Allow me to say welcome back to Acree. To Chikai Mitsubachi I will say a special hello! To answer you question: yes, I am referring to KC MO. As you know the airport in Wichita is a joke. Half the time we're better off driving to KC and it's like 200+ dollars cheaper to do so.
On with the story!
Claimers-dis: Rowling, K.J. is the Harry Potter mastermind. Let's all give her a round of applause for giving us great characters like Snape.
***
Ch 19-Miss Wheelrite Meet Our Master
Delia returned twenty minutes later wearing jeans and her long sleeved Green Day shirt. She had on one of her school robes. Delia had put up her hair in a ponytail. Severs thought that if she didn't have the robe on she looked like an everyday American. She had little half moon earrings in her ears. Severus noticed she had the diamond hairpins in her hair. Severus was wearing his usual black.
"You know I could just go to Dumbledore, " she said chewing a piece of gum.
"Malfoy will just come looking for you at a later date. Just remember the three Unforgivable Curses. I don't know what's happening tonight, but I can bet it's not good. I'm as ready as I'll ever be. I'll go first then you can follow."
Severus threw the Floo Powder in the fireplace and went off. Delia followed behind. She emerged in Malfoys ballroom. Severus was holding out his arm. Delia took his arm gratefully. She chomped on her gum out of nerves. All of Malfoy's crew had heard how he had found Delia and Severus just minutes ago. Severus whispered in Delia's ear, "Just follow my lead on anything, ok?" Delia nodded. Delia had dressed American grunge on purpose. She was getting weird looks from all of Severus's homies. Delia decided to wear her purple Converse, they matched her ensemble. Malfoy came over.
"Professor Snape, Miss Wheelrite! How lovely to see you again. Welcome. We will be leaving shortly. I wish I could make you my special guest tonight, Miss Wheelrite but tonight we have someone even more special. You will meet him soon enough. He will love you. In the meantime enjoy yourself!"
After Malfoy left Delia looked at Severus and asked, "Who is this mystery guest? I'm weirded out already and I haven't been here long."
"If it's who I think it is, run when you see him. The Ministry will soon find you. Get somewhere and take the Knight Bus back to Hogwarts if you can. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I'm more worried about you. Malfoy plays a dirty game. Just play dirtier, if challenged. By the way it's time for your potion for your well-being. You need to take it. I have it right here." Severus reached into his pocket and pulled out a small vial with a pink colored liquid. Delia uncapped it and drank it. It tasted sugary sweet like Valentine's candy. She drained the bottle and gave it to Severus. Delia didn't feel anything. She figured it was just syrupy water. It made her gum taste even funnier.
After a lot of small chat everyone arrived. Delia recognized everyone there. Malfoy got everyone's attention by tapping a wine glass. Everyone gathered around as Malfoy spoke.
"Good evening Death Eaters and visiting guests. I am proud to announce our Lord and Master has returned. We will be seeing him later tonight. He has asked that all of us arrive together. He will be pleased that we have a guest. Let's not waste anytime."
Delia was squeezing Severus's arm. She was scared. She didn't know what the hell she was doing here. She didn't even know how she was going to get to wherever she had to go. Delia looked at Severus and asked, "Where am I going and how am I to get there?"
"We all are supposed to apparate. But for you, I don't know."
"No fear Severus," Malfoy said. "I have made arrangements for a Port Key to take you and Miss Wheelrite to Knockturn Alley. Knock at the door three times. You know the door. The Port Key is that glass over there on the table. Oh Miss Wheelrite, don't try running it won't do you any good. Ta Ta!" and with that Severus and Delia were the only two in the room.
"What if I decided to run far and fast? What would happen to me? What would happen to you?"
"Delia, I don't know. Knowing Malfoy he's taken his fireplace off the Floo Network by now. His house is surrounded by forest. Chances of someone finding you in the morning are nil. Either way you look at it Malfoy will find you somehow. If you want you can leave once we reach Knockturn Alley. Then I suggest you go back to America and never return. That would also mean you couldn't correspond with me, Nicola and Josh. You would even have to leave Kansas and go into hiding. Now if you stay with me I can get you out alive. However, either of your choices is not going to be pleasant."
