A/N: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING AS IT IS IMPORTANT…
Well we are going to take a trip into the future to see what is going on and how different things are due to the changes that have been made and taken effect. I must warn you though that most if not all will not match up to what has already been changed or will change later on as more things change. Although some of what is here may remain later on, I do not know at this time. Also, keep in mind that this chapter is going with what has been in my head for a few days and not necessarily what Harry knows or has heard while a sleep or in a meditative state of being.
I am starting this as how things are as a result of the changes Harry has made thus far so there will I am sure be what seems as inconsistencies, gaps, etc. As I warned above most if not all will not match up to what has already been changed or will change later on as more things will be changing as we go along. So my suggestion is that you somewhat disregard the past 106 chapters…
WARNING: THIS CHAPTER HAS NOT BEEN LOOKED OVER BY MY BETA OR ANY OTHER. PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR ANY ERRORS.
And now on with the story...
Chapter 107
As usual Hermione could be found in the infirmary at Harry's bedside. Though it had been several weeks Hermione couldn't say if it had been days or years. Hermione spent all of her spare time in the infirmary and more than once argued with someone any time there was any mention of Harrying being transferred to St. Mungo's. Hermione had the support of all of their friends and family, including extended family.
One evening well after dinner Hermione was sitting where she always sat and feeling as though she was a failure for not being able to help Harry as he had helped her. Hermione was consumed with the feeling of being a failure to the point of not noticing or being aware of someone entering the private room. At least the witch was not aware of someone entering the room at first.
"Miss. Granger…" A concerned baritone voice said.
Hermione slightly jumped before standing and spinning around to see none other than Professor Snape.
"When was the last time you stepped outside when not required by a class?" Snape asked with a tone of concern. "I take it, from you silence, that it has been quite a while since."
"Professor," Hermione began but stopped as irritation set in. "Why does everyone ask me 'when the last time I stepped outside when not required by a class'?" Hermione said sarcastically. "I go outside every day. It's irrelevant if it is required by a class or anyone else or not." Hermione said defensively.
"You have a point, though it is a partial point." Snape drawled.
"Partial…partial point…how do you figure I have a partial point?" Hermione said in a frustrated tone.
"You make a partial point with the fact that you do go outside. You may feel that it is irrelevant whether or not it is required but the rest of us feel differently. Yes," Snape began but stopped for a moment to check to see if anyone else was around. Once determining that he was alone with Hermione aside from an unconscious Harry he continued, "Yes, Hermione, you do go outside every day for limited amounts of time…"
"I get out enough." Hermione said gruffly cutting Snape off.
"It is not enough Hermione." Snape countered firmly. "If you are not in a class, training or in the library you are in here, in that chair." Snape added after Hermione rolled her eyes. "You notice that I did not list sleeping and eating. I did not list those two as at least half the time if not more, you sleep and eat in here."
"And just what am I supposed to do outside? How does going outside help?" Hermione spat.
"By going outside you get fresh air and the sun. Even when there is a cloud cover in the sky the sun is still up. Humans need fresh air going into his or her lungs and brushing their skin, soaking into their skin. Humans also need the rays of the sun. The warmth of the rays on their face and skin as well as the natural nutrients in the sun rays that soaks into our skin. Most importantly fresh air and the sun aid in one's health." Snape answered as though he was talking to a toddler.
"It won't help Harry. He can't just go for a stroll in the fresh air and sun rays." Hermione growled.
"And you sitting here most of the time is helping your cousin." Snape spat.
"Once he comes out of this coma I could very well be needed…"
"That is why you need to get outside more Hermione…"
"The best place for me to be is right here when he comes out of the coma so that I can help immediately. If I am outside when he comes out of the coma it will take time to get here, time he may not have. If he needs strong and powerful magic to perform certain healing remedies…"
"You will not be able to do." Snape said cutting off Hermione's rant.
"Excuse me!" Hermione all but screeched.
"You are not in any condition to do anything of the sort and you are forgetting about Dudley, your other cousin. And if I am not mistaken Miss. Weasley is quite a strong and powerful witch." Snape growled.
"Who are you to say that I am not in any condition to…"
"It does not take a medical professional to conclude that your health is going downhill." Snape barked.
"My health is just fine." Hermione growled.
"Really? Have you looked in a mirror lately?" Snape asked.
"Yes, my health is just fine. What does a mirror have to do with anything?"
"I suggest you take a look in a mirror."
"Nice try Severus. You're just trying to get me to leave the infirmary otherwise you would just tell me." Hermione argued with a faint smug look on her face.
"I am not trying to trick you like you seem to think. You claim that your health is just fine and I am trying to get you to see that your health is not just fine. And I am not the only one to have noticed." Snape said with his jaw clenched shut.
Hermione huffed and turned her back on the wizard.
"Hermione…you are disturbingly pale…your hair is out of control, worse than it has ever been…your check bones are more noticeable as well as other bones. Your health is poor therefore your magic is not at its strongest and will not be effective enough. You don't get enough fresh air, sunshine and there is no way that you a getting enough sleep or eating enough." Snape softly yelled.
