Chapter 2
Once at the library, Hermione began to rifle through the stacks. Who was she kidding? She didn't even know where to begin this time. Hmmph. Professor Snape probably already had the answer and Harry would be waking up any minute now. Someone will rush through the doors and tell me everything's fine. The wizarding world will have its hero back.
Six hours passed and no one came to check on her. The light outside was long gone, so she assumed it was quite late. Perhaps she could check on Harry. She stood up and yawned, giving a great stretch that produced many pops along her back.
Gods, I'm getting old! she thought.
She replaced 137 ½ Bad Spells for Badder Wizards and Worse Witches back on the shelf in the Restricted Section and deemed it a lost cause. The library door creaked as she stepped into the hallway. There didn't seem to be anyone awake. She wondered again how late it was.
She reached the Hospital Wing door and carefully peeked around the edge. Madame Promfrey was not a woman she felt like dealing with at the moment. After giving one last glance around, she walked in, passing by the other patients, snoring peacefully. Silencing the old wooden chair, she again took her post near Harry.
He didn't look any different. Still that peaceful, child-like expression. She'd give anything to just have him wake up. Just a few days ago he was spouting off about Quidditch and laughing at Ron, who would inevitably have his mouth full of food.
Where was Ron at the moment? He must have gone to bed. I really should be asleep, as well. I'll just sit here for a bit.
She rested her head down on Harry's bed for a moment and promptly fell asleep.
She was not aware of the black shadow of a man sweeping into the wing. When he saw her, he immediately froze before sweeping out of sight into the shadows.
Blast! It's that Granger girl again. She practically fawns over that boy. Can't even work without stumbling over her or that Weasley.
He peered closer to see that she was fast asleep. Her face was pressed against her left arm while her right was holding Potter's hand. Disgusting display of weakness. She was only half on the chair and looked like she could fall off any minute now. Snape could stay for the entertainment. Her wild, bushy
hair was everywhere. And was that . . . . Yes. She was snoring. Snape smirked at her most undignified position.
Well, I suppose I can't check on Potter when he's covered with his adoring fans, so I'll simply have to tell Albus I've done my best.
As he was preparing to leave, he stilled as he saw a movement. The door was opening.
The Headmaster strode in solemnly and took in the sleeping girl with a glance. Giving a world-weary sigh, he walked over and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Miss Granger?"
Hermione stirred and managed to look up after taking in her surroundings and remembering where she was.
"H-Headmaster?" she yawned.
"I apologize for interrupting your much-needed sleep, but I must tell you it's time."
"Time?" Oh, Hermione, you're so very eloquent when just woken up, she thought grimly.
"Yes, time," the Headmaster chuckled. "You must come with me. We really can't wait any longer without damage to your health."
"I'm not even permitted any time to say good-bye to everyone?"
"No, I'm sorry. We must hurry, now. Time is short."
"Yes, sir," she conceded. She took one last look at Harry, brushing a lock of hair from his eyes before sadly walking out of the Hospital wing.
Dumbledore, too, gazed upon the scarred boy before taking his leave.
"Get better Harry, the Wizarding World needs you."
Back in the corner, Snape was dumbfounded as Dumbledore made his way to the door.
What in Hades was that about?
"And I expect you to check up on Potter as I instructed, Severus," murmured Dumbledore, almost to himself.
Damn!
