She woke up again in the same fashion as she had the night before that and the night before that and, the night before that. It was always the same paralyzing nightmare. Hermione had gotten used to the same harrowing night terrors that plagued her mind over and over again. They had occurred almost every night since the war and virtually unavoidable. Only with the aid of a dreamless sleep potion could she then obtain a peaceful sleep. It had been a good four months and she still couldn't them, not only was she suffering from nightmares but she was also slightly depressed. It had been two weeks since the news that her old Potions Professor: Severus Snape was staying at St. Mungo's being treated with anti-venom. The news had reached her, harry, Ron, Remus, and Tonks at Number 12 Grimmauld Place and all were throughly shocked.
"Blimey!" cried Ron
"Can you believe it?! Old Snapey's alive! I swear though he looked dead just lying there, it looked like there was nobody was in there!"
Hermione had inwardly grimaced at his somewhat morbid and crude description of the supposed "death" of their old Potions teacher.
"Ron as much as we disliked each other I think we owe him more respect,he went through all of this just for my mum, we couldn't have won the war without him." Harry replied. They were all gathered around the kitchen table when a letter-baring owl flew to the window with mail from 's. Harry had promptly taken the letter from the owl and began to read it. "Dear Mister Potter, the staff of 's Magical Creature inflicted wounds Department would like to inform you of the impending release of a Professor Severus Snape. We have already informed Headmistress Minerva McGonagoll of his release but have yet to receive a reply. While it would seem the most logical for Professor Snape to return to Spinner's End, it no longer exists due to an all consuming fire. As of late there is nowhere for Professor Snape to stay and the staff were hoping that you'd be so kind as to allow him a place to stay until he has found further arrangements.
yours,
Healer Bartholomew
P.S. Professor Snape's release date is set in two weeks
"Oh My Gods!" Harry called
"What is it?! What's wrong?!" came a startled Remus and Ron
"The healers at 's are asking if Snape can stay with us..it says he has nowhere to go." Harry replied regretfully
"What about Spinner's End?" Ron tried.
"Burned down." Harry's voice was pinched with tight emotion
Hermione had sat there in utter silent shock. That's when the guilt commenced its feast on her soul remembering everything that happened in the Shrieking Shack. It felt like a thousand icicles had frozen over her skin and the memory of those unfathomable black eyes hung in her memory like sulfur in the air. That was two weeks ago... Snape would be arriving tomorrow, or rather today Hermione thought while glancing at the clock. She sat in bed and stared at the ceiling until dawn's blinding light shot through the windows and filled her room with golden light.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Severus Snape woke up in a rather foul mood (no surprise there) not only were the beds and food at 's less than desirable but today was the day for him to go "home" and by home he was going to live with his most hated students and one of his childhood tormentors. "Bugger it all to hell" he thought as he pulled on his dragon hide boots. He stood up and walked over to where the fresh smell of coffee wafted and picked up a cup. "I hope they don't expect me to gather around the camp fire and sing songs of friendship...I most certainly don't want to see Weasley or Potter especially after those blasted embarrassing memories." He inwardly groaned at the thought that his memories were no longer his and blew out an aggravated breath. "Well Remus will be there I can continue brewing the wolfsbane and maybe we can finally get over the whole Marauders crap. Hmm i'm missing someone ah Miss Granger gods that insufferable-know-it-all well let's just hope she doesn't raise her hand every time she needs to talk to me." He chuckled darkly at that thought and pulled on his cape.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Hermione couldn't sleep after her last bout of nightmares so she decided to get up early and prepare for the excruciating day ahead. She took a nice long bubble bath and wash away the lingering effects of her nightmare. She got out and performed a drying charm on her now waist length curls and pulled a towel around her body, she stepped in front of her dresser deciding what to wear. "What do I wear to meet a man who I left for dead on a floor?" she thought bitterly. Finally deciding she chose a black top with silver clasps, her velvet black cloak, and her black studded boots. She'd never really thought black was flattering but now that her skin had somewhat paled even further and her mood and thoughts darkened considerably it was a staple in her wardrobe. She had just finished tying up her boots when a swift knock came from her door "Come in!" she called. In stepped a cheery Harry
"Hey Mione you ready to go?"
"Uh yeah just let me grab my wand and i'll be ready."
"Hermione?"
"yeah Harry"
"You feeling okay?"
This finally caught her attention from her wand. Looking up she gave him a watery smile.
"Yeah don't worry about me just tired that's all."
This seemed good enough for a Harry and with a smile and flash of green eyes he pulled her into a hug
"Good, now let's go get Snape..."
Harry, Hermione, and Remus joined hands and apparated to meet a less than agreeable Snape.
