The Morning Post

The next morning, I opened my eyes when I heard the familiar eagle owl tapping on my window. Severus still slept beside me. He had tossed and turned for a long time last night, probably long after I slept. I quietly clambered out of bed, pulled on my dressing gown and made my way over to the window. The owl carried two parchments and two newspapers. I knew he hadn't traveled far. The only question was which Malfoy sent the post.

As I opened the note, I breathed a small sigh of relief upon seeing it was from Draco. There was a letter to me and one to Severus. I set Severus' aside and began to read the one addressed to me.

Elizabeth,

I am so sorry about what happened yesterday at the Burrow. Please believe that Mother and I knew nothing of Father's scheme. It has been a long time since I've seen Mother so angry at Father. I understand if this means that you and Severus will not tutor me now. I hope that is not the case, as I hope you are both able to separate our professional relationship from Father's behavior. Please let me know what you decide on that matter.

Also, I know you do not receive the papers at the cottage, but I thought you would be interested today. Both articles are quite enlightening.

If I do not hear from you, I will meet you at the hospital at 8:30 as we had previously discussed. I do have some information for you that I feel will be very helpful. Even if our working relationship is otherwise at an end, please allow me to share this with you.

Draco

I opened the Daily Prophet first. On the front page were the mug shots of the seven Death Eaters from last night's attack, along with the following article.

"Aurors Capture Seven Armed Death Eaters"

Dullen D. Reary, Staff Reporter

On Sunday night at 6:35 p.m., Aurors were called to the home of Arthur and Molly Weasley as a result of a breach in their family wards. A team of four was dispatched, and shortly thereafter, they returned to the Ministry with seven of the deadliest surviving Death Eaters. Molly Weasley was the apparent target. There were no major injuries. Percy Weasley, Ministry employee, suffered a minor injury and was treated at the scene by an unknown family member.

Unconfirmed sources report that Severus Snape was spotted at the scene, dining with the family as an invited guest. Severus Snape is believed to be deceased; however, no funeral services have been held, and the Ministry of Magic has refused to comment on posthumous honors for the double agent.

The article went on to outline the crimes of the various suspects and compliment the quick work of the Auror department. I chuckled. They obviously missed the part where the family did all of the work and all the Aurors did was process the suspects, but that really didn't matter. At least there were no libelous comments about anyone.

I then turned to the other paper. The Quibbler was colorful; it looked more like a comic book than a newspaper. On the front page, there were various photos of members of the Weasley family from different times over the past year. The headline also told a different story.

Family Thwarts Attack on Matriarch, Captures Death Eaters, Hailed as Heroes

By Xenophilius Lovegood, Editor in Chief

As the Weasley family was finishing dinner with family and friends last night, family members realized that their wards had been breached. They were under attack. Quick thinking and bravery prevailed, and none of the family or guests were seriously injured. Less than 30 minutes after the wards were breached, seven highly dangerous Death Eaters were hauled off to the Ministry with the help of a team of Aurors.

Audrey Hopkirk, recently engaged to Percy Weasley, was present when the impending attack was discovered. She was reached by Floo later Sunday evening.

"Arthur and Bill both sensed a breach in the wards, and Molly confirmed it as well. Arthur's first concern was for the safety of the Minister of Magic and the family's guests. There was a child present, who was quickly evacuated by Floo, along with the child's guardian, Minister Shacklebolt, Headmistress McGonagall and me."

Neville Longbottom supervised the evacuation of the Minister and other guests. He also retrieved the team of Aurors who arrested the criminals. Other friends and family members were escorted into the house while Harry Potter and the other fighters developed a defensive strategy. The team responsible for bringing down the Death Eaters included Harry Potter, Arthur Weasley, Bill Weasley, Charlie Weasley, Fleur Delacour Weasley, George Weasley, Percy Weasley, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Severus Snape (see related article page 2). Elizabeth Prewett was placed on guard duty at the home, protecting the Weasleys' underage daughter, Molly Weasley (the apparent target) and two other guests.

The team spanned out in all directions to locate the suspects. Within twenty minutes, seven Death Eaters had been apprehended. The Aurors arrived on the scene within five minutes of Longbottom's departure from the home. Prewett directed them to the area of the ward breach, and they returned shortly thereafter, assisting the transport of the now imprisoned Death Eaters.

