Chapter Eight: Battered, Not Broken
"There you are. I've been looking everywhere for you!"
Hermione turned from the work she was doing to see Ginny storm into the room. "Hey, Ginny."
"What's going on?" Ginny stood with crossed arms and furrowed brows.
Hermione's heart dropped. She'd never been a particularly good liar. But the Headmistress had ordered her to keep it all a secret. "What are you talking about?"
"You haven't spoken to any of us in days and then you suddenly decide you don't want to stay at our house. Why have you been avoiding everyone?" Ginny asked.
Snape was on the opposite end of the room, seemingly immersed in his work. Hermione had become painfully aware of his presence over the past few days. She knew he was eavesdropping on their conversation, and it made her self-conscious about her choice of words.
"Er … I'm sorry, Ginny. But I haven't been avoiding anyone. I've just been busy," Hermione said weakly, floundering under Ginny's intense gaze.
She heard the footsteps as Snape came to stand imposingly just behind her. "Miss Granger has been assisting me with a research project. I offered her a room here at Hogwarts for its duration so that she would be on hand whenever I required her assistance. Does that answer all of your questions, Miss Weasley?"
Ginny scowled. After the war, Snape had been exonerated by the Wizengamot and allowed to return to his teaching post if he so wished. Even so, most of the Wizarding world still distrusted Severus Snape. And Ginny, always being one to hold a grudge, was no exception. Hermione could see the pure loathing in the girl's gaze. "Well, why didn't you just tell me that?"
"I was getting there," Hermione replied with a shrug of her shoulders. "But you were too busy yelling at me."
Ginny sighed, but her posture did not relax. Hermione could tell that she didn't believe them and that she wasn't going to just forget it. "Fine, I'm sorry. You know I worry about you," Ginny said, placing both hands on Hermione's shoulders.
Snape rolled his eyes and swiftly returned to his side of the room. Hermione had to fight off the urge to giggle. "I know, Ginny. How about we have lunch together today?"
"Deal." Ginny released her and gave one last smile before heading out the door.
Once Hermione was sure she was gone, she glanced at Snape. He was already watching her intently, and his attention made her flush. She moved closer, hand outstretched, even though she hadn't yet felt any pain. His fingertips lightly trailed across the back of her knuckles and she shivered.
"That girl is going to be trouble for us," he said smoothly.
Hermione sighed, closing her eyes, exhaustion suddenly washing over her like a tidal wave. She couldn't even bring herself to argue with his assessment. Ginny had never been the type to just let things go, especially when it came to her friends. "I know."
"You are a terrible liar, Miss Granger. How you've survived this long is an utter mystery to me," Snape said with a smirk settled on his lips.
Hermione scoffed. "Well, excuse me for not having as much experience at it as you."
He was smiling again, and Hermione was sure her heart would burst. "You are such a Hufflepuff sometimes."
She narrowed her eyes playfully, crossing her arms over her chest. "Still better than being a Slytherin."
"Nothing is better than being a Slytherin. That's enough of you slacking off, Miss Granger. There's still a lot of work to do before term starts next week."
Severus Snape and the rest of the staff had been crowded into the Headmistress' Office for a last minute meeting before the start of term. Hermione had also been included and was currently leaning on the wall next to him. She seemed to be at ease by his side, and he had to wonder if that was merely part of the spell or if she'd just become accustomed to his presence.
"Now," McGonagall began, "on to our last order of business. You are all aware of Miss Granger's predicament." The entire room's gaze was now on Hermione, and Snape could see the flush rising in her face. "You will be attending your classes as normal, Miss Granger. If you need to see Professor Snape in between classes and happen to be late, the professors have been told to look the other way. Your health is of the utmost importance to us.
Also, everyone who's been informed of your situation has taken a vow of silence. But you will have to do your part to keep things secret. If the wrong people find out, it will mean serious trouble for Hogwarts and both of you. Does everyone understand?"
A murmur of agreement filled the room. McGonagall smiled tightly and clapped her hands. "Alright, then. I'm sure you all have preparation to do before the students return tomorrow. You're all dismissed. Except for you, Severus. I'd like to speak to you if you don't mind."
The staff began to trickle out of the office. Hermione pushed herself off the wall, shooting him one last questioning glance before she followed them. No doubt she would be interrogating him later tonight. Nosey little Gryffindor.
When the room was finally empty, McGonagall gave him a pitying look. "How are you doing, Severus?"
Snape shot a glance at Dumbledore's frame, which was thankfully unoccupied at the moment. "I'm fine, Minerva."
Her head tilted slightly. "Are you really?"
There was a fire roaring in the fireplace just behind the older woman. He stared at this instead of making eye contact as he said, "It was getting … easier. I can't imagine that will continue after tomorrow."
She nodded. "You're probably right. Classes will be stressful at first. But then, you will become accustomed to your schedule, and, hopefully, it will get easier again. I have faith in you, Severus. After all, you two have more in common than I think you realize."
Snape arched a brow. "Oh?"
"Yes. You are both intelligent. You're both brave and have seen horrors others couldn't begin to imagine. And strong because the war did not break either of you. A little battered, perhaps, but not broken."
He scoffed at her appraisal. Minerva was his only friend and the only one who ever talked about him like this. Even after everything he had done, every terrible mistake, she was still in his corner. He was eternally grateful for it, even if he didn't understand or deserve it.
"If you say so, Minerva. I should probably go. Try to enjoy your last night of peace and quiet." Snape quickly turned away before she could say something else that was meant to be reassuring and began making the long way down to his office. Minerva's words echoed in his mind the entire way there.