Several days later Morgan sat relaxing with her husband when he stood suddenly. "I've been summoned."
"What? I've not been called," Morgan said as she watched him don his robes. "I'll go with you."
"That would not be wise."
She looked at him with worried eyes, "are you working on some potion for him?"
"No. Most likely it's just an errand. You know as well as I the Dark Lord's idiosyncracies." Severus watched his wife rise, surprised when she pulled him into her arms. Her body was warm and comforting and he was loathe to leave her.
"Careful as always my husband."
The Potions Master rested his cheek on the top of Morgan's head and held her tightly for a long minute. "Careful as always I will be."
As she watched him leave Mrs. Snape felt dread in her heart. Sending him off alone was not settling well. At least if she was by his side he'd have some form of protection. That's probably why Voldemort didn't call me, she thought scowling. She hadn't seen the Dark Lord since Christmas time yet Severus had been called three times counting tonight. Like each of the previous times the woman waited anxiously. Unable to concentrate on her book she recounted memories of her husband. From the soft caresses to the bitter tirades it was all a wonder to her. Hours later she'd regressed to pacing the room and ringing her hands.
Finally the door opened and her husband came in. Covered in blood, his trembling body barely made it over the threshold before collapsing. "No," Morgan whispered as she gathered him in her arms. "Oh dear gods no," she sobbed. She say there cradling him in her arms, brushing the bloody hair from his fair to pale face. "Oh my sweet." Her anguish was so deep she was barely able to sputter, "Leviosa Corpus." Snape's inert form rose from the floor and his wife cradled him all the way to the Hospital Wing.
"POPPY!" she screamed. "Poppy! Poppy! Poppy! Hurry!"
Madam Pomphrey came running through the side door, "Professor Snape will you please-"she stopped in her tracks at the sight of the injured man. "Quickly, get him over here."
Morgan rested him on the bed reluctant to move back until the witch pushed her out of the way. Overcome with hysterics she yelled. "Please tell me he's going to be ok? Poppy you have to fix him. That fucking Voldemort I'll kill him. My husband Poppy," she grabbed the woman's arm roughly. Shock registered on her face when the Mediwitch slapped her hard across the cheek.
"Get a grip on yourself woman! Now shut up and sit down or I will be forced to take action!"
Morgan's body began to go numb as Poppy began her diagnostic spells. Her husband's pale body spasmed slightly. "Cruciatus," she moaned. Pomphrey cleaned his wounds and spoke the healing spells. What seemed to be an eternity later she stood and braced her back with her hands. "He's going to live Morgan. I've seen him worse after some of his little excursions. Let him rest and he'll snap out of it. And I mean let him rest!" she said sternly.
"Snape is my husband and I will not leave his side."
"Fine, then just let him rest."
Morgan knelt by Severus and lay her hand over his heart. The thought of being without him was unbearable. It was that moment that she knew she was in love with her husband. Never before had she felt so strongly for anyone. He completed her, created peace within her soul. There was something strong between them. More than friendship Morgan felt an ethereal connection with Snape. She'd let him so far inside her life, her very essence, to places she never imagined anyone would ever go. This man was such a big part of who she was and what she'd become. He makes me want to be a better woman, she thought. "I love you professor. Please come back to me soon."
For two days Morgan stayed by his side. Dumbledore and Minerva had tried to convince her to retire to her rooms for a while but she'd refused. This was where she belonged, by his side. If she'd insisted on going with him to see the Dark Lord this abuse might have been prevented. So she ate, drank and slept on the bed beside his.
Finally Severus woke up. "Morgan," he croaked.
She jumped up from the bed to grasp his hand, "I'm here sweets."
"Hmmm. Knowing a stubborn wench like you? Probably never left did you?"
"My place is with you. Always."
"Always." He took a deep wracking breath. "With me always." At that he drifted off to sleep.
The next day Snape demanded to return to their quarters. Poppy let him go on the strict orders that Morgan was to keep him in bed. And no funny stuff either, the woman had said waiving a finger at her incredulous look. After a few days of pampered rest he was up and about again. Secretly she thought he liked being waited on hand and foot. He spoke softly and she fulfilled his every request. Mrs. Snape thought about warning her husband not to get used to it, but for some reason she enjoyed it too. She liked doing things for him, pleasing him.
Morgan handed the dark man a glass of wine and sat near him on the couch. Boldly running her fingers over his thigh she asked him to tell her what happened that night.
"The Dark Lord was displeased with the way things are progressing in our marriage." He spoke softly, unable to look in her eyes.
"What? Why?" Even while asking the question dread that she already knew the answer drove through her veins.
"It seems that he's found out that we have not yet consummated our wedding vows. We are required to procreate and if that is unsuccessful we will be forced to have our marriage annulled. At that time you would be given to Malfoy, who is a 'proven breeder.'
Guilt overcame her. It was her fault that he was beaten. Her fault he had to suffer under the Cruciatus. "I did it."
Dark eyes watched Morgan staring at him with a pained expression. "Go on."
"I, spoke briefly to Minerva in Hogsmeade and we must have been overheard." She wanted to scream out 'Malfoy! That prick, he did it! I'll kill him!' Yet the shame of her actions that day prevented her from even mentioning his name. "I'm so sorry. I'm not one prone to gossip but you know how my aunt is. It just came out. Please forgive me."
