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Chapter Nineteen
I awoke suddenly, groaning at the dull pain in my head. I groped blindly for the potion I suspected should be on the table next to my bed. The tips of my fingers brushed the bottle, and I grabbed it and gulped it down. Relief from the pain was almost immediate, causing my previously stiff body to relax. I sighed and rubbed my eyes, noting the sunlight streaming through the windows. Bolting out of bed and making my way quickly through the hospital wing, I noticed the various beds in the long room blocked off by the curtains. Every single bed was taken. As I reached the front of the room and looked off to my left, I saw Madam Polinski rummaging through a cupboard, muttering to herself about ornery men. I raised an eyebrow. Is she talking about Severus? My heart began to pound, and my throat was dry. Severus! Is he alright? Who's hurt?
I made my way quickly towards the witch, my feet making no noise as I moved across the freezing cold stone floor. I leaned over and tapped her shoulder. Madam Polinski jumped, nearly dropping the many bottles she had in her hands. Breathing heavily, she put her hand over her heart and glared.
"I have enough trouble today without you attempting to kill me, Miss Granger. Please refrain from sneaking up on anybody. From the way everybody's still on edge (no doubt an after-effect of the battle) you're very likely to get cursed." She sighed and gathered the bottles up and moved to set them on the table, which was levitated in the center of the room.
"So...who's the ornery man you were muttering about?" She glanced at me sharply. I raised an eyebrow, conveying I wasn't going to leave until I was told. She sighed, no doubt recognizing the expression from Severus and Septimus. My heart lurched at the thought of Severus. Please, let him be alright!
"I was talking about Professor Carce." I stopped breathing, blinking stupidly at the mediwitch. My mouth hung open, no sound coming out at all. I snapped my jaws closed. "He woke up last night after your episode. He caught you before you hit the floor. He stayed up long enough to talk to Professor Snape for awhile, and then took his potion like a good boy and went right to sleep." I snorted. A good boy? He's almost forty! Although, compared to Madam Polinski, he probably was a 'boy' to her. Wait...did she say Professor Snape?
"Are they okay? Professors Carce and Snape, I mean." She sighed.
"Well, Professor Carce is fine mentally. His body is weak from just laying around, but other than that, he's well. He'll be released later today. Professor Snape...is a little worse off. He was hit with an unknown curse. It damaged his muscles and nerves. I gave him a potion I hope will cure what ails him. So far, it seems to be working. He's no longer twitching and my diagnostic spells tell me he's pretty much back to normal. There are a few things I'd like to take care of while he's under Wulf's Sleeping Draught that he normally wouldn't let me take care of." I nodded. Wulf's Sleeping Draught was a powerful draught. It made the drinker fall into an extremely deep sleep, almost comatose. The ingredients it's made from allows other potions to be taken along with it. Until given the antidote (which is pretty simple to brew) the patient will stay asleep.
"Can I...see them?"
She shook her head no, watching me through narrowed eyes. "That wouldn't be proper," she replied. There was no way this witch was keeping me from two of the people who mean most to me.
"Hang what's proper. I don't really care." I glared at her. She looked towards the ceiling, looking as if she was praying for patience. I wasn't going to back down until she gave in, and she knew it.
"Fine. But if asked, I will tell them you directly disobeyed me." I gave her a half smile. She gave me a small one back. She stepped around me and began to walk towards the middle of the room. She stopped before a curtain that was hiding two beds from view. "Truth be told, I'm glad someone cares for them. I know Headmaster Dumbledore, Professors Lupin and McGonagall, and Fields care. I had to kick them out to get them to leave, but it's nice to know that somebody who isn't a co-worker cares." I nodded. Septimus, like Severus, loved his privacy. Nobody would know about him and Julie until he wanted them to know.
"Right." I flashed her a grin. She pulled aside the curtain and I slipped through. Severus was on my right, Septimus opposite from him. Severus lay on his back, breathing deeply and steadily. My gaze moved from him to Septimus, who lay on his side facing me. He was breathing steadily as well, but not as deeply. I'd visit Severus first, and then Septimus. Perhaps by the time I was done convincing myself Severus wasn't going to die, Septimus would be ready to wake up. I leaned over Severus and gently brushed my lips agains this forhead. I moved my head down a bit until we our foreheads were touching. I felt his breath brush my face as he breathed out. I sat on the edge of his bed and held his hand gently, my thumb moving across the back of his hand.