Chief Auror Robards, who responded to the call, said that the situation was well in hand when his team arrived.

"All of the Death Eaters had been disarmed, and most of them had already been restrained. My men completed the job that had been very effectively handled up until our arrival."

The Aurors were applauded for the quick response time. Further questioning revealed that this was more than just general preparedness.

"We were notified that there was a threat against Molly Weasley. A tip came in on Saturday that the attack was expected on Sunday."

No comment was available as to the nature of the tip. Further, no comment was available as to why Mrs. Weasley was not notified of the general threat or the impending attack.

The seven Death Eaters apprehended consisted of Rabastan and Rodolphus Lestrange, Gregory Goyle Sr., Gregory Goyle Jr., Sven Rowle, Marco Dohlohov and James Flint. Both Lestranges were previously incarcerated in Azkaban for their attack on Alice and Frank Longbottom in 1981.

I smiled. Xenophilius was certainly eccentric, but he got to the heart of the matter. I also thought that the way he left his own name out of the story was admirable. Sighing, I turned to page two.

Severus Snape Survives Snake Savagery

By Luna Lovegood, Staff contributor

Former Death Eater and spy Severus Snape is expected to be issued a full pardon this morning. This news comes as the Ministry is releasing information on where the former headmaster has been in the weeks since the battle. Snape was discovered and treated by Healer Elizabeth Prewett after he was attacked by Tom Riddle's deadly familiar, Nagini.

Prewett served as a Healer for the Order of the Phoenix during the battle. She was searching for a family member when she came upon Riddle and Snape. According to previous reports from Harry Potter, Riddle ordered the snake to attack Snape because Riddle believed that would make him the master of an invincible wand. Riddle then immediately left the shack. Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger had been hiding in a secret passageway and attempted to help Snape; however, they believed he was already deceased and returned to the battle.

Prewett, who had been hiding under a Disillusionment Charm, checked Snape's vital signs after Potter and the others left. After discovering he was still alive, Prewett utilized her Healer training along with Legilimency to determine the best course of action. Snape managed to communicate non-verbally to Prewett that he carried an antivenin that helped reverse the effects of the venom. Prewett, along with a house-elf belonging to Muriel Thompson, worked for several hours on Snape's injuries. He was moved to Malfoy Manor the evening after the battle to be cared for by Prewett. Prewett, along with several members of the St. Mungo's staff, is currently providing care of a handful of other patients injured in the battle.

I was given the opportunity to sit down with Professor Snape to discuss his role in the wars against Voldemort.

LL: What do you think led you to the Dark Arts originally?

SS: My home life as a child was not a happy one. My father was cruel and violent at times. I wanted out; I wanted to get my mother out. Dark Magic was the means to that end in my young mind. I convinced myself that if I learned enough magic, we would be able to escape.

LL: Tell me about Lily Evans.

SS: We met at nine. She was a witch, but she didn't know it. I introduced myself and the idea that magic was real. We became close friends. She was my escape from my dismal home life. I was infatuated with her almost immediately.

LL: What happened when you arrived at Hogwarts?

SS: We were sorted into different houses, but we stayed friends for several years.

LL: Tell me about James Potter.

SS: James and I became adversaries immediately. I wanted to be in Slytherin; James came from a long line of Gryffindors. Both of us held ridiculous prejudices against the other's desired house. We were also polar opposites and smitten with the same girl. It was a recipe for animosity.

LL: What was your experience like in Slytherin House?

SS: I felt respected. I knew a great deal of magic, was fairly powerful and wasn't afraid to throw a hex to defend myself.

LL: Is that what first drew you to the Death Eaters?

SS: That was part of it along with the promise of even greater power.

LL: How did your friendship with the future Death Eaters affect your relationship with Lily?

SS: She hated it.

LL: You had a falling out at some point. What happened?

SS: My association with the future Death Eaters was a major part of the reason for our friendship ending. It came to a boil after an incident fifth year. James had humiliated me in front of several other students. She tried to intervene, which just enraged me further. The argument escalated and I lashed out, and to my shame, I called my best friend a Mudblood.

LL: What happened next?

