Tel\' Lindar (The Bard)

Chapter 26

With this lung, I thee medicate or The Elf Brigade

***

Deep, deep, blessed darkness.

No sound, no light, no Big Elf with the angry fist, no naked woman dancing in the sand.

The Voyeur sank into the soft down of his surroundings. Warmed blankets and quilts were piled around him and he felt himself sigh in contented bliss, enveloped in the cocoon of the sweet splendor of uninterrupted sleep. The bed smelled of her, of roses, the slight trace of her sex.

It was too good to be true, too good to last.

The quilts flew off the bed and he rolled, hearing the whoosh of air as the cane was raised. It whacked the empty mattress where his legs had been scant seconds before.

"What are you trying to do, you meddling old biddy?" He stared into the malicious eyes of the Woman's Nana. "Cripple me?"

"Ye allowed my gel to get sick, you arse! You allowed-"

"I allowed nothing of the sort! Her husband neglected to tell me until it was too late-"

"Ye allowed it! Yer supposed to be an intelligent Wizard. All ye've been able to think about the past weeks is getting in her bed, between her legs!"

The Voyeur circled around the bed, closely watching the cane. "I beg to differ with you, old woman!" As he advanced, the stick came down sharply; he caught it neatly and yanked it from the old woman's grasp. "No more! No more will I sit by and allow you or the Elf to deride and torture me!" He stood tall over the gnarled, bent figure. "She is ill! I know she is ill! I have used the herbs the Elf suggested-"

"Ye Gods!" the old woman shrieked, "She will be sick for ages, waiting for those natural herbs to kick in! They should have been administered before she became ill!" She squinted angrily up at the tall Wizard. "Would ye sit down? Yer hurtin' my neck!" From nowhere, her rocking chair materialized and she sat slowly, easing creaking joints into the chair.

"One would think the Power that is would allow some comfort in your ghostage!" the Voyeur snarled, allowing himself to settle on the edge of the bed. He kept a tight grip on her cane.

"One would think ye'd notice she had become ill! Ye have not shared the information found in the trunk with her!"

The Voyeur's brain reeled with the sudden change in subjects. "We have had other things to deal with, woman."

"I know. Her bow!" She waved her hand dismissively. "It will show up when it's good and ready."

"You know where it is?"

"I have my suspicions." She shrugged. " `Tis rather obvious!"

"Tell me!" The Voyeur gritted between clenched teeth.

The old woman inspected her nails. "What? And spoil the fun of the search? When the time comes." She held up a knobby finger. "Maybe." Shrewd eyes glinted dangerously. "Share the information in the trunk with my girl." Her expression softened. "She deserves to know."

"She might not appreciate the implications."

The woman leaned forward. "What d'ye think she will do? Deny ye yer heritage? If you think that, ye do not know m'girl!" She settled back in the chair and rocked for a moment, deep in thought. "Tell me what Elvish and other medicines ye have tried?"

The Voyeur listed off the things she had taken, what the Elf had recommended, what the Medi-witch had done.

"And have ye contacted the Peredhil - the Half- Elven?" He nodded his assent. "No doubt, he will infuse her with more natural remedies. Nothing wrong with natural remedies, mind ye, but simesimes, one needs something with more kick than what the Mother provided for us." An evil smile lit on the old woman's features. "Lean closer, boy. If the Peredhil's ministrations are too slow, try this..."

The Voyeur's eyes widened as the old woman gave him a recipe
for a potion that amused him to the core.

***

Bronwyn had deteriorated rapidly during the day. Severus felt it and he chaffed, waiting for a response from the Elves. That the weather was dismal, he cared not, but her frailness was over-whelming to his senses. His temper was foul, even towards his beloved Slytherins, when the door to his classroom flew open, a small First Year standing in the dim light.

Gerundavae Johnson.

The little Ravenclaw who stared at him as if he would saute her over a low flame in herbed olive oil and eat her.

"Miss Johnson, this had better be worth my time!" he snapped at the young Ravenclaw.

She shivered and tried to steel herself. "Professor Snape... I... I..."

"Ten points from Ravenclaw for pestering me! Where is your instructor?"

The child steeled herself again, eyes going cold. With bravery rarely found in a young child, the little girl spoke loudly in a clear voice, "So be it! As for my instructor, Professor Powell is currently on her hands and knees, barfing into the waste can!" She spun around and headed towards the door. "Just thought you'd like to know!" she spat over her shoulder as she exited the dreary room, slamming the door behind her.

He made his decision quickly. "Miss Granger, if you would be so kind as to make sure no one blows up their cauldrons..." he strode purposefully from the room, uncaring of the looks the students gave each other. He cleared the hall, robes billowing behind him and flew into her room like the great bat he was rumored to be. Her students had for the most part, cleared into the back of the room. As Gerundevae had informed him, Bronwyn was kneeling behind her desk, one hand on the floor. He allowed himself a moment of pride when he noticed the three students behind her, aiding her, were his Slytherin First Years. Oliver Cenare was holding her hair behind her, while his sister Nellyth, was swabbing her face with a wet paper towel. Royce Natrix was attempting to hold onto Amadeus, who was clearly upset and agitated.

