Gratitude of Time

Summary: Who was it that retireved Harry after Quirrel's defeat? In answer to the Third Floor Corridor 'Under 500' Challenge. Set during the Philosopher's Stone.


Disclaimer: I own nought but the disk space I saved it on.

A/N: Short ficlette, all the information you need is in the summary really. And we'll disregard the fact that Hermione believed Snape to be the one Harry was going after. Let's say that at the sight of him not inside the maze of traps leading to the Stone, she figured out for herself that it obviously wasn't him. She's a smart girl, is our Hermione.


"Professor!" Severus heard a distressed voice call from behind him. A distinctly feminine and annoying voice he knew all too well. Hermione Granger's. Turning on his heel, his voluminous robes flaring behind him, he didn't allow for an emotion to play across his usual mask of intolerance.

It was indeed Miss Granger, carrying what appeared to be the remains of a Weasley. The youngest male to be exact, and if these two were there than Potter mustn't have been far behind ... and most likely getting himself into all manner of trouble. Severus was irritated by this conclusion before Hermione even opened her mouth to explain.

"Professor," she panted again, hefting the heavy wait of Ron's unconscious body higher as he slid towards the floor. "The Philosopher's Stone, Harry's -"

At the mention of the stone (and making a mental note that Harry had something to do with whatever it was that had happened to it) he strode imposingly up to her.

"Miss Granger -" said Snape candidly, his voice smooth and unemotional. "Do you plan to allow Weasley's bleeding to continue staining the floor of the corridor or did you indeed intend to take him to the Hospital Wing?"

For a moment she seemed utterly speechless, having yet to realise that Ron was in need of medical attention. Severus indulged himself with thoughts of Gryffindor stupidity.

"Y-Yes, sir, but Harry. He's gone after the stone. Someone's trying to steal it."

Ignoring the voice in his head that declared that Potter was just that - a Potter - Snape nodded in acknowledgement and allowed his eyes to wander to the archway leading to the corridor on the third floor. He sighed, reaffirmed his gaze on Weasley and tried to assess his condition judging by what little he could see.

"Can you manage?" He asked Granger shortly, gesturing to Ron who's body was creeping towards the ground once more. She nodded in affirmation and before another utterance of information or thanks could be exchanged he was on his way, striding in the direction he knew the Philosopher's Stone to be hidden.

Hermione had only been annoyed with him then, having believed that he was being difficult and his usualy callous self. In time, she would come to realise that having not wasted time asking question he could well have saved Harry's life. In time, she would be grateful.


A/N: No more than 400 words, give or take, as I am not in possession of a word counter except for that universal one referred to as 'the brain'. Mine, however, is broken.