Out on the Town

Monday morning, I sent an owl to the Minister to inform him of my wish to move from Malfoy Manor. Severus sent a note of thanks to his grandmother, and then we walked to the hospital. Draco joined us, and we started rounds by visiting Aurora. She greeted us all pleasantly.

"Good morning, Aurora. Do you feel up to allowing Severus to look into your mind?" She nodded hesitantly.

He asked her to sit down at the table in her room and sat down across from her. Draco and I backed away in order to give them room.

"Relax as much as you can. If you feel any discomfort, I should be able to sense it and exit, but don't hesitate to say something if I don't notice."

She nodded and took a breath. Draco and I watched from our vantage point across the room. She was still; he was seemingly looking through her eyes. Every once in a while, he would move slightly, or he would whisper something. After a few minutes, he moved back in his chair. She leaned forward and rested her head in her hand. They both looked fatigued.

"Is everyone okay?" I asked cautiously.

Severus looked at me. "Yes. I was able to see the walls. They do not look self-imposed. I'm not sure if that makes it more or less difficult to solve. I may have been able to bring down one of the easier ones."

Aurora began murmuring quietly. "Hydra, Virgo, Ursa Major, Cetus, Hercules, Eridanus, Pegasus, Draco, Centaurus..."

"Yes?"

"Not you, Draco, she's naming constellations. By size, if I'm not mistaken." I was intrigued by this development.

Draco looked embarrassed at his mistake. "Another subject I didn't get an O.W.L. in," he said with sheepish grin.

I waved my hand at him. "Severus, it worked. You unlocked part of her professional knowledge. Aurora, do you feel alright?"

She nodded. "I think so. It feels strange."

Severus offered an explanation. "It probably will. I always felt a little off when I took down my Occlumency walls after being around Voldemort."

Aurora clasped her hands together and looked frightened.

I patted her shoulder reassuringly. "Note to all, let's avoid that word around her."

Draco and Severus nodded.

"All is well, Aurora. He's dead. He's not going to hurt anyone again."

She visibly relaxed.

"This is going to be an uncomfortable process for you, Aurora. I think that's enough for today. Good work, Severus. Rest, Aurora."

She nodded.

Severus and I stepped into the hallway for a moment of privacy before he excused himself to go move his things. Today was a Charms day with Draco, so Severus was going to work on the house. I told him he should take Orby with him if he needed some help; he agreed to call the elf for help.

I returned to Draco, and we headed to check on Edward. He was packing up to head home. He had not had any recurrences over the weekend. Rosalyn was also going home. She had to return for therapy a few days per week, but she was ready to be among family. We visited briefly with Marjorie, and I shared the information from St. Mungo's. I would take her to St. Mungo's on Wednesday, and the liaison would take her to the Muggle hospital.

Lavender was our last stop of the day before therapies. She was bustling about her room. Three dress mannequins were lined up against the back wall. She had a pair of shoes in her hand and a pincushion on her wrist; her portfolio was flopped open on her table.

"Lavender, dear, are you okay?"

"I'm meeting with Lady Malfoy after lunch, and she is taking me to my interview. I'm not ready."

"What's not ready? Your designs?"

"No, those are fine. They are fine, aren't they?"

Draco and I both nodded; we were both unsure of how to react to her agitated state. He backed towards the door.

"Then what's not ready?" I was puzzled.

"Me! My clothes, my hair...I look a fright..."

"Lavender, it's 9 a.m. You have over 3 hours." Draco attempted to calm her.

"I know! It's not enough time!"

"Draco, do you think your mother would mind if we asked Boppy to assist Miss Brown this morning?"

"I think that would be fine with Mother. Should I go ask her?" Draco seemed rather desperate to escape.

"Yes, please. Lavender, please show me your dress designs." Lavender calmed a bit and started going over what she had prepared. A few minutes later, Draco reappeared with Boppy. Draco and I excused ourselves and went to the therapy room where Dean was waiting for us. Three hours later, we broke for lunch. I returned to the training room after lunch, and we worked for several hours getting Draco ready for his Charms O.W.L. He had most of the basics down, but some of his work lacked finesse. He would apply too much power and break the item he had just repaired. His frustration was evident.

