"We'll one another treat like gods,
And all the faith we have
In virtue and in truth, bestow
On either, and suspicion leave
To gods below."

— Henry David Thoreau

Rose woke before the nightmare had really started, blinking sleepily before his trembling alerted her to what was going on. As soon as a pained moan escaped his lips, accompanied by a sudden spasm, Rose began to shake him. With a loud gasp, Stefan awoke, jerking violently. His eyes were wide and his breathing ragged. His gaze darted around the room, clearly not sure where he was after having been so suddenly pulled from sleep. When his eyes focused on her in the darkness, he slowly sank back into his pillow, trying to regain control of his breathing.

"It's okay," Rose comforted him in a quiet voice, smoothing his dark hair back from his sweaty forehead. "I'm here, you're safe."

Twisting towards her, Stefan enfolded himself into her arms, his head resting against her chest and shoulder, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist. She could feel his fingers clutching the back of her nightshirt in a death grip. Rose stroked his hair soothingly.

"I'm sorry for waking you," he whispered, voice muffled against her shoulder. "If you want to go back to sleeping in separate bedrooms, I'd understand… whoever he is I'm sure he'd prefer it that way too."

Rose just held him tighter in response. It wasn't that Stefan was wrong, but since Rose wasn't about to tell Remus about her husband's sexuality, it hardly mattered. She was grateful that Stefan had at least begun to accept that she wasn't going to reveal the identity of her lover to him.

"Try to get back to sleep," she told him in place of an answer. "We have the ministry social to go to tomorrow."

"That's the last thing I want to do," he replied wearily. "I'm sick to death of parties and keeping up appearances."

"We can stay home if you want," Rose offered, but he shook his head, still not moving it from where he'd settled against her shoulder.

"I have to be there," he said simply.

"Then we'll be there," Rose agreed, laying her cheek against his head. "For now, we need to sleep."

Stefan slowly loosened his grip on her but didn't extricate himself from her embrace. It took almost another hour, but eventually the pair drifted back into a thankfully dreamless sleep.

They awoke in the late hours of the morning, rising together for the first time in weeks. With how awkward things had been between them lately he'd been waking up earlier and earlier to get to work. Meanwhile, Rose had been spending many nights and evenings with Remus. The month of February and much of March had passed with the pair barely seeing each other. It was a strange kind of lonely to be around someone you cared about—and Rose really did care about him—and yet feel so distant.

Rose couldn't help feeling bad about how little she'd seen of her husband—even if they weren't romantically involved—over the past month. Stefan pushed his hair out of his face sleepily and put a kettle on the stove for his usual cup of tea.

"Coffee or tea?" He asked over his shoulder, giving her a tired smile.

"Tea's fine," she replied, settling into the living room couch and pulling one of her recent book purchases towards her. Their coffee table was covered in a myriad of books covering a seemingly random assortment of topics. There were books that made sense—one on the alchemical properties of the moon and its phases, on the wolfsbane potion, on known bloodcurses, even Lockhart's book "Wanderings with Werewolves" where he'd claimed to perform the fabled homorphus charm to turn a werewolf back into a person. Then there were the books she'd picked up on a recent trip with Ava to a muggle bookstore—books on the physics of light, on the role of catalysts in chemical reactions, on how the body responded to allergens, and on and on it went.

"How is your research going," Stefan asked, bringing their steeping tea over and sitting on the couch next to her. She sighed, tucking her hair behind her ear and meeting his gaze.

"It's… going," she shrugged. "We want to do an experiment during the full moon, but St. Mungo's is being difficult about it. Apparently, it's one thing to give us space to collect samples but a very different matter to allow us to use one of their wards to observe werewolves during a transformation."

"That sounds frustrating," he said, sipping his tea.

"Incredibly," she agreed. "I think they'll give in and let us use their space eventually though. Damien's doing his best to raise hell for us."