SS: That was the final straw for Lily. She was becoming increasingly upset about my associations with the future Death Eaters. I apologized profusely for the slur, but the damage was done. The friendship was over. I was devastated. I retreated further into the Dark Arts and joined the Death Eaters after graduation.

LL: Tell me what happened in the spring of 1980.

SS: I was spying on Dumbledore for Voldemort. I overheard part of the prophecy about someone with the power to destroy Voldemort. I reported it back to him. He determined that it was Lily's unborn child. The Potters became his target.

LL: How did you react?

SS: I begged him to spare her.

LL: Her? Or them?

SS: Just her. I've no excuse for that. It's not that I specifically wished them dead, I just was laser focused in my concern for her.

LL: And then what happened?

SS: He dismissed my feelings for her. He went on some diatribe about other more worthy women. I could only see Lily. She was the only woman that existed for me back then. So, I went to Dumbledore and told him about the prophecy. Dumbledore tried to hide all of them, and I became his spy. But Voldemort found the Potters anyway and killed Lily and James. Harry survived, of course, and Voldemort lost his power.

LL: Fast forward ten years. Harry Potter comes to Hogwarts. What were your thoughts?

SS: I was filled with many negative thoughts about Harry Potter, mostly because of my dislike of James. Dumbledore tried to convince me of my bias, but I would have none of it. I protected the boy, but I resented him as well.

LL: When Voldemort returned, you returned to the Death Eaters?

SS: Yes, as a spy for Dumbledore. It was a very fine line to walk, convincing both that I was a spy for them, but I was effective at it.

LL: Until ...

SS: Until Dumbledore was infected with a fatal curse. It was killing him slowly. Around the same time, Voldemort charged another young man with the task of murdering Dumbledore. To protect the boy, and to ensure a speedy death when the time came, I agreed to kill Dumbledore to protect the boy.

LL: Draco Malfoy?

SS: Yes.

LL: You have a current relationship with the younger Mr. Malfoy?

SS: He is my Potions apprentice.

LL: And Lucius Malfoy?

SS: Is an old friend who continues to help me to this day.

LL: So back to the war. After Dumbledore's death, you rejoined the Death Eaters and became the headmaster of Hogwarts?

SS: Yes, I had sworn to Dumbledore that I would protect the students. I did as much as I dared. I regret that it wasn't more.

LL: What did you do?

SS: I thwarted the Carrows when I could. I assigned many punishments to Hagrid, who would not abuse the students. I assigned menial labor rather than the Carrows' physical punishments. I provided the Sword of Gryffindor to Potter.

LL: I'm sure those you helped appreciate it, sir. When the battle occurred, what did you expect to happen?

SS: I wanted to find Potter, to share with him the last bit of information he needed. I also had something I believed would protect him.

LL: And how did that work out?

SS: I shared the information via my memories. I did not get to give him the protection. It turns out he did not need it.

LL: Now that you've survived the war, what are your plans?

SS: I hope to return to my Potions research. I wish to live free of being under the thumb of any master. I pray to atone for the mistakes of my youth.

LL: Will you return to Hogwarts?

SS: Not to teach.

LL: And what of personal goals, Professor?

SS: Pardon?

LL: Do you still love Lily Potter?

SS: Very much. Not in the way I once did, but much of that was an illusion. I still love my childhood best friend who showed me many wonderful things.

LL: What changed that?

SS: Nearly bleeding to death on the floor of that shack. I don't know if it was an apparition, a trick of the mind, or something real, but I said goodbye to the fantasy of Lily and me while I was unconscious that day.

LL: So there's room now to move forward?

SS: I certainly hope so, but I can't predict the future.

LL: Do you have any words for Harry Potter?

SS: Yes, and I will share those with him privately.

LL: Is there anything else you would like to say?

SS: I just hope we can all learn from our mistakes and move forward now that this war is over.

I set the paper down. I hoped that would accomplish the goal of keeping the press off his back. There was very little in the article I didn't already know, but it was still endearing to me to read it like that. He'd been through a lot, and the fact that he was genuinely trying to move forward was a huge step.

The next order of business was setting Draco straight. He needed to know that I would not hold him or Narcissa responsible for Lucius' actions.

Draco,

Thank you for sending copies of the papers. As for our working relationship, your father's actions have nothing to do with your tutoring and training. Severus will have to speak for himself, but none of his ire last night was towards you or Narcissa. We know you were not involved. You know he can tell if someone is lying to him.

