Strong sexual adult content in this first segment (New love, it's going to happen!). Give them a chance to love each other in the most intimate of ways. x

Also, apologies for the ridiculous wait for an update. Life decided to kick me in the shins in the last few months, and writing much of anything has been difficult.

"I am made by your breath on my skin, breathing the same air once more. I am alive by the sound of your heart beating close to mine."

– Matthew Spenser

CHAPTER 44: Close to the Edge

December 26th, 2003

[Severus Snape]

By morning, they had found themselves within Severus' bed in the early hours after realising they had both fallen asleep quickly in each other's arms in his sitting room. The flames had since died down, eventually cooling the small, cottage abode. A chill rippled in the air and their skin longed for that touch that would keep their desired flame alive, given the lust that once again drove them to this point.

Severus awoke first with a contented smile as he gazed upon her naked, sleeping form.

Skin against his; a warmth invigorating his senses. His bliss.

Dawn had invaded his every dream and every imagining in his conscious. When dreams were all but bleak and grim, the pleasant thoughts of her broke through the dismal smog of his mind, piercing it with rays of light rescuing him from the dark he only ever knew.

Sometimes he still couldn't believe it. That anyone would actually want him. Genuinely.

And to actually feel wanted. It was indescribable how that made him feel. This was all so very new, and yet all so very desired. A feeling he never wanted to allow to pass him by and her love and tenderness whilst she remained in his arms was strong. His heart unexpectedly swelled, and he didn't remember the last time he felt this genuinely...tranquil. Happy.

Severus…happy? How was this even possible?

He felt her stir within his embrace and he heard her hum in her own slice of bliss as she finally awoke. She was as content as he was and that made him feel relieved that they both felt the same way. Because had she been so repulsed by him, there was no way on Earth that she would have continued to want to wake by his side.

Dawn turned her head and felt soft breaths upon his skin as she smiled, "Good morning, my love."

Severus couldn't fathom the right words to describe what he was experiencing, feeling his heart skip several beats merely at the sound of her beautiful voice. Instead, he leaned forward and nuzzled her neck, planting several gentle kisses upon her bare skin. From his own lips, he began to draw circles with his tongue just under her jawline below her ear in the most sensitive crevice of her structure he could find, and he felt her shiver beneath his touch. Her slender fingers weaved slowly through his hair, caressing him as his tongue painted across her skin. He felt her shift within his hold. Her breaths elevated.

He could feel her smile before he took a glimpse of it.

"Mmm, hell of a wakeup call – " Dawn exhaled deeply, with the most elated look upon her face.

Severus pulled back slightly, wondering if he was going too quickly, "…Is this alright?"

Her fingers brushed affectionately through his hair yet again, "Yes. More than alright."

Severus lay her back onto the bed, leaning forward to continue to nuzzle her neck and tease her skin as his kisses trailed down to her breasts, abdomen, and all the way to her inner thigh. His slender fingers softly traced over her bare abdomen, soon finding the faint bands of stretchmarks vertically crossing her skin. The bands crossed her upper hips, partially obscured by the wine-red laced underwear she wore. Her warm skin shivered upon his delicate touch, adding to his curiosity of the marks she bared across her form. His fingers danced, silkily and slowly removing her underwear as he went, relishing in the beautiful patience they had to savour one another.

Although they usually spent their alone time snuggling against each other, sex wasn't something that they had done often together. Each time they did, gave Severus a chance to further explore her body, understand her wants and needs, and what sends her back arching in delight. He ensured to remember every single one that set her soul alight.

And in return, she did the same – caressing through his lengthy locks with her fingers and running them across his bare back and hips sending his own skin rippling with goose pimples at her delicate touch. Her nails brushed against him, firing the nerves and sending him further into his own euphoria. He felt himself begin to harden, aching to burst out from his own underwear and throbbing at the exquisite sight of her as she writhed in pleasure with his touch.

He took it slow. Take pleasure in every inch of her form, doing his best to ignore himself growing as he took those precious moments to kiss her in all the places she desired. No skin left untouched. Slow. Precise. He teased her, watching her hips move with his lips as he trailed them across her body once again. He knew she wanted him closer by the way her legs slowly parted. Warm. Ready. Desperate. But his lips found hers once again, locking together the taste of each other, drawing in their sweet, hungry breaths. Both said not a word, as their actions of desire spoke volumes.

But as his lips remained busy with hers, he reached down with his hand and found her slick entrance below, running a finger in circles around her rim. He could have easily found the most sensitive part of her, but again he teased, slowly inserting a finger into her one at a time, eventually in twos and threes. Each push of his fingers left her back arching and her breaths heaved against his skin; her moans deepened and changed in pitch. Deep if she was close, higher if she was ready to explode in ecstasy. Either way, her sounds further aroused him, finding joy in the sounds he was causing her to make.

