The rays of sun falling across his face awoke him. Cursing himself for
falling asleep, Snape brushed the hair off his face and sat up, working the
aches out of his joints. Cassandra looked a fair improvement from the night
before, with slightly more color to her cheeks. He was pleased to note that
her breathing was rhythmical, and that the relaxed look remained.
Stretching, he arose from the chair was realized with a start that the pain
in his head was gone. It was such a constant companion that he couldn't
remember the last time he woke up feeling, well, positively decent. It was
very refreshing to have such a clear head. "Peculiar" he muttered under his
breath, and walked over to the table where a tea and breakfast had been
laid out for him by the house elves. Taking the cup and saucer, he sat down
beside the bed again, contemplating the events of the evening, and the
close call he had with his special potion.
"Never do that again." He said out loud, sitting down
"I bet you won't." Came a voice from behind him, startling him out of his contemplative mood.
"Dumbledore! She appears to be doing much better this morning." He spoke, gesturing with his hand.
"Yes, Poppy has been updating me all night as to her status. You look better today as well." Eyes twinkling, Dumbledore slid another chair over and sat. "Mind if I join you for a bit of tea, Severus?"
"Indeed" Snape replied, brooding over his tea as a second cup appeared on the tray. Taking a deep breath, not daring to look up he asked the question which had been haunting him since he awoke. "Are you going to report what happened to the ministry of Magic?"
"Severus, I believe we have a better understanding than that." The old wizard looked at the figure before him, wondering if the younger man would ever understand that he was trustworthy. "You acted in what you believed to be the best interests of the child - there was nothing in her file to indicate that there was a medical condition. How long does the elixir usually last?"
"She should wake up sometime soon. The Elixir was given at around 1 am, and it usually only lasts three hours. but under the circumstances." Snape's voice trailed off, downing the rest of his scalding hot tea in one gulp. Gasping for breath, unable to tell by the amount of light in the infirmary, he queried about the time.
"11:30 in the morning. Don't be alarmed; there's far more than your potion at work here. Sleep deprivation, malnutrition, with a migraine, two epileptic seizures, which are incredibly hard on the body, and a chemical barrage - all extremely exhausting. She would be out regardless of WHAT you gave her." He quietly sipped at his tea and motioned for Severus to have a crumpet.
Too stressed to even begin to contemplate eating, Severus forged on with the many questions he was mulling over. "How did you work it out last night, Albus? How did you come to realize what the problem was? I was completely flummoxed!"
"She's not the first student I have seen with this condition, Severus, though it has been many years since my last epileptic student, and I had the good fortune of being forewarned about the other one."
"I wonder Albus, if there a possibility that this was her first seizure, or if perhaps she was embarrassed or afraid and trying to hide the condition?" Snape took in his breath sharply as a new and more frightening though overtook him. "By Circe, what if that had happened when she was on the stairs, or flying?"
"Honestly Severus, I don't know." Dumbledore replied finishing his tea and rising to leave. "And that is my answer to both of your questions. I will come back later, as I have a few other matters to handle this morning." With that, he left the room.
Snape returned his gaze to the girl, who had rolled over towards him in her sleep. Sipping his tea thoughtfully, he mulled over the possible dangers of her condition, and he marveled at the resiliency of youth. Such strength in such a small frail figure! He had been certain she was going to die last night, and again thanked Merlin that the child had survived. But survived to what? Uncertainty plagued him. Would she be the same brilliant student she was before, or would she be reduced to the likes of a Longbottom.. Or worse? He shuddered at that horrible idea. He knew that prolonged Cruciatus could and would cause permanent brain damage, and the events of last night seemed so similar. So similar and yet so different. He couldn't even begin to imagine what it would have been like had Cassandra been screaming through the entire episode. It had appeared to be SO painful. He knew that level of pain, and knew it well. Wouldn't wish it on his worst enemy, let alone.. Shaking the images out of his inner eye, a rustling of bed sheets brought him abruptly back to the present.
