Tel\' Lindar (The Bard)

Chapter 25

Welcome to the Dungeon! We got flu and snot! Or Eggs Benedict Slytherin!


It was noisy.

Bottles were being flung, women screamed. The streets rang with the sounds of fighting and smashing glass.

The Big Elf stood at the window, the firelight from outside, lighting his face sta stared out of the window, his jaw clenched in fury.

The Voyeur looked around, darkness penetrating the room from beyond the window. There was a bed in the far corner. In it the Woman was sleeping deeply. A small child lay in a smaller bed nearby. The Voyeur took a step towards the Elf.

"Do not move."

The Voyeur did as requested. "If you are going to kill me, I would prefer you get it over with."

The Elf snorted. "Kill you? Aye. I would enjoy nothiore ore than squeezing the very life from your throat." There was an explosion from beneath the window, a flash of light and the Elf stepped back, his eyes narrowing. "Unfortunately, if I did that , there would be no one to help her in her quest; to aid her in her search." He narrowed his eyes, as he stared out of the window. "Umbar. City of the Corsairs. Stinking, rotting, waste of rock." He turned away from the window and moved further from the Voyeur. "Dangerous town, dangerous men. We hid in this room for days, waiting for a chance to run, to escape. I should never have allowed her to talk me into it; l should never have allowed her to put our child into danger. It was the last time I did not listen to my inner voice."

The Elf was quiet for a moment.

"That is not true. I did not listen to my inner voice one other time."

"And what other time was that?" The Voyeur asked.

The Elf's chest rose, lungs filling with air. "The day I looked in Galadriel's mirror and saw you."

Ah. A revelation.

"Listen carefully. As much as I dream of ending your life, I cannot. And as much as you would like to bind her to you for no other reason than it angers me or it soothes your tortured hormones, you must heed my words."

"More words to heed, more clues to find, more insight to her tortured life. You do go on."

The Voyeur found himself pressed against the wallld tld there by the Elf's strong grip. "Give me one reason why I should not kill you?"

"Her bow."

The Elf thumped him against the wall before dropping him to the floor. "She is ill. Her rooms, her chambers, the castle is making her ill. Her lungs begin to constrict. You must counteract it."

The Voyeur straightened his robes and put his collar and cuffs back in order. "Ill? She was perfectly healthy last night. Lungs were fine. Screamed my ear off!" He found himselnnednned to the wall yet again.

"If you wish to die a lingering, agonizing death, continue on this road you insist on taking!" He was thumped, hard, twice, before being released again.

The Voyeur immediately bore down on the Elf. "I will not apologize for bedding her and if you thump me one more..." He came up short, several packets of dried leaves and herbs shoved into his face.

"Recognize these?"

The Voyeur snatched them from the Elf. "Peppermint, Camomile - German, Echinacea, Lemonbalm... What is all this?"

"Find it. Use it. Put it in her tea, get it down her anyway you can. If this does not help, contact Elrond." The Voyeur found himself grasped and dragged to the outer wall of the room. The wall faded away and the fires of the night's revelry could be seen clearly. The Voyeur tried to grasp at the Elf's hands, arms as he was backed up to the edge.

For a short moment, he was jerked into the Elf's face.

"Watch out for her, care for her, heal her. She is My Treasure, My Air, My most Precious Jewel!"

And with the last word, he shoved the ur our over the edge...

Severus hit the bed painfully, flat on his back...

Echinacea leaves littering the bed.

***

Weeee are the champions
My friends...


I think I'll stop there.

***

The party went on till quite late, the Slytherins being most reluctant to let their euphoria die down. Eventually, the younger years petered out and were helped to bed by the older ones. As everything quieted down, the Seventh Years sat around the roaring fire that did not heat the room, butterbeer loosening tongues.

Not that they needed help.

"Did you see that bitch? Sauntering to the field on the arm of that... monster?" Pansy was grousing, her pug face deepening in her patented pout. "It's bad enough they both missed lunch. Talk about being obvious!"

"Bad enough Dumbledore allows both of them to t her here! Father is very displeased!" Draco spat. "No doubt after this morning, he will be in the Minister's Office, telling him exactly what is going on here!" The light from the fire danced across the teen's face, etching angry lines across aristocratic planes.

"Were they really obvious?"

Malcolm Baddock was chomping at the bit, clamoring for every detail.

"I tell you; it was disgusting. Snape was dressed, though barely. Professor Powell was in a dressing gown, her hair was a mess! Looked like that mudblood's, Granger's!" He took a swig from his mug. "You know, we ran into Snape before school. Father set him straight. But still, I don't know how he could bear to bed her, knowing she is giving it out to the Werewolf as well!" He sank his nose back in his mug. "Not to mention, probably every Elf on earth!"

"Well, look at Snape!" Goyle chortled. "I would think he's pretty hard up... hey!" He recoiled as Pansy backhanded him across the head.

"Not as hard up as you! He has... qualities you will never have!"

"Oh yeah? Name one!"

"I'll name several. Let's start with his voice. Ladies?" The few girls immediately clamored in, agreed.

"... that sexy voice..."

"... velvet on the ears..."

"Those hands!" Pansy continued. "Have you ever watched those hands? SO precise... so graceful. So... manipulative!"