"Get back!" he quietly ordered, kneeling beside the stricken Muggles Studies Professor. "Professor Powell," he queried, "Is getting to your chambers a possibility?"

Her eyes and nose were running, but she grinned weakly at him. "Oh, I think the floor here would be nice and cool and would feel so good." Another round of coughing began and what little was left in her stomach, found its way into the waste can.

He waited until she was finished to look at the class. "You!" He pointed to Gerundevae, "What were you studying?"

The little girl's expression hardened. "The Macedonian Renaissance."

"Five feet of parchment on that subject when this class reconvenes!"

"Two! My class!"

"Silence!" he hissed at Bronwyn. He turned his attention back to her class. "Five!" Severus looked at the group. "What are you waiting for? Go! You!" he pointed to Gerundavae. "Five points for your cheek!" He pointed to the Slytherins. "Go and find the Headmaster and tell him Professor Powell's classes are canceled until further notice. Then go to the infirmary and send Madam Pomfrey down here immediately! Twenty points to Slytherin for your care of your professor." He waited until the room had cleared to address Bronwyn. "What happened?"

She was still on her hands and knees, forehead pressed to the cool stone of the floor. "Severus, have you ever coughed until you vomited? That's what happened."

He pulled her from the floor and spoke the password to her chambers. "You need a shower, now. I suspect your rooms will be crawling with extra curricular people too soon and you have vomit in your hair."

"Can't you do a cleansing charm?" she asked weakly. The stairs to the upper part of her chambers were daunting in her weakened state and she apparently did not wish to climb them.

Sensing her dread, Severus levitated her, floating her gently up the stairs. "A shower would make you feel better." They reached the top of the staircase and he set her down gently in front of the bathroom door. "Get in the shower; I will get your things. Leave the door open."

Bronwyn slowly made her way into the bathroom. "Severus, I don't think this is proper..."

"And why not? It is not like I have not seen you in the altogether." He gently propelled her towards the shower. "Go. Amadeus will be happy to sit in there with you."

True to his prediction, both Madame Pomfrey and Albus Dumbledore came pounding on her door within minutes after she got into the shower. Madam Pomfrey went straight to the bathroom, shoving Amadeus to the side and asking Bronwyn a myriad of questions. Bronwyn lost her temper with the concerned medi-witch and informed her that the least she could do was wait until she was finished with her shower and dressed. The excitement caused Bronwyn to go into yet another spasm and she quickly found herself dressed in a shift, drinking drugged up fluids and ensconced in her bed, the medi witch plumping pillows and Amadeus at the foot regally guarding the quilts.

Severus spent several minutes in his classroom, collecting samples of the Simulomortalis potion and deducting points from Granger for aiding the dunderheads. Upon returning to Bronwychamchambers, he came close to running over the combined First Years, voicing their concern over their teacher.

"She is sick. That should be obvious. Now leave before I deduct more points!" Poppy and Albus were silently conferring when he entered Bronwyn's chambers. In all honestly, Snape had not seen the mediwitch look this concerned since... well, since the last time he had been forced to be the main attraction at a Dark Revel and had collapsed on Hogwart's grounds. She quickly approached the Potions Master.

"I need you to brew a powerful expectorant and give her a dose every four to six hours. A small vial should do. No solids, just fluids to keep her hydrat-"

"You are assuming I am willing to care for her?" Severus steepled his fingers before him, black eyes narrowing at the audacity of the mediwitch. "Is that not your job?"

Poppy never missed a beat. "Fine. As you brought her into her chambers, I assumed you wished to keep her close at hand. However, if
you would be so kind as to bring her to the infirmary..." Severus waved his hand in aggravation, "I thought as much, keep her hydrated with fluids This started as a simple cold, but it has escalated quickly into a horrible Upper Respiratory Infection, possibly even bronchitis. Her immune system is very weak." She looked back at the Headmaster. "I have suggested to Albus that she be confined to bed until she gets better and he has agreed to cancel her classes.

*Oh, she will be thrilled to the tampon strings with that news*

Poppy tapped him on the chest. "Albus says you have sent an owl to the Elves. Is one of them her medical advisor?

"Elrond. I sent an owl yesterday evening to Elrond."

The medi-witch looked impressed. "Well. If one is going to have an Elf for a medical advisor, he is the one to have!" She made toward the door. "Keep her propped; she breathes better. I'll be back after dinner to check on her. Severus - " she paused at the door. "I'm really worried. This escalated too quickly and I'm inclined to think something else is at work here. I do not sense any magic - dark or otherwise, but this makes no sense, whatsoever. You can brew the expectorant?" Snape nodded. "Good. Put something in it to aid her sleeping. Some Dreamless Sleep potion." She patted him once more before leaving.

"Do you want me to sit with her while you brew the potion?" Albus eyes were not twinkling and as he had all the previous year, he looked older, tired and stooped.

"It is up to you, Headmaster. If it makes you feel better. Bobbin can do it, if you are pressed for time. He is devoted to her and he is quite capable of caring for her."

