Complications

Severus was waiting for Romilda Vane, his last appointment on Thursday. He was impatient. The spoiled girl took for granted the gifts she'd been born with, as well as the privilege of a magical education. She was typical of the girls who were receiving special tutoring. He believed her only excuse for being behind was total disinterest in learning anything this year, combined with the lack of mandatory summer homework.

The pounding on his office door was loud and hasty.

"Enter," he said coldly.

"Professor! There's been an accident or something!" shouted Romilda, shoving the door open hard. "It's that Draco Malfoy. Down the corridor, by the stairs. I think he's dead!"

Bloody hell! Severus thought grimly. "Show me," he said in his most chilling voice.

The girl quailed at his furious expression and ran, leading the way down the dimly lit corridor, toward a motionless puddle of inky fabric lying on the ground.

Draco Malfoy was oddly rigid. Severus recognized the Body-Bind Curse and immediately removed it, but the boy was still unconscious. Kneeling, he turned to the Vane girl, who was standing awestruck, with a strange gleam in her dark eyes.

"He is not dead. Go to the Great Hall immediately. Tell the Headmistress and Professor Tonks what happened."

"Yes, Sir!" she said, taking to her heels excitedly. She was going to be the most popular girl in the common room tonight with this story.

Severus began examining the unconscious young man. There were bruises on his face, around his mouth, mostly. He was not certain that Draco had been Stunned, but he pointed his wand and murmured, "Rennervate."

The boy's eyelids fluttered and a brief look of confused panic appeared on his face, followed instantly by grim resignation. When he raised his eyes and recognized his former teacher, he looked shocked.

"What…" he muttered, unable to remember.

"Draco, are you injured?" asked Severus, searching the boy's face with a piercing gaze.

"I think my leg's broken," he replied in a shockingly calm voice. "The left one."

"Anything else?" asked Severus, moving to look at the damaged leg, which was indeed lying at an impossible angle.

"Not really. But thank you," muttered Draco in a faint voice. His head lolled to the side and his eyes closed.

The left leg was badly broken, Severus could see, and in two places. Since the boy had fainted, it was impossible to question him more, so Severus Conjured a stretcher and prepared to Levitate Draco to the Hospital Wing.

"Severus!" called Nymphadora Tonks as she pelted down the stairs. "What happened?"

She knelt down next to the injured student, her dark eyes serious. As far back as she could remember, she'd known this boy was her cousin, but she'd also known what Lucius Malfoy was. He'd seemed to be Lucius all over again, she thought, until that day in the Forbidden Forest. Now she wondered who Draco really was and what would become of him.

"We should get him upstairs," she said abruptly. "Everyone's at supper, but I asked Madam Pomfrey to meet us."

Severus Levitated the stretcher and they proceeded up the stairs and through the echoing corridors. Tonks flung the double doors wide and Madam Pomfrey was waiting as the stretcher floated through. Her face was grim.

"Over here," she said abruptly, gesturing toward a bed in the corner. "I should add a plaque with his name on it." She glanced up and added, "Hello, Severus. I'm glad you're here."

"Poppy," he said, nodding respectfully. "It's good to see you. Has he been a regular visitor?"

She nodded. "This year, it's been practically constant. But let's see what it is now, and then I'd like to speak with you and Professor Tonks. This has gone on too long."

For the next hour, Madam Pomfrey and Severus assessed Draco's condition and heal his broken leg. There were other, older bruises, possibly the result of other 'accidents' that had gone unreported.

"He'll stay here tonight," said the matron firmly. She poured a small amount of purple potion into his mouth and made sure he swallowed it. "Now he'll sleep until the morning."

They entered Madam Pomfrey's office, where Tonks waited.

"How is he?" she asked, frowning anxiously. "Severus, did he tell you who did it? I've tried talking with him, but he refuses to discuss it with me. Just says that he's fine, thank you, and he appreciates my concern."

"He's been unconscious since he arrived here, and Poppy has given him a Sleeping Draught. He should be able to return to classes in the morning." He frowned. "Nymphadora, we should discuss this situation."

"Come to my office, Severus. I'll have some supper sent there and see if Minerva can join us," she said decisively.

He considered the time, and thought confidently that he had more than two hours before Zelda would be home from work. "Very well," he replied. "I suppose it is time that we discussed this."

By the time they'd said farewell to Madam Pomfrey and reached Tonks's far away office, there was a comforting, hot meal waiting for them. Tonks gestured to a seat at the table and studied him shrewdly.

"I'm glad you're back," she said. "I didn't expect so many of these kids to be such a mess, not after Voldemort's actually dead. Kingsley thinks maybe everyone kept it together while the threat existed, but now they feel safe to let all their aggression and frustration out. Maybe he has a point."

