Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, except the one I created myself. All others belong to J. K. Rowling and Warner Brothers. I have only borrowed them for my amusement and hopefully yours as well.
The following day was a busy one for Jolicia. Poppy had, after a little arm twisting, decided to let Jo have visitors. There was a steady stream of students coming to wish her well. She received many hugs and more cards and letters and all matter of candy and flowers and more cards and more hugs. At one point she exclaimed to Neville Longbottom and Colin Creevey that she would have to take over the whole floor, not just the ward, if this kept up.
Poppy was in and out, constantly checking on Jo to make sure that she was not being over taxed. Jolicia protested all the attention from the medi-witch - she had never been happier. This out -pouring of love was just the thing to help her heal faster. Jo had even suggested that she be discharged so she could go back to her normal routine. This did not sit well with Poppy.
"Listen my girl, you've just had a nasty accident. You must take your time before going back to work. I told the Headmaster that I would keep you here for a week. If you persist in nagging me, I'll make it two weeks. If you're a good girl and follow my instructions, I might just let you out in a couple of days. Right?" warned Poppy sternly.
Jo replied meekly, "Yes, M'am. I'll definitely be good. You'll not hear another peep out of me." There was no way in hell she wanted to stay there for two whole weeks.
Naturally, all of Jolicia's co-workers had been in to see her as well. Professor Sprout brought her a plant (what else); Hagrid a jam roly-poly.
"Made it meself," he said proudly.
She thanked him profusely and said she'd keep it for later. She had become well acquainted with Hagrid's baking on her many trips to his house. Having tea with him was always an adventure. You learned quickly to stick to the tea and leave the sweets alone. Fang always came in handy; she slipped the treats to the massive dog when Hagrid wasn't looking. She didn't have the heart to tell him the truth.
Harry, Ron and Hermione had come in together. They stayed and had tea with Jo. They chatted happily about all kinds of subjects.
"I guess this'll be the end of your Quidditch career, won't it, Professor?" asked Ron.
"What ever gave you that idea, Ron? I'll be back on my broom as soon as Madam Pomfrey says it is okay. Me, quit Quidditch? Never!"
He broke into a broad grin, as did Harry.
"You mean you're not afraid to go back?" queried Harry. "We just assumed that you'd be put off by your accident."
"Harry Potter, I thought you knew me better than that!" she exclaimed.
Hermione wondered why she said that. Why would Harry know her any more than they did? She'd have to ask Harry later.
Professor McGonagall arrived and sent them on their way. Jo beckoned Hermione over.
She whispered in her ear, "Tell Draco I want to see him, please." Hermione nodded and left to join her two friends.
Outside the door, Hermione turned to Harry and asked him, "What did Professor Medwin mean when she said that you should know her better than that?"
Without missing a beat, Harry replied, "Since I've become her teacher's assistant, we chat quite a bit. I have gotten to know her pretty well." He was relieved to see that Hermione believed his answer without question.
As she watched them leave, Minerva said, "I think Mr. Weasley has a wee bit of a crush on you, Jolicia. Judging by the look on his face as he said goodbye to you, that is."
"I'm afraid so, Minerva. He's been like that since the first day we met. I keep hoping he'll grow out of it, but so far, no luck."
"Ach, well," said the older woman. "These things usually have a way to work themselves out." Jo hoped so.
Minerva chatted awhile with Jo until her last visitor appeared in the doorway.
Jo smiled and said, "Come in, Draco." He took the hand she extended to him.
"Good night, my child. Sweet dreams," said Minerva, bending to buss Jo on the cheek. After she closed the door, Draco sat down on the bed.
"Are you all better, Professor? I've been very worried about you."
"I'm almost there. Madam Pomfrey wants to keep me here a little while longer just to be on the safe side. I want to thank you, Draco."
"Thank me? What for?"
"Professor Snape told me that you tried to break my fall after the Bludger got me. That was a brave thing for you to do. You could have been hurt as well. He said you were the first one at my side and also the one who fetched Madam Pomfrey."
"I should have been able to catch you."
"I sense a little guilt on your part. You have nothing to feel guilty about. You tried but I was out of reach. The important thing is that you tried."
"Hermione told me the same thing – that I shouldn't feel badly."
"She's right, as usual. It was a selfless act, Draco. You should be proud of yourself. I know that I am very proud of you. Thank you." She hugged him. Draco held on tightly. Someone was proud of him!
