A/N: I AM SOOOOO SORRY. AS I WAS WRITING THIS CHAPTER I NEEDED SOMETHING FROM A PREVIOUS CHAPTER WITH HELP FROM A FRIEND. WE COULD NOT FIND WHAT I WAS AFTER BUT DID FIND THAT CHAPTER 72 AND 73 WERE THE EXACT SAME. I DID THIS ONCE BEFORE UNLESS IT IS THE SAME CHAPTERS THAT I MESSED UP ON BUT I DO NOT THINK SO. FORTUNATELY I HAVE A FLASH DRIVE THAT I AM KEEPING MY CHAPTERS ON AS A BACK UP AND FOR SHOULD I NEED SOMETHING FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS. I FOUND THE CORRECT CHAPTER 72 AND HAVE REPLACED THE WRONG ONE AS OF HALLOWEEN 2011. I DEEPLY APOLOGIZE FOR THIS MIX UP. IF ANY OF YOU HAVE ANY CONFUSION I TRULY AM SORRY FOR THIS. I WILL GIVE YOU THIS…IN CHAPTER 72 THERE IS A LETTER THAT SEVERUS RECIEVES FROM LILY THROUGH HARRY…THE LETTER IS IMPORTANT, IT GOES WITH THIS CHAPTER SO IF ANY ONE IS WONDERING WHAT THE LETTER SAID…THE CORRECTED CHAPTER 72 IS AVAILABLE. AGAIN I AM SO SORRY FOR THE CONFUSION WITH MY STORY. I WILL BE MORE CAREFUL IN THE FUTURE WHEN UPLOADING THE CHAPTERS.
NOW THE NEXT INSTALLMENT…ENJOY…OH, PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THIS CHAPTER HELPS YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT LILY SAID TO SEVERUS (AND WHY SHE SAID IT) IN CHAPTER 90.
Chapter 92
Severus slowly made his way to his private quarters. As he entered his small living room area he noticed that quite a spread had been brought down to his quarters. He was sure that either Albus or Poppy but most likely Albus had arranged for the food to be brought down to him. Severus sat on the couch and began to eat. He started thinking again about what had happened earlier.
"If I had a time-turner I'd go back and…no I do not deserve to go back and change it…but Miss. Granger does. Merlin am I ever going to learn? This morning has to be the most idiotic thing I have done. Not more idiotic than getting myself branded and hurting the best thing to ever happen to me. Most definitely more than Lily being at fault…that is ludicrous! Lily's fault that she was murdered along with her husband and the attempt on their son…" Severus' thoughts trailed off at that point and he got up and thundered into his bedroom.
"Severus how…oh dear what happened? You look horrible."
"Have you lost your mind? How can you say something that is so ludicrous?"
"What are you talking about? How can I lose my mind, Severus? I am a portrait."
"You saying that it was your fault for what happened! Blaming yourself for your murder and your husband's murder and not to mention the attempt on your son!"
"So you've given it some thought then?" Lily asked coyly.
"It's ludicrous that you'd be to blame! You…"
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why is it ludicrous?"
"Because it is!"
"Why? Because I didn't ask for Voldemort to kill me, my husband and try to kill my son?"
"Exactly! Lily you didn't do anything…"
"James and I defied him three times Severus."
"Lily…you…"
"Now you know in part why I feel that you blaming yourself for what happened is ludicrous. I don't blame you and neither does James or Harry. I am sure that there are other's that don't blame you as well."
"Lily…"
"So what, you gave him part of a prophecy that did not say that it had to do with my family, my son."
"Doesn't matter."
"Yes it does!"
"Lily…"
"You did not say, tell or suggest to Voldemort that the prophecy was about my family, my son. Voldemort came to that conclusion not you. Sev, what did you do when you found out that Voldemort took the prophecy as though it meant my family?"
"Please don't ask me to tell you that. Not after what I have already done today. I do not think that I could take you hating me all over again not now."
"What have you done today?"
"I do not want to talk about that either."
"You might as well just tell me Severus. I will find out eventually anyway. I would rather hear it from you."
"You don't understand."
"Severus…"
"You don't want to know what I did once I found out that he was going after your family."
"Yes I do!"
"I was selfish, I was sick really. I hate myself for it."
"What?"
"I…I begged him to spare your life, just your life. Not the lives of your family but just you. I was only thinking of myself and not you. I did not consider what you'd do if he had spared you…"
"Okay you were selfish. It was sick yes. Actually wore than sick to have done that. I am not going to waste my afterlife hating you. It was very selfish, disgusting to say the least and clearly you were not thinking at all. Obviously he did not grant you that request. What did you do after that?"
"I went straight to Dumbledore. Again I asked for your life to be saved, to be protected...at first and then begged and pleaded with Dumbledore to protect you and your family. In return I gave Dumbledore my loyalty."
"Do you regret going to Dumbledore and pleading with him to protect me and my family and proclaiming your loyalties to him?"
"No."
"Not even after Voldemort still got to me and my family?"
"No, not even then. It still does not change that it is my fault…"
"Severus for Merlin's sake it was and is not your fault."
"When are you going to realize that it is?"
"Never."
"If I had not told him what I had heard…"
"Severus you didn't really tell Voldemort anything. Why can't you see that?"
"Lily…"
"No Severus. If Professor Trelawney had not have made that prophecy you would not have overheard anything."
"It's not her fault, Lily."
"I know that. I am not blaming her, I am just saying...honestly Severus the only ones to blame are Voldemort himself and Peter Pettigrew. Peter is the one that betrayed us. He is the one that told Voldemort where to find us, not you. Don't you see? Hell, Severus for all anyone knows Voldemort may have already decided to go after James and I just for the fact that we defied him more than once and he just used the partial prophecy as a cover, an excuse. Voldemort went after a half-blood, or so everyone thought, and not a pure-blood. He felt threatened by a half-blood and not a pure-blood. He had and I am sure still has several that believe him when he said that anything less than pure-blood is weak and not worth the breath they breath and no one in his followers noticed that it was not a pure-blood. Or so how it was thought to have been that I was a Muggle born."
