Disclaimer: see One
Forward to Time Past
by Claudia
Two
Everything afterward had happened so quickly that it took even the quickest-witted of Potions Masters a while to fully understand. Severus Snape was sitting in the relatives' room on the ground floor of St Mungo's hospital and was so lost in thought that he almost didn't notice the tray with refreshments hovering in front of him. Only when the cup rattled impatiently on its saucer did he help himself to some tea. Which helped a lot, as always.
Maybe it would be a good idea to let the wizards at the Ministry know that Ms Granger would not make her appointment today, or anytime soon, for that matter. He forced the next mouthful of tea down. Muggle automobiles could inflict severe injuries, so much he knew. But so far, not one Healer or nurse had deemed it necessary to inform him of Ms Granger's condition. He rose and put cup and saucer on the seat of his chair. It was a calm day; he was the only wizard in the relatives' room. A couple of newspapers and magazines from the week before last lay scattered on an occasional table that occupied the centre of the room. Posters adorned the walls, warning people of the correct use and care of cauldrons (which he could only second, albeit less flippantly).
Severus knew enough about Muggle automobiles to know that the way Ms Granger had lied sprawled on the tarmac was highly deceptive. Despite the absence of severe visible injuries, her spine or head could have suffered serious trauma; even though there had not been any blood.
He sat down again. Maybe he should also get in touch with her parents. It was probably a good idea, though, to wait for a Healer's opinion before letting them know. He could use one of the hospital's owls. The Grangers were familiar enough with wizarding communications, as he had seen when he had tutored Ms Granger.
The waiting took far too long for comfort. It must be really bad when he had to wait this long. He had enough experience - first-hand experience at that - with matters like this. He had seen many witches and wizards to St Mungo's or Madam Pomfrey to know that the longer the wait, the worse-
"Professor Snape?"
A Healer approached him. She had Ms Granger's bag with her.
"Yes?"
"My name is Nicola Bones. I've been looking after Ms Granger. You are not a relative, I presume?"
What a name for a Healer. He looked hard at the middle-aged witch. Her chestnut hair was forced into a neat coil at the top of her head, and she had the green eyes and fair skin to match. She was wearing the usual Healer's robes. "Definitely not," he replied, more sharply than he had intended. "I was with Ms Granger when the accident happened. How is she?"
Nicola Bones gestured for him to sit. "She is stable for now, and she's being taken to a ward as we speak."
"What do you mean, stable for now?"
"She suffered serious injuries, Professor Snape," she said. "And there have been complications. We're very much fearing for her life."
Something heavy sank into the Potions Master's stomach. Something that pushed him firmly into the badly upholstered chair. "But surely there must be something you can do?"
Nicola Bones looked grave. "I'm afraid that I can't tell you anything without lying to you." She held out Ms Granger's wand and bag for him. Obeying innate social rules, Severus accepted them, and put the bag on the floor absentmindedly. The wand he tucked away carefully in one of his many pockets.
"What-" he didn't quite know how to say this, "is she conscious? Can I see her?"
The Healer nodded, quite obviously glad that he should ask this. "We'd appreciate it very much if you could stay with her for as long as possible. She has, in fact, inquired after you."
"Indeed?" Surprise made is eyebrows rise high into his forehead.
Nicola Bones nodded. "Is there anyone else who needs to know about this? Her parents, or husband, perhaps?"
"Her parents," he replied automatically. Ms Granger was unmarried, and he assumed she didn't have a boyfriend, either.
"I'll do that for you."
"I appreciate that, thank you." He rose.
"She's in Ward Eight."
"I'll find my way," Severus replied, still very surprised and worried and helpless.
"Thank you, sir," Nicola Bones replied, and touched his arm. Then she turned on her heel and left him standing in the sunlit room, next to the mess of today's and yesterday's news.
Severus picked up Hermione's rather heavy bag and checked for the wand before he went down the immaculately clean corridor that lead to the various wards. He had no idea what to expect, Bones had not exactly told him what kind of injuries Ms Granger had suffered. Besides, he didn't have very good bedside manners, and frankly, he didn't know what to do or say, either. He was simply not used to sitting with the ill and injured. Certainly, the Grangers would come soon and relieve him of his duty.
