were so engrossed in your thoughts that you did not give an old greasy git like myself a moment's consideration." He sniffed as he pretended to be offended.

Erszhebet looked as though all the Christmases of her life had come at once.

Severus smiled inwardly as the look on his lover's face. On the surface his face was a mask of control. He continued with his confession and unconsciously stroked the back of Erszhebets hand which was now resting on his thigh.

"How could you not? When one considers that to turn the Legilimens technique back on the perpetrator is simply not possible - or is not supposed to be possible as far as I am aware - I barely slept that night after what you did to me, Miss Bathory," he said cocking an eyebrow. There was a hint of questioning in his voice as he tried to get his mind around it once more.

"That was you?!! I couldn't figure out where that came from! I couldn't see anyone on the platforms," said Erszhebet.

"That is because the train was departing with me standing at the doors of the car like a complete imbecile," replied Severus smoothly.

"Severus, are you saying that you couldn't execute the Legilimens; because of Severina, and that she returned it to you through a moving Underground train?!" asked Professor McGonagall. She now had all the proof she needed; she knew exactly who Erszhebet was and Albus would not be able to deny it.

"Goddess help me please," thought Professor McGonagall. Minerva did not want Erszhebet to hate her when she found out; or for Severus to hate her for that matter. "She is so innocent in all of this; they both are; just more pawns in a really bad chess match."

"Yes, Minerva, I do believe that is exactly what I am saying," replied Severus in his silkiest tone.

The three of them looked at Erszhebet.

"The next day, when you had your accident in the Square, I was restless and found myself taking a fast train to the station I remembered you leaving from," said Severus. "I just started walking, not knowing where I was going - it was if I was being guided from the moment I woke up and made the decision that I had to get out. And then I bumped into you in the little park."

"That was you too?!" said Erszhebet as she recalled her shoulder bag falling. "Have mercy that hurt," she said with a frown.

"Yes that was me," said Severus. "I am sure, however, that my little bump did not hurt nearly as much as this," he said as he traced her scar with a finger.

"I guess subconsciously I wanted to find you," he said. "I did want to see you again. I was not sure what to do when fortune smiled upon me, but I thought it wise to follow after you and take advantage of whatever opportunity presented itself."

"Hmmmphf; you most certainly did," said Erszhebet with a sensuous smile.

"I do not recall that you complained, Miss Bathory, not once," said Severus as he thought about their 10-minute snogging session in the taxicab from the hospital and of checking out of his hotel and coming back to her the night before.

"Remarkable, Severina; Merlin's Beard; makes me wonder what else you can do," said Poppy as she eyed Erszhebet beadily.

"Magic without a wand," said Erszhebet innocently.

[[[]]]

"You should not joke about such things my dear. Everyone knows you must have a wand in order to do magic; without it the energy is unfocused. One can't get a result without a wand," said Poppy matter-of-factly after the dust settled from the latest bomb being dropped that day.

"I can," replied Erszhebet. "I have never needed a wand, even Papa T could tell you that."

Even Severus' mouth dropped open at the thought of this.

"Papa T wanted to send me to Beauxbatons when he started to understand what was going on with me. Beauxbatons would not accept me. They are - very choosey in whom they accept and just taking someone off the street is not their way," she said.

"There was something else though; I don't know what. Sometimes I think Papa T knows more than he lets on; he won't say so it does not matter. Anyhow, they cared more about social connections and background than ability. They still do. I would not have been welcome there with those snobs and dilatants." Erszhebet thought only fleetingly of Jean-Hughes. No; she had no regrets, no regrets at all about Beauxbatons.

"It wasn't meant to be," said Poppy.

"You don't know the half of it," thought Minerva.

"Give us a little demonstration then," said Poppy. It was clear she did not believe it, not a word of it.

"Wingardium Leviosa," said Erszhebet. She levitated the chocolate cake and held it aloft purely with thought and concentrated energy. She gestured slightly with a hand, but it was not necessary. She moved the cake to one of the counters in her glass kitchen, careful not to hit any of the units. They were expensive to replace being made of frosted blue glass as they were.