"Lily…"
"Listen to me Severus, you were not Secret Keeper for us. Yes, it would have only been a matter of time until he did find us and do what he did in eighty-one but you did not betray us, you did not give us up to Voldemort. You tried to protect me and eventually my family at some point."
"I originally only pleaded for your life to be spared, to be protected."
"And you feel terrible about it. You have beaten yourself for it. I hope for the last time I will say this…you are not to blame for Voldemort's actions, Peter is the betrayer not you. Stop blaming yourself for what others are responsible for. Yes you originally pleading for my life to be spared and to be protected only, is despicable Severus and quite selfish…you have carried around this guilt for so long…it is time to just let go of it."
"How can you forgive me?"
"Because I can forgive you Severus and if I can then you should be able to."
"How am I supposed to forgive myself, Lily? I…"
"Stop blaming yourself for the murder of me and my husband and the attempt on Harry's life. That is not your fault just like it is not mine. Voldemort made a decision and Peter betrayed us."
"But I only pleaded for your life to be spared and to be protected…"
"How many times are going to go through this? Sev, you eventually asked for James and Harry to be protected and that is what matters. Sev, when you went to Dumbledore how were you feeling?"
"Terrified."
"What was going through your head before you included James and Harry for protection?"
"The friend you were for me when we were kids. I didn't deserve a friend like you but for some reason I did and then I messed that up. I wanted to be the friend I should have been…even though knowing that it was much too late and would not erase the past…a friend would…I couldn't think at first when I found out that the Dark Lord was going to hunt you and your family down…all I could think of was you…I had to try and fix the error I made telling the Dark Lord what I had heard of the prophecy, to be the friend I should I have been…it was the right thing to do. If anyone were to see the memory would not believe what I have said to be true but…showing emotion is weak…I was weak, I couldn't keep you safe, I couldn't keep your family safe…the only way that you would be safe and happy would be to have you and your family protected. I…"
"You weren't weak and showing emotion does not mean that you are weak…"
"I was weak! I didn't try to stop anyone from calling Muggle-borns, Mudbloods. I let them do horrible things and agreed that it was for a laugh…I never stood up for myself…"
"Severus please let go of it all. It is in the past and there is nothing that you can do about it, you can't change what happened in the past. Sev, if you had…it would have been dangerous…and don't say that it would have changed things that things would be different…granted yes I am sure that things would be different but not for the better. You were not weak…fear can make the strongest person do stupid, vile, grotesque, disgusting and despicable things. Whether or not you admit it, you feared for your life and you did what you had to do to survive. If you had died back then…my son…Severus please let go of this. You are not the same person anymore. Put it all behind you and move on with your life."
"Move on with my life? Not likely to happen."
"Severus!"
"No one would want to have anything to do with and Ex-Death Eater."
"With that attitude…"
"Lily…I have the Dark Mark branded into my skin…no one would be able to see past it, to give me a chance and if they did once they saw the damn thing it would be all over."
"Have a little faith Severus. Wait…Sev, how many here at Hogwarts know about the Dark Mark? And do they trust you? Do they believe that you had a change of heart that you switched sides?"
"A few and yes to your questions but that was before this morning."
"Spill it."
"I'll be right back." Severus said as he left his room.
Severus returned with some of the food that had been brought down to him. While ate he told the portrait Lily what had happened that morning and the current condition of the student in question.
"Oh, Severus, you didn't?"
"Oh, I did. Apologizing, giving the point back that I took and cancelling the detentions are not enough. Nothing will…"
"Severus, give it some time. I know you will do all three…mind if I make a suggestion?"
"As if it would matter if I did mind or not, you'll ask anyway. Since you asked…go ahead."
"Prepare for the future…I am sure that there will be times when it won't be possible to eat, so here and now figure out how to prevent an attack…a verbal attack. There has to be something that you can do that will prevent you from lashing out like that. In other words for should you miss a meal again for whatever the reason and in your…foul…mood and you feel instinctively to lash out it would be impossible to do so. You are in the Magical world Severus there has to be something that you can do so that this doesn't happen again. Yes primarily…do not miss any meals but as I said…"
"You have a point. I am not sure if there is anything like what you are thinking of but it would not hurt to look into it. Lily, I don't know if I can just let go of what happened in the past but I will try. I do see what you have said about where fault lies in regard to your and James' murders…if I'd had any indication beforehand that the Dark Lord would have interpreted the partial prophecy to mean your son I would not have said a word. Your son would have had his parents for a while longer if not his whole life."
"That right there is why I can forgive you. I do not want to ever hear you blame yourself…"
"I have blamed myself for many years, Lily. It won't be as easy as it sounds. At least it would not be wise to think that old habits will die overnight."
"Sev, if I had survived…"
"I know…I read your letter."
"Then why did you ask me how I can forgive you?"
"I was being stupid."
"Oh…what time it Severus?"
"Twenty minutes till one…"
"Hang on…before you go to the infirmary, write a quick note to Hermione telling her that you intend to do so to her face but since she has been a sleep you are apologizing in the note. Trust me on this. Oh, and once she accepts your apology and forgives you do not continue to kick yourself over it. One last thing…be kinder to her."
"Lily…"
"I'm not saying special treatment or anything…just maybe kiss her ass…not literally though, she's too young right now…if she were older as in of age then I would suggest that you literally kiss her ass…believe me it helps."
Severus smiled and softly sighed with a roll of his eyes before leaving his bedroom. He did as Lily had suggested for him to do and then headed to the infirmary. He quietly strode in and over to where the young witch rested and again it seemed as though she was asleep. Severus set the note on the small table next to her bed and just as quietly as he had walked in he left for his next class to teach.
