When I awoke it was dawn. I was still outside. And I was lying in someone's arms.

At first I didn't know where I was, then the memories came rushing back.

"Severus!" I screamed and wanted to jump up, but the arms holding me tightened around me.

"Sh, it's alright, I'm here."

"Severus…" I slowl turned around and there he was.

For a moment I couldn't move, I was drowning in his eyes, then I threw my arms around him and clung to him for dear life.

I didn't realise I was crying until I pulled away again.

"Catherine…" He gently wiped my tears away and kissed me.

"I knew you wouldn't turn around," he whispered and pulled me close against him. "But it broke my heart to see you assailed by those voices…"

"It's ok now, it doesn't matter now, you are here, that is the only thing that really matters…"

He buried his face I my hair.

"I was there the whole time, you know. You just couldn't see me, because I was dead and you weren't… it hurt so much to see you there and not be able to got to you, to talk to you, to comfort you…"

I held him even tighter.

"It doesn't matter now… it was worth it… I would have anything to get you back!"

"I am honoured that you even gave up your magic for me," he said softly.

"Of course! What good would all the magic in the world be, when you couldn't be at my side?"

We kissed again and then I heard a strange noise, like a small whirlwind.

I looked up and saw a young man hovering a foot above the ground. There were actual little wings attached to his feet and he wore a dark green Chlamys, a hat and a staff decorated with snakes.

Hermes Psychopompos.

Without thinking, I moved in front of Severus, who had stiffened as soon as he had laid eyes on the 'conductor of the soul'.

"You can't take him back!" I challenged the god.

He actually had the audacity to laugh at that.

"Do not fear, little witch. I did not come to take him back. I have been sent to bring you something."

"Bring me something?" I didn't know what to make of that.

"Yes."

He opened his hand and there was a softly green-glowing sphere hovering above it.

"A gift from Hades. You freely gave it, as a token of your love. He gives it back."

"My magic?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

I had given my magic up, how could that be?

Hermes waved his hand and the sphere hovered over to me, vanishing as it touched my chest, right where my heart was.

"The God of the Underworld has no need of it. He only wanted a proof of your feelings. After all, he normally doesn't allow people tp leave his realm."

With a nod he left us.

I still couldn't belive it. I had my magic back? And Severus would stay?

He startled me with a kiss and pulled me to him again.

"I am glad for you, but it wouldn't have mattered. I love you, magic or no magic."

The end.