Disclaimer: There once was a lady who wrote a great story,
A series that rose to high fame and glory.
J.K. Rowling was the name of this wonderful writer,
I can't claim ownership, cuz then I'd be a biter!

Comments

XxJapanGodxX: Here's the update!

XiaoGui: Yeah, I'm trying to write this story as if it were a missing scene from the book. I had to edit some parts in the first chapter because I forgot that Dumbledore was already in hiding (stupid me!), but it wasn't too major and I think it turned out okay...

Nerweniel: I think Albus, Minerva, and Severus are cute in this story, too!

Rikki8879: The next update is here!

Rosaleen: Severus is going to have a hard time figuring out what to say, and you'll see what I mean in later chapters!

Quill of Minerva: Yes, I know you're looking forward to later chapters! It's just that Albus and Minerva are so caring, they have to make sure Severus is well again before they can confront their relationship!

Q-BriarXJade-Q: Yeah, Draco is kind of a baddie (at least in McGonagall's eyes). I also like stories where he's good (maybe I'll write one if I get inspired to). I'm glad you're being patient with me. I know I'm only posting one chapter a day, but my school work is keeping me busy! Nevertheless, I will try to update at least once a day!

Silver Sorceress: Look no further; here's the next update!

ADandMM4eva: I give you all my love and I'm hoping you'll like this next chapter!

Aurinko: You should be studying for your Calc test? Hope yo do well...but anyway...you're in Calculus?!?! I'm only in Pre-Calculus, but maybe that's because I'm only a sophomore. Anyway, thanks for reviewing!

Thanks to all who reviewed!

saiyanwizardgurl

Chapter 5: Not Yet

Severus Snape's thoughts were in a blur. His eyes were closed and he felt warm, but his body ached, especially his back. The Potions Master tried to roll over onto his stomach, but his body was too heavy and the movement made his muscles tense, causing him to groan miserably. He was having extreme difficulty figuring out where he was. He remembered throwing up…stumbling over to the sink…the door opening…McGonagall…and…and…the headmaster!

Snape sat up suddenly. Big mistake. Even though the room was pitch black, he was blinded by the pain that shot up his neck. The Potions Master immediately put his head in his hands in an attempt to ease some of the pain, but his head was spinning. The air surrounding him was really cold, and he noticed he was not wearing a shirt. He felt the bed dip slightly and a hand was placed on his shoulder. "Are you all right, Severus?"

The Potions Master recognized that voice. He lifted his head and looked into the concerned face of Minerva McGonagall. He was glad that someone he could trust was with him during this time of confusion, but then he realized something: he, Severus Snape, was sitting in bed, shirtless, in front of Minerva McGonagall, the sternest witch Hogwarts had ever known. His confusion suddenly turned into slight panic. "Minerva! What are you doing here? Where am I? Where's my shirt?" said the Potions Master as he proceeded to back away from the Transfigurations teacher and topple over the side of the bed.

"Relax now, Severus; everything's fine," said a calm, strong voice, and when Snape untangled himself from the blankets, he found that the speaker was Albus Dumbledore. "Your shirt jumped down the laundry chute."

"Headmaster! I apologize for not coming to report to you, I – "

"Don't worry about it," said Dumbledore. "You can give me your report later. Let's get you back into bed."

"Wait, let me go to the bathroom first," said the Potions Master. He pulled himself up quickly and stumbled across the dark room gracelessly. While the younger wizard did his business, McGonagall remade the bed with a flick of her wand and Dumbledore sat back down to stare off into space.

"Albus," said the Transfigurations teacher.

"Yes, my dear?" replied the headmaster.

"Why did you tell Severus that his shirt jumped down the laundry chute?"

"Because it did. And it tried to attack me."

"What?"

"I went into the bathroom to get a towel, and when I turned around, I see Severus' shirt flying at me. I only just got away."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to try to hit you."

"It's quite all right, my dear, but I would appreciate a warning next time," said Dumbledore with a serene smile.

Snape returned a few minutes later. He flopped unceremoniously onto his stomach and covered his head with his arms. His jerky movements jarred his tense muscles, causing him to groan again.

"Are you all right, Severus?" asked the Transfiguration teacher.

"Just muscle aches," mumbled the Potions Master, so quietly that it was almost inaudible.

Snape felt the bed dip slightly again. Two thin hands slipped onto his shoulders and began to massage them gently. "What's wrong, Severus?" asked the headmaster. "You can tell us."

The question was met with silence. Dumbledore felt the younger wizard stiffen under his hands. After a few moments, he mumbled, "I don't want to talk about it."

Dumbledore let out a breath he did not realize he was holding and McGonagall began to protest. "But Severus – "

"At least not right now," added Snape quickly. "I don't think I'm really up for it at the moment."

"Very well, Severus," said the headmaster. "We can wait."

"Yes," said the Transfigurations teacher with a sigh, "there's no rush. We'll be here for you when you're ready."

"Thanks," mumbled the Potions Master.

"Would you like anything to eat?" asked Dumbledore.

"No, I don't think I could keep anything down right now."

"But Severus," said McGonagall, "you didn't eat much at dinner last night; you must be starving!"

"So now I have people watching me when I eat? I appreciate your concern, but I think I'm okay for now."

"Not even a snack?"

"Uh uh," groaned the Potions Master as Dumbledore prodded a knot in his shoulder.

"Do you promise to eat something later?" asked the headmaster.

"Maybe; why?"

"Because if you don't eat something by dinnertime tonight, Severus," said Dumbledore in his best I'm-the-headmaster tone, "Minerva and I will come back and personally make sure you eat something. And tea doesn't count."

"What?!?! That's not fair! The house-elves serve food with tea!"

"Only if you ask them," said McGonagall, smiling at the headmaster.

"But – "

"Do you promise, Severus?" asked Dumbledore.

"But – "

"Severus?"

Snape sighed. "Very well, then. Seeing as I'm obviously going to lose here, I'll eat something before you two are forced to shove food down my throat."

"Good," said the headmaster. Yes, we got him this time! "Now, let's get you into bed."

The Potions Master shifted over so that McGonagall could pull back the covers. He slipped his slim figure under the soft blankets and was instantly enveloped in warmth. Snape sighed happily and snuggled into the pillows.

"Now Severus, you are to rest up; do not leave your rooms unless it is an emergency," said Dumbledore.

"Or we'll tell Madam Pomfrey," said McGonagall.

"And believe me, if you leave, we will find out," said the headmaster with a smile.

Shuddering slightly at the prospect of having to rest in the blinding whiteness that was the Hospital Wing, Snape mumbled his consent. "Very well. You two really surprise me. I thought that Gryffindors were above blackmail."

"No, unfortunately, we're not," said the Transfigurations teacher in mock-disappointment. "We just practice it less than Slytherins."

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