12/20/1989

Snape paced O'Connor's office feeling anxious. The students had been safely sent on their way home and the staff had had a meeting immediately afterward. Minerva had been found unconscious at the foot of the stairs leading to the sixth floor by one of the Hogwarts ghosts shortly after midnight. She was suffering from a minor concussion and deep bruising but would make a full recovery. Luckily she had only been part way up the stairs when she encountered the same strange laughter Filius had heard.

At first she had simply thought a student was out of bed. Then she heard the laughter as if the woman was standing right in front of her. That was when she felt the unseen hands seize her shoulders and push. The next thing she remembered she was waking up in the hospital wing. Once again they were left with no clues as to the identity of the attacker.

Following the staff meeting the rest of the professors had retreated to the library to research everything they could that might point them in the right direction. It was well after one in the afternoon and O'Connor had suggested they take a break to eat and drink. She had bumped his shoulder with hers and said she was making clangers if he wanted any, and he had followed her to the fourth floor.

He could hear her bustling around in her rooms with Coco as he pursued her bookshelf. His eyes had just raked over her collection of Stephen King novels when the shine of gold filigree caught his eye. Sitting on the shelf below her collection of horror novels, two thin green books lacking titles were tucked in towards the back of the shelf and partially hidden amongst the other larger books. They looked as if they had been hurriedly stuffed back on the shelf.

Feeling curious he pulled them from their spot and examined them. They were unassuming aside from the bit of filigree around the edges and bore no titles or authors. There was something about them he couldn't put his finger on. It was as if they seemed familiar to him; as if they gave off a pulsing energy he had felt somewhere before. Flipping open the first cover he found the book's title in large elegant looping script.

The Art of Astral Projection

By

Amelia Ravenwood

He frowned. Astral Projection was a fool's errand. There were no documented cases of anyone ever having been able to do so. Many had claimed to have succeeded but there was no proof to back up their stories; no witnesses to the event. Moreover it was theorized to be incredibly detrimental to the body. The soul and physical form were two halves to a whole. To separate them could cause irreparable damage to both; possibly resulting in the soul being unable to return and the body being nothing more than a husk. It was akin to the Dementor's Kiss.

I've never heard of Amelia Ravenwood. Why does O'Connor have a book like this?

Snape felt his eyes widen as he paged through the tome. Whoever the author was she wrote as if she had done it. There were detailed potions, incantation, and various diagrams dictating how to replicate her actions. He could almost believe it were possible. A sliver of ice dropped into his stomach. No! He wouldn't believe it! Not now when he had set himself on giving her his trust. Fingers trembling he opened the second book and almost dropped it.

Rituals and the Human Soul

By

Cavan Ó Súilleabháin

His mouth felt incredibly dry. He stuffed the books back on the shelf rather harder than necessary and backed away from it.

I can't jump to conclusions. I did that before and look where it got me. She's had Dark Arts books here since she started. She told me her family has a history keeping such arts from being practiced. These are just here for research!

They had felt so dark though. They hummed with that same sickening presence the Steam canister did. That didn't mean anything though! It didn't mean she was using them! He forced the thoughts down and told himself she was simply researching possibilities for what was going on in the castle. It fit. That had to be why they were out of place on the usually meticulous shelf.

"Hungy?"

It took all his time as a spy not to jump out of his skin and he turned to face the smiling red head and giddy elf. O'Connor held a tray of clangers and Coco a tray of tea and pistachio raspberry creams. He forced a neutral expression onto his face and sat at her desk.

"Starving."

He'd never felt less hungry in his life.

12/25/1989

Christmas morning dawned cold and white. A blizzard had swept in overnight and coated the grounds in at least two feet of fresh powder. O'Connor smiled down at the gleaming blanket feeling giddy. She loved snow. She loved sledding, ice skating, snowball fights, and snowboarding. Winter was full of wonderful activities to take part in. Her cousins often involved her in a large family wide snowball fight complete with snow trenches and forts around the Christmas holiday.

This year however, she had resolved to stay at Hogwarts for the holiday instead of heading out first thing in the morning. With Snape seeming to have warmed to her she wanted to keep momentum and try to draw him out of his shell; and what better way than with food. With Coco at her hip she stood outside Snape's quarters. The little elf would be able to bring the breakfast tray down with a snap of her fingers and O'Connor had gifts for her.

