Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of its characters. Just the random thoughts that float through my head.

/-/-/-/-

Ch. 37

Wits' End

"Are you ready?" Severus asked. He looked to Miriam, her eyes fixated on the large doors of the Great Hall. Severus frowned slightly as he looked Mia over. Miriam insisted on an early release from the hospital, despite Severus' objections. She obviously hadn't recovered; her skin was still pale, mixed with patches of variegated green from her healing bruises. Severus also noticed how Miriam often cradled her mended wrist, which still sported a brace while it finished healing. "Miriam? Did you hear me?" Severus asked again.

Miriam was lost inside her head, her grey eyes focused on - yet not seeing - the doors before her. She hadn't felt this type of trepidation since her arrival at Hogwarts in her fifth year. Yes, Miriam felt poorly – there was no argument on that point, but she insisted on an early release to get back to some semblance of normal.

Unfortunately, her hope of Hogwarts providing that for her were dashed by a rather damning Daily Prophet article. The writer took several creative liberties regarding what transpired in the alley, and felt no shame in spreading lies disguised as half-truths. The wizarding world was quick to take sides; one painted Miriam as the victim, who used her wits to barely escape. The other viewed her as a cold-blooded murderer, someone who callously used an Unforgiveable because she felt above the law.

Minerva visited Miriam in the hospital shortly after the story broke. Apparently, several parents had called on Albus for Miriam's resignation. When he refused, some pulled their children from Hogwarts because they didn't want them learning from someone like Miriam. Apparently, there was unrest amongst the houses as well, and very vociferous opinions on all sides.

Miriam heard Severus' voice, faint and distant in her ear. It sounded as though he'd spoke through a tin, much like when she and Remus made phones out of cans and string as children. In a rush, the room came into sharp focus. Miriam swayed slightly as the loud noises from behind the large door crashed over her, and she felt Severus' arm slip around her waist. She turned her head and looked into his dark eyes. They were fathomless, and in an unguarded moment Miriam saw the depth of his emotions all swirled together in varying shades of black.

As Miriam took a deep breath she felt some of the built up tension leave her shoulders. She inhaled again and relished the relaxation that came with the deep breath of air. She wondered how long they could remain outside the Great Hall, when a memory flashed through her mind. The smile that lit up her face was involuntary, and Severus raised an eyebrow at her.

"What?" Severus asked.

"I just remembered, this place. It's where I met you for the first time," Miriam said fondly. "Do you remember?"

"How could I forget?" Severus replied. His hand reflexively touched his temple. "You left your mark, indelibly."

"Not intentionally," Miriam added, her tone wistful.

"Are you ready, then?" Severus asked again.

Miriam turned to the door. "I don't know," she replied at length. "Will you stay with me?"

"Of course," Severus instantly answered. He slipped Miriam's right hand over his arm. "We'll walk straight to the head table, eat, and make a hasty exit," Severus said as he waved his hand. The doors slowly opened, and the couple stepped through.

The silence that rippled slowly through the crowd as the students caught sight of the two professors was deafening. The shocked looks on their young faces reaffirmed what Miriam already knew; she looked as bad as she felt. Still, she held her head high; after all, Miriam survived worse than the occasional awkward glance. As they walked Miriam leaned against Severus, grateful for his strength since the Great Hall was a long distance.

For the longest time, the only sound in the room was Severus and Miriam's shoes on the stone floor. Out of nowhere, a voice rang out from the Hufflepuff table. "Good to have you back, Professor Magowan!" Mr. Poole shouted as he stood.

"Thank you," Miriam said quietly, and the young boy smiled. Soon, several other shouts were heard about the room as various students welcomed Miriam back. Each comment buoyed Miriam's spirits, and by the time she and Severus reached their seats, a small, determined smile had settled on her lips. Professor Dumbledore rose from his chair and made his way to the end of the table. He embraced Miriam in a gentle hug, and as they broke apart, Slytherin House rose en-masse, and began to applaud.