"Draco, you are doing fine. You are still adjusting to the lifting of the binding spell. We'll keep at it tomorrow."

He nodded. I could tell he was worried. "Get some air, Draco. Call your friends; go have some fun. You've been working very hard. You're trying to accomplish a great deal in a short amount of time."

He rolled his eyes.

"There's something else, isn't there?"

"Father wants to talk to me after dinner. He said it's about the Courtship Agreement with Pansy."

"I thought that was settled. Severus won't consent to it."

"I don't know. He said he'd given it some more thought, and he wanted my thoughts on something. I am NOT ready for this conversation. She at least needs to finish Hogwarts first." Draco froze, mortified at his slip.

"What? Has Miss Parkinson not graduated yet?"

He kicked at one shoe with the other. "I'm not talking about Pansy."

"Oh. May I ask who you are talking about?"

"Astoria Greengrass. She'll be a seventh-year this year, but she wants to go to university next year."

"Is she the type of young lady your parents will accept?"

"I think so."

"Pureblood?"

"Yes. Beautiful, proper, intelligent, sweet. Everything Mother and Father could possibly want in a daughter-in-law."

"And she is interested in you?"

"Yes."

"And you are concerned because of your father?"

"Yes. There's probably some bargain in place that I don't know about."

"Draco, have you talked to your mother about Miss Greengrass?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I didn't think I needed to yet. I thought we had already dodged this hex."

"Don't panic. Talk to your father tonight. Find out what he's thinking. If you think telling him about Miss Greengrass is a good idea, do so."

"You are so damn trusting, Elizabeth. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but this is my father we are talking about. Hoping he'll do the right thing is like going with Lovegood on a nature hike. Foolish and dangerous."

"Then talk to Narcissa. Who else handles your father better?"

"I need to go get ready for dinner. I'll think about talking to Mother."

I took a quick shower when I got back to the cottage. It had been a long afternoon of training with Draco. Though not as physically strenuous as dueling, the charms we were working on were still demanding. I came out feeling refreshed, and I heard Severus in the living room. I was intrigued to find one of my dresses had been placed gently on the bed with a note on top of it.

Put this on.

Smiling, I dressed quickly and stepped into the living room. He was sitting at the table.

"What's going on?" I asked, curious.

"This arrived from Bill today." He motioned to a stack of parchment. "It's the Courtship Agreement. He signed it. When we sign it, it will be official. The Ministry will get a copy automatically."

"This is Ministry business?" Once again I was shocked at the customs.

He smiled. "Yes, dear. So tonight, we are going out."

"I don't get the connection."

"We're going out to celebrate. What's not to understand?"

"Severus, what aren't you telling me?"

He laughed. "I can't get anything past you, can I? One of Grandmother's provisions is that I take you out at least twice per week. Actually, her provision was once per week. Bill updated it to two times. It seems they both think that I will just lock you away."

Now it was my turn to laugh. "Oh, I doubt that it's just you they are worried about. I told you I buried myself in work and study for years."

"I've already read through the document. Take a look at it; if you don't have any objections, we'll sign it. I'll go get ready to give you a chance to look it over."

I picked up the agreement and read it over. It was fairly straightforward. Severus was right. It was basically just a statement of intentions. There were some provisions about dating etiquette, but it all seemed like common sense.

Minister Shacklebolt had also sent me an owl. He was concerned about my request to leave the Manor before the hospital was empty. He inquired as to my reasons, and he reminded me that we had originally talked about three months. I groaned. I really did not want to get into my reasons for wanting to leave the Manor. He had asked for a meeting with me on Wednesday, which I accepted.

Severus emerged from the bath looking positively scrumptious. Once again, he was in a simple button-down shirt with Muggle trousers, with his hair tied back neatly at the base of his neck with a back ribbon. As he was tying his shoes, he looked up at me and chuckled, breaking me from my admiration.