Rose winced when she realized she'd brought up Damien, but Stefan barely reacted. Either he was beginning to move past their breakup, or he was doing a great job of hiding it.

"How are things going at the Ministry?"

"They're fine, just busy. Crouch has been out ill since around Christmas so our department has been picking up some of their slack." Rose raised her eyebrows at this. She'd seen Percy presiding as a judge during the second task but hadn't realized Crouch had been unwell for that long.

"Oh? Are you having to work with Percy Weasley?" she asked curiously. Stefan's face immediately took on a pinched expression that made Rose laugh. "That bad, huh?"

"He's a capable employee… just… a bit overeager," Stefan replied generously.

"That's one way of putting it," she chuckled. "I saw in the paper that Umbridge's Open-Employment Disclosure bill passed…"

Rose tried not to sound accusatory when she said it. Stefan had told her in no uncertain terms that it was likely going to. The anti-werewolf bill would require employers to disclose any employment of werewolves and other "dangerous creatures" to the ministry and their customers or face heavy fines. All werewolves seeking employment would also need a valid permit from the ministry given out on a yearly basis pending a background check and behavioral review from the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.

"Yes, but it's already come under legal review, and I'm part of that committee," he told her, giving her a steadying smile. "I haven't forgotten my promise to you Rose. I'm going to get it tied up for as long as I possibly can."

Reaching over, she squeezed his hand affectionately.

Their afternoon passed in enjoyable companionship and soon it was time to get ready for the ministry function.

Rose looked herself over in the mirror of their bathroom, tilting her head side to side to inspect her makeup. She had decided to go with neutral colors and a heavier contour than usual in the hopes that it might make her look a bit older. Rose didn't usually get nervous about social gatherings since they'd been such a big part of her life growing up. But she was nervous for this one for two reasons. The first being that she was going to be introduced to many of Stefan's colleagues and wanted to make a good impression. The second being that she suspected Cyrus Smythe was going to be there. At least she didn't have to worry about Severus Snape or her in-laws at this event.

"Will you help me out," she asked, turning her back to him and pulling her curls out of the way. Stefan obliged her easily, placing one hand at her hip and lifting the zipper with his other. Letting her hair fall back into place, she turned and looked at her husband. Reaching up, she straightened his midnight-blue tie and adjusted the folds of the richly embroidered cloak that clung to his shoulders with silver clasps. The dark suit he wore showed off his thin angular frame nicely. His diamond cufflinks matched her earrings, and an expensive silver chain connected to the pocketwatch in his suit's pocket.

Rose's own dress was simpler in comparison. Entirely made of lacey black material, the high-necked dress fit tightly to her frame except where the high-low skirt flared out from her hips in a sharply geometric silhouette. Its simplicity drew more attention to her face and to the sparkling ring on her left hand.

"You look beautiful, Rose," he said, leaning in and kissing her temple. "No one will be able to take their eyes off you tonight."

Rose leaned into his kiss before slipping into her delicate silver pumps. When she set her hand in his and nodded, he turned on the spot and the two vanished from their London flat.

Rose had accompanied her father to the ministry before, but tonight the lobby was filled with witches and wizards dressed to impress. House elves bobbed around the room handing out drinks and hors d'oeuvres. A live band was playing classical music off to one side and there was already a throng of people mingling.

"Shall we," Stefan asked, offering his arm. Rose looped her arm through his in answer and the pair stepped into the crowd.

Most of the introductions went by in a blur, but several in particular stood out.

The first was when they stopped before a plain but self-assured middle-aged witch who was standing next to a tall yellow-eyed man with a mane of golden hair. The pair paused their conversation at Stefan's approach, and the woman gave him a welcoming smile, turning her gaze upon Rose with a critical eye.

"Rose, this is Madam Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and Rufus Scrimgeour, Head of the Auror Office. Amelia, Rufus, my wife Roselin," Stefan introduced. Rose tried her best not to wilt beneath the two powerful individuals when they turned their gazes upon her.

