Chapter Twenty-One
Walking down the deserted street Ember allowed her eyes to scan the area. Darkness was lingering in every nook and cranny the street provided, only the dim orange glow coming from the street lamps being the major source of light allowing her to see where she was going. No one was out, everyone in their homes where she should be. Sleep evaded her though, every fibre of her being telling her something wasn't right.
Severus was away, doing something for Lord Voldemort but she didn't know what. Ember had just found herself laid in bed staring up at the ceiling whilst her body screamed at her that something wasn't right. Her fear that Severus was in danger multiplying with each moment that passed.
Sighing, she stopped to sit down at a mental bench that was near a muggle bus stop. The cold bars pierced her skin causing her to flinch for the briefest of moments. Trying to clear her mind she simply stared from her spot on the bench as she gazed up at the blank sky. There weren't any clouds.
Frowning, almost delayed, Ember strained her ears when she thought she heard a noise come from behind her. Turning fully in her seat, her wide eyes stared into the direction the petrified scream originated from. Within the next second a large orange glow erupted along with a dirty puff of grey smoke. Jumping up Ember sprinted in the direction of the fire. The single scream turned into multiples, all penetrating her mind like a disease. It was disturbing, like a million bugs crawling under her skin all trying to claw their way out.
Turning to where she figured the fire was Ember came to an abrupt stop. Death Eaters filled the street. Quickly hiding she observed the riot. Muggles, Muggles being tortured for fun. Their crying and screaming filled her mind, constantly echoing almost mockingly. She couldn't go up against this many Death Eaters. Clenching her hands into fists her face hardened with determination. There was one thing she could do, a special gift only she could do. She had never tried to use it on this many people before though, she didn't know if it would work.
Just as she opened her mouth her whole body stilled, a Death Eater coming into her line of sight. She couldn't see his person, he was wearing a mask and robe, but Ember felt it. She knew what his body looked like, his height, his demeanour of how he held himself. On top of that her instincts just knew this was Severus. He was here, participating in torturing these defenceless Muggles. Ember wasn't stupid, she knew Severus had to do what he did to keep his cover with Voldemort but seeing it in person was a completely different thing.
She had only seen Severus truly violent once, and that was against his father and that man deserved it and more. She never held that against him, and she guessed she couldn't hold this against him either but she wasn't used to this person. Ember was used to Severus being kind and gentle with her, he looked out for her, protected her, made sure she was okay. Even when they were intimate a lot of times he was gentle and loving during those intense moments. This, this was not her man.
This person was vile, not showing the poor woman on the cold ground any mercy as she begged him to stop. He did eventually but she didn't know if that was better than just killing her. She was covered in blood, barely conscious as her body twitched in pain. Looking at this victim Ember could see now why Severus had tried keeping this part of his life from her, why he stayed up so late diligently making the cures for Ember to save the patients he had admitted into the hospital by his own hand, that she then had to heal.
As if he could sense someone looking at him he raised his head suddenly, immediately finding Ember gaping at him in horror. Fire blazed on around them as the couple continued to stare at one another. It was a strangely odd feeling and image seeing Severus stood there tall in his Death Eater robes whilst a giant flame ate away at the homes behind him, dying people broken at his feet. The spell was broken in the next second when people apparated into the area, Ember recognising a few of them and she knew they were here to help.
Knowing there was people to stop this madness she didn't feel too guilty about leaving now. She didn't think she would do much good anyways, she would most likely end up hurting herself or others in the state she was in. Severus was still watching her as she turned and disapparated from the spot. Landing in her living room Ember fell to the floor, her legs unable to keep her up. She felt sick.
She was only alone for a few seconds before she heard the crack of someone apparating inside the room, and only one person was added into her wards.
Severus dropped to his knees, mask being flung to the ground almost in disgust. His hands started to shake as he reached out to the girl in front of him who was hugging herself so tight it was like she was physically trying to stop herself from falling to pieces. She flinched when his hands made contact but she didn't pull away so Severus took this as a good thing. Yanking her to him, his arms circled her tightly as the word 'sorry' kept falling from his lips like a mantra.
