This is for you, silverAbby93. Your 2017 review did magic.

Reviews please!

Severus heard soft cracks from behind him, like someone was stepping on brittle leaves, and when he turned to look, Lucius Malfoy and his wife, came into view and stepped forward to join the circle. They were in a dingy part of the Forbidden Forest, shrouded with a mist that made a chilly night. He was vaguely realizing that he was with his fellow death eaters, facing the living horror of the Wizarding World, standing in the middle and peering savourly at them.

"It is charming to have you all here in this joyous reunion." Voldemort hissed.

Severus looked around him. Almost every death eater was present, except for Igor and Rosier, who carved their fate differently after the dark lord has fallen.

"Ah, it so good to be back!" bellowed Lord Voldemort. "Though I can see some disbelief and confusion in some of your faces. And I wonder, have you all stayed loyal during my short disappearance?"

The powerful wizard stalked around the circle, staring at their faces with his livid scarlet eyes, piercing through their souls.

"What say you, Lucius Malfoy?"

"I-I have always been, my lord." uttered Lucius.

Severus looked sideways to see his close friend. He seemed to grew paler than his own, already pallid complexion. His wife, Narcissa, who was also appearing like a ghost, twitched beside him. She was perhaps resisting the urge to reach for her husband's hand.

Voldemort gave a long and menacing laugh that echoed throughout the forest. Half of the death eaters flinched.

"Ha ha ha! What nonsense! Look at your faces!" The wizard screamed. "Some of you couldn't even hide your fear and discontent that I have returned! Give me your arm, Malfoy!" The dark lord commanded.

There was a mix of shock and pride in the wizard's expression when Voldemort singled him out; for it may tell whether he was still a favorite or was demoted from his high rank. Lucius swallowed subtly and held out his arm to Voldemort who then touched the dark mark etched in his skin with the tip of his wand.

"Now feel the real touch of my presence!"

Malfoy instantly howled in pain, and Severus too. All of them screamed as their dark marks burned and throbbed excruciatingly. Severus' ears were filled with horrible sounds of agony from the others and as he crouched, cradling his left arm, he heard his own repressed cry of pain that sounded like a harrowing growl from a wounded animal.

FFYU

"Severus!"

Minerva called out his name again, in a firm concerned voice, willing the wizard to wake up. She woked up to a restless, grunting man beside her, and she thought he was only reacting to a simple dream but when he growled in pain and clutched his arm as if it was breaking apart, she immediately sat up and cried his name in a terrifed whisper.

"Severus!"

She only called out to him, afraid that her touch would startle the horror out of the man. Her heart shot up to her throat as she saw his face distorted with pain and big beads of sweat lined his forehead. Merlin, he must wake up now! She hovered close over him, and called out his name again in a loud pitch she didn't intend if not for her growing dread.

"SEVERUS!"

The wizard was jolted out of his nightmare, and was so startled to see a form hovering above him that his years of experience of war made his reflexes react. Minerva found herself quickly flipped to her back and had an arm poised against her neck. Panting, Severus fumbled under his pillow for his wand but stopped. He almost thought he was back to the dark times if not for a pair of wide green eyes looking back at him with shock.

"Shit!" He exclaimed as he realized the situation and swiftly removed his arm. He seemed to fly out of bed to put distance between him and the witch.

"Shit!" He repeated as he ran a palm over his sweaty face as he sat, hunched, at the edge of the bed. His alerted senses felt for the dark mark underneath his sleeve, expecting pain, yet there was nothing but a flat inanimate tattoo. He sighed in relief. It all felt real.

Minerva was taken aback about what has transpired but she hastily recovered. She slowly sat up in bed and watched the wizard's back; his shoulders were rapidly rising and falling.

"Severus, what happened?" She asked, worry evident in her voice. There was no response.

"Are you hurt?" She asked again, moving down to sat beside him.

"Just a bad dream." He finally answered, wiping a sweat from his brow. Seeing his face becoming wet with perspiration, Minerva moved to get a small towel from her drawer and handed it to him.

