Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling.
Thanks goes to Snapebbwlover for beta reading. I also owe my thanks to Estrilda for grammar beta reading for me.
The Gifts of Love
Chapter 12: Limited Truths
Laughter and chatter where the most heard sounds in the Great Hall as Hogwarts students filed in, sitting down at numerous round tables with friends of varying houses. It was mandatory on a Monday morning to attend breakfast unless specifically excused by a professor because this was the time of the week that announcements were most common. This Monday was no different except for the lack of announcement.
Draco and Ginny sat somberly at their usual table with Harry, Padma, Ron and Luna. Harry sensed that there was something amiss with Ginny and Draco and once he caught his friend Ron's eye, nodded towards Ginny and Draco in a slight motion. Ron picked up on the discomfiture as well, which made him more curious as to where Hermione was.
"Draco, where's Hermione?" Ron asked.
"Sick," Draco muttered.
Ron glanced back to Harry and due to years of the intimacy of friendship a silent understanding of something being wrong was concluded in their brief moment of acknowledgement. Padma and Luna each sensed their boyfriends worry, knowing that although those surrounding them at present were close, were gradually being let into the close circle and hence, progressively learning the subtleties that aroused their partner's curiosity. Padma, who was sitting closest to Ginny turned to her and spoke discreetly, "Ginny, what's wrong?"
Ginny raised her eyes and Padma could tell she had been crying earlier that morning. She also knew that Ginny wouldn't say a word, and although she didn't understand Ginny's motives, hugged her softly in support. Ginny returned the embrace for a moment before sitting back straight. The others at the table watched with confusion; only Draco looked on with understanding. With the exception of a few of the professors, the residual occupants of the Great Hall remained oblivious to the red-head's current disposition.
Dumbledore stood up and tapped his spoon on his goblet to draw attention to those in the Hall that silence was required. It was only once this was achieved did he somberly began to speak. "I am saddened to make this statement but it must be done. Last night Professor Snape, while in working in the capacity of a spy for me within Voldemort's circle, was tortured and killed." Dumbledore decided to state part of the truth, the truth that would clear Severus' name. His death announcement was to make Voldemort think he succeeded while protecting Severus from future attacks... if he ever woke up.
Dumbledore waited for silence to come again, the students gasped and started to talk in surprise. The Headmaster tapped his spoon on the goblet again to obtain the students attention once more. "Classes have been cancelled for the day, and a memorial service is scheduled for three o'clock here in the Great Hall. Tomorrow, I must ask you all attend breakfast as a new professor of potions will be introduced." Dumbledore concluded with his normally omnipresent twinkle disturbingly absent.
The food for breakfast appeared and although some students gathered what they desired and began to eat, others were still too shocked to do so. Many would admit silently to themselves that although they may have despised their Potions Master, learning of his true loyalties and fate called them to question everything they had once believed. It would seem that only the Slytherins were able to completely disguise their disgust and pain and continue on as normal.
Harry and Ron could tell what Dumbledore had told those present was not the complete truth; there was more to the story. Though they didn't say anything, by silent understanding once again knew that Ginny and Draco were involved, or at the very least knew more than what had been expressed.
The quietness in the Great Hall slowly faded away as students started to whisper to each other, though the members of Harry and Ron's table stayed silent wanting to finish quickly it would seem to hurry and see Dumbledore privately. When breakfast was over the students left to go back to their dormitories and Draco, Ginny, Ron, and Harry went to the Head Suite. Luna and Padma went back to Ravenclaw knowing the friends needed to be alone for private reasons.
----------
Draco and Ginny continued to remain silent as the four friends entered the Head Suite and sat down together on the couch. Ron made himself comfortable in a single chair next to the hearth while Harry walked over to Hermione's door and knocked. When he received no answer he knocked harder; receiving no answer again he opened the door to find an empty bed. Harry left the door open and walked back to where Draco was.
"Where is Hermione?"
Draco looked up, Harry could see the sadness in his eyes. "I can't tell you; only the Headmaster can."
"Why? What's happened?" Harry demanded.
"I'm sorry Harry. I'm not allowed to tell you."
"Fine," Harry growled. "Ginny."
Ginny refused to look at Harry and hung her head lower.
"Then we're going to see Dumbledore." Harry said in angry frustration.
