Several hours later, she awoke to find her room lit by dim candlelight. She could hear two soft voices talking.
"Has she eaten anything yet, Professor?" Worry was evident in Molly's voice, even at such a soft pitch.
"No, nothing. I-" Severus broke off as he realised that Kate was awake. "She is awake now, Mrs Weasley. Would you like me to leave you two alone?"
Kate was grateful for Snape's surprising compassion and understanding.
"Yes, thank you Professor." Molly crossed the room to Kate's bed as Snape quietly left the room. "Hello, Katie." She smiled gently.
"Thank you for coming, Molly." Kate fought back tears.
"How are you feeling, sweetie?"
Kate sighed. Such a simple question - and one with a complicated answer. "Confused, scared, safe... I really don't know..." A moment's silence. "Molly, I have so many questions..."
"I'll answer them if I can."
"Why was Professor Snape there? When I was rescued, and when I came round earlier... He was standing by my bedside..."
"I think that's something that Professor Dumbledore will have to explain to you, but I can tell you that his concern is genuine." Surprise obviously showed on Kate's face. "I know that it isn't what you want to hear, but you will understand one day. It might take time, though."
Kate nodded in understanding. Her uncharacteristic acceptance of Molly's ambiguous answer showed how she was feeling. Usually she would have been fighting for a real answer.
"How long was I... was I there?" Kate sounded fearful. She sat up a little straighter.
"Six days." Molly's voice was almost a whisper.
"Six..." Kate's voice was barely a whisper. She pulled her covers closer to her and traced a long cut on her arm. A strange silence settled in the room. A flood of memories seemed to hit Kate- she froze, and then teats began to roll down her cheeks.
Molly gently put her arms around Kate, who threw her arms around Molly's neck like she was holding on for dear life and sobbed into her shoulder.
