Who are you really?

By: snapelover

Anti-litigation charm: I don't own any of these characters they are owned by the beautiful J.K. Rowling. To whom we own a great debt and gratitude to for creating brilliant characters and a beautiful world that we loved to play in.

A/N: This is in response to the Bedside Table Challenge posted on WIKTT board.

Chapter 1: How could you be so mean?

"So Harry how are you feeling?" Ron mumbled.

"I'm feeling a lot better. I really wasn't badly hurt...."

"Thanks to Professor Snape." Hermione cut in.

"Really, Hermione, the greasy git really didn't do that much." Ron said. "So he jumped in the way of a spell that was intended for Harry. He deserves it."

"How could you be so mean, Ron? I mean if he didn't jump in front of Harry, he could be dead or seriously hurt." Hermione retorted.

"She does have a point Ron. He did save my life there." Harry pointed out to Ron.

"Well I still don't think he deserves an order of Merlin for it." Ron mumbled. Hermione just rolled her eyes as Harry and Ron went on about Quidditch. She looked around the room to see if Snape was still in the infirmary.

"What are you looking for, dear?" Poppy asked.

"I was wondering if Professor Snape was still here or not. I hear he got hurt and I was wondering if he was alright." Hermione asked.

"Oh my dear, He isn't doing so well. I wish I could do more for him, but he's unconscious. He's been that way since they brought him here."

"So he's in a coma."

"Yes, I was able to fixed up his physical injuries, so he's fine on the outside but he just hasn't woken up."

"There is nothing you can do? There isn't some potion you can give him or something?"

"No, I think the only thing we can do is wait and see what occurs."

"Can I see him?" Hermione asked.

"You can, but I don't believe he'll respond to you."

"I know that, but I just want to see him."

"Well, then follow me." Poppy said as she waved to Hermione to follow her. Poppy and Hermione walked down to the back of the infirmary to one of the doors in the back.

"Well, Severus, you have you're first visitor." Hermione walked nervously into the room and looked at the most feared man in the school lying peacefully on the bed wearing a pair of linen pajamas in of all things white.

"I don't think he'll like the pajamas when he wakes up but he's quarters are so guarded. I don't think even Albus knows how to get in there." Poppy said. "Well, I'll let you visit him for a bit. I have to check on the rest of my patients."

Hermione looked timidly at the chair next to the bed and slowly moved towards it.

Why am I so afraid of this? I'm just going to sit down next to an unconscious man. He probably doesn't know I'm here. He can't take off my head. He can't even move. He does look like an angel like this, though. Fast asleep.

And with that she walked over to the chair and sat down.

"So professor, read any good articles in the Ars Alchemica? No, of course you haven't. I can't believe that I'm so afraid of you. That I can barely speak to you even though you're fully out and can't even snap at me. You know Professor I remember that several doctors used to say that you should speak or read to a person in a coma. I know. I know it a muggle's theory but it's worth a shot, huh? I'll ask Poppy if I can come read to you."

Well there's a one-sided conversation if I've ever seen one. Hermione quietly thought as she sat there silently and watched her potions professor sleep. She was there for about twenty minutes when Poppy and Dumbledore walked in.

"So how was your little visit? You must want to keep him this way." Poppy said.

"No, I would rather prefer the talking version of Professor Snape," Hermione answered. "even if he does take off my head."

Albus chuckled as he looked at Hermione. Well, well, Severus, seems like someone else here cares for you too.

"Actually Madam Poppy, I was wondering if I could come back and read to the professor ever now and then. I remember several Muggle doctors stating that it helps a patient in coma if they hear a familar voice." Hermione asked.

"I can't see it doing any harm. Certainly, I think that Severus could use some company maybe it will make him a bit more civil when he wakes. So when would you like to come and do this?"

"I was thinking after dinner if that's okay with you."

"That would be perfect. We'll see you then."

"Ah, Miss Granger?" Albus said as Hermione was walking out of the room.

"Yes, Professor Dumbledore."

"Would you like to get some books from Severus's library? I can let you in his quarters after dinner and we can get him some more suitable pajamas. I doubt when he wakes up, he'll be happy with the sight of white linen."

"Thank you, sir. I think he would rather prefer me reading from his collection instead of what I would find suitable."

"Then I shall see you after dinner, Miss Granger." Albus said with a smile.