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Hermione could hear someone enter the infirmary and walk towards her bed. She could smell something earthy and knew it was Professor Snape. She knew he wanted to apologize and felt she deserved at least that as well as the reversal of the points taken away and the cancellation of the detentions but she was not ready to see him, not ready to hear anything he had to say so she remained quiet and pretended to be asleep once again. Hermione managed to remain as she was until she heard him leave the infirmary. She wandered what he had done when he walked around her bed, lingered for a moment and left. Hermione appreciated that he had not tried to wake her to apologize and that he had been quiet.
Once Hermione had sat up she looked around and when her eyes fell on the small table next to her bed she saw a bit of parchment that had been folded over and her name was beautifully scrawled on it. As she reached over to pick it up she heard someone walk inside the closed curtain around her bed.
"Harry! Madam Pomfrey is going to…"
"No she won't. She said it was okay. And even if she didn't she can't keep me from checking on one of my family members. Besides she's tending to Dudley right now. He's fine, exhausted yes but not as much as you. So I am sure that Aunt Petunia is the same as Dudley. I know this is ridiculous, but how are you feeling? I mean everything."
"All right I guess. I'm still quite tired and exhausted but I don't feel quite as bad as I had earlier."
"I see Snape left you a note. What does it say?"
"I don't know. I just noticed it…I don't even know when he..."
"Liar." Harry said with a smirk."
"How can you call me…"
"Hermione I was aware of Professor Snape walking in and once he left you sat up. I could see your shadow on the curtain. If you had been asleep you would not have sat up so soon after he left."
"Oh."
"I also have a feeling that you were faking it before as well…why though?"
"Because I don't want to hear anything he has to say right now."
"Hermione…this is silly and you know it. I am not siding with anyone really. What he said yes was uncalled for and yes he was a complete git since he knew…"
"Why should I…"
"Because."
"Excuse me."
"Hermione you didn't exactly help. I heard everything that happened when you told Madam Pomfrey what you both said in the class. You being tired and unknowingly exhausted had you quite on the defensive and him not having food…well the entire situation was doomed from the start. Give him the chance to apologize…"
"Oh if he apologizes it's all okay?"
"No it doesn't make it okay. Hermione stop being so stubborn, please. Did you hear anything that had been said?"
"It doesn't matter."
"You didn't…you faked it both times so that he would not be able to apologize because you blocked out and refused to listen to what else was said around Snape going to apologize."
"He's only apologizing because he wants to save his own skin and have an income…"
"You're wrong about that Hermione. If you had actually paid attention you would have heard the sincerity in his voice. He fully expected to be sacked and is surprised that he's not going to be sacked."
"Harry, you can't be serious."
"I am. One we are back to our normal selves I am going to extract the memory and let you view it and you will see or well at least hear what I heard in his voice. That is as long as you are viewing with an open mind and without any pre-decided notion of what he is really up to aside from trying to fix…"
"Hmpf."
"You were reaching for the note as I walked in…why not read it now? Oh come on Hermione, it's a note."
Hermione sighed and grabbed the note off of the table and unfolded it. She started to read it silently to herself and stopped. Hermione knew that Harry would want to know what it said, she cleared her throat and read:
"Miss. Granger,
This morning was an atrocity and I take all responsibility for it. I was inconsiderate of how you would be feeling so soon after being successful with what you wanted to try to help you cousin. I had just been discussing things with the Headmaster.
I had not had breakfast and was not thinking clearly or otherwise at all. That does not excuse or make what I said to you okay. I would rather to do this face to face, you deserve that…at the very least you deserve to be apologized to, to your face and not in a letter or note. Since you have been a sleep both times I am apologizing in this note.
Miss. Hermione Granger I apologize for my actions this morning. I will be returning the points I took away from your house and you do not have to serve the detentions…all of it was and is uncalled for. Again I apologize.
I still intend to apologize to your face. Like I said you at least deserve that.
There is so much that I want and need to say to you but unfortunately I do not have time right this second to put it all here. I have a class to teach, but if you will allow it I would like the opportunity to apologize to your face and tell you all I want and need to say. Though I will understand if you do not accept my apology and do not forgive me…I know I do not deserve it. You, however do deserve an apology to your face. Okay, I have repeated myself enough.
Apologetically, Professor Severus Snape"
"So…"
"How do I know if he is sincere in this note?"
"Give him the opportunity to apologize. It's the only way you will know his sincerity."
"I suppose."
"Hermione look at it as having the power of being able to an apology you deserve."
"I do deserve at least an apology."
"Yes you do. Hermione, if you keep preventing him from doing so you can't harp about not receiving one."
"I can't even argue with that. Thank you Harry, now you better get back to your bed before Madam Pomfrey has a fit and decides to keep here indefinitely…although she can't. I mean with what happened…"
"What?"
"I'll tell you later."
"Promise?"
"Yes. Although I am surprised that you haven't said anything."
"I knew it. I should know what this is all about. I just can't seem to recall what it is."
"Well, a lot has happened since you…" Hermione trailed off as she could hear someone moving about in the infirmary.
Harry quietly peaked out the curtain around Hermione's bed, when he didn't see anyone he quickly dashed across the way to his bed. Not long after Harry's breathing was normal, Madam Pomfrey checked on him.
"How are you, Mr. Potter?"
"Fine thank you."
"Hungry?"
"Very."
"I know you would like all solid food, but…"
Harry rolled his eyes and groaned.
"If your system can handle what I give you now then maybe at dinner I will consent to you having a normal meal."
"Thank you Madam Pomfrey."
"What is it Mr. Potter? I can see that there is something on your mind."
"I was wondering if it would be alright if I had dinner with Hermione and Dudley."
