I watched in my conjured mirror as I carefully tamed my hair. The room was silent, except for the quiet sounds of our movements and our wands setting things back into place. After the excitement of our shared "magical" moment was over, I hard focused on just making sure my appearance showed no hint that anything had happened. I didn't dare look over at Severus, afraid that I might see any regret on his face. I didn't know how to proceed from here, so even when I was satisfied with how I looked, I continued running my fingers through my hair several more times.

When I was about to reach for my wand to release the mirror back into oblivion, I felt Severus' hand on my arm, gently turning me to face him. I barely caught his tender expression before he pulled me in for a hug. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders as all the fear of resentment vanished. He then kissed me for good measure, putting a seal on my security.

After the kiss, we remained close, each gazing at the other. It was strange to see a genuinely happy smile on his face, however small, but I liked it. I felt like I could really see him, his entire soul, and it was beautiful. Soon, though, the reality that this could be the end started to sink in. He must have been thinking the same thing, because I watched his smile slowly dissolve. We pulled into another hug, hanging on tight.

"Carys, it's not going to be safe for you to be here." He loosened his grip enough to look at me as he continued. "I can talk to Dumbledore. He has connections abroad, and I'm sure he could find good work for you."

I paused to let it process, but still only one word stood out to me. "'Abroad'?"

"I want you completely out of harm's way."

"So, we're really not going to see each other after today." His lack of a response was confirmation enough. We just continued to stare at each other.

"What about my family?"

"They shouldn't be in more danger than any other Muggles. But, if you really want them to leave, that's up to you and them."

I let it all process a bit more. I wanted to drag our time out longer, but I couldn't think of what to say. "OK."

"I'll speak with Dumbledore this evening."

Pause. "OK."

"As much as I hate to say this, we still won't be able to write each other."

"OK."

"Carys?"

"Yeah?"

"It's going to be OK."

I forced a slight smile, a little more reassured. "OK."