Chapter Three
Severus nodded to Poppy as he entered the hospital wing. Poppy Pomfrey did not usually approve of the hospital being used by anyone other than teachers and students. But the Headmaster told her that Hermione Granger was a special case. After all, she never officially left Hogwarts.
The girl was in the corner bed. Poppy had administered a sleeping draught, a strong one. Sleep, apparently, was the best thing they could give her right now.
He stood at the foot of her bed and watched as she shook violently, before falling still. For a brief moment he envied her; sleep had been a fleeting elusive thought the night before. A sleeping draught would have prevented the second guessing and doubts that were beginning to scare him.
It wouldn't be the first time a Muggle-born returned to the Muggle world after their training. Not everyone fitted in, not everyone adjusted to the snide remarks and gentle prejudices that accompanied them. Others found more opportunities in the Muggle world, or wanted to be closer the their Muggle families.
It would be the first time the headmaster of Hogwarts encouraged someone to leave.
People were going to be angry when they heard about it. Potter and Weasley would be furious of course, but the rest of the Weasley's wouldn't look on it too kindly either. Some members of the staff would tutt about it behind his back and make veiled remarks to his face. Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks would go out of their way to make his life unbearable. But as far as Severus was concerned, it was the best option available to them.
It was the only option.
"Snape," Potter was at the doorway, a sour look spreading across his face. "I didn't expect to see you here. Dumbledore told me I could come in."
"Of course." Snape glanced at the girl again and turned to go. "I'll leave you with your visit. Do try not to upset anything. The school has been remarkably disaster free since your departure."
Potter didn't move, just stood still, leaning against the door frame. "Dumbledore told me about your plan."
Severus raised an eyebrow. "You're surprisingly calm. I thought you would crash in here, wanting my head."
Potter shrugged. He was looking less like his father these days, with a harsh scar down his left cheek, and the prominent limp when he walked. "Ron will be here later. I'll leave the theatrics to him." He dropped his voice. "I actually think it might help."
"I never thought I'd see the day," Severus sneered, "the great Harry Potter agrees with me. You should get Madam Pomfrey to examine you while you are here." He brushed past Potter, out the door.
"Snape!" Potter called after him. Severus stopped and turned around. "Dumbledore told me you found Hermione," Potter continued. "I meant to say thank you."
Severus nodded. "You're welcome."