"Here." She offered. Severus took the towel and buried his face in it.

"I'll get you a glass of water." The witch motioned for the door but she was stopped by a hand, gripping her wrist.

"I'm fine", said Severus hoarsely. He set aside the towel and gazed up at her.

"You are not fine, Severus. You need to drink some water."

He tightened his grip on her as she tried to wiggle her arm free. Water be damned, he was afraid and concerned about her.

On a side note, Severus wanted to smirk when Minerva gave him a disapproving look. It was only her who can make him feel like he was transported back to a classroom as a student in a time like this.

"Are you alright? Did I hurt you?" He panted while he inspected her face, noting in particular the skin of her neck.

She shook her head. "No."

"Damn it, Minerva! I almost hurt you!" Severus cried with a pained voice.

"Shhhh", whispered Minerva. She knelt before the conflicted man, leveled his gaze and gently placed her free hand on his shoulder. "But you didn't. I'm fine, Severus. You did not hurt me."

Staring at her eyes, everything he felt from the nightmare started to dissipate. He expected fear and mistrust reflected in them but there was none. But of course, what was he thinking? He is facing a Gryffindor. They are known for their stupid bravery and idiotic attraction for danger. However, the gaze and touch she has given him made him thought twice. They spoke volumes of care, willing him to share his burden. For a minute, he wanted himself to believe that. Yet no, he would not taint this precious soul with his darkness. He cannot let Minerva be part of a world she never deserves to be in.

He dropped her other hand to push her away but the witch caught him off guard when she used it to cup a side of his face.

"Look at me, I am not hurt." said Minerva in a gentlest voice she could muster. "But what about you? You were holding your arm in pain."

"I'm fine.. I was only dreaming."

Minerva nodded. "Alright. Let's do deep breaths together."

Severus stared at her for a moment, debating with himself whether to refuse her or not, yet he found himself closing his eyes and breathe. His nerves were soothed as he listened to their breathing in unison. After five cycles, he opened his eyes to her bright green ones. He covered her hand in his face with his own and held on to it as if it was his dear life, and she smiled.

"Let's go back to bed."

"I can't. Not after… what if I hurt you."

"You won't." said the woman, giving a light squeeze to his face. "And I can handle myself as much as I can handle this."

Before he could reply, she stood up and ushered him to bed. Minerva scooted a little closer to him (while still giving a healthy distance) when they have settled. There was a stretch of silence for a while until Minerva spoke.

"If the world is unkind, and your dreams they need more time, I'll -"

"What on earth are you blabbering about, Minerva?"

The witch gave him a soft glare.

"It would be useful to be patient sometimes, Severus, but it's a song. I used to have a lot of bad dreams too when I was a child, mostly about uncontrolled magic and growing old waiting for my acceptance letter from Hogwarts. I would wake up screaming or crying and my mother would be there. She would sing me a song to comfort me."

Severus snorted. "But you weren't singing."

Minerva also snorted. "I'll never hear the end of it if I will."

"I suspect you can't even sing to save your life."

The woman sputtered indignantly. "Of course I can!

"I challenge you, then."

"I will not be tricked!"

"Oohh. A Gryffindor backing out from a -"

"Fine. It's always a pleasure to prove something to you anyway."

"When the world is unkind.

And your dreams they need more time,

I'll be there for you.."

Severus' smirk never happened when Minerva started to do what he never knew she could. Great. Merlin's. Beard. His jaw almost fell as he listened. The woman can sing!

"If the rules they keep breaking, and the future is fading, I'll be there for you.

The rainbow will end in the palm of your hand. Don't ever let it go.

When the stars won't shine anymore…

I'll be there."

He felt his heart hammered inside his chest, so crazy that he actually worried if Minerva can hear every thump. Whoa. He was overwhelmed about the effect she has given him that he mentally shook himself.

"I..I-I'm surprised that you can carry a tune." stuttered Severus. Thank heavens, he has managed to control himself. He almost blurted out that he liked her voice! He'd die first before saying that out loud.

