Soren was practically jumping up and down when he popped out of the floo in the Potter's parlor. A heavily pregnant Ginny was sitting on the couch with her feet propped up, clearly at the stage of her pregnancy where even standing had become a chore.

Teddy jumped up from the floor where he was playing with some kind of magical building blocks.

"Hi Teddy!" Soren said enthusiastically before going over to Ginny and giving her a big hug. "Hi Mrs. Potter!"

Ginny returned the embrace gladly. "It's so wonderful to see you, Soren! We've missed you! And you know you can call me Ginny."

"My father says I'm not allowed. I have to call adults by their last name or I'll get in trouble."

Harry exchanged a knowing glance with his wife before giving her a small smirk.

"Well, you do whatever makes you comfortable, but in our home, you're welcome to call us by our first names."

"Can I feel the baby?" Soren asked innocently, looking at her belly. He'd always wanted a brother or sister and was fascinated by the fact there was a tiny human growing inside of her.

"Here, give me your hand." Ginny moved his hand over to the right side of her bump, placing hers gently on top. "He's always kicking me over here."

Soren waited patiently for several seconds before he felt the baby move, then he looked up at her with his eyes wide. "I felt it!"

"Won't be much longer now and you'll get to hold him."

Teddy bounded over. "I want to feel it too!"

Ginny took his hand and put it on her belly next to Soren's and the baby kicked again.

Both boys looked at each other and smiled, while Harry beamed from across the room wishing he could have captured the sweet moment in a photo.

"Alright boys, what would you like to do today? We'll let Ginny rest for a bit and we can go out, maybe to Diagon Alley. We'll have some lunch and an ice cream, check out George's shop, look at some toys— how does that sound?"

Soren ran over to Harry and threw his arms around him. "That would be the best day ever!"

Harry didn't bother to ask Snape if he had his permission to take him out, but he was planning to spoil Soren rotten while he had the chance. The boy had no doubt been cooped up in the manor, slaving away on his homework, and he was absolutely certain there was no way Snape was buying him toys and ice cream. So he'd enjoy playing the doting godfather to both he and Teddy today.

Teddy followed suit and ran over to hug Harry, not wanting to feel left out. "Yay!"

"Alright then, why doesn't everyone take a quick trip to the loo before we head out." Harry had found out the hard way last time that finding a toilet in Diagon Alley on short notice with a small child could be an absolute pain in the arse. He wouldn't make that mistake again.

While the boys ran off, Harry bent down and gave Ginny a kiss. "Is there anything I can bring back for you, love?"

"I'd actually die for some of those lemon squares from the bakery. Oh, and if you see any cute baby-grows with quidditch on them."

"Of course." He gave her another kiss before leaning down to kiss her belly. "I love you. Both of you."

Just then Teddy and Soren came running back to the parlor, already hyper from the promise of a fun day ahead.

"Teddy's favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry, but I don't know what mine is." Soren whined slightly, feeling left out that he'd never had anyone take him for ice cream, when it sounded like Teddy had been all the time.

Harry put a hand on his head, gently ruffling his hair. "Well then, we'll have to try them all until we find out!"

"Yay!" Soren jumped up and down clapping.

"Alright boys, let's head out." He took each boy's hand and walked toward the floo, letting go of Soren's briefly while he threw in the floo powder. "Hold tight, everyone. Diagon Alley!"

They popped out of one of the public floos near the center of town. Not wanting to sound too much like Snape, but wanting to be sure he didn't lose anyone in the crowded streets, Harry bent down to look at both of them. "Everyone stay close by, no running off, OK? If you want to see something, just let me know."

"Yes, sir!" Soren didn't mind holding Harry's hand, and Teddy, feeling slightly jealous he was having to share his godfather's attention, held tight to Harry's other hand.

"Can we go see George at his shop?" Teddy asked, it was one of his favorite places on Diagon Alley.

"We sure can!"

By the time they left Diagon Alley, Soren was sure he had never had so much fun in his entire life. They'd visited Weasley's Wizard Wheezes where they each picked out a joke toy and Harry had even bought them matching jerseys at the Quidditch store which they both wore proudly around for the rest of the afternoon.

After gorging on ice cream at Fortescue's (Soren's favorite was mint chocolate chip), the boys were just about at their limit and Harry knew from experience if he didn't get them home for a bit of rest, it would probably end in disaster.

They arrived back home and Harry packed them both into the guest room Teddy always used when he came to stay.

"But I'm not tired," whined Teddy. "And I'm too big for a nap."

"My father says it doesn't matter if you sleep or not, but you should take a rest anyway." Soren wasn't going to complain, he slipped his shoes off and climbed onto one of the beds, not wanting to risk any trouble. He'd sworn to his father he would obey Harry to the letter and besides, he was more than tired.

Harry smiled. "That's exactly right, Soren. We had a big day, and I think you'll feel a lot better and have more energy to play later on if you rest a little now. If you can't sleep, you can read or relax."

He patted the bed. "Come on, Teddy. Just for an hour."

Reluctantly, and pouting slightly, Teddy climbed onto the bed. "Fine."

Harry leaned down to pull off his shoes and give him an affectionate kiss on the head. "I'll see you guys in an hour. Then we can go out and play in the garden for a bit, and Teddy, maybe you can show Soren your toy broom and we can chase the snitch."

"OK."

Teddy laid down, determined to stay awake, but when Harry checked in on them ten minutes later, both boys were fast asleep.

Marie awoke half an hour later, surprised to find herself lying on the couch in Snape's study, a light blanket covering her and her head laying gently on a pillow. She sat up quickly and looked around, finding Snape hunched over his desk, a quill clutched in his right hand and deep lines of concentration etched on his face.

Hearing her stir, he finished his sentence and set the quill down, leaning back in his chair. "Feeling better?"

Marie did, in fact, feel a lot better. Except now her mind and body were swirling with a million new feelings. Something had definitely changed between them and she wasn't sure what to say so she went with the obvious. "Yes, much."

"Good."

She scrambled to stand up and fold the blanket. "Listen, I'm so sor—"

"Don't." He put a hand up, stopping her before she could finish. "We've discussed this. There's nothing to apologize for."

Marie nodded and sat down on one of the chairs in front of his desk, the hard wood giving her a sharp reminder of the events that transpired prior to her impromptu little nap.

"I didn't mean for there to be such a delay. We can get started now, if you like."

"We have plenty of time to discuss your finances. I'd like to first say a few words in response to what you shared with me earlier." Snape said plainly.

Oh God . Marie swallowed and nervously pulled at her shirt sleeve. "I don't really have anything else to say, I don't know where that all came from. Seriously, we really don't need to talk about it."

"I disagree. Besides, there are things I would like to say."

"Of course." She stared down at the floor wishing she'd never said anything. She wasn't sure how much more humiliation she could take today, but she was praying it would be over soon.

Snape was tempted to demand that she look at him, but something stopped him, and instead, he took a breath, stood and came around the desk, pausing in front of her to offer a hand. "Perhaps we should take a walk in the gardens. I find a nice stroll can make certain conversations a bit less…intimidating."

Marie placed her hand in his and allowed him to help her up. She followed him silently out of the study and down the stairs until they were hovering at the door to the back gardens.

With a flick of his wrist, Snape summoned his thick black cloak and took his time wrapping her up and making adjustments with his wand until he was satisfied. He then reached in and pulled out a pair of grey woolen mittens from the pocket before gently taking each of her hands in his, pulling them on one at a time. "It's getting colder."

