Chapter Sixty-Seven: Some Muggle Business

Author's Note: Posting this a day earlier than I'd planned because I don't know if I'll have power or not once the winter storm hits my area...for the second time in less than a week. Hope you enjoy this instalment!

Chapter Sixty-Seven: Some Muggle Business

Sunday, 21 March 1999

Severus sipped his hot tea. It was the herbal tea that Gareth's mother made. It was a good blend, tangy and spicy, and he could understand why Gareth enjoyed it.

"Nice. Thank you," Severus said.

"Glad you like it." Gareth grinned. "I thought it might appeal to you once you gave it a chance."

Severus twitched a smile, remembering the first time Gareth had offered it to him and his own explosive reaction. "I was not as receptive earlier. Tell me, how does your mother continue to make it? Unless this is some left from when she lived on the island. Hermione told me that she doesn't visit the island."

Gareth shook his head. "She doesn't. Gluffy and I fetch what she needs, and some of the ingredients, we now buy. We dried a lot of berries last summer."

"I see." Severus took another swallow of tea. "And why doesn't she return to the island? Hermione wouldn't, or couldn't, say."

"She . . . it's . . . I don't know if you would understand."

Severus shrugged one shoulder. "Probably not. But I'm curious. Not that I understand why she'd want to return there, anyway. I'd think she'd be sick of it after all that time alone."

"She was never completely alone, not for very long periods, anyway. Gluffy lived with her. He would go to the estate and get supplies, visit his family, fetch any post for her, but he was never gone long. And it is a beautiful place." Gareth set down his cup and snapped one of the Florentines in half. "She was seeing things," he said softly. "Real things, maybe, but . . . it was a danger. To her."

"Seeing things?" Severus was puzzled. "You say they might be real, but you say it as though she was hallucinating."

"Not exactly." Gareth took a bite of his Florentine. When he had chewed and swallowed, he said, "There's a phenomenon there . . . you might find it difficult to believe. It's said that if you stand on a particular spot on the island and look west just as the sun sets, you can see the lost island of Avalon, Innis Ablach, but conditions have to be right for it. There are records of people who have seen it, going back for generations. Before Mum ever moved out there, Aunt Minerva had seen it several times, and Albus had seen it twice. Witches are more likely to be able to see it than wizards, according to the records."

"Have you seen it?"

"Once. Mum brought me up there every night for a couple of weeks when I was sixteen, trying to help me to see it. Finally, one night, I did. An island with three large hills. I thought I saw it, anyway, but maybe it was just the power of suggestion." He shrugged.

"But others have seen it. I don't see why it would worry you that she did. If it's not really an island, maybe it's some trick of the light on the clouds just as the sun sets, a reflection of the sea or the clouds into the atmosphere."

"It's not just that she could see it, and see it every evening at sunset, but that she saw it all of the time, Severus. Whenever she looked for it, she could see it, not just at sunset."

"Still, living alone as she did, it's not surprising if she was able to . . . either to persuade herself that she could see it or to actually see it even when others couldn't," Severus said reasonably.

"She wanted to go there, Snape. She wanted to Apparate there. She said she could see fires, that there were people there. Gluffy would take her wand from her when she got into one of those moods. She . . . she later said that she didn't really believe the island was inhabited, but I think she said that more to calm us than because it was true." Gareth bit his lip and looked away. "I probably should have moved there myself after my NEWTs, or at least after my apprenticeship. But . . . I didn't object when she told me that she was happy there by herself and she wanted me to have a normal life, a life out amongst people."

"She was right. It wouldn't have been good for you," Severus said.

"She also said . . . she could see people."

"You mentioned that already."

"No, not on Avalon, on the island, on Eilean Tèarmunn. She said that . . . sometimes she saw the people who had lived there before...Tèarmunn used to have a small wizarding population of about seventy to eighty people, up through about the fifteenth century...and then it dwindled to just one or two families, but there've been witches and wizards living there for more than eight hundred years. But there have not been more than one or two people at a time in residence there for many decades now, more than one hundred years, I think. When Mum, Robert, Thea, the house-elves, and I were all there for that year, it was the most the island had seen in residence in a very long time, aside from brief holidays when Albus and Minerva might have guests. There are no other people there." Gareth sighed. "Anyway, Mum used to sometimes see people from long ago."