Draco rolled his eyes. "Yes, yes, Pansy. But you forgot something very important. He's uglier than sin! Have you forgotten that beak?"

"Ah, yes! That beak, as you so magnanimously call it!" Pansy looked knowingly at her girlfriends, all of them smiling. "Do you know, Draco, how often I have fantasized about riding that beak?"

Draco recoiled, horrified. "That's disgusting! It's perverse, it's-"

"A dream come true, IF!" Pansy stood up and stretched languorously. "I imagine it would fit, rub so perfectly! Come on, girls! Some of us need our beauty sleep!" The boys of Slytherin watched in morbid fascination as the girls slithered from the common room.

"Can you imagine?" Draco spat contemptuously. "Riding that nose? Have you heard anything so ridiculous in your life?"

Crabbe and Goyle looked at each other quietly.

"Maybe," Crabbe nervously spoke up, "we should pay attention. Someone is going to have to marry them someday." He gulped audibly. "It might be one of us."

Draco snorted, stood up and stretched. "True, but hopefully, not too soon!"

***
Wanna squeeze her but I'm way too low
I would be runnin' but my feets too slow
Young man rhythm's got a hold of me too
I got the rockin' pneumonia and the boogie woogie flu

Rockin' pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu
Johnny Rivers
***

Bronwyn's lungs burned.

They ached, they felt constricted and she decided that if she put anymore peppermint in her tea, she would turn into a bloody candy cane!

The sinuses were probably next.

It had been four days since the Quidditch match; the dungeons were bursting with prideful, sauntering Snakes. Twice, Bronwyn had to come between Goyle and Ron Weasley, the two finally forcing her to not only deduct points for refusing to back down, but also to give both of them detention with Filch. She knew she would have to answer to Severus for the loss of points and the detention assignment to HIS house, but with the aching of her head, and the souring of her mood, she relished the chance to bite his arrogant head off! Her mood was not helped by her monthly cycle beginning nor the fact that she was grading Seventh Year essays on the American Revolution.

Oh yes. She definitely needed to ‘chat' with Severus Snape - Head of Slytherin House, Curator of Childish, crabby...

No. He had enough to deal with. Best, she dealt with this on her own. She shoved the rolls of parchment to the side and leaned back, taking in the total unorganized mess that was her personal office. The smoke from the lamp made her eyes water and she rubbed them in exhaustion. She looked at the essays again.

N'uma. Still abysmal!

"Professor Powell?"

Bronwyn looked at the tiny house elf, who could barely see over the desk. "I'm sorry, Bobbin. I didn't hear you pop in. What's wrong?" Her voice was tired, wrung out.

The little elf was wringing his hands. "I is sorry, but Professor Powell has missed dinner. Professor Snape is very displeased becaProfProfessor Powell missed luncheon as well and -"

"Shit! Is he on his way down?"

The elf gave a slight smile. "Professor Dumbledore is talking with Professor Snape, giving Bobbin time to warn Professor Powell," he whispered conspiratorially.

Bronwyn grinned at tnticntics of the elderly Wizard. "How fast can you conjure some sandwiches?"

Bobbin snapped his fingers and a tray of rolled meat with cheese and fresh rolls appeared in his hand.

"Quick! Make me a ham and cheese sandwich. Amadeus?" The wolf came and sat by her side, looking at her dubiously. She flicked the knife in the small bowl of mustard. "You want mustard on your roast beef?" The beastie yipped, giving her grief for the game of subterfuge she was about to play on the unsuspecting Wizard. "Well, that's all fine and dandy, but if there isn't a sufficient dent in this pile of food, he might decide to stay late and force feed me!" Amadeus opened his mouth obediently. " I thought you d agd agree with me!" She smeared mustard on a slice of roast beef and tossed it to the wolf. "Here, have a few rolls!" She tossed two at him and he caught them in mid air. She turned to see Bobbin handing her a sandwich and making sure there were sufficient crumbs on the plate and desk. She took several bites and swallowed, shoving the Slytherin essays to the bottom of the stack.

Just in time.

Snape didn't even knock. He strode into her chambers, robes billowing. Seeing the light from her office, he turned, stopping in the doorway. He placed his palms against the door frame and gave her a most menacing glare. "You were not at dinner."

She never looked up or acknowledged him; rather, she took another bite of her sandwich and continued to grade the parchment lying on the top of the pile. (Oh, Thank Iluvatar! Ravenclaw!)

"Nor did you grace us with your presence at lunch."

She chewed thoughtfully before swallowing and glanced at him. "And your point?"

One moment, she was ing ing at the blackest pits of hell. The next, he was standing over her and his hands were planted on both sides of her desk. He reached for the red pen in her hand, a strange tug-of-war taking place for several moments before he wrestled the object from her grip and threw it in the corner. "My point is," he gritted tersely, "that you are not feeling well and rather than tell me or go to Madame Pomfrey, you have gone to ground in your office and are missing meals!"

"I am not missing meals!" Bronwyn retorted hotly. "Bobbin brought dinner!" She gestured to the platter. "Look what a fine feast he brought me!"

"You are no doubt feeding it to your mutt!" The black pits from hell came closer as he leaned over her desk. The beast began to growl menacingly. "He has mustard on his muzzle!"