"Thanks," she whispered, the warmth of her body now spreading to her heart. Lord Kent may not be a man of many words, but she knew this was his way of showing that he did indeed care.

He opened the door and they took off down the path. It was the only time the man ever walked as if he weren't in a rush. When he was moving about inside the manor, his steps were brisk and purposeful, but when he walked the gardens, he took his time. His posture remained impeccable—of course—his arms clasped behind him, his head high, his face locked in contemplation, but his pace slowed immensely, as though he were attempting to absorb every second of his surroundings.

They walked in silence for another minute before Snape was ready to speak. "I have thought quite a bit about what you said to me today and I have several thoughts. First, I want to applaud you again for sharing your feelings with me, I imagine that made you feel quite vulnerable, but it is admirable. Second, I am starting to understand you better, Ms. Cloutier, and I believe I have partially misjudged your needs and I would like to address that now so that as we move forward, we do not find ourselves in such a situation again."

Snape paused there to let her absorb his words, although Marie made no effort to respond, unsure of whether or not he was inviting her feedback.

"I still believe you would benefit greatly from the structure and discipline we've put in place, however— it is obvious to me now that what you seek goes beyond that. I am certain now that what you crave most is not just discipline and accountability, but a sense of well-being and security, as well as comfort and care. From everything you've told me, you had little of that from your parents growing up, and as a result you may have been high-achieving and independent, but lonely and desperate for attention, not just when you were doing well, but even more so in the moments where you were struggling or you made a mistake. You are especially in need of reassurance, that despite your very human needs or imperfections, you are just as deserving of people's love, time and affection."

Tears welled in Marie's eyes and she nodded, unable to form a word without the floodgates bursting open.

"I can see how today's punishment could make you feel the way you did. You were hurt that instead of focusing on all of your improvements, I singled out and punished a past mistake. And while I believe it is crucial that I follow through with what I say I'm going to do, and to remain consistent and predictable when it comes to your correction, knowing what I know now, I would have done things differently today. I will make more of an effort to ensure that you do not feel that way again. It is my intention that what I am offering you gives you a feeling of security and strength, that I am a person on whom you can depend, who you trust to have your best interest at heart as I guide you to a more balanced life. And while I certainly see and respect you as the intelligent woman you are, there is a part of you that is still very much a wounded child, in equal need of reassurance and care as much as rules and discipline."

Snape stopped and turned toward her, lifting her chin gently with his hand. He softened his voice and locked on her eyes. "Ms. Cloutier, I want you to know that I intend to do my best to provide you with all of that. Clearly you must recognize by now that I am not a warm or coddling type, however, I am not unfeeling, and I will take greater care to ensure that your feelings and vulnerabilities are taken into consideration. And if you ever again are left feeling lonely, unworthy, or broken due to my actions, I want you to let me know immediately so I can rectify it."

"Yes, sir…I will."

A single tear escaped down her cheek and Snape brushed it away, his thumb lingering on her face as he spoke. "Good girl. I'm proud of you."

Those words caused Marie's heart to flood with warmth and she smiled back at him briefly before feeling overwhelmed and ridiculous, and in her moment of discomfort, she instead moved her head away and scoffed slightly.

"Proud of me—for what? Being a total mess? A pathetic, overgrown schoolgirl with a penchant for whining about my feelings."

Snape's jaw tightened and this time he grabbed her chin more forcefully between his thumb and two fingers to force her eyes up once more. "One more flippant and condescending comment about yourself and I will walk to the nearest tree, cut a switch and give you a painful lesson on the detrimental effectives of putting yourself down, is that clear?"

"Yes, sir." A flood of heat rushed up to Marie's face as her cheeks burned at the scold, although she didn't know why the threat had also caused that pleasant clench in her core.

Would he really ? She was nearly tempted to call his bluff, except she had little doubt he would follow-through and while she was curious about it in theory, she was sure she'd regret that decision immediately. Even still, a smart retort danced on her tongue, her inner brat desperate to goad him, if for no other reason than to prove that he wasn't going to go too soft on her, because he was right— she needed his comfort and his care, but she still craved his harsh words and unyielding discipline. She just didn't want it to feel so cold…so impersonal.

Because what you want is a strict Daddy. You've got issues, Marie! You want him to scold you and spank you and then hold you and tell you you're his good girl. She was just afraid after all of the drama this morning that he'd be hesitant to follow-through now, worried that she'd have a mental breakdown if he ever punished her again.

Snape raised an eyebrow, almost as though he were reading her mind. "Test me at your peril, Ms. Cloutier. I find it only takes one good thrashing with a switch to ensure that a particular lesson never needs to be repeated."

There was a playful smirk hinting at the corner of his mouth which only caused Marie to feel even more embarrassed. "That won't be necessary, Lord Kent."

"We'll see." He then took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. "Now come along, let's enjoy the rest of our constitutional. Only a few more weeks and the gardens will be covered in frost and dormant til spring."

They strolled casually down the path for several more minutes arm in arm, Marie deep in thought, but enjoying the proximity, and the security she felt in his presence.

"Tell me more about your childhood, Ms. Cloutier. How did you spend your summers? Were they idyllic or did you spend them like me, alone, praying for the day school would start again so you could be anywhere but home."

The question caught her off-guard, but she indulged him, and they walked and talked for over an hour, sharing glimpses into each other's lives. Although Lord Kent revealed very little about himself, deftly managing to shift the attention onto Marie, she still managed to learn more about him in that conversation than she had in all her time at the manor, and by the time they reached the door, she felt connected to him on an even deeper level. Even without many words, he'd managed to make her feel heard and validated, cared for and valued in a way she didn't think she ever had before.

Once inside, he deftly removed her mittens and cloak, undressing her with care as though she were his own personal doll. And Marie reveled in it, basking in his attention as he set her down near the fire and made them both a cup of tea.

"Soren, wake-up!" Teddy prodded gently at Soren who was still deep in sleep after an exhausting day at Diagon Alley. "Wanna go outside?"

It took Soren a few seconds to fight his way through the haze of daytime slumber before he remembered where he was. He took one look at Teddy's face and sprang up, rubbing his eyes briefly before hopping off the bed and throwing on his shoes. "Yeah! Let's go!"

The two boys sprinted through the hallway and parlor, nearly knocking into Harry as he was serving Ginny some tea and snacks.

"Careful boys! Save the running for outdoors, please!"

"We're going to play in the garden!" Teddy shouted over his shoulder.

"Come and play with us, please Mr. Potter!" Soren stopped briefly to shoot him a pleading look. "We're going to play with my ground snitch and Teddy is going to show me his broom!"

"I'll join you boys in a few minutes. Just be careful. And stay in bounds, please."

"We will!"

The backdoor slammed shut and the two boys ran through the garden, tossing the snitch.

"I want to see your broom! My father won't let me have one. He said it's too dangerous."

Teddy shrugged and he took him toward the shed in the back. "It's not a real broom, it's just a play broom for kids. It doesn't go very fast or high, but it's still fun. I keep begging Gran for a real broom but she said I have to wait until I go to Hogwarts."

"Yeah, me too," Soren lamented, although he hoped it was actually true, sometimes the way his father spoke about brooms he wasn't sure if he'd be allowed on one before he came of age.

