The Garden

Afternoon rounds were uneventful. The patients were still settling into their rooms. I introduced myself and Draco to those that didn't already know us. I did a quick exam, and we went over their schedules for potions and therapy. Then, we just spent a few minutes talking with each patient, trying to learn what their biggest concerns were for their recovery. Normally, I wasn't a chatty type of Healer, but this was a special situation.

By the time we were finished, I was fairly drained. I used the Floo to go back to my cottage. I washed up and then changed into a pair of khaki capri pants and a light blue blouse. I brushed my hair out quickly before helping myself to an apple and a glass of water. After a few minutes, I felt refreshed and ready to go check on Severus.

When I reached his door, I knocked softly. "It's Elizabeth."

"On my way," he called out. A moment later, the door opened. I was a bit shocked at the sight before me. He was dressed in a simple white button-down shirt, black pants, and black shoes. His hair was pulled back neatly at the nape of his neck. He looked more rested and relaxed than I'd seen him yet.

"You look rested, Severus. How are you feeling?"

"Better. Honestly, I think the idea of getting outside is quite appealing."

"Well, the air will be good for you. Honestly, it will probably be good for me as well."

"We should go this way. The garden off this sitting room is one of my favorites. Narcissa is quite proud of her gardens, and she puts a great deal of effort into keeping them up."

"That sounds fine. It will be nice to have a tour guide for the grounds." He led me out the doors into a vast and beautiful garden. We talked for a few minutes about the types of flowers, trees, even some discussion of the sculptures Narcissa had commissioned of Malfoy ancestors. Severus was pleasant, and he seemed to be genuinely enjoying himself, though he remained characteristically guarded.

We discussed Draco's first day and what our plans were for the rest of the week in balancing his time. The conversation then moved to the clinic itself.

"How are the other patients?"

"They are getting settled in to their new space. Therapy schedules start in the morning for those impacted. I have some research to do on some of the curses, as I don't have a clear treatment plan for most of the patients yet. Some of the curses and hexes are unfamiliar to both me and the other St. Mungo's Healers."

"May I make a suggestion?"

"Certainly, Severus, other ideas are welcome."

"Don't forget to use the resources at your fingertips. The Malfoy library is extensive, and there is a reference section on dark curses and potions that may contain items that St. Mungo's might not possess. I think even there are some materials that Voldemort himself added to the library. No doubt some of the nastier curses he knew or created were passed to some of his Death Eaters."

"That would be quite helpful. Do you think Lucius would allow me access to such materials?"

"That's a valid concern. However, even if he would rather not grant you access, surely he would allow Draco access. Or me, for that matter."

"Would you be willing to help consult on some of these cases?"

"Yes, though it will be harder without seeing the patients directly."

"Perhaps we could use a Pensieve? Do you know if the Malfoys have one?"

"They do, though some of the Death Eaters had pet curses. If Lucius and I were told who hexed the patients, we might be able to narrow down a list of possibilities; perhaps you and Draco could research from there."

Hope surged through me. His knowledge would be an amazing resource for helping the victims. "That would be so helpful. I was really concerned about some of these cases. I haven't been exposed to that much Dark magic, thankfully, except for this past year. This could really help us with a direction!" In my excitement, I grabbed his hand. "Thank you, Severus."

"Yes, well, Elizabeth, I have much to atone for; anything I can do to help, just let me know."

Realizing what I had done, I flushed bright red. "I'm sorry, I got excited." I couldn't help but notice, however, that I was the one that had pulled away.

"I can tell. Do try and show some decorum in the future, Elizabeth." I looked at him, mortified, until I noticed his smirking.

"Severus! I'm embarrassed enough. That wasn't nice."

He leaned in close and whispered, "I told you that I'm not a pleasant man, Elizabeth."

"I'm not sure I believe you. For all your bluster and snark, you aren't as unpleasant as you would have people believe. And I don't scare easily, Severus Snape." We were now standing nose to nose, eyes locked. My pulse quickened, and my breath felt constricted.

"Is that a challenge, Elizabeth?"

I have no idea what came over me. But this man provoked a reaction in me, both intellectual and physical, and at that moment, rational thought was not driving me.

"No, but this is." I leaned in and kissed him. The kiss was intended to be quick, but I underestimated my opponent. I started to pull away, but his hand slipped into my hair, and I found myself being held in place and kissed back soundly. I gasped slightly, and he deepened the kiss as I put my hands around his shoulders. A few moments passed as we explored each other. My eyes were starting to slip shut when he pulled away sharply.

"Damn." He turned his back to me.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."

He turned back to face me. "Nor should I have lost control like that. But there's something else. Lady Malfoy just stepped out into the gardens as we were embracing."

"Oh, no, that's certainly not going to help with the rumors."

"No, it's not."

