Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. A/N at end.

Some Scars Never Fade

WendyNat

Chapter 14

~~~~~~~~

"Renovo Moreau related to Malfoy. The cursings and the greenhouse potion connected. It's just amazing," Susan said, shaking her head. Hestia nodded in agreement.

"Who would've thought it could be linked… but the big question is still… why? What would poisoned plants have to do with these attacks?" the dark-haired woman said, looking at the others. No one answered.

Remus sat back, looking troubled, his drink still untouched in front of him. The group had just arrived minutes earlier at the Leaky Cauldron and had quickly claimed a large table near the fire. "The Manere potion, the lycanthropy cure – what good would those be to someone? What does your work have to do with these attacks is more of what I'm concerned about. And… could Renovo have been the man who attacked Hestia?" Hestia shot a glance at his face. It was tight with suppressed anger.

Neville shook his head. "Doubtful. Not only is he a squib, but I've seen him on a number of occasions – he's nothing like what Hestia described. He's tall, yes, but thin… looks a lot like Draco. And even if it was Polyjuice… he doesn't look like the physically aggressive type. Delicate features, I guess you'd say – if you wanted to be nice."

"Girly-looking, eh?" Tom said. Neville smiled up at the barkeep who had just appeared with everyone's meal orders. Tom gave him a wink as he placed the dinners on the table. "If you want to be blunt, that is."

"And if you don't desire to be blunt, there's always a friendly bartender waiting in the wings to do it for you," Severus said in a dry tone.

Tom laughed in response. "Aye, that's true. Of course, it's not often I have to assist this rude git in being blunt… isn't that right, my love?" he said, winking at Hermione.

"All too true, Tom," Hermione said, laughing. "He's quite good at what he refers to as the 'direct approach.'" Severus just sneered slightly in response.

"I'm still tops on that list of yours, aren't I?" Tom asked.

Hermione batted her eyelashes at him extravagantly. "But of course, sweetie."

"Good, good," Tom said with a mock leer. "I'm sure this git will put a foot wrong with you eventually, and then you'll come running into my arms."

"Oh, I don't know about that, Tom. I can put up with rather a lot," Hermione said, reaching out and gripping Severus' hand under the table.

"How fortunate for me," Severus said silkily, looking at her with a small smile.

"Not very good news for me, I suppose. Ah, well – you're a lucky man, my friend. Enjoy, folks," Tom said with a wave as he left the table to return to his other customers at the bar.

Hestia was grinning at the byplay. As soon as Tom walked off, she shook her head. "Oh, no, honey. You can put up with rather a lot, hmm? Don't let him know THAT," she said in a loud whisper. "He's going to think he can get away with anything." Severus just rolled his eyes at her statement.

Susan nodded. "She's right, you know. You have to keep them on their toes," she said, smiling at Neville.

"Really, now. Sounds like I have some things to learn," Hermione commented, eyeing Severus with a sidelong glance. Severus snorted. "Tell me more, girls."

"Well," Hestia drawled in a conspiratorial tone, "you have to remember at all times that you're dealing with a Slytherin, here." She used her knife to point at Severus. "Completely different from that Krum boy you were with before."

"Mmm. Go on," Hermione said, eyes shining. Severus was now glaring at Hestia with narrowed eyes as he chewed.

"And as a Slytherin woman, I have some good advice for you… but I'll have to tell you later. Can't have the men learning all our secrets, you understand," Hestia said, taking a bite as she smirked.

Neville shook his head. "Oh, dear Merlin. Another girls' night in the making," he said, looking at the ceiling. The other two men laughed.

"So it appears, Neville," Remus said with a smile, leaning forward. "Well, gentlemen, perhaps we should allow them their privacy this evening, while we enjoy more… masculine… pursuits."

Neville nodded appreciatively. "Now, that's the best idea I've heard in a long time."

"Not too late, guys. We all have to work in the morning, you remember," Susan said cautiously.

