a/n - At last, this chapter is done and the story continues. Sorry about the long wait but I wanted to get everything in. This is NOT the last chapter. There will be at least one more installment and with Christmas fast approaching, it will be at least two weeks. Thank you all so much for the reviews and for sticking with the story thus far. There are over eighty people who have this story on story alert and I can't thank you enough. I hope you enjoy this episode!
Chapter 13
Kindled by Severus' revealing answer, the kiss was flawless and nothing could have spoiled it. That was until Hermione heard the voice of Remus Lupin.
"Severus? What are you doing to that poor girl?"
In the split second before opening her eyes, memory served to make her uneasy enough. Remus never went anywhere anymore without Tonks and they were probably with Mrs. Weasley. That only left the various others who often joined Mrs. Weasley on her weekly visits to the hospital, all of whom Hermione would prefer not witness her pawing Snape like a well-paid prostitute.
Startled, they pulled away from each other and Hermione reluctantly opened her eyes, heartened by what she saw over Snape's shoulder as he turned toward the new arrival. Standing mercifully alone was Remus, a cherubic grin on his face.
"My god Hermione, it is you!" Remus exclaimed in awe. "I heard a rumor, but I thought surely not. I didn't think old Severus had it in him."
"To what, attract a woman half my age?" Snape asked coolly.
"To attract a woman at all," Remus chuckled. "You were alone so long I assumed you must be a confirmed bachelor."
"We can't all be as lucky as you," Snape replied. "Sorry to have missed the wedding, by the way. Was it a moonlit ceremony?"
"No, actually it was quite beautiful," said Remus casually. "Something you would know nothing about."
"I think you're right." Snape sounded almost affable before adding, "Although, it's possible we merely have differing definitions of the word. Mine does not include wolfsbane or the color pink."
Just then, Tonks came tottering around the corner, her budding belly visible before the rest, her hair a chilly shade of purple.
"I was close," Snape murmured.
"Molly sent me to see it you'd found Hermi…" Tonks paused as she reached Remus, her eyes widening when she glanced down the narrow hall and gasped, "Snape…you are here!"
"Unless I'm a figment of your imagination."
Reminiscent of a gossiping teenager, Remus said, "You wouldn't believe it. I just caught them in quite the passionate embrace."
"So he's…" Tonks began with a giggle before Snape interrupted.
"God forbid someone have a private life that they actually manage to keep private lest you presume they're…"
As though on cue, Mrs. Weasley came charging around the corner trailed by a determined looking Mr. Weasley.
"Severus!" Mrs. Weasley cried out, rushing to him and throwing her arms around his neck. "It's so good to see you!"
Hermione fought not to giggle when Snape recoiled, thwarted by his seated position.
"Yes…" he muttered. "Just wonderful…"
As soon as she released him, Mr. Weasley grabbed Snape's hand and shook it liberally. "You should have let me know you were back. You could have come for dinner."
"He still can," corrected Mrs. Weasley.
"Of course he can," Mr. Weasley stated happily, finally letting go of Snape's hand.
"No he can't," Snape mumbled just as Mrs. Weasley engulfed Hermione in a hug.
"Oh Hermione," Mrs. Weasley cooed. "Ron told us what happened and we are so sorry."
"Oh yes," added Mr. Weasley when Hermione became free of Mrs. Weasley's clutches. "It's bad enough as it is, but now Ron has some silly notion that there's something between you and Severus."
He and Mrs. Weasley giggled at the idea, looking from Hermione to Snape as though waiting for one of them to verify that it was just that, a silly notion.
Hermione laughed wearily herself before declaring, "Ron's right."
Both of the Weasleys expressions fell promptly and Mr. Weasley brow became deeply wrinkled. Remus' cheerful comment broke the awkward silence that followed as he stepped into the circle, clapping Snape on the shoulder.
"Yes, it looks like our little Hermione has taken a shine to old Severus here."
Snape brushed away the hand as he said, "Could you not refer to Hermione in that way. It makes her sound like an infant."