Cassandra raised a hand to rub her eyes, hitting the oxygen tubes. Panicking, she instinctively clawed at them, trying to pull them off her face, and then attempted to jerk free of the lines going to her arms. Jumping from his seat, Snape grabbed at her hands. "Leave them be, child, they are there to help you."
The stirring stopped, and she fell still again. Concerned that the child hadn't spoken, Severus called for Madame Pomfrey. As the Medi-witch approached he rapidly explained what had happened and requested that she run a check over the girl.
"She's doing as well as can be expected Severus. I feel it's a good sign that she recognized that the equipment was irritating her. Don't expect too much, she may not fully regain consciousness for a while yet. Maybe go and stretch your legs and has a shower or something? The other patients were fine this morning, and Miss Caliga is my only charge right now.." Poppy smiled hopefully, knowing that a team of Thestrals would not be able to pull him away if he didn't want to leave.
Severus was faced with a dilemma. He didn't want to go, however after sleeping in a chair, nothing sounded more appealing than a sojourn back to his dungeons for a fresh change of robes and an EXTREMELY hot shower. But what if something happened in the meantime?
"She'll be fine Severus. I'll floo you instantly if there is ANY change in her state, either way." Madame Pomfrey could be incredibly perceptive at times.
After another moment's serious deliberation, Snape decided that the child would most likely be fine with Poppy for ½ hour, and if anything major happened he was basically useless at healing spells anyhow. The dark voice in his mind reminded him of how he could have killed the child last night, and how all of this might be his fault. "Fine then. I'll be back briefly." With a last look at Cassandra, he swept from the room.
___________________________________________________________________________
Indeed, during the next 24 hours, during which Snape again spent the night in a chair, this time splitting his attentions between Cassandra, a stack of Ars Alchema which had appeared while he was gone, and reading the lists on the sides of the Muggle drug bottles. His inner stress levels were growing at the lack of movement or change in the girl's state, certain that regardless of what happened, he was entirely to blame. The sun rose, tea appeared, the oxygen continued to hiss, Madame Pomfrey continued to run checks over the child hourly, and more chemicals were administered via the intravenous bottle. He was once again contemplating an escape from his infirmary hell, although overnight three Hufflepuffs had been coerced into eating some Weasley creation and were suffering various side effects, taking up much of Poppy's time. He made a mental note to deal with them at a later date, and decided that his personal time would quite simply have to wait until later.
As he compared the latest improvements to the Petrification Potion to his personal notes and opinions on the matter, the hairs on the back of his neck went up, and knew he was being watched. Cautiously placing the magazine down, expecting Madame Pomfrey to have come in when he wasn't looking, he was shocked to see his young charge looking towards him. A momentary panic overcame him, and he restrained himself from bolting for the Medi-witch. His well-known sense of logic quickly returned, and he smiled painfully at the young girl, trying to hide the fear and obvious concern on his features.
"Hello Cassandra. How are you feeling?"
She furrowed her brow, seemingly trying to either understand the question or to see him clearly, then gave up the effort and closed her eyes. Snape thought that perhaps she had lost consciousness again, and fear claimed him at the thought that perhaps the child had neither recognized him nor the question. He openly sighed as relief coursed through him when she spoke.
"Tired." Her voice had a rough quality to it, and the word was slow and slightly slurred. "Confused."
The room was silent for a moment, and as the Potions Master tried to determine the best course of action and what to say next, the girl took a deep breath and spoke again.
"Professor Snape?" The words rang with uncertainty.
"Yes Cassandra, I'm here. You're in the infirmary. Would you like a drink of water?"
There was another pause, and then a nod. He conjured a glass with a straw, and the pitcher of ice water which permanently graced the room rose to fill it. Leaning across the bed, he gently placed the straw to her lips.
"Just a bit, or you'll make yourself ill." He cautioned.
