Katherine listened to the wind whistling against the windows, the branches of the old tree that grew outside the bedroom swaying, every so often tapping against the glass, keeping time to his snores that filled the room. The candles he had left burning on the dresser flickered, casting a soft glow onto the heavily papered walls. She looked over at him, his hair falling over his face in the way it did every night, his lips slightly parted, breathing soft and even. Sleeping in the dormitory had become so difficult without the sounds of their nighttime symphony. She remembered her bed in her childhood home. It had always been to safe; so warm and comforting against the dreary Irish hills. Her father had covered her bed in thick quilts and blankets of thick wool yarn, Katherine spending rainy days curled up in the knits with her father's cat. She had always thought that that would be the closest she would feel to home until she shared his bed. The home she had thought she had lost had been found in the arms of a man whom she had never expected to care for as greatly as she did. He had given her a home in the small house they shared, and one in his love for her and the belonging it gave her.

He had fallen asleep on his side, one arm tucked under the pillow and the left draped over her, his nose level with her chin as he slept lower than his lover in the bed. Kate rolled to her side to face him, careful not to disturb him with her movement, the sheets shifting over her. Shadows danced across his face, Kate pushing his dark locks out of his face, running the back of her fingers along his cheek bone. She had spent close to a week in their home, spending every night wrapped in his arms, yet she still feared that if she fell asleep that this dream would come to an end when she woke and that she would find herself alone and cold in Meredith's guest bedroom. But as her eyes grew heavy, she found herself unable to fight off the rest that she had postponed for far too long. She drew the sheets back, slipping out from under his embrace and out of the bed to blow out the candles, the room falling pitch dark in an instant. She stepped towards the window, pulling the drapes shut before returning to the bed, pulling the sheets back over her naked body. She pressed her back against his chest, sighing as she settled into his warmth.

"You're still awake."

Kate turned to face him, Severus looking upon her with tired eyes. "Did I wake you?" she asked, smiling apologetically.

"You did not," he responded, rolling onto his back, Kate lying beside him, "Your cold feet, however, were less than forgiving when you rejoined me." Severus ran his hands over his face, rubbing the heels of his palms into his eyes, inhaling sharply through his nose, attempting to wake himself up. "Care to explain what has kept you awake?"

Kate sighed, taking his hand into hers and resting them on the comforter, brushing her thumbs over his fingers, "The wind is unbelievably loud," she said, "And your snoring isn't much better."

Severus chuckled, the light touch causing him to shiver, "How unbearable it must be to share a bed with me," he teased.

"Not with you," she said, eyes fixed on the older man's fingers, "Just your snoring."

Severus rolled his eyes, "I don't understand why we must continue to go over this, Kate," he scoffed, wrapping his fingers around her own and pulling her onto his chest, "I do not snore."

Kate reached up, pinching Severus's cheeks and forcing his lips to pucker, "You do snore. Loudly. Like an old, old man." She stated, Severus rolling his eyes as she pressed a kiss to his lips, mumbling out his protests.

"What is keeping you awake?" he repeated, Kate returning to her back, taking his hand again. Severus allowed her to play with her fingers, draping his arm over his eyes, feeling himself relax at her touch. He hadn't realized just how much he had missed sharing a bed with her until moments such as this transpired, leaving him completely at ease.

She sighed, "Before I left Hogwarts, McGonagall suggested that I look into teaching primary. There is a position open at a primary school in Diagon Alley and well," she looked over at Severus, "She has recommended me for the position."

Severus lifted his arm, looking over at Kate, "Are you considering it?" he inquired.

Kate shrugged, turning her attention back to his hand, "Possibly. I don't necessarily have a background in education. I suppose my tutoring could count towards some sort of experience, but I'm not sure how well I would actually do in a classroom setting."

Severus pulled his hand away, shifting to his stomach, locking his arms around her waist. Kate pushed his hair out of his eyes, taken aback by his sudden display of affection. She had grown accustom to being the one to show her affection physically, Severus usually more reserved. She couldn't deny that she enjoyed the more tender moments in which her physicality was returned. "Katherine, I listened to you tutor first years on more than one occasion. I have reviewed your grading, along with grading your own work. You are patient, you are more brilliant than you give yourself credit for, and you are unbelievably kind. I believe that you would excel in that position and that you should definitely look into it."

