The Potions Master and the Ravenclaw

"You're Very Powerful, Little One"

The next day when Madeline and Snape went to meet Dumbledore at the Black Lake's edge, they saw Professor McGonagall waiting with him.

"Professor McGonagall is also well versed in elemental magic. I thought she might be useful in your instruction." Dumbledore explained.

Madeline smiled. "Thank you for coming, Professor McGonagall."

"Of course, Miss Clovewater. I hear you're doing quite well already," she replied.

Over the next few hours, the three professors -  Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape - all instructed, encouraged, demonstrated, and observed Madeline as she soaked up every bit of knowledge they imparted. They were careful
not to overwhelm her or talk over one another and Madeline felt very fortunate to be under the tutelage of such fine instructors. She was getting stronger and developing more control of her skill by the moment and all three were duly impressed.

By the end, she once again collapsed, and Snape caught her in his arms.

Snape scowled. "I hate this part."

"She's fine, Severus. You know she's alright. She only needs a little rest," McGonagall observed quietly.

"I know, Minerva, but it reminds of when she was sick in the hospital wing and she wouldn't wake up and..." his voice caught in his throat.

McGonagall patted him on the shoulder. "This isn't the same, Severus."

"I know," he whispered.

"While she sleeps, brew her a restorative," suggested Dumbledore.

"I hate to leave her alone. She might be frightened if she wakes and I'm not there. And she gets so cold."

Dumbledore and McGonagall smiled at each other.

"Severus," said the headmaster gently. "This girl just harnessed the power of fire and ice and water. I think she will be fine if she wakes without you."

"Just leave her a note, Severus." McGonagall said.

"Fine." He scowled at them again, turned his back, and carried her home.

...

When he got back to his to quarters, Madeline had still not regained consciousness. He laid her in the bed and removed her clothes. He covered her with blankets and cast a warming charm over them to ward off her chills, then started a fire in the fireplace with a flick of his wand. He scrawled a quick note on a spare bit of parchment in his elegant, looping cursive explaining that he had gone to brew her a restorative potion and would be back as soon as it was done.

Merlin the cat followed him to the potions classroom where he hurriedly yet expertly brewed the potion. Merlin watched him work through his lazy cat eyes and Severus talked to him as he worked.

"I believe you actually understand me, Merlin. Now let's take this to our Madeline."

The cat followed him back home and curled up by the fire, and Snape went to check on Madeline, carrying the vial containing the potion with him.

She had still not woken, and Snape was worried. He undressed and climbed under the covers with her, pulling her sleeping body close to him. He kissed her lips and she stirred, but didn't wake. He stroked her hair and whispered to her until she finally opened her eyes.

He smiled and sighed with relief. "There you are, my precious angel."

"How long was I asleep?" she asked, touching his cheek.

"Three hours. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Just sleepy.  Hold me tight. Please."

He wrapped himself around her and she kissed his chest.