Chapter 2

The sun was just beginning to break over the horizon when Snape finally began to stir. He whisper a quiet, "Lumos," and when it actually worked the prior evening came rushing back to him.

She had called out his name at her climax and it had sent him over the edge. He must have passed out after that. He had to see Dumbledor. The old man had to have some information for him.

He dressed quickly. Poppy could come in search for him if she dared. He'd been healed for days. He had a suspicion that he was being watched for signs of suicide because they thought he couldn't live without magic. It didn't matter now.

He made quick work of his walk from the infirmary to the gargoyle guarding Dumbledor's office. The halls were empty at this time of the morning. Even the portraits were still. He loved this time of day. A quiet peace that some dunderhead hadn't had a chance to breech yet.

"Twix," he snapped out.

He waited impatiently for the revolving staircase to arrive at his destination. When he stepped off and into the room the Headmaster was just walking in. He was wearing some sort of garish dressing robe with matching hat. Dumbledor stopped walking when his eye's laid on Severus. He wore a gobsmacked expression on his face and his eyes were twinkling madly. He regained his composure and went to take a seat behind his desk.

"Lemon drop," Dumbledor offered.

"Don't 'lemon drop' me, old man. I know you know."

If anyone else were in the room they would probably be blinded by the blaring eye twinkle.

"I have to admit that I am at a loss here, Severus. I can see you have your powers back. Actually you have more power, if I'm not mistaken," here he paused waiting for some sort of confirmation.

Severus gave a curt nod.

"I've been exploiting all my resources for answers since your magic was taken and have come up empty. Please, tell me how this came about, my boy."

Severus flinched mentally, berating himself for his attitude towards the Headmaster over the past week. He had accused him of doing nothing and that had been the high point. Not being one for apologies Severus related to him about the woman in the infirmary. He included all of the pertinent information but was a bit short coming when relating the final step of the spell.

All the same Albus's eyes were glittering madly. He could fill in the missing bits himself.

"This is indeed very unexpected," Dumbledor said with a small smirk.

Severus knew that look any where. It had been bestowed on him so many times over the years. It was 'I know something that you don't know, I love it and you'll hate it kind of look.'

"Well," Severus snapped, "spit it out, old man. What do you know?"

"Alright, alright. I don't know the exact spell you are talking about but I have heard reference to the rest of the requirements," Albus paused here.

"And….Damn it, Albus."

"Yes, well Nicholas told me long ago about a blood magic that could increase your power. It had to be given willingly by a virgin, who was in love with you." Snape's face paled but Albus kept talking, "Supposedly, this was how Merlin became so powerful. His beloved preformed this spell on him. While not exactly the same circumstances, I believe it to be the same spell. I can clearly see another persons magic with you."

At this Albus just sat back in his chair and just smiled at Severus.

Love. Love. Who the hell loved him. There was no way that was possible. He didn't even know who it was. He frowned at this and Albus caught it.

"You have no idea who it was, Severus."

Severus thought back for something telling that would reveal the woman's identity. Nothing. He never saw much of her. Then it flashed in his mind, the jewel at her stomach. He had never seen that on a person before. How was that able to slip his mind.

He related that piece of information to Albus. Albus's next words completely caught him off guard.

"You should take some time off, Severus. There's only one week of school left before term ends."

"What?"

"We can keep your substitute through until summer. Spend some time out, relax, see the new shops in Diagon Alley."

This caught his attention, and he narrowed his eyes at the Headmaster. Severus never just did nothing. Even the few times he had taken time off he still had a plan.

"You know who it is, don't you?" Severus seethed.

"Now Severus, I'm sure she has here reasons for keeping her identity hidden. I do have a pretty good idea who it is. I'm sure you'll figure it out."

He felt like he was trying to squeeze water from a rock. The old man was giddy with his paramour's secret identity. There was no way he was going to be manipulated this way.

I don't care. I have my powers back. That's all I need.

Severus stood, "I've wasted enough time here, Albus. I'll be finishing out my classes for the rest of the week."

Albus shook his head as Severus walked out of his office.