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Chp IV
"And sign right here and lastly initial here, Professor Snape." Matilda said watching Snape sign the last of the hospital's release paper.
"Is that all, Nurse Matilda?" Snape asked hoping that it was.
"Yes, Professor Snape, Sophia is officially released from the hospital. Professor can I say that the whole nursing staff on this floor will miss Sophia." Matilda said with tears glistening in her eyes.
"I'm sure Sophia feels the same way towards you and your staff," Snape said
"Remember the night she was brought here Professor Snape?" Matilda asked.
Snape looked at the nurse, and thought back, of course he remembered. He remembered it all too well.
*Snape Flashback*
Madam Pomfrey and her assistant nurse scrambled to help stop the hemorrhaging but with no success.
"We can't stop the bleeding Severus; we need to take her to St Mungos now!" Pomfrey yelled
"Do whatever it takes, just don't let her die." Snape said as Pomfrey took hold of Snape, her assistant's hand and Sophia and apparated to the hospital.
As they arrived at St Mungos, Snape instantly ran towards the counter and looked at the nurse on duty.
"PLEASE HELP MY DAUGHTER! She is hemorrhaging badly." Snape said while trying to maintain composure.
The nurse looked behind Snape and saw Sophia covered in blood from the waist down. She instantly page for all available doctors and nurses to the front counter. Snape watched the horror on the doctor & nurses faces when they saw Sophia.
"Lets get her to the OR stat and page the doctors to prep for emergency surgery." One nurse said to another.
The scene happened in slow motion for Snape. One moment he and Sophia were sitting in the classroom and the next moment she is holding her lower abdomen in excruciating pain. Snape snapped out of his mind by a blood-curdling scream. One that he won't forget.
"SOPHIA!" Snape said running towards the scream but stopped by a nurse.
"Sir you can not pass this line. She is being prepped for surgery." The nurse said while holding Snape back.
Snape thought
This cannot be happening again. No please Merlin do not let history repeat itself again.
"LET ME SEE MY DADDY! DADDY!" Sophia said looking at Snape from behind the plexy glass.
"NURSE REMULDA! Let this father see his daughter. Can you not hear she is crying for him?" Nurse Matilda Jenkins said pushing away the nurse. "Go ahead sir; go to your daughter."
"Thank you." Snape quickly said running into the room and instantly taking Sophia into his arms.
*Snape flashback ends*
He never forgot what Nurse Matilda Jenkins has done and did for him and Sophia.
"I will be forever grateful for your kindness you and your nurses have shown towards Sophia and myself." Snape said shaking Nurse Matilda's hand.
"You're quite welcome. Also may I say that Sophia has become a ray of sunshine on this floor. There were times were children would miss their parents, and she would keep them company. Professor Snape you have done an excellent job on raising Sophia. I wish nothing but the best for you both." Matilda said wiping the tears from her eyes.
"Thank you Nurse Matilda for those kind words about Sophia. Now if you will excuse me it is time for Sophia to return home." Snape said walking back towards Sophia's room.
Snape walked into Sophia's room but did not find her. Suddenly he heard her voice from across the hall.
"I'm going to miss you too Olivia, but you've got to be strong for the future." Sophia said
"Who is going to play Monopoly with me and Taylor?" Olivia said
"Maybe one of the nurses can. I'll come back and visit, but in the mean time you two can practice." Sophia said
"Ok that way we can take all your properties." Olivia said smiling and hugging Sophia.
Snape watched the scene as the two girls hugged each other.
"Olivia Chamberlain, niece to the Minster of Magic. When she came to the hospital, she was so scared, but after Sophia began visiting her, she calmed down. Since Sophia is leaving, Olivia has made it her mission to do the same action that Sophia did for her." Matilda said as they both moved away from the door as Sophia left the room.
"Dad, Ms Matilda. I was just saying good-bye to some friends. Dad can we come and visit them sometime?" Sophia asked
"Yes, of course princess. Now let us get your things and go back home. But first say good bye to the nurses." Snape said as Sophia began saying her good byes to the nursing staff.
"Don't you be a stranger Sophia, keep us updated on your health." Matilda said hugging Sophia tightly.
"I won't, I'll owl you if that is all right?" Sophia said
"Anytime." Matilda said releasing Sophia from the hug.
"Bye everyone, I'll miss you. Who knows maybe I'll be here one day as a nurse." Sophia said with a smile.
"Good bye everyone." Snape said holding Sophia's hand and apparating back to Hogwarts.
The castle stairs almost greeted Sophia's face but Snape grabbed her arms just before she made contact with them.
"Whoa baby girl can't have you in the hospital again." Snape said helping Sophia up.