"But sometimes Harry lets me ride with him when he flies, it's so fun!" Teddy bragged. "He's one of the best flyers ever- and Ginny too, but she doesn't fly now cuz she's having a baby."

"Harry lets you ride on his broom! I want to ride with him! Do you think he'll take me too?"

"I dunno. Maybe." Teddy grabbed Soren's hand. "Wanna see 'em?"

"What? The brooms? Yes!" Soren was giddy with excitement, hoping he could somehow convince Harry to let him ride on the broom with him just once.

Inside the shed, Teddy pulled out his toy broom along with a few other toys and balls, and then he pointed at a small cupboard inside where he knew Harry and Ginny kept their quidditch gear.

"Oh no, it's locked." Soren grabbed at the small padlock, his face falling in disappointment.

"We'll just ask Harry to open it when he comes out. Come on, let's play with my broom and the snitch!"

Soren chased after Teddy who hovered a foot or two above the ground, barely zooming any faster than he could run. They both spent the next half-hour or so chasing the snitch before Teddy finally offered to let Soren have a turn.

"Wanna try?"

Soren hesitated. "I'm not sure if I'm allowed on a toy broom. My father said I'm not supposed to fly."

"It's just a toy. Besides, he won't know."

Teddy could tell the older boy was nervous. "It's not a real broom, just try it. You're not going to get in trouble."

At last the temptation was too much and Soren grabbed the toy broom, hopping onto it and letting it zoom him around the garden. Within a few seconds, he was completely addicted to the feeling, even if he didn't get more than 2 feet off the ground. Soren secretly wondered if there was a way to tamper with the spells on the toy broom to make it go faster and higher. Even if he didn't have a wand anymore, he was sure he could get Ms. Cloutier to help him if he could only convince his father that he deserved a toy broom. Christmas was still nearly 3 months away but he knew it would have to be an epic campaign if he had any chance.

"This is so fun!" Soren yelled at Teddy. "Here, throw the snitch up and let's see if I can get it!"

The boys played for a few more minutes before Teddy got tired of running and watching Soren on the broom, so he asked for it back.

"We should see if Harry wants to come out. Maybe he can take us on his real broom!" Soren said, his cheeks flushed with pink and his eyes wide with adrenaline and joy.

Teddy gathered the toy broom in his hands and the two ran toward the back door, shouting for Harry to come outside.

When Harry finally came into view, propping open the back door with one foot, he motioned with a finger over his mouth while dropping his voice to a whisper. "Try not to shout, Ginny is trying to rest, she's not feeling very well." The truth was she was having some mild contractions, and both of them were worried that maybe she was going to go into early labor. The last time this happened, the mediwitches told her it was just Braxton-Hicks, but either way it was uncomfortable and she hadn't been able to sleep well. But she was still two weeks away from her due date, so it was making Harry a nervous wreck.

"Oh, sorry," Soren whispered. "Is she OK? Do you want to come out and play with us?"

"I wish I could, mate, but I think I should stay with Ginny right now."

Soren's face fell and he begged. "Please, Mr. Potter, just for a few minutes."

"Sorry kiddo, I really can't right now. But you guys have fun, and maybe after dinner we can all play a game together."

"But I have to go home," Soren whined, allowing himself to have a full pout— something he wouldn't have dared try with his own father, but figured might work on Harry.

"Why don't you stay over and spend the night. Teddy, would you like that?" Harry hoped maybe if Soren stayed, it would keep Teddy out of his hair a bit so he could focus on Ginny. And worst-case scenario, if Ginny needed to go to the hospital, he could drop both boys off at the manor and Snape would be far more likely to allow Teddy to stay.

"Yeah! We can have a sleepover!" As an only child with no cousins and few friends, Teddy never got to have anyone over, so he was genuinely excited for the idea of his first overnight guest.

"Great, I'll send a message to your father, Soren. Now you guys have fun. Make the most of the daylight, the sun is going down soon and then you should probably come and play inside."

"Can we look at your quidditch stuff? I want to show Soren your brooms and all of the match balls and snitches and everything. He loves quidditch."

Harry hesitated a moment, but felt bad that he wasn't out there playing with them, so he nodded his head. "Sure, but be careful. Some of that is Ginny's professional equipment, and it's super expensive. And try if you can not to let the snitch out, it will be a pain to get it back in the box."

"We'll be careful- we just want to look," Soren chimed in. "But the cupboard is locked."

"Oh right. The key is in the little drawer below the tools. Just put everything back where you found it when you're done."

"We will! Thanks Harry!" Teddy said before grabbing Soren's hand as he ran them both toward the shed.

When they got inside, Teddy located the drawer and pulled out the tiny key, handing it to Soren. "Here, you do it."

It took Soren a minute to get the key in the lock but with a single twist, the padlock fell open and the boys scrambled to pull it off so they could check out the gear.

"WOW!" Soren said, looking at the pads, helmets, and several fancy looking brooms.

"These are the Firebolt 300s- they're the fastest brooms in the world!"

Both boys stared in reverie until Teddy grabbed one out, running his hands along the smooth wood, painted in the colors of the Holyhead Harpies. "It goes so fast, you wouldn't believe it."

"I really wish Harry could have taken us for a ride. That would have been so cool." Soren kicked at a small trunk on the ground. "What's that?"

Stashing the broom away quickly, Teddy reached down and grabbed the trunk, flipping open the latches on either side of the handles. "It's an official Quidditch match set. It has the quaffles and the bludgers, and then in that little compartment there is a real snitch. But we better not open it in case it flies away."

Soren just stared down, running his hands across the real life bludgers. "Wow!"

He stood up and looked back into the small cabinet. "Can I hold one of the brooms?"

"Yeah, sure." Teddy grabbed one and handed it to Soren, and then took the other one in his hands, the brooms easily taller than both of them. "Let's take them out in the yard and just pretend."

"Are you sure Harry won't get mad?"

"As long as we don't break it and put it back, he won't mind. Come on!"

For the next half hour, Teddy and Soren ran around the back yard with oversized goggles and helmets galloping on the ground with the Firebolts between their legs, pretending they were professional Quidditch players. When they got tired, they laid back on the grass and giggled.

"Maybe Harry will take us flying tomorrow," Soren said, now more desperate than ever to feel what it is really like to get on a real broom.

"Yeah, maybe…or…" Teddy thought carefully before he sat up. "What if we just tried to fly a little bit on our own. Not very fast, just for a minute."

Soren immediately shook his head. "No, we'll get in so much trouble."

"You already flew on a broom today so what's the difference?"

"That was just a toy broom, it's not the same as an adult broom. That's what you told me!"

"But if your dad found out you'd probably still be in trouble." Teddy huffed slightly and his hair turned a fiery red.

Soren blanched. He'd been pretty confident that he hadn't broken any rules, but now he was second guessing himself. "You said he wouldn't find out. And that it was just a toy."

"He's not. I won't tell on you, I promise."

"But a real broom is different. Father would be super mad. And I promised him I wouldn't break the rules." Soren was desperate to ride on the broom, but he didn't want to disappoint his father either. Not to mention he was pretty sure if he did get caught he'd have no hope of escaping a very harsh spanking, not that he'd let Teddy know that.

"Well, just be a baby then. But I'm going to try."

Soren knew it was stupid but he hated being called a baby. "I'm not a baby. I'm older and bigger than you. I'm 7, you're only 6. Besides, it's dangerous."

"I'm 6.5," Teddy retorted. "But I'm not scared, I've been on a real broom before, so I know how it works. It doesn't look that hard."

