Minerva shivered as the cold night air whipped around her, she had managed half the trip without feeling so much as a cool breeze, but suddenly the clouds had turned. They rolled and shift around her forcing her to lower her flight. She made sure she had placed a concealment charm on the carriage and herself lest any star gazing muggles were about and happened across the strange sight.
The clouds around her twisted and turned almost violently as a thunderstorm brewed within them. She whispered a silent prayer that she would be able to reach her destination before the storm came into full force.
Just a bit longer she told her self, glancing behind her at the carriage that held her once most promising pupil. Her eyes were heavy with sadness as she thought back to that day herself. She steered the thestrals a bit lower as she spotted the outskirts of the village she was aiming for, her mind falling back to that day unhindered.
Explosions erupted everywhere around her, energy crackled beside her as she took down death eater after death eater. Her eyes as wild as her hair as she moved swiftly through each wave. She had saved many student's lives in the process of shielding the staircases only to fall towards the end wounded and disoriented by a very painful modified leg lock curse. She had been sent tumbling down the stairs, blood oozing from her head as she tried to right herself. He had been there in that moment. His dark black eyes gazing down at her, the tip of his wand glowing with an unspoken spell. She closed her eyes against him waiting for the curse that never came. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself alone all of her would be attackers taken care of. She had watched for just a moment the man who could have ended everything, walk calmly away to his own doom. He had saved her that night, he had made his alliance known.
Minerva pursed her lips as her mind continued onto the events that followed. How his body had never been recovered, the amount of blood that had been found in his stead. How everyone believed no one could survive such an injury. That someone must have taken the body for their own purposes, or it had simply been destroyed. No one for a moment even considered that a very elaborate plan to grant, this one man his freedom, had been put in place. Even she didn't know of this plan until the portrait in the head office had officially started to speak to her. Albus' insight onto the final battle had hit her like a ton of bricks. She couldn't have believed such a plan would have even worked. It was then despite all the chaos that was going on around her, that she knew, she knew she had to find the man that had spared her own life, by risking his own in those final moments. That this selfless man, was indeed valuable for more than his actions, that he was a man to be honored for his character.
Another blast of freezing cold air rolled through her and she shivered more violently this time, before having the sense to cast another warming charm about herself. The warmth that filled her was enough to keep her on her task. As the trees started to become more clear the house that had been hidden away from so many started to slowly come into view, or at least, the clearing where the house should have been. Minerva slowly raised the monocle to her eye watching as the clearing revealed its true nature. She shifted the monocle in place while pulling the thestrals lower mindful of the rooftop she carefully pulled the carriage to a quiet and soft landing in the back garden, though she hadn't seen his garden in the darkness, and had subsequently smashed two of his tomato plants. Something surely she would hear about later as she stepped down onto the soft ground. The back door opened swiftly enough as a bolt of lightning illuminated their forms against the darkness. A deep roll of thunder all but shook the ground beneath their feet as they stood to look at each other once again.
Severus stepped out carefully as the wind whipped his hair about his face, he glanced up to the clouds and knew it was going to rain very soon, he wasted no time coming to the carriage. Minerva had busied herself with unlocking the door and pulling it open, the warm glow from inside lighting their faces more clearly. Severus' eyes betrayed nothing as he gazed inside. The girl who he'd known for years as a know-it-all bookworm lay there motionless and cold before him. Her long lashes resting against paling grey skin, her body almost swallowed completely into the bedding that had been placed over her. He glanced to Minerva wondering why she simply hadn't levitated the girl out of the carriage. Was she expecting him to, pick her up?
"No magic." She said softly as she pulled away the blanket that covered her. "Not even passive. The healer said." She watched Severus' reaction before standing even more to the side as he stepped up and leaned in over her.
Had he not known the circumstance for her current disposition he would have sworn he had found himself trapped in some warped fairy tale, that this girl before him was simply a sleeping princess awaiting a kiss from her prince. He couldn't help but snort internally at his own musings before he carefully weaved his hands under her knees and around her shoulders.