Kate smiled, unsure of how to handle a compliment that wasn't dripping in sarcasm, "You mean that?"

Severus pressed a kiss to her neck, "Of course, darling. Now, may I go back to sleep?"

Kate rolled her eyes, gently swatting his arm, "You may," she said, Severus rolling back onto his back. Kate took his hand once more, Severus shuffling down into the sheets. He sighed, inhaling sharply when Kate's foot touched his leg once more, his muscles tensing at the sudden cold. The soft rustle of her body moving under the sheets broke the silence, her warm frame pressing against his once more. Severus closed his eyes, his body relaxing as she ran her hand over his chest, tracing her fingers down his arm. Severus lifted his arm, allowing her to trace her fingers up his forearm, run the over his fingers and back down again. She paused, her fingers brushing over the raised skin, Severus suddenly aware of her eyes fixed upon the mark. Severus slipped his hand down, locking his fingers with hers, "You're going to burn a whole through it if you keep staring at it," he joked, but embarrassment tinged his tone, Katherine noticing how he turned his arm to hide the Dark Mark from her.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, "I didn't mean to stare."

The room fell silent for a few moments, Katherine embarrassed and sure he had fallen back to sleep, waiting for his breathing to fill the room again. Instead, his arm tightened around her waist, Kate rolling onto her side, her back pressed against him. "I regret all of it," he whispered from behind her, "I wish that I could take it all back, but I can't. I want you to know that if I could go back and change my actions, I would."

Katherine pulled the hand he held to her lips, pressing a kiss to his knuckles before rolling to face him, "I do not think less of you because of it, Severus," she said, Severus staring at her from where his head rested on the pillow.

"But you don't understand why," he stated. Kate nodded, the question that her thoughts would circle back to when she saw the shadow of his past finally said aloud, "I was in dark place when I was recruited. My mother had passed, the only friend I had turned away from me. It offered me companionship in a twisted way. It offered me an outlet in which I could funnel my hate and anger. I was wrong in my decisions. I allowed myself to be seduced by the dark arts because of the hate I had for myself. I never intended to hurt anyone," he said, the torment of the years flashing through his mind, "People died because of me. A child lost his parents. Someone I cared for lost her life at the hands of the wizard I sacrificed my humanity to."

"Lily Evans," Kate breathed, "Harry Potter's mother."

Severus nodded, Kate noticing the sadness that pooled in his eyes, "Yes."

She recalled seeing the redheaded girl with him during their years as students. They were seemingly inseparable for years, until Kate heard the rumors that circulated the girls' dormitories. Lily had been in her House, along with the boy that would go on to become her husband, knowing James from the years they shared on the pitch. She had heard of how he had spit that terrible word at her, of how she had spent the night crying in the arms of James Potter. She had heard that Severus had tried to apologize, but the moment of drama had faded out once the next thing came along, but Severus' gravitation to the likes of Lucius Malfoy had not gone unnoticed. Kate remembered hearing that Lily and James had gotten married, had a little boy that would go on to become orphaned at the hands of the monster her lover had followed and champion of the wizarding world in a single night.

"Did you love her?"

"Yes."

Kate rolled onto her stomach, her eyes level with Severus as she pushed herself up onto her elbows. She found the thought of him loving another woman hard to stomach, unsure of why jealous welled in her stomach towards a dead woman. She remembered Lily, brilliant and beautiful. A recipient of his love and admiration. It must have become evident to him, Severus chuckling as he pushed her hair out of her eyes, "Merlin's beard, Katherine. Are you jealous?"

Katherine rolled her eyes, her cheeks burning, "She was very lovely, Severus."

"She was," Severus agreed, "She was my best friend. My only friend, really. Her family brought me in when I wasn't wanted in my own home. They made me feel as if I were a part of something. When I lost her, when I lost that feeling, I searched for it elsewhere and I found it in a dark place. And because of that, she lost her life," Severus paused, rubbing his thumb along her cheek, "I regret my actions every day. I fear that because of them, you will come to think lesser of me."