"Do not be concerned, young lady. You are in the presence of three Potions Masters, after all," Severus said with a raised eyebrow. "I have a full… medicinal supply… in my chambers. I believe Remus' idea has merit. What do you think, ladies? After dinner, shall we go our separate ways?"

Hermione was surprised. It wasn't often that Severus spent time "male bonding," so to speak. It would be good for him; he needed something to keep his mind off of the current situation.

Hestia nodded shrewdly. "Sounds like a plan, Professor. I believe we ladies ought to head back to Hogwarts after dinner… for obvious reasons. We can drink there as well as anywhere else. And we'll be closer to your medicinal potions there."

Hermione frowned, but before she could open her mouth everyone agreed – rather loudly. She contented herself with scowling at them darkly. Susan suddenly burst into laughter, gasping, "Oh, Hermione – if you could see your face! You don't do scowly all that well, you know. Come on, sweetie – it makes sense. And-" she dropped her voice, leaning towards Hermione secretively, "-if you want Severus and Remus to be able to relax, it's the only option." Hermione flushed suddenly at the mention of Remus. Of course he was concerned about Hestia… Hermione wasn't the only target in all of this. She nodded and forced a smile to her face.

"Okay, I'm in. Don't you boys stay out too late, now," she said, looking at Severus, who was trying to look innocent. A laugh burst from her throat. "You don't do innocent any better than I do scowly, love." When his brows lowered in response, the table erupted in laughter once more. They spoke no more about the attacks – all in tacit agreement to put their troubles aside for the evening.

            *                      *                      *                      *                      *                      *

"I love it!" Tonks exclaimed, looking around the well-appointed room. Viktor had finally found a flat the day before and had spent the morning and afternoon moving in. It was really quite nice. "This study is wonderful – I really like the colors and furniture you've chosen. Not too bachelor-ified," she said with a wink. Viktor laughed in response.

"You don't think so? That's good, I suppose. I haff alvays liked comfortable furniture, but it also must look nice."

"It's very nice," she said. "I'm impressed."

Viktor raised an eyebrow and moved closer to her. "Really?" She smiled and put her arms around his neck as his arms encircled her waist.

"Definitely."

"Vell, that is good," he said, leaning down to capture her lips in a lingering kiss. Pulling back after a few minutes, he smiled. "Now, I vill show you my limited culinary talents. I do not think you vill be too impressed vith that." Reluctantly pulling away, he said, "Make yourself at home. I vill be right back vith dinner."

As Viktor left to go to the kitchen, Tonks took the time to explore a little more. She smiled when she saw the game table against the wall. Lifting the cover, she saw two sets of pieces in the storage compartment. Muggle and wizarding pieces – very nice, she thought with a small smile.

The room was very cozy – a nice fireplace with a richly carved mantle, a truly beautiful Persian rug underneath the coffee table, comfortable chairs… and the wall hangings were really extraordinary. Two wizarding portraits were on the wall – their occupants sleeping at the moment. By the noses, she surmised that they must be relatives of Viktor. Other hangings included a beautifully rendered tapestry depicting the castle of Durmstrang and a carefully mounted collection of silver daggers. Curious, she moved closer to get a better look at the inscriptions.

"They vere a collection of my father's," Viktor's voice said from behind her. "All very old. This one," he said, pointing at one intricately carved blade, "vas used in the final attack against Grindelvald. It is the youngest blade there. These others," he continued, pointing out some of the other glinting blades, "vere from many other battles, or ceremonies. Vun is rumored to haff been used by Merlin himself. Ve are not direct descendants, of course, but there is a connection vay back in the family tree."

"Really? Which?" Tonks was entranced. She had known that the Krum family was very old, but she didn't realize they had ties to Merlin. He moved closer to her and indicated the dagger mounted at the very top. It still glinted sharply, its blade as sharp as the day it was forged, but she still could feel the aura of age surrounding it. Looking closer, her eyes widened when she saw the carvings on the handle. "It's not exactly the same, but those carvings look strikingly similar to the ones inlaid on the Inner Circle dagger. Hmm. I guess it's not a real surprise that Voldemort would steal a design from one of the greatest wizards of all time, but you'd think he'd be a little more creative."

