Author's note

I do not own anything in the Harry Potter universe for they all belong to JK Rowling. All I have done was borrow from her, and had a little fun with my ideas.

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Chapter 4

Five days had passed. Hermione has barely said a full sentence. At times, she would refuse to eat, but Severus of course would not take no for an answer. Most of the time, Hermione was curled up in a ball, like a child—afraid.

Every night, she was given a dreamless sleep potion for she would always have nightmares. Still, it was not strong enough to keep her nightmares at bay. When Hermione would start to whimper and move in her bed, Severus would lie next to her, and hold her against him. Tossing and thrashing in bed could have hurt Hermione's injury all the more. It was a risk that he was not willing to take.

Samuel had said that Hermione's lung was at a very fragile state. Any sudden movement or physical activity in which she would over exert herself could possibly result in her lung being injured all the more. Drowning in her blood again would become the end result, or even worse. Aside from that, her body was still too weak.

Not knowing what else to do, Severus decided to continue to read to her. During the nice bits of the story, he could tell that she was intently listening to him.

"Hermione," Severus said softly as he placed his chin on the bed to look directly at her. "I know you do not want to talk about it, but we must."

Hermione closed her eyes, not wanting to. With his thumb, Severus started to gently rub her brow.

"You can file a case against him. Just with your memories in a pensive. That's all." He paused. "That is all you'll have to do. Nothing more and he will no longer have anything to do with you."

Her sad cinnamon eyes opened, and looked at his.

"I take it that you would agree to it?"

Hermione blinked her eyes for a moment.

Severus sighed. He knew that her answer was a yes. The past few days, he has studied her body language, knowing if she saying yes or no. there were times were Hermione would be unresponsive. During those times, Severus would feel clueless as to what to do. It was unlike him to know what to do. He couldn't force anything out of her, and he didn't dare try. Hurting her was the last thing that he wanted to do.

"I hope that our patient is doing well today," Samuel said as he stood at the foot of the bed.

"Yes," Severus said as he sat up straight. "She has agreed to submit a pensive."

"Wise choice," Samuel smiled as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a white pensive. "I was actually holding onto one just for you Miss Granger." He then handed it over to Severus, allowing him to do the honors.

Severus looked at Hermione and pulled out his wand, placing it on her temple. "Just think of them for a moment," he told her.

Hermione closed her eyes, and bit her thumb. She took in a deep breath and held it. After a few seconds, Severus raised his wand. There was a white mist hanging from its tip. As soon as he placed the mist at the tip of the pensive, it was sucked in.

"All done," Hermione heard Severus's voice. She let out the breath that she was holding, and slowly opened her eyes. She saw him give her one of his rare smiles. With one hand, she reached out to hold onto his hand again. He obliged, entwining his fingers with hers.

"Samuel, who is in charge of the case?" Severus asked as the question popped in his head.

"It is Mr. Amos Diggory who is in charge of cases such as this Professor," the healer replied.

"I trust that it will be kept confidential?" Severus asked sharply.

"Of course."

"How long will it take?"

"A few weeks."

"Tell Mr. Diggory that I would like to talk to him later on."

"Certainly," Samuel said. He then looked at Hermione, who has yet turned to face him. "I take it that you would like to go home Miss Granger?"

Home? Home; back to her step father? Hermione shut her eyes and shook her head. Severus then placed her other hand on her neck, making her stop.

"Home with me Love, home with me," he said barely above a whisper. Severus's soft words slowly processed in Hermione's mind. It didn't make sense. Home with him? She opened her eyes to look at him again.

"I am your guardian now Hermione," he informed her. "You need not go back to him."

"Would you like to go home with Professor Snape?" Samuel rephrased his question.

"Yes," Hermione replied softly, just enough for him to hear. Severus then kissed one of her fingers ever so softly and smiled at her again.

"I can release you in tomorrow if you want Miss Granger," Samuel replied. "You must keep in mind though that your body is still too weak. You may not do a lot of physical things. Walking for a certain amount of time may even tire you out. Professor Snape may have to help and continue to aid you for sometime."

Hermione's face saddened at Samuel words but it only took a moment when Severus nodded at her.

"I'll take care of you, do not worry," he assured her. Severus knew that she needed to hear his words, taking away the doubts and questions that she had in her mind. He reminded her that she wasn't going to be alone.

"I'm sure that the Professor has the potions that are needed for your medical dosage," Samuel added.

"That I do," Severus answered. He was a potions master after all, and had all the medical potions in his private stock. Also, he had to make them for the infirmary at Hogwarts.

"Very well then," Samuel said. "I will make the necessary arrangements. Also, I will shrink her wheelchair and oxygen tank for you to take home Professor. Good day." Samuel then left the room.

"I'll have to leave you for a little while tomorrow morning Hermione," Severus said.

Hermione's hand tightened around his and she shook her head. She didn't want Severus to leave her. Whenever he was around, she felt safe and secure. The thought about him leaving, frightened her.

Severus then placed a hand on her cheek and rubbed it as he spoke. "I'll just buy you some clothes at Diagon Alley and whatever else you might need. And I will also have to make certain arrangements in my chambers for you. I promise, I will take no longer than two hours. As soon as I get back, then we may go home."

"Sorry Professor," Hermione apologized. She felt guilty that Severus had to do so much for her. Buy her things, and become an intrusion in his life.

"There is no need to apologize Love," Severus murmured against her forehead, embracing her with one arm. "Please, you may call me Severus."

Hermione then embraced him in return and pulled him, making him lie on the bed next to her. She laid her head down on his chest, as he continued to read the book that he was reading to her. How she loved his voice, most especially when it was soft and gentle.

Hermione's thoughts then drifted off. He called her Love again. Did he mean it? Or was it just a name? Severus saved her, and said that he would take care of her—protect her. Savior and protector, she remembered Aphrodite's words. Was it all a dream? Was it all too good to be true? She then slept, enjoying the warmth of his embrace.

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