Chapter 61

Meredith woke up in the dark. She blinked a few times before she realized she was in the on call room. She glanced at her watch. She'd been asleep for about three hours and she still had about twelve hours left on her shift. She sat up carefully so as not to hit her head on the bunk above her. She slipped out of bed and smiled a little as she saw that Parminda occupied the bunk above her. It had been a hectic day. They were working on the second floor: Magical bugs and maladies. This was, according to the second year HIT's the worst floor to train on. As new HIT's they had not developed tolerance to most of the more contagious diseases that came onto this floor. They had been lucky enough that Healer Rosenbaum had warned them about the outbreak of scrofolungus that they would be exposed to and had given them a potion that would protect them from the worst of the symptoms. Scrofolungus was a disease that affected the respiratory system. It was usually only terminal for the elderly but it was a horrible debilitating disease. The ward had not been a pretty sight though it had been a little funny to see Enuk pass out at the sight of those poor people coughing up blood. Thank Merlin they'd been spared the worst of it but they'd been unable to escape the less serious symptoms such as sore throat, fatigue and a low grade fever. Rosenbaum had ordered her home last week when she'd been running a fever. She'd been back after two days in bed with her Dad and Sirius hovering over her. Her throat was still a bit scratchy but the worst thing was the fatigue. She couldn't seem to shake it. She stepped out of the on call room and headed to the locker room. She stood in front of the sink and stared at her reflection.

"How are you feeling?" She smiled as David's hands settled on her shoulders. They'd had their second date just before her illness had hit her. This time he'd taken her dancing. She had enjoyed herself immensely even if she was a bit of a klutz on the dance floor. David had been very sweet even as she'd trodden on his feet.

"I'm all right," she said through a scratchy voice. "A little tired still but I'm over the worst of it."

"Scrofolungus is not to be taken lightly," he scolded her gently. "You should have stayed home till you were completely recovered."

"First year HIT's can't take too many days off. I'll be all right." He turned her to face him.

"Open your mouth," he said. She opened her mouth wide so he could look at her throat.

"Not as bad as it was," he said. "But still painful I imagine." She nodded. He reached into his robes and pulled out a vial with an orange liquid in it.

"This will help," he said. "Take one swallow now and another in about five hours." She looked at it doubtfully.

"Share it with Parminda if you fear I'm treating you specially." She sighed and took the vial.

"Do you prescribe this as a healer or as my…well whatever it is we are to each other." He smiled and kissed her forehead.

"I prescribe it as a healer who very much wants his patient to get well so he can dance with her again soon."

"I think you may be feverish," Meredith said with a laugh. "Last time we danced it was a disaster."

"That's not how I remember it," he said.

"I have to get back," she said. He kissed her forehead and left the locker room. She went back to the on call room where Parminda snored lightly on the top bunk.

"Hey," she said shaking her. "We have to get back on rounds."

"Mmm…" Parminda murmured. "Five more minutes." Meredith laughed and took out her wand. She sent a small shock charm to the sheets causing a spark. Parminda jumped at the shock.

"Wakey wakey," Meredith said. Parminda glared.

"You call yourself a healer?" she rasped.

"Your throat sounds awful," Meredith said reaching into her robes.

"Yours isn't much better," Parminda said.

"Take a swallow of this," Meredith said handing her the vial. Parminda eyed the vial warily.

"Please tell me you didn't steal that from the supply closet. They'll expel you for that."

"It was prescribed by a healer." Parminda raised a brow at her.

"Did this healer have a German accent?" Meredith glared.

"Fine, don't take it. Talk like a frog," Meredith uncorked the vial and took a swallow. It was as though an icy cold wind had blown down her throat cooling the fire that had been ripping at her throat.

"Give me that," Parminda said taking the vial and drinking.

"Better?" Meredith asked.

"Miraculous," Parminda said with a look of astonishment. "When you see your boyfriend give him a kiss for me." Meredith rolled her eyes.