Viktor put his hands on her shoulders and turned her around to face him. He was looking at her a bit nervously, and she gave him a questioning look. He cleared his throat before saying, "Ve should eat." He guided her to the game table she was looking at earlier. It had been covered with a dark blue cloth to protect the finish from the plates and wine glasses now sitting on its surface.

"All right," she said, still curious about his nervous demeanor. What had she said? Shrugging inwardly, she began to eat.

The meal was actually quite tasty, and she told him so. He brushed her compliments aside, insisting she was just trying to make him feel better. She laughed at that. "No, I'm just trying to get you to cook for me again," she said teasingly. He smiled, his nervousness forgotten for the moment.

"Vell, I am sure I can arrange that."

"I'm glad you've got your own place now, Viktor. I hated making Harry feel like he had to leave anytime I came over," she said.

Viktor grinned. "Oh, it vas a good excuse for him. The last two nights he has spent vith a Miss Patil, I believe. He seems to like her."

"I'm happy for him. The last couple of days… I know they've been rough for him. I'm glad he has someone to help him keep his mind off of things," Tonks said thoughtfully. "What we saw yesterday… I just…"

"I know. I did not even see it vith my own eyes, but hearing you describe it…" Viktor stopped and looked into his wineglass.

"It was rough. For everyone, but especially Harry and Severus. You should have seen Hermione – she was great. Comforting both of them… I'm glad she was there," Tonks said before thinking. Realizing what she had said, she froze, her eyes wide. "I'm sorry, I shouldn-"

Viktor laughed softly. "No, it's fine. Do not avoid speaking of her. I am not bitter; I am not in luff vith her anymore. I am glad she vas there for Harry, and…" Viktor sat back with a sigh. "I am also glad she vas there, is there, for Severus Snape. I haff heard vat he did for the var, vat he had to sacrifice." He looked at Tonks, his eyes crinkling at the edges with a suppressed smile. "Don't vorry – I am not still carrying a torch for her. I care about her – as a friend – and at times…" He stopped, his eyebrows drawing together momentarily.

"Go on," she urged softly.

"I do miss vat ve had – not really her, but being able to come home to somevun, have somevun there, sharing that closeness vith somevun… this must sound selfish," he said with a self-deprecating laugh.

"No, it doesn't sound selfish at all. That would be tough to get used to… going from that level of intimacy to living with… Harry," Tonks said with a small smile.

Viktor nodded. "Right. And… I am hoping that in time, I vill haff that again. Vith somevun else."

"Not Harry," Tonks said teasingly.

A slow smile spread on Viktor's face, taking her breath away. "No, not Harry," he said softly, taking her hand. "Nymphadora… I am not trying to rush you, in any vay. But I think you know I care about you a great deal… and I am attracted to you a great deal." She blushed, not knowing how to respond. "I vant you to know… ve vill go at the pace you need."

She realized he was waiting for a response. Her throat dry, she managed to croak out, "Th-thank you. I… care about you a lot, Viktor… and I'm… very attracted to you."

Again, that slow smile. This time, however, it was laced with nervousness. She tilted her head. "Viktor – what is it?"

He took a deep breath, and pulled something from his pocket. "Happy Un-birthday, Nymphadora," he said, placing a wrapped box in front of her.

"You've read Lewis Carroll?" she asked disbelievingly. When he nodded, she grinned. "That was my father's favorite author. He read the Wonderland books to me over and over when I was a girl." Picking up the box, she looked at Viktor. "Thank you," she said softly.

"Open it," he urged. She complied, carefully peeling back the wrapping paper and opening the box. She gasped slightly.

"It's… Viktor, it's gorgeous… but it's… it's too much…I can't-" she said haltingly, holding up the bracelet. It was gold, with alternating links set with rubies. It was elegant and understated – something that she could wear with anything… but it was also patently expensive.