"She is young enough to be your daughter," Remus advised in a sugary tone.
Snape snorted before saying, "I suppose Nymphadora is only young enough to be your niece."
"She's a few years older than Hermione," Remus replied.
Snape countered quickly, "Considering the years that curse has taken off your life, I'd expect we're even."
"I'm sure prison did little for your life expectancy," Remus offered nonchalantly. "I can already see it did nothing for your frigid disposition."
"Better frigid than a werewolf," Snape taunted.
"At least Nymphadora didn't have to thaw me out on our wedding night."
"Let me get this straight," Mr. Weasley suddenly cut in. "You left Ron for Severus?"
"No," Hermione answered, wanting desperately to go home and forget that they ever left the apartment that morning. "I didn't plan for this to happen, it just did and there's no reason to split hairs over the timeline. And in all honesty, it's nobody's business."
"But does he plan to marry you?" Mrs. Weasley asked tersely, waving a trembling finger at Snape.
"Yes, does he?" Snape mocked.
"What's that got to do with anything?" Hermione countered, disbelieving of the subject matter and wondering if her mother had been communicating secretly with Ron's mother about her state of unmarried-ness.
Eyeing Hermione appraisingly, Mrs. Weasley said, "You need to think about your future."
"Then I'll hurry up and marry myself off and transfigure myself into a brood mare," Hermione scoffed, adding at the last moment, "No offence Tonks."
"None taken," Tonks replied cheerily.
"That's not what I meant," Mrs. Weasley said quickly. "But someday you'll want a family and you definitely won't find that with Severus Snape."
"I'm right here Molly," Snape said sarcastically.
Hermione had again had enough. "Who told you that that is what I want? Let's get something clear, I love you and Mr. Weasley very much, but if I never have little babies for you to coddle, it will not be the end of the world. However, if I do go off and do whatever the hell you and every other female member of my immediate family seems to want, then it will be the end of my world. I make my own decisions. Is that clear enough?"
"You tell her!" Tonks exclaimed.
Though the impassioned speeches were taking a lot out of her, Hermione did smile inwardly at Tonks' support.
"We just want what's best for you," Mrs. Weasley said quietly, the hurt in her eyes sparking a pang of guilt through Hermione's steely temper.
Hermione sighed, "I know and I appreciate it, but whether I'm involved with Severus or the Loch Ness Monster, it's none of your concern and I'm not answering another question about it today."
"Ron loves you Hermione," Mrs. Weasley stated adamantly. "You should give this more thought before abandoning him completely. If you don't, you'll regret it later, mark my words."
"Now Molly," Remus said soothingly. "This is between Ron and Hermio…"
"She's being tricked somehow," Mrs. Weasley interjected. "Hermione, I don't know what he's told you, but Severus Snape has never loved anything in his entire life."
Contemplating the repercussions of stunning the woman, Hermione replied, "I don't have to defend this to you."
"Enough," Snape said rather loudly, his tone frighteningly severe. He was staring at Mrs. Weasley and seemed none too happy about it. When he broke the hush, his voice was much quieter but no less harsh. "Molly, you haven't known me near long enough to suppose who or what I've loved. You should also know that I've only listened to this gibberish because I didn't want to offend you. Nevertheless, the longer I listen, the less inclined I am to care."
Though Mrs. Weasley's steadfast expression didn't change, a single tear slid down her cheek before she bolted down the corridor and out of sight.
Mr. Weasley shook his head as he said, "I'm sorry Hermione. She's disappointed is all…she had expectations. I am sorry…both of you." He gave a small nod before following after his wife.
A few seconds of stunned silence passed before Tonks stepped up next to Remus. "Thank god that's over. I knew Molly was upset, but bloody hell. That wasn't necessary."
"Right you are," Remus replied. "Hopefully that Windom woman's finished with Harry. If we run into any more old acquaintances, Molly might end up hurting someone…hopefully that Windom woman."