"Let's just get outta here the longer we stay the more suspicious it looks. If I run away, I run. If I stay, I stay." They walked over to the Port Key. They touched it at the same time and ended up in Knockturn Alley. Delia have never been there but speculated that it wasn't any better in the daytime. Delia considered bolting off and running far. But then the thought of not ever seeing Severus again made her stay. She followed Severus down a flight of stairs. He knocked three times on the door and it opened. Delia walked into what appeared to be an underground hideout. It was just as decked out in grandeur as Malfoy's ballroom. The only difference was this was a basement in Knockturn Alley and was smaller. Everyone was standing around as if they were waiting for am important person. Delia had a death grip on Severus arm. She realized it and loosened her grip. She wasn't going to let go of Severus. A silence fell across the room as Malfoy walked across the room with a hooded
figure. The hooded figure was given a chair and sat down. Delia was doing as best she could to hide behind Severus. She kept muttering under her breath mom, dad, hamburgers, steak, apple pie, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, 4^th of July, Ford, Chevy, Disney World, KFC and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Severus was trying very hard not to laugh. She was speaking a completely different language.
All of a sudden Malfoy had taken Delia away from Severus was dragging her off to the hooded figure. She stood there staring at it. She was startled when Malfoy said in a harsh tone, "Bow to our Lord and Master."
Delia looked at Malfoy then the hood figure and said, "Forgive me sir, I don't bow to anyone. It's the American in me. Our president isn't any better then the general public. I don't bow to him, why should I bow to you? I don't even know your name let alone what you look like."
"You will have to pardon Miss Wheelrite, My Lord," Malfoy said bowing. "She is a bit unique."
"A Hufflepuff I see." The hooded figure said in a voice barley above a whisper. The voice sent chills through Delia. "Malfoy you bring me a Hufflepuff! Why should I allow her to join us?"
"Hey wait justa sec," Delia said in a hurried voice. "Who says I want to join to your club? I wasn't asked. I don't even know what your club goals are or what this club is. As far as I know you all could be getting together for a BBQ once a month."
"You dim-witted asinine girl," the hooded figure said, "I am Lord Voldemort."
"That's just peachy keen. I'm Delia Wheelrite-"
"Enough! Malfoy this girl is annoying. Why is she here? Should I kill her or you?"
"Master that is not a good idea. She is here because I thought you might like to meet her," Malfoy said. "She is here with Severus. He has fondness for her. But the silly girl is under a Love Potion and wouldn't know. I saw Severus give her some, Master! Hufflepuffs are so easy. Nevertheless, I can see why Severus likes her as his play toy."
"Yes," Voldemort spoke. "She is rather lovely. It's a shame I don't like her. I'd hate to have her killed." He pushed off his hood. Voldemort really looked quite ordinary. If Delia were passing him on the street she wouldn't have looked twice. He had no redeeming features what so ever. He looked rather pale and haggard. He stood up from his chair. Everyone in the room was bowing except Delia. "Don't you know when to respect your elders? You stupid girl."
"I know when to respect when I am given respect," she said coolly snapping away on her gum. Voldemort walked over to Delia and touched her cheek. Delia pulled his hand off and stepped back.
"Malfoy didn't tell me how troublesome you are. Troublesomeness seems to go along with the most beautiful creatures. Do you silly girl think Severus loves you?" Voldemort stepped closer to Delia and picked up and stroked a strand of her hair that had fallen out of the ponytail. "Very lovely. It's a shame Severus has to control you with Love Potions. If that's how it has to work with you, so be it."
"You had better step away from me." Delia said in an icy tone. Voldemort continued to stroke her loose strand of hair. He kissed the loose strand and breathed in. He then tucked the loose strand behind her ear. Delia's tone was the iciest and coldest she could muster,"I asked you nicely to step away. If you don't you will regret it."
"Oh I will, silly girl. You threats don't scare me. I'm starting to like you. I think I'll let you join even if you are a Mudblood. You can keep me entertained." His hand left her hair and held her chin up. His bony finger touched her lips. Delia all of a sudden pushed Voldemort back and whipped out her wand.
"I asked to be left alone and you didn't," she said in a cold sub-zero tone that would have made most men back away.
"Do you think you scare me with your little wand? I am far more powerful then you could ever hope to be unless you join. I can give you things only the most girls want. I can give you power that is astonishing. Your Salem sisters would have been proud."
"I don't think I'll join your happy little Sunday afternoon BBQ club," she said.
