A/N: Thanks to all who have reviewed and have patiently awaited this
chapter. Welcome to new reviewers. I hope this chapter isn't
disappointing, but decent enough. :) Let me know what you think....whether
you like it or not!:)
Chapter 23
"He's only just," McGonogall continued. Narnia noticed her smile was more of a concerned grimace. "He's asking for you, Albus."
The witch's tidings left no room for comfort and turning back around to face her uncle, Narnia's heart began to thump wildly against the inner regions of her chest.
"Well, then, let's not keep him waiting. Shall we?" Dumbledore stated, rising from his seat. His concluding question was a cue for their exit more so than a desire for confirmation.
Narnia rose slowly allowing Professors Dumbledore and McGonogall to walk ahead of her. Once in the corridors, she was dimly aware of the two of them to her front. If they were engaging in any conversation, it was drowned out by the chaotic thoughts in her own mind.
Severus had asked for her uncle, no one else. Though this pained her to a small degree, she was unsure if she could face him at this moment. She would be an open book to him and he would peruse freely, whether she consented or not. Plus, when he did wake, she expected a much different scene than the one Minerva had alluded to. She had calmed her nerves since her episode in the infirmary last night, but seeing him struggle to live might induce a reoccurrence of those events.
The sight of the infirmary door violently jarred her from her mind's distractions and she stopped immediately, feet rooted to the floor. Her uncle held the door for McGonogall to pass, then waited for Narnia to follow in kind. When she did not step forward, Dumbledore reassuringly approached her, resting his hands upon her shoulders.
"Though he may be unaware of its importance, I have no doubt that he will only gain from the strength that he sees in you."
Meeting her uncle's eyes, Narnia nodded once and entered the hospital wing, arm in arm with her uncle.
Drawn curtains shielded Madam Pomfrey's patient from view and as the Headmaster and Narnia approached the medi-witch and Transfiguration teacher, Narnia could hear ragged breathing from behind the screens. Without prompt, Poppy began to detail the situation at present in a subdued voice.
"He still needs a good deal of rest. His dressings are changed frequently, but one has my concern. It's slower to heal than the others, partially because it's deeper. I'm keeping my eye on it. I'm afraid we'll have to keep constant watch on him, yet."
The remainder of the gathered group pondered these implications silently, before Dumbledore broke the silence.
"May I go in now, Poppy?" he asked and upon gaining permission, he disappeared behind the curtains.
Since entering the infirmary, Narnia's attentions had not strayed from the direction where Severus lay, awake. Part of her wanted to cling to his bedside, stroking back his hair, speaking reassurances, while the practical side knew if she acted in such a manner he would hex her had he the strength. Realizing the need for more privacy than a pulled curtain could allow, the three witches put some distance between themselves and Severus' bedside. They stood in quiet thought, until Narnia spoke.
"Poppy, I will stay with him tonight."
"You must have your rest, too, child. I doubt you acquired any last night," Madam Pomfrey stated. "We will be fine here."
"I do not wish to argue, but you will find that on this point, I am as stubborn as Professor Snape," Narnia stated, arms crossed.
The two elderly witches exchanged glances and Poppy conceded.
Once Dumbledore returned from speaking with Severus, Madam Pomfrey returned to her patient. Narnia's uncle met the gazes of both herself and Minerva, lingering on his niece a bit longer. Noticing the expectation in their eyes, he indicated that Severus was now resting.
"I believe he will be fine, but our conversation drained him and now he needs his rest. Besides, it is time for lunch and we could all do with something to eat."
What had been spoken of between them remained so. On the way to the Great Hall, neither Narnia or Minerva sought out the topic of their conversation in the infirmary. Once seated at the table, Narnia was slightly distracted by the chatter of students and other staff members around the table. Young Harry caught her eye and she was pleasantly surprised to see a bit of concern in his features. She nodded and flashed him a smile and watched as his face relaxed as he turned back to his friends.
As the afternoon meal wore on, it became aware to Narnia that this day was that of Christmas Eve. In light of all that had happened, the holiday had been forgotten or at least moved to a lower place on her priority list. It wasn't looking as though it would be her happiest Christmas ever, but undeniably it would be her most memorable. She then remembered her promise to watch over Severus tonight and realizing she would be at his side come Christmas morning gave her a fleeting moment of delight.