He knocked before entering the small ward, of which Hermione was the only occupant. She lay in the crisp white sheets and the iron bedstead painted white that were so typical for hospitals. White bandages were wrapped around her head, right wrist and left leg, and the cuts in her face had been cleaned. When he ventured closer, he saw that her chest was heavily bandaged as well, for her shoulders and arms were covered with neither linens nor nightclothes. She must be freezing, Severus thought, who knew the cold that creeps into you when you lie in bed injured. He had experienced it often enough himself.
He summoned one of the towels by the washbasin, and, having it warmed with a quick spell, covered Hermione's bare shoulders with it.
This woke her.
Her eyes fluttered open and she had to squint a little in the brightness. Severus moved between her and the window.
"Professor," she greeted him, her voice cracking.
"Ms Granger," he said curtly, and sat on the chair that slid beneath his bottom as he made to sit down. "Healer Bones has entrusted me with your wand." Asking how she felt seemed a little innocuous to him. He withdrew her wand from his pocket, and put it away carefully in the drawer of the nightstand.
"What happened?" she asked.
For the first time, Severus met her eyes. He found them swimming in pain. Hadn't Bones given her anything against the pain? "A Muggle automobile ran you down. It happened so quickly that I'm afraid I couldn't do anything."
"Not your fault," Hermione replied. "Thank you."
"I've got your bag, too," Severus continued. What else was there to say?
Another pause followed.
"Are you warmer?"
Hermione smiled weakly. "Yes, thank you." She had been a little surprised by the display of his concern and caring for her.
"Bones has informed your parents, I assume they will be here soon."
Hermione slowly shook her head. "They live in Penzance. It'll be a while." She ran the tip of her tongue over her parched lips. "You don't have to stay here, though. You are a busy man."
"Don't worry about me, Ms Granger," Severus said. He poured her a glass of water from the pitcher that stood on the nightstand. He also found a straw to help her drink. He didn't dare lift her head for fear of causing her more pain and injury. "Shall I get you something for the pain?"
"No, I'd rather stay focussed."
Severus sat down again. This time, however, he preferred silence to forced talk, and Ms Granger didn't seem to mind. He reasoned that his mere presence was comfort enough for her, strange as this was. He had hardly ever been a source of comfort to anyone. But if it was company she wanted, that he could provide. It was the least he could do.
The accident had happened so quickly that he had been unable to do anything - shout or grab her by the sleeve or even shove her out of harm's way. He should have seen the automobile coming, or at least hear its motor howling and tyres screeching.
"There's a book in my bag," Hermione said, "you can read it to me if you want."
Glad for something to do, Severus found the book in Ms Granger's bag, careful not to look too closely at the other things she kept in it. It was the last novel by Ginevra Weasley, 'Sebekhotep's Book'. "I've heard of her novels," he said, "but I've not had the pleasure of reading her work yet."
"She's brilliant," Hermione assured him, and for an instant, her eyes became clearer.
Severus opened the book at the cream-coloured envelope that served as a bookmark, which he tucked between the book's back cover and his fingers.
"This is for you, by the way." Hermione raised her bandaged hand and gestured at the envelope.
Severus looked at the envelope, which indeed bore his name in Granger's neat, tiny writing. He raised his eyebrows. He certainly hadn't expected this.
"I wanted to give it to you after the hearing," she explained.
Severus put the envelope on her nightstand. "Well, then I insist that you do so when it's time for it."
Sadness clouded her eyes once again. "I'd like you to have it anyway, Professor. Please, take it."
He took the envelope and put it away in yet another of his many pockets. He would keep it for now, if it made her happy.
He opened the book again, at the place he had marked with one of his fingers, and began to read her the story of Sebekhotep, an ancient Egyptian magician. Ms Weasley's prose proved to be beautiful and flowing, the plot and characterisation were gripping. All in all, a well written book.
Barely ten pages into the narrative he noticed that her eyes were closed. He pulled his watch out of his trouser pocket. It was already late, and still the Grangers hadn't arrived. How long could it take Muggles to get from Penzance to London?
A knock on the door relieved him of his wondering. He rose to meet the middle-aged couple entering the ward, followed by Nicola Bones. The Grangers were quite obviously Hermione's parents. She had inherited her father's eyes and nose, and her mother's curls and lips. They were well-dressed, probably according to the dernier cri of Muggle fashion.