"Then I leave no choice. It's a shame I have to do this. The most beautiful creatures in life are stupid." He raised his wand. Delia was faster the he was.
"Expelliarmus!" All of a sudden Voldemort's wand was out of his hands. Malfoy was swift to act.
"Locomotor Mortis!" Malfoy shouted. Delia couldn't move her legs. Voldemort had retrieved his wand and before Delia could do anything he cried out the words Severus feared the most.
"Imperio!" Voldemort shouted. Delia fell to her knees. "Now silly girl you will to bow to me. Your punishment for disobedience will be coming as soon as I have had enough of your bowing. I will ask again, are you joining?"
Delia managed to cry out, "NEVER!"
"Then I'm sorry. You are such a pretty thing. But you asked for it...Crucio!"
Delia fell to the floor and was in immense pain. Everything hurt. Then the world went black.
***
Delia awoke sometime later that same night. She sat up in bed. Her muscles ached. Her head hurt something fierce. She noticed she was in Severus's nightshirt. She reached up and touched her forehead. She touched a tender spot that made her wince. She hadn't realized she was resting on Severus's chest. He had been holding her. He had propped himself up on the pillows. Severus was in a light doze. He felt Delia's movement. His black eyes opened and he looked distraught. Delia ached so much she had to lie back down. She rested her head on Severus's chest. Severus played with Delia's hair in a soothing manner. They didn't say anything to one another. They didn't have to. Delia finally asked what had been on her mind.
"What happened after I blacked out?"
"You bumped your head. That's why the nasty bruise," he replied, "Voldemort was about to kill you. I stepped in and stunned him and Malfoy. Then I rescued you. That was after I took care of Crabbe and Goyle. I would have helped you sooner but they had me under The Imperius Curse. After being under it as many times as I have, I learned how to over come it. I had just enough time to scoop you up and run. I got to the Leaky Cauldron and Floo Networked here. My chambers are officially off the network as of tomorrow afternoon. At the moment the vent in the fireplace is shut so we won't be having any more visitors. I'm sorry if it's cold in here. If you need an extra blanket I'll fetch. For that matter is there anything you want?"
"My body to stop hurting!" she wailed.
"There is no potion I can give you for that. You have to stay warm. When I got you home your body was twitching. Your muscles were tense. I had to give you a hot bath to warm you up and relax your muscles. You were held under the Cruciatus curse for quite sometime. Before you think of me in a terrible way. I didn't look at your body. I was merely easing your pain. I know that when you are ready you will show me your body. I love you enough to know when to be a gentleman."
Delia nodded, "Speaking of love why did you give me a Love Potion? I thought you hated that stuff."
"Very logical. Malfoy wanted to know how I had control over you. He can't believe you love me for who I am. However, If I gave you a Love Potion in front of him that would explain why to him. It was a real potion. Love Potions don't work when the two people are, in fact, in love. That's how I knew my plan would work. I do hate Love Potions and I'll tell you why. You can't make another person fall in love with you. I don't care. You can't. It doesn't make it love."
"I agree. Your plan was smart. Thank you for saving me in an old fashioned- King Arthur-Shakespeare, and Grimm's Fairy Tale since. You are my hero. You can rescue me any day."
"Anything for you my dear. Now doesn't the hero of the story get a kiss from the pretty princess?" Severus asked optimistically.
"Oh course he does," Delia said giving Severus a kiss.
"Funny, what happens after that?"
"I guess `they live happily ever after.' Whatever the frig that means." Delia said in her Kansas intonation. Delia had the most captivating accent in Severus's opinion. He had heard the way she spoke when she was with her mother. She wasn't totally understandable half the time. Nonetheless her accent made him melt.
"Generally speaking the hero marries the princess. Her father sees the hero as the brave sort. Bit out of date really. I think it makes women look weak when if they truly wanted to could blast any man to where she feels like it."
"Super," she said, using her Kansas accent. "So that means we'll tell my dad of your heroic deeds and he'll say `Ok Severus, she's all yours.' HA! Don't think so. My dad would be like `you went where and what what happened? How the HELL could you have done that? What kind of weirdo are you in love with Delia Penelope Alex. My daughter is a nut case.' That is more or less what dad would say."
"Why does he call you by your mother's maiden name?"
