Too Close For Comfort

I was awakened a few short hours later when a searing pain shot up my left arm. Albus had not ordered me to ignore any summons from the Dark Lord, nor had he ordered me to remain at my post in America. It was the first time all summer that I had been summoned, and I wondered what task would be put before me this time as I quickly donned my robes, and apparated away.

There was a full complement of Death Eaters assembled in the large meeting room when I arrived. Voldemort was not yet present, and a restless murmuring filled the room as we waited for him to appear.

A sudden whooshing sound filled the room, and moments later the Dark Lord stood in the centre of the room. I bowed, as did the rest of the Death Eaters standing there, and masked a derisive snort with a discrete cough when Lucius commented under his breath, "Show off."

As we were given permission to rise, Voldemort took his seat on an elaborate dais, replete with two golden snakes. They flanked an ornate, green velvet chair that boasted the Slytherin crest. The chair was rumoured to have belonged to Salazar Slytherin, and had once graced the high table at Hogwarts.

Voldemort looked out over the gathered minions before him, and drew a deep breath. "Another school year is about to begin at Hogwarts. It is time for us to put our plans in motion in preparation for the Potter brat's return to the school." He rose, and stepped down, gliding effortlessly amongst us, stopping to look at us through glowing maniacal eyes as he saw fit.

I groaned inwardly when the lunatic settled his evil gaze upon me, and braced myself for impact. But he simply stared at me in contemplative silence, before he moved on to the next person, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

"I have come up with such a plan." He announced arrogantly, stepping back upon the platform in a swirl of robes. "I think that, for starters, our first task will be to eliminate Albus Dumbledore. The brat won't know his arse from his ear without that meddling old fool showing him which direction to take!"

"My Lord!" Lucius blurted excitedly, startling me from my musings. "Which of us shall be given the honour of performing such a task?"

"Kiss arse." I muttered sardonically so that only he would hear, and he glared at me as we turned our attention back to Voldemort.

I could tell, immediately, that the interruption had angered the mad man. I waited expectantly as Voldemort whirled around to face the recklessly eager blond. "I believe that your son, Draco, shall be given this order." Voldemort sneered. "See that he does not fail, Lucius, or he will take the old fool's place."

"My Lord..." Lucius stammered in alarm, his face paling considerably.

"Silence!" Voldemort snapped angrily. "You wished for honour upon your name, Lucius. See that your son delivers." He turned in another dramatic swirl of robes, and returned to his throne, his order given, and expected to be followed. I felt my heart sink. I knew that Draco would be no match for Albus, and even if he were brave enough to face him down, he would not win. Albus would not kill the boy, of course, but Voldemort would when Draco failed to do as ordered. I would need to pass this news along to Albus as quickly as possible so that a back up plan could be implemented in order to save them both.

My attention was brought sharply back into focus with Voldemort's next words. "I've been hearing reports that one of you has left England, and has failed to inform me of this." He looked directly at me, and I stiffened, preparing myself for the fallout. "Severus, I hear that you have been spending your summer holiday in the United States. Did you not think that this news was of importance to me?" He snarled angrily, and I swallowed convulsively, knowing I was not going to escape this meeting unscathed.

"Forgive me, My Lord. I admit I have been remiss in my duty." I murmured lowly, and bowed before him, despite knowing the respect I afforded him would do no good should he decide to punish me.

"So, you felt that you had every right to simply disappear, without a word to anyone?" Voldemort questioned silkily, and dread filled my heart. I was going to be quite damaged by the time he was finished.

My brain scrambled, weighing my options, trying to determine which story to give that would garner the least harmful punishment. I quickly decided to make it appear as if I had done as he suggested. It was what he was already expecting anyway, and might possibly offer him that slight satisfaction, and his retaliation might also be less severe because of it.

"I fear you are right, My Lord." I bowed once more. "I have had no word from you in quite some time, and the school year has ended. I thought it might be the perfect opportunity for a small vacation. I apologize for not informing you of my whereabouts in advance."

In the end, it did not matter. I was dealt a harsh reminder of my place. His explanation was that someone in my position within his ranks, not only should know his place without question, but had to serve as an example for the others should they fail as well. Barely able to stand by the time I was dismissed, I apparated to the gates outside of Hogwarts, and reported to the Headmaster.

"Severus!" Albus cried in alarm, jumping to his feet, and rushing to assist me, as I entered his tower rooms, looking as beaten as I felt. "Come. Sit here. Do you need Poppy, my boy?" He questioned, his frown of worry increasing the amount of furrows lining his face as he took my arm, and led me to a chair.

"I will be fine." I grunted dismissively as I settled in the chair before his desk. "I have urgent news, Headmaster."