His hand closed over hers. "You can." She shook her head numbly. "Please. It… I vant you to haff it. For two reasons." She looked at him curiously. "It suits you – I vanted to get you something… to thank you for being here for me, for being my friend… and maybe a bit more?" She blushed and nodded. He smiled back. "And also… you know that I vorry about you."

"Yes, I know… but what-"

He reached up with his free hand and drew a chain out from under the collar of his shirt. "I haff charmed these two… they are linked. Ve can speak to each other vith them, regardless of distance, and they also haff locator spells on them."

Tonks' eyes went wide once more. Hestia had told her about the wedding rings that Viktor and Hermione had carried, and mentioned the communication spells that Viktor had used on them. It was very difficult magic, and very draining. "Viktor… thank you. I don't know what to say…"

"Say you vill vear it, alvays… and if you need anything, or just vant to talk vile you are bored at vork, touch it and say my name. And I vill do the same," Viktor said, rubbing his thumb over her knuckle. "I vill feel better if you vear it… and this vay, if something happens-"

"I will, Viktor. I promise. But if something happens while I'm duty… please don't just Apparate to where I am – get Kingsley first, all right?" Tonks said seriously. Viktor nodded in agreement as he fastened the bracelet around her wrist. Holding her arm up to the light, she admired it for a moment before catching his gaze. "Thank you. It's beautiful."

"You're velcome."

            *                      *                      *                      *                      *                      *

"Oh, I think Tonks and Viktor are getting on very well. Very well indeed," Hestia said, lounging on the floor of the study, propped up by a few pillows Hermione had gathered from the other room. A glass sat in front of her, filled with red wine. The other two women were in similar positions, leaning against pillows or, in Hermione's case, propped against the armchair nearest the fire.

"That's good. They both deserve some fun," Hermione said, laying her head. She had already finished a bottle of white wine by herself, and was starting on the second.

Susan grinned unevenly. "Yeah. They do. And the closer they get, the sooner you can go all-out public with Sevvie Snape." Susan fixed Hermione with a hard stare. Susan had drunk far less than her curly-haired friend. "Right?"

Hermione shrugged. "I guess. Makes sense, right?"

Hestia and Susan shared a look. Sitting up, Hestia stared at Hermione. "Seriously, what's the deal? Why don't you just go public now, let everyone know? Who's going to hold it against you, really?"

"Viktor, for one," Hermione slurred.

Hestia shook her head and then lay back heavily. "Oh, Merlin – remind me not to shake head when drinking. Anyway, Viktor won't care – he's smitten with Tonks now. You should've seen the two of them together. Talk about suppressed sexual tension." She giggled. "They've got to get it on soon. I think ol' Nymphadora's going to explode, otherwise." She giggled again. "Shit. I never giggle. What the hell am I drinking?"

"Red wine. Wine. Quit whining," Hermione said, giggling foolishly at her very poor pun.

Susan shook her head. "One more bad joke like that, Hermione, and I'm force-feeding you some sober-up potion." Hermione clapped a hand over her mouth. A little too hard to judge by the muffled "Ow!" that Susan heard.

Hestia repeated her comment. "So, woman – why not go public? Make that Justin guy chill out some." Susan nodded her agreement, looking at Hermione.

"He's not the only one, either. There are a couple of guys in the Charms department that were discussing the… situation… with you and Viktor," Susan declared.

"Come on, guys. No nagging, please? I will tell, I will… just want to wait a little while… a lot of people know already, anyway."

"But not the ones that matter, really. It's the single men that need to know – so far only attached men and your brothers-in-spirit know," Susan said. She and Hermione had coined the brothers-in-spirit phrase to refer to Ron and Harry ages ago.

"Okay. I'll think about it," Hermione said. Suddenly she sat up straight and frowned at Susan. "What do you expect me to do, anyway? Take out an ad in the Daily Prophet with the full details? Walk around with a placard saying 'I belong to Severus Snape – approach at your own risk'?"

Susan laughed. "No – I just want you to be able to tell people at work that you have a boyfriend!" Hermione snorted at the term. "Well, that's what he is. Call him what you want - your lover, partner, boy-"

"Bed warmer," Hestia supplied helpfully.