"I think I'll sit a while anyway." The old Wizard slowly made his way up the stairs. Severus could hear his knees creaking and while brewing her expectorant, he also brewed a thick analgesic paste, to ease the Headmaster's arthritic joints.

For two days, she lay, coughing and sleeping. She ate little, drank lots and showered frequently. If Severus wasn't teaching classes, he was sitting in a chair at her bedside, catching up on the current issue of Caldron Chemicals and other Wizarding Scientific periodicals. When he wore those out, he picked up the mystery novel she had been reading. He soon found himself disgusted by the adventures of Amelia Peabody and her Egyptologist husband, Emerson Radcliffe as written by Elizabeth Peters. Codswalloping tripe, but better than a romance novel, with a long hd, bd, bare - chested pirate fondling an over ripe spoiled young female on the cover.

Poppy came down every four hours to check on her charge, only to be growled at by Bronwyn for disturbing her. Remus Lupin also came down - not once, but twice, bringing flowers - he dared Snape to zap them, spoiling the fun of it - and well wishes. Several times, his own First Years - obviously spokestudents for all the First years - questioned after her well being, knowing they courted his wrath. His back hurt from sleeping in the chair the first night. He gave up the second night and ordered the wolf to move over; he was taking part of the bed. Amadeus gave up a scant inch, making sure he lay between the two professors, upside down, his tail in the Potions Master's face.

On Wednesday morning, he was prodded awake by an incessant
finger.

"Professor Snape! Professor Snape!" the whispering was as annoying as the finger prodding him. "I is so sorry, but Professor Snape must unward the fireplace! Please!"

Severus ed aed a bleary eye. Bronwyn had been restless, up and down all night and the wolf had had gas.

"This had better be-"

"He is here! He is here! Please! Saes! Unward the fireplace!"

"He who?" Severus looked at the clock. It was a little after five in the morning. "Speak up, dammit! He who?"

"He has come!" The little elf was bouncing up and down, all nervousness, ears flopping about. "He is with Professor Dumbledore. Oh please, oh please, unward the fireplace. Professor Dumbledore is most anxious!"

Severus crawled from the bed, throwing on his robe over his sleep pants. Making his way into the sitting area, he made sure the fire was banked before unwarding it.

Immediately, green flames rose up and Albus' voice boomed, "Step back, Severus!" Snape stepped back just in time to see Albus come through. He was quickly followed by a tall, dark haired individual. He was as tall as Severus and slender. His finely cut robes of rich cs, cs, complimented his coloring. He had intricately braided hair that lay around delicately pointed ears. The Elf's face was etched, features were chiseled. Sapphire blue eyes bore into the Potions Master and he caught his breath.

"She is upstairs?"

Snape nodded and started to lead the way, but the Elf put up a hand. "I will see to her myself. Then you and I will have a ... chat."

Lord Elrond proceeded towards the stairs, but stopped at the sight of the small house elf blocking the stairs, wringing his hands. "And you are?"

"Buh- buh - bobbin, sir. I is Bobbin, my... lord." Large eyes beseeched the Peredhil. "You makes Missy Bronwyn better?"

"I will do my best." Elrond put out his hand to lightly touch the elf on the head. "Would you like to help me?"

Amazement and wonderment shone on the little elf's face. "The Great Elrond wants Bobbin to help? Oh sir! Yes! Yes! Anything Lord Elrond wants!" Quickly, Bobbin bounced up the stairs, fold byd by the Peredhil. Words were not clear, but soon after, Amadeus skulked down the stairs, tail tucked between his legs. He went to the rug and sat down, defiantly daring anyone to move him. Severus glanced at the wolf.

"I take it his arrival was a surprise?"

"Indeed." Albus made a great show of cleaning his glasses and
perching them back on his nose. "I should warn you, he is not happy."

Severus was staring at Amadeus; a stand-off seemed imminent. "And why would you feel the need to warn me? Why would he be angry with you? Or me, for that matter?"

A cry of recognition, followed by harsh coughing, could be heard down the stairs and Albus continued. "He made me feel like an errant school boy." Snape drew up, preparing for battle, but the Head Master patted him gently on the shoulder. "Stand down, warrior, and hear him out. He is angry but out of concern." Now there was a twinkle in the old man's eyes. "I dare say after fifteen minutes on the lashing end of his tongue, I see the family resemblance."

Snape scowled. "Family resemblance? What family resemblance?"

"Why, between you and him! You have him down pat!"

The two fell into silence, the wait, endless. Finally, the stately Elf made his way down the stairs. He poked his elegant nose into every doorway, the kitchen, wrinkled his face in distaste at the disorganized state of her personal office.

He was rebuffed by the wards at the front door. "Where does this lead?" he queried.

"To her classroom."

"And out into the castle proper? May I?" The Elf stepped back expectantly.

"Carl Philippe Emanuel Bach." Snape spoke the password and Elrond made his way out. He walked through the classroom, went into the hallway, taking in the stony and dark interior. His brows were knitted in consternation as he returned to her chambers, seeing the French Doors to her patio. He went to them, peering in horror at the long wall rising above to the surface of the grounds. Finally, he came back to stand with the two Wizards. "Bobbin, please check on Bronwyn and see how deeply she rests." The house elf was up and back in moments.

