Michael Saves the Day

Michael strode through the twilight, snow crunching under his feet. He estimated that Severus was almost fifty meters ahead of him, moving swiftly. Eventually he would catch up, but Severus needed to walk off some rage first. There was plenty of time. He had wondered when Severus would be forced to deal with some of the anger he carried in him. The man had voluntarily played the most dangerous game of all for many years, and had been forced to kill his only, dying friend. At the end of it he had been imprisoned and put on trial. A fine thank you from his bloody wizarding society.

He wondered whether Severus had his wand with him. He doubted that the wizard had been focused enough to take it, but he didn't relish the thought of being hexed.

It didn't surprise him that Severus managed to keep such amazing control of himself while the war was on. But now, when the pressure was off, it was inevitable that such a passionate man would eventually react to the pain and anger inside.

He strode on, increasing his speed as the twilight deepened, watching Severus's rhythmic strides in front of him. Finally, as they were approaching the far boundary of the property, he saw Severus stop. He maintained a steady pace and eventually caught up.

"Thank you, Michael," said the wizard stiffly.

"Any time, buddy," he replied calmly. "Here, let's go this way."

They turned and followed the fence line, walking in companionable silence. After twenty minutes with no sound but the snow crunching under foot, Severus spoke.

"Is Zelda all right?" he asked softly.

"She's fine. She's tougher than you'll know until you've been married longer than this."

"Will she forgive me? I loathe myself more than ever after such a tantrum. And last night…" he said, feeling ill.

"Stop, Severus," ordered Michael. "Look at me."

Severus reluctantly obeyed him.

"Was marrying her a mistake or do you love her?"

Anger boiled up in Severus at such an insulting question, but he controlled it.

"Of course I love her," he snarled.

"If you love her like I think you do, she'll forgive you anything," said Michael flatly. "Especially since you're obviously in a lot of pain, man. What happened?"

"She wanted to go too fast," explained Severus. A sudden, ugly insight sprang into his mind and honestly he forced himself to admit, "I also wanted her to push on, though I knew it was risky."

"What happened then?" asked Michael.

"Memories came too fast. There was too much I didn't know. I was surprised by some of it and couldn't keep up, and then I saw…"

"What?"

"I had no idea she actually saw the Dark Lord. I saw him in her memory and I was appalled that she was so close… I've seen what would have happened if they'd caught her. I lost control, my own memories seemed to implode and we were using Legilimency. We fell into each other's memory and experienced both at once."

"God, Severus. I'm surprised you're still standing," said Michael, trying to imagine it. "Kingsley and I almost never use it with each other. It's too intense."

"I lost my recent memories. My mind was in the past, before she found me and I didn't know Zelda, I didn't know where I was, and then…"

"What happened?"

"The next thing I knew I was having sex. I had no idea who I was with and… I didn't care. Later I woke up and I was with Zelda, but feared I'd raped her."

His voice was so low that Michael strained to hear that last shamed confession.

"I asked her, but she said… I didn't actually force her."

"Keep walking, so we don't freeze here," directed Michael, giving a gentle push.

Severus was beginning to grow calmer. Not happy, he believed joy must be gone from him, but no longer angry. Walking helped, as it always helped in the past.

"What should I do?" he asked, scowling. "I cannot undo it. I hurt her, Michael."

"Severus, come here," said Michael, enveloping the wizard in a bear hug.

Severus tensed, filled with emotions he feared to identify, but eventually he relaxed into his friend's embrace. He breathed deeply and closed his eyes, trying to find a balance.

"Come home, if you're ready. She's worried and she wants you to come back to her," said Michael, slowly releasing him. "Or if you're not ready, we'll walk some more. It's up to you."

"I must walk more," said Severus, his heart feeling lighter. When Michael said it, of course he knew Zelda wanted him to come home, but he required more time to compose himself. He would be weak no longer, since she was so vulnerable.

The trail widened and the men were able to walk side by side. They did so in silence.

"Thank you, Michael," Severus said. He forced the next words out. "When you come to Hogwarts, will you give me an appointment?"

Michael grinned. "Thanks for not forcing me to ask you," he said. "Of course."

"I cannot go on this way, I may hurt Zelda."

"Your fit of temper wasn't as bad as mine in the bad old days. Go home to cuddle your wife. You still love each other so much it's nauseating to watch. That hasn't changed."