"Ghosts? That sounds quite plausible..." Severus began.

"Plausible if they were ghosts...and that is what she finally agreed they must be, but again, I believe that she said that only to assuage our fears for her mental health. But when she first spoke of them, she said that she saw them going about their daily lives, as though she was seeing into the past, into the past when they were alive and living there on that island. No one else has ever seen them, and Mum's never had any second sight or any talent at all for divination. She claimed to have stopped seeing them, though."

"But you didn't believe her."

Gareth shook his head. "It would have troubled me less if she had found any of this disturbing, herself...disturbing or at least peculiar...but she seemed so matter-of-fact about it."

"Why didn't you just remove her from the island? There must have been somewhere else...even in Amsterdam with Robert and Thea. She would have been unlikely to have become a target again if she were living there quietly, not drawing attention to herself."

"She wouldn't hear of it, and neither would Uncle Albus, once she'd talked to him about it. Aunt Minerva and I both tried to get her to move back with family, possibly with Robert...or even with Grandmother Siofre and Johannes. They would have had her, I'm sure, and Johannes has been a friend of hers for a long time. Mum wouldn't have had to go out amongst people, but she would have had company and been safe there. But after Uncle Albus sided with Mum, Aunt Minerva acquiesced, and Mum just stopped mentioning anything to me, though she obviously could still see Avalon all the time."

"Where is that island of yours, anyway?"

"It's not mine. It's Uncle Albus and Aunt Minerva's. Aunt Minerva has said it will be mine someday. I don't like to think about that day, though." Gareth drained the last of his tea from his cup. "As to where it is, it's in the Hebrides to the west of Muck."

"Muck?" Severus snorted a laugh.

"Yeah, it's an island."

"I know that. It's funny."

Gareth laughed. "It's nice to see you laughing about something, I guess!"

"Hmph. So what is this business you want to discuss?"

"You know that I have some stuff I keep at Melina's place...my computer and things like that. Muggle gear that wouldn't work here even if there were electricity in Hogsmeade."

Severus nodded, taking a bite of a Florentine and enjoying the intermingled orange and dark chocolate flavours as he chewed. Poppy would surely like her Florentines.

"Well, I appreciate being able to use their place, but even though I'm always welcome, I don't want to become a pest, you know? So I try not to come and go too often. It's also just not my own space. I feel very welcome by them, but constrained, anyway."

"Mm, I can see how that could be the case."

"Well, I was thinking...and it's just an idea that I'd like you to consider, to think about for a bit...but I was thinking that Spinner's End stands empty for most of the year. It's got electricity and plumbing. It occurred to me that it might be advantageous to us both if you were to rent me a room there."

"Rent you a room?"

"Well, if I paid some rent and the utilities and could use one of the bedrooms for my computer and things, and maybe have use of the rest of the house...not your room, of course. I thought that maybe I could help you fix it up. And when you were living there, well, we could work something out. I could move my computer back to Melina's during the summer."

"I don't know . . ." Someone living in his house. But a friend, not a rat. "What about your mother? And Hermione?"

"I wouldn't actually live there. I'd continue to live here. But it would give me a place for my computer, somewhere I could visit at any time, and, if you had no objections, I could also, well, have a bit of a private life there, too. Bring a date back there. I wouldn't feel comfortable bringing someone here, not unless I'd been seeing them for a while. For the sake of my mum, you know? It could be awkward."

"You want a place to bring your one-night stands." Severus said. He wasn't sure how he felt about that, himself.

"No. Not like that, Snape. It's more, you know, for casual relationships, or for ones that aren't serious yet but might be in the future. People I know but where I'm not ready to make a big deal out of seeing them, introducing them to my mother, having her think we're serious or something. Or even for serious relationship, just for some private time."

"I see, I think. But your mother can't possibly think that you're some kind of celibate."

"I'm sure she doesn't, but having her aware in the abstract that I have a sex life is a different thing from my bringing home a date for some intimate time, even with an Imperturbable in place. It would also seem odd with Hermione here. In some ways, she's like a little sister or something, but she's still my apprentice. All of the bedrooms are on the same floor here...it's not as though I have her in some separate wing of a large house like I had when I apprenticed with Magister Flanders. Besides, sometimes you just want to spend time alone with someone, not necessarily in order to have sex, but just to have the time together."