"What is it, Severus?"

"I was just wondering if I am in danger here. You look like you are about to pounce."

"I was seriously considering it," I said, boldly at first, then blushing a bit.

He walked over and helped me to my feet, giving me a quick kiss. "My dear, I would be happy to be your quarry later tonight. But for right now, did you get a chance to look over the paperwork?"

"Yes, and everything looks in order."

He conjured a quill and handed it to me. I signed, and I then handed the quill back to him. He signed as well. The parchment glowed blue and disappeared. It must have been a Portkey that activated when all signatures were in place.

"Now, let's go. Our reservations are at seven. Oh, and don't be alarmed when we get there. I used your name for the reservations; I thought it would draw less attention than mine. The restaurant is in Diagon Alley, but it's a bit of an out-of-the-way place." I nodded at his explanation.

We Apparated into a small alcove off a cobblestone street. He led me around the corner and through the door. Much to Severus' chagrin, the restaurant was much different than he expected.

It was located in the back of a pub that was bustling with activity. It seemed the only way to access the restaurant was through the pub. He growled as he looked around at the crowd of people. In the distance, we heard the shattering of a glass. My eyes followed the direction of the sound. The young bartender stood with his mouth agape, staring at us. He looked vaguely familiar to me, but I clearly was not the source of his shock.

Severus nodded sharply in his direction. "Mr. Finnegan, good evening."

The young man sputtered, unable to formulate a greeting. Severus quickly steered me over to the hostess stand. The hostess, thankfully, did not seem to recognize him.

As she led us back to our table, Severus hissed, "Bill told me this was a quiet restaurant."

"Oh," the hostess stated nonchalantly, "we just expanded; we've added twenty-five tables and the bar area up front. Business has been booming since the battle. We actually just reopened last week."

"Thank you." I smiled to her. "I would guess Bill hasn't been here in a while, then, Severus."

He grimaced. The hostess presented our table. We were a distance from the bar, but I could still see the movement up front. Severus had his back to the bar, so he could not see the activity there. We ordered and chatted. I told Severus about the owl from Minister Shacklebolt.

"He's probably going to want to know why you want to move out."

"I know. I'm not sure what to tell him. If I let him know that it's because of Lucius, it may cause problems for the Malfoys, and I really don't want to do that to Narcissa and Draco. If I let him know it has something to do with us, well, then we're on someone else's radar."

"Kingsley may know about Lucius' knowledge of the attack, Elizabeth. I don't think I'd worry too much about that."

I nodded, seeing the logic in his statement. "How did the renovations go today?"

"I made some good progress. The house is in fairly good shape. Albus knew about the house; he used to send the house-elves out every few months, so it's really only been neglected for about a year."

Severus went on to talk in a bit of detail about the changes he was making. As he was speaking, my mind wandered, and I noticed the attention we were getting. The bartender was still staring, along with an attractive dark-skinned girl who was talking to him casually. She looked pleasant, but rather sad. She was joined by a tall, athletic, sandy-haired man and a pleasant looking brunette. They both also seemed interested in Severus. I shook my head and returned to my conversation with Severus, but I couldn't help but notice a few others that seemed to be whispering. None of it seemed malicious; it was more benign curiosity.

A middle-aged blonde witch entered the pub. She was trying to look younger than her age, judging by her garish appearance, which screamed for attention. She had bleached blonde, short curly hair, pale skin, bright red lipstick and jeweled glasses. Her nails were long and painted a blinding red. She was what my Muggle friends would have called a cougar. She flitted about the people at the bar, paying particular attention to the sandy-haired young man.

As Severus and I were finishing dinner, George and Charlie entered the pub with Ron and Hermione. The young people pulled them over, and I could see the brunette motion over to us. George caught my eye and gave me a sly smile before he turned to the group. Whatever he said to them, they stopped gawking and returned to their merriment.

