Once again- MournfulSeverity stands as the source of inspiration. In her very first review of the first chapter of "Love Empowered Empathy- Prologue," she had mentioned the word "Obscurial". That got me researching like a mad hare. Thoughts of "venom" and some sequel of "Spiderman" flooded my mind. And with the emotionally loaded "Mute" and the huge fantastic tale weaving in the backdrop of "Love Empowered Empathy"- Baby's Breath was quietly born in one of my sleepless nights. I hope against hope I shall not disappoint my readers.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, but my thoughts of AU and OC, the rest all belong to J K Rowling. This mind lives in the Harry Potter fanfiction world though this body is still thankfully anchored in the monotonous reality of existence. The stories I write can indirectly influenced by many of the brilliant fanfiction writers on this site. And I humbly bow to such creative genius who give me much needed literary pleasures to see through the toils of mundane life. Lastly, I don't have a beta, so please be merciful. Reviews would encourage this introvert writer to peep out of her literary closet. My very first attempt at writing a Snape and Hermione and Dramione fanfiction ever.
Chapter 15
It was quite unexpected from the know it all, the brightest witch of the age, the one so popular in submitting homework with extra inches long essays dotted references to old books and journals, two write just a couple of lines in the middle of a full scrap of parchment.
Draco and Harry had looked up at Bill, but when the other had not spoken in response, they still grudgingly refused to share the information.
Behind them, Headmaster Snape had appeared. But Bill had kept quiet. "Watch him close", were his job and he was doing just that. Snape had in the meantime, peered over their shoulders, and had taken a sharp intake of breath.
Harry letter had the following written in Hermione's own handwriting:
To my brother
S. Sassoon
The w. wind
Masefield
Similarly, Draco had one nearly empty letter, just a couple of lines written in the middle of the single parchment. He was sure they were written by Hermione. He had been receiving her letters sometime now, to have become quite acquainted with it.
The letter had rekindled a tiny spark of hope within him:
How do I love thee… (1)
If thou must love me (2)
E.B.B
Bill had simply asked, "So what do they say?"
Out of their wits, they had taken turns to pass their respective letter to the eldest Weasley. He had noticed neither of the two were dated, and in turn, had eyed the quiet Headmaster.
In his deep baritone voice, their former potion master had said, "At least that settles it."
Startled the two unaware wizards had turned, wand in hands. Finding them still so naïve Snape had chuckled. And Bill had smirked.
Draco still angry about what had happened in the Circle had snarled back- "Settles what?"
"Miss Granger is not really panting for my affection."
Bill had chuckled, outright, "Oh! No, though that might be in the line of hero-worshipping," and had handed another letter to Snape.
The two other men were once again on their guard eyeing this letter doubtfully. Snape had swiftly read it, and in hushed tones, informed Bill, "We will wait for your employees around midnight."
Bidding goodbye to the three, Bill had left.
"Now if we are over and done with this little drama of ours, the others are waiting at the Healer's chambers."
Drawling at the last bit, Snape had turned and had started walking away. A little put off, Harry and Draco had followed him. They mind at several places.
It was shocking to see him in just white linen. Less for Draco, but definitely for Potter, who had kept looking at him like he was seeing him for the first time. Casting the later a quick glance over his shoulder, Snape had rebuked him mostly out of habit, "Potter, stop gaping like a trout fish.". Despite himself, Draco had sniggered. And Potter had sent him a nasty look.
Healer Norman had noticed Severus see the bare pain and betrayal written in Draco Malfoy's face and the sense of abandonment written on Harry Potter. Just like she had guessed, he had quickly excused himself and had headed on the way, the other three young wizards had taken off.
She had therefore informed Flitwick and Lupin and Luna, how all of a sudden, the stats were not so dangerous.
"But we will have to keep observing the patient. And it is a good thing she is out of danger. The chances are 45% danger and 55% safe. Which was previously 85% danger when Mr. Weasley had approached Miss Granger. And when Minerva had approached Granger it had been 75% percent. But since, perhaps, Severus was in the room, that had come down to 60%. Stable, rogue magic quite arrested. "
Each one of them had given the sleeping witch a farewell look then had filed out of the room one by one.