"Severus. I'm so glad you're going to be alright. Madam Polinski seems to think you'll recover, and that's good enough for me. She's right nine times out of ten. Besides, you're too stubborn to die just yet." My voice dropped to a whisper. "And you can't leave me. Not yet. I need you. As cliche and stupid as it sounds, I can't live without you." My lips trembled and I brushed a stray tear aside impatiently. He's going to be fine. There's no reason at all to cry. I sighed and brought his hand up to my lips. Come back to me, love.
"Hermione." I jumped to my feet and turned, hands going automatically to my pocket where my wand was hidden. Nobody was behind me. Am I hearing voices now? "Hermione." I turned to the bed. My breath caught in my throat as I met Septimus' eyes. My happiness, worry, and sorrow came rushing forth with the one voice I longed to hear most (besides Severus') speaking my name. I rushed across the small space and threw my arms around Septimus. He wrapped his arms around me, and buried his face in the crook of my shoulder. My tears slipped out and I gave a small sob. I didn't bother to hold it back.
"Hermione, what's wrong?" He pushed me away gently, and wiped some of my tears off with this thumb. His dark eyes, made darker with concern, stared into mine. I shook my head.
"Nothing. Everything. I don't know. I've wanted you to wake up for so long, and now you are, and I'm just so happy. I've missed you so much, Septimus. You have no idea how badly I wanted to talk to you about things, and you weren't here. But then, Severus is-" I choked but forced myself to continue. "Severus is hurt and Madam Polinski isn't one hundred percent sure she can fix him. I'm so worried about him. I love him Septimus, and I need him. To think he might die...it's horrible. And then there's the whole bloody war. I have no idea who survived, who didn't, who's hurt, nothing!" The pain in my chest intensified. No! I refuse to think of life without Severus!
"Love, there's no reason to cry. I'll never understand why woman cry when they're happy. It just doesn't make sense." He sighed in exasperation, and I gave a watery chuckle. "And Severus will be fine. No, Polinski isn't sure she's helped him, but she's confident enough. And when she's that confident, she's never wrong. Severus will not die. He's too stubborn. As much as he bitches and moans about life and how much he hates it, I don't think he'd be willing to give it up without a fight. So you've got nothing to fear, girl." I nodded, slightly reassured. I snuggled closer to Septimus. He smells like a hospital. Still, I didn't move.
"How's Julie?" He questioned.
"Fine. Well, as fine as she can be with the love of her life in the hospital. No doubt once she hears your awake she'll rush in and I'll be forced to leave. " I grinned, and he grinned back. It was so good to see his eyes again, to hear his voice.
"What'd you and Severus talk about last night?"
"He wanted to know if you were alright when he heard you were screaming. I assured him you were fine. I asked him why you called him Severus...and he said you'd become 'close' while I was indisposed. I said you missed him, he informed me you'd spent hours at my bedside. Then Polinski forced a vile potion down our throats, and out we went." I shifted. Did he disapprove? Like so many times before, he seemed to read my mind.
"I think you're perfect for each other. You fit, I think." I felt myself beam with happiness at the thought that my best friend approved of me dating his cousin. "If you two get married, he and I will be forced into each others company. I've always wanted to get to know him better. I bet he has a wicked sense of humor." I nodded.
"He does."
"Tell me how you came together." I nodded and began my tale. I told him everything from the beginning, from the time I sat on top of him and told him I wanted him, up until I passed out. I left out some of the more racy details of course, but I think Septimus had an idea from the gleam in his eyes. I finally finished just as Madam Polinski came in, quickly followed by the Headmaster, Lupin, McGonagall, and Julie. Julie took one look at Septimus and moved quickly towards him. I barely got out of the way in time. She flung her arms around him. Dumbledore stopped me and reported that my friends were looking for me.
"And Harry as well." I grimaced, not overjoyed with the knowledge that Potter wanted to see me. I nodded and thanked him, rather than voicing my displeasure. I made my way back to my little cut off area and quickly re-dressed. I made my way out of the hospital wing and down the stairs, searching aimlessly for my friends. The common room perhaps? I mused. I continued down to the main floor and took a right. As I reached the flight of stairs that led to the common room, I heard a voice call my name. I turned to find my friends and Potter and his gang rushing towards me.
