7.

Madam Pomfrey busied herself about the hospital wing – her hospital wing, thank you very much. She tucked sheets, straightened pillows and squared furniture just so. She tried not to pay attention to the Deputy Headmistress who was busying herself in Pomfrey's office. Pomfrey wasn't certain why Professor McGonagall took so much time checking and rechecking the supply cupboards.

"Madam Pomfrey?"

Pomfrey turned to see Professor McGonagall standing inside the doorway to the nurse's station.

"Yes, Professor McGonagall?"

"A word, please." McGonagall stood to one side of the doorway, clearly implying Pomfrey should join her inside the room.

Madam Pomfrey stepped into the small office reluctantly. McGonagall had never seemed so chilly before.

"Please, sit down, Madam Pomfrey."

Pomfrey nervously sat and ticked at her apron hem as McGonagall stood very still.

McGonagall crossed her arms and glared, "Madam Pomfrey, I have known you many years."

"Indeed, Professor McGonagall."

"I am surprised that you would harbor secrets. I am extraordinarily surprised you would harbor secrets from me."

"Whatever are you implying?"

McGonagall paused then said quietly, "Did you really think you have been helping Severus?"

Pomfrey gaped, but then shouldered her dignity, "I did what I could. I did what I thought was right by the boy."

"Of course, and he assured me himself it was all at his request, but, really? I thought you would know better. Taking it upon yourself to gather him from the Shrieking Shack. Flushing the poison from his system, healing his wounds. Tempering him with blood replenishing draughts. Waiting on him to recuperate. Shielding him. Letting us all continue to believe he was dead. Leaving me to believe he was dead."

"Oh, no, Professor McGonagall, I do think I know better. He barely tolerates my presence at all. He does not want any one. That boy needs nor wants any pity."

"And he shan't have pity. He needs attention. He needs affection... now more than ever. We... I mean I have failed him, but no more. He deserves our gratitude. He may not want company, but he damn well is going to get it!"

Pomfrey's hands fluttered with emotion. "Professor McGonagall, I think that will undue him. He's always been a shy thing, you know."

"Well, that he'll have to overcome. I wanted you some time to gather yourself. An announcement will be made at dinner tonight."

McGonagall left in a stately huff.

***

Dinner was an overwhelming understatement of the word intersting.

It was incredible. Impossible. Ludicrous. Some students wondered if Deptuy Headmistress McGonagall had gone mad from turning into a cat so often. Some students were saddened by the news, others elated. Still others were concerned if Snape would return as their potions teacher. Shivers of foreboding ran up and down many finely strung spines.

Hermione felt a curious blankness.