Chapter 11 Close My Eyes

Sarah tiptoed out of the guest room. She fussed around the dark hall, making her way to the bathroom. After relieving herself, she slowly crept back towards her room. A quick flash of light from the window caught her attention. Someone's in the garden? Sarah made her way to the window, peeping out.

At least fifty rows of fully grown plants stood in front of her. She couldn't tell what kind each were. Neville would be so useful right now.

Tonks sat on the ground, her hands covered in dirt. She picked the leaves from various plants. Slowly and carefully. One by one, she laid them down in the basket beside her.

She wiped the tears that had fallen and continued. "They are ready, love. Just like you predicted. They're beautiful. Perfect."

A thorn pricked her. Blood oozed out of her finger. She nodded. "I know. I need to be more careful. I'm trying."

She continued, concentrating on the task. More tears fell; she didn't bother to wipe them. "Tomorrow, I will pick the left side. It'll be done soon."

She shook her head, arguing with air. "It's late. I'm tired."

Tonks finished the last plant. "See? All done. It wasn't hard at all."

She got up and dusted off her legs. "All this time, you said required finesse. Liar. You were just trying to get rid of me."

The basket vanished. "You were trying to be alone."

Tonks walked slowly to the door, turning back to glance at the garden one last time. "I miss you."

Sarah scurried to her room, lightly pushing the door close. What was that about? Who was she talking to? Where did the basket go?

The shower turned on as muffled cries echoed behind the walls, pushing through the vents.

Sarah wiped the her own tears. The loss in Tonks whimpers stabbed her heart painfully.

…

"Professor Snape required home care after the war?"

Tonks pulled out some old photos, "Yes, though he would tell you differently."

"Did you volunteer?"

She laughed, "No. He was a grumpy, stubborn man. No one could stand more than thirty minutes alone with him… many tried."

"So you were left to care for him?"

"Yes."

Sarah flipped through the pictures. Severus smiled brightly in each one. She couldn't ever remember seeing him happy, yet here was the proof.

She stopped on a particular photo:

He was holding Tonks in his arms, her back pressed against his chest. His head was buried in her neck, nipping at her. She giggled, swatting at him.

They looked happy. Really happy. Sarah could feel her eyes start to water.

"He loved you. I can see it."

Tonks took the photo from her, "I know. It took a long time for me to realize it…"

"Why?"

"Who knew a man like him could love…. a women like me." She placed another one in Sarah's hand. "We weren't exactly an ideal match. He was refined, sophisticated… a master at his craft. I was a clumsy, short tempered girl."

"You complemented each other."

"We did."

"May I ask about the garden?"

"Hmm?"

"It's beautiful."

"I've never cared much for it. He was anal about keeping it tidy. He spent many, many nights in there…. always pruning and picking. They were ingredients for his potions and other remedies." She smiled, "He didn't trust many people. Said they would sell him parsley and call it Gillyweed. I swear he was trying to heal the whole world."

"You didn't help?"

"I tried, once. Ruined a whole row of irreplaceable somethings. I can never remember the name. He scolded me for three days. Didn't go back after that."

"But you upkeep it now."

"This is the last harvest. I promised to finish it."

"What will you do with harvest?"

"I have no use for such things. They belong to Draco now."

"Tonks?" Sarah stared at the older witch, "It's a bit early to ask, but do you think you will ever love again?" She twisted her fingers together nervously, "You are still young. You have a long life ahead of you."

"I won't say never..." She smiled, "but God couldn't have made another man like Severus." She handed Sarah a sealed letter. "It was infuriating the first time." Tonks chuckled, "Can you imagine? Someone else as stubborn and pig headed?"

The letter was sealed with a wax Crest, House of Prince. Sarah traced the seal." Are you sure?"

Tonks nodded, "You need a conclusion to your article."

"Is it what Kingsley gave you at the reading?"

She shook her head, "I found it next to the bed... The day he..."

Sarah stopped her, "I understand. You don't have to say it."

Tonks got up, "I have to go see Draco. I will be back later." She grabbed her coat, "If you need anything, the elve is here."

******"Close My Eyes" is a movie about incest and jealousy. It was weird, to say the least. Rickman was great as always.*****