A/N: 1) Snape is not acting like a pedophile. I am confused as to how some are thinking something like it. Two people read over each and every chapter before I post. One of them at one time was a victim (now a survivor) at the hands of a pedophile and she see's nothing wrong with what I have done to date.

2) No one has lied to anyone. There have been secrets, things kept from others…no lies. I do not believe in 'a lie by omission'.

3) HG/SS ARE NOT OBESSED WITH EACH OTHER! I honestly do not see how one could come to the conclusion that they are obsessed with each other.

WARNING: There will be point in this chapter, and soon, where I will have an author's note in parenthesis to explain what I am doing so that there isn't any confusion…well, at least I hope there won't be any confusion.

And now on with the story….

Chapter 105

Harry was having difficulties sleeping despite being so tired and it was frustrating him. After several bouts of tossing and turning and waking up, Harry called for Sparky and asked the elf to bring a sleeping potion. Harry gave Sparky the choice of going to Potter Manor or Madam Pomfrey for the potion as he did not care where the potion came from, he just wanted it as soon as possible.

Being used to the elves returning not long after leaving had Harry wondering what was taking Sparky so long. A good twenty minutes past since the elf left to get the potion Harry had requested the elf to get. Harry decided to give Sparky a few more minutes before calling the elf again.

Harry was just a bout to call for Sparky again but didn't as he saw Madam Pomfrey quietly entering the room. Though she was moving quickly it was obvious that the medi-witch was being as quiet as she could as to disturb those that were sleeping. Harry was also pretty sure that Pomfrey was being quiet so that no one would think that something was wrong and the wizard was thankful for that.

"My apologies, Mr. Potter, for taking so long." Pomfrey said softly once she was standing next to Harry's bed. "Thinking that I would be giving you the potion within minutes, I sent Sparky home. Unfortunately it took longer than I had anticipated." Pomfrey added as she handed a Harry a small flask containing a shimmering green and gold liquid.

Harry took the flask but did not drink it right away. Though, he was desperate to get some sleep so that he was not falling asleep while in Hogsmead, he was hesitant about drinking the potion. He had never seen or heard of a potion that was shimmering in green and gold colors.

"I assure you, Mr. Potter, that there is nothing wrong with the sleep potion. Once drinking the potion it will not be long before you are sound asleep. You will have eight hours of uninterrupted sleep no matter what is going on, but do not worry as there is a potion that will counteract the sleep if necessary." Pomfrey explained in a reassuring and kind tone.

Harry nodded and drank down the potion. Seconds later Harry's eyes began to flutter closed as Pomfrey left the dormitory. Harry began to her the faint sounds of voices as sleep claimed him.

(A/N: Though, Harry will hear everything there will obviously be some details that he would not know while asleep. I decided to just flash to the future instead of writing it as Harry hears what is going on. I wrote in italics on purpose. The following is for nesciamema.)

"Miss. Granger, I know that you and the rest want Mr. Potter to remain here in the infirmary," Pomfrey said with understanding in her voice. "There is nothing more I can do for your cousin." Pomfrey said regretfully. "I wish that that I could do more, but I do not have the resources or means to give Mr. Potter the proper care, attention and treatment that he needs…" the medi-witch said sincerely with a hint of pleading to see reason in her voice.

"You're not…you're not thinking about sending Harry to St. Mungo's again, are you?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, Miss. Granger, I am." Pomfrey said pointedly.

"No…no…you…you can't." Hermione stated firmly in a flat tone.

"Miss. Granger," Pomfrey began in a soothing tone. "St. Mungo's is better suited to care for your cousin. The Healers there can do so much more than I can. They will have the best chance of bringing your cousin out of this coma like stage." Pomfrey said as she tried to reason with the witch.

"There has to be something else." Hermione said with desperation in her voice. "St. Mungo's is so isolated. How are we to be able to visit Harry as we please?"

"I do believe, Miss. Granger, that St. Mungo's will allow special treatment for Mr. Potter to have visitors come and go around the clock." Said a silky baritone voice that filled the room.

"Professor Snape." Hermione said in a slightly pitch of voice clearly startled by the sudden presence of the Potions Master.

