I Do Not Own Harry Potter.

Harry had been miserable from the beginning of the week. He'd asked Dumbledore for permission to visit Eva in the hospital, but had been refused. The Headmaster believed that it was too dangerous to allow Harry to leave the grounds of the school. Harry had pointed out that he'd gone to St. Mungo's last year and the Headmaster had pointed out that it was always with a member of the Order.

Harry knew the reality of the situation. He really did understand that Dumbledore wanted to keep him safe, but that did not make things any easier. He felt hopeless and guilty. He knew that if he had not been reckless, Eva would be in school now, with the rest of her class. It didn't help that Malfoy had managed to get permission to see her. He had made sure the news of his visiting Eva reached Harry's ears and it had its desired effect, although Harry made sure Malfoy did not see how upset he was.

Ron and Hermione, however, could see it and they were worried. Harry was not eating or sleeping as he should and he was often found on the Gryffindor common room couch in the mornings. Ron knew that he would sneak out of the dormitory and sit there all night until he was too exhausted to stay awake. They tried to encourage him, but they knew it was hopeless because their hearts were not in it either. They both felt guilty for Eva's injuries as well.

It was not until Friday night that there seemed to be a ray of hope for them. Neville walked into the Great Hall and quickly walked towards them. He held a crumpled parchment in his hands.

"You'll never guess what my Gran just sent me," he said as he slid into the seat next to Harry.

"Another Remembrall?" asked Ron.

"No, I've gotten her to agree to come and take me to London tomorrow. I'm going to see Eva." Harry just groaned and pushed his plate away. "I know you want to see her, Harry; that's why I'm telling you now. If you want to write her a letter or send her something, just give it to me tonight or tomorrow morning and I'll make sure she gets them. Same for you two," he said looking at Ron and Hermione.

Harry perked up a little at that. He didn't know how long she would be in St. Mungo's and he really wanted to apologize and explain that he'd never meant to hurt her; this was probably his only opportunity to do it. He ate some of the food off his plate and got up from the table.

"Where you going, Harry?" asked Ron.

"I'm going to start on my letter," he threw over his shoulder.

Ron and Hermione quickly spooned a bit more food in their mouths and got up as well. Neville watched them as they talked on their way out. He hoped that Professor Snape would not take the letters away from him when he got there. He had to find a way to make sure Eva received everything he would be taking. He resolved that even if he had to wrestle them out of Snape's hands, he'd make sure they were in Eva's possession when she woke up. If Harry, Ron and Hermione were going to the trouble of apologizing, then it was well worth the effort.

The trio stayed up half the night writing their letters. Ron's was short, but he did not know how to say what he wanted to. He eventually got down his meaning in the least confusing way and sealed the envelope. Hermione seemed to be writing Eva a novel. The two boys were sure that she was apologizing for looking at her sideways the day after they met, and every moment that had followed; she always did things like that, Harry just hoped Eva would not fall asleep before finishing the letter.

Harry's letter was sincere. He apologized for what had happened on Sunday and explained why he had done what he did. He hoped she would understand and forgive him one day. He finished by saying that he was sorry for avoiding her since the Yule Ball; there were outside forces that did not allow him to continue with the relationship. He just hoped that she would take that at face value and not read more into the meaning.

The three Gryffindors placed their letters on the table in the middle of the common room. Ron and Harry would tell Neville where they were in the morning, and they left a note to the house elves not to remove the letters from the table.

The next morning Harry, Ron and Hermione gathered in the common room early; they planned to do some work in the library before it got too full. They were surprised to see so many people milling around the center table. Most of them were carrying parchments and some had bags of candy; Hermione spotted Angus Stuart with a small bouquet of violets. They trio looked at each other in puzzlement and decided to wait until the crowd cleared to see what was going on. Finally, most of the students had gone and they saw Neville taking the last pieces of parchments from some third year students.

"Oh, hey, guys! I got the letters you wrote; don't worry, I put them aside and will make sure that she gets those first," said Neville.

"What were all those people giving you?" asked Hermione.

"Get-well cards and letters for Eva. I told some people about it at dinner and they told some other people. I think I have every House covered; except Slytherin, of course. Most Gryffindors gave me a letter or card from a few people from other houses. It's really nice to see that Eva has so many people that like her."

Neville checked that the bag he was carrying was tied and flung it over his shoulder. He felt like Santa Claus. "Well, I'd better get going. I think Gram should be here soon and she doesn't like to wait." He walked out with a stunned Harry, Ron and Hermione watching him.

He completely forgot about the trio when he saw his grandmother standing in the doorway with the Headmaster. She was wearing that god-awful hat again. He'd always had the urge to find a slingshot and shoot that vulture off, but he never did it.

"Good morning, Professor Dumbledore. Hello, Gram."

"Good morning, Mr. Longbottom. I see that you have collected some bounty for Miss Nocturino," said Dumbledore.