I rushed forward and threw my arms around Tabby for a quick hug, then moving on to Jon and the rest of the gang. I inclined my head in greeting to Potter and his small band of friends. I faced Potter squarely.
"How is everybody? Is everybody alright?" Everyone nodded, and I felt a rush of relief.
"How's Sexy?" Tabby spoke up, breaking through the silence. I grinned at the confused looks on Potters face, but it quickly faded as I thought of Severus.
"Severus is...isn't well. He's under Wulf's Sleeping Draught at the moment. Polinski wanted him asleep before she began to heal his injuries." My breath hitched, but I refused to cry.
"Well that's good then, isn't it?" Jon asked. I shook my head.
"Polinski isn't completely sure what she gave Severus will heal him. If it doesn't...he could die." Tabby wrapped her arms around me, and my other friends murmured what I was sure was supposed to be comforting words.
"Wait. Severus as in Severus Snape?" Harry's voice was high pitched and rather shocked. I pulled away from Tabby and glared fiercly at him.
And what...is wrong with Severus?" Harry gulped at my icy question.
"Nothing, Hermione." Neville broke in before I could hex Harry's sorry ass. I relaxed slightly, but noticed Harry looked slightly green. Deciding it was best to change the subject, I cleared my throat.
"Who's...who's dead?" The air was thick with sadness, bearing down on the oppressively.
"Many good people. Charlie Weasley, Mad Eye, Fluer Delacour, Professor Sprout, Professor Timely, Percy Weasley. Fred Weasley was injured, but Polinski is sure he'll recover. Remus Lupin and Tonks were hurt trying to protect some of the students. Polinski isn't so sure they'll survive but she's confident they aren't in pain." Harry choked. His green eyes were anguished, and for a second, just for a second, I felt the urge to comfort him. But I refrained, instead sending him a sympathetic look.
Countless students from both schools have died or been injured as well." Zac spoke softly, almost as if he was afraid I'd attack him. I nodded in his direction, but didn't speak. Suddenly, he perked up.
"Oh! Did you hear about what happened to Professor Matthews?" Potter and his group shook their heads, as did I. Tabby and the others looked gleeful.
"I heard that in the war, he got hit with an impotance spell. Then, after the battle, as he was walking up to the school, his clothes fell off of him, almost like they were hexed off." Here he cast a sly glance at the others, who gave him unbelieveable innocent looks. "Apperantly he's all shriveled up. Madam Polinski doesn't know a spell to fix it either. She's said it's a homemade spell, and it'll just have to wear off. Nobody can look at him without laughing." I laughed. It was the perfect revenge. Men were so sensitive about their manhood, and to have everybody know it's small and shriveled...well, it must be a horrible blow to bear. Things were looking up.
"Oh! I forgot to mention this, but this morning Septimus woke up." My friends snapped to attention. "When I left he was snogging Julie heavily, and the Headmaster and his cronies were there. But I'm sure if you ask, they'll allow you to see him." My friends nodded excitedly. They're eyes practically glowed with happiness. They began to move down the corridor toward the hospital wing. Mike glanced over his shoulder.
"You comin'?" I shook my head.
"I'll catch up with you guys later." They nodded and hurried off. I turned to Potter. He bit his lips in a way that reminded me of myself. Then he sighed.
"I...during the battle, we found out some things you should probably know." I gestured for him to continue. He took a deep breath and began to relay what had happened last night, leaving nothing out. My mood grew steadily darker, and my rage was uncontrollable. Once Harry finished, I stepped towards him, wand out, pointed at his groin. His eyes widened in fear.
"Where. Is. Ron?" He gulped. Neville spoke up hesitantly, no doubt worrying that I'd be pressing my wand into his groin threateningly.
"In a northern tower where Astronomy class is held." I nodded and turned. Harry grabbed my arm before I could go very far. I hissed at him and jerked my arm away. He wasn't the one to betray me, but he still turned his back on me.
"Don't kill him, Hermione. He's going to pay for what he did, Dumbledore will make sure of it." I nodded once. I won't kill him. I'll just hext him until he's so misshapen, his mother won't recognize him. I stormed off, making my way swiftly through the halls. The air crackled around me, and students and adults alike stepped aside as moved toward them. I never looked anywhere but forward. Oh yes, Ronald Bilius Weasley will PAY! I stomped my way up to the northern tower. Standing in front of the door, guarding it, was two Aurors. I gave them a nasty look and went to go through the door. They barred me from the door, and I began to shake with rage.