She took two sips and then shook her head. As the glass was put aside she opened her eyes, squinting unsuccessfully to focus. "Where am I? What happened? I don't feel very well" Attempting to sit upright, the room tilted and her eyes rolled back and waves of nausea overtook her. Panicking, Severus called out for Madame Pomfrey and placed a reassuring hand over the girl's hair, stroking it. "I think you should try to lay still, Cassie." He spoke quietly. "You have had quite the weekend. Do you remember anything at all?"
Wringing her hands together, she replied. "I remember Potions class." Suddenly her eyes snapped open and a wild fearful look came over her. "Please, please forgive me for running out of class, I am so sorry . I didn't mean to do anything wrong." Her eyes darkened in shame as she tried feebly to sit up again. Snape restrained her this time, wondering what the hell was taking that blasted Medi-witch so frikking long.
"I don't think it is wise of you to get up just yet. I am anything but angry with you Cassandra. If there is any emotion right now, I am relieved and grateful to see you awake, and alive. You gave us one hell of a scare last two nights, and the Headmaster and I have been gravely concerned about you."
"Two nights? I'm sure I am fine. It's was just another headache.. Two nights? I have to.. back to my schoolwork... Essays.. ." confusion found its way back into her voice, and Snape regretted having blurted out so much information. At that moment the Medi-witch DID choose to arrive, and upon hearing Cassandra speaking she shooed an indignant Severus out of the room to run more in-depth health checks and administer the medications harassment free.
___________________________________________________________________________
While Cassandra was being fussed over, Severus returned to his haven in the dungeons, cleaning up, downing a quick glass of fire-whiskey, and collecting his teaching notes for the next day. By the time he had returned to the infirmary, Poppy informed him that Cassandra's blood pressure had risen too rapidly, and she was once again in a drug induced stupor. "Keeping her calm is a priority Severus: it will be far too easy to trigger another fit right now. If she asks you any questions, just ignore them. And call for me the minute she awakens again."
Rolling his eyes once she had left, He re-evaluated the situation. Yes, he had noted how easily confused and flustered the child had been. He was so relieved that she had any mental capacities that he had expected too much from her in the form of explanations, he was sure. He would not make that mistake again. He bent over his lesson plans and chastised himself for being so thoughtless. It was many hours before she awoke again, and his first opportunity for a real conversation came two days later. His lessons were being covered by Professor Sinistra, Albus recognizing that it would be sure disaster to force him to attempt to teach under the circumstances. Their first coherent interaction did not go at all the way that Severus had expected it.
___________________________________________________________________________
Having caught up a bit on his sleep, Severus had returned to his habits of awakening well before the sun rose. The ward was completely silent, Cassandra being the only charge once again, and he was glad that even Madame Pomfrey slept at this time of morning. While sipping his first morning cup of tea, Cassandra began to stir and opened her eyes, which were clear for the first time since Friday.
"Professor, sir." She spoke slowly, although her words were clear and distinct again, no longer muddied.
"Good Morning Cassandra. Would you care for some water?" he replied softly, trying to be very quiet and very careful in his words. Normally he chose words which were notoriously inflammatory, trying to create the biggest reaction possible. This was indeed a challenge to him to work opposite of his nature.
"I'd really like some tea please. It smells wonderful." She slowly made to sit up and Severus had his hand on her elbow, helping her before anything could happen.
She looked shocked at this, and pulled away momentarily with a quick "I'm fine!"
"No, you're not FINE!" He inadvertently spat back at her, once again instantly regretting his actions. Although he didn't let go, Severus was shocked by her strong independent reaction and it showed on his features. He fought back anger at the girl's apparent lack of concern. She just about died, for Merlins sake! Seeing this Cassandra went still, and apologized immediately. He held the glass of water as she took a few sips and then sat back down.
