The Sleepers Awake

Chapter 15: Life Goes On

"Have mercy, what did you do? Buy out every shop in New York?" asked Erszhebet as she surveyed her living room and foyer, both of which were completely filled with all manner of boxes and bags.

Madame Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall gave her sheepish looks.

"Well, I hope you are not too tired for dinner. I thought we might eat out tonight," said Erszhebet as they walked to the sun room.

"Would it be too much trouble to stay in, dear?" asked Professor McGonagall. "My feet are killing me! Tomorrow would be much better."

"Well no wonder, Minerva. Don't get me wrong, I love my Manolos; but I am not mad enough to spend a day walking around New York in them!!" said Erszhebet as she eyed Minerva's new sparkly five-inch heels.

Severus looked up from the plasma screen and gave his colleagues one of his usual dour looks. "I would be negligent if I did not point out that you do have a Mediwitch to hand, Minerva. Surely her expertise can extend itself to assisting you with something else besides conquering the heights of ridiculous Muggle fashion," he hissed silkily.

"What's that?" asked Poppy looking at the moving image on the plasma screen. Severus hit the 'stop' button on the remote control and the picture disappeared.

"If we are staying in I had better go get a few things," said Erszhebet quickly. She did not feel like going through all that again - especially with Poppy. She was in a happy mood - feeling like her usual self. Erszhebet was not going to let anything spoil her good mood. She wanted Severus to know that she was not always some out-of-control drama queen.

"I will come with you," said Severus. "Although perhaps I should stay. Someone should keep an eye on these two. Gods knows what they would get up to without us here to keep an eye on them." Severus knew all too well that Poppy's nosiness would not be denied. Especially with Minerva being the only one left in the loft. Each was as bad as the other.

"No need, Severus, no need," said Poppy as she eyeballed the screen beadily. "I am sure we can manage just fine, eh Minerva. So what is that, What was on it, What did you do Severus?"

Erszhebet sighed. "Severus why don't you put Poppy out of her misery while I get our coats, although really it's none of her business," she said irritably as she swept from the room. Damn it if she was not tired of Poppy's incessant nosiness. Sometimes it would be much better if Poppy just let things go and gave it a rest. Erszhebet should be able to decide for herself what she revealed and when she revealed it. She did not owe anyone anything, not a motherfucking thing! Erszhebet was really angry now as she stomped up the stairs - her good mood was going fast.

Severus watched as Erszhebet made her way out of the kitchen and then heard her storm up the stairs; he was completely in tune with what his lover was thinking and her anger.

"Poppy, just for once do you think it possible that you could manage to mind your own bloody business", he snarled as he turned to the Mediwitch.

"What? It's a fair question - what is that and what was it that you were looking at?" she asked as she shrugged her shoulders. Poppy would not be deterred. She was too used to Severus and his sour moods.

"YOU SHOULD AT LEAST GIVE SEVERINA THE OPPORTUNITY TO DECIDE FOR HERSELF WHETHER OR NOT HER LIFE IS AN OPEN BOOK TO YOU," roared Severus. "YOU HAVE DONE NOTHING BUT BADGER HER ABOUT ONE THING OR ANOTHER SINCE YOU GOT HERE. YOU MAY HAVE HELPED HER, HELPED US, BUT SHE DOES NOT OWE YOU ANYTHING BEYOND HER GRATITUDE FOR IT!"

"Calm down, Severus!" said Professor McGonagall as she jumped. It was obvious that whatever this was it had struck an uncharacteristic raw nerve with Severus. "Poppy, Severus does have a point. You are overstepping the mark when it comes to acceptable boundaries. Severina should not feel that she has to give in to you, least of all in her own home."

In spite of what she said, Minerva could not help but to wonder though what she and Poppy had not been privy to while they were out as Severus was beyond his usual level of touchiness at the moment. This outburst ranked with his tirade when Sirius Black got away from him in Harry Potters third year. Severus had been deprived of Order of Merlin honours yet again thanks to that incident; Honours which he still desperately wanted. It was just as well - Black had been an innocent man after all. But they all had to put up with Severus' tirades for days after that disappointment.

"Oh, give over Minerva," said Poppy, as she rolled her eyes. She was obviously not taking Severus or Minerva seriously at all. "You know that you want to know as much as I do. Fact is there are not bigger gossips between Hogwarts and Hogsmead than the two of us, save Rosmerta."

Minerva sighed irritably, "Poppy I will not deny that Rosmerta and I like a good old fashioned chin-wag now and then; but I am most certainly am not nosey. If I am not told I do not ask! Or more to the point I do not push!! You are also forgetting that Madam Hooch and Professor Flitwick could give even you a run for your gold in the gossiping stakes. And Professor Binns; don't get me started on him!"

"So go on Severus, tell us then. Severina did tell you to after all...," said Poppy eagerly, ignoring Professor McGonagall again as she also conveniently ignored the fact that Erszhebet had also said it was none of Poppy's business.