"If you don't let me through that door, I will take my anger out on the two of you, and believe me, it won't be pleasant. Now, do I take my anger out on two decent Aurors doing their job, or a servant of Voldemort, who deserves every bit of pain he gets?" I saw red. The Aurors traded glances and seemed to reach an agreement.
"As long as you swear not to kill him, we won't stop you. Everybody knows what he did to you. I bet it's going to be in the papers." I didn't care about that, I just wanted him to feel pain. They moved aside and let me enter. I stormed in ready to hex his balls off. I stopped at what I saw.
Ronald Weasley was huddled in a corner. e was rather filthy and severely bruised. Somebody's already gotten to him. He leaned up against the wall, making no move to defend himself or reason with me. His breathing was raspy. I stared silently at him as he lifted his head wearily. When he caught site of me, he widened his eyes and licked his lips. Other than that he made no move to protect himself. I continued to stare at him, and he began to shift, his eyes darting around the dark room. I held my wand at my side, content to just watch him until he spoke. Finally, he did what I wanted.
"Come to hex me, have you?" He sounded horrible, and I felt a stab of pity. Dammit. I wasn't supposed to pity him. I was supposed to hex him!
"Maybe. Or maybe I just want to know why." He looked away, towards the warded window. He stared outside for a few moments while I waited patiently for him to gather his thoughts. He turned back towards me determinedly.
"I wanted to be the best at something. I didn't want to be known for who my family is, or my friends. I wanted people to say, 'Ron Weasley? Yeah, I know who that is! He's the one that...' I want them to say that, rather than, 'Ron Weasley? Son of Arthur and Molly? Doesn't he have brothers that own a joke shop? And his brother Charlie, workin' with dragons!' I just wanted...recognition." I was startled. Weasley didn't usually sound so grown up. He betrayed you. I felt my anger rising again. I wanted him to pay, to feel the pain he caused people when he betrayed them. But no. I was going to be the bigger (more stupid) person and not hex his sorry ass. But I could however curse him...
"Ronald Weasley, I curse you. I hope you always bear the mark of what you did, and I hope a day doesn't go by that you don't get reminded of what you've done. If you ever, ever , hurt someone I care about again, I'll castrate you." Power swirled around me, causing my hair to move slightly. Ron started breathing heavier. I think he was crying. My thought was confirmed when he spoke. His voice was heavy with tears.
"Believe me, I will. I'll never forget..." I nodded once. His thoughts and memories were doing him more damage than I could wrought physically. He would never be fully trusted again. He'd always remember Harry and his families reaction. And it was tearing him up inside. What he did to me was moot compared to what he felt over what he did to the others. I sighed. It had seemed like Ron and I were going to be a couple once upon a time. Now I realized I was just convenient. I was smart, always there, he knew me personally, and I was better looking than some of the other girls.
I sighed and turned away. There wasn't any point in hexing him. He wouldn't care at this point anyway. Unless whatever hexes I use have lasting effects, he wasn't going to care. So what was the point of expanding all that energy to hurt him when it wouldn't work? I could use that energy in much more lucrative ways.
I hurried out of the room and past the Aurors, who said nothing, simply warded the door behind me and returned to their posts. I made my way through the empty halls. Where would the Malfoys be? If I were a snobby pure-blood, I'd be... I wandered aimlessly around. It's a good thing I'm not a snobby pure-blood, or I'd never know where I should hang out at. I turned the corner, absentmindedly staring at the castle ceiling. It's amazing how much stone is above my head. If the castle were to ever collapse -
"Granger?" I jerked my head down, my wand out and pointed Draco Malfoy's throat before I could think. I blinked, once, twice, and then sheepisly lowered my arm. He raised an eyebrow.
"Jumpy much?" I gave him a duh look. We'd just been through a battle and he was asking me if I was jumpy? Was he an idiot? He sighed and shifted his weight to his other foot. He calmly watched me with his cool gray eyes, silently waiting for me to speak. I raised an eyebrow. If he thought he was going to win this Slytherin game, he was very wrong. He sighed again, and finally opened his mouth. "Why, exactly, are you here?" I opened my mouth to speak when I noticed Lucius Malfoy strolling rather quickly down the corridor, heading our way. He looked suspicious. He thinks I think he's still an evil git. But if Severus could turn to the light, then so could these two.
