Once again, thanks to all who have reviewed. J

Chapter 11

Sonora woke, feeling well and truly rested for the first time in quite a while. She stretched a little, and then her brain registered the fact that she was in her own bed. She frowned. Why didn't that seem right…?

In a series of flashes she remembered the events of early that morning, and she sat bolt upright, eyes flying open. She was all alone in her bedchamber, tucked beneath her covers, her robe draped over the end of the bed and her cane leaning against the wall where she normally placed it.

Sonora stared at her cane. Had it just been a dream, then? Had her exhausted mind conjured up an image of Severus in her office chair, his arms about her? She shook her head in disbelief. It had seemed so real…

Determinedly, she threw off the covers and reached for her cane and wand. Her nightdress fluttering about her, she limped quickly to her bedroom door and into her office, intent on reaching the classroom. She came to a halt, however, when she glanced at her desk.

Her notes were still sitting on her desk, in two haphazard piles.

Sonora stared, and then looked at her chair. The footstool was once again tucked under the desk and the chair arranged before it. She began to smile. But her notes were still sitting on her desk.

Carefully, she limped over and gathered the piles into one, before tapping the top of the stack with her wand and murmuring, "disappearatus." The words faded, leaving the pages blank, and she once again locked them safely away. She would have to remember not to leave them sitting out again, although there should be no danger here. Sonora smiled. And she had been rather distracted early this morning.

Task complete, she turned once again to her closed office door. This time it was with a hint of apprehension that she made her way toward it. As her hand closed over the handle, she thought she heard the sound of a cauldron bubbling and frowned.

She pushed the door open and saw a single cauldron bubbling over a low fire. Next to the cauldron, sprawled in his desk chair and looking fast asleep was the man she sought. Sonora simply stood for a moment and watched him.

His face lost those bitter lines in sleep, she thought. He looked younger, relaxed. His dreams had to be happy ones, judging from the way the corners of his mouth were turned up. He had bathed and changed to fresh robes, and there was no trace of the dirt and blood she'd remembered from earlier.

As she stood and watched him, a warm feeling swelling inside her, the cauldron began to give a light hiss and he woke. His eyes opened and for the first time, Sonora was given the rare privilege of seeing Severus look at her without guards in his eyes.

"Good morning," he said, voice low as he watched her. His gaze was dark and brilliant and sent a wave of awareness rushing through her.

She felt a flush work its way up her cheeks. "Good morning," she said softly in return.

He rose slowly from his chair and she was struck again by how tall he was. "You slept well?" he asked.

Sonora smiled at Severus, almost aching inside at the wonderfully familiar strength of him. "Indeed," she said, and took two eager steps toward him without thought.

Apparently that was what he had been waiting for because in two long strides he had closed the distance between them and clasped her tightly in his arms, lips seeking and finding her own. Sonora gave herself up to the warmth and strength of his body pressing against her own and kissed him back in a delirium of pleasure. She didn't know what, precisely, to call what she was feeling, but she certainly had an idea what to do with the emotion.

His lips finally left hers eons later and she looked up at him, a dazed look in her eyes. He held her tightly against his body, somehow having lifted her feet clear off the floor. Severus looked seriously down at her. "I was afraid…" he started.

Sonora shook her head, feeling a smile all but burst out of her. "Hah. You weren't the one who woke up and wondered if she'd dreamt the whole thing," she said, laughter in her voice. She felt like singing, she felt like dancing.

He chuckled, and tucked her head under his chin, holding her against him as he let her feet slip down to touch the ground again, his hands warm through the thin fabric of her night clothes, his fingertips toying with a few loose strands of her hair. They stood that way for a long, contented moment before Severus suddenly pulled back. "You don't mind me touching you?" he asked, a sudden reserve in his voice.

Sonora gaped at him. "What, are you mad?" she said.

A shadow was back, lingering in his eyes. "I… You reached for me last night," he said. "Let me hold you." His gaze lingered on her lips. "I thought you might feel differently in the light of day."

Sonora snorted and moved back to snuggle against him. "First of all, we're in a bloody dungeon. There IS no light of day down here." She was rewarded by feeling his chest shake against her cheek as if he were holding back a laugh. "Secondly, how feeble minded do you think I am? As if I'm going to suddenly turn into another person overnight."

His cheek touched lightly against the top of her head before he stepped back, taking her hand firmly in his. "Sonora, no one has said to me what you did last night. I…" he looked away. "I have never been needed before."

Sonora studied his profile, feeling touched that her gestures meant that much to him. "Severus," she said in a gentle voice. "Just because no one has, does not mean no one will." She smiled a little. "No one has needed me before, either."

His head swung back around to hers at that. "No one?" he said in disbelief.

Sonora shook her head. "I was… quiet in school. I stayed in my books for most of my time here. And later, when I went on and began my work, I was simply alone a great deal." Her eyes met his. "And no one has ever said what you did to me, either."