"Knock, knock!" She rapped her knuckles lightly on the door and waited. For a moment she didn't think he was going to answer and then the door opened. Snape stood there in black pajamas and a black and silver robe. His hair was still slightly mussed from sleep and he looked like he hadn't had any caffeine yet.

"Do you not own a watch?" Snape groused.

"Oh come on Snape! It's Christmas morning! Where's your holiday spirit?"

She slipped around him and into his sitting room; seating herself on the couch while Coco snapped her fingers to bring down the breakfast tray. Snape glared at them but eyed the serving dish as he seated himself in the armchair.

"We have Irish coffee, orange juice, breakfast sarnies, and apple and cinnamon buns with almond icing and chopped pecans." She tucked herself into the couch, folded her legs beneath her, and grabbed a coffee. "Coco stop. Come sit. It's Christmas. You don't have to worry about that. We can serve ourselves."

"Miss O'Connor is too good to Coco! Coco is hearing of the goodness of the Irish to us lowly elves. Thank you Miss!"

Snape gave them a curious look as the little elf hopped up onto the couch beside the woman, her legs so short her feet barely came to the edge of the cushion. O'Connor just smiled and made a small plate for her.

Always with the secrets.

He found he couldn't look at her as he selected two sarnies. The thought of those books weighed heavily on his mind. As much as he wanted to put his suspicions to bed, to trust her as she said she did him, the doubt kept niggling at the back of his mind. It left a bitter taste of guilt on his tongue but try as he might he couldn't get rid of it.

"Hello. Earth to Snape." He raised his obsidian eyes to hers looking surprised. "You didn't hear a thing I said did you?"

"I apologize." She laughed lightly and waved the box she was holding out to him. "What's this?"

"Your Christmas present. What else?"

The man looked shocked.

"My… I didn't…"

"That's all right. I didn't get you this expecting you to have something for me in return. I got it because I wanted to."

Snape swallowed thickly and gently took the box from her. She smiled eagerly, almost bouncing on the couch cushion. His fingers almost felt numb as his undid the silver bow and unwrapped the teal paper. Inside was a black velvet box and sitting on the cushion within was a set of charms like those that hung from her waist. Dark obsidian met forest green.

"They're for protection. For whatever you might need protection from. That is a mini Foe-Glass, and the one with the blue ring around the outside is also a Foe-Glass; however it tells you when someone you care about is in danger. It will show them and their attacker facing each other. The little bell will chime whenever you're around someone with ill intent. It's kind of like a Sneakoscope except less ear piercing. The little monocle will vibrate if someone is using some type of concealment, and the little gold snake will hiss if someone is lying. You're the only one who will hear and see all these affects though."

"What about this little compass?"

O'Connor fidgeted slightly and played with the hem of her shirt.

"Well, when two people have a compass it allows them to always know where to look for each other. So if you need them you just follow the arrow and it will lead you right to them. As long as they're wearing theirs of course."

Snape stared at the charms feeling touched and guilty all at once.

"Thank you. This was very thoughtful." He brushed the pad of his thumb over the little snake.

"I have the same ones except instead of a snake I have a little wolf that howls."

"I never did ask what you did before coming here. Is that why you have these?"

"Oh, I was an Auror. Well I still am actually. I'm on call during the summer months in case they might need me."

He stared at her.

"Yep. Being a metamorphmagus makes it easy to go under cover as a person buying or selling illegal items. So I'm not well known outside the department because of that. I've actually worked with Arthur Weasley quite a bit to catch muggle baiters."

"That explains your familiarity with the boys."

"They really are such a sweet family."

"I can't say I'm not impressed with them academically. Those twins are going to be trouble though. I can tell already."

O'Connor laughed.

"I wouldn't doubt it. Arthur said their terrible twos were really terrible." She produced another box from her robe and handed it to Coco. "This is for you my dear."

"For meeees?" The elf's large eyes quickly welled with tears, her lower lip trembling. She had only ever received gifts from two other people in her life. "You would give a gift to Coco for Christmas?"

"More than one actually."

The little creature looked close to dissolving into tears. O'Connor quickly hugged her and calmed her down, urging her to open the box. Inside was her very own mug with her name on it and a picture of the castle covered in snow and Christmas lights. It was charmed to reflect the castle in whatever season or holiday it was. There was an extra thick doily knitted together like a hat to keep her ears warm, a duvet toga, and O'Connor had taken pieces of a thick woolen blanket and converted them into shoes.

Coco was beside herself and sobbed thankfully into the woman's robe. Snape hid a smile behind his teacup. He was fond of the elf for his own reasons and was happy to see that she valued her as well. Anyone who treated magical creatures with as much respect as they would another human being ranked high on his list.