"Very deeps, sir. Missy Bronwyn sleeps, but she rattles."

"Yes, she does and will for quite sometime." Elrond came to stand in front of the wolf. Long fingers flicked as they crossed in front of him.

"Who knows?"

The wolf yipped once, glancing angrily at the Potions Master.

"Anyone else?"

Another angry yip.

"Ah, the Werewolf. Does she know?"

The wolf shook his great white head negatively.

"It figures. He turned to Severus. "You are Snape? The Potions Master?"

Severus drew himself up. "Yes. I-"

"Stay there. I will deal with you later." This Elf could teach lessons in arrogance! He had turned back to the wolf.

"Haldir! How could you allow her to degenerate to this state?"

***

No one knows what it's like
To be the bad man
To be the sad man
Behind blue eyes

I have hours, only lonely
My love is vengeance
That's never free

Behind Blue Eyes
The Who

***

Not surprisingly, Amadeus/Haldir became more insolent in facial expression and demeanor. His look was obstinate. Elrond had not let up.

"Have you not been instructing the Shield in his duties?"

"If by `instructing me in my duties' you are referring to haunting my dreams every single night-" Severus was stopped by a single look and an upheld hand.

Elrond turned back to Amadeus. "Haldir! Do you have any idea how sick she is?"

Ah, finally, a look of guilt. The Elf continued in his carefully worded tirade.

"A dungeon! You have allowed her to be housed in a dungeon! Your wife! Your bonded soul-mate!"

That cut Severus to the pit of his heart and it clenched painfully.

"One you died for and you allowed them to house her in a dungeon!"

The wolf proceeded to howl and yip, obviously defending himself. Severus found the noise to be rather loathsome and spoke up. "If you wish, I can make him speak a more civilized language." He began to pull his wand from the pocket of his robe.

The Elf turned his ire onto the Potions Master. "I can understand him perfectly!" he hissed. "Do not gloat! You are next!" The Elf returned his attention to the wolf, leaving Severus bristling in fury. He turned to Albus.

"Headmaster, I will not stand here-"

"Yes, you will." Albus said gently. "I took fifteen minutes of it before we came down. Please hear him out. He is deeply concerned." He hooked his arm through Snape's and pointed at the wolf. "Is that really her deceased husband? Fascinating!" Both Wizards returned their attention to the scene unfolding in front of the fireplace.

Lord Elrond slowly circled the bristling wolf, his fingers flickering the flowing cuffs of his trailing robes. The Elf began to speak in that sing-song Elvish language; the wolf answering, at first rebelliously, and then slowly, guiltily, sadly. His great head hung and he finally laid down, head on his paws. Eventually, Lord Elrond tired of lambasting the creature and turned on the Potions Master.

*Lord or no, I will not allow him to berate me or lash out me as if I am guilty-*

"Nay, you are not guilty."

Snape's head jerked. The Elf had read his mind! He-

"Yes, quite clearly. The art of Legilimens and Occlumency is a many generations removed variation of Far-speak. Very few can do it and fewer still master it. My sons-" he added softly, "left many gifts."

He didn't know.

Snape quickly masked his thoughts. This powerful Elf Lord did not know his sons lived. The Potions Master caught his breath and spoke, carefully changing the subject. "Lord Elrond, you did not need to come-"

"Did not need? Did not need?" A hint of a smile was on the sharp features and one hand went into his voluminous sleeve. "In the last two days, I have received a missive from you," he pulled out Severus's letter, "One from a Madame Pomfrey," yet another, "one from Professor Dumbledore," another, "one signed by Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley," (it figured that THEY would be in on whatever was going on), "one from a Rubeus Hagrid," runny ink everywhere, "let us see..." the rolled scrolls began to tumble from pockets, a myriad of places on the Elf's personage, "one from a Professor McGonagall, Madams Hooch and Sprout, Remus Lupin, and an imploring, begging, missive, signed by what appears to be her First Year Class." Severus could plainly see the long, rolled petition, with a long list of names. The pile was stacked quite high on the table. "Yes! I needed to come!" Elrond looked slightly miffed. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "You!" he was apparently referring to Snape, "Did you not have any idea she was getting ill?"

"This came on quite suddenly."

"You put her in a dungeon!"

"I believe you have said that on several occasions now. Perhaps you would be so kind to tell me why that is such a troublesome-"

"Le meren sui ulaer, nem-raen!" The Elf released his nose and glared at the Potions Master. "She is highly allergic to molds and mildews and you put her in their natural habitat! Why not slit her wrists while you are at it?"

*Ah. So that is why she needed to go outside so often. And why great lengths had been gone to procure such airy quarters.*

"I did not know."

"Of course!" the Elf Lord quickly - too quickly - agreed. "You did not know!" he spat sarcastically. He thrust his hand towards Amadeus. "Her husband kept you blissfully unaware!" He turned back towards the wolf, stalking him. "Of all the selfish, self-serving... bah!" Amadeus had scrunched up in a tight ball, as he whimpered softly. "Jealousy. Blinded by jealousy! So determined to change what will be!" The wolf raised his head and answered him, angry yips and snarled; bold. The Elf within was bold to the core.