"He's not my boyfriend," Meredith said. "We've had two dates. C'mon we have to get back to rounds before Rosenbaum comes looking for us."

"Meredith," Parminda said softly as they walked down the hall. "You need to be careful. Look, as far I'm concerned what you do in your spare time is your business and Merlin knows you're the best HIT in our year but…well, HIT's who date Heads well…."

"What?" Meredith said turning to her sharply. "Well what?" Parminda looked uncomfortable.

"Well, people like to gossip. Especially when they think an HIT is getting preferential treatment from a superior."

"David doesn't give me preferential treatment," Meredith said.

"He has asked you to assist in quite a few of his surgeries," Parminda pointed out.

"He thinks I should make trauma my specialty. He thinks I have a gift for it. All that was before I ever went out with him," Meredith said though she couldn't help feeling a tightness in her chest.

"I'm just saying," Parminda said. "Be careful." Meredith took the words to heart and tried to avoid running into David for the rest of the day.

When her shift finally ended Meredith was ready to drop. She sat on the bench in the locker room with her eyes closed unable to summon the strength to remove her filthy robes. She jumped as she felt David's hands on her shoulders.

"How are you feeling?" he asked her. She pulled away though his hands felt incredibly soothing on her sore shoulders.

"Better, thanks but exhausted." She stood up and removed her clothes from her locker. He turned away so she could change.

"I looked at the schedule," he said as she stripped off her robes. "Healer Rosenbaum has this Friday off. If you have no plans…" Meredith hesitated as she placed her robes in the hamper. She liked David, she truly did. He was handsome and smart and fun to be with. But she couldn't help remembering Parminda's caution. She was good at what she did. She had been told many times that she had a gift for the work she did. She did not want people to doubt her because of the man she was seeing. She glanced up at her cubby where she had taped a picture of herself and her dad when she was twelve. Four days before the trial where they'd tried to take her from his custody. She'd been so scared that day. But she'd stood up in front of that courtroom, head held high. She hadn't cared what anyone thought then. So why now at eighteen, had she chosen to be a coward. She slammed her locker closed.

"What did you have in mind?" He smiled.

"I'll pick you up at 10am sharp. You'll want to dress warmly."

Meredith ran a brush through her hair and applied makeup as Tonks had shown her. She chose a dark green wool sweater over a black turtle neck and dark jeans. She glanced out the window. It was still early November but snow had already fallen. She pulled on an extra pair of socks and slipped her feet into her boots. The doorbell rang as she came down the stairs. She greeted David with a warm smile.

"Hello beautiful," he greeted her causing her to blush.

"Hello," she said tugging him inside. "Come in while I get my coat." David looked surprised but gladly accepted.

"Getting cold out," he said. "But at least we still have the sun." Meredith pulled her coat and gloves out of the closet. She noticed a basket in David's hands.

"What's in the basket?" she asked. He responded with a wink.

"You will find out," he said. She rolled her eyes and put on her coat. She was just zipping her coat when she heard a noise on the steps. Her dad was coming down the stairs. He didn't look well. The full moon was in two days.

"Dad!" she cried. She hurried and took his arm helping him to a chair.

"Meredith," he said weakly. "I thought you'd left."

"We were just leaving, but if you're ill I can…"

"It's nothing I haven't suffered before," Remus said touching her cheek. He glanced up at David who stood back a ways."

"You must be David," Remus said. David nodded.

"You must be Remus," David said. "I've heard a lot about you." He stepped forward and shook Remus's hand.

"And I about you," Remus said. "I trust you are treating my daughter well."

"I am doing my best," David said with a knowing smile.

"Well, off with the both of you," he said. Meredith was hesitant. Her dad looked paler than usual. Her dad leaned close.

"Padfoot will be by later," he whispered in her ear. He kissed her cheek. Meredith smiled and stood up. Knowing that Sirius would be there if her dad needed anything made her feel better.

"Shall we?" David said offering her her gloves. Meredith put on her gloves and took his hand.