Stroking her hair he pulled back so he could see her face. Her cheeks were blotchy with redness due to the fact she has being silently crying in his arms. Using his thumb he wiped the lingering tears from under her eyes, clumping her lashes together and almost making her blue eyes shine like they were made from diamonds.
"I love you." Severus breathed heavily and it just made Ember want to sob. He had only spoke three words but he told her so much. The fear staining his words were heartbreaking. The traitor tears that were making themselves known in his own eyes were a testimony to what he put himself through. He was terrified she was going to leave him, that she couldn't stomach the actions of which he had performed and it was something he lived with everyday. It was a fear that showed its face every moment of everyday, that he would be made to do something she physically couldn't cope with.
"Not as much as I love you." She whispered, her fingertips whispering to his cheeks before cupping his face completely. No more was said as she reached up to kiss him, allowing the love she felt for this man to bleed into it. He soaked it up desperately like a recovering drug addict being giving heroine for the first time and remembering the high it gave them the very first time.
They didn't speak much after that, they didn't want to or maybe they didn't know what to say but being with each other seemed to be enough in that moment. Each other really was all they needed.
The next week passed slowly, maybe too slowly for Embers liking. Severus had been overly attentive to her as the days passed, clearly still in fear of her suddenly coming to the realisation this wasn't the life she wanted. That he wasn't what you wanted. Ember didn't like how much that night of the muggle attack had effected him. She didn't like seeing him so nervous around her and she didn't know what else she could do to make him believe she wasn't going to leave. Well, maybe there was one thing she could do.
Entering her bedroom, scrubbing her damp her with a towel to rid it of the excess water, Ember grabbed a bag to start packing some of her things. She had already sorted it out with her superior to be able to take a few days off for Christmas. She had done her last shift that morning and she would be back on the 27th. She was lucky to actually get Christmas Day off of work.
The sound of Severus entering her home was heard from downstairs just as she started to zip up her bag. He entered the room slowly, practically glaring suspiciously at the black bag she shifted down to the floor. "Going some where?" His tone was accusing but he tried to mask it. He failed. This was what she was talking about. His fear of her seeing him in the position she did now had him believing she was actually leaving.
"Yes, we are going to my parents house for Christmas remember?" Ember told him, shifting the material hanging from her bed to sit down. "We leave tomorrow morning. You have packed a bag right? We'll be there a couple days."
Severus' face relaxed, though Ember pretended to not see the flash of shame that passed. He then looked at her and she could tell that he had forgotten all about the trip. Smiling she stood up to make her way over to him. Pushing him back out the door, she shooed him out of the house and back to his own place to fetch his things. Ember could admit she was nervous about bringing Severus home to her parents. She had only ever brought one man home and her mother had instantly disliked him, and she let it be known.
If she didn't like Severus at first sight, simply because her instincts told her so, then everyone (including Severus) was going to know about it. When Severus finally returned, and they curled up in bed together, she told him more about her family in hopes of preparing him a little more so he didn't go in there blind.
"She's can be quite over the top, just so you know. That's why her letter was scented." Ember giggled remembering Severus' reaction when he found that out. "She can be quite eccentric when she wants to be."
"Wonderful." He droned sleepily, as he curled more into her side. Smiling Ember relaxed into the mans embrace, feeling quite safe wrapped up in his arms. One day she would get him to believe that too.
When she awoke she found her sight blurred due to her hair being strewed all over her face. Groaning she sat up, glancing at the still sleeping man beside her. As though she was unable to control herself she reached out with her hand to stroke the skin of his back. As though he could feel it in his unconscious state Severus shifted in his sleep, moaning quietly as his face turned in her direction.
