Chapter Eight

Descending the stairs slowly to Pomona's rooms, Filius reflected on the previous evening. He had not expected to see Pomona at the Three Broomsticks. But then, why wouldn't she go there to see Taurean? The night before, she seemed taken with him. And no matter his jealousy, Filius could see that Taurean was a good man.

Filius had gone to see Taurean to apologize for his attitude the previous night and found the man very gracious and forgiving when he did not have to be. He could easily see why Pomona would instantly be drawn to him. For one, he was very easy to talk to. Filius found himself even divulging information to the man without a second thought.

"Have you ever done something you have instantly regretted?" Filius had asked, not expecting an answer.

"The better question would be: have you ever not done such a thing? I think you would find not many wizards or witches have not. What is your trouble, my friend? Is it anything I can help with?" Taurean wiped down the bar in front of Filius.

Filius shook his head. "I think I am beyond helping." He stared at the gleaming bar top mournfully.

"Nothing can be as bad as that. Can I get you anything to drink?" Taurean asked, drawing Filius from his dark thoughts.

Looking up, Filius blinked to clear his vision. "What? Oh, I find I don't have the head for something strong," he said, shaking his head. "Pumpkin juice?"

Shaking his head, Taurean said, "We're out until tomorrow. How about an Italian soda?"

Filius' eyebrows rose. "What is that?"

"Fruit and syrup in fizzy water. It is very delicious. Do you have a favorite fruit?"

"Cherry. Can I try cherry, please?" Filius asked, his face lighting with anticipation.

Smiling, Taurean nodded and set a glass with ice in front of Filius. Pulling out his wand, he moved it in a gentle arc. Instantly, two bottles floated over the glass. Tipping over, they filled it while three round cherries skewered themselves on a red toothpick and settled gently on top. A look of delight crossed Filius' face.

Reaching for the glass, he brought it to his mouth and took a tentative sip. "Mmm, this is heavenly," he told Taurean, setting it back down. "Thank you."

Taurean gave him a curt nod. "So what have you done that you regretted recently?"

Sighing heavily, Filius turned his drink with his fingertips on the bar top as he stared at the bubbles. "I fell in love with a friend who does not want more than friendship."

"And you are sure this... friend, she does not want more than friendship?"

Filius nodded, still staring at his drink. "I think she views me more as a father figure. I am twenty years her senior."

"You think? Have you told her you love her?"

Shaking his head, Filius looked up at Taurean as his eyebrows rose. "I couldn't do that..."

"But why not? You cannot say she does not love you if you have never given her a chance to proclaim it one way or the other given your feelings."

"But..."

"Take Professor Sprout for instance."

"Pomona?" Filius asked, his voice an octave higher, afraid the other man had already figured out who he was speaking of.

"Yes," Taurean began, and his eyes softened. "At our first meeting last night, I found her very attractive, and I immediately made her aware of my interest in her. But she informed me that her attentions already belonged to another..."

Gripping his glass, Filius' knuckles began to turn white. "And yet you still took advantage of her on the castle grounds," Filius breathed, his anger at the younger man returning.

Holding up his hands, Taurean shook his head. "No, no. I would never do such a thing. She kissed me, and that is as far as it would have gone even if you had not been there. Had she not been so inebriated, Pomona would not have kissed me. I do know that. I blame myself for her state last night. I introduced her to a Japanese cherry blossom margarita, and I did not realize how it would affect her."

Nodding, Filius lifted his drink and took a longer sip. "I see. Is that where 'Cherry Blossom' came from?" Filius asked, relieved it was not a more endearing term, but feeling it was given Taurean's confession of how he felt about Pomona.

Taurean nodded, smiling, and Filius felt his stomach drop. Pomona had told this man she had feelings for someone else, but who? Filius suddenly felt sick and Taurean frowned at him.

"Are you all right?" Taurean asked, concerned.

Closing his eyes, Filius nodded. "Just letting my thoughts run away with me."

