Tori was reluctant to leave Severus on his own but she had to go to the Potions classroom to teach the first year Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. When she was ready to leave, Dumbledore came in and told her that he would stay with Severus while she was teaching. Relieved, Tori prepared for the day’s lesson.

The students found it difficult to concentrate. They were still worked up about Saturday’s events and kept gazing at her instead of paying attention to what was going on in their cauldrons. Tori had to deduct a few points here and there before her students made an effort to concentrate on their work and she could have sworn she heard someone whisper, “As you wish, Mrs. Snape.”

Tori was glad to see them go. Next up, she had the seventh year Gryffindors and Slytherins. That would surely be easier, wouldn’t it?

No way! It only seemed to be easier. Nobody said anything about what happened, probably out of respect for Draco’s feelings, but she could feel their eyes on her whenever she wasn’t looking. Ginny Weasley had this smug expression on her face, like she wanted to say, “Told you so!!!!” and in fact, all the girls in the classroom were giving her knowing smiles. It gave her an idea of what would happen when she and Snape would be sitting at the Head Table again, together.

When she went for lunch, Shannon caught up with her. She looked a little repentant, but was all smiles when she asked how Snape was doing.

“He’ll be fine. Although I don’t think you lot will be when he finds out what you’ve been talking about behind our backs.”

Shannon giggled. “Oh, Tori, that’s only natural. You’re living the fantasy that every girl has dreamed about. Just the thought that you and Snape have actually…” But Tori interrupted her, looking very uncomfortable:

“Stop it Shannon. I will not have you discussing my private life with the entire school.”

“You can’t prevent this, Tori. Everyone knows about the letter and about you guys spending the night together. And when I say everyone, I don’t just mean the students at Hogwarts.” Tori sighed and rolled her eyes.

“I guess I’m trying to live in denial here.” She couldn’t be angry with Shannon, knowing it wasn’t her fault her love life was public knowledge. Shannon, noticing that Tori had let her guard down, started giggling again.

“Say, I always wondered…you know…what’s he like?” Not seeing Tori’s horrified look, Shannon continued. “Well, I’ve always imagined him to be like a volcano, you know, all self-control before finally bursting into flames.” Tori was shocked that Shannon would talk to her like that. She narrowed her eyes and replied:

“If I ever hear the word ‘volcano’ in association with myself and Severus again, I will know where to find you, Shannon Richards and trust me; it won’t be your lucky day.” Then she turned around to go to the Head Table and added: “And just for your information: Severus is nothing like a volcano, for that’s just one mountain, he’s like a whole mountain chain erupting.” She stated, leaving Shannon with her mouth agape.

Tori was glad she had the afternoon to herself. She needed some time to cool off and wanted to continue working on her potion. When she entered the lab she saw Dumbledore had left. Fawkes was sitting at the edge of her cauldron. She scratched his head, murmuring, “Hey, so you’ve come to keep me company, have you?”

She checked if Severus needed anything, but there was no change in his condition, therefore she started working. Last night, she had come up with an idea that might be some help in fighting off the pain. Now she needed to find something to get him out of this unnatural sleep. A powerful stimulant would do the trick. Only, she had to be careful it mixed well with the painkiller she had chosen. And above all, she didn’t want the potion to be addictive. She did some more research and found what she had been looking for. With a sense of renewed energy, she began looking for the supplies that she needed and was elated to find that everything she needed was there. She was just about to start brewing when Harry came in.

“Hi, I just wanted to come over and say goodbye. I’m leaving Hogwarts. Ron has left already and wanted me to say goodbye for him.”

“He left?”

“Er, yes. Don’t be mad at him. He had to leave really early this morning. Everyone at the Ministry has been assigned to the preparation of the upcoming trials. They need to collect all evidence to make a case against each Death Eater.”

“That won’t be too difficult.”

“Actually, the large amount of evidence is what makes it so difficult and poor Ron is going to have a dreadful time. Guess who will be coordinating?”

“Who?”

“Percy!”

Tori groaned. “Poor Ron!! I’ll write to him soon. What about you, what are you going to do?”

Harry seemed to hesitate. “You see, when the trials come up, all Death Eaters must have a chance to defend themselves, to make it legitimate. This won’t be a problem since most of them have found some distant relative to be prepared to speak on their behalf, all but Voldemort. If no one wants to defend him, he cannot be convicted and will never receive a sentence.”

“Harry, I don’t like the sound of where this is going, do you mean…”

“I’m going to defend him.”

“But that’s absurd!” Tori cried out. “How can you even try to help him?”

“Hold on. I won’t do anything to help him! But you see, all everyone wants to do is kill him. I don’t…and if I get a chance to explain why I don’t want him dead, I will take it.”

“Why wouldn’t you want him dead?”

She had never seen such a cold, vindictive look on Harry’s face when he told her about his motives for defending Voldemort. “Because it would be too easy, death would be a victory to him. I want him to suffer like his victims did, long and painful. For all I care, he may rot in Azkaban forever!”

Tori gave him a hug when she saw the tears running down his face. He was right after all; death would be too good for that horrible creature. She rubbed his back and said: “Well, if the famous Harry Potter speaks in favor of the defendant, I’m sure they’ll listen.”

He inquired after her research. She was happy to tell him she was ready to start brewing. He looked at the ingredients displayed on the table and gave her a puzzled look.

“Am I mistaken, or does that look like…”

“Cannabis.” She confirmed.

“Huh, you’re going to drug him? Tori, that’s illegal!!”

She laughed. “Really, Harry, take a look around, nearly half of what’s in this lab is an illegal substance.”