His hand tightened around hers. "I meant it," he said quietly, his words a vow.

"As did I," she said seriously.

He stood and looked down at her for a long moment, before shaking his head in bewilderment. "I don't know what to do," he said. Sonora gave him a questioning look. He raised her hand and rather clumsily pressed his lips to her fingers. "With you," he clarified.

Sonora smiled, touched at this wonderful openness he was giving her. She turned her hand in his and touched his cheek. "We share cares and worries," she told him. "We turn to each other for help, for healing, for comfort." His fingers curled about hers again. "I promise you, Severus, there is no price to be paid to have my care, my friendship. It is simply yours to take."

His eyes had darkened as she spoke, and now he bent and very gently, very reverently pressed a kiss to her lips. "I will treasure it," he said seriously.

Sonora smiled. "I know," she said.

~~~~~~~

They could not remain in such an emotional state all day, and so eventually Sonora made her way back to her chambers to bathe and dress. Severus watched her go, half wishing she would stay in that very fetching and far too revealing nightdress. He was rapidly becoming extremely fond of the garment.

He let out a sigh as her door closed behind her. She'd taken those few steps toward him, face full of eagerness and hope and all his caution, all his carefully planned reserve had flown out the window. He needed her, he accepted silently. Far more than was good for her, far more than was probably good for him. Severus shuddered at the thought of someone finding out his new weakness and turning on Sonora.

He swung back to check on the still lightly hissing cauldron. It was not so much he had hopes this would work, but that he was not going to settle for anything less. He was bending over the cauldron, stirring gently when she re-emerged.

"What are you doing?" she asked curiously.

He set the lid carefully on the top and banked the flames before turning to face her. A curious smile played on his lips, surprisingly easy in its appearance. "You'll see," he said.

Sonora gave him a wary but teasing look. "You're not planning to turn me purple, are you?' she asked.

Severus chuckled. "You would still look charming, I'm sure," he said, watching her eyes light at the compliment. He held out one hand, wanting the touch of hers as long as he could. "Come. Let us go to lunch."

~~~~~~~

Both of them knew they would need to be circumspect around others, and so dinner periods were spent without the slight touches that Sonora quickly grew accustomed to. Severus seemed to have a never-ending craving for physical contact. Sonora suspected it was part of what he had told her before. No one had ever needed him before, no one had wanted him before. And now she did, and somehow it was feeding a part of him that had been in danger of shriveling up and dying.

And she felt her strength and courage grow every time he did. Doubts about her work, her students and the future would fade away when his hand touched hers. Her mind and heart grew stronger as they spent more time in each others company. And as for her body, well, each time he kissed or held her in his arms, it sent her spiraling into a deeper well of heat and desire. He hadn't tried to take her to bed yet, but Sonora didn't dwell on it. She was content to savor what they had for the moment. Sooner or later, they would deepen their relationship, she thought. It was inevitable, when they both craved it so intensely.

Students had begun to wonder at Professor Snape's behavior as the days began to pass. He did not snarl as much, did not sneer as much. He had even given one student an approving look.

So it was not entirely a surprise when a knock came on Sonora's office door one evening, and she looked up to find the Headmaster smiling down at her.

"Professor Dumbledore!" she said in astonishment, reaching for her cane to rise. "What a surprise to see you down here."

Dumbledore came in, eyes twinkling merrily as he shooed her back to sit. "Now, now, my dear, stay where you are. I merely wandered down to see how things are going down here in the dungeons."

Sonora chuckled and eyed the canny old man. "Oh, did you?" she asked.

Dumbledore settled into one of the chairs she kept handy for students and clasped his hands over his chest. "How are you getting along with Severus?" he asked. Sonora immediately blushed, unable to stop it as those keen, knowing blue eyes found hers. Dumbledore smiled. "I thought so," he said.

Sonora sighed. "We have tried to be discrete," she said apologetically. "I know it's a risk for him, and…"

Dumbledore shook his head. "You misunderstand me, my dear. I could not be more delighted, for either of you." He gave her a smile, an understanding one this time. "For some time, I have worried about Severus. He has become more and more bitter, more angry, more guilty as the years have passed. Recently, in particular, he has seemed to blame himself for things he could not have prevented."

Sonora listened. "I thought perhaps you might be an answer," he said with a twinkle.

Sonora felt her jaw drop. "You set us up?" she asked in disbelief.

Dumbledore pursed his lips. "Let's just say I hoped more would come of this working arrangement than work," he smiled.

Sonora gaped for a moment and then rolled her eyes. "Somehow, why am I not surprised?" she said to the ceiling. She looked back at the headmaster. "You're a sneaky man, Professor."

His eyes twinkled. "Of course," he said. Then he sobered. "I had a second purpose in coming to see you," he said. "How is young Mr. Malfoy coming along?"