There was a devilish satisfaction in knowing her heated breaths were built methodically by him. Her nails dug further into the lower of his back drawing his body closer to hers.

His thumb brushed just above her entrance, knowing he had hit a sensitive spot when he immediately felt her hips buckle against him. The elated smile she gave in these early morning hours was a glorious sight. She teasingly nipped the edge of his ear, nuzzling her nose against him.

Dawn deeply inhaled his scent, with a contented smile etched across her face, "Oh, you do know how to work your fingers…"

Severus couldn't wait, drawing back to release himself from the constraints of his underwear. A welcome relief when he felt it finally spring free, throbbing desperately as he grasped his slick-covered fingers against himself and further warmed himself up, running his hands over his now hardened shaft. She watched on ravenously, further parting her thighs and reaching down to pleasure herself to keep her heat burning. He wasted no time as he lowered himself over her, gently inserting and watching in pleasure as her head arched to the ceiling.

He heard her swear for the first time. It was an odd thing to hear such a word leave her soft lips, but it further fuelled him. Almost as if that rebelliousness of her lust drove him crazy in the most glorious of ways. Her mischievous smile as she bit down on her lower lip, looking into Severus' eyes in a silent begging for more.

He began to thrust, slowly at first, as minutes passed them by savouring each and every second they spent connected. Twisting and tangling amongst the bedsheets, panting, and sweating within their exhilaration as he built in momentum. With each effort, every push, every thrust, sent her toes curling and his hips buckling.

He could feel her warmth enveloping him with her release, pleasantly slippery. Smooth. Effortless. He had to only wonder how she felt with him completely inside of her as far as his length could go. Ravishing. Lustful. With Dawn, it only grew more powerful with every exertion. Her deep moans carried through every push. Sensual. Prolonging. He could hear her breaths elevate and quicken. His own matching her rhythm like a dance. In unity. Connected. Their voices of bliss carried through the roaring winds outside from the seclusion of his home without the chance of imposing colleagues or students in that wild hour they shared. He didn't care how loud he sounded - he couldn't suppress the bursting pleasurable moans he felt, and he knew he was getting closer. And each orgasmic sound they were both making, further reinvigorated their arousal.

Dawn's back suddenly arched again, and a higher moan escaped her lips, "OH! Severus...Right there...Almost there..." Her hold upon his upper arms tightened, nails digging into his flesh as his speed quickened again.

He needed to go deeper and the desperation to do so was too great for him to bear, a new sensation built within him. Severus rolled forward, looping his arms underneath her and pulling her heated body against his. He felt her hardened nipple rub against his skin as he deepened his thrusts, "I'm close - " A low moan built up within his throat, as his lips caught hers, " - So close."

He still can't believe how good this felt. How good she felt. It was like everything he could have ever imagined, and more. This wasn't a dream. She was his, and he was hers. Their bodies claimed one another, familiar in their constant touch. Their heated scents. The elated sounds of their pleasure…It was all theirs. With her, he felt everything and did not allow himself to numb it all, denying him of the pleasure from such an act of love. So, he freed himself from that intimate, emotional prison so he could feel every part of her.

A love finally reciprocated. That's all he ever wanted.

Dawn's grip tightened and he could feel her clench around him. Severus quickened his pace. He was almost there, as he pumped feverishly against her. His panting growing stronger, his arms growing weaker, but he was all but energised by those desperate, pleading blue eyes, begging for release. Severus bellowed as he felt warm liquid finally spill into her, thrusting deeper with each release until every drop left him as his body shook.

He knew Dawn still was not quite there yet, so he released her hold and pulled himself upright, continuing to thrust despite the liquid seeping from her opening and all over the sheets. He reached down and brushed his thumb against her clitoris, positioning himself for easier access to her without the horrifying thought of straining a muscle and embarrassing himself. As soon as his thumb made contact, she gasped as he began to rub circles below.

"YES, please - " Dawn pleaded, arching her head up to the ceiling looking so close now. But he didn't expect another orgasmic moan to leave him, feeling himself release just one more time when finally, she met him with the same as her legs shook all around him, both trembling together as their emotional orgasmic high finally reached its peak.

Severus collapsed on the bed beside her, panting in unison with her as she snuggled up beside him. Both energised breaths eventually settled, relaxing into their beautiful calm once again.

Once their euphoria finally subsided, Dawn turned to face him both bodies covered with sweat and the tangy scent of sex. They were far too enamoured with each other to care. But it was at that point she began to notice something that didn't draw her attention carefully before. With a single finger, she reached over to the side of his neck and rested a single palm below the twisted mess of scarring. Her fingers traced just underneath those scars, almost as if she was embedding them within her mind and filing back into her memory.

