Chapter Text
You are sitting on the couch reading this month’s International Potions magazine when the Floo call comes through. The clearing of a throat draws your attention to the bearded face in the fireplace and you get up to walk over to the hearth.
“Albus?” You greet him with confusion. “This is an odd time for a call. Is everything alright at the school?”
The pitying look on his ancient face sets your stomach rolling with anxiety.
“I’m sorry, my dear. There was an incident in the Potions lab and Severus has been injured quite seriously. I thought it best to inform you at once.” Dumbledore tells you solemnly.
Your heart freezes inside your chest. “Let me through, Albus. I need to be there.”
Albus nods in agreement so you turn to grab your wand and a robe to throw over your muggle clothes. Then, you step through the Floo into the Headmaster’s office. As you enter the room, the old man sweeps you into a hug. He was one of the few people who knew about your marriage to Severus and you knew he viewed Sev as a child of his own. You let yourself accept his comfort for a few seconds before pulling back.
“Explain what happened on the way.” You state before starting towards the door.
Albus catches up to you and you walk side by side towards the infirmary. “The second years were working on Forgetfulness Potion. It seems that one of the students tripped and dumped their cauldron all over Severus. This was the reason that he wasn’t wearing his flame retardant robe when another student somehow blew theirs up. He was burned fairly severely.”
You swear under your breath. “Shit. Burns are painful. Did any of the students get hurt?”
“None of the students were harmed, though I’m quite sure that the two students in question believe Severus is going to eat them when he is healed.” He replies.
At least that can make you laugh. You’ve never understood why Severus insisted on acting as terrifying as possible to all students who weren’t his Slytherins.
“Well I’m glad that the kids are okay but I’m worried for Sev. Poppy’s got this, right? We don’t need to go to St. Mungos?” You look to the older man for reassurance.
Albus places a comforting hand on your shoulder. “Poppy has everything under control. You know how Severus would feel if he woke up in St. Mungos. He’s never liked the attention.”
“You’re right, you’re right.” You respond as the two of you come to the doors of the infirmary.
Albus opens the large doors and you find the infirmary empty except for a bed in the corner that has been cordoned off with curtains for privacy. You walk over and step around the barrier.
“Oh, Sev!” You gasp when you see your husband, running to his side.
Severus is lying unconscious on the bed as Poppy works her magic. His arm, hip, and half of his torso are wrapped in gauze and tears come to your eyes thinking about how much pain he must have been in.
“You must be Severus’ wife. Albus warned me you’d probably be coming.” The medi-witch reaches over to shake your hand. “I know it looks bad but he will be quite alright. The problem is how deep the chemical burns went. Severus did the right thing in immediately rinsing the burns with water but it made the burns from the fire that much worse. The process of sloughing off the dead skin and regrowing new skin is a slow one. It is also an incredibly painful one. With his permission, I’ve put Severus in a magically induced coma for the first 24 hours while the bad skin is removed.”
You grasp Snape’s limp hand in yours as you meet her eyes. “I suppose it’s good that he won’t feel any pain this way. How long will he be out?”
“Once he wakes up, he’ll need to be on bedrest while the new skin grows. I’d say it will be about a week before he can go back to teaching.” Pomfrey replies.
“A week?!” You exclaim and turn towards Dumbledore. “I can’t just leave him here all alone for a week, Albus.”
The old man considers this for a moment. “I don’t think Severus would mind if you used his rooms for the week so that you could stay and watch over him. If anyone raises questions, we’ll just say you are a substitute Potions teacher while Professor Snape is indisposed.”
“Thank you, Albus.” You respond. “I can actually cover some of his classes if you’d like. You know I have a Potions mastery on top of the Defense one. It would probably be terrifying for his NEWT students to miss a week of lessons.”
“That would be lovely, dear.” He tells you with a jovial smile.
Turning back to Severus, you brush back his long hair and lean over to give him a kiss on the forehead. Then, you step back and draw your wand.
“No offense, Poppy, but I want to make sure no students can get in here and see him in this state. He would be mortified.”