“But…”

“I did some research and I found out that cannabis is a natural pain-killer. In fact, in Muggle medicine, it is used most effectively by patients suffering from cancer or multiple sclerosis to control their pains.”

Harry looked surprised. “I never knew that. Say, what’s this little bit of powder?”

“Oh, that’s just something to get him up and about again. It’s powder from the Sudanese Blister Beetle, known to be a strong stimulant. If that won’t wake him up, I don’t know what will.”

“I think I’ve heard that name before, but I cannot recall where. Are you sure that it is used to wake someone up?

“What else can it be?”

“Oh, don’t mind me. You’re the genius, I’m just Harry.” He smiled and turned around. “Give my love to Severus when he wakes up and tell him I’ll be in touch.” He kissed her on the cheek and left.

Tori began working on the potion. After boiling it for a few hours it looked ready. When she turned around to take a vial, she saw Fawkes crying, his tears falling into the cauldron. She went up to him, touched by his concern. “Oh Fawkes, you don’t have to do that! He’s only in pain, but thanks anyway, every little bit helps.”

She stirred the potion one last time and filled the vial. When she approached the bed she took a deep breath, opened Severus’ mouth and poured the potion straight down his throat.

It must have been only a split second later when he opened his eyes. Tears of joy ran down her cheeks and she caressed his face. Slowly he tried to sit up, feeling a bit dizzy from missing so many meals. She helped him into a sitting position and gently put her arms around him, kissing him slightly on the brow. A shock went through his body and she quickly released him. He looked at her and when he spoke, he still sounded a bit hoarse: “So, I’ve made it after all.”

She nodded. “We all did, we won. Voldemort and his Death Eaters are now in Azkaban,” Tori told Severus, conveniently leaving out the escape of Malfoy senior. There would be plenty of time to fill him in on the details later. “How are you feeling?”

“Strange. I know I’m supposed to feel pain right now, but instead my head is swimming and I’ve never been so relaxed in my entire life. What did you give me?”

She smiled. He was back!

“I used cannabis as the main ingredient for the potion, to fight off the pain.”

He nodded approvingly. “And it won’t get me addicted. Excellent.”

His eyes followed her across the room when she told him in detail about what happened after he had fallen unconscious. He looked sad when he heard about the confrontation between Draco and his father. Before he could ask more about Lucius, she changed the subject. She didn’t want to bother him too much when he was still so weak, but she just had to know.

“Did you ever have the intention to let me go there?”

He signed deeply. “No.”

“Then you meant what you wrote in the letter?”

“Of course. Those are moments a man just does not lie about his feelings.”

“What now?”

He sighed. “I guess you’re stuck with me.” She looked so surprised; he almost jumped off the bed to hug her.

“What? You thought I would take it back? I’m not a coward.” He looked a bit offended and she threw her arms around him again, smothering him in her embrace.

He stiffened again and pushed her away from him, holding her at arms length.

“Tell me, what else did you put into that potion?”

“Oh, I had to get you out of that coma-condition, so I looked for a really potent ingredient. I must say it worked well, you reacted almost immediately.”

“What ingredient?” He sounded really suspicious now.

“Just a little bit of powder from the Sudanese Blister Beetle.” She said it like it was nothing to be worried about, but his eyes grew bigger and his grip tightened.

“That’s a cantharis!!” the panic in his eyes made her heart jump. What had she done wrong?”

Seeing her confused look he elaborated: “The Sudanese Blister Beetle is related to the Spanish Fly. I don’t think I have to tell you that it is a very powerful aphrodisiac!”

She shook her head. “But I thought these stories about aphrodisiacs were all fraud?”

He shot dark glances at her when he told her in a hollow voice: “Trust me, if you had any idea of what I’m going through every time you even come near me…you’d believe it.”

She backed away from him, still not sure what to think of it.

“Wasn’t it mentioned in the book when you searched for the ingredients?

“Err…yes, I do think I read something about it, but I disregarded it as folkloristic superstition.”

“NEVER, EVER ignore the properties of a certain ingredient, even if it seems far-fetched. It’s written there for a purpose, or did you think it was for your amusement?”

She felt miserable. Seeing the sad look on her face, he calmed down. “It’s ok, it will wear off. Besides, I think that the cannabis will counteract most of the effects; it makes me feel rather languid. All I need right now is some food to regain my strength and a shower. A cold one…a very cold one.” He smiled at her and Tori was relieved that he wasn’t angry anymore. She left him alone so she could get some dinner as well.

Fawkes followed her on her way out and flew back to Dumbledore’s office. It was a strange sight, this large bird flying through the Hogwarts’ passages!

When Tori left, Snape sent for a large steak, and potatoes. He found himself totally famished and devoured the food in record time, barely tasting any of it. Next, he went to his bathroom and stepped into the shower. The cold water refreshed him completely and he felt reborn when he came out again. Looking into the mirror, he saw this large grin on his face. Not that he had any particular reason to be happy about something, but he just could not get himself to change his facial expression. He wanted to indulge himself in his usual gloomy mood, but instead he had to force himself not to start humming a cheerful tune. The world felt like such a wonderful place. He looked at Crookshanks and had to restrain himself from picking him up and burying his hands in the thick fur, not in the least bothered when the cat kept following him around, and he hated cats! Damn drugs, they were illegal for a reason! For a moment he would have preferred the pains from the Cruciatus Curse. Anything but this! Well, it could have been worse. At least the cantharides had stopped sending fire bolts through his body. Reassured his condition would only be temporary, he tried to reconcile himself with the idea that he would be taking a rosy view of things for a while.

