Trigger Warning!
Severus finally completed his brewing for the day and went up to the sitting room. He plopped down on the armchair and rubbed his forehead, feeling an impending headache. He regretted his words, he regretted the tone of his voice that drove his wife away in tears.
Great.
Now his wife was at Hogwarts, talking to Lupin about a mediocre book. Most likely laughing at his jokes and eating deliciously cooked dinner, courtesy of Hogwarts house elves. Whilst he stayed at home, alone and being his absolute miserable self. And there was no dinner. He had to make something from the leftovers in the fridge.
With a tired grunt, Severus shifted himself. He entered the shower, letting the water run down his back. He was used to warm water now, forgoing the frigid cold after his buggering wife insisted that it would help soothe and calm an exhausted body. He wouldn't admit that her advice was excellent, just like he wouldn't confess that he was envious of Lupin.
Severus tutted softly.
He was a complete fool. His wife had been accommodating to him, had been awfully sweet to him yet he couldn't give in to her. He should have just conceded to her request, no matter how reluctant he was.
Emilia would forgive him. They would make up with a snogging session that would lead to a round of sex. The next morning, she would be cooking breakfast for him while wearing only his shirt and her knickers.
Another sigh escaped Severus' lips, rinsing off the remaining suds. He would visit Hogwarts, apologise to Emilia and bring her home. He would bring her out for supper, for her favourite fish and chips. Perhaps they could break into the abandoned mill, find its roof and watch the sunrise.
That's what good husbands do as Severus believed. He wanted to be a good husband to his wife. She deserved that.
Severus left the bathroom, dressed in his full Professor garb and tossed the Floo powder into a burning fire, calling out to Emilia's office. He stepped into the green flames and appeared moments later in an empty office.
He dusted off his robes and looked around. The sense of familiarity overtook him quickly, bringing a smile to his lips. The smell of the old castle, the hard stones that lined the walls and the drift common only in the Dungeons were all welcoming to Severus. No matter what happened, no matter what he went through, Hogwarts will always be his home. He had spent half of his life studying in it and the other half teaching but all the same, he had devoted most of his life to this magical place that promised him a future.
He rounded Emilia's desk, finding two neat stacks of parchments, presumably marked students' essays on one side with her red ink pot and raven-tailed quill on the other. There was a silver frame sitting on the edge of the desk that Severus picked up.
Interesting.
An unmoving family photo of the Rosier family. Mr and Mrs Rosier, along with their twin children. Emilia looked every bit of a well-behaved girl, standing sheepishly by her mother's side with a smile Severus recognised. And Evan Rosier, the obviously more rebellious twin, was making funny faces, much to the chagrin of his father.
Severus briefly deliberated if Emilia would like to have their wedding photos taken and to have them framed up above their fireplace mantle in their home. Perhaps, they could have another photo taken when they have their own children. He was quick to vanish those thoughts away when a knock came.
"Enter," Severus called out.
Remus peeked through the gap. Only his voice was heard. "Emilia? Are you feeling better?"
Severus frowned. "Lupin."
Remus cleared his throat, opening the door wider. "Oh, Severus. Apologies, I thought Emilia might have returned."
Severus turned confused. "What are you saying? She isn't here?"
"She was here, in the afternoon for lunch," Remus clarified, "thereafter she wasn't feeling too well so I suggested that she go home to rest. Didn't you see her?"
"I did…" Severus trailed off before something in his mind clicked. An unpleasant sense of forebode filled him. "Emilia isn't here now? Are you absolutely certain?"
Remus nodded slowly. "Yes."
"Not even with Minerva?"
"Minerva only returned in the late afternoons. She had a meeting with the board of governors."
Severus' throat ran dry. The worst of scenarios played in his mind. "Something is wrong."
"Pardon?"
Severus swept quickly towards Remus, towering over him. "Do you know how to contact Potter immediately?"
"My Floo is connected to his house."
"Take me there."
"Severus, it's late and it's a Sunday. I —"
"My wife is missing. Possibly taken. I need to speak with Potter," Severus said urgently. He hoped his voice didn't waver to reflect his worry.