The medi-witch nods in acceptance and you wave your wand around as you mutter softly. You weave a complex web of warding that will keep out any intruders that aren’t approved and hide him while protecting him at the same time. The steady presence of the wards in the back of your mind reassures you that they work and you tweak them to allow Albus, Minerva, and Poppy access.
“I’d like to run home and get some of my things before I start my extended visit, Albus. Can you let me back through the Floo?” You ask as you step back.
“Of course. There’s actually a fireplace in the infirmary rooms for emergencies. It’s much closer.” Dumbledore informs you before leading you into the back.
“It should only take a few minutes, I’ll be right back.” You say before stepping through to Prince Manor.
The Manor feels emptier than ever with the knowledge that Severus is in a coma. You quickly bustle about grabbing clothes and robes that are suitable for teaching. Making sure you have everything you need, you turn off the lights and put out the fireplace before Flooing back to the infirmary. Dumbledore greets you with a smile and offers to walk you to Severus’ rooms in the dungeons. The two of you pass several students on the way who give you curious looks and you know there will be gossip within an hour.
“Dinner is in about fifty minutes if you would like to join us in the Great Hall, my dear.” Albus invites.
“Honestly, if it’s alright, I’d rather spend the evening with Severus. Meeting all the students seems like a lot right now and I’m a bit of a mess with everything that’s happened.” You confide in him.
“Of course, you take all the time you need.” He assures you gently and you reach Sev’s rooms. “Call for an elf when you’re ready for dinner. If you need anything, please do ask.”
“Thank you, Albus.” You reply and step forward to draw him into a hug, this one much longer than the last.
“I’ll send Minerva your way to figure out any of Severus’ duties you can take over.” Dumbledore tells you.
You nod and then make your way into your husband's rooms. They were very familiar to you but now all the reminders of Sev just make your heart hurt. Dropping your bag onto a chair, you pour yourself a glass of his Ogden’s Firewhiskey and strip off your jeans to change into something more appropriate. Once you’re dressed, you grab a blanket to bring to Severus and then head back towards the infirmary.
Everyone is already at dinner so you don’t run into anyone on your way. You throw the blanket over your husband before taking a seat at his side. Holding his hand, you start rambling. You tell him about your day, about the improved formula for Polyjuice that makes it taste better, and about your plans for his students. After an unknown period of time has passed, you’re interrupted by Poppy returning to the infirmary with another at her side. Smiling, you stand to greet the newcomer with a hug.
“It’s good to see you but I would much prefer other circumstances.” Minerva states as she pulls back from the hug. “Have you eaten something?”
At your shake of the head, she fusses. “Well that just will not do, You still need to take care of yourself.” Minerva then summons a house elf and requests dinner to be brought to you.
You thank the elf and Minerva before sitting down on Sev’s bedside and nibbling on the meat pie you’ve been given.
McGonagall takes a seat next to you. “Now, Albus said you offered to cover some of Severus’ classes while he is indisposed. This is his timetable. To be frank, the fifth and seventh years would benefit from continued practice for their exams but the rest of the students won’t complain about a week off.”
You nod in understanding. “I’m fine with letting them have some free time. Maybe it’ll let them catch up on their work for other classes.”
“There are no N.E.W.T or O.W.L classes tomorrow so Severus will be able to fill you in on where they are at when he wakes up.” She replies.
“Right. I was also thinking of introducing myself to the Slytherins this evening. Sev cares for his little snakes and I want to make sure they’re alright.”
“They are quite worried about their head of house. I would imagine Mr. Malfoy has already contacted his father and would not be surprised if we have a ‘visitor from the Board’ soon.” Minerva tells you.
“I won’t be upset about any visitors. Think what you may about the Malfoys, Lucius and Narcissa have always been good friends to Severus. I’ve always wanted to meet them so maybe this is my chance to finally introduce myself. After the whole fiasco at the Tournament last year, I think it’s finally safe for us to be open about our relationship. Sev is still a bit wary but it might just be best to ask forgiveness rather than permission this time.” You say.