"Don't you two make a handsome couple," Madam Bones broke the silence, offering her hand. Rose shook it gratefully.

"Thank you, Madam Bones. Stefan speaks very highly of you," Rose said.

"He'd better," she laughed. "I pay him enough."

Rose felt some of her nervousness leave her at Madam Bones' self-deprecating humor. When she shook Scrimgeour's proffered hand, some of those nerves returned. His hawk-like eyes looked at her piercingly, and he didn't offer a smile.

"A pleasure," he said, dropping her hand after giving it one firm shake. "You're Lucius Malfoy's girl? The other Potter?"

"That's right, sir," she answered deferentially, used to being identified as her father's daughter but uncomfortable with the second title. Scrimgeour frowned at her.

"Hn." Was the only response he gave.

"Lighten up Rufus," Amelia chided him. "This is supposed to be a party."

"Damn waste of time," he muttered gruffly.

"Amelia! Rufus!" A familiar voice called out, and Ludo Bagman practically bounded into their group, reaching out and shaking hands enthusiastically. "And the young Dolohovs!"

"It's a pleasure to see you again Mr. Bagman," she smiled as he leaned in and kissed Rose's cheek.

"It's lovely to see you too m'dear," he chuckled. "It's a pity Miss Asare couldn't join tonight's festivities. They're quite stingy on the invitations you know."

In minutes they were rotating groups again, Stefan handing her a glass of champagne.

"I think I see your father," he said, gesturing off to their left. Rose caught a glint of her parents' distinctive platinum blonde hair through the crowd. She steeled herself for the person she suspected would be in their group but was pleasantly surprised to find that Cyrus was thankfully absent. Instead, there were two others standing with them, one of whom she was quite surprised to see.

"Percy," Rose exclaimed in surprise. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Mr. Crouch asked me to attend in his place," Percy said with his usual air of self-importance. "Poor man's been so overworked lately."

"Is your father here too," she asked politely, immediately realizing it was the wrong thing to ask when Percy stiffened awkwardly.

"Arthur Weasley, get an invitation to an event like this?" Lucius chuckled in his usual dismissive drawl, leaning casually against his decorative walking stick and exchanging a rueful look with Narcissa. "Poor man wouldn't have a thing to wear."

There was some general snickering at the comment, and Percy's ears went red. Rose noticed him glance down at his own faded robes, and she grimaced. She had never gotten along with Percy, but she had come to respect his ambition and intelligence. A short witch in garishly pink robes who stood beside him let out a girlish giggle and placed a pudgy hand on Percy's elbow in a comforting gesture.

"Not to worry Mister Weasley, we all have dead branches in our trees that need pruning." she comforted the young man in a syrupy voice before her bulging eyes turned to Rose. "I don't believe we've been formally introduced."

"Forgive me," Stefan interjected, quickly taking on the role of magnanimous host. "Roselin, this is Dolores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic. Dolores, my wife Rose Dolohov."

Rose felt the smile on her face stiffen as she looked down at the small, spiteful woman who had just passed a bill that would make her lover's life drastically more difficult.

"Dolores… I've been so looking forward to meeting you."

"Likewise," she smiled back sweetly. Umbridge's eyes moved to a figure behind Rose. It was the only warning she had before Mariko half-tackled her friend in a crushing embrace, making her stumble.

"Rose!" She exclaimed excitedly, stepping back and taking Parker's hand. "We have the most wonderful news… I'm pregnant!"

A general round of congratulations began, while Rose stared at her friend in shock. It took her a moment to snap out of her surprise.

"Mari, Parker, that's incredible news," she said, squeezing Mari's hands.

"You must be proud," Narcissa said. "Your first grandson."

It took a moment for Rose to process what her mother had said and, when she did, she took a quick step closer to Stefan, making room for Cyrus Smythe to enter the circle.

"Very proud," Cyrus agreed, clapping Parker on the back. "Though I'd swear I'm not old enough yet to be a grandfather. You'll understand when it's your turn."

