After giving the hydration potion a final stir, Snape carefully bottled it into several small silver vials, slipping one into his frock coat before making his way up two flights of stairs to the West wing.

It was still late afternoon, but he didn't want to disturb Marie if she was sleeping. He paused and listened carefully outside of her door before he lifted his hand to knock, hearing what was obviously the sound of the wooden floorboards creaking as she moved across the room. Perturbed, he wrapped his knuckles authoritatively on the door, struggling to control his impulse to barge in and scold her harshly, but recognizing it would be more than unprofessional if he did anything besides wait politely for her to respond and invite him in.

After his knock, he heard the unmistakable sounds of her footsteps shuffling back across the floor followed by two small thuds as she abandoned her slippers and then the low whine of the bed frame as she hopped back into it. A few more seconds passed before he heard a breathless "Come in."

He opened the door, a deep scowl on his face. "Out of bed, were we?"

"Lord Kent," she said, still looking wan and frail, but a guilty flush on her cheeks as she labored slightly to breathe, the rush of scurrying back into bed clearly taking a toll on her in her weakened state.

Snape crossed his arms and stared down at her as he took slow, deliberate steps toward her bed, his displeasure evident. "What was so important you felt the need to defy my request? I thought I made it abundantly clear that should you need to get up for any reason, you were to call for Tinny."

Marie's ears burned red. "I didn't want to bother Tinny. I just needed something quickly from my wardrobe. Besides, I'm feeling better." Actually she was feeling horrible, and it had taken every last drop of her strength (and at least two episodes of near fainting) before she made it to the wardrobe…but of course she would never admit that.

"Isn't that why you have a wand? If you're too weak to use it, you're far too weak to be gallivanting out of bed." Snape glanced at the wand on her bedside table, where it had laid untouched for the past two days.

The truth was, Marie had tried using Soren's wand on several occasions and it was fickle at the best of times, disastrous almost always. The damn thing had nearly blasted her hand off twice, and it refused even the most basic spells despite her stubborn insistence. She'd heard spruce could be an impossible wood to work with, and she wasn't about to lose her fingers to continue trying. But she'd thankfully had the foresight to stash her own wand away days ago, not wanting to mistakenly use the wrong one when she was out of sorts, even if it was making life exceptionally difficult. "I thought it might be good to stretch my legs a bit. You know, prevention of blood clots and all."

With a sneer, Snape flicked his wand a few times, tidying up her room slightly, shutting the wardrobe door, rearranging her blankets, and fluffing her pillows. He finished by pointing at the slippers that had been abandoned one by one in the middle of the floor, flicking his wand a few more times until they picked themselves up, straightened themselves out and then disappeared underneath the side of her bed where no one would trip on them. Satisfied, he turned to Marie, staring into her eyes as he chastised her. "Do not. Get up. Unassisted. Again."

"I won't," she said, unable to keep his eye contact. Although she hadn't had a chance to find the book she was looking for when she heard him knock, she'd have to wait until he left to try again. If she could manage it. The fruitless jaunt had taken far more out of her than she'd expected and even she had to admit she wasn't well enough to get up.

Snape reached down and took her wrist, feeling for her pulse which he determined was still quite weak and thready, and far more rapid than it should be. His other hand flew up to her forehead, where her porcelain skin was a tad clammy, but cool. Her eyes glistened a bit more than they had earlier, but her lips still looked extremely dry and her color was a bit off. When he glanced at the jug of water, it was noticeably less full, but he still wasn't satisfied.

From his pocket, he pulled the silver vial, offering it to her gently. "I'm concerned you are still dehydrated so I've made you this rehydration potion. It should help you catch up much more quickly, although you should still continue to drink plenty of fluids."

"Thank you," she smiled, taking the vial. "Perhaps I'll see how I'm feeling this evening."

"Perhaps you should take it now, Ms. Cloutier. Have you had anything besides water and a spot of tea? A cup of broth? Something with some electrolytes or some substance?"

"Not yet…"

"Then it seems unwise to delay it. This is freshly brewed by my own hand, I am confident you will feel much better after you take it." He phrased it as a helpful suggestion but his tone was insistent.

Marie didn't have the energy to argue, so she put the vial to her lips and swigged it. It wasn't entirely unpleasant; she could taste some sweetness from the ginger, mint, and chamomile, but it left an odd metallic taste on her tongue, as though she had a mouth full of copper pennies or had been drinking from a garden hose.

