Chapter Two
When Professor Snape returned, he couldn't believe his eyes. He found Hermione lying on the floor, unconscious. He rushed to her side and checked for her pulse. There was one, but a weak one. He scooped her up in his arms and ran as fast as he could up to the infirmary. When he arrived, he barged into the room, and screamed for Poppy.
"POPPY! POPPY! WHERE ARE YOU?" He screamed. Poppy rushed towards the screaming, and saw Professor Snape carrying Hermione Granger.
"What in Merlin's name happened?" She said as she helped him place Hermione on the bed.
"She was in detention, completing a potion. I went to the loo and found her on the floor. That's all I know." Professor Snape said.
"I need you to step out while I run some test. I need some space." Poppy said.
"But Poppy! She's my student! I—need to know if she's going to be okay!" She said. Poppy stared at him; he's never reacted like this about a student before.
"I'll let you know when I can, please, wait outside. That's not a request, it's an order. Severus growled and followed her orders. He took a seat outside the infirmary. His right leg was twitching.
'If she dies, it'll be my fault. Please don't let her die.' Severus said.
About thirty minutes later, she came out, her eyes looking watery. Severus stood up waiting for a response.
"So? Is she okay?" Professor Snape asked.
"She's not dead…but..she is really sick." Poppy said.
"Sick? How sick?" Severus asked, impatiently.
"She has stomach cancer. She's had it since August. Maybe late July she's had it for at least two months." She answered. Professor Snape fell back to his chair.
"No! No! How come she never told anybody?" Professor Snape asked.
"You'll have to ask her yourself." Poppy said.
"Is she awake?"
"Yes, you may see her if you wish." Severus nodded and headed back into the infirmary, and took a seat next to Hermione's bed. She just laid there, her big brown eyes staring at him, not saying a word.
"Hermione…Why didn't you tell anyone?" He asked, accidentally saying her first name.
"Stomach cancer is hereditary, my mother—died young, leaving me at the age of five, only having my dad around. My grandmother had it as well as my great-grandmother. I've come from a long line of woman in my family dying at a young age. I never meant to get attached to people like Harry and Ron…I never intended on falling in love. When I found out in August that I had cancer, I knew within a few years' time if that, that I will die. I figured not telling anyone would make it easier for me to die in piece, and no emotions will get involve." Hermione answered as Severus took all of this in. he took a deep breathe, noticing that part that she'd fallin in love with a young man, never with him.
"Hermione…you shouldn't have to do this alone. You should live as though this could be your last day, and spend time with the guy you've falling in love with and your friends." Professor Snape said. For some reason he felt a little jealous of this man of hers. Hermione smiled at him.
"Oh, the man I'm in love with hates my bloody guts. He acts as though I don't even exist, and when he does, he mocks me in front of others, and teases me every time he could get a chance." She answered. Severus dropped his eyes towards the ground.
"Well, if I may say Hermione, that man is completely daft not to like you, and is stupid for making fun of you, if he knew you were in love with him, he'd come banging on your door for forgiveness. Hell, if any guy knew you were single, there'd be a line at the door waiting for you to choose which one you want to be with." Professor Snape said, trying to make her laugh, just a little…he was a success. Her big bright smile lightened up the room and her laugh was as gorgeous as she was.
"Thank you…I guess." Hermione said still laughing a little.
"You're welcome, now, from this moment forward, you don't have to go through this alone. IF you ever need anything, you can come to me. I know I shouldn't give you any reason to trust me, but if you do, please don't hesitate to lean on me." Professor Snape said. For some reason, he keeps surprising her.
"I've always trusted you Professor. I know you are a spy for us, and I trust you with my life, what's left of it that is." Hermione said. This time, it was he who was dumbfounded.
"Thank you. Please, get some rest. I will finish the potion; your detentions are now withdrawn. But like I said, you can see me anytime you need." Professor Snape said.
"Okay. I will. Thank you so much." Hermione said. For the first time in her life here at Hogwarts, she saw Professor Snape smile. A real, genuine smile.
"Oh Professor?" Hermione asked.
"Yes?"
"You should smile more." She said.
"Why is that?" He asked, eyebrow raised.
"Because it takes years off your face, makes you look younger" She smiled at him.
"We shall see my dear. Get some rest." With that said, he gotten up and left the room.
Hermione laid there, wondering why Professor Snape was being so nice to her. Maybe…just maybe there was a chance that the love of her life may actually return her feelings.
HG SS HG SS HG SS HG SS HG SS
Hermione was released from the infirmary, a week after her accident. She looked at her watch and saw that it was lunch time. She wasn't too hungry but she knew if she would wasn't there, and Professor Snape was, she could be in grave trouble. When she entered, She saw Harry and Ron eating their lunch and their girlfriends sitting next to them chatting among themselves. With a smile across her face, she walked towards them and sat down across from Harry.
"HERMIONE! Where have you been? We've been looking everywhere! Ginny's been scared shitless, none of the teachers would say anything." Harry asked, relieved of the fact that she was okay.
"I'm fine, really…I had to do some things over the last week for my family. Professor Dumbledore said that it was alright for me to leave the castle, so he escorted me there and back." Hermione lied straight through her teeth, Ron accepted it as it was, but Harry was more skeptical.
"Alright then, I'm glad you're okay." Ron said and continued to stuff his face with chicken.
"What class do we have next? Are your detentions over with Snape?" Harry asked.
"Professor Snape Harry, and yes. They are over. We have double potions." Hermione answered.
"Oh-lovely, Double potions." Ron said as he swallowed his handful of fries.
"Yes Ronald, double potions with Professor Snape, and he isn't that bad." Hermione defended him once more.
"Yes, he is." Ron said back.
"If you say so Ronald. Come on, it's time to go." Hermione said, grabbing her books and headed to class. Harry and Ron followed behind.
It was the middle of class, and Hermione was working on the dreamless sleep potion, when she felt pain in her lower stomach again. It wasn't as bad as before, so she figured she could hang on until the end of class. As always, Harry nor Ron didn't notice her discomfort, but a tall, dark, snarky potions Professor did. He tried to keep a straight face, but his concern for her deepened, he wanted to help her. But how? He noticed that she was rubbing her stomach, trying to ease the pain.
"Miss. Granger, see me after class." He stated as they finished their potions.
A.N: Two chapters in one day! I'm on a roll here! please read and review…I appreciate ya'll favoriting the story, and following it, but it would be awesome to know your thoughts!