The coil of worry that formed in the pit of his stomach at just how light and bony her frame was only grew with intensity as he stepped back carefully cradling her form effortlessly to his chest. The wind blew strongly again moving the stray hairs that had slipped free of the braid over her face. Severus couldn't help but stop to watch as a bolt of lightning flashed again, this time, he could see clearly through the hospital gown the dark magic that surrounded her scars. Minerva moved quickly enough draping the blanket from the carriage over her form. Severus nodded his head just a bit as he turned to carry her inside. Minerva remained hot on his heals as the another roll of thunder shook the ground. The sound of rain starting to pelt down heavily on the old roof was almost deafening as they made it inside just in time to stay dry.
Severus moved to the sitting room bending down on one knee he carefully laid her out on the new lounge chair that he'd accrued just for her presence. Her head lolled heavily to the side, her lips brushing his forearm as he pulled away. Carefully he adjusted her head to a more comfortable position against the cushion mindful of her hair, he wrapped it gingerly around her shoulder before adjusting the blanket more properly over her form. He stayed on bent knee just watching in horrified fascination that the girl had even managed to live as long as she had. How had no one felt the amount of dark magic wafting off of her? He watched as her chest rose and fell steadily without the aid of charms, but noted that it was very shallow, not deep like one would have in a restful sleep.
Slowly, he stood once more, feeling the heat of Minerva's gaze on his back he turned to properly address her. She stood silently, her jaw set with intense purpose, during his observations she had pulled the miniaturized file from her pocket and set it to the right size.
"Everything about her case will be found in here." She said offering out the thick and no doubt magically compressed envelope towards him. He took it slowly looking down at the neat hospital writing on the cover. He took a deep breath as she pulled another bag from her pocket, resizing it as well. "These are the potions she is on." She said gently setting the bag on his side table, that was currently devoid of any reading materials. Minerva straightened herself preparing a speech she had practiced many times before in her private chambers, however just as she was about to open her mouth to express her gratitude to the man standing before her he turned away from her his lip pursed in concentration.
"I promise no success." His voice was deep and Minerva would have bet her morning tea that she could hear a sorrow laced in his tones.
"I know." She replied gingerly, "I ask only that you try." She clasped her hands in front of her weighing her words carefully.
"Curious." He said absently turning away from her completely, he moved to loom over the prone young woman, another roll of thunder shook the frame of the house causing them both to glance towards the ceiling. As the rumble subsided Severus continued his path. He knelt down again his piercing eyes intent on unraveling the mystery laid before him.
"Severus I..." Minerva started taking a breath to assemble her Gryffindor courage, "I want to thank you." She stated simply, watching with sad eyes as he seemed to tense up at her words, "For that night." He closed his eyes taking in her words, knowing all too well just exactly she was speaking about.
"You have no reason to thank me." He said keeping his back to her surreptitiously adjusting the blanket away from Hermione's arm turning it to reveal the still very fresh looking words carved into her otherwise smooth skin.
"The entire world owes you much more than that." She stated simply, keeping her post behind him though the urge to run and hug the life from him was strong she didn't feel as though she wanted to be hexed anytime, wand or no, she knew the man to be just as powerful as he appeared.
"I have received what I deserve." He said flatly moving his charges arm back under the cover, turning his attention to the pulse in her neck counting the beats to attain her heart rate.
Minerva pursed her lips knowing she would get no further with him tonight. "Should you need anything-"
"My needs are already being sought to." He interrupted slowly standing, having calculated a steady beat he found her to not be in immediate danger he turned finally to stand before Minerva properly. The window behind him lit up with another crash of lightning and Minerva couldn't suppress the gasp that accompanied the man's impressive silhouette.
"Right." She said carefully turning on her heal, "Though should, you need anything, you have only to write upon this parchment." She pulled a rolled bit of parchment from her cloak gingerly putting it down with everything else. "If there are any changes..." She started glancing at the man over her shoulder.