Severus looked like he was about to burst a blood vessel. His colleagues were completely missing the point and their bickering grated on his nerves. It was the same look as when he dressed down Harry Potter and Ron Weasley for attacking the Whomping Willow with Arthur Weasleys flying Muggle car and neither were expelled. Minerva and Poppy exasperated him to no end sometimes. More than that, both of them could really take the piss sometimes and it did grate on his nerves. Take the piss. Merlin's Beard, his language was getting nearly as colourful as Erszhebets.

"If it will stop your bloody-minded impertinence for one night, damn it," growled Severus menacingly.

Poppy and Minerva were on the edge of their seats now, both like hunters going in for the kill.

"Interesting to see you trying so hard to restrain yourself and me, Minerva," whispered Severus sarcastically. "Perhaps a straitjacket from the psychiatric ward at St. Mungos might prove to be useful to you?" Minerva could be such a hypocrite sometimes, as much as she did mother him.

Professor McGonagall shot Severus a dirty look as a vein throbbed on her temple and her mouth set in a straight line. She looked even more severe than usual.

Severus ignored them both and took a breath. He explained about what he had overheard on the phone, Erszhebets subsequent breakdown, Caitlin, and all that he had been told. He also took this opportunity to tell them about this newfound ability that Erszhebet had forged with him - their telepathic and empathic communication. He handed the photo albums over to the two women and turned the screen back on so they could see the home movies.

The two women sat in utter shock.

Deep down Minerva was panicked and upset. 'It was not supposed to have been like this,' she thought.

"Press this to stop it when you hear my key in the front door; knowing Severina she will probably call when we are on our way back, so do it then if she does," Severus instructed as he handed Professor McGonagall the remote control. "I do not want her to come back to that or any questions about it. She has been through enough already in explaining it to me and was in a very good mood until you started in on her Poppy!"

"She is lucky to have you Severus; you were quite right to take the position that you did," whispered Professor McGonagall. A light bulb had gone off in her head. Something Minerva had recently become aware of, which had come as a great shock, came to mind. Her heart and mind reeled from the revelation. If she was hoping that her face would not betray her she was sadly mistaken. 'I am so glad she has you, Severus,' she thought. 'I wish it had been you instead of - him.'

Severus cocked an eyebrow and regarded Minerva with a questioning look. He wondered what was really behind that comment. Something was going on here, and he silently questioned what it was that Professor McGonagall knew that she was not sharing. She definitely knew something. Of that Severus was most certain. Sometimes she was more like Albus Dumbledore than Dumbledore himself. Dumbledore and McGonagall were a perfect match.

For a change Poppy was oblivious, too busy to notice anything else with her nose practically plastered to the screen.

"Yes, so she tells me," Severus replied slowly as he fixed Minerva with a steady gaze. "And I myself am very lucky to have her..."

[[[]]]

Erszhebet called to Severus from the front door. She had deliberately taken more time so that Severus could get Poppy off her back. When Erszhebet heard him shouting she thought is wise to take her time in coming down.

"I'm sorry, Severina, Poppy is just too nosy for her own good sometimes," said Severus as he eyeballed all of the bags and boxes heaped in the foyer and living room. "Merlin's Beard! They must be emptying out the whole of Gringotts to afford all this!"

Erszhebet sighed. She knew too well about the Wizarding bank and did not need to ask.

"Well, she better get used to hearing the word 'no'; I will be putting my foot down whether she likes it or not; It's like the bloody Inquisition with her sometimes," she replied irritably. "I don't mind the odd question now or then, but just not this incessant interrogation at every turn."

Erszhebet looked up at Severus and gave him a kiss. "Thanks for sticking up for me," she said.

"Get used to it," said Severus before he kissed her back deeply.

As they walked up Christopher Street, Severus debated whether or not to take Erszhebets hand. There were any number of couples out arm-in-arm, hand-in-hand and even snogging in the middle of the street. It was not the sort of thing that would happen in Hogsmead. Not the sort of thing that he had any experience with. Severus impulsively put a hand in a pocket and stuck out his elbow a little.

Severina did not notice.

Severus cleared his throat to get her attention and jabbed out his elbow even further, almost hitting Erszhebet in chest in the process, as he averted her gaze.

Erszhebet gave Severus a little smirk, which he chose to ignore, and linked her arm with his while she pulled her shopping cart with the other. As the sun started to set the temperature dropped rapidly and Erszhebet gave a little shiver around Prince Street. She was only wearing a thin jacket over her mini-dress. Her long legs were bare and she wore flat sandals. She was not prepared for the coolness of the weather. New York City could be just as unpredictable as the British Isles even in summer. She really should have known better by now after all the time she had spent here. But she could not be bothered to go into any of the clothes shops which were still open to get more suitable attire. Severus took off his scarves and wrapped Erszhebet up in them.