"It's the lighting in here." Hermione argued.
"I suppose…" Snape said but trailed off.
"Except for what?" Hermione asked sarcastically.
"Except for the fact that I as well as all staff and most of the student body could see not too long ago that you were growing into quite a stunning and beautiful witch and now compared to your first year one could say that you were at least cute in first year." Snape replied. "And do not tell me that it matters not to you. It may not matter to you like so many others, but it does matter to you. If you really think that then you are diluting yourself to justify neglecting yourself." Snape added stopping Hermione from speaking. "And furthermore it saddens me that you would rather let yourself deteriorate and insist that you are right instead of concede and accept and admit that you are wrong. And, lastly…your friends never see you unless while they are visiting Harry you arrive or are already here when they arrive."
"Whatever." Hermione said dismissively.
"Do you really want to be able to help your cousin when he comes out of the coma?" Snape asked frustrated.
"Of course I do!"
"Then take care of yourself dammit! You are normally a brilliant and strong woman but right now…" Snape stopped himself form finishing his statement.
"Right now, I'm what?"
"Being stupid." Snape said in a softer and gentler tone than he had been speaking in.
"Stupid? Really?" Hermione asked with a furious look in her eyes.
"Yes, stupid."
"Stubborn maybe but not…"
"In this case your stubbornness is the same as stupidity." Snape said fiercely. "Hermione," Snape started calmer. "I accepted your apprenticeship because of your intelligence and marks. I am the one that got through to the dunderheads to allow you to test out of a few classes and begin the apprenticeship early. I would not have done that if I did not have faith in you, if I did not trust you. Right now you are not using your brilliance and instead allowing your heart and emotions cloud your mind."
"I am not doing what you have done for decades." Hermione spat venomously. "Oh no…I'm sorry…Severus that was…I was out of line for saying that." Hermione said apologetically feeling horrible for throwing Lily in his face.
"This, Hermione is different." Snape said boarding indifferently trying to ignore the hurt feeling that was ebbing its way into his being. "In…in my situation it was never meant to be. You are more focused on Harry and what he may or may not need once he comes out of the coma and ignoring what you need now, what you need in the meantime. Ignoring what you should be doing to enable you to do what could very well be the thing that brings Harry back." Snape said as neutrally as he could.
"I'm fine. My magic is fine." Hermione said in a convinced tone.
"You have convinced yourself to believe that you are fine as well as your magic. That is not the case. Madam Pomfrey can see it, Professor McGonagall can see it and so can all of your friends." Snape said in even, flat monotone. "You know how you get when you are studying or researching…the worst study-research mode you have ever gone into…"
"It is not as bad as that." Hermione said defensively.
"No it is not as bad as that…"
"See…"
"This," Snape said while indicating the room they were in. "is worse than that." Snape said flatly.
"You're overreacting and trying to make it out to be worse than it is."
"You are refusing to see that it is worse than you think it is."
"Hermione," Ginny said softly from just outside the room. "Professor Snape is right, you are refusing to see how bad this has become. You look exhausted and pale almost as though you are ill or becoming sick."
"Ginny…"
"Hermione the rest of us may not be in this room at Harry's bedside anxiously waiting for him to come out of the coma every free second of our time but that does not mean we do not feel as you do. Harry would not want any of us to let ourselves go because he is unconscious or in coma or worse. Harry would want each and every one of us to move on, to keep his memory alive, and to be happy in our lives. He would not want what you are doing. And yes we all agree that one of us should be here, we hope that one of us is here when Harry comes out of the coma but if not one of us is, it's okay. Harry will understand, Harry will be happy that we did not rearrange every aspect or nearly every aspect of daily lives and routines while he's been…"
"I hear what you are saying and agree…but I…"
"No but's Hermione." Ginny said with a heavy sigh. "You alone with a few others…you have nearly always trusted Professor Snape having to do with things far worse than Harry being in a coma and you won't even listen to him, you won't even try to process what he has said. What harm would there be in looking in a mirror? You don't even have to leave where you are. You can summon a mirror…at least under normal circumstances. Hermione for Merlin's sake Professor Snape never once said or suggested that you leave the infirmary to look in a mirror."
"Gin…" Hermione stopped herself from saying more as she could not think of anything to say.
"He…Miss. Granger all you have to do just turn around and look into the mirror that is behind you." Snape said in the same flat tone. "No it has not always been there. While you and Miss. Weasley were having your…discussion I conjured a full length mirror and set behind you."
Hermione slowly started to turn around. She was afraid to look in the mirror. She was afraid that they were right. Hermione took a few deep breaths and with the courage of Gryffindor the witch turned around and looked into the mirror. She gasped as a few tears began to fall from her eyes.
Severus almost went to Hermione to console her, to calm her down and to not give herself a hard time for not listening to others and for not trusting them. Ginny Weasley beat him to it.