"Dad only does that when he's ticked off at me. I have two personalities. By day I'm Delia Wheelrite and by night I'm Delia Alex. It's a Dr. Jeckle Mr. Hyde thing."
"Which Delia is the evil Delia?" Severus asked teasing.
"Ah, that one you'll have to find out."
Severus laughed. Delia liked it when she made him do so. He looked so relaxed when he laughed. "So that doesn't answer my question about our hero of the story. Does he marry the princess?"
"I don't know. They elope and send a post card from Florence to the princess's family. That's a lovely story isn't it? Everybody will rush to Barnes and Noble and purchase the book."
"Yes it is. So we're going to Florence. Where are we getting married my dear?"
"Married?" she exclaimed sitting up and turning to Severus. "Who said I was marrying you? I was just joking around."
"I wasn't," he said in a serious voice.
"I don't even know if I ever want to get married. Anyways if you want to marry me so badly, aren't you supposed to ask me? Duh! That is how the system works."
"Delia Penelope Alex Wheelrite will you marry me?"
"You Severus Snape are a Class A Nutter!"
"I'll get down on one knee and ask if I must."
"I hardly think this is the time or place for this question. I think you are suffering from a lack of sleep. What are you doing?"
"It's obvious isn't it? I am getting down on one knee on the cold dungeon floor. I am showing you Miss Wheelrite that I am, indeed, quite serious. I do not have a ring at the moment to give you. I will give you one as soon as I can go purchase one. I do love you deeply. Tonight just verified it to me. I know you love me too. You had your opportunity to run and leave, but you stayed. Men do foolish things when they are in love. As you affirmed it, I am a Class A Nutter. But if this Class A Nutter hadn't been in love would he have stood up against Voldemort to save you? Looking back on it now it was irrational. I have you here with me at this instant and that's all that counts. I will ask this one more time." He took Delia's hand and gazed into her eyes, "Will you, Delia Penelope Alex Wheelrite, give me the honor of being my wife?"
Delia looked at Severus. He looked really ridiculous on the floor. Delia wanted to remember the image of Severus on the floor, in his long swishy robes holding her hand as she gazed down from the bed. "I'll give you my answer after you answer this question."
"Ask away."
"Where do you live during the summer holidays? If I am to be your wife I need to know."
"I have a house on the German side of Lake Constance. It's never been finished. The kitchen is a disaster. I bought the home in my first year as a teacher. I thought I would retire there. I haven't had much time to really begin on it. Anything else you want to know?"
"Yes, tell me all about your previous girlfriends, fiancées, if you have any kids anywhere and if you have ever been married or not."
"I've never been engaged or married. I don't have nay children. I did have one girlfriend. I told you about her."
"What was her name?"
"Elisa Lewins. We dated for three years. Then I didn't see anyone until this Delia Wheelrite came along and drastically improved my life. Is there anything else you want to know?"
"Not that I can think of."
"Oh come off it Delia," Severus said. "There must be a million questions you want to ask me. Do you want to know when I first loved a woman?"
"Since you are offering, fire away."
"It was with Elisa. I was twenty. She is the only woman I have ever made love to. Anything else?"
"Tell me about your parents."
"Delia! I'll tell you about them and anything else if you'll just answer my question."
Delia looked into Severus pleading eyes. There was a pause. "Yes, Severus. I will be your wife." Severus smiled and with a flourish he got off the floor and kissed Delia.
"You have made me happy, Miss Wheelrite," Severus said.
Delia not being able to endure her pain anymore fell back on the pillows. Her arms felt heavy. Severus took off his robe and got in bed next to Delia. Severus put his arms around Delia and cuddled her. She felt safe and warm. The pain was dwindling slowly.
"Severus?" Delia asked in meek voice.
"Yes, my little fiancé?"
In her meek voice she asked, "Would you bring me a drink of water?"
"Of course," he said in his silky voice. He gently laid Delia down on the pillows pulled the duvet up and tucked her as if she were a child. Severus returned with a goblet of water. Delia sat up gingerly and took the water. She took a sip. The water tasted cool and crisp. Before she knew it the goblet of water was gone. Severus knew Delia all too well. He refilled her goblet with the carafe he had in his hand. Delia drank the water down, but not as fast as the first. She felt better after that. Severus was about to refill Delia's goblet one again, but she shook her head. Severus took Delia's goblet and set it on the already cluttered nightstand. He somehow managed to set the carafe on the tiny nightstand. Delia was amazed the small night table hadn't toppled over. Delia laid back down and fell asleep.