Minerva laughed. "My mother was a great singer. I think I've learned a thing or two from her. She couldn't live without rhymes and lullabies."

"Oh great. I will be hearing a nursery lullaby next." The wizard drawled in fake exasperation. "Ow!" He then yipped.

"You ungrateful bloke!" The amused witch has given him a jab in his arm. "I doubt you can even muster a tune yourself!"

"Ahem, I'm wise enough to leave that for the experts. Unless, you wan't to hear a sound that is something in between like a busted engine and a strangled Mandrake."

Minerva gave a loud laugh, and he smiled despite himself. "Thank you, Cat."

She gave him another jab again.

"Ow!"

"Call me that again and I'll smother you with a pillow!"

"But you are a cat! You are being unreasonable, Minerva!"

And on they went with their playful banter.

FFYU

Minerva was sleeping soundly, unaware, that the man beside him was watching her serene face. His eyes traced hers, down to her pointed nose, and to her smooth, slightly parted lips. The beauty before him made his heart skipped a beat. They were exchanging jests with each other when a yawn escaped Minerva and he repeatedly urged her to go to back to sleep. She finally succumbed when Severus assured her that he was sleepy as well and would follow soon.

He did try to sleep but he couldn't resist to recall the moments they had when she was comforting him. He was thankful that the witch didn't ask him about the nightmare, although there were times when he saw she opened her mouth as if to speak but closed it nonetheless with a subtle shake of her head. Maybe she considered asking but had thought it best not to. He hasn't shared anything about his experiences as a Death Eater to anyone other than Albus. He might share tidbits with Minerva someday, but the lesser she knows, the better.

He didn't understand why he was having bad dreams lately. He was waking up earlier than the roosters could crow in a week. He wasn't thinking anything negative before he sleeps, in fact, his thoughts were always filled about Minerva lately. Ahem. Because the woman is painfully infuriating that she even creeps inside my head to pester me! He falsely assured himself.

He thought about the dream, how it felt real. Voldemort couldn't have returned, right? He must speak to Albus immediately after this whole punishment. He felt numb just by thinking he was going to live a double life again.

When the world is unkind…

Minerva's voice crept into his thoughts and broke his musing. Damn. The woman really surprised him with that song, not only that she has sung it beautifully but also the words in it. He never ever imagined his colleague to be a good singer. Hell, all she ever did was to purse her lips annoyingly and bark at him. He wanted to slap his face that he was feeling sentimental about seeing this other side of her.

I'll be there for you…

He mused about the song and asked himself, what if he lays it all bare to Minerva, all his wrongdoings, his ugliness.. Would she still be there for him?

Tsk. He wouldn't want to fool himself with the wrong ideas, so he blocked all of this thoughts and went to sleep.

FFYU

"Aaagghh!"

His head whipped towards a woman crying out in pain as Bellatrix Lestrange drag her mercilessly across the ground. The witch's shrieking laugh mingled with the guffaws of the other death eaters who were egging her to do more violence. He couldn't see the woman's face as her head was covered with a black cloth securely tied around her neck. Her clothes were dirty and ripped in different places, exposing several wounds in her skin.

"Crucio!"

The unknown woman's piercing cry drowned out their laughters. Severus' instincts flared as his heart thumped wildly in his chest and formed a lump in his throat. Her voice seemed so familiar.

The dark lord ordered Bellatrix to remove the cover from the person's face and pure fear rocked his body when the it revealed to be Minerva's. Her beautiful face was bleeding from two ugly gashes.

FFYU

Severus bolted up awake. He was about to scream in his dream, but the sound caught in his throat. He felt himself tremble and sweat cold, with a heart beating so hard that it might burst out of his chest.

"Severus?"

The witch was roused from her sleep when she felt a swift movement. She stared at the wizard's sitting form with squinted eyes.

"What's wrong?"