"Coco?"

"Yes Professor Snape?"

"I believe there is something else for you."

He nodded toward the green wrapped package that wasn't sitting beside her a moment ago. With trembling fingers the little elf pulled back the glimmering paper. Rows of different colored fudge, Chocoballs of strawberry mousse and clotted cream, and coconut ice all stared back at her. She promptly burst into tears just as she did every year when she opened his gift. O'Connor leaned over and pulled her into a hug, cautioning her not to melt the candy with her tears. Snape watched them with the smallest smile on his face, feeling it was the best Christmas he'd had in a very long time.

12/31/1989

Abigail cooed appreciatively as Nikolai handed her another photo of his Great Dane. Her name was Marmalade, she was Fawn colored, and she was absolutely adorable. She was also apparently a trouble maker, having once plowed through a table of pies he had baked for a family reunion.

"I was so upset. I'd even managed to decorate the top crust for the cherry pies like daisies." Nikolai laughed.

"Were you able to salvage any?"

"Not a one and of course she had a field day eating as much as she could before we wrangle her back inside. Her stomach did not appreciate the snack. Neither did my carpet."

She burst out laughing.

"Oh no!"

"I've never been so glad for magic. I was able to remake the pies in time for the party and salvage my floor."

"Well at least you can use cleaning spells. I'm rubbish at them."

He laughed, set aside the photos, and shifted up from where he was tucked into her side to bury his face in her hair. His lips trailed up the side of her neck, his hand threading through her auburn locks.

"You know, we still have time before we have to meet the others."

Abigail smiled coyly as he pressed his hips against her own. It was an enticing idea, but lately the prospect was less and less appealing. She wasn't any less attracted to the handsome Alchemy teacher or any less sated after their nights together, but she just didn't feel that same draw she had before. In the beginning she looked forward to their weekly trysts with enthusiasm. Now she just felt lack luster and she wasn't sure why.

She may not be the relationship type, but she wasn't flighty either. She was not the type to sleep with someone until she got her fix and move on. Her relationships typically lasted at least a year. It was fun to have someone to get to know and enjoy all aspects of their company and build a good rapport; and when their time together ended they usually remained close friends. Tom had even asked her to be his best woman at his wedding. Perhaps it was a bit odd but they were closer than he was with his other friends and she had introduced him to Eliza.

Somehow, things were different now. She wasn't bored, but she it didn't really appeal to her anymore. Things didn't feel exciting and while sex was always nice she didn't feel that same thrill about it any longer. Instead of "hell yes", she felt more like "sure, why not". Abigail wasn't sure exactly when it started or why. She just knew their time together wouldn't be lasting much longer. Instead of round two, she felt more like getting it over with and going back to her day; or night in this case.

"You're forgetting I have to shower and get the snacks I promised ready. Why don't you get cleaned up and I'll see you on the pitch?"

Dumbledore had procured a wonderful assortment of fireworks for the students and faculty who had stayed at the castle for the holidays. They would be set off from one end of the Quidditch field while everyone watched from the other end. Abigail was quite looking forward to it.

"How about we shower together? Then I can help you carry the snacks to the pitch." His hand trailed over her stomach and down over her hip. She grinned cheekily and kissed him before pushing away.

"Down boy. Save some of that energy for later. Now go get ready, before we're late."

He gave her a heated smile but departed nonetheless, promising to see her later.

Abigail showered quickly and dressed in a pair of tight jeans, a white blouse, underbust corset, and a thick black cloak. She decided to leave her hair down, picked up her tray of Turmeric and Caraway Goosnargh biscuits, and stepped into the hallway. Halfway to the stairs something moved in the corner of her periphery and she stopped to look down the corridor intersecting the hallway. The end of a cloak disappeared around the far corner. Curious, she followed their upwards trek through the castle.

"Snape?" The dark haired Potions master turned to her as she crested the stairs to the Astronomy tower. "What are you doing up here? Why aren't you at the pitch?"

"You honestly believe I want to sit amongst my dunderhead students listening to them fawning over an insignificant light show?"

"An insignificant light show, and yet here you are in probably one of the best positions to watch it."

His eyes darkened for a moment and it looked like he was about to leave.

"Coco!"

There was a pop and the little elf was standing there in the outfit O'Connor had gifted her for Christmas.

"Yes, Miss Abigail?"