McGonagall gives you an understanding smile. When Harry had brought Riddle’s diary back from the Chamber, Dumbledore had Severus study it with him. They’d uncovered its origin and immediately set to work destroying all the Horcruxes they could find. The Triwizard Tournament had ended with a bang last year when the teachers had stopped an attempt to bring Voldemort back. Dumbledore was firmly of the belief that there was no longer any chance of his return and the British Wizarding World was thriving. The two of you had initially kept your relationship secret because Severus didn’t want to put you in danger but now that things were safe you were fed up with hiding. It was time for you to make friends on this side of the pond.
“It would be lovely to see you more around the castle. I’ve got detention to run this evening so I must leave but do please ask if you need anything at all, dear. You know Albus and I are here for you.” She informs you.
“Thank you, Minerva.” You reply with a smile as she gets up to leave.
With Madame Pomfrey’s return, you cease rambling at your unconscious husband and instead chat with her as you eat. The medi-witch is excited to get to know you better considering she’d been treating Severus since his time as a student. She told you about the number of times he’d been in the infirmary as a student and that she was well aware he tended to heal himself when he had potions mishaps. Severus was definitely a proud man and you really hoped it wasn’t true that people in comas could hear what others were saying.
After another hour or so, you decide to take your leave and head back to the dungeons. You give Sev a kiss on the forehead and tell Poppy that you’ll be back in the morning. There are even more students wandering around now to give you odd looks and you make sure to smile at anyone that makes eye contact. You don’t want the students to be as terrified of you as they are your husband. Once you reach Severus’ rooms, you flop down into one of his chairs and ponder how to introduce yourself to the Slytherins. None of them know that Severus is married and they aren’t going to take kindly to an intruder in their midst. They are also probably pretty wound up because their head of house is injured.
You don’t have much time to think about it before you hear a commotion coming through the secret door Severus has that leads to the Slytherin common room. Standing up, you walk over to check yourself in Sev’s mirror knowing you’re about to be scrutinized. As you walk over to his door, you hear a familiar voice you’ve heard on Severus’ Floo calls. Sneaking through the door, you remain hidden so that you can listen to what they are saying.
“It’s preposterous! The medi-witch wouldn’t even let us see him! The wards around his bed were far above her skill level, that is certain. Dumbledore refuses to punish the students responsible and when I offered to stand in for Snape’s classes he told me it was already handled!”
Deciding you should intervene, you step out of the shadows and cut in. “My apologies on both counts, Lucius. The wards are meant to keep away nosy students, not adult friends.”
Every single head in the common room turns towards you and several wands are drawn. It seems as though almost all the Slytherin students are gathered to talk about their Head of House, along with Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy.
“Who are you? How did you get in here?” Draco demands, pointing his wand at you.
“Draconius Lucius Malfoy, put your wand away.” You give the boy a stern look and he quickly complies.
“Who are you to demand anything of my son?” Lucius retorts angrily.
“His temporary Head of House.” You respond seriously before breaking out into a grin. “I’ve been dying to meet you all for years! Please don’t spoil it by attempting to hex me, Lucius.”
Lucius puts his wand away and looks down at you. “You aren’t a former Slytherin or I would know you. Dumbledore wouldn’t dare to place a former student from a different house as Slytherin head.”
“I’m a Wampus, actually.” You inform him with a smirk. “Extenuating circumstances make me the best fit for the week.”
“And what circumstances would those be?” Narcissa asks you calmly.
You smile gently at her, hoping she’s soon to be a close friend. “Relation. I am the current Lady Prince.”
“Impossible!” Lucius booms. “The current Lord Prince is…” He trails off and shares a look of shock with Narcissa.
Chuckling lightly, you reply “You were supposed to be the best man at my wedding, did you know? Such a shame it had to be a private one.”
“Merlin’s beard! Severus has a wife!” Narcissa exclaims while her husband looks dumbfounded.
Muttering starts up among all the students and you reach out to shake her hand. “You know how Sev is with his secrets. I’ve heard lots about you and I’m thrilled to finally meet you two.”
Lucius shakes your hand as well, still not having found his voice, and Draco speaks up. “Does that mean you know how Professor Snape is doing? Nobody will tell us anything!”
You turn so that you can address the group as a whole. “Severus is going to be just fine. He’ll be out for about a week while he heals and I will be taking over his duties while he is indisposed. That way I can keep a close eye on him as well. Fifth and seventh year students will be continuing their lessons with me so that they are ready for their exams and all other years will have the week off of Potions. I suggest those students use the free time to catch up on their work.”