Severus felt like he has lost his voice. A mix of emotions run through his body; morbid terror stood out from the rest of them. He never felt utterly scared in his life before. He tried to steady himself with deep breaths.

"Severus?" Minerva moved to sat beside him, peering through a hair that covered his face. "Did you have a bad dream again?"

"Yes." He answered out of breath and looked at her, his eyes scrutinizing. "Thank Merlin it only was." He added as a whisper. Relief washed over him as he saw Minerva's unblemished face. Her brows furrowed in confusion.

"This is such a cursed night. I didn't want to disturb you, Minerva."

"Do you want to talk about it?" She blurted out. Minerva already knew he won't but couldn't resist herself asking. She however felt suddenly embarassed that she quickly rambled, "There's no pressure to talk about it though, if you aren't comfortable, or if it is too personal - "

"It was about my days as a death eater. What the others did, what I did and failed to do." He partly lied, cutting her off. These were his usual nightmares before including the bit with Voldemort's return but the second one he had tonight was a new one. Though not completely. He wanted to laugh how he had promised not to drag Minerva in his world just a moment ago. He considered to someday, not now. Her song must have done something to him.

Minerva never ever expected him to share, not something this deep. This private man next to him mostly kept to himself. He almost never mingled with the faculty except ofcourse when Albus would pull some of his strings to make him. It took a while for everyone in Hogwarts to trust him. If only they knew… hearing him now made her heart ache terribly.

She reached for his hand and squeezed it gently. Honestly, she wanted to do more.

"Thank you for telling me, Severus. I know it is hard for you to share this information without being jugded. Do know even if we mostly disagree about almost everything, I'm here for you."

Severus' heart soared. There went his question: answered. He returned her hand a soft squeeze.

"And what would have been Hogwarts without you returning to be her talented potions master… traumatizing students." She added to lighten up the mood. He awarded her his famous sneer.

"It can't be helped when you are faced with clumsy and incompetent children."

Minerva laughed softly. "And that is what you only need to say for us to begin arguing. I would answer to that, Severus, but it is too early for a squabble."

The wizard glanced at the clock and it read a quarter past five in the morning.

"Then let's continue this line of conversation later in the day." He smiled.

Minerva stayed in bed for a little while before she went and busied herself in the kitchen to cook breakfast. She knew it was too early for it but she will do it leisurely anyway. Severus, on the other hand, proceeded to have a nice warm bath. They were too awake to go back to sleep. Again.

Severus felt himself relaxed even more when the scent of a brewed coffee wafted through the air when he entered the kitchen. Minerva prepared a generous meal and he was thankful because he planned to stuff himself today as he mull about a reference to his dream.

Severus had always believed his nightmares reminded him about his fear of failure. Like a dream about his activities with the death eaters would mean his fear of failing to save the innocents and Voldemort's return dream would mean, well, his fear of his probable return in the future. Albus' intricate planning already backed that possibility. And Lily. His nightmares were mostly full of her. Her lifeless body in his arms or her being tortured by the dark lord and the death eaters. He dreamt about the second nightmare with Lily many times before,but now it was Minerva. Why?

"You know, if I would have been more careful yesterday, you would have slept your head off in that couch last night and wouldn't have woken up twice." said Severus as he filled his plate with another round of bacon.

Minerva rolled her eyes. "I can't be bothered by such an eventful night."

"You can get back at me anytime anyway. What with that loud purring in your sleep."

Minerva glared at him and smiled triumphantly when he sputtered his coffee, wide-eyed. He must have burned his tongue with it. Good for him, she thought.

"It's still better than waking up to a screech from like a scared little girl" She answered back.

The wizard looked like he was slapped or constipated. He returned his gaze to his food, and began to pick at it.

Minerva waited for a retort but he stayed quiet. His tongue must have throbbed from the burn.

"Coffee got your tongue." She thought amused.

FFYU

Severus rummaged through his potions kit after breakfast, grumbling about the missing ingredients and the fact that he couldn't have forgotten to bring a sleeping draught with him if Albus hadn't just randomly picked them up and drag them into this house. As there was nothing he could do about it, he put his kit away and excused himself to walk for some air.

