Disclaimer: The same as the previous chapters.

Chapter 21

It was quite unexpected of the insufferable-know-it-all, the brightest witch of the age, the one so popular in submitting homework with extra inches long essays dotted with references to old books and journals, to write just a couple of lines in the middle of a full scrap of parchment.

Draco and Harry had looked up at Bill, but when the other watched them with arched eyebrows, they still grudgingly refused to share the information.

Behind them, Headmaster Headmaster Snape had appeared. Bill rather preferred to watch how the Headmaster reacted to the situation. "Watch him close" was his job and he was doing just that. Snape in the meantime, peered over their shoulders, and took a sharp intake of breath.

Harry letter had the following written in Hermione's own handwriting:

To my brother

S. Sassoon

The w. wind

Masefield

Similarly, Draco's letter too was nearly empty but for a couple of lines written in the middle of the single parchment. The Potion apprentice was certain Hermione had written them. He had been receiving her letters sometime now, to have become quite acquainted with it.

The letter rekindled a tiny spark of hope within him:

How do I love thee… (1)

If thou must love me (2)

E.B.B

Bill simply asked, "So what do they say?"

Out of their wits, they took turns to pass their respective letter to the eldest Weasley. He had noticed neither of the two were dated, and in turn, had eyed the quiet Headmaster.

In his deep baritone voice, their former potion master said, "At least that settles it."

Startled the two unaware wizards turned, wand in hands. Finding them still so unnerved Snape harrumphed and Bill smirked.

It was too early for Draco to forget the burning image of Snape with Hermione wrapped in his arms. He grimaced at that particular memory of the Circle and snarled back- "Settles what?"

"Miss Granger is not really panting for my affection," Snape drawled pointedly.

Bill couldn't help but chuckle at the expense of the irate blonde man, "Oh! No, though that might be in the line of hero-worshipping," and handed another letter to Snape.

The two other men were once again on their guard eyeing this letter doubtfully. Snape swiftly read it, and in hushed tones, informed Bill, "We will wait for your employees around midnight."

Bidding goodbye to the three, Bill left.

"Now if we are over and done with this little drama of ours, the others are waiting at the Healer's chambers."

Drawling at the last bit, Snape turned and started walking away. A little put off, Harry and Draco followed him. They mind at several places.

It was shocking to see the former spy in just white linen. Less for Draco, but definitely for Potter, who kept looking at him like he was seeing him for the first time. Casting the later a quick glance over his shoulder, Snape rebuked him mostly out of habit, "Potter, stop gaping like a trout fish.". Despite himself, Draco sniggered and Potter like old times, sent him a nasty look.

Healer Norman knew why the potion Master had rushed to get hold of the two young men. She too had noted the bare pain and betrayal written in Draco Malfoy's face and the sense of abandonment hovering over Potter's eyes. The prophet as well as several patients after the war had shared bits and pieces of Potter and Granger's friendship. While people tied the Ron Weasley with Granger mostly, they vehemently termed the Granger-Potter relationship as brotherly- sisterly bickering and bossing over. Mr. Malfoy's acute interest in the Granger case bordered along unrecruited affection. She thought to herself, "Opps, that would definitely need immediate addressal."

Shaking her head, she turned to update Flitwick and Lupin and Luna, the current status of Hermione.

"We will have to keep observing the patient. And it is a good thing she is out of danger. The chances are 45% danger and 55% safe. Which was previously 85% danger when Mr. Weasley had approached Miss Granger. And when Minerva had approached Granger it had been 75% percent. But since, perhaps, Severus was in the room, that had come down to 60%. Stable, rogue magic quite arrested. "

Each one of them had given the sleeping witch a farewell look before leaving the room one at a time one.

Once secluded behind the airy chamber of the head healer, everyone was patiently waiting for Snape to return. Malfoy and Potter did look aggravated and at least they were being civil enough. Luna stupendously wedged herself between the two on a conjured sofa, nevertheless. After listening to the new statistical readings on the 'rogue magic' and how his interference had altered its intensity, the headmaster sat brooding, with a finger tracing his lower lip.

