Once again, I ignored the knock on my door. Instead, I lay motionless on the edge of the four poster bed and stared absentminded at the dirty window. That was all I had been doing since I had revealed the truth. Laying on my bed, helplessly lost in the cold grip of fear, only disrupted by short trips to the bathroom. I felt so weak and exhausted that my mind had stopped worrying and chosen to give in to my fears. At some point, my heart had shut out the overwhelming fear and pain, leaving me in a distant and trance like state.
I knew I would have to get up sooner or later; I needed school supplies; I would keep fighting… for Severus, for Draco, for my friends… Until I returned to Hogwarts, however, I would allow myself to lay on my bed without putting on the mask of strength and happiness. Now was the right moment to wrap myself in my overwhelming emotions.
The fear of loosing Severus; to lose Draco, although I was sure I had lost him for good already; to fake being my old self when I was far from it; dread to hurt my friends; fear of facing Severus in Hogwarts again.
Distantly, I realised when somebody entered the room and closed the door again. My numb mind didn't even process the familiar rustling of robes or the unusual quiet steps. It was only when the scent of Potions filled my nostrils that my mind woke from its blank careless state.
Instantly, the ice cold feeling of fear crushed down on me. I could barely breathe as the full intensity of my pain returned in a heartbeat. Yet, I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. I could merely stare and listen to the blood rushing through my ears.
Severus appeared in my sight, his movements slow and smooth. I couldn't look at him as he kneeled down next to me. I felt his gaze wander all over my face. A part of my mind screamed at my body to move but I felt too exhausted and scared.
Gentle fingers pushed strains of hair out of my face. I held my breath when Severus rested his warm hand on my cheek. Something snapped inside me yet my body tensed to keep myself from breaking down. Nevertheless, I couldn't suppress the few escaping tears and shut my eyes. Drawing in a shaking breath, I bit my bottom lip. My whole body was trembling with the desperate effort to hold myself together.
"Arya, please look at me." Severus' voice was soft and laced with hurt. I shuddered inwardly.
Slowly, I opened my eyes again. Worry masked Severus' features as obsidian eyes bore intensely in mine. For a long agonizing moment, we stared at each, completely oblivious to our surroundings. I waited for the pain to overcome me again, for Severus to tell me that he couldn't be with me anymore.
I froze as Severus leaned in and placed a kiss on my forehead. My insides turned to ice in fear yet I couldn't voice my struggle. With wide eyes, I stared at the man in front of me. The one man who meant more to me than anyone else could ever imagine or understand.
Severus' gaze wandered down to my exposed forearm. Although he tried to hide it, I saw the flicker of revulsion in his eyes. Shame got the best of me and I desperately tried to cover the grotesquely wounded skin with my other hand, but Severus removed it. I shivered as his fingers gently brushed some of the elder scars. The mark was barely recognisable anymore. The freshest cuts were from the day before I came to Grimmauld place. They were still puffy, red and bloody.
I couldn't breathe. I couldn't move. And I definitely couldn't look at Severus.
My body froze in revulsion when Severus' hands didn't break the touch once. Then something snapped inside my heart and I moved for the first time.
Pulling my arm away from his touch, I sat up with some difficulties. My body was shaking with the lack of food and sleep. Still I managed to slip my exhausted body towards the centre of the bed. I pulled my legs close to my chest and embraced them tightly. Automatically, my right hand gripped my forearm, boring my nails deeply into the flesh.
For another moment, we remained both motionless in our positions. Coldness clouded my mind. I so desperately wanted to be near Severus. But I was too afraid he would pull away. I bit my bottom lip hard when Severus sat down next to me. He kept some distance between our bodies though.
"Show me your arm…" Severus said softly, his raspy voice sending shivers down my spine.
Thoughts whirled wildly in my mind again. I felt so terribly ashamed and disgusted with myself. I knew cutting the mark didn't change anything. I knew it had been wrong and not helped me. It was why I couldn't bring myself to look at him. Severus bore the Dark Mark as well yet he had lived with it until today. I had broken because of it after a few weeks.
Slowly, I finally lifted my trembling arm and placed it on my knee. A warm hand took a hold of my wrist and turned the wounded flesh upwards. It took all my willpower not to pull it back when Severus laid it on his thigh.