Remus' eyes widened and his jaw slackened before righting up. "Ye— yes, of course. Come with me."
The Potters lived in Grimmauld Place which made Severus extremely uncomfortable as it reminded him of the darker times in his life. Order meetings; coming back injured for said meetings and being subjected to interrogations by everyone around him.
The place seemed cleaner, brighter but he didn't have the luxury of time to ponder about his discomfort.
"Professor Snape!" Harry blurted in surprise, surging to his feet after seeing his potion Professor stepped out from his fireplace. He had expected Remus or Ron but certainly not the man that saved him all those years ago.
Ginny waddled into the room, heavily pregnant with an equally shocked look. She recovered quicker than her husband, acknowledging the professor with a nod.
"Potter. Mrs Potter," Severus greeted quickly.
Harry frowned. "How did you get here?"
"Lupin. Besides, that's unimportant," Severus muttered before swallowing thickly, "Potter, my wife might be missing."
Harry was instantly on alert, recalling the weeks before when the Snapes visited his office. "Missing? When was the last time you saw her?"
"Late afternoon. I assumed Emilia went to Hogwarts but Lupin confirmed she wasn't around," Severus explained. His heart was in his mouth but he told it to shove it.
"Might I ask why it took five hours before you came to me?" Potter asked.
He saw guilt surface on the professor's features. "We had an argument before this. She was furious at me and left. I assumed she left for Hogwarts."
"Perhaps, she went for a walk, Professor. A long walk," Ginny chimed in with a small smile. She had a hand on her round tummy, rubbing. It was odd seeing one of his students with child.
"No, Mrs Potter. I'm certain something has gone wrong. I know my wife well enough. She couldn't — wouldn't stay angry," Severus murmured.
"So you think Avery got to her?" Harry questioned.
Severus turned a shade paler. "Yes. I believe so."
Needless to say, Harry trusted the man's intuition. Knowing from experience, he was usually right. "Alright," he began. "You should stay here with Ginny. I'll head to the Auror's office, gather my team and —"
"I'm coming with you," Severus said.
"Sir, you'll have to trust us. I'll bring her back."
"No. It's my duty. I'm going," Severus insisted.
Green eyes flashed with indignance. "You can't. I'm the Auror in charge of Emilia's case. You're a civilian. Let us do our job."
Severus gritted his teeth. "I was a Death Eater, Potter. Need I remind you?"
Harry did not let up, going straight to the wizard with his wand drawn but Ginny interrupted, pulling her husband away by his arm. "You're both wasting precious time. Time that could be used to track Professor Snape's wife. And Harry, what would you do if I were missing?"
Harry grumbled, knowing that he would react exactly like his Potion professor.
"Fine. But if you stepped out of line, Snape. I'll have you arrested as well."
Severus' lips curled. He didn't like the authority the boy had. Granted, he was far more mature than James Potter would've been and dare say, more tolerable and empathetic to the circumstances at hand.
"Fine, Potter," he agreed.
A series of Patronuses were sent with urgent messages to Harry's colleagues, calling them for an emergency meeting.
"I'll have one sent to Professor McGonagall, to put her on alert just in case Emilia makes her way back to Hogwarts and Snape, would you mind having your Floo network open? Ginny could stay at Spinner End's and wait."
"But she's expecting," Severus protested.
Ginny looked displeased. "And?"
Severus cleared his throat, searching for Potter's eyes for help. Harry hid a smirk.
"Ginny can very well protect herself. I'll have Remus stay with her too."
Everything had panned out well within minutes. McGonagall was informed. Ginny and Remus travelled to Spinner End's. Severus was forced to take Harry's arm as they disapparated directly into the Auror's office with a team of five others standing by, awaiting further instructions.
Harry made a beeline to his office and shuffled through the recent dockets of files. He found the blue file labelled — Arius Avery. It held personal information, most importantly information about his residential addresses. One in France and two others in Britain. A large family manor that had long been abandoned and a small cottage up north. He deduced that would be where the wizard would hold a person hostage. The family manor was too open and any commotion would be immediately reported.