Dumbledore smiled widely at Miriam and motioned for silence. He waited patiently for the Slytherin students to sit down before he spoke. "I would like to say it is wonderful to have you back, Professor Magowan. You were missed. Please, everyone, eat!"

By the time her colleagues each stopped by to wish her well, Miriam's food had gone cold. The elves brought a new plate out, and Miriam tried to focus on eating. She felt overwhelmed. The noise, the food, the well-wishers….it was a bit much to handle. It wasn't until she and Severus began the walk to her chambers that Miriam fully felt the strain of the day on her body.

Miriam tried to keep up with Severus, but though he shortened his stride Miriam felt her legs grow weaker with each step. She leaned against Severus for support as she tried to move forward. I can make it, Miriam thought. I see the portrait…I can do this.

Severus couldn't help but notice how much Miriam leaned against him. He slowed his pace to match hers as he slowly slipped his arms around her. It was good he did; Miriam's knees buckled and she went down a few yards before they reached the portrait.

"I've got you," Severus said as he swept Miriam into his arms. Miriam's entire body trembled from exertion as her head rested against his shoulder. Severus adjusted his grip and continued to walk. He frowned; Miriam felt light as a feather…much too light in his estimation. Severus gave the password and stepped into Miriam's chambers. "Let's get you comfortable," Severus said softly as he placed Miriam on the couch.

Severus covered Miriam with a large blanket and turned to her desk where the case of potions sat. He checked the time and pulled the necessary vials from the case. When he returned to Miriam's side, Severus noticed immediately the tears that slid down Miriam's face. "Is this what my life has become?" Miriam asked. "I can't do anything for myself!" Miriam groused. She shut her eyes tight, and several more tears coursed down her cheeks.

As Severus adjusted her blanket, he spoke. "I know you're frustrated, but you are getting better, Mia." Miriam sniffed loudly and looked at Severus. "Progress is slow – I know, but I am willing to be your hands as long as you have need." At Miriam's small smile, Severus handed her one vial at a time until she drained them all.

"Speaking of hands," Miriam said weakly. "Were you behind my warm Slytherin welcome?"

Severus shrugged. "Perhaps," he said lightly as his long limbs settled into the cushions. Miriam leaned against him, and Severus continued. "Don't be surprised if there are students clamoring to carry your things tomorrow, either. You're not well enough yet."

Miriam glanced at Severus as his arm wrapped around her. He looked quite pleased with his arrangements, so Miriam held back her retort about not needing help and let it go. She idly wondered what he said to motivate the students to action. It mattered little; Miriam felt grateful for the extra hands, and so she swallowed her pride and told Severus as much.

"I don't think checking out of St. Mungo's early was your best idea, Mia," Severus said heavily. "But, we will make the most of it. If I can't be there to help you, I will ensure a Slytherin student is. I also think it's best if you allow Minerva to gather your mail. You don't need the headache or any howlers right now."

Miriam closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. She knew Severus meant well – they all meant well. Yes, she needed the help…but she didn't want to need it. Miriam mumbled a half-hearted agreement about the owls, then abruptly changed the subject. "Severus, may I ask something of you?"

Severus paused for a moment at Miriam's question. "Of course, anything."

"Will you stay with me, tonight? I don't want to be alone." Miriam stopped abruptly and dropped her eyes. It was her first admonition that the ordeal she'd gone through still tainted her days and nights. The anxiety she felt over the simplest of things often left Miriam paralyzed. It helped to have Severus around; his presence grounded her, and calmed her thoughts. Though her doctor said those feelings were normal, Miriam wondered if she would ever feel safe again. "It's fine if you'd rather not, since it won't be like before….well, anyway, I'll manage –"

Miriam's rambling thoughts faltered as Severus tilted her chin upwards with a long finger. His dark eyes softened as Severus took in Miriam's anxious expression. "Of course I will stay. Things will get better. You won't feel this way forever Mia. I love you." Miriam smiled slightly and Severus continued. "I will be here, for as long as you need."