Minerva let him be. She went on to water the garden plants and did a little laundry. She passed by the wizard in the living room after some time. He returned shortly and browsed tv channels, muttering to himself that nothing was ever new to entertain him. She internally agreed with him. Boring and repeated episodes aired lately.

Severus excluded himself when it was time for lunch because he wasn't hungry. Curious it was since he didn't finish his breakfast. The witch made fish and chips for her lunch.

Their afternoon was even more lacklustre. Minerva spent her time lounging beside the fireplace (not lit) and read a book while Severus just brood in front of the television. He developed a headache from his stress. He nursed it with a potion (grateful that he had brought one) and a late lunch of fish and chips that Minerva has spared for him just in case. He fell asleep sitting on the sofa when the after effects of the potion kicked in.

Minerva was very distracted to focus on her reading. She kept thinking about the ways she could help the weary wizard. She was worried he might have nightmares again tonight. They haven't discussed what he did about them, although she suspected he just always relied with a sleeping draught to give him a peaceful sleep. She had heard him grumbled about failing to bring one. She could go to Poppy, the Mediwitch, and ask. However, she couldn't get away with it without telling her about Severus. She couldn't just share something that private, even to one of her closest friends.

She sighed. She knew Severus didn't need helping. He dealt with it just by himself for such a long time but this nightmare occured with her by his side now, he couldn't expect her to not just do anything. She put her book down and decided to stroll around downtown to gather ideas. The clock read 7:00 p.m. She told herself she'd be back before eight.

Severus woke up feeling a little groggy. He made a mental note to himself to subtract the amount of California Poppy in his headache potion to lessen its sedative effect. It was raining hard outside. It was the first time since they have arrived in this town and he almost thought it never rained here. He pinched the bridge of his nose briefly before he moved to look behind him to check if Minerva was still there. She wasn't.

He balanced himself for a minute and walked over to the kitchen. They mostly occupy the area besides the living the room, so he checked but it was empty. He then went into their bedroom and found it vacant too.

(Knock Knock)

"Minerva?" He called out from the bathroom door. He knocked again.

"Minerva, are you in there?" He leaned in to listen for any response or movement but there was nothing. He tried the lock and it budged open to reveal an empty bathroom. He went inside and peed. His brows furrowed as he thought about what could the witch be doing in the laundry room at 7:45 p.m.

After doing his business, he proceeded to the laundry room and found it clear of human being again. Where is Minerva? If she isn't in the house, then she must be outside somewhere, maybe at Poppy's taking a break from a stressful night due his fitful sleep. He was walking toward the main door when this line of idea stopped him dead in his tracks. The nightmare! The memory of his dreams last night came back rushing to him.

"Damn!" He exclaimed. His heart started to beat fast.

What if the nightmare had been a warning?

He ran to the door, opened it and shouted out to the darkness.

"Minerva?"

What if his dream was telling him that Minerva is in danger?

He looked back inside the house and to the garden, his eyes wild, searching for anything. There was no sign of struggle or anonymous shoe prints anywhere. Everything in the house was in place but anyone who wield magic can easily remove their tracks and make everything appear alright. Minerva was a powerful witch who can defend herself if attacked. It was only that she didn't have a wand.

What if the dark lord has indeed returned?

His fear for the witch swelled up inside him. A flashback of her bleeding face and cry flitted across his mind. He must act fast and find Minerva. He didn't know how and where but he will and he must. He made a ran for the main door but it opened and a soaking Minerva Mcgonagall stepped inside.

"Where have you been?!"

The wizard's sudden outburst made the witch jumped.

"Severus? Why are you so upset?" She asked, seeming to forget her state.

"I looked everywhere for you! Is putting yourself in danger your notion of a leisure, Minerva? It's already dark outside! You were alone!"

The witch stared at him defensively. "What are you talking about? What has gotten you so worked up?"

"Why were you out?!"