Around West Fourth Street Severus made another move and wrapped her arm around his waist as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. As Erszhebet was shorter than he was it was quite easy to do. It felt nice, not being on the outside looking in any longer. It felt nice, if he was honest, to love and be loved and that other people saw it; other people saw that he was worth loving.

[[[]]]

The couple walked around the East and West Village and visited three delis, several bakeries and another of Erszhebets favourite French patisseries, a butcher shop, Dean & Deluca's which was a well-known upmarket food emporium and a Farmer's Market. They also stopped at one of New York City's legendary Flea Markets as it was on the way just to have a good poke around.

Erszhebet had Severus wait outside while she went into a fine jewelers and picked up a package. Whatever it was, it was clearly making her very happy. She seemed quite pleased with her purchase.

After they shopped, Erszhebet surprised Severus with a visit to a large shop and tearoom which sold only English foods, Muggle English food of course. They enjoyed a spot of 'High Tea' and some Cornish pasties as they talked about all manner of things; Literature, art, music, food, travel, chemistry and potions. They formally explored their views on family, intimacy and relationships. Both were enjoying having quality quiet time together. Severus vowed to himself that they would definitely do this more often.

As she drank her tea, one of Erszhebets hands rested by her saucer. Severus impulsively covered it with one of his as he ate and drank using the other. Eventually they ended up clasping hands and stroking the backs of each others hands. Severus was the perfect gentleman throughout their outing as he held open doors, assisted her with her chair in the tearoom as she sat down and got up, loaded and arranged the shopping in the cart and helped Erszhebet with her jacket and his scarves.

He did not have to think about it or contrive to make it happen - it came naturally to him with her.

After three or so hours out shopping they made their way back to the loft on Christopher Street. It was a 25-minute walk from the English shop without stopping. The couple took an impromptu stroll through Washington Square Park, which was at first empty save for the odd person walking through it to get elsewhere.

They sat on a bench to rest their feet for a bit before going home. Severus looked into his partners eyes and cupped her face in his hands and then kissed her. Erszhebet wrapped her arms around her man and pulled him closer. The two of them sat on the bench lost in each others embrace and deep kisses, shutting out the rest of the world as night fell rapidly around them. Erszhebet momentarily forgot about how cold she was as Severus stroked her back and legs.

Severus pulled away, reluctantly, after about 15 minutes. Sitting around a dark park with ones eyes closed was probably not a wise move in a place like New York City, although the park was pretty lit up as it was in the moonlight. As they got up and took a step or two forward, Erszhebet suddenly stopped and impulsively pulled Severus into her arms for a lingering kiss. Another 5-10 minutes added to the walk home.

As they finally left the park Severus and Erszhebet saw an old couple catching their breath and resting their feet on the bench next to the rubbish bin where Erszhebet had been injured. The old couple watched the striking couple walk towards them. They had been watching Severus and Erszhebet necking.

"I ramambuh when we were courtin', Ed, those were the good ole days," said the old woman wistfully, smiling as Severus and Erszhebet slowly strolled passed.

"Ah, yah, yah; nice to see some love in the world from the youngsters for a change," said the old man in a slightly shaky voice as he nodded at them while resting his aged gnarled hands on a Zimmer frame walker. "Takes me right back, Mabel. Yah suh ree, it certainly does. Why - do you ramambuh the time hwhen..." The old couple started reminiscing in heavy American accents of the Deep South about their own youth and courtship during the Depression and Second World War and how different the world was then.

The 'youngsters' heard every word.

"Wait a second," Erszhebet said to Severus as she walked back towards the old couple.

Severus looked after her, with a puzzled look on his face. Then he walked over and stood behind her silently.

Erszhebet said Bon Soir and introduced herself and Severus to the old couple and enquired as to how far did they have to walk to get home? It was not a safe time of the day for vulnerable people such as themselves to be out. They should not be walking, struggling, with so many heavy bags.

The old couple was rather taken aback by the soft French-accented voice and the lovely young coloured woman enquiring after them. How nice it was to see some youngsters who respected and cared about their elders. Erszhebet did not look like the sort to rob or attack anyone, but you never knew in New York City. Even someone in a business suit could turn out to be other than what they presented themselves to be. You saw it everyday on the TV and in the paper, don't you know.

"Oh, not too fawuh, deah, just West Ninth Street," said Mabel trustingly. Erszhebet did not strike her as a criminal or lunatic. "We have to wawk - taxicabs are a bit too expensive on the Social Securitah."

"That is very far, Madame, very far indeed with all the long blocks and cross-streets. I must insist on getting a taxi for you. I will pay for it myself," said Erszhebet as she eyed Mabel with her walking stick and the heavy shopping she and her husband were trying to manage all on their own. "I will not take no for an answer."

"Severus, can you get a taxi, please?" Erszhebet said softly to her partner.

