Chapter Sixteen

Lucius had proved fruitless, not having any useful information for him that could help with figuring out who the god damn leak was. Severus' frustrations were taking hold of him. It had been a few weeks now since he had informed Dumbledore about the spy that was in their midst and he hadn't gotten any closer to getting an answer. The Dark Lord was really keeping whoever it was a secret.

Entering the hospital, Severus made his way down the halls until he came to the staff door. Knocking, he folded his arms behind his back as he straightened out. It didn't take long for the door to open but Severus groaned internally when he saw who answered it. It was Matthew. That man hated Severus. He understood why, it was one of the many reasons he had hated James Potter back in school, he also had feelings for the girl he liked. Matthews hatred had doubled upon finding out Ember and Severus were now a couple. Severus however had found a great amusement in winding the other man up.

"Hi, I'm here to see Ember."

"She isn't in here." Matthew smirked, finding a wicked pleasure in informing him so. "She is with a patient, so I don't know how long she will be. You may as well go because it will just be a waste of your time." Before Severus could respond Embers voice floated towards them. Probably a good thing, he had a feeling it wasn't going to be exactly polite and Ember probably wouldn't appreciate him cussing out her co-worker. His irritation depleted when he heard Matthew curse under his breath, visibly displeased with the turn of events. Turning he saw Ember making her way towards him, a smile upon her lips whilst strands of hair fluttered behind her that used to be up in a tight bun.

Accepting her hug and kiss Severus pulled her away from Matthew who seemed to be trying to pay close attention to the couple. Putting his hand into his pockets he pulled out a couple of vials. Ember recognised them as the antidote to some of the nastier potions Severus had created or supplied the Dark Lord. Thanking him she reached to give him another kiss, smiling when he pulled her up into his arms causing her feet to dangle slightly so he didn't have to bend down quite so much.

"I have some news too." He told her after setting her back down. Ember tilted her head curiously. "I have almost finished the first batch of that cure for werewolf scars. I don't know how well it is going to work, you'll need to find someone willing to test it."

"Don't worry I do." Ember responded, gripping his shoulders tightly. "Do you mean it? You've nearly completed it?"

"Only the first batch remember. It could be completely wrong and need a lot of work." Severus told her seriously, not wanting to get her hopes up. Ember just kept smiling at him like he was the only thing on the planet. As much as he loved her looking at him like that, it didn't change the fact that he felt uncomfortable about it in public. She pulled him into another hug, almost forcing all the air out of his lungs in her happiness. "You finish work soon right?"

"Yes thankfully. I have something I need to do after though but I will be home right after." Ember informed him. "Around 8am... ish."

"Sure. I'll be there waiting." Thankful he didn't question her, Ember gave the man one last kiss before he departed. Entering the staff room she found Matthew sitting sulkily in one of the chairs, a book on his lap. He glanced up when she entered the room.

"Can I ask you something?" He said, shutting the book loudly. Ember flinched at the suddenness of it. Nodding her head she turned to face him. "Why are you with him? He doesn't seem like your type. Don't you think you can do so much better than him?" Ember frowned aggressively.

"No, and even if I could do better I wouldn't want to. I love that man." Ember snapped, folding her arms. Matthew stood up.

"But does he love you? He doesn't seem like he is the type of person to-" Ember cut him off, her anger flaring viciously but Matthew didn't seem to notice.

"It is none of your business. My relationship is none of your business. And what gives you the right to judge him like that?" Matthew gave her a patronising look as he swaggered to the door.

"I don't have time for this, I have patients to see to." He remarked as though she had started the conversation, as though she was bothering him. Gaping in anger, and disbelief, Ember watched him exit the staff room. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath to calm herself down. It wouldn't do her any good to visit her patients in this state.

The end of her shift came quickly much to her relief. Exiting the hospital she thankfully hadn't seen Matthew since that last time in the staff room, she didn't know if she could stay quiet if she did. Apparating the minute she got outside Ember looked around at the alley she was getting almost familiar with. The sun was high in the sky, the day finally starting. Heading in the direction of Severus' family home she quickly ducked behind a neighbouring fence that had a large hedge attached when she spotted Tobias, Severus' father, exiting the house.

Once he was out of site she rushed to the house, rapping her knuckles on the door. It took a few minutes for the door to open, her anticipation causing her to shift from one foot to the other. She gave a small smile when she saw Eileen. The woman looked shocked to see her. Ember was just happy to see her face was free of any bruises.

"Come in, please." Eileen said, opening the door wider but Ember shook her head as she held up her hand.

"I just have something to say then I need to be on my way." She said softly, wringing her hands. She promised herself she was going to try and fix the relationship between mother and son and to that she still held but she also didn't want to come across as rude. But maybe an outsider telling her the truth would shock her enough to see the reality of the situation. She didn't even give the woman a chance to speak before she started her speech.

"Your son loves you. I hope you know that. Do you know how lucky you are to have a son like him? He is one of the most amazing people I have had the pleasure to meet, and I've met a lot of people. There are so many wonderful things about him but the sad thing is he didn't learn any of them from you. He was lucky enough to turn into the man he is today by no ones help other than his own. You don't deserve him.

You haven't ever been a mother to him. What mother chooses their abusive husband over their child? The minute you become a mum that's it, that child is your first priority. But Severus has never been that to you. I know your life must not have been easy, I can't even imagine how hard it has been living with that man.

The thing is you only have a very small chance left. Severus still wants you in his life but I don't think he is going to wait much longer. Once he shuts that door he isn't going to open it again. You should know how stubborn he is by now. I'm saying this to help you. It's time for you to put your son first, and I really hope you do. I also really hope you realise the pain you have caused your son from your negligence. Just do the right thing."

Not waiting for a response Ember apparated from the spot leaving the elder woman with her own thoughts and dark feelings.

Edited