His door burst open.
"What are we waiting for?!" Severus demanded.
Harry stayed calm, memorising the coordinates.
"I found Avery's address. We can leave now."
Emilia winced softly, forcing her body to straighten up but finding it all too unbearable with the new bruises that Arius had inflicted around her body. She was sprawled on her back, lying on the cold marble floor, unable to move.
She knew that night had fallen judging by how dark the room was, allowing only a stream of moonlight to enter. She gathered the torn fabric of her clothes around her body to preserve heat, afraid that the biting cold would get to her first, leaving her to succumb to hypothermia.
Arius had gone off somewhere, after making sure she was thoroughly beaten and taken roughly by him. Emilia was sure her cervix was bruised yet again, feeling the ooze of blood running down her inner thighs. It hurt worse than the last time. In fact, even breathing was starting to pinch at her ribs. She opted for shallower breaths to conserve her energy, lest she actually passed out.
There goes Severus' efforts, Emilia thought. His efforts to fix her, to heal her had gone down the drain. She felt undoubtedly guilty for leaving him, so thoroughly ashamed that she engaged in sex with someone who wasn't her husband. It did not register in Emilia's mind that she had been raped. All she could think of was how she should have not made Severus mad at her, for relentlessly asking him to admit something he clearly felt nothing for.
Her mind went through a series of what-ifs — what if she actually returned to Hogwarts instead of storming out of their home. What if she didn't irritate Severus in the first place by roaming down the basement, a place he strictly forbade. What if she didn't submit the restraining order that pushed Arius to become more aggressive when he had her. What if she hadn't married Severus. Certainly, Arius wouldn't punish her then because she would be his. She wouldn't be in this predicament if she had just stayed with Arius.
It was her fault that things had come to a nought.
Without meaning to, tears rolled down Emilia's cheeks. She bit down her lips to stifle her cries, worried that Arius might overhear and come back with renewed vengeance. She didn't think her body could take any more hits.
A loud banging was heard, forcing a whimper to escape Emilia's pale lips. She suppressed a deep shudder that went down her spine, screwing her eyes shut for the inevitable when Arius returned to hurt her.
"Emilia! Emilia!"
The voice sounded different. A hoarse, raspier quality, unlike the deep-toned voice that Arius had. It was Severus'.
"Here," Emilia croaked, as much as her dry throat could handle.
Footsteps were heard.
"Merlin," an unrecognisable voice cut through.
"Professor Snape! Over here!"
"Where? Where is she?!" Severus sounded desperate, scared even.
Emilia felt terrible about that.
Severus' face came into view.
"Severus…"
She nearly burst into tears, seeing her husband's familiar raven hair. But it hurt too much to even move and breaking out into fits of sobs would surely kill her.
"Oh my god," Severus muttered, staring at the massacre before him. He rarely called on God but this, this would warrant God.
There was blood everywhere. Emilia was beaten within an inch of her life. Her sundress was ripped open, uncovering her modesty. Bruises and cuts were prominent but what Severus was most horrified by was the bleeding between her thighs. No, that wasn't obtained from beatings.
The monster had violated, defiled his wife.
"Emilia," Severus murmured, crouching down.
He was scared to touch her, fingers flexing, trembling slightly before gently cupping her face.
"I'm sorry, Severus," Emilia mumbled, tears brimming in her eyes.
Severus' heart broke there and then. Thumb stroked her cheek. "Don't apologise, Emilia. This isn't your fault. You're never to blame."
"But —"
"But nothing," Severus told her firmly. "I'll take you to St Mungo's."
"I don't want to go," Emilia whimpered.
Tenderly, Severus wiped a tear that had fallen. He had to control himself, control the need to pull her close. Afraid of causing her even more pain.
"You're hurt, Emilia. You need help."
Emilia shook her head. "He will come back. He will want to hurt us. You should go, Severus."
"I promise no one will hurt you — us. I'll protect you. I'll take care of you for as long as you'll have me."
"You promise?"
