Severus did what he knew best when he found himself in unfamiliar terrain, he withdrew. He turned reclusive, waking up an hour earlier than Emilia. He made breakfast for two but ate alone. He isolated himself in his laboratory in the basement till late afternoons for a cup of tea before returning to resume his brewing. His wife dared not to check on him there since she knew it was strictly out of bounds. He only came to bed late when Emilia was fast asleep.

He behaved as such because he thought he must've gotten it wrong.

He fancied his wife.

He was infatuated, certainly. Anyone would be by the way she treats others. Emilia was kind, warm, funny and intelligent.

But, the last time Severus was smitten by those similar traits, it was of course with the girl he grew up with.

Lily Evans.

Emilia looked nothing like Lily. His wife was a brunette with honeyed eyes. Lily had auburn red hair and green eyes. But, they made him feel the same. The crawling, nearly uncomfortable feeling in the pits of his stomach turned him into a stuttering mess when he approached them. The quick to pink cheeks when they accidentally brushed their fingers against his skin.

Except, Emilia did not make fun of his stammering. She asked if he was alright, genuinely concerned. And her touches weren't accidental, they were deliberate. She would touch his forearm when in conversation. She would squeeze his shoulder in greeting when she passed by him. She would plant a kiss on his cheek every morning.

Severus did not know what to make of these newfound feelings. He was certain it wasn't love either, not that he was all too familiar with such concepts.

So, he stayed away and hoped those emotions would evaporate.

The following night when Severus entered their bedroom at midnight for the sixth time consecutively, Emilia had waited. She propped herself against the pillow with her knees to her chest and waited patiently.

"Emilia," Severus greeted awkwardly.

She wore a thin smile. "You look tired, Severus."

Severus shook his head. "I should shower. I smell of fumes."

He hurried to his side of the wardrobe, no longer sparing a glance at his wife.

"Severus?"

"Mm?"

"Are you upset?" Emilia asked quietly.

Severus frowned but he did not turn to face his wife. "No."

"Then," her voice cracked, "why are you avoiding me? Have I — have I done something wrong?"

Severus turned then. His wife's eyes were wide and reddened with tears. He was instantly alarmed, walking to her.

"Because if I've upset you in any way, you'll have to tell me. I will change, I promise," Emilia whispered, barely withholding her tears.

Severus was lost for words, flummoxed at the sight of his crying wife.

"I…" he mumbled, standing near her like a blundering fool.

"I'm sorry," Emilia began, quickly wiping her tears away. "Have I imposed too much? Do you want me to return to the other room? I could do that. I… I should do that," she murmured hastily, rising to her feet.

And like an idiot, Severus allowed her to leave.

He couldn't sleep that night, tossing and turning in bed alone. He paced in the dark, attempting to burst into her room to apologise but refrained from doing so. Just in case, she was fast asleep.

He told himself he would speak to her in the morning. It will be better when morning comes. He would apologise for his foolishness, she would laugh at his stupidity and she would return to sleep in their bed.

But when morning came, Emilia was nowhere to be found.

Severus had panicked till he found a note on her bedside table. It read:

Dear Severus,

I made breakfast and prepared your tea with honey. I'm visiting Minerva this morning at Hogwarts for the job offer we spoke about.

I will return in the afternoon.

We should talk.

— Emilia

His heart plummeted.

"Talk," he muttered, swallowing thickly.

Severus skipped breakfast that morning.

"Severus," Emilia called, dusting off her robes after travelling via the Floo network.

"In here," Severus replied.

Emilia went to the kitchen, surprised at the feast laid out on the counter. There was a whole roasted chicken, buttered peas and creamed spinach.

"You cooked?"

Severus smiled nervously and nodded.

"Would you like some?"

"Of course," Emilia said softly.

They sat in their individual armchairs with a small tray each on their lap and ate quietly. Severus was hoping that she would pay him a compliment, anything really about his cooking.

