Chapter 6: Positive Feedback
The sun was setting when Rose and Severus Snape returned to the wizard resort. "This Portkey form of travel is a bit bumpy," Rose gasped, trying to catch her breath after the trip. They ordered dinner from the House Elf and ate under the stars that appeared in the deep blue sky. There was a porch swing big enough for two on the veranda; Severus coaxed Rose to sit and swing with him. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and gently set the swing in motion.
"While I am not pleased that you risked yourself and the babes to rescue me, I am grateful to be alive," Severus began. "The knight was rescued by his queen this time."
"If I am to be a queen, then you must be the king, Severus. After all, you've been crowned already," Rose gently touched his forehead. He captured her hand and kissed it. Rose avoided his eyes.
"I am sorry to cause you any displeasure, Russ, but I could not face our babies and say: Your father died and I did not even try to save him," Rose contemplated her bare feet. "I raised one wizard alone, without knowing what I was trying to do, and it was hell. I could not imagine raising two by myself and remaining sane, even with all the help the people at Hogwarts could give. I need you," she continued, peering through the gloom at him. "I've looked for you all my life, and I'm not surrendering you to anyone or anything!" She grabbed him by the ears and kissed him with all her heart.
Severus was left breathless by her kiss and her declaration. "For what it is worth, I am yours, Rose," he replied. "But by the same token, you are mine. You must not take unnecessary chances, and keep me informed of any foreseeable dangers."
"I did tell you about the boom, Severus, if you recall," Rose said shyly.
"That you did," he replied, and returned to the honeymoon program, seeking and giving comfort in the arms of his beloved.
The following morning, after a leisurely lie in and breakfast, Severus held out his hand. "It's time for my swimming lesson, wife," he demanded. "I need to broaden my survival skills."
"You were unconscious in the water, Severus," Rose protested. "You bumped your head on the hull. You couldn't have done a thing."
"But next time, your life might depend upon me," he replied, as he pulled her from the chaise and out to the lagoon.
So Rose tried to explain the Australian crawl, Deadman's float and treading water. "I am not an expert by any means," she protested. "And I have no stamina for extended efforts. I am not an efficient swimmer."
"Still, you are the best available at the moment," he insisted. "I have to start somewhere." She had to admit that he made quick progress. Between his natural athletic abilities and his greater muscle mass, he soon could outswim her.
They rested in the shade after laps, drowsing as they dried. Severus stared at his sleeping wife, her hair spread out around her head, her brows and lashes bleached from the sun, all the colors of gold in her hair. She still held his hand tightly enough that he didn't try to pull from her grasp. She was a Mystery. All women are by nature the ultimate Unknown to all men, but Rose was his personal riddle. She would make an absolute declaration of undying love, and then risk Death to prove it, after barely four admittedly intense and eventful months. He suspected this was her style: once Rose decided to commit, she committed all the way. He felt ashamed. He wasn't worthy of such a heavy personal investment, he suspected, and he would rather die than admit he had never made any similar commitment, even to himself. Even during the war against Voldemort Snape had kept his options open. Still, by now he would rather lose his wand arm and his magical abilities than his wife's love. He resolved to devote his efforts to seeing that neither of them suffered any loss that could be avoided, and then he slept a bit, too.
The Snapes found they had entered a new phase in their relationship. Rose had never before reached this point of mutual respect and interdependence despite her previous attempts, so she was as amazed as Severus by the growing strength of the bonds between them. Passion and daring increased with their confidence in the rightness and the solidity of their marriage. Is there any limit to how much I can love this man? Rose asked herself. So far, the answer was No.
"Can we get online somewhere, Russ?" Rose asked after lunch. "I ought to check my email and see how the kids are doing."
They Apparated to Papeete after lunch and found an Internet cafe. "John says they all returned safely from the States. Hermione helped him get Sarah settled into St. Mungo's. He says the Healers are analyzing her Muggle medications to see if they can improve on them. They have made a lot of progress on her general health already. She's lost a lot of the excess weight and increased her muscle tone and range of motion." Rose was crying. "Damn hormones! I cry all the time at the slightest provocation," she muttered. "Severus, I would like to do some shopping. I owe Hermione a gift, at least. She has been so helpful. And the kids haven't had their Christmas yet, either."
"I think that could be arranged," Severus smiled, as he gathered her into his arms. "Cry if you want to, nobody's watching." It was pitiful. He would take any excuse for extra time in Rose's embrace, and he had his own list of gifts to purchase. While getting his cuddles, and furthering his own personal plans, he was getting bonus points for good husbandry. Once a Slytherin, always a Slytherin, he thought ruefully. "Would you like to stop at the hospital, first? Raymond sent word this morning. Alain is awake and asking for us."
A short walk later they were knocking at the door of Alain's hospital room. The nurse Monique opened the door and ushered them in. She was native Polynesian in appearance, with a sweet smile. Alain was sitting up in bed, head swathed in gauze.
"Mes amis! Come in!" Alain waved them closer. Severus held out a hand and Alain shook it. He then kissed Rose's outstretched hand. "Madame, I am forever in your debt. Not only did you save my life with your quick thinking and knowledge, you also contrived to introduce me to this lovely woman." He gestured to Monique, who came to the other side of the hospital bed. He took Monique's hand in his. "Monique is a novice at the local Marae, the temple of the Creator Tangaloa. She is studying medicine from both sides. She has the healing touch." Alain squeezed Monique's hand, and then continued, "When I am released from this hospital I want to show you our family farm. Perhaps I can find something to express a small portion of my gratitude."
"When do you expect to be released, Alain?" Rose asked. She tried to envision returning home with a pig, or chickens, or a basket of pineapples, breadfruit and coconuts.
"Raymond said I should remain here another two or three days to let the skull knit. Monique's family is hosting a Healing on Sunday; I hope to attend. She invites you to come, as well. A Healing rarely happens these days. It is one of the social events of the decade, as well as magical." Alain lay back, suddenly tired. "I could use some healing to get my strength back."
"We would be delighted to attend. I shall ask Raymond for directions," Severus replied. "And now you must rest, Alain. Bon jour, Mademoiselle Monique!" Taking Rose by the hand, he led her out to a café. "I don't know about you, but I am hungry," Severus exclaimed. After dinner, they were ready to call it a day, and headed back to bed. "We can shop tomorrow," he said.