Chapter Fourteen
Wednesday, October 31st, 2018
As far as the Snape family is concerned, time has moved slowly. With each passing day with Amelia showing no signs of waking up, their nerves were at their most fragile. Most importantly, Severus. In addition to the times the headmaster has forgotten to take his tonics, there was an incident one afternoon in the middle of his 6th year Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw class where he had a seizure. Thankfully, Sam Longbottom provided him with assistance in reaching the hospital wing. Although Poppy was able to stop the violent episode, his spasms increased as a result of his forgetfulness. It was impossible for Hermione to refrain from scolding him.
"When was the last time you took your tonic Severus?" The question elicited a scornful response from Hermione. Not pleased with the situation. Despite Severus' reluctance to take his medicine, Hermione was adamant about him taking it to help alleviate his symptoms. She was frustrated that his forgetfulness had caused the episode to worsen and believed that if he had taken his tonic, it may not have happened at all.
"I'm not a damn two-year-old, Hermione." He barked back, crossing his arms across his chest as he reclined in a hospital bed next to his daughter. Hermione sat between her husband and daughter. His tone and body language were showing his frustration - he was feeling insulted and belittled by his wife's comment and he wanted her to know it.
"When?" She reinforced. Severus knew she couldn't let this go. Hermione's tone was firm and unrelenting, showing her unwillingness to accept any excuses or delay. Her body language was also stern and uncompromising, communicating her desire for a straight answer. Severus could tell she wasn't going to let him off the hook, and he had to answer her question.
"When Poppy gave me her extra dose." He mumbled.
"TWO DAYS! TWO DAYS AND YOU DIDN'T TAKE YOUR TONIC! If we lose Amelia, I'd be damned to lose you too! I cannot raise two kids alone." She cried. The anger coursing through her veins eased as Severus drew her to him in a strong embrace. He felt her tears against his chest and he could feel how her entire body trembled. He kissed her forehead and held her close.
"It's ok," he said, "I'm here and I'm not going anywhere." He whispered in her ear. In a tender display of affection and support, he gently traced small, soothing circles around her warm back curve as she released her pent-up emotions through tears. Her tears trickled down her face and onto his shirt. However, he remained steadfast in his support and understanding, providing a safe space for her to express her vulnerability.
"You think I haven't been stressed too? Or Alex?" Hermione replied. Her stomach growled, this didn't escape unnoticed by Severus.
"Have you eaten anything today?" Severus asked. Silence answered him.
"Apparently not. Dippy?" He called. One of the house elves was in the infirmary.
"Yes, Headmaster Snape, what can Dippy do for Headmaster?"
"Bring two grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Thank you, please, with some milk, two percent."
"I'm not hungry," Hermione stated.
"Nonsense. If you scold me about my health, I will gladly return the favor. You're eating for two." Severus kissed her brow. Hermione reached over and grabbed Amelia's hand, squeezing it tight.
"I—I just miss her. I miss you, and I miss Alex." The elf popped back in and placed the tray of food next to Severus. Thanking him, the elf departed again. Taking one of the triangle pieces of the sandwich, he offered her the first triangle. With a low growl, she accepted it.
"I miss her too. I haven't talked to Mr Stone about his possible involvement. But once I'm cleared, I will. You can count on that." Hermione nodded. The two ate together quietly. Poppy came in to check the three.
"Evening my dears. How are you feeling Hermione?" Poppy asked. Hermione looked up at her, her red puffy eyes answered Poppy. Poppy walked over to Amelia, taking out her wand she scanned her body, changing the IV fluids.
"I see. I'm glad you could eat something, dear. Severus, how are you feeling? Any tremors in the last two hours?" Poppy asked. Going over to his side and scanning his body with her wand. She was doing this to check for any signs of venom or to see if the potions were having any adverse effects on Severus. She was also checking for any signs of a relapse in his condition.
"Not that I felt, no," he replied.
"I've increased your tonic from 100mlg to 200mlg to slow the tremors. You need to take one dose first thing in the morning and before bedtime. I made enough for November. I've written down the instructions for you so you can also brew. I need you to focus on your health too. I know you think Hermione and I nag you too much. But it's to your benefit." Poppy replied. Severus huffed. Taking the vial out of Poppy's hand and chugging it down. Severus' body was showing signs that the tonic he was taking previously wasn't enough; the tremors were still present. Poppy increased the dosage to 200mlg in the hopes that it would be enough to slow the tremors. She also made enough for the month and wrote down the instructions so Severus could brew his own if needed. All of this was done out of love and concern for Severus' health.