"Have fun," her dad called after them as they stepped outside. There was a definite bite in the air but the sun shone brightly over the snow making it sparkle.

"So man of mystery," Meredith said. "Where are you taking me on this fine morning?"

"Ah, my dear Meredith," David said lifting her gloved hand to his lips. "So many questions. You will just have to trust me." She raised an eyebrow and took his offered arm.

"I will tell you," he said. "The place I'm taking you is a bit too far to drive so we'll be apparating." Meredith sucked in her breath.

"Okay," she said frowning. She closed her eyes as she felt the familiar feeling of being squeezed through a tube. She kept her eyes closed until the nausea passed. When she opened her eyes she felt as though she were in a magic winter wonderland. Fresh white powdery snow at least a foot deep cover the ground as far as she could see. It covered the trees that surrounded them. It was so beautiful.

"Gracious," she gasped. "Where are we?"

"Saxony Germany," he said causing her to whirl around in shock.

"You've apparated us to another country?" she said in astonishment.

"I was born in that village," he said pointing to the east. "I used to play in these woods as a child. When I got older, I came here to practice my powers. Muggles don't come here so it was perfectly safe." Meredith's head was spinning. She couldn't believe he had done this. It was just incredible. She stepped close to him.

"Are you trying to impress me?" she said. He tilted her chin up and kissed her cheek.

"I am trying to woo you," he said. "Is it working?" She smiled.

"Consider me wooed," she said. He laughed and held her close to him kissing her hair.

"Come," he said taking her hand. He led her to a tall tree where at the base he laid out a blanket. He conjured a small fire keeping it under glass so it would not spread. He had packed a feast in the deceptively small basket. They sat under the tree eating and talking.

"So," David said. "When were you going to tell me your father is a werewolf?" Meredith choked on the hot coffee she had just swallowed and had to be thumped on the back before she could speak.

"How…" she gasped. "How did you know?" He smiled.

"Come my dear," he said. "I've been a healer for ten years. Did you think I would not recognize the signs of lycanthropy. Particularly two days before the full moon." Meredith could not meet his eyes.

"I am sorry David," she said. "If you don't wish to see me again…"

"Whoah," David said. "Who said I didn't want to see you again. I only asked why you didn't tell me." Meredith looked up at him. She found no rebuke in his face, only curiosity.

"My dad…" she started. "He's the kindest man who ever lived. He's raised me on his own since I was four. He didn't ask for this fate. It's not something he can control and yet, so many hate him for it. People, people who I cared about and who claimed that they cared about me turned their back on me when they found out. I…had a friend. She was my best friend since we started school. We were almost like sisters. She couldn't accept my father after she found out his secret. It was toward the end of our seventh year at Hogwarts. We haven't spoken since."

"I am truly sorry," David said touching her shoulder. "I must ask you. Are you…"

"He didn't pass it down to me," Meredith said. "He's not my biological father. My parents, my birth parents and he were friends in school. They died when I was very little and Remus, my dad, adopted me over the ministries great objections. Albus Dumbledore had to step in for the adoption to go through. Even then it's been a struggle." It wasn't the entire truth. She considered it fortunate that David was not condemning her for having a werewolf for a father she was not going to push her luck by confessing the truth about her birth father.

"I can imagine it has been," David said. "I've treated quite a few wizards and witches after werewolf attacks. The physical wounds they suffer are nothing to the psychological ones. You've never truly seen fear in a person's eyes until you've looked into the eyes of someone who knows their lives have been forever changed and that they have been doomed to hatred and ridicule wherever they go. Such intolerance, disgusts me." She turned to him and stared into his eyes. She lifted her hand to his cheek and brought his face down to hers. His lips touched hers gently at first but then the kiss deepened. Meredith's heart pounded. She had never been kissed like this before. It made her head spin. David's arms closed around her waist and pulled her against his chest. In the middle of a snow covered forest Meredith had never felt so warm.

