The Potions Master and the Ravenclaw

"She Looks Like a Ghost"

"Don't you worry about, Severus, love.  He'll come back to you soon enough, safe and sound, I'm sure."

"I hope so," said Madeline.

"I know so," Mrs. Jennings said with a wink.  "After all, a great, powerful wizard like Severus Snape can certainly take care of himself.  Can't he?"

Madeline froze, her head swimming in panic as an icy terror slithered its way from her scalp to her toes. Oh, gods! How did she know? Was this a trap? She slowly reached for her wand, which was concealed in her sleeve.

"No need for that, dear," responded Mrs. Jennings kindly. "You're safe with me. I promise."

Madeline hesitated.  Could Mrs. Jennings be trusted?

"It's alright, Madeline. Really. Dumbledore's an old friend."

"Dumbledore," whispered Madeline. "But how? Are you a..."

"Squib, dear.  I'm a squib. Dumbledore's asked me to keep an eye on you, you know, in case anything should happen to you or your husband."

"Dumbledore thinks something will happen to my husband?" Madeline shrieked fearfully, grasping Mrs. Jennings's shoulders, tears welling in her eyes.

"No, no, dear. I'm so sorry," said Mrs. Jennings, hugging Madeline and patting her back.  "A terrible choice of words on my part. I just meant that he's asked me to be available to help if you need it. There are quite a few of us squibs in the order."

The older woman released her from her embrace and smiled comfortingly. Madeline remained quiet, still wary.

"I know it's difficult to trust in times like these, but I assure you I'm on your side."

Madeline nodded, though she was not yet completely convinced. "Thank you, Mrs. Jennings."

"You must call me Eleanor, dear."

"Eleanor. My friends call me Maddie."

"Maddie it is, then. Would you like some tea? Or something stronger? I've got a little sparkling wine, some scotch, or a nice brandy if you'd prefer..."

"Oh, no ma'am. Tea would be lovely."

"Right then.  Back in a jiff," she bustled off to the kitchen.

Madeline's heart raced and she was suddenly quite dizzy.  She had the strongest urge to run, her instinct warning her to trust no one. She stared at the door, weighing her options.  Was she to believe Mrs. Jennings? She had claimed to know Dumbledore, but who didn't? She seemed kind, but was she under the imperius curse? Was she a Death Eater who had taken Polyjuice potion? So many of them were jealous of Severus's status as trusted advisor and favorite of the Dark Lord.  She was sure any great number of them would be thrilled to discover his treachery and expose him as a spy to take his place among their ranks and earn Voldemort's favor.  Had she and Severus been found out?  Had they lured Severus away from her to kill him or hold her hostage to use as leverage against him?    What should she do?

She had hesitated too long already, and she knew it.  She grabbed her bag and disapparated with a pop.

...

Numb with fear, Madeline started running as soon as her feet had touched the ground outside the Hogwarts castle gates. She had never run so quickly in her life, and she was panting as the icy winter air stung her lungs.  Snow was falling all around her while she raced through the darkness, and she lit her wand to illuminate her path.   She didn't slow her pace until she reached the headmaster's chambers.

"Acid pops," she muttered breathily when she finally arrived at the Griffin statue guarding Dumbledore's office.

The great door slid open at the password, and she rushed in, clutching her chest as she attempted to catch her breath.