The older blonde spotted Charlie and tried to start a conversation with her words AND hands, which he was simply not having; he extricated himself from her clutches with the subtlety of a locomotive. I couldn't help but giggle at the scene. Severus scowled.

"I'm sorry, Severus; my nephews are here, and Charlie is having a bit of trouble." Severus didn't even turn around. "Do you mind if we go say hello?" I asked.

"Honestly, I'd rather not, Elizabeth. Those are former students; we do not share fond memories. But I need to visit the loo, so if you want to go be sociable, now would be a good time."

I nodded. Severus paid for our meal; he stood and helped me to my feet, kissing my cheek quickly. He turned and greeted George and Charlie silently but politely; then he turned and headed towards the back of the bar.

The blonde froze in her tracks and eyed Severus gleefully, a predatory glint in her eyes. My nostrils flared protectively, but I contained myself and headed up to visit with George, Charlie, Ron and the rest of their friends. The blonde deliberately went around me to the other side of the bar.

Charlie greeted me with a giant bear hug, and George quickly introduced me to their friends. It seems these were mostly a group of students who had played Quidditch together over the years. The sandy-haired young man was now a professional player, which explained the blonde's special interest in him. I chatted with them amicably for a few minutes, and then I saw Severus emerge from the restroom. The blonde had spotted him also and managed to corner him near the back wall of the restaurant. I could tell he was very uncomfortable, but the sight was truly funny to an outsider. I couldn't suppress my laughter.

George, who was talking to the girl named Angelina in a reserved manner, looked up with curiosity, as did Charlie, who was also facing the back wall. George bristled.

"It seems Severus is trying to escape the clutches of a cougar in the back of the bar." I joked to Hermione.

Hermione laughed at first, but then she got a good look at the blonde. She looked at me, her eyes serious and angry. "Go get him," she growled, incensed. "Now." She was practically shaking with rage. "We will explain in a moment." I looked down to see that her wand was drawn. Ron was clutching her wrist tightly; clearly, he was concerned she would do something impulsive. He nodded his agreement with Hermione.

I headed to the back of the bar quickly. "Severus, Charlie insists that you come say hello," I said, taking his hand and pulling him past the blonde, who looked at first annoyed and then strangely satisfied.

We paused as we reached the group. Severus said a quick hello, but he was in a hurry to get out of there. Ron still had a death grip on Hermione's hand. She motioned for us to leave the pub. Severus nodded imperceptibly. She and Ron followed close behind.

When we got out of the pub, Hermione was seething. "That vile woman just won't go away. Professor, I would not go back in there. Who knows what story she'll concoct even now?"

"Miss Granger, do calm yourself." Severus sounded bored. "Rita Skeeter is a mere insect." Ron laughed; Hermione looked perplexed for a moment.

"Yes, Miss Granger, I have my sources as well. Draco very much regrets some of his youthful antics. But nevertheless, Elizabeth and I have finished our meal, and we have other places to be this evening. Enjoy yourselves, and please give our apologies to the rest of the group."

I was still confused. "Can someone explain what just happened?" Obviously, this woman was more than some random barfly.

"Rita Skeeter is a reporter, Elizabeth, and she is not a particularly ethical one. She has a very tenuous relationship with the truth; she prefers to deal in rumor and innuendo. Miss Granger was, at least formerly, one of her favorite targets, though I think she was rather intrigued by my appearance here this evening as well."

Ron pointed down to where Severus' and my hands were joined. "Don't hex me, sir, but I think she picked up on Aunt Lizzie's relationship with you," he mumbled. He tried, with modest success, not to shudder.

"I am aware of that, Mr. Weasley."

"Make sure she doesn't follow you, sir," Hermione stated earnestly.

"We'll be Apparating to the Manor," I snarled. "I'd like to see her try."

Severus leaned in and whispered, "I had not intended to go to the Manor, Elizabeth."

"Oh."