After Nicola Bones had introduced them, Severus discretely excused himself. Once he had closed the door, he leaned heavily against the wall. A burden he hadn't realised he'd been bearing was lifted off his shoulders - for the moment. Something made him reluctant to leave.
He produced the letter from its pocket, and studied it. The envelope was made of heavy paper and was probably one of the pricier brands that Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop had on offer. Although he had exchanged many letters with Ms Granger over the course of the past year, discussing her work and talking shop in general, he had no idea as to the letter's contents. However, he had a feeling that this might be a rather more personal note. They had never ventured into that direction before, keeping their letters strictly impersonal.
He broke the simple seal and pulled out its contents, a sheaf of paper matching the envelope.
Dear Professor Snape,
I have been wondering quite some time about the best way of thanking you for your help. But anything but a letter seemed somehow innocuous, so a letter it is.
Your help has been unexpected at first, and if I seemed reluctant of accepting it - I felt very much reminded of my time as a pupil at Hogwarts - I apologise. In time, your insight and generosity in sharing your thoughts, knowledge and library became priceless and very dear to me. And I appreciated the chance you gave us both to get to know each other better. At school, you've never been my favourite teacher, and often I doubted you. For this, I am truly very sorry, for I know you now to be a very good teacher. Your demanding ways have encouraged me to work even harder and to excel at it. It has been a joy and an honour to work with you.
I would also like to thank you for the trust you put in me, and for your support concerning the position as Potions Mistress at Hogwarts. I will do my best not to disappoint your expectations.
All the best
Yours, gratefully
Hermione Granger
It was a simple note of thanks that sounded very much like a farewell letter. He perused it again. The feeling of underestimating each other was mutual. After a twelvemonth of working with her a strange feeling of emptiness had appeared after the completion of her work. Like the sadness you experience when parting with a particularly well-written novel's characters.
"My pleasure, Ms Granger," he said under his breath.
The door opened, and out came Mr Granger, followed by Healer Bones who excused herself and hurried down the corridor. Severus returned Hermione's letter to its pocket.
"Thank you for looking after my daughter, Mr Snape." The Muggle held out his hand for him to shake. Severus accepted it, but said nothing.
"It's supposed to be her big day today," Granger continued.
Severus wasn't sure what to say. The 'big day' was but a technicality, but he had no idea how important a technicality the Grangers thought the whole thing. "Yes, I guess so."
"She's told us a lot about you, Mr Snape."
"Has she?"
Granger nodded.
"Do not worry about your daughter's future," Severus eventually offered, for lack of anything else to say. "As soon as she is well again, the Ministry will arrange for another hearing."
Granger seemed relieved, in a way.
"If you'll excuse me?" Severus said after a long and uncomfortable pause. He had wanted to go to the men's room and the visitors' tearoom. He was feeling a little dizzy, since it had been several hours since he had eaten last. Granger seemed as relieved as he himself that he had ended the little scene. He might as well have Apparated back to Hogwarts for a more relaxing refreshment than the hospital's services could offer, but something kept Severus here. What, he wasn't quite sure.
An hour or so later, having solved the crossword puzzle in the Daily Prophet, and after a couple of sandwiches and a drink, Severus found himself standing in front of Ward Eight again. But he could not move; it wouldn't be proper to disturb the family, particularly in a situation such as this. He was walking down the corridor to the relatives' room when someone called after him. When he turned, he saw it was Healer Bones.
"Professor," she joined him. "Do you have a minute?"
"Yes," he said. Strangely enough, he did.
"The Grangers will have to leave soon to find accommodation for the night. And I'm ... I'm still a bit loath to see Ms Granger alone."
Severus raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
"I was wondering if you could stay just a little while longer?"
"Doesn't she need some rest? You know I-" am hardly the perfect man for that job, he meant to say. Usually, he upset her, or challenged her to solve mysteries he knew wouldn't leave her alone until they were satisfactorily explained.
"She seemed comfortable when her parents arrived."
"Well," he began. Bones was having a point there. And he felt responsible, in a way, too. Although he knew that the accident wasn't his fault, there was still an uneasy feeling. It was similar to the experience that had had him return to Ward Eight. It was something powerful that linked him to Ms Granger. It was as if they were bound magically together.