"I suppose so."
"We would of course go to Hermione."
"Most definitely, Mr. Potter."
Harry waited until Madam Pomfrey had gone a fair distance from his bed and then ever so quietly called for Dobby. A moment later there was a pop and Dobby a free elf followed.
"Dobby, shhh…keep it quiet. I need a favor and it has to be done extremely quietly."
"Anything for Harry Potter." The elf quietly squeaked.
"I need to get a message to Professor Snape. He's down in the dungeons of the school. If he's not in the Potions Office then he'd be in the classroom but you can't give him the message when students are around though."
"What message does Harry Potter want Dobby to gives to teacher?"
"Let him know that during dinner would be a good time to stop by the infirmary since she will be awake."
"Dobby makes sure teacher gets message."
"Thank you Dobby."
Dobby smiled a bit shyly and then disappeared with a pop.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Dobby appeared in the hallway just outside of the Potions Office door. Dobby tentatively knocked on the door when there was no answer and the door did not open Dobby left to find the Potions classroom. Dobby cautiously peaked into the classroom once he found it and proceeded to enter when he was no one but the Professor.
"Professor, sir." Dobby nervously said softly.
"You seem familiar to me." Severus said when he looked up.
"Harry Potter set Dobby free, sir."
"Dobby…you belonged to the Malfoy family, correct?"
"Yes sir." Dobby shuddered.
"What brings you to my classroom?"
"Dobby has message from Harry Potter, sir."
"What message could Mr. Potter have for me?"
"Harry Potter says if you stop by infir…stop by at dinner she wakes." Dobby squeaked nervously.
"Thank you Dobby. If you don't mind I was wondering if you would discretely tell Mr. Potter that I thank him as well."
"Dobby tells Harry Potter teacher say thank you."
Severus gave the silly elf a smirk as he nodded his head in the elf's direction. As Dobby left the classroom, Severus allowed a smile to spread across his face. He knew the message meant that if he were to stop by the infirmary during dinner that Hermione would be awake. Severus also knew that he didn't dare show up in the infirmary immediately after his last class, Hermione Granger is too smart and would know that Harry got a message to him. No, he had to wait for dinner to be about half way through before he arrived.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Time seemed to drag out for the three students in the infirmary. Harry and Dudley were quite bored. Hermione was bored as well but she was able to pass the time somewhat by actually sleeping for a bit. Hermione woke around four o'clock that day and really wanted company. She still felt exhausted and wished that there was something to help with that but knew that the only way she would improve was with plenty of rest. Hermione softly smiled at Madam Pomfrey when the nurse walked in.
"How are you feeling dear?"
"I do feel better than when you found me but I do feel a bit drained still and I am incredibly bored."
"The more rest you get the better you will feel."
"I'm going to go mad resting all the time. Please, can Harry and Dudley hang out over here with me? I am so bored. I am craving company. I just want company and the most I'd do is talk and listen. I am not asking to do anything strenuous or anything like exploding snap. Nothing exciting just calm, quiet, relaxing company."
"I suppose it would be fine for Mr.'s Potter and Evans to visit with you since the three of you need calmness, relaxation and quiet. If I feel that it is too energetic I will have to ask them to leave."
"Fair enough Madam Pomfrey. Thank you."
Harry and Dudley had barely taken seats on either side of Hermione's bed when four students slipped behind the curtain around Hermione's bed.
"What are you all doing here?"
"Well, Granger word travels fast and we had make sure that you were alright." Said Fred.
"Besides we had to check on Harry and Dudley." Added George.
"So, what happened last night or this morning?" Asked Violet.
"The talk going around is that you finally went to bed late this morning." Ginny and Mercedes added.
"I promise that I will tell you what happened, just not right now. I'm too exhausted and don't want to drain myself further."
"Is this exhaustion due to Snape or..?" Ron asked as he slipped behind the curtain.
"As it turns out, Ron, Hermione was already physically and severely exhausted before she went to Potions." Harry replied.
"Ron, I do not advise going off on Snape at the moment. Hermione can't get riled up so to speak. If you go off then she will and the small amount of rest and improvement she has had and made will be undone." Dudley said calmly hoping to keep Ron from voicing what he felt.
Ron closed his mouth and nodded in agreement. He did not want to make it worse for Hermione.
"Sorry, but I have to ask. So, Ron how was class after Hermione left?" Harry asked with a small smirk unnoticed by the others.
"Dull really."
"What do you mean by dull?" Hermione asked curiously with a slight frown on her face.
"He just set us our assignment and that was it. I mean those that had not completed making the potion last week and those that had to start over were instructed to work on the potion and then if they had time were to start reading the next chapter and or begin the essay once class ended. Oh, hey…last week I actually finished the potion and it was correct or at least possibly usable."
"That's great Ron." Hermione said cheerfully with a smile.
"Hold, on. Ron, are you saying that Snape was quiet? He wasn't worse than he usually is?" The twins asked grinning.
"That's exactly what I am saying. He seemed really deep in thought when class was over. I mean he didn't even notice when the rest of us left."
"He was probably just gloating." Hermione said gruffly.
"Actually no, he wasn't gloating. Now that I think about it, it was more so the opposite of gloating. Weird, do you think that he might actually regret or feel bad about..?" Ron trailed off as he heard footsteps approaching.
Harry smiled slyly to himself and did not hear anyone approaching. He also did not realize that Dudley caught the sly smile on his face.
The curtain suddenly flew open and a furious Madam Pomfrey stood there, eyes huge and slightly purple and red in the face.
"What is going on here? Those of you who do not have my permission had better go. Miss. Granger needs rest, no excitement. You all might want to head out to dinner anyway." Madam Pomfrey said firmly and as calmly as she could.
All four Weasley's, Violet and Mercedes all quickly got up to leave. As they left, nearly running to leave the infirmary as fast as possible almost ran over their Potions Professor.