I will see you at 8:30 as planned. I look forward to hearing what you have learned.

Elizabeth

I glanced at the clock. It was almost 7:30. I placed the parchment and the newspapers on the nightstand on his side of the bed. I showered and dressed quickly. I took a look at myself in the bathroom mirror. I lifted my hair and examined my neck. Severus' enthusiasm last night had left evidence on my neck, shoulders and my wrists, not to mention other areas that were not publicly visible. I cast a glamour to hide the visible marks.

Severus was awake when I left the bathroom.

"Good morning," I said brightly. "Draco sent an owl and copies of The Quibbler and the Daily Prophet. The Quibbler articles aren't half bad."

"Articles? How many are there?"

"Well, the attack last night made the front page, and you made the second page."

He picked up Draco's letter and read it over carefully. Then he picked up the Daily Prophet. "Missed the point again, didn't they?"

I laughed. "Yeah, but that's pretty benign, don't you think?"

"Actually, yes, I agree." He was now reading Xenophilius' account of the attack. After a couple of minutes, he turned to page two. His face was thoughtful, and he looked a bit worried, but there was no trace of anger.

"Xenophilius did a fine job with the story on the attack. Luna's account of what happened the night of the battle is fair and factual as well."

"And the interview, Severus, how do you feel about that part?"

"Let's just hope it works." He sighed. "I'm going to go get ready. Draco sounds pretty excited about this new information he's obtained."

"Are you ready to be seen in the hospital, Severus?"

"It's only eight patients. And most of them were my students in the past few years. If I can remember how to glare at them, they won't give me any trouble."

"Oh, you glared pretty well at Lucius last night. Just try to do it without hexing them, okay, Severus?"

"I shall try."

I stepped through the Floo and immediately spotted Draco. He looked like he was about to burst. Severus stepped out of the Floo behind me, and Draco's face dimmed a fraction.

Severus walked over to Draco and offered his hand. "Last night didn't have anything to do with you. I hope you understand that."

"Yes, sir." His face brightened as he accepted the gesture.

"So, what is this news you have, Draco? Why don't we speak in my office?" I led them into my office; Severus closed the door behind us and cast a sound dampening charm.

Draco pulled a vial from his robes. It looked like a memory thread. "Severus, Elizabeth, I think you will find those useful. I was able to persuade Father to give those to me after our dinner conversation last night. Apparently, in a skirmish years ago, Rockwood missed his target and hit Father with the same curse that was used on Rosalyn. This is Father's memory of Rockwood repairing the damage. You can see and hear how the countercurse is applied."

"How complicated is it?" I asked.

"Not particularly. I think any one of us could handle it after watching the memory."

"Good," I said. "Well, let's go about morning rounds and therapy, and then the three of us will review the memory after lunch. We can come back this afternoon and apply the countercurse if we feel ready.

"Severus, I shall take you to Aurora's room. You can speak with her about the Legilimency, and the two of you can decide how to proceed. I should probably be present when you actually cast the spell the first time, just in case there are any surprises. Draco, you and I will finish rounds and therapies."

"Yes, Elizabeth," assented Draco.

Severus nodded. "How did you persuade Lucius to share this with you?" Severus asked Draco.

"I told him it might help him get back into good graces with you two. Consider it a peace offering." Draco stared at his feet as he spoke, and then he looked up at Severus cautiously.

Severus' eyes flashed with anger. He opened his mouth to speak; then he appeared to think better of it.

Draco backtracked, "I didn't actually expect it to work, sir. It's just better to appeal to Father as a negotiation than to try to appeal to his sense of decency. I understand the gravity of Father's actions."

Severus snorted at that, seemingly appeased.

"Well, Draco, that was a good angle to use with him. Thank you." I looked at Severus and smiled gently.

Severus sighed. "Elizabeth is right, Draco. It was a clever tactic. But, don't get in the middle of this thing between me and Lucius. I know he's your father, but don't try to be his advocate to me right now. It's not a good idea."

Draco nodded his understanding. Severus had clearly not lost his ability to intimidate.

We left my office and went to Aurora's room. When we walked in, she smiled at us. "Healer Prewett, Trainee Malfoy, how are you today?" Her normal sunny tone turned icy as she greeted Severus, "Good morning, Headmaster Snape."