"It seems logical, although I never considered it in those terms. But… I cannot think how to deal with it."

"Maybe Minerva has some ideas. But Severus, what about Draco? Lately I've wondered if he's decided, since he appears to feel so guilty, to be the scapegoat for everything that's happened at Hogwarts."

Severus controlled a slight shudder. He knew from his own experience that guilt could drive one to dreadfully self-destructive decisions.

"He was briefly conscious, down in the dungeon, but he expressed no surprise or anger at his predicament," he muttered thoughtfully.

They ate then, in pensive silence. After they had finished, Tonks pointed her wand at the remains, which disappeared instantly.

A few minutes later, Minerva McGonagall entered the office hastily.

"I am sorry I could not come earlier," she said. "I called an impromptu staff meeting, asking them once again to be more visible in the corridors between classes, and to be vigilant."

"The spot where Malfoy was found is isolated, except when students are attending Potions classes," said Severus. "I plan to speak with Mr. Malfoy tomorrow. It is not likely, but perhaps I can convince him to tell me what happened."

"As temporary Head of Slytherin, I'll try too," said Tonks. "It's awkward. I mean, he's also my cousin, for Merlin's sake, but we never knew each other. I feel like I should help him, but…" her voice trailed away uncertainly.

"I must also speak with him," said Minerva. "In no way can this be considered an accident. It is the most blatant act yet, and for the good of the school, this must be stopped."

"He hasn't yet explained a single thing to either one of us," Tonks muttered. "Maybe he'll talk to Severus."

"I doubt he'll tell anyone," said Severus. "Draco has changed during the past year. His current behavior is not what I would have expected of him, but he has always been secretive. I'll speak with him tomorrow."

"While you're here, Severus, how is your task progressing?" asked Minerva.

"I've met with nearly all the students on your list, although I must reschedule that stupid girl, Romilda Vane. It was she who alerted me to Draco's 'accident,' so I had no time to discuss academics with her."

"Severus!" Minerva snapped reprovingly. "Miss Vane is not stupid."

"Shallow, hormone-crazed, gossiping, lazy, but not actually stupid," he said. "You're right, I should be more precise, Minerva."

The Headmistress looked coldly at him, and received a cynical smirk.

"Before you Curse me, I'll admit that she's no worse than Miss Parkinson," he murmured disarmingly.

Minerva sighed. "I actually have more hope for Gregory Goyle than I do for some of those empty-headed little princesses. I cannot imagine why their parents encourage them to be so useless…"

"Returning to the subject at hand," Severus said severely, "I have notes in my office, detailing the assignments I've given to each student, and in which subjects. This is in addition to their current class work, so I asked them to return their completed assignments to me in one week. I'll evaluate the level of their competence and work with the staff to bring them along."

"Excellent," said Minerva. "You are the right wizard for the job."

"I'll see Draco tomorrow, as well as seeing the last students on my list. By the Christmas holidays I'll have a good idea where they all stand and have them moving forward, with the assistance of the staff."

Severus rose from his chair. He realized he was already a few minutes late. "I must go now, but I'll be here tomorrow. Also on Sunday evening, for the staff meeting."

He headed down to close his office, since he had left everything wide open in order to go to Draco's aid. At the bottom of the last flight of stairs, however, he realized that he was not alone. Two familiar students were standing nervously by the door of his office.

"Professor Snape," said a breathless Ginny Weasley. "Is it true, was Malfoy attacked?"

Harry Potter, who seemed less passionate about the situation, yet irritated by the girl's concern, had accompanied her.

"Professor," he said curtly. "Romilda Vane's busy telling anyone who'll listen that Malfoy's dead."

Severus snorted. There was no way to keep the girl from babbling, short of a Silencing Charm, which, as a responsible staff member, he was unable to use.

"Mr. Malfoy was attacked. He is in the Hospital Wing, and will be released in the morning."

"What happened?" asked Ginny. "Do you know who did it?"

"He was unconscious, so we were unable to question him," replied Severus. "Miss Weasley, have you any idea why this is happening?"

"No! But Draco Malfoy saved my life that day in the Forest. I hate what's happening and I want to help."

Severus turned slowly to Harry Potter. "I hesitate to ask, but will you meet with me tomorrow afternoon? You may be able help with this situation."

Harry nodded reluctantly. "What time?"

"Two o'clock," replied Severus. "Miss Weasley, you are not of age and I have a healthy respect for your mother's temper. If you wish to see this situation resolved, please listen carefully to the talk around you, but say nothing."

She nodded, eyeing him shrewdly. "I won't tell anyone but you or Harry."