He was still asleep but Ember knew he was waking up. Her slight touch was probably the reason, he was the lightest sleeper she had ever met. Rolling over she kissed the spot between his shoulder blades as she got off the bed, having to crawl over him in order to do so. Stretching, she quickly got dressed and washed, brushing her hair as she entered her room again. Severus was awake now, letting out a yawn as he sat up.
"Stop staring at me." He mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes in an almost adorable manner. Narrowing his eyes almost playfully he pulled the duvet up to cover his bare chest making Ember laugh.
"You always perv on me." She stated, pushing her brush into her bag.
"I'm a man."
"So because I'm a woman I can't be a perv? Bit sexist." Rolling his eyes he exited the bed, grabbing his own clothes before heading to the bathroom for a shower. Heading downstairs Ember started on making them some breakfast and some tea. By the time she was done cooking Severus was done showering, hair still slightly damp as he pressed a kiss to her lips in thanks.
They ate breakfast in relative silence but Ember didn't mind. She felt he needed the space, she knew he hadn't really been looking forward to meeting her parents. He would also be meeting her brother but he didn't know that, she hadn't told him that. He was petrified of making a bad first impression, knowing he wasn't good with social interactions. She thought he would do fine, it was her mother she was worried about. She was unpredictable so her reaction to Severus wasn't even something she could try and prepare for.
Severus stayed silent as they left, he stayed silent as they appeared in front of her parents house and he stayed silent as they made their way to the door. Stopping at the beginning of the stone steps he turned to the small woman by his side who was looking at him almost sheepishly. "Is your family royalty or something?"
Rolling her eyes Ember span to face him, her back to the house. "Don't be stupid Sev, you know there isn't any royalty in the wizarding world. We're just..."
"Rich as fuck?" Severus drawled sarcastically. Groaning, she leant her body against his. "This house explains to me the scented parchment so very well." Smirking into his chest Ember pulled back to look at him. Thankfully he didn't look annoyed or hurt she hadn't told him about this side of her. Well, her parents because she didn't live in a place like that which he knew. He spent practically every night there.
"I told you, my mum is... out there." Smiling at each other Ember gripped his hand before starting to drag him up the steps. The front door was ridiculously large and wide. It made Lucius Malfoy's place look like a tiny two bedroomed council house. Entering the house Severus cringed. He didn't belong in a place like this. He didn't even want to touch anything in case he broke it or dirtied it. It was spotless. It was vast, beautiful, elegant and so very expensive looking.
He was surprised Ember didn't bother with taking her shoes off, just kept dragging him down the large hall. He couldn't help but let his gaze wander, there was some amazing art work upon the walls. This house, if you could call it that, looked like the type of place that was owned by a family who smoked and lit them using money simply because.
Nearing the end of the hall Severus suddenly heard voices, more than one. Oh shit, he wasn't prepared for this. Feeling Ember squeeze his hand reassuringly he built up the barriers in his mind as she tugged him into the room. The room was simply a living room, just an overly beautiful one. Sitting on a loveseat was a woman and man, who Severus guessed were her parents. There was another man, or boy, sat on another seat who Severus had not been expecting. He looked young, maybe seventeen or eighteen he wasn't exactly sure as he could only see him from behind.
"Mom! Dad!" Ember exclaimed happily, leaving his side to run to her parents who didn't even have a chance to stand up. The young woman jumped in between them, her arms trying to wrap them both into a hug simultaneously. They greeted her back just as enthusiastically. Bouncing back off the couch and back to his side Ember yanked a reluctant Severus over. "So, this is my boyfriend Severus that I wrote to you about."
Biting her lip Ember kept her gaze on her mother the entire time who was staring blankly at the man beside her. Her father stood and took his hand jovially, welcoming him to their home. Her mother hadn't done anything yet and Ember felt her nerves becoming shot. It was like a stand off, her mother and boyfriend just staring at one another.