He sighed wearily in resignation, and returned to his chair. "Tell me your news." He ordered, knowing I would not budge until I had given my report.

"This time he has targeted you, Sir." I replied bluntly.

He nodded solemnly, before commenting, "We assumed he would eventually, Severus."

"There is more." I stated, wincing as a sharp pain lanced through my midsection. His gaze shifted to where my hand held my ribs, but he did not comment further on my injuries. "He has ordered that Draco be the one todo the deed."

Albus immediately looked alarmed. "He has ordered a child to go up against a fully-powered wizard? There is no logic in that! Why did he do it?"

"He was using it as a punishment for Lucius' arrogance." I retorted, worried for the boy's life. Despite being spoiled rotten by Lucius, Draco had a special place in my heart. The boy was an innocent, despite his desire to please his father by any means that were required. The urge to protect him was a strong one, and I was determined to see that he was safe.

"Well, there is a twisted logic to that, I suppose." Albus sighed in disappointment. "We can't allow it to happen, Severus. You're going to have to do it in his place."

"What?" I exclaimed, jumping to my feet, and immediately regretting it. "Albus, I can not do that! You can not be serious!"

"Severus, you know as well as I do, that the boy won't succeed in this. It has to be done, child." He murmured gently. "It's going to be up to you to save that boy's soul. He still has a chance at this point to make the right choices."

"And what of my soul, Albus?" I whispered harshly, then shook my head, angrily dismissing the question. "I do not want to do this."

"I know you don't, my son." He replied softly. "But, you are the only one I would trust with the task."

"I do not want to do this!" I growled angrily, gritting my teeth. "There has to be another way! I will find it! I swear to you."

"Severus, even if you do find a way, it will be a waste of time." He insisted gently. "I'm already dying, child." He held up his hand, and showed me the blackened appendage. "I thoughtlessly destroyed this." He reported, sliding a sheet of parchment across his desk that had a ring resting upon it. I reached for it, and he cried in alarm, "Don't touch it!"

"What is it?" I asked, looking to him for answers.

"It is as we suspected, Severus." He replied sadly. "A horcrux."

I drew a deep breath through my nose. "Is there nothing that can be done?" I whispered gravely. "A potion I can prepare? A spell I can perform to stop it? To at least slow it down?"

"No, my child." He replied gently. "It is the end for me, no matter which way it comes. But, I actually would prefer you to do this, rather than suffer the painful, slow death of this curse. Please, Severus."

I sat in stunned silence. "I can try to find a way, Headmaster." I proffered hopefully. "Let me look for a cure."

"No, child." He shook his head, and my heart shattered. "I have lived for a very long time. I've had a full, and, for the most part, happy life. I am ready for this."

Tears filled my eyes, and I swallowed hard. "I do not want to do this." I whispered hoarsely one last time. "But, I will, because you have asked me to. I will keep Draco safe, as I will Potter."

"I know you will, Severus. You're a good man." He nodded, and closed his eyes for a moment. "Thank you."

He urged me to see Poppy, but I refused, stating that I merely needed rest, and that I would be fine. I apparated to my home at Spinner's End, only to find Peter Pettigrew waiting there for me. He had been sent to assist me should I need it after my encounter with Voldemort. Before I could escape his presence, there was a knock on my door, and I answered to see Narcissa Malfoy, and her delusional sister, Bellatrix LeStrange, standing on my front stoop.

By the time they left me alone, I not only had the weight of Albus' demise hanging over my head, but the weight of an Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa to save her son, shrouding me as well. I felt trapped, and a heavy sense of dread lingered long after I was alone.

Some foreign obligation I felt toward Alberta forced me to return to the Lighthouse, and my temporary home there. I was exhausted from the stress of this turn of events, and the punishment I had received from my master. I wearily stumbled into my bedroom, and fell onto my bed, groaning in pain. I reached for a bottle of dreamless sleep, and downed it in one gulp, succumbing to its effects in an instant.

A loud knocking slowly registered in my brain at about the same time as a woman's voice, calling to me, reached my ears. "Devon? Are you there?" It was Cassie, and I rolled out of bed with a low groan as every nerve ending, and muscle, protested my movement. "Devon? It's almost noon...are you there?"

I opened the door a few minutes later, and stared at her, still struggling to shake off the stupor caused by my drugged sleep. "I am here." I stated dumbly, and she gasped when she saw me.

"Oh my goodness!" She exclaimed in shock. "Are you ill?"

"No, I am not." I groaned, and flinched away from the sun's glare.

"Devon!" She exclaimed in a hushed tone, leaning closer to me, and peering at me as she sniffed suspiciously. "Are you drunk? Hung over?"