At that very moment, Tori came back into the room from dinner. She started to say something, but he could not hear a thing she saying. Only the sound of his blood, pumping through his veins, kept buzzing in his ears. His eyes were drawn to her chest like he was suffering from some kind of tunnel vision. He blinked, trying to snap out of it, but nothing changed. She stopped talking in the middle of a sentence, noticing the strange look on his face. Before either of them could prevent it, he had thrown himself at her, making her struggle to stay on her feet. He growled when his hands started tearing the clothes off of her, his mouth plundering hers when their tongues entwined in lustful play.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

She turned around, feeling utterly exhausted and said: “I won’t be able to sit for a week,” before she fell asleep in his arms.

He smiled as he wrapped one arm tighter around her and whispered, “That’ll teach you to not look down upon folklore.”

When Tori woke up the next morning, she was feeling sore all over. She moaned when she got out of bed and saw Severus was already busy in the lab. He turned around when she came stumbling in and handed her a goblet with a green liquid in it.

“Here, drink this. I made something that will ease your discomfort.” When she hesitated taking it; his lips curled and he said: “Don’t worry, it’s harmless.”

She blushed and looked at him through her eyelashes. “Sorry, I really didn’t think the potion would have that specific effect on you.”

“I hope you’ve learned from the experience.” His voice sounded cold and she could detect a somewhat lighter version of his usual sneer, but there was a twinkle in his eye when he looked at her.

“Has the pain come back?” She asked.

“Yes, it’s only a headache for now, but it will get worse. I took a pain-relieving potion, one of my own.” he added.

He didn’t feel well enough to go to the Great Hall for breakfast so Tori went alone. A lot of the students and teachers stopped her to inquire about him. She could assure them he was doing much better and would be teaching again very soon, although she didn’t like the look on most students’ faces when she told them that last part.

When she got back to the dungeon, she immediately sensed that something was wrong. He was standing with his back towards her and on hearing her come in he turned around rather abruptly.

“Explain.” He seemed incredibly pale and his coal eyes gave her a penetrating look when he waved something before her eyes. It appeared to be the copy of the Daily Prophet Harry had given to her.

“Yes, hilarious, isn’t it?” She laughed, nervous, but the fake smile froze on her face when his chest swelled up and his eyebrows frowned.

“I do not find this kind of literature amusing.” She swallowed and tried to calm him down.

“I didn’t like it myself either, but there’s nothing we can do about it after all, it’s not a lie.”

“That does not give them the right to turn our private life into public knowledge. I cannot believe Dumbledore could allow something like that to be written; actually I cannot believe YOU didn’t react to it.” He looked at her like she wrote the article herself. To her utter astonishment she was searching like crazy to say something in her defense.

“What could I have done? It had already been written and it would be childish if I had if I had complained to them when all they did was write the truth. A little exaggerated and sensational maybe, but…” he interrupted.

“So, this has been sent to all subscribers?”

“Uh, yes, and since Saturday a lot of extra editions have been sold.”

“I’m going to be sick!” He did look quite green, but Tori thought he was making too much out of this.

“Really Severus, it’s not the end of the world…”

“Woman, I told you I’m going to be sick, and I mean it. I have to throw up.” And he ran to the bathroom.

Tori realized he was suffering from the effects of the Cruciatus Curse and giggled at her assumption that the article had made him sick!

He went back to the bed and nothing more was said about the article. She made sure that he had everything he needed before she went out to teach the fourth year Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. They were no trouble at all and she spent quite an enjoyable morning teaching them how to make a more advanced sleeping potion, happy to hand out some well-deserved points.

After having checked on Severus, she went out for a walk. Soon a gloomy looking Sirius joined her.

“Good afternoon to you. I feel I must inquire after our national – or I must I say international – hero. I trust he’s fully recovered?”

“He will be. Thank you.”

“Well, well, who would ever have guessed that Snape would become famous for DEFEATING you-know-who? Mind you, those papers sure have a way of exaggerating.”

“Really? I thought their report about Saturday’s events was rather accurate.”

“Mmm, yes. But to insinuate you and Snape would be having an affair…”

“I admit that it was a little over the top, but we do have a relationship.”

“Of course you have, he’s your colleague.”

“I don’t mean that kind of relationship. I meant that we have a romantic one.” She felt a bit embarrassed, but the way he minimized Severus’ part in the battle had vexed her. He stared at her in total disbelief.

“You cannot be serious.”

“I’m very serious.”

“Then all the rumors are true?”

“I don’t know all the rumors, but I am staying with him in the dungeon, if that’s the one you’re referring to?”

“Wait a minute; I can’t take this in…I mean…Tori, YOU of all people…you poor thing!”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well, clearly he has taken advantage of the situation, working with you. I don’t know how he did it, maybe one of his famous potions, but he must have done something to fool your better judgment.”

“He most certainly did not!” Tori felt the blood run to her cheeks and her heart was racing in anger.

“No, no, don’t excite yourself on his behalf. It’s sad. You must think all that happens between a man and a woman is hop-on hop-off for a few seconds, poor thing.”

She was sure he was about to tell her all about his skills in lovemaking and about Severus’ lack of, but at that moment something inside her snapped and she exploded. That impertinent, puffed up excuse for a man!

“Stop it now!” she yelled, his mouth already open to start talking. “What gives you the idea Severus needed a potion to win my affection? Because YOU need to rely on such resources to get a girl? And what makes you think he’s not a skillful lover? Because YOU only know one position yourself? Let me tell you something. Not only do I think he’s the most attractive, sensual and masculine man I’ve ever met, last night he gave me so many orgasms I lost count. I cannot see any other man doing that to me, can you?”