Amadeus stopped growling and began to lick his chops, furiously looking for the missed condiment. Bronwyn did not bat an eyelash.

"Well, he has to eat as well. Bobbin always brings extra for him!" She folded her hands neatly in front of her. "Now, will you please retrieve my grading pen?"

"You will answer my questions, obediently, without hemming and hawing; we will go to see Madame Pomfrey and then maybe I will consider retrieving your pen!"

He leaned closer with each word, until his nose was inches from hers.

Bronwyn smiled. "Bobbin? Will you get my pen?"

hou house elf in the corner quietly began to move towards the pen.

"Bobbin, you will leave the pen where it lays."

Bobbin froze.

"Bobbin, My pen."

A step...

"You will not touch that pen or I will give you clothes!"

Bobbin immediately began to wail. "Oh, please, no, Bobbin will do anything Professor Snape..."

"Silence!" Both professors barked at the little elf. This only caused him to wail harder. Bronwyn hissed a string of Elvish expletives under her breath before coming around the desk and quietly ordering the house elf to sit on the couch until he could get control of himself. "If Professor Snape gives you clothes, you will come and work for me and you can thumb your nose at him!"

More wailing as the little elf left the room.

She made a move toward the pen, only to be blocked by Snape's looming black shape.

"Do you mind?"

"Yes. I do." Snape backed her up into her desk. "Sit."

"And if I don't?"

Bronwyn quickly found herself sitting behind her desk, a tenacious Potions Master leaning over like an angry parent. "Pray tell, why did Slytherin House lose twenty five points and Goyle get detention with Filch?"

"I believe is is between Goyle and myself!"

Snape leaned closer to her, angry heat emanating from him. "What ever happened between you and Goyle is of no concern. I want to know why my house lost twenty five points."

"Same thing, Severus!"

"As Head of Slytherin House, I have the right to know!"

He had her th Bro Bronwyn sighed deeply. Truth was, she had had this conversation earlier with Minerva - who had not only backed her up 100%, but had gone about asking much more nicely. Bronwyn rubbed her eyes and propped her head in her hands.

"I am waiting."

"Oh, shut up!" She felt Amadeus' comforting weight on her feet, fur on her bare toes. "The fact is that Mr. Weasley and Mr. Goyle have been at each other's throats since the Quidditch Match last Saturday..."

"Then punish Weasley for being a bully and let it go."

Bronwyn's head sunk deeper into her hands, eyes riveted to the parchment on her desk. "Goyle starts it. He started it. I got between them and he pushed me, trying to get to Weas"
"

She watched elegant hands pushing parchment left and right, clearing the desk in front of her. "He laid hands on you?"

The voice was deceptively quiet and she knew she was being lulled and placated. "He was just trying to get around me." She looked up at the Wizard. "He didn't mean to-"

"Yes, he did. I will deal with him myself."

"You will not!" Bronwyn stood up, the room spinning crazily. She grabbed the edge of the desk and willed herself to not stumble. Two strong hagrabgrabbed her by the shoulders, steadying her. "You will not!" she repeated. "The majority, if not all, of Slytherin House despises me with a passion. They push and pull, trying to subjugate my authority and the absolute last thing I need is to have it look as if I am running to you!"

"And these?" Snape had turned her loose and was rummaging through the tests. She made a weak lunge towards them, only for him to hold them back over his head. Idly, he flipped through them. "It appears the students from our house have more red marks than any of the others. Why is that?"

It was a total no-win.

"Because they are horrid," she admitted ruefully. "If it were the entire class, I would question my teaching abilities. However, it is not." She gave a half smile. "Some of their answers are so outrageous, I should give points for humor. Pansy Parkinson thinks Benedict Arnold is a way to cook eggs." She reached and took the essays from him and laid them back on her desk. "Let me deal with this. Please don't interfere."

Severus had resumed his tall stance, looking down his nose at her. "If another student lays a hand on you, you will let me know!"

"Yes, of course." she acquiesced. "Now if you don't mind, I need to grade these."

"Do you have this class tomorrow?" She shook her head negatively. "Then you can wait until later to finish them." He held his hand out to her. "Your head aches and so do a few other things, I am sure. I have a few tricks up my sleeve. We will see what this old Wizard can conjure up in the way of headache and body ache potions!"

"You're not old."

"Not as old as you, perhaps. Madam, if you smack me even in play, I will be forced to tie you up!" An unbidden memory from her cottage reared up. "On second thought, you might enjoy that!" He led her from the room, looking back at the wolf, who made to follow them. "You are not needed. Keep that blubbering elf company." He motioned to the still sobbing house elf on the couch. Severus then showed Bronwyn out the door and warded it with the password as they strode through the classroom into the hallway.
ronwronwyn followed quietly until they reached his private chambers, Severus warding doors behind them. He began to remove ingredients from his private stores. "You have a headache. Take this." He handed her a small vial. "It hurts for you to breathe too deeply. Take this as well." He watched as she downed the potions, grimacing, but not complaining. He took the empty vials from her and put them in a small sink. When he returned, she was sitting in one of his chairs in front of his flacelace. He poured himself a shot of firewhiskey and sat down in the other chair.

"You are being too kind, Severus. What do you want?"