That comment quickly set me to rights. "No, I am not drunk, nor am I hung over!" I snarled angrily. "I had trouble sleeping last night, and took something for it. I simply overslept! I will make my way to the house in a few moments. Thank you for waking me." I slammed the door in her face, and made my way to the shower.

I let the hot, steaming water beat down on my aching muscles until the water ran cold. By the time I was dressed and ready for my day, only my ribs showed any sign of my punishment the night before. I suspected that a few might be cracked after the ordeal.

When I entered at the back door of the house a short time later, Cassie and Alberta were there, heads bent close together, whispering. They looked up, guiltily, when I entered, and Cassie quickly left the room, casting a wary look in my direction. I glared at her as she walked past, before turning my gaze toward Alberta.

"Good afternoon." I mumbled irritably as Alberta eyed me critically. "I will finish up in the green room today, and start on clearing the attic before I end my day." I informed her as I poured myself a quick cup of coffee.

"Devon. Sit down." Alberta ordered calmly, pulling out a chair, and taking her seat. I sat in the chair she proffered, and waited for her to state what was on her mind. She drew a deep breath, and let it out, her gaze out of focus as she sorted her thoughts. "First of all, I'm not going to say anything about the fact that you took the morning off."

"I did not..." I stammered defensively.

"Let me finish." She ordered sharply, and flashed a mild glare in my direction. "I have no objection to you starting late today. Your work is exemplary, and you have been working hard since you came here. I've felt you needed a break for quite some time now."

"Thank you." I muttered, unsure as to what else I could say without revealing too much of the truth.

"But, the reason I wanted to speak with you was because of all that went on around here yesterday." She paused, and flashed a concerned look in my direction. "I want to know if you were avoiding coming in here today because of the incident with Dani last night."

"No, Alberta." I replied sharply. "I was not avoiding anything. I had trouble sleeping last night, true enough, and took something for it. I simply overslept."

"I feel as if these women affect you in a personal way." She ventured hesitantly, and I bristled warily. "Devon." She paused for a moment, her gaze shifting away before she looked to me again. "Were you and your mother abused? I get the feeling that you are keeping something from me, but I want you to know that I can be trusted, should you need to talk."

"I do not need to talk." I replied stonily, and her frown of concern deepened considerably.

"Your reaction to my question is very telling, and apparently your answer would be a resounding, Yes., I see." She nodded simply, and drew a deep breath. "Your actions explain a lot. I won't question you further on it." She replied straightforwardly, in complete understanding, as she came to her feet.

"Devon!" An excited shout hit my ears as the kitchen door slammed open, and Dani raced into the room. "Where have you been all day? I've missed you!" She threw herself into my side, and I tried to brace myself for the impact, but failed. I grunted painfully, and pushed her to arm's length. Alberta's gaze sharpened immediately as she gave me another critical once over. I groaned inwardly, she could tell I was injured. Damn.

"Dani, Devon and I are talking business, dear. Run along and play, and when we are done, if Devon has time, he will talk to you then. Alright?" Alberta informed the child gently.

"Alright, Al." She agreed brightly, and gave me a tight hug. I winced, and nodded when she called after her, "Bye, Devon! See ya later!"

"What did you do to yourself, Devon?" Alberta turned on me as soon as we were alone.

"Nothing." I replied, staring back at her with a neutral expression.

"You, Mr. Robinson, are in pain, and a liar." She retorted, her lips pressed together firmly. "What happened?"

"I told you. Nothing." I insisted, maintaining the indifferent expression despite the fact that I was now pretty certain that I had received a cracked rib or two on my latest adventure. "I rolled out of bed the wrong way when Cassie startled me awake, and I may have put a rib out of place. It will right itself in a day or two." I reported dismissively.

"Then you are released from doing any more around here until such time." She announced, and I opened my mouth to protest. "No arguments, Devon, not one thing until you are put to rights! Is that understood?"

I drew an annoyed breath, and grumbled softly, "Yes, madam." I wondered which person was worse to deal with, Voldemort, Alberta or Albus, as I made my way back to my home.

My recovery actually took me three days, and I spent that time working in the small herb garden I had cultivated since I had arrived. I had managed to plant a few of the more questionable plants that I needed for brewing simple potions without raising any suspicions. I was lucky in that none of these people were aware of the things I was capable of creating from these unfamiliar plants.

Early on the third morning of my recovery, I was there, gathering fresh belladonna while the dew was still on the petals, when a soft voice spoke from behind me, "Excuse me?" I startled, looking over my shoulder to see Rachel standing there at the edge of the garden.

"You're Devon, right?" She enquired softly, giving me a tentative smile.