"Yes, sir. A lot of the students are sending get-well cards and gifts. I'm sure she'll appreciate them." Neville was surprised at how easily he was speaking with the Headmaster. Eva's talks and encouragement must be what was helping.

"Yes, I'm sure she will. I've just received an owl from Professor Snape reporting that she has regained consciousness. I only wish I could have been there to see it," he said.

Neville wondered what the big deal was about seeing someone wake up, but he just smiled at the Headmaster.

"Well, we really must be off. Come along, Neville," said Gram.

"Goodbye, Professor," called Neville.

"Have a nice trip, Neville."

Gram hailed the Knight Bus and they were soon barreling their way towards London and the hospital. They were the second stop and Neville was glad; he didn't think he'd ever been so frightened during a trip.

They bypassed the welcoming witch at the front desk, as Professor Dumbledore had told Gram what room Eva was in, and went straight to the fourth floor. Neville walked slowly as he approached the room numbered 4455; he wasn't sure if Professor Snape would welcome him.

He heard voices coming from the room. Snape had visitors and they were talking. It was only the sound of Eva's voice that gave him the courage to knock on the door. Gram waited impatiently beside him.

Snape opened the door and sneered at the young man. He directed a civil stare at the elderly witch behind him and moved to allow them entry, not saying a word.

Eva caught sight of the person calling and a smile lit her face. "Neville!" She held out her arms and he gladly embraced her. "I'm so glad you came to see me."

"Well, you are my Potions Partner, after all. I had to make sure you were all right; I'd fail the class without you," he teased.

"No, you wouldn't. You just don't like sitting by yourself," she teased back. She looked at the elderly woman hanging back and smiled. "Hello," she said.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Neville moved so that his Gram could approach. "Eva, this is my Grandmother. Gram, this is my friend Eva Nocturino."

The elderly witch shook hands with Eva. The look on her face, however, was decidedly critical. Eva felt like she was being examined. She shifted a bit on the bed. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Longbottom. Neville has spoken of you often."

"Yes, Neville has spoken of you as well. I'm glad that he has found someone who can tolerate his lesser instincts in magic," said the older witch.

"I think Neville is a great wizard. He can do anything if people around him will encourage and support him. I know that he's helped me quite a few times." Eva did not like it when people insulted her friends, and here was Neville's grandmother saying he was not a good wizard. No wonder he had such bad self-confidence.

"How are you feeling, Eva?" asked Neville. The last thing he wanted was for Eva to argue with Gram; Snape would throw them out for sure if that happened.

"I'm getting better. I'm sleeping a lot, but that's normal. The healer says that I should be out of here by Tuesday if I keep on like I am."

"That's great," Neville felt a bit uncomfortable. He had seen the other two people in the room: Draco and Narcissa Malfoy.

"I'm sorry, I must have left my manners at Hogwarts. Neville, Mrs. Longbottom, this is Narcissa Malfoy; she's my Auntie, and her son, Draco."

"Hello, Mrs. Malfoy. It's a pleasure," said Neville.

Mrs. Longbottom, knowing full well who they were, just sneered at the Malfoys. "I think I'll wait outside, Neville."

Neville watched his grandmother go and wished it were he who was out of the room. "I brought you some cards from people." He lifted the bag that he had by his feet and placed it on the bed. "There are a lot of people who miss you. Oh, and these are from Angus Stuart," he held out the little bouquet of violets.

Eva laughed and took the flowers. "I have no idea how he managed to find violets in the middle of winter." She sniffed the violets and smiled at Narcissa. "Auntie Nary, can you find a vase for these?"

"Of course, Darling." She took the flowers and exited the room.

"I don't know many people in Slytherin, so I wasn't able to tell them about my visit, but these are all from the other Houses." He upended the bag and all the letters and cards fell out. Some of them fell to the floor.

Eva just stared at them all with her mouth agape. She had no idea that so many people knew who she was. These were people who weren't even in her house; she was Slytherin and all these were from Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. Come to think of it, she had not received anything from her Housemates besides Draco's roses. "These are all for me?" she whispered, picking up a card that had a huge sun on the front.

"Yes, I told everyone I knew that I was coming down today and they told more people. I gathered all these cards today. Aww, Eva, don't cry," said Neville.

Eva sniffed and smiled. She let out something that was a mix of a sob and a laugh and looked up at Neville. "I didn't think so many people cared." She began to go through the cards one by one and laughed out loud at many of them.

Severus and Draco excused themselves at one point to go and have lunch. Neville and Eva were left alone to read the cards. Neville waited until he was sure Professor Snape and the Malfoys would not be back to pull out the other cards he had.

"I wanted to make sure that you got these. I wanted you to read them first, but I don't think your father would have appreciated me giving them to you." He handed her the three notes from Ron, Hermione and Harry.

"Why didn't they come with you?" she asked. She had really wanted to see them.