Severus did as Erszhebet asked without questioning her actions. He understood her motivations and respected them.

After about ten minutes, a taxi was secured and Erszhebet pressed some bills into the woman's hand. The woman looked down. Before she could speak Erszhebet said, "I insist. Please do not hurt my feelings by trying to give it back. Just tuck it away in a safe place and stay safe yourselves. That is all I ask," Erszhebet watched as the woman carefully hid the little roll on herself in an inner pocket in her coat. Erszhebet pressed some smaller bills and change on her as well; just enough for the fare and to pay the driver a tip to help with the bags.

Erszhebet and Severus helped the old couple with their shopping and with walking as they made their way slowly to the waiting taxi.

"Gawd Bless Yoo," said Mabel as she gave Erszhebet a hug and kiss and then patted Severus' arm. He did not strike her as the sort that would tolerate anything other than that and even the pat was probably a bit much. He was a gentleman though, a proper gentleman, you could tell just by looking at him and the way he carried himself. "Gawd Bless Yoo and thank yoo both."

"Yah suh, thank yoo young laydy, young mayun; most kahnd of you," said Ed. "Much 'bliged to yoo both."

Erszhebet smiled back at them and gave a little wave goodbye as she squeezed Severus' waist and Severus squeezed her shoulders while he gave a nod of acknowledgement to the old couple once they were seated in the taxi and their bags loaded in the boot of the car.

Severus was not used to many people, let alone strangers, regarding him kindly. It may have been overly sentimental and sweet, but he graciously accepted it in silence.

Their time out together had brought a smile to Erszhebets face and he did not want to spoil it for her. It was good to see her happy like this; nice to see that he could make her happy, that they were happy together. He was surprised at her generosity of spirit and otherwise and that too, pleased him.

Severus was totally unprepared for what happened next.

Erszhebet cast an impromptu spell of protection and financial security and asked the Goddess and God to watch over Mabel and Ed. She clasped one of Severus' hands and drew the sign of the triquetra in the air with the other. It materialized through Erszhebet as glowing white light and then floated into her hand. Erszhebet hurled the light at the departing taxi. Only she and Severus could see it, but Severus did not realise this.

For the most fleeting of moments the symbol hovered over the car and then entered into the couple. Mabel and Ed did not feel a thing. The old couple were completely oblivious to the powerful spiritual and magical help that they had just been given.

Severus could not speak at first. He had never seen anything like that. Gods, Dumbledore had a lot to answer for!

"Miss Bathory - do you think it might be possible for you to warn me before...," he said trailing off.

"Before what?" asked Erszhebet as if she had done nothing more than take out the trash.

"Before you take my breath away," replied Severus as he looked at her incredulously.

Severus thought for a moment; he wanted to be careful not to hurt the woman he loved so much.

"You should be more careful my love; even in the Wizarding world I think you would do well to be more careful," he said. "You are special, Severina, surely you know this without my saying so. There is no doubt your unique abilities on their own might provoke the wrong sort of interest. You are precious and you are precious to me. I do not want anything to happen to you. I could not bear it."

"You are right Severus," Erszhebet replied sadly. She had not meant to upset him. "I just wanted to help them..."

"I never thought I would ever hear myself say this, as it is not the usual way of a Slytherin, but I am glad you did. I am pleased to see that your success and your wealth have not made you self-obsessed; that you find it within yourself to care for and about people who are less fortunate, that you do something to help them without guile or expectation," said Severus, "But I have a responsibility for and to you as much as I do myself. It would be remiss of me to not point out the necessity of care and discretion to you. Promise me you will be more careful and that you will think before you act. Recklessness is dangerous, my love. I have seen many people compromise and even lose their lives and the lives of others unnecessarily because of it."

"I promise, Severus," said Erszhebet as she eased herself up on her tip-toes to give him a kiss. It was surprising just how tall Severus was when he stood in the intimidating fullness of his height. He was over six feet. She herself might be tall but she was not that tall.

The stood in silence watching the car make its way slowly through a traffic jam ahead. Severus looked around to see if anyone else might have noticed what his beloved had just done.

There was no one that he could see.

Severus broke the silence. "How much was that anyway?" he asked as they stood there watching the taxi turn a corner at the end of the next very long block.

"Oh, about four or five hundred I think," she replied casually. "It will be a nice start to new found prosperity for them. Onwards and upwards."

Severus was surprised; even by Wizarding standards that amount was a lot of money. "Are you mad? Walking around with that much on you?" he asked incredulously. Given what they had just spent and what Erszhebet had handed Severus to pay for half of the purchases before they left, she must have had almost fifteen hundred American Dollars to begin with.

Severus himself did not have that kind of money in the Wizarding world. All he had, all he had ever had, was his modest salary from Hogwarts. Even by Wizarding standards Severus Snape was still as 'working class' as he had been growing up. Without Hogwarts he had no home of his own. Severus' own account at Gringotts was not nearly as bad as the Weasleys, but it was bad enough, and that was saying something.