Hermione permitted a laugh through her newfound melancholy. Who would have thought this day would be so damn complicated?
"It is good to see you Snape," Tonks said. "And buck up, Hermione. Imagine what I have to listen to being married to a werewolf and carrying his child. If I hear one more crack about a fuzzy infant..."
Hermione nodded, her exhaustion intensifying after the most recent verbal assault.
"Well, we've caused enough of a scene for one day." Remus put his arm around Tonks as he added, "Shall we go see to Molly?"
"Oh no," Tonks objected. "She'll start on me next. Let's see if we can't get lost."
"Good idea," Remus replied. "Good day Hermione…Severus."
"Remus," Snape said, pairing the sentiment with a semi-friendly nod.
Remus and Tonks disappeared around the corner, leaving Snape and Hermione at last alone.
"Do you think it was something I said?" Snape asked quietly.
Hermione smiled halfheartedly, "I should have anticipated that."
Snape chuckled, "How could you, unaware as you were of Molly's mental instability."
After so many rows in a row, as it were, Hermione was ready for the day to end. Actually, the prospect of somewhere completely uninhabited by humans--preferably featuring a fully stocked bar--was beginning to look quite tempting.
"Is this over yet?" she asked, as rhetorical as the question was.
Snape smiled before saying, "If it's any consolation, there are only five hours and forty minutes to wait before we'll likely be carted off to jail."
"Not anymore," said Elijah as he entered the corridor. "Mrs. Windom has chosen to postpone her objections. She is prepared to drop the issue if the potion proves legitimate."
Though Elijah looked happy, Hermione still sensed something in his voice.
"And if it doesn't?" she asked.
"Then you'll be carted of to jail," Elijah answered simply.
Of course, Hermione thought, rubbing her face with her hands and yielding briefly to the disillusionment of the day.
"I don't see what you're moping about," Snape said casually. "Should we fail, we'll have plenty of time to flee the country."
Laughing despite herself, she peered up at the dingy ceiling, thinking absently that someone really should clean the stupid thing since it would be so simple. Then again, she wouldn't have those pretty cobwebs to stare at to take her mind off everything, including the dizziness that was creeping upon her. It seemed the longer she stared, the harder it was becoming to breath and the more woozy she was beginning to feel. Suddenly, Snape placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You know, we don't have to sit here all afternoon anymore."
"I suppose you're right," she answered softly before taking a few deep breaths to settle her stomach that was growing displeased about something.
Snape was watching her carefully, "Hermione?"
"I really don't feel very well," she replied hurriedly, afraid drawing out the words would emphasize the nausea. "Will you please take me home?"
"Of course," Snape said, taking her arm and helping her to her feet. "Excuse us, Elijah."
"Sure," she heard Elijah say as Snape ushered her away.
Uncertain why she felt so terrible, she could only try to keep up with Snape's swift steps and try not to feel like an inconvenience. She simply wanted to go home and go to sleep. Snape guided her without question through the halls and down the stairs to the street where they Apparated to her apartment. She mumbled a thank you before heading straight for the bedroom, crawling beneath the covers and closing her eyes, willing herself not to throw up, especially not in front of him.
>
Snape stood in the doorway, anxious as he watched her slide into bed, her face ashen and eyes shut tight against the world. It was disturbing to see her so weak. Whatever was affecting her must be awful if it forced her into bed so it was a simple decision to conjure a chair and watch over her just in case she needed him.
The hours passed slowly while she slept, Snape hopeful the nap would do away with whatever it was. Molly hadn't helped matters by acting the role of meddling mother. Hermione had more than enough to see to without Molly's nosing. After a few hours split between reading and staring, Snape chose to move to the living room, not wanting her to wake and find him watching her as though she might burst into flame at any moment. He would be able to hear her if she called for him anyhow.