She left him standing, his mouth still open, and paced back to the castle.

She still hadn’t calmed down when she bumped into Bill Weasley.

”Hey, Tori!”

“Oh, hi Bill. I didn’t know you were still here?”

“Ah, I’m on official business, being Draco Malfoy’s bodyguard.” He laughed, but she knew he was serious.

“Not that it’s a demanding job. I’d say he’s rather safe here at Hogwarts, but I guess you’ll never know. Most of my time I spend avoiding awkward situations involving him and Shannon.” He grinned and Tori smiled back.

“Hey! There’s a smile. You looked rather troubled when I saw you talking to Black. Can’t stand he doesn’t get the girl, can he?”

She sighed. “Is nothing private here at Hogwarts?!”

Bill looked confused. “Eh, I only said that because I know he’s quite a ladies’ man, honestly I didn’t know there was anything to it. Damn, I am always putting my foot in my mouth these days!”

“It’s ok. I think I’m a bit to blame myself, but I have made it clear to him on a number of occasions that I do not want to be involved with him, but…”

“He’s too stuck-up to listen to what you have to say. I know the type.”

They laughed together and spent a bit more time talking about mutual friends and Snape, of course.

“He’s a splendid man. You make a great couple.” He said.

Tori looked up in surprise. “Don’t let Ron hear you say that!”

Bill laughed. “Oh, I know, Severus Snape is one of his worst enemies, but he’ll grow out of it eventually.”

“Yes, and now he has to deal with a Malfoy being together with Shannon as well.”

“Mmm, that’s a tricky one, I know. He seems ok to me, but I may be biased, I’m taking care of him after all. Having said that, I think it’s about time I go and find the lovebirds.”

She went back inside and was on her way down to the Potions classroom, when professor Flitwick cleared his throat.

“Tori, may I have a word with you?”

“Of course professor.” He looked very excited and gave her a big smile.

“I’m so pleased Severus is getting better.”

“So am I.”

“I mean, we’ve all had our differences with him, and I’m the last person to say that he’s an agreeable man, but you must admire what he did.” She nodded and suppressed a little giggle.

“Your work with him is over now, yes?”

“Err, yes, I think so. I’m teaching Potions right now, until he’s better.”

“Right, well, what I would like to ask you is the following: I’ve wanted to retire for quite some time now, but with all this you-know-who business I couldn’t bring myself to leave Albus like that. But now everything is different. That’s why I wanted to ask you to take over my classes from January on. Minerva told me that you enjoy teaching and I could not think of a more suitable Charm’s professor than our own charming Miss Bloom.”

Tori was overwhelmed. She hadn’t really thought about it yet, but indeed Severus’ extra work had finished and there was no need for her to stay on as his assistant. Professor Flitwick looked so hopeful and pleading at her, she didn’t have to think twice about it. After all, this opportunity was too good to miss out.

“I think I would like that very much.”

Professor Flitwick almost jumped up in the air and his eyes filled with tears when he took her hand and smiled. “Oh, thank you. This is so good for you. I’ll inform Albus right away.” And he dashed away from her. Tori took a moment to think about it. She had really liked teaching Potions, but filling in for Severus was not the same as having her own classes. Now she would have a chance to devote herself completely to one subject and to work out a curriculum for her students, her students, she liked the sound of that.

When she got back to the dungeon that evening, she told Severus about Flitwick’s offer.

“Charms is not a bad way to start a teaching career, I guess.” He didn’t seem over-enthusiastic about it, but Tori knew this was not because he wasn’t happy for her. It looked like his pains had become worse during the day and she went over to him to rub his back.

“Have you taken another pain-relieving potion?”

He sighed. “I’m waiting until I go to bed. I might take a sleeping potion.”

“You don’t have to stay up on my account. Come, let’s get you to bed.” He moved slowly towards his bedroom. Tori helped him undress and made sure he took the potion. He frowned when she tucked him in.

“I feel like a useless child.” He grumbled. She smiled, blew a string of raven hair out of his face and brushed her lips against his.

“You’ll get better soon.” When she saw him shiver under the blankets, all she wanted was to hold him, but she was afraid she would inadvertently hurt him by doing so.

“Severus?” she whispered. He slowly opened his eyes.

“Would you like to be alone tonight?” He shook his head so fiercely, she immediately undressed, climbed in bed beside him and pulled him softly to her, his head resting on her chest. Soon his steady breathing told her that he was fast asleep. She stayed awake most of the night, stroking the back of his head, fearing he would wake up if she moved.

A few days passed before Snape’s pains began to fade. Each night, Tori stayed with him, holding him in a protective embrace. He wanted to start teaching again the next Monday and to prove to her that he had fully recovered; he agreed to go to the Great Hall for dinner that Sunday.

When they walked in, everyone applauded their Potions Master and his Slytherins gave him a standing ovation, quickly followed by the other houses. He looked a bit overwhelmed by all this attention and only bowed his head a little to show them his appreciation. Tori had feared he would be disgusted, being the center of attention, but he seemed to ignore it and even made an attempt to smile when they sat down together.

“I’m surprised no one’s here to take a picture of my spectacular re-entry.” He mocked and Tori giggled behind her hand.

She watched him closely as he served himself, making sure he had enough to eat. He noticed and raised his eyebrow, filling his plate with an enormous amount of food. “Are you watching this closely? Look how I put all of this into my mouth.” He was serious when he began to chew rather demonstrative and Tori felt ashamed.

“I’m sorry.”

“So you should be.” He said, taking another bite from his roll, meanwhile shooting evil glances at her from the corner of his eye.