Teddy stood up and brushed himself off before placing the broom on the ground near his feet. "Watch this…all you have to say is 'Up!'"

But nothing happened, the broom didn't even wiggle.

Both boys stared for a moment before Soren crossed his arms. "You shouldn't play with magic, Teddy" he scolded. "You're too little, you could get hurt."

Teddy just stared at him before concentrating again and saying "Up!" A little louder. But again, nothing. He repeated it three more times before he kicked the broom slightly in frustration.

"See, it doesn't even work. Let's just put them away." Soren was trying very hard to be the voice of reason.

"I bet you can't do it either."

Soren was pretty sure he could do it if he tried, but he really didn't want to get in trouble. That said, he also couldn't stand being taunted by Teddy. "I can do magic. I've done a lot of magic before. I'm just not allowed because I'm too young."

"You're lying. You can't do magic."

"Yes I can. I can do all kinds of spells if I want, more than anyone else my age." He was tempted to brag about all of the things he could do with a wand, but just thinking about the trouble he got into shut that thought down immediately.

"Do it then. Say 'Up!' and see if you can get the broom up." Teddy was goading him and his ego was slightly wounded, not to mention he was desperate to see the broom in action.

Soren knew he shouldn't do it, but he was having a hard time controlling himself. "Even if I get the broom up, I'm not going to ride it so what's the point?"

"Just see if you can." Teddy softened his face. "Please, Soren! You don't have to get on it, I just want to see if you can make it work."

"No, I don't want to get in trouble," Soren said resolutely.

"No one's going to tell on you! Your father's not here. No one will know. Either that or you are just lying and you can't really do it. You're a baby and a liar."

For some reason this infuriated Soren. "I"m not a baby, and I'm not liar! I can do lots of magic. You don't know."

"Then show me. Just once. Please!"

"Fine!" Soren moved Teddy out of the way and stood next to the broom, channeling all of his emotions as he authoritatively shouted "Up!" and the broom flew into his right hand, hovering two feet above the ground.

"You did it!" Teddy clapped and ran excitedly to the broom. "Do you want to go first?"

Soren scrunched up his face. "No, I told you I'm not riding it without an adult. I don't even know how and I don't want to get in trouble. And you shouldn't either."

"It will be fine. Watch this!" Before Soren knew what happened, Teddy grabbed a hold of the broom and launched himself onto it. At first he just hovered there, but then he leaned forward slightly and the broom took off like a rocket.

"Teddy, no! Jump off!" Soren shouted after him, his heart racing with panic as the broom launched itself into the air.

Whatever Teddy thought he knew about controlling brooms, he was completely out of his league. His small body flailed around in the air as the broom zig-zagged across the yard, Teddy's hair changing color as rapidly as the broom changed direction.

Soren ran for the door and shouted for Harry, knowing there was nothing he could do to help the boy.

Teddy squealed before the broom made a mad dash toward the house and just before it slammed him into the brick, he flung himself off, falling a good 25 feet to the ground, landing in a heap, crying out so loudly there was no doubt he'd been injured.

Harry and Ginny came racing outside to find Teddy sobbing on the ground, the broomstick— miraculously still in one piece— several meters to his left.

"Oh Teddy, what happened! Where are you hurt?" Harry scooped the boy up and brought him inside as Soren ran over to retrieve the broom.

"Leave it there, I'll take care of it, Soren. You go inside with Teddy," Ginny said gently, pulling out her wand and spelling everything back into the cupboard in the shed before turning her attention back to him. "Are you OK?"

Soren shook his head, tears streaming down his face. "I'm sorry."

Ginny wrapped her arm around him. "Nothing to be sorry for, sweetie, accidents happen. It's going to be OK. Come on, let's go inside and have something to eat. You boys have been playing out here for a while, you must be worn out."

Inside the parlor, Teddy was crying loudly on the sofa while Harry examined him for injuries. "It looks like he dislocated a bone in his wrist and there's a small hairline fracture and a bruised rib. Other than that, just a few minor scrapes and bruises," he said as Ginny walked in the door with Soren.

"You go get him some pain potion and a bruise balm, and I'll heal his wrist. I've certainly got more practice at it than you do," she said calmly, sitting beside Teddy on the sofa, slightly out of breath from dashing out to the garden in her current condition. She ran a soothing hand over arm. "You'ré going to be OK, Teddy, we'll get you back in top shape in just a minute. Can you tell me what happened?"

At this point, Soren was beside himself with guilt. He knew he shouldn't have been playing with that broom, and he shouldn't have let Teddy get on it. Now Teddy was hurt and it was all his fault. And he knew his father would be so disappointed. Even though he wasn't the one who was hurt, he couldn't help himself, he started to cry in earnest, crouching down with his arms wrapped around him, his body pressed to the back wall while he watched Teddy on the couch.

"I don't know what happened. Soren and me were just pretending to play quidditch, running around on the ground holding the brooms, and then all of a sudden my broom just started flying and I couldn't control it and then I fell."

Harry came back in the room holding a vial of pediatric pain potion and a little container of balm which he set down on the table before pulling out a small dropper.

"Open up, Teddy, this will help." He placed three small drops of blue liquid onto the little boy's tongue and then gave him a reassuring rub on his shoulder. "Just give it a minute and I promise you'll feel much better."

When Harry stood up, Ginny stood ominously next to him, her arms crossed and her face in an impressive scowl. "You let the boys play with the adult brooms without you there? What were you thinking, Harry!" She'd been patient and calm with Teddy and Soren, but she was beyond furious with her husband. "You're about to be a father, for Merlin's sake, how could you be so irresponsible! Someone could have broken their neck. Or worse! "

"I know, Gin, I feel terrible. I thought they were just going to look at them, I didn't think there was any harm in letting them take them out. I'm really sorry, I should have never let them do that."

Harry turned to Teddy and put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm so sorry you got hurt, Teddy, mate. I should have been out there supervising you both if you were taking out the brooms. From now on, there's no brooms or flying without me there, OK?"

"It's OK. It was just an accident, it's nobody's fault," Teddy replied diplomatically, casting a quick glance at Soren as if to tell him to keep his mouth shut.

Ginny was still fuming with Harry but she took her wand out and held Teddy's hand gently. "This may hurt for a second but it won't be too bad and then you'll feel a lot better, I promise." She waved her wand and a small crack resounded through the room as Teddy's bones realigned in the joint causing him to yelp briefly. Next she said a healing spell before rubbing some of the balm over his bruised rib and a few other places on his hands and arms. "Good as new!"

Teddy sniffed a few times and wiped his tears with the back of his arm. "Thank you."

Soren was sitting there now in disbelief, tears and snot running down his face, his arms wrapped tightly around himself. He thought for sure Harry would be angry, probably drag him through the floo where his livid father would be waiting to blister his backside for being so reckless and disobedient. But instead, everyone was calm, and Teddy had lied to protect him. He didn't know what to think.

Once he was sure Teddy was taken care of, Harry made his way over to Soren, kneeling down next to him. "There's no reason to be upset, Soren. Teddy is going to be just fine. I'm sure it was really scary seeing him fall, but he's alright now. Everything is just fine."

Soren's breath hitched once, but he nodded too stunned to know what to say.

