Disclaimer: Same applies as in all other chapters. This chapter is rated M. Enjoy.

Chapter 10

It was a week after the ordeal in the Chamber of Secrets when Gale finally woke up. She still felt weak, but all the pain was gone. The evening light stung her eyes at first, but it passed quickly and she sat up feeling parched. As if on cue, Madam Pomfrey came up to her bed, pushing aside the screen.

"Miss Glider, you're awake," she smiled. "How are you feeling?"

Gale was aware she was her true age and shortly hesitated. Her wings were hidden underneath the gown she was wearing.

"I feel fine," she said. "I'm a little thirsty though."

"I'll bring you some water right away," she said checking Gale's pulse before bustling off.

"How long have I been out?" she asked as the healer came back with a glass and a jug of water.

"Two weeks today," she said. "And before you ask, everyone is ok. The mandrake juice worked and the monster has been killed. Terrible to think we've had a basilisk under our very feet all these years. And you'll be happy to know the Headmaster has come back as well as the gamekeeper Hagrid."

"That is good news," said Gale after emptying the first glass of water.

"You had a few visitors," Madam Pomfrey went on as she rummaged in the cabinet for some potions. "And the Headmaster and Professor Snape have been coming in to see how you've been doing."

"Who where the visitors?" she asked pouring her fifth glass.

"Let's see… there were Mr. Potter and Miss Granger and two of the Weasleys," she said coming back with a nourishing draught. "And Miss Nelly."

"I take it it's not a secret I'm really an adult anymore…" she said drinking the draught.

"About that, the Headmaster has asked to see you as soon as you're fully recovered," she said.

….

After receiving proper robes Gale made her way up to the Headmaster's office, stopping in front of the gargoyle.

"I'm expected," she said to the statue.

To her surprise it worked and the gargoyle stepped aside, letting her pass up the staircase. Taking a moment to fix herself she knocked and entered at his request.

"Good day sir," she greeted as the elder wizard rose from his chair.

"Miss Glider, how good to see you on your feet," he smiled. "How are you feeling?"

"I feel alright," she said taking the seat he gestured to. "Glad to be out of bed."

"I can imagine, but you were very weak; you're body badly needed the rest," he said coming around to take the seat next to her.

"Can you tell me what happened," she asked. "I don't remember anything after I lost consciousness in the Chamber of Secrets."

"You didn't loose consciousness Gale," he said slowly. "You were in every sense of the word… dead."

"Dead?!" she gaped. "Then how…?"

"Professor Snape was with you when you died," said Dumbledore. "He says the Nightwalker Kiasa brought you back."

Gale stared at the elder wizard in silence for a moment, her eyes misting over.

"I'm sorry to say there has been no sign of him since," said Dumbledore softly.

Gale could only nod her understanding and wiped away unshed tears.

"What about everything else," she said after a moment to compose herself. "Madam Pomfrey says they're all ok?"

"Yes, the students have been revived and Ginny Weasley was returned weak, but unharmed," he said. "The monster was slain and Riddle's diary destroyed."

"Riddle? Then that boy—"

"Was the memory of your father, preserved for fifty years," nodded Dumbledore. "He was such a handsome young man, a shame what he had become in the end."

"You mean an evil dark wizard?"

Dumbledore chuckled and Gale gave a small smile.

"He'll be furious when he realizes Kiasa is gone," she said quietly.

"I suspect he will," said Dumbledore. "Which brings up the question if you have any place safe to go."

Gale bit her lip as color rose to her face.

"I'm afraid I don't know where my home is… or was," she said embarrassed.

Dumbledore slightly coked his head to the side in question.

"My father had created a place for me to grow up in; a space within a space that was like a world unto itself," she said. "There were animals, but no people. I never once left that place in all the nineteen years. He would come to the place to teach me how to be human among other things; until he disappeared eleven years ago. Coming to this school was my first time in the real world and it was Kiasa who brought me here through the shadow realm. If there is a house someplace I'm afraid he was my only link to it."

"I see," said Dumbledore. "I would have never guessed that was your first time among humans."

"Kiasa helped me prepare and human etiquette wasn't all that hard to catch on to," she smiled. "Aside of the minor set backs in the beginning."

Dumbledore knew she was talking about the time she had broken a student's arm for trying to pull down her hood and chuckled.

"You'd be surprised how many muggles react that way," he said.

"Oh, sir, I'm sorry," she said suddenly. "You had asked to see me here for a reason and I sidetracked."

"Ah yes, of course. I'm sure you're aware you were seen as an adult by a number of people."

"Yes, Madam Pomfrey didn't seem the least bit surprised when I woke up," she said. "My wings…?"