Ron nodded his agreement and stood up. Draco and Ginny followed knowing if Dumbledore told Harry and Ron the truth; they would need their support.
The walk to the Headmaster's office was long and silent. Harry was more than a little worried for his best friend and angry because he had a feeling this had something to do with Snape. The three had to hurry to keep up with Harry, who was determined to find out what was going on. When they reached the gargoyle Harry hissed the password he had been given in case he ever needed to talk to Dumbledore immediately in relation to Voldemort. The four climbed the stairs quickly to find Dumbledore's office door open.
"Come in everyone," Dumbledore said to the group. "I was expecting you."
Harry threw away all civility and demanded, "Where's Hermione?"
"Harry, please have a seat. I have much to explain." Dumbledore gestured to the empty seats behind the students.
Everyone took a seat and waited for explanations.
"Harry, Ron, I need to first ask if you know of the curse Verus amor aut letum?"
Both boys shook their heads no and Dumbledore continued on. "The curse when cast on someone gives them one week to find their true love or they face death."
"Hermione has this curse on her?" Harry and Ron asked together.
"Calm down you two. Hermione has found her true love." Dumbledore waited for a moment to let the information sink in.
"Who?" Harry finally asked.
"Severus Snape."
Ron was became speechless and woozy and Harry's eyes narrowed and his breathing became tense as incredulous loathing filled him. "What?" Harry spat.
"Harry you need to relax," Dumbledore warned.
"Hermione would never love that greasy git!" Harry sneered.
Draco and Ginny stood up in defense. "Snape is not what you think he is!" Draco seethed at Harry.
The two friends never agreed about Severus but Harry had kept that to himself in respect of their friendship. That all changed with Harry's following words as he turned to Draco and spat, "Yes he is! He would only hurt Hermione!"
"Hermione is only alive because Snape admitted he loved her," Ginny told Harry.
Harry went became silent at that while Ron became fully aware of what was happening around him and stared at his sister.
Dumbledore came around his desk and faced the four teenagers. "Harry, Ron, Hermione is in a complicated situation right now and will need your support, not your negativity."
"What do you mean complicated? What's happened?" Harry asked but with a calmer tone.
"Saturday, during the Hogsmeade attack, Severus was watching Hermione. He noticed a Death Eater behind Ginny and her, so he apparated both of them to safety before going back to fight against them. Unfortunately this was not unnoticed by another Death Eater. Lucius Malfoy saw it and reported it to Voldemort." Dumbledore paused and took a breath, "Severus was tortured with Cruciatus and beaten. He has lost his mind. But because of the curse first placed on Hermione they share ability to feel curses thrown at each other. Hermione felt half of the Cruciatus and is now in a coma herself." Dumbledore explained softly.
"But you said Snape was dead?" Ron asked confused.
"I told the student body that so Voldemort would think he had died. I wish to protect him as much as I can and that was the best way," Dumbledore said.
"May we see Hermione?" Harry asked softly, he calmed down greatly.
"They are together. Can you handle that?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes," Harry answered.
Dumbledore looked to Ron and waited for his nod. When he received this acquiescence Dumbledore walked to the fireplace and threw some floo powder in. "Draco, you first."
Draco nodded, grabbed a small amount of floo powder and stepped in and threw the powder into the fire. "Severus Snape's chambers!"
"Ginny," Dumbledore held the pot of floo powder out.
Ginny repeated the process, followed by Harry, Ron and Dumbledore.
When Dumbledore arrived Harry and Ron were looking around wondering if the chambers were really Snape's. They had pictured green and silver or black everywhere, but what they confronted with were earth tone colors: hunter green, dark red, rich brown and tan. The room was open with a couch and two comfortable looking chairs surrounding a coffee table in front of the fireplace. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled to capacity.
Harry and Ron soon realized there was a cat watching them from the couch. Harry narrowed his eyes at the all too familiar feline, which jumped off the couch it was laying on and changed in midair to the familiar form of Minerva McGonagall.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley," she acknowledged, "I expect you both to respect whose chambers you are in." McGonagall clarified immediately before nodding to Draco and Ginny, knowing they already respected Snape's chambers.
Draco and Ginny, followed by the others, walked to a closed door and opened it slowly. The four students walked in as Dumbledore and McGonagall stayed near the door. Draco and Ginny stood back as Harry and Ron approached the bed that Hermione laid in.