The Wizard shrugged slightly, contemplating his glass before smirking. "Kind? I am never kind, madam. You know that. The fact is, you are ill and as we have reached the end of our list, I need you well in order to brainstorm about other possibilities of the location of your bow. As for what I want, I am curious; how do you plan to discipline my pathetic excuses for cunning snakes?"

She continued to stare into the fireplace and he opened his mouth to repeat the question, but she held her hand up, acknowledging his query.

"It's obvitheythey are trying to make me look bad, but they are going about it the wrong way. If they want to be rid of me, they are going to have to be more... cunning." Severus smiled at her intuitiveness. "Question is, should I make them retake the blasted test, let it stand, or give the whole lot of them detention for their pitiful attempt at trying to sabotage my career?" She let out a huge yawn, scratching her side.

"Your headache is better?"

"Hmm hmmm."

"You are feeling... better?"

"Hmmm.... Severus?" Her voice was sluggish. "You wouldn't take advantage of an over - potioned, drugged - up woman, would you?"

He was standing over her, his wand out. She could feel herself floating, lighter than air. This should bother her but it didn't. Why?

Severus was levitating her and moving her towards his bedchambers. "You promised no guilt."

"I... know... Lhugmin." The use of that word warmed him.

"Besides," he set her gently on the bed and retrieved one of his nightshirts. With a flick of his wand, he had removed her clothing and replaced them with the shirt. "Besides, as delectable as your body is to me, I prefer a more energized, willing partner, rather than one who is..."

She wasn't listening; she was...

"...asleep."

He flipped the heavy quilts over her, watched as she unconsciously cocooned and snuggled into the warmth of his bed. He went back to his cauldrons, checked his supplies of the herbs the Elf had shown him. Banking the fires for the evening, he crossed the hallway and entered her chambers. Ignoring the growling wolf, he ordered the still sniffling elf to add certain ingredients to her teas, all liquids she consumed. He invaded her private office, lip curling in disgust at the seemingly unorganized mess. He read through the Seventh Year essays, taking in the apparent ineptitude of his House.

Please. Do not interfere.

No. He would not interfere.

Not yet, anyway.

***

Woke up in my clothes again this morning
I don't know exactly where I am
I should heed my doctor's warning
He does the best with me he can.

Shadows in the Rain
Sting

***

Bronwyn awoke in the night; feeling little better, headache slightly diminished. She stretched indolently, before realizing she was enveloped in a warm embrace. Severus had her pulled tight, her head pillowed on his shoulder. Taking the moment she had not t nig nights before, she studied his profile, the harsh lines of his face. They had relaxed in sleep and he looked younger. Not more handsome - no, he wasn't that at all, but younger nevertheless. Gently, she stroked the hard planes, trying to find the lost young man within. Fingertips traced over heavy rowsrows, down the length of his jaw...

"If you are waiting for me to snore, or drop my mouth like a slack-jawed idiot, it will not happen!"

Bronwyn jerked her hand back, astonished as black eyes were wide open and stared at her condescendingly. She found herself on her back, pinned to the bed, as the Wizard rolled her over and settled between her legs.

He was hard.

"I...I... was just looking, Severus. Haven't you ever looked closely at a lover in the early morning?"

"Gods, no!" he retorted, the lines on his face coming back quickly. "I try to be gone before a woman gets ideas!"

The truth was most women he had been with in the past were either rented by the hour or... gifts from Dark Revels. On the rare occasion he had been with one who was willing and needy, he sneaked out before early light to keep a low profile. But those occasions had been rare.

But this one...

He wiggled, plainly showing his interest and nuzzled her earlobe. "I am willing to make an exception in your case."

Bronwyn squirmed uncomfortably. "I... can't. I need to go to the bathroom."

Severus continued to fondle her earlobe, taking in her scent. "Over on your left. I will wait."

She smacked him on the shoulder, dismay clearly written on her features. "No, you don't understand. It's... well... it's that time of the month..."

Ah. Which would explain a lot of her testiness in the evening.

"I do not mind. I understand that it is quite... warm and peasant feeling." He felt her stiffen in horror. She was so fun to tease! "However, do not expect me to perform cunni-"

A high pitched shriek rent the air, rendering him momentarily deaf. It was several moments before words registered.

"...vile, disgusting, revolting... Of all the... oh gag!" He hushed her with a searing kiss, his tongue doing battle with hers. He sucked gently on her bottom lip for a moment before releasing it.

Fearful eyes gazed into his and he kissed her again, chuckling deeply. "Amin, Bronwyn. Mine. I am not a patient Wizard and I have shown extraordinary patience with you! Do whatever you must do to come to grips to the reality that I want you in my bed as often as possible. I care not if it is this bed or if your bed becomes mine. Tell your beast it is a fact and he can either howl at the moon all night with Remus or get over it. You said it yourself - You want me along for the ride. I am no passenger. I steer. Do you understand?" Bronwyn nodded fretfully. "Good. Now put your arms around me and kiss me back. I know you enjoy it." He pressed himself against her and rubbed intimately, before plundering her mouth again. She opened for him, allowing him entrance before groaning as if in pain. He released her, watching in concern as she buried her face in his chest and hacked deeply.

