Hermione slowly blinked, her head still in a fog from the dreamless sleep. For a blissful moment, she didn't know where she was or why she wasn't in her own bed. As the previous day flooded back to her, though, Hermione felt her stomach clench. Closing her eyes, she took a few deep breaths.
She heard the rustle of the curtain as it was drawn back. Hermione opened her eyes as Madam Pomfrey came over to her. "Good morning, Miss Granger. Would you like some breakfast before we leave for St. Mungo's?" She presented Hermione with a tray of food. Hermione sat up, accepting the tray, before reaching out.
"Madam Pomfrey?" she asked quietly. The nurse looked at her with concern. Hermione took a breath to steady herself. "Am I going to be okay?" Tears slid down her face, though she didn't know when she had begun crying. Madam Pomfrey, normally a rather stern and distant woman, gently pulled Hermione into an embrace.
She smoothed Hermione's hair down as she shushed her. "Dear, you will be perfectly fine. You're going to get through this and you will come out the other side." Pulling away, she looked Hermione square in the face. "Are you sure you won't tell us who did this?"
Hermione shook her head, her eyes wide. "Not yet, I can't. I just can't." Madam Pomfrey patted her shoulder understandingly. She stepped away to let Hermione eat in peace.
After breakfast, Hermione and Madam Pomfrey went to the Headmistress' office. From there they would be able to Floo to the hospital. McGonagall allowed them entry, rubbing her eyes wearily. "Yes, Madam Pomfrey? Miss Granger?"
Madam Pomfrey sat at the large oak desk, murmuring quietly. Hermione could only catch bits of what was said. "...brutal assault…mental strain…treatment…" McGonagall's face was filled with horror, her eyes flitting between the two other women in front of her.
McGonagall stood and strode over to Hermione. "Miss Granger, I am so sorry that you have had to endure something so barbarous. Never in my entire career has something like this happened. I understand you aren't in a position to name the perpetrator, but I assure you that once you do he will be dealt with accordingly. You have my leave to seek treatment, and I will ensure your coursework is collected for you daily. It will be in your room upon your return." The elderly witch regarded Hermione in an almost motherly fashion, her expression sorrowful and supportive.
Hermione nodded, meeting the Headmistress' eyes. Unexpectedly, McGonagall suddenly drew Hermione into an embrace. "Get well, dear girl. And fret not, he'll get what's coming to him." McGonagall released her and stepped back. "My Floo is all yours," she said to Madam Pomfrey before exiting her office, the door swinging shut behind her.
The emerald flames deposited Hermione into the lobby of St. Mungo's Hospital, followed quickly by the medi-witch of Hogwarts. She escorted Hermione to the front desk where a chipper young witch, her crimped hair pulled back with butterfly clips, sat reading a Muggle magazine.
The young witch greeted them and stood after Madam Pomfrey introduced herself. "Ah yes," she said in a Northern accent, "We've been expecting you." She summoned a tiered trolley from the large room behind her. It was stocked with several pairs of comfortable-looking pyjamas in subdued colours and patterns; a hot water bottle; a toothbrush, hairbrush, and toiletries set; a journal and pen; a pair of slip-ons and a few pairs of socks; and lastly, a water bottle and a mug.
Hermione took the cart from the woman and followed her to the elevator. Madam Pomfrey followed closely. The reception witch waited until the lift arrived, then indicated the Fourth Floor. Hermione waved as the doors closed. "The Janus Thickey Ward is on the Fourth Floor," Hermione noted after a moment. "That's for long-term residency and spell damage. Will I be in there?"
The doors opened as they came to the Third Floor. A Healer in a bright green uniform got in, removing the mask from his face. The doors slid shut again. "No, Miss Granger. You'll be in the Paracelsus Wing for Emotional Healing." As the doors opened again to the Fourth Floor, Hermione allowed herself to be led in the opposite direction of the Janus Thickey Ward. Turning, she could see the profile of Gilderoy Lockhart through the window.
After a moment, Hermione arrived at the doors to the Paracelsus Wing. Beside the doors was a quote from Paracelsus himself:
'Imagination and faith can cause and remove diseases. Confidence in the virtue of amulets is the whole secret of their efficacy. It is from faith that imagination draws its power. Anyone who believes in the secret resources of Nature receives from Nature according to his own faith; let the object of your faith be real or imaginary, you will in equal degree receive the same results.'