"Wait," I started, mildly excited, "how did you know his name?"

"I, uh," she hesitated, "I don't know."

"Have you been reading the newspapers? Did you see a photo of him there?"

She shook her head at my question.

Draco shared my excitement. "Healer Prewett, did you catch what she actually called him?"

I was puzzled, but Draco continued, "Headmaster Snape, not Professor Snape, not Severus Snape. That's got to mean something."

"So does her tone, Elizabeth," Severus offered softly. "Aurora and I were on relatively good terms when Dumbledore was Headmaster. She would have called me Severus then, but obviously, about the time I became headmaster, her attitude towards me changed."

"So, she's had a flash of memory, and you can isolate it to a period of about one year before the battle?"

"Exactly," Severus said, intrigued.

I noticed that Aurora looked agitated at Severus' presence. "Professor Sinistra, I'm going to have to ask you to trust me on this. Severus is a friend to you now. I know you don't see him as such, but I assure you, there is more to the story than you know." I reached over and patted her hands.

"Should we tell her?" Draco asked.

"Maybe a little bit, certainly not everything, not yet. Too much too soon could cause her to withdraw further, especially if there are Occlumency walls involved, whether imposed by her or by someone else. It's better to let her start figuring it out on her own, and then we can help her as she progresses. Aurora, please tell me what you thought and felt when you saw him."

"I felt anger and sense of betrayal. I don't know why. Sir, I don't know you. If Healer Prewett trusts you, I'll accept that. But that was my reaction."

"Is there anything else?" I prodded softly.

"I see the image of an old man. I don't recognize him either. Long beard, blue eyes."

Draco looked at me and mouthed "Dumbledore". Severus looked like he was going to vomit.

"This is excellent news, Aurora."

"How so?"

"It means your memories are present and not lost." I conjured a journal and a quill. "In the future, if you have flashes, feelings that you can't explain, write them down. This is very important. It may help us piece together the story. I know this is upsetting. I had planned more for today, but I don't think it is wise after all. Severus, please excuse us."

He nodded. "I shall be in the office." He swept from the room in fairly dramatic fashion. He was obviously upset from the encounter as well, but I knew he would understand and recover.

I sat down next to Aurora. "Do you recognize Trainee Malfoy?"

"No, should I?"

I smiled. "Not necessarily. He was a student of yours when he was younger."

"I was much younger, Healer Prewett. I had very little interaction with Professor Sinistra after fifth year."

"I see."

"Ferret?" Aurora questioned. Her hand quickly covered her mouth, unsure of what she had just said.

Draco blushed furiously.

I looked between them, puzzled. "I don't understand."

"I don't wish to go into details, but I was given that nickname after a particularly embarrassing incident in my fourth year."

"Oh. So, it's an accurate memory."

"Yes."

"I'm sorry, Trainee Malfoy." Aurora looked sheepish that she had brought up something embarrassing for Draco.

"It isn't your fault, Professor; you weren't responsible." He had regained his composure by now.

"This is all very interesting. I shall speak with some of the specialists at St. Mungo's. I have a meeting there tomorrow."

Aurora nodded.

Draco and I excused ourselves and left her room. Glancing across the lounge, I could see Severus in my office. He had a very old book open, and he was scribbling furiously on a spare piece of parchment. He looked invigorated, like he'd just had a revelation of some kind.

"I wonder what that's about," Draco pondered.

"I don't know. He doesn't look angry, though. It looks like he may be onto something. Let's not interrupt him."

I led Draco to Lavender's room. "May we come in?"

She was standing near the door, peeking out. Before Draco entered the room, she spun around, uttered a few words quietly and turned back around. Her scars looked fainter than usual.

I smiled. "That was impressive, Miss Brown."

Draco looked at me, obviously confused. I motioned for him to drop it.

"You think so?"

"I do. How are your meetings going with Lady Malfoy?"

"Really well," she gushed. "I showed her my drawings. She thinks I have talent that I should develop. She was able to get me an interview for an apprenticeship with one of the best fashion houses in Wizarding England. If I get it, I will start in September."