"Listen, I should have been out there with you both. I'm very sorry I left you playing alone with something that could hurt you. I would never have let you have access to those brooms if I thought there was any chance they'd start flying on their own, but that's my mistake. I was worried about Ginny and I didn't think through all of the potential danger. I've never seen a broom do that, most of the higher-end models have a safety spell that requires someone to have a fairly developed magical core to be able to activate the broom to fly, but it was still wrong of me to put you both in that situation. I hope you'll forgive me."

Harry reached out and pulled Soren into a tight hug, rubbing his back. "Now there's no more reason to be upset. Let's all have something to eat and then we can watch a movie or play a game and just relax."

"It's not your fault, Mr. Potter. It's all my fault Teddy got hurt—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Harry grasped him by both shoulders and looked him right in his eye. "No, it's not your fault. I'm the adult here, Soren. Whatever happened out there was because I wasn't doing my job to make sure I kept you both safe. And I can promise I won't let that happen again. You and Teddy are not in trouble. That's the end of it. I learned an important lesson today and I will be far more careful about what I let you play with in the future. OK?"

"Are you going to tell my father?" Soren's eyes welled with tears and his face crumpled. "He's going to be so cross with me."

Harry cracked a genuine smile. "Are you mad? There's nothing to tell him. You boys were playing in the yard, Teddy had a little tumble, we fixed him right up. I may owe Teddy's grandmother more of an explanation, but there's no reason to bring your dad into it. You weren't hurt, you didn't break any of my rules. And frankly I could do without a scathing lecture from him about responsible parenting— I'm sure Ginny will have enough to say on the matter to make sure I never screw up like that again."

"I'm not done with you Harry James Potter!" Ginny yelled from the kitchen in a mock serious tone. "You're going to wish Soren's father was the one giving you hell because I can promise you he's got NOTHING on me."

Harry gave Soren a wink and a smile as he stood, pulling Soren up with him. "See what I mean? The only one in trouble here is me. I'm just glad no one was hurt too badly."

With one hand on his back, Harry guided Soren to the couch to see Teddy, who was laying there calmly, far less distraught than he had been a few minutes ago, and certainly nowhere nearly as worked up as Soren.

"Are you OK, Teddy?" Soren sat down next to him. "I was really scared."

"I'm OK now. I don't feel anything." Teddy gave him a smile as he held out his recently healed wrist. "See, it's as good as new!"

Soren put his head on the boy's shoulder and gave him a big hug.

"Alright kiddos, what do you want for tea? Anyone else up for a cheeky take-away? Fish 'n chips, kebab, or curry, what sounds good?"

"I'd kill for an Indian," Ginny chimed in, drying her hands on a dish towel. "I'm sure I'll regret it later when I'm up all night with heartburn, but I'm craving something with some spice. Ohh, yeah. Some butter chicken, some pakoras. Maybe a korma. And get plenty of chips!"

"Yeah, curry and chips!" Teddy chimed in.

Soren hadn't had much take-away, not with his mum, and certainly not since he'd been at the manor, so he had no idea what to say, but he was sure there would be something he'd like.

"Right, curry it is. I'll make sure I get plenty of everything so we can all have a taste." He leaned in to give Ginny a kiss— and she pulled away, giving him an evil glare and making it very clear she was still mad at him, but grabbed hold of her and gave her a quick peck on the cheek anyway. He flashed Soren a reassuring smile as he put on his coat and headed out the door. "Back in a jiff."

After dinner, the four of them sat in front of Harry's television and watched a DVD of the movie "Hook," and Soren was the happiest he'd been in a long time. Harry had surprised them with a bunch of chocolate frogs and Bertie's Every Flavor Bean, and they had all laughed as they sat in the parlor, picking apart the take-away as they took turns loading their paper plates with various curries. It was so different from anything Soren had ever experienced, it was like being in an alternate universe. He couldn't imagine his father ever having a television, much less sitting on the couch, plastic utensils in hand while he scooped curry out of a styrofoam box. The very idea was absurd, and yet a part of him still missed his father and Ms. Cloutier, and wished one day they'd share a similar evening together.

Soren was jolted out of his thoughts as the credits rolled and Harry clapped his hands twice. "Time for all kiddos to go to bed! Up you get."

"Awwwww, please Harry! Can't we stay up a little longer?" Teddy begged, throwing himself onto Harry's lap and putting his arms around his neck, giving him his best doe eyes. "Pleasseee."

Harry stood up and lifted Teddy in his arms. "You boys have had a long day. Besides, it's already way past your bedtime, it's nearly 10pm."

"Come on, off to bed with you, my little Lost Boys." He reached down and gave Soren a little tickle and both boys giggled.

If he was honest with himself, Soren was exhausted. He'd had a brilliant day, but he was definitely ready for bed. He walked over to Ginny and gave her a hug. "Goodnight, Mrs. Potter."

"Goodnight Soren," she said as she gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Sweet dreams"

"And goodnight baby," Soren whispered at her tummy, causing Ginny to smile.

"Alright, all aboard the Potter Express! Hop on Soren!" With Teddy still holding onto the front of him, he bent down enough for Soren to climb on his back and Harry stood with a loud groan. "You boys are getting heavy, you're giving me a workout!"

The boys squealed with delight as he carted the two of them to the guest room, dumping each one unceremoniously onto their respective beds while they rolled in a fit of laughter.

Putting on his best pirate voice, Harry pointed at each boy and sneered. "Any boy who doesn't brush their teeth will have to walk the plank! Arghhh! Into the washroom with ye!"

After herding them into the washroom and ensuring they did a passable job with their teeth, Harry gave each boy a hug before tucking them tightly into their covers.

Before he left, he stopped in the doorway. "Try not to stay up too late. I don't want you to be grumpy and unmanageable tomorrow or your families won't be too happy with me."

"We won't!" the boys cried out in unison.

"Goodnight. Sleep tight! Harry said before flicking off the light and closing the door.

Soren snuggled into his bed, feeling content but almost melancholy that this was not the family he had. He desperately wanted a mum and a dad, a sibling, and a normal life. He wanted more weekend takeaways and movie nights snuggled up on the couch in his pajamas shoving his face with chocolate frogs. He wanted a dad who roughhoused with him and gave him goodnight hugs and kisses, and just thinking about it made him fight back tears.

"Pssst- Soren. Are you awake?"

"Yeah," Soren said, wiping his face with his sleeve before turning toward Teddy. "What is it?"

"Nothing. Just checking."

"Oh."

"You tired?" Teddy asked, pushing himself up to a sitting position.

"I don't know. A little."

"Today was fun wasn't it? Harry and Ginny are the best."

There was something in Teddy's voice that Soren recognized straight away, that maybe he wasn't the only boy in the room who wished he had a "normal" family. He'd been jealous of Teddy's relationship with Harry and Ginny, but he'd forgotten the boy was an orphan, that he deserved to have people like the Potters in his life. Not to mention, they'd treated Soren just as lovingly even if he wasn't their godson.

"Yeah, they're awesome. Today was one of my best days ever."

"Me too." … "Well, except the part when I fell off the broom."

Both boys giggled.

"Thanks for not telling on me," Soren said. "I felt really bad that you got hurt."

"It wasn't that bad. But I told you I wouldn't tell. You're my best friend."

Soren's heart beamed hearing these words. "You're my best friend too."

They sat in silence for several seconds before Soren spoke again. "Their baby is so lucky. He's going to have a real family. He'll have everything."

Another few seconds ticked by in the dark as both boys reflected on the words.

