Chapter 3: reminiscing
"Do I know you?" Severus demands, surprising me with the question.
"Yes, we met day before yesterday-"
He cuts me off with a glare.
"I told you, I worked here as Madame Pomfrey's assistant." I reply.
"That's not it either…" he frowns. "Is there some other way that I know you? In some way more personal, perhaps?"
"No." I answer a bit too quickly.
He studies me carefully, narrowing his eyes suspiciously before rephrasing his question. "Should I know you?"
"I see no reason why you should." I answer stiffly, lying through my teeth.
For a moment I'm half afraid he's going to press the matter, but he lets it go.
"Let's begin, then, shall we?"
I progressed slower than I would have liked, but since I have four months to waste, it doesn't bother me much.
What did bother me was how many fights Severus and I got into. The lessons wore me out, and when he wasn't practically mocking my memories he was accusing me of not trying hard enough. He penetrated my mind with little difficulty for the first couple of weeks, and it wasn't until two months into the training that I noticed him having to put any sort of effort into it.
When I'm not attending lessons, I'm either spending time in Hogsmeade or at the cottage reading. I made a point not to stay in Hogwarts any longer than absolutely necessary. I had intended to stay as far away from the past as possible.
I should have known my resolve would eventually slip.
"Would you like to stay for tea?" Severus invites me after I'm finally able to block my mind well enough to keep him out. I noticed that you prefer to leave Hogwarts as soon as we're finished. But perhaps this time you can make an exception and stay long enough to celebrate your success with me?"
"I-I really shouldn't…" I object, trying to keep myself from going weak at the sound of his voice. I haven't heard him speak like that for…years. Hearing it now does nothing but remind me of the man I'd visited at St. Mungo's…my fiancé. Ex fiancé.
"Come now, it's just tea. What is it going to hurt?" He replies, attempting to convince me.
"Probably a lot more than you realize." I mutter.
"Ten minutes, no tea. Just sit and converse with me." He pushes.
I study him guardedly before finally agreeing, "Very well."
I quickly follow him through the dungeons to where I remember his rooms to be. Severus takes a seat on the couch and I sit in a chair opposite him.
He studies me for a moment before making an attempt at starting conversation.
"Out of curiosity, what made you decide to be a mediwitch? From what I've seen in your memories, you'd make a fair potions mistress."
"Helping people appeals to me. Potions making comes in handy in my field. I can make potions instead of waiting for them to stock up." I answer, "When my colleagues found out, they started taking advantage of the opportunity, so I'm kept busy and none of my skills go to waste."
"Clever." He murmurs.
"I'm assuming your reasons for leaving so quickly after the lessons has to do with your husband." He says questioningly.
"Kindly point me to the person who told you I had a husband…they most likely need to be checked into the St. Mungo's department for the incurably insane." I reply, frowning.
He raises an eyebrow.
"I've never been married." I explain quickly.
"A fiancé, then? A lover, perhaps?" he prods.
I shake my head. "Actually, I'm single."
"Then do you merely find Hogwarts distasteful?" he demands almost defensively.
"I'm closer to having a husband than finding Hogwarts distasteful." I assure him. "There are just things that need tending to at the cottage I'm renting."
"Such as?" he questions.
"Such as good books, cold showers, and hot tea." I reply easily.
"So you do like tea?" He smirks.
"Yes, I do. As a matter of fact, I used to know someone who could make tea fit for royalty." I answer.
He raises an eyebrow curiously.
He was…a lover, if you will. " I answer the unasked question, frowning at the memory. "About four years back…"
"Judging by the look on your face, something terrible happened." He says smoothly.
"Life happened…" I answer half honestly, "He forgot me."
"And you loved this man…that forgot you?" he inquires.
I study him, the contemplative look in his eyes, long, smooth hands… I can almost feel the dark strands of his hair between my fingers again. And his voice…
I quickly jump up out of my seat, silently cursing myself for being so weak.
"I have to go." I say hurriedly, instantly heading for the door.
"Of course, "He agrees, standing up as well.
"Tara, wait…" he insists as I reach the door.
I unwillingly take my hand off the door knob and turn back towards him.
"Forgive me, I didn't mean for the conversation to get so personal." He starts apologetically.
"That's alright." I answer, meeting his gaze.
"And I have a detention to take care of tomorrow, but I have no classes to teach until the afternoon." He continues. "Your lesson will have to be in the morning. How does ten sound?"
"That's fine." I agree.
"Good night." He says dismissively.