The Beetle Bites

The following Monday was one of those days. I hadn't slept well, and I just generally did not want to get up and face the day. As I was trying to convince myself to move, I heard a loud thud on the window. I looked up to see a small owl buzzing outside the window, looking a little dazed. I opened the window, and it darted inside. I detached the little owl's load, and the owl flew around the room a time or two before zooming back out and on its way.

The package contained a letter and a magazine. I recognized Molly's handwriting on the letter.

Lizzie,

Molly

The other item Molly had sent was a magazine called Witch Weekly. I immediately saw a picture of Severus and me from the previous Monday night. I groaned inwardly. It had been too much to hope that we would escape from that incident without fanfare.

Taciturn Teacher Tangled in Triangle

This reporter has also learned that Draco recently rejected the courtship agreement of longtime girlfriend Pansy Parkinson, who was devastated by the news. Rumor has it that both Prewett and Snape were behind Draco's decision to jilt the now heartbroken Miss Parkinson. One possible explanation is that there may be sort of sordid plural relationship occurring between the three. Visitors to the Manor report that the three often spend hours alone together, often in Prewett's cottage.

I threw the magazine down. How dare she? To attack me for a story was one thing, but the allegations regarding Severus and Draco were appalling. And to try to make a familial hug with Charlie into something sordid was preposterous and inexcusable. I blasted a vase on the nightstand, noting with dark amusement that it was the one Severus had blasted when he was so angry with Lucius.

I proceeded to levitate and toss items around the room in anger for a few moments. A distressed Severus ran into the room, wand drawn, clad only in his sleep pants.

"Elizabeth, are you alright?"

"Damn Skeeter and her lies and innuendo! Horrible, despicable excuse for a human being...."

Severus caught me around the waist and started whispering in my ear. He managed to pull my wand from my fingertips.

"Calm down, Elizabeth; what's happened?"

I pointed to the magazine that I had thrown across the room. He crossed over to it, still holding both of our wands in his hand. He absentmindedly cast a quick Reparo on the broken vase while flipping through the magazine. A few moments later, he burst out laughing. I was less than entertained.

"It's not funny. She's managed to disparage you, me, Draco, Charlie, some kid named Oliver Wood, even Lucius and Narcissa with her lies. And who the hell is Zabini?"

Severus wasn't even trying to hide his amusement. "Blaise Zabini is a good friend of Draco's. That much is true. His words were likely twisted beyond recognition like the rest of the so called facts in this piece of rubbish. Rita has certainly upped her game. She didn't even accuse Miss Granger of orchestrating a triadic relationship when she went after her a few years ago."

"Why is this funny to you?"

"First, because it's typical Skeeter, and I expected it. Second, because it's so absurd and yet so shrewd. You have to admit, the embroidery of the facts is artfully done. And third, you are beyond adorable when you are all fired up."

I pouted, mildly placated at Severus' words, but still livid about the article. "So much for peace and quiet." I sulked further. "Is anything to be done?"

"Probably not, and if there is anything to be done, I suggest we leave it to the Malfoys. The smears on Draco's character are the most potentially damaging. The people close to you all know the truth and won't care about Skeeter's lies. Draco is still single, and the type of woman he will eventually pursue will be more likely to care about scandal. Narcissa will understand that fact and appeal to Lucius for action. I guarantee you that retribution from Lord Malfoy will be sufficiently painful," he mused.

I nodded. The idea of incurring Lucius' wrath over his only son was frightening indeed.

A half hour later, Severus and I had showered, dressed, had a quick breakfast and headed to the Manor. We decided to go in a little early to deal with the article if needed. We were greeted by a seething Draco.

"That woman is going to pay for this. She's going to ruin everything. And what the hell is with Blaise's comments?" Sparks flew onto the floor from his wand.

"Draco, calm down. I've already had to disarm one person today; I'd rather not have to repeat the process." Severus spoke quietly but firmly.

"Gentlemen, let's take this into my office. We are being watched, and I'd rather not let this get any more out of control." Terry, Lavender, and Dean were all peeking out of their rooms.

The men followed me into the office. Draco continued to rant for a few more minutes while Severus and I watched in awe.

Suddenly, Boppy popped in. "Mr. Zabini is here to see you, Master Draco. He says you summoned him, and he needs to speak with you."

"Oh, this ought to be good." Draco fumed.

"Draco, this is Rita Skeeter we are talking about," Severus reasoned. "Let's find out what really happened."

Boppy reappeared with a handsome young wizard who looked thoroughly embarrassed.

"Draco, I didn't say those things. Well, I did, but they didn't mean what she made them mean. She twisted my words Draco. On my honor," he appealed.

Severus scoffed.

"Very well then, Professor. On my fortune."

"Prove it." I spoke up, my voice stonier than usual.

"What? Oh, you must be Miss Prewett."

"Healer Prewett," I asserted coldly. "And you heard me, Mr. Zabini. If you did nothing wrong, prove it." I flicked my wand at the cabinet, and the Pensieve floated out and settled on the table. We had moved it up from the cottage when I moved out over the weekend.