Ron was unsure what to think with Severus lying next to Hermione. The contrast between them was apparent. Severus with his tall, lean, pale skinned body was stark against Hermione's short, skinny body and tanned skin. Ron looked to Harry and it seemed he was dealing with the same comparison.
Harry turned to Dumbledore, "When is she supposed to wake up?"
Dumbledore was silent for a moment contemplating whether or not to tell him but decided it would be best if all present were made aware of the complete truth. "I don't know. Madam Pomfrey has reported it can be an hour or not at all."
"But she has to wake up." Ron spoke softly but with force.
"Mr. Weasley," a new voice added, "you will watch yourself. Ms. Granger only needs positive attitudes present. If you cannot do this you will be removed immediately!"
The students looked to Pomfrey and Ron nodded, not daring to speak any more. As Pomfrey approached the bed, Harry and Ron scrambled to move away allowing the mediwitch to check her patients. After several complicated charms and spells with intricate wand-waving Pomfrey was finished. She walked straight to Dumbledore and McGonagall at the door and started to whisper softly for their ears only.
After a few minutes of silent talking, Draco and Ginny approached the staff both looking expectant.
Dumbledore looked at them but still with no twinkle in his eye, "They are both healing better physically but their minds are still the same."
Draco and Ginny's heads fell in defeat before Draco went to Severus' side while and Ginny sat next to Hermione, each trying to use their will to bring the two unconscious lovers back to waking.
Harry and Ron were confused by the whole situation still but stayed silent, not knowing what to say now aware that their best friend was in a coma lying next to her love, their most hated teacher and who was himself in a coma after losing his mind due to being discovered as a spy for Dumbledore.
----------
Harry, Ron, Draco and Ginny continued to visit Hermione and Severus regularly. Dumbledore had set it up so the Head Suite had floo access to Severus' chambers to allow them to visit whenever they wanted. The effects of the curses gradually disappeared from Hermione and Severus' bodies, but the damage to their minds was still unrelenting.
When the students left after the first visit and headed back to the Head Suite, Harry and Ron were still unsure what to think of Hermione and Severus. They both considered that Draco and Ginny supported the two and they also knew their two friends would not support Hermione in a relationship that would be negative, even if Severus was Draco's mentor.
Over the days the two boys had gotten used to the idea of their best friends relationship the fact, they looked more into the curse that was placed on Hermione back in September. Though Draco and Ginny wanted to tell the boys of Hermione and Severus' new gifts in the thought it may aid them, and to be completely honest and open in their knowledge of both Severus and Hermione but they felt it was only for Hermione to do so.
The morning after the truth was revealed the students of Hogwarts was introduced to their new potions master, Professor Walter Prisma. The students were cautious when in his class but they soon learned he was fair and more relaxed than Snape had ever been, though still strict with the potions. When Draco, Harry, Ron or Ginny were in class they were usually silent but did their work, their minds were focused on their friend and previous potions master.
Hermione was reported to be in an isolated room in the hospital wing. Many had asked how she was doing; Pomfrey would merely answer better than yesterday. And this wasn't a lie, though she looked better, her body was better, her mind though still refused to wake up.
----------
Hermione's body ached. Her limbs were stiff, she felt like she hadn't used them in days. She could hear voices but couldn't clearly make out what was being said. Hermione tried to force her eyes open but the eyelids refused to lift. She drifted back to sleep, exhausted from the short time she had tried to get her body to cooperate.
---------
"I found it," McGonagall said softly to Dumbledore.
"I knew you would, dear," Dumbledore sat down next to McGonagall on the couch in their sitting room. "Is it as we thought?"
"Yes, I'm afraid it is," McGonagall sighed.
"Let's hope she wakes up."
"Even if she does, this is dangerous Albus. She could be lost within him," McGonagall looked to her long time secret husband.
"Yes, but it is the only chance. You know she will not give up easily and would risk anything for him. This will just be another test for the two," Dumbledore reasoned before closing the book in front of his wife and pulling her back to sit on the couch more comfortably.
