Why didn't I stop her? I angrily berated myself. I knelt on the floor next to Hermione and took her pulse. It was faint but steady. I sighed, nervous about what I had to do next. I gathered my courage and conjured up a stretcher, then lifted Hermione and laid her gently on it. Then I began my trek up to the Hospital Wing.
Everything was timed perfectly for my misfortune. Lunch was just getting over with as I passed the Great Hall, and a flood of chattering students witnessed me walking with Hermione's limp form floating next to me. Silence fell, and the only sound was the clicking of my old-fashioned boots against the cold stone floor.
After what seemed like an eternity, I finally reached the Hospital Wing. I let myself in, laid Hermione on an empty bed, and retrieved Madame Pomfrey. She gasped.
"Oh my! What happened Severus?" she asked as she began to tend to Hermione. I explained all about the potion mishap, then added in my own personal side thoughts.
"I cannot, for the life of me, think of a reason why the potion backfired. Maybe it was too much bat's blood...no that can't be it, I made sure that all the ingredients were measured out perfectly. Why isn't she awake by now? Are you sure she'll be okay?" I asked nervously, pacing.
Madame Pomfrey looked concerned. "She is fine from the potion, but it looks like she took quite a blow to the head when she fell. She should be fine in a few days or so"
Even though Madame Pomfrey assured me several times that Hermione would awaken later and that my presence would not help, I insisted upon staying next to her bed.
I opened my eyes, blinking rapidly to clear them. I checked my surroundings. Where am I?
I turned to my left and right, looking for a clock to tell me what time it was. I suddenly drew a sharp breath; Professor Snape was sitting next to me, staring at me with his black glittering eyes. Oh man, my head is killing me!
I must have groaned, because instantly Professor Snape stood, asking if he could get me anything. "A glass of cold water would be wonderful sir, thank you," I said weakly.
As he fetched it for me, I asked, "Why are you here, waiting for me to wake up"
"Because it is my fault you are here, Miss Granger," I replied. "You are a very clever witch. Why do you think the potion backfired? I have been exhausting my brain thinking for the past four hours, but I haven't been able to come up with anything"
She took the water from me, paused for a few moments, the said," I've got it! Professor Snape, how often do you make that potion? Not very often, I imagine, because the recipe is complicated and one batch usually last for months. So, how old are your ingrediants? If they are over a year old, theat could have resulted in a reversal of the intended potion results"
I mulled it over for a moment. Of course she was right! She always is! I haven't brewed that potion in about two years! I should have been thinking straight...but when I'm around Hermione, I can't seem to.
I nodded my head in agreement. "Yes, I suppose you are correct. In any case, I'm sorry to have caused you this pain. You know, Miss Granger, you really are one of the brightest witches I have ever met. I know you must tire of hearing it," I added quickly as I saw her roll her eyes, "but it is truly remarkable that a young 17 year old witch could answer a question that I myself, a grown man, could not! You are remarkable Miss Granger"
There was Chappie 2! PLEASE REVIEW!
Lotsaluv,
Liv