"Oh, yes, going back to what we were speaking of: In my country, women often desire an older man. You should not assume she does not feel the same for you as you do for her. You dishonor her by not asking her opinion," the bartender informed, leaning against the bar.

Sighing again, Filius nodded. "I see. But what if she does not share my affections?"

Shrugging, Taurean gave a half smile. "At least you will know. And she will be less likely to do something that you will misconstrue. Because it sounds as if you want to keep her friendship even if she does not share your feelings."

"Oh, I do, I do," Filius agreed, nodding. "I see your point. So, I have told you what I regret, what about you?"

Taurean looked down at the bar for a moment, then glanced up, and his eyes held a faraway look. "I have not spoken to my father in over a year. The profession I have chosen makes it difficult to stay with my family."

"A bartender?" Filius asked, confused.

Chuckling, Taurean shook his head. "No. A Curse-Breaker."

"Ahh."

"My father is what you would call an Herbologist. He runs a well-known plant nursery in Portugal."

Filius frowned.

Holding up his hand, Taurean explained, "He is a Muggle. I used to help him tend his plants every summer. He would prefer that I stay and run the family business, but I am a wizard. I have plenty of siblings who can help him. I want to do something where I feel useful. And that is not a usual feeling when you have seven siblings. My father does not share my feelings," Taurean finished, looking down.

For a moment, Filius saw pain in the younger man's eyes, but it was quickly hidden when he excused himself and moved to take an order from another wizard who sat down on the other side of the bar.

When Taurean returned, Filius said, "It is good that you have a knowledge of plants, being a Curse-Breaker."

"I did take a course on magical plants, but that was some time ago. I admit, most of my knowledge is limited to what my father raised in his greenhouses."

"Professor Sprout has four greenhouses full of magical plants. She was just showing me her new Venomous Tentacula sprouts the other day. She keeps them in the greenhouse that is not for student use. They are for potions," he explained seeing Taurean's eyebrow go up. "Her favorite plant is the Honking daffodil though. She has gotten them to grow in a wide variety of colors they are not usually available in." Filius smiled as he thought of Pomona's love for her plants.

It was at that moment that he had felt a warm hand on his shoulder. Turning around, Filius' eyebrows rose, and his breath stopped as a smile lit his face.

"Hello, Filius," Pomona had greeted him hesitantly, looking somber.

What had followed had been bittersweet. Filius wanted to follow Taurean's advice, but asking Pomona about her feelings for him at the Three Broomsticks had been too awkward with Taurean hovering over them. He reminded himself that what had followed had not been a date, even if it had felt like one.

Besides, Pomona had given mixed messages all evening. She did not feel well, that much was clear. One moment, she tensed every time he touched her, and the next she was holding his hand, giving him hope. And then he had ruined everything by telling her about going to Beauxbatons.

He winced at that thought. He had not been able to think of anything to say, which was odd since they always seemed to have something to say to each other until recently.

Coming out of his thoughts for a moment, he sighed, waiting for the stairs to move.

And then, when he had offered a Side-Along-Apparition, the feeling of Pomona's arms around him was something he would never forget. She had held onto him so tightly, like she might never let him go. For a moment, right before they had Apparated, she had looked at him, and he thought she might kiss him. He shook his head. He was having trouble being able to tell where his fantasies ended, and the truth began. Taurean was right, he needed to tell Pomona how he felt.

As they had approached her door, Filius had tried to muster the courage to say something, but Pomona had been leaning more heavily upon him. "Pomona, I think perhaps you should see Poppy. Do you think you are coming down with something?" he asked with concern when they arrived at her door.

Shaking her head, Pomona wavered slightly when she stood away from him and looked in her robes for her wand. Distractedly, she told him, "No, there's no need bothering Poppy. I am simply tired, that's all. Really." She looked at him and gave him a small smile as she flicked her wand, and her door opened. "I will see you tomorrow, Filius. I just really need some rest."

"Very well, Pomona. I will leave it for this evening." Reaching out, he took her hand and squeezed it. "Pomona, I care for you..."