He gave a slight nod of approval and placed the empty vial back into his coat.

Within seconds, Marie could feel the moisture returning to her mouth which had been parched for days, and her throat immediately soothed. The dull headache that had been plaguing her started to fade and he was right, she immediately felt much better. She had no idea just how dehydrated she'd been until the potion started to take effect. "I'm feeling better already, thank you."

"You should continue to improve over the next several hours, but the more you can drink, the more robust the hydration effect of the potion will be." Snape grabbed the jug and used his wand to refill it with cool water before pouring some into the empty glass and placing it in her hand. "May I ask Tinny to bring you something small to eat? Some soup or broth?"

Marie hesitated for a moment. "Not right now. Maybe for supper, I'll try a light soup. I'll ask Tinny if I need anything. I promise."

"I would recommend that you do," Snape said, matter of factly. "Is there anything I can get for you before I leave? Something from your wardrobe, perhaps?" He raised a disapproving eyebrow.

"No thanks. I'm good for now." She attempted to smile at him but was met with a stern look.

"You may feel a burst of energy after that potion, but you haven't eaten properly in days, your body is still recovering from pneumonia, and you are clearly still in a languid state. I know you value your independence, but I mean it, Ms. Cloutier, I do not want you to get up unassisted and faint again or have a fall. If you need anything- you will call for Tinny. Have I made myself clear?"

"Yes, of course. I will."

Snape took another moment to give her one of his signature "you'd better mind me" looks and she responded with a weak smile.

"Very well. Then take rest, continue to hydrate, and I shall check in on you after supper."

"Thank you," Marie said, settling back into her bed and laying down.

After the door clicked closed, Marie closed her eyes and stilled for several minutes as she listened intently to the sounds of his boots striking the stone floor, waiting for them to fade down the hall until they'd disappeared down the stairs. He's gone.

She had a trashy romance novel she'd never be caught dead with on her bedside table, but she was dying to read it, although it was currently stashed away deep in her wardrobe. It was a book she'd picked up on a whim the last time she was in town and now that she'd read through all of the books she'd taken out of Lord Kent's library (some more than others), she was ready to indulge in something a bit less…classy. She didn't often read romance novels, but there was something about this book that had captured her fancy and she'd bought it on impulse, the surly and arrogant Duke on the cover reminding her somewhat of Lord Kent.

Maybe just ask Tinny to get it. You promised you wouldn't get up. Marie debated internally. She knew Tinny wouldn't have a clue what it was, but still, it seemed silly to ask for something so trivial. But she wanted to try her best to keep her promise, so instead she let out a deep sigh and grabbed the glass of water on her bedside, taking several large sips before settling in for another nap.

When she woke up nearly two hours later, her bladder was bursting for the first time in days. The hydration potion was obviously working— that and the fact that Lord Kent had practically forced several liters of water down her throat all day. She felt ridiculous asking Tinny to help her to the loo, she wasn't completely incapacitated. In fact she really did feel so much better now and she was sure she'd have no issues walking a dozen or so paces to the loo.

She sat up and let her feet dangle over the edge of the bed, giving herself a moment to equilibrate before she slid her feet down to the floor. With her right hand on the bedpost, she braced herself as she took a step toward the washroom. She was just about to take another step when she felt an enormous whack across her backside.

"What the fuck?"

Even through her dressing gown and pajamas, it hurt! But she'd been so stunned that before she could turn her head and figure out what was going on, she felt another hard whack in the same place. "Ow!" she screamed,"Dammit!" throwing her hands back frantically and turning her head sharply to see her bedroom slipper, hovering in the air ready to swing again. That son of a bitch, he charmed it! With her hands protecting her bum, she scowled angrily at it, but before she could do anything else, the slipper struck again, this time smacking her painfully on the back of her thigh eliciting another high-pitched outburst "Jesus fuck, that hurts! I get it, I'm going!"

The slipper had obviously been charmed to smack her as long as she was out of bed, so in an act of pure desperation, she turned and threw herself face forward onto the end of her bed, grabbing onto her bedsheets and lifting her legs, hoping the cursed thing would stop as soon as her feet were off the floor. Evil fucking bastard, how dare he! She frantically crawled up onto the mattress just as the blasted slipper gave her one more resounding crack across both cheeks before dropping to the floor and tucking itself back under the bed as though it were merely an innocent piece of sheepskin and rubber rather than a weapon of mass destruction. More like ass destruction!

