The Potions Master and the Ravenclaw

"A Thousand Times, Yes"

For days, Snape stayed at Madeline's bedside. Thankfully, no other patients were admitted to the hospital ward and he could stay with her without being seen. Madam Pomfrey had given him a preventive potion to keep him from contracting the illness himself.

Snape bathed Madeline's forehead. Read to her. Stroked her hair. Whispered to her. Held her hand.

Christmas came and went and still her eyes did not open.

He didn't eat. He didn't sleep. He would step aside only long enough to allow Madam Pomfrey to carry out her ministrations, and then he went right back to her bedside. He was paler than ever and dark circles appeared under his eyes.

On the sixth day, Madam Pomfrey brought Snape a bit of parchment and handed it to him.

"What's this?" he asked.

"It's the formula for a potion that may cure her. I've been searching for days and finally came across it. It's complicated and few could manage it, but you're up to the task, I've no doubt."

He leapt up, kissed Madeline's forehead, then took the parchment and ran to the potions classroom to brew it. He was relieved to have some occupation that might actually aid her. He had felt so helpless, but now he could put his skill to use. The potion was quite complex and took the better part of the day to brew, but he expertly concocted it and immediately took it back to the hospital ward when it was complete.

He watched Madam Pomfrey draw up a dose of his potion and administer it to Madeline . He held her hand, hope rising in his chest.

Her eyes fluttered open.

"Severus..."

"Yes, my love. I'm here. I'm here." He sat down close to her and kissed her forehead. She reached for his hand and he squeezed it. Thank God she was alright.

"Poppy...is she...?" He asked, his black eyes imploring her.

"Yes. She'll be alright, I believe. She'll be weak for a while yet, but the worst is behind us."

Madeline noticed Madam Pomfrey for the first time and tried to sit up in the bed.

"Oh, no! Madam Pomfrey! I...we..."

"Shhh. It's alright, little one. She knows. She'll keep our secret."

"Oh, thank you, Madam Pomfrey. I... I love him. Please don't take him away."

"Merlin's beard, girl. Don't be so dramatic. If you want him, he's all yours. I won't tell. Now drink this." She handed Madeline a goblet of purple liquid.

Madeline took small sips until the goblet was empty and laid back down in the bed, exhausted from the effort.

"I'll leave you two alone for a moment, but I'll be back in a few minutes to check on you," said Madam Pomfrey.

When she had gone, Snape leaned down to place the softest, most gentle kiss on her lips.

"I was so afraid I'd lost you, my Madeline."

"I'll never leave you, Severus. I love you."

"And I love you."

...

Snape was seated in Dumbledore's office, preparing to plead his case.

"Headmaster, I have something of great importance to discuss with you. I'm afraid it will not paint me in the most flattering light, but I assure you my intentions are noble."

"Well, Severus. My curiosity is piqued."

"Headmaster. Albus. I...I've become...ah... romantically involved...with someone."