Tears flooded her eyes as she observed the horrific scar at his neck left in Nagini's wake. Severus was taken aback by her sudden display of emotion, soon realising she had never seen it up close before. Usually, he was careful to conceal the wounds with his hair, hence the reason he kept it lengthy. He drew comfort within her touch, wishing those hands were with him during the moments he was clinging for life.

"Is that what his snake did to you?" Dawn asked quietly. Her now subdued breath was gentle across his skin.

Severus nodded, taking her wandering hand in his, "It almost killed me. It still feels as if I hear her sometimes lurking behind me."

"…I'm so sorry."

"The fault is not yours. It was a point in my past that I will never be able to erase. Obliviation will not erase those feelings of dread and panic."

Dawn's soft fingers interweaved and brushed against his calloused ones, "I admire your bravery, Severus. I always have."

Severus closed his eyes, knowing he did not believe such things and yet his voice was subdued by her gentle, reassuring touch. He couldn't help but shake his head, struggling to find the right words, "Is it bravery still if I had at that point in time wished for death?"

Through her glazed eyes, a tear finally fell down her flushed cheek, "Yes. Immensely."

Dawn's fingers found their way through Severus' sweat-slicked hair, untangling his raven locks as she went. Her hand weaved through his scalp, tenderly providing him the comfort he needed. And it was a small gesture that he had come to love, only from her. Stroking his hair, safe within her touch. He didn't realise how much he melted with an act so simple.

He knew she couldn't hurt him. How could she when she had been nothing but patient and incredibly kind and gentle with him?

Eventually, her hand rested against the side of his face, allowing her to lean forward and plant a kiss upon his waiting lips, which ended with a dismal, soft sigh, "It's time I headed back to the school. We were supposed to return last night to allow Filius and Sybill to visit their families."

"Stay…Please, " It almost sounded like a whine, pleading for her to stay.

Something so simple and yet he wanted it so desperately.

"Severus, I want to. But I'm still on duty, as are you."

He knew she was right, "Stealing time together at Hogwarts has been a challenging quest."

"I know, my love. I know, " Her fingers tenderly brushed over his until they eventually weaved together like a perfect puzzle. Dawn smiled, contentedly, "You're an incredible man, Severus. I had only wished I'd known you much sooner."

"Knowing you sooner could have made all the difference and a life far more tolerable, " His eyes trailed down to their entwined fingers, feeling a measure of peace wash over him. In that beautiful moment, he felt his world remain still around him with only the sound of her beating heart keeping him alive and fighting another day. "…How ever did this happen? Sometimes I feel this might still be a dream."

Dawn smiled with such affection, "Our lives work in mysterious ways, much of which surprises even ourselves. We found each other in the time of our lives where we truly needed it." She planted another sweet kiss upon his lips, whispering the words that melted his soul, "I love you, Severus...I have for quite some time. It only took me a while to figure out if you had the same feelings as I did and I know you needed that time, too."

…I love you.

Those words that which rendered him speechless and unable to refocus himself, as he felt so much as drunk on her love. How did those words come to her with such ease? She made it seem so easy. So effortless.

"I am grateful for your unwavering patience."

Dawn breathed in a wistful sigh, "Oh, I wish I could tell the world about us. I want to share you with the world - our world."

"I wish to savour this secrecy for a little while longer, " Severus' thumb brushed across her lips, lost within the memory of its taste, "There's a sense of a quiet victory sharing what we have without interference. I want to protect that. I don't...I don't want it to falter."

"Oh, Severus, " Dawn nuzzled her nose against his, "It will not. We are stronger together."

She loved him. It brought him a measure of reassurance, despite his inner voice trying to convince him that it was all a trick. He'd been tricked and fooled before. But he just couldn't resist her touch. It was magic alone that anyone would ever touch him in his way, but with her, he knew it was genuine. The way her fingers caressed his hair, his skin, his scars….She was careful with him and knew when to stop when things grew noticeably uncomfortable for him.

He held her fiercely in the times they shared together in hopes that his physical acts of affection were enough to show her that he fell for her. Hard. Because any verbal displays of admitting how much she meant to him, would likely break him. He could not deal with the emotion it brought him. How could he if he'd never experienced anything like this before? If anything, he'd be afraid to say the wrong thing for fear of ruining the most precious thing in his life at that moment.

One of the most glorious things that have ever graced his life.

It seemed almost uncanny for him to admit even that, but it was the truth. Someone to love, and someone to return that love. It still felt like a dream.