Marie growled angrily into the pillow as she reached back to furiously rub her bum, which was now stinging and throbbing quite harshly. Her face burned red, and she was just glad no one was there to witness what had no doubt been a ridiculous display on her part, her hair now even more disheveled, her bed clothes all over the place as she'd grabbed and clawed at them for dear life as she'd propelled herself toward her pillows in a vain attempt to avoid that final blow.

She took a minute just to lay there pathetically and catch her breath, still in shock that she'd just been attacked by her own freaking slipper. It took her a minute of rubbing furiously before she remembered she still needed to use the loo and her desperation to pee was quickly overtaking the attention from her burning backside. Deciding there was no way she had the energy to fight with a goddamn shoe—especially without her wand— she sat back up in bed, attempting to regain whatever was left of her dignity as she composed herself. After a deep breath, and a futile attempt to smooth down her hair, she reluctantly called for Tinny, silently cursing while she nursed a sore backside and a simmering grudge against both her traitorous footwear and her sadistic employer. It was easily the most indignant she'd felt in days, although she would rather die than admit to Lord Kent that she'd been smacked by a charmed shoe, especially since she'd promised she wouldn't step a foot out of bed without Tinny. There was no way she would give him the satisfaction.

After finally relieving herself—Marie made the most of having Tinny there to help. By the time she finally crawled back into bed, she was feeling infinitely more fresh. She'd asked Tinny to help her with a quick washing spell and the eager house elf had gone out of his way to put her in a new set of pajamas and fresh sheets. She brushed her teeth and had Tinny help her spell her hair into an elegant up-do before she settled back into bed with her scandalous romance novel (which she had finally asked Tinny to fetch for her, her desperation to read it outweighing her embarrassment). But Tinny was happy to help and enthusiastically pampered her and took care of her every need before tucking her back into bed.

And as much as Marie hated to admit it, the few smacks of the slipper had left a pleasant warmth and tingle in her backside, fueling far more depraved thoughts of Lord Kent than she knew what to do with. What is wrong with you, Marie! The man is a brute! A control-freak! But she couldn't help it, she kept imagining what it would be like if he'd been the one to catch her out of bed, scolding her and delivering the smacks himself. The thought both humiliated her and turned her on, further confusing her. She'd always thought of herself as a strong, independent woman, but she was intoxicated by his authority and his dominant personality. It went against everything she believed in, but her body betrayed her, and it was becoming harder to deny.

"UGHHH," she let out an exasperated sigh as she picked up her book, failing to ignore the new feelings brewing inside of her as she indulged in a romance story of the villainous Duke and the naughty maid.

Down in the parlor, Snape was almost certain he'd heard a muffled squeal or two coming from Marie's room and he smirked to himself wondering if she'd encountered the little charm he'd left as he'd tidied her room. Good, perhaps now she'll think twice before ignoring my directives. He poured himself a cup of tea, only disappointed that the slipper was having all of the fun.

Many hours later, Marie woke to a soft knock on her door.

"Come in" she said, pushing herself up in bed, slightly disoriented and groggy but feeling miles better than she had in days. That rehydration potion had been a real winner.

She saw the dark locks appear through a small crack in the door. "It's me, Ms. Cloutier," a little voice whispered before he poked his head in, two big brown eyes shining in the dim light of her bedside lamp.

Marie pushed herself up into a seated position, her back against the headboard. "Come in, Soren. It's OK."

He was in his pajamas, and tiptoed quietly toward her bed, climbing onto the foot of it after she patted the mattress. "I've been really worried about you. Are you all better now?"

"I'm doing much better, thank you. I'm just trying to get my strength back, but hopefully by tomorrow I'll be nearly back to normal. Your father brewed me some special potions, so that is helping a lot."

Soren beamed. "He let me come down to the dungeon today and watch him brew. It was fun. He said I can be really good at potions one day if I keep working hard, so I'm going to learn everything."

Marie reached out and ran her hand gently over his hair and down his back affectionately. "That's wonderful. Tell me all about your day. I've missed you."

Soren scooted closer, leaning into her touches and desperate for her affection. "Father taught me in the classroom in the morning and then we went over potion ingredients. He made me sit at my desk the whole time but he promised if I behaved I could go to the potions lab in the afternoon so I tried really hard. Then he asked me about Wiggentree bark and I remembered it from that day we were in the garden! Did you know that it can be used to change people into someone else? That's cuz it has properties of transformation. And the fluxweed tells it how long to last, but only if it is picked at the full moon."