Reassured, Severus walked faster, wanting to know Zelda was all right. It was not only his weakness they had to consider. She had undergone severe mental trauma in the past twenty-four hours and now she had regained the essential memories. She had much more work to do and his outburst had distressed her.

Michael breathed a sigh of relief. Kingsley thought Severus Snape was one of the most powerful wizards in Britain. From his own experience, this was a passionate and angry man who hated to lose control. But he was also very honest, who wouldn't allow himself to fail.

The lights of the cabin came into view. As they drew closer they could see Zelda moving around the kitchen.

Severus grasped Michael's arm impulsively and suddenly they were at the cabin door. He flung open the door and strode in, going straight to her.

"Forgive me, my girl," he said tentatively.

Her eyes lit up with joy and she put her arms around his neck.

"You're okay," she whispered, studying him intently. "Darling boy, there's nothing to forgive."

With his arms around her, he forgot that he never expected to feel happy again and smiled faintly.

"Something smells good," said Michael loudly, savoring the aroma of garlic and basil marinara sauce.

Zelda turned briefly and said, "I just put garlic bread into the oven. You can cook spaghetti while Severus takes a nice, warm bath."

"I'd like a nice, warm bath too. Why can't you make supper?" he asked mockingly.

"Don't be an ass," she said, leading Severus to the door of their room.

The bath was full and the air was filled with steam. The warmth began thawing the slight chill that lingered from his winter walk through the snow.

"Come here," he murmured, removing her robe.

"It's your bath," she said, feigning confusion.

His lips twitched and he said, "Don't be an ass. Get into my bath at once."

He began removing his clothes while she slowly entered the water. No sooner had he joined her than she slipped into his arms and kissed him quickly.

"Turn around and let me scrub your back," she said briskly.

He complied, cautiously studying her for signs of unhappiness. But he saw the same loving wife she had been before this dreadful day.

"Don't fret, Sev," she said wryly. "I feel like a jerk, pushing on beyond common sense and starting this whole disaster. I've learned from this experience and I won't be so selfish again."

"How dare you try to assume the blame for this?" he asked in mock outrage. "I wanted you to regain your memory as much as you did."

She sighed. "Ah, you're too wonderful. Let me finish so you can eat something."

"I am hungry," he said, pleased to realize it.

"Wonderful," she said, and ducking her head under, she came up spitting water at him.

"Come here," he said, reaching for the shampoo.

He washed her hair, chuckling when she ducked under again to rinse.

She ran her eyes fondly over his dripping wet body for a moment before handing him a towel.

"Later, my vixen," he said firmly.

He handed her the pretty silk robe he gave her for Christmas, watched her slip it on and pick up her hairbrush.

He dressed completely, since Michael and possibly Kingsley were present. When he turned to Zelda, he found her ready to go to dinner. Her eyes were bright and when he held his hand out to her, she took it and they went out to dinner.

"You two look better," Michael commented, putting food on the table and beginning to serve them.

"Sit down and eat. You don't have to feed us," Zelda told him.

"Right after I get some bread," he replied. "How did you make it all so fast?"

"Maybe it's magic," she replied abstractedly.

It was a quiet meal. Severus was more ravenous than he had been in a very long time, and the sight of him eating made Zelda's appetite return. Michael was relieved. He would ask Zelda about her memory in the morning, but it was enough that they looked better.

"I'll wait for Kingsley, but I want you two to get a good night's sleep. And no talking," he said in his most professional voice.

Zelda rolled her eyes, but she looked quizzically at Severus.

"He is a Healer," said Severus sternly.

She kissed Michael and petted Rowena, then followed Severus reluctantly, wondering if this would be awkward. They really needed to talk about what happened, she thought.

Her husband had other plans. He had seen Zelda's hesitation and agreed with Michael that this was no time for lengthy discussion. As soon as she had closed the door he picked up his wand and sealed it.

"Come here," he said hoarsely, hoping this was the right thing to do. Believing that it was. "It's all right, Zelda. We'll talk later."

"I hope so," she said, looking worried and oddly shy.

He undressed himself deliberately and stood before her naked, something he could only rarely bring himself to do.

"Come to bed," he said intently. "Don't be afraid."

A rush of love overcame her and she placed her palms on his bare chest and slowly began to caress him. She kissed his chest gently and stepped back, unfastening her robe. It dropped to the floor and she pressed against him, smiling timidly.