"I'm sorry."

"Stop apologizing. The kiss wasn't unpleasant. Nor was it unwelcome." He froze, realizing what he had said. He shook his head slightly and continued, "The meddling will be bothersome, but as you astutely pointed out before, it does not come from a bad place. I can handle the Malfoys."

"It was terribly unprofessional of me to do that."

"Elizabeth, this ... " he motioned between us as he spoke, "has been off the professional track from the beginning. I can't imagine myself bantering this way with any of my other past medical professionals as we have. You live here, the Malfoys have been posturing for days, even Kingsley was hinting."

"No!"

"Yes."

I laughed. "Well, you can add the house-elves to that list."

"What about the Weasleys?" He looked more concerned at that than anything so far.

"No, we're safe there. I may have let Fleur think that I was trying to impress Auror Robards with that dress the other night."

"Well, I'm sure he was impressed with your style, but it's unlikely in the way Fleur suspects. Auror Robards prefers wizards." We both laughed. It was a great feeling, as no doubt there had been very little true laughter for either of us in quite some time.

"So, what now?" I asked tentatively.

"Well, obviously, I'm attracted to you. It seems to be mutual." He paused for my reaction. I nodded shyly. "But this is awkward on many levels," he continued. "Truthfully, it's full of pitfalls for both of us. But I haven't felt genuinely drawn to someone in a very, very long time." He closed the distance between us again. "It's not something I intend to ignore."

I smiled. "I like that answer. I suppose the best approach then is just take things slowly to get to know one another, and be as discreet as we can when dealing with the Malfoys. Although, the Healer/patient thing still gives me pause."

"Elizabeth, I am really more your colleague than your patient. This whole arrangement is unconventional. Do not beat yourself up over some ... what was it you said before ... some ridiculous moral code. I assure you; no bounds have been overstepped, and I do not feel you have taken advantage of the situation." He raised an eyebrow at me on the phrase 'taken advantage of'. I blushed again.

"I must admit that part of my willingness to help you with the research on the patients was out of an interest in getting to know you better." He looked at me seriously. I found that once again, I could barely breathe.

"How very Slytherin of you, Severus."

"Yes, and it worked far more quickly than I could have hoped." He stepped in and kissed me again, this time slowly and deliberately. I felt my knees start to tremble. Feeling nervous, I backed out of his embrace. Looking up at him, I could see his black eyes were aflame.

"Slow, Severus. Really, I think it's better for both of us." My words sounded convincing, but I knew that I was trying to convince myself as much as anything.

"Elizabeth, I understand. But at the same time, we aren't teenagers. We aren't beholden to anyone. There's no need to feel guilty."

"It's not guilt, Severus. It's caution. Fear even. The last thing either of us need is to enter into something under extreme conditions and find ourselves hurt."

"Fair enough, I'm not an impulsive man, Elizabeth. Shall we head back to the house?"

I sighed. I was a bit worried about running into Narcissa just now. "I should go back to the cottage. I need to send Lucius an owl about the books and the Pensieve."

"I can speak with him if you like."

"Is that wise? Drawing more attention to us working together on this?"

"If Narcissa saw what I think she saw, I will have a lot more to explain than a Pensieve."

"This is going to be complicated."

"Yes, it is."

"Though, you are right. We're adults and can handle this."

"Is it acceptable that Draco work with me in the morning and you in the afternoon again?"

"Yes. I will go over all their charts after rounds and summarize what I can. Perhaps we can spend some time tomorrow afternoon developing a plan of attack for the research."

"My Healer insists I nap in the afternoons. Join me?"

"Severus ..."

"Yes, Elizabeth?"

"Draco and I will meet you after you have a chance to rest tomorrow."

"After that, you will let me show you the stables, and we shall talk, just the two of us. I'll have the elves prepare us a basket of sandwiches for dinner."

"That sounds nice." We had reached the house.

"Are you going to Floo back to the cottage?"

"No, I think I'll walk tonight. I'm not sure I can handle the speculative looks if we cross Narcissa's path."

"Very well, Elizabeth." He leaned in and kissed my cheek. "I shall see you tomorrow."

"Have a good evening, Severus."

And with that, he stepped into the house. I turned and started back toward the cottage, somewhat dazed. What had just happened? My mind was a whirlwind. I couldn't break through the feeling that this was a bad idea. It was too soon after his injury and the end of the war for him to be thinking straight. What if we were just thrown together and allowing this attraction to take over too quickly? What if it wasn't me he was interested in; what if I was just a soft place to fall?

This wouldn't do at all. I would not be one of those ridiculous swooning women. I needed to find some useful way to occupy my time this evening to take my mind off this. Then it hit me. I would prepare for tomorrow. I could go ahead and gather the needed information on how the patients were attacked and see if I could get names of the Death Eaters that cast the curse.