Having chosen an extremely boring book about arthropods, he dozed off himself for a while, but woke shortly before five, leaving an hour until the elixir would be ready. Keenly aware that they hadn't eaten, he checked the refrigerator only to discover that what food she had closely resembled small, furry animals or gelatinous pools of foul smelling substances that he assumed used to be food. With a quick wand wave, the fridge was clean. Assuming the cabinets would yield little more than the fridge, he conjured a sandwich for himself and a warm bowl of broth for the patient and set them up at the coffee table before going to wake her.
"Hermione?" he said as he shook her gently.
Her face had regained much of its color but she still appeared weak. She rolled onto her back as her eyes fluttered open. "How long have I been asleep?" she asked.
"A long time," he said. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better," she answered as she slowly sat up. "I don't know what that was all about."
"It's quite simple. Molly made you physically ill."
She laughed softly. As she stretched, she must have seen the clock. "Is that the time?"
"No," Snape replied nonchalantly, glad to have her conscious again. "I changed all the clocks while you slept."
Laughing, she said, "It's good to have a hobby."
"Do you need anything?" he asked. "Some water, perhaps?"
"No," she sighed, swinging her legs off the bed. "I'll get it my…oh, I shouldn't have moved so fast." Her face quickly paled and she was taking measured breaths when she asked, "What is wrong with me?"
"You're the healer," he teased gently.
"Oh ha-ha," she replied slowly. "I'm serious."
"You haven't eaten," he told her. "You must realize that can make you weak, which will no doubt make you nauseous. Once you get something on your stomach, you'll be fine."
She rose cautiously, wrapping a blanket around her shoulders as she led the way to the living room. They settled onto the sofa and Snape was just taking a bite of his sandwich when he noticed her watching him.
"Why can't I have a sandwich?" she asked.
"Because you're sick," he explained. "And sip that slowly, no inhaling."
She smirked, "Yes Doctor Snape."
"I'm sure I'm tame compared to you," he teased. "Heaven forbid I should get sick, you'd be lording over me with an iron fist and a buggy whip."
"I would not," she replied before taking a small sip of soup. "I'd use a riding crop."
The remainder of the very late lunch went by rapidly and as soon as Hermione finished eating, she made a quick trip to the bathroom and returned looking refreshed. Since she appeared well, Snape withheld his protests about her return to the hospital although he did insist that they Apparate to spare her the walk.
The hospital was quite empty, making the presence of the flapping bat hat ever more noticeable as they reached the fourth floor. Miriam Windom was standing with Elijah and James Flannigan outside the door to Harry's room.
"Come to see if we succeed?" Hermione asked, though they didn't stop for a response.
Snape steered her past, nodding to Elijah and sneering quickly at the Flannigan idiot. Elijah followed, clearly aware that he would have to remove the wards.
When they arrived at the lab, an azure glow surrounded the door before they swung open. "There," Elijah said. "Good luck."
"Thank you," Snape replied before he and Hermione entered.
The thirteen cauldrons were still simmering, but they were now brimming with the orange elixir and the room reeked of sulfur.
Coughing, Hermione said, "We should have cracked a window." After a few more coughs, her face lost all its color before she bolted toward the door and mumbled, "Be right back."
Understanding how the smell could turn a sound stomach, Snape chose to leave her be for the time and opened every window before beginning the task of preparing doses. If his calculations were correct, a small amount of elixir at the correct concentration would prove itself almost immediately, but the effects would only last a short time. They would use full doses as a last resort, Snape decided, filling a tray with small cups labeled from one to thirteen. He was nearly finished measuring the doses when Hermione returned, looking the epitome of green about the gills.
"That was unpleasant," she said softly as she crossed room.
Snape was immediately alarmed, "You're shivering." He placed the back of his hand to her forehead. "You aren't feverish, but you should go home."
"Absolutely not," she protested. "I've come this far and it's not like I have to do anything."
"What if you're contagious?" he asked, hoping to persuade her with concern for Harry.
"You just said I don't have a fever," she replied. "And I don't kiss Harry on the mouth, if that's what you're worried about."