"I don't want to hurt you any more," she said.

His disbelieving smirk caused her to laugh as he pulled her down into bed and tenderly took possession of her.

"My little one," he murmured, kissing her. "Ah, I adore you, Zelda."

Their lovemaking was fierce and tender all at once, filled with awareness of each other. Afterward they slept in each other's arms, safe at last.

&&&&&&&&&

"Zelda," murmured Severus. "Wake up, my girl."

She stirred and burrowed deep under the covers, pressing her face against his chest. Her breath tickled slightly, a delightful sensation, he thought. Her warmth reminded him suddenly of blacking out and using her during that shared nightmare. He knew he hadn't forced her… Zelda had held him and responded, he remembered dimly. But she could have been any female. He shuddered, recalling bitter times when he'd gladly have used any woman and despised himself later. Although he had been truly wretched then, still he'd been full of pride. He would have a woman who loved him or nothing. His arms tightened around his wife; he had love at last.

It was time to try again. Instead of speaking, he moved under the covers and began kissing her body in a delightfully random way. When a faint giggle escaped her, he smiled.

"Are you awake?" he asked.

He took her nipple into his mouth and sucked firmly.

"Mmmm… I'm awake," she said, threading her fingers into his lank, black hair and pulling firmly. "Don't stop, though."

Obediently her turned his attention to her other breast. How he adored the taste and feel of her, he thought, enchanted by knowing that she loved this too. Dreamily his mouth found a rhythm and he let go of everything except his comfort in being with her.

Zelda stroked his hair and held him close, delighting in the moment. In a leisurely way her hands moved over his body as she reassured herself that nothing had changed between them. She felt the moment when his need for her grew urgent and smiled.

Their eyes met as they came together. Severus needed, more than before, to know it was reality. Zelda gazed intently into his black eyes and opened her mind slightly, offering her feelings.

"Zelda," he murmured, "Zelda, my sweetheart."

"This is right," she said softly. "When I'm with you, everything's perfect."

They needed no words as they made love in the faint light of the dawn. Serious issues lay ahead, but all else waited as they began to heal.

&&&&&&&&&

Breakfast was over and Michael directed them to the couch by the fire.

"It's time to talk about your memories and answer your questions," he told Zelda. "Prepare to reorganize your brain."

"Okay," she said. "I haven't really dared to think of it, but it all makes horrible sense."

Severus put his arm firmly around her shoulder. She wriggled a bit closer, an undignified gesture that charmed him.

"Do you remember when you were Obliviated?" he asked.

She shivered. "I couldn't remember Firenze at all. When he was killed that day and when he went down, I went down hard. That's where I met Professor Tonks, she ran up to Firenze. I didn't see who killed Firenze, but then that crazy old guy, Alastor Moody, came. He pointed his wand and said something, and that was all…"

She put a hand on Severus's leg, needing to feel close to him.

"Do you remember how you got to Hogwarts that day?" asked Severus.

"Ginny. She thought she could help Harry and we argued." She paused and thought for a moment, then snorted. "She brought me there on purpose, because she was pissed off at me. But she told me then that it was my fault I ended up there because I grabbed her."

Severus scowled, completely disgusted that the girl's bloody selfishness nearly got his Zelda killed, but Michael replied patiently.

"Listen, I've spoken with Ginny about what happened and she learned a sorry lesson that day. She's been wanting to talk with you about it, Zel, but there was no point because you couldn't remember."

"I had no idea how well I knew her until now," said Zelda thoughtfully. "She was sorry and terrified once we were there and when we saw, um… Voldemort come through the gates where we'd just been, well, we just ran like mad."

Michael saw Severus's hands clench briefly into fists, but the wizard made a visible effort and relaxed them. The guy's self-control was impressive, he had to admit, but there was incredible anger there, undoubtedly covering deep fear. When Kingsley sat down with them, they made significant strides in helping Zelda reorganize her memories, but at times she cried. It was a difficult, exhausting effort.

"That's enough for now," Michael said decisively. "Why don't you and Severus take a walk in the sunshine before lunch?"

So they found themselves tromping along the path taken by Severus the previous day, this time with Rowena. The dog danced around them with her tail wagging, occasionally dashing off to investigate something interesting. The sun was brilliant and felt almost warm on their faces.