"Harry can't leave the school and Ron and Hermione would not have felt right if they came to see you without him. They really did want to come, though."

Eva nodded and opened Ron's letter. It was short and sweet; pretty much saying that he was sorry for what had happened and that he wished her back at school soon. She smiled at his clumsiness with words, but knew that was just how Ron was and she would not want him any other way. Next was Hermione's letter. It was easily the thickest of the three and Eva smiled. She began to read the letter and was shocked to find all the things that Hermione was apologizing for. She must have really felt bad about what happened. Eva skipped down to the end where she apologized for her part in Sunday's incident and said she would do anything to make it up to her and that she hoped Eva would be well soon and to take her time regaining her energy. Eva closed the letter with a smile.

Harry's letter was last. She gingerly picked it up, as if it was a treasured possession that should be handled with care and respect. She opened it and smiled at his somewhat sloppy hand. He also apologized for what had happened on Sunday. His explanation was short and sincere and Eva appreciated his actions for what they were, an honest concern for her safety. His apology for avoiding her since the Yule Ball was what struck her the most. He said that there were outside forces that prevented him from seeing her, but what kind of outside forces could possibly. . ? You interfering, conniving old man! thought Eva. She knew her father had something to do with it and she was going to find out what and why.

Eva refolded Harry's letter, but tucked it under her pillow. "He's feeling guilty, isn't he?" she asked Neville.

"Yes, as are Ron and Hermione. They haven't been themselves all week."

"Could you check that table for a parchment, quill and some ink? I think it's time that I dispel their guilt."

Neville rummaged through the drawer in the night table, but found nothing. He went to the nurse at the desk and retrieved what they needed. He knew that Eva was still weak so he offered to write the letter for her, but she declined. "A letter is a personal thing. If you are going to take the time to write one, you should write it yourself."

She wrote Ron's letter first. She thanked him for caring so much about her and assured him that she held no hostility towards him. Hermione's letter was about the same, except that Eva joked about Hermione's lengthy letter. Finally, she got to Harry's and she was a bit stumped at what to say.

"Neville?"

"Yes?"

"Do you know what Harry meant when he talked about 'outside forces'? I can't really think of anything."

"Well, we did have this one conversation about Malfoy and your Dad," said Neville.

"Draco and my father? Why would he think they would stand. . ?" Something dawned on Eva. "He wouldn't," she whispered.

"Who wouldn't?" asked Neville. He usually liked it when something would come to Eva; she always talked to herself and it was quite amusing to watch it all play out on her face.

"My father. He must have said something to Harry. That's got to be the only reason why he would stop talking to me. I can't believe my Dad would do that. You're lucky your parents don't treat you like a child."

Neville squirmed a bit in his chair. He had not told Eva about his parents being in St. Mungo's. The truth was, he never told anyone because he never knew how to broach the subject.

"What's wrong, Neville? I'm sorry if I said something bad about your parents. I was just upset that my Dad would do something like this."

"No, you didn't offend me." He sighed. "I guess it's time for you to hear the story."

"You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to." Eva had the feeling this was one story you were not told before going to bed.

"I know I don't have to, but I want you to know." He sat quietly, gathering his thoughts and then began. "My parents were a part of an offensive against Lord Voldemort when he first rose to power. They were very talented and strong. Dumbledore trusted them very much and used them in a lot of the more dangerous and secret operations he had going on. Long story short: they were captured by Death Eaters and tortured because they were trying to get information out of them. The Death Eaters didn't kill them; they just drove them insane with the torture. They're both here in St. Mungo's in the ward for permanent spell damage."

"Oh, Neville," breathed Eva. She didn't know what to say. How did you express the sorrow you felt for someone you loved because they were in a bad situation? 'I'm sorry' seemed too trite, but it was the only thing that came to her mind.

"It's all right. I get to see them during the school holidays. You should be happy that you've got both your parents, even if they treat you like a child."

"You'll have both your parents soon, Neville. I'm sure there's something the healers can do to help them."

"They've been here since I was a baby, Eva. I'm sure the healers would have found something by now."

The look on Neville's face broke Eva's heart. She wondered if there was anything she could do to help Neville's parents. She would have to have a talk with the healer about what he knew of Energy Healers. Maybe there was something in her powers that could reverse insanity. "Never give up hope, Neville. New and wonderful things happen everyday."

They continued their conversation, and Eva finally finished her letter to Harry, until Neville's grandmother reappeared in the room and told him it was late and that they really had to go. They bid each other goodbye and Eva was left alone for a while to think about her course of action. She first had to talk with the healer about what she might be able to do for Neville's parents. She had to think about what to do about her father's interference in her life. He really had no right to do what he had done. It was her decision to make and she would very well make it on her own.

Severus returned to the room and lifted the corners of his lips when he saw his daughter was still awake. "I think it's time for a nap."

"Just as soon as we talk," Eva replied.

"What would you like to talk about? School?"