----------
Blackness enveloped Severus. There was a faint humming noise that was becoming louder and more annoying. As the noise grew he could begin to make out voices. They were angry and shouting, he could hear cries of pain and fear. He opened his eyes and looked around to find the source of the offending racket. A mob of people was closing in around him. As the horde got closer he could see many different versions of himself as well as multiples of other people he had known.
There was his father taking his ever-present belt to Severus' scrawny six year old self. He was always being beaten by his father for some reason or another. Sometimes for no reason at all except for his father's own sadistic enjoyment. There was his mother trying to intervene on his behalf only to be backhanded across the face by his father.
There was himself at eleven on the Hogwarts Express being teased by Sirius Black and James Potter. They were making fun of his appearance. Saying his family was so obsessed with keeping their bloodlines pure that they were inbreeding; it was the only explanation that would account for Severus' looks.
There he was at fifteen locked in his room making potions. His father threatening that he would not be allowed out until he got the potion correct.
His father teaching him to duel. Throwing painful curse after painful curse at him. Calling him weak and pathetic for his inability to block or throw the curses back.
The images and the emotions, hitting him like battering surf, were overwhelming. It was all of his darkest memories. The ones he thought were safely locked away in the deepest recesses of his mind. The ones too painful to reminisce on.
The incessant cacophony of the crowd was deafening. Devastating. He tried to block them out, ignore them but to no avail. He tried to fight his way through, to break free of the throng, but there was no way. When he got too close to them he could feel the waves of fear, anger, hatred and despair rip through him.
The mob kept moving in. He was trapped. Severus thought wryly to himself that if he hadn't already lost his mind to the Cruciatus curse that he would be in grave danger of losing it here.
He paced in the small circle they had left around him when they finally stopped advancing, racking his mind for a solution to his nightmares. He thought of Hermione, his true love and prayed to the god and goddess that she was not in a similar state. He sank to his knees as his heart ached for her.
----------
Days continued to pass with Hermione and Severus still unconscious. Hermione continued to wake up for seconds at a time but went back to sleep. Severus was locked in his mind, replaying his history, replaying his happiness with Hermione and wishing he could get back to her.
Their friends continued to visit.
Dumbledore and McGonagall continued to work on a spell that could help Severus if Hermione ever woke up.
----------
To be continued...
Thanks goes to Snapebbwlover for beta reading. I also owe my thanks to Estrilda for grammar beta reading for me.
The Gifts of Love
Chapter 12: Limited Truths
Laughter and chatter where the most heard sounds in the Great Hall as Hogwarts students filed in, sitting down at numerous round tables with friends of varying houses. It was mandatory on a Monday morning to attend breakfast unless specifically excused by a professor because this was the time of the week that announcements were most common. This Monday was no different except for the lack of announcement.
Draco and Ginny sat somberly at their usual table with Harry, Padma, Ron and Luna. Harry sensed that there was something amiss with Ginny and Draco and once he caught his friend Ron's eye, nodded towards Ginny and Draco in a slight motion. Ron picked up on the discomfiture as well, which made him more curious as to where Hermione was.
"Draco, where's Hermione?" Ron asked.
"Sick," Draco muttered.
Ron glanced back to Harry and due to years of the intimacy of friendship a silent understanding of something being wrong was concluded in their brief moment of acknowledgement. Padma and Luna each sensed their boyfriends worry, knowing that although those surrounding them at present were close, were gradually being let into the close circle and hence, progressively learning the subtleties that aroused their partner's curiosity. Padma, who was sitting closest to Ginny turned to her and spoke discreetly, "Ginny, what's wrong?"
Ginny raised her eyes and Padma could tell she had been crying earlier that morning. She also knew that Ginny wouldn't say a word, and although she didn't understand Ginny's motives, hugged her softly in support. Ginny returned the embrace for a moment before sitting back straight. The others at the table watched with confusion; only Draco looked on with understanding. With the exception of a few of the professors, the residual occupants of the Great Hall remained oblivious to the red-head's current disposition.
Dumbledore stood up and tapped his spoon on his goblet to draw attention to those in the Hall that silence was required. It was only once this was achieved did he somberly began to speak. "I am saddened to make this statement but it must be done. Last night Professor Snape, while in working in the capacity of a spy for me within Voldemort's circle, was tortured and killed." Dumbledore decided to state part of the truth, the truth that would clear Severus' name. His death announcement was to make Voldemort think he succeeded while protecting Severus from future attacks... if he ever woke up.