"You're wings were hidden when Professor Snape brought you back," he reassured. "But it's now common knowledge you were an adult all along. I told them you had conducted research in behavior of students undercover, but I'm afraid that ended your time as student prematurely."

"I see; I suppose as long as they believed it."

"I've already had your possessions moved to you're future residence while you're here as an apprentice," said Dumbledore. "You'll be staying there for the remainder of this term."

"Thank you sir."

"Also, I'd like to propose you stay here over the holidays as well; it'd be much safer than the mountains and you'd be able to come and go as you please," he continued. "I stay here myself most of the time, as well as Professor Trelawney and Hagrid. I daresay Professor Snape is staying this year as well."

"I—I don't know what to say," she said a little overwhelmed.

"It's quite alright," he smiled. "The more the merrier I say."

Gale smiled.

"There is one more thing," said Dumbledore. "I had a talk with Harry and Mr. Weasley after their return from the Chamber. It seems prior to the incident that Harry had caught a glimpse of your birthmark—don't worry," he said at the look of guilt that sprung up in her face. "As I told the boys, under the circumstances I won't expel any of you."

"I wasn't even aware it was showing that night," she said. "Did he know what it is?"

"It was enough that his scar bothered him and after telling Mr. Weasley on the night his sister was taken he was informed of it's meaning," he said. "They suspected you after overhearing Professor Snape telling Professor McGonagall you too had gone missing."

"They told others?" she asked alarmed.

"No, but Harry told me afterwards; he deeply regretted suspecting you after what you did for him," said Dumbledore. "I told him it was a birthmark; you have little choice in bearing it and explained to him you were not here to bring anyone harm."

"But sir, he's jus a child," pressed Gale. "What if he accidentally reveals it or—"

"Harry Potter may be a boy, but he would never betray a secret I entrust him with; he has my fullest confidence."

"And what about Ron Weasley?" Gale persisted.

"I told only Harry," reassured Dumbledore. "Mr. Weasley had no doubt forgotten all about it with the return of his sister."

"Very well," she nodded.

"You'll be happy to know everyone involved has vowed to keep your scaly secret as well."

Gale had to grin at the way he'd put it and thanked him.

"Now then," he said getting up. "How about I show you to your new rooms and let you have some peace."

….

Snape had finally finished teaching the last class for the day and was wholly ready for the weekend. After that, one more week and he'd be free of students for a while. Now if Gale would wake up it might almost be a good end to a bad day. The routine stop to the infirmary was the first thing he went to do, but as pretty much expected she was still sleeping. It was good to see her breath; to have this reassurance she was truly alive. Madam Pomfrey was momentarily away and he stole that moment to place a soft kiss on her lips and another on her forehead.

"Come back Gale, I miss you," he murmured before straightening up again.

After having said it, he was suddenly aware of an uncomfortable feeling. How would things continue once she was awake; would they continue at all? Being brought back from the dead might have profound repercussions; not that he would know. Who knows what Kiasa had done; maybe she wasn't even herself anymore. All these thoughts only served to give him more and more doubts until he didn't even know how he would greet her when she finally woke.

It seemed his bad day would stay bad and he quietly took his leave feeling even worse than before.

With nothing better to do he busied himself correcting essays in his office until dinner which he took part in as unenthusiastically as ever. It wasn't until he sat back to stare at the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall that he suddenly had the urge to fly. He'd had it before, but this time instead of a fancy it was a genuine full blown desire. No one would see him once he slipped into the pocket dimension Dumbledore had created for Gale and with his mind made up Snape left the Great Hall and did just that. He walked through the small gateway between spaces and changed into the majestic black dragon; with a mighty jump he spread his wings and took to the air.

Gods this feels good right now, he thought climbing higher and higher.

Refreshed and happier than before, Snape was about to head to his rooms when Dumbledore called out to him from the steps above. Looking up he sucked in his breath when he saw the Headmaster in the company of Gale. She was smiling at him.

"What perfect timing," he was saying. "I was just about to show Gale to her new rooms."

Snape could only stare until the two of them stopped in front of him and he found his voice.

"How are you feeling?" he asked stupidly.

He ached to just take her in his arms and kiss her hair, but even though Dumbledore knew about them it seemed improper at the time and might embarrass her; she didn't know he knew. That was all he could think to say.

"Much better, sir." she said. "The Headmaster informed me you're the one who brought me back from the Chamber; thank you."

Snape could have sworn the smile almost split Dumbledore's face when she said sir and gave him a mental kick in the shins. How dare he enjoy himself so when he himself was floundering so horribly.