When the pair finally pried themselves apart, Dawn used Severus' shower and hastily dressed and slipped back into her roughly draped clothes over the chair by the desk. Once Severus provided her once again with a fuchsia-coloured contraceptive potion – one she downed immediately – he sadly watched as she left his company. Immediately her departure left his abode cold and empty. He wanted her back. He wanted her to stay with him. But as much as he wanted to share further moments with her, he let her go. After all, he also needed to return to the school to avoid any suspicion. So begrudgingly, he cleaned himself up, dressed himself and made his way to the school in a timely manner grateful for the holiday period. One he never usually celebrated until now.

Now, those holidays had a reason to celebrate and bask in the gratefulness of the event. Because now he had her to share it with, and no longer would he have to spend them alone, wallowing in his own misery.

The novelty of Christmas slowly died down in those upcoming days. The moments between the festivities and the upcoming new year were always a strange period of time. Rubeus always loved to take down the Christmas decorations exactly on New Year's Day, so Severus had to deal with the remnants of Christmas cheer until then.

But he smiled to himself when no one was watching. He spent Christmas with her. Together. He had never spent Christmas in intimacy with anyone before, and strangely, the idea of having company on that day and night warmed his fractured heart.

The only year where he did not feel alone and never wanted to feel that way again.

January 1st, 2004

[Severus Snape]

Midnight rang throughout Hogwarts, with the school erupting in cheer and fireworks ablaze in celebration of yet another new year.

…Another one passed him by.

How time moved so quickly and looking back, so much happened. There was a strange feathery build-up within his chest, like a tingle settling upon his skin, gnawing for release. He didn't feel dismal or bitter this time. No, there was a new warmth. A warmth that only happened because of Dawn.

She was his warmth. A remedy for a damaged heart. A lullaby on lonely nights. She had found a kinship with him in a time when he himself was lost amongst the darkness that swallowed him whole. And yet through his hardships, she was there, extending a hand to help him back on his feet. He never asked for help or pleaded for it. But she offered without question and her genuine, compassionate heart could not turn her away from his own madness. And it seems she was drawn to him as he was to her. Like a sudden the pull of magnets brought them together and neither could be a part of the other for long. Every moment away from her made him feel like he wasn't doing enough for her to keep what they had alive.

But like always, he still gave her space, enabling them to be apart whilst they were in the public eye. Each glance towards her was a longing for each other again, but they knew they couldn't. Too much was happening around them for them to give in to such intimate desires. The way his eyes found hers in a crowded room made him feel less lonely when she was there. The way their gazes met through a sea of voices, made it feel like it was only them who existed. No matter how far she was, she was always close by and her hands never far from his own. The crook of his neck longed for the moment when her head would again nestle there in comfort and tenderness at the end of a long day. That loneliness would always dissipate with her presence, and for the first time in his life, he knew his soul would always be accompanied by another.

Hers.

Her light, with his dark.

Sometimes he watched over at Gregory attempting to talk to her, but she had since busied herself with conversations of Minerva whilst he turned to Draco on the other side. He wished things did not have to be this way, treading carefully around them as to not arouse suspicion. At times Severus wanted to laugh at the ridiculousness of it but worry soon seeped into his wrinkles knowing full well it was far more difficult than he convinced himself it would be.

Most of the staff and remaining students filed outside during the countdown, despite the bitter frost covering the school grounds. Severus had no interest in this, so although he had followed, he ensured he remained behind the crowd in the shadows making an appearance but participating in nothing. Ensuring students didn't run off or do anything foolish was his usual task, allowing the other Professors to relax more in the buildup of the event.

…Five…four…three…two…one…

The students cheered, confetti rained around them, and a few of the Professors raised their drinks in celebration, with Dawn amongst them. A few of the students wished him well in the new year, but Severus remained stoic. Amongst the distraction, Dawn had since approached him discretely and nudged him gently upon his hand.

"The students are wondering why you are not joining them, " Dawn had asked.

He merely rolled his eyes, "Does it appear as if I am interested?"

Dawn had to stifle a laugh, "They are warming up to you now and learning to trust you again."

Severus had noticed Minerva giving them a quick glance over her spectacles, before turning back to Filius, "I am their professor, not their friend."

"You are also their guardian. Their mentor, " Dawn responded firmly, but a small playful smile remained on her face.

There was a short silence between them, watching as another student lit up the umpteenth firework enough to cause Severus to see more blinding colours. He leaned in subtly, drawing his voice to a whisper, "Any updates on the forest problem?"

"The forest problem - ? …Ah, right, " Dawn drew in a soft breath, "According to one of the officials, the curse there is slowly growing in power and its boundary keeps expanding by the inch. Their attempts at containing it is failing miserably, and last I heard an Auror got injured in the process."

"Wonderful, " Severus said, dully. This was not the news he wished to hear, "We need to formulate solutions for it, and I think it may be wise to have this discussion with Harry and Mr Weasley. Minerva also must be informed of said updates."

