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

A/N: So sorry this took so long to update, hope you enjoy, please read and review as always 

Part 7

Severus opened his eyes slowly and stared up at the ceiling. He was lying on his back next to Minerva, who was curled up against his side. He cursed himself for falling asleep. He wasn't supposed to fall asleep—not now. He had a job to do, to protect Minerva. Although he didn't think that any harm would come to Minerva at the moment.

No harm will ever come to her while I'm here. He thought. He glanced at the Muggle alarm clock (Arthur Weasley had installed one in every room); it was 4 in the morning. It wouldn't be long now before Sirius and Remus woke up to watch over her while he put the finishing touches on the potion. Then this all would be over, and Minerva wouldn't have to suffer any longer.

Severus glanced down at her, staring into her sleeping face. She had been in a deep, unbreakable sleep for 5 hours now. No wonder, he thought, sighing. His poor Minerva, she had been through too much, no wonder she was exhausted.

He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer to him so she rested her cheek against his chest. He ran a hand softly though her hair and caressed her forehead.

"You're a strong woman," he whispered. "You're very brave and I'm so proud of you…I still…and will always…love you." His last words were so quiet they were barely spoken.

"Severus? Severus, are you here?" Minerva trembled, having just woken and still in the depths of sleep and confusion. She squirmed slightly, trying to sit up, as if looking for him. Her arms reached out as she slid upwards against his chest.

"Severus." Was all she whispered as she signified finding him by pulling him into an affectionate embrace.

Severus had to admit that, though Minerva was ill, which was something he would never want again, he didn't mind the frequent hugs he kept receiving from her. Never in his life had anyone been as affectionate with him as she was being now, and it felt very good.

"Oh, Minerva," Severus gasped, returning her hug. "What's wrong?"

Minerva lifted her head and looked into his eyes. "Nothing, I just…was confused when I woke up, I felt scared. But then I realized that you were here, and now I feel so safe."

She found his hand and began to play with his fingers. "Severus, I really wasn't lying before. Can't you tell I'm not insane at the moment, well, even when I was I wasn't lying!"

"Lying about what?"

"When I said I love you, I wasn't lying."

Severus just started deeply into her eyes, which were full of love, mirroring his own.

"Severus, please, just kiss me."

Severus would have held back. But this time he was sure she wasn't suffering from her illness at the moment, and he truly couldn't take another moment of not kissing her. She seemed to want him so badly, and it was as if denying her request would harm her.

Severus gently placed his soft lips against hers, her warmth radiating onto him. He felt passion and heat radiate through his body as she returned his soft kisses. He kissed her gently and slowly, however as they went on, they became faster and needy, but still soft and delicate.

"Oh Minerva, you don't know what you do to me!" Severus moaned.