"I have Potions at two tomorrow. How should I explain missing class again to Professor Davis?" asked Harry. He disliked appearing 'special' again.

Severus firmly repressed his cynical smirk. "Remedial Potions?" he suggested mildly.

Harry choked, valiantly stifling a bark of cynical laughter, as he remembered the horrid excuse for his miserable Occlumency lessons. Why hadn't he ever realized how bloody funny Professor Snape was?

"Would you please write me a note, Sir? Professor Davis won't really mind, I guess. But I don't want everyone to think I'm going off to tell their dirty little secrets."

Severus looked distastefully at the two students. "I have no interest in their vile activities, except as it causes disruption to the academic environment of this school," he said rigidly.

He strode into his office and wrote a short note to Professor Davis, then suddenly realized Zelda had likely been home for some time.

"I must leave," he said. "I shall see you tomorrow, Potter." He ushered them out and sealed the door to his office hastily.

"Okay."

"Professor, how's Zelda?" asked Ginny urgently. "Is she remembering more? I'm really sorry. I hate that she was Obliviated."

In the face of those pleading eyes, he hesitated. "She's recovering her memory very slowly, but I believe she will be fine."

"I need to see her, when she remembers," the girl said. "Please, Sir…"

"Of course," he said. "Now I am late, and must get back to her."

They walked with him to the end of the corridor, where they prepared to go back upstairs, but they watched him leave through the small door that led straight toward the gates.

When the door closed, Harry and Ginny turned to each other.

"I'm glad he's back," she said. "He'll figure it out, won't he?"

Harry put a comforting arm around her shoulders. Since the day Voldemort was defeated, Ginny had changed. She was much more serious than before and had also developed an unhealthy concern for Draco Malfoy, among other things.

"Yeah, he'll figure it out."

&&&&&&&&&

Guilt filled Severus as he entered the house. The lights were on and a smell of herbs was in the air. Rowena came to greet him, but he hastily stroked her head and looked for Zelda.

"Severus! Are you okay?" Zelda appeared in the doorway, looking anxious. She walked slowly toward him.

"I'm sorry to be late," he murmured, putting his arms around her. "Forgive me, sweetheart."

She kissed him, and seeing guilt in his black eyes, said wryly, "Am I so demanding and whiny? Don't worry, Severus. It's okay."

"You were worried," he said in a low voice. He stroked her hair and held her close for a moment. "If the situation was reversed, I would have been terribly worried. I'm sorry."

She smiled and kissed his chin. "Get ready for dinner. Since you're tardy, you'll have to suffer my cooking tonight."

"I'm very lucky to be married to you," he said with a faint smile.

He went to the bedroom and removed his cloak, laying it over the chair in the corner. After a moment's thought, he removed his clothes and hung them carefully in the closet. He pulled on one of his soft, black Muggle shirts and a pair of jeans, then returned to the kitchen.

Zelda had opened a bottle of red wine and handed him a small glass of it.

"Tell me what you think of it," she said.

Severus sniffed cautiously at it. It was a dry wine, but even the aroma was rich with berries and a faint smoky flavor. He took a sip and smiled. "Delicious," he pronounced.

"Good," she replied. She poured a glass for herself and sipped it. "Mmm. Now, why don't you sit down and relax. I'll be ready in about ten minutes."

Two pans were on the stove. She poured olive oil into one and put butter into the other.

"What are you making?" he asked curiously.

"Rosemary lamb chops and asparagus," she replied seriously.

"May I help?" he asked hopefully, caressing her cheek.

"Afraid I won't do it right?" she asked with a mocking smirk.

"Little idiot," he murmured, putting his hands on her shoulders. "If I help, I'll be close enough to kiss you."

She turned and put her face up for his kiss. "You've convinced me. Okay, brown these chopped almonds and add some cayenne, just enough to give it a little bite."

He did as she told him, and watched as she put three marinated lamb chops into the other pan. "This is too easy," he said.

"How do you think the almonds would taste with some minced garlic?" she asked thoughtfully.

"Quite good, but it's hardly adequate for two, my girl."

She rolled her eyes. "Dunderhead," she snorted. "In two minutes we're going to cook the asparagus in it. I hope that'll be adequate."

They bantered amiably as they cooked dinner, relieved to be together again. When they finally sat down at the table, they looked into each other's eyes for a long moment.

"I only realized now that you have no way to contact me," he said softly. "Last summer it was unavoidable, but now…"

"I realized it the first day, but I didn't want to be a whiny, clinging wife," she replied, her eyes dropping, unable to even look at him.

"Zelda!" he said, appalled. "Why would you think…?" Suddenly he knew. "Your idiot ex-husband," he pronounced grimly.