Severus stood there staring at the two witches for a while. His thoughts flowing through his mind…allowing the thoughts flow through and allowing some emotion in, allowing himself to feel something more than nothingness. A thought went through that he quickly recalled back and focused on.
A friendship had formed between Severus and Hermione while she studied and prepped for sitting nearly all of her exams and after the exams when meeting up for the apprenticing duties and such. Though he was one of Hermione's friends and it was a friendship that could not be replaced by anyone, that she did not and could not ever have with anyone else there was something that he wished, that he would like to have with Hermione in time as it would not be possible anytime soon. What Severus wanted was to be able to help her in any way as a friend and not simply as a Professor or scholar. Severus knew that this was not something that he could or thought he could do, could be. He was not directly involved; he was not affected like Hermione and the rest their gang of friends were by what happened to Harry. Not that Severus wasn't or hadn't been affected by the situation with Harry because he had been and was still a little affected by the situation. Severus wanted to have that closeness with someone even if only ever with a friend because he could not see how he could be effective with helping Hermione without it.
The problem was he had kept everyone at a distance for so long he was not sure if he could find a way to let the walls down, let down his guard and allow a closeness to form. He knew it was not going to be easy or happen any time soon but he had to at least try to let the witch in, to allow himself to be vulnerable, to be hurt. Severus knew that Hermione was a fierce, dedicated and loyal friend but still there would always be that vulnerability and the possibility or fear of being hurt there in his mind and soul.
After a soft sigh Severus quietly began to make his departure to let the witches have some private quality time.
"Professor," Ginny began.
"Miss. Weasley."
"You don't have to leave. Hermione, more now than ever, needs all of her friends." Ginny said with a smile. "Please, do not try and deny it. I can see it, everyone can see that a friendship has formed between the two of you. It's not shocking like some think it is. I mean you both are brilliant, more intelligent than most, dedicated to your work, passionate about your work and the desire the want to reach further into the subject and art of Potions and how to combine Potions with Charms and spells and so on…it is not surprising that a friendship formed. Honestly the wizarding world is better for it…we're all better for it. Hermione needs and deserves and intellectual friend like you."
"I appreciate that Miss. Weasley." Snape said in a heartfelt tone of honesty.
"There is only so much one can do for one he or she cares about when so close and attached. I, like Hermione, will find reason in any choice even if it's not what is best." Ginny said as she started to leave the infirmary but stopped before leaving the private. "Professor, Hermione may still be a student in this school but she is not your student. She is your apprentice. Being friends with a student is okay as long as there isn't favoritism, being friends with your apprentice is more than acceptable." Ginny added quickly before leaving.
"What the bloody hell was that all about?"
"Which part?" Hermione asked with a faint playful smile on her face.
"The first part as I understand the last thing she said." Severus replied knowing full well that the witch was teasing as friends do.
"She's using discretion in saying that what I need is you, the kind of friend you are to me."
"I do not see how that is what you need."
"I need a friend that is not close like she and the others are. You are able to see what we don't, particularly with our selves…Ginny and everyone else agree with me, they say what I want to hear due to being close to this situation. You won't agree with me on everything and you won't say what I want to hear but what I need to hear. Even though I argue with you about it…it doesn't change the fact that you say what I need to hear. Just because there several that are close to me and the situation doesn't necessarily mean that they can help me the most or best. Like I said they agree with me and say what I want to hear." Hermione explained.
Severus just stared at Hermione.
"Severus…the only reason why I can see that now and know it is because I am in a moment of complete sanity. I…it's hard…I know that I…I just…"
"I may not get it in the sense that I have gone through something like this as I have not. But I do get what you are trying to say."
"I don't doubt it." Hermione said with a faint smirk. "It's quite obvious that I am not in the capacity to…myself…"
"I can think of something that would occupy more of your free time and ensure that you get plenty of sleep in something more acceptable than that poor excuse of a chair and to ensure that you eat enough." Severus said keeping it vague.
"Like what?" Hermione asked apprehensively.
"We can extend the length of time dedicated to your apprenticeship each day, mainly the weekends as to not interfere with you other studies."
"Are you sure you can handle…"
"Hermione, the only time I every worry about you messing up a potion is if you are too tired or have not eaten enough. That aside, I do not have to worry about something going terribly wrong or a horrible accident waiting to happen. I can trust you to work on brewing and prepping ingredients when you are by yourself. Plus as a bonus I will be spend more time with a friend and soon to be colleague."
"How soon do we begin the extended time with the apprenticeship?"
"The extended time will begin as soon as you are healthy enough for your body to be able to handle the work load. I believe food, fresh air, sunshine and a decent amount of sleep are in order. And it doesn't necessarily have to be exactly how I listed other than food or possibly combining some of the things stated."
"Fair enough." Hermione said softly, nervously as she looked over at Harry.
"Hermione there is a way to be alerted of any kind of change in Harry's condition." Severus said.
"How?" Hermione asked curiously and intrigued.
"A charm. I can put a link of sorts between you and Harry so that if there is any change, good or bad, you will be alerted. You'll know before Madam Pomfrey does."
