Chapter Ten
Breakfast in the Infirmary
Snape knew it was kind of late to be resolving this issue tonight, but for once he didn't care one bit about barging in to Headmistress McGonagall's office. It was nearly ten o'clock, but the Headmistress and the Head Boy and Girl would still be awake. The Potion Master was absolutely furious, ashamed and disgusted after he had seen Hermione's memory and thus he had to fix this before he went to bed.
Snape muttered the password to the gargoyle and stalked angrily up the stairs. Minerva was already waiting for him, sitting by her desk with a sleepy look in her eyes. He gave her a piercing look.
"Are you alright, Minerva?" he wondered carefully, his anger leaving him for a moment, not at all liking the evident tiredness on her face, nor the yellowish tint to her skin.
Minerva gave him a small smile.
"Yes, Severus, I am fine. I am merely starting to feel my age."
Snape didn't like the sound of that and briskly walked around the desk and got down on his knees beside her. He took a firm grip of her wrist, checking to see that her pulse was still strong, as he did his best to ignore the look of affection he knew she was bestowing him at the moment.
"I would like to start you on a potion I gave to Albus for several years," he told her as he got to his feet. "It would do you nothing but good."
Minerva gave him a searching look before she nodded slowly.
"Very well," she agreed. "Now what is it you wanted to resolve before this day is over?"
Snape crossed his arms over his chest.
"I have seen Miss Granger's memory of what happened in the N.E.W.T. class today and we need to punish the perpetrator immediately."
He swiftly told her what had transpired in the room and then added his view of what punishment the boy with the ice blue eyes should receive.
"Are you sure that's what you want, Severus?" Minerva wondered, astounded that he wanted the punishment to be so severe. "He is after all a Slytherin and the first..."
"Yes, I'm sure," Snape said curtly. "I will make no excuses for anyone who behaves like that in my classroom."
The next moment, the door opened to present Head Boy Marcus Bletchley and Head Girl Laura Madley, both looking slightly confused as to why they had been called here at this hour.
"You are here due to a matter that will affect you both," Minerva started, her back straitening out a bit as she spoke. "Severus, why don't you take it from here."
Snape paced back and forth a bit, thinking his decision over one last time, before he strode up to the Head Boy. The young man's posture stiffened, but he didn't look away from the Potion Master, knowing that he looked more terrifying than he actually was.
"What you did in my classroom today was despicable, Mr Bletchley," he said dangerously low.
Bletchley's eyes widened in surprise.
"What are you talking about, sir?"
"Do not act as if you don't understand what I am talking about!" Snape bellowed, his anger flaring up for real at the boy who's impudence nearly had cost Hermione's life. "I have seen Miss Granger's memory of the entire incident! I have never been so ashamed of a Slytherin's actions before!"
The young man was now cowering slightly under his Head of House, a look a fear in his eyes. Laura Madley was merely looking confused, as she did not take N.E.W.T potions and had therefor no idea what Snape was talking about.
"Have you any idea of how close Miss Granger was of dying?" Snape continued, and before he got any further, Bletchley ground out;
"Who cares? She's just a mudblood anyway."
Before he knew what he was doing, Snape's hand was swinging up towards Bletchley's face. Only Minerva's "SEVERUS!" made him halt, and he quickly dropped his hand, ashamed at himself for almost slapping a student. He took a deep breath to settle his outraged feelings and then took a few steps back from the boy.
"If we already hadn't decided upon your punishment, that would have been the final straw," Snape said quietly, looking straight into the boy's eyes – the icy blue eyes held a defiant look. "You are stripped of your title as Head Boy."
Marcus Bletchley gasped in shock and Laura's jaw dropped in surprise. Neither of them could remember a time when any Head Boy or Girl had been stripped of their titles.
"You can't do that!" Bletchley cried in outrage as soon as he had found his voice.
"I can and I have," Snape said dispassionately and then took a last minute decision about a second punishment. "And you will not be permitted back into my class."
Bletchley was by now looking very pale.
"But, potions is my best subject," he said, sounding hurt and pleading at the same time. "I want to become a potions researcher."
Snape did not take any pity on the young man.
"You should have thought about that before you decided to grope my apprentice, Mr Bletchley. Not only was it disrespectful, but we were working on Exploding Fluid – a potion so dangerous that you should have realized that you should have done nothing but concentrate on your work! What on earth did you think would happen? Did you think that Miss Granger would be pleased by feeling your hand on herself?"
