The war had ended and Voldemort was dead. Harry had been very brave and he had confronted the Dark Lord without help. Hermione had helped Madam Pomfrey curing the injured and had taken particular care of one: her Potions Master. At last, after a week, all beds were free. Except one. Professor Snape had not yet recovered and Hermione and Madam Pomfrey were really worried. Until, one morning, the teacher began to wake. Hermione, who was holding his hand, saw this and called Madam Pomfrey. The mediwitch came quickly from her office.

-Miss Granger, why are you shouting?- she asked panting.

-Professor Snape moved- said the young witch happily.

-Wait here and watch over him. I'll go and call Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall- and she quickly disappeared in the corridors.

Just as Madam Pomfrey had turned the corner, Snape began mumbling.

-Her...mio...ne. Her...mio...ne- said the teacher. The young witch was struck by the fact that her professor was calling her by her given name, but she didn't move away from him.

-Yes, professor, it's me. Hermione Granger. Now calm down and don't move- said the girl taking his hand once again. But when she took it the professor didn't try to move away, on the contrary, he tightened his hold.

Just a second later professor Dumbledore and professor McGonagall arrived quickly in the Infirmary, followed by the mediwitch.

-Miss Granger, did you say Professor Snape talked?- asked the Headmaster seeing their joined hands.

-Yes, he talked. But he didn't say anything else since Madam Pomfrey has left- admitted Hermione letting go of his hand.

-And what did he say?- asked Madam Pomfrey curiously.

-Well... actually... he said my name- said the girl shyly without having the courage to look the Headmaster and the other professors in the eye.

-Your name, Miss Granger?_ asked McGonagall astonished, but she didn't receive any answer.

-I'm sorry, Headmaster, but I should go to Diagon Alley to buy some ingredients for the potions- intervened the mediwitch.

-Yes, of course Poppy. You can go. Our Miss Granger will look after Professor Snape- said the Headmaster firmly.

Hermione nodded shyly. The three staff members left the Infirmary, leaving the young witch alone with her professor. The girl was turned towards the door when someone touched her shoulder, scaring her. She quickly turned around to see who it was and found herself face to face with Professor Snape.

-Ehm.. good morning, professor. You woke at last- said Hermione awkwardly.

-So it would seem- said the professor with his usual sarcastic tone.

-I'm sorry professor. Can I ask you a question?-

-No, Miss Granger. I have to ask you something first- said the teacher, surprising the girl. -How long have I been asleep?-

-Ehm... a week, sir-

-Very well. Now I would like to be alone, if you don't mind- and Snape felled asleep.

Hermione was surprised by that conversation. Yes, it had been brief, but the professor hadn't been sour with her. Something in him had changed.