"And you're just now telling me this?"
"What do think my initial intention was when I arrived?" Severus asked.
"Well, with the first thing you said…"
"I stumbled upon a book of spells that actually belongs to the Healer's Academy that clearly has been a lost practice decades ago if not since the founders of Hogwarts walked the face of the earth. It is a simple spell-charm to cast but it has to be cast by a third party."
"You've been researching for something like this, haven't you?"
"Yes. That is why you really haven't seen me outside of the apprenticing until now. I intended to tell you about the instant I entered the room but became sidetracked due to the all-consuming concern that took over a second after entering this room."
"I…thank you…I can't…it's…I can hardly believe that you found this…"
"Why wouldn't I research for something that could help you? I do believe that is what friends do…find things that will help them…or am I wrong."
"You most certainly are not wrong. I just…"
"You're not used to others doing things or finding things for you, to help you."
"No I'm not. It's usually the other way around or I find it myself." Hermione said truthfully. "This is another reason why I do need a friend that is not so close to me and the situation. Ginny, Ron…or any of them would not have gone researching for something that would improve my health and not because they don't care, they just wouldn't have the focus to do the research. At least one of them didn't have the focus to research in the best of times unless it had to do with strategy."
"Miss. Weasley noticed how…poor your health has become and I am sure that her brother has as well."
Hermione nodded in response.
"Today I will not insist that you eat in the Great Hall, but you will not be eating in here."
"I have…I'm not arguing with you, just saying that I have eaten in here on occasion…oh alright, I've eaten here numerous times."
"There lies the problem. How many witches and or wizards have you seen in here actually eat a decent meal? The infirmary is not suitable for the consumption of food." Severus stated with a smirk.
"If not in the Great Hall, where else would deem suitable to consume food?" Hermione asked in a mock sarcastic tone.
"The first thought that comes to mind is anywhere that is not the infirmary. Now, with that said, where are we going to have lunch Hermione?"
"Hmm. Let's see…outside in the fresh air and sunlight." Hermione replied.
"That is more than acceptable." Severus said with a teasing smile on his face.
Hermione paused before speaking as she was about to protest the fact that she had not been in the room long. Hermione knew it would be pointless to argue that she had barely been in the room and her health was the most important thing to be focused on. After a quick glance over at Harry, Hermione looked back at Snape.
"Will you perform that spell or charm or whatever it is you were talking about a moment ago?" Hermione asked.
"Of course." Severus replied and with an intricate wave of his wand the charm was in place.
Hermione's eye's widened as she became quite aware of Harry. A slew of questions flooded the witches mind but Hermione refrained from asking a single question as it would delay getting her health back to normal. With the thought of her health one question came to mind that had to be asked.
"What is on your mind now, Hermione? You might as well as spit it out." Severus said knowing that the witch had questions going through her mind.
"Though there are a plethora of questions that I want to ask, there is only one that I will ask now. In my current condition…health…magic…if Harry were to come out of the coma now and needed help, the kind of help he needed after the accident in Care of Magical Creatures…what happened to me afterwards…"
"It would be worse. Worst case would be that you would not survive." Severus answered borderline detached.
"Best case scenario?" Hermione asked worriedly.
"Best case scenario would be that you survive but would have no magic." Severus said with a slightly pained look in his eyes.
"Well, then why are we sitting and standing around wasting time?" Hermione said as she quickly stood and headed towards the curtain surrounding Harry's bed.
Severus chuckled while following the witch out of the room and on out of the infirmary. They did not stop until a suitable spot outside was found. Severus conjured a table and chairs and summoned for one of the kitchen elves to bring lunch to them before taking a seat.
Hermione became fully aware of how bad she had let herself go this time. The feel of the air on her skin and every breath she took pulling in the fresh air into lungs felt refreshing and rejuvenating. The warmth of the sun on her skin send a trickle of a tingling sensation through her entire being. Hermione could feel her magic reacting to the fresh air and sunlight. Her magic reacting was not to the point that uncontrolled and or sporadic magic burst from her. Instead, her magic was fueling, recharging in a sense. She felt more alive than she had in what felt like an eternity though it had only been several months.
Severus sat quietly watching Hermione, watching her reactions to being out side. Severus though was going to keep an eye on Hermione. Even though Severus had no doubt that Hermione would pay more attention to what she is or isn't doing and would take better care of herself Severus set his mind to anytime he would spot her about in the castle he would observe the witch in a discrete manner. When the witch would be in the apprentice mode it would enable the wizard to truly observe the witch's outer tell-tell signs of her health.
It wasn't much longer until the food was brought out to them. Though Severus was quite hungry he didn't immediately begin to eat and instead watched Hermione. Severus chuckled softly and knew he should say something to the witch about eating so much so fast but felt that it would be a good lesson for Hermione to learn.
"Are going to just sit there and watch me…let me eat like a pig every time?" Hermione asked in a whinny tone.
"No. I give you my word that I will make sure that you pace yourself." Severus replied.
"Why did you this time?" Hermione asked again in the whinny tone.
