Move Closer

Disclaimer: Still not mine. Damn.

* * *

Chapter XI

Move Closer

Hermione felt a mixture of anxiety and relief when Parvati informed her of Severus' phone call suggesting they'd all meet at the pub. She was not quite certain she was ready to face Severus, but at least it wouldn't be on his home ground.

Hermione needn't have worried. Kingsley and Draco wanted to hear all the details of the reptoid being exposed, and Severus clearly enjoyed describing how the human started to morph into a snake-like being. The atmosphere was happy and relaxed, and the food was surprisingly delicious for pub fare.

At first, Hermione did not notice the four middle-aged, elegant looking men in tailored suits who sat down at a nearby table.

William suddenly wrinkled his nose. "I smell trouble." He glanced at the other table and addressed Severus and Hermione. "They're targeting you two. Recognise any of them?"

Both turned around to look at the guys. "No," said Hermione. "I've never seen any of them."

"Me neither," said Severus. "But I did expect them to step up their efforts after this morning, to be honest."

Kingsley turned briefly around. "Damn. I recognise the tall one. He worked at Whitehall when I was there. Not someone to mess with."

"Put a magical shield up around you, Kingsley," William said quietly. His eyes looked unfocused for a moment, and when he spoke again, addressing Hermione and Severus, he sounded uncharacteristically serious. "They've been shooting micro-chips at you. Actually, I'm surprised; it looks like they're only after you two. You really must have ruffled their feathers."

"I'm sure we did," Severus said.

Hermione felt uncomfortable. Despite having been in the limelight of the wizarding media as Harry Potter's best friend during her Hogwarts years, with her fair share of being accused of various character flaws, being targeted with means of technology unknown to her was frightening. William's dark and foreboding expression only added to her anxiety.

Severus stood up and excused himself. Hermione and William exchanged looks when seconds later, one of the suit-wearing guys also stood up and headed for the gents' room.

"Okay, guys and ladies," William said. "Let's get ready to move quickly, if needed. Parvati, Kingsley, Draco, it'll be best if you Apparate straight to Spinner's End. Hermione, if you don't mind, join Severus and me. I'd like to check both of you for any chips those bullies managed to hit you with so you can disable them before they cause havoc to your system."

Hermione nodded, unable to speak for fear of sounding as scared as she felt.

Severus returned, his eyes glinting. "Uh, let's get out of here," he muttered.

From the corner of her eye, Hermione noticed a second suit-wearing guy stand up. She groaned inwardly. That glint in his eyes... "Yeah, please, let's move, and fast," she said shakily, but felt immediately soothed by a comforting arm around her shoulder.

"Don't worry, Hermione," Severus said quietly. "They won't win this one."

All stood up and headed for the door. "Hermione is coming with us," William quietly told Severus. "I want to scan both of you."

Parvati, Kingsley and Draco had just reached the road, checked that no one was around, and Disapparated the moment the door opened again and two of the suited men burst through, guns in their hands.

"Time to go," said Severus, and the three Apparated straight into William's living room.

Hermione was shaking uncontrollably. "They would have killed us, wouldn't they?" Her teeth were clattering.

"Given a chance, yes," William said. "But don't forget, we have a kind of spiritual protection they don't even know how to dream of."

Hermione wanted to believe him. But she was feeling sick, despondent, and utterly hopeless. "Right. If you say so. I believe you." Even to herself, she sounded like some stranger.

From a distance, she heard William's voice, not even realising he was talking about her.

"Calming spell, Severus, please. She's got the brunt of the micro-chips; it shocked her. I need to find them and place magnets to disable them, and quickly." His voice sounded urgent, despite the calm.

Hermione never saw or heard Severus' softly spoken calming spell. Everything went black all of a sudden.

* * *

Let William heal her. Severus stepped back from Hermione, allowing his friend access to her.

He watched William's hands scan over her body, never touching it. "A little help here, please! I've never dealt with quite such an assault before," William said.

Severus' spirit guide had never let him down, but despite the years and experience with Red Cloud, he felt uncharacteristically relieved at Red Cloud's presence. Hermione would be fine.

He watched, feeling his anxiety over Hermione's state slowly dissipate. Let her be well, let her be well, let her be well, was all he could think.