“Are you qualified to teach Potions?” Lucius asks, finally finding words.
“I have a Mastery in Potions and one in Defense. Severus and I often work on Potions together and he will fill me in tomorrow on what he’s teaching the students at the moment.” You tell him.
“Well I’m glad to hear that Severus is going to be alright.” Narcissa says with a smile.
The tension in the room starts to ebb and you feel yourself relax in turn. A very small first year steps out from behind the older students looking terrified.
“Pansy said that they hurt Professor Snape on purpose because he’s a snake and that we’re next. Is that true?” She asks with big eyes.
“Oh of course not! It was simply an accident. Accidents happen all the time in Potions, it’s why there are so many rules in the lab. Nobody is going to come after you and even if they were, I promise I would protect you. I would hope the older snakes would as well.” You say, lifting your head to meet the eyes of several of the older kids. “Slytherins are a family and I know Severus would want them to be looking out for you rather than trying to scare you to death.”
Some of the older students shrink away from your stern look but the little girl looks so relieved she could cry. She runs up to you and gives you a quick little hug.
“Thank you!” She squeaks out before running back to the other first years.
You can’t hold back your smile at how cute the kid is and Narcissa meets your grin.
“It looks like you have this handled just fine.” She tells you.
“I hope so. Sev should wake up tomorrow and from then on he’ll be able to tell me everything I need to know. Honestly, I’m excited to see how Hogwarts operates and it will be nice to be able to spend more time with Sev. It’s always hard when he’s away during the school year.” You respond.
“Lucius and I will leave you before we overstay our welcome with the Headmaster.” Narcissa replies. “We will expect you and Severus over for dinner once he is healed.”
“Of course. I look forward to it.” You smile at the older Malfoys. “I’ll tweak the wards so that you two can visit Sev if you want.”
They nod in thanks before moving to say their goodbyes to Draco and leave the common room. Once they're gone, an awkward silence settles over the group.
“So,...” you state, trying to break the lull. “Questions, concerns, introductions, stories you want to tell me, homework you’d like help with? Anything, feel free to speak up.”
Several students speak out at the same time. “How did you meet Professor Snape?” “Why is your last name Prince?” “Do you really have two Masteries?” “What do you do?” “What is Ilvermorny like?”
Not wanting to share too much private information because you know Severus likes his secrecy, you decide to answer the last few. “Yes, I do have two Masteries. Defense and Potions though I tend to prefer Defense. I do privately funded research in both areas. Additionally, I help write the Ilvermorny textbooks and on occasion I consult with the DMLE of MACUSA. As for Ilvermorny, I think it is fairly similar to Hogwarts. It’s the only castle in America and not nearly as old as this one. Our classes go by different names but the topics are similar, same thing with our houses. Oh! And we play quodpotch more than quidditch.”
“You don’t have quidditch?!” A student in a green quidditch sweater exclaims.
“We do but it isn’t our favorite sport so our teams don’t tend to be very good. Nothing at all like the European teams.” You reply.
“At least you admit it.” The kid replies before walking up and holding out his hand. “Marcus Flint, current Slytherin Quidditch Captain.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Flint. Severus tells me the team is doing quite well this year.” You smile kindly at him.
His introduction gives other students the boost to come say hello and you find yourself shaking dozens of hands. Draco seems to realize you already know him and claims the seat next to you on the couch. He whispers little tidbits of information in your ear as each student introduces themself, some that make you laugh (apparently Crabbe only blushes that badly when he talks to attractive women). The Slytherins start to grow more comfortable and you spend the rest of the evening chatting with them. Some of the first years even collect hugs from you before they go to bed. The fifth through seventh years stay up later and bring up more serious topics like Voldemort, blood politics, their exams, and future careers.
Once the clock strikes ten, you send them off to sleep and say your goodbyes before heading back to Sev’s rooms. You get ready for bed, choosing to throw on one of Sev’s shirts instead of pajamas to let his scent comfort you. With nerves alight for the next day and your mind constantly worried about your husband, it takes you quite a long time to fall asleep.