"I thought that it would be good for you to learn your lesson about not eating right."
"Merlin I hope so." Hermione said in a tone that emphasized the word 'hope'. "Unfortunately, that is going to be a lesson hard learned and could take a long time." Hermione added.
"Hermione…when we are working together on side projects or your apprenticeship I will have a set schedule for meal breaks. The only time you miss meals or sequester yourself anywhere is when you are studying or working on something. By the time your apprenticeship is complete I do believe that it the meal and break schedule I set will be automatic in the future. When you are not consumed by a project or studying you have no problem."
"Yes but this is different."
"I do realize that Hermione. This time you neglected yourself due to an injured relative. It happens to the best of us and there are some that are spared the turmoil of a loved one injured but it's not better for them. In my lifetime when I have seen situations involving a family member or other loved one…someone steps up and ensures that everyone else is taking care of themselves and if not steps up even more and assists them."
"Also, the charm you casted should help. I won't be worrying as much. I won't be wondering if something has happened whether it is something good or bad."
"Yes, it will help a lot."
"Sometimes I think about how I react to situations involving a family member and try to figure out why I react so detrimental in regard to my health and wellbeing. The only thing that I come up with is while growing up I was an only child and no other family stopped by. I just think that if I'd had a sibling, older or younger doesn't matter…if I'd had a sibling I'd be able to deal better…I'd be handling the situation with Harry better. At the very least I would get outside more and eat a bit better. I don't think that I'd be in the best of shape or condition but I wouldn't be in this shape or condition." Hermione blurted out. "I know that sounds crazy and stupid…"
"No, Hermione, it does not. You have a good idea and impression of what my childhood was like. I would gladly have had the childhood you did. However, I am sure that even if I did have that type of childhood I would have hated it."
"I hated it at times but I wouldn't change it. My childhood was a hell of a lot better than most. I know that I am one of the few lucky ones to have had the childhood I had. I do though wish that I had a sibling…mostly friends. No one wanted to be associated by the book worm."
"Not to be rude or to seem as though I'd rather be doing something else than sit here and listen to you…"
"I know I need to start catching up on my sleep. To be honest…all I think of doing right now is curling up in my bed, snuggling under my blankets and sleeping."
"I will speak with Madam Pomfrey and the Headmaster about assigning one of the kitchen elves to assist with making sure you are getting adequate sleep but not skipping meals while you are in your house here at Hogwarts. Also, I strongly suggest that you see Madam Pomfrey once a week for a checkup to see how much you have improved."
Hermione gave Severus a look with a faint frown on her face.
"Not to verify if you are being honest or not but, for the sole purpose of knowing when your apprenticeship schedule can be extended Hermione. You do want to start the extended schedule sooner rather than later."
"Of course I do. Sorry Severus…I should have known that was why you want me to get weekly checkups…"
"No need to apologize Hermione. I could have…I should have explained in full." Severus said brushing off the apology. "Do you think that you will be able to make it to Gryffindor House on your own?" Severus asked at seeing how tired the witch looked.
"I want say yes, but I know better. I know it's not going to happen." Hermione said exhausted.
"I can easily call for your friends to assist if you would rather they do so."
"I appreciate that, but I'd rather get there sooner. I do not mind your assistance. I do not care what anyone thinks. You are one of my friends and everyone is going to have to see that and accept it. If they can't it's their problem then."
Severus smiled and hoped that Hermione's other friends realized how lucky they are to have such a friend as Hermione in their lives. Severus knew just how lucky he was to have a friend like Hermione as she was the best friend he ever had that was a real friend. At first it was shocking to the wizard due to the age gap, but Hermione was rare. Yes she was young but she was older in many ways than most her age plus her intellect…beyond her years.
"I believe it is time to get you back to Gryffindor House." Severus said after pulling himself out of his thoughts.
Hermione nodded in agreement and carefully stood. The pair walked back towards the castle and on through only stopping when the portrait was in front of them. Severus being staff knew the password and gave the portrait the password. To Severus' relief none of Hermione's housemates were in the common room. Though he knew how Hermione felt in regard to their friendship and what others thought of it, he was still relieved that the common room was indeed empty.
"Would it be inappropriate or make too uncomfortable to help me up the stairs? I know I cannot climb the staircase on my own. I won't mind one of the couches."
"Nonsense on one of the couches it is perfectly acceptable for me to assist you to your dorm. You are my apprentice." Severus stated.
"Oh, right. Being a professor gives you clearance…"
"Being a Professor gives me limited clearance, but being you are my apprentice I have the clearance and authority to have the ability to enter the girls dorm for only the purposes of assisting you there."
"Hmmm."
It did not take Hermione long to regain a clean bill health. She had bounced back within a month. There had been no change in Harry's state of being and though Hermione had a lot to occupy her mind she still worried about her cousin. The longer he stayed in the coma the worse the outcome could be. Hermione would still be found in the infirmary more than anywhere else but not over done as she would have her meals in the Great Hall or if the weather permitted outside and would sleep in her own bed. Hermione also started spending time with her friends and her other cousin.