"Oh, wow, that is exciting." I rejoiced inwardly. The job offer sounded good for Lavender, but even more wonderful was that she was willing to take this step. The fact that I was seeing an excited young girl, rather than the brooding victim, was massive progress.

Draco cut in, "Mother has exquisite taste. If she thinks you have skill, you can take her at her word. She has actually launched the career of a few designers over the past ten years."

Lavender's eyes grew wide. "I've got so much to do. They want to see three of my designs. In a week! How am I going to get that done?"

Draco said, "If they are interested in your designs, do they care if you physically make the dresses?"

"No. I'm awful at the actual dressmaking. Parvati always helped with that part." She seemed to ponder that.

"Mother's tailor could probably execute the design, if that would help. Or you could have Parvati come over to assist."

Lavender clasped her hands in excitement.

"Parvati Patil is former classmate of ours, Healer Prewett," Draco explained.

"Ah, I see. Well, that sounds excellent. Lavender, keep up the good work. We will see you tomorrow."

"Send a message to Mother about the dressmaker if you can't reach Parvati, Lavender." Draco excused himself.

"Thank you both," she beamed.

As we left the room, I smiled at Draco. "That was kind of you."

He looked sheepish. "Mother is enjoying her company. I know she would have liked to have a daughter as well as a son. They tried for years for another child after me."

We visited with the other patients. We explained our progress to Rosalyn and Edward. They were both excited that we had a plan. Marjorie agreed to go with one of the St. Mungo's Healers to a Muggle hospital for some tests. One of the London hospitals had a pair of Squib doctors that worked with St. Mungo's patients on occasion.

Draco observed and assisted with the therapy sessions as well. All of the patients were working hard on their recoveries. Progress was slow as expected, but little by little, they were starting to gain strength.

By the time lunch arrived, I was ravenous. I went to the office to see what Severus planned to do. He was still working feverishly.

"Severus, are you hungry?"

He looked up at me, mildly irritated. "Not really. I've found something. I'm going to keep working. Narcissa sent you a message."

I smiled. He had a determined look on his face. Whatever he was up to, it seemed like it was pretty important. "I may spend some time in the lab later as well. Will I see you for dinner?"

"I would like that, Severus."

He looked up. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, Severus, I'm fine. I've never seen you so focused." I crossed the room and leaned over to him, lowering my voice, "It's kind of sexy."

He took a deep breath. I could tell he was half aroused, half annoyed. "Lizzie, play fair."

I chuckled. "Never. I will use all of my wicked ways on you." I kissed him gently on the cheek and patted his shoulder. "I'll see you tonight. Send me a message if you need to work through. I know how it is when you get on a roll and don't want to break concentration. Draco and I can handle Rosalyn, I think."

"Oh," Severus paused. "I forgot about that. How about the two of you view the memory after lunch, and if you think you need me, let me know? But if not, take care of her. Draco and I can work later this afternoon."

"That will work."

"Thank you for understanding. But, if you need me, let me know."

I smiled, took Narcissa's message from the desk and headed out of the office.

Elizabeth,

I would like to chat with you this afternoon. Lucius is away from the house. He has gone to the Ministry with his barrister. Please let me know if you would join me for tea, perhaps around three.

Narcissa

"Boppy."

The elf appeared.

"Please let Lady Malfoy know that I am free for tea. I will see her at three."

"Yes, Miss Elizabeth."

"Thank you, Boppy."

Draco was in the lounge, so I stopped in and informed him of the plans. I then took the Floo back to the cottage. Orby had lunch waiting for me, so I ate as I updated my notes from the morning.

When Draco arrived a few minutes later, we reviewed the memory. The countercurse was just an incantation and a simple wand movement. Draco transfigured a cup into a rat and tested the curse and countercurse a few times to make sure he could do it correctly. We then traveled back to the hospital, and Draco applied the countercurse to Rosalyn's arm.

It worked easily. Rosalyn's arm wasn't instantly better; it was weak from lack of use. Her range of movement was severely limited, but it was clear that the curse was gone. We added her to the therapy schedule and excused ourselves.

Draco headed down to the lab. He had some potions brewing that needed attention. I had a little more prep work to do before my meeting the next day, so I headed back to the cottage for a little while before meeting Narcissa for tea.

It was a lovely afternoon, so Narcissa had tea served in the garden. "I must say," she began, "I'm glad you agreed to meet with me. I was afraid that Lucius' actions would keep you away."