I slowly came to my feet, and removed my gloves. "Yes." I replied, eyeing her guardedly. She was showing signs of healing. The bruises on her face were turning colour, indicating that they were fading. I took note that she was about 134 cm, quite petite, and would just fit beneath my chin if we were to...My thought came to an abrupt halt as I realized where my mind had travelled, and I cleared my throat, shifting uneasily.

"I was released late yesterday." She stammered haltingly, her voice stilted, and unsure. "I wanted to thank you for all you've done for us." She drew a hitching breath, and I simply waited to hear what she was going to say. I could not trust my voice in that moment, had I even dared to try. "I hope Dani hasn't been a problem for you. She can be..."

"Danielle has not been a problem." I cut in quickly, reassuring her, and she swallowed, nodding sharply.

Her gaze swept over the garden, and she stepped into the row beside me. "I recognize the chives, parsley, oregano, and dill, but what is this pretty yellow one?" She asked, pointing right at a healthy belladonna.

I cleared my throat in agitation once more, debating how to answer. "That is belladonna." I decided to reply truthfully, forcing myself not to step away from her, because she was suddenly too near, near enough for me to notice the way she smelled.

"Isn't it toxic?" She frowned worriedly, surprising me with her knowledge.

"It can be." I admitted, feeling a sudden, inexplicable kinship with the soft-spoken woman, and it made me uncomfortable when I considered all we had in common already. "However, it can serve a useful purpose in some of the concoctions I create."

"You're an herbalist." She stated confidently, smiling up at me with those deep, sea green eyes.

"Chemistry Professor." I clarified sedately, giving myself a mental shake. "I do this on the side as a hobby." I shrugged, gesturing toward the plants.

"Ah." She looked around once more. "Well, I won't keep you. I just wanted to thank you, and make sure that Dani wasn't being a pest. She never stopped talking about you last night, and I..."

"Rachel." I called quietly, stopping her again. "She was not any trouble. At all." She nodded, turning away, and I watched her cross the lawn. She reached the corner of the house, and turned to me with a slight wave, and a tentative smile. I was slightly unnerved, but returned the wave before turning back to my garden.

The next morning, when I emerged from my home, I was surprised to see Rachel, dressed in jeans, and a faded shirt, on her knees, tending my garden. I came to a halt near her, and she looked up with a warm smile. "Good morning, Devon." It surprised me to realize that she was actually pleased to see me. It was something I was not used to in the least. Even those I considered friends, never really looked as if they were happy to be near me.

"Good morning." I murmured, eyeing the progress she had made, before giving her my attention again.

"I hope you don't mind?" She questioned anxiously. "I could see that you weren't moving very freely yesterday, and Alberta told me you had hurt yourself. So, I thought you might need a little help here." She explained nervously when I did not comment. "I think I know what's here well enough that I haven't damaged anything important'."

I shook myself to attention when she faltered, and drew a deep breath. "It appears to be fine. Thank you for the help. "I murmured uncomfortably. "I have to get back to my work. I have missed too much time..." I stammered to a halt when it occurred to me that I was practically babbling. "Mind yourself around the belladonna. Wash thoroughly when you have finished." I instructed briefly, and walked away. I could feel her eyes upon me as I made my way to the house.

Alberta had received a grant from the state, and intended to remodel the upper floors into four new guest quarters. I planned to get a start on gutting the area down to the rafters before I would return to my classes and Hogwarts. I shoved a foreign feeling of discomfort over that aside, and rolled up my sleeves. For some odd reason, I did not want to go home. Knowing what the coming year held in store for my world if I could not come up with a way to avoid it, served as the most logical reason for my negative feelings.

A few days later, I was in the attic, busily tossing debris from the demolition out the window in irritation. If I were able to use magic, the entire job would have been completed within moments, rather than taking me days. I was grumbling to myself in silence, generally disgusted over the way I had to reign in my power, and live in this manner, when Danielle burst into the room. "Devon! She called loudly, shocking me with the sudden outburst. "Hi!"

"Danielle." I glared, my heart still racing from being startled out of my musings.

"Did I scare you?" She frowned anxiously, coming to a halt halfway across the space.

"You did not frighten me, child." I growled. "You startled me. I will have you know that very little frightens me."

"How come you talk like that, Devon?" She tilted her head in curiosity.

"I do not know what you mean, Danielle." I sighed in irritation. I was becoming tired of her making a fuss over my manner of speech.

"Well, you don't say things the same way as me." She frowned, her eyes going out of focus as she thought about it. "When you talk, I sometimes can't make out what you're saying because your voice is...tilted sideways."

"Indeed." I commented, turning to face her for a moment, before picking up another armload of debris.

"Yeah. Like that word right there...it's weird. Nobody else says it, and then the sound of your words isn't like mine or Mommy's or anybody else's, either."