"Do not ply me with excuses. You saw this in Galadriel's mirror! You should have talked it over with Bronwyn, discussed all you saw! But n'uma! You drop it all on her shoulders, as if she could carry more!" More yips and snarls. "By carrying the entire burden, you completely disregarded the very definition of your bonded relationship with her - an equal partnership!" This brought the wolf up short, the Wizard's ears honing in on the secret the Elf Lord had just disclosed. "And now, because of your inability to consider your wife's influence-" High pitched yipping and howling. The Elf Lord turned away, his frown marring, lining perfect features, "And yet, due to you inability to confer with her, you both have given me the greatest gift." Grateful eyes rose up and took in both Albus and Severus. "Descendants. Wonderful descendants from my children. I am amazed by you. Appalled at times, but generally amazed." Slowly he
made his way across the room and patted Severus on the shoulder in a
comforting gesture. "My apologies to you, Severus Snape. You have
been put in a most horrific position."

Finally! It was about ti-

"Unfortunately, you can not be allowed off the hook. No doubt, this overprotective creature has filled your every nightmare with scores of images designed to teach you in the most roundabout way."

Raven winged eyebrows shot up. "You have no idea."

Lord Elrond smiled slightly. "I would suppose he put her in the most unsavory light possible."

Severus mirrored the Elf Lord's grin. "I have been well introduced to a battle hardened, spewing, illogical, wedding - happy, Middle Earth lounge singer, berserker..."

Elrond let out a laugh so deep, it startled everyone in the room. "Haldir! You sly dog! Let me guess. Did you show him how the two of you met? Not an auspicious beginning, was it?" The wolf whined. "What else?"

"I have witnessed her pulling dead bodies from a bog, beheading Uruk- hai, cursing an Elf because they caught their children snogging in a garden, arguing with her husband over armor, standing on a table with a guitar strapped around her waist, singing bawdy songs..."

The Elf Lord was working hard to quell his laughter. "Great Iluvatar! It is a small wonder the Wizard can bear to be in the same room with her! Ah, Haldir!" Elrond sat down on the couch and motioned the wolf over. Amadeus crossed over to the Elf Lord and put his head on his knee, dark blue eyes imploring. Elrond gently scratched him behind the ears. "When you were an Elfling and I brought my sons to visit their grandparents, you would stand at my knee and look at me just like this. You were a charmer, even then. I am so sorry, mellon, but you must work with what the Valar have decreed." The Elf leaned over, cupping the sides of the wolf's head, foreheads together. "There is no use fighting it. She is very, very ill. And
hurting. Haldir, would you truly have her this way?" The room was silent for a few minutes before the two Eldar broke contact. Patting him on the head, Elrond released the beast and stood up. "In addition to the allergies, what started as an Upper Respiratory Infection as you say, has moved quickly into full blown pneumonia. I am afraid your Muggle Studies Professor is going to be in bed for many days. She can aid you in a decision on how to go about replacing her for the duration. Professor Snape, you and I will work together brewing medications for her, as I doubt your magical cures will aid her any. Your medi- witch might be interested as well. I wish to know the progress you have made concerning her bow and we must make arrangements to move her out of the dungeon and into more suitable quarters."

"N'uma!"

All parties turned to the scratchy voice on the stairs. Bronwyn looked truly awful. Her hair was tangled, her nose, eyes, entire face was red and puffy. Amadeus immediately made his way to her side, concern etched visibly.

"Tithen Aras, you should not be up..."

"Well, I am. I'm not moving anywhere!"

Severus strode around the Elven Lord and grabbing her - gently - by the shoulders, forced her to look up at him. "How long have you been standing here? What did you hear?"

"I have pneumonia, Elrond wants a bow update. I'm not moving!"

"Tithen Aras, I-"

"Don't you `little dear' me, you Elf, you! You have the stealth of Haldir and I'm attuned to it. My home in Valinor is unreachable to me. My home here is too dangerous. I have spent five months making these rooms my home." She fought off a coughing attack. "I am not moving! I won't! You can't make me!"

"Would you like to test that theory?" Severus asked in silky tones.

Bronwyn glared, obviously prepared to go to war. Elrond stepped between the two battling professors. "Tithen Aras, do you insist? Surely, you would prefer an open, airy..."

"Protecting her in such an environment would be nigh impossible." Snape snapped. "Besides, she is close to me here. What other avenue could we explore?"

"Ah." Elrond mused. "The two of you can actually agree on something. That is good to know." Severus felt like he had just been coerced into something unpleasant. "First things first, Bronwyn." He gently pried her from Snape's grip and began to tuck her fingers into the crook of his elbow. "To bed with you."

Bronwyn dug in her heels. "Not until this is settled!"

The Elf Lord gently tugged her upwards, waving off the Wizard, brandishing his wand. "I promise, we will not move you from your chambers." Slowly they moved up the stairs. "There are other ways, but we must get you well." They moved into her room and Elrond helped her into the bed, before sitting on the edge. "Tell me," he requested, taking both hands in his, "You are adjusting well?"