Chuckling, Snape knew it was useless to argue if she was determined. He finished filling the cups and noticed Hermione cringe as the elixir gurgled into the cups. Snape batted away her hands when she attempted to pick up the tray and he carried it carefully through the hall to Harry's room.
"Unless you want to smell of burnt matches, I'd suggest you move," Snape advised Mrs. Windom who had positioned herself right in front of the door.
"You can ask politely," she hissed.
"Pardon me," Snape said as he felt the familiar sneer curl his lips. "Get out of the way."
He heard her muttered outrage and Hermione's giggle as he entered the room where he had to steady the tray upon seeing Arthur, Molly, Ron, and Ginny Weasley, along with Tonks and Lupin all huddled around the bed. Every head turning his direction, he saw Harry's smiling face among them.
"Mr. Potter," Snape said, "I see we've interrupted the meeting of your fan club. I'm afraid you'll have to postpone."
"He's right," Hermione added. "You can all wait outside or in the lobby if you'd like, but we'll need to observe his reactions unhindered."
With surprisingly little protest, they all began saying their goodbyes and filing from the room. Ginny and Tonks left first, both stopping to have a few words with Hermione while Snape went to set the tray on the bedside table now that he had the room to walk. When he checked on Hermione, she was still in conversation and he though he understood her sidelong glance.
"Hermione," he said. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but could I have a word?"
"Sure," she said quickly, adding something to the girls before crossing the room. "Thank you," she whispered when she reached him, although Snape thought she should have waited to express any gratitude as Molly had finished her fawning and was on her way toward them.
"Hermione dear," Molly began, clutching her handbag nervously in front of her. "I must apologize for my behavior. Though I may not approve, it isn't my place to judge so I am sorry."
"Thank you," Hermione replied.
Molly sighed deeply, "You look peaky. Take care of yourself. You're still family, you know, so you still have to visit."
"I know," Hermione replied.
Looking to Snape, Molly nodded, "Severus."
Snape waited for her to say anything else before returning the nod. "Molly." At his words, she hurried away and Snape allowed a chuckle. "I think I'm no longer invited to dinner."
At long last, the room was clear and Harry was smiling expectantly. Hermione was sitting on the foot of his bed, looking no worse and no better. Snape felt compelled to hurry.
"You should feel a difference right away. If not, we'll move on to the next," Snape explained as he handed Harry the first dose.
He took the cup and drank it all at once, sitting very still as though closely evaluating every sensation. After nearly a minute, he shook his head no. Moving on to the next and the next, the tension escalated as Snape considered the possibility that none of them would work. Around cup number six, Hermione moved to the chair by the window and Snape couldn't tell whether her illness or the looming failure provoked her new expression of discomfort.
One by one, Harry emptied the cups. A few times, he looked as though he were about to speak, but only gave the same disappointed shake of the head. A few times, he paused for several minutes, but the same disappointment settled yet again. Half an hour passed and twelve empty cups sat on the tray. Snape handed Harry number thirteen and for a moment appreciated the irony that number fourteen would have been the correct strength.
Harry emptied the cup and sat completely still. Hermione was poised on the edge of the chair, watching him intently. Snape merely waited for the inevitable shake of the head. Just as before, Harry shook his head, a pained look of frustration on his face. Snape had enough time to look around for something to kick.
"That one didn't seem to work either."
That was Harry's voice, scratchy and weak, but it was his voice. Snape looked up at the grinning face of the boy who had apparently escaped death yet again.
"You are a bastard," Snape said slowly, unable to repress a smile. The boy would live.
"No," Harry laughed. "I'm an orphan. That's different."
Snape chuckled and looked to Hermione, the sight of her making him laugh ever more. She hadn't moved from the chair, though she was clutching the arms and gaping at Harry. Swinging his legs cautiously from the bed, Harry stood looking like a child just discovering he possessed the ability. Hermione rose and caught him in a tearful hug, many mumbled thanks audible between the two.