"No," Bletchley muttered, but the look on his face betrayed his true feelings about it – he clearly believed that Hermione would have been flattered.
Snape shook his head in disgust.
"Since you obviously have no respect for the dangers of working with potions, I have no regrets about throwing you out of my classroom. You are a danger to the rest of the students and to yourself."
Bletchley looked as if he was ready to cry. It seemed as if Laura wanted to reach out and comfort him, but refrained from doing so. Snape then turned to McGonagall and her lips were pursed, as if she believed that his second punishment was too severe. However, what was done was done. McGonagall turned to Laura.
"Miss Madley, I need to you report here tomorrow after breakfast and help me appoint a new Head Boy. Here's a list of candidates" – she held out a piece of parchment for the girl to take – "that was put together before term started. I would advise you to look at it before you retire for the evening."
Miss Madley nodded and then met the Headmistress's gaze.
"Excuse me for asking, Headmistress, but why would you need my help? Aren't Head Boys and Girls just appointed by you?"
"Quite right, Miss Madley, but since term is already half way through, I thought it best to find someone you would be comfortable working with," Minerva answered, and the girl nodded in understanding. "You are both dismissed."
As soon as they had left, Snape turned to Minerva to hear what she had to say before he himself returned to his quarters.
"Wasn't that a little harsh, Severus?" she wondered gently.
"No," he answered, going straight to the point. "I believe that anyone who cannot appreciate how dangerous working in a Potions lab can be, has no business being there in the first place. Miss Granger was three minutes from dying, Minerva, and he didn't even care – he showed me no remorse. I do not regret my decision."
McGonagall sighed, but couldn't help but to agree with him. As he bade her good night, she could see the anxious look on his face and she smiled a little as he turned his back away from her and strode out of the office. Perhaps Albus wasn't as dense as she first had believed.
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Hermione woke next morning feeling quite refreshed – she had had a full night's sleep without dreams and the burning in her throat wasn't quite so intense now. She opened her eyes and saw Dobby setting up breakfast – toast, marmalade, cinnamon buns and steaming, fresh tea.
"Hello, Dobby," she said cheerfully and smiled as he started, quickly bowing to her in greeting.
"Nice to see that Miss Hermione has woken," he squeaked and then continued with his task.
She watched him fuss over making everything look neat and pretty, but then she frowned – he was laying at plates, cups and knifes for two people.
"Dobby, is someone dining with me?"
Dobby looked at her with wide eyes and nodded.
"Yes, Miss Hermione. You will be joined by..."
"... me."
The silky voice made Hermione jump. She had been so focused on Dobby that she hadn't even noticed Professor Snape enter the infirmary.
"Good morning, Miss Granger," Snape said as he slightly bowed his head in greeting.
Hermione jammed her mouth shut with some difficulty.
"G-good morning, Professor," she stammered, still shocked at his sudden entry.
Neither said a word as Dobby finished, but the elf soon disappeared with a small bow and then with a 'pop' he was gone. Snape pulled up a chair to the little table and sat down, ignoring the curious look on Hermione's face. She watched him as he poured them cups of steaming tea and then tilted her head in astonishment when she saw that he added one piece of sugar into her cup.
"Close your mouth, Miss Granger," Snape snapped, but he had a small smirk playing on his lips.
He picked up a piece of toast and started spreading it with marmalade.
"I was a spy, Miss Granger, if you remember. It lies in my nature to be observant of the smallest of things, such as how a person takes their tea," he offered in explanation.
Hermione nodded stupidly and then hunched forward a bit to reach her cup. She winced and then let out a cough as the hot liquid burned her throat. Snape's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Still in pain, Miss Granger?"
"Only when I drink hot tea," she gasped out and then she quickly reached for the pitcher of pumpkin juice.
Not bothering to waste time filling a glass, she lifted the pitcher to her lips and drank in small sips until the burning pain was nothing more than a dull ache. Only after she had put the pitcher down did she realize that Snape actually looked amused.
"Sorry about that," she muttered, her eyes downcast. "I just..."
"Good heavens, Miss Granger, why are you apologizing to me about soothing your pain?" Snape demanded and then winced slightly as she shrank back at his tone.
He took a deep breath before continuing.
"Unless you have done something directly offensive towards me, I forbid you to apologize to me."