Eventually, Severus heard Red Cloud chuckle. The silly girl, as you were so fond of calling her not long ago, managed to intercept all the micro-chips directed at you, subconsciously no less. You will not find a single chip in yourself.

William gazed at Severus. "Still need more proof that she cares for you?" He smirked. "You found yourself quite a treasure here, I'll say." Looking at Severus' smug expression, he added gruffly, "Lucky sod. But I suppose you deserve it."

Severus lifted Hermione carefully off the floor and placed her on the sofa. "I don't really want to wake her up now. I suspect she can do with some sleep after today's events," he said and sat down in the nearest chair.

"No need to wake her," William agreed. "I'll get us some tea." He walked out of the living room, leaving Severus to ponder the eventful day.

"Hermione agreed to gift the healing sanctuary," Severus said conversationally when William returned with a tray full of tea and biscuits.

"Do you think it wise for her to go on a gifting mission without some additional protection? Especially if you're not joining her?" William asked.

That was a valid point. "What I could do is charm some magnets to automatically find any micro-chips, for a start," he said slowly. "That way, she'll at least be able to disable any new chips."

"That'll be handy, no doubt," William said. "I was thinking more along the lines of a protective amulet. I know the two of you have been experimenting." William looked expectantly at his friend.

"Yes, we have. Although, Hermione feels there is still some component missing to make the amulet truly protective. It is easy for us to find ways to protect us from dark magic, but the threat of destructive technology is a novelty," said Severus.

"You need to combine the two aspects. After all, it comes down to the same thing; whether the darkness is created with magic or technology, it matters not. Two different recipes, if you will, but the same result."

"What are you getting at?" Severus was intrigued by William's words. If they took every aspect of protection into account, they might succeed in creating a protective device that would render harmless any assault, be it magical or technology-driven.

"With the Orgonite muffins, you have a functional recipe that reverses the deadening effects of radiation or frequencies, thus regaining the magic. The cones Hermione created are the same recipe with the addition of double-pointed quartz crystals. Those not only reverse the effect of the rays emitted by towers but also have a reversing effect of water pollution, right?"

"Yes, that's our conclusion from what we've observed so far."

"But you've not embedded any magic in your creations," William pointed out.

"No. We haven't," Severus admitted. Neither he nor Hermione had even considered using magic for the protective devices, even though the magic had been abundant at Spinner's End since they had stored all the Orgonite throughout the house.

By the early morning hours, Severus and William had developed a recipe for a protective amulet that would not only protect the wearer from destructive rays but also instantly reverse the effect of any micro-chips shot at them.

"I really want to start brewing, but I don't want to wake Hermione up," Severus said.

"You'll be no good with brewing if you're sleep-deprived. Go get some sleep, and then both of you will be ready for the next challenge," William said, pointing to his guest room.

Hermione stirred on the sofa and started to whimper. Severus instantly moved to her side to calm her, but it was futile. Her whimpers quickly grew into hysterical sobs. He let his instincts take over, and he gently lifted her to hold her. "Shshsh, Hermione, it's only a nightmare. Wake up, all is well."

After long minutes, Hermione finally opened her eyes, but the moment she saw his face, her sobs increased again, and she collapsed against his chest. "They killed you, and... and it was so unfair and cruel to kill you just when I'd found you," she mumbled almost incoherently through her sobs.

Severus thought his heart skipped a few beats. "I'm very much alive, Hermione. Look at me." He tilted her chin up with one hand, turning her to face him. "Do I look dead to you?"

She brought her hand up to his cheek and drew a shaky breath. "No. Thank goodness you're alive. It was just a dream. But it was so real!" Her voice was heavy with sleep, and she started crying again.

Severus held her tighter and stroked her head. "Try and get some more sleep. I'll stay here with you," he said gruffly.

Severus stayed awake long after Hermione had calmed down and fallen asleep again. He treasured the feeling of holding the young woman in his arms to protect her from nightmares. That someone cried over his demise was a miracle in itself...that holding that someone calmed her enough to peacefully fall asleep in his arms was something he could not quite fathom yet. He felt uplifted, and his heart welled with hope for happier times.

* * *

The protective amulet now contained not only two rare earth magnets charmed to disable any destructive rays directed at the wearer but also one double-pointed quartz crystal, which was spelled to return any negative energy to its sender. In addition, Severus had followed William's suggestion to invoke the love power and direct it at the Orgonite during the brewing process.