"I'm sorry, sorry sir.I . I am not used to accepting help in any form. It is not in my nature and not how I was raised to be. I generally deal with all of my problems on my own, however." Her voice held a tinge of fear, and she was unable to look at him. A tear threatened her as she finished her statement. "When I think about it, the last couple of weeks have been." A pained expression came onto her face "rather a challenge." She finished lamely.
Severus' mind was spinning in overtime. 'Look at the poor wretch; a mere child got my gourd! How completely pathetic you old miserable sod.' Seeing how difficult it was for the girl to admit illness she obviously compared requiring medical attention to admitting defeat . Why didn't he ever think before he spoke?? First he nearly killed her with his potion (although Dumbledore swore up and down that there was no link, a gnawing suspicion at the back of Snape's mind begged to differ) and now he snaps at her the first time she attempts to speak. Relaxing his jaw, the Potion's Master took a deep breath and decided on a different approach.
"How long have you been suffering from Migraines?" He asked quietly, while mixing her a weak cup of milk tea with sugar.
She eyed him closely as he handed her the drink, then began to speak. "Since I was seven. At first I didn't know what was happening, and they weren't that bad, but they have gotten progressively worse over the years, lasting longer each time. I came here once before in my first year, and her charms and lotions eased it slightly, but really to no effect. I think maybe she thought I had a normal headache or that I wanted to ditch classes." Snape nodded inwardly. "That summer I went to a Muggle doctor with my Mother, and he prescribed Painkillers which were highly effective, though they knocked me out. I have a steady prescription, but after mother..." her voice trailed off again, "but I ran out of those and I couldn't get a refill, so I just tried to ignore it and continue on with schoolwork."
Snape was shocked at how matter-of-factly the girl spoke of this, remembering the huddled mess of soggy robes he had found in the Prefects Bathroom that first night. He also made a mental note to find out what Muggle drugs worked so very well with Migraine. If he could stock up, it would be mutually beneficial. Coming back form his reverie, he saw the girl was studying him closely over her cup of tea.
"You found me, didn't you? When I went up to the bathrooms? I went there so that the others in my dorm could get some sleep. I couldn't stop crying."
Snape nodded the waited for her to continue. She was silent for a few minutes, obviously working hard to piece together what had happened.
"It's hazy, but I think you got me a towel. and walking in the hall. I wonder why everything is so slow when I think. It's such hard work right now." She mused, frustration tingeing her voice. The excitement he had felt at Cassandra's recovery began to dwindle as a concerned look grew on Snape's face. The girl continued on "when I go there, no one can hear me cry. I don't disturb anyone that way. Sometimes the water soothes the pain a little. rhythmical." She looked as if there was more to say, something she couldn't explain, and looked at him hopelessly at a loss. "It's never put me in the hospital before."
"I understand. Next time, find your way to me. I will be of more use than the shower, I guarantee you that. Do not worry about disturbing me. as Head of House I am available for all the needs of my students, all the time... You should not have had to suffer as you did." He looked at her with piercing eyes, searching her mind, trying to discern how much damage had been done.
"Cassandra, I have to ask you this. It was more than your headache that prompted me to bring you up here to Madam Pomfrey. Do you have any other health problems we should know of?"
Her face darkened, and placing her empty teacup on the bedside table she rolled over, facing away from him. "I'm sorry sir, but I'm feeling very tired, and would like to get some more sleep."
"Cassandra." He started, uncertain whether this was the truth or if perhaps she just didn't want to answer him. The sullen form did not respond. Sighing, he rose from the chair and went to leave to talk to the Medi- witch. With a look back, he closed the door behind him.
"Madame Pomfrey?"
She came bustling out from the supply room, seemingly pleased to see him. "Oh, Professor Snape! Is Cassandra awake yet? Or should I go and watch over her?" She queried.
"She is indeed awake, and we spoke for a while. However, she said she is still not feeling well, and wanted to see you." He ground the last few words out of his mouth, certain that if he relayed the entire truth of the conversation, the Medi-Witch would be annoyed that her charge was potentially upset.