Meredith smiled a secret smile as she hid David's Christmas present in her locker. She hoped that he would like it. She had found it in a muggle shop. Christmas was in three weeks and she'd never been more excited for the holiday. St. Mungoes was all decked out with red and green ribbons hanging from the ceilings and a large Christmas tree in the front lobby. Even the patients' rooms were decorated with twinkling fairy lights. There had been a lot of bargaining to do but she had managed to secure Christmas Day off. She would have to work a double shift on Christmas Eve but all in all she felt it a fair trade. She would have done anything necessary to secure Christmas Day off. Sirius had promised to be with them for dinner. Sirius, it seemed was trying to make up for eighteen years of missed Christmases. Every time she looked at the Christmas tree in her living room there were more presents under it. She knew they were from Sirius. How he was making these purchases she did not know. Sirius was bit upset that Harry wouldn't be joining them because of the Tri-wizard tournament. Meredith had already gotten gifts for her Dad, Tonks, Auntie Andromeda and Uncle Teddy. Yesterday a silver package postmarked from Ireland had arrived. She had a feeling it was from Oliver. She would have to remember to get the jacket she had gotten him in the mail. She hoped Harry would find the book of protection spells useful in the tasks that lay ahead of him. He wrote to them about the first task and how he'd managed to summon his broom and steal the dragon's egg right out from under it. She, her dad, and Sirius had all breathed a little easier after that. But it wasn't over. They had all been mulling the mysterious egg over in their minds but they'd been unable to come up with anything that might be useful to Harry. Hermione had been writing to her as well as Harry since the school year began. Seeking advice on certain spells and potions that might be a help to Harry, and bemoaning how Ron could be so dumb. Meredith had a theory on that which she had not shared with the teen girl. In her latest letter Hermione had confessed that the champion from Durmstrang Viktor Krum had asked her to go with him to the Yule ball and that she was incredibly nervous. Meredith had been a little envious. Here Hermione was only fourteen and experiencing the excitement of new relationships that Meredith was only now experiencing. Meredith had found a pair of earrings that she thought would go with the gown Hermione had described and gone ahead and sent them to Hogwarts. She still didn't have a present for Sirius but she knew it would have to be special. She was at a loss on what to get him. How was she supposed to know what a man who she barely knew, a man who was living on the run, would want for Christmas?

"Good morning Healer Lupin," David said as he passed her. She smiled a little to herself. They had agreed that in order to avoid gossip and rumors that they would keep the public displays of affection to a minimum. However, as the last healer in the locker room departed she felt his hands on her waist turning her. She tilted her chin up so he could kiss her.

"Hello," he said.

"Hello."

"Dinner tonight?"

"I don't know when I'll get off," she said. "Rosenbaum said we've got a packed house."

"Just an hour. Whenever you have a break."

"No promises," she said. He kissed her again before leaving the locker room. St. Mungoes was packed to the brim with the ill and injured. Healers from other hospitals had been summoned to assist. She followed Healer Rosenbaum into a room where a tall female healer with long blonde hair tended a patient with dragon pox. Meredith did not recognize her so she must have been one of the Healer's called in. Meredith guessed she was probably in her early twenties. Her robes were light green so she wasn't a department head. She might have been pretty but for the coldness in her steely gray eyes.

"Healer Valen comes to us from St. Norbert in Wales," Healer Rosenbaum said. Meredith raised an eyebrow at the disdain she heard in her Third Years voice. "Healer Ganesh, present."

"Matilda Robbins 94 years old. Came in four nights ago with the symptoms of dragon pox."

"Treatment Healer Lupin," Healer Valen addressed her. Meredith met the other healer's eyes.

"Essence of harlow to ease the discomfort," Meredith said. Dragon Pox was a serious disease, especially in the elderly. There was no cure for it.

"That's it?" Valen addressed her sharply. "You disappoint me Healer Lupin. Your reputation as a brilliant healer was apparently exaggerated." Meredith's ears grew hot. Her ego wasn't so huge that she couldn't accept criticism but Healer Valen's tone made it seem more like an attack. Parminda and Enuk both looked taken aback and even Healer Rosen was frowning. Meredith straightened her back and stared Healer Valen dead on.

