I wrote a beautiful ending for this chapter and then FF lost it, but I tried to recreate it anyway. Hope it's good enough!

Chapter 15. Restless Heart

His stomach sank as Minerva guided him into the Hospital wing. Dumbledore was already standing there, along with Weasley and Potter, hovering over a cot towards the back of the room. He forced himself to keep poised so that no one was able to register the dread that was building in the pit of his gut. Minerva had told him about an accident, that a student was hurt. He could tell by the way her eyebrows furrowed in concern that she was worried about his reaction, knowing immediately it must be regarding Hermione, and she said little else to him as she walked him to the infirmary. The silence was painful as he was trapped in the thoughts of all the possible accidents Hermione could have endured.

Seeing her, now, under the covers of a hospital cot, his heart ached. Her skin was a shade of blue he hadn't seen on someone who was supposedly alive, according to Poppy, and her hair was horribly damp. He wanted to attempt drying charms on her mess of a mane, though he knew Poppy would have been working on that already, and his stepping in would only draw unwanted attention.

"Draco Malfoy cast the binding spell and sent her into the Great Lake, he admits as much but he argues it was intended for Mister Weasley and was in self-defence," Poppy explained to Severus, as his gaze never wavered from the motionless form under the hospital sheets. "It took her group a moment to realize what had happened, and she nearly drowned. As of now, she is just so cold from her time in the lake that her braid has decided to sleep until she had warmed up sufficiently. Thanks to the binding curse, it appears to be taking just a bit longer than we had… Anticipated," the mediwitch concluded, making Severus look up at her and nod curtly.

"I will speak with Draco, and he will be properly punished for duelling on school Grounds," Severus asserted, turning to Minerva with a bit of a glare in his eye. "You will do the same for Mister Potter and Mister Weasley, I trust?" He challenged the older witch, knowing she was almost guaranteed to believe her Gryffindors over the Slytherin boy involved. In all fairness, he was considering the option of Draco's guilt as well as he looked at the boys standing by Hermione's cot. He wished he could banish them, just in case they were the ones who started this after all.

When his colleague nodded, he felt compelled to leave and find his godson, even though he would have preferred staying close to the girl. As he stormed through the halls, he wracked his brain for any warming potions or reviving serums that would bring her back to him as quickly as possible. He knew Poppy would be doing all she could for the young witch, and that administering something untested on such a circumstance could result in Hermione's death which would be notably worse, but he despised the feeling of hopelessness that followed him.

Draco was outside his office. Filch stood behind the blond and gripped the boy's collar in an attempt to keep him firmly in place. The look of remorse that was clearly painted on Draco's features was proof enough for Severus to believe that he was certainly not the guilty party in this particular debacle. The older wizard sent the caretaker off with a flick of his wrist who then released his grip on the blond disappointedly. The squip grunted and grumbled, likely cursing Snape's lenient nature, as he tottered off to hunt down some other rule breakers for torture. He motioned for Draco to accompany him into his office and magically threw open the door. Snape stepped through the threshold first, before the boy followed suit.

"I didn't do it, Professor, you must believe me. I saw her out by the lake after the Quidditch game- I just wanted to talk to her. Potter and Weasley were there, I thought I could ask her for a moment alone- She was always the more rational one of the group, but her bloody bodyguards hexed me before I had the chance!" Draco immediately began his defence the moment they stepped through the wards of Snape's office. The professor took his seat and watched as his godson nearly collapsed into his own chair, defeated. "I just wanted to get them to stop, so I could talk to her. Weasley must have moved out of the way because it was suddenly Granger in my path and she nearly flew backwards. I didn't even mean to send such a harsh charm, I just wanted- I wanted them to stop," his breath caught as he remained fixated on the floor.

Severus almost saw his younger self in his godson, begging for someone to believe his side of things, to get people to stop badgering him. He quickly reminded himself, though, that the boy had thrown his share of hexes and bullied the Golden Trio for the last five years of their schooling. His sympathy for the boy began to dwindle so he hardened his expression. "Mister Malfoy, duelling on school grounds is strictly forbidden, self-defence or otherwise. You will serve detention with Mister Filch the rest of this week and you will not be allowed to attend Hogsmeade this weekend, is that understood?" Severus barked, the boy's eyes widening in shock. "When Miss Granger wakes up, you will apologize to her sincerely, and respect her if she tells you to bugger off. Are we crystal clear, Malfoy?" Draco's face seemed to drain of colour at the mention of the girl.

"I understand, Professor. Trust me, any punishment will be a piece of cake compared to the guilt I'm subjecting myself to." His godson was obviously just as torn up over the situation that Severus felt on the inside. He was itching to return to the infirmary, to sit by Hermione's bed and hold her hand, to will her to come back to him, but he knew that she would be surrounded by those who could openly care about her at all waking hours.