But that was utter nonsense, for very powerful magic was necessary for such a bond to be established. They had not been charmed or cursed, there had been no sipping from one goblet - and there certainly hadn't been any intimate contact, physical, emotional, or mental, between them. Nothing that went beyond a perfectly normal, ordinary student-teacher relationship. Not even in his wildest dreams. Never.
And yet-
"Why not?" he said eventually. He had a feeling it would further his peace of mind, as well as Ms Granger's, and Bones'.
So after the Grangers had left, he found himself once again occupying the chair by Ms Granger's bed. Since the young witch was asleep once again - her parents' visit seemed to have been quite taxing on her - he had picked up the copy of Ms Weasley's Egyptian novel to catch up on the first sixty or so pages that he had missed. Without doubt, Ms Weasley was drawing partly on her holiday experiences in Egypt, but she had also carefully researched the story and thus crafted the interesting tale of an Ancient Egyptian wizard. And strangely enough, he appreciated the story. His concentration had returned.
It was little wonder then that Ms Granger's soft voice made him jump in his chair as he did when she woke halfway into page forty-nine.
"You're back," she said. "That's good."
"How are you?" This time, he dared ask.
"A little concerned," she replied.
Severus almost managed a smile. "What about?"
"I'm keeping you from your duties," she said. "I'll hear no end of it once I'm out of here."
"Well, it'll all be in good fun, Ms Granger," Severus replied before he even realised what her remark implied. She obviously saw the end of his mentorship not as the end of their - whatever it was that they shared. Friendship he deemed too strong a word.
She nodded, smiling.
After a while, she asked for a drink of water and some more of 'Sebekhotep's Book'. "I hope it's not too bad," she added.
"It is better than I expected," Severus said, studying the sand-coloured linen cover. "Ms Weasley certainly deserves the praise with which the reviewers are showering her."
Hermione attempted a laugh. She coughed instead. "With your words the greatest of it all."
Severus slipped the cream-coloured envelope between pages forty-eight and forty-nine before he resumed reading at the point at which Hermione had fallen asleep.
When he paused for a sip of water a few pages later, he noticed that she had fallen asleep on him again. He closed the book and put it on the nightstand, right next to the flowers the Grangers had brought.
It was only when he pulled at the sheets to keep her shoulders warm that he noticed that she had stopped breathing.
Forward to Time Past
by Claudia
Two
Everything afterward had happened so quickly that it took even the quickest-witted of Potions Masters a while to fully understand. Severus Snape was sitting in the relatives' room on the ground floor of St Mungo's hospital and was so lost in thought that he almost didn't notice the tray with refreshments hovering in front of him. Only when the cup rattled impatiently on its saucer did he help himself to some tea. Which helped a lot, as always.
Maybe it would be a good idea to let the wizards at the Ministry know that Ms Granger would not make her appointment today, or anytime soon, for that matter. He forced the next mouthful of tea down. Muggle automobiles could inflict severe injuries, so much he knew. But so far, not one Healer or nurse had deemed it necessary to inform him of Ms Granger's condition. He rose and put cup and saucer on the seat of his chair. It was a calm day; he was the only wizard in the relatives' room. A couple of newspapers and magazines from the week before last lay scattered on an occasional table that occupied the centre of the room. Posters adorned the walls, warning people of the correct use and care of cauldrons (which he could only second, albeit less flippantly).
Severus knew enough about Muggle automobiles to know that the way Ms Granger had lied sprawled on the tarmac was highly deceptive. Despite the absence of severe visible injuries, her spine or head could have suffered serious trauma; even though there had not been any blood.
He sat down again. Maybe he should also get in touch with her parents. It was probably a good idea, though, to wait for a Healer's opinion before letting them know. He could use one of the hospital's owls. The Grangers were familiar enough with wizarding communications, as he had seen when he had tutored Ms Granger.
The waiting took far too long for comfort. It must be really bad when he had to wait this long. He had enough experience - first-hand experience at that - with matters like this. He had seen many witches and wizards to St Mungo's or Madam Pomfrey to know that the longer the wait, the worse-
"Professor Snape?"
A Healer approached him. She had Ms Granger's bag with her.
"Yes?"
"My name is Nicola Bones. I've been looking after Ms Granger. You are not a relative, I presume?"
What a name for a Healer. He looked hard at the middle-aged witch. Her chestnut hair was forced into a neat coil at the top of her head, and she had the green eyes and fair skin to match. She was wearing the usual Healer's robes. "Definitely not," he replied, more sharply than he had intended. "I was with Ms Granger when the accident happened. How is she?"