"Merlin's Beard, I can't...How?" sputtered Poppy.

Professor McGonagall's eyes were wide; Severus swallowed hard in disbelief, but did not take his hand off of Erszhebets.

Erszhebet then closed her eyes and moved her hands between her and Severus and revealed the silvery etheric cords linking their hearts and souls.

"My Goddess," whispered Minerva.

Poppy was struck dumb, a rare occurrence.

Severus looked at Erszhebet and it in that moment everything came together and all of it made sense to him now.

There was a tense silence and then Erszhebet spoke.

"Papa T taught me charms to levitate objects and a few other things, once he discovered what I could do already on my own - it was an accident that he even found out," said Erszhebet. "The grand-père did not like it, still doesn't. Not one bit. And I have learned a bit more over the years. I think sometimes some of them seem to think it's a cute party trick."

"It most certainly is not, I can assure you," said Severus in amazement. "Gods, if Voldemort had ever known about you...," he murmured under his breath. Everyone had heard what he said, though. Unmistakably and the implication was clear. It was too much for Severus to take in, no matter what he felt for her. It was...unnatural....preternatural.

"Well some of his predecessors were almost as bad and that is saying something. Probably why this man wanted her to go to Beauxbatons," said Poppy.

"She would not hve been safe there, Poppy. Olympe always worried more for her own neck and her precious school in the end," said Minerva bristling. "Neither she nor most of her students were as helpful as they could have been. Especially with You-Know-Who; they just sat by and got on with their lives and let us do all of the dirty work. Fleur Delacour was the most notable exception. But being part Veela; she had her own reasons for wanting to get her own back at You-Know-Who."

"I know about this - this Voldemort and about the others before him. Your world is no better than this one. There is always some mad man, evil incarnate, who wants to rule the world and everything in it. To me magic makes politics and such ambitions worse; ten times worse. God forbid if Hitler had or some terrorist group now harnessed the power of magic...that is what he was, this Voldemort; a Metaphysical Terrorist, Metaphysical Despot," said Erszhebet with a shudder.

"Well, I never," said Poppy indignantly.

"Heard it put quite like that," suggested Professor McGonagall. "I remember what the Second Great Muggle War was like and I have read a bit about the various conflicts in your world now. You are right, unfortunately Severina. Absolutely right. I daresay if we really studied the Muggle world properly much of its history would have a particular resonance with us. The students need to know more than how to use the bloody Underground and make a cup tea with electricity."

"Some in your world think they are better than me because I am a Mugissant." said Erszhebet. "Well I would rather remain in my own personal hell than have their approval. No doubt they were his greatest supporters. That kind would follow anyone - but the problem of running with such vermin is that you if they don't kill you they contaminate you. Such pestilence is not always so easily rid of."

Severus looked stricken at his lovers' words, recalling the mistakes that he had made in his youth. Mistakes that he had not been able to put behind him. Contaminated. Yes, contaminated he was. Damaged goods. If that is truly what Severina felt about herself then they had a lot more in common then either of them could have known.

Poppy and Minerva stayed quiet. It was up to Severus what he revealed to Erszhebet and when.

"What is it, Severus?" asked Erszhebet quietly as she caught the pained look on his face.

Now the shoe was on the proverbial other foot and Severus found himself in the hot seat.

"There is something else - something important I have to tell you. I cannot hide it from you as it still impacts my life," said Severus. "And it will impact yours should you find it tolerable to continue with our liaison once you have heard what I have to say."

Minerva started to speak, to defend him no doubt, and Severus held up his hand to stop her. "Minerva, let me speak," he said firmly. "I thank you but you have ridden our rescue one too many times today."

"You always were one to stand on your own two feet," said Professor McGonagall.

Severus took a deep breath and Erszhebet held one of his hands in both hers.