“You’ve hurt my feelings, I expect some compensation.” He whispered and Tori blushed when she noticed the fire in his eyes. Now she was sure he had recovered!

They didn’t stay long that first night, although it wasn’t easy to escape from the Great Hall when all his colleagues wanted to talk to him. At last Tori managed to pilot him back to the dungeons. He smirked: “Clearly, popularity can be a great burden. Maybe Harry didn’t like it as much as I thought after all.” Tori rolled her eyes and pushed him inside his room. He laughed, turned around, put his arm around her waist, pulled her to him and whispered seductively in her ear: “My, my, aren’t we keen tonight.”

“You have challenged me and now you’ll get what you’ve asked for.” She gave him a mysterious look and he smiled amused.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It took him some time to recover from this intense experience, Tori lying next to him, her head on his chest.

“Enough compensation?” she asked innocently.

He grumbled “I’ll get you for this.” And she giggled.

That night, he didn’t need a sleeping potion.

The next morning, Tori found herself without work. She would start with Flitwick in December and that left her with some spare time. First off, she started to clean up the lab and decided to make an inventory of the ingredients. They had used quite a lot of them recently and she was sure that he had not kept track. Doing so, she was busy the whole morning and had to rush to get some lunch. Snape had already returned to his classroom. She hesitated if she would go over there. She wanted to know how his first classes had been, but assumed that he would not like it if students saw her checking up on him. Therefore, she decided to go to her rooms in the Gryffindor tower. It had been quite a while since she had been there; even Crookshanks chose to be in the dungeon with them. When she passed the portrait of the Fat Lady, Shannon came out.

“Oh, Tori, how are you doing?”

“Fine Shannon.” She wanted to walk on, but Shannon seemed to have something on her mind, so Tori waited for her to speak.

“Say, is it true about Sirius?”

“What about Sirius?” Tori looked puzzled.

“Well, he’s leaving Hogwarts to go to Harry, but the rumor is that he’s leaving because of…” and then she hesitated.

“Because of what?”

“Well, err…because of you and Professor Snape and Professor Snape being a hero.” She talked fast, afraid of Tori’s reaction, but she needn’t have worried.

“He probably wants to be with Harry, don’t make a big deal about it.” She waved it away as if she wasn’t interested, but it had shocked her more than she let on. She truly hoped he was only leaving to be with Harry, she would feel awful if he’d leave after she had been so angry with him.

She was about to resume her way, when Ginny Weasley came out of the portrait and started talking to Shannon, clearly not noticing Tori was there.

“Shannon, come and look, it’s ready!” she sounded excited and Tori was curious.

“Hi Ginny, what’s ready?”

The look on Ginny’s face changed into a nervous one and she stuttered. “Umm…err…yeah, you know what I mean Shannon, that…err…thing.”

Now Tori was really interested and she looked at Shannon, her eyes asked for an explanation.

“Oh well,” she said, “you’re going to find out anyway, so you better come along to our dormitory.” According to the expression on Ginny’s face, she did not find this a good plan, but Tori had already followed Shannon through the portrait hole.

She didn’t exactly know what to expect, but nothing could have possibly prepared her for what was in the girls’ dormitory. When she walked in, she couldn’t miss the large posters hanging on the walls behind each bed. Five larger-than-life versions of Severus in his customary black robe stared down n her. Her mouth dropped and she looked at Shannon.

“What on earth…” she was completely stunned.

“It came with the latest issue of Teen Witch” Shannon explained.

Tori’s eyes widened. “You mean…”

“It’s hanging in every girl’s dormitory.” Ginny completed her sentence.

Slowly, Tori lowered herself onto the nearest bed.

“The whole world’s gone mad.” She whispered in disbelief. Then she looked at both girls. “You know he’s going to freak out.”

“He doesn’t have to know. He never goes into the girls’ dormitory.”

That made sense. But Tori could not loose the unsettling feeling.

“I’m not sure if I like it.” She said. The other girls giggled.

“You knew how we thought of him Tori, so this shouldn’t come as a complete surprise to you.” Ginny laughed.

“Yeah, but…this is really…umm…I don’t have the word for it. Sick?”

It took Shannon and Ginny a lot of effort, but in the end they were able to convince Tori not to go to Dumbledore and ask him to make them take the posters down, but she still didn’t like it!

When Snape came back from inspecting the Slytherin common room that evening, he looked grim. Alarmed by the expression on his face, Tori feared he had discovered the newest addition to the girls’ dormitory, but it turned out to be something else.

“Tell me, when were you planning on informing me of Lucius’ escape?” he snapped. “I had to find out from Draco.”

She didn’t know what to say. “Err, I didn’t want to bother you when you were still weak and after that, I guess I just forgot about it.” She spoke softly.

“You FORGOT?” he sneered. “Do you think HE will forget?” She bit her lip and shook her head. He sighed deeply and sat down.

“You know he’ll want revenge.”

She looked up. “Won’t he try to free Voldemort first?”

“Not a chance. He didn’t do that the previous time, so why would he bother to do so now?”

He paused for a while and then continued as if realizing something: “I guess that’s why Bill Weasley is still here. I wondered why Hogwarts would need the presence of an Auror.”

“Yes, he’s here to protect Draco.”

Snape nodded approvingly. “He’s a sensible one.” Then he turned to her, giving her a penetrating look: “Still I think you should have told me right away, I’m not made of china.”

She bowed her head and took a book from the shelf, concluding their conversation was over.

They were both immersed in reading when the fireplace produced some green sparks and Dumbledore emerged from it.

“Ah, Severus, Tori. I trust you are both well?” They answered affirmative and he smiled widely when he continued: “I received a letter from the Ministry today, announcing that you are both to be awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class for your contribution to Voldemort’s defeat.”