"I…" Minerva instinctively clutched the plastic bag she was holding closer to her but she didn't have a second to react when Severus snatched it out of her grip.

"And what are these? Salve? Oil? And what?" roared Severus punctuating his every word with venom. He dropped the bag of items to the floor not so gently. The dripping woman felt her cheeks went hot despite her feeling cold. The wind was chilly outside and she had to run under the rain with thin clothes.

"I was thinking to get you something that could help -"

"Help?" The wizard hissed. "I didn't want any help!"

She absentmindedly put her arms around her. "I-I know.. I just -"

"I don't need your pity!"

Something snapped inside the witch.

"I don't pity you!" She shouted, eyes squinting in hurt and anger. "Not an ounce! I went out to get those things for you because I care, Severus!"

"That's what friends do!" She hastily added with a shiver.

Silence ensued. Minerva brought her arms closer to her body as another bout of shiver ran through her again. Never in a million years did Severus ever try imagined what he did next but he stepped forward and hugged Minerva.

And it was as if the rain, the thunder rumbling from a distance and any other noise in the background ceased to exist except for the sound of their hearts beating together. Head against his chest, Minerva closed her eyes and listened. She never knew a heart could produce a sound so beautiful.

Because I love you, Severus. She voiced inside her mind.

She realized it during their bickering over her disheveled apperance yesterday. It only took a smile from him to feel the wave of emotion. As she thought about their memories from day one until that very moment, she wondered if Albus has thought about the possible side effects this punishment may give. From numerous side effects, unfortunately, hers was falling unconsciously in love with Severus.

No matter how great was the feeling that she was having, she must soon end it and return herself to reality and that is Severus could never love her back.

Minerva moved herself away from the man's embrace.

"I'm getting you wet." She said and hurriedly left.

Severus suddenly felt himself very cold after she left him. His eyes darted to the lonely plastic bag on the floor and his heart squeezed. He was very, extremely, and absolutely a stupid man.

He did a change of clothes in the laundry room knowing he could find a set of dry and clean clothing in the drying cabinet. This will give the witch a moment alone in privacy and him a time to sort out his tangled thoughts. He deeply sighed. He could only think about the look of hurt in Minerva's face when he accused her and felt suffocated.

He went out and entered the bedroom gingerly. Minerva was already in her pajamas lying in bed facing away from his bed space. He moved to his side of the bed but he couldn't bring himself to go in after what he has done to her.

"I'm terribly sorry, Minerva." He wanted to say more but he seemed to be at a loss for words.

"It's okay." She replied. She remained still on her side.

Severus couldn't read the tone of her voice. He didn't push his luck tonight, not that he had any, and went to the bathroom. He leaned against the countertop, head down, refusing to see his reflection in the mirror.

If he could punch his nightmare, he would. His act with Minerva was utterly moronic but he was only carried away when he understood the meaning of his dream. It hit him hard that he almost choked in his coffee during breakfast. His dreams of Lily meant his failure of protecting someone he loved. When Minerva appeared in the dream, a new fear surfaced and that is failing to protect the one he loved all over again.

You cannot take it back, Severus. He thought as he admitted to himself that he loved Minerva. He confess that in the lively days that he spent with the witch, he fell in love with her.

Helplessly hard and unconsciously.

Dear reader,

This must be the hardest ever to write! Maybe because I took such a long hiatus to updating this story, or because I'm finding it difficult to maintain its voice. My writing voice has become mature I suppose. Mature (HAHA! Very funny).

I'm so sorry for taking it so long to publish another chapter. Medical career rarely gives me time to even have a break. I also struggled looking for a beta. I wrote to atleast 10 beta redears here but I wasn't able to get any reply. :( So if you find some mistakes, please bear with them and feel free to correct them.

I can't promise a regular update but I will finish this story. I am honestly finding it hard to portray Severus and Minerva in love though. Such complex characters. But I will try my best!

Thank you so much for reading. Do know that reviews really motivate me.

Enjoy!

Love,

Lady Mcsnape