Emilia was first to break the silence.

"I accepted Minerva's offer. I start next week."

"Congratulations, Emilia," Severus said with a small smile.

"Thank you."

The silence continued.

"I didn't mean for you to leave yesterday night," Severus began after a while.

"Oh, yes. About that, Severus, I'll be staying in Hogwarts for the term. It would be easier that way."

Severus' heart fell.

"Pardon?"

"I've asked Minerva if she could provide lodging. She kindly agreed," Emilia explained, taking in a mouthful of peas, oblivious to the fact that Severus had lost his appetite.

"I see."

"It would be better, I think. The honeymoon period could only last for so long, I shouldn't intrude further," Emilia finished with a soft smile.

"I suppose so," Severus mumbled.

A thought came to mind — perhaps her leaving would allow said emotions to falter. It might be for the best.

He really was an idiot, the biggest one out there.

Before Emilia left for Hogwarts, she had kissed Severus on the cheek.

"I could come back during the weekends if you're amenable to it," she suggested.

"Do come home," Severus said quietly.

"Home?"

He nodded. "Yes. Our home."

"I will," she promised and stepped into the green flames.

The house was dreadfully empty once more but Severus remembered the radiant smile on Emilia's lips moments before she Floo-ed away.

It eased his heart a little.

Although, when he lay on his pillow staring at the dark ceiling, counting sheep, Severus found himself missing his wife. It was odd because he had spent so long in solitude that it shouldn't be too difficult to acclimatise back to a quiet home; a quiet life.

He was wrong.

Severus liked his life a little more with Emilia in it. She was a bright spot in his dull life. She was his tangerine-infused honey to his tea. Now an added necessity after being so used to drinking plain tea.

He tried to sleep but found it futile so he made said tea. He found a sticky paper attached to the newly opened jar of honey.

To buy.

Severus remembered his wife had bought two when she first moved in. Funny, the first jar had run out just after the first month of their marriage. He chuckled to himself, amused.

Just then, he felt a light breeze of magic before a fluttering blue light taking the shape of a butterfly flew around him.

"I hope I'm not disturbing your sleep, Severus," Emilia's voice floated by. "I assume you would be brewing potions. I wish to let you know that I've settled down here. Unpacked everything and all. I do wish the weekends could come sooner. I already missed home."

Severus lightly brushed the wings of the butterfly just before it faded away. He took out his wand and cast his Patronus, the shimmering blue came out only in wisps.

The doe no longer took form. Only a non-corporeal one remained but it was enough to send messages.

"Go to Emilia in Hogwarts. Tell her I await her return."

Severus kept a relatively busy schedule to make the week speed by faster. Though, he didn't have to wait long before Emilia came home on a Thursday afternoon. He had expected her to return on a Friday evening or even the morning of Saturday.

"Hello, Severus," she greeted with a small smile, tucking a curl behind her ear.

Severus went to her with concern in his eyes. "Is everything alright?"

She nodded but rubbed her arm anxiously. "Cou— could I stay here for the weekend?"

Severus knew something was wrong.

"Certainly."

"Thank you."

"I made some tomato soup if you would like?" Severus offered.

"Perhaps tonight?"

"Of course."

Emilia made her way to the spare bedroom and closed the door. He really wanted to inform her that she should return to their bedroom but found himself lacking the courage.

When dinner came and Emilia hadn't emerged from the bedroom, Severus, needless to say, was worried. He knocked on her door to no answers before pushing it open.

The room was dark. None of the lights was turned on. He quietly approached Emilia who was curled in the small bed with a thin blanket covering her. He placed a gentle hand on her arm.

"Emilia," Severus called softly.

A startled gasp escaped her, jolting up from bed with frightened eyes.

Severus stepped back, raising his hand in surrender. "It's me."

Emilia closed her eyes in relief before running a hand down her face. "Sorry. I thought…" She shook her head. "I'm fine."

