Severus apparated in his childhood home, falling onto one knee. Minerva was still a talented witch when it came to curses despite her age. She had spared him no mercy although he had held back his spells in fear of hurting his old friend. At least he knew Hogwarts was secure at present moment after deflecting minerva's curse to the Carrows.
He cursed as he favored his left rib. It felt fractured and he could not draw a deep breath without gasping. She had heard the crack of his disapparation and had come looking for him.
'Severus!' she ran to his side, helping him up.
As always, the very sight of her comforted him and for a moment his pain unforgotten. She was the only good thing that had come out from this War. He tried to give her a brave smile but it came out a wince. She helped him to his armchair and waited for instructions. Part of the many reasons he loved her so. She knew when to ask questions & this was not the time.
Severus muttered some potions and she returned with them Swiftly. Slowly and gently she helped him out of his upper jacket. He winced as every movement seemed to aggravate his injury.
He forced himself to stay still as she placed her wand over his left ribs, muttering the incantation softly. His grip on her left wrist tightened as his bone regenerated. Tiredly he slumped forward, head resting on her shoulder, trusting her enough to close his eyes & rest. She rubbed a balm over the area, disliking the feel of his ribs Sticking out. He was far too thin already.
"It's alright, 'she crooned. 'Rest, Sev. You're home now. You're safe.'
He jerked awake few minutes later, cursing himself for falling asleep at such a crucial moment.
'There's no time, 'he said. 'You have to leave now. The war has Started. I will transport both of you to a secure location.'
His hand fell to cup her swollen belly, heavily pregnant with child. Her slender fingers covered his. He kissed her lips & felt them trembling to keep from crying.
"I'll be there as soon as I can. I promise.' He knelt down in front of her, duly noting his ribs were still hurting despite the potions earlier. Severus rested his cheek on her warm belly, as he had done many times before.
'Be safe, my son.'
He helped her pack as fast as he can, ignoring the pain of his Dark Mark. He was being summoned by Lord Voldemort. There wasn't enough time. Potter still needs to be told that he was the last Horcrux.
"Hurry!" he gritted his teeth as his left hand started to bleed. As he heard the crack of someone disapparating in the next room, he pulled her into a fierce hug.
"Whatever happens, never forget that I love you. Stay quiet & wait until we leave. You know where to go." He held her hand until the very last moment, reluctant to leave her, hating himself and hating Dumbledore for making him do this.
She heard Severus greet their visitor. It was Lucius. Severus admonishing him for coming here. Then two cracks as both men disapparated.
Her gaze fell on the night table. His bottle of anti venom. He had forgotten it. Absently she caressed her belly. She'll pass it to him later. The baby in her womb kicked. She smiled a little to herself.
"Missing your father already, little one?"
That was the last day she saw Severus alive.