"With pleasure." Zabini answered my challenge with a devilish smile, putting his wand to his temple and extracting a memory thread. He deposited it into the Pensieve. Severus, Draco and I dove into the Pensieve together.

Blaise was seated at the bar in a pub I don't recognize when Skeeter approached. She offered to buy him a drink and coaxed him to a table off to the side of the bar.

******************

"So," Rita began with saccharine sweetness, "I have heard some disturbing rumors about young Mr. Malfoy lately. As his closest friend, I would hope you could assist me in setting the record straight."

She reached across the table and brushed the top of her quill across Blaise's cheek. He visibly recoiled. Rita gave an unattractive giggle. "Don't you want to help your friend?"

"Of course." Blaise's voice was full of skepticism.

"Well then, let's begin. I understand that Draco has recently ended his relationship with Pansy Parkinson."

"Yes, Ms. Skeeter, that is true. Draco never had those kinds of feelings for Pansy. He felt obligated to give things a try when they were younger, but he declined the Courtship Agreement recently. She had her heart set on becoming the next Lady Malfoy. No doubt she is devastated that she will not hold that title now." Blaise's tone revealed that he held a fairly low opinion of Miss Parkinson.

"Why did he choose to end things now?"

"He should have ended things long ago, but he was afraid of his parents' reaction. His hand was forced. He didn't want to hurt her feelings, so he concocted a plan with Professor Snape to use the terms of his Apprenticeship Agreement to avoid the contract. Pansy was displeased and threw a tantrum. Draco then ended things permanently."

"And was Severus' paramour involved in the discussions?"

"What?"

"Elizabeth Prewett, the woman Severus just filed a Courtship Agreement with?"

"Oh, well, she is also Draco's supervisor and tutor, so she probably was involved in the discussions about Draco's training and the timing of the contract."

"Tell me about Draco's relationship with Prewett."

"Well, she started as his mentor, but now they are quite close. I think he sees her like an older sister. Draco always wished he had siblings."

"And as to the rumors about Miss Prewett and Draco having a clandestine affair, what do you say to that?"

"The idea that they have a romantic relationship is ridiculous. Even if he had feelings toward her like that, which he does not, Draco is a gentleman. I can be absolutely sure that nothing inappropriate has happened between them. She is completely enthralled with the professor, which Draco is thrilled about. He even defended them with Lord Malfoy when he was angry about the relationship. Draco has tremendous respect for Professor Snape. Now, if you are through with this preposterous drivel, I bid you good day." Blaise stood and turned his back on Rita Skeeter.

****************

The memory ended there. We emerged from the Pensieve. Draco shook Blaise's hand and apologized for doubting him. I also shook Blaise's hand, telling him I hoped the next time we chatted, it was under better circumstances. Severus just nodded to Blaise, who still looked slightly afraid of his former professor.

Draco called Boppy to escort Blaise out. Boppy reported that Lord and Lady Malfoy wished for all three of us to join them for lunch. Draco sent our acceptance with the elf, and the three of us commenced our morning duties.

When I returned to the office just before lunch, there was a pile of letters on my desk. As I was sorting through them, Severus entered the office.

"The red ones are Howlers," he said. He quickly helped me separate them from the others. They started screeching and bursting into flames just as we finished. I looked at Severus, both annoyed and amused.

"Really? Our love life is this important to people? That's absolutely pathetic."

"I know."

I started to look at the rest of the letters. Again, I sorted them by people I knew versus names I did not recognize. I paused in shock when I came across a letter from Grandmother Prince.

"Oh, no." I showed it to Severus.

"Open it, dear. It may not be bad." I opened it gingerly.

I smiled. "She's a smart lady, Severus. I shall try to take her advice."

The next one I recognized was from Hermione Granger. It was addressed to both of us.

P.S. And tell Draco that while I'm sorry he was dragged into this, what goes around does, in fact, come around.

Severus barked out a laugh. "That insufferable little know-it-all! I'm glad she's on our side. She's more than a little scary."

We headed to lunch with the Malfoys. Lucius was absolutely furious. Narcissa was mildly upset, but she seemed to know that Skeeter lacked credibility with most people with any sense in Britain. Lucius tried to enlist Severus and me in a plot of revenge, but we declined. I didn't want to grace it with a response. I did wish Lucius luck in his endeavors, and I reminded him not to do anything illegal.

"What is the real damage?" I inquired. "I think there should be attention given to solving any legitimate problems caused by this before you address revenge."

Draco spoke softly. "Father, Mother, I have a concern."

"Yes?" Narcissa addressed her son gently. "What is troubling you, son?"

"I have been meaning to speak with both of you, but I didn't know how you would react. I have developed an interest in someone, and I am worried about how her family will see me in light of this."

"Draco, who is the young lady?" Lucius was cautious with his son.

"Astoria Greengrass." He looked to his mother for approval. She considered his words.

"Is that the younger daughter?" Lucius asked pointedly.

"Yes, Father."

