Once, they were almost seen.

Not by the Carrows, nor by students. No, it was worse. In the throne-like chair Severus sat, he unleashed his disdain upon the students who were at his mercy. He never allowed any killing, though harm came to those who dared rebel like Luna and to those who he had already had a distaste for like Neville.

It was like Dumbledore's office still, but it had an different air to it, a more stifling air. Just the same, Sarah visited when she finished her work. She had an illuminating feeling that night; something inside her was positively glowing. Something around her heart was glowing more brightly than the full moon outside, something that was enough enough to melt away the lead.

Severus stood when she entered, welcoming her into his office. Stretching up, she pressed her lips to his. It had been days.

When she pulled her face from his, they stood still in close proximity of one another. McGonagall entered at that moment, seeing their faces so close. She looked suspiciously infuriated but said nothing.