"Wow, I feel invincible," Hermione said when Severus placed the amulet around her neck and knotted the cotton thread holding it. She could feel the strong energy emitting from the amulet.

"Good. Next, we'll try out just how invincible you are before I let you loose on the healing sanctuary," Severus replied. "I'd rather know it works than hope it does. And you don't know what to expect there."

Hermione conceded. "How are we going to find out if it works, though?"

Severus smirked. "Kingsley told me about this pub near Whitehall, a hang-out for bullies. There are bound to be reptoids there at any time of the day."

Hermione shuddered. "I just hope they don't have guns. That really did me in last night."

Severus placed a comforting hand on her cheek. "They're far less likely to show guns in a busy place in London than they are here, in the middle of nowhere. Also, I want you to carry this on you at all times." He handed her a tiny, silver grand-piano on a black cotton band. "It's a Portkey that'll take you straight back here to Spinner's End. To activate it, simply touch the piano and say, Home."

"Thank you," Hermione said softly and kissed him coyly on his lips.

"You're welcome," Severus replied and smirked when Hermione blushed.

"You do know what that voice does to me, and you're taking full advantage," she complained.

"Of course," he said blandly. "I am a Slytherin, after all."

Hermione was enjoying their playful banter throughout the day. The increase of apparently random physical touches here and there amazed and pleased her. It is so different from being with Ron, she thought more than once, wondering whether it was only the difference in age, or whether she was simply more suited to be with someone as deep and intense as Severus. Whatever task he chose, he did so wholeheartedly without short-cuts.

"I suggest we get the testing done and over with. Then we can have a quiet evening," said Severus, and Hermione agreed. The sooner they got this chore out of the way, the sooner they could have a peaceful, relaxing evening.

They Apparated to a side street in the city of London and headed for the nearby bar. Hermione shuddered at the sight of various groups, mainly males, all dressed elegantly, mostly in black or pin-stripe suits. The few females mingling with the men were equally elegant, dressed in suits, high-heel shoes, and with far too much make-up as far as Hermione was concerned.

Severus chose a table near the door and motioned for Hermione to sit so she could overlook the entire bar. "I'll get us some drinks. Use your intent to be invisible."

Hermione sat down, smiling at Severus' reminder to use intent, and started to concentrate on the intent to be invisible. To her satisfaction, it seemed to work perfectly. Some men had glanced at them when they entered, but she saw now that every single group had turned its attention elsewhere. So far so good, she thought with relief.

Severus returned with drinks and sat down next to her. His arm around her shoulders, he bent down to her ear. "You know, I have a suspicion that this will work well only because they're such a pervicacious lot. It'll never occur to them that we'd dare turn up in their own playground."

Hermione sighed. "You're probably right. Maybe taking down another tower would give us a better idea on the effectiveness of the amulet."

Severus looked thoughtful. "I have a feeling that, yet again, intent plays a vital role. If you use intent to be invisible to reptoids and their stooges and intent to remain unharmed, then they won't be able to touch you. Red Cloud always stresses the importance of using intent, and I must admit, I don't remember it often enough."

His words made sense to her, although on the other hand, Hermione could not fathom it being so simple. "It just sounds too easy."

"Exactly. Life―your own life that you control yourself―is meant to be easy. Experiencing struggles and hardships like Muggles have done for years, and many of us since the magic disappeared, is not natural. That situation exists purely because a force of beings―reptoids or others, I don't know, and I don't think it's important―feeds off misery and fear instead of love. So they constantly create situations that bring about misery. It ensures their continued existence."

"Are they really that powerful?" Hermione asked, not quite believing him.

"Only because we let them. It's about global consciousness, I think. Once enough people adapt to using intent and taking control over their own lives again, those forces will lose power rather quickly because they'll have nothing to feed on. And you saw for yourself what that little, easy exercise of sending conscious love does to a reptoid."

After a surprisingly uneventful couple of hours, during which the pub was becoming quiet and empty, Hermione and Severus left and Apparated back to Spinner's End.

"Well, that was a bit anti-climactic," Hermione muttered and let herself fall onto the sofa.

"How did it go?" Parvati asked from the kitchen.

"It was... curious," said Severus, frowning. "No reaction at all. And the place had emptied by the time we left."

"Empty?" Kingsley sounded disbelieving. "That place is never empty."