Severus could only afford this holiday because of the generosity of the Headmaster. It would have wiped out his savings to have afforded such a luxury hotel, the suite and all the expenses that went with it. He was no fortune hunter; Erszhebets wealth was hers and hers alone. Severus would make no claims as some Wizards did to their wives assets. He would do his best to care for Erszhebet and their children with what he himself could earn.

It was bad enough that Erszhebet had handed him some of her money to help with the shopping. Severus Snape may not have much, but he had his pride. But he realized what she had meant with the gesture and appreciated it.

"Normally I wouldn't Severus, but you were with me," said Erszhebet. "I doubt seriously that a mugger or even a killer is any match for a Wizard...especially you. And if someone came after me now, well, I would do my best to ensure that they lived to regret it even if I died trying."

"Your presumption is quite correct, Miss Bathory," said Severus as he gave her shoulders another squeeze. "You sound quite brave; it is admirable so long as you do not court such trouble."

"I don't like to see our elders struggle or suffer Severus, it's not right," said Erszhebet quietly. "But, thank you."

"For what," asked Severus with a note of surprise in his trademark silky baritone.

"For letting me be me," she replied, "And for you being you."

Neither Severus nor Erszhebet spoke a word as they walked the rest of the way home holding hands, their fingers intertwined.

They did not need to.

[[[]]]

Severina phoned home when they were about two blocks away. By the time Severus and Erszhebet returned to the loft all of Minerva's and Poppy's packages had been put away in the older women's' rooms and the plasma screen turned off. They had even seen fit to tidy up a bit and pack the disks away in their container.

No questions were asked of Erszhebet as she and Severus unpacked all of the shopping and prepared a sumptuous dinner of American Soul Food. Candied yams; apples fried in brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and a hint of pure vanilla; chicken fried steak; buttermilk dinner rolls; cornbread with butter and hot maple syrup; collard greens and cabbage with a hint of bacon, mustard seed, sweet red peppers and red onions; red beans and rice; and smothered chicken with extra gravy were the specialties for tonight's meal. For dessert they had sweet potato pie, hot peach cobbler, crème fraîche and Breyers Vanilla Ice Cream, Erszhebets favourite. For beverages they had iced tea with lemon and a home-made fruit punch. There were cappuccinos or lattes and hot herbal tea for after dinner.

With Poppy's voracious appetite all of the food they had just bought would be devoured by the time they all left the Big Apple the day after tomorrow so nothing would go to waste.

The conversation stayed innocent enough. Muggle and Wizarding literature, art, music and also the subjects taught at Hogwarts. Erszhebet was intrigued by the Muggle Studies course. She agreed that the students did need to know more than how to use the Underground or make a cup of tea with electricity. This world was bigger than its mundane practicalities.

Erszhebet proposed that Minerva consider an advanced course which would cover Muggle world history, religion, spirituality, philosophy, political and social science and the media amongst other things. She proposed that there should be some sort of elective systefor those students not enrolled in the main course. They needed to know these things whether they believed it or not.

They should know how to handle themselves especially in situations where Magic just was not possible - as unlikely as they might consider that. She also felt strongly that they needed to learn how to use key Muggle technologies - especially computers and the internet.

"That is a splendid idea," said Professor McGonagall. "The more I have read about what has gone on in the Muggle world the more I have thought that our students have been at a disadvantage in some ways trying to exist whether in it or around it. Practical things do have their place. But the Muggle world is much more than living without using a wand to do the washing up, I certainly agree. We could sort out the intricacies of the technology needs with your help, Severina."

"Excellent idea Severina," agreed Poppy as she shoveled food into her mouth and then let out a massive dirty burp.

"Only problem is who would devise the syllabus and would teach it. Old Priestly Harmsworth certainly is not up to the job...does more harm than its worth with Muggle Studies as it is..." Poppy cracked up at her own joke and then let out another rip-roaring long dirty belch, neglecting to cover her mouth and did not break a sweat as she continued stuffing her face.

"Heaven's sake Poppy - even an old hag has more decency," barked Professor McGonagall. Even she was getting fed up with her best friends atrocious table manners.

"I would also propose Muggle Chemistry and Physics," drawled Severus in his usual silky whispery speaking voice as he chose to ignore both his colleagues' obnoxious table manners and the joke - even though there was a lot of truth what Poppy had said. "They would be an excellent compliment to Potions, Charms, Astronomy and Transfiguration. Of course there would have to be quite a bit of work towards bringing it all together...Muggle science and theory as it relates to the Wizarding reality."

Severus knew full well that the only person capable of teaching these subjects was his beloved seated next to him in their now customary places on the sofa. They all knew it although Severus was the only one who knew that Erszhebet also had a double Ph.D. in both from New York University. Considering how she ran her kitchen, he had no doubts that she would do well as a Professor. Although truth be told he was more interested in having her work alongside him with Potions. "I would also propose that Severina teach - all of it. This is out of Harmsworths' league."