"It is the only thing that can be done now. Madam Pomfrey has done all she can. We all have done all that we can, we have tried what we can think of including attempting what you did for your cousin previously as the book instructed and what you reworked to fit the Malfoy family. Most importantly Mr. Potter is not receiving the proper…well, anything really…" Snape explained in a calm & reassuring voice.

"St. Mungo's is not the place for my cousin." Hermione said harshly. "He needs to be in a familiar place and near friends and family." Hermione said with a hint of desperation in her voice.

"Poppy, could you give Miss. Granger and I a moment?" Snape asked as he turned towards the medi-witch.

"Of course, Severus." Poppy said with a faint hint of uncertainty. "If I am needed…any change…"

"We will call for you and Poppy, I only wish to speak with Miss. Granger in private." Severus said assuring Poppy.

"Talk about what? St. Mungo's? It will not happen." Hermione said determinedly after Pomfrey had left the room.

"Miss. Granger," Snape began in a clam and understanding tone of voice allowing respect and…friendliness to show in his voice. "Madam Pomfrey is correct about wanting to send your cousin to St. Mungo's...your cousin needs the proper…"

"He. Is. Not. Going." Hermione growled out as she glared at her mentor. "I will not sign the authorization for the transfer, nor will Aunt Petunia, Dudley, Sirius or Remus." Hermione said in a defiant way. "Harry is an adult an authorization needs to be signed. It's required that if an adult wizard needs to be transferred to another facility a family member has to sign an authorization of transfer."

"I am fully aware of what is required, Miss. Granger." Snape said in almost his normal teacher tone of voice. "Now, I am going to ask you something and I want you to answer without any thought, without hesitation. I want you to give me your gut reaction."

"Ask me already then." Hermione said irritatedly.

"Are you sure that your cousin needs to be close to friends and family?"

"Yes!" Hermione all but screamed it out.

"It seems to me, that all of you need Mr. Potter close and that, Miss. Granger, is…" Snape trailed off as he was no sure if he should finish his line of thought.

"What? It's what to you?" Hermione asked harshly.

"Selfish. Wanting and needing a loved one close prevailing over what the loved one needs is selfish." Snape said as kindly as he could.

"How dare you?" Hermione asked in a seething tone.

"Your cousin is not receiving the care and treatment he needs. Treatment he is entitled to. Treatment he deserves. St. Mungo's Healers can provide the proper treatment, care and attention. You and the rest are preventing it from happening." Snape said trying to get through to the witch.

"As if you would know what I am going through, what Harry's family including extended family is going through or our friends." Hermione said in a biting tone.

"Miss. Granger," Snape said quietly with a faint hint of hurt in his voice. "No, I do not know what you, your family-blood and extended-and your friends are going through. Nor do I or have I ever pretended to know. I have never been in a situation or position as this in the past. As you know, I've never had a family member in any capacity or friend that I was close to." Snape said in a semi-shaky voice.

"Professor…I…I'm so sorry…I shouldn't have said…I…" Hermione stammered.

"Miss. Granger…I do care…I am not close to this situation in the way that you and the rest are, I do not have the familial connection that many do possess where your cousin is concerned and that gives me the opportunity to see what the rest of you can't…"

"I've read many articles, magical and muggle, about coma patients and how being in familiar surroundings and hearing the voices of friends and family…the articles said that the coma patients were all aware of his or her surroundings and that his or her friends and family were there frequently if they could not actually hear their voices…it is the best thing for a coma patient."

"Yes, but Hermione…those articles, I am sure, also included that the coma patients were receiving proper care, attention and treatment along with familiar surroundings and friends and family…"

"I..yes..but…I…Pro…wait…did you…you just…" Hermione stammered.

"I know I said that while we are at Hogwarts unless working on a project in seclusion that the use of first names would not be allowed anywhere in public while you are a student…" Snape began to explain.

"Why the change?" Hermione inquired.

"You are going through something difficult and painful…something we already established that I do not understand or know from my own personal experience…Hermione I am not insensitive…Regardless the rule of not using first names seems unimportant now. To be completely honest, it seems silly to have set the rule. Right now you do not need a teacher, a mentor or anything of the sort and though you do have friends and family that can understand, that can relate…everyone at one time needs someone that is not so close to what you are going through…"

"I suppose it would do me a world of good to have a friend that isn't as close to what I am going through as I am." Hermione thought aloud softly.