"You will be informed." He finished for her straightening his back once more. He didn't offer her any hospitality this night, his mind was already turning with the possibilities of just what it was he could offer and he didn't have time to play word games. The night hadn't even started and already he found himself completely exhausted. He watched the older witch nod her head and turn back towards the kitchen to take her leave.
Severus followed her as far as the doorway watching the witch walk through the torrents unheeded by the aid of magic. As she rose into the air he finally turned away and turned his eyes towards his new charge once more.
"Now then Miss Granger." He drawled, his best teaching voice dripping from his lips, "What ever shall we do about this?" He pulled his wing back chair closer to the lounge using it to brace himself as he leaned back over her, taking her forearm into his hands again he paused to take note just how small it was against his hands. His thumb lightly grazed over the underside, feeling every bump of those hideous words. He had moved his wand to a more suitable place, inside an inconspicuous box on the mantle. It remained wrapped and sealed away but always present should he need it. He remembered Minerva's words of caution about magic and slowly laid her arm down again over top the covers. He watched her for a short time, her eyes never moving, her breath never changing. Satisfied that she would remain without need of his attentions for a short time he adjusted himself so that he had both her and his new materials within reach.
He pulled out the very impressively thick file from the envelope, five years worth of observations. He grunted as he set the heavy tome like file upon his lap. It was then he heard a small clink of vials at the bottom of the envelope, curious he reached in and pulled out three glowing white vials. Memories. He turned one vial in his hand and read the name, 'Healer Brigen Darling-2/5/98' he pursed his lips and shift the next vial to read it, 'Ronald Weasely-2/5/98'; Severus picked up the final vial with extreme interest but frowned when he noted the name had been smudged and was rendered illegible, the memory seemed tainted as well, a bit of a dark cloud floating through its form, he squint and was able to barely make out the date, '2/28/00' Who's memory could it have been? Why had it been taken so late? He set the particular vial aside for now and focused on the other two. Turning them slowly in his hands. He sat there for a moment before setting them aside as well, he would have to ask for a pensive during Draco's next visit. For now, he slowly opened the massive file in his lap and starting at the very beginning he started to read.
Healer Darling-2/5/98-Admittance Log
Patient: Hermione Jean Granger
DOB: 19/09/79
B. Status: Muggle-born
Gender: Female
Hair Color: Brown
Eye color: Brown
Wand: N/A (see notation)
Severus paused in his reading as Hermione let out a deep sigh, he hadn't even realized he'd been mumbling aloud. He paused for a moment watching her eyes start to shift beneath her lids. He wasn't sure if he had disturbed her but he decided silence was the best for now and schooled himself into focus once more.
Healer Darling attending the emergency medical summons from Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry on the night of 2/05/98. Summons came at 05:32, I was directed to the path near the whomping willow on Hogwart's grounds. Upon arrival, it was assessed that Ronald Weasely was unharmed though hysterical, he was placed into calming stasis. Initial assessment revealed significant blood loss as result of two simultaneous curse strikes. The patient was immobile and unresponsive at the scene. Emergency blood replenishing potions administered to little effect. Transfer to hospital arranged. During transport, standard wound closing charms rendered to no effect. Curse lines formed through the veins. Anti-curse potion administered: no effect. Anti-dark potion administered: no effect. Stasis charm: no effect. Calming drought: mild effect. Cruciatus counter drought administered: no effect.