Miriam felt the tears gather and she nodded her head vigorously before she buried her face against Severus' chest. As his long arms embraced her, Miriam inhaled deeply and willed herself to relax. You're safe, everything is fine. This will pass, you just have to accept the help offered to you, Miriam thought to herself. "You're my rock, Severus, and I love you," Miriam said as she sighed.

"I know," Severus replied softly as he absently ran his hand through Miriam's hair.

/-/-/-

Miriam stretched out towards the warmth of the fire as she happily ate a biscuit. Remus smiled at her and finished arranging the chess pieces before he grabbed a biscuit. "So, how are you holding up?" Remus asked Miriam.

Miriam shrugged and brushed the crumbs off her lap. She swallowed and replied, "Fair, perhaps? It's such a faceted question I wouldn't know where to begin."

Remus nodded slowly. "What happened, exactly?" Remus asked as he leaned forward in his chair.

Miriam inhaled deeply as she looked at Remus, then around the staff room. It was empty, save for the two of them. She turned her attention back to Remus and dropped her voice. "If I tell you what I know, you must give me your promise it will not be repeated."

Without hesitation, Remus extended his hand. Miriam grasped it, and Remus answered "I promise to never repeat what is spoken between us today." He felt the tingle of magic travel up his arm; satisfied, Miriam nodded and put her hands back in her lap.

"I discovered all this through my lawyer and our meeting with the Aurors before I left St. Mungo's. The two men in the alley were brothers, but one of them mentioned a woman before….well, before the fight broke out. When I came to, Severus had the Aurors track down the third person. Auror Bowen later told us that the mystery woman was the two men's sister. Apparently, the three concocted a plan to kidnap me so the sister could then pose as me. Ultimately, their goal was to empty my vault and take any possessions I owned of value, dispose of me and skip the country."

Remus frowned at Miriam, then realization dawned across his features. "Polyjuice, of course," Remus mumbled to himself. "Your hair," he added as Miriam reflexively fingered the braid that rested over her shoulder. "How did the Aurors find all this out?"

Miriam rolled her eyes. "The sister turned on her living brother…confessed in return for leniency. It scared me how plausible their plan was; lucky for me they had very poor follow through."

Remus shook his head. "No, it wasn't luck. They didn't stand a chance against someone like you. Those men assumed you would succumb; I'm sure neither of them planned on you fighting back."

Miriam fell quiet as she studied her hands. "It was not my intention to kill him, Remus. He cast first…I don't know why. Maybe he was trying to keep me from turning them in?" Miriam looked questioningly at Remus. He shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Miriam sighed and continued. "I just wanted out," Miriam said bitterly. She looked at her friend. "The one I have to face on trial…tried to rape me. I have to testify, and look at him again. It makes me sick to think about it."

Remus' eyes widened before they filled with sympathy. "Oh, Miriam," Remus said heavily. "I had no idea you carried all this inside. I imagine everything published in the Prophet hasn't helped, either."

"No," Miriam said darkly. "I'll be before the Wizengamot twice. Once, for the trial and sentencing of the living brother. My memories should make that one cut and dry; reliving everything will be the worst of it. Then, I go on trial for using an Unforgivable and the death of the younger brother. My memories should help, but being judged in the court of public opinion through the paper is damaging my chances of the Wizengamot being unbiased."

"You aren't the first person to use an Unforgivable that escaped Azkaban. There are documented cases of self-defense on the books similar to yours."

Miriam smiled sadly. "Yes, well. Those people had public sympathy. I don't have much of that. Seems not too many in our world approve of a single witch with her own money and prospects. It would appear most people believe I got what I deserved."

Remus shook his head. "Well, they're wrong. Surely there's a way to sway people?"

"I don't know. If there is, it hasn't occurred to me yet. I'm busy trying to heal and act normal. Teach and lay low, but even that's difficult. Albus is under a great deal of pressure from parents for my resignation, and some of the students are scared of me….I can tell. Plus, Severus and Will are implementing new security measures for the business, all of which leaves me feeling ostracized and at my wits' end."