Hermione's eyes darkened and a scowl formed on her face when her eyes fell on Professor Snape.
"What do you want?" Hermione snapped.
Severus flinched slightly and continued on to where she was.
"I would like a moment of your time Miss. Granger." Severus said politely.
Harry and Dudley exchanged a look and got up to leave. Dudley was gently shaking his head with a smirk on his face knowing that Harry was behind their Potions Professor showing up. Harry slightly cringed from the glare he received from Hermione as he left.
Madam Pomfrey looked as though she was not going to leave.
"Poppy I give you my word that I have no intention on upsetting your patient. I need to say a few things to Miss. Granger."
"I won't be far, Severus. And you would do well to not upset my patient further."
Severus gave Madam Pomfrey a nod in understanding. Once the nurse left Severus turned around to face Hermione and made an attempt to sit in one of the chairs but thought better of it. He did not want to upset the witch more than he already had.
"What do you want?" Hermione asked with her voice a bit hard.
"To apologize of course Miss. Granger." Severus replied softly.
"You said so in your note."
"Yes, but you deserve the apology in person in the very least. I apologize for this morning Miss. Granger. You did not deserve to be treated like that or talked to like that. To be more accurate, you did not deserve to be yelled at like I did. I know that there is nothing I can say or do to undo what I did and said, but I truly do apologize. I do hope that you can find it within you to forgive me. Not for me but for yourself. I know I do not deserve your forgiveness and I also understand if you do not forgive me. If you give me the chance to try and lesson the pain you endured I will try my best. You deserve so much more than I can do or say. I am not clear exactly as to what you did last night but this much is clear…you are very intelligent for your age, beyond your years. You are a powerful and strong witch…"
"I do not want special treatment and flattery will not…"
"Miss. Granger you misunderstood what I am saying. And that is my fault. I will not be giving you special treatment and what I am saying is not flattery but truth. You are a powerful, strong, highly intelligent and caring witch. The future is lucky and blessed to have you. I truly mean it Miss. Granger.
I am sure that you have been told that I had not had breakfast this morning and well you obviously know how I act when I don't eat meals. It is no excuse for how I treated you. I should have known better no matter what, the Headmaster and I had just been discussing what a remarkable achievement you reached last night. Madam Pomfrey did see something…I was and am still marveling what I had seen in her Pensive. I do feel horrible, Miss. Hermione Granger."
"What about the points you took away? What about the detentions?"
"What detentions Miss. Granger?"
"The detentions you ga…oh. The points?"
"Will be corrected soon, I promise you that."
"Can I be there when you do?"
"I would not object to that if you want to be there."
"I do want to be there."
"Very well then."
"Professor?"
"Yes?"
"Did you really fear that you'd be sacked over what happened this morning?"
"Yes I did fear that I would be. I fully expected to be and I still do expect to be sacked."
"It wouldn't be right if you were sacked."
"I deserve worse than that if you ask me."
"I'm not asking you am I. You do not deserve to be sacked. Every part of me wants to make you suffer, wants to make it hard on you but…"
"But what Miss. Granger?"
"But you are not completely at fault though. I did not help matters much this morning. You are right, I did not deserve what you did and said this morning but if I had not been so tired or unknowingly so exhausted I would not have taken advantage of a situation that was clearly not good from the start. I would have been better off to have stayed in bed or to have come here to see Madam Pomfrey."
"You had every right to defend yourself Her…mione…"
"Just because one has the right to do something doesn't mean that they should."
"Where did you hear that?"
"I didn't hear it anywhere or from anyone. That is how I feel and what I believe. Are you surprised?"
"Quite surprised Miss. Granger though not in a bad way. It is actually a relief to hear one of your age to say something so mature."
"You are not surprised to hear such a thing from a Muggle born?"
"No not surprised because you are Muggle born, but simply your youth."
"Oh, for the record Professor…I do accept your apology and…I am curious as to what you intend to do to make it up to me. I do believe you when say that there will be no special treatment. But as for the flattery bit…you say that it is the truth. That it may be but it is still flattery."
"Thank you for accepting my apology. Though I sense that you have forgiven me you are not saying it. I think I understand why, but so you know whether or not you forgive me, I would still try to make it up to you. What you have said about flattery, I cannot argue with that. Well, I best get going or end up in a bed in the infirmary."
"I wouldn't past Madam Pomfrey or Professor McGonagall."
"Neither would I."
"Professor, before you go…"
"Yes?"
"I know Harry found a way to get a message to you…"
"All he said was that it would be a good time to stop by the infirmary during dinner because you'd be awake. But of course your name was not specifically stated. There was no one else he could have been referring to. Your cousin only let me know of an opportunity. Though it is not my place…he meant well, try not to be too hard on him."
"No promises on not being too hard on my cousin." Hermione said with a small smile on her face.
Severus could not resist smiling in response to what she had said. He knew she only said because Harry could hear it. Severus doubted that Hermione would actually cause the boy any harm but obviously she would definitely make him sweat it out.
"Rest Miss. Granger, I will be looking forward to the return of your health."
"Not as much as I am looking forward to it."
"I am sure. Good night Miss. Granger."
"Good night Professor."
"Harry, I know you heard all that." Hermione said a little louder than normal once Professor Snape had left.
Harry nervously chuckled before saying, "I couldn't help but hear it all Hermione, neither of you were whispering you know."
"I wasn't accusing you of eavesdropping Harry."
"Oh. You do know it is impossible for you to be hard on me."
"Excuse me?"
"Well, you can't Hermione. Seeing as you are a girl and Harry is a boy. Besides it would be inappropriate and quite awkward if you were to be hard on Harry since we are cousins." Dudley replied while laughing.
"What are you…hold on…wait…hey! That's…that's just..ew gross…no, I did not mean it like that…"
"We know that you didn't mean it like that." Harry said chuckling.