"Thank you Severus, I need to run some checks on her now. Could you please let Albus know that the girl is up? I'll speak to you when I am done." With that, she shut the door into the private room, leaving him standing in the infirmary. Casting a scowl at the closed door, Snape stalked over to the window. He was not pleased to be left out of any conversation being held in the other room.
"Never do that again." He said out loud, sitting down
"I bet you won't." Came a voice from behind him, startling him out of his contemplative mood.
"Dumbledore! She appears to be doing much better this morning." He spoke, gesturing with his hand.
"Yes, Poppy has been updating me all night as to her status. You look better today as well." Eyes twinkling, Dumbledore slid another chair over and sat. "Mind if I join you for a bit of tea, Severus?"
"Indeed" Snape replied, brooding over his tea as a second cup appeared on the tray. Taking a deep breath, not daring to look up he asked the question which had been haunting him since he awoke. "Are you going to report what happened to the ministry of Magic?"
"Severus, I believe we have a better understanding than that." The old wizard looked at the figure before him, wondering if the younger man would ever understand that he was trustworthy. "You acted in what you believed to be the best interests of the child - there was nothing in her file to indicate that there was a medical condition. How long does the elixir usually last?"
"She should wake up sometime soon. The Elixir was given at around 1 am, and it usually only lasts three hours. but under the circumstances." Snape's voice trailed off, downing the rest of his scalding hot tea in one gulp. Gasping for breath, unable to tell by the amount of light in the infirmary, he queried about the time.
"11:30 in the morning. Don't be alarmed; there's far more than your potion at work here. Sleep deprivation, malnutrition, with a migraine, two epileptic seizures, which are incredibly hard on the body, and a chemical barrage - all extremely exhausting. She would be out regardless of WHAT you gave her." He quietly sipped at his tea and motioned for Severus to have a crumpet.
Too stressed to even begin to contemplate eating, Severus forged on with the many questions he was mulling over. "How did you work it out last night, Albus? How did you come to realize what the problem was? I was completely flummoxed!"
"She's not the first student I have seen with this condition, Severus, though it has been many years since my last epileptic student, and I had the good fortune of being forewarned about the other one."
"I wonder Albus, if there a possibility that this was her first seizure, or if perhaps she was embarrassed or afraid and trying to hide the condition?" Snape took in his breath sharply as a new and more frightening though overtook him. "By Circe, what if that had happened when she was on the stairs, or flying?"
"Honestly Severus, I don't know." Dumbledore replied finishing his tea and rising to leave. "And that is my answer to both of your questions. I will come back later, as I have a few other matters to handle this morning." With that, he left the room.
Snape returned his gaze to the girl, who had rolled over towards him in her sleep. Sipping his tea thoughtfully, he mulled over the possible dangers of her condition, and he marveled at the resiliency of youth. Such strength in such a small frail figure! He had been certain she was going to die last night, and again thanked Merlin that the child had survived. But survived to what? Uncertainty plagued him. Would she be the same brilliant student she was before, or would she be reduced to the likes of a Longbottom.. Or worse? He shuddered at that horrible idea. He knew that prolonged Cruciatus could and would cause permanent brain damage, and the events of last night seemed so similar. So similar and yet so different. He couldn't even begin to imagine what it would have been like had Cassandra been screaming through the entire episode. It had appeared to be SO painful. He knew that level of pain, and knew it well. Wouldn't wish it on his worst enemy, let alone.. Shaking the images out of his inner eye, a rustling of bed sheets brought him abruptly back to the present.
Cassandra raised a hand to rub her eyes, hitting the oxygen tubes. Panicking, she instinctively clawed at them, trying to pull them off her face, and then attempted to jerk free of the lines going to her arms. Jumping from his seat, Snape grabbed at her hands. "Leave them be, child, they are there to help you."