Remus nodded his head as he tried to take in everything Miriam put before him. His train of thought sputtered to a stop as his mind fixated on a name. "Wait a tick….is there something going on between you and Severus?"

Miriam's face betrayed nothing. "Whatever made you say that?"

"Don't evade me, Miriam. Will told me all about Severus saving your life, and how he never left St. Mungo's until you came here. Just now, you mentioned his involvement with your business. Here I thought we were friends," Remus added, as he knew it would get a rise out of Miriam.

"We are friends, and don't play that trick on me. I'm wise to your ways," Miriam said as she pointed a finger at Remus. He laughed. Miriam gave Remus a genuine smile before she continued. "As my friend, I feel it's only fair you find out the truth from me. We are involved, Severus and I. Given the circumstances, we've kept things quiet for now. If I had my way, I wouldn't care who knew that he and I were together. My lawyer feels otherwise, however. He's worried Severus' reputation would further damage my chances of a fair trial."

Remus nodded slowly as he put his thoughts in order. He leaned his elbow on the table as his chin rested in his hand. "You love him, then?" Remus asked Miriam quietly.

Miriam smiled and dropped her gaze. Her bracelet glittered up at her, and she bit her lip in contemplation. She felt unsure if Remus could understood the depth of her feelings, or what his reaction would be when he realized how besotted Miriam was over Severus. After all, Remus and Severus never got along while they attended Hogwarts.

When Miriam looked up, she nodded at Remus. "I do love him. He is perfect, for me. And, he understands what I've gone through. I told Severus about him, Remus, about how he used to hit me growing up. Severus knows how I came to Hogwarts; he's seen me struggle with the aftermath of my assault…and he's still here."

Remus sat up, shocked at Miriam's admonition. It was unlike her to be so revealing. It appeared Miriam finally found someone to share her past with. And from the sound of it, her future as well, Remus thought to himself. Remus looked at Miriam and asked, "Severus is a good man to you, right? He loves you?"

"He is, Remus…better, in fact. Yes, he loves me."

"Good," Remus said firmly. "He and I will probably never be friends, but I hold no ill will towards Severus. If you are happy, then I am happy for you, my friend," he said gently.

"Thank you, dear friend. You are too kind for this world, you know that right?"

Remus smiled and was about to reply when the door opened. He and Miriam watched as Severus stepped through. Severus' dark eyes narrowed at Lupin, then shifted to Miriam and back again. "Am I interrupting anything?" Severus asked, his words crisp.

"No, not at all," Miriam answered. "Remus stopped by for a chat and a game of chess. Which, we never got around to playing," Miriam added as she frowned at the board between them.

Severus nodded slowly. "I see. Miriam, I need to speak with you. Privately," Severus added after a moment.

"That's fine," Remus jumped in. Miriam noticed his rather large grin and gave him a warning look. "I need to see Dumbledore, so I should get on. Mum said you are to keep the tin of biscuits, by the way," Remus said as he stood.

"Tell her thank you for me," Miriam replied. She stood and waited for Remus to gather his worn cloak from the back of the chair. Miriam walked with Remus to the stone gargoyle as Severus lingered close behind. When Remus' scuffed shoes disappeared completely up the spiral staircase, Miriam turned her attention to Severus.

"Do you really need to speak with me, or were you just running Remus off?" Miriam asked.

Severus steered Miriam to the dungeon stairs. "While I derive great pleasure in running Lupin off, I do want to speak with you. Just not here."

Miriam nodded and lapsed into silence as they wound their way down to the dungeons. Once they were settled in Severus' chambers he pulled out a letter and sat next to Miriam on the couch. "You got an owl from Auror Bowen today."

"What does it read?" Miriam asked cautiously.

Severus sighed heavily. "He cautions you that Bagnold has been under pressure from the Board of Governors for your resignation. Bowen seems to think a visit from the Minister is imminent and to be prepared when it happens."