"Severina, I made a grave error in my youth. I so hated myself, my life, and my low station in the Wizarding world that I became a follower of the Dark Lord, Voldemort. I don't have to spell it out for you; no doubt you have heard of some of the things he has done. Even if one was not a follower, it was his way or die. I made the mistake of choosing to follow in the first instance, albeit not for very long."

He looked at Erszhebet with intense eyes. There was noticeable tension in the room.

Erszhebet nodded and then spoke. "Papa T and most of the family fought against him, Severus. They were in the French Resistance, covering Beauxbatons' ass." She had not taken her hands from his and Severus gripped them tightly now with both hands.

"I soon realised what a grievous mistake I had made. But once in The Dark Lrds' ranks it was unswerving loyalty or die. The decision was mine. But it was the wrong one. I thought too much of belonging; too much of being important and of being respected. I suppose I even wanted love. I got none of those things. Even evil has its pecking order.

I abhorred what the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters were doing. I am sure you know that even Muggles, Mugissants, died. By the time I realised that it was not some little social club out to raise a little wizarding hell and my profile, it was too late. The things that I wanted, that I still want if I am honest, will never come from the likes of the Dark Lord.

I choose to go to the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore. He had always tried to help me - to make me see the errors in my judgment and my values; it was obvious to him before it was obvious to me the path I was going to take. I was able to give Professor Dumbledore critical information, and to do something for our side which made a difference. I proved myself unfailingly to him, there is no doubt. Had the Headmaster not received this information and had I not done what I had done; things would well be different - even for the Muggle world.

There is cooperation between your world and ours; key Allied governments have been aware of us for decades, including the French, Americans and Canadians," said Severus.

"Yes, I have heard of this. It amazes me what with all of the sick things going on in the world; no magical intervention; 'Don't call us; We will call you'. That's politics for you. So - you became a part of the Order, the Order that Poppy and Minerva spoke of earlier," said Erszhebet.

Severus nodded. "I was not an original member of the first Order. I came to them just as the Dark Lord reached the height of his power. I turned spy if you will, for the Headmaster and the Order; and the Ministry of Magic as well - our governing body.

But the only Ministry personnel who were aware of my activities were those who were members of the Order of the Phoenix and perhaps a small few that the Headmaster could trust without question in secret units that even Voldemort and the Minister of Magic did not know about. Our side needed to know what the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters were up to," he said.

"The most logical solution was for me to atone for the sin of leaving the Dark Lords' side and return to him in the guise of making him believe that I was spying on Dumbledore for him. The Headmaster had employed me as Potions Master. In one respect I was safe at Hogwarts as Albus is the only Wizard that the Dark Lord ever feared. I have been on both sides of the fence, as it were since I decided to take on additional duties for the Headmaster with respect to spying.

My life was, and is, always at risk as a betrayer of the Dark Lord. I have had to prove my loyalty over and over to the Dark Lord and his minions in order to gather information on their activities for the Order. It is never pleasant and has been at great cost to me personally, but it was my choice, it has always been my choice," continued Severus.

"I did not have to do it; I wanted to do it. Perhaps also for the wrong reasons as much as the right ones. I am not going to present myself as being so altruistic and noble in the glorious fight against evil," he said.

Erszhebet put his arm around her and rested her head against it. "Go on, Severus," she said quietly.

Severus hoped his face and voice did not betray the intense burst of emotion he was feeling at his lovers' gesture of support in spite of himself. "It is true what they say of my House, Slytherin House. It is said that no House at Hogwarts has produced more witches or wizards who went bad than my own House," he said. "The Dark Lord was a Slytherin."

"However, I am on the side of the good - though some do not believe it, no matter how many risks I take and have taken in protecting them. I was an original member during the last war which only ended a few years ago as you know, but I still persist in my malevolent guise in the Wizarding world as there is always the possibility of renewed Death Eater activity. And because of all of the collaborators the Ministry has seen fit to keep out of Azkaban Prison," he said.

"I am still seeking after all these years to rid our world of such pestilence, as you so aptly put it Severina. And contrary to popular beliefs I have no desire to become the new Dark Lord. My ambitions are more...of a personal and professional nature. I can assure you, however, that I will make more of an effort in my own time with you as I have done since we met."