"And I care about you. I will be fine. All I need is a good nights rest. You'll see," she told him, squeezing his hand back and giving him another small smile.

"Let me escort you to breakfast? Please? You need to eat to maintain your strength." He looked at her, hopeful. And this way he would be sure she did attend breakfast. He worried about her missing so many meals recently.

Sighing heavily, she nodded. "All right, Filius. I will see you in the morning then. Thank you for dinner," she said, pulling her hand from his and shutting her door behind her.

He had stood there for a moment staring at her door. He had almost told her. Almost.

And now, here he was at her door once more. Steeling himself, he raised his hand and knocked. Today was the day. He would tell her how he felt today. But when?

____________

Shivering, Pomona was startled awake by severe pain in her shoulder. Her entire body felt like it was on fire. During the night, she seemed to have thrashed about, and her bed clothes were all on the floor. Shifting into a sitting position, she rubbed her shoulder lightly, gasping when it seemed to make it feel worse. Her head was pounding again as well.

Sluggishly getting off the bed, she made her way to the bathroom. After

removing her nightgown, she studied her new tattoo in the mirror. The skin surrounding it looked very angry and swollen. Turning, she reached inside her medicine cabinet for some Essence of Dittany and sprinkled a few drops on the area. The pain eased a little, but was not gone completely. Sighing heavily, Pomona turned on the shower and stood under the warm spray for a moment, reflecting on the events of last night.

It had felt glorious to be in Filius' arms, even if it was her own delusions. He had held her so tight, like he had never wanted to let her go. Once they had returned to the castle, it was all she could do to convince him she was fine and did not need to see Poppy. She was simply tired. The only way she could get him to go to his rooms was to accept his invitation to escort her to breakfast. She really hoped today went much better than the last two days.

As she stood under the water, she reflected on Filius' revelation at dinner. Her hot tears mingled with the stream as it ran down her face. She knew it wasn't permanent, but she hadn't been separated from him for almost an entire year. She had grown accustomed to having him near, and at this moment, the thought of him leaving left a great rift in her heart.

Turning off the water, she grabbed her towel and dried off, then wrapped her fluffy Hufflepuff robe around her. Hugging it to her body, her tears started again. Filius had given her this robe. Shaking her head, she tried to get a hold of herself. All this feeling pathetic for herself needed to stop. Perhaps if she felt better, she would not be feeling quite so depressed. Shivering again, she picked up her wand from the nightstand and stoked the fire.

Striding over to her wardrobe, she contemplated her teaching robes. Maybe if she wore something more cheery it would help her mood. Selecting her yellow robes, she put them on slowly and contemplated her day. First off, she would need to check on the sick Laughing Lilies in Greenhouse number three. If they were still crying, she would have to check the status of the comedic soil and the Flutterby bushes before she spent her entire day caring for the plants between classes. Remembering the book Hugh had given her, she plucked it off the dressing table. She was going to need all the help she could get given her current mood.

Tapping at her window pulled her from of her thoughts. Looking over her shoulder, Pomona saw a tawny owl and moved to let it in. Flapping heartily, it flew through the window once she had opened it, then landed on her desk and nudged the place where she kept treats.

"You are a handsome fellow," she told him, walking around the desk to open the silver box. Taking the letter from his beak, she stroked his head as he bent to retrieve his prize, cooing his appreciation.

Turning the letter over in her hands, Pomona studied the bold, steady hand her

name was written in. It wasn't from Filius. She frowned. Cutting the seal with her wand, she took out the letter.

Dear Pomona,

After hearing so many wonderful things about your plants from Filius yesterday, I would like to inquire after a tour of your greenhouses. My father is a Muggle, so I have not had many encounters with magical plants. In my future line of work, I find it would be beneficial to have a working knowledge of magical plants. I am hopeful that I might obtain your assistance in this matter, and then retain you as a consultant in the future.

I would appreciate your help. I am free this afternoon, if a visit is possible. Thank you for considering my proposition.

