She could be silent no more! "Oh, Severus," she cried. She slid towards him and threw her arms around him for comfort and told him what he really needed to know. "I know that you are worried about turning out like your father. However, you are an extremely intelligent man. You know that isn't how genetics works. It is not a time release sort of process. If you were truly cruel and abusive, then you would have known it long before now. In fact, I think that we both know that the opposite is true. Otherwise, you would have glorified in being a Death Eater –since we know many who did - instead of trying to put a stop to them! You joined them, but not because you believed in them and what they were doing and not because you enjoyed the pain and suffering of others. You joined them because you were lonely and desperate and wanted somewhere to belong! You are a good person, Severus. I have known it for years, even though you tried your best to hide the truth – even from yourself! It's time to stop hiding! I told you before that you deserve to be happy! You do not need to hide behind these irrational fears to deny yourself a relationship or a family of your own!" With these words, she leaned forward, cupped his face in her hands, and kissed him with feeling, and she had tears in her eyes when she pulled away.
His heart sang at her words. Could it be true? Can she know the very worst of me and my family and still being willing to have me? Or is she just being a Gryffindor – am I just her current 'worthy cause to champion'? He had to know, so he decided to do a very unSlytherin-like thing and come right out and ask. "Do…could…you want me…really want me?" He wanted that to come out sounding strong and confident, instead it was more of a broken whisper.
She pulled back from him at that moment and looked at him appraisingly – not with pity, but with clarity. He saw that and took strength from it. He found that he was able to look her in the eyes…and he waited for her answer. However, he wasn't really prepared for it when it came. He should have known that it wouldn't be that easy when it came to her!
"I don't think that is the right question, Severus," she said firmly, but gently, all the while holding his hand and his gaze. "You already know that I do. I have certainly tried to make that point clear!" Here his eyes lit up, but she didn't give him a chance to say anything, yet. "Therefore, the real question here is do you really want me? Are you willing and able to put aside your fears to be with me? Are you willing to try to learn how to live with and, yes, care about another person? I understand that all of this is completely outside of your comfort zone, but, at this point, it all boils down to you. If you aren't willing to fight against the fears of your past and your learned inclinations in order to be with me, then it just doesn't really matter how I feel. Does it? Now I know that these aren't easy questions to answer right now, but consider this. Everything that we did yesterday and this morning, and even more, could be yours – could be ours - for real. It probably won't be easy, though. We would have to work at it. Therefore, the real question is are you willing to work for it, for you, for me, for us?" She gave him a soft, understanding smile and stroked his cheek briefly before she continued. "Now the romantic and bold Gryffindor part of me wants for you to yell, Yes, and then kiss me, and for us to live happily ever after. However, I know that real life doesn't work like that. Therefore, the practical part of me knows that my dear Slytherin will need to think about this, to analyze it, to consider all of his options. I understand that. I really do. Now, I promised to make you breakfast after our conversation, and I know that you can't make such heavy decisions on a empty stomach. Therefore, I will go and do that and you go and do what you need to do. Remember this, though. You have made me no promises and therefore you owe me nothing at this point. I only want you to think about what will ultimately make you happy. It is about time that you did! You can count on me to assist you with that – in whatever way you need – whether it is as a friend -or as a wife and lover." With that, she kissed him on the cheek and left the room without further ceremony.
Severus just sat there – once again the little witch had left him stunned. She was right, as usual, too. It didn't matter what either of them wanted, if they weren't willing to work for it. She was wrong about one thing, though, he did owe her something. He owed her the honor of really taking this seriously this time. She had been so fantastic about working with him through everything this entire time! If he was being truthful, though, all he did before now was brood and be wistful and determine beforehand that it wasn't meant to be. However, now he needed to consider all of the possibilities – the pro and the cons – the rights and the wrongs. It wasn't the romantic thing to do, but it was the right thing! They were talking about the rest of their lives here…and powerful witches and wizards tended to live for a very long time! Therefore, he needed to be honest for both of their sakes or they both could end up miserable for that same length of time. Therefore, he decided to take this internal debate out for a walk in the garden. He loved his garden and knew it would be a great place to think about this truly life-changing decision.
He went out the back door, which was adjacent to the garden, and wandered over to the specialized section that he kept separate for his potion ingredients. He sat down on the side of the raised bed and mindlessy weeded the closest section while letting his mind wander over this issue. First of all, how did he really feel about the witch? That was the essential question, wasn't it? Was she someone that he could change for? Could he learn to live life with her - instead of on his own? Did he even want to? He thought about everything they had done together. He considered how much she had intrigued and surprised him. He thought about how brilliant she was. Then he remembered how comfortable,caring, and affectionate she was. Finally, his mind drifted over to how damn sexy she was. Putting it all together, he realized the truth. Oh, yes! He wanted her, there was no doubt about it. He wanted all of her!
He also realized that his fears about turning into his father were completely baseless. He knew that he could never hurt the wonderful little witch that had been dropped into his life. He also knew that Mia was not his mother and that she would never allow anyone to treat her or her children in that way – no matter what! That made him think again of a possible family – an idea that he previously considered to be too farfetched to ever happen. Would he be able to care for, to love this witch enough to make a family with her? The thought of having a real family with Mia - whether it be a family of just two, or possibly more if children were ever present in their future, made his eyes filled with tears. It was then that he knew that he was already more than halfway there! He already cared for the witch – and the love could and would definitely be there in his near future. He just needed to let it happen!
In fact, he thought, as he stood up and brushed the loose soil off of his hands, are there any disadvantages of letting the little witch into my life? A rare true smile crossed his face, as he realized that as much as he tried, he couldn't think of a single thing.
Just then a happy little otter Patronus appeared and swam circles around him in the air. Hermione's sweet voice informed him "Severus, I don't want to disturb you, but I just wanted to let you know that breakfast is ready. However, please don't feel like you need to rush. I put a stasis charm on it, so it will be ready whenever you are. Also, you don't have to have a positive answer, or even an answer at all, in order to come in and eat. I hope that you know that!"
When the message was delivered, the little otter disappeared leaving Severus even more sure of his answer. That witch is too considerate for her own good. It is time that someone finally returned the favor and tried to make her happy for a change! I could do that! he decided. With that thought, he turned and strode confidently in the direction of the kitchen.
She was there, leaning against the sink, and looking out the window while sipping from her mug. The morning light surrounded her and her simple beauty just took his breath away. He saw her stiffen, so he knew that she knew he was there. However, she didn't say anything and she didn't turn around. He realized then that she didn't know what, or even if, he had decided. Therefore, she was giving him the opportunity to speak or the chance to be silent. She was letting him make the choice. Merlin, I love that about her! he thought as stepped up behind her and placed his hands on her waist. He heard her breath hitch and he felt himself twitch in response. There will be time for that later, he told himself. A lifetime, really…if I get this right. A lifetime, he thought again, and for once the thought didn't frighten him. A lifetime with Mia, he thought and then he smiled as he pulled her around her to face him.
"Yes!" he said and then he kissed her. "Yes to everything!" he emphasized and kissed her again enthusiastically - until they were both left panting for breath and wanting more.