"In a way, yes." Eva folded her hands in her lap. She thought about the letter that was under her pillow. "What did you say to Harry to make him stop seeing me?"

"What gave you the idea that I did that?" Severus had not seen this one coming and was totally unprepared for this conversation.

"There is no other reason for him to be avoiding me. What did you say after the Yule Ball to run him off?"

"I do not know what you are talking about. I have never said anything to Harry Potter outside of his schoolwork and grades."

Eva was silent for a moment processing what her father had just said. He was far too accomplished at Legilimency for her to determine whether he was lying or not, so she just assumed he wasn't and thought about his comment. If he didn't talk to Harry about anything other than his grades, then . . . "You told him you would fail him if he didn't stop seeing me." It was more of an incredulous revelation than a question. That was the only thing that made sense to her.

Severus' eyes shifted uncomfortably. He knew that there was no way for her to have penetrated his mind. He would have known if she had. Was he that transparent that she could deduce what he had done? "I did nothing of the sort," he said. He would have to determine how she had come to the conclusion to make sure he was not leaving himself open to anyone.

"It's the only thing that makes sense. You can't expel him just for seeing me. You can't hurt him because Dumbledore would kill you and then I would kill you. The only thing left is to fail him out of Potions so he can't graduate or become an Auror. How could you?"

"I do not wish to talk about this right now, Eva. When you have regained more of your energy, then we'll discuss your relationship with Potter . . ."

"His name is Harry and we will discuss it now."

"Fine, we will discuss this after you take a nap."

"Fine," Eva scooted down into the bed and tried to sleep. It wasn't hard since she was still really tired.

Severus watcher her until he was sure that she was asleep. He sat back in the chair and thought about what he would say to her when she awoke. It was common knowledge that Severus Snape did not like Harry Potter. No one knew exactly why and Severus was not about to reveal the information either. Recently, everyone just assumed it was because Eva was seeing Harry and he did not like it. Severus sighed and leaned forward in the chair.

Narcissa returned to the room and found Severus sitting in the same position. "Sickle for your thoughts," she said, sitting next to him.

Severus looked up and gave her a crooked smile. "I was just thinking about what I was going to say to Eva when she wakes up. She has the idea that I said something to Harry Potter that made him stop seeing her."

Narcissa raised her eyebrow. "And you didn't?" Her tone was doubtful.

Severus blew out his breath and hunched back into the chair. It was a position that few people would catch him in. "Am I that transparent?"

"When it comes to Eva, yes," said Narcissa. She smiled and placed a hand atop the one Severus had on his knee. "There are a lot of things about her that you must understand. She is full of mysteries and I doubt anyone knows them all, even Saveage." Narcissa removed her hand and smiled at Severus. "I did not know she was an Energy Healer until I saw her last night. No one had ever told me." Narcissa's eyes moved to the girl who was sleeping in the bed. Her hair was fanned out on the pillow and the curve of her hips hid the position of her head.

"She is the most independent person I have ever had the privilege to know, Severus. She reminds me of her father," said Narcissa.

"That's part of what worries me," said Severus. "She's too independent for her own good. She doesn't know when to ask for help and what things she should not do."

"Would you keep her in a box for the rest of her life?"

"No, but I do not want her to get hurt either," said Severus.

Narcissa smiled knowingly at him. "That's one of the hardest things about being a parent; knowing when to let them fly free. I'm lucky enough to know that Draco is not like his father and will do what is right in the end. You should know that Eva is one of the most decent people on the face of this planet. She does what she thinks is right and she will not allow anyone to stop her from getting what she wants. You should be proud."

"I am Narcissa. I am very proud of her. I just wish she would let me be her father, sometimes."

They watched Eva sleeping for a while before Severus broke the silence. "Tell me, Narcissa, why do you stay with Lucius? He's made your life a living, walking nightmare. You have a sufficient fortune of your own to live on. Why not just take Draco and leave? Especially now that he's in Azkaban."

"You hit the nail in the head, Severus. Draco. I stay because of Draco." Narcissa raised a hand to forestall Severus' argument. "I know what you're needling at Severus. Yes, I still love my husband, don't ask me why I do; I wouldn't be able to tell you. Saveage loves you for her own reasons. Every woman's heart is different and I have had enough heart-to-hearts with Saveage to know that she is still very much in love with you. She can't really forget you." Narcissa looked over to the bed. "She has a living, breathing reminder of you living in her house."

Severus looked back at his daughter. "I never did know why she fell in love with me. At first I thought that you had bewitched us both at that party. After time passed, I just went along with everything, terrified that one day she would wake up and realize that she was seeing Severus Snape and leave me." He shook his head and looked back at Narcissa. "I wanted to talk to you about Draco."

"What did you want to talk about?"

"Don't you think that Lucius' influence on him will lead him down the wrong path?"

Narcissa opened her mouth to respond, but Severus cut her off with his hand. Draco had just walked in and he was carrying two bags in his hands.