I knew what he was about to do yet I moaned when the first drops of a healing potion touched my skin. A sharp itching feeling shot through my entire arm and I winced. Against my will, my head turned and watched as the fresher cuts closed themselves. With growing horror, I saw the mark return to its former gruesome form.
My heart beat loudly against my ribcage; dread gave me goose bumps; coldness filled my whole body. I couldn't do anything as I stared at my forearm with an increasing panic.
I was snapped out of my trance when Severus placed his hand on it. My heart broke agonizing painful at once. My whole body started shaking with quiet sobs. Whimpers of desperation erupted my mouth. Strong arms pulled me in a tight embrace. I buried my face in Severus' chest as tears began streaming down my face.
At some point, Severus laid down on the soft covers, our bodies facing each other. My head rested on his upper arm when I buried my face in his chest. His other arm pressed me comforting against his warm body.
I cried out all the emotions I had desperately kept to myself for weeks. All the pain my father had caused with his curse; all my fear of losing those I loved; the constant feeling of desperation by lying to everyone I cared for.
All these emotions washed over me, stronger than ever before. Severus' comfort brought even the tiniest fears to the surface. My heart could finally – finally relieve itself from the heavy burden it had kept secret from everyone for so long.
"Forgive me…" My voice was shaking, my words wobbled as I muttered them into Severus chest. "I couldn't tell you… I couldn't… I wanted to protect you… I just…"
Severus tightened his hold and soothingly caressed my shoulder. "I know, love… I know…"
My words caught in my throat when I realized what he had just said… what he had called me. I was sure he could feel my heart jumping out of my chest. For the first time in weeks I felt somewhat warmer and more comfortable.
"I love you." My voice broke as my body finally relaxed in Severus' warm embrace. "I'm sorry Severus…"
Severus leaned back and pushed a few strains out of my face. I moved my head a little to see his face. Goose bumps erupted on my arms when I noticed glittering tears on his cheeks. Guilt crushed my heart painfully when I stared at him with wide eyes. Never before had I seen Severus cry…
Quietly, Severus caressed my cheek. I shuddered when the intense gaze of obsidian eyes bore straight into my soul. There was so much love and pain in them.
"I love you." His voice sounded raspy with emotions.
Slowly, I raised my hand and wiped his tears away. Obviously feeling uncomfortable with my gesture, Severus scowled half-heartedly. My lips twitched upwards into an absentminded smile. Gently, he took my hand in his and brought it to his lips.
When our eyes locked again the familiar mask of indifference clouded his features once more. Merely his sparkling eyes betrayed some of his feelings.
"The Weasley witch asked me to ensure you would eat something." A black eyebrow raised insistently. I bit the inside of my cheek as my gaze flickered to Severus' collar.
"I'm not in the mood to pretend happiness and peace…"
"Which is precisely why the woman got the silly idea to misuse me as your room service." Severus growled annoyed. My lips twitched slightly upwards.
"You know, you could've said no… I'm sure as the moodiest man alive you would've been spared from her outburst."
Severus narrowed his eyes. "You better watch your tongue, elb. I will not leave this house until you had a proper meal… And if I have to drag you downstairs to eat, I will do so… without… mercy…"
Instantly, my body shot up into a sitting position. For a moment, everything was spinning around me. When my vision sharpened again, I frowned darkly at a triumphant Severus.
"You wouldn't dare!"
Severus smirked before pulling himself away from me. Swiftly, he stood on his feet and faced me with a very smug expression. His arms folded across his chest, he raised a provocative eyebrow.
"Of course I would. Now… the only reason I agreed with the older red head was to give you the choice. Either you eat here… or I take you downstairs… Although, I would very much prefer if you ate in here. I'm not keen spending more time with Potter's lap dog than necessary…"
I closed my eyes as a sharp headache shot suddenly through my brain. When I opened my eyes again, everything was blurred. Severus scowled down at me, irritation obvious in his features.
"Alright alright… fine. You won, Severus."
Sighing, I massaged my temples with trembling hands. Apparently, the few movements and short conversation with Severus had been enough to drain my body of the last bit of energy. My lack of sleep and food hit me full force.
Strong arms helped me scooting back until I was leaning heavily against the headboard. Severus pressed a glass with water into my hands and I downed it without objections. Sighing, he sat down next to me with his long legs stretched out on the dark blanket.
"Eat. Or I will force you."