Once secluded behind the airy chamber of the head healer, everyone had been waiting for Snape to return. After listening to the new statistical readings on the 'rogue magic' and how his interference had altered its intensity, the headmaster had sat quiet, brooding, with a finger tracing his lower lip.
The rest had plenty of questions, and it was soon enough he was facing arrows of questions, much to his growing irritation. The few years after the war has done some good to him. He has gathered some ounce of patience, but one should not go betting over it.
The encounter with Hermione and the presence of Rogue magic, might not have, caused his magical core any visible harm. But he had been putting too much of his energy on holding his occlumency shields up. And the little tiff with Draco has enough to give him a nagging headache.
Rubbing his cheek, and massaging his temple for a good measure, the former spy had looked deep into the blazing hearth. A habitual effort to gather his thoughts and arrange his memories for future reference.
In his rich baritone voice, he had started his observation," I am not very sure. Madam Norman is correct in assuming Miss Granger is deliberately restricting her magical energy. Though besides all that Miss Granger is suffering from the aftereffects of year. I presume, Miss Lovegood here will be able to throw more light in it.
Luna Lovegood, the former Ravenclaw, and an able fighter from the light side in the battle of Hogwarts had nodded in agreement. In her signature dream laced voice she had said, "She does show signs of what the Muggles define as PTSD."
With nearly everyone, gawking at her, she had chuckled and had delivered a brief explanation.
*"Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) would be like…Someone with PTSD often relives the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability, and guilt. They may also have problems sleeping, such as insomnia, and find concentrating difficult. These symptoms are often severe and persistent enough to have a significant impact on the person's day-to-day life."*
Healer Norman interjected," That might explain the premise if we are to go by Headmaster's Snape's assumptions and Miss Lovewood's explanations what Miss Granger suffers from the aftermaths of war. I also have specific readings about her being subjected to the Cruciatus curse."
Harry nodded in resignation," Yes, Bellatrix, while we were captured and taken to Malfoy Manor."
Snape had leaned forward at this information, his eyes trained on the experienced Healer, "Do you think it could have between a time triggering curse…the witch was cracked and crazy, but she was an infamous inventor of rogue curses."
"None, that we know of, Headmaster, but I was about to ask you the same thing."
To that, the man had just furrowed his brows a little more.
As if never interrupted Healer Norman had pressed on, "I am more curious about what just happened in that room."
All three had turned to Snape as if wanting him to throw some light of that strange affair.
"I am certain as of now, she suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress disorder. Miss Granger has been through a lot. She was more invested in this terrible war than many of her age. Yes, I hate to give you similar credit for that Potter. But even you will agree how Draco was neck deep into its vile dealings. You were kids and we could hardly save any one of you from being dragged into its treachery."
Headmaster Snape, I am quite astonished to see, Miss granger approaching you all by herself…"
"Astrid, please allow me to analyze all that for some time. Like all of you, even I am as surprised and baffled with all that…"
Remembering something Potter had plowed on, "But, sir, your opening speech, why were you reciting that, back thereof all other places?"
Losing his calm demeanor, Snape snapped at the young man. Biting his words, he barked at him," Because, that was what, she was murmuring! And before you launch yet another ludicrous series of questions, why don't we work on what all substantial facts we have at hand!"
Working as a calm mediator in times like this, Lupin had asserted, "what do you suggest, Severus, what can we do now?"
Healer Norman could not help but ask, "Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy previously suggested that we make an effort to try Legilemancy. That was why he proposed to bring you in…"
As if forced to shallow acid, Snape had made a face and spoke, "As thoughtful of him, it is still a risk to try that, but I think there is hope. But before we even try something foreboding, yes, that is the word I will use for this singular occasion, we must understand Miss Granger's mind is barricaded and fragile. And her magical powers are bursting and bristling under all those walls she has erected."
Flitwick for the first time speaks and had the curtsy to provide the conclusion each one of them was unwillingly approaching at.
"If we take one wrong step forward, we will be risking at losing Miss Granger forever."
*-* are not my words in this chapter they are copied from the following link:
.uk/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/
