It didn’t take long for word to get out. The Daily Prophet had a huge story about the attack the very next day, even with the Ministry’s efforts to silence the report. Some people were appalled at the nerve of such a maneuver. Others were terrified that their children might not be safe.

The students were disappointed that classes had not been cancelled and grumbled the entire day. The professors took this in stride and continued to fill their heads with useful information. The Defense Against the Dark Art’s lesson was particularly candid as Anthony retold the story of the attack in great detail, painting Assistant Professor LeFey as a heroine of mythic proportions. Of course, Gwen denied any allegations.

When classes ended she retired to her boudoir to find Graves sitting at her bench and gazing out of the window. He had walked her to her room the previous night and wouldn’t leave again until he was certain she was ok. They hadn’t spoken about Snape’s behavior following the attack. It was as if they understood that he knew something was up, but they didn’t feel the need to discuss the issue yet. It wasn’t yet an issue.

But that afternoon Gwen needed to get something else off her chest. “I felt free when I was fighting the death eaters.” She said, surprising herself as she plunked onto the end of the bed.

“Free?” He asked, looking at her with his head to the side and a deep frown.

“It’s hard to explain. I just…” She cut herself off. She didn’t know how to describe the feeling. It was almost happiness, but that sounded absurd. “It was the only time I felt really good except for when I’m with you or Harry. I just want to get rid of all this anger and confusion. I can’t take any more.”

“That’s where I was not that long ago.” He said with a sigh.

She looked at him, honestly put off. She hadn’t expected that. He looked lost and tiny, frail when he usually looked so much stronger than she felt. He had changed in so many ways and it was an interesting task trying to discover and make note of the little things that were different. She didn’t say anything for a long time when he decided to speak again.

“I’m not working for the Order.” He stated plainly.

“Then what was that the other day when you helped with those death eaters?” She asked.

“That was me protecting the one thing I value.”

“Me?”

“You.” He replied with a grin. She rolled her eyes.

“You could do a lot of good you know.”

“I know. But I’ve been caught between the good and the bad forever. I don’t want to go overboard to one side or the other. I’d rather just walk the line for now.”

“Is it easier?”

“Walking the line?” He asked. She nodded affirmatively. “Sometimes I wonder. Enough of this.” He said with a snort of laughter. He stood, crossed the room, took her hand and pulled her from the bed. He wrapped his arms around her and began a slow dance to a hummed tune. “I don’t know if I can make you happy, but perhaps I can chip away at some of the angst.”

Her head landed softly on his chest and she swayed in rhythm with his slow steps, content not to worry about anything but the steady beat of his heart.

To be Continued in Episode Eighty Five