My first stop was Auror Robards. If he had taken an official statement from the patients, I might be able to get some of the information without bothering them this evening. I sat down at my desk, pulled out a quill, and jotted down a note.

Auror Robards,

Healer Elizabeth Prewett

I sealed the envelope and called Orby to take the note to the owlery. Auror Robards wasn't at the Manor this evening, but he might have a shift in the next couple of days.

My next step was summarizing the chart information for Severus. I took the Floo to the hospital fireplace. I was surprised to find Draco seated in the lounge area; he was talking intently with Dean Thomas.

"I am truly sorry for everything that happened to you here, Dean."

"Draco, it is best we all try and move forward. Obviously, a lot of bad things happened. But, don't think I don't know who was slipping nutrient potions into the food that you brought down here. Ollivander wouldn't have survived without those."

"Ollivander suffered greatly."

"Yes, Draco, he did. But adding yourself to the list of casualties wouldn't have helped anyone. Learn from it and move on. You are still a Malfoy. You've still got resources at your disposal most of us can't even fathom. Use it for good.

"Anyway, Draco, are you always going to be this much of a bore? How about I show you a thing or two about Muggle video games in the other lounge?" I could tell Dean was trying to lighten the mood with a little competition. Draco took the bait.

"Really, Thomas? You think you can beat me at anything?" Draco stood and started to follow Dean as he wheeled from the room.

"Draco, can I have a moment?" I called. "Dean, I promise I'll only keep him a couple of minutes."

"That's fine, Healer Prewett. It takes a couple minutes to set up. Draco, prepare to be taught a thing or two."

Draco crossed to me. "Is everything okay, Elizabeth?"

"Oh, yes, it's fine. First of all, you know he's right." I motioned to Dean.

"Yes. Actually, what he said about using the Malfoy influence to help move forward is a good point."

"You'll have to sell that to your father."

"Oh, that will be easy. I'll just have to show him how it benefits us."

"You mean legally?"

"Partially, yes. But honestly, the company has always had very little dealing with the Muggle world. There are vast markets out there that are untouched. He could hire a few people like Dean, and there are no limits to what they could do together."

"Interesting idea, which reminds me Draco, we never did really talk about how your father took the idea of you not going into the business."

"Father's not ready to retire. He just informed me that I'll have to produce an heir that has his business inclinations to make up for 'abandoning him for my altruistic pursuits'." Draco had put on his best haughty air when quoting Lucius. I tried, quite miserably, not to giggle at the sight.

"Lord Malfoy is always thinking ahead, is he not?"

"Yes, he certainly is. By the way, why are you here, Elizabeth?"

"Oh, I've come to make copies of the intake charts. Severus and I were discussing the cases of unknown origin. He mentioned that he and your father might have some inside knowledge that could give us a direction in finding the proper treatment."

"Did he now?"

"Yes, and he also mentioned that the family library might have some useful books."

"Well, Father's personal elf maintains the library. So, if Father consents, I can probably get what we need."

"That would be helpful. Tomorrow afternoon, we'll do rounds, and afterwards, we will spend some time doing some brainstorming with Severus and see if we can come up with a direction."

"Which cases?"

"Edward and Rosalyn seem like good candidates. I have a feeling he might be able to help Professor Sinistra as well, but I don't think there's any rush on that. I want him healed before he undertakes any serious efforts like unlocking someone's memories. Edward's case is likely quite simple if we just knew what was used against him."

"What if we used Edward's memories from the moments before the attack? He might remember something that didn't seem significant to him at the time. You never know what clues we might find."

"That's not a bad idea. We'll keep that as an option. Well, go enjoy yourself with Dean. I think it would be good for both of you to get to know each other." Draco nodded, and I collected the paperwork that I needed and took the Floo back to my cottage.

Orby prepared me a light dinner while I sat down and went through the charts and transcribed the notes that I thought were important. While I was eating, an owl arrived from Molly. I called her via the Floo and confirmed that I was coming over on Sunday. As usual, Molly had a full house, so we didn't talk long. I returned to my work.

A couple hours later, one of the Malfoy owls appeared toting a book and a scroll. Attached was the following note.

Elizabeth,

I chuckled. It was good to see him keeping a sense of humor about this. It seemed it was his turn to be the level-headed one, and it was my turn to panic about the situation. Opening the book, I carefully reviewed the marked chapter, making significant notes as I went.

I sent Orby with another note to the Mediwitch onsite that if Mr. Macmillan's wound reopened during the night, I needed her to observe the event. We would take her memory of it in order to help determine the cause.

Tomorrow was going to be a long day with several therapy sessions and a lot of research scheduled. I only hoped it would be a productive day. And I couldn't help but hope for a repeat of those kisses from Severus.