"I know that things have not been on the best footing or ground, but the past several months…I do not feel that it has to do with the connection at least not completely. The connection only opened the door, presented the opportunity…" Snape trailed off with a faint grumbling growl.

"I think I can summarize it with a question. You are not one of many words unless it has to do with potions or the ingredients. So, are you officially offering me your…friendship?" Hermione asked though she already knew the answer. She just needed to hear it.

"Possibly." Snape replied with a teasing smirk.

"I accept the offer." Hermione said with a small smile. "I…how do I put aside what I want? What I need?" Hermione asked changing the subject back to the situation at hand.

"I truly wish that I could answer your questions or give you material on how to do that." Snape said sincerely.

"I don't understand why the blood magic I used before won't work this time. I can't think straight. It's a miracle that my studies have not been affected." Hermione muttered while looking at Harry.

"I have wondered why it won't work this time and so I have been researching trying to figure out why. Unfortunately, I do not have anything that will result in understanding however, I do believe that it has to do with him accidently sending himself back in time." Snape said in a manner that a friend would.

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked curiously, intrigued and a little confused.

"I am certain that due to the…accident…an alternate universe was created for your cousin. I am also certain that is why the blood magic won't work now." Snape answered.

"How can you be certain?" Hermione asked hoping that the reply would not eradicate the hope she began to feel.

"The daily changes we see. The notations in journals your cousin wrote in, explaining things. The explanations he gives are just pertaining to changes that may or may not occur."

Hermione gasped realizing that what Snape had concluded as to what was going on with Harry was quite possible. Other than the gasp no other sound was made, no one said a word and a silence fell in the room.

The silence that had fell, lingered for some time before it was broken.

"Hermione…" Snape sighed as a thought, or more like a few questions came to mind that could prove to help the witch let go of what she wants and needs.

"Yes."

"If…if you were in your cousins' shoes…what would you want to have happen?"

"The best and proper care, attention and treatment." Hermione answered with the first thing that came to mind. "I would also want to be in a familiar setting and for my friends and family to be able to come and go as they please. So that I would know where I was, know who was around…be aware of their presence if I don't actually hear their voices." Hermione added.

"I do not mean to be cruel or harsh or seem insensitive nor am I trying to cause you more pain or anguish with the questions I am about to ask you." Snape said and paused for a moment. "Is your cousin receiving the proper care, attention and or treatment? Is he receiving the best care, attention and treatment available?" Snape asked hoping that he had not just nullified the new found friendship with the witch.

"No." Hermione said softly as tears fell from her eyes.

"Hermione…though I said that Madam Pomfrey is correct about St. Mungo's…a hospital is not necessarily required for one to receive the care, attention and treatment he or she deserves. The Healers at St. Mungo's have the resources to provide your cousin with the proper and best services they have."

"Pro...Se…Professor, what are you saying?"

"I am suggesting a compromise…" Snape paused as they could hear the sounds of several footsteps approaching resonate throughout the infirmary.

"Why am I not surprised, Hermione, that you are here." Ron said as he entered the room.

"Hermione…we all understand wanting to be here when Harry snaps out of it. We all want to be here when he does." Ginny said. "But, it's not healthy to spend every free moment in the infirmary and not get fresh air." Ginny added worriedly.

"I don't spend every free moment in the infirmary. Yes, I check in everyday but I don't always stay." Hermione said defensively with an insulted look on her face.

"Hermione, is something wrong?" Violet and Mercedes asked at the same time.

Before Hermione could reply, Madam Pomfrey bustled into the room.

"For Merlin's sake." Poppy exclaimed. "This is a school infirmary and is not able to accommodate so many at once." Poppy chastised at seeing who all was there. "St. Mungo's can also accommodate such a large group of visitors at once. Just add it to the list of what they could do for Mr. Potter." Poppy growled.

"Not talk of St. Mungo's again." Ron whined.

"Madam Pomfrey has done all she can for Mr. Potter and he is not the only patient here in the infirmary…" Snape said backing up the school matron.

"Everyone just shut up!" Hermione yelled before a verbal brawl or a wizarding duel erupted. "Madam Pomfrey and Professor Snape are right."

Everyone turned and looked at Hermione as though she had antlers growing out of her head.

"Hermione…"

"Ron don't." Hermione growled at Ron cutting him off from saying something horrible.