Groaning darkly to myself, I took the plate out of Severus' hand. My stomach growled loudly when I took the first bites. Suddenly, I felt hungry again and if I had starved for days. The trembling in my hands ceased after a while. My whole body felt more alive and calm now.
With a weary smile, I handed Severus the empty plate. His face betrayed nothing when he watched me absentminded. Tiredly, I leaned my head against his shoulder.
"Is it wise for you to be here, Severus?" My voice was quiet and sounded awfully broken. The heavy pit in my stomach didn't help with my desperation. "The others might question why you came here in the first place."
"Dumbledore… sent me." Severus admitted drily.
Surprised, I lifted my head and watched him with furrowed eyebrows. His facial features were set in a blank expression but obsidian eyes glimmered with a deeply rooted agony. My heart stung painfully in my chest. It was obvious Severus was suffering as much as I was…
Gulping, I averted my gaze down to my hands. "Why?"
Severus took a deep breath and cleared his throat. Hesitantly, he took my hand in his and squeezed it lightly. "I… He suggested I teach you the Patronus Charm."
My head snapped up at his guarded tone. I narrowed my eyes as Severus returned a blank stare.
"And…?" I added when he remained silent. Annoyance flickered over his face and he clenched his jaw.
"And nothing. The rest concerns the Order." A dark scowl masked his features when he pulled his hand back.
I scoffed irritated and shot Severus a doubtful glance. "Of course. So, I suppose that's why you look like you haven't slept for days?!"
Black eyes flashed dangerously when his face contorted in anger. In a second, he was on his feet and snarled menacingly.
"Do not mock me! You are the one who spent all summer sulking and inflicting harm on yourself."
Severus looked as if he wanted to say more but instead, he clenched his jaw and turned away. Fuming and hurt by his words I got to my feet. I felt the blood pulsate through my ears. My heart pounded loudly in my chest as I glared at his back.
"How dare you! You've no right to judge me… not you, Severus! Not after everything that happened with Moody."
Severus whirled around and glared at me with ferocious burning eyes. "When did you intend to tell me, Arya? … Did you plan to leave me in the dark about it? Or is this some sort of twisted revenge for my mistrust in you?"
My heart felt heavy in my chest. Anger and pain were fighting for dominance. I knew my face betrayed the whole extent of my hurt. My voice was laced with bitterness as I scowled at Severus.
"I never wanted you or anyone else to find out because I knew how people would react. I knew how much it would hurt you… I wanted to protect you from the pain and suffering!"
"By keeping the curse and your impending death from me?" Although his voice was laced with fury, I noticed his barely suppressed pain. "Do you truly believe lying to me would have made your death easier for me?"
"And what about you returning to Riddle?" I yelled as anger and agony raged wildly in my heart. "You agreed to Dumbledore's mad plan. For what! A handful of valuable information? Have you ever thought off the risk… or how I would feel if you died without me even knowing about the dangers you're facing? Or how I will feel now every time you leave the castle… knowing you're probably being tortured or forced to hurt innocents to keep your cover. You could leave the castle and never return! Have you thought about that?"
"Of course I have!" Severus snapped coldly. He stepped closed until our bodies were mere inches away from each other.
"I did it for you! …I promised your mother to protect your life. I assured her you would live to see the wizarding world in peaceful times. I agreed to this madness because it is the best way to keep you safe… However, I never intended for you to know. You don't know… what it's like… to lose someone…! You never fought in a war! You know nothing about watching someone you care for die right in front of your eyes…"
Severus' features relaxed into a blank expression. I saw the anger vanish in his eyes and being replaced with a hard gaze. My heart flattered in my chest when coldness crept through my whole body.
"I am not a good person, Arya, nor am I a hero. I chose the Dark Mark willingly. I tortured and murdered innocents. All the pain and suffering I caused only to remain close to the one person I cared for… It is for the very same reason I went back to your father…"
I shuddered at his words. Less because of their actual meaning, rather than Severus' conviction of his low self-esteem. But the shock of his words was quickly replaced with a nagging fear. For a moment, my eyes wandered over his face, searching a proof for the opposite. Severus however clenched his jaw and straightened his shoulders. Slowly, he took a step back. Obsidian eyes watched me calculating, trying to evaluate my reaction.
"Severus, are you…" My voice cracked when I fought for control over my anxiousness. I took a deep breath and started a second time. "Are you still willing to fight him?"