With the extended apprenticeship schedule Hermione found herself nearing the point where she could teach a class or two. Not that Hermione was looking into becoming the Potions Mistress at Hogwarts as she was only going after the Master Degree in the subject. Having a mastery in a subject especially potions opened the doors to more employment possibilities for her.
One evening while Hermione was visiting Harry a heated discussion with Poppy ensued.
"Miss. Granger, please listen to what I am saying. I have done all that I can for Mr. Potter. I do not have the certifications or the qualifications to tend to Mr. Potter. To continue to have me tend to him is and will do more harm than good. I am only a school nurse after all. I just want what is best for Mr. Potter and I cannot provide what is best, what he needs and deserves."
"With all due respect…"
"Arguing with Madam Pomfrey again, Hermione." Severus' voice drawled from behind the young witch.
"Miss. Granger will not even attempt to see reason. She is being extremely selfish. Mr. Potter needs the level of care and treatment that I cannot provide for a number of reasons. None of them will listen to reason. Miss. Granger has the authority to sign off on the transfer for Mr. Potter but refuses to do so." Poppy growled.
"Poppy…give us a few minutes…alone." Severus requested. "It will be alright, I promise."
"Why waste your breath?" Hermione asked once Poppy had left.
"Why must you be so stubborn? Why not, for once, just listen. Truly listen to what is being said." Severus countered.
"I'm not…"
"Hermione Granger for once would you shut up and listen to someone else." Severus said with a hint of anger in his voice.
"Excuse me."
"Poppy is another one that will tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear, but clearly you will not listen to her, you will not hear her out…completely hear her out."
Hermione stood still where she had been for some time.
"Do you trust me?" Severus asked in more friendly tone.
"Of course I do. If I didn't trust you what kind of friendship would we have?" Hermione said as though it should be obvious.
"Would I ever lie to you?"
"You've never lied to me, Severus."
"Would I deceive you in any way?"
"No. You are the most straight forward person I know."
"Do I exaggerate or minimize serious situations?"
"Not that I know of." Hermione said softly. "What is the point to all of this?"
"I will get to it, have a little patience Hermione."
Hermione sighed heavily as she rolled her eyes.
"Do you want the best care and treatment for your cousin?"
"That is the most ridiculous question to ask me. Of course I want the best care and treatment for Harry."
"If given the opportunity to personally ensure that your cousin does receive the best and proper care and treatment, would go for it?"
"Of course. I'm not a bitch and I have a heart."
"For arguments sake, say there was an accident and you were severely injured and could not communicate your wishes to anyone…"
"This is pointless and makes no sense." Hermione sighed irritatedly.
"You said that you would hear me out, completely hear me out."
"Sorry…I just don't see how this relevant."
"Be patient and you will. Now as I was saying, you could not communicate your wishes to anyone but sure that those you trust and care about would do the right thing…what would you expect from them, what would you want them to do, what do you think they would do?"
"The right thing."
"And what would the right thing be, Hermione?"
"Do whatever is necessary to get the best, the proper treatment for me."
"Even if it would mean that they could not see with their own eyes at a drop of a hat how you were doing?"
"Ye…"
Severus remained silent while everything processed and sunk in. But after about an hour of silence Severus could not remain silent.
"Hermione…"
"I can't sign off for St. Mungo's."
"You can't sign off the transfer to St. Mungo's because he detests hospitals? Hermione, how is Hogwart's infirmary different?"
"With how often and how many stop in here to see with their own eyes…"
"Hermione when was the last time Poppy mentioned sending your cousin to St. Mungo's?"
"Just a little while ago."
"Are you sure? Yes, I heard it all Hermione and yes Poppy mentioned Mr. Potter, St. Mungo's and Healers, but did she say anything about your cousin going there?"
"She always does…she…I…didn't she?"
"No she did not say anything about having him transferred to St. Mungo's…Poppy I know you are listening you might as well come back in and repeat what you were trying to tell Hermione now that she is listening with an open mind."
"Sorry," Poppy said for listening in and then turned to Hermione, "I was trying to tell you that though I feel St. Mungo's would be best for your cousin, I realized that how I have felt is not actually best for him. St. Mungo's Healers are whats best for him. If you and your cousin's family and friends could come up with a suitable place to transfer him a team of Healer's from St. Mungo's can treat and care for him at that location. Mr…Harry would and does not need to be at St. Mungo's but does need their abilities, their resources and their qualifications."
Hermione sighed and hung her head. She felt horrible and embarrassed that she had been so adamant about no St. Mungo's to the point that when the hospital was mentioned she immediately went on the defense and refusing to listen further.
"Where though?"
"I have an idea Hermione. That is why I decided to go looking for you and not wait until you showed up. I figured I would check here first since I know it has been a while since you stopped in."
"I'm listening."