"That's right! What a wonderful memory you have, Soren. I'm so proud of you! So he wasn't too tough on you, then?"

"He had a lot of rules and he asked me a lot of questions, but it was OK." Soren shrugged but sat up, putting his shoulders back proudly. "I did pretty good. After lunch we went to the potions lab and he made me sit on a stool and he said I couldn't move or talk or get up. But I accidentally talked once and he got a little mad but he still let me stay. And then he brewed a hydration potion and I got to watch the whole thing! And he said since I did a good job following directions that maybe I can come back again another time, but only when he's there."

"Sounds like you had a very good day, I'm so glad."

"Mostly it was good, except when he smacked me."

"Oh no! What happened?" Marie gave him a sympathetic look, particularly after her little run-in with the slipper, reflexively putting a soothing hand on his back wanting to give him a big cuddle. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I was just mad cuz I wanted to draw you a picture and make you a card but I didn't have anything to draw with. And then father kept trying to hold my hand to go up the stairs when I told him I could do it myself. And then he told me to mind my tone, but I didn't." Soren slumped down a bit, looking slightly ashamed, picking at one of his nails.

"Poor baby, I'm so sorry." Marie leaned in to give him a hug but he pulled away.

"I'm not a baby!" Soren said, slightly indignant as he scrunched up his face. "It didn't even hurt, I didn't even cry." It wasn't entirely true, it had stung quite a bit at the time, but he didn't want to make a big deal about it. Besides, he'd had a really good day otherwise, and after all of the pleasant time they spent together, he felt closer to his father than he ever had. He was finally starting to feel like maybe his father did care for him, even if he was a harsh and difficult man.

"You know it's perfectly alright to cry, Soren. You should always feel free to express your emotions. Are you feeling OK now?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Soren shrugged it off, although he was glad to have the sympathy, he didn't want to dwell on it. "Then I went outside and played with my snitch you gave me and then we had dinner and father read me some of the Oliver Twistbook and put me to bed. I tried to sleep, but I couldn't." Soren leaned gently against her. "Just don't tell father, he told me I could see you when you were better. But I really missed you a lot."

"What time is it?" Marie panicked slightly as she realized it must be much later than she realized and grabbed her bedside clock. "Oh Soren, it's after ten, you should be asleep by now! It is well past your bedtime! You've already been in trouble once today, you don't want your father to catch you out of bed, I don't think he would be very pleased!" Marie gave him a quick hug before shooing him off the bed. "Go on, back to bed. I'll see you tomorrow!"

"But I can't sleep!" Soren whined, refusing to budge, dodging her hands as she attempted to pick him up and put him back on the floor. "I want to stay with you. Pleeeeaaassse?"

"Soren, you can't, my darling. You need to sleep in your own bed, not to mention I'm still recovering from pneumonia, I don't want to get you ill. What's going on, did you have a bad dream? Why can't you sleep? Are you upset about something?"

"I don't know…I missed you and I wanted to see if you are OK…and I'm nervous." He snuggled up next to her, putting his arms around her waist and leaning into her chest.

"Nervous about what? You don't need to worry about me, I'm going to be absolutely fine." Marie thought back on her earlier conversation with Lord Kent, and she felt terrible that Soren had been so triggered by her fainting and being sick. She would have a proper conversation with him later, but for now she was exhausted and the last thing she wanted was for Soren to get caught out of bed and into trouble again.

"Harry is going to bring his godson Teddy to come play with me tomorrow. Maybe."

"That sounds wonderful! There's nothing to be nervous about, you'll have so much fun!" She gave him a squeeze and rubbed his arm gently.

"I don't know…what if he doesn't like me? Or he gets bored because I don't have that much fun toys to play with."

Marie had to agree with him there, she really wished she could convince Lord Kent that Soren would be so much happier with a few things to play with, but he was still insisting he didn't want to "spoil" the boy, and that he never had any toys growing up and instead he spent his time reading and learning and doing "useful" things with his time.

"Well, first I can tell you that you have nothing to worry about, you're a fun, smart, charming boy and everyone just adores you, and I'm sure Teddy will too. And you two will find plenty of fun things to do in the garden. There's absolutely nothing to worry about. Now go back to bed and try to sleep, you want to be well-rested tomorrow when he comes to play!"

Soren nodded his head. "OK. Goodnight, Ms. Cloutier," the boy said sweetly, turning toward her to give her a hug.