"Can you take this tray down to Minerva at the Quidditch pitch?" She conjured a plate and transferred some of the biscuits to it before handing the cloche to Coco. "When you're done, feel free to join us back here to watch the fireworks, okay?"

"Of course miss. Right away!"

"Thank you, Coco."

With another pop she was gone.

"I do not know why you bothered. I was just about to leave."

"Nonsense. Eat a damn biscuit and get ready for the show."

She looped her left arm with his right and pulled him back to the railing, gesturing with her plate until he caved and took a biscuit. His eyes widened for a moment.

"They're sandwiched with a mango chili jam. What do you think?"

"I think perhaps you should have left the tray."

She laughed and nudged his hip with her own.

"I'll fatten you up yet!" He rolled his eyes just as Coco returned. "Hello again Coco. Is everyone happily tucking into the biscuits?"

"Yes miss. Professors McGonagall and Levitsky asked if you were ok and if you'd be joining them."

Snape scoffed and made to pull away from her again but she held fast.

"Just tell them I'm fine and I decided to stay at the castle tonight. I'll see them at breakfast tomorrow morning." She glanced at her watch. 11:25. "Hurry back. It's about to start!"

"Professor Blackwell last year and Levitsky this year. You're a hot commodity at this school."

O'Connor's gaze turned sharp.

"You best not be insinuating anything unsavory with that tone." She snarled. "I am not some slut given to sleeping with any man that sends her a lascivious gaze!"

She made to drop his arm and go to the pitch after all when Coco returned, but Snape was the one who refused to let go this time. His hand settled over her forearm and he opened and closed his mouth twice before Coco returned. O'Connor glared at him and he met her eyes resolutely, the obsidian depths trying to convey something he couldn't bring himself to say in front of the elf. Whatever it was didn't matter as the first of the fireworks exploded, bathing them in gold as the Hogwarts crest lit up the sky.

"Oh wow."

For half an hour they were treated to a wide array of colors spanning the entire rainbow and then some. They watched in wonder at the beautiful light show above them and O'Connor found herself leaning into the bitter biting man at her side. She didn't know who or what had hurt him so bad that he felt the need to lash out in such ways, but she wished she could find them and teach them a lesson.

The grand finale included a massive dragon and the four house crests just as the clock tower chimed midnight. It soared across the grounds, breathing fire into the sky, and disappeared above their heads to explode over the castle, raining down the little house crest like snow. O'Connor smiled and reached out to catch one in her hand. Snape watched her silently while Coco cheered enthusiastically beside them.

She turned to look at him, already forgiving him for all the hard prickly layers he used to protect himself. He froze stiff as she leaned forward to place a chaste kiss on his cheek. Behind her Coco gave a squealing gasp.

"Happy New Year, Severus. All is forgiven." She pointed a finger at him. "Don't press your luck though."

She smiled at his look of surprise and turned to calm the blushing babbling elf behind her.

1/8/1990

Snape groaned as he settled into his favorite armchair in front of the fire. Five days. The students had been back for five days and already they were driving him crazy. There was a headache building behind his eyes, he felt utterly exhausted, and it was only Monday. He was dreading the rest of the week if this was how it was starting out. Perhaps he would have a cup of the raspberry chamomile tea O'Connor had gifted him on Boxing Day and head to bed early. Yes. That sounded acceptable.

Standing he called Coco, asked her to prepare the tea, and slipped off to grab a quick shower. Maybe he would even try the aromatic soap that Poppy had gifted everyone for Christmas. She delighted in finding body healthy soaps and foods to give everyone for the holidays. This year was a shampoo and body wash all in one. Lavender for its ability to relieve stress and anxiety and promote good feelings; and lemon grass for skin health and to relieve muscle aches. He could use a little of all of that right now.

I didn't realize either of those cleared out your sinuses as well!

Snape blew his nose for the fifth time, the skin already feeling raw, and he hadn't even left the bathroom. For some reason the minute he finished his shower his nose seemed determined to run like a broken faucet. He growled angrily as he stormed into his bedroom and settled himself on his bed, the cup of tea he asked for steaming on his nightstand. It seemed less appealing for a moment but he downed it quickly and settled under the covers. He intended to read a few pages of The Scarlet Letter, but he was asleep before he finished the first paragraph.

The next morning Snape awoke with a head full of cotton. His sinuses were painfully congested and his nose just as determined to run off his face as it was the night before. He felt overly warm and his damp tangled sheets were a testament to a night of sweat and restlessness. There was no getting around it even if he hated the thought with a passion. He never got sick and yet here he was.