"Er, forgive me for asking, but have you two even discussed the Hogwarts situation yet, Severus?" asked Professor McGonagall politely trying to avoid another bust-up.

"As of yet, no," he replied as he looked at his partner.

"We don't need to," said Erszhebet quietly before Severus could say anything more. "I have already given notice to my manager, an old and dear friend actually, and the record company that I am officially retired from their wonderful world of entertainment. I have bought out what is left on my contract and will only do a small rehearsal show and a farewell concert - both this summer.

I have begun tying up some loose ends so that for the most part I can quietly disappear into my new life with Severus. People will just forget now that I even existed; that is what I prefer. That is what I have been doing when I have not accompanying you on your shopping binges - making all these arrangements." Erszhebets tone suggested she was speaking of nothing more interesting than repairing a clogged drain.

Erszhebet returned her attention to her dinner.

"Me teaching in a Wizarding school - now that is a trip! It would no doubt prove to be quite interesting," she said before tucking into her food again.

There was nothing but stunned silence from the three Hogwarts colleagues.

Severus was speechless. He had thus far had not dared to broach the subject for fear that Erszhebet would reject the notion of being with him. He had not been sure how he would handle being rejected by her. He had been concerned about what would happen in their relationship. Professor Snape was immensely relieved, yet thunderstruck at the life that Erszhebet was giving up for him. He looked like he had been hit with a stunning hex as he digested the fact that this woman was giving up everything; giving up everything to be with him.

"Are you sure," Severus asked Erszhebet after he returned to his senses, "Are you sure you want to do this - that you want to give up all that you know, all that is important to you - to be with me?" He did not want her to have regrets, which surely she would given what she was leaving behind. Or so he thought.

"If I weren't I would have ended our relationship," she replied. "Long-distance relationships do not work; they may carry on for some time, but eventually they stall or fall apart because in spite of promises made, one wants something or someone else or something more that the other cannot or will not give. For our relationship to survive, for it to be what I myself need it to be, one of us has to make a move. It is more logical and sensible that it be me. I have to satisfy my own needs in my own way. If I did not think that you were worth it or that I would alright things would be different Severus."

Severus considered what Erszhebet said silently.

"Show business is not as important to me as it used to be; and the fame - well it was a by-product of my abilities. It has never been something I pursued or encouraged for its own sake. I just really loved doing what I was good at. I love music and art, I really do. Some people will do anything to get their name in the public domain and keep it there. I don't care about such things. The fact that my life is unknown to the public - that they only know my projects is a testament to that," Erszhebet continued.

"I have done well with it and to be quite frank, as much as I detest speaking of such things, I can afford to leave it all behind. Some celebrities have no choice because they live beyond their means. I have always handled my financial affairs myself. I did well and a lot of people have profited enormously from my efforts so they do not need more than they already have. But the only thing I have ever really wanted is what I have never had - a family of my own, the things we talked about earlier, Severus. The love of the public is no substitute for the love which you have given me and for the things that we both seem to want," she finished. "You do want these things, don't you, Severus?" Erszhebets voice took on a slightly hurt tone. "If you don't, you must tell me now."

"Of course I do," he replied quietly without hesitation as he reached out and squeezed one of her hands. "You know I do."

"So, you will be coming to Hogwarts, my dear," said Professor McGonagall quietly. Deep inside she was relieved. There were still some seeming insurmountable hurdles which would have to be jumped, but Minerva McGonagall was greatly relieved.

"Yes, as long as there is not a problem with that..." said Erszhebet with a quizzical tone to her voice.

"No, it is not a problem, nor will it be," said Severus quickly. "There is no way that we will live apart with you tucked away in Hogsmead like some common mistress. You are not a dirty little secret! I will not stand for it and will leave Hogwarts if comes to that!"

Minerva and Poppy gasped in shock at Severus' defensive outburst. Severus Snape, leave Hogwarts??!! Minerva was no fool, she knew Severus enough to know that he was serious; deadly serious.

"Severina, in the past for reasons of security, because of You-Know-Who and his minions and the threat to the school and its personnel, it was never known about the partnerships or family life of Hogwarts staff," said Professor McGonagall. "Albus thought it was best for staff to conduct their affairs this way. All of us staff used to appear to be single and childless. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many of the staff tended to either have partnerships with a colleague or had family hidden away in Hogsmead nearby. A number of them still carry on this way by choice. I guess perhaps because the still worry about...certain matters from the past."

Severus spoke up agitatedly. "While there is still a considerable amount of discretion which should be exercised by Severina and myself for the sake of propriety, I do not see that our partnership need be an issue in the present climate. My position on this matter will not change even if circumstances outside of us do. I will have no hesitation in saying so to the Headmaster! I will not have us separated!"