The stirring stopped, and she fell still again. Concerned that the child hadn't spoken, Severus called for Madame Pomfrey. As the Medi-witch approached he rapidly explained what had happened and requested that she run a check over the girl.
"She's doing as well as can be expected Severus. I feel it's a good sign that she recognized that the equipment was irritating her. Don't expect too much, she may not fully regain consciousness for a while yet. Maybe go and stretch your legs and has a shower or something? The other patients were fine this morning, and Miss Caliga is my only charge right now.." Poppy smiled hopefully, knowing that a team of Thestrals would not be able to pull him away if he didn't want to leave.
Severus was faced with a dilemma. He didn't want to go, however after sleeping in a chair, nothing sounded more appealing than a sojourn back to his dungeons for a fresh change of robes and an EXTREMELY hot shower. But what if something happened in the meantime?
"She'll be fine Severus. I'll floo you instantly if there is ANY change in her state, either way." Madame Pomfrey could be incredibly perceptive at times.
After another moment's serious deliberation, Snape decided that the child would most likely be fine with Poppy for ½ hour, and if anything major happened he was basically useless at healing spells anyhow. The dark voice in his mind reminded him of how he could have killed the child last night, and how all of this might be his fault. "Fine then. I'll be back briefly." With a last look at Cassandra, he swept from the room.
___________________________________________________________________________
Indeed, during the next 24 hours, during which Snape again spent the night in a chair, this time splitting his attentions between Cassandra, a stack of Ars Alchema which had appeared while he was gone, and reading the lists on the sides of the Muggle drug bottles. His inner stress levels were growing at the lack of movement or change in the girl's state, certain that regardless of what happened, he was entirely to blame. The sun rose, tea appeared, the oxygen continued to hiss, Madame Pomfrey continued to run checks over the child hourly, and more chemicals were administered via the intravenous bottle. He was once again contemplating an escape from his infirmary hell, although overnight three Hufflepuffs had been coerced into eating some Weasley creation and were suffering various side effects, taking up much of Poppy's time. He made a mental note to deal with them at a later date, and decided that his personal time would quite simply have to wait until later.
As he compared the latest improvements to the Petrification Potion to his personal notes and opinions on the matter, the hairs on the back of his neck went up, and knew he was being watched. Cautiously placing the magazine down, expecting Madame Pomfrey to have come in when he wasn't looking, he was shocked to see his young charge looking towards him. A momentary panic overcame him, and he restrained himself from bolting for the Medi-witch. His well-known sense of logic quickly returned, and he smiled painfully at the young girl, trying to hide the fear and obvious concern on his features.
"Hello Cassandra. How are you feeling?"
She furrowed her brow, seemingly trying to either understand the question or to see him clearly, then gave up the effort and closed her eyes. Snape thought that perhaps she had lost consciousness again, and fear claimed him at the thought that perhaps the child had neither recognized him nor the question. He openly sighed as relief coursed through him when she spoke.
"Tired." Her voice had a rough quality to it, and the word was slow and slightly slurred. "Confused."
The room was silent for a moment, and as the Potions Master tried to determine the best course of action and what to say next, the girl took a deep breath and spoke again.
"Professor Snape?" The words rang with uncertainty.
"Yes Cassandra, I'm here. You're in the infirmary. Would you like a drink of water?"
There was another pause, and then a nod. He conjured a glass with a straw, and the pitcher of ice water which permanently graced the room rose to fill it. Leaning across the bed, he gently placed the straw to her lips.
"Just a bit, or you'll make yourself ill." He cautioned.
She took two sips and then shook her head. As the glass was put aside she opened her eyes, squinting unsuccessfully to focus. "Where am I? What happened? I don't feel very well" Attempting to sit upright, the room tilted and her eyes rolled back and waves of nausea overtook her. Panicking, Severus called out for Madame Pomfrey and placed a reassuring hand over the girl's hair, stroking it. "I think you should try to lay still, Cassie." He spoke quietly. "You have had quite the weekend. Do you remember anything at all?"