She nodded, looking guiltily at him. "One of many arguments. He was sleeping around, which I didn't know at first, and impossible to contact. When I'd ask him to stay in touch with us, he'd say I was needy and clinging. So I became the martyr, who'd rather die than ask for anything. And now, I still couldn't say anything to you."

"Ask anything of me. Your concern is perfectly reasonable," he promised softly. "Now, please eat. I do not understand why you pretend that you can't cook. This is delicious." He took a bite of lamb. "Perfect."

She cut off a tiny bite of meat and ate it. "It is good," she admitted softly. "Sev, I know you're not Rob. But I'm still dragging this baggage with me. I hate it, but I can't get rid of it."

"It doesn't matter," he murmured. "He was a fool, but I'm no fool. I'm your husband and a very lucky man, Mrs. Snape."

Suddenly Zelda's appetite returned to her and she tucked in with a good appetite. It did taste very good, now that she knew he was all right.

Severus struggled to overcome his guilt. Alone for most of his life, no one had ever worried about him. Now, loving her as he did, he knew how painful worrying was. He cleaned the kitchen magically after dinner, wanting to finish everything quickly.

"Have we homework to check?" he asked.

"Not tonight," she said. "I finished before you got here."

"Excellent," he replied. He took her hand, leading her to the living room where he lit the fire with a quick wave of his wand.

"Come here," he murmured, sitting down on the couch.

She straddled his lap and hugged him, then looked seriously into his eyes. "I refuse to be pathetic, Sev. You don't have to be a slave to the clock, my boy. You'll come back when your work is finished."

"You're not still playing the martyr, are you?" he asked. "I prefer my clinging, sweet wife, who hates to be away from me."

As he spoke, he removed her sweater and the soft shirt underneath. He put the over the arm of the couch and buried his face between her breasts as he reached around to unfasten her bra.

Zelda slipped eagerly out of the unwanted garment and caressed his cheek as she pressed her nipple toward his seeking mouth. She sighed with pleasure.

"I've never been naked so much, not in my whole life," she murmured, sliding a hand down to begin removing his shirt.

"Neither have I," he said absently, addressing her other nipple. "I adore you."

She managed to get his shirt off and ran her hands all over his bare back, feeling an urgent need building in her for more.

"Sev," she moaned, finding his mouth with hers. "Bed, now please…"

He fumbled for his wand and Summoned pillows and comforter from their bed, putting them on the floor in front of the fireplace.

"Perfect," she whispered, unfastening his pants and pulling them down as they moved to that cushioned floor. Her eyes glowed at the sight of his body, lit by dancing flames in the fireplace. She stripped him completely and put a hand on his chest.

"Don't move. I want to look," she said. She got up on her knees to wriggle out of the rest of her clothes, studying him as he watched her.

Severus's black eyes were glittering as he held his arms out to her. "Come here," he commanded.

She complied with a slight smile on her lips. She pushed the black hair back off his face and began kissing him. "I love you, husband," she said softly, sinking her teeth into his lower lip.

As she lowered herself onto him, their eyes met again and they shared each other's emotions as they made love. Afterward, they lay by the fire, wrapped warmly in the comforter. They both fell asleep there.

Severus was jolted awake. His arm was around Zelda's waist, and she was struggling in her sleep, whimpering. This was the first nightmare she'd had in weeks, and he knew all he could do was hold her. He rubbed her back and murmured gently, until suddenly she gasped and opened her eyes.

"You're here!" she sobbed. "I thought I'd never see you again."

"It was a nightmare," he said softly.

"But you went to the Dark Lord!" she said, sitting up and staring strangely. "Are you all right?"

"Come here, Zelda," he said, taking her into his arms again. "Lie still and try to remember."

Her breathing slowed and she pressed against him, trembling. She remembered him going to meet Voldemort and how it felt to be left behind. Shocked, she realized it was months ago and that she was now married to Severus.

"I was Obliviated," she muttered. She shook her head and looked at him, still confused. "I remember now. You went away, didn't you? But you're here now, and that was in the summer."

"Your memory is returning," Severus said, stroking her cheek. "Do not force it."

Zelda's head was spinning and she shuddered, feeling icy. Pictures flashed through her mind, of people, some of whom she knew. An immense castle that she knew was Hogwarts, surrounded by ancient green trees and summer lawns. A golden haired centaur with ageless blue eyes flashed into her mind and she burst into tears.

"Zelda!" he exclaimed, searching her eyes to understand what she was seeing.

Terror coursed through her veins and she was shivering uncontrollably. "It's too much! Oh, Severus! My head! Make it stop…" she sobbed.

Without hesitation he Summoned his wand, pointed it at her, muttering a brief spell. Her eyes closed and she sagged against him, deep asleep.