"Goodnight, Soren." She gave him a hug and placed a small kiss on his forehead before sending him off with a small pat on the back. "And stay in bed!"

The little boy disappeared back through the door, shutting it gently with the faintest "click."

Marie refilled her glass of water and took several long sips before she felt her body calling her back to sleep. She laid back down and was asleep within minutes.

Snape awoke early, and since it was Saturday morning, and Marie was still recuperating in her room, he decided to let Soren sleep in while he enjoyed his tea and the rare bit of time to himself. He was scribbling some notes on a piece of parchment when a small envelope popped through the floo. With the reflexes of a cat, he reached out and snatched the letter out of thin air, setting his tea down to open and read it.

I'll stop by with Teddy after lunch so the boys can play. We'll plan to be there around 2pm if that works. If not, please let me know, and we'll make other arrangements.

—HP

Snape longed for a full day to himself, and as much as he loathed having guests of any kind, particularly Potter and what he surmised was likely another very irritating child, he would tolerate it for Soren's sake. He was sure the boy was going stir crazy, and maybe it would keep Soren out of his hair for a few hours while he did some work. And perhaps if he played his cards right, it might mean he'd be able to pawn the boy off for a few hours here and there in the future. Fingers crossed.

He folded the note up and tossed it into the fire, staring at the edges glowing bright orange as the paper was consumed by flames and turned into ashes. He took a deep breath, trying not to let his mind swirl with unimportant thoughts, there was far too much to do.

With a quick glance up at the mantle clock, he decided to luxuriate in his solitude for another fifteen minutes before he went upstairs to wake his son, no doubt initiating what would be yet another chaotic day in the manor.

As was his custom for the last few days, Snape stopped by Marie's room on his way to get Soren. He knocked gently, but with enough authority that Marie had no doubt who was at her door.

"Come in!"

Snape could tell from her voice that she was feeling better, there was a sprightly energy in her voice he hadn't heard in days, so he hoped that meant she was finally on the mend.

When he came through the door, he was surprised to see her sitting up, in what appeared to be a clean set of pajamas and a dressing gown, having a cup of tea with a book spread out on her lap, which she quickly closed and stuck under her pillow. Interesting.

"Good morning, Ms. Cloutier, I take it you're feeling better today?"

"Yes, thank you. So much better."

He glanced over to see that the jug of water he'd left was suitably devoid of contents. "And I see you finally decided to heed my instructions and stay hydrated, that makes a world of difference when one is recovering from fever."

Marie gave him a cheeky look. "I don't know what you're talking about, Lord Kent, I always follow your directions to the letter!"

Snape raised an eyebrow, keeping his face stern, but with the tiniest hint of an upturn in his lip, pleased that she was well enough to have a bit of banter. "If only that were true, my life would be infinitely less complicated."

"And probably a bit boring, too, don't you think?" She smiled at him in earnest now, her eyes sparkling with life again.

"I can assure you I would much rather be bored than having to spend my time convincing my stubborn chit of a governess to drink more fluids before she ends up in St. Mungos. Honestly, Ms. Cloutier, you were on the brink of kidney failure. I did not appreciate having to coax every drop of water into your mouth. You're incorrigible."

"You didn't enjoy it just a little bit?" She prodded him, gently, hoping she hadn't gone too far, she could tell he was in a good mood this morning, and she'd been waiting to see him since her thoughts had been consumed by him all night. The romance novel having done little to quell her vivid imagination.

"I can think of many many ways I'd rather spend my time, although it is quite clear that you've relished being doted on. Just know that if you ever do that again, next time I will spell the water directly into your stomach and be done with it. There are far better ways of getting my attention than attempting to put yourself into organ failure."

Snape might be acting like he was completely irritated, but truthfully there was a part of him that had enjoyed nursing her back to health, even if he would never admit it. The timing had been far from convenient, and of course he had been genuinely worried about her at several points along the way, but it had been a long time since he'd felt needed and useful in that way.

But Marie wasn't stupid either, she knew there was a part of him that must care about her on some deeper level; he'd come to check on her constantly through the day and night, holding her gently and helping her take small sips of water when she was at her most unwell. Not to mention he'd made several potions just for her. Even as a child she couldn't remember having that much attention and focus on her, and it felt nice having someone look after her for a change.

"Well, thank you. I really do appreciate everything you've done for me. And I promise I'll do my best not to get sick ever again," she joked. "Naughty, naughty Marie, how dare you come down with pneumonia! You should be ashamed!" She smacked her own hand softly several times as she mocked a stern tone.