I suddenly realized what she was referring to, and I shook my head. "Danielle, I am British. I have an accent that is specific to that area of the world. It is just the same as the sound of your voice, child. You are from Michigan, so you sound as you do when you speak, and it sounds strange to me."

"Oh!" She exclaimed, suddenly understanding. "So, that means the lady on the tv is Br..Bri..." She struggled for a moment, and I interceded. "British, Danielle. She is British, as am I."

"Danielle, are you being a pest?" Rachel spoke from the top of the stairs, smiling apologetically in my direction. "I told you not to be bothering Devon when hes working."

"I know, Mommy, but I wanted to say hi to him!" Danielle protested in a whiney voice, and my spine stiffened in irritation.

"Danielle, do not argue with your mother, and do not whine." I snapped, and both females looked at me, their eyes widening in shock. "Pardon me." I murmured, clearing my throat, and turning back to my work. It really was none of my business or concern if Rachel decided to allow the child to behave in such a manner.

"I will keep her out of your hair." Rachel murmured softly, taking Danielle by the hand. "Danielle, how many times do I have to tell you not to pester people! I will remind you once more, not to bother Devon when he is working." She looked at me in silence for a moment, her eyes hardening as she spoke. "I'm sorry for the intrusion, Mr. Robinson. Enjoy your day."

I nodded, and watched them descend out of sight, knowing that she was angry with me over my unwelcome orders. "Why is he so mad all the time, Mommy?" I overheard Danielle question as they moved out of hearing range, and I could not hear what her mother told her. I drew a deep breath, and went back to work.

When I had the room cleared out, and ready to be put back together, I decided that it was enough for one day, and made my way downstairs to the kitchen. Alberta was busily preparing vegetables for dinner, and Rachel was working closely by her side. They were talking quietly, and looked up as I entered the room.

"Good afternoon." I nodded as I made my way toward the back door.

"Devon." Alberta called after me. "We're having a small celebratory dinner this evening. Would you care to join us?"

I looked at her strangely. I joined them every evening for dinner, and wondered what she was playing at. I narrowed my eyes at her, and she cast a guarded look in my direction. "What are we celebrating?" I asked, stepping into the room, carefully assessing each woman.

"Rachel has filed for divorce, and we are going to celebrate her bravery. Alberta smiled, linking her arm through the younger woman's. "We wondered if you'd like to join in with us?"

I slid my gaze in Rachel's direction, and she smiled shyly, unable to hold eye contact. I was not surprised over that, but I was surprised to see the faint pink blush come to her cheeks. Apparently, she was no longer angry with me over disciplining her child. I returned my focus to Alberta, and she smiled benignly. "I would be honoured to help you celebrate this victory. I will return after I have taken a few moments to clean up." I bowed, and continued on my way.

We had adjourned to the front parlour after dinner for tea and cake. After a while, I began to feel as if I were out of place with being the only man in the room. I rose, and gathered plates and cups, carrying them to the kitchen. I ran water in the sink, and began to clean up for the evening. I was lost in my thoughts when movement out of the corner of my eye, caught my attention. Rachel had reached for a towel, and began to dry the dishes, and put them away.

I smiled briefly in appreciation, and she returned it, adding, "I thought you could use some help. When you didn't return right away, I assumed that this was what you were doing."

"Thank you." I replied, turning back to the sink full of dishes. We worked in companionable silence for a few minutes, until she spoke again.

"I...um...I want to apologize for my rudeness this morning." She murmured softly. "I was surprised by your intervention, and reacted badly."

I looked up sharply, considering her choice of words...intervention. "I do not understand." I murmured cautiously. "You were angry over my intrusion, and now you are apologizing for it. You had every right to be angry with me, Rachel. It was not my business to intrude. You owe me no apology. As for my intervention..." I paused, carefully considering my words, because if I were to venture into this subject, it might become more involved than I cared to be in the matter. I drew a deep breath, and let it out slowly, rinsing the last of the suds from the sink.

"I am a professor in a boarding school in Scotland." I began to explain, taking the towel she offered, and drying my hands. "As such, we are required to be parental on occasion. My actions were borne out of habit. Were I to have a student behave in the manner Danielle had this morning, showing a lack of respect for her elders, I would be required to step in, and correct the behaviour. If there is an apology owed here, it is mine. I apologize for stepping in before you had the chance to discipline your own child."

I handed the towel over to her, and she looked at it for a few moments in silence, before slapping it down on the counter. She looked sharply at me, and nodded. "I accept your apology, but I want you to know that I probably wouldn't have done anything like you did."

"I am sorry if my methods were too harsh." I spoke up quickly.