"Before anyone verbally attacks Hermione, why don't we give her a chance to explain. Madam Pomfrey and Professor Snape are just as floored as we are." Mercedes interjected.

"Thank you Mercedes. Forget about what you think you know is best for Harry. I…a new friend of mine found a way to get me to see what has been going on here. The majority of us have insisted that Harry not go to St. Mungo's and to remain here feeling certain that is what he would want. Unfortunately, we have over looked something of the most importance…"

"Hermione are you saying that you…"

"Ronald Weasley, shut up and let me finish." Hermione spat. "We all want what is best for Harry and want him to have what he needs. Sadly we have failed and what makes it worse is that we have been selfish and in all honesty we have only reacted as to what we want for him and it is…selfish."

"Am I going to have to put a silencing gag on all of the Weasley boys?" Snape snarled. "That is what will happen the next time one of you interrupt Miss. Granger."

"Thank you." Hermione said while taking calming deep breaths. "It is selfish of us to insist that Harry remain here. Harry has received the best and then some from Madam Pomfrey, but she has reached the end of her abilities. As she said a moment ago, this is a school infirmary that is not equipped to accommodate such a large group all at once for one patient. The other patients in here are not beneath Harry to the point that they should be neglected because Madam Pomfrey is spending all of her time and efforts with Harry.

Harry needs proper treatment, care and attention. Madam Pomfrey does not have the unlimited resources that St. Mungo's has at any given moment…" Hermione paused and sighed, "Go on Ron. I can tell that you are on the verge of losing control."

"You…it's so isolated there and definitely not familiar to Harry…we wouldn't be able to visit him at St. Mungo's at any given moment like we do here…"

"I brought that up myself, Ron. The thing is though is that I didn't say that Harry should be at St. Mungo's nor did I say that I would sign the authorization for transfer to St. Mungo's. Harry needs the proper care, attention and treatment, the Hogwarts infirmary is not the place for him to receive said things. St. Mungo's is not the place for Harry either as it will eliminate other key factors that are just as important in his recovery." Hermione said with a small smile and a quick glance at Snape.

"Miss. Granger you are not suggesting that your cousin go to a Muggle hospital…"

"No I am not Madam Pomfrey. I am suggesting a compromise that everyone will be agreeable on. Harry needs the resources that St. Mungo's has, a familiar setting where we can show up on a whim and stay as long as we like as long as it does not interfere with our studies, for those of us still in school.

The suggestion of a compromise was brought up to me but there was not the time to discuss it further, but I do have a solution. The Healers at St. Mungo's can be contracted out or assigned to a patient that is not admitted to St. Mungo's, the Healers are allowed to do their job away from the hospital. Private care in other words. The Healers go where Harry goes, so we move Harry to Grimmauld Place and the assigned Healers will go there to tend to him. Harry receives what he needs, everything he needs and we get something as well."

No one said a word. Madam Pomfrey was relieved that someone finally got through to one of those that were preventing treatment and then left the room to begin the process. Snape was proud of Hermione and delighted that the witch had caught on to what he had tried to say. The rest were letting Hermione's words sink in.

The silence continued. No argument could be found in what Hermione had said.

"What about being able to see Harry whenever we want?" Ron asked curious as to how that part actually worked out.

"I believe that I can answer that Mr. Weasley." Dumbledore said startling everyone as they had not been aware of his arrival. "I do apologize. You all will be allowed to see Harry at Grimmauld Place as often as you see him here. I will make arrangements for the floo in the offices of the Heads of House so that you will be able to see how your family member and or friend is with your own eyes. I will also give each Head of House a list of those that are authorized to go to Grimmauld Place. Now of course you will only be allowed to leave the grounds as long as your assignments have been completed and have been present in all classes unless there is a good reason given to me by Madam Pomfrey as to why you were not in class.

As for those that are not students…you can do whatever you want." Albus answered the question in detail and with a warning of sorts.

"Sni…Severus," Sirius began in a patronizing manner before stopping himself, taking a deep calming breath, and starting over.. "Thank you."

"Why are you thanking Snape?" Ron asked confused.

"Because you nit wit," Fred said.

"Professor Snape is the one that Granger," George added.

"Professor Snape is the one that made the suggestion of a compromise…the compromise that Hermione just told us about." Mercedes and Violet said together.