"You are clearly feeling much better if you're being that cheeky. And while I know you cannot help being sick, we are not done discussing the poor decisions and dreadful behavior that led up to that." He glared down at her. "And I can promise you, if it were up to me, you'd get a fair bit more than a few little pats on the hand."

Marie turned bright red and picked up her cup of tea, unable to make eye contact with him as his eyes bored into her with a look that almost dared her to come up with a sassy response. But as usual, he'd left her flustered and speechless.

"Now then, since you seem to be in a much more…accommodating mood today, you will stay here, rest, read, and finish healing. Tinny will bring you your meals, which you will eat. You may feel full of energy now, but I assure you that your constitution is weak, and if you push yourself too much, you'll end up back where you were yesterday and none of us have the time for that. Soren and I will spend the morning reading and perhaps learning about some plants in the garden, and this afternoon he will have a playmate join him for some fresh air and recreation."

"Oh great! So Teddy is coming after all!," Marie said, before realizing she shouldn't have said anything. Dammit, Marie!

Snape gave her a quizzical look. "I beg your pardon? How could you possibly know that?"

Shit, Marie. Don't get poor Soren into trouble! Think of something! Marie forced a small coughing fit before reaching for what was now an empty glass of water, putting her hand out while she thought of something to say.

"Are you alright? Do you need another potion for your cough?" Snape said, suitably concerned.

Marie coughed again and shook her head before motioning for her water glass, which Snape quickly refilled before handing it to her.

"Take a moment."

After taking several slow sips from her water, Marie continued. "I apologize, sometimes the cough just comes out of nowhere. Sorry, you were saying…?"

Snape narrowed his eyes and lowered his voice. "I was asking how you knew about our guest. Soren had better not have been in here after I explicitly told him you were not well enough for visitors."

Marie feigned surprise. "Soren? No of course not! Harry mentioned something about it the last time he was here, said he was hoping he could bring his godson to come and play. I just assumed he'd finally arranged it." She smiled, but a small blush on the side of her neck started to flare and she hoped he wasn't clocking her blatant lie. Goddammit Marie, you're becoming pathological.

Snape stared for a moment before relaxing his face slightly. "Yes, well, he has. Hopefully the boy will be far better behaved than his impertinent Godfather. Although I know his grandmother, and she's quite a proper woman, so hopefully he won't goad Soren into too much mischief." He was already imagining the possibilities and was contemplating a preemptive dose of calming draught ahead of time to soothe his nerves.

"I'm sure the boys will have a fantastic time. It will be so good for Soren to have someone his own age to play with."

"Yes, hopefully it will help him work out some of his energy so he can focus when the new week comes along. And perhaps I can finally have some time to get some work done."

Marie just sat there smiling, an awkward silence hovering between them.

"Very well, then I shall leave you to rest. Do you need anything before I leave?"

"I'm really feeling much better, maybe this afternoon I can come and meet Harry and Teddy, say hello, get a little bit of fresh air in my lungs. I think I've had quite enough time in bed."

Snape raised an eyebrow. "I suggest you take today to rest and recover fully. If you are in need of some additional books, I can have some sent up for you. I also think it is best not to risk exposing the children to any unwanted germs. You did so politely remind me that it is through viruses and bacteria that one becomes ill. I would hate for Soren or Teddy to fall sick because of your impatience."

The emotional blackmail had its intended effect, there was no way Marie wanted to risk either of the little boys getting sick. She just hoped that Soren's short visit last night hadn't put him at any unnecessary risk.

"Yes, you're quite right."

"How unusual," Snape said, reaching a hand down to feel her forehead once more. "Are you sure you're not feeling feverish?"

"What? No, I feel much better…really!"

"And yet, you tell me I'm 'quite right' and are not arguing with my instructions for you to stay in bed? I must admit, Ms. Cloutier, this is quite out of the ordinary for you. Complying without a single cheeky response? Perhaps I ought to consult a healer after all." His sarcasm dripped like honey laced with a bit of spice.

Marie dropped her head to the side and gave him a small pout. "Very funny, Lord Kent. I don't always argue with you."

"No, sometimes you just ignore me completely and do as you please regardless. But I hope this time you will respect my directives. I should hope you see the wisdom in my requests, or would you prefer I threaten you with unpleasant consequences?" He casually glanced down at her slippers, which were peeking out slightly from underneath the bed.