"Severina, let me explain something to you, I am speaking now as Deputy Headmistress and so feel justified in doing so," said Professor McGonagall. "At Hogwarts the students are sorted into four Houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Hogwarts was founded thousands of years ago by four of the greatest Wizards and Witches of their Age.

Each founder selected students for their House according to those qualities which they themselves valued. While a student is at Hogwarts their House becomes their home, rather than the School itself as with some of the other Wizarding Schools from what I understand. I don't think the founders did us any favours there.

All of the Houses have produced Dark Wizards and Witches; it is most unfortunate that the qualities most likely to set them on that path are also those which were valued by the founder of Slytherin in his students, Salazar Slytherin," said Minerva to Erszhebet. But the point she had to make was as much for Severus as the young woman at his side. "Cunning, Ambitious, Ruthless and Pureblood...pretty much the character of old Salazar himself if everything we are led to believe is true. He had other gifts - peculiar gifts which he would have prized any student which exhibited them. Voldemort had one such gift."

"Slytherins are not always the nicest of people and I personally believe that it is because that is how they value themselves - some take great pride in being unpleasant; it is because of the enmity between Gryffindor and Slytherin which has been handed down to our Houses and which dominates the School; and it is because the never-ending tarnishing of all Slytherins with one narrow-minded brush, that a Slytherin is only this and never that," continued Professor McGonagall.

"It is much the same with all of the Houses; all Hogwarts Houses rather suffer from this categorization. I daresay that have been some Hufflepuffs who seemed more like Slytherins than some Slytherins - they are most certainly are not all 'a bunch of duffers' as Hagrid puts it; I can think of a few that would definitely give the Malfoys a run for their gold. Sometimes I think the Sorting Hat makes mistakes - but don't mention I said this to Albus, Severus. That goes for you too, Poppy," said Professor McGonagall

Minerva knew Poppy had a big mouth to match her big heart.

"Anyway, such was the divisiveness that there was a time when you wouldn't even see a Hufflepuff cross the Great Hall to talk to a Gryffindor. If nothing else the war changed some of that at least.

Although interestingly enough there is a prophecy that true unity within the School and perhaps even the Wizarding world itself will only come when the Lion joins the Serpent or some such, Albus knows it better than I; something to do with Gryffindor whose symbol is the Lion and Slytherin whose symbol is the serpent no doubt," she finished, pointing at Severus' emerald and silver serpent belt buckle and the red and gold emblem on her robe. "I don't understand it, but everything always seems to begin and end with Hogwarts."

Erszhebet considered all that she had heard and gave a little nod.

"Do you understand, Severina?" asked Severus. Do you understand all that I have had to say to you, all that we have put to you?"

"Yes," she replied.

Severus regarded her with intense black eyes. "Would you find it tolerable to continue our liaison, then, Severina?" he asked plainly.

"Land's sake, Severus," said Poppy, "Why can't you just ask her if she still fancies you like normal people do? Though I would have thought it was obvious the way she is draped all over you."

"I do not think that 'normal' is a word which applies to myself, this remarkable woman or this situation, Poppy," said Severus.

"Makes you sound like repressed wanker," barked Poppy.

Professor McGonagall failed to hold back a loud snort.

"No surprise there then, Poppy," replied Severus silkily. "It would seem to be in line with my carefully cultivated public image as the Greasy Git of Hogwarts."

"You need a good shag, Severus, you old bat," said Poppy.

[[[]]]

The foursome tucked into the desserts once Severus brought the cake back in.

"Severina, I must say I have enjoyed your hospitality. This has been a delight," said Professor McGonagall.

"I am sorry, Minerva, for earlier," said Erszhebet. "You give me too much credit when you speak of balance I think."

"No I don't and it is water under the bridge that is best left there, my dear, eh Severus?" replied Minerva.

Severus gave a slight nod of his head to signal his agreement on both counts.