Watching the rest of them barely able to keep still, He rolled his eyes, steepled his fingers and nodded with slight irritation, "Ask them! But please ask them one at a time." The few years after the war has done some good to him. He did gather some ounce of patience, but one could not go betting over it.

Flitwick was quick to ease the tension," Take your time Severus, we can always ask our questions after you have shared your observations. Relax, Take you time."

The encounter with Hermione and the presence of Rogue magic, might not have caused his magical core any visible harm. But he had been putting too much of his energy on holding his occlumency shields up. And the little tiff with Draco was enough to give him a nagging headache.

Rubbing his cheek, and massaging his temple for a good measure, the former spy looked deep into the blazing hearth. A habitual effort to gather his thoughts and arrange his memories for future reference.

In his rich baritone voice, he began," I am not very sure. Madam Norman is correct in assuming Miss Granger is deliberately restricting her magical energy. Though besides all that Miss Granger is suffering from the aftereffects of the war. I presume, Miss Lovegood here will be able to throw more light in it."

Luna Lovegood, the former Ravenclaw, and an able fighter from the light side in the battle of Hogwarts nodded in agreement. In her signature dream laced voice she confirmed, "She does show signs of what the Muggles define as PTSD."

When nearly everyone, gawking at her, she chuckled and explained further.

*"Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) would be like…Someone with PTSD often relives the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability, and guilt. They may also have problems sleeping, such as insomnia, and find concentrating difficult. These symptoms are often severe and persistent enough to have a significant impact on the person's day-to-day life."*

Healer Norman interjected," It might explain the premise if we are to go by Headmaster's Snape's assumptions and Miss Lovewood's explanations that Miss Granger suffers from the aftermaths of war. I also have specific readings about her being subjected to the Cruciatus curse."

Harry nodded in resignation," Yes, Bellatrix tortured her, while we were captured and taken to Malfoy Manor."

Snape leaned forward at this information, his eyes trained on the experienced Healer, "Do you think it could have between a time triggering curse…the witch was cracked and crazy, but she was an infamous inventor of rogue curses."

"None, that we know of, Headmaster, but I was about to ask you the same thing."

To that, the man just furrowed his brows a little more.

As if never interrupted Healer Norman pressed on, "Though, I am more curious about what just happened in that room."

All three had turned to Snape as if wanting him to throw some light of that strange affair.

Clearing his throat he supplied, ""I am certain as of now, she suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress disorder. Miss Granger has been through a lot. She was more invested in this terrible war than many of her age. Yes, I hate to give you similar credit for that Potter. But even you will agree how Draco was neck deep into its vile dealings. You were kids and we could hardly save any one of you from being dragged into its treachery."

Norman stirred the conversation back to the topic, "Headmaster Snape, I am quite astonished to see Miss Granger approaching you all by herself…"

"Astrid, please allow me to analyze all that for some time. Like all of you, even I am as surprised and baffled with all that…"

Remembering something Potter plowed on, "But, sir, your opening speech, why were you reciting that, back in there of all other places?"

Losing his calm demeanor, Snape snapped at the young man. Biting his words, he barked at him," Because, that was what, she was murmuring! And before you launch yet another ludicrous series of questions, why don't we work on what all substantial facts we have at hand!"

Working as a calm mediator in times like this, Lupin asserted, "What do you suggest, Severus, what can we do now?"

Healer Norman could not help but ask, "Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy previously suggested that we make an effort to try Legilimency. That was why he proposed to bring you in…"

As if forced to swallow acid, Snape made a face and spoke, "As thoughtful of him, it is still a risk to try that, but I think there is hope. Before we even try something foreboding, yes, that is the word I will use for this singular occasion, we must understand Miss Granger's mind is barricaded and fragile. And her magical powers are bursting and bristling under all those walls she has erected."

Flitwick spoke up and had the courtesy state the obvious, which each one of them were trying to look past.

"If we take one wrong step forward, we will be risking losing Miss Granger forever."

Snape's grim voice seconded, "Indeed."

*-* are not my words in this chapter they are copied from the following link:

.uk/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/