Severus nodded. "But Spinner's End is not exactly somewhere I'd want to bring a date, myself." He certainly wouldn't want to bring Poppy there. On the other hand, if they were seeing each other during the summer, if he were that fortunate, he would want to be able to invite her to his home. "You said something about fixing the place up."

"I wouldn't do anything without checking with you, but I think it's just a matter of stripping old wallpaper and paint, slapping on some fresh coats of paint, cleaning and repairing the furniture, maybe bringing in a few new things. One or two of our house-elves would help make the work go faster."

"The kitchen is minimal. There's a cooker...an old gas stove...and a small refrigerator, and that's about it. No Charmed appliances at all. I always just use my wand for everything. The kitchen cupboards are large but unattractive. Clean, though. You've seen the bathroom. The floors in both probably should be replaced."

"Not at all difficult with some house-elf help."

"I will think about it, but I am inclined to agree. And if you do redecorate, we could work out the expense and count that as rent. And when summer comes . . . we'll deal with that situation then." It might be nice to have some company occasionally, as long as it didn't come at inconvenient times. "In fact, why don't we plan to meet out there next weekend some time, or over the Easter holiday, and we can take a look at what you think needs to be done and talk about the details."

"So it's a yes?" Gareth asked hopefully.

"Tentatively. I need to become used to the idea. And the house has wards that would need to be changed if you wanted to have free access to it."

Gareth grinned. "Great! Do you have a telephone line? No? Well, that's easy enough to fix. Just get British Telecom out there. I'll need it for my Internet access."

Severus nodded. "If we do come to an agreement, you can take care of that."

The perimeter charm sounded.

"Hmm. Wonder who that could be. Mum would just Apparate directly into the house, and Hermione's not due back until after dinner sometime. I'll check the door. Pour yourself another cup of tea."

Severus duly poured his cup of tea, but listening as Gareth opened the door. He couldn't hear what was being said, but he recognised the other voice. Curiosity overcame reticence, and he got up and went into the hall.

"Do you know when she'll be back? I really need to talk to her."

"Sorry, Harry, I don't. Just that she'll be gone all day," Gareth said.

"Do you know where she is? How I can find her?" Harry asked.

"Why don't you leave a note, and I'll see she gets it as soon as she gets back," Gareth replied.

"I . . . okay," Harry agreed reluctantly. He stepped into the house as Gareth stepped back to let him in. His eyes widened. "Professor Snape!"

"Potter." Fool boy. Surprised to see him outside the dungeons, and unable to hide his astonishment.

"I didn't expect to see you today," Harry said, staring at Severus's jeans.

"The Headmistress does not keep me confined to the castle," Severus replied with a sneer.

"Of course not." Harry looked flustered.

"Come on into the kitchen and I'll fetch you a quill and some parchment," Gareth said.

Severus returned to his chair as Harry followed him into the kitchen, looking around himself curiously.

"Been here before, Potter?"

"Once. Just for a few minutes. I was meeting Hermione here, and she was late getting ready."

"It sounds as though you are eager to speak with her. You should have owled her first," Severus said.

"Yeah, I suppose. I just wasn't thinking very clearly, I guess."

"No surprise there," Severus muttered into his teacup.

"I actually went up to the castle first, but the gates were warded and I didn't want to bother Hagrid by ringing the bell."

"Why did you seek Miss Granger there?" Severus asked, puzzled.

"I didn't. I thought I might be able to, well, to sneak in and have a word with Ginny. Or," Harry added hastily, "see the Headmistress and get permission to talk to her

"I see. You, too, are perturbed by her decision to quit Quidditch?"

"She's quitting Quidditch, too?" Harry asked in astonishment.

"So why did you wish to see her, Mr Potter, if it was not about Quidditch?"

"Nothing." Harry scowled and looked toward the door, clearly wondering where Gareth was with that parchment and quill.

"Come, come, Potter, you obviously have something on your mind."

"She's quitting Quidditch, you say?"

"That is what I understand. Miss Granger said she had received a letter from Miss Weasley in which she informed her of her decision."

"Yeah, well, I got an owl from her, too. This afternoon."

"And?"