Snape looked into eyes brimming with tears. How could I not forgive you, he thought. She'd never intentionally hurt me. After everything that I've done? His wife had forgiven him everything. He could not hold this mistake against her. "I'm fine Morgan. I trust you will be wiser in the future." At the nod on her face he continued. "I realize this is not very romantic my wife, but," he paused and unable to find any better way to say it went on, "we have to, fornicate." The Potions Master's face darkened as he watched his wife. What was that look on her face? Shock? Horror? Disgust? Was the thought of making love with him so disgusting? "Do you find me so repulsive?"
What the hell is he talking about, Morgan thought? That's the last word I'd use to describe him. Gorgeous, sexy, intelligent, sexy, funny, sexy, masculine, sexy, thoughtful, sexy, to name a few better choices. Finally I get to make it up with the man I love. I wish it was something he really wanted to do rather than something foisted on us, but none-the-less. Finally my husband will be my man in more than just name. Her heart started to beat heavily and she reached out to place her hand on his. "Repulsive? No professor, I don't find you completely repulsive. In fact, I don't believe it physically possible for you to be any less repulsive to me." Her breath quickened. I said it! She thought. I just threw that right out there. Please don't let him think me a fool.
"Really?" Severus watched the blush staining his wife's cheeks in complete shock. Does she actually want me? I can't be any less repulsive? Is that the same as I desire you?
Morgan watched the man's wide eyes furrow in thought. I'm an idiot. He doesn't want me. "You don't find me attractive," she said softly.
"Of course I do. Look at you. How can you question that?"
She listened to the words her husband spoke but apprehension settled over her. If I'm so pretty why don't you want me, she thought. Why else haven't you truly made me your wife? I wish I was brave enough to ask. Curse the cowardice of my Slytherin's heart. Once more the words of her aunt echoed in her ears. "Surely you mean Gryffindor?" No, Morgan mused. She was definitely not one of the brave Gryffindors. Malfoy desired me. He had no hesitation about taking me to wife, taking me to bed. My body at least was good enough for him. I don't understand. If I'm attractive why doesn't he want me? Still I want him. My desire for this man is so great. What will it be like to make love with him? Will he resent me for that? "I'm sorry if you find me a distasteful wife," she bristled.
"Distasteful?" Ye gods! What was the woman thinking? He wanted her so badly. The pain of Voldemort's attack was well worth an excuse to make love with his wife. "My dear, make no mistake. I find you to be a very tasty morsel."
Morgan could feel the slight tremble that overcame her body. A tasty morsel. Gods yes. Suddenly she felt fear and apprehension at the thought of giving her body to this man. Reality is completely different from the fantasies that had been coursing through her mind day after day, and night after night. I want to start things off right. I want to be myself with my husband, without pretexts. I want to be completely open and honest and let him know me for who I really am. But, what if he thinks I'm a freak? The words of past lovers came back to her. "You're not a woman! Frozen unfeeling bitch! You are not normal!" Tears threatened her eyes as doubt sunk in. I'm not normal. She thought of the rumor Snape had mentioned. I'm definitely not a hermaphrodite either.
"I need some time to adjust to this. I need to think. I...tomorrow? Would, can, I mean...tomorrow night? I..." she stammered.
Snape listened to her words. Her nervous apprehension was endearing, as was the blush that stained her cheeks. This touched him in a way that made him realize his heart was indeed there, pounding in his chest. Her eyes mirrored her soul and at that very moment, there wasn't anything his wife could ask that he wouldn't grant her. He'd gladly give her time. What was one short day when he had waited so long already? He was still amazed that she'd thought herself unattractive to him. What was the woman thinking? Could she not see the desire she aroused in him. I would have to be a fool not to want her. My glorious better half. This woman, he knew, would be one to stand strong and lie softly by his side for the rest of his days. What more could I possibly want? The answer that came to his mind was, nothing.
Snape took her small hand in his. He stared at it's delicacy next to his large one. Gently his fingers ran from fingertip to wrist and then back up. "I would gladly give you all the time you wish my lady. Tomorrow night will come quickly. Tomorrow night, I will make you my wife in all ways."
Morgan began trembling in earnest at that. The mere touch of his fingers on hers and all conscious thought left her body. Heat, need, want, were the only important things. My husband, is the only important thing. Oh yes, she thought. Tomorrow night, I will truly be yours.
(((((
So...who thinks there's going to be smut in the next chapter? Wait and see.
SnapeLady, glad you had a nice trip. Malfoy was pretty mad after all...
Fury'sGrace, I agree that Malfoy is quite a hottie..lol
Ember, don't you know I'm always right? laughs
ThousandI, wonderful to have you. I hope no one dies in frustration after this chappie.
Ever-and-a-day, thanks for the compliment. I did write a fluffy one and that did get more hits, but for this one, which is quite different, I'm getting more quality reviews.
Latin, I'm going to Apparate over there and take my boy back...so get ready.
Native Moon, you always catch everything. I was wondering if anyone would get the Dumbledore thing. PS...I wrote this one a long time ago too...lol..still in a rut.