Dammit. This won't do at all!

Snarling about how ridiculous it was for him to get sick he stood and tried to make his way to the cabinet that housed his potions. He staggered sideways as the world tilted on its axis and reached out a hand to steady himself against the bedpost. His temper flared and he stormed across the room, wrenched the cabinet open, and downed a bottle of Pepper Up in one swallow.

The usual steam poured from his ears with gusto and he felt his head and sinuses clear and his fever lessen. He slammed the vial down on the nearby table and stalked over to his closet. This was ridiculous. He didn't do sick and he wasn't about to start now. The potion would clear up whatever this nuisance was and he could go about his classes as usual without having to think about it.

The problem was that whatever it was he'd been stricken with didn't want to be ignored. By the time he'd forced down some toast and eggs in the Great Hall and returned to the dungeons he'd developed a shiver that didn't want to quit. He downed one more Pepper Up, probably not the best idea but he'd be all right, and quickly cleared the steam with a wave of his wand as his first class entered.

He set the first years about their task and stalked around the classroom as usual. The second dose seemed to be doing its job and staved off the worst of the symptoms. There was the occasional shiver but he suppressed it and his voluminous black robes hid any small movement that he couldn't fully contain. His nose had stopped running at least and the cotton feeling was gone. No one was any the wiser of his predicament.

At least that was what Snape thought. Had he looked in the mirror properly that morning he might have realized there was no hiding his illness. His usual pallor, which had started to look healthier that year, was dreadfully pale with dark circles under his eyes and flushed cheeks. There was a thin sheen of sweat glistening just along his hair line despite his slight chill and he was not walking entirely straight. The first years were too scared to say anything about it though and opted to hold their tongues.

By the time Snape ordered the class to bottle their potions and set them on his desk he could feel the potions starting to wear off. The chills were back with a vengeance and his head was starting to fill with cotton again. His sinuses were painful, bringing an aching throb behind his eyes and the world felt like it was tilted beneath his feet. He refused to give in though. He was strong enough to withstand this until lunch. Then he would take another dose of Pepper Up to get through his final class. After that he could admit defeat and crawl into bed until tomorrow morning.

Connor Davenport looked down at the frazzled first year Hufflepuff with appreciation. Most students were turned away by Professor Snape's demeanor and couldn't give a damn about the man. He was cruel and vindictive to most and it didn't inspire any positive feelings and certainly not care towards him. Yet here was an entire class of Hufflepuffs and Raveclaws crowded in the hallway before him, their elected "leader" ringing his hand as he stared up at the Slytherin who was also Headboy.

"He looks really bad Connor. I thought he was just gonna fall right over!"

"He's white as a ghost!" A Ravenclaw girl piped up.

Connor smiled gratefully and thanked them for coming to him with their concerns about their teacher.

"I'll be sure to check on Professor Snape and make sure he's ok. Now you guys run along to class okay?"

The group nodded and filtered out of the hallway. Connor watched them go before turning to enter the dungeon classroom. It was his N.E.W.T class and he was one of only five students to be in it. There was him, fellow Slytherin Claire Michaels, Ravenclaws Susan Brass and Jonathan Young, and Hufflepuff Charlie Ó'Cléirigh. He was the last to enter and he could see what the first years were talking about.

Professor Snape was pale as a sheet with sweat glistening across his forehead. He was leaning heavily against his desk and Connor could tell he was fighting down the urge to shiver. It was obvious by the slight tremors flitting through him, despite how rigid he held himself.

Yep. Definitely very sick. He must have the flu everyone's been coming down with. Why does he have to be so prideful?

Connor briefly leaned down to Charlie and whispered in his ear before taking his seat at the front. Snape looked up from his papers at the sound of a chair being moved and nodded at the boy. Connor winced as he walked around the desk and waved his wand at the chalkboard, his gait halting. The instructions for an incredibly difficult potion appeared on the board and Snape opened his mouth to start his lecture. He paused as Charlie's hand shot into the air.

"Yes, Mr. Ó'Cléirigh?" He growled

"Bathroom, sir? Stomach ache." The boy groaned.

"Fine. Go. But don't expect me to repeat anything you miss!"

"Yes, sir!"