"Let me finish." She replied softly. "I probably would have ignored her, and walked away, or I would have gone into a battle of wills with her, backing down, and allowing her to get away with it as well."

"Why would you have let her get away with it?" I questioned curiously, holding up the carafe of coffee in silent inquiry.

She nodded, accepting my offer of a cup. "I don't know." She replied with a shrug, as I poured. She moved away from me, taking her cup to the table. I followed, sitting across from her, watching in silence as she prepared her drink. I tried not to cringe when she added not only a healthy dollop of cream, but a heaping spoonful of sugar as well.

"I am no expert, by any means." I declared calmly. "I do not even have any children. It just seems to me that children should mind their betters."

"Their betters?" She whispered hauntingly, and I cursed my carelessness as I saw the dawning knowledge in her eyes. "Devon...I'm..." She jumped to her feet, and hurried out the back door, and I followed closely behind her.

"Rachel!" I called with a desperate whisper. "Where are you going?" She hurried around to the front of the house, and I grabbed her arm as I quickly caught up with her. "Wait!"

"I need to be alone, Devon. Please, let me go." She commanded in her soft tone.

She turned to walk away once more, and I whispered softly, "You are right, you know." She stopped in her tracks, and slowly turned to look at me in curiosity. "What you are thinking...it is true. I was often told by my father that I needed to mind my betters." I did not understand this compulsion I had when it came to this woman. Everything in me forced me to admit only the truth to her, and despite the danger that presented both to myself, and to her, I could not bring myself to lie.

I stood there, my heart pounding in anticipation. Of what, exactly, I could not be sure. She slowly returned to stand before me, and I gazed at her in silence. When she reached out, and touched my face, I flinched in reaction. A reaction borne of years of abuse; a conditioned response to my years of suffering.

"I-I'm sorry." She stammered, snatching her hand away. I grabbed her wrist, but simply released her as the moment grew even more awkward between us. I think she could sense my confusion and inner turmoil, and knew I needed space. She slowly climbed the steps, and I expected her to enter the house, and leave me to sort myself alone. But she didn't. She settled into the porch swing, and slowly began to rock, not even looking in my direction.

After several long moments of silent debate, during which time, Lily's voice came softly in my mind, "Don't be afraid to trust her, Severus. You trusted me once upon a time, it is time to trust again." Deciding that Rachel had already figured out my dirty little secret, and that there was no point in denying the truth, I drew a deep breath, slowly crossed the yard, and climbed the stairs. I came to a halt before her, and waited for her to acknowledge me. When she looked up, I gestured toward the swing, and murmured, "May I sit?"

"Of course." She smiled, and moved over, allowing me to settle beside her.

The silence stretched between us once again, and she was the first to break it. I was surprised when she did not even mention what had transpired between us. Instead, she spoke of her situation, showing an amazing amount of trust in me.

"I'm frightened about my husband's reaction to my filing for divorce, Devon." She looked up, and there were tears in her eyes. "Eddie gets so violent, so quickly, and it can be over the simplest of things. I'm afraid of how he will react to this."

"I am familiar with your situation." I replied, my voice faltering. "My...father...was very much the same. Does your husband also drink?" I swallowed, not sure if it was because I was taking such a huge chance in trusting her, or if it was because I already suspected what her answer would be.

"Oh yes, and it's ten times worse when he is." She whispered, drawing a deep breath. I nodded in complete agreement, memories from the past flooding my mind.

"You will be safe here." I murmured reassuringly. "Alberta will see that you are protected."

"I can't stay here forever, Devon." She whispered softly. "Eventually, I'm going to have to go back to my home. Dani will have to go back to school. I'll have to find work...and I know Eddie isn't going to ever leave us alone!"

In spite of myself, I reached out, and enclosed her hand in mine, holding tightly to it for a brief moment. "It will be alright. You are doing the right thing."

"I know I am, but knowing it doesn't make it any less frightening." She murmured softly. "But I can no longer live with him. I will not live with a murderer!"

"What?" I exclaimed in shock. "Murderer? You must turn him over to the authorities!"

"I didn't have to." She sobbed suddenly, and I startled upon hearing the sharp sound. "Dr. Foster did it for me."

"Doctor..." I stammered, and closed my eyes. 'Damn. She knew.' I thought sadly. "I am sorry, Rachel."

She looked up at me in surprise. "You knew?" She whispered, wiping her eyes, quickly under control of her emotions.

"Yes." I replied carefully, looking down at my hands.

"Why didn't you say anything?" She questioned, her voice strained.

"It was not my place." I answered bluntly.

"I see." She replied coldly, and I could tell she was angry with me. I had no clue as to why she felt it was my place to give her such news, but I was compelled to defend myself to her anyway.