"Narcissa, I'm not going to lie. The fact that he's away makes this much easier for me. I do not hold his actions against you, but I find myself uncomfortable around him right now. This isn't the first problem I've had with Lucius. Severus and I still need to talk through our next steps, but after the first incident, he and I discussed leaving the Manor. That option is certainly on the table after this latest situation."

Narcissa furrowed her brow. "What was the first incident?"

"Lucius had some rather unkind words for me after learning that Severus and I had been intimate. Lucius insinuated that I took Severus to my bed because I had learned that his family is wealthy."

Narcissa gasped. "Yes, I can see how that would make things uncomfortable." She sighed. "Well, even if you decide to cease contact with him, I do hope that you and I can remain friends. If you decide to leave the grounds, I can meet with you somewhere public for tea in the future."

"That sounds like a lovely option, Narcissa. Now, shall we talk about something more pleasant? Miss Brown was positively aglow this morning. She had lovely things to say about your time with her."

Narcissa gave a wide smile. "She is a delightful girl, positively exuberant. And she does have talent. It's unpolished at this time, but if my acquaintances see the same thing in her that I do, they will help her develop her skills."

"She appreciates your support immensely, Narcissa."

Narcissa chuckled. "Indeed, she made that quite well known." Narcissa suddenly grew quiet. "There is another matter that I wished to discuss with you."

"Yes, Narcissa?" I wondered what this could be about.

"I'm sure you've heard the story of my sister Andromeda. My parents disapproved of her choice in husband. To tell you the truth, so did I, but I never would have shunned her over it. My parents were insistent, however. Lucius was supportive of their choice to disown her. I never questioned it as a daughter, and later, a wife."

"I have heard the story. I have met Andromeda, but she and I are not close. Her daughter, may she rest in peace, was a friend."

"I would like to contact my sister. But, I do not know how it would be received."

"Well, Narcissa, if you want an opinion of someone who knows Andromeda, speak to Severus. However, if you want a completely outside opinion, I will say this. Contact her. What have you to lose? Andromeda may reject your attempt at reconciliation, but you would be no worse off than now. If she accepts it, you could rebuild a tie long ago severed by hate."

"I shall consider it. I think I would like to hear Severus' opinion on the issue as well."

"I believe you will find him in the training room with Draco later this afternoon."

"Thank you."

Our conversation turned lighter at that point. When she learned that I had not ventured out of the Manor, other than to go to Molly's, she was shocked. "You must let me take you out to lunch this Saturday."

I nodded my agreement.

"Would you like to take a turn about the gardens? It is so fine out, and I would love to share with someone what I've been working on over in the west garden."

I smiled. "That sounds pleasant."

Narcissa and I stood and struck out across the grounds. She shared her plans for some new floral designs. I nodded my approval, and I shared that Severus and I had toured several of the gardens, and I found them quite lovely. She attempted to hide a knowing smile, or perhaps she did not; regardless, it did not work. I could tell she wished to question me about Severus, but to her credit, she did not. We finished our walk, and I returned to the cottage a little before dinnertime.

When I got back to the cottage, I could hear Severus in the shower. My mind was instantly filled with wicked thoughts. I slipped into the bedroom and removed my robes. I set my wand on the vanity next to his and stole into the shower.

I slipped my hands into his wet hair and began to massage his temples, pressing my breasts into his back. His body felt so good against mine; I felt a jolt of arousal go through me immediately.

"I thought I told you to play fair, woman." He moaned at my touch.

I nipped at his ear. "And I made it quite clear that I did not agree to those terms." He turned around and our lips connected instantly. The passion that stirred between us was overwhelming. The water washed over us as we kissed, and I melted into his arms. He broke the kiss for air and looked into my eyes. He leaned down to kiss my neck and then stopped. "What is this?" he sounded concerned.

I looked at my shoulder, realizing that my glamours had been cancelled by the water.

"Merlin, did I do all that to you?" He turned me around, looking at the marks on my hips, my backside and my shoulders. "Elizabeth, I'm sorry."

"Shhh....don't be, I'm just fine."

He shook his head. "Well, this time, I plan to worship you like the goddess you are, my love."