Yours,

Taurean

Letting out a long breath, Pomona reread the letter. Today was not the best day for Taurean to tour the greenhouses. Sitting down and picking up a quill, Pomona pondered a response. She would ask him to wait until next week. Between incoming shipments over the next few days, sick plants, feeling sick herself, and classes, her hands were full. She wrote a quick note explaining about her sick lilies and asked him to pick a day next week. Folding the note, she moved to the window and opened it. The tawny creature grasped her letter in his beak and flew off into the morning sky.

Watching him, her eyes followed him past the turrets of the castle. When the owl dipped low, her head began to spin, and she grasped the windowpane in an effort to steady herself. Breathing deeply, the fresh air brought her back to her senses just before there was a steady knock at her door. Filius was here.

"Just a moment," she called out, closing the window and going into her bathroom. Quickly, she searched the chest for some Pepper-Up potion. Locating the vial, she noted the date and saw it was expired. It may not give her full relief, but it was better than nothing. And an ease to the pain in her head was what she wanted.

Tipping up the bottle, she downed the contents and threw away the vial, then moved to open her door. Filius stood there, studying the tapestry across the hall.

Filius' eyes grew wide as he turned toward her. "Pomona? You look pale. How are you feeling this morning?"

Pomona frowned. "I do? I am feeling fine. I didn't sleep as well as I would have liked last night," she told him, stepping into the corridor and turning to lock her door.

"Mona, I really think..."

"I promise, if I am still feeling under the weather this afternoon, I will go see Poppy," Pomona said on a long sigh as she turned toward Filius.

"Thank you," he said, reaching out to grasp her hand. "I don't mean to be a bother, I just worry about you. I really hope today goes more smoothly for you, my dear."

"Mmm, me too. Thank you, Filius. You are such a dear to me. I often wonder how I was lucky enough to earn such a wonderful friend as you," she said, squeezing his hand and bestowing a small smile on him.

Turning, they fell into a steady pace along the passageway and walked in silence for a little while.

"When are you leaving for Beauxbatons?" Pomona inquired, breaking the silence.

"Next month..."

"So soon?" Pomona asked, startled.

Stopping in the corridor, Filius faced her. "The school has been without an instructor since Christmas. I admit, it is soon, and I am sorry I did not tell you sooner, my dear, but I only found out myself recently. Pomona, I..."

"There you are!" Rolanda exclaimed, stepping up beside Pomona and scuffing her on the shoulder.

White hot pain shot down her arm, and Pomona closed her eyes as she sucked in her breath. Swallowing hard, she fought for composure as the pain faded. Opening her eyes once more, Pomona looked over at the flight instructor. "Hello, Ro. How are you this morning?"

"Dapper, just dapper, love. Listen, I wanted to apologize for yesterday. It was pointed out that I may have been a little... unfeeling," she began, looking over her shoulder, "and I want to make it up to you."

"There's no need for that, Ro. Thank you, though," Pomona informed her, quietly.

"See, Minerva, I told you," Ro said over her shoulder, and Pomona and Filius turned to see Minerva standing just inside the hallway that led to the Great Hall.

Striding up to the trio, Minerva joined them. "I know, Madam Hooch, but the intent is what matters. Thank you, Filius, for bringing Pomona to breakfast this morning."

"N-no problem, Minerva," he answered, shaking his head.

Sighing, Pomona gave them all a small smile. "It feels like ages since I've seen

you, and it's been but a few days."

"I heard what happened yesterday, dear. How are your plants?" Minerva asked with concern.

"They should be fine, but I can let you know more at lunch. I still have to treat them," Pomona explained, turning and walking alongside Rolanda and Minerva with Filius in tow.

"I see. Filius, how have you been?"

"G-good, good. And you, Minerva?"

"I can't complain," she responded, a gentle smile on her lips.

Moving to the front of the group, Filius pushed open the large doors to the Great Hall and moved aside. "After you, ladies."