"I'm sorry about Kiasa," he said suddenly earnestly. "I know what he meant to you."

Gale's smile faded as she nodded and he regretted opening his mouth in the first place. Snape gave Dumbledore a helpless glance.

"How about you show her to her rooms," said Dumbledore rubbing a comforting hand over Gale's back. "It's down your way anyway."

Not what he had meant and he shot him a furtive glare before gesturing for Gale to come with him. When they were deep in the dungeons, Snape meant to try again, but she beat him to it.

"Do you think he's really gone," she asked quietly as they walked side by side.

"Honestly I can't say," he admitted. "After bringing you back from the dead…"

There was a shadow of that horrible feeling he'd had when she had died. It was not the least bit as strong as when it had actually happened, but thinking about it made it rise up in his gut.

"Severus?"

Snape realized he had stopped and quickly resumed walking, staring at the floor as he described the ritual to her. They were at her door when he finished.

"A life for a life it seems," she said sadly.

Gale could tell there was something going on under his skin and she turned to fully face him.

"What's wrong?" she asked. "You're acting strange."

"It's been a long day," he semi lied.

Watching you take your last breath made me relive the most devastating moment of my life, he thought to himself. Just thinking about it hurts. And now I want nothing more than to hold you close and never let you go.

"I'm glad your back," he said offering a weak smile.

He hoped it wasn't as pathetic as it felt, but Gale didn't press the matter. They were both feeling the awkwardness of the moment and thought it best not to drag it out even longer.

"Good night Severus."

"Sleep well Gale."

When she had closed the door behind her, Gale slumped against it and heaved a sigh. She wanted to stay close to him hoping he might call out, but something had changed and she didn't like it one bit. If they couldn't even talk to one another anymore, how were they supposed to continue?

Hearing his receding footsteps she heaved another sigh and went to take an icy shower. Maybe then she'd be able to think more clearly.

….

Snape sat on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands. The hot shower had done little to ease his mind, but the rest of him felt a little better at least. He hopped leaving Gale to herself had been the right thing to do. Maybe he should have stayed; or was that just his selfish desire to keep her close?

With a heavy sigh he moved to blow out the thick candle on his night table, but was stopped by a knock on his door. Deciding on the best hex for the suicidal student to bother him at this hour, in his personal rooms no less, Snape opened the door in his pajamas.

"This better be bloody imp—"

The rant died on his tongue when he realized it was Gale standing in front of him, barefoot and dressed only in a thin white nightgown; very very thin. He swallowed the carnal thoughts that surfaced in his mind's eye, but even as he forced himself to look into her eyes he felt her hands cup his face. Gale pressed her lips to his, catching him completely off guard, his hands jumping to her waist on their own.

"Sorry if I woke you," she murmured an inch from his lips.

Snape couldn't feel the telltale hem beneath her gown; she wasn't wearing anything underneath.

"I wasn't…"

Snape didn't bother finishing the sentence; he couldn't. All he could do was take her into his room and press her against the wall with his body, shutting the door with his foot as he kissed her with mounting fervor. Gale could feel his growing warmth against her lower abdomen; she welcomed it more than she'd ever welcomed the cold, relishing his hands on her posterior holding her as close as possible. Gale felt her excitement grow and expand into a pleasurable pulse between her thighs. The contact felt so good she slightly lifted her leg up against his thigh so his arousal could brush closer to her sex. Snape's tongue slid against hers in a deeply passionate kiss and he almost moaned into her mouth when he felt her shift. He slid his hand to her raised thigh, holding it for her and pressed against her with his growing erection. This mere act felt so wonderful; oh to make love to her; to burry himself in her, to feel her bare skin turn slick against his. Love would play a part in it later.

Snape felt her bare his chest, some buttons lost as she'd simply pulled the shirt apart. Her hands slid over his hairless chest and moved to his back as he hungrily kissed and nipped her throat. She shifted again, opening herself to him, letting him rub his member as fully against her as the position allowed. The pulse felt so intense; she had to have more.

"Let me feel you inside," she breathed heatedly and lightly bit his earlobe.