"Authorize St. Mungo's to transfer…Harry to his Godfather's. Though it isn't extravagant in size it is suitable. There is nothing about that place that comes close to a hospital of any kind, it is familiar and everyone would be able to make arrangements to be able to leave school regularly to see with your own eyes how he is or to talk to him or whatever as long as your studies do not become affected by the excursions as well as the apprenticeship. He would receive the upmost best care and treatment St. Mungo's can give without actually being in St. Mungo's."
"I'm an idiot." Hermione mumbled.
"You are no idiot Miss. Granger." Poppy said sternly.
"Why do you feel you are an idiot?" Severus asked though he had a feeling as to why she felt as though she was an idiot.
"Why didn't I figure that out? That's what I do…I find the alternate route that will have the same effect or an exceptionally better…"
"Hermione, your feelings and emotions were in control. Your concerns, worries and fears were more powerful than logic and therefore created a logic that you and many others could accept. You are not an idiot, you just haven't been able to see what has really been going on. I may not understand exactly but yet I can understand to a point."
Hermione shrugged her shoulders before saying, "I can't sign off on a transfer…wait…please hear me out. I can't sign of on it just yet. A few things have to be done first. Sirius' place needs to be readied to accommodate Harry in his current state, like the proper bed for example and to allow the Healers the ease and free range of mobility to move around in the room. Most importantly, I need to talk to Sirius, he would and needs to know what is to happen so that he can get started on readying the room so that I can sign off on a transfer."
"There's the Hermione Granger we all know and are used to." Severus said relieved.
"One more thing…I would rather deal with everyone at once when I explain everything. I do not feel up to dealing with multiple explosions and arguments before they finally run out of steam and actually hear me out."
Severus nodded in agreement and understanding before walking over to the side of room where Poppy had previously been. After pulling the curtain aside Severus called out for Poppy to send a request for everyone that had visited Harry to come to the infirmary. Hermione quickly rattled off the names of witches and or wizards that were to be contacted and that those that she had not stated could be informed later on.
Within minutes those contacted began to arrive. It was not surprise that Ron, Ginny and Mercedes arrived so soon as they were already at Hogwarts. It wasn't long until Sirius, Marie, Remus and the Weasley twins. The arrival of the twins was a bit of a surprise as they had not been sent anything. Finding out that Sirius, Marie and Remus were with the twins made sense that they'd come with instead of waiting around to find out what was going on.
"Okay, what the bloody hell is going on?" Ginny blurted out.
"What's he doing here?" Ron asked indicating Severus.
"I am going to sign a release for Harry to be transferred…"
Hermione was cut off as the arrivals all at once began yelling furiously though no one could understand what was being said. After a half hour it was becoming annoying to Hermione but infuriating to Severus.
"WOULD ALL OF YOU SHUT UP OR BE HEXED INTO SILENCE!" Severus bellowed receiving the desired response as silence feel for a moment.
"What did Snape say to you?" Ron asked angrily. "St. Mungo's is…"
"Ronald Weasley shut your trap!" Hermione yelled. "Not a word from any of you just yet or I will look the other way while S…Professor Snape hexes the hell out of all of you." Hermione said knowing that she had convinced each and every one that she was serious. "Harry will not be going to St. Mungo's or any magical hospital, but he will be moved from here." Hermione paused to take a breath and to ensure that each one had processed what she had said.
Severus on the other hand smirked at the obvious humility and embarrassment each one showed as Hermione explained.
"Professor Snape pointed out something to me that I had not realized I was doing, that we all were doing. Harry is not receiving the care and treatment he should be due to our selfishness." Hermione paused and gave everyone a look that silenced them. "We have been selfish and we have been, mostly me, preventing Harry from receiving what he needs and deserves. Put yourselves in Harry's place…with what has happened thus far, is that…is this what you'd want?"
Severus was shocked that Hermione put everyone on the spot as she had but also admired her more for it.
"Before I can sign the transfer a few things need to happen first." Hermione said once knowing each one realized what they'd been doing. "First we need to make arrangements with St. Mungo's for a team of Healer's to be assigned to Harry's care on an outpatient basis. And second," Hermione said as she looked at Sirius. "Sirius, how soon can you have a room set up to accommodate Harry and the Healer's? I cannot take the credit for this though, as it was Madam Pomfrey that came up with this scenario."
"Not long. I cannot give you more than that, but I assure you that it will not take long. I will let you know when everything has been set up." Sirius said with a small smile before heading out.
Marie, Remus and the Weasley twins left right behind Sirius.
"Where do you think you are going?" Hermione asked the retreating Severus.
Severus stopped, turned around and gave Hermione a look of slight confusion.
"Why are you stopping him from leaving?" Ron asked with a frown on his face a hint of fury in his voice.
"Ronald…why should he leave? What reason or right do you have to be angry in any way, shape or form?" Hermione countered. "Why are you being like this any way?"
"I'm not being like anything. You're here in the infirmary or with him or he's around. I never see you. You don't talk to me…"
"Why are you making this out to be about you? I did not realize that I was neglecting my friends while spending so much time in here. As for Professor Snape…I am a Potions apprentice. It is required for me to spend time with him and for him to be around a lot." Hermione growled out.