"Rachel, when I came to hospital with you, I waited around for them to give me a report on your condition, so that I could come back here, and reassure Danielle." I swallowed, and took a deep breath. "I spoke with Doctor Foster, and he informed me of the child, but he did not know if you were aware of..." I grimaced in annoyance. No matter which way I tried to explain, it would hurt her, and I hated the fact. "By not knowing whether you were aware of the child yet, I felt it best that I not say anything on the matter."

"But Devon, I told you of my suspicions that night." She argued quietly. "You stood right there, knowing that I had lost my baby, and didn't say a thing!"

Her words angered me, and I glared at her. "If you recall, you were not very receptive to having a stranger in your room. Was I to know that you would expect me to tell you that your unborn child was dead?" I regretted it as soon as the words were out of my mouth, too late to bite them off and swallow them. "I am sorry." I apologized softly when I saw the blood drain from her face. "Forgive me. That was completely unnecessary." She looked at her hands, and did not reply. The silence stretched an eternity between us, and I slowly came to my feet. "I am sorry for my harsh words, and sorry for your loss, Rachel. I will leave you to your thoughts. Goodnight."

I had made it down the first step before she called to me. "Devon. Stop. Come back, please. You're right. It wasn't your place to give me such news, and I'm sorry I lashed out at you. Please come back, and talk with me for a while."

I slowly crossed over to her, eyeing her warily. She smiled encouragingly, and I settled beside her, unable to fully relax. She drew a deep breath, and continued to tell me about her husband's arrest. "Dr. Foster reported the situation to the police. There's a growing awareness in the general public about such things happening. Men learning of unwanted children, who resort to beating their women in the hopes of killing the child. They're coming down hard on people who are suspected of trying it. Eddie succeeded, but he was caught. He was arrested the day after you brought me to the hospital. He was arraigned, and bail was set extraordinarily high. He couldn't raise the amount, and he's sitting in jail, awaiting trial, and growing angrier, and angrier, the longer he's there."

My mind drifted to the past, and the vicious words my father would hurl at me during fits of rage, about how he had tried to eliminate me before I was born. Just as I became aware of the silence that had stretched between us, she laid her hand on my arm, startling me, despite the fact that I had already journeyed back to the present. "Where were your thoughts just now, Devon?" She asked gently. I drew a deep breath, and let it out, my spine stiffening automatically in defence. "Please, tell me." She whispered softly. "I can tell you don't want to, but I think I understand. Wont you trust me, just a little bit, Devon?"

I looked into her eyes, a'nd saw nothing but understanding, and concern. Lily's voice whispered softly, "Trust her, Severus." I passed a hand over my face, and drew a deep breath. After a few false starts, she whispered again, "Take your time, Devon. I know it isn't easy to discuss."

Some more time passed as I struggled over how to begin. She carefully reached out, and placed her hand on mine, smiling gently. "I know how difficult it is to truly give your trust to anyone, but you can trust me, Devon."

The smile on her face encouraged me to trust her, but a festering, deep-seated, hatred boiled up from deep inside. All I could see was the way my father used to smile at me. I remembered how he would gain my trust, just long enough to break it as he beat me senseless. "Why would I trust you?" I snarled, jumping to my feet as anger swelled in my chest. "I do not even know you!" I glared at her over my shoulder as I stormed off the porch, and fled to my home.

I laid there for hours in the dark, my mind turning over and over every moment that had passed since Danielle and Rachel had come into my life. As I recalled what had just happened, and my subsequent reaction to it, my thoughts turned to Danielle. Dread filled my mind when I considered a future for her that was much like mine due to the abuses she had already suffered in her young life.

As I lie there, images of the child filled my head. She had worked her way into my heart before I knew what was happening to me. Something that no child had ever managed to do, not even Lily's son, not that he had tried. I supposed that was my doing as well. I hadn't given the boy a chance. All I could see when I looked at him was his father, and my hatred for him swelled. When I looked into his eyes, all I saw was Lily, and my heart shattered every time over the loss of the only true friend I had ever had while growing up.

I reflected on moments spent with Danielle, such as the day I was working in the flower beds alongside the house, when she ran up to me, excited over an ice cream vendor, peddling his way up the street. "Devon, look, the ice cream truck! Can I have a popsicle? Please Devon, please!" She had begged. Despite my immediate urge to correct her improper speech, I reached in my pocket to hand her the money for her ice cream. "You owe me for that, child." I had murmured wryly, and she quickly agreed, throwing her arms around my waist before I could fend her off, so happy over the treat that she was willing to agree to anything.

"Thank you, Devon!" She had exclaimed as she released me, frowning suddenly. "Daddy never lets me have anything from the ice cream man." She had raced to the front walk to wait, turning to flash an impish grin in my direction. I had returned the smile, in spite of myself.