Wringing her hands together, she replied. "I remember Potions class." Suddenly her eyes snapped open and a wild fearful look came over her. "Please, please forgive me for running out of class, I am so sorry . I didn't mean to do anything wrong." Her eyes darkened in shame as she tried feebly to sit up again. Snape restrained her this time, wondering what the hell was taking that blasted Medi-witch so frikking long.
"I don't think it is wise of you to get up just yet. I am anything but angry with you Cassandra. If there is any emotion right now, I am relieved and grateful to see you awake, and alive. You gave us one hell of a scare last two nights, and the Headmaster and I have been gravely concerned about you."
"Two nights? I'm sure I am fine. It's was just another headache.. Two nights? I have to.. back to my schoolwork... Essays.. ." confusion found its way back into her voice, and Snape regretted having blurted out so much information. At that moment the Medi-witch DID choose to arrive, and upon hearing Cassandra speaking she shooed an indignant Severus out of the room to run more in-depth health checks and administer the medications harassment free.
___________________________________________________________________________
While Cassandra was being fussed over, Severus returned to his haven in the dungeons, cleaning up, downing a quick glass of fire-whiskey, and collecting his teaching notes for the next day. By the time he had returned to the infirmary, Poppy informed him that Cassandra's blood pressure had risen too rapidly, and she was once again in a drug induced stupor. "Keeping her calm is a priority Severus: it will be far too easy to trigger another fit right now. If she asks you any questions, just ignore them. And call for me the minute she awakens again."
Rolling his eyes once she had left, He re-evaluated the situation. Yes, he had noted how easily confused and flustered the child had been. He was so relieved that she had any mental capacities that he had expected too much from her in the form of explanations, he was sure. He would not make that mistake again. He bent over his lesson plans and chastised himself for being so thoughtless. It was many hours before she awoke again, and his first opportunity for a real conversation came two days later. His lessons were being covered by Professor Sinistra, Albus recognizing that it would be sure disaster to force him to attempt to teach under the circumstances. Their first coherent interaction did not go at all the way that Severus had expected it.
___________________________________________________________________________
Having caught up a bit on his sleep, Severus had returned to his habits of awakening well before the sun rose. The ward was completely silent, Cassandra being the only charge once again, and he was glad that even Madame Pomfrey slept at this time of morning. While sipping his first morning cup of tea, Cassandra began to stir and opened her eyes, which were clear for the first time since Friday.
"Professor, sir." She spoke slowly, although her words were clear and distinct again, no longer muddied.
"Good Morning Cassandra. Would you care for some water?" he replied softly, trying to be very quiet and very careful in his words. Normally he chose words which were notoriously inflammatory, trying to create the biggest reaction possible. This was indeed a challenge to him to work opposite of his nature.
"I'd really like some tea please. It smells wonderful." She slowly made to sit up and Severus had his hand on her elbow, helping her before anything could happen.
She looked shocked at this, and pulled away momentarily with a quick "I'm fine!"
"No, you're not FINE!" He inadvertently spat back at her, once again instantly regretting his actions. Although he didn't let go, Severus was shocked by her strong independent reaction and it showed on his features. He fought back anger at the girl's apparent lack of concern. She just about died, for Merlins sake! Seeing this Cassandra went still, and apologized immediately. He held the glass of water as she took a few sips and then sat back down.
"I'm sorry, sorry sir.I . I am not used to accepting help in any form. It is not in my nature and not how I was raised to be. I generally deal with all of my problems on my own, however." Her voice held a tinge of fear, and she was unable to look at him. A tear threatened her as she finished her statement. "When I think about it, the last couple of weeks have been." A pained expression came onto her face "rather a challenge." She finished lamely.