"Very well, I also have another tonic for you to take, tonic 12, which prevents future seizures. We don't want a repeat. You'll have to take this every morning. Understand?" Poppy instructed. Severus growled but nodded as he inquired about his daughter.
"A bit of progress. The IV I placed on her is designed to help eliminate any poison from her system. Once this bag is fully purple, I know it's out of her system. She's not out of the woods yet, but it's progress. Hermione and Severus approved.
"Well, Severus, you can leave if you choose to. I hope you remember what I told you about your tonics."
"Yes ma'am." Severus moaned. Hermione stood up and embraced Poppy.
"Thank you, Poppy. For helping care for my family," Hermione said.
"No worries, dear. I'm happy to help. You all are my family." Poppy sighed.
"Good night to you too." With that, Poppy left the concerned parents alone. All in all, Poppy's care for Severus was appreciated. She was doing all she could to help him and the rest of his family.
HGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSS
Defense Against the Dark Arts-
Professors' bed chamber
The flickering flames emanating from the candles that surround the periphery of the bed chamber belonging to the esteemed Defense Against the Dark Arts professor are gradually diminishing in their luminosity, thereby imparting a subdued and mellow glow to the room. In the event that a student causes any disturbance to the professor's ongoing activity, the clamor emanating from the bedroom is promptly quelled.
"Oh, that was bloody fantastic." Stefan panted as he lay beside his lover. Delphi scooted closer, snuggling by his side. Her hand rested on his chest as she laid her head on his shoulder. Stefan let out a contented sigh, his body still tingling from the pleasure. He smiled, squeezing Delphi's hand. They stayed like that for some time, just enjoying each other's presence.
"Yes, it was, darling. That's one way to celebrate." Delphi snickered.
"That snot-nosed first year, Mr. Stone may have done its work for us, although unknowingly, we have to make sure Amelia is dead before we fully celebrate," Stefan said with annoyance.
"She's in a coma. From what I heard she ingested some of that potion when it exploded. Stone will be expelled when the headmaster finds out."
"Love, we have no idea if it was actually him or not. What you witnessed between Malfoy and him, is just talk." Stefan corrected Delphi.
"I know. Guess it's just my hopes up." Delphi laughed.
"Of course, you can. However, if she wakes up, don't be disappointed. We still have a job to do."
"Obviously. Have you got closer to Alex?" Delphi asked.
"No, sorry sod is too distracted to do anything. His progress, or lack thereof has diminished in the last few days since the incident. All concerned about his damned sister."
"You know he likes music, and you sing, correct?"
"I also play the cello." He corrected.
"I saw him walking in the room of requirement a few times. He's more than likely on the field. Maybe beat him to it. Get in touch with him through music." Delphi suggested.
He kisses her lips fully, saying, "I think that's a brilliant idea.". Arousal heats back up as they continue to become more passionate about each other. He is showing his appreciation for her idea, as well as showing his desire for her. His kiss is a physical way of expressing his feelings, which rekindles the passion they have for each other.
HGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSS
Thursday, November 1st, 2018
Potions
As Severus Snape peers over his classroom, his eyes are drawn to Amelia's seat. An empty, bare space. Finn is quietly preparing his potion. As far as today's activity is concerned, he decided to go for something easy. It is known as the Wiggenweld Potion. The absence of his daughter is extremely painful for him. Looking over to the Gryffindor side, his attention is caught on Casey Stone, who seems a bit jittery as he glances over at him. While preparing the ingredients, he stumbles to the point where he knocks some of them to the ground. 'In my opinion, this is a perfect reason for detention.' Severus thought to himself.
"Mr. Stone." There was a growl of pain in his voice. Standing up from his desk he swiftly enters the first year. Standing in front of him, both his hands grasp the edge of his desk as he bends to become eye level with the boy. The boy whimpered slightly as the Professor's shadow cascaded over the boy's small frame.
"Mr. Stone." He repeated. It was only then that the blue-eyed boy turned his attention towards his professor. As his anger grows, he becomes increasingly agitated.
There was a pause before he responded: "Y-yes, sir?" He answered quietly.
"It is imperative that you exercise extreme caution and display the utmost respect towards our valuable ingredients in the classroom. Your reckless behavior and lack of attention have resulted in detention with me this evening. Furthermore, Gryffindor shall lose ten points, and you will receive a zero for this assignment. Please ensure that you clean up your workstation without delay and vacate the classroom. The remaining students observed in silence as you tidied up before departing.
"Pay attention to your assignment and take care of these valuable ingredients in your possession. Failure to do so will result in punishment equal to, or even more severe, than that of your classmates. Is that understood?" he firmly warned.