Her mother then, to her surprise, looked as though she was trying to bite back a smile. "You do realise it's rude to try and gain entrance to someone's mind don't you, young man?" She told Severus who twitched slightly at the nickname. Ember stared at Severus. Was he trying to use occlumency on her mother? He didn't even have the decency to look ashamed.
"My apologies." He responded. There was a dip of silence before Ember felt relief fill her entire body when her mother reached out her hand to Severus with a genuine smile on her face.
"It's lovely to meet you in the flesh. My daughter has talked about you non stop in her letters."
"Mom!" Ember snapped, a red hue tinting her cheeks in embarrassment. She purposefully ignored the smirk sent her way by Severus. Suddenly a cough sounded from behind them.
"Don't mind me, just sat here like an unwanted puppy." Snickering Ember turned to face the teen who was still seated.
"Severus, this is my annoying little brother, Ben." Turning Severus elongated his arm to shake the younger boys hand. He was glad he had such control over his mind otherwise he genuinely felt like he would have gasped out loud. It wasn't what he was expecting, but he understood Embers strong desire with him helping her with that cure. Her brother may, or may not, have been an attractive man but Severus would never have known. He could barely see a smooth spot of skin on his face.
His youthful face had been mangled by what he knew to by a werewolf. Wide, thick scars started up into his scalp and down to his chest. He didn't know how far down they went but an overwhelming feeling of pity washed over him.
"It's nice to meet you." Severus said, shaking the man's hand which also had scars marked into his skin. Ben gave him what Severus could only assume was a genuine smile. Probably because he had gawked at his obnoxiously like he knew others probably had done. Still not knowing exactly how to behave he spent most of the night observing the three newcomers, only speaking when personally dragged into the conversation. He felt safer keeping himself at a distance, at least for now until he was used to these people to feel comfortable enough to speak when he felt like.
Dinner was served to them by a house elf and Severus couldn't help but notice the difference between the this creature and the ones he had seen at the Malfoys. The most noticeable aspect was these were obviously well cared for. The Malfoys were not. By the time night fell he felt an enormous amount of relief to escape to their room. Like every other room in this house, which he could only describe as a palace, it was beautiful and slightly unnecessary.
"This was my room growing up." Ember told him as they entered. Severus just shook his head. Their childhoods were such polar opposites it was almost laughable. Ember didn't seem at home in a place like this though, something he had observed throughout the night. She liked her own home better, despite it being smaller and less extravagant. She preferred the cosiness to it, he knew that because it wasn't like she couldn't afford to buy a huge ass house.
"You slept in that bed as a child? Like, when you were five?" Severus asked, slightly disbelieving. Ember hummed, amused as she nodded her head. "That's ridiculous. It's huge, you must have drowned in it."
Giggling, she stepped closer to him so she was practically flush against him.
"Comes in handy now though right? Plenty of room to play." Her voice was suggestive but Severus shook his head.
"I am not having sex with you. Great first impression that is to-" Cutting him off with a kiss Ember grinned when she pulled back.
"Our bedrooms are all far apart. No one will hear. My parents made sure of it." Severus glanced at her, pulling a face causing the girl to laugh. "What can I say? As much as I pretend it doesn't happen my parents are very sexually active." Scrunching his face up in disgust he allowed the small blonde to drag him forward. She would just nag him until he gave in anyways, not that he really minded but sometimes it was fun to wind her up.
The next morning when Severus woke up, he almost went into defense mode having totally forgot where he was. Groaning he sunk back into the bed, contemplating whether or not to try and convince Ember to take this bed back her place or not. It was without a doubt the most amazing bed he had ever slept on. He always wasn't used to finding a bed that had so much space at the bottom, his feet usually hitting the end due to his height.
Realising he wasn't going to fall back asleep, not matter how cloud like the bed was, he got up. Dressing her searched through his bag until he found what he was looking for. Clasping it in one hand he stood from the chair, heading to Embers side of the bed. Smiling at the sight of her at the very edge, arm dangling idly over the side. Kneeling he shook her gently until she awoke, moaning as she did so in annoyance. Lifting up on her elbows, hair falling everywhere Ember squinted her eyes as she took a look around the room only to stop when she found Severus squatting down next to her.