"She's breaking up with me. She broke up with me by Owl Post."

"Not the most welcome news to receive in a letter, I am sure," Severus said.

"I don't understand it. I thought we were good. I was looking forward to having her finish school and our relationship getting even better."

"Followed by marriage and a new brood of Weasley-Potter offspring to brighten the dreary wizarding world," Severus said with a slight sneer.

Harry merely glowered at him.

Severus felt a slight twinge. He supposed he could have been more sensitive to the boy's distress. It was unpleasant to have someone break up with you, and probably even more so when it was done by post. "It might not be a lost cause, Potter, but don't push her. Be a friend. Miss Weasley's had a hard time, especially this last year. She needs her friends."

"What would you know about it? I've seen her; I've been supportive of her. If she's having a hard time, she needs me more now than ever. She doesn't know what she's doing, breaking up with me now."

"Don't ever tell a witch whom you're interested in that she doesn't know her own mind, Potter. I may not have a great deal of experience in that area, but I know witches well enough to be able to assure you that if you even imply that she doesn't know what she's doing, you'll just provoke her anger."

Gareth bounced into the kitchen at just that moment. "You're right about that, Snape. Never tell a witch she doesn't know what she's thinking, even if it's obvious to you that she's completely clueless. Besides, it's just as likely that you're the one who's confused! Here's your parchment and a fountain pen."

"Thanks."

"Snape, want to continue our discussion in the living room and leave Harry to write his note to Hermione?"

"That's okay, Gareth. I'll just write something really short." Harry sat down across from Severus and uncapped the pen.

Severus sipped from his teacup and discreetly looked over its rim and read Harry's note upside-down. Couldn't be too private if he hadn't wanted to be left alone, after all.

Hermione–

–Harry

Severus barely kept himself from snorting his tea through his nose. Idiot boy. Only just now thinking that "something's going on with her." Unlikely that dating Potter was going to fix Ginny. It seemed to Severus that Ginny was trying to regain control of her life, and he thought that breaking free of her childhood crush on the hero of the wizarding world could be a step in the right direction, at least at that point. No doubt her guilt and unhappiness stemmed in part from the fact that if she hadn't chased after Potter, her older brother would still be alive. It likely hit her in the gut every time she saw him. She probably couldn't feel anything positive about Potter without simultaneously feeling guilty about Percy's death. He hoped that Hermione had more sense and insight than Potter seemed to. Severus nodded to himself. Despite Hermione's recent attitude toward him, he felt certain that Hermione would see things clearly when it came to Ginny. After all, she had admitted that on rereading Ginny's letter, she realised that the younger witch was happy with her decision and felt relieved after having made it. She had also seen Arthur Weasley's distress first hand and clearly had felt empathy for him. Yes, Hermione would set Potter straight.

After Potter had left, looking gloomy, Gareth rejoined Severus, pouring himself a cup of tea and helping himself to another Florentine.

"So, you plan to ask Poppy to dinner tonight," Gareth said.

"Yes. No sense in waiting. I do not wish any warm feelings she may have for me to cool any further."

Gareth nodded. "Good idea. You know . . ." Gareth hesitated. "You know, I don't think I've heard that Poppy has dated much in recent years."

"That does not mean that she might not wish to now," Severus said. "I believe it's possible she was on a date on Friday evening. All the more reason for me to strike now when the iron is hot and before some other wizard can distract her."

"That's what I was going to mention, actually, but I wasn't sure how to tell you. She was on a date on Friday."

Severus shrugged. "Nothing to be done about it. I will still try. You aren't trying to discourage me, are you?"

"No, far from it. Just wanted to warn you, that's all."

"It's not as though the wizard, whoever he is, could be much of a threat at this point. Only one date does not a romance make."

"True, but . . . yesterday evening after my date, I stopped by the estate to visit Mum. Whilst I was there, Quin dropped in. Apparently he and Poppy went out to dinner on Friday."

"Oh." Severus frowned, remembering the way that Poppy had looked at the older wizard when he'd entered the Great Hall for the Victory Feast, and recalling her tears when she had described the curse that afflicted him. In part, it had been Poppy's tears that had moved him to discover what curse had been cast on Quin all those years before. "She knows him well."