"Well Minerva as fine as your work has been today, you are not off the hook. Better tell Severus what brought you here, besides his love life," said Poppy.

"Yes Minerva, as much as I have tolerated your presence; why are you here other than your foray into the Muggle world of high fashion?" drawled Severus.

"I wanted to wait until you were done with your holidays since you have never had one before. But with everything else going on in your life, well I thought it best to see you," said Professor McGonagall. "It's not good, Severus, it's not good at all."

Poppy nodded her head. For the first time today she looked grave...and very worried.

Erszhebet got up to leave and Severus caught her by the arm. "Stay. As my partner this will concern you too," he said pulling her down close to him. They had not yet discussed it; but there was no doubt that the safest place for Erszhebet was likely to be at Hogwarts with him. He was not going to have it any other way.

Professor McGonagall spoke. "There have been reports - reports of the most unimaginable atrocities. I can't even bring myself to describe them to you, they have given me nightmares. You can see the reports when you return to Hogwarts. It's not just the Wizarding world; its Muggles as well. But no one is sure as yet who or even why. What happened to Severina - well that is the tip of the iceberg and puts a whole new spin on things. I would not hazard a guess as to whether it was related or not. But it does have me concerned, for a number of reasons. I do not believe it is just a coincidence or an isolated incident."

Severus frowned, "For Goddess' sake, will this ever end?!" he hissed. "The Death Eaters are all in Azkaban - their collaborators couldn't even steal Every-Flavour Beans from Bertie Botts let alone commit atrocities in anyone's name or try to kill someone in their dreams. I want to get to the bottom of this; I cannot sit idly by and let anything happen to Severina, especially another incident like this morning."

"Severus if it were Britain, and only Britain, we might be able to get a better handle on things; but this time...it is different," said Minerva gravely.

"How so," asked Severus.

"Its origins seem to be Eastern Europe," said Professor McGonagall. "And it is not one country in isolation. There are reports from all over Eastern Europe and from the looks of things it is starting to spread."

"Durmstrang??" spat Severus. "Merlin's Beard!! Are you suggesting that this situation has the potential of being...global??"

"We have not heard enough yet to say," replied Poppy. "But the Ministry is definitely on edge. They are bringing Aurors out of retirement, the best. It would not surprise me if Durmstrang is involved. Given their emphasis on the Dark Arts. Goodness knows what they get up to at that school. Not just theory with that lot, you know. There have been some alarming rumours about unimaginable creatures."

"Retired Aurors...Moody included?" asked Severus.

Poppy nodded in confirmation.

"Goddess help us all," muttered Severus. "It is that serious then."

"We have had reports; people won't even go out once the sun has set. Some cities and towns are veritable ghost towns at night. Some have been abandoned. People barricade themselves in their homes, but even if they flee, they can't escape it....," said Professor McGonagall. "The Muggle authorities are in a panic, Severus. It is unprecedented."

Erszhebet shivered; she felt a cold chill the length of her spine at Minerva's words.

"Someone vying for the Dark Lord's place..." said Severus.

"Its worse, Severus. Whomever or whatever this is makes Voldemort look like a flobberworm. Some are reporting that Dark Wizards may have even joined forces with...joined forces with...some ancient Dark Creatures, unlike anything that we have ever known." said Minerva as she gave Severus a penetrating look.

"But there is more to it than that, isn't there," asked Erszhebet incredulously.

"I am afraid so," replied Professor McGonagall. "There should be more information by the time Severus returns to Hogwarts. Suffice it to say that life for all of us, Muggle and Wizard alike, has begun to change. We will need each other to end this it seems, but who knows if we can end it."

"Does this impact, Severus? What he has had to do for the Order?" asked Erszhebet not trying at all to hide her worriment. Severus pulled her to him and wrapped his arms around her. He could feel her anxiousness.

"Not directly, not in the same way as before," said Minerva. "You know how I feel Severus. It seems likely that if the kind of trouble that seems to be brewing is real then the Death Eaters may become a threat again. Except this time they have something far more sinister on their side should they try to join forces with...whatever."