"There were quite a few people there when we arrived," Hermione pointed out.

Severus looked at her. "I wonder if the energy of the amulet caused them discomfort..."

"Wouldn't that be nice," Hermione said dryly.

"It's quite possible," Kingsley said. "From what I learned during my time with those scumbags, they can't cope with the frequency of love; it really makes them uncomfortable. Even those in relationships―it's all purely for convenience and making sure certain bloodlines continue―but it's never about love. If the woman doesn't conceive in a timely manner, she's considered unfit and dropped; she'll be divorced if she's lucky or killed if she isn't."

"Oh, Merlin, that sounds like living on a different planet!" exclaimed Hermione.

Severus snorted. "I'd rather look at them as a different intelligent species. We've seen for ourselves that they're not entirely human."

"True," Hermione said and snuggled up to him. "So, what's the plan now?"

"I think you should visit the healing sanctuary. Take all the Orgonite with you and gift the property and surrounding towers. Teach whoever is there how to brew it so they can start gifting in their area. See if other witches' or wizards' whereabouts are known to anyone there.

"I hate the thought of being apart from you, but if we want the magic back everywhere, it's paramount to start networking," Severus said, his tone serious.

Hermione nodded. She was not keen on leaving Severus behind either, but regaining the magic was the top priority now that they knew how to. "I'll leave in the morning."

His hold on her tightened, and his voice held a rough edge to it when he spoke. "Go, do what you must, and then come back here." He moved to hold her at arms' length, scrutinising her face. "You will come back, won't you?"

Hermione looked at him in disbelief and uttered a shaky laugh. "Do you doubt me? Severus, of course I'll come back. I hate the thought of being away from you!"

Draco came in and interrupted their conversation with a dramatic sigh. "It's not fair to be surrounded by love birds! I want a mate, too," he said petulantly.

Severus rolled his eyes at him. "Give me your requirements, Draco, and I'll brew you one," he drawled.

Hermione giggled. "Aren't you a talented one!"

Severus quirked his eyebrow at her. "Are you questioning my talents?"

Hermione shook her head ruefully. "Never."

* * *

Hermione woke up early the next morning. Feeling disoriented, she turned and her face melted into a content grin at the sight of Severus, still asleep, but holding her tightly.

She had fallen asleep in his arms, and he'd never bothered to move. Carefully moving his arm, Hermione got up and decided to prepare coffee before heading for the bathroom. At least she'd have a little bit of time with Severus before the next stage of regaining the magic.

When Hermione returned to the kitchen, Severus was pouring coffee into two mugs.

"Don't just leave, making me feel all cold and lonely, witch," he growled.

"Good morning to you too," Hermione said, smiling brightly at him. She watched in wonder as his eyes softened, and her heart started to beat faster.

"Good morning," he said softly, looking at her as if she were a celestial vision. "What have you done to me? Up until recently, I was content to be alone. And now I feel a part of me is missing when you're not around."

Hermione could not help but close the distance between them and wrap her arms around him. "I'm glad you feel that way. Just the thought of being away from you makes me hurt." A feeling of complete content washed over her as she stood there in his embrace, her head leaning against his chest, listening to his heart-beat lightly drumming in her ear.

* * *

Hermione Apparated from Spinner's End to the town of Cumnock and took out the parchment with the address and telephone number that Professor Sprout had left for her when they had parted after leaving Hogwarts. She found a phone booth, called, and arranged with Neville to pick her up.

Grateful that despite cooler temperatures, it was still uncharacteristically warm for October, Hermione sat down on a bench near the public phone.

She did not have to wait long for Neville to appear. "It's so nice to see you." He beamed at her.

"It's been a while, hasn't it? How are you?" Hermione asked, glad to see a familiar face.

"I'm not bad, although things could be better," Neville said. He took a deep breath before continuing, "What with the magic gone, the sanctuary has attracted the attention of the local Muggle Council, and they've started proceedings to shut us down. They claim the healers are quacks, but truth be told, it takes away business from the Muggle hospitals."

Hermione's heart went out to him. It was not easy dealing with Muggle government stooges who went out of their way to gain control.

"I think I can help with the magic, Neville. That's why I'm here."

Neville shot her a hopeful look. "Really? What have you been up to?"

They had reached the front garden of the sanctuary now. Neville opened the door. "I come bearing a visitor, people!" he called out into the corridor. A door opened, and Molly Weasley's head appeared. "Hermione! Oh, it's so lovely to see you!"