The boy all but dashed out of the room. Snape pursed his lips but didn't seem to dare yelling. Connor didn't blame him. The professor was looking paler by the second and he was sure the man was swaying slightly. No. He was positive about that. Their professor started the lecture but he sounded like he had just run a marathon and the small tremors that he'd tried to hide were turning into full blown shivers, his teeth chattering together. Claire shifted in her seat looking scared as his face paled even further and his words faltered.

Oh don't tell me he's going to…

Sure enough as Snape stepped forward to walk down the aisle between desks they watched in horror as his knee buckled beneath him and his eyes rolled up into the back of his head. Claire and Susan squealed and covered their mouths. Jonathan shot to his feet but he was too far back to do anything. Seated in the front row Connor dived forward like a baseball player sliding home and barely got his hands under his teacher's face in time. He gasped in pain as Snape's cheekbone landed squarely in his palm and ground his knuckles against the stone floor.

"Holy shit Connor!" Jonathan was quickly at his side. "Nice save! I thought his face was done for sure."

"Is he ok?" Claire leaned over their professor looking wan and scared.

"Well he's still breathing. He's really sick though." Connor sat up and gently rolled Snape onto his back. "He feels like a furnace!"

"Why isn't he in bed resting?" Susan's voice was unnaturally high. "Why is he here teaching if he's this bad?"

"It's Snape. Do you think he's going to admit being sick; even to himself?" Jonathan scoffed.

"We need to get Madam Pomfrey." Claire was already heading for the door.

"Charlie's on it, but I had him go get Professor O'Connor instead."

"What?" Susan said. "So he didn't really have a stomach ache?"

"Nope. The first year class before us told me about Snape and when I saw him I knew it was bad. I figured if anyone could talk him into going back to bed she might. Plus I think he'd be the least embarrassed with her."

"That was a really good idea Connor. Good job." Claire smile widely at him.

Abigail was well into a seventh year lecture on the similarities between muggle and wizard prejudices and the parts they played in the Second World War and the First Wizarding War when the knock came on her door. Charlie Ó'Cléirigh stood there out of breath and looking worried. She was instantly on edge and slipped into the hallway, closing the door behind her.

"What is it Mr. Ó'Cléirigh? Is everything all right?"

"No ma'am. It's Professor Snape. He's really sick looking and Connor asked me to come get you right away."

A chill went through her and she hurriedly ducked back into her classroom to tell them she needed to attend to something immediately and to read quietly until the bell. Then she rushed to the dungeons with Charlie at her heels.

"What happened exactly?"

"We just came into class and he was really pale and flushed with dark circles under his eyes. He was sweating too but you could tell he was trying really hard not to shiver because I've never seen anyone stand so rigidly."

"Damn fool. He probably has the flu. No doubt you've noticed Madam Pince and Professors Babbling and Farrow were missing at breakfast."

"I did."

"I can't believe I didn't notice he was sick. Then again he was in and out of the hall so fast."

They arrived in the dungeon soon enough and for a moment Abigail felt the bottom of her stomach drop out. Snape was lying on his back with his students crowded around him looking worried. Charlie was right. The man looked awful. She swallowed thickly and hurried to his side. He was out like a light, breathing labored, and pale as a ghost. The students had tried to make him comfortable. They'd conjured a pillow and a thick blanket and there was a cool flannel on his forehead.

"You guys did well under the circumstances." She knelt beside her colleague and gripped his shoulder, giving him a firm shake. "Severus? Severus can you hear me?"

He didn't so much as twitch.

"We're going to have to carry him to his quarters. Connor, Jonathan, you two can carry the stretcher." Abigail transfigured a chair into said stretcher. "Claire, Susan, I need you two watching the corridors to make sure no one sees us. I want to try and preserve his dignity as much as we can. Charlie just hang tight with me in case the boys need help."

They carefully loaded Snape onto the litter and with the girls ok carried him into the corridor. It wasn't far to Snape's quarters and thankfully no one was in the dungeons to see them. Abigail opened the door to his rooms without issue and directed them to the bedroom. There was a nervous energy about the teens, as if they expected their teacher to wake any moment and tear into them for having dared to enter his private chambers.

"Let's just get him onto the bed. I'll take it from there."

With Snape settled on the bed she saw the kids to the door.

"I want to thank you all for such a job well done today. Twenty points for each of you for recognizing someone in need and rising to the occasion." She smiled widely at them. "Not many students would have done what you did today. I'm very proud of you."

"Professor Snape's not so bad once you get to know him." Connor said. "He usually treats his older classes better. I think it's his way of acknowledging our skill and potential."