Jolicia slept very well indeed that night. It had been a wonderful day.
The following morning, Bubble had brought Jo her breakfast and then assisted her with her toilette. She had just finished helping her into fresh pajamas when a visitor appeared.
"Good morning, Severus. How nice to see you," said Jo.
"Good morning. I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" he inquired.
"No, no. Bubble was just leaving. Weren't you, Bubble?" said Jo. The house-elf had suddenly started coughing when Snape appeared. Jo knew why she had started to do this – it was her way of saying –see, I told you so.
"Yes, Professor Jo. Bubble will leave you alone, yes all alone." The elf left, giggling madly.
"She's acting oddly this morning," said Snape.
"You know house-elves, Severus. They're an odd bunch to begin with," offered Jolicia. She was hardly about to tell him why Bubble was laughing.
"I didn't come to see you yesterday, Jolicia. I assumed that you had more than your share of visitors. It wasn't too much for you?"
"No, not at all. It was fantastic. You must think I'm just as crazy as Bubble. I'm in a hospital bed and I think it was one of the best days of my life." She looked for his reaction. He seemed a little puzzled, so she continued.
"It felt so good to know so many care about you. It warms the heart."
Severus just nodded, as if the concept might be foreign to him. At that moment, Poppy came bustling in.
"Good morning, Severus. You're just what we need. Jo, you're going for a walk, and Severus, you're just the right height to lend your arm in support."
Jo swung her legs to the floor. Severus helped her on with her dressing gown and then offered his hand. Slowly, with his help, she stood up. She grabbed onto the crook of his arm and slowly they made their way around the room.
"How is it?" asked Poppy.
"Ooh, it hurts quite a bit, especially my hip." Jo sucked in her breath and tried to will the pain away.
She grasped Severus' hand very tightly and said, "Let's keep going, please."
They slowly made their way back around the room and then out into the hall. Jolicia came back in under her own steam. Severus followed close behind, just in case she should stumble. She didn't. Each step was easier than the last.
"Well my girl, I don't think I've ever had a patient who made such quick progress. How would you like to get out of here this afternoon? I'll let you out of the infirmary on one condition. You have to promise to take the next week off. I do mean completely off – no teaching, no lectures, nothing and especially NO Quidditch."
Jo's eyes went wide. "Really? Oh, yes. Please. I agree. No, I'll do better than that. I, Jolicia Medwin, do solemnly swear that I'll not lift a finger for the next seven days."
She hugged Poppy and then turned around and hugged Severus and said, "Don't tell anyone. I want it to be a surprise."
They agreed to remain silent. Poppy nodded her approval and left.
Severus said, "Do you know what today's date is?"
Jo stopped and thought, "It's October 31st!"
"Yes, you'll be out in time for the Halloween feast. Do you think you're up to it Jolicia?"
"Most definitely!" she replied.
Late in the afternoon, Jolicia slowly made her way to her own quarters. It was such a relief to be back. Although it had only been a few days, she felt as if she had been gone for an eternity. The first thing she did was to run herself a nice hot bubble bath. As she luxuriated in the delightful foam, she contemplated recent events.
She chuckled to herself and thought, "Maybe you should start wearing a crash helmet. Two head injuries since you got here, girl. Maybe the next time you won't be so lucky."
Jo finally had the proof – she did have a hard head!
Bubble's words were nagging at her, even though she had decided the whole thing was poppycock. She had been with Severus several times since and had seen no evidence to support Bubble's claim. Jo had made a point to look deeply into his eyes for any sign of something more. His black eyes could be best described as lukewarm with friendship, not burning with passion. Way down deep inside, she felt an ever so slight twinge of disappointment. He did have the darkest eyes she had ever seen. They were like rich, luxuriant black velvet. Jolicia wondered how they must look when filled with desire. The thought made her quiver.
Jo dressed herself and was preparing to make her way to the feast, when a knock came to her door.
"Come in," she called.
Severus peered through the open door.
"It's good to see you up and dressed, Jolicia. I came to inquire if you are in need of assistance. My arm is at you service, Professor Medwin," he offered with a bow. A small smile crossed his lips.
Jo laughed and said, "How gallant, Professor Snape." She curtsied in answer to his bow.
"I think I'd like to come in alone, if you don't mind. It's hard to refuse your charming offer, however."