His mind delved into hers, judging her body's reactions and he could sense the fluid beginning to accumulate in her lungs. "Damnation, woman!" He rolled off her and with his wand, Accio'd a robe. "Get dressed. I wonder what Madam Pomfrey will think of this." He pulled out a second robe for himself and pulled it on. "What are you waiting for?"

"What time is it? I don't want to wake Poppy unnecessarily."

Severus snorted through his nose. "Trust me. She lives for this. Besides, it is four in the morning. Time for her to get up anyway!"

"Four AM? Geez. No self - respecting human is up at this hour!" She groused, pulling the robe on.

"Precisely why we are up!"

***
He says I suffer from delusion
But I'm so confident I'm sane
It can't be no optical illusion
How can you explain
Shadows in the rain
***

Poppy was awake faster than Bronwyn could blink and she apparently did live for this sort of thing. She clucked over Bronwyn like a mother hen, taking careful note of what Severus had given her earlier in the evening.

"Between the cold of the dungeons and being out in the snow on Saturday, small wonder you are still standing! Take today and sleep."

"I... (hack hack) can't..."

"You... hack hack... will!" Severus mimicked. " I will tell Albus you are ill and your classes can either have a free day or..."

"I will assign something."

"You will assign nothing! That antihistamine I just gave you is going to knock you out in about fifteen minutes." Poppy looked at Severus sternly. "You tell her house elf to make sure she stays in bed, drinks plenty of fluids and keep a fire in every fireplace in her chambers!" She shook her head ruefully. "This doesn't look good." Both witch and Wizard looked over to where Bronwyn had wandered over to the window, looking out into the night sky. "How long has this been going on?"

Severus thought for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "On and off since her arrival here. Usually, outdoor air seems to aid and clear her. However, I do not think Saturday's excursion helped her any. And the weather has been rather disagreeable as of late."

Poppy silently agreed with the taciturn Wizard and shook her head in dismay. "Oh, look at the poor thing..." Bronwyn had stepped up against the plate of the window and had lain her head against it. "She is falling asleep already. Perhaps she should stay here, where I can watch her?"

"N'uma! No!" Bronwyn had heard the medi-witch and she tilted her head, much of her forehead still in contact with the cool pane of glass. "I'll go to my rooms..."

"She will go to my rooms." Severus emphatically corrected her, causing Poppy to raise an eyebrow.

"Do you think that is wise? People... talk, se-"

"I will be more than happy to add more fuel to their gossip. Besides, she needs someone to check on her from time to time."

"All the more reason to leave her here!" Poppy insisted.

Bronwyn was beginning to weave slightly and Severus went to her, "I said no. She will be more comfortable in a bed she is familiar with." With a flurry of his hand, the two Flooed back to his rooms.

***
Heaven's just a rumor she'll dispel
As she walks me through the nicest parts of hell
I still dream of lips, I never should have kissed
Well she knows exactly what I can't resist.

Sanctified
Nine Inch Nails
.
***

He was going to kill her.

String her up ... no ... crucify ... ah ... that had possibilities... NO... tie her spread eagle and let the castle rats have at her!

She had succumbed to sleep almost immediately upon their return to his chambers. He had showered, completed his morning routine (which did not include a liberal application of lard, as many of his students were prone to believe!) With an unusual show of generosity, he decided to retrieve her beastie from her chambers.

After being forced to Stupefy said beastie, he informed him of Bronwyn's condition, reinforcing the directions he had correctly followed and then stated the medications Madam Pomfrey had priberibed. He then gave the frozen beastie a choice - come along quietly and stay with Bronwyn in his private chambers, or be content with being a fur rug in front of the fireplace, where he assured the furry rug he would lavishly screw Bronwyn into oblivion and back on his soft pelt.

Personally, he looked forward to many nights of nightmares and being flung from many a tower.

He then retrieved clean undergarments from a drawer and tackled...

... her bathroom.

Shampoo, conditioner, split end repair, soap, body wash, facial cleanser body lotion, facial moisturizer, froo-froo sponge...

Froo - froo sponge?

... toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, whitening gel...

Hmmmm...

...loofah sponge, Midol...

... he threw in the entire bottle just for good measure...

...floss, pumice stone, panty liners, tampons...

Looking around, to make sure that blasted house elf was no where nearby, Severus removed one of the so-called super tampons from its wrapping and inspected it closely.

*She holds this within her? Small wonder she is tighter than a vise. It is no thicker than my thumb. Ben Wa balls, my arse...*

Merlin! Severus decided he would rather face a room full of Death Eaters without his wand than venture into a woman's bathroom again. Shrinking the entire pile into her waste can, he and the wolf went to his chambers, where he changed her clothing (via wand) and left the rest of her things in clear view, when she awoke.

She slept, furry rug enthroned across the foot of the bed, over her ankles

He went to breakfast, informed Albus, who informed the school, that Bronwyn's classes were canceled. He returned to the dungeons.

She still slept, furry rug enthroned across the foot of the bed, over her ankles.

By lunch, he decided to wake her, force-feed her, stick her smelly arse in the tub and then force more drug infused tea down her throat.

It wasn't necessary.

She was sitting up in bed, looking delightfully refreshed and bathed, wearing one of his black nightshirts (and filling it out where it had never been filled out before. Great Merlin, the buttons were strai...)...) And was...

Grading Essays.

He was going to kill her.