"Would you like dinner?"

She sighed softly, "not really. Sorry."

Severus wanted to retreat back to his space but he knew that something was off. He made his way back to the bed, sitting down.

"Emilia, is there something wrong? You seemed troubled."

"Arius has been sending me death threats," she whispered, eyes flitted down. She hugged her knees to her chest.

"Why didn't you tell me? When did this start?" He pressed.

"The second day of school. I made news in The Prophet for becoming the newest Transfiguration Professor. That's how he knew, I think. He sent me a letter, saying he will break into Hogwarts to kill me."

Her eyes were brimmed with tears. "I didn't know what to do."

Severus inched closer to her, awkwardly opening his arms. "Come here."

Emilia wrapped her arms tight around his torso and laid her head on his chest. "I'm scared, Severus."

He enclosed the embrace, putting a hand on the back of her head. "I'll make sure nothing happens. You've my word, Emilia."

His words were comforting enough.

Emilia liked his embrace even more. It soothed her and made her feel safe. She snuggled closer, unwilling to let go. Although she knew she must. Severus never liked being touched for too long.

"I would like you to return to our bed, in our room. Would you?" He murmured softly into her hair.

"Please."

Severus tapped the arm that circled around his body. "Put your arm around my neck."

She complied and Severus carried her into their bedroom. He set her down gently, looking at her with a soft smile.

Emilia felt heat creeping up her cheeks. Without meaning to, she leaned in to press a kiss on his lips. When Severus stayed unmoving, she cursed softly at her mistake, withdrawing.

"I'm sor—"

He cut her off and chased her lips, kissing her slowly. Tongue traced the seams of her lips, asking for entrance. Emilia allowed it with a soft whimper. His tongue slid into her mouth, tasting and savouring her. It felt intimate… nice.

Gently, Severus withdrew, not before planting another kiss on her lips.

"Soup? I made chicken salad sandwiches too," Severus murmured, thumb gently stroking her jaw.

"You do want me," Emilia whispered, fingers curled around his wrist.

"What?"

"I thought you were using me… for sex," she continued, slightly ashamed. "I didn't wish to say anything since I did mention I was alright with more than the one-time consummation."

Severus was concerned. He never thought his wife would think in that manner. "Emilia, you're my wife. I couldn't — wouldn't use you. It's not right. We were intimate because I desired you."

Her cheeks flushed a pretty pink. "It's mutual. I… I like you too."

His heartbeat quickened. "You do?"

Emilia nodded shyly. "Does that bother you?"

"No. No, it doesn't," Severus reaffirmed.

On a Friday, Severus brought Emilia to the Auror's office to obtain a restraining order. The office was strangely quiet. He supposed the Aurors on the field don't come in as frequently.

Emilia looped her arm into the crook of her husband's elbow, eyes furtively glanced around.

"Excuse me," Severus cleared his throat.

The young witch by the desk looked surprised.

"Professor Snape!"

"Not your professor anymore, Miss Baker," Severus replied. He recognised the Gryffindor witch from years back.

"Yes, yes. Apologies," the woman amended, turning to Emilia with a smile. "How can I help?"

"We would like to apply for a restraining order. If you could direct us to an Auror?" Severus inquired.

"Certainly, Sir. Let me check," she murmured, flicking her book. She clicked her tongue. "Ah, Auror Potter is available, sir, if you could go straight ahead and turn left to the first door. He will be waiting."

Severus cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Is there anyone else?"

The lady did not detect his unease. She provided a small smile. "Apologies. The others are out for their investigations or are swamped in meetings."

Emilia gently squeezed Severus' hand. "It's alright. We should go."

"The first door on the left, Miss Baker?"

She nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Thank you."

"Severus, we don't have to," Emilia murmured, once they were out of earshot.

"I insist. If he so much as looks at you, I want him arrested."

Harry Potter was obviously alerted earlier for he stood at his door, waiting. Severus thought he had grown to look exactly like his father but said nothing. It would be useless to reopen old wounds.