The afternoon wore away slowly, finding Narnia in her rooms at her usual spot next to the fireplace. She had been curled up in her chair, reading, but mostly drifting in and out of sleep. Each time she woke, she would return to her reading, only to drift off again moments later. The last time she opened her eyes, light had faded from the windows and the world outside was growing dark. She abruptly stood, her legs wobbling beneath her. She grabbed her robes and stifling a yawn, headed for the infirmary. The passageways were quiet, nothing but the steady thuds of her feet against the stone floors could be heard.
The closer she came to the hospital wing and seeing Severus again, the more her emotions began to churn. Therefore, when she stepped through the screens surrounding his bed and found him sleeping, she began to settle her nerves. Poppy swept in occasionally to check on him and noticing Narnia's arrival, smiled and nodded. As she observed him from her bedside station, Narnia was encouraged to see a more restful expression on his face and his breathing had achieved a steady rhythm. She sat transfixed on his being when suddenly, he made a sound almost startling Narnia out of her chair. It was nothing more than a quick "hmm" but had been unexpected and she realized that he was simply in some state of dreaming. She chuckled quietly to herself, feeling a swell of encouragement in seeing him like this as compared to the sight she had witnessed the previous night. As time crept by, she eventually relaxed and drifted back off to sleep. Every so often, he would make the same abrupt sound as if dreaming and Narnia would jolt upright, waiting for her eyes to focus so she could visually assess that he was alright. The next time she was awakened, it was to the sound of Poppy's voice conversing with that of Severus'.
Morning had arrived ,unknowingly to Narnia, and in the bed next to her chair, Severus Snape was awake and sitting up with the aid of some overly large pillows. Poppy had placed a plate of food in front of him and was strongly urging him to eat. Their eyes were currently locked in a power struggle, when Narnia stood nearby diverting their attentions.
"Good morning dear," Poppy stated glancing at Narnia. Her tone was a little irritably, most likely from arguing with her patient.
Narnia replied in kind, offering a faint smile and then turned anxiously to Severus, who was regarding her with an unreadable expression. He was not yet fully recovered, his eyes still drooping and exhaustion still physically evident, but he was far from where he had been.
"Good morning, Severus," she stated, eyes locked on his. He continued to gaze at her wordlessly. Uncomfortable with his stare, she looked back at Madame Pomfrey who was beginning to voice her dislike with Severus' refusal to eat.
"You must eat. It's an ordeal you've been through and you need to regain your strength, if you're to ever get out of that bed. Because, take my word for it, you won't be stepping a toe out of this ward until I consider you ready."
Severus' only rebuttal came in the form of a growl and Poppy threw her hands up in frustration.
"Perhaps you can get him to eat," she declared, turning to Narnia and in defeat, disappeared behind the curtains, leaving the two professors alone.
Focusing her attentions back on Severus, she noticed him eyeing the food before him. Before he could smack it away, as he looked about ready to do, she picked it up and sat it on the bedside table.
"She puts too much faith in me," she stated turning back to him, smiling. He glanced at her then focused his attentions on a spot ahead of him.
They remained silent momentarily, Narnia scrambling with something to say. Remembering what day it was, she swallowed the knot in her throat long enough speak.
"Oh, I almost forgot," she began in a less than cheery voice. Severus had directed his attention back to her as she continued. "Happy Christmas." Before he could unleash the sarcasm sitting on his tongue, she spoke again, quickly, eyes averted to the floor. "I have nothing to give and do feel a bit embarrassed to be empty-handed. I had almost forgotten the holiday altogether, actually."
She looked back to him and he had resumed staring at the space ahead of him. The longer he remained silent, the more compelled she felt to speak. Knowing it would only irritate him to do so, she squashed the urge and held her tongue. She could actually give him something, something he apparently wanted right now more than anything, and that was to be alone.
"Well, then, I'll just be off," she stated gently and unaware of her action until after she was committed to follow through, she had bent over him, placing one hand alongside his face, ignoring his flinch, kissing him tenderly on the forehead. She lingered only long enough to feel his hand clasp over hers as he snugly held her hand. She laid her cheek on his forehead, desperately controlling the tears that fought to come. The tenderness she found in this moment was shortlived. He released her hand at the sound of approaching footsteps and she placed another kiss on his cheek and whispered against his skin, "Eat."
Stepping away from the bed, she picked up her robes and gave him one last glance as Madame Pomfrey had returned to check his plate. His expression as he watched her remained undetermined and Narnia slipped out of his view, only to hear Poppy launch into her early arguments as why he must eat.