He looked at the two adults sheepishly. "I went to Diagon Alley to get her some decent food. I thought you would both have the same idea and head down there yourselves."

Severus shot a quick look at his daughter's sleeping form and after seeing that her breathing was still deep and even, he looked at Narcissa. "She's still sleeping. I'm sure we can trust Draco to watch her while we grab a quick meal."

Narcissa noted the tone of his voice and knew he wanted to continue the conversation, away from the ears of their children. "Lunch sounds wonderful. I trust we can leave you here with Eva, Draco."

"Of course, Mum. She probably won't wake up until you're back anyway," said Draco.

Severus and Narcissa walked out of the hospital and walked the short distance to the Leaky Cauldron. Once in Diagon Alley they headed straight for the poshest restaurant. They asked for a private area and were soon taking up their conversation again.

"Where were we?" asked Narcissa.

"I had asked whether you were afraid that Lucius' influence could be bad? Possibly leading towards darker things?"

"I thought that for a few years. The year leading up to Draco's attendance at Hogwarts and his first three years. I saw what Lucius was doing to him." Narcissa took a sip of her wine and smiled at Severus. "I know that my son is not the nicest of boys. I'm sure that there have been times where even you wanted to whack him a good one."

Severus raised his eyebrows and took a sip of his own glass of wine. Narcissa laughed at his silent agreement.

"Don't worry, Severus. You're not the only one. I must admit that I did make some mistakes when it comes to Draco, but I know he's a good person; I really do."

"How do you know?" asked Severus.

"I know because his best friend is the most wonderful young woman I have ever met; after her mother. Eva has been a more important influence on Draco's life than either Lucius or myself. She's a quiet arguer, not someone who will always fly off the handle during an argument; though, I have seen her do it. She will sit and she will listen to you and what you have to say, without an argument. Then, when she's sure you're done, she'll quietly explain her side. It's amazing to watch, really. I don't know where she got all this wisdom from."

"It's the Energy," said Severus absently.

"Pardon?"

"The Energy. She's an Energy Healer. The energy of a normal person is produced by food and such, but Eva, she has an added source. All the previous Energy of Healers past has been given to her, along with some of their wisdom. She's only one in a long line of Energy Healers. It's been much more rare in the last few centuries for one to be born at all. It takes a pure heart and . . ." Severus' voice trailed away.

He remembered what his father had inculcated in him about his family's history. He'd said that all the Energy Healers that had been born to the Snape line had been weak. They were weak and so were their parents. He'd seen it as a spot on the immaculate reputation of the Snape line.

"And what, Severus?" asked Narcissa after her had been silent for a few moments.

"I'm sorry. Their parents have to be truly in love."

"That could make a lot of children Energy Healers, Severus."

"That's true, but they must be pureblooded witch or wizard. Come to think of it, the last five Energy Healers known were witches."

"How do you know so much about this?" asked Narcissa.

"Eva's abilities derive from my side of the family. The last known Energy Healer was a Snape. She died during the war with Grindewald. I have no doubt that Sage's parents told Eva the history of Energy Healers, but they probably told her that the connection to the Snape family was removed from her after that. I would expect nothing less from Aurelius Nocturino."

Their food arrived and they ate in silence for a while.

"You never fully answered my question about Lucius," said Severus halfway through their meal.

Narcissa smiled. He was persistent when he wanted information. "Most of the answer really is Draco. I look at him and see the way Lucius could have been. I see the man that I fell in love with all those years ago." Narcissa smiled and looked down at her plate. "Yes, Severus, I really did love Lucius when we were first married. He was a lot different then. Yes, he did have the ideas about purity in wizarding blood, but not as radical as he has now. He was kind to me." Narcissa shook her head and returned to the present. "I just know that if I leave Lucius he would do anything, and I mean anything, to make sure that Draco is taken from me."

Severus put down his fork and studied Narcissa. "My daughter has painted a picture of Draco Malfoy that does not fit what I have seen of the boy. Now you have done the same thing. I have never known your son to want anything more than to earn the respect of his father."

"Surely you understand a boy's desire to please his father. Even if the man is less than respectable. And, you of all people, should know that not everyone is what they give the impression to be. I'm sure your students would be flabbergasted to see you having a civilized conversation with anyone, without insulting them or taking points."
"They would probably die from the shock," he said lazily. "We'd better be going back. I promised my daughter that we'd talk about that Potter boy and I'm sure your son is not softening her up for me." He led her out of Diagon Alley and back to St. Mungo's.

"Severus?"

"Yes."

"I'm going to give you some advice, both as a parent and as a woman."

"Alright."

"Don't forbid Eva from seeing anybody. If it's a dangerous person, then you have all the right in the world. But if it's just because you don't like the boy or you think he's not good enough, I would highly suggest thinking twice before outlawing him."

"Why is that?"

"Let me put it this way: Saveage's father forbade her to see you, too."