Severus' mind was spinning in overtime. 'Look at the poor wretch; a mere child got my gourd! How completely pathetic you old miserable sod.' Seeing how difficult it was for the girl to admit illness she obviously compared requiring medical attention to admitting defeat . Why didn't he ever think before he spoke?? First he nearly killed her with his potion (although Dumbledore swore up and down that there was no link, a gnawing suspicion at the back of Snape's mind begged to differ) and now he snaps at her the first time she attempts to speak. Relaxing his jaw, the Potion's Master took a deep breath and decided on a different approach.
"How long have you been suffering from Migraines?" He asked quietly, while mixing her a weak cup of milk tea with sugar.
She eyed him closely as he handed her the drink, then began to speak. "Since I was seven. At first I didn't know what was happening, and they weren't that bad, but they have gotten progressively worse over the years, lasting longer each time. I came here once before in my first year, and her charms and lotions eased it slightly, but really to no effect. I think maybe she thought I had a normal headache or that I wanted to ditch classes." Snape nodded inwardly. "That summer I went to a Muggle doctor with my Mother, and he prescribed Painkillers which were highly effective, though they knocked me out. I have a steady prescription, but after mother..." her voice trailed off again, "but I ran out of those and I couldn't get a refill, so I just tried to ignore it and continue on with schoolwork."
Snape was shocked at how matter-of-factly the girl spoke of this, remembering the huddled mess of soggy robes he had found in the Prefects Bathroom that first night. He also made a mental note to find out what Muggle drugs worked so very well with Migraine. If he could stock up, it would be mutually beneficial. Coming back form his reverie, he saw the girl was studying him closely over her cup of tea.
"You found me, didn't you? When I went up to the bathrooms? I went there so that the others in my dorm could get some sleep. I couldn't stop crying."
Snape nodded the waited for her to continue. She was silent for a few minutes, obviously working hard to piece together what had happened.
"It's hazy, but I think you got me a towel. and walking in the hall. I wonder why everything is so slow when I think. It's such hard work right now." She mused, frustration tingeing her voice. The excitement he had felt at Cassandra's recovery began to dwindle as a concerned look grew on Snape's face. The girl continued on "when I go there, no one can hear me cry. I don't disturb anyone that way. Sometimes the water soothes the pain a little. rhythmical." She looked as if there was more to say, something she couldn't explain, and looked at him hopelessly at a loss. "It's never put me in the hospital before."
"I understand. Next time, find your way to me. I will be of more use than the shower, I guarantee you that. Do not worry about disturbing me. as Head of House I am available for all the needs of my students, all the time... You should not have had to suffer as you did." He looked at her with piercing eyes, searching her mind, trying to discern how much damage had been done.
"Cassandra, I have to ask you this. It was more than your headache that prompted me to bring you up here to Madam Pomfrey. Do you have any other health problems we should know of?"
Her face darkened, and placing her empty teacup on the bedside table she rolled over, facing away from him. "I'm sorry sir, but I'm feeling very tired, and would like to get some more sleep."
"Cassandra." He started, uncertain whether this was the truth or if perhaps she just didn't want to answer him. The sullen form did not respond. Sighing, he rose from the chair and went to leave to talk to the Medi- witch. With a look back, he closed the door behind him.
"Madame Pomfrey?"
She came bustling out from the supply room, seemingly pleased to see him. "Oh, Professor Snape! Is Cassandra awake yet? Or should I go and watch over her?" She queried.
"She is indeed awake, and we spoke for a while. However, she said she is still not feeling well, and wanted to see you." He ground the last few words out of his mouth, certain that if he relayed the entire truth of the conversation, the Medi-Witch would be annoyed that her charge was potentially upset.
"Thank you Severus, I need to run some checks on her now. Could you please let Albus know that the girl is up? I'll speak to you when I am done." With that, she shut the door into the private room, leaving him standing in the infirmary. Casting a scowl at the closed door, Snape stalked over to the window. He was not pleased to be left out of any conversation being held in the other room.