Silently he sat in the Headmaster's office. Feeling old, his body tired, he leaned comfortable back in the worn chair. His eyes gazed up at the portraits surrounding the office. The previous Headmaster smiled to him and chatted freely between each other. Blocking out their incessant noise, Severus leaned his head back and closed his eyes, only to re-open them at the sudden creaking of the office door.
"Severus my dear boy, can I offer you a lemon drop?"
Severus raised his hand is a dismissing manner, receiving a small chuckle from the Headmaster.
"Now, now, don't act like that." Severus watched as Albus walked to his desk then his chair. Age was settling swiftly inside the old man's bones. In the privacy of his office, he walked slowly, carefully before sitting tiredly in his chair. "What's happened now, Severus?"
Taking a deep breath, Severus looked in Albus' eyes. The sparkle was dimly lit, awaiting the news of the latest Death Eater strike.
"He's planning his attack," he bit out slowly. "Planning it for right after the graduation feast. Even the Dark Lord has some morals, not letting students, unless graduated, join his ranks. At least four Slytherins will be taking the mark graduation night. And in the morning they strike."
Albus shook his slowly. "And he has everything ready?"
"He does. His minions will be settling on grounds during the night, while we celebrate and pack for home. Thinking the students and staff not to be ready, he has called for all Death Eaters to meet and get assignments the night before. He is coming Albus and we have three weeks to prepare. And three weeks is not a lot of time."
"No, but it will have to do, won't it." Again Albus shook his head, misery filling his eyes. "And we won't even be able to send the students home, for he will find out that we know."
"We can send some home, can't we Albus? The younger students aren't needed for a graduation celebration. After all they aren't graduating. All 7th years will stay and fight. There's no other way to do it."
"I suppose you're right. And how are you Severus? How are you holding up?" Albus looked at his potions master intently, hoping beyond belief that for once he came back with no wounds.
"I am fine. A little beaten around the edges but this was a light night. More for making plans then the usual 'fun'."
"Then go rest my boy. I'll start sending owls to the Order members. We'll need everyone here as quick as possible."
Slowly Severus rose from his chair. Standing straight against his body's protest he walked to the door. "There won't be a need to send one to Rasen Solner. He's a traitor." He could hear Albus suck in a breath as he opened the door and walked down the stairs leaving the office.
It took him a long time to get to his quarters, his legs nearly giving out from underneath him numerous times. Making it down the stairs to the dungeons was a miracle. His hands shook and his eyes hurt, the last remnants of the Cruciatus curse clinging to his tired body. With the last of his strength he pushed the door to his bedroom open and collapsed into bed. Laying his head on his pillow he kicked off his shoes and closed his eyes.
Next to him the mattress sagged as someone turned to face him.
"Are you alright?"
"Hnn." was his response, to tired to made a understand reply.
"Alright then just go to sleep." He could feel the person move closer to him, her warmth radiating from her body. He felt her pull his arm up, wrapping to around his waist. She snuggled close to him and rested her forehead against his, their breath mingling. Slightly her lips brushed his and he smiled.
"I love you." She whispered.
"Love you. Hermione…"