"There is no cure for Dragon pox," she stated. "Those who are younger with strong immunity systems have been able to fight off the disease, though in most cases the patient comes out on the other side with a weakened immune system and other damage. Mrs. Robbins is 94 years old and had dragon pox as a teenager which weakened her heart. There is nothing further we can do for her. All we can do is let her die in peace and with dignity."

"Dignity," Valen sniffed. "You think death is dignified Lupin." Meredith glared.

"Death is something everyone must face," Meredith said firmly. "And with all due respect, it's Healer Lupin." Valen narrowed her eyes at Meredith.

"Very well Healer Lupin. As Mrs. Robbins has no living family, you will stay with her tonight. No one should die alone." Meredith glared.

"Healer Valen," Healer Rosenbaum said her voice practically venomous. "You are a guest here at St. Mungoes. You were invited here to assist us with our overflow. You have no authority to give my HIT's orders."

"No it's all right," Meredith said. "I agree with Healer Valen. No one should die alone."

Meredith rubbed her eyes. Mrs. Robbins had passed away peacefully at 2:14 am. Meredith had sat by her side for sixteen hours. She went to the locker room and splashed some water on her face. Her back stiffened as the door opened and Healer Valen entered. She stood at the next sink washing her hands.

"Long night," Healer Valen said. Meredith did not respond.

"I trust Mrs. Robbins did not suffer," Valen continued. Meredith stared straight ahead.

"No ma'am," Meredith said. "She died peacefully in her sleep." Valen turned to her.

"I'm sorry if I seemed harsh, but I had to see if the rumors about you were true." Meredith glared.

"Rumors?"

"Yes," Valen said taking out her wand and using it to fuss with her hair. "Word is out on you Lupin. Everyone I've spoken to says that you're the one to beat."

"Practicing medicine isn't a competition," Meredith said. "I want to be the best healer I can be for the patients." Valen smiled coolly.

"Humility," Valen said. "Yeah I heard that about you too." Meredith turned away and brushed her hair out of her eyes. She'd been thinking of having her hair shortened. It would save a bit of time in the mornings.

"It's quite strange being back here at St. Mungoes," Valen continued. "Seeing so many old familiar faces. I did my first years of training here." Meredith cocked her head at the senior healer.

"I didn't know that," she said.

"Oh yes," Valen said. "I was transferred after my third year. I thought of making trauma my specialty. I worked closely with David Nieman for a while but, well it didn't work out." At the mention of David's name Meredith's face grew hot. She didn't know why but the thought that this woman had worked with David made her blood boil.

"That's why I chose magical maladies," Valen said. "Not a pretty specialty but there was a high demand for healers in the area." Meredith turned on the water and started to wash her hands.

"I hear you're David's newest conquest." At this Meredith's eyes widened.

"Conquest?" Meredith asked turning off the water. "David and I have been seeing each other yes, but I don't know what you mean by conquest." Valen laughed.

"Oh to be so young and innocent again," she said. "I was like you once. So eager to learn medicine and to help people. It was so easy to be taken in by such a man. He was talented and handsome and I thought there was so much I could learn from him. And of course the affection was flattering. He was so charming at first. I let myself fall for him. I truly believed he cared for me, and that he wanted to help me go far. I was so naïve. I found out later how David likes 'projects'. Taking the wide eyed and innocent and educating on them all there is to know about the world then tossing them aside when he gets bored." Something in Meredith's heart felt like it was cracking. No, this couldn't be true. David wasn't like that. He couldn't really be like Valen described him. Valen had to be making this up. But in the deepest part of her heart she began to doubt. David's own words came back to her…

I see I have so much to teach you

Is that all she was to him? The man who had held her hand as they walked through the snow covered forest where he'd played as a boy and kissed her so sweetly and made her feel so special; did he only think of her as something to amuse himself with until a new 'project' came along.

