A/N: Hermione feeling insecure/second best because of lily.
final word count: 469
Hermione sat next to Severus's bed in the hospital wing, looking at the ground. Would he even want her there?
Harry had shown her the memories. The memories of Severus and his life, she had seen how much he loved Lily, and she wondered if he'd ever look at her that way.
It still hurt her, that the last thing he did was ask to look at Harry's eyes…Lily's eyes, without a glance towards her. Perhaps he had been trying to protect her, knowing her friends weren't going to understand.
Now she wasn't even sure if he was going to wake up.
"Mione, thanks for being here," Harry said from the spot next to Severus's bed. Merlin she wished she could be there, holding his hand, be the first person he'd see.
No, He'd see Harry first. Lily's son.
"It's not a problem, Harry. I always knew he wasn't such a bad guy."
Would Severus ever love her more than he loved Lily?
A healer walked in and cast a few spells.
"Well, despite the odds, Mr. Potter, I expect we can expect Mr. Snape to wake up any time now."
Hermione's heart ached as Harry spoke a little more with the healer.
"Mione, I think I'm going to go get some fresh air, could you maybe keep an eye?"
She nodded and stood from her chair. "Sure, Harry. I'll be here."
"Thanks."
The door closed and she was alone with Severus. Immediately she went to his side and grabbed his hand.
"Severus, I'm here. I-I know everything. Harry showed me the memories. I know that I can never be her, but-but I still love you. And I'll be here until you send me away."
A few hours later, Hermione was back in her corner, having barely noticed Harry's arrival with enough time to stop holding the man's hand and wipe the tears from her eyes.
She heard a shift of fabric and looked up, seeing Severus's head moving. His lips parted, as if he were trying to form words.
"Sir," Harry said, "Sir, it's Harry. I'm here. You're safe."
"H-h-"
"Yes, I'm here. I'm Harry."
"Her-Hermione."
She needed no more words as she jumped up and made her way to the other side of the bed, grabbing his hand, not caring any longer if Harry knew.
"Severus, I'm here. It's me," she cried while kissing his hand.
His eyes tried opening, and she kept murmuring to him, "I'm here, it's okay."
Finally his eyes opened and met hers, his hand finally curling around hers. "Hermione. My Hermione."
"Severus, it's okay, I'm here."
Screw Lily, she decided in that moment. She would show him everything he deserved. She was going to be there, and she knew that she was special to him, and that's all Hermione needed to know.