He Accio'd the papers from gra grasp, eliciting growls from Amadeus.

"What do you think you are doing?"

"I'm grading essays. Give them back!" She swung curvaceous legs over the bed, stopping only when Severus pointed his wand at her.

"You will go no further. How did you come by these? You have not left this room." He watched as she smirked, dawning slowly coming... "Bobbin! Damn his floppy ears! I will give him the sock from my left foot!"

"Oh, shut up!" Bronwyn crawled back into the bed, pulling the covers over her lap. "I have done nothing but sleep the last eighteen hours. I feel much better and I can't just lie about in bed!"

"And why not?"

Amadeus was watching the discussion with much interest. Wizard and Woman did not notice.

"Why not? What an absurd question! I have never been a lay about! Even when I had my children!"

Amadeus seemed to think that was quite funny and Severus made a mental note to ask him about it at a more convenient time.

"You need to rest!"

She patted the mattress next to her. "I did rest. I'm all rested." She grinned impishly for several moments. "Oh, come now, Lhugmin-" Amadeus strangled at the endearment - "Eighteen hours! Have you ever lain willingly in bed for teenteen hours?"

"Yes!"

"And?"

Severus sat stiffly on the edge of the bed. "I was subdued by sleep spells and potions and I awoke bursting to hie from the bed." He saw her smirk. "You have not won yet, madam." He stood up, looming over her. "Are you hungry?"

"Starved. If you could Floo me across to my rooms, I'll get dressed-"

"That will not be necessary. Bobbin!"

The little house elf poofed in behind the Professor, ears drooping in fear.

"Professor Powell I s I shall have lunch in my chambers. Something light, that is easy on the digestive tract. Soup broth and fruits would be best, and do not retrieve anything for her without my permission!" The house elf disappeared as quickly as he appeared.

"Without your permission? I am not one of your students to order about!"

"True," he answered her slowly, "however, you have been given into my care and I would see you one hundred percent well. Merlin knows you are a bother when you arl!" l!"

Not to mention, she looked delightful in his nightshirt.

"Put on a robe and come out to the sitting area." With a snarl at Amadeus, he left the room, robes billowing behind him.

Bronwyn watched as the surly professor left disturbed air in his wake. "What a grump!" she mumbled. "Maybe we should put some of this crap in his tea!"

Amadeus silently agreed.

***

Bronwyn spent another night in the Potion Master's bed, hogging the middle, sprawled on her stomach...

And snoring.

Circe, the woman sounded like the Hogwart's Express. Listening closele coe could still hear the rattling deep within her chest. He knew this fight with her immune system was not over and he made a mental decision to give the herbs and medications the Medi-witch prescribed a day or two before contacting Celeborn or Elrond.

Gad. Another Elf. The world was crawling with them and Severus wanted his contact with them as limited as possible. Remus had come down to check on Bronwyn's progress and was more than happy to take her wolf for a walk. Amadeus however, was none too happy when Severus informed the Werewolf that he intended to keep Bronwyn close by for observation for another evening, so he could either keep the beast all night with him or leave him in her chambers. Much snarling and snapping ensued, causing Severus to Stupefy the beast AGAIN, reminding him of the choices given him that morning.

"She is sick!" he reminded the frozen beast. "It is not like it is conducive to a romantic evening, her coughing snot and phlegm all over me!"

Even Remus had to chuckle at that. "Come on, Amadeus. It's true and you know it! Leave it be."

So Bronwyn slept and Severus rolled and snarled and while she returned to her teaching duties and her chambers the next morning, Snape watched carefully.

***
Welcome to the jungle, We've got fun ‘n games
We got everything you want, Honey we know the names
We are the people that can find whatever you may need
If you got the money, honey, We got your disease

Welcome to the Jungle
Guns ‘n Roses
***

She was dragging by the last class. She had spent waking hours on how to deal with the problem that was getting ready to walk through the door and while she had come to a decision, she wasn't looking forward to it.

The Seventh Years filed noisily into the room and took up their customary circle. Several asked her how she was feeling and she was truthful with them.

"I feel like crap! I really want a hot toddy and a warm curl with a book in front of the fireplace, so here is the plan. I am going to return your essays and you can go." An appreciative cheer went up and Bronwyn waited until it died down. "However, you have homework." Collective groans now rose. "Yes, yes, I'm a wretched professor, I know. I want you to review World War II and the rise of Nazism in your books. Be prepared to discuss and compare and contrast with recent events in the Wizarding World. Got it?" Again,olleollected murmured agreement and the expected griping.

One by one, she called names until all that was left was Ronald Weasley and the Slytherins. She handed Ronald his essay and added a second textbook. "I want you to go over this especially closely, Mr. Weasley." She put her hand up when the redhead snarled ismaysmay. She walked him to the door and whispered, "This is a detailed analysis of several battles including Battle of the Bulge and the Landing at Normandy Beach. I understand you are a master strategist, " (here he blushed,) "and I want to create a reenactment with you as the one in charge." The young man's face lit up. "It's a secret!" she continued, "and I don't want you to discuss this with anyone! But this-" she tapped the book, "is going to be your baby! Got it?"

Ronald mumbled something that sounded affirmative and she turned back into the room.

To the Slytherins.