She was completely out of it, disoriented, and Severus couldn't help but reach out to push her hair back, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. She looked messy and adorable. Silently he handed her what was in his hands. Ember simply stared at it blankly. In her hands was a clear tub filled what looked like blue moisturiser.
"I decided it might work better in a cream form, rather than a potion." Severus informed her, a slow understanding hitting the sleepy girl. "I still probably have work to do on it, I can tell you right now it's not perfected but I'm hoping it will do something. Since I now know who you had planned to have it tested on I figured I could be there. Would help me to see the results personally. If Ben would be alright with that."
"Of course he would." Ember breathed. "Especially because you are doing this on your own time for nothing." Letting out a small squeak she launched herself forward to wrap her arms around his neck. "You're amazing."
Severus didn't get to find out how amazing he actually was until later in the day after dinner. He didn't know why she had waited until then but he didn't mind. He could curb his impatience for a short while. Ben had been quite eager, obviously, to go through with it but it wasn't until later on when he was laid in bed with Ember did he find out more. The more she told of this boys story the more Severus couldn't help but feel sympathy for him, and a little hatred towards society.
The image of a small eight year old boy begging his parents to allow him to never leave the house again because if the severity of the bullying was a hard thing to swallow. The knowledge that Severus could have went to Hogwarts at the same as him hit him hard simply because Ben had apparently had a mental breakdown when he got his letter, so severe his parents had agreed to home school him. Ben hadn't truly left his house, except his secured garden, in ten years. He felt his determination to perfect this grow, it was no longer just a project to advance his knowledge in potions. It was something he needed to do.
Christmas passed and Severus found himself feeling surprisingly comfortable in Embers family presence. They were a wonderful family, genuinely loved each other and though he would never say it out loud Severha could help but be envious as he thought about his own shattered family.
The last day arrived, the last day before they both had to go back to their normal lives. There was a strange sense of being shut away from the rest of the world when inside this enormous house.
Exiting the en-suite bathroom Severus found the bedroom empty. Frowning as he pulled his night shirt on he heard voices coming from the door which was stood slightly ajar. He recognised them as Ember and her brother Ben.
"You're going to tell him?" Ben asked urgently.
"Of course I am." Embers voice was soft but Severus could hear the slight hint of impatience. "I love him and I trust him. I hope to have Severus in my life for a long time, so it's not like I can keep it a secret forever."
"I get that but what if-" Ember cut her brother off abruptly. Severus felt his curiosity peek.
"Severus would never take advantage of me. I trust him with my life." The sincerity in her voice hit him hard, the realisation she actually felt like that even after the event of last week. He really didn't deserve this girl. "Look, I'll talk to you tomorrow before I leave. Goodnight." He briefly heard Ben say night before his footsteps drifted away until they could be heard no more. Ember came back in the room, jumping slightly when she saw him but it was exchanged with a smile.
"What was that about?" he asked, not even bothering to pretend he hadn't over heard their conversation. Ember sighed before heading for the bed, mentioning for him to join her.
"You remember a couple of weeks ago when you asked me if I was keeping something from you, and I said I was but I needed time before I told you. You gave me that time." Severus stayed silent as she took a deep breath, almost like she was calming herself. "I'm ready."
Taking hold of her hand Severus gave her a soft smile. She was clearly nervous for whatever reason.
"I am not exactly human."
"Uh, what do you mean?" he asked, voice laced with confusion.
"I'm a hybrid."
"A hybrid?" he repeated, slightly mocking. Ember nodded her head, Severus pulling back at seeing how serious she was. "You're what then, half human half what?" Ember looked at him with such a powerful gaze he didn't actually understand the emotion behind it but he felt his heart speeding up. He didn't expect her secret to be anything like this.
"I'm half human... half mermaid."