"Professor Snape," Harry greeted politely.

"Severus would do, Potter."

Severus caught a short moment of fluster in the wizard's green eyes before he quickly collected himself. The boy who lived had matured greatly. The war had toned him down, much like the rest of the wizarding population.

"Of course, Severus. And this?" Harry gestured towards Emilia.

"My wife, Emilia," Severus introduced.

If the younger wizard was surprised, he said nothing.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mrs Snape," Harry greeted, shaking her hand.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr Potter."

"Do come in, please."

Severus eyed a moving photograph at the corner of the Auror's desk. He was unsurprised to find that he was married to Ginerva Weasley and it appeared the new Mrs Potter was expecting.

"Oh, you're married, Mr Potter?" Emilia asked softly, following Severus' line of sight.

Harry coughed awkwardly. "Yes, ma'am. It's our first year anniversary soon. We are expecting a son."

Emilia smiled cheerfully. "Oh, that's very lovely. When is she due?"

"A month's time," Harry answered, clearly proud that he was about to be a father.

"Congratulations, Mr Potter. We are happy for you," Emilia murmured, sparing a glance at her husband.

Severus nodded silently.

"Uh, thank you," Harry said, taking his seat and gesturing for the couple to follow suit.

"Please, how can I help?"

"Emilia needs a restraining order against her ex-fiancé, Arius Avery," Severus began.

"I see. Could you provide any proof of his harassment or any evidence of his violence towards your person, Mrs Snape?"

Emilia took out two neatly folded letters, sliding them across the desk. "He sent the first letter three days ago and the second one shortly after."

Harry scanned the letter, nodding and jotting down notes. "I see. This is serious, Mrs Snape. Were there previous reports of any violence that I could check in the archives?"

Emilia gave a weak smile, shaking her head. Underneath the table, she wrung her hands nervously. Her stomach felt extremely uncomfortable, churning and making her even more anxious. But Severus was there. He took her hands in his and squeezed encouragingly.

"I see."

"What's the process?" He asked.

"Well," Harry began, adjusting his rounded spectacles. "I'll submit a report to the Wizengamot for a close hearing where evidence would be presented. Thereafter, the presiding judge would make an assessment on whether to issue the restraining order of which the parties involved will receive their individual letters by the week if it goes smoothly."

Severus caught the young Auror rolling his shoulders. A mannerism he picked up whenever he had something to stall.

"You're hesitating, Potter. Spit it out."

Harry sighed softly, fingers tracing the scar on his forehead. His green eyes fixed on Emilia. "I've taken several requests similar to your case, Mrs Snape. Unfortunately, the Wizengamot are rather partial towards wizards especially if there are no previous reports against them. They wish to ensure the wizard's reputation remains intact. I'm sorry."

Severus' features hardened. "There's solid proof of death threats, Isn't it enough?"

"It's easily refuted. Could be argued as impersonation," Harry explained.

"That's preposterous. Are you certain, Potter?"

An indignant frown formed on Harry's countenance. "Of course I am."

Emilia became very quiet. Her hands had slipped away from Severus' hold, closing them into fists. Nails dug into her flesh.

"If I could provide more evidence of his violent nature?" She spoke up.

"How?" Harry asked, turning his attention back to the witch.

Emilia forced her gaze downwards. "I have scars to prove on my back. He used magical whips. To purchase those whips, I believe one needs to buy from a proprietor and registration is required."

"That should be helpful," Harry murmured, sympathy belying his tone. "I could have a female Auror check your scars, take some photographs and perhaps a visit to the doctor for their opinion. I'll see what I could do to check on the whips."

Emilia nodded silently. "Thank you."

"Emilia —" Severus interjected. "Potter, leave us for a moment."

Harry gathered his notes. "Certainly. Uh, take your time. I'll return shortly."