Dawn looked defeated, as her blue eyes sunk and no longer reflected the dancing lights in the sky, "Severus, I don't even know where to begin with this. I fear we are going to have far more problems if we allow it to fester and grow. It's almost as if it's…feeding."

The idea was repulsive in itself, and Severus didn't hide his sour expression this time, "We will have this discussion before the remainder of the students arrive."

She nodded, but her gaze upon him lingered, as her eyebrows crinkled, "I know you are bothered by this as much as I - "

Severus' gaze snapped to hers, eyes widened, " - That thing is ravenous. Ruthless. A thing I never want to have touch my skin again. It destroys every part of you from the inside, making you feel every morsel of inflicted pain and suffering. But it is not quick, no, it lingers. The pain lingers until you eventually beg for death because the agony is too much."

Dawn remained painfully silent and he could hear her trying to subdue her increasing breaths. Her hand twitched, wanting so desperately to touch him, but they both knew she couldn't. Finally, once she managed to compose herself, she continued with a whisper, "We will find a way to be rid of it. Permanently."

Severus sighed, "It took me months to be rid of it, Dawn. And even so, we assumed that would be permanent."

"I know. But we keep trying, " Dawn reassured firmly, "Alright?"

That was the same thing Harry had told him during their desperate search for a cure. Severus knew it wasn't going to be that easy because he knew the full extent of this curse. But instead of arguing about it, he merely responded with a defeated nod, not wanting such a conversation to flood the ears of a nearby, nosey student.

The pair stood together watching as more students lit up fireworks. Suddenly Severus was in no mood for additional celebrations and wanted so desperately to retreat to his quarters, but not even a minute passed, a small piece of parchment materialised before Dawn in a swirl of navy smoke. Severus watched as she snatched it from the air and frowned as she read before she drew in a shaken breath.

"What it is?" It was unlike her to appear so worried, and he'd never seen her brows suddenly trail high upon her forehead before. He glanced down to see her fumbling with the letter.

Her face paled.

"I – Severus – I have to go. Something has happened – "

With desperation in her voice, she dashed over to Minerva to inform her of her sudden leave and with a last hopeless glance at Severus, apparated away leaving him to wonder what on earth had happened.

Severus worried for hours when she did not return.

He hadn't yet slept, spending the following early hours of the morning pacing his quarters after he finally pulled himself away from the crowd who were still oblivious and celebrating the new year. But he simply could not shake the worry and dread which built up within him. Something horrible has happened, that he knew. Otherwise, she would not have been away this long without sending word to him that she was alright. She was an Auror and more than capable, but he still worried.

Turning on his heel, he strode over to the radio planting himself before it, tuning the dials as desperately as he could. Static echoed throughout his quarters until a familiar news voice could be heard.

" – the casualties sustained are yet to be determined. Multiple paramedics are on site, with retrieval teams searching the river for those who were thrown over the edge. The London Eye itself remains mangled, with some of the carriers containing partygoers, sunk into the river. The surrounding damage and cause of such a horrific event is yet to be determined – "

Severus couldn't bear to listen to anymore, quickly turning off the radio and bawling his fists at what he just heard.

An attack of the London Eye? Is that where Dawn had raced to?

Mangled…Does not sound like something caused by a Muggle, unless explosions were reported...

So many things were running through his mind and horror sunk in the pit of his stomach. All he could think of was her and what she may have been called to. Without much else of a coherent train of thought, he ensured his wand was with him before casting a spell upon his current wear, modifying it to acceptable Muggle standards in order to keep himself reasonably hidden. A spell he rarely used since venturing out into the Muggle world was not something he often did.

When he eventually apparated to a quiet side alley several streets away from the apparent disaster, he found himself bolting down towards the scene whilst the night was still dark. He had no idea what time it was, as the first light of the morning still seemed so far away. But the surrounding location was chaotic and blinding. Lights blared from all Muggle professionals working to free those trapped and rescuing those injured. He could have sworn he heard some people crying in the distance, possibly some of those who witnessed the event in all of their distress at a time when they were meant to be celebrating the new year.

He continued to wander the area, seeing twisted metal and broken glass littering the ground for quite a distance. Spots of blood were seen splattered around amongst the rubble and frosted stone pathways.

It took some time to find her, spotting the familiar mess of dark blonde hair and talking to Rowan wearing the similar discreet Muggle wear in order to blend in. If it wasn't such a dire situation, he would have found much amusement in that collective fact.

Eventually, she spotted him, leaving Rowan to venture away towards a group of people – One being Mr. Weasley – and walking towards him with quick, hastened strides. She looked dishevelled and exhausted. There were tears in her eyes, and ash smudged against her cheek, but her jaw tensely clenched, holding herself together and remaining as professional as she could.

She appeared alarmed when she saw him, "Severus, what are you doing here?"