"We just couldn't help it Hermione." Dudley added with a chuckle.
"Boys." Hermione said exasperated.
A few seconds later all three were laughing uncontrollably. Madam Pomfrey had heard everything that had been said and could not help but softly laugh herself while shaking her head and thinking 'teenagers'.
It was pretty late when Draco Malfoy quietly walked into the infirmary. He was not sure where the three were exactly so he decided to check behind each curtained area. Draco was about to check behind one of the curtained areas when he stopped dead in place.
"Mr. Malfoy what in Merlin's name are you doing here?" Madam Pomfrey asked in a whisper.
"I just…I wanted to see how they are doing. I couldn't get away before now, well at least not alone anyway. I was there Friday when Harry was burned and poisoned, I was in class earlier when Professor Snape blew up at Hermione. Dudley is one of my housemates and a friend." Draco answered in a whisper.
"Mr. Malfoy…"
"Madam Pomfrey if all of or nearly all of Slytherin knew that I am befriending two Gryffindor's…Harry Potter and Hermione Granger to be exact I'm as good as dead. It was hard enough to slip away tonight. I won't stay long I promise. I just…"
"Very well, Mr. Malfoy. You better make it quick and be quiet."
"Thank you."
Harry and Dudley could hear faint whispering and both decided to look and see who came in. After recognizing Draco and watching Madam Pomfrey walk off to her office, Harry and Dudley stepped out from behind the curtain surrounding their beds and headed over to Draco.
"Draco, are you crazy?"
"Contrary to popular belief Harry, no I am not crazy.
"Then what are you doing here?" Dudley asked with concern slightly etched on his face.
"To see how the two of you and Hermione are doing. Is she actually severely magically exhausted?"
"Unfortunately, yes. The magic she used last night is rare. So rare in fact that no one hear really knows much about it. Although, Snape knows a little bit about it but…" Harry explained.
"I can hear you three, you know." Hermione said softly from her bed.
The three boys headed over and surrounded Hermione's bed.
"No offense but, Hermione you look like crap."
"No offense taken Draco, at least I look how I feel. It's difficult to rest and relax when I am stressing from the boredom. What if I remain magically exhausted? Will I ever be able to use magic again without killing myself?"
"Hey, calm down Granger. Don't worry about all that. Just focus on getting better. I think that tomorrow you and Harry will be being brought your assignments for the week. That should help distract you."
"I was about to tell you that it's easier said than done to not worry about it or think about, but if it is true about having this week's assignments brought to us it will definitely distract me from what may or may not happen in the future. Draco I can't believe that you risked being caught by your fellow Slytherin's to come to the infirmary just to visit for a little while."
"Why wouldn't I want to see how three of my friends are after everything I have been hearing? Although, nearly the whole school is wondering why Dudley was brought to the infirmary. It would be wise to figure out something to say in answer. Especially for our fellow housemates, this has to be figured out before Dudley is released from the infirmary."
"That's really, sorry, sweet of you Draco. I know, I know…to call a bloke sweet is horrible according to you blokes any way but still all the same. You have a really good point about what to have Dudley say to questions. I mean there are quite a few that know Dudley returned to Slytherin quite late as well as me to Gryffindor. You don't think that anyone suspects that...?"
"No, not yet. Or at least not that I have noticed or heard anything of the sort but it could just be a matter of time. Tomorrow could be a whole different story."
"No one knows that my mum was here as well. I can say it had something to do with my mum. Of course I'll send her letter explaining what I am doing that way she can corroborate my story."
"Good thinking Dudley. It just might work out too." Hermione said with a yawn.
"I saw that Hermione. I should get going. I promised Pomfrey that I wouldn't stay long and I don't want to chance anyone deciding to sneak out and end up finding me where I am…I do not want my father to come here. He has been here to many times for my liking and the next time I might not be able to avoid him or resist leaving with him."
"Wait second, Draco. Let me check to make sure that no one has snuck out to see what you are up to. Oh, tomorrow you should stop and visit with Dudley sometime to give the impression that you are only in the infirmary to visit Dudley. I know you don't care and I know that you don't want to hide it but I'd rather you do everything you can to stay safe. Your mum…"
"Thanks Harry."
"Don't mention it. At least, don't mention it anytime soon."
"Real funny Potter."
"I know I am Malfoy."
Draco smirked as he shook his head. It wasn't long before Harry resurfaced and let them know that it was all clear for Draco to head back to his dorm.
Tuesday afternoon Dudley we released from the infirmary and cleared to return to classes the following day. That evening during dinner, Harry and Hermione were released from the infirmary but not yet allowed to return to classes. Professor McGonagall escorted the two to Gryffindor Tower. Harry and Hermione were confused when they did not enter to their common room but said nothing and followed their Head of House just past the portrait of the Fat Lady. They stood in front of an old wooden door.
"Both of you have been rather quiet. Though neither of you have asked I know you are wondering. Beyond this door will your new living quarters while you recover. We all agree that the two of you need somewhere quiet and relaxing, where you can rest peacefully and be able to catch up on your school work. Being that you are family there are no issues concerning the two of you being housed together. The password is 'ohana. Your personal items and school supplies have already been brought in here. Nothing has been put away as of yet."
"Um…Professor?"
"Yes Miss. Granger?"
"We do at least have our own private rooms, right?"
"Of course you will have your own private rooms dear. I must tell you both that the two bedrooms inside are not assigned."
"We have to agree on who gets which room." Harry said in a fact kind of way and not as a question.
"Correct Mr. Potter. I suggest that both of you quickly enter your temporary living quarters. Madam Pomfrey intends to stop by and check up on both of you. She has released both of you, set up an appointment to see each of you over the weekend and yet still feels the need to continue to fuss over both of you. Well, I shall leave both of you to settle into your living quarters. Good night."