Hermione smiled slightly. The mind is a powerful thing. The doors opened automatically and she wheeled her trolley in. The ward was large, and it appeared to be rather different than the Janus Thickey Ward. Instead of rows of beds, there were walls full of doors. It seemed that privacy was of high regard for patients working through an emotional injury. There was a large conference room with many chairs, a private room with soft couches and armchairs, a sitting area with tables, a magical radio, puzzles, and other calming activities, and a small pantry stocked with healthy snacks.
"This is not what I imagined," stated Hermione, a look of pleased shock on her face. Madam Pomfrey chuckled.
"Yes, it's rather nicer than some of the other wards. It's less of a medical ward and more just a place for patients having a difficult time emotionally to come escape their problems for a little while. Let's go on over to the reception desk; they'll need to take your wand, dear." Madam Pomfrey strode over to the reception area, getting Hermione checked in. Hermione produced her vine wand, and she watched as it was tagged with her information and placed in a box with other wands.
A large man in lime green came out to remove any items from Hermione that were deemed dangerous. He took her trainers, as they had laces, and her necklace. These were placed in a box labelled with her information and then tucked away.
Madam Pomfrey helped Hermione into her room, which was a small room holding a bed, a desk, and a chest of drawers. The little trolley had a space it fitted into next to the bed, and that was it. Hermione thought it was absolutely perfect for recovering.
Madam Pomfrey had requested a two-week stay for Hermione, so she would be going back to Hogwarts a few weeks before the Christmas holidays started. This suited Hermione, as she would have ample time to herself. Hermione looked at Madam Pomfrey. "Thank you for everything, Madam Pomfrey."
Madam Pomfrey shook her head. "No thanks necessary, dearie. You just focus on getting well again." She waved and took her leave, and Hermione was left alone.
—
Severus walked along the London street, heading for the phone box that would take him down to the Ministry of Magic. What he was going to say, he did not yet know. He would probably have to request to see Lucius first. Yes, if he could establish rapport, then it would make sense for him to petition for house arrest.
Punching in the word MAGIC, the phone box descended to bring Severus into the Ministry atrium. It had been magnificently restored to its former state, the Fountain of Magical Brethren once again at the centerpoint. Severus passed it, dropping several silver Sickles into its waters. He approached the security stand to register his wand and was reminded to pin the visitors' badge to his shirt-front. Doing so, he strode through the gates and approached the lifts.
Selecting level two, Severus entered the lift and waited as several interdepartmental memos flew in after him. The lift started upwards, stopping at levels 6, 4, and 3 to allow Ministry employees on and off. He nodded to the elderly wizard who was still on as they reached level two, and stepped into the corridor for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
He stepped into the foyer and stepped over to the receptionist. "Professor Severus Snape to see Mr. Harry Potter," he said by way of greeting. The receptionist eyed him with some scrutiny before sending a Patronus, which appeared to be a small goat, to alert Harry.
A few minutes passed before Severus saw Harry come around a corner toward him. Stepping around the reception area, he met Harry with a handshake. "Well this is a surprise," said Harry, leading Severus to a desk. "What are you doing here?"
Severus managed a small smile. "Yes, I hadn't thought to be back here. I come at the behest of the young Mr. Malfoy." At these words, Harry's eyebrows furrowed. "He's asked that I visit his father in Azkaban."
Harry frowned. "That man was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes. Draco is lucky that he was found to have been acting under duress for his tenure as a Death Eater, or he'd have been sentenced to time in Azkaban, as well. Why does he want you to visit his father?"
Severus thought quickly. "Well, the family's assets have been frozen, as you know. Narcissa isn't handling the situation well, and I think Draco is hoping that I can bring her some news of her husband. I know that he's one of the more secured prisoners, but surely we can work something out so that I may see him periodically?"
Harry sat back, tapping his fingers on the arms of his chair. "Narcissa saved my life. The least I can do for her is make sure she knows her husband is faring well in prison. I'll talk to the head of the department and I'll send you an owl."
Severus inclined his head. "I appreciate it, Mr. Potter. Thank you." He stood, shaking Harry's hand again. "I'll see you, then."
Harry kept hold of Severus' hand a few moments longer, asking, "How's Hermione?"
Severus froze. Of course he would ask about her, she's one of his best friends you idiot! He swallowed thickly. "Well, I only know so much, of course. She's doing well in her classes, and her work as my lab assistant is exemplary." Harry's brows shot up. Clearly, neither Hermione nor Ginevra had informed him of this development. How curious.
"Lab assistant?" Harry asked. "When did that start?"
Severus counted back in his head. "September 22. I'm surprised neither she nor Miss Weasley told you."
Harry narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, me too." He blinked a few times. "Well, as long as she's doing well." He cleared his throat. "If you'll excuse me, sir?" Severus bowed his head again and bid Harry farewell.