Poppy was through with him in a few moments. It seemed that Hermione had been right. Some of the sinews and ligaments had not mended as they should have. But it was nothing that posed a problem for the long experienced nurse. When she was done and before she turned back to the fireplace she addressed him again.

'I am truly happy to see you so well, Severus. Allow me to say that at least. It is so good to see that at least one we had thought we lost forever, has returned to us.'

'I have not returned. As soon as this...issue… is settled, I shall be leaving the magical world behind again.'

Poppy looked stunned for a moment.

'Why, Severus, I would have never thought you of all people would voluntarily choose to live in the muggle world?'

He shrugged by way of answering. Shaking her head slightly, the old nursing witch made her way back into the fireplace.

Meanwhile Sophie had had another round of arguments with her family. It seemed they were willing to stay here for the moment and were finally coming round to the fact that there were some things in this life that could not be explained with the rules and mindset which they had followed all their lives. Sophie could sympathise with this. She also found it difficult to adapt to the situation: there was magic, that fact alone was beyond anything she could have ever imagined. But for her it was easier because she trusted Severus. And that was something her family did not do. To them he was still a stranger and now someone who had endangered the family. Sophie thought that their reluctance to accept the situation was also partly because they blamed Severus. But that would not make any difference. If she could accept him, magic and all, then they would damn well be able too. After all they loved her.

The idea of the Christmas lunch was abandoned in favour for some much needed rest for everyone. Instead, Minerva suggested a Christmas evening dinner. Harry, Hermione and Ron were all for it; Severus on the other hand was beyond caring. He just wanted to lie down and feel nothing for the next few hours.

And so everybody turned to their allocated rooms, while Harry, Hermione, Ron and Minerva left them to it.

Severus felt a profound sense of relief when he closed the bedroom door behind himself and Sophie. He leaned his back against it and watched as she stood in the middle of the room to take it all in.

'So...is there anything I should know about this room?'

Severus smiled evilly.

'Yes. There is what we call a bed. We lie on it and cover ourselves with blankets and duvets to keep warm. Then we sleep. It's quite comfortable really. Not that you poor muggle would know.'

Sophie turned to him laughing.

'Woah! That was mean!'

He went over and took her into his arms.

'I'm sorry, just couldn't resist.'

He kissed the top of her head.

'Is it really so tedious that I ask all these questions? I mean I know it can't have been easy for you to tell me all that you did tell me today. But …', she pushed herself away a little so she could look up into his eyes, 'I really do appreciate it. And … you know, for the first time I have the feeling you let me see the real you.'

Severus frowned.

'Well, not sure you should be happy about that.'

He let go and turned towards the bathroom. But she stopped him, taking hold of one of his arms and pulling herself into them again.

'You stubborn, stubborn man. When will you believe that I love you?'

She reached up to his face, pulled it gently down to hers and kissed him in that slow, gentle way that always made his heart melt and made his legs feel like jelly.

When he opened his eyes again he looked into her smiling face, the radiance and warmth it showed made him pull her towards himself again. He held her and tried to put all his love and all his longing into this embrace. For a long moment they silently held onto one another until he let go and took a step back.

He didn't dare to look into her eyes as he turned to go to the bathroom or he would have seen the mischievous look they showed.

'Severus?'

It still surprised him to hear his name from her lips. But he found, he liked it. She did not say it with contempt or hatred as he had heard it said so often. It was … what was it? Right now it sounded almost pleading… with a hint of a challenge. What was up? He turned.

'Yes?'

She stood by the nearest bedpost. There was hesitation...embarrassment...she looked to the bed and back at him… as if unsure what to say or do next. Oh dear. No. Not now. He needed… he needed rest. And time to think. And ... and ...just not now. But how to say it? How to say it without hurting her? He could see this was not easy for her but he needed to stop this before she said something that would have to make him reject her openly. Quick, Severus, think.

'I … Sorry, but I really need the bathroom, love.'

Oh Merlin...that sounded… even to his ears that sounded horribly lame.

She looked away at once.

'Sure...you go ahead. You must be really tired.'

There, she had opened the door for him. All he had to do is walk through it. His way out. But why was he so reluctant? He knew without a second thought why. Because he actually wanted nothing more. But it would be foolish to embark on that journey now. He could not afford to be distracted. Not now that Death Eaters were threatening their lives and she had just found out things about him she couldn't possibly understand yet. She still hadn't fully grasped the implications. And it would be unfair and selfish to take advantage of her need for comfort and security. After all, he was sure that was all it was. Although in the back of his head a little voice had started to make itself heard. Maybe she is different. Maybe she really does love me. And maybe she really does want me.

When he returned from the bathroom he found her cuddled up to one of the many pillows on top of the duvet and fast asleep. He smiled. With a quick, silent spell he lifted her up and pulled the duvet down before he gently lowered her back on the bed again. Magically her shoe laces undid themselves and her sneakers came off. But that was the full extent of magic he was willing to use on her at the moment. He crawled into the bed next to her, pulled the duvet up to cover them and snuggled up close to her. Gently he scooped her head onto his shoulder and pulled her into his arms. With her scent in his nose and his face buried in her slowly regrowing hair he closed his eyes. Within seconds he was carried away into oblivion. Later when he woke, all he would remember was a feeling of deep warmth, relief and contentment.