"Good night." Harry and Hermione said to the retreating back of their Head of House.
Together Harry and Hermione gave the password and entered the room as the door swung open. The main room was a smaller scale of the Gryffindor common room. They had a fireplace that was a hair smaller than the one in the Gryffindor common room, one couch, two slightly smaller plush armchairs and two doors that they were sure led off to the bedrooms.
"So, which room do you want Harry?"
"It doesn't matter to me. I am sure that the rooms are identical. You take the one closest to us at the moment. Yes, both of us are recovering and recuperating but you are the one looking as though you're about to pass out from the exertion it took to walk across the school. Take the room closest Hermione. In fact I think it would be a good idea if you were to get some sleep."
"Harry…"
"Hermione I actually feel as though I could use some sleep. So, I know you could use the sleep as well. Tomorrow we will put our things away."
Before Hermione could say anything to what Harry had said there was a knock on the door. Harry gave Hermione a small smile as he headed to the door and opened it to find Madam Pomfrey on the other side.
"Madam Pomfrey we were just about to retire for the night."
"This will just take a moment Mr. Potter."
Harry nodded his head and stepped aside to let the nurse pass by.
Madam Pomfrey quickly ran a diagnostic spell on both teenagers.
"I want both of you to get to bed as soon as I leave. Especially you Miss. Granger. I may have released you from the infirmary a bit too soon."
"No you didn't. Yes, tired and a bit exhausted but I feel fine Madam Pomfrey. It was a bit of a walk from the infirmary to here."
"We shall see. Your fireplace is connected to the floo network but it will only allow either of you to get around the castle and not one place outside of Hogwarts. You can reach me through the floo network to give me a message or to call for my assistance. Maybe this weekend, depending on how both of you are doing I might allow you to occasionally join the rest of your housemates. You will use the floo network though. It is slightly different than most. You will still be required to use floo powder, obviously you'll have to say Gryffindor common room to get there but you will not need to give any instruction to return here just toss in your floo powder and step through. The first time you use this connection your magical signatures will be recognized. Unless you use the floo to go to another location within the castle you will not need to state your destination."
"To be sure that I understood what you are saying, if we use it to go to the Gryffindor common the initial time and if didn't use to go anywhere else we'd just toss in the floo powder step through and find ourselves in the Gryffindor common room."
"Precisely Mr. Potter."
"Wait…why are we able to use it like that? I mean the only time a floo connection is set up with this type of specialty is for a medi-witch or wizard to be able to look in on his or her severely ill patient…"
"You are aware of this type of connection I see, Miss. Granger. We have special permission to use it in the reverse of sorts. Now of course I'd still be able to get to both of you through the floo connection. My magical signature is recognized from every location throughout the school as well as my home away from Hogwarts. For should I have to leave…."
"Though we are quite tired we do understand Madam Pomfrey. Thank you for explaining this to us now. It would not have been a nice sight if someone had come through the connection and then explained it to us." Harry said cutting off the school nurse.
"Madam Pomfrey if there is nothing else I would like to retire to my room. I am feeling a bit weak. I am not sure how much longer my legs will hold me up."
"You go then."
"Thank you."
"Now, Mr. Potter witch things are your cousins?"
Harry indicated what belonged to Hermione. Madam Pomfrey levitated Hermione's belongings and brought them to the witch's room and assisted the young witch into some comfortable pajamas and then left the witch's room.
"Get some sleep Mr. Potter."
"I will and thank you for releasing us. I know that you would feel more comfortable with us still in the infirmary especially Hermione but I think we'll do better here. I mean we'll be able to get the rest we need, it will be guaranteed that we will get the rest we need. No one will be able to sneak in and attempt to visit."
"Well, with it put that way I feel better about releasing you and your cousin. Good night Mr. Potter."
"Good night Madam Pomfrey."
Once the nurse left Harry dug through his things and found something to wear for bed and went to his room. Once changed into his pajamas he crawled into the bed. He was asleep shortly after his head hit the pillow.
By Friday the burns Harry had sustained had healed completely. Madam Pomfrey still kept Harry under her care and cleared from classes. Though Hermione had significantly improved Madam Pomfrey did not want the witch to be alone for the rest of her recovery. Hermione still had some physical exhaustion to get through but in time it would go away as her body became used to activities. The magical exhaustion part no longer showed to be severe exhaustion and was to take it easy with using magic.
Hermione and Harry had completed that week's assignments the night before since they had nothing else to do. They had just received the following week's assignments but did not feel up to doing more school work and just wanted to lounge around their quarters. Their meals were being brought to them and their meals would continue to be brought to them through the weekend. Madam Pomfrey had insisted that beginning Monday they were to start having one meal in the Great Hall per day. Harry and Hermione chose to have lunch in the Great Hall and were anticipating Monday.
"Hermione."
"Yes."
"What happened last weekend? I have heard bits and pieces but nothing adds up and when I ask they just tell me that it would better for me to hear it coming from my friends."
"But you already know Harry."
"I know that I should but I just can't seem to recall what it is."
"Hmm…hold on a second." Hermione said as she got up off the couch.
Hermione proceeded to the fireplace, tossed in a small pinch of floo powder and called on the school nurse. After about two minutes Hermione pulled her head out of the fireplace.
"What did Madam Pomfrey say?"
"She'll talk things over with Dumbledore and they will arrange for our friends to be brought here tonight."
"That means around diner time we need to keep our ears open for a knock to let them in. I know for a fact that Madam Pomfrey will not allow any of them to have the password. The first night we stayed here, I told her that us being here is a guarantee that we'd get the rest we need without anyone sneaking in to visit."
"I hope I don't overdo it this evening. No offense Harry but I've been really bored."