Chapter 23
"He's only just," McGonogall continued. Narnia noticed her smile was more of a concerned grimace. "He's asking for you, Albus."
The witch's tidings left no room for comfort and turning back around to face her uncle, Narnia's heart began to thump wildly against the inner regions of her chest.
"Well, then, let's not keep him waiting. Shall we?" Dumbledore stated, rising from his seat. His concluding question was a cue for their exit more so than a desire for confirmation.
Narnia rose slowly allowing Professors Dumbledore and McGonogall to walk ahead of her. Once in the corridors, she was dimly aware of the two of them to her front. If they were engaging in any conversation, it was drowned out by the chaotic thoughts in her own mind.
Severus had asked for her uncle, no one else. Though this pained her to a small degree, she was unsure if she could face him at this moment. She would be an open book to him and he would peruse freely, whether she consented or not. Plus, when he did wake, she expected a much different scene than the one Minerva had alluded to. She had calmed her nerves since her episode in the infirmary last night, but seeing him struggle to live might induce a reoccurrence of those events.
The sight of the infirmary door violently jarred her from her mind's distractions and she stopped immediately, feet rooted to the floor. Her uncle held the door for McGonogall to pass, then waited for Narnia to follow in kind. When she did not step forward, Dumbledore reassuringly approached her, resting his hands upon her shoulders.
"Though he may be unaware of its importance, I have no doubt that he will only gain from the strength that he sees in you."
Meeting her uncle's eyes, Narnia nodded once and entered the hospital wing, arm in arm with her uncle.
Drawn curtains shielded Madam Pomfrey's patient from view and as the Headmaster and Narnia approached the medi-witch and Transfiguration teacher, Narnia could hear ragged breathing from behind the screens. Without prompt, Poppy began to detail the situation at present in a subdued voice.
"He still needs a good deal of rest. His dressings are changed frequently, but one has my concern. It's slower to heal than the others, partially because it's deeper. I'm keeping my eye on it. I'm afraid we'll have to keep constant watch on him, yet."
The remainder of the gathered group pondered these implications silently, before Dumbledore broke the silence.
"May I go in now, Poppy?" he asked and upon gaining permission, he disappeared behind the curtains.
Since entering the infirmary, Narnia's attentions had not strayed from the direction where Severus lay, awake. Part of her wanted to cling to his bedside, stroking back his hair, speaking reassurances, while the practical side knew if she acted in such a manner he would hex her had he the strength. Realizing the need for more privacy than a pulled curtain could allow, the three witches put some distance between themselves and Severus' bedside. They stood in quiet thought, until Narnia spoke.
"Poppy, I will stay with him tonight."
"You must have your rest, too, child. I doubt you acquired any last night," Madam Pomfrey stated. "We will be fine here."
"I do not wish to argue, but you will find that on this point, I am as stubborn as Professor Snape," Narnia stated, arms crossed.
The two elderly witches exchanged glances and Poppy conceded.
Once Dumbledore returned from speaking with Severus, Madam Pomfrey returned to her patient. Narnia's uncle met the gazes of both herself and Minerva, lingering on his niece a bit longer. Noticing the expectation in their eyes, he indicated that Severus was now resting.
"I believe he will be fine, but our conversation drained him and now he needs his rest. Besides, it is time for lunch and we could all do with something to eat."
What had been spoken of between them remained so. On the way to the Great Hall, neither Narnia or Minerva sought out the topic of their conversation in the infirmary. Once seated at the table, Narnia was slightly distracted by the chatter of students and other staff members around the table. Young Harry caught her eye and she was pleasantly surprised to see a bit of concern in his features. She nodded and flashed him a smile and watched as his face relaxed as he turned back to his friends.
As the afternoon meal wore on, it became aware to Narnia that this day was that of Christmas Eve. In light of all that had happened, the holiday had been forgotten or at least moved to a lower place on her priority list. It wasn't looking as though it would be her happiest Christmas ever, but undeniably it would be her most memorable. She then remembered her promise to watch over Severus tonight and realizing she would be at his side come Christmas morning gave her a fleeting moment of delight.
