August the twenty third.

The Ministry,

Chief justice department. (War crimes - section 302)

London, at ten o'clock.<

"I have word on Mr Potter."

"Potter?" Snapped Severus. "What about him? And what has it got to do with me?"

"He's getting married."

"You are invited."

Severus almost laughed. "Me? Why on God's name would Potter of all people want me at his stupid wedding?"

Dumbledore shrugged. "'s n's not for me to know, but in case you are wondering he visited the other day."

"I see where you are going. You told me I nearly died so the silly brat took pity on his old spooky potions master."

"That's not what I said, Severus."

"Hum. Is there anything else you would like to shock me with?"

"No-"

"Goodnight then." he said firmly and nodded. Taya noticed the familiar gleam in the headmaster's eyes, amusement dressed his face and he hugged her quickly before they departed.

"Well," She gazed down at her watch. "It's quarter to seven. You've had a horrible couple of weeks. Care for an early night?"

"Taya?"

"Yes Severus?"

"Harry Potter cbackback here." It was a statement not a question.

"Yea, he visited you too when you were asleep."

"And you let him in?" He sounded appalled.

"Well, I couldn't very well say no could I?"

"I suppose not," he grumbled.

"He was asking where you were. He and his girlfriend where here for a few days and seeing you not around he wondered about you."

"I think I've had enough surprises to last me a life time." He closed his eyes.

"I guess so, love."

"Are you sure you are okay?"

"Yes. Still a few bruises I believe, but nothing worse for wear."

"I'll check them for you." Severus nodded.

"But one thing remains."

"What is that my love?"

"I still love you."

Her room was warm and inviting. Together they sat on her bed. He leaned forward as her hands expertly massaged the soothing emollient into his skin, rapidly healing the remaining bruises that hadn't been remedied in the hospital aasinasing the tense coiled muscles in his back.

He relaxed as her hands slowly slid around to his front strokiis bis bare skin, lightly caressing his collarbone and planting gentle kisses over his throat, pausing deliberately to give extra attention to the silver scar there.

I keep seeing you on the floor. Taya closed her eyes fighting back exhaustion and tears. The last few weeks had been a strain. The image of him lying there vulnerable and exposed with only a few moments spare of being brutally taken again made her stomach turn. She silently cursed Lorsekruto cto complete damnation.

Feeling herself tense up while he himself was relaxing she forced herself to calm. He moaned slightly when her fingers slid up his scalp.

Taya gently pulled his hair into a ponytail and held it there, exposing the nape of his neck. Evil bastard, she thought with a shudder then mildly stroked her fingers over the smooth skin. I swear if I was left alone in a room with that...t ant animal. Christ, he doesn't even deserve to be labelled as an animal. I'd rip him to shreds for you.

Mental images are one thing, but seeing you lying like that for real really takes the biscuit.

"He is gone now," said Severus.

"How did you know-?”