Hey everyone, I had this amazing idea for a story and I simply had to write down at least the first chapter before I forgot. I know I don't usually work on more than two stories at a time, but I can't help this one, it is just too good. I would never forgive myself if I didn't deliver this to all my fans out there. also with all your continued support, I am going to publish a real book. yes, a real book. I am just starting it so I don't know enough to know what I'm going to call it, but I'll let you know when I am getting close to the editing part so you can keep an eye open for it.

Severus's point of view

Severus popped into view, trees towering above him. There was little to no sunlight beaming down from between the leaves above as it was so dense in the forbidden forest. Uh, how I simple loath apparating. he thought to himself as he let himself steady before beginning his long walk back to Hogwarts. The students would be arriving today on the train. A pity summer had ended so quickly and now he had to teach yet another batch of miscreants. Mine as well refill my potion stores while I'm here. No one can think I was just with the dark lord.

He then began his long journey back to the castle, looking for death cap and wormwood which would be present around this area of the forest as they both require the dark to thrive in the wild. Severus stooped down to pick up a daisy for it's roots, also a wonderful ingredient. Just as he was removing the roots and pocketing him, he stood just in time to see a small falcon rushing through the treetops above him. flying with speedy precision, almost as if it feared something. Severus got the feeling he should be moving on, and quite quickly.

As he pushed forward, abandoning his previous quest for ingredients, decided it wasn't safe right now. Of course, it never really is in the forest, but none usually bother him. This sounded immediate like someone or something was chasing that bird. It was also strange because Severus hadn't seen a falcon in these parts, especially not in the forbidden forest, in years. Not to mention there was something strange about it. Severus pushed the thought from his mind as he quickly pursued the castle.

A sudden shriek nearby caused Severus alarm, it was almost otherworldly. The bird must have met his match. Severus thought sadly. He continued on as the bird most likely wouldn't entertain the predator long. Then as Severus went to move around the area where he heard the scream he stopped as he noticed the light from the trees filtering through on a small thicket in the forest. It was littered with blood splattered daisies and lying in the middle was a frail woman. Her long curly raven hair strewn about the ground, sticky with fresh blood, and her skin was white as parchment.

Severus let a sharp intake of breath when he noticed she was pierced by an arrow in the chest. It was a shame, as she was so beautiful. What a waste. Severus thought. He was about to walk away when he noticed a faint breath. Walking over to her he felt her corroded artery, noting the faint pulse, very faint. Severus sighed, removed his wool frock, carefully broke the arrow so it wouldn't stick out quite so much, and wrapped her in it. Picking her up, he made his way quickly to the castle.

He knew there may not be any hope for the woman, but at least his mind would be free of this life being on his hands as well as the many others he had killed or let die knowingly in his lifetime. Reaching the treeline at last, he made his way across the grounds and into the castle, making his way directly to the infirmary. He just hoped deep down that Poppy was there. She usually arrives later in the day, in which case, the woman wouldn't have a chance. yes, he was a potions master, but he didn't have a clue as to deal with an arrow that looked as if it pierced her heart.

As the door to the Medical Wing opened he was gently relieved to see Poppy standing there with a horror stricken face. At least she was here he thought as he lay her on the bed, answering her question before she could ask. "Found her in the Forest while looking for potion supplies." Severus said softly. He tried not to worry too much, but he knew the woman didn't have much of a chance as it was. "I would heal her, but I don't know how to deal with the arrow in her heart." Severus said, pulling his blood soaked frock back to reveal the half of the arrow that remained inside her. Poppy gasped and then set to work.

"Alright, reach behind you there and get some clean cloth, yes, those." Poppy instructed as Severus found them. "Now, I'm going to pull he arrow out and I need you to apply pressure to the wound. Luckily for this girl, it narrowly missed her heart." Poppy carefully pulled the arrow out the way it came, straight and aligned with how it went in as to not hit her heart. Severus immediately applied pressure the clean cloth instantly soaking with blood, covering his hands with the warm substance. Poppy disappeared for a moment, coming back with bandages, more clean cloths, and some blood clotting potion.

She then forced the potion down the woman's throat carefully as to not drown her in it, and then relieved Severus of his position as she took over. She pressed the new cloth down on top of the old one and removed the woman's clothing with wandless magic, revealing all sorts of cuts and bruises all over her body. Poppy gestured to the bandages.

"Severus if you please, wrap the bandages around her carefully, but firmly and over the cloth to keep the pressure there." Severus did as she asked, noting the broken rib he felt as he did so.

"Her rib is broken..."

"I can fix that later, just avoid that area." Severus did as he was told and Poppy was hands free now.

"What now?" Severus asked quietly. Poppy sighed in response.

"Now, we wait. There isn't any more I can do for her until she wakes." Severus sat on the bed beside her. "Do you know her?" Severus noticed a feather in her hair and pulled it out, admiring it in his hand. He noticed it looked oddly familiar.

"No. Like I said, I was returning from a trip to gather ingredients. I heard a scream. I assumed it was the falcon I seen earlier, but I was proven wrong..."

"A falcon you say?"

"Yes, actually now that you mention it, it was quite strange to see one in the forest like that." Severus looked the feather over. He didn't know if it was a fashion accessory or what at this point and he didn't get a good look at the falcon to actually know the fate of it. For all he knew it got away and the pursuer got the girl instead and ran.

