Revenge of a Slytherin

Chapter 8

Throughout that night and the following few days Severus never left Nichol's side for longer than a few minutes and only then when Professor McGonagall was there. He made her sip water and soup to try and build her strength back up and the potions given to her by Madame Pomfrey.

She slept for most of the time and Severus sometimes sat by the bed in a chair and this is where if he slept if he slept at all. The rest of the time he would sit beside Nichol on the bed, just talking to her or reading to her.

It was almost a week before she was awake and lucid; she was shocked to find herself in the Infirmary and even more shocked to find Severus by her side. 'What happened?' she whispered 'shhhh'

Severus: 'I found you in your rooms, you were quite ill.'

Nichol: 'How long have I been here?'

Severus: 'A week'

Nichol: 'A WEEK! What about my classes …'

She tried to swing her legs out of bed and Severus stopped her.

Severus: 'Calm down, everything is fine, your classes have just been deferred and the students given some reading to occupy them. Nichol, do you remember what happened to you?'

Nichol: 'No, not really, it all seems like a dream.'

Severus cringed at her choice of words.

Nichol: 'Severus, what did happen, did I have an accident?'

Severus: 'You should rest now; I will make sure Madame Pomfrey brings you some lunch and Professor Dumbledore know you are awake.'

He kissed her on the forehead and walked to find Madame Pomfrey in her office.

Nichol soon fell asleep again and when she woke Professor McGonagall was sitting by her bed.

Prof. McGonagall: 'Hello my dear, it is no nice to see you awake again.'

Nichol: 'Thank you.'

Nichol moved to sit up and Professor McGonagall helped her move and adjusted her pillows.

Prof. McGonagall: 'How are you feeling?'

Nichol: 'Sleepy, which is strange having apparently slept for a week.'

Prof. McGonagall: 'I hate to cause you stress, but can you recall anything of what happened?'

Nichol: 'I remember I could not sleep, I had to stay awake because…'

Prof. McGonagall: 'Because?'

Nichol leaned back against her pillows and closed her eyes. She remembered but she wanted to forget, she needed to forget.

Prof. McGonagall: 'I know this is hard my dear' she placed her hands on Nichol's hand 'we think we know what happened, but we need to hear it from you so that we can stop this happening in the future.'

Nichol: 'I was having bad dreams, about a man, it happened night after night.'

Nichol took a sip of the orange juice Professor McGonagall was passing to her and sighed.

Nichol: 'Each night in my dreams he would hurt me and …'

A commotion from behind the screen surrounding them caused Professor McGonagall jump to her feet and swiftly pull out her wand. A voice from the other side of the screen explained that everything was fine, it was Professor Dumbledore 'it was just Professor Snape leaving the room.'

Nichol: 'They heard?'

Prof. McGonagall: 'Yes, they did, we did not mean to deceive you I thought it would be easier to speak to just me, I hope you don't mind.'

Nichol: 'No, it's ok, but why did Severus leave like that?'

Prof. McGonagall: 'Oh he did not tell you?'

Nichol: 'Tell me what?'

Prof. McGonagall: 'My dear girl, it was Severus who found you, he brought you here, and he has not left your bedside at all!'

Nichol: 'He found me?'

Prof. McGonagall: 'Yes, he was worried because he had not seen you, he was coming to your rooms to speak with you, when he found you.'

Nichol was stunned, what was Professor McGonagall trying to say or actually not saying? But she never got the chance to ask as Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape returned and Dumbledore said it was almost time for dinner and told Professor McGonagall that they would make an announcement tonight.

Turning to Nichol he said 'Do you feel you could cope with some visitors over the next few days?' Nichol decided this would be nice and it was agreed that Severus would make sure they came to see her in small numbers and did not tire her too much.

Over the next few days Nichol received many visits from small groups of students, some concerned for her well being, some she decided had come just to see if she really was still alive. Severus had told her about some of the rumours about her 'illness'.

Get-well cards, flowers, plants and packages of sweets and chocolates now surrounded her bed. Once Severus had chased off another group of students, as Nichol was tiring, he had gone to speak with Madame Pomfrey for a moment and Nichol received another visitor, Draco Malfoy. Draco stood at the foot of the bed and looked with derision at all the gifts Nichol had been given by his fellow students. 'I've come to see if it is true, you really are still alive then?' he scowled and turned to leave as he saw Professor Snape approaching 'oh before I forget, my father sends his regards and says he really hopes to see you soon!' with that he stomped off towards the exit.

