Disclaimer: Everything belongs to J K Rowling except for the few characters that have popped out of my head.

A/N: it is highly recommended that you read Draco's Secret - the whole thing before you read this part. It will make more sence.

The Beguiling of Snape: The Silent Prison 7

It had been a long night for Severus. Although Katarina had a peaceful nights sleep, that was not the case for him. He had nightmares all night. He cried out in his sleep once and the next time he woke in a cold sweat and it was always the same dream, Lucius killing Katarina. He had to keep her safe from that madman. After the second nightmare he decided that it was best if he just stay awake.

When he left Professor Dumbledore's office the previous afternoon, he stopped by the library to get a few books on silencing curses. He has been pouring over books for hours and nothing has helped yet. Rubbing his eyes and massaging his temples, he gets off the bed that is next to Katarina's and walks over to the window. Life had certainly taken an odd twist. Just four months ago he was a miserable man and now he has found the woman that he has loved since school. It made him angry to think of all the things that she had to endure at the hands of Lucius. He swore to himself that after this was all over she would never be sad or alone again. As the sun started to rise with the promise of a new day he heard movement from Katarina's bed. He walked back to her bedside he saw her frowning in her sleep. She started to stretch her back and legs as if in pain. As she heard someone approaching her bed she slowly opened her eyes. When she saw that it is Severus she smiled.

"Good morning Kat," he said as he sat on the side of her bed taking her hand and kissing her palm tenderly.

She closed her eyes reveling in the feel of his lips on her palm and smiled. After a few moments she opened her eyes and mouthed "morning." and she stretched some more grimacing at the pain she felt in her back. Even though Madam Pomfrey was able to heal her wounds, the deeper ones were still causing her some discomfort.

"Are you in pain?" asked a concerned Severus.

She nodded holding up her thumb and index fingers to show a little.

"I'll go and get Madam Pomfrey," but before he could even get up off the bed she came into the room carrying a small bottle.

"Good morning dear," she said as she came up to the side of her bed. "Still in a little pain?"

Katarina nodded.

"Here drink this and it will help," she said as she handed Katarina the bottle.

While she was drinking, Madam Pomfrey turned to Severus and said,

"Why don't you go down to the kitchens and get Katarina and yourself something to eat and by the time you get back she will be all cleaned up and ready for some company."

Severus nodded his head and said,

"Kat, I will be back shortly," and he leaned down and gently kissed her on the lips.

As he pulled back he noticed that she was smiling and she mouthed "I love you."

"I love you too," Severus said with a smile and left the room.

Once he had left, Madam Pomfrey said, "alright dear, let's get you in the shower."

By the time Severus returned, Katarina was bathed and sitting in a chair by the window. As the sunshine hit her face she looked radiant. As much as she had been through she still didn't look anywhere near her 35 years. Her curly strawberry blonde hair had not one sign of gray and her skin had no wrinkles whatsoever. She still looked to be 25. She took Severus' breath away.

Over the next few days, Katarina became accustomed to her new yet old surroundings. Professor Dumbledore was just about finished with the changes to the shrieking shack and it was decided that Katarina could move into her new home a couple days before the students were to arrive at Hogwarts. That way she and Severus could enjoy some time alone together. It had also been decided that before she moved in, that she and Severus would be married. It was a very simple ceremony. They exchanged their vows and had a private dinner afterwards. The only ones present were Albus and Minerva. After dinner, Severus showed Katarina where she would be living until Lucius was dead. As they made their way across Hogwart's grounds, Severus told her the story of the shrieking shack. He told her of how Albus had built the shack to help Remus Lupin when he transformed into the werewolf. When they reached the whomping willow he prodded the knot and made their way down. When they finally reached their destination they were shocked at the effort that Albus had put into making Katarina comfortable. As they walked in the rooms were spotless. The rooms had been furnished with a most elegant design and in the corner of the living room was a baby grand piano. As they went upstairs to the bedroom they were speechless. In the middle of the room was a giant oak four poster bed with forest green hangings and bed clothes. They were beautiful. On the wall to the left of the bed was a huge fireplace which contained not wood but a never ending smokeless blue flame, that way there would be no smoke coming from the shack's chimney causing undue attention to be drawn to the shack and the house would stay at a very comfortable temperature at al times. As Katarina surveyed the room she saw on a small table by the bed a hand mirror with a note attached to it that read,

Severus and Katarina,

This is a little something that I thought that may come in handy, It is an enchanted mirror. When one of you looks into it you can talk to the other. In your case Katarina, all you have to do is write on the mirror and Severus will be able to read what you have written. This is my wedding present to you. Of course I have every faith that someday you will have your voice back and won't need the mirror any longer. Also as my gift to Katarina, the baby grand is for you. No need to worry about anyone hearing you play for I have placed a silencing charm on the house so you can play until your hearts content. I have only one request…. That at some point you will again play for me. Have a wonderful evening and Severus I will see you on Sept. 1.

Albus

The rest of the week went by fast. Katarina was very sad on Sept 1 knowing that Severus would be going back to the school. However it had been arranged by Dumbledore for Professor Sinistra to be available to the Slytherins on Tuesday, Thursday and weekends so Severus could be with his bride.

On the third Monday in September, Severus showed up at the shack late for dinner. Katarina thought nothing of it until she saw his face. When she mouthed to him the words "what's wrong?" Severus grabbed Katarina and held her so tight she thought that he was going to crack her ribs. As she pried herself from him he began to weep. After a few minutes he composed himself and began the story.

"This morning when I was making my way back to the dungeons I heard sobbing coming from an unused classroom whose door was slightly ajar. When I walked inside I found Draco Malfoy nearly beaten to death and on the floor. Close by was his girlfriend Hermione," he paused to gather the strength to tell the rest. After a few moments he continued.

"Katarina, Lucius brutally raped her," he said shaking his head as he noticed the tears starting to fall freely down Katarina's cheeks.

"He broke her shoulder and hip and beat her ruthlessly. She is in really bad shape," he said. "I don't know how you endured that all those years," he said as he sat there staring. Katarina got up and went to the desk and wrote a note.

Did he brand her too?

"Yes."

She walked back to where he was sitting and gathered him into her arms and rocked him. Severus stayed with Katarina that night and the next morning when he was to leave she woke up feeling very ill. She wrote to him saying it was just the upset from the night before and that she saw fine.

But when the weekend came and she was still sick, Severus brought Madam Pomfrey to see her. After she was examined and Madam Pomfrey was leaving she told her that she would be back next week and if she needed anything to just send word with Severus. Katarina nodded and then hugged her and she was gone.

"Well," said Severus, "What did she say?"

Katarina walked over to the desk and wrote one simple word.

Daddy

She handed the parchment to Severus and watched his expression.

He looked at her, with amazement and asked,

"Are you telling me that I am going to be a father?"

Katarina nodded her head as the most beautiful smile he had ever seen from her was adorning her face.

Severus had never been so happy in all his life. He gathered her up in his arms and kissed her with a passion that only she knew. He then scooped her up in his arms and carried her to bed. But sleep was not on the agenda.