The afternoon wore away slowly, finding Narnia in her rooms at her usual spot next to the fireplace. She had been curled up in her chair, reading, but mostly drifting in and out of sleep. Each time she woke, she would return to her reading, only to drift off again moments later. The last time she opened her eyes, light had faded from the windows and the world outside was growing dark. She abruptly stood, her legs wobbling beneath her. She grabbed her robes and stifling a yawn, headed for the infirmary. The passageways were quiet, nothing but the steady thuds of her feet against the stone floors could be heard.
The closer she came to the hospital wing and seeing Severus again, the more her emotions began to churn. Therefore, when she stepped through the screens surrounding his bed and found him sleeping, she began to settle her nerves. Poppy swept in occasionally to check on him and noticing Narnia's arrival, smiled and nodded. As she observed him from her bedside station, Narnia was encouraged to see a more restful expression on his face and his breathing had achieved a steady rhythm. She sat transfixed on his being when suddenly, he made a sound almost startling Narnia out of her chair. It was nothing more than a quick "hmm" but had been unexpected and she realized that he was simply in some state of dreaming. She chuckled quietly to herself, feeling a swell of encouragement in seeing him like this as compared to the sight she had witnessed the previous night. As time crept by, she eventually relaxed and drifted back off to sleep. Every so often, he would make the same abrupt sound as if dreaming and Narnia would jolt upright, waiting for her eyes to focus so she could visually assess that he was alright. The next time she was awakened, it was to the sound of Poppy's voice conversing with that of Severus'.
Morning had arrived ,unknowingly to Narnia, and in the bed next to her chair, Severus Snape was awake and sitting up with the aid of some overly large pillows. Poppy had placed a plate of food in front of him and was strongly urging him to eat. Their eyes were currently locked in a power struggle, when Narnia stood nearby diverting their attentions.
"Good morning dear," Poppy stated glancing at Narnia. Her tone was a little irritably, most likely from arguing with her patient.
Narnia replied in kind, offering a faint smile and then turned anxiously to Severus, who was regarding her with an unreadable expression. He was not yet fully recovered, his eyes still drooping and exhaustion still physically evident, but he was far from where he had been.
"Good morning, Severus," she stated, eyes locked on his. He continued to gaze at her wordlessly. Uncomfortable with his stare, she looked back at Madame Pomfrey who was beginning to voice her dislike with Severus' refusal to eat.
"You must eat. It's an ordeal you've been through and you need to regain your strength, if you're to ever get out of that bed. Because, take my word for it, you won't be stepping a toe out of this ward until I consider you ready."
Severus' only rebuttal came in the form of a growl and Poppy threw her hands up in frustration.
"Perhaps you can get him to eat," she declared, turning to Narnia and in defeat, disappeared behind the curtains, leaving the two professors alone.
Focusing her attentions back on Severus, she noticed him eyeing the food before him. Before he could smack it away, as he looked about ready to do, she picked it up and sat it on the bedside table.
"She puts too much faith in me," she stated turning back to him, smiling. He glanced at her then focused his attentions on a spot ahead of him.
They remained silent momentarily, Narnia scrambling with something to say. Remembering what day it was, she swallowed the knot in her throat long enough speak.
"Oh, I almost forgot," she began in a less than cheery voice. Severus had directed his attention back to her as she continued. "Happy Christmas." Before he could unleash the sarcasm sitting on his tongue, she spoke again, quickly, eyes averted to the floor. "I have nothing to give and do feel a bit embarrassed to be empty-handed. I had almost forgotten the holiday altogether, actually."
She looked back to him and he had resumed staring at the space ahead of him. The longer he remained silent, the more compelled she felt to speak. Knowing it would only irritate him to do so, she squashed the urge and held her tongue. She could actually give him something, something he apparently wanted right now more than anything, and that was to be alone.
"Well, then, I'll just be off," she stated gently and unaware of her action until after she was committed to follow through, she had bent over him, placing one hand alongside his face, ignoring his flinch, kissing him tenderly on the forehead. She lingered only long enough to feel his hand clasp over hers as he snugly held her hand. She laid her cheek on his forehead, desperately controlling the tears that fought to come. The tenderness she found in this moment was shortlived. He released her hand at the sound of approaching footsteps and she placed another kiss on his cheek and whispered against his skin, "Eat."
Stepping away from the bed, she picked up her robes and gave him one last glance as Madame Pomfrey had returned to check his plate. His expression as he watched her remained undetermined and Narnia slipped out of his view, only to hear Poppy launch into her early arguments as why he must eat.