23.  Midnight Visit

Late that night, the door of the infirmary opened, and a black figure slipped inside.  Letting his eyes adjust to the dimness, he stood quietly for a moment then walked softly across the room pausing before the two patients who slumbered side by side.  Lupin had thrown back his blanket.  The figure bent over and replaced it then he stood back and looked at the sleeping wizard for a moment in silence.  Then, he turned away and moved over to Evangeline's bed.  Once more he stood and watched her quietly, marking the soft regularity of her breathing then he moved forward and sat down carefully on the edge of the bed.  At the shifting of weight, she stirred slightly, sensing a presence, and opened her eyes.

"Who's there?" she asked in a sleep fogged voice.

"It's me, Evangeline," whispered a low familiar voice.

"Severus?"  Surprised by his presence, she smiled a pleased smile and blinked her eyes.  Trying to see him clearly in the darkened room.   "What are you doing here?"

He lifted his shoulders in a casual shrug.  "I've had a busy day.  This was the first chance I've had to get back here to check on the two of you.  How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay, but I'm so sleepy," she said in a lazy voice.

Snape smiled faintly. "I would think you would be.  Poppy's sleeping potion should have made you sleep through the night."

She smiled as well.  "Well, maybe it would have if I hadn't gotten a midnight visitor."

"I'm sorry if I've disturbed you.  I should go and let you sleep."

"No, it's all right.  Actually, it makes me feel better.  I was afraid that I'd only dreamed that you weren't mad at me anymore."

He shook his head.  "No, it wasn't a dream."

"Good.  I've missed talking with you lately.  I don't like not getting along with you.  Come have dinner with me tomorrow when I get out of here, okay?" she murmured softly, unable to suppress a yawn.

"I will.  You go back to sleep, now.  I'll see you tomorrow."  Tentatively he reached out and lightly stroked the back of her hand.  At his touch, she grabbed onto his hand and squeezed it gently, receiving an answering squeeze in return.

"Good night, Severus," she whispered contentedly.

"Good night, Evangeline.  Sleep well."

Snape sat there for a few minutes watching her carefully and holding her hand until he was sure that she was asleep.  Then he laid her hand down gently, got up, and quietly left the room.  Fortunately he didn't notice the ball of fur in the corner, which watched him with unfriendly eyes.

Those eyes continued to zealously watch over the sleepers for the rest of the night, but no one else appeared to disturb their rest.