"Merlin help us." Snape muttered.

"What are you going on about?" Hermione asked.

"I fear that Miss. Johnson-Malfoy and Miss. Black will be the new Weasley twins."

Hermione could not help it and burst out in laughter.

Poppy cleared her throat as she reentered the room. "It has been arranged with St. Mungo's. They are assigning four Healers to Mr. Potter. Head Healer Devon would like to meet with Sirius as soon as possible to discuss things in regard to Mr. Potter's care."

"Thank you Poppy. I know how to get in touch with Healer Devon." Sirius said as he made his way out of the room.

Remus and Tonks followed Sirius out and were determined to be there when Sirius discussed things with Head Healer Devon.

Severus left shortly after the other three with a polite nod in Hermione's direction.

"Professor…I would like to discuss further…your conclusions to something that has bothered me…"

"I know what you are referring to Hermione." Snape said. "Once you have the available time to discuss it further let me know." Snape said as he left.

"We'll go soon Madam Pomfrey." Ron said once realizing that the matron was still in the room with an expectant look on her face.

Poppy gave each one of them a look before nodding her okay and leaving.

"Ron…"

"Hermione…are you and Snape…friends?" Ron asked a bit nervously. "Please stop looking at me like that. The question came out wrong. I didn't mean it the way it came across to you and a few others." Ron explained quickly.

"Yes." Hermione said not wanting to drag it out.

"Since...?" Ron asked.

"Prior to all of you showing up. It is official that Professor Snape and I are friends as of today." Hermione said with a smirk.

"So, what's with the first name basis?" Fred asked.

"Dropping the formalities now that you are friends?" George added.

"The use of first names has not been allowed in public due to me being a student. The only time Professor Snape would allow first name basis is when we are working on projects. Projects to further the field of Potions and yes the project I set myself in my fourth year. In fact that was the first project we worked on together." Hermione explained.

"The connection…" Ron began but wasn't sure how to continue.

"I am sure that the connection opened the door of the possibility of a friendship down the road. I am certain that in time the friendship would have developed regardless. The connection we share just enabled the friendship to form sooner rather than later. To be honest after all this time I'm not aware of the connection nor is he. And yes, that is because of you Ron and of course Harry. Both of you brought it to our attention."

"Actually, Hermione, if you really think about it…it was all you. You told me about the connection with Snape after the Yule Ball in our fourth year and what started the self-set project…it wouldn't have occurred to me…"

"Ron, would you please stop being modest. After I told you about the connection and how the project came to be…you could have reacted differently than you did." Hermione said sharply. "No, he isn't mean to me or anything of the sort." Hermione reassured them. "He's not that bad as long as you are not pissing him off." Hermione added with a chuckle.

"In Ron's case I believe that holds true with all of the Professors." Ginny mumbled. "I'm not trying to be mean Ron. I mean, when you haven't pissed someone off you are treated better. And where Professor Snape is concerned it would help your case to pay more attention."

"I just don't get Potions. I do pay attention and try…I just don't get the subject. Any way what does it matter really? I mean it's not like I plan on going into a profession that would require good marks in Potions." Ron said defending himself.

"Ron relax and calm down, we're just teasing you." Hermione said with a hint of laughter in her voice…..

xxxXXXxxx

Harry woke abruptly to a silent and empty dorm room. While sitting up in bed his mind recalled everything he had heard from the future. It was a relief to know that so far those that were dear to him…members of his extended family were all okay. His friends, family members and extended family members were all okay and relatively unaffected by things. It was also nice to know that his future self was finally going to receive the necessary treatment, care and attention. Harry was not upset at anyone for any of what was happening in the future. He also knew that his future self would not be upset at anyone. Despite everything, they all meant well. Harry could understand where they were coming from.

Once shaking his mind clear of what was going on in the future, Harry got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to get ready for the day. With a quick glance at the clock, Harry sped up his pace and in next to no time he was showered and dressed.

As Harry descended the staircase into the common room he was met with friends with concerned expressions.

"What?" Harry asked slightly irritated.

"You okay?" Ginny asked hoping for reassurance that Harry was indeed okay.

"Never better actually. A decent night of sleep does wonders for a person." Harry said hoping that his answer would be sufficient enough.

"A decent night of sleep?" Ron said questioningly.