He sent Draco off, deciding that he could inform Filch of his coming detention duties later on, and returned to his brewing. Thankfully, he had thought to cast a stasis charm before blundering off to find Hermione in the hospital wing. The pain reliever might be helpful in her recovery, and he was determined for it to be exceptionally effective.

-x-

After brewing the Potion, Severus flooed to Diagon Alley, then to London. He sported muggle clothes, a black jacket, a dark green shirt buttoned underneath, and a pair of slacks as he weaved his way through a crowd. He found the muggle bookshop in which he had discovered the first novel he gave Hermione and marched in. There were very few people there, so he managed to set himself up in the mystery section, looking for the book he had read before. Returning to the font, he ascertained that the woman behind the counter worked there. "Excuse me, Miss, I purchased this novel a couple of months ago and I was wondering if there was anything you would recommend of a similar nature?" It seemed his query was the highlight of the woman's day as she pressed her glasses up on her nose and motioned for him to follow her in a frenzy of arm movements.

"I loved this novel too, I have a lot of suggestions. Are you thinking of staying in the Mystery genre? Or just a similar quality of writing? That author has a couple of other pieces too, but they're not all mysteries," the employee rambled as she pulled a book from higher up on the same shelf from which he'd gotten the original novel. The woman was young, likely in her twenties, with short brown hair. She had the same vibrant interest in literature that he and Hermione shared, as she directed him through a list of books she determined he would find interesting.

Severus bought roughly half of the suggestions, only stopping himself from buying everything under the consideration that he would have to carry the new load of tomes into the castle, and he had yet to stop at the wizarding bookshop. He thought that variety might interest the girl, and while he enjoyed adding to his collection, he noted that the muggle books would have to be removed from his shelves before the Death Eaters took over the ministry. Once he had paid for his bundle, he returned to Diagon Alley with a quick apparition from a nearby alleyway.

Upon his arrival, he entered Flourish and Blotts, in search of fiction written by witches or wizards, however, he did not seek out aid in this particular endeavour. The shop was a frequent stop for him and he felt at home amongst the piles of books, new and old. He summoned a few from the shelves that he had seen before in his trips to the store and read their descriptions to determine if he deemed them worthy of Hermione's time. He found a few, purchasing them and adding them to the collection he would bring to the girl once she was released from the hospital wing. As he returned to Hogwarts, he considered all the possible ways he could visit the girl as she recovered.

He put his collection down by his side table, gathering one and letting himself down on his bed. Cracking open the spine, he read over the preface, and settled himself down for a quick read. Naturally, the worry was still hanging over him as he moved through his day, always thinking about Hermione's wellbeing, however, he knew that if he were to check in on her now, that he would surely get an earful from the Headmaster. The young professor felt as though he were a child once again, in trouble for everything he did and being watched a hawk as though he would make a mistake at any moment. Given he had truthfully acted like a child, acting on his feelings for a girl without a true consideration of the consequences that would come with it. Severus was thankful it was Saturday, had he been forced to teach, the students would have been in for a truly distracted and grumpy lesson.

The wizard flipped through the first chapter of the muggle novel, becoming enthralled by the plot. The hours he had before his rounds were quickly eaten up by the chapters as he pressed through them. This is definitely something Hermione ought to read, he determined, nearing the end of the book. He was surprised at how quickly he had made it so deep into the story, and when his alarm went off indicating it was time for him to peruse the halls, he placed the opened book down on his bed to mark his page.

-x-

It was nearing midnight and well past curfew. Severus had completed his rounds and was returning to his chambers before he could make off and visit Hermione. The moment he passed through the threshold, he summoned a few books from the collection of tomes he had purchased earlier that day and disillusioned himself. He made his way silently to the infirmary, careful not to be seen by Mrs Norris or the Headmaster as he snuck through the halls. It was ironic, him sneaking through the halls to the girl he wanted to snog as if he were one of the students he had just searched for on his rounds. He laughed at the thought, feeling as though he were making up for a lack of true school year romances with his experiences this semester. If only Hermione had been around then, or if I had been her age now, she's so kind, he thought somberly. 'What ifs' won't do you any good, man, it won't do her any good either. You have her now, as life is. You just have to keep her, with renewed determination, he continued on his path.

Upon reaching the hospital wing, he pushed through the door quietly, and tiptoed over to Hermione's cot. When he was certain Poppy was asleep in her adjoining chamber, Severus transfigured a stool into a more comfortable reading chair and set himself up beside her. The witch's skin was just as pale as he'd remembered, but not quite as blue as she had been earlier. Unfortunately, she was still rather motionless and he took it as a sign she was still in her coma-like state.