Her voice sounded incredibly small.
Tears stung the corner of Severus' eyes. He breathed out softly, "yes, sweetheart. I promise."
Despite herself, a smile graced Emilia's lips.
"You called me sweetheart. You never call me sweetheart."
Severus swept her hair away. "Let's leave, hmm?"
"Alright," Emilia murmured.
Harry Potter had never seen a victim so broken, so damaged until his eyes fell on the witch carried by Severus Snape. Her face was purpled with bruises, noticeably expanded to her neck. She was covered with the professor's black cloak. Although, he was certain it hid the worst extent of her injuries. Harry wasn't sure if the woman was conscious.
"Potter, we have to leave for St Mungo's."
"You can't enter the emergency department like this, Snape," Harry cautioned. "It will hit The Prophet by tomorrow morning."
Severus hadn't thought of that. More than ever, he wouldn't want Emilia to be subjected to public scrutiny. That would devastate her.
"What do you suggest?"
"Hogwarts. Hospital Wing. The wards have been reinforced. It's safer."
"I want Poppy to treat her," Severus insisted.
"Alright," Harry conceded, "I'll get Madam Pomfrey. We'll see you there."
"I can't Apparate, not with Emilia's condition."
Harry nodded. "Aurors have the authority to open Floo networks. I only need Minerva's permission. A colleague will communicate with her. Meanwhile, I will bring Madam Pomfrey there in no time."
The moment came quickly. Within minutes, Severus with Emilia secured in his arms, entered the Headmistress' office.
"Oh, Severus!" McGonagall exclaimed, hurrying to their side. A gasp escaped the older witch's lips. "What happened?"
It was a good thing that Emilia had lost consciousness by then. Questions would have thrown her into a state of panic. From what Severus surmised, his wife had no idea how bad her injuries were.
"Later, Minerva. You know the direct passageway to the Hospital Wing?"
"Yes, of course. Follow me."
For a school night, the Hospital Wing had several patients brought down either due to Quidditch injuries or they had caught the flu bug. They managed a quick peek at the formidable Professor striding down the length of the Hospital Wing, sparing no glance at anyone except the door at the end of the room. It was the only isolation ward available, large enough to have a separate sitting room for visitors to wait and was equipped with the full range of hospital-grade medical supplies. The ward was only used for severe, emergency cases.
There, a small team was on standby, composed of Madam Pomfrey, Specialised Healer — Hermione Granger-Weasley and Harry Potter.
"Severus," Poppy greeted solemnly.
"I… Emilia —" Severus stammered. For once, he was lost for words. How was he to explain that it was his fault? He drove his wife away. He was the reason she was badly hurt.
"They were briefed, Snape," Harry supplied.
Severus looked down at his wife. She was extremely pale, woefully hurt. He leaned down, burying his nose into her hair. The scent of tangerine was absent and it took all efforts for Severus to not break down there and then.
"Stay strong, sweetheart. I'll wait for you," he murmured into her hair and pressed a kiss on her forehead. He strode to the bed, gently depositing Emilia on the firm bed before sliding his hand out of her head to let it rest on the soft pillow.
Poppy gave Severus a quick squeeze on the shoulder. "We will take care of her."
"Please do."
Severus took several steps back and watched as Poppy and the Granger girl, no not girl, the healer worked around Emilia. The cloak that wrapped Emilia was removed, as was the tattered sundress. Seeing the full bloodied extent of Emilia's injuries, Severus looked away.
He couldn't bring himself to see her in this state. He hoped, prayed even that any pain thereafter would be on his person, never on her.
"Sir? Maybe we should wait in the sitting room?" Harry suggested, seeing the anguish in Severus' features. The only time he saw similar despair in his eyes was the fateful night when the Professor was dying in the Shrieking Shack.
No words could be uttered, Severus nodded curtly and walked into the adjacent room. There, he leaned against the wall and stared down at the floor.
"Do you want a drink?"
"No. Tell me if your people found Avery," Severus instructed.
"They are scouring the area. Waiting for his return," Harry answered carefully.