"Yeh." Harry replied as a frown slowly began to appear on his face.

"It didn't sound like it mate." Ron said still not satisfied or sure that Harry was okay.

"We tried to wake you up but no luck." Neville added hoping that it might give Harry what he needed to elaborate.

"Oh…I couldn't sleep last night so I called Sparky to retrieve a sleeping potion for me. Madam Pomfrey brought it to me. The potion was designed to ensure the drinker would get eight hours of uninterrupted sleep no matter what was going on. And yes, Hermione, there is an antidote in case it is needed." Harry explained.

"What the hell were you dreaming about?" Ron asked still not quite convinced.

"I wasn't dreaming exactly." Harry replied vaguely though he knew that he wasn't going anywhere until he told them.

"You had another experience of hearing us from the future." Ginny blurted as it occurred to her.

"Yes." Harry confirmed.

"So..,"

"Ron is it not enough that we know that Harry heard our voices from the future?" Ginny said in a snarky tone.

"Enough." Harry said firmly but gently. "We are supposed to be going to Hogsmead and see what the selection is that they have. It is Christmas break, the Yule Ball is relatively around the corner and I am starving. No arguing, please."

"Harry's right." Neville chimed in quickly. "We are on break and the Ball will be here before we know it."

Harry took the opportunity and left the common room. He didn't wait for anyone to follow or to see if anyone called for him to wait up. Harry continued on to the Great Hall, only stopping to sit at the Gryffindor table. He had not been eating long when the rest of the group joined him at the table.

"Harry…no one meant…" Hermione started.

"I know. What I heard wasn't bad at all, in fact it was really good. Things are quite different now, I don't think that I have done much as far changing anything so far to have such dramatic changes as a result. Please don't ask me for details about what I heard, because other than what I have already said, I am not going to elaborate further."

Harry received nods of understanding from his friends indicating that they would respect his wishes. Harry was relieved that, at least for now, they were letting go. A part of him felt bad for not telling them everything. Harry felt that some of what he becomes aware of as far as the future goes does not have to be shared in full detail. This time was different though. There was important information that his friends did not know and it was up to Hermione to explain the connection before he could even begin to try and explain how Hermione and Snape become friends without mentioning the connection.

Harry felt a wave guilt wash over him as he realized that he was going to talk to Hermione about what he had heard. Harry could not figure out why there was any guilt as what he knew from the altered future as it was primarily about himself and Hermione and Snape as well as the connection. Harry just had to figure out how to talk to Hermione.

Harry remained silent for the remainder of breakfast. While in thought he was not aware of the chatter becoming louder by the second. It was not until Dumbledore began to speak that Harry paid attention to what was being said.

"Settle down, settle down." Dumbledore said as loud as he could without aid. Though the noise level went down a notch or two it was still quite loud, so with a quick 'sonorus' muttered Dumbledore spoke again, "YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE."

The Great Hall instantly became silent and all attention was on the Headmaster.

"In a few moments you will be directed to the front doors of the castle and then escorted to Hogsmead. All students, fourth year and up or of the allowed age, that are going to the Yule Ball are allowed to go to Hogsmead may spend the entire day in Hogsmead no matter if you have found something appropriate or not or when. Any younger students that have been asked and have accepted may also spend the day in Hogsmead regardless of a purchase or not." Dumbledore explained after casting a quick 'quietus'. "Wait for your Heads of House to inform you when you will be leaving the grounds for Hogsmead.

It did not take much time for the Heads of Houses to inform their students of when they could leave for Hogsmead. Within a matter of seconds all students that would be attending the Ball were gathered and waiting outside for the chaperones to lead them to Hogsmead.

A/N: First and foremost I would like to apologize for the delay with this chapter and the shortness of it. I recently started working and have been adjusting to the new job. Until December (2012) I will be working days during the week and then transition to graveyard weekends. I will do my best to update regularly. I hope to post two new chapters a month but no promises or guarantees on that.

Also, I am working on another story but want a few chapters written first before I upload it and start posting. I may not start uploading and posting the other story until the end of the year…I am not sure yet.

As for this story, I will try and work on a chapter or two solely dedicated to what is going on in the future/original universe. I will also incorporate from time to time little snippets of the result of changes Harry makes in the alternate universe. Just keep in mind things will change in the original universe as the story continues.