A/N: I own nothing here that you recognize. No money is made from this story.
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 patted him on the shoulder.
"Last night didn't have anything to do with you. I hope you understand that."
"Yes, sir,"
"So, what is this news you have Draco? Should we speak in the office?" Draco nodded again. I led them through the door; 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 Legilimens 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. 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 us and your Father. 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.
We left my office and went to Aurora's room. When we walked in, she smiled at Severus. "Healer Prewett, Trainee Malfoy, how are you today? Good morning, Headmaster Snape." Her normal sunny tone turned icy as she greeted Severus.
"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. Severus was obviously less than pleased with being addressed as Headmaster, but he understood the implications for Aurora.
"Healer Prewett, did you catch what she actually called him?" I looked puzzled. Draco continued, "Headmaster Snape, not Professor Snape, not Severus Snape. That's got to mean something."
"So does her tone, Elizabeth," Severus volunteered. "Aurora and I were on relatively good terms when Dumbledore was Headmaster. She would have called my 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. 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, 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." Draco looked at me. Severus paled.
"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 explain like that, write them down. This is very important. It may help us piece together the story.
"Aurora, 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. 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. 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 couple designers over the past 10 years." Lavender's eyes grew wide at that.
"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. Pavrati 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 Pavrati come over to assist." Lavender clasped her hands in excitement. I smiled at Draco. "Pavrati Patil is former classmate of ours, Healer Prewett."
"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 Pavrati, 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 few 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 for Edward, please 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 3.
Narcissa
"Boppy." The elf appeared. "Please let Lady Malfoy know that I am free for tea. I will see her at 3."
"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 has some rather unkind words for me after learning that Severus and I had been intimate. He insinuated that I took him to my bed because I had learned that his family is wealthy."
"Oh, sweet Merlin," 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 charming 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, and Lucius was supportive of their action. 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 her. But I do not know how it would be received."
"Well, Narcissa, if you want an opinion of someone who might know Andromeda's mind on this, 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. And 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 the The Burrow, 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 shared that Severus and I had toured several of the gardens and that 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, while 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, my darling 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, 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 massaged my scalp and then 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, neck to navel. His fingers alternated between feather soft and firm, but never rough. My body was tingling all over from the pure eroticism of it. If that wasn't enough, at the same time, he was doing positively heavenly things to my neck and shoulders 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 his 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, slow kiss, before reaching around me to wash my back. This time, his mouth found my breasts. I put my arms out to the side, bracing myself, as the sensations were becoming overwhelming. He chuckled, and the vibration just intensified the sensation that much 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 dear? Do you not want me to lick you and kiss you in your most intimate place?"
"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. You've worked me into too much ecstasy." 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, laying me down. He 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 respond even further to his touch. He continued to worship my body with his lips and tongue. 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 slid a second finger into me, picking up his pace, and sucking at me gently at the same time. He then angled his fingers slightly, and my orgasm took hold of me from head to toe. I screamed out 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 reach down and pulled him up my body. He kissed me, and I could taste myself on him. 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 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.
"Oh, my gods, Severus, 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, my nose, and then snuggled me down against his chest once more. I closed my eyes and dozed off to sleep.
A/N: The story will start moving more quickly through time at this point. Decisions will have to be made soon about the future.