Sonora grew serious as well, thinking over the last two evenings she'd spent with the boy. He had barely said a word, never without prompting. His face had been narrow and drawn, but he had performed with skill every task she'd set him. "Draco is… a difficult boy," she said. "He has been prompt so far, has quietly and obediently done everything I have asked of him. In class, he has been so well behaved it's almost frightening." She shook her head. "I know he's had difficulty with the other students."

Dumbledore sighed. "Yes. The terms of his probation make it all to easy for him to be a target," he said. "And sadly, Draco has brought most of the persecution on himself. There are far too many students who are happy to see him brought low."

Sonora nodded. "I was wondering, however…" she began. Dumbledore raised his eyebrows at her when she hesitated. "Mr. Potter," she finally said. "I wondered if he might not be an answer to some of those problems."

The headmaster looked at her thoughtfully. "Go on," he said.

"I have considered changing partners around in class," Sonora said. "Pairing Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy together. I would not have dared to do so before, of course, because someone would most likely have ended missing a few body parts. But now that Draco can't do anything…" she shrugged. "Mr. Potter has given me the impression that he doesn't start these problems."

Dumbledore seemed to consider her words. "I believe your reading of Harry is a good one," he said. "I don't know how much you know about him…" he raised his eyebrows inquisitively. Sonora shook her head. "Ah. Well, he was raised by Muggles, and spent his years before coming to Hogwarts as a target of petty dislike himself. In some children, this might lead to bitterness and a thirst for revenge, but Harry has too big a heart."

"Your idea might very well be a sound one, Sonora," Dumbledore said, peering at her. "The two boys might never like one another, but they may well learn to work together. And where Harry Potter leads, other students may take their cue."

"Mr. Malfoy also seems to have a natural touch with Potions," Sonora said. "I am hoping that I'll be able to use his assistance with my research."

Dumbledore nodded. "The winter holidays will be here soon, and I have already requested Lucius Malfoy leave the boy here for that time. While Lucius is not precisely a fan of mine," Dumbledore gave a rueful smile, "he does see his son as a way to keep tabs on myself and my activities."

Sonora nodded. "Then I hope I can make some progress with him," she said, thinking ahead. She would put Draco to work, reading about Potions with Intent. Then she would try using his assistance over the holidays.

"As do I," Dumbledore said and rose. Just then they heard the sound of the classroom door opening and quick firm steps entering. Sonora resisted the urge to wince at the gleeful look that appeared in the Headmaster's eyes. Dumbledore might be fond of Severus, she thought ruefully, but he wasn't above teasing him from time to time.

"Sonora, do you…" Severus began as he appeared in the doorway. "Ahh… Headmaster." Sonora peered up at him in mild astonishment. Was he blushing? "What a surprise to see you down here."

Dumbledore twinkled at his Potions Master. "Not at all, Severus, I simply dropped by for a chat with Professor Stone."

Severus' eyes darted to Sonora and then back again. "Might I ask about what?" he said, sounding a bit tense.

Sonora was unable to resist. He just looked too tense about the whole situation, and that sneaky sense of humor she usually managed to control struck. "Late night snogging," she blurted. And then went into peals of laughter at his dumbstruck and panicked expression.

"Oh, dear," she said, nearly in tears, "Severus, if you could see your face…"Dumbledore was coughing in one hand, to hide his own laughter, she suspected.

Severus seemed to collect himself and looked rather uneasily at Dumbledore, while Sonora tried to get herself under control. "Headmaster," he said uncertainly. Sonora wiped her eyes, knowing she should really be more sympathetic and supportive of his worries, but also unable to resist the urge to poke gentle fun at her lover. Well. Not-quite-lover.

Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat before smiling at the younger man. "Severus, I am delighted. Truly," he said. He gave him a serious look. "You have needed someone to care for you for quite some time, and you have needed to care in return." He patted Severus' back. "I know I can count on both of you to recognize the necessity of discretion…"

"You can," Severus said, sounding strangled. And shot Sonora a glare, which of course, set off her giggles again.

"Yes, well, I'll just be going, then," Dumbledore said, sounding amused. "Good evening to you both."

Sonora wiped her eyes again and sighed as the classroom closed behind the headmaster, leaving only Severus glowering at her from the doorway. She gave him a beaming smile. "Yes, Severus?" she said.

He opened his mouth and she once again was struck by the giggles as she remembered how he'd looked. "Late night snogging," she managed as he stared at her in a huff of annoyance.

Severus rolled his eyes, actually rolled his eyes, before striding over and lifting her bodily out of her chair. Sonora gave a squeak even through her giggles and clung to the front of his robes as he then settled himself in her place, holding her in his lap.

"So you thought that was funny, did you?" he growled as she tipped her head up to his, grinning.

"Absolutely," she said and giggled again.

He gave her a reluctant smile. "You wait," he said. "Revenge can be sweet."

Sonora laughed and curled closer. "I'll look forward to it," she said.