I swung my legs out of bed, and sat there, my mind still turning. I rubbed my face, and another moment floated into my mind. I had been working in one of the bedrooms, finishing up the trim, and passed through the kitchen on my way out the back door. Danielle was seated at the table, watching Alberta remove a pan of freshly baked biscuits to a rack.

"Devon! Come see what I made!" She called as soon as she spotted me. "I helped Alberta make cookies. This one is you." She declared proudly, holding the misshapen confection out for my inspection. In all honesty, I must admit that it had a smile made from red icing on it. I supposed to her, that qualified as looking like me, although I questioned the presence of a smile.

Banishing the memories with a shake of my head, I made my way into the loo to splash water on my face. The image of her happy little face, beaming up at me whenever she saw me, refused to be washed away. I had never had a child like me that I could call to mind, and I was unnerved. "Time to go, Severus." I growled at my image in the mirror. I was becoming too involved, getting too close to them, attached. I sighed heavily, and knew what I needed to do. I had to leave, and I had to go immediately, despite not completely finishing what Id agreed to do for Alberta before I returned to school.

I settled once more on my bed, and pulled on my boots. With another heavy sigh, my decision made, I retrieved my wand, and apparated to the attic. I took an assessing look around the space, and with a quick wave of my wand, the room was prepared for the renovations that were planned. I silently moved through the rest of the house, undetected by the sleeping occupants, performing any minor repairs that were still needed. The changes were subtle enough that, were they to be noticed at all, it would be simply passed off to not noticing many of the tasks I had completed while I stayed here.

I returned to my temporary home, and stood in the middle of the great room, looking all around me. I was surprised to realize that I would miss it here, and my resolve hardened. It was definitely time for me to go home to my own life. I had no place here in this world. I set to work, making sure anything that would remind anyone I had been there was removed, and then stopped abruptly. With another wave of my wand, I returned everything as it was, and I shook my head. Feeling more uncertain, than sure, of my decision, I lowered myself into my chair, and stared out the window until the sun rose brightly in the morning sky.

"Good morning, Devon." Alberta greeted me with a smile that quickly faded as soon as she took a closer look at my face. "What's on your mind this morning?" She murmured gently. "I can see you haven't slept a wink."

"It is time for me to go home, Alberta." I replied simply. "I will be leaving today, this morning, in fact."

"I thought you were staying for another week!" She exclaimed in surprise.

"There is no need." I replied rather sharply, and her eyes narrowed. "I have completed the work that I promised I would do. It is time for me to go back to Scotland, and prepare for classes." I added, tempering my tone.

She set her coffee cup down on the counter, and wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tightly. "Devon, I can't thank you enough for all you've done for this place over the summer. You've been a blessing, and an angel. I'm going to really miss you being around here."

I stiffened in response, unable to return the embrace. "I have done what I could, but I am no angel, Alberta. I told you that once before." I murmured, wishing that I was able to return her affection in a physical manner. My words would have to be enough. "I have grown to admire you a great deal, Alberta, and I am surprised to find that I will miss you very much, too."

She stepped away, and we shared a look that was full of knowledge, and an understanding that I knew we would never discuss. It would have to be enough. She nodded, briefly, and replied, "I will miss your quiet presence, Devon. Let me tell Rachel that you're going. I'm sure she will want to say goodbye."

"There is no need." I cut in sharply, and swallowed anxiously. "We said all we needed to say to each other last night." I continued more calmly, hoping she might accept my explanation.

"What about Danielle?" She questioned softly. "You should tell her goodbye. She'll be crushed if you don't."

I drew a deep breath, and bowed my head. "I think it is best if I do not speak to her. I think it best if I make a clean break. She has become too attached to me, and I can not stay any longer. I refuse to put her through it. I must go. Now."

The familiar sensation of her blue eyes boring holes into my back, followed me all the way to the street. I paused there, fighting the urge to look back at the house as I waited for the cab to pull to the curb. I climbed into the back, and closed my eyes, wishing for a way to shut out the sound of her voice as Danielle burst through the door. "Devon! Come back!" I cursed the open windows as she raced down the sidewalk, calling for me, and sobbing brokenly, "Angel! Come back! Please, come back! I love you, Devon! I love you! Please come back..."

"Pull over to the curb." I ordered a few blocks later.

"Change your mind, buddy?" He grinned into the mirror at me.

"No." I replied coldly. "I no longer require your services." Tossing a generous amount of Muggle money at him through the open window, I stalked away until I was no longer visible. I ducked into a deserted alleyway, and apparated to my home on Spinner's End, Danielle's cries still echoing in my ears.