My own take on the aftermath of HB's Favourite's amazing story "Hidden Depths." Also inspired by Enigma's song "The Gravity of Love." Many many thanks to HB's Favourite for giving me kind permission to post this story and for producing such wonderful and inspiring fanfic. On with the story...
Prologue
Imogen held eye contact with Constance as hot tears silently coursed their way down her cheeks. The pure heartbreak visible on the PE teacher's face tore at Constance's soul. What this woman was doing for her was love; absolute, true, unashamed love. She'd never experienced such a selfless gesture, such depth of feeling that Imogen was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice. It moved her to the core and frightened her in ways she'd never considered before.
The potions mistress moved forward and up the small step onto the platform in front of her, all the while holding Imogen's gaze. Imogen reached out and placed her hand on Constance's cheek. She pressed her lips against the pulse point just below her ear before pulling the older woman in for the most passionate kiss anyone around them had ever witnessed. Neither woman cared at that point what anyone thought, the only thing that mattered was they had this one and only chance to feel. They poured heart and soul, love and regret, elation and despair into that one kiss. They expressed everything they had not had the chance to say and never will again. The kiss came to an end and they were forced apart by a bolt of energy. Constance saw Imogen's confident facade wane for a brief moment and grief slipped through in its place. Yes, she truly understood what this sacrifice meant for Imogen. She understood what it meant for them all. Before Constance could do or say anything further it was all over. A steady stream of putrid green magic emanated from the five officials to her right. They chanted ancient incantations as the strength of the magic increased. It wrapped itself around Imogen and within seconds the gym mistress had collapsed lifelessly before them. Someone let out a blood curdling scream as Imogen hit the floor. It took some hours for Constance to realise that the scream had come from herself.