Hermione's mouth dropped again and she simply stared at him for a moment.
"Close your mouth, Miss Granger," he said once more, his smirk almost transforming into a tiny small. "And eat something. You need to get your strength back."
They sat in silence for a few minutes, both eating toast with marmalade and drinking their tea. Snape had put a cooling charm on the tea, and even though Hermione preferred it scorching hot, this was the only way for her to drink it this morning without being in excruciating pain.
"Sir?" Hermione suddenly said, breaking the silence of the Infirmary.
"Yes, Miss Granger?" he wondered, as he poured himself another cup of tea.
She hesitated a moment. When Snape narrowed his eyes in warning, she hurriedly continued.
"Why did you come all the way up here to have breakfast with me?" she inquired, her eyes firmly glued to her hands.
Snape sighed inaudibly. Yes, she did have to ask him that question, didn't she? The one question he couldn't quite answer himself. He put the teapot back on the table and then turned his gaze towards the young witch. Why had he come?
"I felt the need to make certain that you were on the mend," he improvised, "for Mr Potter's benefit. I have, of course, already written him about the event and he has warn–, I mean, informed me of his intention to come visit you tomorrow."
Hermione had let out a laugh at his little slip, not sure if it was intentional or not. It probably was, since the former spy always chose his words very carefully. Snape glared at her until she quieted down.
"Also, I wanted to inform you what happened after I reviewed your memory of the event that landed you in the hospital wing," he concluded, feeling as if these were two legitimate reasons for him having breakfast with her.
Hermione gave him a searching look.
"So, it's not because you've grown accustomed to my presence in the Great Hall, and simply couldn't bare the idea to eat without me?" she wondered innocently and teasingly at the same time, her eyes suddenly wide with mischief.
Snape's eyebrows shot up in surprise at the sudden change in her demeanor and what happened next was quite out of his control – he let out a small, but genuine laugh. Hermine started, staring in awe at the Professor, relishing in the sudden happy expression on his face. It made him look younger and carefree, and the sound of his barking laugh was like music to her ears – being around Snape for three weeks meant she hadn't been around much laughing and the revelation that he was capable of laughing excited her immensely.
"Don't be ridiculous, Miss Granger," Snape said, trying to hide the smile playing on his lips, as soon as he had calmed down. "I am merely here as a favor to Mr Potter – I made him quite an important promise, as you might recall."
"Yes, Professor, I do recall your promise," Hermione with a grin. "However, I don't believe that Harry meant for you to be forced to have breakfast in the infirmary."
They looked at each for a moment and then Snape lowered his cup, revealing what was left of the smile for a second. Then he schooled his features, the mask of the snarky Potions Master coming back in its rightful place.
"No matter, Miss Granger," he said briskly. "I want to inform you of what happened to the perpetrator that, through his disrespectful behavior, landed you where you are now."
Hermione nodded, her expression turning solemn as she waited for him to continue.
"The boy who deiced to grope you, Miss Granger, was a Slytherin called Marcus Bletchley. He was also the first Head Boy from Slytherin this school has seen in a decade."
"Was?" Hermione wondered, her eyes wide and worried.
Snape nodded curtly.
"He was stripped of his title late last night," he said and glowered slightly at the thought of the stupid boy. "Minerva and the Head Girl are choosing a new Head Boy as we speak."
Hermione looked tormented.
"I caused a Slytherin Head Boy to lose his position," she murmured, her voice full of regret.
Snape slammed his fist down on the table and Hermione jumped, her eyes getting a frightened tint for a second until Snape held up his hands in apology. She averted her gaze to her hands, still feeling guilty.
"Never think like that again, Miss Granger," Snape growled, the fierceness of his voice startling her enough to get her to snap her eyes up to meet his.
She looked uncertain, and then voiced another concern that popped into her head.
"Even if I don't think like that again, Professor, he might. And the rest of the Slytherin's might. What if they try to get revenge?"
Her question came out as a whisper, her brown orbs now full of worry. Snape looked taken aback – clearly this was something he hadn't taken into consideration himself. He of all people knew how the mind of a hotheaded Slytherin worked.
"I shall speak to them all tonight, Miss Granger – make them understand that any intentional harm to you will lead to expulsion."
"I don't want to be the cause of someone getting expelled from Hogwarts, Professor!"
