Damnable Roofs

When class had finished the students put there books back into their satchels and filed out just as quickly as they had come. Some still tried to keep their minds blank for fear of the repercussions. Other's loudly gabbed about how cool the lesson was. A few just wanted to get out and on with their day.

Maylin walked up behind Harry and his two table mates.

"You three," Maylin called. "A moment please."

Harry, Ron and Hermoine all turned to face their professor. She summoned them to her desk and sat to face them.

They all stood stiff and attentive.

"At ease soldiers," Maylin remarked softly. "You need only fear me when you deserve to fear me. I'm not Professor Snape."

"I could tell that, thank you, ma'am," said a relieved Harry. "What can we do for you, Professor?"

Maylin glanced at Harry's scar, reached out and pushed his hair back from his forehead. His eyes followed her hand. She asked him to step closer and he did. She examined his skin for a moment and smiled. "How's that thing working out for you, lad?" She pointed to his scar with her wand.

Harry answered honestly, "It has its ups and downs, but I'm learning to deal with it."

"So I've heard," Maylin replied.

The three students exchanged looks. "Don't worry though," said Maylin sensing their collective worry. "I find the three of you quite fascinating, when I worked with the Ministry you were all quite the topic of conversation. I asked you here to offer assistance."

"You worked with the Ministry?" asked Ron.

"Aye, I did, I know your father very well, Mr. Weasley. He is very good at what he does, and has always been a pleasure to work with. He aided me considerably in my dealings with Muggles. He is quite the character." Ron gave a toothy grin. Very rarely did people speak of his father with any ounce of respect.

"Any how, it seems that the three of you have had several…encounters with agents of the Dark Arts and I wanted you all to know that if you had any concerns or questions that you can come to me."

"Professor," Hermoine stepped forward.

"Yes, dear?"

"Why are you so willing to help us?"

Maylin was impressed with her openness and nodded.

"You saw the demonstration today. In my line of work," she continued, "I have had more than several run ins with manifestations of a certain 'You Know Who.'"

The three students nodded.

"Never be afraid to be honest with me. I knew his evil before…" she pointed to Harry's scar, "…and after." Maylin paused. "Now off to your next class, can't keep Professor McGonagall waiting, she'll have all our heads."

Harry, Ron and Hermione thanked Maylin and hastily ran of to their next class. Maylin returned to her desk and picked up a paper clip. So simple and yet so important, holds everything together and with a simple tug it all falls out of order.

Maylin put the small object and waited for her next class to arrive. Today's seventh year lesson? "Advanced elemental defense." She picked up her next book and sat on her desk. A large group was approaching the room, Here we go again…

At the end of day Maylin retired to her office and opened her closet. She ran her fingers over the various deadly goodies she had accrued over the years. Favorite items included her hand made dagger and 22 Automatic Smith and Wesson. Maylin removed her jacket and picked up her shoulder harness. She loaded the gun and hit the safety. She tucked it neatly behind her left side.

The dagger lay in a black leather sheath. She carefully picked it up and attached it to her belt. It was no ordinary dagger. Unlike most magical weapons, the wounds made by this dagger could not be healed by conventional magic. When stabbed, the victim was forced to heal like any normal human being. The ghost Holden had found that out the hard way.

"Going somewhere?" said a voice behind her.

Maylin turned to see Professor Snape standing in her doorway. She nodded calmly, "I'm going to make rounds before dinner."

"Have you sensed anything we should be aware of?"

Maylin shrugged. She had felt something but she couldn't place the sensation.

"That's what I'm going to find out."

Snape stepped into the room his arms crossed. He walked around the desks and stood by the cabinet next to Maylin.

His dark eyes met hers. "I heard about your fifth year lesson today, it seems you will be quite the popular professor."

Maylin returned the gaze. "I just did what I was sent to do, and Holden happened to be free today."

"I hear the bastard is teaching now," commented Snape.

"Yes, in Paris, advanced manipulation, and he's not a bastard, by the way, he apologized and thankfully we we're able to to break him of his stupid little evil streak."

"He's a liar and a bastard and he had no business trying to bring you into Voldemort's service. Not after what happened."

"Oh really? And just what you know about that Severus? Oh wait! I forgot – you won't tell me!" Maylin's voice grew unnaturally bitter. She bit her lip and paused. She turned her back to him and breathed in. "I'm sorry, that was uncalled for." She turned again to face him.

He stood stone solid, something she was unwillingly getting used to.

Forgiven.

"Severus, is there something I can help you with?"

Snape looked at the gun. "Does Albus know you have one of those?" Maylin rolled her eyes, "My god, Severus you're not going to go activist on me are you, dear?"

Snape smirked, and shook his head, "No, I don't plan to, but I was concerned. Albus disgusts those objects."

Maylin understood. "I spoke with him about my tactics Sunday before the dinner. He knows that if he wants me to remain here he's going to have to learn to slide."