"However," he sighed, "we can make a quick stop off there, and if anyone does try to follow us, they will obviously be thwarted. We can then move on to our next stop. I will not have Skeeter there."

Ron and Hermione looked confused, but they nodded their agreement.

Severus watched them go back into the pub, and then he escorted me around the corner to the Apparition point. He put his arm around me, and we appeared in the cottage.

"Now," he said, "I have something to show you. Close your eyes."

"What?" I asked curiously, but did as I was told. I felt the pull of Apparition for a second time, and I found myself standing in front of the house Severus had shown me the night before.

"Our future home," he whispered in my ear. I was dumbstruck. I was amazed at the change in the house in just 24 hours. The overgrown lawn had been trimmed neatly; a small flower garden resided under each window. Surfaces were freshly painted; the windows were gleaming.

"You did all this today?"

"Orby cleaned up the outside. Come on inside."

The inside was even more impressive. The whole house had been freshly painted, the floors refinished. A warm, cozy rug was on the floor of the living room. There were comfortable-looking chairs and couch. Severus had set up an office in the den. It already looked neat and organized. The bookshelves were full as well. The kitchen looked like the place a family would naturally gather. I took it all in, admiring Severus' work.

"It looks wonderful."

He led me up the stairs. He had set up the smallest bedroom as an office for me. The third bedroom was set up as a charming guest room. "I don't know if we'll ever need to house guests, but that's what this room is for usually."

He led me into the room designated as mine. "You can of course redecorate it however you wish. That goes for the other rooms in the house, too. I want you to feel at home here."

At that point, he started peppering kisses down my neck, and I turned to face him. "I think there's another room you need to show me." His mouth captured mine, and I could see the passion burning in his eyes when the kiss broke.

"Too far away," he gasped, quickly maneuvering us over to the bed. In an instant, my dress was pulled over my head. Severus stood looking at me, shocked at the fact that I wasn't wearing a bra or underwear. "You little minx."

"Well..." I kissed his neck as I unbuttoned his shirt "...the note said 'put this on'." I motioned to the dress at my feet. "There were no knickers or a bra out for me." I pushed his shirt off his shoulders and unfastened his belt.

"Do you always follow directions this well, Elizabeth?" One hand found my backside and pulled me flush against him. The other tangled in my hair, and he kissed me again.

"Try me," I gasped out as the kiss broke. He quickly shed the rest of his clothing and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Take me in your mouth," he breathed, scooting to the center of the bed. I climbed over him and placed my hands on him. I ran my tongue in circles over him before lowering my mouth onto him. He moaned as I worked on him. His hips began to move, sparking a moan from me, which excited him further. One hand wound into my hair, and he called out for more. He pulled me down onto him and swore profusely as I continued. Before long, he shouted his release, and I crawled up next to him.

He rolled on top of me and kissed me tenderly. He ran his hands down my body, rubbing my breasts with both hands as he kissed across my jaw and down my neck. He slid down my body again, using his mouth and hands to drive me absolutely mad. He quickly pushed me over the edge. I closed my eyes briefly, only to feel his lips on mine again.

"Oh, I'm not through with you yet, witch." After another searing kiss, he rolled over onto his back and pulled me on top of him. I straddled him and slid down over him, relishing the feel of him filling me. I placed my hands on his chest as he gripped my hips, and we started to move slowly together. We found our rhythm, and our eyes locked. His movements became more urgent, his hands encouraging me to move more quickly and enthusiastically against his body.

I arched my back as my orgasm overtook me. He rode it out, and then rolled me over, twining my fingers with his over my head as he drove in feverishly. I wrapped my legs around him and whispered his name. He kissed me hard one more time, then threw his head back and released into me with abandon, which pushed me into oblivion yet again.

He curled up next to me, draping one arm across my stomach and placing his head near my heart. He chuckled. "I guess we'll christen the other bedroom tomorrow." I laughed.

"No, you don't understand; I had candles set up in there, a bottle of wine, a whole seductive routine."

"You're lucky we even made it up the stairs, Severus."