He turned me around, and I could hear him lathering his hands. He reached out and rubbed the shampoo into my hair. He tenderly ran his hands through my hair, root to tip. He then leaned into me and rubbed the soap all over the front of my body. His fingers alternated between feather soft and firm, but they were never rough. My body was tingling all over from the pure eroticism of it. At the same time, he was doing heavenly things to my neck with his lips and tongue. He paid special attention to the areas that he had bruised and scratched in our rough play the night before. His lower body was molded into mine, and I could feel him firmly against my backside. He kept whispering my name and little terms of endearment. All I was capable of was uttering unintelligible little moans. It was one of the most delectable experiences I can ever remember.

When he turned me around, he captured me in a long kiss before reaching around me to wash my back. This time, his mouth found my breasts. I put my arms out to the side to brace myself, as the sensations were becoming overwhelming. He chuckled, and the vibration intensified the sensation even more. He switched sides and repeated the process, and I thought my knees were going to give way.

He lowered himself to his knees and began to work his way up my legs. When he reached the apex of my thighs, he tried to nudge my legs apart. I looked down at him and shook my head. He stood up, a bit confused. "Is something the matter? Do you not want me to continue?"

"Oh, gods, Severus, of course I do, but please take me to the bed. There's no way my knees have enough strength in them for that right here."

He smiled and turned off the water behind him. He stepped out of the shower and wandlessly cast a drying charm on both of us. He then lifted me off the ground and carried me to the bed. He placed me gently on the bed, pushed my legs apart and leaned down.

He inhaled sharply, "Amazing," he whispered, his breath sending yet another shockwave through my body, and I felt my body respond even further to his touch. His hands first rubbed my thighs gently, and then he moved one up to my breasts. The other replaced his lips, and he slid a finger inside. I was moaning wantonly, my hips rocking, my hands clutching the sheet beneath me. My orgasm had been building for what seemed like an eternity, yearning to rip from me. He then angled his fingers slightly, and my orgasm took hold of me from head to toe. I screamed and thrashed wildly, calling his name and sounding my praises for the amazing things he was doing to me. As I came down from the incredible high, I reached down and pulled him up my body. He kissed me soundly and threaded his hands with mine. I pulled away from the kiss and locked eyes with him.

"Please, Severus; I need you inside me right now."

He smiled and complied, groaning as he entered. Once in, he stilled and kissed me again. I rocked my hips into him, begging him to move. He pulled back, my stimulated body feeling every inch of him as he slid back and then down again. He continued this slow pace for what seemed like an eternity, and I was panting and begging with renewed need. I raised my legs, wrapping them around him.

"What does my goddess desire?" He said silkily.

"You, closer." I tightened my legs around him.

"I am happy to oblige," he said, entering me deeply once more. He began to gradually pick up speed, and he kissed me again as he continued to thrust in and out of me. My hair was fanned out on the pillow, and he ran his fingers through it gently. I moved with him, meeting him thrust for thrust, tightening my legs around him.

I could see his eyes darken, and I knew that he was close to his climax. I leaned forward and nipped at his jaw. I wrapped my arms around him as my own climax was quickly building again. He cupped my face and our eyes locked as our pace became uncontrolled. The intensity overcame me and I came, screaming his name loudly in ecstasy. My body convulsed and my vision grew fuzzy. He shouted his pleasure and I felt him empty inside of me. He collapsed into a heap on me, and we lay there, panting, for a few minutes, a sated tangle of limbs, our hearts pounding in our chests.

"That was incredible." I ran my hands through his hair.

He smiled and kissed me again. "I assure you, my dear; it was amazing for me, too." He rolled onto his back, and I draped my body across him.

I was completed sated sexually; still, I couldn't get close enough to him. The bliss of being wrapped in his arms at that moment was all-encompassing. Once again, I found myself biting my lip, fighting with myself.

It was crazy, but I knew this man was my future. Emotion won over reason, and I took a deep breath. "I love you," I whispered into his chest.

He kissed the top of my hair and hugged me tighter. He then pulled me up and turned me to face him. "I love you, too, Elizabeth. I know, it's insane, it's too fast to be rational, but I do. I am as sure of it as I have been of anything in my life." He kissed my lips, my cheek and my nose, and then he snuggled me down against his chest once more. I closed my eyes and dozed off to sleep.