And then he holds me
by Lady Draco

Dislaimer: I do not own anything that belongs to Harry Potter or JK Rowling (brilliant woman).
Rating: PG I believe. Angst, HG/SS, character death(s).
Note: I wrote this sometime ago but never got to upload it. Hope it's okay.

Chapter Two

Sometimes when the memories begin to flash before me, I move to my window and look out into the great expanse before me. I've been told my eyes glaze over and it appears that I am in a trance.

I see the blood. I taste the tears. I feel the pain.

/\/\/\/\/\

I wake up sometime later in the Hospital Wing. It is a buzz with people. Madam Pomfrey dashes between the beds frantically, administering potions, setting bones. I notice a lot of people I don't know dressed in white standing by beds. I correctly guess that they are MediWitches and Wizards. One sees me awake and moves to me quickly. A hand on my forehead, a quick flick of the wand, a small terse smile and she's off again.

Then I notice the smell. A coppery smell. The smell of blood. I am assaulted with images, feelings. I let out a slight yelp and the tears begin to flow. I set up frantically, looking around. I look for Ron. I look for Harry. I look for anyone I know.

A hand touches my shoulder lightly but firmly, pushing me back into the bed. My eyes blurry from the tears stare up into the face of my saviour. He looks down at me with a look I have never seen on his face before. Sorrow. I grasp at his hand, pulling him down towards me. He allows me to. I put my arm around his shoulders and he slips an arm around my back, holding me. I let out a cry as reality sets in. He doesn't move but tightens his grip around me. I sob aloud, once again crying into Snape's chest.

After what seems a long time, my tears begin to subside. He's arms are still around me and to my surprise, I feel him shaking. I push him away slightly so I can look at his face. Tears are flowing down his cheeks and makes no attempt to wipe them away. I look into his sad eyes which reflect my own. I lift my hand slowly and cup his face. He looks at me, surprised. I allow a small smile as I sit up and kiss him on the cheek.

"Hermione ...," he says softly, leaning slightly into my hand.

"Thank you."

It's all I can say.

And then he holds me.