"I understand. See you in a few minutes?" She nodded and he went on ahead.
As she neared the Great Hall, Jolicia could hear the excited voices of the students. This evening was something they had been looking forward to for weeks. She had to admit, she had as well. She was glad she had not missed it.
Jo opened the doors and walked in, feeling a little nervous. Slowly, the room became aware of her presence.
"Look, it's Professor Medwin!"
"She's back!"
"Professor Medwin's okay!"
She saw them burst into wide smiles. Many of them stood up to hug her as she passed by. Jo glanced up at the head table. All of her co-workers were smiling as well. Even Severus had a smile that, on him, was huge. On anybody else, one would have had to look pretty hard to find it.
Jolicia was hugged by Dumbledore as he said, "Welcome back, my child. Welcome back to where you belong."
Jo turned to face the crowd before her – they were all standing and had started to applaud. She began to cry tears of joy.
Jo bade them, "Please, enough. Enough. Thank you all for the warm welcome. I don't think I would have gotten well so quickly if it hadn't been for all of you. I love you all. Thank you. Please, enjoy the feast."
They all did. It was the best Halloween feast any body could remember.
Jo and Severus made their way slowly back to their rooms. He turned to say something to her, when he noticed Jo wince.
"Jolicia, are you feeling all right?"
"It's my hip. It is acting up again. Poppy gave me a potion to take to ease the pain. I must say I'm looking forward to taking it."
Severus took her arm and placed it through his.
"I think that next time, you shouldn't say no when a gentlemen offers the lady his arm."
"I think next time, the lady will leave her pride at home and say, yes thank you, kind sir."
She was most grateful for the assistance. Her bed was screaming for her to come and snuggle in.
At her door, Severus inquired, "Is there anything else I can do for you before I bid you good night?"
"No, I'll be fine. Thank you, gentle sir."
Feeling a little bold, she leaned over and pecked him on the cheek, said good night and went in. Once inside, she leaned back on the closed door, shut her eyes and stayed there for a few moments, thinking about what she had just done.
Severus went into his chambers, leaned back on the closed door, shut his eyes and thought about what had just happened. He brought his long fingers up to his face and slowly caressed the spot that Jo had just kissed.
The following week was a difficult one for Jolicia. She was not accustomed to being idle and was itching to be back in the classroom again. However, she had made a promise to Poppy that she dared not break, so she occupied her time as best she could by reading and chatting with whoever was handy. She also used the time to write to her family. She had thought long and hard before telling them about her little accident, but decided that they might as well know. After all, it was just another happenstance of her life.
The calm of Thursday morning's breakfast was broken by the sound of beating wings. The post was arriving! Everyone cast their eyes upward to see the sudden arrival of a hundred owls. The mail delivery was always met with great anticipation for it brought news from home and of loved ones. Little parcels filled with treats and goodies were especially welcome. Jo was among those looking towards the ceiling when she spotted it – a great European eagle owl. This largest species of owl was reserved for overseas mail; due to its tremendous wingspan, it alone had the power to cover such large distances. She watched anxiously as it came closer and closer. She looked into its large orange eyes as it swept by and then she grabbed for the envelope – the red envelope. Jo sat there staring.
"Crikey, a Howler!" exclaimed Hagrid. "Who'd be sendin' yer that, Jo? Best open 'er up an' get t'over with."
She agreed and gingerly opened the red flap of paper. Her mother's voice began shrieking.
"As-tu perdu tout bons sens? (Have you lost all good sense?)" it began. Her mother launched into a tirade about how she was too old to be playing Quidditch (you're not 16 anymore, she had said); how could she be so foolish and take such risks; it was time she settled down; you're setting a bad example for the students; and on and on.
The Howler finished, "Tu me manques beaucoup. Je t'aime. (I miss you very much. I love you)."
When the last word was said, the letter promptly burst into flames and disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Everyone was staring at her, waiting to know what had been said.
Jo cleared her throat and said, "That was my Maman. It seems that she is a little upset about my Quidditch."
"Here, here," said Poppy. "Smart woman, your Mum."
"She sounded a trifle more than a little upset, Jolicia," smirked Severus.
"That was the last time I tell her anything about anything bad that happens to me. Mothers, no matter how old you are, they still think they can run your life," she said, shaking her head.