"Do you want to start me on a tirade?" she croaked. Fitfully, she cast her eyes down. "Eh. I'm fine. I'm making friends. Most of the students are wonderful. There are a few rotten apples, but that's to be expected. I'm fitting in."

Elrond gestured towards the piano-forte. "I do not recall you having that in your possession. Where did it come from?" He watched a gentle, fond smile cross her features.

"It was a ... bribe."

A questioning , caustic eyebrow raised. "A bribe? Who would need to bribe you?" Elrond teased.

"Severus... Professor Snape. It was languishing, pushed into a dark corner, forgotten in the castle. It needed a lot of tender loving care." Her eyes had a faraway look. "A lot like the Wizard who gave it to me." she shrugged. "Like he still needs it."

Elrond stroked the hair off her fevered face. "So you care for this Wizard."

"Aye. Very much. Elrond?" He waited while she coughed. "I care for him, a great deal. I could probably too easily fall in love with him."

Elrond smiled gently. "But you worry about your bond with Haldir."

Bronwyn shook her head, sniffling her runny nose. "Yes. It's silly, I suppose. Haldir even came to me the other night in a dream. He told me... he told me to trust the Wizard and to let nature take its course. But still..."

"But still, thirty eight thousand years is a lot of years to set aside." Elrond coaxed. A light of dawning arose in her eyes. - hope... "Yes, I know the feeling. I understand completely. All those years Celebrian was in the Undying Lands, waiting for my return and there were times I was weak. I have cursed my human side, hated the weakness that ran through my veins."

"You are not weak," she coughed.

"Neither are you." he chided gently. "Ah, tithen aras, Haldir told you true. The Valar placed this Wizard in your path for a purpose. The more you fight, the more difficult time you will have of it. Remember what a time you and Haldir had before you both gave in?"
She looked amused at a memory. "I recall stories of Haldir carrying you into Caras Galadhon after you had disobeyed his wishes and followed him into Lothlórien Woods. You almost got yourself killed, if I recall correctly."

Bronwyn could do nothing but nod and cough. The Peredhil took her into his arms, patting her back, in attempt to knock loose the congestion. "I am going to work with your Potions Master and between the two of us, we should concoct something to knock this out of you. Tell me, is he always so... stiff and unbending?"

Bronwyn giggled despite the tickle in her throat. "Aye. He was named well."

"Perhaps if you took him to your bed, it would loosen him up?"

Bronwyn gasped, causing her to go into yet another coughing spasm. Elrond pounded her on the back, barely hearing. "Already... have..."

When she stopped coughing, he leaned back in order to look her squarely in the eye. "You have? And he is still that way? My sympathies."

Bronwyn thumped him weakly and leaned back on the pillows. "He has his moments. They are far and few between and relatively short, but he has them." She took the Elf's hand. "He carries his share of scars. But in many ways, he reminds me of Haldir. Arrogant, proud. He is an honorable Wizard."

"He would have to be, to have you entrusted to him." He raised his hand to utter the sleep words.

"Wait."

His hand lowered. "What is it, Bronwyn?"

Bronwyn stumbled over her words. "I need to tell you something. I've known for a while and I wanted to tell you, but it isn't something I could just owl you and tell you..."

"Are you pregnant by the Wizard?"

Both hands flew to her mouth, a yelp causing yet another coughing spasm.

"I take it that is a no." He handed her a glass of water and waited until she had calmed herself.

She hung her head and mumbled, "yerboyzarlive"

Elrond tucked his hand under her chin. "What was that? I did not understand."

"Your sons; your ions, Elladan, Elrohir." She took a deep breath. "They still live."

Elrond froze. "Do not tease a First Age Elf, Tithen Aras." He said sternly. "That is not-"

"I am not teasing. Would I do that to you?" She coughed again, waving away the water. "According to Bobbin, the Warrior Twins still live. I know of only one set of twins that would still be on Arda and referred to by the name `warrior'."

Elrond's breathing was audible, stunned being a closer term. His eyes flickered back and forth as he soaked in the information. "My ions... my sons... alive? Are you sure?"

"Talk to Bobbin." Bronwyn croaked. "He could tell you everything."

"Where are they? Do you know?"

Bronwyn shook her head. Talking was becoming painful. "I"m sorry. Didn't know how to tell you."

Elrond put his hands over her eyes. "N'uma. It is not something I would put in a post. Never you mind. I will talk to Bobbin and you will get well. Losto hi, Tithen Aras, Losto hi."

And as he spoke the ancient words of slumber, she slid gratefully into a comforting sleep.

***

Snape stood over the wolf, fury marking his features. "If you so much as dare to approach me in sleep before I get her well, I will make you wish you had never been born!" The wolf arched an eyebrow, daring the Potions Master to make good his threat. "The least you could have done was warn me and now she suffers!"

Amadeus' face showed much amusement, Haldir's voice reverberated in Snape's ears. *She suffers? You care that she suffers?*

"I care that her suffering will keep me awake and away from my other duties!" Snape retorted hotly. He felt a slight tap on his arm. "Not to mention, it is your fault and it is a mess I have to clean up!"

