At noon, Sarah didn't go down to have dinner and Severus, no matter how hungry he was, stayed with her. In the afternoon when her mother knocked at the door she refused to open it but when her little brother came up with some snack they let him in.
"I'm not disturbing… or anything… right?"
"No, you're not, come in."
"I brought some cookies and tea… I thought you might be hungry…"
"Well… y…"
"Not at all." Sarah replied but Severus' stomach said otherwise.
"S-sorry." He said ashamed.
"Oh, my God, why didn't you tell me that you were hungry?" The girl paled.
"The point is that we have something to eat now."
"It's good to see you again, Sarah." Patrick said after a short silence. "The police have been looking for you everywhere… we thought you were dead…"
"I almost died. But Severus saved me."
"Look!" The boy turned to the wizard. "I'm sorry that our parents freaked out… you know, we've never… imagined that wizards really do exist…"
"I understand." Severus answered curtly.
"Tell me… can you do some tricks?"
"Tricks?" He frowned.
"Show something! Some magic!" The boy exclaimed.
Severus shrugged, pulled out his wand and pointed it at the teacup. He murmured some spell and the water began boiling. Patrick watched in amazement and even Sarah smiled a little.
"And… what exactly do you do? I mean what's your job?"
"I make potions." The wizard answered. He felt it wouldn't make his situation any better if he started talking about the Death Eaters.
"You make love potions too?"
Severus couldn't help laughing.
"Are you telling me you need one?"
"N-no, no!" Patrick protested. "I just… asked. Anyway… what kind of wizard are you? Good or evil? Honestly, because it's important.
"I think I'm more of a vicious type… Tell me, Patrick, are they still angry?" He asked referring to their parents.
"What? Oh, no! They're just sad… they don't want you to be angry with them."
"And the wedding? What do they think? Are they still against it? Because even if they are, I will marry Severus! They should know this!"
"Brimstone bride, eh?" Patrick winked. "No, Sarah. I think everything is all right now. So you're serious? It's so cool!" He exclaimed. "And… where will you live?"
"Well… at home, right?" Severus glanced at his fiancé.
"At your place." She nodded.
"Is that far from here?"
"Not much…"
"I just don't want to lose you again…"
"Oh, Patrick." Sarah embraced her brother. "I will always be with you, you know that…"
The dinner started with strict and frightened glares. Severus tried to make a good impression and the parents had to admit that apart from him being a wizard there is nothing wrong with the man.
When they finished eating the wizard suddenly spoke.
"Look, this day didn't go as I had planned. I was afraid you would react this way. I can imagine how hard it must be to accept this. But if I could overcome my prejudice against non-magical people, wouldn't you try it too? I love your daughter; I love Sarah the way she is. I want to love her and care for her as long as I live. Is it so important if I'm a wizard or not?"
Tears appeared in the eyes of her mother-in-law-candidate. But this time the tears were of love. She took the man's hand and nodded with a smile. Every eye fixed on the father who hesitated a little then held out his hand to Severus. The young man smiled and shook his hand.
"I hope you're not too angry because of this little ruckus…" He said a little ashamed.
"Let's forget it."
"Oh, I'm so happy!" Mrs. Sampson hugged her daughter.
The rest of the evening went by smoothly. They talked and drank some wine in the already clean living room. A few hours later Severus wearily flopped on the bed.
"This was the worst day of my life." He said. "Yes, no doubt about it."
"You're tired, right?"
"Yes…"
"Maybe a shower will make you feel better…" The girl said seductively.
"Shower? Wait, I think we learnt about it…"
"Come!" She pulled him toward the bathroom.
They started kissing, took off each other's clothes and made love under the cool spray of water until they felt tired and went to sleep…
They didn't have a big wedding. The couple asked the girl's parents to keep it a secret, because it could endanger all of them. The information from the Ministry of Magic made them concerned: Crouch gave permission to imprison every Death Eater without trial. Two of Voldemort's followers were tortured and one of them died because of the aftereffect of the Cruciatus curse. Another didn't let the aurors catch him so they sent a killing curse on him. And two were sent to trial.
The Dark Lord was furious and his anger filled the heart of his followers with fear. They had to change the place of their assemblies often, because they were always found. The panic and the fear increased in the wizard world and it affected Severus' and Sarah's life heavily. They felt as if time went by faster…
They didn't tell anyone about their marriage. They were afraid. The woman wore robes like witches do, so she wouldn't stand out. They spent less time together. And each time they were separated their hearts were filled with worry. Severus had to take part in the cruel games of the Death Eaters from time to time. The newcomer, Ewerilon stood out with his hatred towards Muggles, and everyone knew about the massacre he did in some Muggle villages. The Malfoys too liked playing with Muggles: they captured them and levitated them like they were some toys. Others, like the Lestranges went after mudbloods.
Severus shuddered each time he saw a burning house with the Dark Mark floating above it. He took off his mask and watched as the flames stretched toward the heavens and listened to the screames coming from the insiders. There were two people he wanted to punish with burning the house on them: Potter and Black. He heard that Potter finally married Lily Evans. It was a small miracle. Now the three of them were training to be Aurors. They hated each other as children but now they were sworn enemies. Severus though back and wished they were in the burning house…
"Do you have to leave again?" Sarah asked.
"I'm sorry." Severus embraced her.
"Please take care of yourself! I couldn't bear if something had happen to you! And…" She hesitated and blushed. "I need you!" Her eyes trembled happily. "We need you!" She put her hand on her abdomen. Outside, the terrible February weather raged but time seemed to stop with Severus. He gasped as he watched his smiling wife.
"I'm pregnant." The woman said finally.
Happiness filled their heart. The wizard felt tears running down his cheeks. But it was not because of pain. It was because of joy.
"Merlin's beard!" He whispered. "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
"Sit down!" He accompanied her to a chair quickly.
"It's not showing yet… Oh, Severus, can you believe this? A few moths and…!"
Her husband knelt in front of her and hugged her protectively. Now he really didn't feel like going…