The Potions Master and the Ravenclaw

Sectum Sempra and Death Eaters in the Castle

Author's note: Quote from HBP toward the end. Let me know what you think!

...

When Snape and Dumbledore reached the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey and Madeline were hovering over Ron Weasley, who lay unconscious and pale. Ginny Weasley, Hermione Granger, and of course Harry Potter, were at the boy's bedside; McGonagall and Slughorn were already present, as well. Minerva watched with an anxious expression and Horace looked completely stunned as he gaped at the scene before him, still holding a half-empty bottle of mead.

Ron had, indeed, been poisoned. Apparently, he had inadvertently consumed a love potion and Potter had brought him to Slughorn for an antidote. After he'd administered it, Slughorn had also offered him some oak-matured mead that was intended to be a gift for Dumbledore. Unfortunately, the mead had been poisoned, and it had taken effect immediately. Potter somehow had the presence of mind to shove a bezoar down Weasley's throat, saving his life. Thanks to Harry's heroics, Ron would recover.

Dumbledore had taken the bottle from Slughorn, examining it carefully before handing it to Snape. Snape took it cautiously, not wishing to inhale or touch any of the bottle's contents until he could study it thoroughly and safely in his office later.

The staff were chattering inanely about what had happened when Lavender Brown burst into the room. She began to argue shrilly with Granger, but Snape's mind was on one person, and one person only.

Draco. Malfoy.

This was undoubtedly another of his feeble attempts to murder the headmaster. He caught Dumbledore's eye, and the old man winked. He knew it, too. Gods, this was exhausting. If only Draco would let Snape help him, perhaps they could all survive, but the boy was as evasive, rash, and desperate as ever.

Snape was brought out of his dark thoughts by the sound of Lavender's loud and theatrical crying, as she ran from the room. He noticed Granger's satisfied smirk, and she sat in the chair by Weasley's bed, taking his hand.

Merlin, save him from teenage drama. Ridiculous. He rolled his eyes.

"Oh, to be young and feel love's keen sting," said Dumbledore. "Come away, everybody. Mr. Weasley is well tended."

They all began to file out, and Madeline stepped away from her patient to follow them into the corridor.

"Madeline?" called the headmaster.

"Sir?"

"I'd like to speak with you, if I may."

"Yes of course!" She looked warily at Snape, but he bent to kiss her cheek.

"Go on, darling," he said softly. "It's alright."

She nodded and watched the others go, then turned to face the headmaster.

"Madeline, I feel I owe you an apology," Dumbledore said earnestly.

"An apology, sir?"

"Yes. Severus tells me I have caused you undue worry and I must beg your pardon. I never meant to imply that I would separate the two of you. I sometimes become too focused on the greater picture, and I lose sight of..."

"So... you won't take him away from me?" she interrupted.

"Of course not. You may rest assured. Forgive me, Madeline. Please. I'm an old man in the twilight of my years."

Madeline smiled as intense relief washed over her. "Professor, I can't help but believe you'll live forever."

He grinned ironically, holding up his blackened, withered hand. "We both know that cannot happen."