"No offense taken Hermione, I know how you feel. I don't think that it will be possible but maybe we should start on next week's assignments. To at least try to take our minds off the impending company we expect this evening."
"It's worth trying I suppose."
Just seconds after the two had agreed on trying to work on the following week's assignments a house-elf from the school kitchens appeared with quite a spread of food. Harry and Hermione looked at each other slightly worried.
"Harry Potter and miss." Squeaked Dobby.
"Dobby!" Harry and Hermione exclaimed.
"Dobby helps bring food. Looks more than there is. Lots different things, small mounts."
Harry and Hermione smiled endearingly at Dobby while trying desperately to not burst out with laughter. It was rather difficult for both Harry and Hermione to not laugh so they carefully started to have their lunch. After a few minutes Harry and Hermione noticed that Dobby remained in their quarters.
"Dobby, are you alright?"
"Dobby fine miss."
"Are you sure? You seem slightly frightened Dobby."
"Harry Potter no needs worry 'bout Dobby."
"Dobby you can tell us." Hermione said encouragingly.
Dobby did not say anything but shivered instead.
"Dobby, did you see your old Master? Lucius Malfoy?"
Dobby shuddered and squeaked.
"Lucius Malfoy is here?"
"Dobby's old Master yell at bat. Dobby not knows why. Bat not liking beings yelled at. Bat sends Dobby's old Master away."
"Lucius Malfoy was arguing with Professor Snape?"
"Yes miss."
"Dobby do you know where Draco is?"
"Young Master with Duddy in come and go room Harry Potter."
"Thank you Dobby." Harry said with a sigh.
"Harry you don't think that Lucius knows that Draco visited us in the infirmary do you? I know you checked…"
"Just because I didn't see anyone doesn't necessarily mean that no one was around. I didn't even think to cast a revealing spell before letting Draco go."
"Harry…"
"I'm not…I'm just saying that I didn't think to cast one."
"Draco is with Dudley in the Room of Requirement so he's safe."
"For now."
The rest of the afternoon Harry and Hermione could not stop worrying about Draco. Though they tried to work on school work it did not take their minds off of Draco. Mindlessly they had finished their lunch. They were not aware when their dinner had arrived as no house-elf remained behind this time. Both were pulled out of their thoughts as they heard knocking on the door.
Hermione reached the door before Harry and opened it to let their friends in. Draco and Dudley were the first to enter and then followed by the rest.
Fred and George conjured a few more chairs so that everyone could sit down. Violet and Mercedes were perfectly fine and comfortable sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace.
"Obviously you both are doing well." The twins said together.
"I'm doing better than Hermione. But I was not suffering from exhaustion of any kind. Madam Pomfrey doesn't want Hermione to be alone and after the time out of the infirmary she doesn't want to make Hermione return."
"Has anyone told you anything about the Tournament?" Asked George.
"Obviously you don't remember or you'd be talking about it." Added Fred.
"Tournament? What Tournament? It sort of rings a bell but I still can't…"
"Harry doesn't know…he asked me earlier and that is why I spoke with Madam Pomfrey about having all of you here."
"What Tournament?"
"The Tri-Wizard Tournament." Ron blurted out.
Harry's eyes widened and then shut. He shook his head.
"I can't believe that I forgot about that. Oh god. My name came out, didn't it?"
"Yes."
"Bloody hell."
"So…"
"I am not sure if I know who did it. So much is different now…it might not be who it was last time."
"Harry, who should we be a little extra careful around?" Ginny asked.
"Mad-Eye is the one that put my name in under another school and hoodwinked the Goblet of Fire into producing four instead of three champions. But it wasn't really Mad-Eye though, it was someone else using Polyjuice Potion. It might not be Moody this time. But it would be stupid to not use caution…hold on. Did Mr. Weasley have to help Mad-Eye out with something?"
"No why?" Ron replied.
"I wonder if we actually have the real Mad-Eye. The…oi…"
"Harry what is it?" Hermione asked a little worried.
"Not all of us here know what Harry has been through. Dudley, Violet and Mercedes are looking confused and I wouldn't be surprised if they thought the rest of us are nutter than Voldemort."
Harry took the time to explain to those that had no clue as to what he had been talking about and then continued with what he had been saying before.
The group of eleven teenagers chatted about a number of things as they are their dinner.
"Draco, do you have any idea why your father was here at the school earlier?" Harry asked.
"It seems that a sixth or seventh year had been tailing me while cloaked of sorts. Whoever it was told my father that I had gone to the infirmary and had visited with you and Hermione. It seems that no one knows what to think or believe. Some are still quite adamant that Dudley's story is the real deal. The only reason why I even know that my father as here…I can't believe that I don't know her name and she's in my house. But any way, a seventh year witch let me know that she saw my father arguing with Professor Snape and that it had something do with me since my name came up a lot. That's when Dudley and I took off to the Room of Requirement."
"And then Dobby gave us a message that we needed to be near the entrance to Gryffindor House." Added Dudley though a bit stunned to know that his cousin is repeating a good chunk of his life.
"Hold on…I know I am a bit behind here but if we are indeed dealing with the real Mad-Eye than who put Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire?" Hermione asked.
"Good question." Harry said softly.
A/N: Well, I am not achieving my goal of 10,000 words for this chapter. Since the last chapter I have been busy. My sister's vehicle broke down so I've been helping her out by being taxi driver.
I have also been working on two other stories that I have in mind and actually have some stuff written. I have been wanting to work on the current story but my mind won't focus on this story.
The past few days have not been good. First, I smacked my head on a corner of a car door, just above my left eyebrow. I just started to feel better from that and now my right eye is bothering me, well not the eye itself…it has swelled up and is quite annoying …I do not know what happened but Benadryl is helping so far anyway.
If all goes well the next chapter will be in the works and up. If all goes really good the next chapter will be ready to upload.
I would appreciate what you thought of this chapter.