Ron snorted in response.
"Why the bloody hell are you acting like a jealous boyfriend or that there is a competition for my attention? After the Yule Ball we agreed that the only relationship for us is a friendship for good reasons." Hermione said while glaring at Ron.
Ron said nothing but looked at Hermione as though it should be obvious.
"I believe Mr. Weasley is reading more into things than what there is." Severus sneered.
"Oh, Ron…do not tell me that you…that's…" Hermione stuttered out of frustration. "Why the hell am I trying to explain what is going on to you? I am single and it is my choice as to why I become involved with in any way I chose. You and I are just friends."
"What am I supposed to think? You're never around where the rest of us are." Ron said in defense.
"That I am not aware of the fact that I am spending no time with my friends. And even if it were what you were assuming what business would it be of yours?"
"He's old, he's…Snape…"
"He's a hero like you and I, like Harry, like everyone that fought in the battle…what does age have to do with it anyway? Especially in the wizarding world where one could live nearly forever."
"Ron's just being an idiot, ignore him." Ginny said glaring at her brother.
Ginny then began shoving her brother out of the room. Ginny was successful in the task despite Ron's protest. Dudley and Violet followed Ginny out of the room.
Hermione and Severus remained in the room in silence for a while. Severus did though have to leave as he had lessons to plan for students as well as things to plan for Hermione's apprenticeship. Hermione didn't spend much more time in the room and left to for once to hang out with her friends as it had been quite a while since she had.
Roughly thirty-six hours later Hermione received word from Sirius that the room was ready for Harry's transfer. Hermione was delighted that Sirius had managed to pull it off in a day and a half. Hermione just wished that Harry could be transferred immediately but that would not be happening. Madam Pomfrey had informed her that it would be a while before St. Mungo's could assign a team of Healer's to Harry as an outpatient. Hermione felt as though her heart had fell out onto the ground when Madam Pomfrey had told her it could be a month before they could assign a team of Healer's. It wasn't much comfort to Hermione that St. Mungo's was going to their best to make it happen in less than a month.
Hermione was trying to be rational and understanding with St. Mungo's position. It was difficult to say the least. Hermione wanted the proper care and treatment for Harry that he has needed and deserved for some time but she also knew that there were other witches and wizards that do need St. Mungo's, that there are witches and wizards that are more of a priority than Harry on a medical standpoint. Hermione did though keep her mouth shut and not demand a better response from the hospital. She knew that she was not impartial to the situation as she felt that Harry should be the highest priority for medical attention.
The only thing that was helping Hermione to take her mind off of when Harry could be transferred to Grimmauld Place was submerging into her apprenticeship as much as possible without further neglecting her friends. Hermione had convinced herself that it was working quite well. It had worked rather well but it was quickly becoming not enough. Hermione became instantly aware of this one night while in the dungeons.
"Hermione…" Severus said in a frustrated tone.
"Hmmm." Hermione said with a slight confused look on her face.
"What is going through that normally intelligent mind of yours? It is clear that your mind is not here to day."
Hermione sighed as she closed her eyes.
"It's…"
"Please do not insult me by saying 'nothing is going on'. I can feel slight tugging on the connection you and I have. It is quite obvious that something is going on as I have not been aware of the connection since the summer after the connection formed. Thankfully I can still block what is causing the tug after all this time." Severus said concerned.
"Hey, the connection has come in handy."
"It was an emergency Hermione. This is quite different as it is not a life and death emergency like I had been in that time."
"True." Hermione said with a sigh. "This going to sound…well, selfish and biased…" Hermione began. "Despite knowing that there are other witches and wizards out there that are in need of St. Mungo's…what could be taking them so long to round up a team of Healer's? You'd think they'd have Harry as a number one priority with being a hero and all." Hermione blurted out in one breath.
"Hermione, how long has it been since Madam Pomfrey contacted St. Mungo's in regard to your cousin?" Severus asked though he had a feeling as to how long she thought it had been.
"A month or two…why?"
"It has only been a week since Madam Pomfrey contacted St. Mungo's." Severus said as neutrally as he could though he was chuckling inside.
"A week!" Hermione shrieked. "It can't have only been a week." Hermione argued. "It feels like it's been an eternity." Hermione whined.
"I do understand how you feel. Granted not the situation but I can understand how a short amount of time can feel like an eternity."
"Now I feel like an ass." Hermione muttered. "I know it was not your intention to make me feel like an ass." Hermione added quickly.
"You shouldn't feel like an ass Hermione."
"And why not? Severus…you…"
"Just because the situations are quite different doesn't mean…"
"I get it. I know that…I just…so much for anything getting done today…"
"Taking into consideration of what has you distracted I will let it slide."
Hermione gave Severus a small smile in response.
A/N: I apologize for how long it has been since I last posted an update on this story. In short writers block amongst RL stuff. This story will be completed, I promise. Here is this I hope to hold you over until I finish a chapter that I am currently trying to write. I also apologize for the abrupt end of this chapter…