"I hadn't heard word from you…Then I heard about what had happened…and I assumed – "

"It's alright. I'm alright. As you can see, something terrible happened, " Her eyes were filled with anguish, "We are investigating the events and Rowan says a wizard was spotted by magical folk wandering around the area. They hit the Eye just after midnight. Many wounded and until recently, nine casualties."

Severus frowned, "Dark wizards attacked the Eye?"

She shrugged, uncertain, "I didn't think they'd ever dare attack such a heavily populated Muggle location, especially that on New Year's Eve. Not even Voldemort would have attempted this."

Severus' voice lowered when a trio of Muggle Policeman marched passed them, "Were there any captures?"

"Raphael managed to subdue one and from what I've been informed of, another Auror team was able to find two more. Each bearing that ouroboros symbol."

Severus gave a stern nod, "Well, that confirms that they are the same movement that you've been dealing with. It seems they've increased their attacks to a larger scale."

"And yet we still don't know how many of them there are. They must be large enough to actually brand themselves and they just keep reappearing to terrorise more people, " She looked warily at Severus, both soon noticing the rays of the morning light on the horizon, "Return to Hogwarts, Severus. We still have plenty to do."

"Dawn – "

She placed a careful hand flat upon his chest to stop him from protesting, "Please. I will be home later. We still have far more to do."

Wrapping his hand gently around hers, he squeezed it lovingly before letting go, nodding respectfully at her request. He bid her farewell, finding a place where he could safely disapparate, once again finding himself at the familiar gates at Hogwarts feeling somewhat empty.

Useless.

Home is where she was. He'd never felt at peace with a single person before, but Dawn had unknowingly created that safe space for him. A place where he could feel free and secure within the warmth of her arms and love her until the world's end. A love that felt like home. A love that would light the way through the darkness he had only ever known. A love he thought he'd never find. A love he thought he'd never be capable of. And yet here he was, loving her breathless and until the next life.

Home. Something about that sounded rather pleasant. It wasn't merely a place, but a feeling when he was with her. A home was wherever she was. Their safe space. Their solace. Their peace.

Their love.

January 8th, 2004

[Dawn Rheingold]

It didn't take long until the talk of the London Eye sparked gossip throughout Hogwarts, some speculating a Muggle terrorist attack.

But Dawn and Severus knew better.

It was difficult to evade curious questions from students once they arrived back at school, questioning her knowing full well her other line of work. But she could not share a single thing, quickly dismissing the students as harshly as she could. In one lesson, she even deducted twenty points for a student asking a non-academic question, knowing full well they were trying to pry further information from her. Often since that event, she could feel hard eyes upon her, especially during meals within the Great Hall, but she continued as if nothing had happened. Gregory had been one of the pairs of eyes to stare at her fleetingly throughout, but she hadn't spoken to him since the incident on patrol that left her feeling uncomfortable and rather sickened. But now she only wondered what he thought of her as if he was waiting for a reaction.

There was no hiding said rumours, however.

Since the event, The Daily Prophet were having a field day with the news, plastering all sorts of fear-inducing headlines upon the front page. Despite the added stressors with the upcoming OWLs and NEWTs and the growing power within the Forest, Hogwarts was already in a state of tension.

Dawn had been rather annoyed about being called in to debrief with her team the day before Severus' birthday. Spending the early morning twisting heatedly within the bedsheets and rattling Severus' four-poster bed in their passionate lovemaking was pleasant enough of a start, only to be left with the bitter taste of duty when she was called away yet again.

Whispering her apologies to Severus and taking another familiar contraceptive potion, she quickly got herself cleaned up and appropriate and made haste beyond the Hogwarts grounds, soon arriving at the usual secluded meeting place.

To her surprise, Desmond had joined the others sitting comfortably with a sling holding in place his wand arm between Rowan and Ron. Fresh burn scars covered some parts of his face and his other hand twisted with further scarring and melted skin across his joints leaving it quite obviously disfigured.

The sight of her old friend was rather confronting, "Oh, Desmond – "

The man gave a deep chuckle, "The bellend burnt a few nerves. Me arm won't work for a while, but me mouth is more than capable of assisting."

"Yeah, he's been runnin' it the entire time, " Raphael smirked.

"We are grateful that Desmond volunteered to assist despite his injuries, " Rowan added, tapping away on a large black leather briefcase in front of him. He looked exhausted and insomniac-ridden, as if he hadn't slept since the attack on the London Eye.

"Sittin' around at home was getting' boring. The misses didn't want me to return, but I can't leave halfway through an investigation, now can I?" Desmond spoke bitterly, "I want to catch these bastards just as eagerly as the rest of ye."

Ron nodded, "We could really use your help."