"Yeah. He'll have the best mom and dad. Lots of cousins and grandparents and everything. I wish I had that." Teddy let out a deep sigh.

"Me too," Soren said, tears forming in his eyes. He was glad it was dark and Teddy couldn't see him, even though he knew Teddy was feeling the same way.

"At least you have a dad. And you can remember your mum. I don't remember either of my parents."

"But you have your Gran. And Harry and Ginny. Sometimes I don't think my father likes me very much. He's always busy, and he doesn't play with me. Or give me cuddles…not really, anyway. I miss my mum. She always played with me and cuddled me. I wish she was here still.." A few silent tears streamed down his cheeks but he was working hard not to break down in front of Teddy. But he had to admit, as difficult as his life was, at least he wasn't a complete orphan. Not that it didn't feel as lonely some days.

"You should tell your dad to get married so you can get a new mum. Then maybe you can even get brothers or sisters!" Teddy said excitedly.

Suddenly Soren sat up, a brilliant idea popping up in his head. "He could marry Ms. Cloutier! She's nice and she loves me! She plays with me all the time and she's really pretty. Then she could be my mum!"

"Oh yeah! That's a great idea!"

Soren bounded over to Teddy's bed and sat on top of his quilt. "But I don't know how to make them fall in love."

Teddy smiled. "That's easy- you just need to give them a love potion."

"What's that?"

"A love potion, silly. It's a potion you give people that makes them fall in love with each other. You know, like in fairy tales and stories?"

Soren shook his head. "Is it real or it's just in stories?"

"It's real, I think."

"Where do you get it?"

"I don't know," Teddy shrugged. "Maybe you could buy it at the potion store. Or if you were a grown up you could make it. Sometimes my gran makes potions, but mostly she just buys them from the shop."

"My father makes all of his potions," Soren said proudly. "He has a whole potions lab with millions of them all over the shelves, and he's really good at it too. He's teaching me how."

"You should tell him to make it then. Or maybe he already has some. You should look on his shelves and see."

Soren shook his head. "I'm not allowed in the potions lab. Unless he's teaching me about potions but then I'm not allowed to touch anything or I'll get in trouble."

"Your dad has a lot of rules. More than my Gran even, and I thought she was strict."

Not wanting to dwell on the subject of his absurdly strict father, Soren blushed slightly and decided to move on. Even if by chance his father did have a giant stash of love potions in the dungeon— which he highly doubted—there was no way Soren would be able to get his hands on it without risking certain death. He shuddered to think about what gruesome fate would await him if he got caught stealing potions from his father's personal stores, particularly since it was in a part of the manor that he'd been warned repeatedly was explicitly off-limits. That was definitely not an option.

"I wonder how much it costs to buy it at the potion store. I got 2 galleons from the tooth fairy, maybe I can buy it with that. But if it costs more, I might have to lose another tooth. And I might have to wait for a long time for that."

"Yeah…I'd give you money but I don't have any. But maybe Harry will help you if you ask him."

"I don't want to tell anyone my idea yet, so don't say anything. Promise? It's a secret."

"I promise."

Soren closed his eyes and leaned back against the wall. "Ms. Cloutier would be the best mum ever. And then maybe she can grow a new baby in her belly like Mrs. Potter and I'll have someone to play with. She would probably let me get a dog too cuz she's so nice. Then everything would be perfect."

"You're lucky. My Gran is too old to get married and have a baby, so I'll never have that. But you could get a whole real family."

"But I have to make them fall in love first. You have to help me, Teddy."

"Don't worry, I will. It can't be that hard. You just have to find a way to get the potion." Teddy let out a big yawn and laid back down. "I'm getting sleepy."

"OK," Soren said as he climbed back to his own bed. "Goodnight, Teddy."

"'Night."

Soren wrapped himself in his blanket and turned over on his side, facing the wall with his eyes wide open. He was exhausted, but now his mind was reeling with possibilities. He had to find a way to get his father and Ms. Cloutier to fall in love. Then maybe he'd finally have the family he always dreamed of.

Marie was practically floating on air by the time she'd finished dinner, and it had little to do with the generous glasses of wine she'd had. Something had definitely changed between her and Lord Kent, and they'd spent an unexpectedly delightful day in each other's company.

After their leisurely stroll through the gardens, they continued their conversation over tea in the parlor, followed by an equally enjoyable lunch. In the afternoon, he'd taken a few hours to do some work but then he'd showed her some of his favorite books in the library and they spent time quietly reading in the parlor before dinner, interspersed with tea and easy conversation.

It wasn't that he'd changed so much— he was still very much the dour, stern man he'd always been, except that he was making more of an effort to get to know her, to listen to her, and even to share a few random tidbits about himself, even if they were vague and impersonal. Still, she could see his walls were slowly coming down.

Even more than that, he was being far more generous with his time and attention, and making an effort to do small things to let her know he was thinking of her. Pulling out her chair at dinner, pouring her tea, making sure her hands and feet were warm and the lighting was sufficient for her to read her book. She'd felt doted on and looked after, and not because she was sick or needed anything, but just…because. It was intoxicating, and she could feel herself falling for him. Even if she knew it was the worst thing she could do, she didn't have the willpower to deny herself. Besides, they'd crossed over from any acceptable professional boundary weeks ago. In for a penny, in for a pound.

"Would you care to join me after dinner for a night-cap?" Snape asked as Tinny cleared the table from dinner. With Soren out for the night, they'd uncharacteristically shared an entire bottle of wine that was now sitting empty in the middle of the table, with neither of them ready to call it a night.

"I'd love to," Marie said, beaming at him openly now that the wine had lowered her inhibitions.

"Shall we retire to my study then, or would you prefer to sit in the parlor. I find my study is quite a bit warmer at this time of night since it's far more efficient to heat with the hearth. It's where I usually take my evening…libations."

What about your bedroom? I bet you could keep me really warm in there. Oh stop, it you hussy! Marie had to cover her smirk as she attempted to shake her more lurid thoughts. "Your study? Why, am I in trouble again? You usually only invite me there when you're about to beat my ass."

Snape raised an incredulous eyebrow. "Entirely untrue. However, if you keep up such disrespectful language, I may reconsider my offer and decide you would benefit more from a spanking than another drink."

Now a few drinks in, Marie was beyond simply blushing at such a comment, and was feeling bold enough to engage in flirty banter. "The night is still young…who knows, maybe there's time for both."

"Careful, Ms. Cloutier." He spoke in a low and dangerous tone, but there was the tiniest glint in his eye that Marie recognized immediately as amusement and glee.

"Or what?" Marie asked innocently, apparently intent on pushing him as far as possible, relishing in the rush of it all.

Snape drained the remainder of his glass before setting it down slowly and leaning toward Marie, deliberately dragging things out knowing she was enjoying the game. "You may get exactly what you want." He stared her down until he saw the familiar flush on her neck, at which point he got up and made his way around the dining table before gently pulling out Marie's chair and offering his hand.

"So, what will it be then?"

"I think I'll just take the drink for now," Marie sassed, flashing him an impish grin as she placed her hand in his.

"My, my we are feeling cheeky this evening. How charming." Snape helped her stand before he lowered his head slightly as he grasped her arm, pulling her in close so he could whisper into her ear. "Keep it up, Ms. Cloutier, and you will get the thoroughly smacked bottom you're so blatantly begging for."

And with that, Snape released her, leaving Marie speechless and flushed, his words having delivered the coup de grace that won him this particular battle.