Tori jumped up in surprise, but Snape was unmoved. “That’s the least they could do, and about time too.” He said in his usual cold way.

Tori wanted to say something about his ungrateful reaction to the news, but Dumbledore shook his head behind Snape’s back, his eyes twinkling.

“The title will be presented to you during a reception for all those who helped during the battle, held at the Ministry.”

“I think it’s wonderful.” Tori smiled at Dumbledore.

“There’s one other thing though…”

They looked at him with expectation.

“Ahem, there are some people from the Daily Prophet that want an interview with the two of you together. I know this is the last thing you need right now, but they’re bound to write about you, with or without your approval.”

Snape looked horrified and Tori searched for a way to avoid further prying into their private life.

“Maybe they want to interview us about the Order of Merlin.” She said, not fully convinced, but noticing Snape’s expression softened a bit when she suggested it, she knew it was the only way to get him to talk to a reporter. Dumbledore nodded approvingly and gave her an encouraging tap on the shoulder.

“They are waiting for you in my office now.” He said. “Better to get it over with.”

Their mouths dropped and Tori didn’t feel up to it at all. She was very tired and all she wanted was an early night. Dumbledore didn’t seem to notice their reluctance and went on his way to his office, assuming that they would follow.

They were both extremely nervous when they went into Dumbledore’s office and Tori reached for Severus’ hand for support. That did not go unnoticed.

“Professor Snape, Miss Bloom, how wonderful to finally meet you in person. I’m Polly-Jean Blackink.” An elderly, gray-haired woman smiled gently at them. She was nothing like Rita Skeeter. Tori felt her nerves disappear and when Severus’ grip on her hand loosened, she could tell he too was more comfortable with the situation.

“Tell me about your work please; it sounds so fascinating and exciting. It was rather secretive, wasn’t it?”

They did most of the talking, the reporter only intervening when she wanted to elaborate on something. Finally she came to the questions they had both feared the most.

“Can you recall at what time exactly you realized your feelings towards each other had developed into something more?”

Tori felt him stiffening next to her and she replied. “That’s a very difficult question; I guess these things develop rather gradually…” PJ Blackink nodded understandingly.

“Have you set a date yet?” This question blew them away. They looked at each other, stunned and Tori saw his eyes harden; therefore she was quick to say something, anything…

“We haven’t…err, actually talked about…err…” she stammered, but he interrupted her in his characteristic cold voice:

“I don’t see why this would be of any interest to your readers, Mrs. Blackink.”

If she had known Severus Snape, she would have left it there, but obviously no one had told her his cold tone was only the forerunner of his fury.

“But of course they are interested! You’re such a lovely couple and it’s so romantic: an elderly professor falls for his former star student. It’s a classic!”

Tori closed her eyes, knowing there was nothing she could do to prevent his outburst. And it came.

“Madam Blackink, I was under the impression you were here to record our experiences in defeating Voldemort. Clearly that part of the conversation is over. If you have no further questions regarding our work, I consider this conversation terminated." His velvet tone only made his words sound more menacing, but Tori realized he was trying very hard to be civil.

“Oooooh, my dear professor, aren’t you the protective type! So that’s why so many women are attracted to the dark and mysterious Professor Snape. Now I can see a glimpse of that famous sex-appeal myself.” She would have said a lot more if given the chance, but Snape stood up abruptly, took Tori by the arm and dragged her towards the door. He turned around and sneered: “You, Madam, need to get a life of your own instead of sticking your nose into other people’s.” and then he took Tori with him back to the dungeon.

Tori tried to talk to him about the interview. She thought it had gone rather well, before the last few minutes that was.

“I don’t think it was necessary to be so rude.” She said.

“Quite right, that obnoxious woman should learn to stick to her story.” He answered firmly.

“Ahem. That was not what I meant.” Tori spoke softly. He turned his head towards her, his hair ending up all over his face; it made him look even more frightening when he spoke in his dark voice:

“You mean I was rude?” he looked at her like she had just told him that Voldemort was a saint.

“I only think we could have handled things a bit more…umm…friendly.” Her voice was nothing more than a whisper, but its echo rang out in the dungeon when both stared at some point in the distance, carefully avoiding looking at one another.

Snape grumbled that he needed some fresh air and stormed out of the dungeon. She sighed, knowing that he needed time to cool off. All things considered he had behaved himself during the interview, he could have been far worse. The one thing that she feared now was tomorrow’s paper. What would PJ Blackink write after being snapped at? She shivered, recalling the work of Rita Skeeter. Snape would have a fit if it would be anything like that. Sighing, she went to bed. Life surely was complicated with him and lately it seemed that she did nothing else than calm him down after he had infuriated himself over something. She had already dozed off when he finally came back in. He had been to the Quidditch field to hit some bludgers to let out the anger he felt inside and which he could not show to Tori. He climbed in bed beside her, looked at her peaceful expression, sighed deeply and turned around.

The next morning, they eagerly awaited the arrival of the Daily Prophet. When it came, Snape was in the bathroom, so Tori was the first to take a look at it. It had a large picture of the two of them on the front page. It had a brief paragraph about their work, but the body of the article was devoted to their relationship, as she had feared. It read:

“LOVE CONQUERS DARK MAGIC, by PJ Blackink.”

