The Potions Master and the Ravenclaw

Out of Bed After Hours

Snape insisted they see each other that same night - he wanted to issue a proper apology - and Madeline was more than happy to comply.

As she made her way to his quarters she was preoccupied with thoughts of lying naked in his bed with his arms around her and never heard Filch, the caretaker, and his cat, Mrs. Norris, approaching. Her heart sank.

"Out of bed after hours, Clovewater. And you being Head Girl. You'll be punished. Oh,  yes.  You'll be punished."

She closed her eyes and tried to think.

"Mr. Filch! You misunderstand. I'm just going to the hospital wing. I'm not feeling well and I thought Madam Pomfrey might be able to help."

"This corridor leads to the dungeons - not the infirmary. I'm onto you."

"But Mr. Filch...please..."

"No, no. I won't hear it. You'll have to explain yourself to Professor Snape. He'll have your head."

Professor Snape! It was all she could do to keep from laughing out loud.

He took her by the arm and led her to Snape's quarters. She followed obediently.

Filch knocked loudly on the door. Snape opened it and saw them standing before him, Filch holding Madeline roughly by the arm. His usual scowl was planted on his face and he managed to remain completely impassive despite the unexpected situation.

"What is it, Filch?" he barked in an irritated, impatient tone.

"Student out of bed, Professor. Caught this one lurking in the corridor just outside your quarters."

"Out of bed after hours, Miss Clovewater?" he drawled, raising an eyebrow, tilting his head, and looking down his long nose at her. Madeline bit her lips to keep from laughing.

"That's right, sir," said Filch. "You'll know just what do with her, I expect."

Snape cut his eyes to Filch. "Indeed, I do. Thank you, Mr. Filch. That will be all."

Filch nodded and walked away, confident that Snape would punish her appropriately.

When Filch was completely out of sight, Snape pulled her inside and shut the door.

"Please don't be angry, Severus. I didn't mean to get caught." She was laughing and even Snape allowed himself a smile.

"I'm not angry, little one. Filch is an imbecile. He was right about one thing, however."

"Oh?"

"Yes. I do know just what to do with you."

He pulled her to him, pressing his lips to hers in a soft, delicate, almost reverent kiss. His mouth was warm against hers and he tasted like cinnamon. His tongue parted her lips and she opened to him as he deepened the kiss. He was tasting her, loving her. Then his kiss became more urgent, more demanding and she felt breathless with wanting him. He carried her to his bed, then, and made love to her, whispering her name as he came deep inside her.

Afterwards, he wrapped her in his arms and pulled her close to him

"I wish you could stay with me tonight,"  he said quietly.

"Severus, are you alright?"

"No. I'm not. Madeline, I'm so sorry I hurt you. I'm a fool. Please. Tell me I'm forgiven."

"Oh, my love, I already told you that. I forgive you!" She was shocked to see his vulnerability.

"God, how I love you, Madeline. I can't lose you. My beautiful girl. My sweet, beautiful girl," he whispered. He squeezed her tightly.

"You'll never lose me, Severus. I belong to you. Only you.  My heart. My body. My soul. Yours. Forever."

He touched her cheek. "I don't deserve you."

She took his face in her hands. "Severus Snape. You deserve love. Never let me hear you say that again."

"I adore you."

"And I adore you."

He held her even tighter then, breathing in her scent, feeling her warmth, her softness. She tipped her face up to him and he bent to kiss her.

"Soon you'll be my wife and we'll never have to sleep apart again."

"Not soon enough."

...