When she was still too stunned to respond, he gave her a decisive nod. "Very well, my study it is. Come along, now."

Marie could only follow him wordlessly up the stairs in what felt like a daze, a combination of the wine and what his velvety words did to her mind and body.

Once in the study, Marie settled comfortably on the couch in front of the fire while Snape made his way to the bar cart. He picked up a large crystal decanter and turned back to Marie as if it were the most normal interaction in the world. "I'm having port. What would you like? I also have wine, whiskey, and brandy."

"I'll have the same. That sounds perfect."

Snape carefully poured the tawny liquor into his crystal sherry glasses, handing one to Marie before lifting his glass in the air. "Cheers, Ms. Cloutier."

"Cheers!"

They clinked glasses and Snape sat down, joining Marie on the Chesterfield, but nestling himself a short distance away in the corner.

"So what do you do in here every night til midnight? Hold secret meetings? Write a novel?"

He leaned back into the cushions and took a slow sip of his port, savoring it for a moment before he set it down on the small table beside him. "Many things, Ms. Cloutier. The space is quite…utilitarian."

"That's vague."

"So it is."

"Oh, come on. You've got to give me more than that! What do you do for all of those hours? You come up here after supper and stay here all night, it seems. Do you even sleep? Maybe I should give you a bedtime."

He gave her a pointed look. "I think you know quite well that's not how things work in this house, Ms. Cloutier."

"No, but seriously, what do you do?"

"Read. Write. Think. Relax."

"You're infuriating, did you know that?"

"That's rich."

Realizing that she wasn't getting anywhere, Marie stood and walked over to his bookcase. "OK, then show me what you like to read. You said these books are your special collection. Your rare books, right?"

"Yes," he drawled.

"So which ones are your favorites." She walked along the wall slowly, running her hands gently over the leather bound covers, many of them untitled and unmarked, making her even more curious now about who the man was sitting in front of her.

As she reached up to pull one off the shelf, Snape spoke out brusquely. "You may look, but do not touch."

Marie turned her head to scowl at him and pouted slightly. "Why?"

"Some of those are ancient and rare manuscripts. Others are just more…precious…for other reasons. Not to mention it is incredibly rude to rifle through a person's private possessions without permission. Surely you know better."

Marie waited until she'd turned back to the shelves before she rolled her eyes to herself, even more intrigued now about the magic contained on these shelves and the man who owned them.

"If you're a good girl, I may show you something." There was a hint of amusement in his voice as he stood from the couch and walked up behind her.

"I don't know what you mean, I'm always a good girl."

"Is that so?" A smirk flitted across his lips.

He came up so close behind her, Marie could feel the warmth radiating off of his body even though he wasn't touching her and she involuntarily sucked in an audible breath before collecting herself. "Well, maybe not always."

"No, not always," he whispered, and Marie swore she could feel his warm breath on her neck and her body erupted in goosebumps. Oh my god. Just touch me, please!

Before she could respond, Snape reached around her, his arm brushing against hers as he carefully removed a book from the shelf before returning to the couch.

Her body was tingling with desire and a small shiver ran through her as he moved away, leaving a cold space where he'd been, the nerves on her skin alive from his light touch, his scent lingering in the air.

"Come. Sit." He patted the leather cushion beside him.

Marie steadied herself before returning to the sofa, obeying his gentle command as though she were on autopilot, her conscious brain having shut-off completely from the entire interaction.

She sat closer to him this time, and attempted to look non-plussed but sexy as she relaxed back on the couch, one arm along the top and the other holding her half-empty glass.

"Tell me, Ms. Cloutier. What do you know of mind magic?" Snape held the leather-bound book in his hands, his lithe fingers running along the edge of the cover almost seductively.

"Mind magic?" Think, Marie. Don't act stupid, get your head in the game. "Um, not a lot, isn't that dark magic?"

"Nothing is inherently dark or light, that's an overly simple and short-sighted way to view magic. Everything is in the intention of the one who yields it."

"I agree." Marie thought for a moment. "I guess I don't know much, it wasn't something we talked much about at school, other than being told to stay far away from it."

"Yes. In the wrong hands it can certainly be used for more nefarious purposes."

Snape opened the book. "Although there is little use for it in my life at the moment, I consider it a… pet interest of mine. Intellectually speaking."

Marie had never been so engaged in his every word. This was the first time he'd ever mentioned anything about his likes or hobbies, or told her anything remotely personal about himself. She was dying to ask him questions, but she held her tongue, worrying if she interrupted him now that would be the end of it.

Opening the cover slowly, he carefully turned to the title page. Marie leaned in slightly but immediately realized it wasn't in English. The script was gothic and hard to read, and while she attempted to decipher it, her question was answered.

"It's in Middle High German. This print is from 1288."

Marie gasped slightly, and she realized now why he didn't want her pawing carelessly at his books. "That's incredible."

"This is one of my more valuable texts. I've put protective spells on it, of course, nonetheless the parchment is delicate."

"What does it say?"

"It translates to 'Sorcery of the Mind: Intercorporeal connections.' It's one of the oldest known texts on mind magic."

"Wow."

"This book details accounts of magical people connecting with both Muggles and magical people alike, everything from early Legilimancy, to unexplained connections between people in waking life and dreams, and even those who connect with spirits of those who have passed."

He delicately turned through the pages where several illustrations gave her an insight into what some of these stories might be, even if she couldn't read a single word of the text.

"That's fascinating." Marie was mesmerized, both by the book and the concepts themselves.

She leaned it closer and Snape closed it suddenly. "We know far more about many of these phenomena now, of course, although as a métier, mind magic is still considered taboo, and a fringe science. Therefore, few books are published or sold publicly, although there remain enthusiasts such as myself who seek out these manuscripts and enjoy engaging in intellectual discussions and academic pursuits in more anonymous and informal settings."

"What, like a secret society?"

"Not entirely. Mostly it is through correspondence and the sharing of ideas, theories and techniques through underground publications. But it is something I enjoy, something which keeps me intellectually occupied."

He stood and replaced the book, refilling his glass as he did so. "Would you care for another glass?"

Her answer should have been no, she was already feeling buzzed, but she didn't want to give him a reason to think she was ready to leave. "Yes, please."

Snape took her glass and filled it before replacing the decanter and returning to his place on the couch.

"So, can you like, do mind magic then?" Marie cringed internally at how stupid the question sounded, but she was curious about what he could do.

"I'm quite proficient in some of it, yes. But it is a vast field, as complex as the human mind itself. I doubt there's any witch or wizard who has mastered even a tenth of it."

Marie was thoroughly intrigued. "Show me. I want to see you do some mind magic."

Snape's eyebrow flew up in response. "I'm not a clown here to perform party tricks for your amusement, Ms. Cloutier. Mind magic is a serious business, it is not to be engaged in lightly. It can be exceptionally dangerous if not performed under the correct circumstances, with the right intentions and with the proper precautions in place."

If it was meant to be a scold, Marie ignored it. She was too invested now not to see something. "Come on, please? Just a little something. Like if I think of a number or a color, can you tell me what it is?"

Snape scoffed. "Absolutely not. If one doesn't have complete respect for the magic and how powerful it can be, it can easily be misused. Not to mention, opening your mind to someone else is an incredibly vulnerable thing to do, it can be violating and potentially harmful."