“When you see Tori Bloom and Severus Snape together, it’s easy to understand why they are called our ‘favorite couple’. Everything about them breathes romance. The way he holds her hand in comfort, finishes her sentences, looks at her in admiration…need I go on? And how she tries to look after him, her worry about his safety still reflected on her beautiful young face…this truly brings joy to this old heart of mine. Anyone that has the privilege of knowing Miss Bloom will not be surprised her former professor has taken a liking to her. Not only is she beautiful, she is one of the finest minds that came out of Hogwarts in the last few decades. It makes you wonder when this attachment started, and if it is all that recent that they made us to believe. Many of you will discard this and say that a young girl’s crush on a school teacher hardly ever goes any further than languishing sighs, but then most of you do not know Professor Severus Snape! Ever since his important role in the battle of Malfoy Manor became known, his charismatic personality has charmed numerous witches. Now I had the opportunity to meet with the object of so many fantasies, I can only admit they are right. Tall, dark and gloomy, he seems to come right out of the close circle around the Dark Lord. The fact he actually has been one of them; makes him only more intriguing. His silky voice sends shivers down your spine and his jet-black eyes will hold you mesmerized for eternity. Therefore, it will not come as a surprise that they are most reluctant to give details about the time their relationship began. Maybe they find it difficult as well to face reality, knowing it might raise a few eyebrows? They are even more so keeping us in the dark about their future plans. Upon asking if they were planning on making their relationship official, Professor Snape reacted rather evasive. Does this mean that their relationship is based on mere physical attraction or is there more to it as we all assumed? Only the future will tell and then we will see if their attachment is as romantic as we all thought it was.”

Tori put the paper down and slowly the implications of what was written got through to her. When Snape came into the room, he only had to look at her face to know what was up. He snatched the paper away from her and started reading. When he looked up, his bewilderment was read all over his face. He didn’t say anything, didn’t shout, and didn’t slam any doors. He just looked at her, his hands going through his hair.

“Severus…” she started, but he pushed her aside and went for the door.

“Albus.” Was all he said.

When he opened the door, Dumbledore was about to knock on it. Tori was relieved, he would certainly know what to do.

“Severus, I take it you were on your way to see me?” Snape nodded the paper still in his hand.

“Albus, you know what that woman dares to imply?”

Tori had never seen him this pale and his burning eyes made him look even more like a man on the verge of loosing his sanity. Dumbledore came in, put his arm around him and led him to a chair.

“Sit down Severus and hear me out. When I read the article, I reacted the same way as you did.”

Tori found that hard to believe, but appreciated his attempt to soothe Snape.

“The problem is that she doesn’t accuse you of doing anything. She merely implies your attachment might go back to your time of being teacher and student.”

“Albus, very soon you will be receiving the first owls from upset parents asking for my resignation, and who would blame them?” he sounded bitter and Tori put a hand on his shoulder to comfort him.

“I hope it doesn’t come to that, and if it does, I will back you all the way. I will contact the editor of the Daily Prophet. I don’t know if it will do any good, but I cannot stand by and do nothing.”

“I want to sue that woman. The thought that I would…I mean a student…” he was getting all worked up now, stood up and started pacing up and down the room.

Dumbledore sighed. “I don’t think there’s any ground to sue. Like I said, she only suggests that you and Tori were involved during her time as a student.”

“Then I just have to sit and do nothing while that woman ruins my life?” His black robes swirled around the floor when his pacing became more agitated.

“Severus, most Hogwarts’ students know me and I think I can fairly say that they will not believe this woman’s slander.” She wanted to say “and they know you,” but was afraid he would take it the wrong way.

Dumbledore hugged his Potions teacher, who stiffened on the spot, and went out, saying: “Don’t let it worry you too much. I’ll do what I can, and in the mean time I suggest that you both carry on like before.”

That was easier said than done!!!!!!

Together they went to the Great Hall for breakfast. Nobody said anything, but several glances were shot at the Head Table during the meal. Snape seemed to ignore it, but Tori felt her stomach turn.

Halfway through the morning, she bumped into Shannon and her friends.

“Oh, Tori.” They looked a bit embarrassed.

Tori said ‘hi’ and wanted to leave, but the girls stopped her.

“Say, Tori, we all feel really bad about the article; you know.”

Tori nodded. “Not as bad as we do, I assure you.”

“I just want to let you know that no one believes any of it and…well, because it seems rather inappropriate now, we wanted to let you know we have pulled down the posters.”

Tori smiled gratefully. “Thank you.”

Relieved Dumbledore had been right about the loyalty of the school; she headed for the library to catch up on some reading on Charms. She received a message from Dumbledore, asking to have lunch in his rooms. When she went up there, Snape and Harry were also present. Harry came up to her and took her hands in his.

“Oh, Tori, I’m so sorry about that bloody article. I want you to know I sent a furious letter to the editor.”

She smiled at him.

Dumbledore cleared his throat: “Serious as it may be, the article is not why I asked you to come over. Harry has some news regarding the Death Eater trials. Harry?”

“Yes. Trials are being held as we speak and we’ve come up with a punishment that involves your weakening potion. Those who are convicted and I assume it will be all of them, will be forced to drink the potion and then have their memory will be altered so they can be re-educated to live a normal muggle-life, carefully monitored of course.”

“Know anything about Voldemort yet?” Tori asked, since she knew he had been working the case.

“Well, I’ve managed to convince them to let him live.” Snape frowned, but Harry continued: “It won’t be fun, mind you. He is to remain in Azkaban, in a dungeon, chained to the wall where he will live on bread and water. Every month, his guard will be replaced, all guards being recruited amongst survivors of families attacked by Death Eaters.”

They all agreed it was an appropriate punishment, but Snape would have liked it better if they were going to execute him.

“Don’t take any chance with him.” He said.

“We won’t. So, can we have the potion?”