Miriam swallowed down the lump in her throat and gazed into the fire. She wondered when this day would come, and it looked as though it arrived. She huffed in irritation and shifted in her seat. It seemed Miriam could no longer use Hogwarts as a safe haven; not if it meant unnecessary grief for Albus and her colleagues. Mia abruptly became aware that she still had the biscuits clutched tightly in her arms like a lifeline. With a heavy sigh, she set the tin on the coffee table. "Well then, I guess I should give them all what they want."

"What? No!" Severus sputtered. "Resigning would solve nothing. There is no logical reason for you to leave Hogwarts. After all, you are innocent until they prove otherwise. Make Bagnold sweat it out."

Miriam looked wearily at Severus. "Any other time, I would relish her discomfort. Right now, I feel as though I am watching my life unravel as I stand on the sidelines, helpless to stop it. I'm so tired, Severus."

"I know, Mia." As Severus lifted his arm Miriam leaned against his chest and his arm wrapped around her. "I wonder why Bowen sent the owl? I read his investigative report. It favors you, as it should, and is a strong foundation for your self-defense case."

"Remember how I tutored him in Potions? Even though he was ahead of us, he never would've gotten an 'O' without my help. He needed those marks to become an Auror, so maybe he sees this as leveling the score."

Severus made a small noise of agreement. "I do remember now. He was awful…sloppy, careless."

"He just learned differently, that's all. And not everyone is as dedicated as you, love," Miriam said quietly. She yawned and allowed her eyes to drift closed.

Severus grinned. Anytime he could make Miriam relax enough to forget about her situation was an accomplishment. Those moments were few, and he relished them. "Will you stay the night?" Severus asked quietly.

"Mmmhmmm," Miriam mumbled. "I need the company."

/-/-/

"Surely you can see how this looks!" an irritated female voice exclaimed. Miriam shot Severus a glance that said 'I told you so' before knocking on the door to Dumbledore's office. The two had just retired to Severus' sitting room after classes, when an elf arrived with a message from the Headmaster. It was obvious Minister Bagnold had arrived.

At Albus' bidding, the pair entered the office. Seated before him was the Minister of Magic, Millicent Bagnold. She was an imposing middle-aged witch, with slightly faded auburn hair swept away from her face in a tight bun. Her icy blue eyes took in everything as Severus and Miriam made their way across the room.

"Please, sit down" Albus said as he motioned to two empty chairs. "Minister Bagnold and I were just discussing you, Miriam."

Miriam wanted to play her cards close. "I see," Miriam replied quietly. "Is there something wrong?"

Minister Bagnold wasted no time inserting herself in the conversation. "Professor Magowan, I have to tell you that your current legal situation has put a good deal of pressure on me from the school's Board of Governors. They would like your resignation," Bagnold stated.

Miriam paused as she searched for the right words. "My…legal situation…was a matter of survival. I just wanted to come back home, to Hogwarts. I love my job, and I believe Professor Dumbledore deems my teaching skills are more than satisfactory. Even with my injuries from the assault, my teaching hasn't suffered. I desire greatly to put all this behind me, and hopefully stay on at Hogwarts to help my students with their end-of-term exams. As far as the Board's view of me, I would like to think I am innocent until proven otherwise in the eyes of the Wizengamot."

Millicent nodded slowly as she listened to Miriam. Dumbledore gently cleared his throat and brandished a very fat scroll. "Minister, I was visited this morning by four highly concerned students, one from each House. Interestingly enough, Professor Magowan's circumstance has polarized the student body and united the four Houses in a way that only injustice can." He paused and released the scroll. It rolled across the large top of Albus' desk, onto the floor, and stopped well past the chairs the three people occupied across from it. "This is a list of students who are prepared to walk out of my school and quit their studies if Professor Magowan is forced to resign. Now, what am I supposed to do with almost half of the student body gone, Millicent?"