"Has he taken you to his bed yet?" Meredith temper flashed.

"That is none of your business!" Valen smiled coldly.

"I'll take that as a no," she said. "Well, you're wiser than I was. One piece of advice, don't surrender too quickly. Once you give him that he'll lose all interest." Valen moved past her patting her shoulder.

"Oh and be extra careful when he starts inviting you to his place. Just a tip, girl to girl." Meredith gripped the sink hard. There suddenly seemed to not be enough air in the room. She felt scalding tears flood her eyes. She furiously brushed them away and went to her locker. She threw her coat on over her robes without bothering to change. She needed to get out of here. She pushed the door to the locker room open and hurried down the hall. She kept looking straight ahead not wanting to talk to anyone. She was so focused on the door that she did not see David until she had bumped into him.

"There you are," he said smiling at her. "I haven't seen you all day." She stepped away from him and stared at the floor unable to look at his face.

"I uh, was monitoring a patient all day. I'm going home. I need to get some sleep."

"You feeling all right, you look pale," he said. He sounded concerned but when he lifted his hand to brush her hair from her face she flinched away from him.

"I'm fine," she said. It was a lie. She had never felt more awful. She needed to get out of here. Away from him.

"You look like you need a long rest and a good dinner. I'm off in about ten minutes why don't I take you to my place." Alarms went off in her head.

"No," she said quickly. "No, I um don't think that's a good idea. I'm just going to go home."

"All right I'll come by later," he said. She was starting to feel panicky.

"No, no um I've got to help my dad with…something…later. Please I just…I have to go." She pulled her arms out of his grasp and all but sprinted for the exit.

"Healer Lupin signing out for the day," she shouted at the mannequin that guarded the entrance. She stepped out to the street. She barely felt the icy wind against her face as she hurried to get the subway. She rested her forehead against her knees. She managed to make it into her house and upstairs to her room before she collapsed in tears.

Meredith spent the next week avoiding David at all costs. At work she made sure she was always busy, going so far as to volunteer to change chamber pots to avoid running into him. When he flooed her she had her dad tell him she wasn't home or that she was asleep. Remus did not understand why Meredith did not want to speak to David but he asked no questions. She was restocking potions when Rosenbaum came to find her.

"Lupin," she barked. "Just leave that for now you have a command performance." Meredith looked up from the mertlap she had been crushing.

"What do you mean?"

"Healer Nieman has the victim of a cauldron explosion that requires surgery. He's requested you assist. Surgery room 4."

"Tell him I'm busy," Meredith said. He had done this on purpose because she wouldn't take his calls.

"Not how it works," Rosenbaum said. "When a Head requests you, you go. I'll have someone take over here." Meredith knew she didn't have a choice. She set down the mortar and pestle and headed for Surgery Room 4. She stepped into the prep room and sanitized her hands. She was about to run her wand over her robes to place the sanitizing shield on them when the door to the prep room opened and David stepped in.

"Meredith," he greeted her.

"Healer Nieman," she said stiffly. He looked a little hurt at her formality.

"What's the patient's condition?" she asked.

"There's no patient," David said. Meredith paused in her wand movements.

"What?" she said.

"There was no cauldron explosion it was just a ruse to get you to come to me." Meredith glared.

"This is highly unprofessional Healer Nieman as well as an abuse of power. Since there is no surgery I will return to my duties." She tried to brush past him but he seized her arm.

"Dammit Meredith," he hissed. "You won't talk to me, you won't answer when I floo you. What is going on? Have I done something to upset you? If I have, please let me try to fix it." He sounded so sincere. Genuinely hurt that she had been avoiding him. But she couldn't trust him. If she let him draw her back he would only hurt her.

"I don't think we should see each other anymore David," she said. He stepped back and stared at her in surprise.

"What? Why not? Meredith you're not making any sense." Meredith bit her lip and pulled out of his grasp.

"It's just not a good idea David. I'm sorry." She brushed past him and hurried out of the prep room.