Dumbledore waited for silence to come again, the students gasped and started to talk in surprise. The Headmaster tapped his spoon on the goblet again to obtain the students attention once more. "Classes have been cancelled for the day, and a memorial service is scheduled for three o'clock here in the Great Hall. Tomorrow, I must ask you all attend breakfast as a new professor of potions will be introduced." Dumbledore concluded with his normally omnipresent twinkle disturbingly absent.
The food for breakfast appeared and although some students gathered what they desired and began to eat, others were still too shocked to do so. Many would admit silently to themselves that although they may have despised their Potions Master, learning of his true loyalties and fate called them to question everything they had once believed. It would seem that only the Slytherins were able to completely disguise their disgust and pain and continue on as normal.
Harry and Ron could tell what Dumbledore had told those present was not the complete truth; there was more to the story. Though they didn't say anything, by silent understanding once again knew that Ginny and Draco were involved, or at the very least knew more than what had been expressed.
The quietness in the Great Hall slowly faded away as students started to whisper to each other, though the members of Harry and Ron's table stayed silent wanting to finish quickly it would seem to hurry and see Dumbledore privately. When breakfast was over the students left to go back to their dormitories and Draco, Ginny, Ron, and Harry went to the Head Suite. Luna and Padma went back to Ravenclaw knowing the friends needed to be alone for private reasons.
----------
Draco and Ginny continued to remain silent as the four friends entered the Head Suite and sat down together on the couch. Ron made himself comfortable in a single chair next to the hearth while Harry walked over to Hermione's door and knocked. When he received no answer he knocked harder; receiving no answer again he opened the door to find an empty bed. Harry left the door open and walked back to where Draco was.
"Where is Hermione?"
Draco looked up, Harry could see the sadness in his eyes. "I can't tell you; only the Headmaster can."
"Why? What's happened?" Harry demanded.
"I'm sorry Harry. I'm not allowed to tell you."
"Fine," Harry growled. "Ginny."
Ginny refused to look at Harry and hung her head lower.
"Then we're going to see Dumbledore." Harry said in angry frustration.
Ron nodded his agreement and stood up. Draco and Ginny followed knowing if Dumbledore told Harry and Ron the truth; they would need their support.
The walk to the Headmaster's office was long and silent. Harry was more than a little worried for his best friend and angry because he had a feeling this had something to do with Snape. The three had to hurry to keep up with Harry, who was determined to find out what was going on. When they reached the gargoyle Harry hissed the password he had been given in case he ever needed to talk to Dumbledore immediately in relation to Voldemort. The four climbed the stairs quickly to find Dumbledore's office door open.
"Come in everyone," Dumbledore said to the group. "I was expecting you."
Harry threw away all civility and demanded, "Where's Hermione?"
"Harry, please have a seat. I have much to explain." Dumbledore gestured to the empty seats behind the students.
Everyone took a seat and waited for explanations.
"Harry, Ron, I need to first ask if you know of the curse Verus amor aut letum?"
Both boys shook their heads no and Dumbledore continued on. "The curse when cast on someone gives them one week to find their true love or they face death."
"Hermione has this curse on her?" Harry and Ron asked together.
"Calm down you two. Hermione has found her true love." Dumbledore waited for a moment to let the information sink in.
"Who?" Harry finally asked.
"Severus Snape."
Ron was became speechless and woozy and Harry's eyes narrowed and his breathing became tense as incredulous loathing filled him. "What?" Harry spat.
"Harry you need to relax," Dumbledore warned.
"Hermione would never love that greasy git!" Harry sneered.
Draco and Ginny stood up in defense. "Snape is not what you think he is!" Draco seethed at Harry.
The two friends never agreed about Severus but Harry had kept that to himself in respect of their friendship. That all changed with Harry's following words as he turned to Draco and spat, "Yes he is! He would only hurt Hermione!"
"Hermione is only alive because Snape admitted he loved her," Ginny told Harry.
Harry went became silent at that while Ron became fully aware of what was happening around him and stared at his sister.
Dumbledore came around his desk and faced the four teenagers. "Harry, Ron, Hermione is in a complicated situation right now and will need your support, not your negativity."
"What do you mean complicated? What's happened?" Harry asked but with a calmer tone.