"I'm going to read to you, Hermione, I- I hope that's alright," he whispered, before casting muffliato around them, just in case. He summoned the novel he had decided on and opened it to the preface. He read her the first two chapters before he had become too exhausted to continue. Instead, he cast a quick alarm charm that would wake him in half an hour should he fall asleep and reached out to hold her hand.

He felt, for a second, that she had gripped his in return, but quickly shrugged off the notion as wishful thinking and relaxed back in his chair. His mind wondered to the potential excuses to see her again, in the daylight, but had trouble pinpointing something opaque enough to sneak past Minerva or Albus. In the fruitless venture, he found a solution to his other dilemma. Perhaps honesty is the best answer, in this case, he thought as he regarded Hermione over his nose, with her at least.

-x-

He returned to her bedside Sunday night, finishing the first book he had gotten and was preparing to return to her Monday night as well, but just as he sat down in his transfigured chair, he noticed her stir. Pausing for a moment to see if he had actually seen her movement, he stared are her hand, then glanced up at her face which was twisting in pain. Panic set in. He was disillusioned, but Poppy was no idiot and she would know someone was around her. The mediwitch would also sense Hermione's consciousness and come running.

Promptly, he reversed the transfiguration on the stool and fled to the nearest cot, propping himself on it and tucking the novel he carried into his robes. Hermione's small voice calling out a short, "hello?" made his heart leap into his throat. She is okay, she is awake, everything is okay, Severus consoled himself, keeping as still as he possibly could as he heard Poppy hurry over to her patient to begin fussing. He smiled, she is taken care of.

He waited until the mediwitch had returned to her chambers for the night, and moved to stand from the bed quietly, hoping he wouldn't startle the witch attempting to return to her slumber. As he stood at full height, a male voice interrupted his journey, "Hermione?" When she didn't respond, Snape thought that perhaps he had been hearing things in the deafening silence, that maybe his lack of sleep was catching up with his mental health. He was nearly about to brush it off and continue when Hermione released a startled gasp.

"For fuck's sake, Harry!" The witch exclaimed, sending Severus stumbling back a bit in shock. Oh, bloody hell, now Potter's here, Severus cursed internally, debating whether or not he should return to the cot to wait out their little discussion or use it as a distraction and sneak out behind them. Their ensuing conversation held the professor in his place, listening as her friends lied about the sequence of events. It would have been humorous, had Hermione not believed anything they said, but she appeared to take them at their word. Given her tone was laced with apprehension, Severus accepted that she had been provided with no other story to believe over theirs.

When their chatter died down to an inane conversation about their school work, prompted by the witch naturally, Severus deemed it safe to escape. Of course, her most vital questions would be regarding the lectures she had missed. He didn't blame her. Whenever he was held up in the hospital wing following bouts of bullying inflicted by Potter senior, he was determined to find out what he had missed as well. Thankfully, he had a couple, given nefarious, friends in Slytherin who were eager to help out a fellow future Death Eater. He cringed as he thought back to his childhood and cancelled his disillusionment charm as he made his way back to his chambers.

At least I'll be sleeping tonight, he mused as he positioned himself under his blankets in bed. "She is alive," Severus whispered once more before allowing himself to relax into his mattress and fall asleep.

-x-

Severus had decided that the earlier in the morning he could reach her, the less likely it was that Dumbledore or her friends would be surrounding her. He pushed through the doors and walked cautiously up to her cot. No Poppy in sight, he stood just far enough away that he would not be tempted to take her hand or kiss her forehead as she slept.

Seeming to sense his presence, her eyes fluttered open and she looked around the room before her gaze landed on him. "Miss Granger," he started in a level tone. He watched as her face dissolved into a panic, her cheeks developing a blush and her eyes widening. "I am so glad you're alright," he whispered, hoping that if anyone nearby were attempting to listen in, they would miss the concern for her dripping in his voice.

"Thank you, I am- I'm fine," her voice was cold, making him subconsciously step back and wince. She shifted her focus to her hands when he looked at her once again. Perhaps the fall damaged her memory, perhaps she doesn't remember your- he dared himself to think of their connection as a relationship, but he couldn't manage it, stiffening his stance as more people entered the room. As he suspected, Albus and Minerva joined him, engaging the patient in conversation as he held his mental shields strong.

Moments passed as Severus remained in his head, as to avoid looking longingly at Hermione and ensuring Dumbledore would not get through his blocks. His feelings for Hermione were his alone and he was not prepared for the backlash that would surely come from the meddling headmaster should he ever find out. As far as the old fool was considered, Severus was on a mission to unite Hermione and Draco, and that is how he intended on keeping it.

When Albus mentioned Hermione's morning class, Severus immediately understood the question. Hermione and Draco have potions together, and perhaps he was involving himself in the assignment. If Albus inserts himself, there is nothing I can do to change this, I will have to go along with it, Severus pondered painfully, his plans never fail. When he was ushered from the room by the very man he was considering, Severus snapped back to the present and regarded the older wizard.