As Severus arrived back at Nichol's bedside he looked concerned to see her looking pale, 'what did Malfoy say? Is everything alright?' 'Everything is fine, I am just tired, don't worry Severus' she smiled weakly at him. 'You know the students here love you' he said 'and they are not alone. Nichol … ' he took her hand in his 'there is something I have to tell you …'

He did not get the chance to tell her what was on his mind however, as Madame Pomfrey walked over to them. 'Nichol dear you will be able to go back to your rooms this evening if you wish' 'I can?' Madame Pomfrey nodded and then walked back to her office.

'That's good news isn't it?' Severus turned to Nichol, but she looked tearful.

'Nichol? What's wrong?'

Nichol gulped 'no, no, nothing is wrong'

Severus was not convinced 'Nichol, please what is wrong?'

'It's just, I am not sure I want …'

'You don't mean to leave Hogwarts?'

'I'm honestly not sure' Nichol could not look at Severus, as she knew he would see how upset she really was.

'Nichol, we need you here, you are like a breath of fresh air through these dusty old halls, the students love you, the staff love you and I …'

Nichol looked up and saw fear in Severus' eyes, she had never seen him waiver in anything and this was a shock to her. She stopped him before he could finish what he was about to say 'Severus, I just don't feel safe here now.'

'Please, don't let this chase you from Hogwarts, had I known sooner about this I would have protected you from him, I would never let him hurt you and I will not let him hurt you ever again!'

'That is really sweet of you, but I can't even face going back to my rooms, there are too many memories.'

'Nichol, please, I promise to sort something out about your accommodation if you just promise me you will not make any rash decisions about leaving.'

'OK, I will give it some thought' she smiled weakly at him.

'Thank you, now you should get some sleep. I will be here when you wake, I will leave Madame Pomfrey here while I speak with the Headmaster.' Severus stood to leave, but paused and thought for a second before leaning and giving Nichol a gentle hug. As his cheek brushed hers he sighed inwardly wondering why he found it so hard to tell her how much he cared for her.

Severus spoke with Madame Pomfrey briefly and then hurried to speak with Professor Dumbledore. He headed for the Great Hall and managed to catch the Headmaster as he left following dinner.

'Headmaster, I need to speak with you if you have a moment?'

'Certainly Severus, what is troubling you?'

'I wish to speak with you about Professor Reynard, I fear she may wish to leave us.'

'Ahh' said the older wizard, 'I had thought she may feel this way, is there anything that we can do to persuade her?'

'I feel we need to move her apartments, I do know she is reticent to return to her old rooms.' Severus explained.

'This can be arranged without much trouble, is there anything else?'

'I feel that she would be more comfortable if her rooms were closer to those of another Professor, then she would have someone close by if she needed assistance.'

'Can you suggest someone she would be comfortable staying close to?'

'Well, I would suggest myself, we are friends and I know how Lucius operates, if he should try to contact her again I will know how to deal with him.'

Dumbledore nodded 'yes I do believe you are right, make the necessary arrangements and have her belongings moved. I also suggest we get Professor Reynard back into class and also to share mealtimes in the Great Hall as soon as possible. I feel this will help her settle and wish to stay with us.'

'I agree, I will make all the arrangements.' Severus excused himself and went to see Nichol's old rooms and spoke with the house elves to make all the changes. He then returned to the Infirmary.

The next day Severus walked with Nichol back to her rooms, but then started to walk down a different corridor. 'Severus, my rooms are down that corridor' she pointed the other way.

'Just humour me for a few minutes' Severus smiled.

They reached a smaller branch corridor, which had just two doors opening onto it. Severus opened the first of these doors; ' as you know these are my rooms Nichol.' She had visited his rooms before when they had taken tea together. He walked towards another door in the corner of his lounge; this led through into another lounge 'this is my room!' Nichol recognised some of her belongings from her rooms. 'Yes' Severus nodded. 'If it is alright with you, I have made these arrangements, if you need anything I am right through this door.' Nichol walked over to the bedroom door and peered through. 'But you will of course have your privacy, I will never use the connecting door unless you invite me too or need help.'

