Finding Severus (A Severus Snape Story)

Sunday morning rolled in softly over the terrace balustrade. Daphne rose up onto her elbow and leant over Severus. He was still sleeping, lying on his stomach. Daphne looked over the scars landscaping his back. 

Tearfully she whispered, "Oh, my love, what did they do to you?" 

Severus stirred, rolling over to meet her gaze. Wiping a tear from her cheek he asked, "Why are you crying?" 

Daphne just smiled sweetly and kissed him. His mouth was always sweet, she thought. She moved to kiss the scars at his throat, then the faded ones on his toned chest and abdomen. Orally satisfying him, she crawled back up his body and rested her head on his chest. 

"What was that for," Severus asked, sated, kissing her forehead. 

Daphne kissed his chest, "I just wanted to honour you, you brave, brave man."

After breakfast in bed and morning ablutions, Severus said, "Put on something warm. I have a surprise for you." 

Daphne looked delighted, "A surprise? More of a surprise than Paris? More of a surprise than Chateau lePrince? You will spoil me, Mister." 

Severus laughed and went out to the terrace. Daphne soon followed grinning like a child on Christmas morning, "Ok, what is this surprise?" 

Severus smiled wryly taking her in his arms, "Hold on to me. Are you ready?" 

Daphne flung her arms tightly around Severus' neck and with a gleeful smile she blushed, "Ready!"

Embraced in each others arms, they began to slowly lift off the terrace. "What's happening?" Daphne was excited. 

"Trust me," Severus bade her. The couple ascended into the morning sky. 

"Severus! You can fly?" Daphne was awestruck. 

"Yes, well, it is the only good thing to come out of my association with the Dark Lord. I always found brooms uncomfortable and awkward." 

Daphne nearly squealed with amusement, "This is fantastic!" Then realized, "What about Muggles?" 

Severus calmed her fears, "They only see a whiff of dark smoke."

The aerial view enthralled Daphne as the couple glided through the air southward. Soon the rich valleys and hills gave way to majestic mountains. Daphne grew excited and hardly took a breath between sentences, "Are we in the Pyrenees?Severus?Are we going to Beauxbatons?" 

Severus laughed at Daphne's obvious joy, "Yes, my sweet. You spoke so fondly of the place I thought you might enjoy returning for the day. I sent word to the Headmistress and she is awaiting your arrival with great happiness. You must have been an exceptional student." 

Daphne laughed, "Of course I was."

As Severus touched down he eased his grip so Daphne could place her feet onto solid ground. Daphne was beaming, "Oh, Severus, that was wonderfully exhilarating!" 

Outside the perimeter gates of Beauxbatons Severus was impressed by the large gleaming castle. It seemed to almost sparkle in the morning sun. Towers shot up from every part of the great mansion. 'Its spires seem to reach for the sky rather than stab at it like Hogwarts' do', Severus thought. Then he noticed the enormous fountain at the center of the school's expansive front lawns. The fountain's healing waters were famous throughout the wizarding world.

"Daphne, ma chérie!" Exclaimed Headmistress Olympe Maxime as she ran to embrace her old pupil. The tall woman was agile despite her size and age, Severus mused to himself. 

"Headmistress!" Daphne hugged the woman even as she disappeared into the matron's robes. Daphne's words were muffled inside the woman's embrace, "It's so nice to see you and Beauxbatons again." 

The older witch released Daphne and held her by both shoulders, "Ma petite, you look fantastique!" The Headmistress looked over at Severus, "Bonjour Monsieur Sna-, pardon, Lord Prince. We are honoured to have you visit Beauxbatons." 

After a moment, she asked, "How is Monsieur Hagrid?" 

Severus raised an eyebrow, "He is recovering well, I understand. I believe he would benefit from a visit, Headmistress." He squeezed Daphne's hand and gave her a wink as Olympe blushed.

~~~

Daphne guided Severus around Beauxbatons showing off the school's pristine potions lab in particular. After lunch in the Grande Salle with staff and students Severus and Daphne prepared to leave. 

Stopping at the fountain, Severus asked, "Headmistress, is it true what they say...about the healing waters of this fountain?" 

The older woman looked puzzled, "Oui, mon cher. Is there reason you asked such a question?" 

Severus hesitated. There was obviously something on his mind. Daphne touched his arm, "What is it, Severus?" 

Summoning the courage, he asked, "May I take a bit of the water? As a potions master, I, uh...am curious." 

The Headmistress laughed, "Naturellement. Of course, of course." 

Severus filled a silver flask. Daphne and her former teacher said their goodbyes. Severus bowed politely thanking the Headmistress and playfully reminding her to visit Hagrid.