On with the story!
Claimers-dis: Rowling, K.J. is the Harry Potter mastermind. Let's all give her a round of applause for giving us great characters like Snape.
***
Ch 19-Miss Wheelrite Meet Our Master
Delia returned twenty minutes later wearing jeans and her long sleeved Green Day shirt. She had on one of her school robes. Delia had put up her hair in a ponytail. Severs thought that if she didn't have the robe on she looked like an everyday American. She had little half moon earrings in her ears. Severus noticed she had the diamond hairpins in her hair. Severus was wearing his usual black.
"You know I could just go to Dumbledore, " she said chewing a piece of gum.
"Malfoy will just come looking for you at a later date. Just remember the three Unforgivable Curses. I don't know what's happening tonight, but I can bet it's not good. I'm as ready as I'll ever be. I'll go first then you can follow."
Severus threw the Floo Powder in the fireplace and went off. Delia followed behind. She emerged in Malfoys ballroom. Severus was holding out his arm. Delia took his arm gratefully. She chomped on her gum out of nerves. All of Malfoy's crew had heard how he had found Delia and Severus just minutes ago. Severus whispered in Delia's ear, "Just follow my lead on anything, ok?" Delia nodded. Delia had dressed American grunge on purpose. She was getting weird looks from all of Severus's homies. Delia decided to wear her purple Converse, they matched her ensemble. Malfoy came over.
"Professor Snape, Miss Wheelrite! How lovely to see you again. Welcome. We will be leaving shortly. I wish I could make you my special guest tonight, Miss Wheelrite but tonight we have someone even more special. You will meet him soon enough. He will love you. In the meantime enjoy yourself!"
After Malfoy left Delia looked at Severus and asked, "Who is this mystery guest? I'm weirded out already and I haven't been here long."
"If it's who I think it is, run when you see him. The Ministry will soon find you. Get somewhere and take the Knight Bus back to Hogwarts if you can. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I'm more worried about you. Malfoy plays a dirty game. Just play dirtier, if challenged. By the way it's time for your potion for your well-being. You need to take it. I have it right here." Severus reached into his pocket and pulled out a small vial with a pink colored liquid. Delia uncapped it and drank it. It tasted sugary sweet like Valentine's candy. She drained the bottle and gave it to Severus. Delia didn't feel anything. She figured it was just syrupy water. It made her gum taste even funnier.
After a lot of small chat everyone arrived. Delia recognized everyone there. Malfoy got everyone's attention by tapping a wine glass. Everyone gathered around as Malfoy spoke.
"Good evening Death Eaters and visiting guests. I am proud to announce our Lord and Master has returned. We will be seeing him later tonight. He has asked that all of us arrive together. He will be pleased that we have a guest. Let's not waste anytime."
Delia was squeezing Severus's arm. She was scared. She didn't know what the hell she was doing here. She didn't even know how she was going to get to wherever she had to go. Delia looked at Severus and asked, "Where am I going and how am I to get there?"
"We all are supposed to apparate. But for you, I don't know."
"No fear Severus," Malfoy said. "I have made arrangements for a Port Key to take you and Miss Wheelrite to Knockturn Alley. Knock at the door three times. You know the door. The Port Key is that glass over there on the table. Oh Miss Wheelrite, don't try running it won't do you any good. Ta Ta!" and with that Severus and Delia were the only two in the room.
"What if I decided to run far and fast? What would happen to me? What would happen to you?"
"Delia, I don't know. Knowing Malfoy he's taken his fireplace off the Floo Network by now. His house is surrounded by forest. Chances of someone finding you in the morning are nil. Either way you look at it Malfoy will find you somehow. If you want you can leave once we reach Knockturn Alley. Then I suggest you go back to America and never return. That would also mean you couldn't correspond with me, Nicola and Josh. You would even have to leave Kansas and go into hiding. Now if you stay with me I can get you out alive. However, either of your choices is not going to be pleasant."
