Hermione was finally allowed to leave the hospital a little after two days. Madam Pomfrey had mentioned that Snape had done most of the healing before he sent her to the hospital. The wound left no scar, but it constantly throbbed at times. Hermione knew it was nothing but phantom pain.
Harry and Ron apologized to Hermione sincerely a couple of times about not being able to go and visit her for the past two days. Professor McGonagall insisted that they should leave her alone to rest; for she wanted Hermione to take a break from the issue of Voldemort coming to Hogwarts. Hermione laughed and told them it was okay. She wanted some peace and quiet anyway.
Hermione had slept late one Tuesday morning and noticed that she was late for Potions class. She frantically threw her quill, parchment and textbook into her bag and ran out of the dormitory. By the time she reached the dungeon, she was hungry, tired and already late for ten minutes.
"Late are we, Miss Granger? 10 points from Gryffindor." The Slytherin's sitting across her desk sniggered as she sat down, "I want you to meet me after class."
Harry and Ron gawped at him. Hermione, who had perfect attendance for 6 years, is staying after class with SNAPE! It was unbelievable, but they couldn't do anything about it.
Ron nudged her lightly and whispered, "Goodness 'Mione, why did you choose to sleep late on a day with Potions as the first class?"
"It's not that big of a deal. I mean, it is my first time late for class. Besides, Snape didn't say I have detention." Hermione replied as she copied down the notes written on the board.
"Yeah Ron. He already took points; it surely is Hermione's first time in 6 years to be late."
"Then why does she have to stay after class?"
Harry shrugged, "I guess he has his reasons."
Hermione's hands were indeed taking notes, but her mind was racing. First wondering why Snape wanted her to stay after class. Second, Harry wasn't infuriated by Snape. She noticed that he hadn't glared at Snape when he makes cold remarks at him. Surprisingly, Harry managed to keep himself in a peaceful mood. Was it because he was fully persuaded by what she had said to him that night during summer? Or—
Ron cleared his throat audibly, Hermione snapped back into reality and realized class was over. Harry gave her a small smile as he left the classroom. Ron took the chance to give Snape a few more glares while Harry dragged him out of the dungeon by the collar.
Severus examined the potions made by the Sixth years while the room emptied itself. Finally, after Harry and Ron left the room, he managed to look up at Hermione to speak.
"Since the whole issue of the Dark Lord attacking you is merely between the two of us and Professor McGonagall. Hence, she wanted me to have a small chat with you." Severus gestured to a near by chair for Hermione to sit down.
"You obviously didn't recover full memory after the attack. So when Professor McGonagall asked you if you remembered anything, you only managed to tell her the Dark Lord was asking for Potter."
Severus paused himself to see if Hermione had anything to say.
"I did remember something afterwards." Hermione replied softly.
Severus put up a hand to silence her.
"You saw Draco Malfoy. I know, is there anything else you remember?"
Hermione stared at him with amazement. "How did you know I saw Malfoy?"
"It's quite the obvious," Severus said, "what else do you remember?"
"….That's all, Professor."
"Alright, you may leave." Severus said as he picked up an essay and began grading.
Hermione began walking up the steps of the classroom, when she suddenly remembered something she forgot to do that day at the hospital wing.
"Thank you, Professor."
Severus looked up from the paper in his hands. "For what?"
"For saving my life."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The fact of Severus saving her life meant a lot to Hermione. He could've ignored her and walked off in the hallway. Instead, he cared to carry her to the hospital wing. But that wasn't the main reason why Hermione felt like she owed it to Snape. What impressed her most was the concept that he tried to heal her wounds so her head wouldn't suffer from severe damages that might affect the brain.
"Professor?" Potions was last period of the day, Hermione had waited forever to ask at an adequate timing.
"Yes, Miss Granger?" Severus gave her an irritated look as he backed out of his office.
"I…eh… want to make it up to you for… saving my life last time."
Severus raised an eyebrow, "I don't think that's necessary for you to compensate."
"I insist." Hermione said, determined, "You saved my life when you could've just left me there to bleed to death."
This is getting so ridiculous… Severus sighed, "Alright, how are you going compensate?"
"Well," Hermione set her bag down at a near by desk and walked up to Severus, "You should be requesting it."
"I have no needs." Severus said honestly.
Hermione looked around the room, "I could help you organize things… Make potions for Madam Pomfrey… or…uh…..."
Severus stared at his pile of essays, "How about helping me grade some essays?"
"Essays?" Hermione felt a bit flattered.
"Essays written by younger years, of course."
Hermione couldn't help smiling, "I'd love to do that."
Severus looked up at the clock, "When would you like to start?"
"Your choice, Professor." She said politely.
Severus could hear Hermione's stomach softly growling for food, "How about at 8 tonight?"
Hermione found it rather helpful grading essays. Not only did she follow what her mind wanted her to do, she could also review for N.E.W.T.S while grading various essays. Snape hadn't been soft on her at all; he even gave her a few of the Seventh year essays to grade, including her own. Hermione was far from complaining, because she was learning from the mistakes. Deep inside her, she enjoyed staying around Snape; even though he constantly gave her a few harsh remarks about not noticing obvious errors. She began to anticipate the days where she could head down to his office and stay there until he dismissed her or until she was awfully tired. However, Hermione failed to notice that her feelings were growing out of merely getting good results on her N.E.W.T.S and compensating Snape for saving her life.
Disclaimer: See chapter 3.
A/N: Here's another chapter. I REALLY want people to review. It sounds absurd but, the more reviews I get the more I'm motivated… because I know I'm at least writing something that people enjoy reading. If it's good, tell me and elaborate on why you think so. If it's bad, give me advice and tell me what I should improve on. Please don't keep yourselves silent…. What attracts people to read a fiction is the amount of reviews the story receives. I go with this concept too…. I rarely click on fics that have really small amounts of review.
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