Nicola Bones gestured for him to sit. "She is stable for now, and she's being taken to a ward as we speak."
"What do you mean, stable for now?"
"She suffered serious injuries, Professor Snape," she said. "And there have been complications. We're very much fearing for her life."
Something heavy sank into the Potions Master's stomach. Something that pushed him firmly into the badly upholstered chair. "But surely there must be something you can do?"
Nicola Bones looked grave. "I'm afraid that I can't tell you anything without lying to you." She held out Ms Granger's wand and bag for him. Obeying innate social rules, Severus accepted them, and put the bag on the floor absentmindedly. The wand he tucked away carefully in one of his many pockets.
"What-" he didn't quite know how to say this, "is she conscious? Can I see her?"
The Healer nodded, quite obviously glad that he should ask this. "We'd appreciate it very much if you could stay with her for as long as possible. She has, in fact, inquired after you."
"Indeed?" Surprise made is eyebrows rise high into his forehead.
Nicola Bones nodded. "Is there anyone else who needs to know about this? Her parents, or husband, perhaps?"
"Her parents," he replied automatically. Ms Granger was unmarried, and he assumed she didn't have a boyfriend, either.
"I'll do that for you."
"I appreciate that, thank you." He rose.
"She's in Ward Eight."
"I'll find my way," Severus replied, still very surprised and worried and helpless.
"Thank you, sir," Nicola Bones replied, and touched his arm. Then she turned on her heel and left him standing in the sunlit room, next to the mess of today's and yesterday's news.
Severus picked up Hermione's rather heavy bag and checked for the wand before he went down the immaculately clean corridor that lead to the various wards. He had no idea what to expect, Bones had not exactly told him what kind of injuries Ms Granger had suffered. Besides, he didn't have very good bedside manners, and frankly, he didn't know what to do or say, either. He was simply not used to sitting with the ill and injured. Certainly, the Grangers would come soon and relieve him of his duty.
He knocked before entering the small ward, of which Hermione was the only occupant. She lay in the crisp white sheets and the iron bedstead painted white that were so typical for hospitals. White bandages were wrapped around her head, right wrist and left leg, and the cuts in her face had been cleaned. When he ventured closer, he saw that her chest was heavily bandaged as well, for her shoulders and arms were covered with neither linens nor nightclothes. She must be freezing, Severus thought, who knew the cold that creeps into you when you lie in bed injured. He had experienced it often enough himself.
He summoned one of the towels by the washbasin, and, having it warmed with a quick spell, covered Hermione's bare shoulders with it.
This woke her.
Her eyes fluttered open and she had to squint a little in the brightness. Severus moved between her and the window.
"Professor," she greeted him, her voice cracking.
"Ms Granger," he said curtly, and sat on the chair that slid beneath his bottom as he made to sit down. "Healer Bones has entrusted me with your wand." Asking how she felt seemed a little innocuous to him. He withdrew her wand from his pocket, and put it away carefully in the drawer of the nightstand.
"What happened?" she asked.
For the first time, Severus met her eyes. He found them swimming in pain. Hadn't Bones given her anything against the pain? "A Muggle automobile ran you down. It happened so quickly that I'm afraid I couldn't do anything."
"Not your fault," Hermione replied. "Thank you."
"I've got your bag, too," Severus continued. What else was there to say?
Another pause followed.
"Are you warmer?"
Hermione smiled weakly. "Yes, thank you." She had been a little surprised by the display of his concern and caring for her.
"Bones has informed your parents, I assume they will be here soon."
Hermione slowly shook her head. "They live in Penzance. It'll be a while." She ran the tip of her tongue over her parched lips. "You don't have to stay here, though. You are a busy man."
"Don't worry about me, Ms Granger," Severus said. He poured her a glass of water from the pitcher that stood on the nightstand. He also found a straw to help her drink. He didn't dare lift her head for fear of causing her more pain and injury. "Shall I get you something for the pain?"
"No, I'd rather stay focussed."
Severus sat down again. This time, however, he preferred silence to forced talk, and Ms Granger didn't seem to mind. He reasoned that his mere presence was comfort enough for her, strange as this was. He had hardly ever been a source of comfort to anyone. But if it was company she wanted, that he could provide. It was the least he could do.