Severus remained irritatingly still. The only reaction was the clenching of his jaw. Black eyes bore intensely in mine. His face was masked with the familiar cold indifference. His soft voice was so quiet I barely heard it.
"If I must…"
The words made my heart feel heavier than ever before. I needed to gulp a few times to be able to speak up again. My body ached to be near Severus but I couldn't move. I knew this needed to be discussed now. I had to know…
"That's not an answer…" I replied quietly. "Please Severus. The truth. What do you want?"
Another long silence followed. Never before had I seen so much pain and sorrow in Severus' eyes. Absentminded, I felt goose bumps erupt all over my body under his piercing gaze.
"It is irrelevant what I want."
"No, it isn't. It matters to me!" Insistently, I stepped closer but Severus remained as rigid and his face as blank as before. Only his eyes betrayed the true feelings, flashing with sorrow, anger and overwhelming desperation.
"I want to keep you alive. I want to make sure you survive this war… Least of all, I wish to kill you! Yet it still doesn't matter what I want."
I bit my bottom lip and sighed deeply. A heavy lump in my throat made it difficult to breathe. I tried not to show it but Severus' words hurt more than I had anticipated when I had asked the questions.
"It matters to me." I muttered and averted my gaze. "And you're not killing me, Severus. It's my father who cursed me… Your reaction is exactly what he wanted to provoke."
"I stand by your side. Everything else is irrelevant." Severus added stubbornly, his voice cool and final.
Sighing, I lifted my gaze and stared in obsidian eyes. They held so much love and care despite the terrible situation we were experiencing. My heart pounded loudly in my chest when a new wave of coldness filled my body.
"But what about you? I don't want you to fight blindly because you think you have to protect me…"
Severus stared at me for a long time. The mask of cold indifference gave nothing away. Even his eyes had turned confusingly hard and emotionless. As he spoke up his quiet voice sounded awfully monotonous and careless.
"I am not keen to die, Arya. But I fight in this war because I am a selfish man – a Slytherin. I couldn't care less about the wellbeing of the students at Hogwarts or the muggleborns in our world. However, as long as I hold any power in this castle, I will enforce safety precautions due to the simple reason that they are advantageous for you… As I told you before… I am not a good person."
My whole body was frozen on the spot and felt ice cold. I heard the blood rushing through my ears, felt the strong beating of my heart. My mind processed his words blazingly fast, yet they resounded uncountable times in my thoughts.
"You don't know what you're saying." I whispered in my state of shock but Severus heard me anyway. His eyes narrowed slightly but other than that he kept his composure.
"I gave my word to stay by your side and intend to keep this promise. Your brother is under my protection as well… Furthermore… I might be willing to help keeping your friends safe but if only one of them feels the urge to play hero, I will not run after them."
"That's…" My voice broke and I gulped loudly. Fear held me merciless in its paralysing grip whilst anger burned fiercely in my chest "That's not what I meant… I mean your life, Severus. You sound as if you wouldn't care… Do you even intend to fight and survive this war?"
I was sure Severus could hear my heart by now. Fear and anger pushed it to an uncomfortable, fast rate. With all the insistence and urgency I could muster, I pierced Severus with my gaze. He however, didn't move an inch when his body turned as stiff as a statue. His face turned into the most terrifying mask of cold indifference I had ever seen. Even his eyes lost the slightest trace of emotions.
"Why Severus…"
I stumbled forward on shaky legs. My heart sank lower and lower with each step. Desperation overwhelmed me at once and made it difficult to breathe. Slowly, I raised a shaking hand and placed it on Severus' ebony clad chest. Hard black eyes watched every move.
"Why would you do this?"
Something snapped in Severus' eyes and suddenly they were filled with sorrow and love once more. He simply stared at me for several minutes. I felt his steady, strong heartbeat under my hand. The longer he remained silent the more I felt my own eyes stitching.
"You are my family, Arya. From the very first day you accepted me the way I am; you bothered to care for me."
An icy shiver run down my spine with Severus' quiet, yet meaningful words. Helpless, I licked my dry lips and cleared my throat. I desperately tried to understand why he would ever be convinced that his life wasn't worth anything. Uncountable times I had proven him the opposite.