Severus stopped in his tracks. They had reached the corridor that led to Eva's room. He had never thought of the situation in that manner before. He was about to do what Aurelius Nocturino did to push Saveage over the edge. Had Aurelius not made Severus the proverbial forbidden fruit, Eva would not even be alive. Would she do the same as her mother?

Severus shook himself back to reality. He needed to be altogether for his talk with Eva. He walked into the room and was surprised by the sight that greeted him.

Albus Dumbledore was sitting on the bed next to Eva; he had that knowing twinkle in his eyes and Eva was blushing. Narcissa had a curious look on her face. She looked as if she had just discovered something, but was disappointed about it; she was looking right at Draco. Draco looked highly putout. Severus wondered what the Headmaster could have said to elicit such reactions.

"Good afternoon, Professor Dumbledore," called Severus from the door.

The older man looked up. "Ah, Severus, it's good to see you. I was just informing Miss Nocturino of how much her friends miss her."

Eva blushed even more and shifted a little on the bed. Draco was shooting her a look that was half filled with anger and sadness. Dumbledore must have been telling Eva about Potter.

"I'm sure she appreciates any information you could give. I don't know how much Longbottom told her."

"His name is Neville," said Eva. She really hated it when people referred to others by their last name. "Speaking of which," Eva turned from glaring at her father to the Headmaster. "Professor Dumbledore, I was wondering if I could ask you some questions."

"Of course," said Albus. He sat back down on the bed and gave the young woman his full attention.

Eva looked around at the others in her room. "I was hoping to ask you in private," she whispered. Eva gave her father an apologetic look and he simply bowed his head slightly.

Draco and Narcissa followed his lead and left the room as well.

"What was it you needed to know that requires secrecy?" asked Dumbledore.

"It's about Neville, Professor," she said.

"Really?"

"Well, it's more about his parents, actually."

"I did not know he confided that information to anyone," said Albus, curiously.

"He only just told me today; during his visit."

"I see, and what exactly did you want to ask me?"

Eva fidgeted a little and looked down at her blanket. "I was wondering if you knew anything that might be able to help them?"

"I'm afraid that they were harmed far beyond what our Healers are able to cure," said Albus.
"But not all spell damage is permanent. I heard that Gilderoy Lockhart is regaining some of his memory."

"Yes, he is, but he lost his memory through an Obliviate Charm. Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom were tortured into insanity."

"If it was the pain that drove them mad, then taking that away would restore them, wouldn't it?"

"Eva, what you are asking is beyond your current training. I'm sure one day you will be able to help Neville's parents, but today is not that day."

Eva looked at the Headmaster in the eye. "My grandmother once told me that training is not the only thing that makes you a good witch; it's your heart and what you want to do with your life. She said I could do anything so long as my heart was in the right place."

Albus nodded. "Alethea Nocturino was a wise woman. However, I must warn you that should you do this, your own health is put at risk."

"My own health is put at risk every time I use my gift. I know what can happen; grandfather told me the story of my great-grandmother during the war with Grindewald. Would it not be a greater wrong if I never used my gift? Should I not use it to help those who have given so much of themselves to help preserve our world?"

Albus Dumbledore smiled. He was amazed by the young woman sitting before him. He'd had a lengthy conversation with the sorting hat the day after Eva ran into the Forbidden Forest. It was one of the few times he had doubted the hat's accuracy in placing a student, the previous one had been Severus Snape. "I will not argue with that, Severa. You must do what you feel is right." Dumbledore stood and patted her hand. "Now, I think I will go and have a word with your Healer. I want to know what happened last night."

Eva smiled at the older man and waited for her father, Draco and Aunt Nary to return. To her surprise, only her father entered the room and he closed the door behind him.

"Did Aunt Nary take Draco back to their hotel?" she asked.

"No, your Aunt Narcissa wanted to have a talk with Draco. And I believe we need to finish the one we were having earlier."

"Yes, I think so, too. Why did you threaten Harry so he would stop seeing me?"

"I said we would have a talk, not an interview."

"Fine by me. Just so you know that my line of discussion will be leaning towards why you threatened Harry so he would stop seeing me."

"Why do you think I would do such a thing?" he asked.

"Well, let's see. First, you detest the fact the Harry and I have to spend so much time together training. Second, you have found a way to take points or get Harry into trouble almost everyday. Lastly, you have told me, in no uncertain terms, that you would prefer Draco over Harry."

"You think I would threaten a student with failure in my class, just so he would stay away from you?" Severus asked incredulously.

"Yes," said Eva with complete certainty.

"You really think that little of me?"

"You have not given me any reason to think otherwise."

"I haven't, have I?" Eva shook her head. Severus put his head in his hands. Looking back on his behavior he could see how Eva got the impression she did. He'd not been understanding of Eva's feelings for Harry, but she did not understand Severus' view of the situation. "Would you allow me to explain why I feel Harry Potter would not be suitable for you?"