Marie turned bright red, refusing to ever acknowledge that she'd already learned that lesson the hard way. "There's no reason to worry, I find I can be quite good at following directions when I agree that they make logical sense. I only argue when your reasoning isn't sound. But on this, we agree. I will happily rest and read today, and would very much appreciate it if you would send up some more books. Thank you for the offer." She tried to school her face as though she were unbothered, but the burning tips of her ears and the flush on her neck belied her.

Snape smirked, certain now that she had no doubt stepped out of bed and discovered his little charm. And it pleased him to no end that it had had the intended effect and she was now quite content to follow his orders without further argument. He had to work to suppress his more salacious thoughts.

"Very well, I am glad we're on the same page. For the books, do you have any special requests or shall I make the selection for you?"

"Surprise me," she smiled.

"I shall send them up with Tinny after breakfast. Now take some rest." And with that, Snape headed for the door, his heart buoyed by the banter and seeing her well again.

As he stepped into the hall, Snape knew he was in dangerous territory. He had allowed himself to develop feelings he'd sworn off years ago. It's completely inappropriate. She is far too young. She is also your child's governess for Merlin's sake. Not to mention, absolutely nothing you are imagining is the least bit possible—you are deluding yourself if you think any of it will ever become a reality. Didn't you learn this years ago? Get control of your emotions before you make a mess out of everything, you pathetic fool.

His negative self-talk had the intended effect, and the small burst of joy he'd felt had been properly smothered, replaced with a bitterness and hopelessness that was far more tolerable and familiar.

Snape and Soren spent the morning enjoying a leisurely breakfast and then in the library doing some "reading time." Snape was trying to make an effort to carve out time, outside of school and bedtime, for Soren to read, or at times, be read to. It was grating for Snape, but he was determined to see the boy improve as soon as possible, knowing his future depended entirely on both his ability to read, and his enjoyment of it.

After reading and a mid-morning tea, Snape took Soren out to the garden, where he walked him along his rows of plants and flowers, pointing out important potions ingredients and describing their properties. Now that he knew the boy had a decent memory, he was determined to expose him to as much knowledge as he could, hoping he could continue to build on it as he grew older. If he'd only had someone to do that for him, Snape was sure he'd have been unstoppable. There would be no excuse for Soren not to be the top of his class in every subject when he got to Hogwarts, Snape would make sure of it.

Finally, after an hour of walking in the garden, and plenty of pestering from Soren, Snape relented and agreed to take him to the maze.

"Please, father! Show me, show me!" Soren begged, desperate to see how his father could master the maze in less than 3 minutes.

With as much dramatic flair as he could muster, Snape feigned reluctance. "I'm not quite sure that I should. If you learn my secrets, how can I possibly be sure you won't leak them to Ms. Cloutier at your earliest opportunity."

"But I won't! I promise!"

"How can I be sure? For all I know she's sent you as a spy, to lure me into believing I could trust you, when you were in fact her devoted ally all along." Snape said, peering down at the boy with a look of suspicion.

Soren giggled. "No, father! I won't tell, I promise!"

"I've seen how close you are with Ms. Cloutier. I also know she's not above bribing you with all manner of things to win your affection and convince you to reveal your secrets."

"Please, father! I won't tell, I promise!" Soren was pulling on his hand now, begging him intently. "Pleaaasssee!"

"Not good enough, I'm afraid. What can you offer me? You need to prove your loyalty, convince me that I can trust you."

Soren thought for a moment. "Like tell you a secret?" Suddenly he became nervous as his mind flashed with all of the secrets that he and Ms. Cloutier were hiding from the man. Some of them were small things, like how she'd transfigure bath toys for him, or play games with him in the classroom, but of course the big one was the wand, and his stomach suddenly lurched. "I don't want to."

The little boy's face shifted suddenly to gloom, and even though Snape had only been playing him, he was sufficiently concerned at how quickly the boy's countenance had changed, and how his happiness had evaporated instantly at the mention of a secret.

Snape paused and put a hand on Soren's shoulder. "I was only teasing you, Soren. Of course I know you have a special relationship with Ms. Cloutier, and I am glad the two of you are so close. However, you shouldn't be keeping secrets either. Secrets can be very very dangerous. Is there something you want to tell me?"

He kept his voice free of scorn, hoping it was something silly, and not something more concerning, although his mind was starting to spiral with all sorts of dark possibilities. His own childhood abuse and his years as Head of Slytherin made him entirely aware of the many horrid ways even the most unassuming adults could prey on children.