(two days later)

Severus came to check on the woman as he usually did during his breaks between classes and duties. He felt somewhat responsible for her, most likely because he found her. If he hadn't gotten back from the Malfoy mansion in time, no, he pushed that thought from his mind quickly. He noticed the woman was propped up by pillows and Poppy was handing her a bowl of chicken broth. She was awake.

He walked towards her carefully and sat on a chair next to her bedside. "Feeling any better?" The young woman looked startled, but smiled slightly, continuing to eat her broth.

"She hasn't said a word since she came to." Poppy said as she walked past carrying a tray with medicine bottles on it.

"Do you know anything?"

"Not even a name. I think she may have a concussion of some sort." Severus sighed as he fidgeted with his hands.

"You don't think she's a muggle do you?" Severus whispered.

"No. She didn't seem surprised at all when a weasly product was let loose in here a few minutes prior to your arrival." Poppy stated as she held up the expended magical item.

"Ah, I see. Her wand must have been left behind in my haste. I could go look for it if you think it will help." Severus offered sitting up slightly in his chair.

"No, it's much too dangerous. whoever that poacher was can and will try again. We don't need you getting caught in the crossfire as well." Severus nodded solemnly.

"Well, I do have a class shortly, so I'll leave you to it then. Let me know if she recovers any of her memories, her name, what happened." Poppy looked at him with curiosity.

"Why do you feel so responsible for her? You brought her here and thus saved her life. Surely you can't blame yourself?" Severus stood and nodded his head once before turning and making his way out the door in one fluid movement, leaving Poppy all the more curious.

Poppy's Point of View

Poppy stood there and watched the door close behind Severus. She felt dumbstruck. Severus hadn't shown any emotion of any kind since he was a child, but still, there was a certain air about him. It wasn't a romantic one, but more of a protective vibe. She pondered for a moment about the nature of his intentions, before suddenly she heard a small quiet voice behind her.

"Who is that man?" She was ever so gentle and her voice was unsure, almost a whisper. Poppy turned to her slowly and smiled gently.

"That is the man that found you in the forest. He is a professor here, Severus." The woman nodded, her black curls sweeping from her shoulder fell forward into her lap.

"I would really enjoy a bath if that's alright." Poppy nodded.

"Of course, I can have you bath in my private rooms just through those doors. I'll be right out here if you need me, use what you like." She nodded in thanks and carefully swung her legs over the side of the bed where she let them dangle there for a moment. Then she put pressure on them and attempted to stand, instead falling to the floor.

Poppy helped her up and back on the bed. "You've been unconscious for some time now, so your legs aren't used to the use quite yet. I could help you if you'd like..."

"Yes, thanks." Poppy put an arm around her shoulders and helped support her through the doors and into the bathtub, turning on the water to the right temperature. She poured some essential oils in there to help her relax and smiled at her as she placed a robe within reach and took her cloths from her to be washed.

"Enjoy your bath, call me when you're done." She smiled as Poppy left and began to relax, letting the water swirl around her as she washed her hair. The oils smelled of lavender and lilac, causing her muscles to relax to a point of bliss. She rinsed her hair out and leaned back to soak in the tub, letting the water do the work.

Severus's Point of View

Severus entered the hospital wing and made his way straight for Poppy. "Where is she?"

"Taking a bath in my private rooms. She wanted one and frankly I understand wanting to wash your own blood off yourself." Severus began to relax a little.

"When you owled me to let me know she was talking, I dismissed my class and made my way immediately." Poppy smirked a little.

"I figured you would. You feel you need to protect her, but the question is why."

"I have hurt so many over the years... I just thought, maybe this once I could do a little good and be done with it, but now I almost feel... responsible for her. She is the only woman I have ever really done any good for..." Poppy nodded, she knew full well the trail of misery that followed Lilly Potter and all the horrible things he had to do as a death eater.

"Don't worry, she's safe with me, perhaps you should get some rest..." Severus nodded.

"Yes, I think I will... I have night watch tonight..." Severus then made his way out of the room without another word and to his private rooms in the dungeons where he sat in his plush armchair by the fireplace and popped open a bottle of firewhisky and poured himself a glass. His memories always seemed to haunt him whenever they were implied.

He remembered holding Lilly in his arms as her lifeless body lay limp. How he wailed and part of him died with her that night, a part of him that he would never get back, his happiness, his heart. He remembered how Harry sat in his crib untouched but by a simple scar crying with him. Severus recalled picking him up and soothing the boy before contacting Albus whom he is still indebted to for the rest of his life not only as an employee, but as a spy. He owed a life debt that he could never repay, nor did Albus deserve as he had failed his part of the bargain.

He was to keep Lilly and her baby safe from harm, but instead he had to caress a lifeless corpse that was once his love. Yes, the boy lived, but he is destined to die according to Albus in order to save us all. Severus wanted to curse him and get it over with, but he still owed that miserable man for saving at least the boy so Lilly's legacy could live on.

Hey, sorry it's been so long everyone. I finally have my own place with a wonderful working keyboard, so expect much more frequent updates :)

Please don't forget to review.

To be continued...