Molly's greeting caught the other inhabitants' attention, and soon, Hermione found herself embraced by Professor Sprout, Madam Pomfrey, Charlie Weasley―and suddenly stood face to face with Ron.

"Ron. I thought you were at Grimmauld Place," Hermione said. To see him so unexpectedly came as a shock to her.

"I arrived here a couple of weeks ago," Ron said. "I needed some time away from Moody."

Hermione raised her eyebrow. "You were supporting Moody to the point of betraying me," she pointed out, wondering how Ron had come to that conclusion.

Before he had a chance to answer, Molly jumped in. "Oh, you know what boys are like, Hermione. Ron wasn't using his brain, and eventually, I had to kick him to make him come to his senses."

Ron looked abashed. "Stop it, Mum."

Hermione was unable to hide a grin, glad that at least Molly appeared to have retained her common sense.

"Do tell, Hermione, what have you been up to?" Molly asked.

Hermione told of finding Severus, her research into Reich's Orgone, their gifting the towers, encounters with the reptoid, and regaining the magic.

"You really did it, Hermione," Professor Sprout said in awe. "I read the article in The Quibbler, but I wasn't sure what to make of it. And we've not found any of those telecommunication towers around here."

Hermione took an Orgonite muffin out of her bag to show the others. "This is all you need. I'm sure we'll find the towers―I know what to look for.

The young witch spent the next few hours answering questions about the Orgonite, explaining how to brew it and stressing the need to disable any towers in the area. Then she told of her and Severus' observation of the reversal effect the Orgonite cones had on water.

Over dinner, Poppy filled her in on the events at the sanctuary. "We received a letter from the local council, telling us what we're doing is illegal unless we can show relevant qualifications, which of course we can't because, to Muggles, places like St Mungo's don't exist, so they would even accuse us of forging the qualifications. We haven't figured out what to do at all." She sighed deeply, and the others nodded with concern on their faces.

Hermione thought for a moment. "I'm not sure if it'll work, but I suggest that we gift the entire perimeter of the sanctuary tonight. Then, tomorrow, we'll look for towers and gift them. Hopefully, we'll have the magic back within a few days," she said. "And once the magic is back, you can put the sanctuary under the Fidelius Charm."

After dinner, Poppy, Neville, Charlie and Hermione went outside, Hermione carrying a stack of Orgonite muffins. Reaching the fence of the large garden, she took an old spoon out, scratched enough earth out of a spot in the ground, placed a muffin in it and covered it with some soil.

"Right," she said. "Now, we should bury one in the same manner every ten or fifteen yards."

"Why don't we split into pairs," suggested Charlie. "It's nearly dark already, and I'd rather have the entire grounds covered as soon as possible."

"Great idea, seeing that we can't use magic for lighting," said Neville.

Neville's words startled Hermione. It had not occurred to her to see if her magic was working here. She took out her wand and uttered, "Lumos".

The light emanating from Hermione's wand was not bright by any means, but to the other witch and two wizards, who had not been able to cast any spells for months, it was a miracle.

"Blimey, Hermione," said Charlie, looking impressed. "How come you can do magic?"

Poppy stared open-mouthed at Hermione's lit wand. "It's really working," she whispered in awe.

Hermione smiled softly. "The magic will become stronger once we disable the rays the towers are emitting." She looked at her companions. "We should bury more pieces, like Charlie said."

Hermione teamed up with Charlie and gave a stack of Orgonite to Poppy and Neville. Within half an hour, the entire perimeter of the sanctuary was armed with Orgonite.

Inside, Hermione found herself steered into the living room by Molly Weasley. Once both were seated, Molly started to talk. "I'm curious, Hermione. How come when there was no magic anywhere, Severus was still able to Apparate and Disapparate when Moody and Ron tried to corner you?"

Hermione shuddered at the memory of the scene in the attic at Grimmauld Place. She had no doubt that Molly was trustworthy, but the fact that it was her ex-boyfriend's mother she was talking to left a bitter taste with her.

"I don't know exactly how he did it," she said vaguely. "It has something to do with music."

Thankfully, Molly's scrutinising was interrupted when Charlie and Neville walked into the room. "Mum, leave the poor girl alone! She's been working bloody hard for weeks, and now she's decent enough to work even more so we can all get the magic back," Charlie admonished his mother.

