The Potions Master and the Ravenclaw

London

It had been decided that Snape would accompany Madeline to London and they would take the train rather than apparating. If anyone asked why Snape was traveling with her, they were to say that Flitwick, her head of house, had a prior commitment that prevented him from making the trip and Snape was the only faculty member available.

She had just begun packing a day bag for the trip when her friend Emily Greengrass stopped in to visit.

"Aren't you scared, Maddie?"

"Scared? Of what?" she asked distractedly, placing items neatly in her bag.

"Of Snape, of course. What awful luck that he was the only one able to go with you."

"Oh! Erm... yes. Maybe a little scared, but I'm sure it will be fine."

"Fine? What on earth will you talk about during the train ride? Or what if he doesn't say anything at all and just glares at you in silence the whole time with those black eyes?" Emily shuddered.

"I'm sure we'll find something," she laughed to herself, thinking how forward she was looking to her time with him and how different Snape truly was from her friend's perception of him.

"Well, you're very brave, Maddie. I'd be terrified."

"Oh, he's not so bad."

"Not so bad? Maddie, he's given you detention a million times this term!"

"Oh. Yes. Well, I deserved it I suppose."

"Deserved it? Maddie! You're a model student!"

"I don't know about that," she said.

"Of course you are! Top marks in every subject. Head girl..."

Madeline rolled her eyes.

"Ok, ok, Em. I get it," she laughed. "Now help
me decide what to wear."

...

She met Snape at the castle gates. He stood waiting for her with his hands in his pockets, his signature scowl on his face. He was wearing a modern, stylish Muggle suit - black, of course - with a white shirt, grey waistcoat, black silk tie, and a matching grey pocket square. His long hair was freshly combed and he looked strikingly handsome. It actually took her breath.

She watched him take out her father's pocket watch, look at the time, and put it back in his pocket. It made her smile.

When he saw her walking toward him, his expression softened and he forced himself
not to run to her just in case anyone was watching them. She was gorgeous. He had never seen her in anything but her school uniform, a dressing gown, and naked in his arms (of course), and he was shocked at how different she looked in Muggle clothing. She was wearing a black dress (his favorite color) with a tulip hemline that ended just above her knee. It was belted at her narrow waist and accentuated her hips. The neckline was low, but tasteful and not overly revealing. He noticed the long chain he had given her plunging below it and he knew his ring was nestled near her heart. She wore a pair of modest sapphire earrings and low heels. She had applied makeup and her lips were painted blood red. Her dark curls framed her face and fell just below her shoulders.

She looked like a dark queen. His queen. She had never looked more beautiful and he wasn't sure how to react. He frowned at her.

"Miss Clovewater, have you no cloak?" He asked brusquely as she approached.

"No, Professor. I don't think I'll need one. The weather is quite mild this morning," she replied, somewhat amused.

"Indeed. Well, come on then." He arched his brow and turned his back to her.