"Saturday, during the Hogsmeade attack, Severus was watching Hermione. He noticed a Death Eater behind Ginny and her, so he apparated both of them to safety before going back to fight against them. Unfortunately this was not unnoticed by another Death Eater. Lucius Malfoy saw it and reported it to Voldemort." Dumbledore paused and took a breath, "Severus was tortured with Cruciatus and beaten. He has lost his mind. But because of the curse first placed on Hermione they share ability to feel curses thrown at each other. Hermione felt half of the Cruciatus and is now in a coma herself." Dumbledore explained softly.
"But you said Snape was dead?" Ron asked confused.
"I told the student body that so Voldemort would think he had died. I wish to protect him as much as I can and that was the best way," Dumbledore said.
"May we see Hermione?" Harry asked softly, he calmed down greatly.
"They are together. Can you handle that?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes," Harry answered.
Dumbledore looked to Ron and waited for his nod. When he received this acquiescence Dumbledore walked to the fireplace and threw some floo powder in. "Draco, you first."
Draco nodded, grabbed a small amount of floo powder and stepped in and threw the powder into the fire. "Severus Snape's chambers!"
"Ginny," Dumbledore held the pot of floo powder out.
Ginny repeated the process, followed by Harry, Ron and Dumbledore.
When Dumbledore arrived Harry and Ron were looking around wondering if the chambers were really Snape's. They had pictured green and silver or black everywhere, but what they confronted with were earth tone colors: hunter green, dark red, rich brown and tan. The room was open with a couch and two comfortable looking chairs surrounding a coffee table in front of the fireplace. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled to capacity.
Harry and Ron soon realized there was a cat watching them from the couch. Harry narrowed his eyes at the all too familiar feline, which jumped off the couch it was laying on and changed in midair to the familiar form of Minerva McGonagall.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley," she acknowledged, "I expect you both to respect whose chambers you are in." McGonagall clarified immediately before nodding to Draco and Ginny, knowing they already respected Snape's chambers.
Draco and Ginny, followed by the others, walked to a closed door and opened it slowly. The four students walked in as Dumbledore and McGonagall stayed near the door. Draco and Ginny stood back as Harry and Ron approached the bed that Hermione laid in.
Ron was unsure what to think with Severus lying next to Hermione. The contrast between them was apparent. Severus with his tall, lean, pale skinned body was stark against Hermione's short, skinny body and tanned skin. Ron looked to Harry and it seemed he was dealing with the same comparison.
Harry turned to Dumbledore, "When is she supposed to wake up?"
Dumbledore was silent for a moment contemplating whether or not to tell him but decided it would be best if all present were made aware of the complete truth. "I don't know. Madam Pomfrey has reported it can be an hour or not at all."
"But she has to wake up." Ron spoke softly but with force.
"Mr. Weasley," a new voice added, "you will watch yourself. Ms. Granger only needs positive attitudes present. If you cannot do this you will be removed immediately!"
The students looked to Pomfrey and Ron nodded, not daring to speak any more. As Pomfrey approached the bed, Harry and Ron scrambled to move away allowing the mediwitch to check her patients. After several complicated charms and spells with intricate wand-waving Pomfrey was finished. She walked straight to Dumbledore and McGonagall at the door and started to whisper softly for their ears only.
After a few minutes of silent talking, Draco and Ginny approached the staff both looking expectant.
Dumbledore looked at them but still with no twinkle in his eye, "They are both healing better physically but their minds are still the same."
Draco and Ginny's heads fell in defeat before Draco went to Severus' side while and Ginny sat next to Hermione, each trying to use their will to bring the two unconscious lovers back to waking.
Harry and Ron were confused by the whole situation still but stayed silent, not knowing what to say now aware that their best friend was in a coma lying next to her love, their most hated teacher and who was himself in a coma after losing his mind due to being discovered as a spy for Dumbledore.
----------
Harry, Ron, Draco and Ginny continued to visit Hermione and Severus regularly. Dumbledore had set it up so the Head Suite had floo access to Severus' chambers to allow them to visit whenever they wanted. The effects of the curses gradually disappeared from Hermione and Severus' bodies, but the damage to their minds was still unrelenting.