"That was close. Thanks dad." Sophia said smiling and attempting to get up but could not.
"Are you ok?" Snape asked while Sophia sat on the castle steps.
"I just feel really dizzy." Sophia said holding her head.
"Why don't we see sit here and wait until the dizziness subsides? In the meantime lets enjoy the outside.ยจ Snape said wrapping his arm around Sophia.
"Ok dad." Sophia said laying her head on Snape's shoulder.
After 20 minutes, Sophia attempted to stand up on her own, but with little success.
"Princess, why don't I help you up the stairs and to our quarters all right?" Snape asked
"All right dad." Sophia said as Snape helped her up the stairs & into the castle.
Dumbledore stood at the doors with a smile as he saw Sophia finally returning home.
"Good afternoon Ms Sophia, Severus." Dumbledore said
"Grandpa Al!" Sophia said running towards Dumbledore and hugging him tightly.
"And how are we doing today?" Dumbledore asked
"Just dandy Grandpa." Sophia said
"I can only imagine why?" Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye
"Oh Grandpa you know why, it's because I am finally home." Sophia said looking around the castle's entrance.
"That is true Sophia and I am sure the castle is happy to finally have you home." Dumbledore said
"Its best we be on our way Sophia, you need to rest up." Snape said
"Oh Daddy, do I have to? Can't I just wander for a bit?" Sophia asked
"Now Sophia you know-"Snape said but was interrupted by Dumbledore
"Severus I am more than willing to take Sophia around the castle myself." Dumbledore said
"No, she must rest, besides I know Minerva must be planning something for Sophia. I also need to speak with you in private, Headmaster." Snape said
"You are quite right Severus, best do what your father says Sophia." Dumbledore said with a wink.
"All right Grandpa." Sophia said as Snape offered his arm and the pair went towards their private quarters.
Dumbledore observed something different about Sophia, an aura that sent chills down his spine. He knew the truth, but would confirm it later on tonight.
"All right princess, now you rest up and I will wake you up for dinner." Snape said as they entered their private quarters.
"Ok dad." Sophia said making her way towards the living room.
"In your BEDROOM and not the SOFA!" Snape said and then thought
I never know why she likes that green sofa in the living room. It must be over 20 years old, yet it feels like a hundred.
He listened & heard Sophia's bedroom door close shut. Snape cast a protective spell over his entire private quarters and left for Dumbledore's office.
Minerva McGonagall stood in front of the Headmaster's gargoyle, whispered the password and entered his office. Entering the office, she saw Dumbledore, Snape, Filus Flitwick, Pomona Sprout, and Madam Pomfrey gathered near his desk.
"Ah Minerva, so good of you to join us, now that everyone is here, Severus begin please." Dumbledore said
::clears throat:: "Well as most of you know Sophia has come back, but with some news. Over the past year, Sophia has received repetitive radiation and chemotherapy treatments, which has cause her great pain. Some of you also know that she has decided to stop her treatment. Since she is stopping her treatment, the doctor has given her 6-9 months left." Snape said
The professors looked at each other in disbelief and began questioning Severus.
"Severus why would you let Sophia do such a thing?" Sprout asked
"Yes Severus why, does she not want to live?" Flitwick asked
"Sophia fully understands what she is doing. In fact her reasoning is simple; she does not wish to be or see anyone in pain anymore." Snape said
Pomona Sprout burst into tears, while Filius Flitwick began comforting her.
"Poppy, isn't there a cure in our world?" Trelawney asked.
"No, unfortunately cancer is a muggle disease which holds no cure in either world." Pomfrey said
"Now Professors, we must calm down. I know this is difficult to take in, however Sophia has returned home. Minerva and Pomona have planned a special welcome home party for Sophia tonight. We ask that you join us in the Astronomy Tower for this joyous reunion." Dumbledore said
Each professor left the office and made their way towards their offices to a wait dinner.
"I believe that this news was bitter sweetly received don't you think Severus." Dumbledore said
"Each person can react to news in different ways." Snape said retreating to his quarters.
McGonagall and Dumbledore both stood alone in the office looking at each other.
"Minerva, I take it you were fully aware of this news considering your reaction" Dumbledore asked walking behind his desk.
"Yes I was Albus; however I did not know the time frame. Our little dancer." McGonagall said clearing the tears from her eyes.
"In the next few months much sadness will fill the castle, but before the sadness there always is the happiness." Dumbledore said
"I need to go and put on the finishing touches for Sophia's welcome back party." McGonagall said leaving the office.
Dumbledore waited for McGonagall to leave his office before he turned towards the window and let his tears flow.
Once again thanks for the reading. This is my 1st fanfic so please any reviews are welcome. I am open to all reviews good or bad.