She sat at the window seat staring out at the snow. Four inches had fallen overnight and they were calling for at least five more. She might have ask her father to apparate her to work tomorrow if the subways were not running.

"Come in," she called to the knock on the door. The door opened and her dad stepped into her room.

"David's downstairs," he said. Meredith turned away and looked out the window.

"I don't want to see him."

"He says he's not leaving till he sees you. He seems quite determined." Remus said. Meredith frowned. Remus looked at her long and hard. He knew when she was hurting and he hated that he couldn't heal whatever it was that was causing her pain.

"I'll make him go if that what's you want," he said. "But I honestly don't think that will make you feel better." He crossed the room and laid his hand on her hair.

"You can't avoid him forever," he said. Meredith sighed. He was right of course. She couldn't hide from David for much longer. She had to work with him and her career was not going to go anywhere if she continued as she had been. She most certainly did not want to scrub chamber pots for the rest of her life.

"Tell him I'll be down in a minute," she said. Remus nodded and kissed the top of her head. She forced herself off the window seat and went to the bathroom. She washed her face and ran a brush through her hair. She ran her wand over her clothes so that they appeared fresh and less wrinkled. She paused at the top of the steps and took a deep breath. She forced herself to move downstairs to the living room where David sat. He stood up when she came into the room.

"Shall we take a walk?" she asked. He nodded. She pulled on her coat and boots and walked with him out into the woods behind the house. She had forgotten her gloves and stuffed her hands into her pockets.

"Well? Are you going to tell me why you don't want to see me anymore?" Meredith stared off into the woods.

"I won't be one on your conquests, David. I may be young and I may be inexperienced but I have too much respect for myself to let you make me just another one of your projects." David frowned.

"Conquests? Projects? Where is this coming from?" He stopped and his face grew dark.

"Let me do the math here," he said. "You started pulling away from me that day we were overcrowded. We had to bring in healers from other hospitals to assist. One of them was a Maladies expert from Wales. Camilla Valen." Meredith's back stiffened.

"She never gave a first name."

"What did she tell you?" David asked his voice harsh. Meredith turned and stared straight at him.

"She said that you like taking young innocent first years and teaching them about the world, but once you've had your fun you toss them aside." David sighed.

"Will you let me tell you the truth of what really happened between myself and Camilla Valen? Or have you already decided to take her word over mine?" Meredith stared at the ground. She didn't know what to do. Right now she almost wished Patricia were there. Patricia had been the expert when it came to things like this.

"I'm listening," she said. He tipped her chin up so that he was looking into her eyes.

"I want you to look in my eyes when I tell you this." She looked into his dark eyes seeking the truth.

"When I first knew Camilla Valen she was young but far from inexperienced. But she had talent, there was no mistake. I've always felt that talent, if it not properly guided and nurtured, goes to waste. So I took her under my wing, as I have with you. I taught her, mentored her, and yes I was intimate with her. But unlike you, Camilla was willing to do anything to get ahead, except work for it. She thought our relationship gave her special privileges. She got cocky, careless. And it cost a patient his life." He looked away from her for a moment.

"His name was Mickey Qualen." He raised his eyes back to hers. "His father worked in a potions lab in Sussex. He'd taken Mickey to work with him that day. There was an explosion. When Mickey was brought in he was injured badly but he didn't appear critical. There were other patients who were more seriously injured. I had just recently been made department Head. Myself and the other trauma healer were busy with other patients. Camilla was in her third year and was attending to Mickey's wounds. One of her HIT's noticed bruising that indicated internal bleeding. Camilla ignored her HIT until Mickey started coughing up blood. Rather than summon a more experience trauma healer Camilla attempted to heal him herself. Mistakes were made and by the time I arrived on the scene, there was nothing I could do for him. He bled out. He was seven years old. He had curly blonde hair and big ears. I've never forgotten his face." Meredith's heart hurt at the sadness in David's voice. There could be no doubt that this case had haunted him and still did