"But you're not alone, Severus." I pleaded insistently as a few tears escaped my eyes. "Minerva McGonagall cares for you and I know you value your friendship with her. I saw Flitwick and Pomfrey with you, they enjoy your company more than you realise. Draco, Blaise and Derek care a great deal for you. They like, respect and partly even admire you. In fact, you're their example; especially since Blaise and Draco only have Marilyn to rely on… I know you have your differences but Remus cares for you as well. And I'm sure as soon as the Weasley's and my friends learn the truth about you, they'll-"
"Arya." Softly, Severus interrupted my desperate rant. I shuddered under his intense gaze and bit the inside of my cheek. "It is true, Minerva is a reliable friend; I find the company of Filius and Pomona enjoyable at times; I do not know so much off Derek Hale but Draco and Zabini are good for you and indeed the first young adults I can bear in my presence without a wish to hex them…"
"However, you know better than anyone else how dangerous my work for the Order truly is. You know how unpredictable the Dark Lord and the Headmaster are… I will fight for as long as we are alive or until he has been destroyed… I swear to it… but I cannot nor will I ever make a promise concerning the time after his demise. For I have no wish to live in solitude or with foolish people who might never understand me."
"But-"
"But I promise you not to endanger my life recklessly…" Severus pierced me with a hard, pleading look. "I want your word in return, Arya! You will not risk your life for a mere stupidity."
I gulped and bit the inside of my cheek. My heart felt as heavy as a rock with the emotional burden. Anxiously, I lowered my head, thoughts whirling senselessly in my mind. I had actually never thought about the possibility to die before the end of the war and my father's demise. My heart had been too wrapped up in my emotional struggles about keeping the curse a secret.
Now as I was thinking about it, the answer came surprisingly fast. Involuntarily, my fingers bore themselves into the healed flesh bearing the Dark Mark. Fear spread in my heart once more when I looked up at Severus. He watched me with a deep frown. His clenched jaw accentuated the concerned and sorrowful expression. I didn't dare thinking what would happen if my word wasn't enough for him…
"I don't think I can promise you that, Severus… I will protect my friends, Draco and you, whether you like it or not. And I know you don't but…"
The dark, almost spiteful look on Severus' face made me close my mouth. I saw how hard he was gritting his teeth to keep himself from saying anything. I furrowed my eyebrows and cast him a pleading gaze.
"But they – all of you can survive. I know this war won't be easy… I also know if – if I wasn't cursed, I'd probably be more willing to accept other people's deaths… I hate this curse, Severus! I loathe my father for condemning me to death! And I sure as hell don't want to die! … I can't return your promise but I swear I won't die a meaningless death. Just because I'm ready to fight doesn't mean I will jump in front of every Death Eater's target… I'm not fearless…! Honestly, I'm probably the most terrified person at the moment…!"
"I'm afraid of this war. My death is constantly on my mind. I want all of you to survive but I know I can't protect everyone. Draco's in danger, yet I can't even write him to make sure he's alright. And now you returned to my father. What if I lose you? I know I'm being completely selfish and unfair but I can't lose you. You're powerful and a great wizard but my father is cruel and unpredictable. He could kill you out of a bad mood… I – I'm a complete mess and overwhelmed by fear… I'm too afraid to risk my life for just anyone but I can't stand back either… And that's… that's everything I can offer you, Severus… My word that I won't throw my life away…"
The lump in my throat cut me off but I didn't know what to say anyway. My anxiety grew when Severus kept staring at me with an unreadable expression. Finally, after a long silence, he raised a hand and cupped my cheek. Almost instantly, I felt the tension leave my body. Severus' features relaxed and obsidian eyes were flashing with nothing but love and affection.
"It's enough." Severus cupped my face in both hands, dark eyes burning intensely in mine. "I will always fight to return to you!"
I nodded wearily. Suddenly, I found myself in Severus' warm embrace. His arms wound around my back and held me firmly against his chest. Exhaling a relieved breath, I buried my face in his ebony frock coat. My lips tugged upwards into the first true smile as the scent of fresh herbs, potions and Severus filled my nostrils. Severus tightened his embrace and lowered his cheek to my forehead. I closed my eyes when I felt his warm breath caressing my skin.
It had been too long since I had last felt so happy and relaxed.
"Thank you…" I said softly. "For understanding… and not leaving me."
Severus' chest vibrated when he growled lowly in response. My heart almost jumped out of my chest. A comfortable heat washed away every remaining trace of fear.