Snape's eyes narrowed, wondering why the thought of a student – a student that had treated her with disrespect and open contempt – getting expelled from Hogwarts bothered her so.
"Be as that may, Miss Granger, he will only have himself to blame. Should he cause you further harm after my warning, it will be no ones fault but his own, just as it is his own fault for not being allowed back into my classroom."
Hermione gasped in shock, remembering the boy's fluid movement as he stirred the potion he was carefully working on – she knew without a doubt that he was good at potions, that he enjoyed working with potions a great deal.
"Do not pity him, Miss Granger. Had he any respect for the dangers of working in a potions lab, he never would have done what he did in the first place. Perhaps if he had shown any trace of remorse, I might not have been so harsh. However, he did not care whatsoever about you nearly dying. Thus, he will not be welcomed back."
Snape gave her a piercing look until she nodded. Then he checked his watch and instantly sighed deeply.
"Why did I ever let Minerva talk me into coming back? Haven't I taught enough dimwitted first years to last me a lifetime?"
Hermione could tell that he was mainly speaking to himself, but couldn't help giggling slightly – when Snape raised one eyebrow, she immediately fell silent.
"I will come back later, Miss Granger, to check on your progress."
Before Hermione had a chance to respond, he twirled on the spot and strode out in a quick pace, his cloak billowing behind him.
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When Hermione woke next morning, she felt much like her old self. Her body was barely aching, her throat felt more or less normal and she didn't feel nearly as weak as she had the day before. She heard, before she saw, that Dobby was setting up breakfast again, and she vaguely wondered if he was setting the table for one or two people. She finally opened her eyes and sat up in the bed.
"Good morning, Miss Hermione! Dobby made waffles especially for you this morning."
Hermione smiled in delight, her stomach growling loudly in anticipation of the delicious waffles she knew he was capable of making. Normally, she was never a big eater in the morning, but today she felt starved. Her mouth watered as the smell of the waffles reached her nose.
"That looks absolutely wonderful, Dobby," she said and patted the elf affectionately on the head. "Thank you."
Dobby looked ready to burst into tears of delight, but managed to bow gracefully before he quickly disappeared.
"Waffles, Miss Granger? The elf surely must like you a great deal."
Snape's voice made her jump, as always, and she growled in frustration at her own reaction.
"Good morning, Professor," she said, composing herself, as she scooted closer to the edge of the bed, drawing the blanket of her so that she could sit properly, her feet dangling a foot or two from the floor.
"You look much better today, Miss Granger," Snape said as he sat down and immediately starting pouring tea for them both. "Which is a very good thing, as Mr Potter will be arriving in less than half an hour."
Hermione's whole face lit up at that. The next moment she cut a piece of the first waffle and when it entered her mouth, a soft moan came from her throat. Snape's hand froze for a second over her tea cup, giving her an inquiring look before he came to his senses and dropped the sugar into her cup.
"Sorry, sir, but I haven't had waffles in years," she explained, waffle still in her mouth which she now was chewing slowly, savoring the flavor.
Then she stopped in the middle of chewing as she noticed that Snape still only had toast and marmalade on his plate.
"Would you like some waffles, Professor?" she offered politely.
Snape snorted at the question, rolling his eyes.
"No, thank you, Miss Granger. I am a very light eater in the mornings. Even if that was not the case, I would never dream of stealing your waffles – the elf made them especially for you, if you recall?"
Hermione couldn't quite tell if he was being sarcastic or if he somehow actually did find it kind of Dobby of making such a special breakfast. She looked at him uncertainly as he started spreading orange marmalade over a piece of toast. In the last week it had become easier for her to try to decipher the true meanings behind the things that came from the snarky Potions Master. And Snape encouraged her to do it, having her guess every now and then if he was being serious or sarcastic. What he possibly got out of it, she had no idea, but she enjoyed every little thing that made her understand him better. She started chewing again and then shook his comment off.
"So what news do you have to share with me this morning, since you once again came all the way up here to have breakfast with the insufferable know-it-all?" she wondered, her tone light.
Snape smirked, not answering for quite some time as he took small bites of his toast.
"I simply wanted to personally bring you the good news that the Golden Boy is coming to visit you," he finally said, the sarcasm now evident in his voice. "And since the journey up here is so tediously long, why not have a refreshing breakfast upon arrival?"
