Snape awoke to a pair of wide, deep brown eyes staring directly at him.
"Good morning professor" said Hermione shyly blushing slightly at Snape being there.
"Herm… Miss Granger, how are you feeling?" inquired Snape after a slight nod of his head and stutter of her name.
"Umm better thank you"
"Good, well I'll go and inform Madame Pomfrey that you are awake"
As soon as Snape started to move Hermione began to panic "why was he leaving? Did she do something wrong?
"Please professor don't go I-I don't want to be on my own please…"
Snape was unaccustomed to people pleading that his presence remain and also not used to speaking to a hurt young girl who was in turn his student who he, in addition harassed along with her classmates time and time again.
"Hermione child I will be right back I-I promise okay?"
A nod from Hermione and he was gone soon to be back with Poppy Pomfrey close on his tale
"Ah Miss Granger you're awake how are you feeling my dear?" Poppy asked flicking her wand over Hermione's small form.
"I'm fine," replied Hermione quietly with a nod from Snape, tensing up immediately at someone other that Snape being so close to her.
"Good, good" said Poppy nonchalantly while frowning over the readings procured.
"Can I see you in my office for a moment Severus?"
"Of course, I'm only over there if you need me"
With a nod from Hermione he was gone.
Poppy quietly closed the door behind him.
"What is it? Is she alright?"
"Oh yes Severus you always were good at healing cuts and bruises, it's just that she's awfully thin I think that there's been a problem for quite some time…"
"I think you're right Poppy" said the calming voice of Albus Dumbledore, both occupants of the room jumped and gasped in alarm much to the delight of Dumbledore who found this rather amusing
"Don't do that Albus" hissed Snape
Dumbledore held up a hand of surrender
"Sorry Severus I just wanted to pay a visit to Hermione but she didn't like my presence as much. I'm afraid I may have frightened her some what, why don't you go and see Severus and don't worry I am arranging a meeting for this afternoon to discuss what is to be done so I will inform you of any information exchanged here then, but I would appreciate any information you can get Hermione to give, but remember to ask gently"
"Of course if you'll both excuse me," asked Snape in a gentleman like manner and then left.
"So Albus how long do you think any family problems have been going on for with the poor dear and why on earth doesn't her mother do something?"
"I don't know Poppy but hopefully Severus will be able to fill in the gaps later now if you'll excuse me I must be going the meeting will begin at 7.00pm Sharp that will give you exactly three hours and I would appreciate it if you would attend"
"Of course Albus I will have to give Miss Granger a Dreamless Sleep potion she doesn't like to be away from Severus for too long."
"Do what you must Poppy, see you at seven"
While this was being said Snape was speaking to Hermione.
"How are you feeling Miss Granger?"
"Hermione"
"What?"
"Please call me Hermione, that makes me feel better as do you being with me"
Snape was shocked by this truthful admission, someone actually wanted his company? He knew the statement to be true as he could see it shining clearly in her eyes.
"Well… thank you… Hermione. Now why don't you tell me what happened the day before last" asked Snape in a gentle, commanding voice that was not wise to disobey with.
"Umm okay. Well umm it I suppose began a-a few months ago when umm my moth-mother left…"
Snape only give a slight nod for the girl to continue, not showing his inner struggle of pity and a need to care.
She continued
"My father and I never really got on but I never knew that he was capable of that, you know what he did the other night, and all because I said I would rather die than leave Hogwarts and go to a muggle school that's what he wanted me to do, he said I was abnormal and that he didn't want me to come to this 'freak show' any more said that if…" here she started to falter
"Go on Hermione you are doing great" was the gentle assistance of Snape.
"P-pain and d-death, if pain and death were what was needed to stop me from coming here then so be it and then he h-hit me and tried to-to r-ra-rape me I really don't know how I got away he was so strong and so large, but how-how could he do that to me? I always thought that my parents never minded but they must of, you know…" she said looking up at Snape with tear filled eyes for the first time since she began.
"I haven't heard from my mother for a month she left at the beginning of the holidays said she'd had enough and walked out, what if she had had enough of me and that it was my fault I don't know what to do I never want to go back professor, never" and at this admission she began to cry great racking sobs that shuck her tiny body violently. Snape was full of rage while she told her story, having to hear what those so called parents have done to her but as she began to cry he had only a feeling to comfort her and to be able to touch and sooth her and that is what he did not before…
"Oh Hermione I'm so sorry, but it's not you're fault never say that child never" he said so quietly that she didn't hear, but she didn't have to hear as Snape pulled her into a tight embrace, closed from the world and safe in his arms and that told her that she wasn't alone and that people did still care about her, and Snape being bonded to her was the only person that she needed.
Hope you like and I tried to make it a bit longer
Luv Holly