I inclined my head politely. "Mr. Malfoy, a pleasure." He looked rather startled at that. He narrowed his eyes and cocked his head to the side. His beautiful blonde hair fell across his face. He looked handsome and debonair. He crossed his arms across his chest and stared down at me. Reaching some kind of decision, he inclined his head back at me.
"Miss Granger." He paused. "I'm surprised you're not upstairs with Severus." I shook my head.
"I would be. But Dumbledore wanted to talk to Septimus, and I needed to do a couple of things. As soon as I can, I'll be back up there. I want to be there when Severus wakes up." He nodded. He moved closer to me, which rather surprised me. Attitudes of a lifetime take more than a change of heart to fix. Just because Malfoy no longer thought Muggleborns were inferior didn't mean he wouldn't still flinch away from touching one, or as it were, standing close to one.
"Is there a reason you're standing here, then?" I nodded.
"Yes sir. I wanted to thank you." I glanced at Draco. "Both of you." I stopped, letting my words sink in. They stood ram rod straight, open suspicion dawning in their eyes. Their hands twitched towards their wands, and I almost laughed at how similar their reactions were. They held firm though, neither drawing there wands or stepping back. "You...you were with Severus in the final battle. I don't know what exactly happened. But I know that you're his friend, and I will always be thankful for that." They stood in shock, the suspicion disappearing from their eyes quicker than Pumpkin Pastries at the Weasley house. They didn't seem to know what to say, so I stood patiently for them to get their composure together. Finally, the Elder Malfoy nodded.
"You seem to really care about him." I nodded in confirmation as he continued , "As I said before the battle, a friend of Severus' is a friend of mine. I do hope you still plan on attending the Malfoy party."
"I am, yes."
Malfoy Sr. nodded in approbation. "Good. I'm looking forward to seeing you there." Lucius' ice blue eyes suddenly turned more serious. "Miss Granger, I may not be the most...warmest of people, but I do care about my few friends. I do hope you aren't planning on breaking Severus' heart." His eyes narrowed. They turned even icier, and I could see how he excelled at being a Death Eater. When he wanted to, he could be terrifying. I hestitated. You should never give a Slytherin information they can use against you. Love in their eyes is a weakness...one that could be exploited. I narrowed my eyes. Hadn't he just given me ammo? He just told me he cared about Severus.
"I love him. More than anything." Lucius blue eyes warmed instantly at my words, and twinkled in a Dumbledore-like way. That's just wrong. Malfoy's aren't supposed to twinkle, it goes against the nature of things. It's like...bananas tasting like grapefruit. It just doesn't work that way!
"Good. He cares a great deal about you as well." He smiled at me, but it faded. His eyes stayed warm, but became more serious. "You do realize, however, that he won't be easy to stick with? He'll push you away, he'll say hurtful things. He'll believe he won't deserve someone such as yourself." I snorted.
"And why not? I'd think he'd be the more deserving. He risked his life every time that madman called to gather information for people who really didn't trust him. I'd say that makes him more deserving than most people." Lucius Malfoy smiled at me, and reached out to grasp my hand. He looked into my eyes.
"Then we will get along great, Hermione. May I call you Hermione?" I nodded. Welcome to the Twilight Zone... He released my hand and stepped back. He was still smiling warmly at me, which was rather freaky.
"Have a good day, Hermione." I nodded again. My brain didn't seem to be able to get past the image of him smiling warmly. It was still freaking me out.
"You too, sir." He waved hand at me, as if to say, don't bother. The light glinted off his rings. I followed his hand with my eyes.
"Call me Lucius. All my friends do. And I think we're going to be great friends." Solemnly, I stared at him.
"You might be required to hang with my friends, at parties and such. And if you insult them...we won't be friends much longer," I warned. He nodded, trying to look solemn but amusement shining through like sunlight through a dusty window. I noticed how the light played on his white blonde hair. I wonder what shampoo he uses...perhaps I can ask at one point.
"I will definitely endeavor to be...polite to your friends." Lucius agreed. I nodded and grinned.
"Then we will definitely be great friends. You have a great day, Lucius. Draco." I nodded and with a warm smile, I passed them. It'll make Severus really happy to know I'm getting along with his friends. When Severus wakes up, we'll have to go on vacation. Some place warm and nice.