"Yesterday I believed I'd ruined things between us with my madness and my bloody temper," he told her, taking her hand as they entered the trees.

"Me too," she said, glad to have it out in the open at last. "When you came back last night, I could breathe again."

"I meant to tell you something yesterday, something I thought would please you," he said with an ironic gleam in his eye.

She stopped and looked intently at him.

"Yesterday was my birthday. I'm now thirty-eight," he said, a hint of a smirk playing about his thin mouth.

"Why didn't you tell me before, idiot?"

She kissed her provoking husband, who pulled her into his cloak and held her there.

"Idiot?" he asked dangerously. "It was an act of self-defense. I believed you would attempt to have a party, or some such act of impudence."

She struggled to still her twitching mouth, but finally burst out laughing. "Idiot! Lunatic! So you didn't tell me and your birthday was the most horrible day since we've known each other! I should have a party every day until your next birthday, and make you eat supper wearing a funny party hat!"

A vision of Dumbledore wearing a tall hat with a vulture on it drifted into his mind. He sighed and kissed the tip of her nose.

"I apologize," he said. "But I thought it would please you that I'm now essentially the same age as you. By the way, when is your birthday?"

"June twenty-ninth, but that's not the point," she replied. She removed her mitten and put her warm hand inside his shirt to rub his back. "You're not the same age as me, you're a mere child, Sev, and I should take you over my knee and spank you for not telling me it was your birthday."

His eyes narrowed speculatively and one cynical eyebrow rose. "Oh?" he murmured wickedly.

"Never mind. I take it back," she said, chuckling. "I wish you'd told me, though. It's totally ridiculous that we don't know the most basic things about each other."

"Are you able to walk and rub my back at the same time? I don't wish to tell Michael that we disobeyed him, but I like this."

She gave his back a final pat and withdrew her hand. She put her mitten back on and stepped out of his sheltering cloak.

"Let's go. Will you be able to go to Hogwarts tomorrow as usual?"

"Of course," he said, a frown descending on his face. "As the new Deputy Headmaster, it is my duty to attend all staff meetings."

"Poor Sev. You should learn how to say no," she said. "But since you can't, Rowena and I will come along to amuse you."

"Are you sure you're up to it?" he asked. "I want you with me, but not if it's too soon for you."

"I'll be okay," she said firmly. "Besides, I need to talk to Ginny and I'd like to see Molly. We have a lot to catch up on, finally."

"You're going to be social, aren't you?"

"I have to! But I'll try to spare you as much as I can," she offered. "You can stroll around Hogwarts and give detentions to students, if I'm not ready to leave when you are."

"How thoughtful you are, my love," he said, cynically amused. "There's nothing I enjoy more than causing students to suffer. That's my extremely well-deserved reputation."

"I'll bet you expect them to study and pay attention in class too, you beast."

"Ask Potter and Weasley," he suggested coolly.

She took his arm and steered them onto a trail that lead back to the cabin.

"It's a gorgeous day, isn't it? I'm starting to become ravenous," she said, walking a bit faster. She turned to him as they walked on, studying his lined face thoughtfully.

"I should submit three hundred questions to you in writing, so I can learn all the things a person should know about the person she's married to."

"How thorough of you," he replied. "Shall I design a similar questionnaire?"

"What's your favorite color?" she asked.

He stared at her cryptically for a moment before replying, "Blue."

"That's a surprise," she said, running her eyes over his black clothes in amusement.

"The precise cerulean blue of your eyes," he said softly.

She hugged him impulsively. "Written answers wouldn't thrill me like hearing you say that. I suppose we can deal with things as they come up."

"Now that I know when your birthday is, perhaps we should plan to make that a good day," he said. "Zelda, I'm going to meet with Michael. When he comes to Hogwarts to see Malfoy and Potter, I'll also see him. I must not black out again as I did."

"I'm glad," she said simply. "Now that my memories of last summer are back, I know how hard your life's been. You're amazing, and I hope you can heal from some of it."

She was resolute, but so vulnerable, he thought with a pang of fear. He wouldn't say he was doing it for her, but it was the truth. If he lost control again and involuntarily did magic, the consequences could be dire.

"Come along, wife, I'm growing hungry. I believe lunch must be ready."

He took her into his arms and Apparated back to the cabin. Even without a war and without a full time teaching position, life was proving to be full of endless problems, he thought. But now he knew goodness would balance it all.