The accident had happened so quickly that he had been unable to do anything - shout or grab her by the sleeve or even shove her out of harm's way. He should have seen the automobile coming, or at least hear its motor howling and tyres screeching.
"There's a book in my bag," Hermione said, "you can read it to me if you want."
Glad for something to do, Severus found the book in Ms Granger's bag, careful not to look too closely at the other things she kept in it. It was the last novel by Ginevra Weasley, 'Sebekhotep's Book'. "I've heard of her novels," he said, "but I've not had the pleasure of reading her work yet."
"She's brilliant," Hermione assured him, and for an instant, her eyes became clearer.
Severus opened the book at the cream-coloured envelope that served as a bookmark, which he tucked between the book's back cover and his fingers.
"This is for you, by the way." Hermione raised her bandaged hand and gestured at the envelope.
Severus looked at the envelope, which indeed bore his name in Granger's neat, tiny writing. He raised his eyebrows. He certainly hadn't expected this.
"I wanted to give it to you after the hearing," she explained.
Severus put the envelope on her nightstand. "Well, then I insist that you do so when it's time for it."
Sadness clouded her eyes once again. "I'd like you to have it anyway, Professor. Please, take it."
He took the envelope and put it away in yet another of his many pockets. He would keep it for now, if it made her happy.
He opened the book again, at the place he had marked with one of his fingers, and began to read her the story of Sebekhotep, an ancient Egyptian magician. Ms Weasley's prose proved to be beautiful and flowing, the plot and characterisation were gripping. All in all, a well written book.
Barely ten pages into the narrative he noticed that her eyes were closed. He pulled his watch out of his trouser pocket. It was already late, and still the Grangers hadn't arrived. How long could it take Muggles to get from Penzance to London?
A knock on the door relieved him of his wondering. He rose to meet the middle-aged couple entering the ward, followed by Nicola Bones. The Grangers were quite obviously Hermione's parents. She had inherited her father's eyes and nose, and her mother's curls and lips. They were well-dressed, probably according to the dernier cri of Muggle fashion.
After Nicola Bones had introduced them, Severus discretely excused himself. Once he had closed the door, he leaned heavily against the wall. A burden he hadn't realised he'd been bearing was lifted off his shoulders - for the moment. Something made him reluctant to leave.
He produced the letter from its pocket, and studied it. The envelope was made of heavy paper and was probably one of the pricier brands that Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop had on offer. Although he had exchanged many letters with Ms Granger over the course of the past year, discussing her work and talking shop in general, he had no idea as to the letter's contents. However, he had a feeling that this might be a rather more personal note. They had never ventured into that direction before, keeping their letters strictly impersonal.
He broke the simple seal and pulled out its contents, a sheaf of paper matching the envelope.
Dear Professor Snape,
I have been wondering quite some time about the best way of thanking you for your help. But anything but a letter seemed somehow innocuous, so a letter it is.
Your help has been unexpected at first, and if I seemed reluctant of accepting it - I felt very much reminded of my time as a pupil at Hogwarts - I apologise. In time, your insight and generosity in sharing your thoughts, knowledge and library became priceless and very dear to me. And I appreciated the chance you gave us both to get to know each other better. At school, you've never been my favourite teacher, and often I doubted you. For this, I am truly very sorry, for I know you now to be a very good teacher. Your demanding ways have encouraged me to work even harder and to excel at it. It has been a joy and an honour to work with you.
I would also like to thank you for the trust you put in me, and for your support concerning the position as Potions Mistress at Hogwarts. I will do my best not to disappoint your expectations.
All the best
Yours, gratefully
Hermione Granger
It was a simple note of thanks that sounded very much like a farewell letter. He perused it again. The feeling of underestimating each other was mutual. After a twelvemonth of working with her a strange feeling of emptiness had appeared after the completion of her work. Like the sadness you experience when parting with a particularly well-written novel's characters.
"My pleasure, Ms Granger," he said under his breath.
The door opened, and out came Mr Granger, followed by Healer Bones who excused herself and hurried down the corridor. Severus returned Hermione's letter to its pocket.
"Thank you for looking after my daughter, Mr Snape." The Muggle held out his hand for him to shake. Severus accepted it, but said nothing.
"It's supposed to be her big day today," Granger continued.