"Severus." Albus voice was laced with humor "Perhaps you should use a freshening charm. Lord Elrond will be back down shortly and you look a bit... disheveled." He motioned to the wrinkled sleep pants and the barely put together robe. Unbeknownst to Severus, the cowlick his mother had loved so much, was very much in evidence. He rubbed his stubbled jaw.

"It was a difficult night, Headmaster."

"I'm sure it was. Still, I would like-"

"I understand." He pulled his wand from his pocket and quickly set to straightening himself and his clothing. By the time Lord Elrond came down the stairs, he was as presentable as he could make himself on such short notice.

The Elf Lord went to the French doors and peered out, hands behind his back. He was deep in thought and Severus was reluctant to interrupt him. It was quiet for a few minutes before the Peredhil finally spoke.

"This roof of this patio. It is at ground? Or above ground?"

"At ground."

"And no one can get in or out?"

"She got out once. I have taken precautions that it is inaccessible or inescapable. Whoever tried would wish they had been... hexed rather badly."

The Elf turned to him, good humor on his face. "Test you, did she? Good for her!" Elrond turned around further, "Bobbin." The little house elf appeared behind the Elf Lord. "Attend me. All of you." He went to an inner wall, bookcases, shelving adorning it. "I need to see the castle wall, without all of this, so we can seet wet we are dealing with. Can you accomplish that?"

Bobbin looked anxiously at the Elf Lord and then the Wizards. Albus moved forward and with a wave of his hand, the furnishings, everything, the sheet rocking dissolved, illuminating the dungeon rock, crawling with mold and glowing moist moss.

"Professor Powell is allergic to this." Elrond said quietly. "She does not wish to move. If Professor Snape and I concoct a potion to rid the walls of this, would you be willing and diligent in the removal of this from the dungeons and the lower regions of the castle?"

"Willing?" the little elf quivered. "Is not Bobbin's job to be willing. Is Bobbin's duty to do!"

Elrond smiled and dropped to his knees, setting his hands on Bobbin's shoulders. "I am positive you will do the best job of any house elf." Bobbin blushed under the Great Elf's praise. "But now, I want you to tell me everything you know about the Warrior Twins."

***

It was whispered and bandied about at breakfast, that a dark haired Elf was seen roaming the dungeons with Professor Snape dogging his heels, along with Professor Snape and Professor Powell's personal house elf. It was further rumored as the day went along, that the dark haired elf showed up in Professor Sprout's greenhouse, looking for Merlin knew what. At lunch, Professor Snape was not present at the Head Table, for it was rumored that he and the Elf had gone to the Apothecary in Hogsmeade, over-whelming the little shopkeeper, with rare and unusual requests.

Late afternoon found Snape finishing with his last class before hurrying oto Bto Bronwyn's chambers. Elrond had spent the afternoon in her kitchen, mixing and crushing mint leaves and willow bark. They steeped the tea with the infusion and took the teapot up the stairs. Elrond had been giving this to her all afternoon and he had watched the medicine work its way through her body. She had improved slightly, but was still unable to return to her duties,. She probably would have argued about lying about, however...

She had totally lost her voice.

Her pen flew across the paper, and she handed it to Elrond.

"Bronwyn, I am sorry, but I do not think it wise that you even attempt assignments."

A scowl. The pen flew some more, her ire very obvious. She handed the parchment again to Elrond, only to have it snatched from her grasp by Severus.

"Madam, what part of `contagious' do you not grasp the meaning of? The answer is still no."

Bronwyn's head wagged back and forth, mouth silently moving - No! No! No! She glared and shot him a bird.

"Thank you for the suggestion. As you have a variety of oils in your possession, I will try one of them out. Would you like to watch?"

This caused the Elf Lord to laugh aloud and Bronwyn to go into yet another violent coughing spasm. Soon, Bronwyn's pen was scratching across the parchment again and when she finished, she made a point to hand it directly to the Elf.

"I could simply `Accio' it." Severus smirked. Bronwyn wrinkled her nose in response and turned her attention to the Elf Lord.

"She says you are a pathetic excuse for a human being, but she expected no less." Elrond wadded the paper and tossed it into her
wastebasket. "Look." He gestured towards the night table. "Bobbin has
brought some lovely chicken broth." He lifted the lid, allowing a savory scent to fill the room. "I believe there are even noodles in it!" Bronwyn twirled a finger in sarcasm. " Why do we not get some of this into you and then I believe it is time for some nice tea..."

What she wanted to be a screech, came out as a hiss of air. Again the writing utensil waved madly over paper and upon finishing, she thrust it out, unheeding of who snatched it.

*Tired of soup. Tired of sleeping. Classes are behind. How much longer?*

Severus had grabbed the note first and dropping it on the bed, where Elrond picked it up. He leaned over the mutinous, but weak professor. "The more you fight, the longer you will be in bed. I have no qualms in forcing you to eat. I have done it before and I will do it again." With a wave of his wand, a bed tray materialized and was set up, the bowl of soup, now in front of her.

Bronwyn gave Elrond a resigned look and mouthed, air hissing "Sub-sti- tute teach-er."