Maylin grabbed her jacket and put it on in a whirl.

"What time is the staff meeting?" she asked.

"After dinner," he replied. "I suggest you bring the gun, you may find yourself needing to use it."

"I think I'll be fine," Maylin remarked.

"Well, then you can shoot me instead." Snape turned to leave but Maylin playfully pulled him back by the coat tails. Snape twisted around his eyes a bizarre mixture of confusion and something else, "Yes…?"

Maylin's jaw dropped and her eyes widened.

"Severus…"

"Yes…?"

"You made a joke! Did you hear yourself? God that was refreshing. I thought maybe you'd lost all your charm."

Snape's face cracked a smile; "I'll see you at dinner, Maylin."

He tipped his head to her and left the room uninterrupted.  

Snape turned down the hall and headed toward the dungeons, customary scowl in place. The masses of students running through the halls drowned out his footsteps. He walked with his hands resting comfortable in his pockets.

However, Snape did not feel like his expression. He honestly could not figure out why he had stopped by Maylin's office. He couldn't deny the fact that he was still drawn to her. She was everything he ever wanted and needed. When he lost her he lost everything. But life went on, and now she was back.

Bright eyes, wise eyes, alluring eyes, dangerous - unpredictable eyes.

Snape turned the corner and headed down the dark steps. He passed through the potion classroom and into a back hall that lead to his quarters. He touched the door and it opened.

"Illuminus."

The room lit up with soft warmth. The all polished wood furniture glistened in the candlelight. A large four-post bed sat on a raised platform in the middle of the room. To the left on the bedside table was a hand carved black box.

Snape unlocked the box with a spell and opened it with a stare. Wrapped letters and trinkets lined the inside: An antique pocket watch from his mother a, monogrammed cigarette case from his brother. Attached underneath the lid of the box was small leather bound book. Snape slid it out of its case and opened the book.

It was a photo album. Pictures of old friends and lost loves lined the worn pages.

Maylin smiled back at him from the old photo. Her face was younger and her blue eyes were just as enticing then as they were now. She ran her fingers through her thick hair and smiled at the camera, her mouth moved, "I love you."

A warm shiver ran down his body.

Snape closed the book moved to his desk and sat restfully in the large burgundy velvet armchair.

He closed his eyes, perhaps he dreamed.

Snape awoke with a start. How long have I been here?  The old muggle styled clock on the wall said six. Relieved, Snape carefully wiped his eyes and stood. The photo album slid from his lap to the floor. He picked it up and placed it back into the box by his bed.

His eyes hurt.

Since his involvement with the Order of the Phoenix began, Snape's time asleep had been severely diminished. The two-hour nap felt refreshing. It was just what he needed to build the strength to deal with both Maylin and a staff meeting all in one night.

As Snape wandered the halls to the main dining area he thought back to the night before. After returning to his room Voldemort sent out his Dark Mark summoning Snape to him. After only a moment of pain Snape apparated, he was the only one at Hogwarts who could, and turned to face Voldemort.

Clad in black shrouds, Voldemort sat elevated before Snape.

"My Lord," Snape bowed and kissed the covered hand of the being in front of him.

Voldemort barely made a sound. In fact, he only hissed.

"She is back, I know…"

"She, my Lord?" replied Snape.

Voldemort stood. "Do not torment me, she is back and I know. Do not forget about our deal."

Snape hung his head. "I won't my Lord."

Snape bowed and then apparated back into his room.

The conversation was too short, too inconclusive. He knew Voldemort's detest for Maylin He, if it could be called a "he," and Maylin's relationship was one for the history books . And as far as Snape could tell, Maylin would be the only "she" Voldemort would ever care about. And then there was that deal of there's. That he wasn't allowed to mention to anyone at all. For the first time in a long time, the silence was beginning to wear down on him.

Snape shook his head and tried to force the worry out of his system. At least I have something to contribute to this evening's meeting, he thought as he entered the main hall.

There was no terribly elaborate decoration for tonight's meal. The hall was brilliantly lit and the tables mostly full.

Snape ascended the steps to head table. He sat at his place and picked up the day's copy of the Daily Prophet. A top story on magical potions being slipped into modern muggle medicine lined the front page. Snape raised an eyebrow and began to read. 

After a few moments, the chatter died down and dinner appeared on the table. Snape picked up his glass of wine and looked left at Maylin's vacant seat. It had been two hours since she left for her rounds and Snape's worry began to slowly creep back into existence.

"Severus?"

Snape turned to see Albus Dumbledore looking his way. "Sir?" he replied.

"Severus, have you seen, Ms. Hunter, I fear her dinner will grow cold." Dumbledore's voice quivered slightly, it seemed Snape's worry was spreading.

"I saw her not two hours ago," Snape took a sip. "She said she was going to onto the grounds."

Dumbledore nodded.