Gareth nodded. "They've known each other at least forty years, and they actually dated for a short while right after Poppy and Uncle Murdoch broke up that last time. I don't think it was anything serious...I wasn't very attune to those kinds of things at the time, though...but Quin was cursed not long after that and nothing came of their dating."

Severus felt a knot forming in his stomach. Was there any point in trying now? Quin was handsome, successful, rich, well-liked, amiable, and, according to Poppy, magically gifted, as well. He had nothing to offer in comparison with the Irish wizard.

"But it was just dinner. Old friends do have dinner together." He didn't sound convinced by his own statement. "It doesn't have to mean anything."

"True . . ."

"Do you know where they went? I don't want to bring her to the same place when I take her out," Severus said, wondering whether Poppy would even accept his invitation now.

Gareth hesitated perceptibly.

"Well?" Severus prodded.

"Um, I doubt you would bring her to the same restaurant, since it was in Paris," Gareth said, trying to sound light-hearted.

"Paris? He brought her to Paris for dinner?"

"Apparently. One bright side to this," Gareth said, noting his friend's dismay, "he said he'd taken her out because she needed cheering up."

"Oh, and I'm sure he did 'cheer her up,'" Severus said bitterly. How could he compete with a wizard who brought a witch to Paris for dinner? He probably spoke flawless French, too.

"But if she needed cheering up, maybe it was because she was depressed about breaking things off with you," Gareth said.

"Wonderful. I gave Poppy a good reason to begin dating a former lover," Severus said morosely.

"Anyway, I thought I should mention it. You don't want to miss your opportunity."

"I hardly see the point any longer. I should just wish her well. She'd be much better off with him than with me."

"Don't say that. Besides, you should leave it up to her to decide who she'd be happier going out with. And don't try to compete with Quin. Just be yourself and make your intentions and feelings clear to her."

Severus nodded, but his heart was already in his toes.

"Being myself was what made her break it off," he said bitterly. He would still bring Poppy her gift and ask her to dinner, but he would steel himself for rejection. He was used to it, after all. Suddenly his biscuits and tea seemed a paltry present. Paris.

"It's also what attracted her to you in the first place, I'm sure," Gareth replied. "She does know you, after all. You were hardly strangers, or even just casual acquaintances. And you never did say why she did break it off, just that you had behaved badly."

Severus looked down at his empty teacup. "We'd had a really good evening, as I said. She was wonderful. We went out to dinner after you left, we made love, we . . . we just talked. It was one of the best nights of my life. Maybe the very best." Severus sighed. "And the next day, I spoiled it. I knew that it was just a fling, and whether it was or not, I also knew that we had agreed that we would behave normally in public. But I'd wanted to talk to her all day. When she didn't talk to me when I sat next to her at lunch, and then when she could have sat next to me at dinner but sat at Minerva's left, instead, I . . . I read all kinds of things into it. Significance it didn't have. And I overheard something she talked about with Pomona and later with Minerva, and I . . . it doesn't matter. But she and I had a meeting in the evening, and I behaved like an ass. I was cold to her through the entire meeting, then as I was leaving, I said something unpleasant."

"And she broke everything off because of that? And you did apologise, you said..."

"It was too late for apologies. Poppy thought it was a sign that we'd seen too much of each other, I suppose. She said that she thought we should take a break. I hope she really meant that, just a break. Of course, she could have since decided that she wants the break to be permanent." Now that Quin had taken her out, that was quite likely, he thought.

Gareth was quiet for a moment, thinking. "She said that you should take a break? Not that you should break things off?" he asked.

Severus nodded. "But she was trying to be kind. She didn't want us to be at odds, either. She wants to maintain a positive collegial relationship. She said that we should take a break and each think about what we want."

"I think that you should take her at her word, then, Severus. Tell her that you have thought about what you want, and that you know what it is. Tell her how you feel." Gareth looked at Severus seriously. "How do you feel about her? Do you know? Or do you just want what seems out of reach?"

Severus shook his head. "It's not that. I do know how I feel, but I can't tell her yet. Not in so many words, anyway."

"Are you in love with her?" Gareth asked frankly.

Severus shrugged one shoulder, but nodded slightly. "I think so," he said softly. "But I can't say that to her."