Susan shot her an amused glance. "Yeah, or bed warmer. Just have something to tell Justin when he asks you to lunch the next time. The whole busy excuse won't fly for long."

Hermione looked at her friend. "How did you know…"

Susan shook her head. "You really have no idea, do you?" Once again, she shared a glance with Hestia. The other woman shrugged. "You're attractive. Intelligent. Sexy. Famous. A lot of guys are interested! Justin was talking about your encounter with him earlier today with some of the younger Charms guys. I couldn't help overhear."

"I'm not attractive. Not like Lavender Brown, or Parvati, or-"

"Drop it, woman! Not all guys go for the model type! You've got curves, gorgeous hair-" Hestia declared.

"Bushy."

"Full of body. People buy freakin' shampoo and potions to make their hair bushy like yours," Hestia said.

Susan smirked. "Well, it was a bushy nightmare in school. The older she got, though… it seemed to calm down."

"I just stopped working against it. No point trying to make it go straight, I decided to live with the curls. It's still bushy when it's humid, though."

Hestia rolled her eyes. "Oh, Merlin. Some people will complain about anything. Wah, I've got thick, gorgeous naturally curly hair. Wah!"

Hermione threw a pillow at her, laughing. "All right, then. But my point still stands… not model pretty."

"Better," Susan said decisively. "Intelligent and nice-looking."

"With curves that just won't quit," Hestia said, grinning. "If I swung that way, I'd be all over you, honey."

Hermione shook her head, blushing. "Anyway – what was the point of this conversation? I can't remember," she slurred.

Susan laughed and stood up. "That's it – time for sober-up potion." She left the room to retrieve the flask that Hermione had pointed out to them earlier.

Hestia crawled over to where Hermione still sat. "You should tell everyone. Not fair to give them false hope, honey. Not fair to Sev, either. You don't want him to think you're ashamed being with him."

Hermione looked at her crookedly. "What? Why would he think that? That's ridiculous!"

"You ever known a man to make sense?"

Hermione burst out laughing. "That's true. But-"

"No buts."

"Yeah. All right," Hermione said grudgingly. "I'll think about it."

"Good," Susan said, returning with the potion. "Now, drink up."

            *                      *                      *                      *                      *                      *

Neville looked at his former Potions Master. "So – have you had a chance to try out my suggestion yet?" Remus had gone to the loo, leaving the two men alone.

Severus glanced at him shrewdly, taking a swallow of his drink before answering. "No, actually. I haven't yet had the opportunity, or necessity, to put your advice in action."

"That's good," Neville said. "Haven't made her angry enough yet, then."

"I suppose it's good. Although I am looking forward to putting your suggestion to the test," Severus said, smirking. "Where did you learn of it, anyway? I had never heard of that particular use before."

Neville grinned, sitting back in his chair. "Ah, well… that's an interesting story, actually. I was doing some reading of ancient Herbology texts, and came across it in one translation. Decided to give it a try. Worked exceptionally well."

"I'm surprised that information hasn't gotten out to more people," Severus commented, draining his Firewhiskey.

"That particular volume is only viewable by an Herbology Master. And we're a rather tight-lipped lot," Neville said, grinning. "I did tell you it was a bit of a secret."

"That you did. So – the question remains – why did you tell me?" Severus asked, one eyebrow raised in inquiry. "Did you wish to impress me with your vast knowledge, which you so cleverly hid from me during your tenure at Hogwarts?"

Neville snorted. "Partly for that reason. Also… hell. I want Hermione to be happy. A snarky bastard like yourself needs all the help he can get."

Severus let out a bark of laughter at that, surprising Neville. "You are undoubtedly correct, Neville." Tilting his glass to watch the light reflected on it, he said thoughtfully, "What do you think the ladies are up to at the moment, Mr. Longbottom?"

Neville shook his head, draining his glass. "I shudder to think of it, Professor. Likely complaining about us."

Again, a raised eyebrow. "Indeed?"

