Chapter 3

BANG!

Minerva McGonagall strode into the great hall and surveyed the scene before her. Most students were talking quietly in groups and behaving well considering the absence of teachers. All, except that little group by the High Table. Ron was being restrained by a red-faced Neville Longbottom whilst Parvati and Lavender had to fight tooth-and-nail to hold Ginny back.

"What in Merlin's name is going on here" screeched McGonagall

"Ronald here was about to reveal everything to the Great Hall – he even called her the…." Ginny refused to start rumours and dropped her voice so only McGonagall could hear…" The Teacher's whore"

"HOW DARE YOU! RONALD WEASLEY HOW COULD YOU DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT TO ONE OF YOUR BEST FRIENDS! YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO GRYFINNDOR! GET OUT OF MY SIGHT RIGHT NOW BEFORE I DO SOMETHING I REGRET!"

The hall was silent after the professors' outburst. Breathing heavily in an attempt to calm down she ascended to the headmaster's platform.

"I know the events of this morning will be most confusing but I must implore that you do not question anyone you believe knows more than you." She sniffed as though fighting to hold back tears" Miss Granger and Professor Snape have both suffered greatly in the past few months and today they have been given an even greater hardship to cope with. When they return from St. Mungo's all will be explained to you. I ask now that you all return to your dormitories quickly and remain there until instructed otherwise. Lessons for the day have been cancelled. Good day"

Turning to Ginny she motioned for her to follow as she swept from the room. Neither spoke as they made their way up to the infirmary but anyone who passed them would have seen unshed tears glistening in both of their eyes.

xXx

The "morte ossidata" ward of St. Mungo's was a ward that all hoped never to set foot in. Not many people died in this hospital but when someone did they went to the "sogni dolci" ward. The Morte Ossidata ward was for those whose deaths the Healers feared had involved Dark or Dangerous elements. The loved ones of these were more often than not Death Eaters. This time however, visitors to the ward were Mr. and Mrs. Severus Snape.

The healer smiled kindly at them but anyone could see it did not reach her eyes.

Accompanied by Albus, Harry, Minerva and Ginny the grieving couple were ushered slowly up to the floor reserved for the deceased. There were only 2 wards on this floor and Hermione turned to enter the Sogni Dolci ward. She was stopped by the Healer who shook her head and gestured to the opposite door. Upon seeing this Hermione collapsed to the floor muttering "no! Please god, no! Why me! What did we ever do! Please god no!"

With an emotionless face, her husband reached down and scooped her once again into his arms. With a determined air he strode shakily to the door of the ward.

"Do you wish for anyone to accompany you in there my boy?"

"No Albus, you can come in once we've had chance to say goodbye if you wish." Snape replied, for once his voice lacking in sarcasm.

Tentatively placing his now silent wife on the floor he took a step towards the door.

"I can't "his voice cracked as he finally admitted his weakness.

"Yes Severus, we can – we owe her this much. We've got to say goodbye." With that Hermione grasped his hand and walked into the room with Severus behind her.

xXx

A/N I haven't used a Beta for this chapter but hopefully I will be able to send my next chapters to those kind folks who volunteered their services. We'll find out who died next and how.