"I'm all ears," said Eva.

"Thank you." Severus stood from the chair he had been occupying and crossed to the bed. He sat down and took Eva's hand in his. "When I found out about you, I didn't know how to react. I spent quite a few sleepless nights just thinking up horrible scenarios of what our relationship would be like. I was never close to my father and barely close to my mother. I want to do better by you."

Eva moved her other hand to cover the one her father held. "You have done well, Dad. I just don't want to be smothered."
"I know, darling. But please understand that I don't want any harm to come to you."

"Harry would never hurt me, Dad," Eva said defensively.

"I'm sure he wouldn't hurt you intentionally, but the people closest to him have a way of getting hurt. How ever good his intentions, I don't want you to be a target for anyone who wishes him harm."

"Like the Dark Lord Voldemort?"

Severus winced at her casual use of the name. "Yes, darling, like him."

After a pause in the conversation, in which both of them thought about the consequences of a relationship between Eva and Harry; Eva broke the silence.

"I understand your concern, Dad. I really appreciate the fact that you're worried about me, I really do. And I know you only want what's best for me. I just don't think I could live my life with someone telling me what to do or who to love. I'm sure you understand that," said Eva.

"Yes, I understand. But you must also understand that I am your father and what I do is for your own good," Severus said firmly.

"You cannot forbid me to see him. We train almost every night and I see him everyday at school."

"I can forbid you to see him. I am your father and as such you must respect my decisions. You will continue with your training sessions, but you will return to your rooms straight away. You are not to have any of your meals away from your own House table and you are not allowed inside the Gryffindor common room."

Eva had a murderous glare on her face. That look had even caused her grandfather to flinch. Her brows were drawn together; her lips were almost curled in a sneer and her eyes were almost a shade that resembled the night sky. It would have intimidated anyone, except Severus Snape.

"It's no use, Eva. It won't work; I invented that look. Ask your mother." He stood from the bed. "You will obey the restrictions I have set, or else."

"Or else what?" growled Eva. She knelt on the bed and looked at her father with a glare that shouted defiance. "Are you going to give me detention? I'm so far ahead of my class I could practically graduate. Take House points? Go right ahead; I don't care for that silly competition. Would you send me home? I wish you would. It's the one place where I can be myself. The one place I have known to be safe and the one place I won't have to see your face."

Severus did not allow the hurt he was feeling to show on his face. Eva had to understand that he was the authority figure; his word was final. He watched as she stood from the bed and walked to the window, He was tempted to walk to her and take back what he'd just said, but if he did that, he would never be able to make any punishment stick. He simply turned and walked out of the room.

Eva looked out the window at Muggle London. It always amazed her that Muggles could not see the large building that served as a hospital to wizards. All they saw was a run-down, old department store with out-dated clothes on display. She guessed there were things that she would never understand about them either. It was like her relationship with her father. Here she was, a young woman on the verge of adulthood and he saw her as the child he had never seen. In the respect she could understand why he acted the way he did, but he was an adult and he should understand that she was not a child anymore.

"Eva?"

"Why do parents insist on treating you like a child?" she asked Draco.

The young man walked over to the window and put his arm around her waist. Eva turned into him and hugged him.

"I've been told on countless occasions that it's for our own good, whatever that means," said Draco.

"Should we not be the ones who decide what is good for us? I mean, half the time they tell us that we should grow up, but when we start making our own decisions they're on our tails before we can blink."

"That's true, but I'm sure they do it so we won't make the same mistakes they did."

Eva pulled back and looked up at Draco. "When did you get so smart?"

Draco laughed. "I've always been smart. It's just that your sage advice and proverbial sayings have always overshadowed my genius."

She smiled and placed her head back on his shoulder. "Do you hate me, Draco?"

"What?" Draco pulled her back to arms length.

"Do you hate me because I like Harry?"

Draco sighed and let his hands fall to his side. He moved to the closest chair and plopped down. "I don't hate you, Rave. I don't like the choice you have made."

"Why not? He's really nice and I know he would never hurt me."

"He may not hurt you intentionally, but the people around him always get hurt, sooner or later. Just look at what happened to you," said Draco.

"Please do not blame him for what happened. It was just as much your fault as it was his." Eva sighed when Draco slouched forward and put his head in his hands.

"I would have taken the Stunners from those three if I had known what was going to happen. You have no idea how sorry I am about that." He ran his hands through his hair and looked across the room, as if he could see what he was talking about. "When I saw you laying on the snow, motionless, I don't think I had ever felt so helpless, so guilty. I had caused you harm, after I promised to make sure you were safe."

"Who made you promise?"

"My father. He made me promise that I would look out for you; after he told me about what he and your Mum had been arranging."

"We need to talk about that," said Eva. She pulled a chair closer to the one he was sitting in.

"I told you a thousand times, Rave. I can't tell you what they're planning." Draco sounded tired.