Gods, he didn't need asking twice and deftly freed himself, kicking the pajama pants away. Lifting her up with his hands on her thighs the nightgown rode up enough and he slid into her completely, adjusting his hold. Gale gasped at the alien sensation and Snape let a small grunt escape before avidly pressing his lips against hers. He thrust into her with lusty passion, varying the depths. Gale wrapped her legs around his waist, splaying her thighs even more as she tightly gripped his shoulders form under his arms. The erotic pulse magnified and like a bursting water balloon it spread throughout her entire body, her vaginal walls squeezing tightly and rhythmically around his sex. Gale breathed in deeply through parted lips; the sensation seemingly heightened and dragged out. Snape changed his hold, keeping her up with one arm around her posterior as he braced himself against the wall with his other. Her tight walls seemingly milking him felt so good he felt his own orgasm come on and thrust in hard and deep, burying himself all the way when his release came. Gale breathed out with a satisfied sigh and kissed the flesh between neck and shoulder as he rested his forehead against her shoulder for a moment. Snape slid out and gently set her down, kissing her tenderly now as their bodies calmed. Gale put her hand to his chest, coaxing him to draw back and took his hand, turning away from the wall to tug him to his bed. Snape saw the mischievous glint in her eyes and watched as she reached up behind her and undid the loop that kept her nightgown up, letting it slide down to pool at her feet.

"You're beautiful," he breathed, half mindedly discarding his shirt.

Gale wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again, his arms reaching around to hug her close, to feel her bare skin against his. He swept her off her feet without warning, eliciting a surprised cry and carried her onto his bed, letting her drop onto the mattress at the last second. Gale giggled shortly as he leaned over her and he smirked. His kisses were tender and his touch gentle conveying the love he felt for her as it was returned in equal measure. They spent a long time in tenderness followed by making love in every sense of the word. Gale lay half on his chest afterwards, with Snape's arm draped around her. She was lightly tracing her fingertips over his chest which he enjoyed with closed eyes. It was a comfortable silence and soon her fingers ceased they're movements as she'd drifted off to sleep. Snape smiled down at her and remained awake for a while longer, contemplating what a future together might be like. He was rather fond of the idea of spending his life with her, but there were so many factors to consider. Finally the day's fatigue caught up with him again and he gave himself to sleep as well. Who knows what the future holds.

….

It was Saturday morning when Dumbledore decided to introduce Gale as the upcoming apprentice early and have her sit at the teacher's table. There was a lot of chattering about it, but she was greeted with applause that made her feel slightly embarrassed anyway. Not to mention how uncomfortable she felt sitting among the Professors now. She thought it a blessing she was seated at the end of the table at least.

After breakfast she was on her way to accompany Snape on his turn at supervising the third years and up at the final Hogsmade visit for this term when Harry caught up to them in the hall.

"Gale, wait, can I talk to you?" he asked a little out of breath.

"You'll address her as Miss Glider, Potter!" spat Snape at once.

"It's alright," she told him. "What is it?"

"I never got to thank you for what you did down in the Chamber of Secrets," he said. "Thank you."

Gale smiled as Snape glowered and she nodded her appreciation.

"I'm just glad everything worked out," she said. "It'd have been a tragedy to close this school."

Harry smiled and ran off when Ron called for him, leaving the two to continue on their way.

"That boy is nothing but trouble," he grumbled. "You should have just killed him."

Gale laughed and shook her head.

"With his luck, I doubt I would have succeeded," she said. "And besides, I'd much rather be here with you than on the run from the Ministry."

Snape gave her a small smile as he opened the carriage door for her and they were off to Hogsmade.

….

The last week had ended in a blur and Gale watched from high on the astronomy tower as the last students drove away in the carriage towards the Hogsmade station and ultimately home. It was an odd feeling not knowing where she had lived all these years, but she was also happy she had been asked to stay at the castle. Gale couldn't help thinking about her father all of a sudden and wondered what he was doing right now. Strange to think the man who had raised her had been a murderer all along. Sending her to kill a boy and the way he punished her afterwards were the only signs to make her doubt his integrity. But during her time here she had truly come to know who he really was; now she knew the true face of the man she called father. Nevertheless, she still had qualms imagining he had faked his love for her in those early years; he had been so caring. And Kiasa…

Gale shook her head free of the depressing thoughts and took a deep breath of the balmy summer air. Climbing onto the parapet she reverted and kicked off before her full size unfolded, catching the current to lift her into the azure sky. Now was not the time for dark thoughts and she steadily beat her wings until the world fell away beneath her and she soared higher than any other creature could ever dream of. It was time to carve her own life in the world and she had every intention of making it a good one.

She never did feel the tug at the back of her mind, like a voice too soft to be heard yet begging for attention.

"…Gale…"

The End

….

So there you have it. I hope you liked this story as much (or hopefully better than) the "original" still up for reading. I'd like you to give me a score out of ten, one being lowest; ten highest and perhaps reason the scoring as well. I did this with another story and it helped. I hope you enjoyed and also hope to see your reviews to the coming sequel. It'll be a while though.

Thank you for reading.

Later Days, Imako the Demon Wolf.