"Indeed, " Rowan said, soon opening the briefcase once Dawn found a seat at the table. Her superior drew in a wavering breath, "We have much to discuss. Unfortunately, all grim news as we piece together the London event, and what we know."

Dawn steepled her fingers together, wishing to be anywhere else but there, "What else was discovered?"

One by one, Rowan withdrew pieces of parchment and images from his briefcase and laid them down on the table illuminated by the table candlelight. "Only three suspects were captured and heavily questioned. No witnesses had seen the attack, however, each bearing the same ouroboros mark as Felix – the first one who was captured some time ago. We were able to procure one name of the three, who only goes by Doxa. It is unclear if that too, is a codename."

"Doxa – " Dawn allowed the name to linger on her tongue, as she gradually began to recall its familiarity, "It's an ancient Greek term, and not necessarily a name. It essentially translates as 'to seem, think and accept', but it also translates to glory. It connects to old Hebrew as well if my ancient classes aren't as rusty as I presumed it was."

"Glory, well, that makes sense to these people. Whatever glory they plan on getting, " Raphael crossed his arms, "And I suppose now they are making it a little more public. The Daily Prophet, and even the Quibbler, are having a field day with it. I hear even the Faerie Glen in Scandinavia is also receiving word of this."

"And Hogwarts students have been spreading rumours, though for now, they seem adamant it was a Muggle attack not of magical nature, " Dawn added, but even she didn't seem quite certain that those presumptions would remain that way.

"Yeah, but we all know that they won't think that way for too long, " Ron said, "Once the idea of Death Eater two point zero comes to the surface, there won't be any way to stop it."

"Death Eater two point zero?" Desmond huffed, "Is that what we are assuming they are?"

"Well, aren't they?" Dawn said, biting her lip before the next words spilled from her mouth, "Severus believes they are operating in a similar fashion to the Death Eaters during Voldemort's reign. He even believes that several of them may have been Death Eaters."

"He doesn't know? But he was a Death Eater, " Rowan frowned, still obviously dismissive of the man's involvement.

"Yes, but they were not all known to each other, " She sighed, "Remember, not all of them were found and apprehended. We found old masks at the factory site, and they are now branding themselves with a new Mark that can be magically hidden away from curious eyes. Not unlike the Dark Mark. This is…different."

"Not to mention their penchant for engraving the Dark Mark in the arms of their victims, very well echoing what they were, " Rowan nodded, "So I suspect we can all agree that we are dealing with the Death Eaters making a new stand?"

"After years of being under the radar and testing illusion magic, is it any surprise they lingered in the shadows for this long?" Ron leaned forward within his seat, placing his clasped hands upon the rickety table, "They spent that time testing their capabilities and growing in numbers all under our bloody noses. It was only a matter of time since they attacked like this on a larger scale."

"We don't know what this group are calling themselves and we are yet to find the ringleader," Raphael said, pausing to allow himself a few moments to catch his breath, "We have members who are barely spilling a single thing. Veritaserum doesn't force them to speak – it only forces the truth from them when they finally do."

"And given the happenings at Hogwarts, Severus and I seem to think it might all be connected, " Dawn admitted.

Rowan's frown deepened, "Are you talking about the student death of last year?"

She nodded, "Yes. And the sabotaged ingredients, with the strange creature deaths…Which we believe were influenced by the growing force within the Forest."

"Of course, " Rowan suddenly stood up from the table and began to pace the room, pinching the bridge of his nose, "That strange dark magic that has been difficult to contain…Could it be possible that they may be in control of it?"

"As in, a hidden weapon?" Dawn's face paled, "Do we even know if they are aware of it?"

Rowan shrugged hopelessly, "Unless you have a better theory?"

"It does make sense, " Ron said, sourly, "That thing is out of control and will eventually consume the forest and Hogwarts with it. The things happening at Hogwarts can't be a coincidence."

Rowan's attention directed at Dawn, "You and Severus must remain at Hogwarts and keep an eye on any more peculiar happenings. I will ask for updates on the Aurors stationed at the cursed site. Whatever it is, must be kept a secret from the public eye. Ensure the wards keep it well hidden."

Dawn nodded, moving herself to a standing position, "Will do, sir. We will update you on any further developments should we know them."

"Good. And stay safe, " Rowan looked around the room, "That goes for the rest of you. We are treading on delicate grounds here."

Bidding farewell to the rest of her team, Dawn departed their company and made the solemn journey back to Hogwarts, riddled with worry. She was frustrated and did not want to see anyone, instead retreating back to her quarters alone because she didn't even feel like facing Severus for fear of ruining his mood with her own. There was just so much happening and no way to properly piece them all together.

She needed time to think.

