The Potions Master and the Ravenclaw

The Birthday Surprise

Snape and Madeline sat in the pub, holding hands across the table, a glass of ale in front of each of them as they waited for their food. The weight of what had just passed between them hung heavy in the air, but Snape felt lighter in spite of it. He felt a great sense of relief that he had unburdened himself and she knew the truth. Against all hope, against all odds, she knew the truth and she still loved him.

"Thank you for not hating me, Madeline. I was so afraid that when you learned the truth you'd be so disgusted that you'd throw that engagement ring in my face and leave me, never to return. That's why I didn't want to tell you. In fact, I had convinced myself to keep it from you. Never tell you. I didn't want to risk losing you. I should have known you're stronger than that. That our love is stronger than that."

"I will never leave you, Severus. Never. And I'm glad you told me."

"Are you frightened of me now?"

"No, but I am frightened FOR you."

"For that I am truly sorry. I don't want to cause you pain, but for now, there's no sign of You Know Who coming back. We can take comfort in that."

"You're the bravest man I've ever known, Severus."

"Don't say that. Please. I'm...not a good man. I've done unspeakably terrible things."

"But you regret them."

"Yes. Bitterly."

"And you're changed now."

"I am. Or I hope I am. I try."

"Then that's enough for me. And Dumbledore trusts you. Implicitly, it seems.  And McGonagall."

"I don't deserve you."

"Severus, I will say this as many times as it takes for you to believe it. You deserve love. You ARE a good man."

He squeezed her hand.

"You're so beautiful. So sweet. So good. I can't believe you're mine. Still mine after all I've told you, all I've done."

"Forever, Severus. I mean it."

"I'm glad, " smiled. "But enough of this maudlin talk. This isn't date conversation, is it my love? Tell me how your studying is going. How many NEWTS are you taking?"

"Seven."

"Seven! Which?"

"Potions obviously. And transfiguration, herbology, charms, ancient runes, arithmancy, and defense against the dark arts."

"Ambitious, little one. It's rare for one student to take so many. Are you prepared? You said before that you felt you'd be ready."

"I hope so. I'll really have to study for ancient runes and arithmancy. I'm not as confident in those as I am with the rest. During the two week study period before exams, I'll have to focus. I've made myself a pretty strenuous study schedule. By the way, I have asked to speak to the headmaster about working in the hospital wing after graduation. I can apprentice with Madam Pomfrey if he says yes."

"You're very talented, Madeline. You'll make an excellent healer."

"It's been my dream for a long time."

Their food arrived and they began to eat.

"What do you think about a home for us? I know we aren't selling the place here, but as I said before, I will not live there. Not with you."

"I'm satisfied with staying in your quarters at Hogwarts, during the school year. I actually love it there. It feels special. But we'll want something else for holidays and when school isn't in session. What about a little place in Hogsmeade? It would be so close to the school and I like it there. It's quaint. Or would you prefer something a little farther away? Maybe a nice flat in London?"