"Well, well, well. Guess what all of you have in common?"

Nasty laughs rent the air. "Let's see," Draco drawled, "We are all Slytherin..."

"Ah, you stated the obvious. What else?"

The group looked back and forth at each other. They whispered amongst themselves for a moment before a female voice spoke up. "Do we have permission to speak freely without repercussions?"

Bronwyn was not surprised by the question and in fact expected it. "As I stated before, as long as it is respectfully put, I have no problem with your opinions." She saw Severus hovering outside the door, listening; intently.

"We know what you truly are!" Pansy smirked.

"And what am I truly?"

"A... Muggle!"

Bronwyn burst out laughinI diI didn't know it was a secret!" Her laughter caused her bronchial tubes to seize and she went into a coughing spasm, upsetting Amadeus and almost causing Severus to come to her aid. Seeing him tense up, she waived her hand at her side to ward him off and calmed herself. "Well, there is one other thing. You all failed the essay. In short, you all failed it in spectacular fashion and you were the ONLY ones to fail it!"

It was silent for a few moments, before Draco spoke up. "Perhaps, if you were not such an awful teacher - "

"Ah, but Mr. Malfoy, there is the rub! I considered my skills lacking until I noticed and I repeat - no one else failed it! No one else had a problem! No one! Just -" and she pointed to each and every one, "you." She looked around the room. "All of you. Now," she continued raggedly, "I realize none of you hold any love for me," Several snorted derisively at that, "and that's fine. However," her voice dropped menacingly, thi this is a planned attempt to denigrate me and my teaching abilities, you failed. Whoever planned this debacle was as inept as any I have ever seen!" She did not miss the anxious look at their blond ringleader or how that one began to slouch, his grin weakly plastered on his face. She tsked quietly. "I'm so disappointed. I had heard how devious and cunning the House of Salazar was. If this is the best you can manage, well," and with this, she shook her head sadly, "small wonder Professor Snape is such a grouch." She took in angry faces. " Now how to deal with this..."

"No doubt," Malfoy snarled, "you'll be going to Professor Snape about our essays?"

"Whatever for?" Pansy Parkinson started to open her mouth, but Bronwyn cut her off. "I can deal with my class without any interference from anyone. I have been teaching for thirty - eight millennia, remember. Didn't you know, my picture is in Salazar's university year book under the Faculty page?" she grinned. "However, I know for a fact that as a conscientious Head of House, Professor Snape checks up on his charges and their grades, so unless you convince me to allow you to retake the test, he will know about it."

"Bitch."

It was whispered and Bronwyn did her best Snape Smile. "No. The proper term is ‘benevolent tyrant.' She turned to head back to her desk and could see that Severus had drawn back into the darkened shadows of the hallway; only his black eyes glittered in the dim torchlight. "Who is in favor of retaking this test?"

Slowly, one at a time, hands went up, Malfoy's being last upon realizing he was going to be outvoted. Bronwyn smiled and whispered, "Monday evening at seven PM..."

"That's Quidditch Practice!"

"What part of ‘tyrant' did you miss, Mr. Malfoy? Seven PM! Be prepared! It will be harder this time out."

As she waved the grumbling teens out, Snape backed into his classroom, pulling the door closed and waited until the last of his charges grumbled their way out. When assured the last one was gone, he crept over to her classroom. Closing and warding the door behind him, he allowed himself into her chambers, calling loudly, "You were more lenient than I would have been!"

Bronwyn's head peeped out of her kitchen. "Gods, Severus! Does the word ‘Knock' mean anything to you? And what do you mean, I was lenient? I'm making tea. Would you like some?"

She changed topics quickly and Snape thought he could detect the room spinning slightly as he delved into the outer workings of her mind. Pulling out his wand, he followed her into her kitchen. "Tea, yes. Stand still." He flicked his wand over her face and chest, before resheathing it. He drew her to him, began to brush his fingertips and hands over her throat and chest.

Growling behind him ensued and Snape hissed, "A white furry rug in front of my fireplace would look so very ni He He turned his attention back to Bronwyn. "You do not seem to be improving."

She allowed the gentle probing, enjoying his touch. "Give it time. Were you eavesdropping on my class?"

Snape continued his ministrations, taking note of the congestion in her lungs. His fingers now brushed her jawline, his look of concentration very deep. "You were correct. I am disgusted with their attempt. I would not allow them to retake that test."

"Who said anything about them retaking THAT test? And no, you wouldn't have made them retake it. You would have passed them." She put her fingers of his mouth to stop his protestations. "Don't deny it. You would have . Although, I don't see how you can prepare them for life, for anything if you let them slide by on unearned accolades."

Snape finished his obatioation of her, clearly unhappy with the results. "Oh, they succeeded exactly as I expected them to," eplieplied coolly. "Every one of the Seventh Year Slytherins is the progeny of a Death Eater. Every one of them fought for the Dark Lord in the war. The children in your class were either pardoned due to their minor efforts and age or managed to slide by undetected due to their money. Every task they were set on during the battle, they bungled, botched horribly; did not aid in the failed attempt of Voldemort's rise. Now, who do you think made sure that each and every one of them was over - confident in their lack of ability?"

The weight and seriousness of his confession made her gasp in realization of how far he had gone to ensure victory for Harry Potter.