"I assure you Severus, It is not nor will it be a problem," said Minerva. "I give you my word as Deputy Headmistress although it is not necessary. No one wants the two of you leading separate lives. Albus is expecting the two of you, if I am truthful."

Severus bristled. "Is he now?" he hissed sarcastically. "Whoever would have guessed?"

"Judging from that letter of yours, and what I myself know of his methods, I expect so Severus," replied Professor McGonagall wearily with a sigh. The Headmasters machinations really wore thin sometimes. That was a bit rich coming from Professor McGonagall though, all things considered.

"So you coming then, Severina?" asked Poppy grabbing two more buttermilk dinner rolls as she plowed a heaping forkful of food into her mouth, spilling some of it down her front in the process.

Erszhebet cocked an arched eyebrow much like Severus was doing and gave a nod 'yes'. Poppy's eating habits were - interesting. You would think she was seeing food for the first time after a famine.

"Do you not eat well at Hogwarts?" asked Erszhebet as she tried to look and sound innocent. "Are you fed enough?"

"Poppy, for Goddess sake, must you eat like some common troll??!!" said Minerva exasperatedly. "Even the house-elves have better table manners!"

"Quels sont des elves de maison et les trolls?" whispered Erszhebet to Severus in his ear.

"J'expliquerai plus tard," he whispered back as he rolled his eyes at his colleagues.

[[[]]]

As they ate their desserts, Erszhebet showed her partner and their guests some of her videos and excerpts from a concert on DVD. Unbelievable images of her cast as a vampire; a runaway; a Libertine; of her writhing naked on the floor of a blood soaked and spattered church under the gaze of the crucified Christ.

They saw yet another video of her driving around Los Angeles, the City of Angels, in the guise of the superstar who sees her prostitute Doppelganger tricking on a seedy street corner. The double is dressed in skimpy black see-through underwear, a black lace garter belt, black thigh-high silk stockings trimmed in lace and an unbuttoned black man's jacket. Her pimp stands next to her, selling her to any john, male or female, that wants her. He glares menacingly while brandishing a gun to her head - and cocks it just because he can.

The prostitute runs a hand down her body to her most private of places and licks her lips seductively as she strokes herself. She does not care; to the prostitute there is no difference between the superstar and herself. The haunting imagery and songs, all sung in French, were of sex, loss, death, depression, religion, rape, anger, incest, blood, suicide, the afterlife, immortality and darkness. Erszhebet was not ashamed of her artistic vision. It had made her a legend, although she was much too modest to ever admit to such a thing.

Knowing what they now knew about Erszhebet, the performances and songs struck a chord in ech of them. The Hogwarts trio wondered too what else did they not know given the rather intense subject matter of her epic videos. Her public always wondered where she got her ideas from. Erszhebet herself paid no more attention to content of her body of work than she would a housefly.

"It is not a big deal; there is no need to make something out of nothing. The best artistic inspiration comes from what you know embellished by a good imagination. Besides, a lot of what I am showing you was done before...certain events," she said, quite plainly. "My artistry is not always about my dark matters; my inspiration is the world itself - the madness of the Muggle world I have had to live in. I am not so narcissistic that everything is about me. Ninety-nine percent of it is most certainly not."

Erszhebet changed the disks to something definitely more pleasant and very distinctive. These were feature-length recordings of her time with the legendary and fabled Cirque du Soleil. She was very proud of what she had done; of the artistic input she had had and how the original humble small group of street performers based in Montreal was now a global cast of hundreds. The groups success was twenty years in the making.

Erszhebet explained that the concepts which drive the troupe in creating its productions are largely metaphysical ones and the concept behind this particular one, Alegría.

<<"Alegría is a mood, a state of mind. The themes of the show, whose name means "jubilation" in Spanish, are many. Power and the handing down of power over time, the evolution from ancient monarchies to modern democracies, old age, youth--it is against this backdrop that the characters of Alegría play out their lives. Kings' fools, minstrels, beggars, old aristocrats and children make up its universe, along with the clowns, who alone are able to resist the passing of time and the social transformations that accompany it.">> said Erszhebet.

"But I rather like the Italian interpretation of Alegria," continued Erszhebet. "Mario, the director, told me that when someone dies in the family the Italians say 'alegria' - 'Let's go, life goes on'. That show helped me to get a whole new perspective, one that I unfortunately later forgot. It serves as a reminder to me now of that no matter what - life will always go on...I think now of what I almost missed had I... "

"You are a remarkable woman, Miss Bathory," said Severus quickly and quietbefore Erszhebet could say what he knew was coming; what she would have missed had she actually succeeded in killing herself. How true it was. Severus was learning a lot from her. "Very remarkable indeed."

"I like to make the audience think. I like to push the boundaries of their own truth and logic. If the song does not make them think then the imagery definitely will," said Erszhebet. "Often one has nothing to do with the other."