Severus skimmed down quickly taking note that all the standard practices known to the magical healer community had little to no effect on Miss Granger's condition. He skimmed down the large initial report his lips pursing more and more. By all accounts, she never should have survived her first night in the hospital. He flipped the page noticing the date had changed to the following morning. His eyes scanned what was necessary for him, stable, no effect, mild response. He read through list after list of potions that they administered some of which he knew were extremely potent and rather dangerous in unskilled hands. He flipped back just a bit as he noticed the body exam chart and paused pulling it straight. It revealed the curse lines to have crossed from top right shoulder along the sternum and ending at the lower left rib. It noted minor abrasions on her arms and legs, as well as her forehead, it was noted as well the curse left upon her forearm. He turned his eyes to the back assessment and frowned deeper. The scar was larger than the first, almost bifurcating, it started just at the base of the skull and ended just above her tail bone. He turned the chart again. Pictures of her assessment greeted his eyes and he couldn't stop himself from looking away. They were wizarding pictures, though they had a bit more color than the normal ones, they moved very little with healers hands measuring the lines over her naked form. He kept his eyes closed for a moment more to compose himself before turning to look. She was completely nude, in the photos, and deathly still. Only a small clothe covered her female nether regions. He focused his eyes on the colors that were present and how the curse line moved over her seeping out into her body more and more. He glanced at the picture of her back and noted that the line didn't move but pulse as the healers neared it for measurement. As if it was feeding off their magical energies. He glanced back over at her sleeping so peacefully.
Hermione didn't appease his quest for answers, her head still lightly turned as he'd left it, her eyes had started moving at irregular intervals beneath their lids, her fingers twitched and her breathing had become more labored. Severus frowned and looked back down at the file, flipping through to the most recent of observations. His eyes scanned quickly and the color started to drain from his face. Reliving memory, revolving pain, re-exacting curse, residual movements, those words screamed out at him from the page and he chewed on the inside of his cheek. He glanced at the clock, 1 a.m. He turned his eyes back towards the file, his stomach rolled with trepidation at the answers that were so deftly hidden within. He took another calming breath and reset the pages to the beginning. His eyes quick and his mind calculating all the possible curses that would have a chance at causing the aforementioned effects.
Severus didn't know how long he had been studying the years of observations before finally, his body succumbed to a distressful sleep. His hand marked his progress and his head leaned heavily against the wing of his chair. The storm that had raged outside during his reading calmed in the morning light. The golden sun pushing through the still rain heavy clouds. It lit the room with a deep amber glow, Severus was just entering his own dreams when a piercing scream startled him to consciousness.
Hermione was arched off the lounge, her arms curled in front of her as if she were suffering the effects of the cruciatus curse, there in the sitting room. Her eyes were shut tight but her voice was loud as it echoed off the walls expressing insurmountable pain. Her hands curled to claws digging at the air above her chest while her back arched, her legs curled up. Severus instantly moved to her side, his hand upon her forehead feeling the temperature running high the cool sweat coating his fingers, "Miss Granger!" He called out his voice deep and commanding, "Miss Granger! Calm yourself!" His sleep muddled brain was barely registering that his words fell on deaf ears. He took hold of her curled hand on instinct while his other remained on her forehead to keep her from thumping it back against the lounge and causing further injury. He lowered his own booming voice, "Miss Granger, you are safe." His voice was gentle and coaxing. The hand he had taken hold of, flexed to his voice and slowly her screams died away, her body heavily falling back onto the lounge.
Severus kept her hand in his for a few slow moments. Having realized that her nails were rather long and very sharp. He could see the little crescents that had dug so strongly into his hand starting to turn red. He paid it no mind however as those fingers relaxed over his. Slowly he laid her hand down on her stomach his eyes moving back towards her face. Her cheeks were slightly flushed and her lips were parted letting out small panting breaths. Severus' thumb lightly ran over her temple feeling the pulse under his thumb. "Miss Granger, you are safe." He whispered again more for himself than for her. Trying to convince himself that he was ready for the task before him. He held his hand to the top of her head until she completely relaxed. His other hand had absently run along the top of her hand his large finger tips running over the ridges of her knuckles. When he felt she had calmed, he slowly started to pull back.
Getting to his feet he ran a tired hand down his face. He glanced at the clock noting that it was about time for her first round of medication. The healer mentioned the small window that was available for administering potions after a relapse. Severus tried to clear his head and his vision blinking away sleep as he picked up a few vials. He read their labels and cross checked them with his memory of the reports.