Severus sighed, massaging the bridge of his nose. "He's not coming back. He knows his home has been breached the second we entered. He knows we found her. Probably planning his escape out of the country if he hasn't already left."
Harry agreed but it was protocol to at least gather some evidence. "I'll have him put on the wanted list, Snape. If he tries to leave, we'll have him arrested. I will personally have him apprehended," he amended.
"You won't get anywhere with that," Severus said tiredly.
If it was a different circumstance, Harry would have argued with him. But, he kept his mouth shut. "Because he would try to leave illegally? Is that what you're saying? An illegal Portkey, perhaps?"
Severus nodded. "Yes. A visit to Knockturn Alley would do the trick."
"You haven't been to Knockturn alley in the last year?" Harry asked.
"Try two years."
"It's different now. No more illegal, underground shops. Ron's team is in charge of that, any illegal proprietors were caught, their goods confiscated and their shops were closed down. New stores emerged. George even opened a second joke shop there. Knockturn Alley is essentially the same as Diagon Alley. Families go there to shop, to have meals, to have fun," Harry murmured.
Severus didn't even know why he cared enough to listen to Potter but it provided the necessary distraction "I see."
"We will catch him, Snape."
"Sir? Sir? Professor Snape!" Hermione called, shaking the wizard's shoulder.
"I am awake!" Severus snapped. He had dozed off earlier after Potter had left.
Hermione ignored his irritable nature. "Your wife is asking for you, sir."
Severus rushed to his feet. Eyes wide. "Can I see her?"
Hermione nodded. "Of course."
Before Severus could make a dash to the room, Hermione stopped him. "There's something else you must know, Professor. We couldn't inform the patient of her current condition at the risk of destabilising her mental condition."
Severus' face grew severe. "What is it? Is she still hurt?"
Hermione breathed out softly. "We had to remove Emilia's womb. It was unsalvageable. The beatings she took and the assault that followed thereafter. I'm sorry, sir. I understand from Madam Pomfrey that you were treating her infertility."
"Yes."
"I'm sorry."
Severus steeled his nerves. "But otherwise, will she recover well?"
"She will but she must be kept here till she's healthy enough to return home," Hermione advised.
"Thank you, Granger," Severus whispered.
Hermione of the past would've corrected him that it was Granger-Weasley. But she kept quiet and gestured for the wizard to enter.
Severus slowly approached Emilia, lying flat on her back with a white blanket covering her chest. The room lights were dimmed but Severus could see that the healers had cleaned her up. Her hair wasn't matted and her face didn't look as swollen.
"Emilia?" Severus called softly.
Her eyes fluttered open. She smiled.
"Severus, you waited."
Severus' heart ached. He took his seat on the side of her bed. "Of course, I waited."
"Did you get some sleep? You must be tired," Emilia murmured, looking remorseful.
Severus lifted the blanket to take her hand, gently squeezing. "Don't worry about me. How are you feeling?"
"Like I was thrown off the broom and hit by three Bludgers," Emilia joked.
Severus snorted softly. "I see you picked up the students' lingo."
Emilia chuckled. For a moment, she forgot how painful everything was. "Perks of being a professor. Did you know the children adore me?"
"Do they? Or were you too beautiful to not be adored?" Severus teased.
Emilia blushed a little before shaking her head. "I think I look ghastly. With all the bruises. The first years would end up crying if they saw me."
"Nonsense," Severus tutted softly, "you look fine, wife."
"You're overcompensating, Severus," Emilia remarked with a slight twitch on her lips.
"Alright, you look a tad awful," Severus conceded.
Emilia broke into a laugh before wincing in pain. Severus was instantly alarmed, ready to call upon any healer but Emilia's grip on his hand was strong.
"Don't leave me."
"I won't. I promised, remember?"
His words came back to her, brightening up Emilia's honeyed eyes. "Say it again."
"Say what again?"
"What you called me earlier."
"Ah," Severus chuckled. "Sweetheart."
"Again."
Severus leaned forward, brushing his lips against her temples.
"You're my sweetheart, Emilia."