Chapter 3
"Hey, Lavender, is Hermione still up there or has she left already?" called Harry across the Common Room.
"Not there. I haven't seen her since she left for her rounds last night," she shrugged as she stepped out the portrait hole.
"She said she was meeting us here," Harry said as he turned to Ron who was picking at a hole in his Weasley jumper.
"Don't look at me, I don't know where she is," he said in defence.
"I'm not running all over the countryside looking for her. Come on, let's go look on the map," he added quietly as he headed up the stairs to the boys dorm.
"Finally," muttered Ron jumping up and bounding after him.
ooOOoo
"Can you see her?" Harry asked Ron.
"Nah, not in the Library, or Gryffindor Tower. Not in the Great Hall, or the court yard."
"Why would she be there?" Harry wondered out loud.
"Studying," the two said in unison followed by a chuckle.
"THERE, there she is," shouted Ron pointing to the map.
"Where?" questioned Harry turning to look where Ron's finger was pointing.
"Right there, in the Hospital Wing. The Hospital Wing! Come on Harry," Ron said bounding off the bed and across the room.
"Mischief Managed. Wait up RON!" yelled Harry hastily shoving the map away.
ooOOoo
"What can I do for you two boys? You're here about Miss Granger?" asked the Matron as the two boys came bounding into the Infirmary. "I suggest you come into my office first boys."
ooOOoo
"Hermione?" asked Harry cautiously as he entered her room. Upon the entrance of the boys Hermione's sleep became restless as she began to toss and turn. "Hermione, it's okay. It's us. Wake-up." Gently shaking her shoulder she woke before jumping away from his hand and scrambling up the bed. Before either boy knew what was going on, Hermione's wand was flying through the air and they were flying back through the curtains. As they skidded to a halt on the floor Hermione's shouts could be heard from behind the screen.
"What did you do?" the Matron shrieked coming down on them. Both boys were flabbergasted at what had just happened. Their best friend had just sent them flying out of her room.
Striding into her office, the Matron returned two minutes later with Professor Snape on her heels.
"What did you do to her?" he sneered.
"I just woke her up because she was having a bad dream and she sent the two of us flying out of there," he said helplessly. Turning on his heel the Professor moved into Hermione's room, drawing the screens.
"What's the bet she sends him flying into the wall," joked Ron.
"I would keep that tongue to yourself, Mr Weasley. Professor Snape in there found and treated Miss Granger last night and calmed her down again this morning," she added moving to a patient up the other end of the ward leaving the two gaping males to themselves.
ooOOoo
Upon stepping into the room, Hermione raised her wand at the Professor, only to lower it slightly. Cautiously moving to the bed, the Professor reached for her hand. When she flinched he stroked it lightly with his thumb before bringing it to his face.
Instinctively Hermione moved her hand over the feel his long hooked nose, high cheek bones, long, fine hair and down to his clothes to feel the high neck collar and many buttons. The fear faded from her face and a smile replaced it. This gesture stumped the Professor, since when did his students smile at him? Fully lowering her wand she moved forward to hug the Professor who returned it. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes again as she rested in his embrace. Pulling away, he set her back against the headboard, using some extra pillows to support her back and head.
Moving to the screen at the end of the bed Hermione began to protest at the loss of contact. Drawing the screen back he stepped outside.
"Potter, Weasley get in here now," he sneered. Stepping back into the room he gestured for the two to stand in the far corner before returning to the complaining Hermione. As he took his seat by the bed, Hermione reached her hand forward for him, which he took.
"Stay where you are Mr Weasley," he growled, his back to the boys as Ron made to move forward. Reaching across he removed Hermione's wand with ease and placed in on the table beside him. Stroking the back of her hand lightly with his thumb he turned in his seat to the boys.
"I don't know what the Matron has told you but allow me to explain the situation. Miss Granger here is deaf and blind, it may be permanent. It may not. She is as distressed as can be expected as a victim of rape." This statement elicited a small gasp from both boys but the Potions Professor pressed forward. "As she has lost two of her most important information relaying senses, her body has turned to its other senses as a means of identifying the outside world. She has increased touch, taste, smell and magical aura."
"Magical aura?" asked Harry.
"Her field of magic. She can sense other magic, whether it be spells or beings, you for instant. She does not however fully understand what she is feeling and is frightened of you…"
"Hermione isn't afraid of us," interjected Ron.
"Why is it then that she sent you flying out of her room?" he sneered in his acidic tone. "Just as I thought," he added to their silent answers. "Which of you is Miss Granger more familiar with?" he asked.
"Probably you Ron," Harry told him to which Ron simply shrugged his shoulders.
"Alright Mr Weasley around the other side of the bed and keep your distance," he added pointing to Hermione's left side.
Cautiously Ron edged around the screen until he was level with Hermione's bed. Turning towards him, Hermione's face conveyed a look of fear and concentration, her body becoming ridged. Suddenly her wand flew off the bedside table towards her left hand but Snape caught it mid-air and pocketed it. Reaching his right hand forward he stroked her arm in reassurance until she settled a little.
"Move forward beside the bed but don't touch her," he said placing a hand on her shoulder as she made to move off the bed.
Harry watched in amazement as his fearful Potions Master sat comforting his best friend, holding her hand. To him it just seemed wrong but what was he to do? Hermione wasn't throwing them out again. He must be doing something right by her.
Placing a hand on her left hip, he moved for her to shuffle over to the right side of the bed which she did without deliberation.
"Sit on the side of the bed and take her hand in yours. Place it palm down on your chest," he instructed resuming stroking her arm.
Gently Ron took his seat on the bed, careful not to get to close to his friend. Tentatively he reached forward for her hand. Flinching at his touch he hesitated briefly before uncurling her hand and placing it on his chest.
Slowly she began to tentatively move over his broad chest and tight abs, her hand in contact with the rough wool of his Weasley jumper. Slipping her hand out of her Professor's, she moved both hands up to his broad shoulders and then to his face. Kneeling, her soft hands felt the planes of his face, his long nose, slight stubble and plump lips. Utmost concentration passed over her features. Her hands travelled to his hair line and through his hair. Comprehension slowly dawned on her features as her left hand slid down his right arm to his cuff pushing it up with both hands to his elbow. Both of her hand began moving over his forearm until she came across a shiny burn scar he had sustained the previous summer when visiting his brother.
A strangled cry escaped her lips as she threw her arms around his neck, burying her head in his shoulder. Moving his arms around her back, he held her tight, rubbing her back soothingly.
Next it was Harry's turn as he moved to the other side of the bed. Removing Hermione from his arms Ron helped her find Harry's face. It only took a few seconds to determine his identity. His glasses, scar and messy hair basically gave him away.
In all of the commotion the Professor slipped away, assuring himself that he would no longer be needed in the case of Hermione Granger. All that she needed now was to have her sight and hearing return. Create those potions and this association would be over. There was no longer any reason for him to visit her bedside. Any and all potions would go straight through Madam Pomfrey. The boys would certainly allow the two to become acquainted. She had found her friends and was happy, or so he thought.