Wildflowers

The Lucius Malfoy

It was a calm afternoon in their cottage, with soft light filtering through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. Kat sat cross-legged on the sofa, looking over a small notebook she used for reminders. Severus was at his desk nearby, flipping through an old text, the sound of rustling pages filling the quiet air. Boo, the black lab, lay sprawled at Kat's feet while Binx, their sleek black cat, curled up on one of the armchairs, looking utterly content.

As Kat scribbled a note, she glanced up at Severus. "I was thinking," she began, her tone casual but purposeful, "we should have Miles come by and stay with Boo and Binx while we're at Malfoy Manor this weekend."

Severus looked up slowly, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. "Stay?" he repeated, his tone sharp but calm, though there was an unmistakable edge beneath it. "I thought he could just drop by to feed them, nothing more."

Kat sighed, setting her notebook down and leaning back against the sofa. "Severus, I don't want them to be lonely," she said, her voice firm but soft. "It's only for a couple of days, and I think it's better if someone stays here with them rather than just stopping by to feed them quickly."

Severus's brow furrowed, his lips pressing into a thin line. He stood up from his desk, walking toward her slowly, his presence looming but restrained. "Miles doesn't need to stay here," he said, his voice measured, though Kat could sense the tension beneath his composed exterior. "Boo and Binx will be fine if he comes by a few times. There's no need for him to live in our space for an entire weekend."

Kat's eyes flicked up to meet his, her own patience starting to thin. "Severus, it's not just about feeding them. It's about making sure they aren't lonely or upset while we're away. Boo especially hates being alone for too long."

Severus stood there, his arms crossed over his chest, his gaze dark and thoughtful. "They'll survive a few days without constant attention, Kat. Miles doesn't need to be living here while we're gone."

Kat arched an eyebrow, her tone sharpening slightly. "Are you seriously still jealous of Miles?"

Severus's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, the tension in the room thickened. "This isn't about jealousy," he said evenly, though the tightness in his voice suggested otherwise. "I simply don't think it's necessary for him to be here the entire time. There are boundaries, Kat."

Kat let out a soft laugh, shaking her head in disbelief. "Boundaries? Severus, it's Miles. He's been staying here to help when I need it for years. He's my friend—nothing more. I thought we'd moved past this by now."

Severus remained silent, his jaw clenched as he considered her words. His gaze flickered to Boo, who looked up lazily from the floor, then back to Kat. "I'm not threatened by him," Severus finally said, his voice low but edged with a hint of frustration. "But I don't particularly enjoy the idea of him staying here, in our home, while we're away."

Kat stood up, facing him with her hands on her hips. "You don't like the idea of anyone else being in your space," she retorted, her tone gentle but firm. "But Boo and Binx are like family, Severus. They need someone with them, not just a quick visit for food. And Miles is the one I trust with them."

Severus took a slow breath, clearly holding back his initial response. He ran a hand through his dark hair, his eyes locking onto hers. "Kat," he said, his tone softening slightly, "I understand that you trust him. But I don't see why it has to be him staying here. There are other solutions."

Kat's heart softened at his tone, but she stood her ground. "Because I know how much they love him. Boo adores him. He's the best option, Severus. It's not like he's going to be wandering through our bedroom or reading your books. He's just taking care of the animals."