I moved swiftly towards my common room. I hadn't been paying much attention to my pets lately, only feeding them and hurrying down to spend time with Severus. The poor things were probably dying for some attention. I entered my room, quite prepared to spend a large amount of time making up for my absence. My cat was curled up on the window ledge, dosing in the warm sunlight. My snake was nowhere in sight, which meant he was probably in his little makeshift cage. I checked, and there he was, snuggled down and napping. I gently lifted him, and smiled softly when he wrapped himself around my arm. I moved to the window and picked up my kitten. I'm lucky my pets get along so well.
I laid on my bed, absently petting my kitten while running a finger down Eziah's back. Hawkins began to purr, vibrating my entire hand as I pet him. I was relaxed and content. The worry about Septimus and Severus receded but never totally disappeared. I felt my eyes slip closed and my breathing even out. My hands stilled.
An hour and a half later
I jerked awake. The room was darker, and Hawkins and Eziah were no longer on the bed. I wasn't sure where they'd gotten to, but I knew they were okay. I climbed slowly off the bed and glanced at the clock on my desk. With a jolt, I realized I'd been asleep for quite awhile. I smoothed my clothes out and threw my hair up into a messy ponytail. I calmly left my room and exited the common room. I made my way quickly to the hospital wing, nodding at people I knew as they called greetings. I quietly opened the doors and made my way silently to Severus' closed off area. Before I managed to slip inside, Madam Polinski called my name.
I turned to face her. She looked tired and haggard. "Yes, Madam Polinski?"
"Miss Granger. I have inquired to Professor Dumbledore about your inappropriate relationship with Professors Carce and Snape..." Oddly enough, she no longer looked upset at the thought of my "inappropriate relationship". "He...explained some things. Miss Granger, you are one of the few people I know that actually seem to care about these two men. They're very lucky to have you." She grasped my hand and squeezed it gently. I couldn't be more shocked, but managed to simply raise an eyebrow. Her lips twitched, like she wanted to laugh.
"I can't tell you how many times Professor Carce has come home from his adventures, broken and bleeding. He always seemed so lonely, and then you joined to this school. Then he was laughing, he wasn't so stressed...and when he came back from his meetings, he actually wanted to get better quickly. I haven't known Professor Snape long, but he was so similar to Septimus." She blinked rapidly, like she was blinking tears back. "And then suddenly you two were close and he wasn't quite so...snappish." It occured to me that I never really payed much attention to Madam Polinski. I never considered how hard it must be to have to take care of everybody in the castle, and watch people she knew and was friends with suffering. I squeezed her hand, earning a quick smile.
"Anyway, what I was trying to say was that I'm glad you're close to these men. That doesn't mean that I approve of your relationship with Septimus and especially Severus." She said sternly. "But you make them happy, and your of age. So there's really nothing I can do." I grinned rather wickedly at that, and she rolled her eyes. I squeezed her hand once more and turned to slip into the closed off area when Madam Polinski stopped me again, this time by gripping my arm.
"Professor Snape's medicine will wear off tomorrow. I'll inform you when that happens, and after I check his health status, you can see him. But not before! I don't need you getting in my way." I bit my lip, debating whether or not to argue with her, before deciding to just agree. I slipped into the room and took my place at Severus' side. Septimus had already left, the bed empty, it's blanket folded on the bed. Severus lay pale and still on the bed. His chest rose and fell with each breath, and his eyelids twitched, a sure sign he was in deep sleep. His face was turned to the left, and he was curled up. He looked so adorable and sexy. I slipped my hand into Severus' and gently kissed his lips.
"I love you, Severus Snape. Don't leave me, not now. Not when I need you so." I lay my head on his pillow, his breath brushing across my face. It was rather uncomfortable, but I just wanted to be close him. I stared at him and ran my fingers through his hair. I sighed. I wish he would wake up. I shifted, hoping to find a more comfortable position. Although I hadn't done anything particularily strenuous today, I was exhausted. Emotional upheavel can do that to a person, I believe. I reached out and touched Severus' nose before slipping into sleep.
I had most of this chapter written when I decided I didn't really like it. But I think it's necessary, and I promise that the next chapter Severus wakes up. Hopefully it'll be up quickly. Thanks to Awnya Inahartbeat for beta-ing yet again. I already have most of the next chapter mapped out in my head, it's just finding the time to type it. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!