"I don't see how that would be possible from Azkaban; not with the Manticores and Goddess knows what else guarding it these days," said Severus.

"Never say never, Severus, remember the last time they escaped," said Minerva. "Anyway, from what we know already the Death Eaters would be the least of our worries. I don't think you have to be concerned with keeping up your charade, Severus."

"Then what does he do?" asked Erszhebet.

"Live life to the fullest and make the most of peace and normality while you have it," replied Minerva.

There was stillness as they all took in the implications of Minerva's advice.

"Severina, I would be remiss if I did not point out what I know we three are thinking. You have some...remarkable magical abilities," said Professor McGonagall.

"Your life might very well be at risk given the attack you have already suffered. I would like you to consider coming to Hogwarts with Severus before the term starts in a few weeks. No doubt that is what Severus wants anyway, though you two have not been together for very long in a practical sense to have discussed such a thing. But the bonds between you - well they certainly cannot be denied. I myself do not even have them with the Headmaster.

Anyway, this suggestion has nothing to do with the Order or its needs. I am concerned for your safety and wellbeing as much as Severus is. Give it some thought and do talk to Severus, my dear."

Erszhebet nodded in agreement.

There was an uncomfortable silence around the table.

"Why don't we all call it a night and get some rest," suggested Erszhebet breaking the tension. "It has been rather a long day - for all of us. Minerva, Poppy; please stay. There is plenty of room here and you are welcome as long as you like.

We are going to France next week for a bit and will be In Paris at first and then the country. There will be a little soiree with La Famille T and other friends. You are most welcome to join us there and I will take you shopping to by some French couture."

"Shoes, handbags and hats to match?" asked Poppy.

Erszhebet could not help it, she laughed. "Of course," she replied.

"That would be excellent, my dear. I look forward to it. For the moment, I am rather tired myself and could do with sleep," said Minerva.

Erszhebet stood up and began to clear the table. Poppy stopped her. "Ah ah ah; watch and learn." Poppy and Minerva took out their wands and in 2 minutes the kitchen and sun room was spotless.

"Sure feels better when a house-elf does it though," said Poppy.

[[[]]]

After Erszhebet showed Poppy and Minerva to their own en-suite guest rooms, she and Severus settled in for the night. Erszhebet lay in bed, her head on Severus' shoulder in the pitch black darkness of the room, thinking about how much her life had changed just in the last day alone.

"What are you thinking about," he asked softly.

"About how much my life has changed in the last day or so; and how much it will be changing again still," she said. "I think I am beginning to know what it might have been like just a little before World War II really kicked off. The sense that there are storm clouds gathering and wondering if the sun will ever shine again."

"Severina," said Severus.

"Hmmm?" she replied as she stroked some fine hairs on his chest.

"Would it be acceptable to you if I went to France as well?" asked Severus.

"When I said 'we' I took it for granted you were coming with me, Severus," replied Erszhebet. "I don't want to go without you; but I would rather be there than here. So yes, it would be acceptable. From the sounds of things we should make the most of peacetime while we can."

Severus pulled her closer so that they faced each other and wrapped his arms around her. He ran a finger along her jaw line and then kissed her gently.

"Seerus," whispered Erszhebet.

"Yes?" he replied softly as he stroked her back and then worked his way down her body with his hand.

"I...I'm afraid...really afraid," said Erszhebet. "I got a chill up my back when Minerva spoke. Someone walked over my grave."

"Don't say things like that, you must not think it," said Severus quietly as he rolled on top of her and Erszhebet wrapped her legs around him and ran her fingers through his hair and across his back in the darkness. "I don't want to think of losing you, Severina, and I do not want to hear you say again that you would welcome death. Please do not say it and do not think it."

"You are giving me a reason not to, Severus," she replied in between deep kisses. "That is why I am afraid."

"Whatever comes; we have each other and we will face it," Severus whispered before making love to her.

Never were truer words spoken.