"First things first, then. Bring her the tea and biscuits, then ask her out to dinner. When she says 'yes,' make sure she knows you're pleased about it. No behaving as though it doesn't matter to you. Respond warmly, not aloofly, from your heart, not habit. Then when you're out, treat her well and, as I said before, be yourself. Just take it one step at a time and don't rush her."

"That's what Minerva said when I talked to her. To be patient. But I don't think she knew about MacAirt. That changes everything."

"Don't look at it like that, Snape. Look at it as an opportunity for you to shine. If you really do want her, of course, if you really think she's worth the effort."

"I do." There was no other witch in the world like Poppy, Severus was certain, and she was certainly worth the effort. "She's a remarkable witch, and I don't think she has any idea how truly wonderful she is. It's not just modesty, either. She's just lived in close quarters to flashy Gryffindors for too long to be able to appreciate her own qualities, I think. Yes, she is worth it."

"You're a Slytherin, Snape. Display some of that ambition! If you think she's what you want, then go after her. I agree with you: she's an amazing witch, and winning her heart, that would be something to strive for."

"You're right, McGonagall. I don't want to settle for some other witch. I won't settle. I will attempt it." He sighed. "I still think MacAirt has the better chance with her."

"He may not even want such a thing with her. Quin is a funny chap, in some ways. It took him years and years to get over his wife's death before he'd even look at another witch. So I don't know as he's looking for a romance right now. He's trying to get the rest of his life on track, after all, keeping up with his Muggle businesses whilst catching up with everything that Alroy's involved in in the wizarding world. He's in the midst of selling off his Internet cafes in Ireland, and that will take him some time. He's also spending a lot of time with Alroy and Rosemary at the estate, looking forward to his first grandchild. Quin's a busy wizard, and he's not there at Hogwarts. You are. You are right there with her every day. You have a very good shot, Severus."

"Perhaps." It was true: he was right there at Hogwarts with Poppy, every day, and every day could present a new opportunity to woo her, as Minerva had put it. "I have been so preoccupied with my own life, I never asked you about yours, McGonagall. You said you were on a date last night, and weren't you out on Friday, as well? Was it with the same person?"

The corner of Gareth's mouth turned up. "Yep. Two nights in a row with the same witch. What's the world coming to?" He laughed. "But I don't know where it's going. It's a bit complicated. And I haven't a clue what the witch is thinking. She's also a friend of Mum's, and that . . . well, I don't want Mum to know we're seeing each other unless there's actually something to know about, if you see what I mean."

"Yes. So . . . she's an older witch?"

"Older than I am, but not that old, really. Younger than some I've dated." Gareth seemed to blush, somewhat uncharacteristically, to Severus's mind. "A lot younger than Mum."

"I know her, don't I," Severus said with a smirk.

"Yes." Gareth's blush grew.

"Come on, McGonagall. All the witches you've told me about...and a couple wizards, too...I don't see what you have to be embarrassed about. Is it someone at Hogwarts?"

"Sort of."

"Sort of?" It couldn't be Sharon Carter, since she was younger than Gareth, and he'd said it was a witch, so it wasn't Rath. It clearly wasn't Sprout, since not only was she in a long-standing relationship with Flitwick, but she had been with them all in the Three Broomsticks on Friday night. Perhaps it was Vector...she was an attractive older witch, younger than Madam Gamp, and they would have interests in common. A sudden thought occurred to him. "Please, Gareth, tell me it's not Sarah Duffy!"

"No. I barely know her. Silly thing, I always thought her. In school anyway."

"She hasn't changed. She's still silly," Severus said. "And how can this witch be 'sort of' at Hogwarts?"

"She taught me when I was a student there." Gareth didn't elaborate.

"Well, if you don't want to tell me, then you don't have to," Severus said, somewhat put out that after all he'd confided in Gareth, the younger wizard wouldn't spill about who he was seeing. He hoped it wasn't Trelawney. That witch had begun teaching there a few weeks before McGonagall had left to live with his brother in Amsterdam, so she could have taught him. If it were she, it would explain Gareth's embarrassment, however. She was worse than Duffy. And she drank like a fish.

"It's just that I'm not even sure that we're dating," Gareth said.

"How can that be?"

"I don't know how she sees me. And at first, I was just taking her out as an old friend, or as a friend of my mother's. She needed to get out."