"Had she gone to find something then?"

Snape shook his head. "When it comes to Maylin, I can honestly say I have no idea what goes through her mind. But," he paused, "In my best judgment I'd have to say she was probably following one of her hunches."

Dumbledore took a small bite from his meal. He looked troubled, like he was hiding something. His face's ambiguous expression did little to soothe Snape's nerves.

Then it hit him, like a wave of sudden comprehension. She screamed out to his mind. Severus!

The winged creature held her tightly in his claws. She could hardly breathe and choked on the blood that ran gushed from her throat. Her wounds were not deadly and it was obvious this thing wanted her alive. She twisted as best she could but her body ached breaking her concentration.

The creature flew higher and higher, up and over the towers of Hogwarts.

She looked toward the ground and tried calling out to any mind she could pick up. The wind blew her hair into her eyes, she couldn't see. As the creature circled the school to get back on track, Maylin made out beams of shapeless light spewing from the school. The Banquet Hall…

Maylin closed her eyes and thought hard as her body twisted yet again. She found no free minds but her hand was forced free. As the lights drew closer Maylin ripped her gun from her torn jacket. The light was so close. The creature's strong limbs tightened. She aimed straight up. One shot. The gun went off and the bullet hit the being through the chest. It screeched aloud and in a fit of panic let go of Maylin.

Holding the gun, she gasped.

Severus! 

She found a mind before crashing headfirst into the glass ceiling of Hogwarts.

Snape's eyes widened and he quickly stood from the table.

"Maylin!" he cried as her body broke through the glass and landed hard face first upon the concrete floor of the Banquet Hall. The students screamed and hid as glass shards fell from the sky.

Snape jumped the table to reach her. Dumbledore and Professor MacGonagall followed him and parted the students with their wands.

"No one move!" shouted Dumbledore as he bent down beside Snape.

Snape's eyes and hands moved frantically over her body. Pools of blood poured out of her small frame. Snape knew instantly that she was dead and that he had only a few moments to help her.

He slipped his hand under her neck. Broken. Damn.

"Professor, call for Madame Pomfrey. I'll be right back."

Snape apparated into his office.

He willed the cabinet open and immediately found what he was looking for. He grabbed the tiny green bag on the top left of the shelf and returned to the Main Hall.

When he reappeared Madame Pomfrey was there.

"She's dead," she whispered. "No medi-magic can turn that."

Snape touched her forehead; forty five seconds had passed since the fall.

"Water!" he demanded. Pomfrey quickly handed him a goblet from the table. He poured the water out until exactly half a cup was left. He then emptied the content of the green bag into the goblet. The goblet began to smoke. Snape bent down to his knees and with his free arm, pulled Maylin's body upwards. Her head fell back over his bloodied robe. "Hold her mouth open," Madame Pomfrey did as she was told.

Snape closed his eyes and breathed in as he poured the smoky substance down Maylin's throat. The students sat in silence. Snape closed her mouth. In moments they would know.

"Madame Pomfrey," Snape's eyes burned. "Can you repair her bones?"

The nurse nodded and got to work. As she examined Maylin's neck she noticed something odd. Maylin's chest began to move as if she were breathing. Snape turned to the nurse.

"The breathing is easy," he said. "It's the waking up that is the most important part." 

The nurse's body ran with chills.

"What sort of demon concoction did you give her?"

Snape shot her a venomous look. "Something that will save her life. Family recipe."

Maylin's body trembled. It started as a slight shake before erupting into violent uncontrollable bursts.

Snape held her tightly and braced for her screams of awakening. The potion coursed through her veins. The pain jumped straight into her neck and head right at the point of impact. At first she screamed. Dumbledore lowered himself and gently picked up her hand. He stared at her not knowing if she had any idea what was going on, he didn't care. He simply wanted her to survive.

Snape whispered into her ear.

"Maylin, you must awaken. You may scream, but you must awaken. Open your eyes. Dear girl, open them…"

Her blood soaked body writhed as her consciousness came around. The pain paralyzed her. She was a child, weak and helpless. The pain told her to scream, but all she could do was cry. Soft tears mixed with blood flooded her face but did little to cool her burning body.

Madame Pomfrey mended Maylin's structure as best she could. Full repair could take place if, and only if, Maylin was strong enough.

Snape acknowledged Pomfrey as he held Maylin closer.

"Severus," Maylin's weak voice fought out over choked blood and bone. Snape genuinely smiled, "Yes, Professor?"

"That stuff still tastes like shit."

Snape nodded in affirmation. "I hear it does, forgive me."

Maylin drowsily smirked before finally passing out on the Banquet Hall floor.

He sat with her in the infirmary. Pomfrey ran test after test to make sure her bones were growing properly. But Snape just sat. He had to know that she would be alright. He didn't know why it was so important to just sit there. He touched her hand. He waited. All night she did not stir, and all night Severus Snape waited.