Remus rejoined them at that moment, in time to hear Neville's answer. "Yep. It's a good thing, though. They complain about us with each other, and get their frustrations off their chests before it builds up to the point where they hex your balls off," Neville said with a small grin.

Remus laughed. "I suppose Severus was wondering what the women were talking about?" Neville nodded. "I believe you're right, there, Neville."

"So why aren't we complaining about them?" Severus asked, somewhat rhetorically. The other two just shrugged.

"Not much to complain about. Women make up things to complain about even when there are no problems. A man – there needs to be something of significance for us to bother complaining about it," Remus said thoughtfully.

Neville nodded, and then grinned. "Not to mention – those petty frustrations… well, we have a different way of releasing tension than women do. Too bad we need their help to do it." Neville grinned wider. "Well, to do it well, at least."

Severus snorted at this, and smiled wickedly. "Indeed, Mr. Longbottom."

Remus leaned forward on his elbows and took a swallow. "If only they saw it as a similar release of tension."

"Oh, we see it as a release of tension, honey, just a different kind of tension," a woman's voice said suddenly. Looking up, they saw the smiling face of Rosmerta, owner of the Three Broomsticks. They had gone there after leaving the Leaky Cauldron, wishing to be within walking distance of Hogwarts to avoid having to Apparate after drinking. Rosmerta winked at them and continued, "If I'm right about what you're talking about, of course. I'm just assuming…" She placed another glass of Firewhiskey in front of Severus.

"Thank you, Rosmerta. And yes, I believe your assumption is correct," Severus said, nodding to her respectfully.

Remus gave Rosmerta a charming smile. "Ah, Rosmerta the Wise and Beautiful. We need a woman's point of view on something." Putting one hand on her aproned hip, Rosmerta looked at him questioningly. "Why must you women complain about every little thing? And with each other? Is it just a release of tension? Or something more nefarious?"

Rosmerta smiled. "So that's what lead up to all of this. Your women off on a girls' night, eh?" Neville and Remus smiled while Severus took a swallow of his Firewhiskey. "Well, dears – you may think something's just a little thing, but add up enough little things and you get a big thing, if you take my meaning. In my experience, I've found that men let things roll off them; you don't pay attention, really, to much that goes on. Other hand, women maybe pay too much attention – overanalyze things." The men all nodded in perfect agreement, and Rosmerta smiled. "Right. So you have your two extremes. To even it out, women let off steam by talking with their friends, complaining about you men, and then they're feeling better so they don't take it out on you." Neville sat back with a smug look at Severus. "And you men… well, from what I've seen from my customers – you either drink your frustrations away or shag them away. I prefer the ones that drink them away, personally… gives me more business. Now – if it was my man, of course… I'd want the one that shags them away," she said with a wink. "That type is easier to handle."

"Easier to handle?" Neville said.

"Ever been really mad at your woman, only to have her change the subject by seducing you?" All three men looked around uncomfortably. "Mmm-hmmm. Ever remember what you were so mad at her for, afterwards?" Again, silence and awkward looks. "Exactly, my dears. Sounds like all three of you are the shags-away type, and your women know it," she said with a grin, walking off.

"Insightful woman," Remus said, lifting his glass in a silent toast.

"Indeed," Severus said, mimicking his gesture. Neville did the same, a look of profound respect on his face.

___________________________________________________________________

A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter – there's more story movement here than it appears, but it is in essence a transition chapter. Needed some downtime for our favorite characters, and Viktor and Tonks needed more time together. I hope you enjoyed, nevertheless!

Louise Luvgood – Thanks for reviewing. I'm having fun reading your theories – not telling you if you're right or not, not till the final chapter ;)

Katie – Thanks for reviewing, and I've noted your guess!

Electryone – LOL @ your house choice. I'll warn everyone when the last "chance" to guess is – I have the final two chapters already written – I just have to get there.

Nataly – Thanks so much for reviewing and reading both fics!

Lizzie – Thanks for reviewing – glad you liked the ending to Ch 13 – I liked that conversation, myself.