The Potions Master and the Ravenclaw

The First Task

That week, the contingents from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons arrived at Hogwarts with much fanfare. In the first few days after their arrival, Snape had managed to avoid Karkaroff, but it was a challenge to be sure, as Karkaroff seemed intent on cornering him.

As Snape had predicted, Harry Potter had managed to find trouble. His name had somehow been put into the Goblet of Fire, despite the fact that he was underage. He claimed he didn't do it himself, but Snape was not convinced. Dumbledore seemed to believe the boy (as always), but as it signified a binding magical contract, there was little choice but to simply let events unfold. Snape has been enraged, but there was nothing for it.

It was revealed that the first task would be scheduled for 24 November.  The staff was told that the champions would be retrieving golden eggs guarded by dragons.

Madeline and Madam Pomfrey made sure to stock up on burn salves and healing potions of all sorts and prepared for any eventuality.

On the day of the first task of the tournament, the air was thick with excitement. Madeline and Madam Pomfrey watched from the flap of the medical tent as the first of the champions, Cedric Diggory of Hogwarts, retrieved his golden egg from a Swedish Short-snout dragon. He was burned in the process, and they brought him back into the tent to treat his wounds.  Later, Fleur Delacour of Beauxbatons was brought in with burns from the Welsh Green dragon, as well. Madeline tended to her and Fleur was relieved to hear her speak French (though Fleur's English was quite good, if heavily accented). Krum managed to escape injury from the Chinese Fireball, and then  Harry Potter very bravely defeated the Hungarian Horntail and retrieved his egg by calling his Firebolt broom to him and using his flying skills. He was cut fairly deeply, but was not seriously injured.

All things considered, it went as smoothly as it could and Madeline and Madam Pomfrey breathed a sigh of relief when it was over.

Snape found Madeline in the tent after the points had been awarded. She looked so beautiful in her uniform and nurses cap, wand in hand. He heard her speaking French to Fleur and the corner of his mouth quirked up in a smile.

She saw him smiling at her and she smiled back. When Fleur left (after thanking her and kissing Madeline on each cheek), he went to her and took her hand in his.

"You never told me you speak French."

"You never asked."

He arched his brow. "Cheeky, Mrs. Snape"

She laughed and kissed him.

"How soon can you get away and come home to me?" he asked.

She tucked his hair behind his ear. "Not long now, Severus. I'll hurry if you need me."

"I do. I do need you. I am craving a night alone with my wife ."

"Of course. Anything you like." She knew that sometimes large crowds such as this drained him and he would need quiet to recharge. "Have you eaten? Do you want me to cook?"

"No, I don't want anything. Just you."

"Alright. I'll be home as soon as I can. I love you."

"And I love you." He kissed her cheek and left her.

...

When Madeline finally arrived at home, Snape was reading in his chair by the fireplace, Merlin purring in his lap.

She kissed him and then sat in her own chair.

"I wish you would eat something. Can't I make you anything? A sandwich or some toast and tea or a piece of cake?"