"Ah." Elrond leaned over and handed her a napkin. "I have discussed this with Professor Dumbledore already and have contacted Erestor. If you will give him your notes, your lesson plans, he can-"

She had grabbed the pen again and was scribbling, handing Elrond the paper. The Elf took the parchment and motioned to Severus, who snatched the pen and the rest of the stack from her. "No? Glorfindel will be heart broken. Ah-" He watched Bronwyn's facial expression and gestures. "You are correct. He will take advantage of your illness." Elrond and Bronwyn both took in Snape's horrified expression. One could clearly see where his mind was at. "Iluvatar forbid that he should best Bronwyn in a naughty bar song contest." Elrond added humorously.

Severus rolled his eyes and handed Bronwyn the spoon. "Enough chit chat. Eat!" She met him equally glare for glare. "Do as you arld ald and I will share something with you tomorrow."

Bronwyn made a sarcastic pout and with her fist, pumped it once or twice, clearly stating what she thought he wish to share.

"You are undoubtedly, the most base creature I have ever encountered." Snape retorted. "Your soup is not disappearing fast enough to suit me." Bronwyn proceeded to make a great show of slurping her soup. "Hmm." Severus reached into his pocked and pulled out a small vial of green fluid. "When you finish, drink your tea and take this."

"Erestor should be here sometime tomorrow. Bobbin will take your tray." Elrond straightened her quilt and made sure her books on her nightstand were within reach. "Throw things if you need us." He smiled and proceeded to go down the stairs.

Snape was still rolling his eyes as he sat next to her on the edge of the bed. He tucked an errant lock of hair behind her ear. She was still feverish. "Take your broth, drink your tea and do not forget the vial." Bronwyn stuck her tongue out and gagged. "You are worse," he cupped her face with large hands, thumbing beads of fevered sweat from her cheeks, "than any student I have ever taught." He leaned forward, touching his forehead to hers. "I need you well, Madam. We must take a different route with your bow and that Elf is demanding a progress report!" He stood up and noxed most of the lights, leaving only the area around the bed illuminated.

***
I feel great, I feel fine
Today, I joined the Happy Club
And the Happy Club says
I feel good, I feel great today
Now I know what to say
nah nah nah

The Happy Club Song
From the Parent Trap
Bob Geldolf
***

Students were heading for dinner; chatter in the halls was at an elevated level. Most did not notice the doors at the Grand Entrance opening, nor did they notice the two figures that made their way in from the cold. Slowly, as they made their way into the hall, figures slowed, children gawked. It wasn't until Pansy Parkinson and another cackling girlfriend literally ran into the two that either one spoke.

Pansy was not paying attention.

"Do you mind?" She started nastily, before truly seeing the two standing, looking down at her. Slowly, they turned full charm on the catty Slytherin. Identical smiles graced identical features.

"Excuse me, dear lady," one took her hand and kissed the back regally. "Perhaps you could help us?"

Pansy blushed - something she hadn't done since the cradle -"Why certainly, sir. Anything you wish."

"Professor Bronwyn Powell. We could find her where?"

Pansy's flirtatious attitude went up in a green jealous Slytherin smoke. "Sir, I'm sorry, but we don't know who you are. Perhaps, if you wait here, eventually the Headmaster will come around." She attempted to remove her hand from the tall dark headed stranger, but discovered she couldn't.

Hermione, Harry, and Ron were standing close by and they overheard the conversation. "Perhaps," Hermione whispered, "going to find Professor Dumbledore would be a good idea." The two males nodded and headed off in different directions.

"We are old friends, I assure you." The one speaking removed his cap and tucked his long, dark hair behind his ear, clearly showing the pointed tip.

Pansy didn't notice; she was being mesmerized by the beautiful eyes of the Elf who refused to turn loose of her hand. He had now removed his cap with his other hand and he shook his equally long hair out. She batted her cosmetically thickened lashes. "Oh, I see. In the dungeon. She is in the dungeon." She pointed weakly with the hand Elladan was not holding. "That way."

Elladan turned her hand over and kissed her wrist, at the pulse point. "You have been most helpful." With a nod to his twin, the two set off down the stairs in the direction the young witch had pointed.

Pansy stared off after the two retreating figures, not noticing the clicking fingers of her friends in front of her nose.

"Pansy?" Snap... snap... "Pansy..."

***
tbc
***

Losti hi -ep nep now.
Tithen Aras - little deer
"Le meren sui ulaer, nem-raen!" - You are a cheerful as a Nazgul,
crook-nose!


A/N

Crye for me - Glad you are enjoying

Toran - we like him because he has n soft side

Bella - The Muses have been awesome as of late! And it seems to have helped that I met Craig Parker (and Bruce Hopkins!!!!) at Dragoncon this past weekend!

Shanastay - Thank you

kek - Thank you

Jeslynn Nighthawk - Eidts and writing are one at ungodly hours. It's ben fixed ***kicks self*** BTW - SLYTHERIN RULES!!!

cin - THank you. Yeah - Severus is good at puting his foot in his mout. Just sow how limber he is. NOt telling yet what lhugman means.

Naremarie - Mo hints and bow hunting to come!!!!

Thank you everyone for reading!