Severus wasn't sure what to say. The 'big day' was but a technicality, but he had no idea how important a technicality the Grangers thought the whole thing. "Yes, I guess so."
"She's told us a lot about you, Mr Snape."
"Has she?"
Granger nodded.
"Do not worry about your daughter's future," Severus eventually offered, for lack of anything else to say. "As soon as she is well again, the Ministry will arrange for another hearing."
Granger seemed relieved, in a way.
"If you'll excuse me?" Severus said after a long and uncomfortable pause. He had wanted to go to the men's room and the visitors' tearoom. He was feeling a little dizzy, since it had been several hours since he had eaten last. Granger seemed as relieved as he himself that he had ended the little scene. He might as well have Apparated back to Hogwarts for a more relaxing refreshment than the hospital's services could offer, but something kept Severus here. What, he wasn't quite sure.
An hour or so later, having solved the crossword puzzle in the Daily Prophet, and after a couple of sandwiches and a drink, Severus found himself standing in front of Ward Eight again. But he could not move; it wouldn't be proper to disturb the family, particularly in a situation such as this. He was walking down the corridor to the relatives' room when someone called after him. When he turned, he saw it was Healer Bones.
"Professor," she joined him. "Do you have a minute?"
"Yes," he said. Strangely enough, he did.
"The Grangers will have to leave soon to find accommodation for the night. And I'm ... I'm still a bit loath to see Ms Granger alone."
Severus raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
"I was wondering if you could stay just a little while longer?"
"Doesn't she need some rest? You know I-" am hardly the perfect man for that job, he meant to say. Usually, he upset her, or challenged her to solve mysteries he knew wouldn't leave her alone until they were satisfactorily explained.
"She seemed comfortable when her parents arrived."
"Well," he began. Bones was having a point there. And he felt responsible, in a way, too. Although he knew that the accident wasn't his fault, there was still an uneasy feeling. It was similar to the experience that had had him return to Ward Eight. It was something powerful that linked him to Ms Granger. It was as if they were bound magically together.
But that was utter nonsense, for very powerful magic was necessary for such a bond to be established. They had not been charmed or cursed, there had been no sipping from one goblet - and there certainly hadn't been any intimate contact, physical, emotional, or mental, between them. Nothing that went beyond a perfectly normal, ordinary student-teacher relationship. Not even in his wildest dreams. Never.
And yet-
"Why not?" he said eventually. He had a feeling it would further his peace of mind, as well as Ms Granger's, and Bones'.
So after the Grangers had left, he found himself once again occupying the chair by Ms Granger's bed. Since the young witch was asleep once again - her parents' visit seemed to have been quite taxing on her - he had picked up the copy of Ms Weasley's Egyptian novel to catch up on the first sixty or so pages that he had missed. Without doubt, Ms Weasley was drawing partly on her holiday experiences in Egypt, but she had also carefully researched the story and thus crafted the interesting tale of an Ancient Egyptian wizard. And strangely enough, he appreciated the story. His concentration had returned.
It was little wonder then that Ms Granger's soft voice made him jump in his chair as he did when she woke halfway into page forty-nine.
"You're back," she said. "That's good."
"How are you?" This time, he dared ask.
"A little concerned," she replied.
Severus almost managed a smile. "What about?"
"I'm keeping you from your duties," she said. "I'll hear no end of it once I'm out of here."
"Well, it'll all be in good fun, Ms Granger," Severus replied before he even realised what her remark implied. She obviously saw the end of his mentorship not as the end of their - whatever it was that they shared. Friendship he deemed too strong a word.
She nodded, smiling.
After a while, she asked for a drink of water and some more of 'Sebekhotep's Book'. "I hope it's not too bad," she added.
"It is better than I expected," Severus said, studying the sand-coloured linen cover. "Ms Weasley certainly deserves the praise with which the reviewers are showering her."
Hermione attempted a laugh. She coughed instead. "With your words the greatest of it all."
Severus slipped the cream-coloured envelope between pages forty-eight and forty-nine before he resumed reading at the point at which Hermione had fallen asleep.
When he paused for a sip of water a few pages later, he noticed that she had fallen asleep on him again. He closed the book and put it on the nightstand, right next to the flowers the Grangers had brought.
It was only when he pulled at the sheets to keep her shoulders warm that he noticed that she had stopped breathing.