She made a soft noise as he turned towards her, two salves and a nourishment potion in hand. He knelt down beside her picking up the nourishment potion, he paused as he realized that he wasn't in the correct position. He sighed through his nose as he set the salves onto his chair pulling it closer with his foot and started to lift her upper body into his lap. He rested her shoulders against his arm, using his chest to support her head as he pulled the cork from the potion. Once opened he wafted it lightly under his nose to assure that it was prepared properly before turning his face down. She was so close to his own, her breaths gently puffing against his stubble covered chin. He swallowed thickly as he registered the feeling of another human actually touching him. His fingers turned the bottle slightly as his mind tried to right itself. She wasn't going to harm him, she wasn't doing anything untoward to him, her touch didn't burn and he wasn't bursting into flames. All the silly tirades of a person who'd been devoid of all human contact for too long. He swallowed again shifting to support her jaw in his hand, she was so thin and small his palm covered all of her cheek. He lightly massaged the joint of her jaw as her lips started to part he tilted his body so that her head fell back just a bit. Placing the potion against her lips, he dripped a few drops at a time, watching her throat swallow reflexively. He stayed in this position cradling her to him so tightly, his eyes watching as each drop of potion disappeared between those pale lips.
Once the potion had finally finished he thumbed away a stray drop near the corner of her mouth and started to move out from under her, slowly he laid her flat smoothing the blanket down. He folded it down over her legs revealing her periwinkle blue hospital gown. He noted that the shirt wasn't actually a shirt but two halves tied together at the sides. Five bows along the side kept the shirt in place. He supposed it made it easier to treat if you didn't have to constantly lift and remove clothing. He turned his head to the first salve, opening the jar he took note of the color and smell, it seemed prepared well, though he was sure he would be able to make improvements. It was all he had for now. He swallowed slowly as he started to untie the bows nearest him. He glanced at her face that was relaxed completely. No worry furrowed her brow and no pain fluttered over her features. He paused as the last bow was released. He closed his eyes and pushed down all feelings of humanity inside of him. It took very little effort to set his face into a cool mask of indifference. His movements clinical and nonlingering, he pulled the shirt away. Her ribs were the first thing he noticed, each breath accenting more and more of the bone structure. He ran a finger tip over the bottom where he could just see the beginning of a small left over scar, possibly from a tumble in the woods or some other mundane injury. His eyes looked to the S like shape resting along the center of her chest. The scar was starting to seep slowly, dark blood coming from its edges as fresh as the day she'd received it. He leaned over just a bit pulling some gauze out of the bag of potions, it was intended to help keep the salve from his fingers, but he didn't have to worry about contamination or silly nonsense, he was a potions master, he was used to salves and potions on his fingers. He turned back towards her lightly dabbing at the edges that spider webbed away from the central line. He dabbed where any bubble of blood grew too large, before taking a bit of salve in his fingers, he ran two fingers from the top of her collar bone, dabbing away blood as he went, working his way down to her rib. He didn't linger and his eyes remained completely focused on the task at hand. His demeanor professional, as he finished the first of his tasks, the curse seemed to close in on itself, leaving a very thin line from where it had been growing, it didn't disappear completely but the salve seemed to neutralize the dark magic within for the time being.