"I trust you." Marie had no idea what she was asking for, or why she was so curious about it. Perhaps there was the naive idea that this would bring them somehow closer together, or maybe that she'd even be able to understand him better, and that whatever mental connection they forged would allow her a glimpse into his complex mind.

As much as Snape would love the chance to gallivant around in her thoughts, feelings and memories, he would never engage in Legilimancy or any other kind of mind magic with someone who had no idea what they were consenting to. In the past he'd had no choice, but at this phase of his life he'd sworn to himself that these were never skills he would engage in outside of life or death, or within the context of a committed relationship with enormous amounts of trust in someone who fully understood the risks and protocols.

"No, Ms. Cloutier. This is meant as an intellectual endeavor in magical theory, it is not something I engage with in practice."

Realizing he wasn't going to budge, and not wanting to ruin the amazing energy between them, Marie relented. Although she knew this wasn't the last time they would discuss it.

"Will you tell me then, what is the most fascinating kind of mind magic you've heard of, what intrigues you the most?"

Snape sipped on his port and thought for a second, unsure of whether he should answer truthfully. But the wine and port had loosened him up slightly and he ran a finger absentmindedly across his lip as he contemplated his answer.

Marie stared at him, her attention now on his mouth as she waited for him to speak, unable to prevent herself from imagining what it would be like to kiss him. To feel his finger running along her lips. Focus, Marie!

"There are many ways one can use mind magic to do harm. To rifle through a person's memories and feelings, taking information, even altering their memories or forcing them to feel or confront things they've pushed away. In this way you can see how it can be a diabolical tool for evil. Conversely, there are ways to use mind magic to heal, to help a person work through trauma, to soften memories that haunt their nightmares, to shield them from obsessive thoughts or loops of harmful emotions that debilitate them. It's a shame the field has such a nefarious reputation, because I believe the potential for healing people is immense, and refusing to acknowledge this means many people continue to suffer when they might live better, happier lives. It's something I've written extensively about, and I hope one day, perhaps when we've moved on a bit from the fears of our recent past, the wizarding world will recognize the true potential of mind magic to heal."

"That's really lovely." It wasn't what Marie was expecting to hear, but she looked at him and realized he was a far deeper, more compassionate man than she'd given him credit for.

It was entirely true, Snape had passionately advocated for this amongst his publications in the underground journals. But he had another interest as well, though he wasn't drunk enough to share it. He was also fascinated by mind magic in a sexual context. Although he'd long dreamed about the possibilities, he'd come to terms a long time ago that this would largely remain a fantasy, and it certainly blurred the darker lines of consensual non-consent. He pushed those thoughts away quickly before it took his emotions, and his hormones, in a completely different direction.

As if snapping him back to his reality, he looked up at the clock on the mantle. "It's getting late, Ms. Cloutier. I'd hate for you to be caught out of bed after curfew for a second night in a row."

Indignant, Marie gave him a scathing look. "What! You can't be serious. We're having drinks and conversation like grown adults, surely you're not going to insist on enforcing a bedtime tonight. And it's not my fault if you keep me here, that's on you."

Snape plucked the near empty glass from her hand. "You know the rules, Ms. Cloutier, and I am not going to change them simply because I'm enjoying your company. Additionally, you are not being held hostage and as far as I'm aware, you're capable of telling time, so there's no excuse for being here past your bedtime, unless it's because you're making a conscious effort to flout the rules."

He'd shifted into his patronizing tone, although Marie could hear the playfulness in his voice and it only served to heighten her desire. She debated over her choices, and looked at the clock. She had just over five minutes.

She plucked her glass out of his hand. "I have more than enough time to finish my drink, thank you very much."

"By all means, take your time. It's not my backside on the line" Snape reminded her as she slowly drained the remaining port from her glass, dramatically savoring each sip, clearly intent on running out the clock.

When every drop had vanished and there were two minutes left, Marie stood and placed her glass on the table. "Thank you for a lovely evening, Lord Kent."

"My pleasure, Ms. Cloutier. Allow me to accompany you to your room— you have a dreadful history of lingering in hallways when you should be in bed." Snape stood and walked her to the door, opening it for her as he gestured for her to go ahead.

Marie smiled as she stumbled slightly going through the doorway, grasping onto his arm for balance. "Whoops."

Snape slipped his arm around her. "Come along, it is clearly time for you to retire for the evening."

She leaned onto him slightly, not drunk, but definitely at the point where her balance was a bit off and she was glad he was there. "Yeah, but it was really fun."

When they got to her door, he walked her in, and helped her settle onto the bed where she slumped back on the pillows. He leaned down to remove her shoes and then transfigured her clothes into pajamas. Next, he conjured a glass and filled it with water. "Drink some water before you go to sleep. You'll thank me in the morning."

Just then, the faint chimes on the grandfather clock rang through the house, audible through the open door.

"Saved by the bell," Marie said, doing her best to give him a cheeky smile while she sat up and sipped her water.

"Cutting it quite close, Ms. Cloutier. You must enjoy living dangerously."

"It's more fun that way." She took another few sips of water before holding it out.

"Now lay down and go to bed." Snape reached for her glass, and as he did, Marie took his face in her hand in a fumbling attempt to kiss him.

He dodged her, stunned, and put the glass down on her bedside table with a loud clink.

Immediately, Marie regretted what she'd done. She hadn't even been thinking, it was an impulse she'd acted on purely because she'd had too much to drink and her emotions were out of her control. "I'm sorry, I don't know what I was thinking."

Snape was frozen in shock, but he wanted to be careful. She was clearly intoxicated, and as much as he had dreamed of kissing her, this was not how he imagined it. Not to mention the fact it would be more than a violation of the boundaries between them. Unconventional as they may be, he had a responsibility to her—both as an employer and in their contract—that created an unbalanced power-dynamic between them. Even if they hadn't been drinking, which of course destroyed any potential consent entirely, it wouldn't be right.

But he didn't want to hurt or embarrass her, if he'd learned anything from today it was that she was far more vulnerable than she first appeared, and he knew he had to choose his words carefully.

"It's nothing. Go to sleep, Ms. Cloutier. It's been a long day and you've had a bit too much to drink. I'll see you in the morning." He turned to leave her when she called out softly to him.

"Will you tuck me in before you go…please." Her voice came out sounded more like a little girl and he could see the tears glistening in her eyes even though the only light in the room was streaming in from the sconses in the hallway.

Snape took care to pull up her duvet, tucking it in on all sides. He stroked her hair a few times as he sat on the edge of her bed. "Close your eyes and go to sleep like a good girl. Get some rest, we'll have breakfast tomorrow at 9, don't get out of bed before then."

"OK, goodnight." Marie closed her eyes and let her head relax onto the pillow.

Before he left, Snape refilled her water glass and then closed the door softly behind. He exhaled audibly in the hallway and knew he should probably go to bed himself, and deal with it all when he had a clear head tomorrow. But instead he returned to his study, this time filling a highball glass with scotch as he laid down on his couch, forcing himself to make sense of what on earth he was doing with her. Now what have you gotten yourself into?

AUTHOR's NOTE:

If you're still reading this, thank you! Sorry for the long delay- it's been a hectic few months and honestly, I kind of was put off writing for a bit after some unkind comments. But I finally sat down and found my mojo and am excited to come back to this story. THank you to everyone who has left encouraging comments and sent messages, I hope you enjoy the read.

As always I love hearing from you and can't wait to read your thoughts! Lots of love —SnapesAngel