Always is Forever

Demands : 1

Severus's health and mind had been stable enough for the week he was bedridden. He only saw the new Potions Mistress once or twice in that time, the only moments he remembered seeing her was when she visited Madame Pomfrey. Speaking of whom, finally let him move back into his quarters in the dungeons, much to Severus's relief.

No one had told him exactly what had happened during the months he was out. He hadn't had any visitors, and the other 'patients' [clumsy first years] who went in never said anything, leaving much quicker than what he's ever seen before. He asked Pomfrey about it while she was replacing his bandaged. "Miss Angeline has been very quick keeping up with the potion requests. Almost as fast as you, Severus," the old matron had chuckled.

Severus sighed. How had Beauxbatons produced such an intelligent woman? They were almost as laughable as the Americans. The old professor, finally comfortable in his own space again, looked around. Something had changed. It wasn't even dusty in there. And the usual damp feeling was gone, replaced with a warm and dry one. A bit angered that someone had been in his rooms, Severus left the dungeons, making his way through the halls and the Dumble -

Dumbledore was dead. Severus had killed him. The thought still haunted his mind.

Severus made his way up to the Headmistress' office, now belonging to Minerva McGonagall. Using Dumbledore's last password to get in, Severus realized Minerva never changed it. He smiled inside knowing even she couldn't part with the smallest thing.

Severus hurried up the small flight of stairs leading to the large office, walking in without knocking. "Minerva, what-" he stopped mid-sentence. Inside the office was McGonagall and, who else, the new Potions Mistress.

"Ah, Severus. What seems to bring you here?" Minerva asked. Snape was looking at Angeline, though.

"If it wouldn't be too much...trouble...I was hoping we could have a little chat. But I can see you are busy right now. Perhaps I should come back?" Severus turned his attention to McGonagall and she nodded, although he did not miss the faint blush that appeared on Angeline's face.

"Of, course, Severus. I was just thanking Miss Amorette for her assistance while you were incapacitated. Perhaps you should do the same?" Minerva asked. Severus gave her a small glare.

"I believe that if I should wish to show my gratitude for someone doing their job, I shall do so in my own free time."

"Glad to know you're still the same you," the Headmistress said curtly and turned to the Potions Mistress. "Miss Amorette, if you would be so kind to give us some time, I will call you in later."

"Of course, Headmistress," Angeline said quietly and hurried out of the room. As she passed by, Severus could smell the vanilla cherry scent escaping off of her. Once hearing the office door close, he stepped up to McGonagall.

"Minerva, I need you to tell me what exactly happened during the months I was out. Ms. Pomfrey has refused to tell me anything, and I know of no one else willing to tell me the hard truth."

McGonagall looked at Snape in pity and desperation. "Severus, I need you to calm down. I will tell you, but you have to sit and not interrupt me. Do you understand?" she asked, as if talking to a child.

Severus sighed. "Yes, now tell me for Merlin's sake."

I am so sorry for the late update, I have been touring colleges as of late (early graduation) and I never got around to posting this !