When the students left after the first visit and headed back to the Head Suite, Harry and Ron were still unsure what to think of Hermione and Severus. They both considered that Draco and Ginny supported the two and they also knew their two friends would not support Hermione in a relationship that would be negative, even if Severus was Draco's mentor.
Over the days the two boys had gotten used to the idea of their best friends relationship the fact, they looked more into the curse that was placed on Hermione back in September. Though Draco and Ginny wanted to tell the boys of Hermione and Severus' new gifts in the thought it may aid them, and to be completely honest and open in their knowledge of both Severus and Hermione but they felt it was only for Hermione to do so.
The morning after the truth was revealed the students of Hogwarts was introduced to their new potions master, Professor Walter Prisma. The students were cautious when in his class but they soon learned he was fair and more relaxed than Snape had ever been, though still strict with the potions. When Draco, Harry, Ron or Ginny were in class they were usually silent but did their work, their minds were focused on their friend and previous potions master.
Hermione was reported to be in an isolated room in the hospital wing. Many had asked how she was doing; Pomfrey would merely answer better than yesterday. And this wasn't a lie, though she looked better, her body was better, her mind though still refused to wake up.
----------
Hermione's body ached. Her limbs were stiff, she felt like she hadn't used them in days. She could hear voices but couldn't clearly make out what was being said. Hermione tried to force her eyes open but the eyelids refused to lift. She drifted back to sleep, exhausted from the short time she had tried to get her body to cooperate.
---------
"I found it," McGonagall said softly to Dumbledore.
"I knew you would, dear," Dumbledore sat down next to McGonagall on the couch in their sitting room. "Is it as we thought?"
"Yes, I'm afraid it is," McGonagall sighed.
"Let's hope she wakes up."
"Even if she does, this is dangerous Albus. She could be lost within him," McGonagall looked to her long time secret husband.
"Yes, but it is the only chance. You know she will not give up easily and would risk anything for him. This will just be another test for the two," Dumbledore reasoned before closing the book in front of his wife and pulling her back to sit on the couch more comfortably.
----------
Blackness enveloped Severus. There was a faint humming noise that was becoming louder and more annoying. As the noise grew he could begin to make out voices. They were angry and shouting, he could hear cries of pain and fear. He opened his eyes and looked around to find the source of the offending racket. A mob of people was closing in around him. As the horde got closer he could see many different versions of himself as well as multiples of other people he had known.
There was his father taking his ever-present belt to Severus' scrawny six year old self. He was always being beaten by his father for some reason or another. Sometimes for no reason at all except for his father's own sadistic enjoyment. There was his mother trying to intervene on his behalf only to be backhanded across the face by his father.
There was himself at eleven on the Hogwarts Express being teased by Sirius Black and James Potter. They were making fun of his appearance. Saying his family was so obsessed with keeping their bloodlines pure that they were inbreeding; it was the only explanation that would account for Severus' looks.
There he was at fifteen locked in his room making potions. His father threatening that he would not be allowed out until he got the potion correct.
His father teaching him to duel. Throwing painful curse after painful curse at him. Calling him weak and pathetic for his inability to block or throw the curses back.
The images and the emotions, hitting him like battering surf, were overwhelming. It was all of his darkest memories. The ones he thought were safely locked away in the deepest recesses of his mind. The ones too painful to reminisce on.
The incessant cacophony of the crowd was deafening. Devastating. He tried to block them out, ignore them but to no avail. He tried to fight his way through, to break free of the throng, but there was no way. When he got too close to them he could feel the waves of fear, anger, hatred and despair rip through him.
The mob kept moving in. He was trapped. Severus thought wryly to himself that if he hadn't already lost his mind to the Cruciatus curse that he would be in grave danger of losing it here.
He paced in the small circle they had left around him when they finally stopped advancing, racking his mind for a solution to his nightmares. He thought of Hermione, his true love and prayed to the god and goddess that she was not in a similar state. He sank to his knees as his heart ached for her.
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Days continued to pass with Hermione and Severus still unconscious. Hermione continued to wake up for seconds at a time but went back to sleep. Severus was locked in his mind, replaying his history, replaying his happiness with Hermione and wishing he could get back to her.
Their friends continued to visit.
Dumbledore and McGonagall continued to work on a spell that could help Severus if Hermione ever woke up.
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To be continued...