"Will he be ok?" Susan worried her lip as she peered back into her teacher's room.

"He should be. I'll have Madam Pomfrey come down and take a look at him. I trust I don't need to tell you to keep all of this to yourselves."

"Our lips are sealed." Claire said.

"Cross our hearts!" Jonathan said.

"Hope to die!" Charlie quipped.

"Stick a needle in our eyes!" Susan laughed.

Abigail shook her head.

"You kids are too much. Run along now. Just read from your text until the bell."

With the kids gone she returned to Snape's bedroom and decided to make him comfortable before she called for Poppy. She removed his boots, pulled off his cloak, and trailed a finger down the long line of buttons adorning the front of his frock. They passed through the opposing fabric and she removed the coat and cravat and undid the top two buttons of his shirt. Her face felt very hot as she quickly removed his belt and pulled the covers over him.

He didn't so much as twitch through any of that. Damnable fool. Why did you let it get this bad?

She brushed the damp hair from his forehead before heading to the fireplace. Poppy was seated at her desk filling out paperwork when she stuck her head through the fire.

"Abigail! You nearly scared the life out of me. What is it? Has something happened?"

"You could say that. Can you come through to Professor Snape's quarters for me?"

"Severus? Has there been an accident?"

"Not his office Poppy. His personal quarters, please."

The matron's face became serious and she nodded quickly, grabbing her bag and stepping up to the fire. A moment later she was standing in the Potions masters sitting room and then briskly following Abigail to his bedroom.

"He must have the flu Poppy. Charlie Ó'Cléirigh came to my classroom in a right state and by the time we made it back down to the dungeons Snape had already passed out."

"Prideful man!"

Abigail sat silently as Poppy worked, her leg bouncing nervously while she waited. The flu by itself wasn't so bad, but it could lead to other things like pneumonia if you weren't careful. She hoped he hadn't gone and made things worse by trying to work through it. Aside from keeping in shape with his daily jogs around the castle the man didn't care for himself very well. His sallow skin and limp hair were evidence to that. Though she had managed to get him eating better this year and his complexion had improved somewhat. It was a miracle he rarely ever got sick.

"Well I don't think he's made himself to worse off. He needs to stay in bed and rest until I say he's well enough to be up and moving about. Can I assume you're going to stay here with him?"

"I am."

"Good. When he wakes up give him this fever reducer and make sure he drinks plenty of fluids. See if you can get him to eat some toast or porridge as well, or some fruit."

"I'll be sure to Poppy."

"Come and get me right away if he seems to be getting worse."

Abigail nodded and saw the matron through the floo before calling on Coco.

"Yes Miss Abigail?" Her eyes fell on Snape's prone form on the bed and she gasped before shrilly crying and running over to the bed. "Oh mister Snape sir! What is happening to you?!"

"It's all right Coco. He just has the flu; but it's ok because we're here to nurse him back to health, right?"

"Of course Miss Abigail! Coco is doing everything she can to help mister Snape get better! Coco will go grab tea and broth and orange juice and…"

"Whoa whoa, Coco!" She laughed lightly. "Let's just start with some water and porridge ok? I don't want to give him too much at first. Let's see how he's feeling when he wakes up."

"Good idea Miss Abigail! Coco will go get those right away!"

Snape woke slowly, feeling hot and cold all at once. His head felt heavy and full of cotton and there was a fierce pounding behind his eyes that throbbed in time with his pulse. For a moment he didn't know where he was. The last thing he remembered he was with his N.E.W.T level class.

Oh no…

The realization that he had passed out in the middle of his lecture hit him full force and the embarrassment and shame washed over him. He would never live it down. It would be the talk of the school. Professor Snape, dungeon bat, faints like some swooning maiden over a little cold. The thought was enough to make him feel even sicker.

Something brushed over his forehead and he startled slightly, cracking his eyes open to see what had touched him. Abigail's blurry face hovered came into focus looking worried. She was charming the flannel across his brow so that it was cool again. When she noticed he was staring back at her she let out a sigh of relief and bowed her head.

"Thank god! You're finally awake! I was just about to get Poppy."

The words were slow to process in his addled brain. Why would she need to get Poppy? Why did she look so relieved to see him wake up?

"Here, drink this. You're fever is really high." A cool thin hand lifted his head while the other tipped a bottle against his lips. The liquid was bitter and tasted of cloves but he felt his muddled thoughts begin to clear almost immediately. The uncomfortable warmth began to recede from his body as well.