"Is that the petite, blonde, deferential girl? Clever, but quiet?" Severus offered, clearly trying to help. Draco nodded.

"Well, the Greengrass family certainly represents a suitable match for the Malfoys, Draco. Why didn't you tell me this sooner?" Lucius looked confused.

"You seemed set on Pansy. Also, Astoria is young, and she wants to continue her education after Hogwarts. If we proceed, it will be several years before she wants to marry."

"How do you feel about that, Draco?" Narcissa prodded mildly.

"It's probably best. I've got two or three more years of my apprenticeship, and I'd like to be established as a Healer before marriage."

Lucius considered Draco's words. "There's no reason you can't marry while she's completing her education. You will probably want to be married a few years before having a child anyway."

"Lucius, darling, perhaps we should slow down a bit. Draco, do you have any thoughts on timing as to when to start the process?"

"I was thinking I would introduce her to you and Father over winter holiday from Hogwarts. I'm sure there will be a ball or something for which I will need a date. We could start the negotiations after that, hopefully, to have the Courtship Agreement in place by the time she finishes Hogwarts."

"That seems like a reasonable plan, Draco."

"Draco, I will address the accusations with Mrs. Greengrass. She is on the board of a charitable foundation that I serve on as well," Narcissa stated calmly. "She will understand."

"And I," Lucius growled, "will deal with Skeeter."

Over the next few months, Rita Skeeter quickly learned that nobody wants Lucius Malfoy to "deal with them." Draco shared with Lucius the fact that Rita was an Animagus. That, along with information that Harry shared with Lucius about what he had heard about her actions against Bathilda Bagshot, earned her some unwanted attention from the Auror Department. Rumor has it that she confessed readily when Auror Robards entered the room with an empty jam jar.

She was stripped of her journalistic credentials and bound to her human form permanently. She faced a heavy fine from the industry, and several of her past subjects sued her for defamation. They were all strangely represented by the same barrister on a pro bono basis. She was required to appear at each and every civil trial, which took a tremendous amount of her time. None of the defendants collected any money from her, as she was already bankrupt, but they all received the satisfaction of having the real story published in the Daily Prophet by Dullen D. Reary.

The weeks passed, and life slowly returned to normal. Lavender headed home that week, eager to start preparing for her apprenticeship. She continued to correspond with Narcissa, who also contacted Fleur about her work. The two younger women formed a friendship based on their mutual interest in fashion. They talked of going into business together down the road. Narcissa agreed to serve as an adviser and their financial backer.

Jessica and Terry left shortly thereafter as well. Terry had more therapy to undergo, but he was making enough progress that he wanted to go home.

Dean stayed at the Manor until the first of September when he headed to Hogwarts, having decided that he wanted to complete his final year of schooling after all. He was walking with a cane by this point, and he continued to visit St. Mungo's for therapy with me twice per week.

Aurora's memory was fully unlocked by the middle of August, and she returned to Hogwarts to resume her prior career.

Draco passed his Charms O.W.L. with an "O" and sustained his level of hard work preparing for the N.E.W.T.s coming up in November. Severus worked with him diligently, and Severus continued to use the Malfoy lab for his research.

Severus and Lucius worked on repairing their friendship slowly. Lucius was adjusting to his life without magic, and he was starting to explore Muggle technology as a means of further growing the Malfoy business empire. He employed Dean as a consultant, and Dean visited during school breaks to brainstorm with Lucius and Draco.

Narcissa and I generally preferred to go out to Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley for our social time together. We were occasionally joined by Andromeda, who had grown quite close to her sister once again.

Aunt Muriel passed away. She left her home to Percy; he had always been her favorite nephew. Percy and Audrey prepared for their wedding in early December, and they decided that it would be held at their future home. Aunt Muriel left two of the house-elves to Percy, but she bequeathed Orby to me. I contemplated offering Orby his freedom, but Severus reminded me that he would not view that favorably. So, Severus prepared a lovely suite behind the kitchen of our home, and Orby was invited to join us permanently.

I joined the staff of St. Mungo's permanently, though still part-time while I worked with Draco. Lucius was currently in talks with the board of St. Mungo's and the Ministry. He had developed an idea for a premier therapy facility in London that would serve all of Europe in treating magical injuries like those of Dean, Terry and Jessica. He saw it as a way to really put the stamp on the fact that the Malfoys were working on recovery.

Severus continued his research, working quietly at our home and at the Manor on larger projects with Draco. We visited Grandmother Prince about once per month, which was always an enjoyable experience.

Before we knew it, Draco's N.E.W.T.s arrived. He received the necessary marks on the exams, and he was almost immediately rewarded with a formal apprenticeship offer from St. Mungo's. It seemed he was going to be my trainee again, at least part of the time.

Severus and I continued to grow closer. There were many spats, but they were generally short lived and often ended with either laughter or passion. Our talk of marriage and family changed from an "if" to a "when," and we soon found ourselves anxiously waiting for the allotted six months to pass before we could consider the next step in our relationship.