"How long have you been seeing her?" Severus asked, trying to think of a witch besides Trelawney who had taught when he was at school but who wasn't at Hogwarts any longer. Perhaps one of the Defence instructors.

"On and off . . . about four weeks. On our own, that is. Before, I'd sometimes go with Mum when she went to visit her, but I saw it as kind of a chore, a good deed, you might say."

A light went off for Severus. "It's Hooch, isn't it?"

"Yeah. We're just friends, I guess, but I'd like to see more of her. I'd like to see a lot more of her, actually," Gareth said, trying to sound more like his usual carefree self.

"I don't see why you're embarrassed," Severus said, puzzled. "She's a bright, attractive witch. She's older than you are, but still quite a bit younger than your mother...I think she was in school when my mother was, so that makes her a good deal younger even than Poppy. And Hooch led the broomstick squadron defending Hogwarts, so she's a hero. She is a Slytherin, but your mother's a Slytherin, and you don't seem to hold it against me that I am, either. "

"I've never dated one of my teachers before. Or one of Mum's friends. It's just a bit odd. And I think Rolanda thinks I'm just taking her out to brighten her day. She's been depressed because of her injuries. Her arm is better, and she has more mobility in her joints, but it will never be completely well. She's got some scars on her face, too, and she thinks they're ugly. She Glamours them every day. The one time I showed up unexpectedly and she hadn't cast her Glamour yet, you'd think she thought she looked like a troll or something. So she's insecure. It complicates things."

"I gather you haven't done anything physical yet, then."

Gareth shook his head. "I kissed her good-night on the cheek on Friday, and I don't think she could close the door behind her fast enough. Then yesterday evening, we only went out to dinner and she claimed she was tired, so she didn't even invite me in for a drink like she's been doing. She wouldn't make any definite plans to go out again, either. She said to owl her." Gareth sighed. "It could be that this is all it will ever be."

"Or else she thinks you are just being the kind son of a friend and she's afraid of developing feelings for you that she thinks you can't return. Especially if she's insecure about her appearance."

"That's what I'm hoping. We'll see. Whatever happens, whether anything works out or not, I don't want her to think it's just . . . that I'm just using her or feeling sorry for her or something like that."

"So, were you thinking of bringing her to Spinner's End once it's fixed up? Is that why you asked about it?"

"I'd been thinking about asking you, anyway, since I do want somewhere else to keep my computer, but I just thought that if I could bring Rolanda someplace that's not her own house and that's not here, which is my mum's home, she might relax a little. I could cook her dinner. A romantic dinner. And even if she and I don't end up seeing each other, I'm feeling . . ." Gareth shrugged. "I'd like to see if there's someone whom I'd like more than just a fling with, I suppose. I don't know if I'm ready to settle down yet, but now that I'm growing some roots here, it might be nice to have someone special in my life. And that person might be Rolanda. I'd like to explore that possibility."

"In the interests of furthering your social life and assisting a former colleague, I suppose I'll have to let you use Spinner's End, then," Severus said, smiling when he saw his friend's face light up.

"That's great! Thanks, Severus!"

"Hmph. We can meet there on Saturday morning...it will have to be early. There's a duel in the afternoon I'll have to be back for. Eight-thirty sharp. I'll have a key for you and we can set a password so you have access. Eventually, we can consider altering the wards so that you can Apparate in and out, but I need to think about the best way to do that."

"I'll take good care of the place for you, I promise, Snape. I'll get it fixed up so you'll be happy to invite your friends there, too."

"As long as you don't paint the place Puddifoot-pink or do something equally horrid, I am sure any redecoration will be an improvement."

"I'll go to one of those Muggle DIY shops and get some ideas this week, then we can talk about them when we meet on Saturday."

"Fine." Severus stood, picking up his shopping bag. "I'd better get up to the castle and initiate the first step in my plan." Operation Woo and Win Poppy Pomfrey, he thought to himself with a smirk.

"Good luck, Snape! And if you need a friendly ear or any advice, you know I'm here."

NEXT

Chapter Sixty-Eight: Bad Timing

Sunday, 21 March 1999

Severus fights his jealousy and petulance when his timing is bad.

Rated T.

Characters: Severus Snape, Poppy Pomfrey, Quin MacAirt