Molly looked unfazed. "I was just curious. I mean, it's the only occurrence of magic I've heard of since it disappeared!"

Hermione figured now was as good a time as any to find out if any more contacts had been established with other wizarding families. "Do you have any idea about the whereabouts of other witches and wizards?"

"I had a letter from Seamus yesterday," Neville said. "He and Pansy are still with his parents, and he wrote that he's going to try with the Orgonite."

"Oh, brilliant," said Hermione. "I've been wondering about them."

"Remus has found a few witches and wizards, amongst them Millicent Bullstrode. Her father didn't survive the Final Battle on Voldemort's side, and she's been looking for Draco without success. Tonks and Remus have taken her in, and last time I spoke with Remus, he said she and Ginny are getting on rather well," said Charlie.

Hermione felt relief wash over her. Finally, another person she knew had re-surfaced.

"And let's not forget Mr Zabini and Mr McMillan!" exclaimed Poppy, who had entered the living room and overheard Charlie.

Hermione gave her a blank look. "Zabini and Ernie?"

"A couple of months back, Ernie brought Blaise here after Blaise had had a run-in with his mother, who was about to get married again. Since she couldn't hex him, she resorted to beating him like a Muggle. Ernie found him in an alley nearby and brought him here," Neville said, and Poppy nodded gravely.

"Poor Mr Zabini was in bad shape," Poppy said. "But thankfully, combined skills in healing and healing potions and Mr McMillan's care sped up his recovery, and he's doing fine now."

"Are they keeping in contact with you?" Hermione asked, interested. She hoped to network with enough wizarding folks to get the entire island covered with Orgonite in as little time as possible. Besides, she had no doubt Severus would be pleased to hear about other Slytherins.

"Ernie promised to come by again," Neville said.

There was a short silence, until Charlie stretched, yawned, and then asked, "Hermione, has anyone thought of showing you the guest room? You are staying, aren't you?"

"No and yes. I'm staying until you all know how to brew Orgonite and until you have at least some magic back. And you need to know how to recognise reptoids, too. But that can wait 'til tomorrow." She yawned. It had been a rather tiring day with all the talking she'd been doing.

Molly got up, and Hermione followed her out of the room, through the corridor and into a bedroom.

"Here you go, Hermione," Molly said and fussed about, pulling the quilt back from the bed and shaking the pillow. "If you need anything, the bathroom is through this door, and the kitchen is two doors down to the left."

"Thanks, Molly. I'll just get ready for bed," Hermione said and yawned again.

Molly smiled indulgently at her, and after bidding her goodnight, she left and closed the door softly.

I wonder how Severus would appreciate the daisy design of the sheets, or the floral wallpaper, Hermione thought idly as she headed for the bathroom, warding the door on her way. She missed him. It was good she was so tired, otherwise she might not be able to sleep. Just two nights in his arms had left her with no doubt that she belonged there.

Ready for bed, Hermione lay down and tried to find a comfortable position. She tossed and turned a few times until a knock at the door interrupted her. Who could that be?

Hermione sighed, got out of bed and unwarded the door, which opened immediately. "What did you ward the door for?" asked Ron angrily.

Hermione felt anger well up almost instantly. "To avoid people interrupting my beauty sleep," she snapped. "What do you want?"

"What do I want?" Ron asked incredulously. "Hermione, we haven't seen each other for months. I've not heard from you at all!"

Hermione sighed wearily. She did not need this confrontation, not at the end of a long day, not ever.

"Ron, I had no reason to speak with you. Remember, last time we saw each other, you tried your best to impose your opinion on me―with force, I might add. What on earth makes you think I can just forget about what you've done?"

Ron stepped closer to her, too close. "I'm sorry, Hermione. I never wanted to hurt you. But I couldn't bear the thought of you being with the greasy git, with that murderer! You have to understand that! I only wanted the best for you!"

Keep calm, keep calm, keep calm. Think of Severus. Taking a deep breath, Hermione replied, "Now is not the time to bother me with this, Ron. I don't need you to protect me, least of all from Severus. Good night." Hermione slammed the door into his face and warded the door again. She would be better off if she did not blow up on him.

Returning to bed, she sighed. Tomorrow would be another day. A day closer to returning into Severus' arms.

* * *