A realization came over her and she instantly regretted her last statement. Severus had lost his mother under horrible circumstances and here she was complaining about hers over some trivial matter. She suddenly felt very small.
"Sorry," she whispered to him. "I am such a twit sometimes. I have a tendency to think after I have spoken."
"Don't worry about it," he replied and continued with his breakfast, not looking at Jo.
"You're an idiot," she reproached herself. Jo felt badly for quite sometime.
Friday was the first official Quidditch match of the season. This year, Hufflepuff was playing against Gryffindor. Naturally, Jolicia was there to cheer on the players. Poppy had said no Quidditch, but that didn't include watching Quidditch. Jo had been tempted to join Hermione in the Gryffindor stands, but had decided that she shouldn't show favoritism (even though she was pulling for Gryffindor) and took a spot in the teachers' area.
The match was just getting under way when a voice asked, "May I join you?"
"Oh, yes please, Severus," answered Jo. She was quite surprised to see him.
"I thought you only watched your own house play?" Jo couldn't resist asking.
"I seem to have found a greater enthusiasm for the sport these days." He thought, but did not say, 'because of you'.
Jolicia was a most vocal spectator. She was on her feet often, cheering the players on, groaning over the missed goals, and generally carrying on. Severus could not stop himself from looking at her when ever she was standing. At these moments, she was looking away from him and therefore could not see his gaze. She was so full of life. When he was with her, it felt like, somehow, he was too.
"Did you see that? What a save! WAY TO GO RON! WOO HOO!"
She sat back down and said, "Did you see that amazing catch that Ron made?"
"No, sorry. I seem to have missed it."
"Severus, are you not paying attention? All the action is down at the Gryffindor goals."
"I am paying attention. I just happened to be momentarily looking elsewhere."
"What were you looking at?"
He said without hesitation, "The Snitch. I thought I saw the Snitch on the west side of the pitch. I was mistaken."
She accepted his explanation and turned her attention back to the action.
Four rows back in the teachers' stands, Albus was busy elbowing Minerva in the ribs.
"Do you see him, Minerva? Did you notice? He isn't watching the match at all. Got better things to look at, I'd say. Shouldn't be much longer now. Take back what you said about me losing my touch."
"For heaven's sake, Albus, stop poking me! You'd think you were ten years old the way you are carrying on. Yes, yes, I admit it. You've still got your touch, old man. Good thing, too. If there has ever been a time when I've wanted you to be right about such matters, it's now. Satisfied? Good! Now, are you going to share those toffees or are you going to scoff them all yourself?"
The match finally ended when Harry caught the Snitch. It had been a tight race between the two Seekers, but Harry had emerged victorious. He stood proudly with his prize held over his head, waving to the crowd. His fellow teammates all gathered round to cheer him on.
Up in the stands, Jo was going wild.
"YEAH, HARRY. NICE CATCH. HURRAY FOR GRYFFINDOR! WELL PLAYED HUFFLEPUFF!" She was flailing he arms wildly.
"Severus, did you see it? Isn't Harry a great Seeker? What a match!" She threw her arms around him and hugged him in the joy of the moment, not even thinking about what she was doing. He stood there somewhat woodenly, wanting very much to return the hug, but not daring to.
"Potter is an adequate Seeker. That was a good catch. I'll give him that much."
Jolicia laughed and said, "My, my Severus, don't get too excited. You might pass out from the stress." He just stared at her.
"It's a joke. You know, a witticism, a humorous remark - you're supposed to laugh."
"I didn't find it that amusing. I gave you my honest opinion of Potter's performance. Surely, you don't expect me to offer enthusiasm where none exists? Wait, am I missing something? Are you making light of me?"
"Merlin, no! I would never do that. I was teasing you that's all. I was trying, feebly I might add, to get you to loosen up. I would never, never make fun of you Severus."
She put her hands on his shoulders and looked into his eyes and said, "I value your friendship too much. Please don't be offended."
"I'm not offended. It is just that, I... I don't like to be mocked. I thought for a brief second that was what you were doing. It brought back some unpleasant memories. Forgive me, I should realize you wouldn't do such a thing."
They stood there in silence, looking into each other's eyes.
It seemed like an eternity, but it was only a brief moment later when Severus said, "Let's go back to the castle. You've goose bumps from the cold, Jolicia. I, myself, am also shivering. I think a pot of tea is in order, don't you?"
The temperature was not that cold.