On one hand, both events seemed like a crazy coincidence. But the more she pondered, the more she felt like they were all connected. But they still needed more information. Despite their capture of suspects, it still felt like they were hitting a dead end. However, they concluded that it was indeed a rising force, mirroring that of what the Death Eaters stood for, except working slightly differently with vastly different tactics. They hid their new Mark and gave themselves codenames, hiding their own identities.

But now she felt like even this was a situation far beyond them. And dealing with another rise of Death Eaters? Enduring the hell she endured through the Second War was not one she ever wanted to repeat, but the rising bile within her stomach was enough of a reminder. She couldn't bear to go through this all again.

She looked up at the ticking wooden clock within her quarters, soon realising that Severus' birthday was drawing near. She had been so consumed with the case and recent events, that she hadn't even thought of purchasing anything for him. She knew he would have dismissed it regardless, but Dawn usually enjoyed spoiling those she loves in a way that even words to her couldn't express.

But now her mood grew dismal and she wanted nothing more than to be with him regardless of where the more she pondered, the lonelier she felt. And now she felt like she was suffocating in it.

Taking a moment to calm herself, Dawn took out a spare piece of parchment utilising the charm that Severus had shown her during his own private communications with Harry and scribbled rather desperately -

Severus, I've just arrived back to Hogwarts.

Please come and see me when you are able. I just…I wish to see you.

Dawn

Dawn had managed to return to the school just after dinner in the Great Hall, having given Minerva the notice prior. But she knew once Severus received her message, he would be eager to complete his task in order to see her. She didn't like the idea of worrying him, but there was something within this company that always seemed to ease her nerves and keep her focused. And that is something she truly needed at that time when thoughts clouded her mind. As much as she convinced herself she was strong enough to deal with it alone, this time she felt she couldn't. Not this time.

There were a few sharp knocks on her door not long after, swinging open to reveal Severus appearing tired and worn himself.

She couldn't bear to say a single thing, desperately reaching for his hand, longing for a comforting touch after a very grim meeting.

"...You're troubled, " Severus spoke carefully, watching every tiny movement she was making. Her hand clasped his tighter as if words had failed her in this moment. All he could do was caress the skin over her knuckles with his thumb because she was sure he felt powerless to do anything else.

Her eyes widened into his own, "Of course, I'm troubled, Severus. This is all just a mess. I am afraid, and worried…They are attacking Muggle places now, for goodness sake."

Severus spoke in gentle tones enough to ease her, "They now surely have our attention."

She drew in a deep breath, "But why? Why are they making themselves known like this? What do they hope to gain, I just…I don't understand…"

"It's left you with more questions than answers?"

She nodded, feeling a rising bubble building in her throat, "…Yes."

In her bid to quell her trembling voice, she managed to explain to him her team's theories, the capture of the one known as Doxa, and the possibility that the magic in the forest was connected somehow. He listened to her every word, and allowed her to express her frustration and her concerns, not daring to interrupt. Things she wished she could have had to heart to explain within her meeting, but her emotions would have surely gotten the better of her. A part of her felt terrible for dragging him with her, and yet she knew he would not have been able to ignore it even if she tried.

Silently, Severus led her to the bed and sat down on its edge with her leaning up against him. His arm wrapped around her shoulder, pulling her close to him and she wanted nothing more than to rest her wary eyes with him by her side.

"Severus…I am so sorry for getting you into this mess."

"The choice to assist was mine alone."

"It shouldn't have been. You've dealt with enough, " She swallowed thickly.

"The choice was still mine, and I do not regret it, " Severus repeated, almost in a whisper, "I am honored to be with you throughout it."

She snuggled up closer to him, "And amongst all this…I was unable to sort anything out for your birthday tomorrow."

"Do not worry for such mundane things, " Severus shook his head, weaving his other hand through her own, "This is far more than I ever would have dreamed of…I have all I need."

Despite her growing worries, she managed a weary, but grateful smile, "Thank you for listening, and putting up with my trainwreck of a day."

"If I were not stuck occupying yet another detention with the Campbells, I would have arrived far sooner, " Severus' fingers tenderly rubbed against hers, "We'll figure it out."

Dawn sighed, almost deflatingly, "I know we will, but…Sometimes it gets a little too much."

"I understand that more than you know."

Dawn felt the man plant a soft kiss at the top of her head before her eyes fluttered wistfully closed drawing in the subtle scent of dried herbs upon his robes from the day's classes. It was almost as if his presence alone was enough to clear her mind, saving her troubles for another challenging day. She was grateful she had him to turn to and was able to share whatever was on her mind without the risk of feeling judged, or reprimanded for her decisions. At the end of a long day, Severus was the one she felt the most comfort with, and knowing he was there helped to lighten the burden of her duty. Sometimes she did not quite have the words to express how she was feeling, but Severus' touch was enough to remind her that he knew.

Severus was also all she needed.

It was the only thing getting her through and fighting another day.