"Y-yes Professor Snape." The class said.
After class, Finn, Teagan, and Bailey scurried out as quickly as they could to escape the dour professor.
"He's not in a happy mood," Finn whispered to Teagan as they headed to their next class. Transfiguration. "Hm, I wonder why? Maybe because Amelia is still in the infirmary clinging on for life?" Teagan pondered tensely. His eyes were averted.
"Yeah, right." He mumbled.
"We have transfiguration next. I can only imagine what the other Professor Snape will act like." Bailey said.
"I'd rather have her than her husband," Finn replied.
"After Transfiguration, we have to go up to see how Amelia is doing. We hadn't heard about her health for a while. I'm worried." Teagan admitted.
Bailey recommended exercising patience and observing how events unfold before acting. In addition, she suggested that we seek guidance from Professor Snape upon their arrival in the transfiguration classroom to gain further insight.
HGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSS
Room of Requirement
It's been a difficult period for Alex lately, but it's heartening to witness him taking some time out for himself and indulging in playing the piano. With Amelia being unwell, it must have been a challenging time for all involved. Nevertheless, it's touching to know that they had some special moments together and bonded over music. Learning to play a tune can be a great way to manage stress and express feelings. Alex starts playing a country song that he heard on the radio while visiting Amelia. He isn't typically a fan of country music, but this particular Rascal Flatts song resonated with him deeply. As he began to play, the sound of the music and his voice echoed throughout the room.
"I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you've done all you can do
If you can't cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I won't let go
It hurts my heart
To see you cry
I know it's dark
This part of life
Oh it finds us all (finds us all)
And we're too small
To stop the rain
Oh but when it rains"
As soon as he had finished playing the piano, he allowed his fingers to rest gently on the keys. It was the first time in a long time that he had cried. His cheeks were flushed with silent tears as he pictured his sister in that hospital bed. Being unsure of her chances of making it through. In the midst of relative silence, he thought he was by himself, but when he heard clapping behind him, he realized that he was not alone.
"Well done, Mr Snape. You played that beautifully." Professor Parrot said walking towards him. His face was smeared with tears as he turned around and wiped them away.
He had forgotten to place the silencing charm again. He apologized and said he didn't mean to play too loud.
There's no need to worry, boy. What has caused you to be so upset? " Professor Parrot asked him.
"My sister is in the hospital wing due to a deliberate potion incident. We don't know if she'll make it."
"I am sorry about that. Yes, I recall your father saying something about that during dinner not too long ago. There isn't any progress in her health?"
"No sir. I needed to come here to relieve stress. I am having trouble focusing on anything else at the moment."
"I can see why. No one else knows, but I also play the cello. Would you mind if I played with you?" Professor asked.
"You play cello?" Alex asked befuddled. Alex was surprised because it was not something he expected of a professor. He was taken aback that the professor had a hidden talent and wanted to duet with him.
"Yes. Despite my heritage, my mother loved classical music." Alex assumed that the professor was uninterested in classical music, yet he was taken aback when the professor revealed that his mother had been passionate about classical music and that he himself had picked up the skill of playing the cello.
"Interesting. You're more than welcome. Do you know 'Saint-Saens - The Carnival of the Animals: XIII, The Swan'?" Alex inquired. Alex was surprised that the professor was familiar with the piece, as it was a very renowned and classical piece of music, and he had assumed that the professor was not interested in classical music.
"Of course, I'll let you start." Professor Parrot summoned a cello, allowing Alex to play first as he followed his lead. Together, the professor and student played beautifully, each note synched as if they'd practiced together for months. Once the song finished, Alex exhaled. Professor Parrot's gesture was incredibly generous, as it allowed Alex to gain confidence before stepping into the spotlight. This, combined with the professor's skillful playing, made the performance truly special and memorable.
"That was amazing, Professor." Alex smiled. Alex had been feeling contempt for his ability to play the piano, but after hearing the professor play, he was reminded of the beauty of music and how it could be brought to life through skillful playing.
"We work well together my boy." Professor Parrot placed a soothing hand on his shoulder. As the professor glanced at the clock on the wall, he gasped.
"Well, look at the time. We missed dinner."
"Guess we were having fun." Professor Parrot winked at him.
"Indeed, we were. I'll whip something up for us. You need not be late for curfew." There was a definite connection between the two men, and it was obvious that they would continue to work together to bring music to the world.
A/N: Beautiful moment between student and Professor. Lets hope in the next chapter Amelia makes some progress. Please let me know what you think! I appreciate your reviews!