Kate reached up to touch her lover's cheek, "I could never come to think lesser of you, Severus."

"You are too forgiving of me, Katherine,"

"Perhaps," she yawned, lying beside him once more. Severus offered his hand to her once more, Kate intertwining her fingers with his, both staring up at the peeling paint on the ceiling, their hands resting between then. Kate mulled over the question that flashed through her mind, unsure of how to ask it, debating its appropriateness after the rather dark conversation, Severus's breathing now tense and uneven. Kate moved her hand under the sheets, gently gripping his thigh, giving it a soft squeeze. Severus placed his hand over hers, eyes still fixed on the ceiling. "Severus?" he looked over at her, eyes heavy with sleep, "You said-," she paused, collecting her thoughts before rolling to face him, drawing circles of his chest with her nails, "That night in the Astronomy Tower, you told me that Dumbledore had you doing things for him. What did you mean by that?"

Severus sighed, pushing himself up into a seated position, "I assume you won't allow me to sleep tonight so I might as well make myself comfortable," he leaned into the headboard, the wood creaking under his weight. Kate looked up at him, Severus sighing again, "Shortly before Lily was…" he trailed off, unable to bring himself to say it, "I knew of You-Know-Who's plans; to murder the Potter's. I approached Dumbledore, begged him to protect her, but in exchange he bargained for my espionage against the Death Eaters," Kate lifted herself up, brows wrinkled with confusion as rested her head in her hand, meeting his gaze, "I was to provide information to Dumbledore in exchange for their protection. Obviously, his efforts failed."

Kate placed her head into his lap, a gesture Severus had grown quite fond of in the weeks since they had returned home. He had once found her displays of affection to be unnecessary and annoying, but now found her touch to be calming and warm since she returned to his life, serving as a reminder that she was in fact there. "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is gone, Severus," her whisper was more of a question than a statement, a fearful plea for reassurance as her eyes turned to him.

Severus tensed as he stroked her hair, "Yes, darling," he said, his fingers catching where her hair had knotted from her pillow, unwilling to fill her night with any more darkness, "He is gone. Now, will you please close your eyes and grant me a few hours of sleep?" Katherine rolled her eyes, nodding as Severus laid back down beside her, Kate resting her head on his chest once more. Severus pressed a kiss to her head, the sound of the roaring wind filling the darkened room once more. He yawned, settling into his pillow once more and closing his eyes, grateful to be returning to sleep. He felt himself relax, sleep washing over him. His eyes snapped open when he heard her giggle, his head rolling towards her, a blank look of annoyance staring down at her, "What is it now?" he asked, draping his arm over his eyes once more.

"Nothing," she laughed, running her hand up his chest, "It's just a little sexy don't you think?"

"And what is that?" Severus felt his lover press against him, lifting his arm when he felt her lips press against his neck.

"You," she purred, "This whole spy thing. The thought of it is very inciting. My Severus, a spy," she breathed, Severus raising his eyebrows as he noticed the mischief behind her tone, he smirked, chest swelling with pride as he rolled over her, lips brushing over her skin, Kate wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Is that so?"

"Has a very James Bond way about it," she whispered, "Very sexy."

Severus pressed his lips against her neck once more, her fingers knotting in his hair, his breath tickling her skin, "You should wake me up in the middle of the night more often," he breathed, Kate giggling once more.

Severus yawned, leaning against the counter, sipping at the mug of black coffee he gripped. He had only managed a few hours of sleep, both he and Kate finding their second wind after their late-night conversation. He didn't regret the time he had spent tangled up in her, but bloody hell, he was exhausted. He had left Kate in bed, unwilling to disrupt her sleep, slipping out from her embrace and making his way down he stairs in the same way he did every morning. The Prophet had been delivered earlier that morning, now spread out on the counter as Severus thumbed through it, perusing the columns. Nothing caught his interest; another day of gossip and stories questioning the Minister's ability to run the Ministry. Severus wondered what else was to be expected, folding the paper over and sipping at the hot bitter liquid once more.