Soren shook his head, but his eyes were brimming with tears. "No, father."

"Soren," Snape hardened his voice. "If there is something bothering you, I want you to tell me. Is Ms. Cloutier asking you to keep secrets from me?"

Again, Soren shook his head, his voice barely audible. "No."

Snape grabbed Soren's hand and walked him to one of the benches in the garden. He sat down and put the boy in front of him so he could look him in the eyes. "Tell me the truth. Is there something you or Ms. Cloutier are hiding from me?"

Soren fidgeted, tears streaming down his face. "She didn't tell me to keep any secrets. I promise." And technically that was true, he was the one asking her to keep secrets, but either way he knew it was wrong.

Snape wasn't stupid, he could see there was something weighing on the boy but he didn't want to scare him. "Do you know the difference between a dangerous secret and one that is harmless?"

"I don't know." Soren whispered, kicking at a small pebble with his toe.

"A dangerous secret means someone could get hurt. Or someone has been hurt. No adult should ever tell you to keep a secret. It is not your job to protect them. Ever. No matter who it is."

"It's not a dangerous secret. No one can get hurt." Soren said, tears streaming down his face.

"I see. But you're afraid I might be angry with you or Ms. Cloutier if I knew?"

Soren nodded.

"But you haven't been harmed in any way? You are not in danger, or Ms. Cloutier is not in danger?"

The boy shook his head again. "No one is in danger."

"Is it something small, then? Such as Ms. Cloutier gave you an extra biscuit at tea time, or gave you a small snitch to play with despite me saying I didn't want her to spoil you with toys?"

Soren's head shot up, a look of shock plastered on his face.

"I see." Snape said, exhaling and leaning back on the bench for a moment while he composed his thoughts. "I do not like for either of you to flout my rules, nor do I appreciate being deceived or lied to, however, I recognize that there may be small, harmless things shared between you both. However, there is a big difference between a biscuit or a toy, and something dangerous or potentially harmful."

"You know about the snitch?" Soren said, a few tears spilling. "I'm sorry."

Snape had to control himself from rolling his eyes. "You haven't exactly been discreet. I've seen you chasing and jumping after it in the gardens all week. I wasn't born yesterday. However, since you've been doing your school work and reading, and behaving for the most part, I've turned a blind eye. Besides, it keeps you entertained outside, getting plenty of fresh air and exercise. Nonetheless, I would have preferred if she'd come to me and told me. Or better yet, asked for permission. So I will have a conversation with her about that, however you should not need to concern yourself with keeping even a small secret like that, she should know better than to put you in a position where you feel you have to hide something from me. Do you understand?"

"Yes, father."

"But even small secrets can damage trust. I'm not angry with you at all, but I would rather you be honest. I do not want you thinking you have to keep things from me to shield Ms. Cloutier or anyone else from being in trouble. No adult should ever ask you to keep something from me." Snape was definitely going to have to talk to Ms. Cloutier about this. He filed it away as one of the many things on his list to discuss with her when she was better.

Soren reached up to wipe the sleeve of his jumper across his face, his father catching his arm just before he could do so.

"No." Snape dipped into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, dabbing at the boy's face before handing him the small piece of linen so he could wipe his nose. "Now then. Is that all?"

Soren nodded, feeling relieved. "Yes, father."

"There's nothing else you feel you should tell me?" Snape stared him down. "There's nothing serious going on you think I should know?"

"No, father. I promise." Soren almost felt bad, but no one was being hurt, right? The wand was a silly thing, like the snitch, and besides it was over now. No reason to get himself or Ms. Cloutier in trouble.

"Good." Snape stood, patting the boy on the head as he continued to stroll down the path. "Now then, if I have your word, as a gentleman, perhaps I will show you how I've mastered the maze.…"

"Yay!" Soren clapped excitedly, all thoughts of the wand and the lies vanished from his mind.

"Although perhaps I should consider one condition…" Snape said ominously.

"What condition?"

"Have you ever heard of the Unbreakable Vow?" Snape said, clearly joking, but thinking it might make for an interesting lesson in magical history as he walked with the boy toward the maze. Soren, skipped with delight the entire way.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
 Thank you for everyone who has sent messages of love and support and encouragement to continue. This was also originally a MUCH longer chapter but I have decided to split it in two, so hopefully I'll get a chance to edit and post the next chapter soon.

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