Harry pulled away as he said, "We have to tell everyone. They aren't going to believe this!"
When Harry rounded the bed, Snape spotted the boy's state of undress and thought it wise to stop Harry before he reached the door. "Mr. Potter, you still need to take a full dose of number thirteen and put on some pants."
It was then that Harry looked down at his t-shirt and boxer short. "Pants…right."
While Harry rummaged though the storage chest at the foot of the bed, Hermione hit Snape round the middle and began rambling unintelligibly into his sweater. She drew away almost as swiftly.
"I'll get the full dose," she said, excitement dancing in her eyes. "Eight ounces?"
Snape nodded, unable to say anything before she veritably skipped from the room. When he turned back, Harry was standing before him, thankfully wearing trousers this time.
"I can't thank you," Harry said. "There isn't anything to say that could tell you what this means to me."
"There's no need Mr. Potter," Snape replied, truly uncomfortable. "Seeing her happy is enough." His jaw clenched as he winced inwardly. He hadn't meant to say that part aloud.
Harry was grinning again, "She's not just happy because of me."
Snape merely nodded, finding the conversation strange to say the least. Luckily it didn't go any further because Hermione came barreling in with a glass full of number thirteen. Harry took it and drained the glass, cringing as he did so.
"I'm still not used that," he said, wiping his chin with the back of his hand.
"I'd imagine you'll need to stay here overnight," Snape told him, "but if all is well you may leave in the morning. You'll need to take that once a month and I'm sure Hermione or I will prepare it for you."
Harry nodded. After hugging Hermione again, Harry disappeared into the hall and the enthusiastic cheers of those gathered surely traveled to the street outside.
"You did it," Hermione said, pulling Snape from where his mind was just beginning to wander.
"We did," Snape amended as he took her in his arms, careful not to jostle her. "Actually, Jonas did. We merely figured it out."
"You figured it out," she said. "Without you…"
Recognition was unnecessary from her. "Are you feeling better?" he asked.
"A bit," she answered. "I'd like to stay and spend some time with Harry, maybe wait until everyone else has gone."
His mind was going back to the thought she had interrupted. "If you're sure you feel up it," he replied and she quickly nodded. "In that case, I think I'll return home for a bit. I'd like to speak with Jonas…tell him what his miracle plant has been up to."
Her expression was unreadable as she asked, "How long do you plan to stay?"
Snape grinned, "A few hours and then I'll return to look in on my new patient. Perhaps I'll bring you a light dinner."
Smiling she replied, "That sounds good."
This was the moment he'd been dreading, if even unconsciously. This moment signaled their return to their previous lives, the fight for Harry's life fought and won.
"I guess there's no time like the present," he said, trying fruitlessly to mask his reluctance to leave.
"I guess not," she said. "Be careful."
"I'll not splinch myself, I promise." He smirked, "And if you start feeling worse, you will go home."
"I promise," she answered.
He kissed her gently before pulling her into a warm embrace. Holding onto her was so much better than walking away could have ever been. She squeezed him back and he thought about staying but he knew that she needed the time with Harry. There would be plenty of time later.
When they reached the lobby, Snape asked her to rescue his plants and they said a few more heartfelt goodbyes before he crossed through the barrier onto the street. He had a busy evening ahead of him. He'd have to collect his things from the hostel and stop somewhere along the way to pick up an expensive bottle of cognac for Jonas. At some point, he'd need to settle a few things. He didn't want to make this trip regularly and he didn't want her to have to either. If she wasn't interested in healing, then there was every chance that she might come to Mandeville. He's also need to figure out another way of making money. The solution to that was promising although he'd have to speak with Jonas about it first.
After checking out of the hostel, Snape steadied himself for the excruciatingly long Apparition and realized he'd have to make that horrible trip twice in one day. However, that didn't bother him as much as it should have, not after what he saw in her mind before Remus so rudely interrupted. Though Snape still felt the tiniest twinge of guilt for looking, it had been worth every second to witness her falling in love.