Disclaimer: J. is making the dough while I starve. (She's gets money for her stories. I don't.)

The room was dark when she woke up and she began to panic. Fear filled her and she had a strong urge to scream and hide. Was someone there?

"And aren't you a pretty witch - pregnant and all. It shall be fun having you around for leverage." The blonde man touched her face, making Elizabeth flinch away into the dark. A cruel, twisted, laugh filled the darkness as Elizabeth began to shake in pain and fear.

"Severus!"

The door banged open as the room filled with light. Elizabeth, crawling at her sheets, turned her face to him, terrified.

"Elizabeth?"

"Oh Severus — don't let him hurt me!" she cried, throwing herself into his embrace. Severus caught her, wrapping his arms tightly to her trembling form.

"Elizabeth, it's alright love. There's no one here to hurt you."

She was crying, shaking.

"He... he said he'd hurt me... the baby..." she shuddered into him. Severus closed his eyes, understanding. She was remembering when Lucius Malfoy had kidnapped her. Soon after they were married and she had gotten pregnant the first time, Malfoy had tried to manipulate Severus through kidnapping his wife.

"It's alright love. He can't hurt you. He can't hurt you." He kissed her forehead, stroking her hair and holding her close in his arms. Elizabeth eventually calmed but remained in his embrace, were she found she felt very safe and protected.

"Lie down love." He gently moved her into bed, where she refused to release her hold on him. His face softening, he moved to lie with her in his arms. Elizabeth snuggled close to him, her arms tightening around him as her leg found it's self entwining with his.

"It's a memory... I remember a dark cellar." she swallowed. "It was cold and dark...."

"It's alright Elizabeth. You're safe now."

She squeezed her eyes shut, remembering also losing the baby. There was a hint of another memory, one with a grinning Severus but she was unable to grasp it.

"Alright?" he whispered. She only nodded and he kissed her hair again. She found him nuzzling her hair to feel oddly familiar and wished yet again that she could remember her life. That she could remember this man she was married to.

"It's dinner time in the Great Hall... if you are up to it."

Elizabeth pulled herself closer to him, not wanting to leave or to be around others.

"I can send for some dinner to be sent."

"Yes please."

His lips kissed her cheek before he rested his cheek on her head and just held her. Elizabeth even found the smell of him to be comforting. They stayed snuggled together for a while yet before Severus called for a house elf named Dobby, who brought them a nice meal. Elizabeth leaned against Severus's chest as they ate, not wanting him to leave her, even in their bed. Their bed?

As much as it embarrassed her to even wonder about, she began to sneak peaks at her husband. She's had two children by this man and if she wasn't mistaken, a miscarriage. Elizabeth was always nervous about that idea of sex and knew that for herself to give herself to him, even through marriage, she had to love him very deeply. There would have to be absolutely no doubt in her mind. Otherwise, she couldn't see how she could allow herself to disrobe in his presence. Casting a side look, she took in her husband without him knowing.

He was a tall man, skinny and he seemed to be in a constant state of looking pale. He had long fingers, they appeared strong yet graceful. He had a rather poignant nose but it didn't make him unpleasing. Somehow, it fit him. He rarely showed his emotions on his face but that was alright with her. Who wanted to be an open book all the time? He was a Slytherin though... but House prejudices was childish anyway.

"Mind sharing — why are you staring at me."

Elizabeth blinked before blushing.

"How did you know?"

He hadn't even looked up. He did now though and grinned softly.

"I have a sixth sense about some things. Mostly I know things about you before you even do them."

"Is that so?" she couldn't help but play back. Severus nodded.

"Oh, of course my darling."

His words seemed to be like silk along her skin and she bushed with a shiver. This caused him to smirk. He leaned forward and took her mouth in his. Elizabeth stiffened at his touch but then, he felt so familiar. He gently nibbled her lower lip before he pulled back. She could only stare at him. His shoulders fell, as he must of remember her lack of memory.

"I... I'm sorry Elizabeth... I forgot."

"It's ok." she murmured. She had definitely felt a connection between them during that kiss, even though it was very short. Severus ran his fingers through his hair before checking the time.

"We better go to sleep anyway. I have classes in the morning."

"Do I..?"

"Minerva and Albus have it covered love. You are to get some rest."

"And you?" she asked. "You look like you have been dragged through Hades and back again."

Severus smirked before kissing her hair.

"So I have my darling. So I have."

Elizabeth took her nightgown into the bathroom to brush her teeth and change. She heard talking in the bedroom and assumed Severus was talking to Albus or Minerva. At least, I hope my husband doesn't talk to himself.

She stepped out of the bathroom and froze, wide eyed. Severus, his back to her, was braiding Melee's curls, as the little girl squirmed on their bed. He was shirtless wearing only a pair of black pj's. At least, I think he changed into pj's. Severus was lean and pale but the many scars on his back seemed to stand out boldly and she felt sad at seeing so many nasty looking scars.

"Mummy!" squealed Melee when Severus released her. Elizabeth found her mouth dry, as Severus cast her a look. There was a giggling sound and then little arms were tight around her legs. Looking down, she felt her heart stop, looking into the eyes of little Theo. They were overflowing with love for the woman who looked like his mother.

"Come here Theo." Severus pulled the little boy into his arms, who wrapped his legs tight around his dad's waist. "Time for bed Melee."

"Alright Daddy." she jumped off the bed and hugged Elizabeth's legs before following Severus out the door. When they were in the hall, Elizabeth heard Melee talking to Severus.

"Daddy. Why didn't Mummy kiss me good night?"

"Melee, remember what I told you about Mummy forgetting things? She can't remember kissing you good night."

"But I don't want her to forget Daddy. I liked Mummy remembering to kiss me."

"I do too baby." was Severus soft reply. Elizabeth hugged herself, closing her eyes. She wanted to remember. She needed to remember. Crawling into bed, she pulled the covers close and squeezed her eyes shut. Almost everything around her felt familiar, but she couldn't remember!

Rolling onto her side, she pushed all thought away and went to sleep.

I feel bad for Melee... her 'mummy' couldn't remember to give her a kiss good night.

Review if you like!