Severus Snape was beside himself. He darted from room to room, tearing his house apart and searching for the one thing most precious to him in all the world. The thing he had misplaced, somehow, and absolutely had to recover.
Where could she be?
He had left Cassi sleeping relatively peacefully in the living room, just as he did every evening. She had been going to bed long before the sun set, so Snape was accustomed to softly opening the door joining the living room and the library when he was ready to turn in for the night, usually several hours after she had fallen asleep. He would lean against the doorframe, sometimes for minutes and sometimes for much longer, and watch her breathe. He couldn't wrap his mind around the fact that she was there.
But tonight, she wasn't, and he was frantic.
It had been three weeks now since Cassi's rescue, but she still would not speak or walk on her own. Snape felt that she was physically able to support herself enough to walk alone now, but whenever he mentioned it, Cassi gave him such a heartbroken and vulnerable look that he couldn't help but agree to help her. So, in theory, she would not move from the living room without Snape to help her...and yet here he was in the living room, and she most certainly was not there.
He had checked every room in the house; Spinners End was not miniscule, but at the same time, there weren't many places to hide. Snape finally ended up back in the living room and slumped against the wall. Alright, Snape, clear your head. You've got to find her. She's not in any of the obvious places, or most of the obscure ones. She wouldn't have left the house, would she? The sound of his quiet breathing filled the room for a moment. Then he let out a frustrated sigh and slapped his palm to his forehead. Snape, you're an imbecile. He nearly sprinted out of the room.
Crossing the kitchen, Snape cautiously approached the back door. Sure enough; the deadbolt had been drawn back and it was slightly ajar. Hoping not to spook whatever creatures happened to be nearby, he eased open the door and surveyed the scene before him.
There on his back steps sat a tiny figure with long brown hair and a white nightdress, gazing at the night sky and its crystal stars. A few scarce clouds floated lazily along the horizon, partially obscuring the huge white moon. Snape watched the girl for a moment, not wanting to disturb her, but eventually whispered, "Did you walk out here by yourself?" She nodded slightly in response, apparently not at all surprised to hear his voice. He gently shut the door and sat down beside her.
Snape let silence reign for a minute or two. Then Cassi turned to him, her blue-gray eyes questioning as they shone in the moonlight. He searched her face for a moment, then asked quietly, "Are you happy here?" At her confused nod, he pressed, "Even living here with me? You are happy?" She nodded again, more emphatically this time. Snape shifted. She looked even paler than usual in the moonlight, and it was late. She must be exhausted. But Snape was done trying to hide his emotions. He needed to come clean, and the sooner the better. But then again...could he, in good conscience, ask for even more from this woman? Cassi had already subjected herself to more than he wanted to think about just so he could have another chance at life. He couldn't ask for more...all he could do was show his gratitude. So that's what he decided to do.
"Cassi," he began softly, "I want you to know that I think you're very brave. Not many people would willingly make the decision that you did. I am...touched, very touched, that you would endure so much for me. And it's becoming increasingly obvious to me that it is not within my power to repay you, or to show sufficient gratitude. However, I will try..."
He paused, unsure how to proceed. He was distracted by Cassi's eyes, which had lost lustre during her imprisonment but were beginning to regain their customary sparkle as he continued to speak. Taking a steadying breath, he slid from his seat and knelt on the step in front of Cassi, gently taking her hand. She watched in growing amazement as he spoke in the most sincere tone she had ever heard him use: "I have nothing to offer you except myself. I offer you a pledge that I will stay by your side through everything, that I will never abandon you with or without your consent, that I will love you and care for you for the rest of my days, that I will protect you and comfort you and do everything I can to be the person you need most. Cassi...wonderful, precious Cassi...will you marry me?"
He watched as she stared at him. One movement of her head, a shake or a nod, a smile or a frown, would determine his future. Their future. Snape watched as a single tear trailed down Cassi's cheek. Well, that could be good or bad... He wanted to look away, but forced himself to stay still and keep his eyes on hers. He had come this far, and he would not back down now. She, for her part, never looked away. Finally Snape saw a nearly-imperceptible smile lurking at the corner of her mouth.
Snape heard a soft sound that could have been the wind brushing against the grass; it took a moment for him to realize that Cassi had spoken. He had not heard her voice since before her capture - until tonight. This night that would forever be etched into his memory.
She had overcome her fears so she could whisper tearfully, "Severus, I will."