Severus stepped away from the counter, rubbing the back of his neck, stiff with sleep, as he moved towards the patio door. The winds had calmed overnight, leaving in its wake a rather pleasant breeze. Severus pulled the door open, the breeze rushing into the small kitchen, bringing with it the subtle floral fragrance of her garden. He figured it was only a matter of hours until she was out there again, trimming and pruning in the same way she did every day. He wondered how much there was left for her to possibly do back there, being that she spent every damned minute back there. He had come to enjoy, however, watching her from the doorway as she worked, the two engaging in conversation about some minute topic as she worked, usually about what else she wished to add to the flowerbeds. He couldn't even begin to image how empty his days would become without her.

He turned when he felt her hand on his lower back, Katherine looking out over the garden as well, "See, told you it would look nice with a little work."

"A little work?" he laughed, "You call three hours yesterday a little work?"

"Oh please," she retorted, "You have spent much more time in your study over your books."

"I'm preparing for the upcoming school year."

"The school year ended twelve days ago," she said, looking up at him straight faced, "Please, explain to me Severus what there is to prepare for," she laughed, "Twelve days after the school year."

Severus shook his head, attempting to hide a smile as he kissed her forehead, "Good morning, you pain in the ass."

"Good morning, sweetheart," she responded, taking the mug from Severus's hand and taking a long drink before handing it back to him, turning towards the kitchen, "Have you eaten yet?"

"No," he said, turning from the door to face her. She had thrown the nightgown she had worn to bed the night before back on, his robe draped over her shoulders. Her curls sat in a mound on top of her head, untamed and wild from sleep. Severus leaned against the doorway, watching her move through the kitchen, pulling a carton of eggs from the refrigerator and setting them on the counter. The robe fell off of her shoulder, Severus catching a glimpse of freckled skin, Kate pulling it back into place. Severus placed the mug onto the counter beside him, turning his focus back to Katherine. He couldn't remember the last time someone had prepared a meal in that kitchen. Tilly had taken over the cooking after his mother had died, making it yet another room that had become lifeless in Eileen's absence. But Kate had brought a life to it that Severus hadn't seen in years, preparing every meal for the two of them. And although she was a lousy cook, Severus had found comfort in knowing that she took pride in caring for him, although he wished that everything she cooked was a little less charred, yet he would never tell her that.

Severus watched as she leaned over the sink, reaching for the frying pan on the hanger above it. She pushed herself up onto her toes, fingers barely brushing against it. She let out a defeated sigh, popping up onto her toes once more and straining to reach. Severus stepped towards her, his hand resting on her back as he removed it from the hook for her, placing it on the stovetop. Severus turned, pulling her to him and wrapping his arms around her waist, Kate smiling at the gesture. He had become warmer in the time they had spent together; he no longer tensed at her touch, becoming the one to steal kisses when he would wander away from his studies and into the garden. The unbearable sarcasm remained though, dripping from his lips with nearly every word. But she noticed the mischievous smirk that would follow when Kate would roll her eyes and leave the room.

They both turned when they heard a tapping at the window, finding a horned owl perched on the sill, an envelope tucked in its beak. Katherine reached for the envelope, jumping when the bird snapped at her fingers before taking flight from the window. She flipped it over, scanning over the loopy scripture, "It's for you," she held it out to him, "Flourish and Blotts."

Severus opened the envelope, reading over the parchment while Kate cracked eggs into the pan, "The research I ordered on Peruvian brewing methods is in," he stated, "I should go pick those up today."

Kate laughed, taking the parchment from Severus and glancing over the long list of books printed onto it, "Twelve weeks, Sev," she repeated, placing it on the counter, "I'll come with you," she said, mentioning a trip to the grocery on their way back home before turning to head up the stairs to ready herself to leave, "Watch the stove!" she called out as she reached the top landing.