"Why is it, Severus, that after I tell you to leave Miss Granger alone, I find you by her cot in the hospital wing, with no one around? You're lucky it was Minerva and myself who came in at that moment, and not a group of her friends. There would be no stopping the rumours then," Dumbledore chided, making the potions master inhale sharply. "We were only able to dismiss the last one due to the often exaggerated claims that come from Miss Brown, but students are always too eager to confirm gossip."

"I thought you would be there already, I was just turning to leave and return with a chaperone," he commented dryly, "but Miss Granger woke up and engaged me in conversation. I was not about to ignore her." It was a lie, but he considered it best to seem as though he were attempting to follow the rules set out by the Headmaster. Severus was struggling to keep his rage hidden in the confines of his mind, but somehow remained composed as he was escorted to his office.

"Next time, Severus, do no approach her in the first place," the older wizard almost spat at Severus, who was shocked at the destruction of the nearly always composed headmaster. He reasoned it had to do with the curse that was currently causing the wizard to deteriorate and the anger that came along with facing one's death.

"Of course, Headmaster, I will remember that for the future," Snape retorted with a curt nod as they reached his door. Walking in, he slammed the door behind him before Dumbledore could even think to follow him. A knock at his door followed shortly after and he seethed with rage. Attempting to calm himself down, he threw open the heavy wood with a little more vigour than intended. Expecting the grey idiot to be on the other side, he spat, "what now?" before he registered the blond boy standing before him.

"Hermione mentioned a book," Draco stated, staring down at his feet, then glancing up at Severus. He sensed a drop of disinterest in the boy's tone, but he noted that it was likely imagined in the hopes of justifying his feelings for the witch. Draco believes he is in love with Hermione just as much as you are, the older wizard corrected himself, stepping back.

"What book?" Severus questioned, softening a little as he let his godson enter.

"I'm not sure, a book she was reading by the lake," the boy continued. "I was wondering if you might come and help me look for it?" His request for assistance baffled the professor for a moment as he considered it. I suppose none of his friends would be too supportive in his venture to help out the muggle-born witch and he is under the impression that no one else is privy to his crush on the girl. I supposed I am the only logical option, Severus considered as he examined the Malfoy heir's expression.

"If you would like," he finally offered, still slightly perplexed. Draco nodded, tucking his hands into some gloves he had stashed in his winter coat. Severus summoned his winter robes and tugged them on. The two trudged out into the snow, down to the Great Lake. The frozen precipitation made it hard for them to see, but they searched the area by the rock intently, melting snow with Incendio until they came up empty-handed.

The pair stood and stared at the lake in silence. In order for accio to work, we would need to know the name of the book, Severus contemplated. "Did she say what kind of book it was?" He asked in an attempt to uncover if the novel in question was the one he had leant her.

"Just a book, I never even saw that she had one," Draco responded. Might as well give it a shot, the older wizard resigned, procuring his wand and pointing it at the lake.

"Accio The Element of Perfection," Severus commanded. In an instant, the book flew out of the lake and he caught it. It was mostly a pile of mush. The parchment had been soaking for three days, and the cover was beginning to tear. A laugh escaped his lips, and soon Draco joined in.

"Won't exactly do her much good now," Draco commented as he righted himself, pressing on the bridge of his nose.

"No, no I don't believe it will, Draco." Severus composed himself, feeling the water drip down his hand. Part of him wanted to discard the mess of parchment in his grasp, but the other part held a sense of sentiment in the bunch. I have given her two books and she has destroyed them both, perhaps I should reconsider giving her my heart, he reasoned. There was no truth to the thought, while she was apparently not to be trusted with novels, he knew that his heart was safe in her grasp. He knew no harm could come from loving Hermione Granger. She may be the end of his book collection, but she was the beginning of him.

"The Element of Perfection," Draco repeated, looking at the soggy mess in his professor's grasp. "How did you know the title?" Severus froze, attempting to come up with an acceptable excused for his godson.

"I noticed her reading it once, in the library. I had seen it in Flourish and Blotts a while back and it was interesting to see that she had it," he lied.

"Of course," the younger wizard breathed. "I'll buy her a new one next time I'm in Diagon Alley." At least the fib wasn't completely inconsistent, he would be able to purchase the tome from that store, Severus sighed as the idea of Draco giving her the same novel he had gifted her. He hoped that the romantic intention of the gift from his godson would be removed, if even just a little bit, once she figured out Severus was the one who informed the boy of which book she had lost.

Looking over at Draco, and vanishing what was left of the novel from his hand, he stated simply "What a wonderful idea, Draco."