Minister Bagnold's eyes widened as she thought about her answer. After a long moment, she replied. "Well, Albus, it would appear my hands are tied. I simply cannot allow half the student body to walk out." Dumbledore smiled slightly, and the mirth in Bagnold's eyes was unmistakable. The older witch turned to Miriam. Her icy stare warmed slightly. "Ms. Magowan, allow me to speak frankly. I personally feel you deserve leniency; I think this ordeal and your prolonged recovery is punishment enough. However, I need to come back with something to appease the Governors and others at the Ministry."

"What would you have me do?" Miriam asked.

"Probation, of sorts. You agree to stay at the castle and not leave school grounds. Also, that you allow Headmaster Dumbledore to oversee your classroom instruction. I'll leave the details of that up to him," Minister Bagnold added with a side glance at Albus, to which he nodded in assent.

Miriam closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. She fully realized now the price of staying at Hogwarts. Her refuge was to become her prison, until this situation resolved itself - or she moved on to a larger prison. Defeated, but still unwilling to give the Governors what they ultimately sought, Miriam nodded her head in agreement. "If that is what you require of me, then I will comply."

"Good," Bagnold replied with a satisfied tone.

"Is there anything else you need from me?" Miriam asked. "I'm afraid I feel poorly, and would like to lie down."

"Get some rest," Albus answered. "The Minister and I will finish up."

Severus helped Miriam out of her chair and walked her down the spiral staircase. "I will owl Lucius tonight, see if he can't sway the board members who want you out." Miriam raised an eyebrow at Severus. "He owes me a favor. Several, actually," Severus added. Miriam simply nodded in agreement and continued to walk. She was unusually quiet, and that worried Severus. It seemed the fire in Miriam had gone out ever since she came to in the hospital. It was odd.

As they reached the top of the staircase, Severus saw Will and Mr. Barry Feinstein, Miriam's lawyer, waiting by her portrait. "Lovely," Miriam said bitterly. "More happy news, I'm sure."

Severus made a small noise of agreement. He ushered the two men into Mia's sitting room, then busied himself making Miriam comfortable as he sent Millie after tea. Mr. Feinstein was rather put out that Miriam spoke to the Minister without him present, and Severus filled him in on what transpired. Ultimately, they all arrived at the conclusion that Miriam did what she had to do. It was best to comply with the Minister's wishes, for now.

Distraught over the afternoon's events, Miriam effectively tuned out the conversation around her. Her tea sat on the side table, untouched, as she stared out the window. Nos had claimed a spot on her blanket-clad lap, and she absently stroked his black fur. There was a dull throb behind her eyes. Her head felt filled with static – she couldn't remember a time when she felt wearier. A warm hand rested on her knee, and Miriam turned her gaze from the window. "What?" Miriam asked blankly as Severus stared at her, an expectant look on his face.

"Focus, Miriam," Barry admonished her. "We need to talk strategy. The papers have not been kind, and the picture they've painted of you isn't winning us any sympathy. That has to change. Do you have any ideas on how to make you more appealing?"

Miriam's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you insinuating that I'm not….appealing."

"In the eyes of the public, not really," Feinstein said bluntly. "The press has portrayed you as a money driven, power-hungry jezebel. Not the image we're looking for. We need to paint a picture of a charitable, compassionate, soft-hearted lady. I want the public to see you as their own mother or sister...someone they wouldn't dream of sending to Azkaban."

Miriam stared at her lawyer, gobsmacked that he spoke to her in such a fashion. All the anger Miriam kept stuffed away began to boil over. She pursed her lips together and shook her head slowly. "Charitable? Compassionate? I've been those things, and no one gave a damn when I was," Miriam said angrily. Nos sensed the shift in her mood and scurried under the chair. "Are you going to paint a picture for them in court of their mother or sister being assaulted in a dingy alley, Feinstein? Better yet, we can vividly go into the attempted rape while we're at it. I can testify in detail how it felt to have his nasty hands all over my body, but then again that doesn't matter. A soft-hearted lady would've just taken it instead of fighting her way out." Miriam flung the blanket off and stood. "Would that have been easier to work with?" Miriam yelled. "Should I have just let him have his way with me, so you could instead defend a deceased rape victim at my murder trial?"

