Disclaimer: I don't own anything. The characters belong to JK Rowling and Warner Bros.

Part 5

Severus returned the following night to Grimauld Place. He had received word via the Floo Network from Remus about Minerva's episode the previous night. Remus had informed him though, that she'd been fine for the rest of the night and throughout the day. Everyone else at Grimauld Place had kept out of their way, though Mrs. Weasley had offered to help a number of times. They were all concerned, but understand Minerva was in good hands.

Severus didn't have the potion ready yet—all that was left to do was to let it brew for two more day, however, he did make a potion that would keep her calm and help with hallucinations.

He padded down the creaky hall towards Minerva's bedroom, turning the handle and entering the room as quietly as possible encase she was asleep.

"Hi," He whispered to Remus, who was sitting in a chair next to the bed. Minerva was sleeping soundly, as was Sirius, who was slumped in his own chair against the window.

Remus nodded to Severus slowly. Remus's face was much paler than usual, he had large, dark circles under his eyes while his eyes themselves looked bloodshot. His head kept drooping to the side, his body's way of telling him he needed sleep, but he fought on, desperately trying to stay awake, keeping his eyes focused on Minerva.

"Well, I suppose, even though I've spent the past night brewing a complicated potion—well, complicated for some—I think you two should get some sleep before you're both useless," Severus said sternly.

"But shouldn't—Minerva…" Remus trailed off. He seemed just too exhausted to be able to form a sentence that made sense.

"It's alright, I'll watch over her." Severus replied curtly. "I find I don't need much sleep."

Remus sighed and stood up. "Alright, but just be careful. She wasn't very well last night, that episode was frightening."

"I brought something that should help with that."

Remus nodded, walking over to Sirius and shaking his arm.

"Remus what is it? Is it Minerva?" Sirius squinted in the darkness, attempting with difficulty to wake himself up.

"No, no, Sirius, she's fine. Its time to go, Severus is here, he'll watch over her. We both need sleep."

Sirius groaned and stood up slowly, his back cracking. He stared at Severus, giving him a suspicious look. "Oh, fine, well, I guess I'll be on my way." He walked over to the bed and leaned over Minerva. He lowered his face so it was just above hers.

"I'm going to go for now—don't worry, you'll be okay," he whispered softly, pushing loose strands of hair off her face. "You've been so strong, and I know you'll continue to fight." He kissed her forehead softly. "Bye."

He felt a hand on his arm and looked at Remus, who began to guide him from the room. Remus squeezed Minerva's hand. "Bye, Minerva."

Severus watched the two men leave and walked slowly over to the side of the bed. He lit a bedside candle with his wand and sat down in the chair.

He hated to wake Minerva up, but he needed to give her the potion. "Minerva?" He called gently. "Minerva?"

It didn't work, Minerva lay there, sound asleep. Severus noted at how peaceful she looked. Her skin glowed luminously in the candle light, her dark curls framing her face and gracing the pillow. She looked beautiful.

Severus sighed deeply and took her hand, squeezing it. He called her named a little louder this time, shaking her hand slightly.

Minerva's eyes burst open, wide with terror, her throat opening with a strangled gasp.

"Minerva, it's alright, it's just me," Severus said gently. He saw recognition in her eyes, and within a moment she was calm, realizing it was indeed Severus Snape. "Sorry I had to wake you, but I'm going to give you a potion that will make you feel better."

"Oh, Severus…." Minerva took in a long breath. She sat upright, stretched out her arms and threw them around his neck. "You scared me."

"I'm sorry, Minerva," he whispered quietly, placing a hand on her back. "That was not my intention."

Minerva pulled back slightly and looked deeply into his eyes. She stroked a hand down the side of his face. "You're intentions are always noble, you're such a wonderful, good man. People don't think of you that way, which is so unfair." She placed her other hand on his cheek, cupping his face. "You're so misunderstood."

She pulled him towards her and held his head against her chest. "Oh, my Severus, oh, how I love you."

Severus heart erupted with emotion. But he stiffened in her arms—he knew she wasn't herself, this was simply part of her illness.

Minerva felt his body language change. "What, don't you love me, Severus? D-d-don't you?"

Severus could hear the panic and sadness in her voice. He felt her heart begin to pound loudly against her chest. He feared if he didn't say what she wanted to hear she might go into a state of panic and harm herself.

"Minerva, shh," he soothed gently, pushing her back against the pillows. "Yes, of course I love you."

Her face relaxed, and her eyes that were once full of fear filled with passion.

A/N: More to come! Did I leave you hanging on the edge of your seats? Just kidding. Anyways, I love to read reviews, and constructive criticism is appreciated. Thanks