"This too." The bottle was replaced with a glass and blessedly cool water filled his mouth. Abigail was careful and tipped small amounts at a time so he didn't drink to fast or choke. He was grateful and irritated at the same time. He was a grown man and could take care of himself.

When she finally settled his head back on the pillows he was able to take in his surroundings. They were not in the hospital wing as he had assumed. Instead the familiar earth tones of his bedroom greeted him. His eyes trailed over the red head pulling the armchair closer to his bed. Had she had something to do with that? Why was she even here?

"Connor had Charlie come and get me when they saw how awful you looked. You should be grateful. They knew you wouldn't want this getting around."

He glared at her as best he could. His vision was still a little blurry.

"I didn't Legilimize you if that's what you're thinking. You're just really expressive right now." Snape tried to school his features but he must have been very unsuccessful because she smothered a laugh.

"Would you like some porridge? Coco added honey because it's very good for you, especially when you're sick." She tipped her head slightly and he turned to the foot of his bed. The little elf was out cold by his feet. "We were getting worried. It's quite late in the day now and she's been pacing and crying up a storm. She was beginning to think you wouldn't wake up."

He rolled his eyes.

"I'm fine. It just a cold."

"Cold my ass. You've been out for a really long time. It's nearly dinner time you know and you had a fever of just under 40 degrees."

He stared at her.

"Yea. Dumbass. Why didn't you go to Poppy right away? You never should have tried teaching today."

Snape looked properly chastised.

"That's what I thought. Would you like some food?" He turned away for a moment, color rising in his cheeks. Abigail was immediately alarmed. "Are you ok? Is your temperature rising again already?

"More than needing food I…"

He trailed off looking embarrassed. Abigail stared at him for a moment before it clicked and she felt color rise in her own cheeks.

"Would you prefer if I went and got Poppy?"

"No! Let's just get it over with as quickly as possible." He shoved the covers off and paused not only because the world tilted sideways, but because he noticed what he was wearing.

"Did you change me?"

"Not completely. I just stripped you down to your dress shirt and pants then transfigured them to something more comfortable after Poppy left." A sly grin spread over her face. "Did you want me to?"

"Let's just get this over with!" He growled.

They moved carefully, O'Connor having to support most of his weight. Despite the fever reducer his temperature was still high and it made him weak and kept him off balance. Once he was settled back in bed, looking as if he'd run a mile, she handed him the bowl of porridge. He looked unhappy at being treated like an invalid but allowed it. There wasn't really anything he could do about it at this point and as much as he hated to admit it he needed the help.

Just sitting upright is difficult.

Snape was able to eat half of the bowl before his stomach had had enough and O'Connor took the bowl for him.

"Here. You need to keep up on your fluids as much as rest." He eyed the cup of tea. His sense of smell was shot and his sinuses blocked and he couldn't immediately tell what it was.

"It's chamomile, mint, and hibiscus." She smiled as he took the teacup. "You should sleep after you've finished that, but if you'd like I'll permit some reading."

"What are you, my mother?" He turned to her suddenly looking horrified.

"You're lucky you're sick. I could have taken that and run with it. Now would you like a book or not."

"I don't think I could focus on the words even if I wanted to." She had to admit he was looking drained. This was probably his roundabout way of admitting that.

O'Connor helped him settle down under the sheets and leaned back in her chair. He frowned at her.

"You're going to stay here?"

"At least until your fever is fully broken." Snape looked incredulous. "You can hardly even sit up straight. What if you need something or get worse in the night? I told you before how bad your fever was. I'm not leaving you alone after that."

He huffed but didn't say anything else. She smiled and leaned over the side of her chair to pick up her violin from where she'd set it. Placing the bow to the strings she began a low and slow melody, ever so soft and lovely. Snape's eyes snapped open and he looked at her in surprise. He tried to put up a font of being irritated but she knew the truth.

"What are you doing?"

"Playing the violin to help you sleep. You seemed to like it well enough in my classroom the other day." He glared at her and she rolled her eyes. "I was playing earlier to pass the time. You were somewhat restless as well and I thought it might help and I was right. So just go with it."

Snape scoffed at her but closed his eyes anyway. Despite himself he felt a warm feeling blossom in his chest at the thought that she cared enough to want to do so. It was nice to have someone who was so thoughtful towards him for once; and as the soft tones of the violin washed over him he drifted into a peaceful sleep with the smallest of smiles on his face.

Thank you…

The song she plays to help him sleep is Lovely by Billie Eilish.