Hermione looked amused as he finished, but was smart enough to refrain herself from commenting. It was obvious to her that he simply came to keep her company, or that he wanted the company himself, having gotten used to her presence over the weeks. She thought it was very sweet of him, something she, of course, never would utter out loud – he would obviously hex her for putting the word "sweet" in the same sentence as "Severus Snape". They ate a few moments in a comfortable silence. It was Hermione that finally spoke.
"Professor?"
He met her gaze steadily, his tea cup rising up to his lips.
"Yes, Miss Granger?"
Hermione winced slightly, getting seriously annoyed at hearing "Miss Granger" in almost every sentence he uttered.
"Can you please consider calling me 'Hermione', sir? It's getting really old, hearing you say my last name all the time."
She caught the look of surprise in his eyes before they narrowed, and he tilted his head slightly as he gave her a searching look. After a moment or two, he finally gave her a curt nod.
"I will consider it," he said, being very clear that this was nothing he would start doing simply on a whim.
Hermione just gave him a small smile in return and then voiced the question she had first been meaning to ask him.
"How much longer will I be here?"
"Until Madame Pomfrey decides to let you leave," he answered right away. "And telling her that you feel 'alright', will not be enough for her to let you leave. She will demand evidence."
Hermione sighed deeply, knowing that Poppy would most likely want to keep her under observation for several more days.
"Problem is, sir, that I am bored."
Snape nearly choked on his tea. That was the last thing he would have expected to hear her say. He put his cup down on the little table as he processed this new information. As he thought about it, he realized that such an intelligent witch naturally would be bored, being couped up like this with nothing to do. He wished now that he would have had the wits to at least bring her a book.
"What would you like to do then, Miss Granger? Shall I have Dobby fetch you a book from the library?"
Hermione pondered the question and then shook her head.
"I don't feel like reading, sir," she answered and then folded her hands in her lap. "I feel like I'm wasting time up here. Is there anything useful I can do for you from this bed?"
"Only grading papers," he told her, thinking that she must prefer a book over that.
But Hermione's face brightened in anticipation.
"If you trust me enough to let me grade the first years papers, sir, I would love to do it!"
The witch was full of surprises today, Snape mused. She would love to grade his papers? Very well, he would certainly allow her to do it, if she so clearly wanted to. It wasn't as if he enjoyed doing it himself.
"I'll bring them up after lunch," he agreed and then the sound of the door opening to the hospital wing interrupted them.
Snape sighed heavily as he saw Harry Potter striding towards them and he stood from his chair. With a small bow of his head to Hermione, he left, muttering a greeting to Harry on the way.
"Hermione, are you alright?" Harry greeted as he kicked his shoes off and climbed up into the bed.
"Yes, thanks to Professor Snape's quick thinking, I will be just fine," she answered him and then opened her arms to let him in into her embrace.
He flopped down, lying half on her stomach and half on the bed.
"Did he tell you everything?"
She really didn't feel like explaining anything, but she would have to if Snape had left something out.
"I think so," came Harry's muffled reply, as his face was buried into her cover. "The guy was demoted and thrown out of N.E.W.T class, is the last thing I heard."
"That sounds about right," Hermione said as she gently pulled her fingers through Harry's messy hair. "Now tell me about you, Harry. How are things?"
She felt him sigh and a moment later his face was visible to her – he placed his chin on her stomach so that he was able to look at her while he spoke.
"Ginny's mad at me, for not being angry with you," he said with a small wince. "She asked me to help her make a Howler, but when I refused she understood that I am on your side. And she's furious that I won't tell her why."
Hermione let out a small sigh herself, wondering if maybe telling the Weasley's should be done sooner, rather than later. Even if they didn't believe her, they might understand why she wasn't responding to their letters, why Harry was on her side and why she had suddenly up and left Ron. Maybe they would leave her alone if they were told. She didn't care much at the moment if they believed her – she was just tired of having to defend herself against them.
The two best friend's stayed in each other arms until Harry sadly announced that he had to get back to school. Once again, Hermione made him promise to stay clear of Ron, and only to come to Hogwarts if he was called for. Harry grudgingly agreed and then took his leave after planting a kiss on her forehead. Hermione checked the clock on the night table, exhaling sharply in annoyance. It was only nine o'clock. What on earth was she supposed to do until after lunch?
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AN: Please review! I always love to hear anything input my readers might have.