Feinstein's face drained of color at Miriam's accusation, then blotched red as his brows furrowed in anger. "Sit down, Miriam!" he yelled. "Stop acting like a petulant child. I'm trying to help you!"

"Doesn't look that way from here!" Miriam shot back.

"This is exactly what I'm talking about," Barry said lowly as he stood and pointed a finger in Miriam's face. "Your little angry outbursts are going to cost you your freedom! Now, sit down and let me help you."

Severus and Will watched from their seats as Miriam and Mr. Feinstein squared off at each other. Eventually, Miriam wavered and she sat down, crestfallen. "Miriam, I would much rather be in the situation I currently find myself than one where you are dead. Face the facts, though. You are not a typical woman. While your independence and ambition doesn't bother me, it does bother the majority – and I need the majority to like you for this self-defense angle to work."

Silence settled over the room. Miriam picked at the pillow next to her as Severus and Will sat thinking. At great length, Will spoke. "I am tired of seeing Miriam's reputation drug through the pages of the Prophet. I'm not denying she used an Unforgivable, but I also feel she did nothing wrong. My sister does good things, she is a good woman. What if we published our own version of the story everyone thinks they know?"

Barry leaned forward. "How do we do that, hmm? I'm not saying it's a bad idea, but what publication is going to pick this up? I can't think of anyone."

"I can," Severus replied. Everyone looked at him expectantly, as Severus turned to Miriam. "Owl Lovegood. He can do a write-up on you in The Quibbler. I know –" Severus held up his hand to stop Feinstein's objections, "-but think about it. We give Xeno exclusive access to Miriam, he publishes several stories, The Prophet's circle of readers gets smaller, and soon they'll be clamoring for Miriam to talk to them."

Will grinned widely. "Brilliant! I love it! We'll highlight your philanthropic work, your hobbies. Hell, you can even take photos with the boys…it'll be fantastic!" Will exclaimed as he slapped his leg.

"Now hold on," Miriam said. "I don't want the boys dragged into this. It's not fair."

"Too late," Will shot back. "They're already involved, just like anyone else who loves you. If it helps you, I'm for it. How do you think the boys will feel if you go to Azkaban, Miriam?"

Sadness filled Miriam's eyes and she hung her head. "Fine," she finally answered. "I will owl Xeno, do whatever you think needs done, and bring him here. Since I can't leave," Miriam said under her breath.

Will and Barry stood. "Before Will and I leave, I want there to be an understanding. I want to preview everything before it goes to press. Also, there is to be no mention of Severus in anything published. Is that clear?"

Severus saw the anger in Miriam's eyes, and he answered before she could. "Crystal," Severus said shortly.

After the two took their leave, Severus sat next to Miriam on the couch. "He's right, you know. Now is not the time to make our relationship common knowledge. Not with my past, anyway."

Miriam looked into Severus' eyes. "Right or not, I hate how he makes you sound like a deviant. I am not ashamed of you, or our relationship in any way."

"I know," Severus replied as his arms slipped around her. Having Miriam upset did not help her physical or mental state. He decided to change the subject. "Though it surprises me, I'm glad you are taking the help that is offered to you so readily."

"I don't have much choice. Ian said I needed to," Miriam said quietly.

Severus frowned. Miriam's whole demeanor changed suddenly. She became somber, and there was a touch of sadness mixed with the grey in her eyes. "Would you like to talk about it?" Severus asked.

Miriam nodded. "Yes. I would."

So they did, until the fire burnt itself out.

/-/-/-/

A/N: This was in no way meant to be a cliff hanger. I just didn't see the point in rehashing an earlier chapter when I want to get on with the next one while it's running through my mind.
Thank you so much for your patience with this chapter. My mother came for a visit, and then ten days later my in-laws arrived. It's hard to write when you have company, and they were here for a combined three weeks!
Until next time, dear readers. Happy Holidays to you all!