"Let's just get outta here the longer we stay the more suspicious it looks. If I run away, I run. If I stay, I stay." They walked over to the Port Key. They touched it at the same time and ended up in Knockturn Alley. Delia have never been there but speculated that it wasn't any better in the daytime. Delia considered bolting off and running far. But then the thought of not ever seeing Severus again made her stay. She followed Severus down a flight of stairs. He knocked three times on the door and it opened. Delia walked into what appeared to be an underground hideout. It was just as decked out in grandeur as Malfoy's ballroom. The only difference was this was a basement in Knockturn Alley and was smaller. Everyone was standing around as if they were waiting for am important person. Delia had a death grip on Severus arm. She realized it and loosened her grip. She wasn't going to let go of Severus. A silence fell across the room as Malfoy walked across the room with a hooded
figure. The hooded figure was given a chair and sat down. Delia was doing as best she could to hide behind Severus. She kept muttering under her breath mom, dad, hamburgers, steak, apple pie, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, 4^th of July, Ford, Chevy, Disney World, KFC and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Severus was trying very hard not to laugh. She was speaking a completely different language.
All of a sudden Malfoy had taken Delia away from Severus was dragging her off to the hooded figure. She stood there staring at it. She was startled when Malfoy said in a harsh tone, "Bow to our Lord and Master."
Delia looked at Malfoy then the hood figure and said, "Forgive me sir, I don't bow to anyone. It's the American in me. Our president isn't any better then the general public. I don't bow to him, why should I bow to you? I don't even know your name let alone what you look like."
"You will have to pardon Miss Wheelrite, My Lord," Malfoy said bowing. "She is a bit unique."
"A Hufflepuff I see." The hooded figure said in a voice barley above a whisper. The voice sent chills through Delia. "Malfoy you bring me a Hufflepuff! Why should I allow her to join us?"
"Hey wait justa sec," Delia said in a hurried voice. "Who says I want to join to your club? I wasn't asked. I don't even know what your club goals are or what this club is. As far as I know you all could be getting together for a BBQ once a month."
"You dim-witted asinine girl," the hooded figure said, "I am Lord Voldemort."
"That's just peachy keen. I'm Delia Wheelrite-"
"Enough! Malfoy this girl is annoying. Why is she here? Should I kill her or you?"
"Master that is not a good idea. She is here because I thought you might like to meet her," Malfoy said. "She is here with Severus. He has fondness for her. But the silly girl is under a Love Potion and wouldn't know. I saw Severus give her some, Master! Hufflepuffs are so easy. Nevertheless, I can see why Severus likes her as his play toy."
"Yes," Voldemort spoke. "She is rather lovely. It's a shame I don't like her. I'd hate to have her killed." He pushed off his hood. Voldemort really looked quite ordinary. If Delia were passing him on the street she wouldn't have looked twice. He had no redeeming features what so ever. He looked rather pale and haggard. He stood up from his chair. Everyone in the room was bowing except Delia. "Don't you know when to respect your elders? You stupid girl."
"I know when to respect when I am given respect," she said coolly snapping away on her gum. Voldemort walked over to Delia and touched her cheek. Delia pulled his hand off and stepped back.
"Malfoy didn't tell me how troublesome you are. Troublesomeness seems to go along with the most beautiful creatures. Do you silly girl think Severus loves you?" Voldemort stepped closer to Delia and picked up and stroked a strand of her hair that had fallen out of the ponytail. "Very lovely. It's a shame Severus has to control you with Love Potions. If that's how it has to work with you, so be it."
"You had better step away from me." Delia said in an icy tone. Voldemort continued to stroke her loose strand of hair. He kissed the loose strand and breathed in. He then tucked the loose strand behind her ear. Delia's tone was the iciest and coldest she could muster,"I asked you nicely to step away. If you don't you will regret it."
"Oh I will, silly girl. You threats don't scare me. I'm starting to like you. I think I'll let you join even if you are a Mudblood. You can keep me entertained." His hand left her hair and held her chin up. His bony finger touched her lips. Delia all of a sudden pushed Voldemort back and whipped out her wand.
"I asked to be left alone and you didn't," she said in a cold sub-zero tone that would have made most men back away.
"Do you think you scare me with your little wand? I am far more powerful then you could ever hope to be unless you join. I can give you things only the most girls want. I can give you power that is astonishing. Your Salem sisters would have been proud."
"I don't think I'll join your happy little Sunday afternoon BBQ club," she said.
"Then I leave no choice. It's a shame I have to do this. The most beautiful creatures in life are stupid." He raised his wand. Delia was faster the he was.