"Camilla showed no remorse. Tried to shirk the blame off on others. There was an inquiry of course. Camilla thought because of our relationship that I would cover for her. I didn't see it that way. I stood before the Chief Healer and the rest of the hospital board and told the truth. That Mickey Qualen had died because Healer Valen had failed to scan the boy for internal injuries and had not followed hospital procedure and summoned a more experienced Healer. She was suspended for six weeks without pay. She was furious at me. She accused me of only wanting to protect my own position, and that I had only been using her. She must have sent four different hexes at me before I stunned her. After that it was over. When she returned from suspension she requested an immediate transfer." He turned away from her and stared out into the woods.

"Healer Rosenbaum can testify that I have told you the truth. She was Valen's HIT and testified at the inquiry as I did."

Meredith thought of the contempt that her Third Year had shown in Valen's presence. It all made sense now. She stepped forward and placed her hand on his arm.

"I believe you," she said. "I'm sorry. I never should have believed Valen." He turned his head to meet her eyes.

"Why didn't you tell me what Valen said?" he asked. "You just ran away from me."

"I don't know," Meredith said. "I'm new at this. I didn't know how to handle it. I was just so hurt when I thought you were going to do that to me. I was wrong. I should have come to you. Trusted you."

"Why didn't you?" he asked. Meredith sighed.

"I guess her version of things just made more sense. It was the only explanation that seemed plausible as to why you would ever be interested in me." David took her freezing hands into his own.

"My dear Meredith," David said softly. "Do you truly think so little of yourself?" She shrugged.

"I told you," she said. "I was a brain in school. I wasn't the girl that boys asked out. I wasn't the girl that knew how to dress and how to act and what to say. Boys weren't interested in the girls with brains." David smiled.

"Well those boys you went to school with were obviously idiots," he said. "You're beautiful Meredith. I thought so from the first time I saw you." Meredith rolled her eyes.

"Sure," she said. He dropped her hands and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"I was attracted to you then. But I didn't truly become interested till that day when you held a patients artery closed for three hours without flinching. It was memorizing. I knew you had everything it took to be a great healer and I was going to do whatever it took to make sure that happened."

"That explains why you wanted to teach me, not why you wanted to date me."

"That came later," he said. "The more time I spent with you, teaching you, the more I attracted to you I became. It was the first time since the whole debacle with Valen that I had felt that way. It made me cautious about pursuing a more personal relationship. It didn't take long to see that you were nothing like her. She may have been talented but…she doesn't have your heart, your compassion. But, I was still hesitant. Believe me it was a long time before I drummed up enough courage to ask you out."

"You didn't seem lacking in courage when you asked me. Or any other time after that."

"I'm good at hiding it," he said. "I care about you Meredith. As a healer and as a man. You're not like any woman I've even been with. You're…special." Meredith swallowed hard.

"She asked if you'd had me in your bed," she said softly. David cupped her cheek.

"If I didn't care so much about you, by now I would have. I'm not a saint, I'm a man. I have needs and urges like any other man. But I knew you weren't ready."

"But you do want me that way," she said. She knew it was true and it amazed her. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close.

"I do," he said. "But not till you're ready. If you'll take me back that is." She lifted her arms and placed them around his neck.

"If you'll have me," she said. He lowered his mouth to hers. He kissed her and Meredith was sure that her hair had caught on fire. She squealed as he lifted her off of her feet. She raised her head as she felt the first snowflakes fall. It soon turned into a shower.

"We should go inside," Meredith said. She took his hand and hurried to the house. They stepped inside laughing as they brushed the snow out of their hair. She glanced at her watch. It was nearly six o'clock.

"Oh lord, my shift starts in two hours," she said.

"Well why don't we grab that dinner we never got to," David said. Meredith smiled.

"That sounds like an excellent idea," she said. "But it's on me since I was the idiot in this whole thing."

"Deal," David said.

I apologize to my readers that it has been nearly a year since I have updated this story. We will soon return to Harry and Sirius and the Triwizard tournament.