Rose took a large sip of champagne, careful not to meet her parents' eyes. Cyrus' gray eyes met hers instead, and he gave her a genial smile that caused her skin to crawl. Turning to Stefan, she wrapped her arm around his.

"Let's keep moving, I want you to introduce me to everyone," she said. Stefan met her gaze with a curious one of his own, but immediately acquiesced to her request, and the pair stepped away from the group.

Faces and names blurred together as the night wore on and the glasses of champagne emptied. She posed politely with Stefan, Parker, and Mari, when some photographers from the Daily Prophet stopped the group later in the night. The general mood of the crowd became relaxed and tipsy as the evening wore on.

Excusing herself from the crowd to find the restroom, Rose was just beginning to feel relieved that she'd managed to successfully avoid interacting with Cyrus when she rounded a corner and almost walked straight into his chest. She stumbled a bit as she tried to backpedal, giving him the perfect excuse to grasp her arms to steady her. She could feel goosebumps ripple across her skin as he gave her a sly smile.

"I was hoping we'd run into each other again," he said genially. "I didn't expect you to come chasing after me though."

Rose was so stunned by his pronouncement that it took her a moment to respond. Looking away from him, she tried not to reveal just how unnerved his words had made her.

"I'm afraid you misunderstood, Mr. Smythe, I was just looking for the restroom," she replied stiffly. One of his long-fingered hands lifted to grasp her chin and tilt her head up towards him.

"Cyrus," he corrected her, bending his head down to hers. Rose stumbled back quickly, not quite freeing herself from his grip on her arm but managing to prevent the unexpected kiss.

"What do you think you're doing," Rose hissed at him, glancing around the deserted hallway, quite aware of the scandal that would arise if someone had seen that. Irritation flashed across Cyrus' eyes, before quickly fading back into a semblance of good humor.

"Don't be so quick to reject someone like me," he said, tightening his grip on her arm and drawing her closer so that she could smell the alcohol on his breath.

"I am married," she said firmly.

"Yes, married to our dear Stefan Dolohov," he snorted derisively. "And while you continue to play house with a man—if he's really deserving of that title—who will never be able to satisfy you, your youth and beauty waste away."

Rose set her jaw defiantly and Cyrus smiled at her sympathetically, letting his thumb rub gentle circles on her arm.

"Not that I blame you, my dear. That he was the best you could do at the time is more an indictment upon the purebloods who turned their noses up at you than upon your own beauty. But I have had my heirs, you won't find me so quick to disregard you for your murky blood," he told her in what was clearly meant to be a magnanimous gesture.

"You can't seriously be suggesting what I think you are…"

"Why not? My name is far better than his, my blood purer, and my wealth greater," Cyrus said, drawing her closer. "You would be a fool to say no."

"I don't know how much clearer I can make myself, Mr. Smythe. I am not interested," Rose replied scathingly, the frustration of the past few months of being pursued by this man boiling over. "Please, leave me alone."

Cyrus' face twisted in anger once again, his fingernails digging into her arm.

"You stupid, short-sighted bitch," he spat at her, his other hand lifting as if to strike her.

Before Rose could react to the incoming blow, Cyrus was torn forcibly away from her. A sudden blast of red light impacted his face, sending him flying backwards to land hard against the cold tile of the floor. Rose felt a warm hand wrap around her own, pulling her protectively behind Stefan's furious form. Cyrus wheezed from his place on the floor, one of his hands lifting to wipe a stream of blood from his now badly broken nose.

"If you so much as look at my wife again Smythe, you will get far worse than that," Stefan said, his voice shaking with anger. Cyrus cautiously stood, drawing his own wand and flicking it at his own face to vanish the blood and fix his nose. Stefan kept his wand trained on the man as he fixed his robes and pocketed his wand. Sneering at the couple, his eyes dark with malice, he nodded curtly to Stefan before sweeping past them.