"Expelliarmus!" All of a sudden Voldemort's wand was out of his hands. Malfoy was swift to act.
"Locomotor Mortis!" Malfoy shouted. Delia couldn't move her legs. Voldemort had retrieved his wand and before Delia could do anything he cried out the words Severus feared the most.
"Imperio!" Voldemort shouted. Delia fell to her knees. "Now silly girl you will to bow to me. Your punishment for disobedience will be coming as soon as I have had enough of your bowing. I will ask again, are you joining?"
Delia managed to cry out, "NEVER!"
"Then I'm sorry. You are such a pretty thing. But you asked for it...Crucio!"
Delia fell to the floor and was in immense pain. Everything hurt. Then the world went black.
***
Delia awoke sometime later that same night. She sat up in bed. Her muscles ached. Her head hurt something fierce. She noticed she was in Severus's nightshirt. She reached up and touched her forehead. She touched a tender spot that made her wince. She hadn't realized she was resting on Severus's chest. He had been holding her. He had propped himself up on the pillows. Severus was in a light doze. He felt Delia's movement. His black eyes opened and he looked distraught. Delia ached so much she had to lie back down. She rested her head on Severus's chest. Severus played with Delia's hair in a soothing manner. They didn't say anything to one another. They didn't have to. Delia finally asked what had been on her mind.
"What happened after I blacked out?"
"You bumped your head. That's why the nasty bruise," he replied, "Voldemort was about to kill you. I stepped in and stunned him and Malfoy. Then I rescued you. That was after I took care of Crabbe and Goyle. I would have helped you sooner but they had me under The Imperius Curse. After being under it as many times as I have, I learned how to over come it. I had just enough time to scoop you up and run. I got to the Leaky Cauldron and Floo Networked here. My chambers are officially off the network as of tomorrow afternoon. At the moment the vent in the fireplace is shut so we won't be having any more visitors. I'm sorry if it's cold in here. If you need an extra blanket I'll fetch. For that matter is there anything you want?"
"My body to stop hurting!" she wailed.
"There is no potion I can give you for that. You have to stay warm. When I got you home your body was twitching. Your muscles were tense. I had to give you a hot bath to warm you up and relax your muscles. You were held under the Cruciatus curse for quite sometime. Before you think of me in a terrible way. I didn't look at your body. I was merely easing your pain. I know that when you are ready you will show me your body. I love you enough to know when to be a gentleman."
Delia nodded, "Speaking of love why did you give me a Love Potion? I thought you hated that stuff."
"Very logical. Malfoy wanted to know how I had control over you. He can't believe you love me for who I am. However, If I gave you a Love Potion in front of him that would explain why to him. It was a real potion. Love Potions don't work when the two people are, in fact, in love. That's how I knew my plan would work. I do hate Love Potions and I'll tell you why. You can't make another person fall in love with you. I don't care. You can't. It doesn't make it love."
"I agree. Your plan was smart. Thank you for saving me in an old fashioned- King Arthur-Shakespeare, and Grimm's Fairy Tale since. You are my hero. You can rescue me any day."
"Anything for you my dear. Now doesn't the hero of the story get a kiss from the pretty princess?" Severus asked optimistically.
"Oh course he does," Delia said giving Severus a kiss.
"Funny, what happens after that?"
"I guess `they live happily ever after.' Whatever the frig that means." Delia said in her Kansas intonation. Delia had the most captivating accent in Severus's opinion. He had heard the way she spoke when she was with her mother. She wasn't totally understandable half the time. Nonetheless her accent made him melt.
"Generally speaking the hero marries the princess. Her father sees the hero as the brave sort. Bit out of date really. I think it makes women look weak when if they truly wanted to could blast any man to where she feels like it."
"Super," she said, using her Kansas accent. "So that means we'll tell my dad of your heroic deeds and he'll say `Ok Severus, she's all yours.' HA! Don't think so. My dad would be like `you went where and what what happened? How the HELL could you have done that? What kind of weirdo are you in love with Delia Penelope Alex. My daughter is a nut case.' That is more or less what dad would say."
"Why does he call you by your mother's maiden name?"
"Dad only does that when he's ticked off at me. I have two personalities. By day I'm Delia Wheelrite and by night I'm Delia Alex. It's a Dr. Jeckle Mr. Hyde thing."