"You have disobeyed me, Severus,"

Severus jumped, turning to face the old wizard seated at his kitchen table. Dumbledore crossed his legs, resting his hands in his lap, staring up blankly at the potions master. Severus looked around, unsure of how Katherine hadn't noticed his entry, his heart pounding as he stared back at the professor, unsure of what to say. Dumbledore raised a hand as if to silence whatever sentence Severus was desperately trying to string together, "I am sure you recall our prior conversation on this, Severus," Dumbledore said, gesturing for Severus to sit across from him. Severus hesitated before lowering himself into the chair, the wood creaking under his weight.

"I recall,"

"And yet," Albus sighed, looking around the small kitchen, "Miss Blakewood is in your home once more." Severus nodded, glancing over his shoulder at the stairs, hoping that she would take an excessive amount of time to get ready as usual and not come across their surprise meeting, "She cannot hear us, Severus," Albus stated.

"She returned once the term ended," Severus explained, "But you must understand that our relationship did not continue after the holiday. We reconciled once the academic year came to an end and she did not return to my home until-."

Albus raised his hand once more, Severus falling silent, "How much does she know, Severus?"

"I don't understand."

Albus leaned onto the table, eyes still fixed on the young man, Severus suddenly very aware of the fact that he was still in his bed clothes. "About your work for the Order. About your past, my dear boy. How much does she know?"

Severus sighed, recalled the night's conversation, "She knows of what you have asked of me," he stated, staring down at the mark that never went away, "She knows enough."

"Do you understand, Severus, how severely you have compromised your position with her knowledge?" Dumbledore inquired.

"The Dark Lord is gone, sir," Severus replied, "It is no longer a concern."

Albus stood, motioning for Severus to follow him as he stood in the open doorway, looking out over the yard and garden. Dumbledore folded his arms behind his back, sighing as he looked out over the blooms, Severus standing behind him with wide eyes. "You know, Severus," he began, "That you know that not to be true."

"What are you insinuating, Albus?"

Dumbledore stepped out of the doorway and into the yard, turning to face Severus, "I am insinuating that when the time comes for your services to become necessary once more," he stated, "you will be including her into both roles you play. She will have to take on the world of a Death Eater. She will become susceptible to the terrors of that world. Do you believe that she is prepared for that, Severus? That she can protect herself from the suspicions of the Dark Lord?" Severus froze at the thought, his mind racing as he envisioned the horrors of the life he had unfortunately come to know. Albus nodded, "I only ask that you consider this, Severus." Albus looked around him, smiling as he gestured around him, "It's quite lovely. I've always fancied hydrengeas,"

Severus watched as the elderly wizard poked around his beloved's garden, nodding his approval, an icy uneasiness growing in Severus as he thought over what Dumbledore had said. Severus hadn't noticed when the man spoke once more, snapping out his thoughts, a quizzical look on his face. Dumbledore smiled, repeating his question once more, "Do you love her, Severus?"

Severus nodded, the old wizard's eyes twinkling when the young man spoke, "I do, Albus."

Dumbledore clasped his hands behind his back, looking over the garden once more, "Congratulations, Severus," Dumbledore said, "She is a lovely girl. Having someone like her in your life will certainly do you some good."

"Severus! What's burning?" he heard her shout.

Severus turned, finding himself standing barefoot in the grass, staring at the back of the house, the overwhelming smell of burning eggs stinging his nostrils. He turned to face the blooms, Dumbledore vanished from sight. He heard a commotion from the kitchen as Kate pulled the pan off the stovetop, the smoke rushing out of the open doorway accompanied by a pop. Kate stepped onto the patio, wand in hand. Severus turned to face her, his head still reeling from the Headmaster's words.

"Severus, I thought you were watching that," she chided, waving the smoke out of her face. She paused, her eyebrows raising when she spotted him standing in the middle of the yard in his boxers and cotton shirt, "What are you doing?"

"I, um," he looked around, Dumbledore's surprise visit leaving him disoriented, "I thought I saw something."

She nodded slowly, waving him back in, "Well, come on now."

Severus nodded, walking towards the house. Kate noticed how the color had drained from his face, fear twisting his face, "What's wrong?" she asked, concern washing over her.

Severus instead pulled her to him once more, Kate taken aback by his tight embrace. Severus took her face in his hands, Kate looking up at him, "I love you," he stated, "Always."

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xoxo DCAGP