"You don't have to do this if you're uncomfortable," Severus began.

Emilia slowly tipped her eyes up, meeting his gaze. "I don't wish to hide anymore."

Severus relented, seeing the determination in her. "I'll be there with you."

After returning from the Auror's office, Severus could sense that his wife was distancing herself. She quietly made her way to their bedroom without another word. He let her go, opting to take a step back.

Emilia felt vulnerable after showing her scars to a stranger. The woman was kind and showed no reaction when she bared those hideous marks that ran across her back. The Auror maintained a strict code of professionalism, displaying nothing of her personal opinions.

Regardless, she felt exposed.

She had to borrow Severus' night shirt as pyjamas instead of wearing her slip dress. Her husband did not question her and left her to shower and be dressed whilst he made her warm tea.

"Are my scars ghastly, Severus?" Emilia asked softly, finding him in the kitchen.

"Why would you ask that?"

Emilia shrugged. "I haven't seen them. Sometimes I pretend they don't exist. I think it's a blessing that it's on my back. I'm not reminded of it every day."

Severus felt a twinge in his heart. He hasn't seen such vulnerability in so long. A quiet resignation of what had happened.

"You've seen my own fair share of scars, Emilia. Are they ghastly?"

Emilia licked her lower lips, recalling the harsh lines on his back, similar to hers. She had traced those on his torso and one that ran deep across his left thigh. She had trailed that particular one with her fingers after being intimate.

"No. I think they are a part of you."

"And so are yours."

She nodded slowly as if accepting that as a fact.

"How did you get yours, Severus? Those on your back."

Severus held her gaze for a short moment before he replied, "it was self-inflicted."

Emilia did not seem all too surprised by his answer. She knew her husband was a deeply reticent man and for him to reveal this must've been daunting.

"You hurt yourself," she said plainly. "Why?"

"Because I deserved it."

"Do you think I deserved it?"

Severus frowned, "of course not."

Emilia smiled thinly. "Wouldn't it be self-inflicted on my part too? I didn't immediately run away when Arius whipped me. I stayed even after each time."

Severus cupped her face. "You were abused, Emilia."

Emilia placed a hand over his. "So were you. Someone must've used your guilt and your fears. They hurt you enough to make you want to hurt yourself."

Severus hadn't thought about his own trauma in that manner. It had always been internal, created by his own musings of his failures, his regrets and his mistakes. He used the whips earlier on, in his twenties when he was wracked with the worst of penitence after the Potters' death, compounded by the niggling regret that he made a child an orphan.

Then, he continued again in his thirties when Harry Potter entered Hogwarts as a first-year student and only stopped when the Dark Lord returned. He couldn't always be injured when serving the Dark Lord. He wasn't sure why he stopped in his twenties to only resume the whipping in his thirties.

"Have I spoken too much?" Emilia asked when she noticed that Severus had receded and turned silent.

"You gave me a perspective I haven't thought of," Severus murmured.

Emilia nodded. "That's good, I suppose."

"Do you want more tea?" Severus asked, seeing her cup empty.

"No, thank you. Could we go to bed?"

"Yes. Go on first. I'll have to clean the kitchen."

After Emilia had left, Severus summoned Oats and tasked her to send a letter to McGonagall. He wanted to speak to the Headmistress, to strengthen the wards in Hogwarts. He will not take any chances.

Severus returned to their bedroom a short time later, finding Emilia, as always, propped up against the pillow. He didn't know why it surprised him every time. Like she cared enough to wait.

"You waited."

"I did."

He took off his shirt, folded it neatly and climbed into bed. "Come here."

Emilia had the brightest smile, going to him.

Instinctively, Severus stroked her hair and held his lips close to her temples.

"Have you taken the Dreamless potion?"

"Not yet."

"Do you wish to wean off it?"

Emilia raised a brow. "Is it possible?"

"We could try. Starting today."

"And the nightmares?"

"It'll go away... Eventually."