The Potions Master and the Ravenclaw

"Our Own Home"

Today (a Friday), Madeline was scheduled to take the practical portion of the healer's licensing examination at St. Mungo's in London.

The previous day, she had completed the written exam at the ministry. She felt as if she had passed, but would still be on pins and needles until the official results arrived by owl in a week or so.

Madeline and Snape had stayed overnight at a hotel close to the hospital for two reasons. Firstly, so she would be near St. Mungo's and have no difficulty arriving on time for her exam. Secondly, it was also their wedding anniversary and they had planned to celebrate for the entire weekend.

She was unable to eat anything because she was far too nervous. Snape remained quiet, not wanting to distract her or add to her anxiety.

He had dressed in a black suit with a black dress shirt underneath, open at the collar. He looked beautiful in Muggle clothes, and she couldn't help but notice in spite of her nervousness.

Madeline had donned her nurse apprentice uniform. She put on a light coat over it so as not to attract the attention of Muggles, and at last she was ready.

He walked with her to the hospital, holding her hand the entire way. When they arrived at the red-bricked, condemned department store called Purge and Dowse, Ltd. (the magical gateway to the main building of St. Mungo's), Snape leaned down and kissed her.

"Good luck, darling. I know you'll do well."

"Oh, I'm so nervous!"

"Trust yourself. You'll be fine. You've prepared more than adequately and Poppy has trained you well. I have the utmost faith in you."

She smiled. "I love you."

"I love you, little one. And I'll meet you right here at noon. Alright?"

She nodded and pecked his cheek once more before turning and entering the storefront.

...

Snape arrived outside the hospital ten minutes early and he paced on the sidewalk with his hands in his pockets as he waited for her to come out.

When she finally emerged, she was smiling. She ran to him and he hugged her, then kissed her as if they'd been apart for months instead of hours.

"I take it you're pleased."

"Yes! I feel optimistic. The examiner actually told me I did very well. I think we can assume that's a positive sign."

"I agree. That does sound promising. I knew you'd come through it."

"Well, we won't know for sure for another week, but I feel good about it. I'm just relieved it's over."

He smiled at her and took her hand. "We should celebrate. I actually have a bit of a surprise for you. Let's go back to the hotel so you can change clothes and then I'll show you my surprise."

"Perfect," she said, and they walked hand in hand down the busy sidewalk.

...

"Well? What do you think?" asked Snape, watching her eyes.

"Oh, Severus! It's beautiful! I love it! Is it ours?" She turned in a circle, looking all around her.

"If you like it," he said quietly, a smile threatening the corners of his mouth. "The estate agent let me keep the keys so I could surprise you. I didn't want to purchase it without your consent, but it's ours if you approve."

They were standing in the middle of a beautiful two story house in the Covent Garden neighborhood of London. It was spacious, with lovely, dark hardwood floors, a fireplace, and a large kitchen. The walls were painted a dark gray and the ceilings were vaulted. There were three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and a breathtaking view of the city from the balcony.