In The Dungeon Deep And Dark

They awoke separately to similar sights. Both saw white ceiling, white sheets and white curtains. Both felt cotton pyjamas not their own upon their bodies. Both tasted the foul aftertaste of healing potions and both felt the headache of being hit by a nasty curse. However, completely unexpectedly, both also had complete recollection of everything that transpired between them, up to the failed memory charm. Georgia stirred, trying to clear her head.



“Miss Callaghan, are you alright dear?” a voice came from beside her bed.



“Professor Sprout? Yes, I feel a little off, but otherwise fine. How long have I been out?”



“Just overnight. A house elf found you in Professor Snape’s classroom and moved you here.” Her head of house told her.



“Professor Snape! Is he ok?” she asked warily.



“He’s a bit worse for wear but alive. He has been awake already but Madam Pomfrey put him back to sleep to aid the healing potions. You both appear to have been attacked, what do you remember?” Sprout asked.



“I... not much. There were Death Eaters, four of them. They attacked Professor Snape. They said they wanted revenge for betraying them.” She answered cautiously, not wanting to cause Snape any trouble, especially if he couldn’t remember.



“He said you tried to help him. Is that so?!” Sprout asked.



“I think I did, yes. I couldn’t just let them hurt him; he’s a professor and he deserves his dignity.” She defended.



“Spoken like a true Hufflepuff. I am quite proud of you Miss Callaghan. You have already earned 50 points for the House with your selfless actions. Well done.” Sprout gushed.



“Professor Sprout, could I see him please? I feel well enough for a short walk at least.”



“I don’t see why not. I’ll ask Pomfrey to give you a few moments.”

Georgia padded softly over to where Snape was; the bed next to hers fortunately. After checking no-one was watching, she stroked his hand with hers and whispered, “I’m so sorry Professor. I only wanted to help you, now I’ve made things worse. I hope you can forgive me. I swear, I’ll never tell a soul what happened between us. I’d never betray you like that.” Warm fingers encased her own.



“I’m glad to hear that Miss Callaghan. Thank you for your loyalty. I only hope you can forgive me for what those savages had me do to you.” He said in that deep honeyed voice she loved so much. She smiled up at him.



“I’m not a silly, lovesick girl but the... physicality of what happened was quite enjoyable, and memorable. My only fear is the repercussions, both physical and legal should anyone learn the truth.” She told him. He was about to reply but dropped her hand and the subject when the Headmaster approached.



“Ah Severus, Miss Callaghan, It’s good to see you both awake and well. Perhaps now you will be able to tell us what happened?”

Georgia looked up at Snape, allowing him to begin explaining.



“Death Eaters, Headmaster; Four of them. They broke into my office and waylaid me in my classroom. They intended to take revenge on me for betraying the Dark Lord. Miss Callaghan disturbed them before they could kill me or become... inventive with their torture.” Snape told him.



“Really Miss Callaghan? Do tell.” Dumbledore asked.



“Well Sir, I forgot my ink bottle and went back to get it. When I got to the classroom, three cloaked and masked men were threatening Professor Snape and a fourth immediately trained his wand on me before I even had mine out of my pocket.” She said simply. Dumbledore gave her a look that implied he knew there was more to it than that but he remained silent, gesturing for her to continue. “I... don’t remember much after that point. I was very frightened Sir.” She stammered, hoping he would believe her.



“Very well Miss Callaghan, I imagine the whole ordeal has taken a great deal out of you. Severus, I expect you will provide me with a full account when I see you up and about?”



“Yes Sir.” Snape sighed.



“Excellent, well, good afternoon.” He nodded and left. When they were alone again Snape turned to her.



“Why? Why did you lie for me? In fact why did you willingly subject yourself to such horrors, for my sake?”



“I... a few reasons really. First, I’m well aware of what you did for the Order of the Phoenix. Second, you are a professor of this school and despite your occasional nastiness I have come to respect you a great deal. I couldn’t just abandon you to whatever fate those monsters had in store for you.” He flushed uncomfortably at the memory and muttered something like ‘Hufflepuff loyalty’. “Thirdly, I cannot deny that I found the sight of your body arousing, as you were no doubt aware. What I said to you last night was all true.” She confessed. It was her turn to blush when he regarded her closely, eyebrows raised in amusement. “And finally, I was so scared, but when you held me, when you kissed me, I felt like it was going to be ok.” She finished, now unable to look him in the face.



He sighed like the weight of the world was on his shoulders and picked up her hand again, scrutinising her fingers while deep in thought.



“Foolish girl, I am not worth the sacrifice.” He whispered, drawing her close and pressing a soft, gentle kiss to her lips. “But I am grateful.” He finished. He smirked as she lifted her hands to her lips, surprised he had just willingly made a gesture of affection, and so tenderly.



“Thank you Severus.” She replied, trying out his first name again. She knew she hadn’t pushed him too far when he smiled. “I think you are definitely worth it.” She assured him. His smile disappeared while his gaze shifted to her midriff.



“What if the Conceptus Charm worked where the memory charm did not?” he asked her.



“I don’t know. Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it.” She sighed, unsure of her feelings on the subject at that time. He shuffled over on the bed making room for her and patted the mattress encouraging her to sit next to him. She climbed onto the bed on top of the blankets and rested her head on his chest, curling into him and listening to the rise and fall, his breathing and his heartbeat. Within minutes they were both fast asleep again.