Tori looked up, “Is there enough left?”

“No, I will have to brew some more.” Then he looked at Tori. “Although the key ingredient is no longer available.” She blushed and saw Harry’s confusion.

“I’ll find a way to get it.” He stood up and left the room.

Harry was on his way to the fireplace when he remembered something.

“That’s right; I have a letter for you from Ron.” He gave Tori a little note in which Ron expressed his sympathy regarding her troubles with the press. She smiled when she read his final remark: “Anyone that believes such crap obviously never had to endure his classes!”

Another letter came that evening. It was from Mrs. Weasley. She wrote that she had canceled her subscription and wished her all the best with her ‘gorgeous professor’.

Tori was in a much better mood when she entered the dungeon, ready to tell him all about the support people had given them throughout the day. She passed Draco on his way out, busy rolling down his sleeve. When she looked for Snape, she noticed that he was stirring his cauldron. The liquid was familiar.

“You’re already brewing the potion?” she asked, surprised.

“Yes, I just added the final ingredient. It will only take a few days before it is ready.”

“Who did…” and then she realized, “You mean Draco…but…he and Shannon…err…” she was astonished. “Are you sure he qualifies, I mean, it will work, right?”

He looked up, raising one eyebrow.

“On what grounds are you accusing him of being a liar? Because he’s a Slytherin? You disappoint me. I would never have thought a noble Gryffindor would be capable of displaying such prejudice.”

His sneer hit her hard and she totally forgot about wanting to comfort him.

“Considering the circumstances, I would think it’s only natural to have some doubts.”

“And his word is not enough for you? What will be? Will having Poppy examine Shannon satisfy your curiosity?” He bit.

She felt like throwing up and needed all of her inner strength not to slap him in the face.

“It only surprised me, that’s all.” She left him with his cauldron and went into the bedroom. The excitement of the day had worn her out and she desperately needed some sleep. Why did they always have to end up arguing?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When the Daily Prophet arrived the next morning, Snape grabbed it before Tori had the chance to see it. She heard him grumble and then he passed it over to her. Right in the middle of the page stood a small paragraph with it’s title in large print. Tori smiled when she read it.

“RECTIFICATION”

“The offices of the Daily Prophet were invaded by owls, carrying furious letters from readers concerning yesterday’s article on Professor Snape and Miss T. Bloom. Even the famous Harry Potter has taken the time to assure us first-handed that the relationship between previously mentioned wizards has always been professional during Miss Bloom’s time at Hogwarts as a student. PJ Blackink wishes to stress that she did not have the intention to slander the reputation of two of our greatest heroes and apologizes if her article has given the wrong idea. She will voluntarily go on early retirement as of next January. Once again, we must give our most sincere apologies.”

“This is pretty amazing, isn’t it?” Tori smiled, looking at him; he only managed a little grin.

“It shouldn’t have been necessary in the first place.”

She was about to tell him he should lighten up a bit, when green sparks were cracking in the fireplace and a whole bunch of letters emerged.

“Wow, look at that! I wonder if that’s more support.” She picked up a few and browsed through them.

“It seems that most of them are from your former students; all expressing their sympathy. Not bad.” She noticed that the larger part of the letters were from female students; but she was too happy to let it worry her. He seemed a bit overwhelmed and picked up a letter as well, to be sure that he wasn’t dreaming. The letter had a pink envelope and Tori was a bit worried when he began to read. That worry changed into panic when she saw him stiffening.

“Poster?” He asked and then he looked at her and his eyes shot fire. “Judging by the look on your face, you know something that I don’t. Explain!!”

Tori didn’t have time for fear; she ignored his menacing look and started to tell him about the poster from Teen Witch.

“And you knew this all along?”

She nodded remorsefully. “But they’ve taken them all down.”

He snapped: “As if that’s going to change the fact you obviously have a very selective memory when it comes to telling me what’s going on. Did you ‘forget’ about this as well?”

She lowered her head, unable to look into his eyes. Of course she should have told him about the posters, but she had been afraid about his reaction, and with reason!

He went out, straight to his classroom. Tori felt sorry for the students that had to face him within the next few hours. She only hoped that he wouldn’t say something about the posters; then again, he probably wanted to forget the ever existed.

She didn’t see him during the day. He was busy teaching and she wanted to do some more reading on Charms. She was on her way to her room in the Gryffindor tower to collect a book on protection charms, when she heard a loud scream. It came from the Gryffindor common room. “Daffodil” she said to the portrait of the Fat Lady and stepped into the common room. When she saw no one was there, she headed for the girls’ dormitory. She heard a lot of upset voices and a fifth year still had her mouth open from screaming. The poor girl looked paralyzed and Tori had to shake her gently to get her to speak.

“What’s wrong?” The girl looked at her with fear in her eyes, shook her head and stuttered: “I only wanted to take a little peek, nothing more…and then…””

Tori saw what she knew to be a ‘Snape-poster’ lying on the ground. She picked it up and turned it around. Surprised at what she saw, she let out a little scream herself. The poster did not show Severus Snape in his black robe anymore, but a gigantic, ugly and mean-looking troll. He looked so real; Tori understood all too well why the girl had reacted so emotionally. Obviously Snape had something to do with it. But he couldn’t have harmed the posters, unless…

“Shannon!!” she yelled, but she needn’t have to, because when she turned around, a grinning Shannon was standing behind her.

“Honestly Tori, I didn’t know what he was going to do with it, but he threatened to take 100 points from Gryffindor if I didn’t give him one of the posters. You never told me he had a sense of humor?”

Tori laughed. “He hides it well, and judging by this girl’s reaction, it’s for the better.”