*Another brick in the facade that makes up Severus Snape*, she thought ruefully, fighting the tickle in her throat.

The teapot on the stove began to whistle and Severus levitated it, pouring boiling water into cups and allowing the tea to steep. "No, I am not aiding them and it is now too late to correct their inadequacies unless they choose to do it themselves." He set the pot down on the stove and levitated their cups to him. He pulled a packet of h fro from his robes and carefully measured a small amount into one cup. "I can only hope," he intoned, "that I will do better by my younger charges." He watched the steam rise, the heady aroma of peppermint and chamomile enveloping the small kitchenette. "How are you feeling?"

"Like shit. If you don't mind, I'm going to stay in tonight, get a huge fire going in the fireplace, put on some flannels and just read a book."

The tea was ready. Magically straining it through a thin cloth, he handed her her cup. "And here I thought you had read every book in Christendom!" he teased.

Bronwyn giggled, causing her to go into another spasm. A frown marred the Potions Master's features as he re-levitated her cup and pulled her to him, stroking upwards on her back. When her hacking ceased, she spoke into his chest. "N'uma. Celeborn sent me some pretty steamy romance novels-"

"I do not think those will do you any good at this time."

"AND a few mysterieshe phe pulled away and grinned sheepishly. "I'm not very hungry. I can't taste anything. Just ply me with fluids and drugged tea. I'll be fine."

Snape pushed an errant lock behind her ear and took in tiretired lines around her eyes. "I will have Bobbin bring us something light. Some more soup for you, perhaps? You can read your captivating mysteries and I will peruse your notes of your family tree and see if we missed anyone, or see if we can come up with some other ideas. Go take a hot shower and put on something warm and ugly." Bronwyn grinned at the implication. "We can spend the weekend brainstorming and concentrate on getting you well." Severus moved towards the door and asked over his shoulder. "Do you have any duties this weekend?"

Bronwyn was blowing her nose, (lovely visual) her face red and puffy. "I hab Sadurday nighd hall dudy..."

"I will see if Remus or anyone else will exchange with you. If not, I will do it." He pl his his hand on the latch and glowered, "Why are you not in the shower?"

" ‘Scuse me." She dragged herself slowly up the stairs, cooling teacup in her hand. The wolf made to follow her, but Severus waved, holding him back.

They waited until the shower could be heard before Snape spoke softly. "Has it ever been this bad?" The beast ruefully shook his head negatively, worry and concern easily showing on his face. "Hmm. Pathetic."

Ten minutes later, anyone looking for Severus Snape would have found him in the Owlery, calling down a nondescript, plain looking brown owl. It nipped peevishly at his fingers, most definitely telling his Master how he felt about being neglected for so long.

"Yes, I know, Owl, I would have thought after all the subterfuge and close calls, you would enjoy a respite." The owl hooted hoarsely, letting Severus know exactly what he thought of his solitude. He finally held out a leg, allowing the Potions Master to tie parchment to his claws. "Take this to the Elf, Elrond. If you cannot find him quickly, then the Elf, Celeborn, or the Isatari, Gandalf. I care not which. Would that I did not have to ask for aid from any of them." He muttered the last sentence more to himself than with the pesky owl. The owl hooted softly, pecking at his pocket, looking for the treat he knew the Potions Master had tucked within for him. "Bloody Owl," he growled, dripping and pulling out the dried sliver of mouse meat, the bird clearly expected. "I should send hers! Off with you!" He flung his arm upward, encouraging the bird to flight. He watched until it could no longer be seen.

Late in the evening found Severus sprawled on her couch, going over and over the list of names. He had searched each and every lead and had come to the conclusion that entire endeavor had been pointless; a waste of time. He looked down at the dark head resting on his chest. Bronwyn's breathing, while still rattling, had deepened; the book she had been reading, beginning to tip towards the floor. Gently, so as not to rouse her, he removed the book from her grasp and laid it across the back of the sofa. She lay propped on his chest, between his outstretched legs and now that there was no book in her hands, her fingers had tucked under her cheek, gently grasping the buttons on his shirt. She was drinking plenty of fluids and was taking as much of the medicinal herbs as was safe, for while they seemed to give her some relief, she was not getting better. This worried the Wizard more than he cared to admit. Accio'ing a quilt and a pillow, he spread the quilt over them, put the pillow behind his head, and raised the fire a notch. While not the most comfortable position to sleep in, it was comforting to share body heat and to hold her close.

He was unaware (and uncaring if he had been) that the wolf watched him with great interest - the care and gentleness the Wizard bestowed on the Bard. The animal deeply contemplated the scene before him, before sighing heavily and padding up the stairs, bypassing her room, he went to the spare room to lie quietly on the bed.

***

I'd hold you
I'd need you
I'd get down on my knees for you
And make everything alright...

In these arms
Bon jovi

***

Bronwyn was not seen all weekend, choosing to spend the days holed up in her chambers. Snape was seen rarely, Remus Lupin taking her turn at corridor patrol. The news of Bronwyn's illness was whispered amongst the students, questioning, whether or not there would be classes with her on Monday. Bronwyn answered that by showing up for breakfast on Monday morning.

Later that day, during her First Years class, she conveniently coughed up a lung and collapsed.

***
TBC
***