He took a calm breath before he felt something warm drip onto his sock. He glanced down and started as the red substance dripped once more the from lounge. He moved back just a bit and gingerly lift Hermione to rest on her shoulder, her back was bleeding heavily. He hissed in the back of his throat, and turned awkwardly towards the bag of potions reaching in he found only another small pad of gauze, he instantly started to press it to her back but growled as it filled too quickly with blood to be of any use. He laid her back onto her back hoping the pressure would slow the flow and quickly moved to the downstairs bath, he ripped a hand towel from it's rung and returned with earnest, turning her once more he pressed the black clothe to her back again. He could feel the heat of the curse through his fingers. He knew he had to staunch the bleeding quickly, he stood and rolled her completely to her stomach. Her hands fell heavily with a wet smack into the growing pool under the lounge and with a bit of pressure, he started again. He kept the pressure while using his other hand he opened the second salve, it was much thicker than the first and was heavy as he scooped a considerable amount to his three fingers. He shifted and pulled the towel away, in small bits quickly applying the salve with every cleaning swipe. He worked quickly and sure enough, as he made his way down to the hem of her pants, the bleeding had slowed, the curse closing in on its self just as its brother had done. He pulled the hem of her pants lightly as he put on the last little bit of salve. He sighed heavily pulling back the blood heavy hand towel, he glanced at his own hands stained red from his efforts before looking down at his charge.
She was completely stained, her arms, hair and back now starting to turn brown with the drying life substance. He glanced down at the floor and tried to estimate just how much blood she had lost. He wiped his hands on a tiny bit of the towel that hadn't been covered and rifled through the bag of medication. He pulled out a vial of blood replenisher, whose color was just slightly off, but knowing it was all he had he couldn't complain. He moved forward again, careful of the salve he'd just applied and lift her head into his hand, his thumb working it's magic to open her jaw once again. Painfully slow, he managed to get the entire vial down. It was then he realized his own heart was beating heavily in his chest. How had Minerva even thought this was the key to her survival he would never know.
Carefully, he rested her head back down on the blood soaked lounge and grimaced, the irony smell invaded his nostrils and made his stomach turn. It had been a very long time since he'd smelled so much blood, and the memories it called forth were of no comfort to the stoic man. He swallowed down his uneasiness and stood, he had to find her a change of clothes, and clean the mess. He briefly glanced at the mantle, before turning away.
He paused momentarily to cover her with the blanket she'd arrived with then set off to completely his task, after washing his hands in the kitchen sink, he all but jogged up stairs going into the bedroom he'd prepared for her, he opened the chest of drawers pulling out a pair of sleeping shorts and a tank top. He paused looking at it, he'd have to cut the sides, to match the St. Mungo's style if he wanted easy access to her wounds. He paused as the smell of blood wafted into his nose and realized it was coming from his own jacket. He pulled the white clothing quickly away, relaxing when he realized that he didn't transfer anything onto them and made a beeline to his own room. He peeled off all of the offending clothing and quickly redressed himself, having ruined one of his shirts, he opted for the black tank top again, though he did pull a white button up over top he left part of it open. He changed his slacks as well and finally his socks, he noticed his foot was a bit red but decided not to worry too much about it. He finished with haste, returning downstairs, he stopped short to see the blond head of his Godson leaning over his charge.
"Draco." His voice was more of a bark, than a greeting startling the blond from his position.
"Sorry." He rambled quickly, "I flew in the window and, I saw the blood and yea..." He motioned to the bloody foot prints his sock had left behind and sneered. He continued into the sitting area, "She's worse than I could have ever imagined," Draco spoke softly as he looked down at the mess Severus had yet to clean, his boots staying just outside of the puddle that had started to dry.
"She's alive." Severus stated cooly, moving to the other side of the lounge gently lifting her hand from the floor. "Did you find what I asked for?" He said as he started to tuck the blanket around her, why he was preserving her modesty he would never know, but he didn't want his godson to have the image of her body floating around in his mind. Draco stood back to allow him the space needed to pick her up.
"Yes, I managed everything." He said softly, his package having been left on the kitchen table, he followed Severus as he turned with the girl towards the stairs. "Can..can I help at all?" He asked absently staying at the base of the stairs.
Severus paused in his ascent, "The blood." he paused, "Can you clean it?" He forced his voice from the harsh tone of command to that of a gentle request. He knew that Draco could clean it much faster with magic than he could the way he had intended.
Draco nodded his head a bit watching with hazy eyes as he continued up the stairs, "No problem".
