Chapter 26
Yes Folks, She's baaack! For my readers who are still out there, a million a one apologies for how long it has been since I updated. Real-life got in the way for a long time, but now I have some time to devote to this story. I have decided to leave it as is and make it AU since Order of the Phoenix. I had debated going back to make it compliant, but that is just too much work and frankly wouldn't make much sense. So the story will continue with the same story line. That being said, let's get down to the good stuff...
Disclaimer: DOn't own them! Please don't sue. I don't have anything anyway...
Rating: M
Pairing: Hermione/Severus
Poppy returned to the main room of the infirmiry and the scene she was greeted with nearly broke her heart. Draco was still behind Hermione and both were asleep. Even in sleep, Hermione's breathing was labored and Draco's face showed great worry. Next to the bed, Severus sat slumped over, his head in his hands. Though his long hair covered his face, she could tell he had been weeping. 'Poor man...finally finds some happiness only to have it taken away from him.'
Poppy gently touched Severus' shoulders and his head came up with a jolt. "Poppy, how is she? Will she be alright?"
"I ran every test I could think of and they all came back conclusive. She has pneumonia, and a fairly bad case of it. She will need to stay here for a few weeks, perhaps even a month.This kind of illness is the last thing she needs in her condition."
Unknown to the two adults, Hermione had awoken and had heard Poppy's treatment plan, and now voiced her disaproval loudly.
"A month! Surely you must be joking, Poppy. I refuse to spend a month in here, especially when there is so much to do in so little time."
"You'll have even less time than you thought is you don't take care of yourself. Pneumonia could finish you in a couple of weeks if you don't take proper care of it. You are lucky I am not sending you to St. Mungo's to let them take charge of your care."
"I am not staying here for a month. That is final, Poppy. Severus is more than capable of taking care of me in our quarters and you know Draco will help look after me as well. I am not staying here. Severus, please tell her that she is not keeping me here."
"Stay here my love, I need to go speak with Albus. I have a solution, but I need to go clear some things with him first. Wake Draco up and let him know what is going on. I will need to talk to him when I get back."
"Severus, I don't care what plan you and the old man come up with, she is not leaving this infirmary until she is over the pneumonia!"
Severus gave Poppy the 'if you say so look' and swept out the door.
HPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHP
"Albus, I know it is terrible timing, and I wish there were something else for it, but I know that if she were forced to stay in the Infirmary, she would not heal. The pneumonia would finish her because she would refuse to fight it."
"Severus, promise me you will check in with me everyday. We have what I believe will be the final battle of this war looming over us in just two short months. I cannot afford to not have you here for most of it. You have always been my greatest asset when dealing with Tom. BUt I understand your heart lies with her and you must do what you can for her."
"I doubt we will be gone the whole month. I believe in that environment, she will heal quickly. Plus, as you said, I am only a floo call away."
"What of your experiment? I highly doubt you will be able to transport it with you."
"I was thinking of casting a stasis charm on it and hoping it does not adversely affect the potion. If is does, I believe I will have time to start over."
"What of your research though? Will you be able to continue it?"
"I suppose I can try, though she will require most of my attention."
"Might I offer an alternative?"
"Of course. I am open to suggestions."
"Make a copy of your notes and bring Harry and Draco in on it. They are both very gifted at Potions and both have and equal interest in seeing the experiment succeed. Not that you are not more than capable, but perhaps two fresh sets of eyes on this might help bring some new perspective."
"Agreed. But I do not have time to set up the lab for them. Will you be able to handle that for me?"
"Of course I will. Though I do remember you swearing once that I was never allowed in your private labs again."
Severus gave a light chuckle, remembering the day that he had been brewing his own special shampoo when Albus had gotten into his labs and added something to the potion, turning his hair green for a week.
"I highly doubt that you will tamper with this potion, and thankfully I have no shampoo brewing. Draco knows the password. They may access my quarters only if you are with them and only the library. They need not have a set schedule, they can work on it whenever they are able. Tell them I will be happy to offer them class credit for whatever time they do spend on it."
"As you wish Severus. Now, if Poppy gives you any trouble, tell her that I have cleared you to leave with Hermione. Get her well Severus. We will need both of you for the dark times ahead."
"Thank You, Albus. Can you have one of the elves pack our things? Normally I would prefer to do it myself, but time is of the essence."
"Of course, my boy. I will have the bags flooed to your destination. Be well, my son."
"Thank you, Albus. I will check in to let you know when we have arrived."
Severus left the office, not knowing of the sad smile that crossed the Headmaster's lips as he watched Severus leave.
Okay folks, I know it has been...well, two years. My bad. I have not had much time for fanfic writing, as RL got to be a huge pain in the ass. I can't promise how regularly I will update, but I do want to see this story through. Drop me a line and let me know if anybody is still reading.
Darkelf1313