"Severus?"
Again, he merely answered with a quiet grumble. I couldn't suppress the beaming grin and pressed my face even closer.
"Will you truly teach me the Patronus Charm?"
"Obviously."
"What if I can't cast it? I know Death Eaters can't and neither does my father…" I bit my lip as soon as the sentence had left my mouth. I didn't want to risk destroying the comfortable moment again.
"Of course you are capable."
I was sure Severus could feel my heartbeat by now. Another heatwave rushed through my body and left my legs feeling slightly tremulous. A gentle reminder from my body that it was still lacking a great amount of sleep and food.
"When?"
Severus sighed and his long breath rolled down my face. When he replied his voice sounded tired. "Not today… You need proper rest before attempting such a powerful spell."
I hummed and lost myself in the even movement of his chest. It could have been very relaxing if my legs weren't feeling so wobbly.
"Severus?"
I felt him tense before he pulled back a little. His features almost blank, Severus raised an eyebrow with a trace of annoyance. I smiled apologetically and bit my bottom lip.
"What now elb?"
"If we… Could we please move to the bed?"
To my utter embarrassment, I blushed under Severus' questioning gaze. The Slytherin he was, his lips twitched instantly into a smug smirk. Obsidian eyes flashed with great amusement.
"Ah yes, of course… if you ask so nicely."
The mocking voice provoked my blush to deepen. I groaned half amused and half annoyed. Rolling my eyes, I took a step back to escape his embrace.
"Bloody Slytherin." I muttered under my breath and attempted to turn towards my bed. A sudden sharp pain in my mind left me swaying however. The room blurred in front of me, the edges of my vision turning black.
"Arya!"
Severus pulled me back against his chest. As soon as my body was safely standing again, my vision turned slowly back to normal. Although my head was still throbbing unpleasantly, I couldn't suppress the chuckle. Wearily, I lifted my head again.
"Annoying Slytherin."
Ignoring my comment, Severus assisted me to reach the bed. I groaned and grabbed his arm tightly when everything swayed again. Apparently, my body wasn't particularly fit for fast movements. Finally, I was sitting on the edge of the bed and leaning heavily against Severus for support.
"You need to lay down, love." Severus murmured into my hair and placed a soft kiss on top of my head. I felt too drained to chuckle so I could merely cast him a weary smile.
"Since when do you call me love?"
Severus raised his eyebrows and watched me with a triumphant smirk on his lips.
"I assume since you invited me into your bed."
Chuckling incredulously, I let my head fall back against his shoulder. Protectively, Severus tightened his embrace. I could feel him smiling into my hair.
"Now move elb. You need a proper rest before dinner."
"Can you stay a little longer?" Tiredly, I lifted my head and cast Severus a pleading glance. Warm obsidian eyes reassured me as he smirked half-heartedly.
"You did not truly believe I would let this opportunity slip, did you? I am after all – as you pointed out so wisely – a Slytherin."
I grinned wearily in return. "Well, sometimes you have an awfully strong sense of duty." Realising what I had just said, a wave of shame hit me and I bit my bottom lip. "Excuse me, I shouldn't-"
"Arya…" I had successfully destroyed the comfortable atmosphere. Severus watched me with a tired expression. "I locked and warded your room when I arrived today. No one can enter if I do not permit it…"
Sheepishly, I nodded and moved until I was comfortably lying on the bed. The pounding in my head lessened and my eyes became very heavy all the sudden. Nonetheless, I forced them to stay open whilst Severus was in the bathroom. With drowsy eyes, I watched when he emerged with his frock coat and white long-sleeved chemise in hand.
"Who would have thought the head of Slytherin house being shy…" I mumbled when Severus had finally laid down next to me. I snuggled closer and he wrapped his arm around my back. I felt a deep chuckle rumbling in his chest. Absentminded, he caressed my hand whilst I listened to his slow beating heart.
"As I recall we agreed to take things slow." I could hear the smirk with his next words. "If you desire to undress me further, however, I suggest we postpone this experience until we are in my private quarters."
I chuckled quietly and snuggled closer to Severus' warm body.
"Please wake me before you leave, will you?"
"Of course." I couldn't reply anymore since I was already drifting off to sleep… Severus buried his face in my hair and whispered barely audible. "I love you, Arya Jackson.