"Ooohhhhh how enchanting," sighed Professor McGonagall as she watched Erszhebet in the role of 'The White Singer' in 'Alegria'. The story revolved around two characters; The White Singer and The Black Singer. Erszhebet had alternated between the two roles in this production; but had to admit she enjoyed the role of The White Singer more as The Black Singer was rarely heard or seen; oh how she loved singing those songs!

Erszhebet looked so delicate and almost fairy-like in the voluminous white gown, bodice and head-dress; all of which were adorned with numerous pearls and jewels. She looked like a figurine on a music box. But her voice - Erszhebets' voice was rich, full and majestic and sent chills down the spine. It seemed almost too large for such a delicate figure. Her face, her gestures - everything that she did gave life to the story she was trying to tell with her songs.

"Severina, if you don't mind my saying so you have a formidable artistic talent. Most impressive. The concepts, staging, the costumes - everything is just exquisite. I wish we had something like this in the Wizarding world instead of drivel like the Wyrd Sisters."

"I cannot take the credit for all of this," replied Erszhebet. "A lot of very talented, hard-working people work really hard on and off-stage. I was but one of many. But Cirque was a major turning point for me - it is the highlight of my career. The one artistic achievement I am most proud of. I won't lie; I have missed it in the past few years. But life, life moves on..."

Severus agreed with Minerva, he was awed by what he saw and heard. He too had no experience of such things. But he could not help but to wonder if it was wrong of Erszhebet to walk away from such ability.

He then changed his mind and decided he was being foolish - Severus wanted Erszhebet with him and would have to believe that she was sure of herself and what she wanted from her life now. She certainly seemed to be. It may be selfish of him, but selfishness was one of his less admirable Slytherin-like qualities.

"Merci beaucoup trop," replied Erszhebet. "If you like this then you would be very interested in what I am doing for the last show in a few weeks time in France. Mario, who directed all of the Cirque shows except one, is helping me to develop and stage it. People may forget me, my name may fade from living memory, but they will never ever forget the show itself...the fans wanted something of my life and boy are they going to get it - in spades!"

[[[]]]

Severus lay in bed waiting for Erszhebet. She never ceased to amaze him. He was going to have to open up to her; and it would be one of the most painful things he would ever face. But it must be done. Severus wanted Erszhebet to know that he did understand her; that they shared very similar experiences in some ways.

Erszhebet came out of the bathroom in a silk red robe which she dropped to the floor before sliding naked into bed next to Severus. Severus looked at her hands - she was holding something. It was a small box from the looks of it. Erszhebet handed it to him silently.

"What's this?" he asked.

"Open it and see," she replied. Erszhebets' eyes were glittering with excitement.

Severus gave her a look.

"Go on; open it and see," said Erszhebet.

Severus ripped off the wrapping paper and opened the small box.

He failed to hold back his astonishment.

Severina had bought him a silver flip-up phone identical to hers. Identical except for the motif on the front cover.

There in emeralds and diamonds was the Slytherin serpent.

Severus was speechless yet again.

"I thought you might find yours as useful as I have found mine. You should have one, you know. It's not like the usual Muggle phones. It has been adjusted...it will work anywhere - even underground," said Erszhebet. It has some more interesting features; I can explain tomorrow.

"You really should not...," said Severus.

"Please Severus, just accept it. I don't expect anything in return. Honestly I don't," said Erszhebet. "Tell me, do you like it?"

"No, Miss Bathory," said Severus with a smile as he shook his head Yes.

Erszhebet reached over took the phone out of his hands and put in on the nightstand. She then ripped the covers back and started to explore Severus' body with her mouth after she restrained his hands with heavy cord. She moved so fast that Severus did not realise what was happening to him.

Damn if she wasn't strong, thought Severus, much stronger than he had realized.

"Tell me," she whispered silkily in a tone not unlike Severus' usual speaking voice, "Do you like this?"

Severus thought he would go crazy from what she did next. Oh how maddening to not have the use of his hands!

"Oh, yes!" he moaned softly as he tried not to prematurely climax.

"What was that?" Erszhebet asked softly as she lifted up her head momentarily and gave him a little pinch. She had a sensuous look on her face and in her eyes as she lasciviously licked her lips. It was pure lust.

Severus was turned on by this; Immensely turned on by this.

"YES! OH GODS YES!!" he shouted as Erszhebet went back to what she was doing to him.

This time it was Erszhebet who made love to Severus. That and so much more; much, much more. She played him like a well-tuned piano.

"I told you that I would make it up to you; that I would bump and grind you into next week," she whispered huskily as Severus bucked wildly beneath her.

"Want me to stop?" she asked throatily with just the right hint of smoldering sexuality. "I will if you want me to."

"N..n...NO!!!" Severus roared. "OH GODS NO, NO!!!"

O Gods what she was doing to him!!!

Severus was learning something new from and about his partner yet again...and enjoying every minute of it.