Severus grunt his approval at the top of the stairs and looked down into his charges face. She was sleeping again, or so it seemed, just as before, her eyes weren't moving and her face still relaxed. He sighed softly for small favors and moved to his rooms, it was instinct really but once he stood in front of his own bed, he paused. He looked down into her face again, "Forgive the circumstances, Miss Granger." He whispered softly, as he laid her a top his bed. He adjusted the blankets from her frame and sighed softly as the color had started to return to her skin. He gently touched her neck feeling her pulse strong and steady. He turned away and went to his bathroom. He grabbed a few washcloths and some mild soap, he paused as he looked around for something to hold water, he noticed the antique face washing basin sitting in the alcove where the window let in light and pulled it from its place. He washed the dust away quickly, setting the pitcher aside. He filled the basin with warm water adding just a bit of soap for good measure then returned to his rooms. He picked up the books on his side table and set them aside placing the basin in their place. He dipped the clothe into the water and started to peel away the hospital gown that now stuck to her skin, from the mixture of blood and salves. He could hear the steps creaking underfoot as his godson no had doubt finished with his task of cleaning the downstairs but didn't bother to pause in his efforts.
As Draco rounded the corner he saw his godfather, clad in his white shirt bent over his once school time rival's body. He came in slowly swallowing down a lump in his throat as his own memories of the last time he had seen her flowed over his eyes. He could still remember, her screams echoing through his home as his Aunt tortured information from her. How he had respected her for not giving into the crazy woman's wishes. How he had wished he'd had the courage to do something about the circumstances. As it was, his own life was on the line that day and the punishment that had followed their escape was still very vivid in his mind. He stepped just to the end of the bed keeping his eyes not on her but on Severus as the man worked quickly and stoically in his task.
Severus paused as he finished cleaning her back having gotten most of the blood off her skin, she would need a proper bath for sure, but he couldn't risk wasting the salves he'd just applied. He dipped the clothe back into the basin's ever changing waters.
Draco opened and closed his mouth a few times trying to find the words but sighed softly when nothing came to mind. He licked his lips slowly keeping his eyes averted, his hand lightly played with the bed's footboard. He wanted to help but found he was powerless.
Severus didn't pay him any mind as he pulled the dirty blanket back over her form, he turned dropping the clothe into the basin, "I need to prepare another set of clothes," He paused for a moment glancing at Draco, the magic he'd suppressed all these years was tingling at his finger tips begging for release. " How were you at transfiguration?" He mused with an absent smirk.
"Fair enough," Draco said watching the man leave the room, he started to follow him but found him returning just as quickly. He had clothes in hand, way too small for himself so he could only assume they were for her.
"I need these to open on the sides," He said as he laid out the tank top near her feet. "Just like her hospital gown." He elaborated.
Draco nod just a bit and pulled his wand free of it's sheath. The change took place wordlessly, he couldn't help but try and impress his mentor with the voiceless magic. Severus took note as well and nodded with just the smallest of smiles.
"I was wondering...if you perhaps...wanted to try the temporal reader today...but, I can see that it would be rather premature..." He spoke softly as Severus pulled up the transfigured clothing, he pulled the blanket back, always mindful to keep her covered at all times. When he'd gotten one layer in place, he gently turned her over and started to tie the ties.
"Your observation would be correct." He said as he worked on the knots, "However, it wouldn't be necessary to wait if the idiots at St. Mungo's knew how to create a proper salve."
Draco couldn't help but smirk a bit, "True. But then again, they didn't always take the best of the best did they?"
Severus snorted a bit as he finished his task. He stood back satisfied with his work and leaned down to pick her up again when a strong pain thrummed through his frame. His eyes went wide and he cursed whatever gods were listening in that moment, "Not now..." He whispered under his breath as his hand instantly went to his pulsing heart. Draco moved forward though his hands hovered over his hunched form. Severus gritted his teeth as the pulse was especially strong. He could only surmise that it was the call of dark magic pooling from Hermione's body that was calling out to his own.