Nichol felt relieved that she would not be in her old rooms, and strangely comforted by knowing that it was to be Severus next door to her. 'It's wonderful' she cried 'thank you!'

So far so good thought Severus.

Once Nichol was settled in her room Severus knocked on the dividing door 'I thought you might like some tea' he walked in carrying a tray. Nichol was curled up on her couch reading with a blanket over her legs, she made a move to get up but Severus gestured for her to stay where she was and he poured her tea and handed her the cup and saucer. He noticed her shiver slightly and asked if she was chilly, she nodded and replied 'a little.' Severus raised his wand and pointed at the fireplace, within seconds there was a lovely fire warming the room and giving it a warm glow. Severus started to walk towards the door but Nichol stopped him 'please, stay' he turned towards her unsure 'if you don't mind, I would like a little company' she said. 'If you are sure' Severus replied and Nichol nodded. Severus wandered back to his own rooms and picked up a book then returned to Nichols rooms. He sat on the couch opposite and made himself comfortable to read his book, every so often he looked up and watched Nichol briefly, watching her reading her book, seeing her raise her hand to move her hair which had slipped over her face. He watched her smile or frown every so often at what she was reading and watched the creamy flesh showing above her dress rise and fall as she breathed.

Severus was transfixed, he loved to watch her and could imagine them growing old together and sitting reading like these when they were both old and grey. He was shaken from his daydreams though by the clock chiming, he took out his pocket watch and checked the time. 'Right missy' he said standing, 'time to go.' Nichol looked up 'got where?' she asked 'dinner' was the reply. Severus headed back to his own room telling Nichol she had ten minutes to freshen up.

Exactly ten minutes later he knocked gently on the dividing door, he was not prepared for the sight that met him, as Nichol walked from the bedroom door she asked if she looked all right. Severus could not catch his breath let alone answer her Nichol was wearing a red velvet dress it had a scooped neckline and long fitted sleeves that flared out in a mediaeval style from mid forearm, the bodice was fitted and showed she swell of her breasts and exaggerated her small waist before skimming her hips and then flaring out as it fell in drapes to her knees. She wore dark charcoal stockings and black shoes with a kitten heel and slightly pointed toes, her hair was freshly brushed and hung around her shoulders with small plaits at the temples pulled back lightly and held in place with a small diamante clip. The only makeup she wore was a little pink lip-gloss, eyeliner and mascara. Severus had only ever seen her in teacher's robes or something casual, and he had never seen her long black hair down this way. 'Well?' she prompted 'do I look ok?' Severus took a large gulp of air and replied 'ok? Nichol you look stunning!' she walked towards him and he had to fight the urge to kiss her 'why thank you kind sir' Nichol said affecting a southern belle accent and slipped her arm through his 'shall we go?'

They caused quite a stir as they walked that way through the corridors of Hogwarts and entered the Great Hall. Nichol took her place at the Head Table with the other teachers and realised how much she had missed this. Severus noticed the tears in her eyes 'is everything alright?' This time it was Nichol who could not speak, after what seemed forever she turned to Severus and replied 'I can't do it, I can't leave Hogwarts, I want to stay.' As he smiled at her and his eyes lit up, she did not however see him signal to Professor Dumbledore and then see Dumbledore smile and nod to the other Professors that Nichol would be staying with them at Hogwarts.

Two days later Nichol's classes recommenced. The rest of the school year at Hogwarts was peaceful, she never heard from Lucius Malfoy. She spent more time with Severus and they became very close, spending more time in their rooms just chilling out or reading. She would watch him in his lab when he worked and he taught her some basics about potions.

Nichol did have a few dreams of Lucius and even wondered a couple of times where he was and what he was doing.

At the end of the year at Hogwarts Nichol was sad to say goodbye to the students and received many gifts to take away with her, he never did tell her what he had meant to tell her that day in the Infirmary.

Before she left Nichol also had a meeting with Professor Dumbledore who offered her a teaching post at Hogwarts the following year, if she wanted it all she had to do was let him know her decision.