"Which Delia is the evil Delia?" Severus asked teasing.
"Ah, that one you'll have to find out."
Severus laughed. Delia liked it when she made him do so. He looked so relaxed when he laughed. "So that doesn't answer my question about our hero of the story. Does he marry the princess?"
"I don't know. They elope and send a post card from Florence to the princess's family. That's a lovely story isn't it? Everybody will rush to Barnes and Noble and purchase the book."
"Yes it is. So we're going to Florence. Where are we getting married my dear?"
"Married?" she exclaimed sitting up and turning to Severus. "Who said I was marrying you? I was just joking around."
"I wasn't," he said in a serious voice.
"I don't even know if I ever want to get married. Anyways if you want to marry me so badly, aren't you supposed to ask me? Duh! That is how the system works."
"Delia Penelope Alex Wheelrite will you marry me?"
"You Severus Snape are a Class A Nutter!"
"I'll get down on one knee and ask if I must."
"I hardly think this is the time or place for this question. I think you are suffering from a lack of sleep. What are you doing?"
"It's obvious isn't it? I am getting down on one knee on the cold dungeon floor. I am showing you Miss Wheelrite that I am, indeed, quite serious. I do not have a ring at the moment to give you. I will give you one as soon as I can go purchase one. I do love you deeply. Tonight just verified it to me. I know you love me too. You had your opportunity to run and leave, but you stayed. Men do foolish things when they are in love. As you affirmed it, I am a Class A Nutter. But if this Class A Nutter hadn't been in love would he have stood up against Voldemort to save you? Looking back on it now it was irrational. I have you here with me at this instant and that's all that counts. I will ask this one more time." He took Delia's hand and gazed into her eyes, "Will you, Delia Penelope Alex Wheelrite, give me the honor of being my wife?"
Delia looked at Severus. He looked really ridiculous on the floor. Delia wanted to remember the image of Severus on the floor, in his long swishy robes holding her hand as she gazed down from the bed. "I'll give you my answer after you answer this question."
"Ask away."
"Where do you live during the summer holidays? If I am to be your wife I need to know."
"I have a house on the German side of Lake Constance. It's never been finished. The kitchen is a disaster. I bought the home in my first year as a teacher. I thought I would retire there. I haven't had much time to really begin on it. Anything else you want to know?"
"Yes, tell me all about your previous girlfriends, fiancées, if you have any kids anywhere and if you have ever been married or not."
"I've never been engaged or married. I don't have nay children. I did have one girlfriend. I told you about her."
"What was her name?"
"Elisa Lewins. We dated for three years. Then I didn't see anyone until this Delia Wheelrite came along and drastically improved my life. Is there anything else you want to know?"
"Not that I can think of."
"Oh come off it Delia," Severus said. "There must be a million questions you want to ask me. Do you want to know when I first loved a woman?"
"Since you are offering, fire away."
"It was with Elisa. I was twenty. She is the only woman I have ever made love to. Anything else?"
"Tell me about your parents."
"Delia! I'll tell you about them and anything else if you'll just answer my question."
Delia looked into Severus pleading eyes. There was a pause. "Yes, Severus. I will be your wife." Severus smiled and with a flourish he got off the floor and kissed Delia.
"You have made me happy, Miss Wheelrite," Severus said.
Delia not being able to endure her pain anymore fell back on the pillows. Her arms felt heavy. Severus took off his robe and got in bed next to Delia. Severus put his arms around Delia and cuddled her. She felt safe and warm. The pain was dwindling slowly.
"Severus?" Delia asked in meek voice.
"Yes, my little fiancé?"
In her meek voice she asked, "Would you bring me a drink of water?"
"Of course," he said in his silky voice. He gently laid Delia down on the pillows pulled the duvet up and tucked her as if she were a child. Severus returned with a goblet of water. Delia sat up gingerly and took the water. She took a sip. The water tasted cool and crisp. Before she knew it the goblet of water was gone. Severus knew Delia all too well. He refilled her goblet with the carafe he had in his hand. Delia drank the water down, but not as fast as the first. She felt better after that. Severus was about to refill Delia's goblet one again, but she shook her head. Severus took Delia's goblet and set it on the already cluttered nightstand. He somehow managed to set the carafe on the tiny nightstand. Delia was amazed the small night table hadn't toppled over. Delia laid back down and fell asleep.