"I already know."

Draco shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

"It explains a lot of the things you have been saying about getting what you wanted, and the way you have been acting."

Draco cleared his throat. "So what do you think about it?"

Eva sat back in the chair and gave Draco a crooked grin. "I'm not going to lie and say that I had never thought about it before."

Draco returned the grin. "Yes, well, I am a great catch."

"And so modest," teased Eva.

Draco laughed and reached for her hand. "When did you stop thinking about it?" he asked.

"I don't know, really. I guess it was gradual. That last time we were together, you know, in the forest, I know I really cared for you then. Had Mum asked me if I would agree then, I would have said yes without hesitation. When you stopped coming over, I was sad, but not depressed. I guess I realized you weren't completely essential for my happiness."

"Gee, thanks," said Draco.

"I didn't mean it like that, I just meant . . ."

"I know, Rave, I know. I guess I've just been pounded with the idea so much that I want it to happen. There was no mention of it not happening. At least, not until today."

Eva looked at Draco curiously. "What do you mean?"

"Mum and I talked, while your Dad was in here with you. She said that unless you or your Mum decide to accept the terms my father laid down, then the whole plan is done."

"But what about when your father comes back from his business trip? Won't he be upset with your Mum?" asked Eva.

Draco winced at Eva's question. He forgot how uninformed she was about the activities of the outside world. "Lucius isn't coming back, Rave. He's gone."

"Did Aunt Nary finally leave him?" asked Eva.

"No, no, she didn't leave him." Draco sighed and ran his hand through his hair.

Eva liked the look of a rumpled Draco. It reminded her that he was most comfortable when he was with her.

"There's no easy way to break this to you, so I'll just say it. Father was one of the Death Eaters caught in the break-in at the Ministry of Magic last year. He attacked Harry; tried to kill him. He was sent to Azkaban."

Eva couldn't think of anything to say. Draco had told her that Lucius was a Death Eater, but she had not known that he was in Azkaban. She knew that Lucius was unkind, even cruel, at times, but to try and kill a fifteen-year-old wizard was difficult to believe. Just as difficult to believe as someone wanting to kill . . .

"Was he in Azkaban the last week of August?" she asked numbly. She hoped that Draco's answer was yes, if it was, then she had no reason to believe Uncle Lucius would have killed her grandparents.

"I don't know, I have no reason to believe he wasn't." Draco watched in concern as the doubt grew on Eva's face. "What's wrong? Why do you want to know about August?"

Eva wanted to tell Draco about her flight from Nocturino Manor, but she really didn't know much about the circumstances herself, besides the fact that she had seen her grandparents murdered. She also remembered her mother saying something about not telling anyone they were dead.

"Rave?" Draco called hesitantly. "Are you alright?"

Eva shook herself back to the present and put what she hoped was a pleasant smile on her face. "I'm fine."

"Yeah, and I'm the prefect for Gryffindor."

Eva laughed. "This is why I would never stop being your friend, Drake. You know me too well."

"I would hope so, after sixteen years. What's wrong?"

Eva pulled her hands out of Draco's and sat back in her chair. She was surprised that she was not tired, just hungry. "Could you get me something to eat? I'm famished."

"Is this your way of trying to change the subject?" asked Draco.

"No, I'm just really hungry. Do you think you could run down to Muggle London and get me a burger and fries and a strawberry shake?" Eva asked hopefully.

Draco scrunched up his nose in distaste. "I don't know how you can eat all that horrible food." He stood and made for the door.

"You know you like it just as much as I do," called Eva.

Draco snorted and left the room. He did like Muggle fast food as much as Eva did. He just didn't get to eat it as often or show her enthusiasm. Draco often ate a lot, but he was much more proper about it than Eva. It always amazed him how hungry she could get, but he just attributed it to her Energy Healing gift.

He made his way down the streets of Muggle London. He'd left his robes in the hospital, so no one thought it strange to see the young man in black trousers and a silver dress shirt. He did get a few admiring glances from passing Muggle girls. He simply tossed them a charming smile and watched them fall into fits of giggles. He'd never think about flirting with Muggles, but there was nothing wrong with looking. He soon had a bag with fries and burgers and a cup holder with two shakes in his hands and made his way back to St. Mungo's.

Upon entering, the Welcome Witch gave him a stern glare and he tried to hide the contraband as well as possible. He laughed at himself as he walked through the hospital. Rave was the only person who could make him act like he had been the last few months. That was just her way. She made Draco feel like there was nothing in the world he had to worry about.

He peeked his head through the door of her room and saw her brushing her hair out. He felt an unfamiliar sensation go through his stomach. It was the same feeling he got when his Mum had told him that the engagement was off. He guessed it was disappointment.

Looking at the young woman in the room, brushing her hair, he somehow knew he was not going to get what he wanted. He had the strangest feeling that it might not be the worst thing in the world.