Wildflowers

The Meeting

The winter countryside stretched out in soft shades of gray and white as Severus approached Katelyn's estate, the crunch of frost underfoot the only sound breaking the stillness. The sprawling grounds, nestled amidst rolling hills and bare trees, were a picture of solitude, far removed from the hustle and tension of Malfoy Manor.

Severus' breath fogged in the cold morning air as he took in the estate, its ivy-covered stone walls and grand wooden door an inviting contrast to the vast, quiet landscape around it. He had been unsure of what to expect—what they might say to each other, what ghosts might be stirred—but standing here, he felt a mixture of both apprehension and relief.

He reached the door and, before he could knock, it opened. There stood Katelyn, her dark hair slightly tousled, her eyes still sleepy but warm. She was wearing flannel pajamas, and her face lit up in a sleepy smile as soon as she saw him.

"I got here late last night," she said, rubbing her eyes briefly and stifling a yawn. "The time difference is a bit of a killer. I'm sorry—I wanted to be all pretty for you, but... well, here we are."

Severus felt a flicker of amusement at her candidness, though he didn't say it out loud. He had always appreciated this side of her—the unfiltered honesty that others often held back.

He stepped inside, the warmth of the estate embracing him, and Katelyn gave him a brief, apologetic smile before introducing him to the house elf standing quietly near the hallway entrance.

"This is Bixby," Katelyn said, gesturing toward the small, sharp-eyed elf. His large ears twitched slightly as he gave Severus a low bow. "He's been maintaining the estate for years—since my mother passed. He's the one who keeps everything running smoothly around here."

"Pleased to meet you, sir," Bixby said in a high, polite voice, his head still lowered slightly in deference.

"Likewise," Severus responded with a nod, though his attention quickly shifted back to Katelyn, who seemed more relaxed in this familiar space.

"Come on," she said, motioning for him to follow as she turned toward the staircase. "I'll show you to your room."

He followed her up the wide, winding staircase, taking in the estate's interior as they ascended. It was a warm space, filled with remnants of Katelyn's personality—quirky details, old portraits, and eclectic decorations that brought life to the otherwise muted tones of the estate. It was a home, in every sense of the word.

Katelyn led him to the second floor, where the hall opened up to several large rooms. At her heels trotted Boo, her loyal black Labrador, his tail wagging lazily as he followed along. She gestured to the room just down the hall, pushing the door open to reveal a cozy, sunlit bedroom. The soft smell of cedar and fresh linen greeted Severus as he stepped inside.

"This will be your room," Katelyn said, glancing at him with a small, welcoming smile. "Make yourself comfortable. It's yours for as long as you're here."

Severus' eyes flicked to Boo, then back to her, and he asked, "Did Binx come as well?"

"No," she replied, shaking her head. "He doesn't particularly like traveling, so Miles is feeding him for me while I'm here."

Severus paused for a moment, catching the way her voice softened at the mention of Miles. It had been a question on his mind, one that he hadn't dared to ask outright. Still, he couldn't help the next words that slipped out, his voice casual but edged with curiosity. "How is it going with you and Miles?"

Katelyn's eyes flickered briefly with understanding as she caught the meaning behind the question. "Oh, he's fine," she said with a small shrug, her tone dismissive. "But if you're wondering, no—I haven't been sleeping with him."