Chapter Thirteen
Hospital Wing
Monday, October 29, 2018
Hermione and Severus watch their daughter. Her breathing is now even, but slow. Severus wrapped his arm across Hermione's shoulders, drawing her closer to him. Her small frame was snuggled into his side. Severus is trying not to cry, however, he failed to notice a few tears slipping out and falling down his cheeks. Hermione felt his arm shaking again. She could feel his emotions as he tried to keep his composure. She kept her eyes on their daughter, knowing it was the only thing that kept him from completely breaking down. His raw vulnerability was palpable, and she was overwhelmed with love for him. She reached up and placed her hand on his cheek, brushing away the tears that had started to fall. He bent down and kissed her forehead, grateful for her presence. His love for her and his family was so strong at that moment, his heart would burst.
"Oh Severus, did you take your tonic?" she asked. The tonics are critical for his health, as he still suffers from Nagini's attack in the shrinking shack all those years ago. A flashback of finding her lover in a pool of his own blood after the attack persists and plagues her dreams. The venom that continues to linger could end his life still if a cure is not found. He nodded, and she smiled, relieved that his health was not neglected.
"Poppy gave me one of her spare tonics. It's just taking a moment to kick in." He whispered.
"Please love, please take care of your health. Luckily Poppy had an extra one for you I shuttered thinking about what would happen otherwise." Her eyes pleaded. Severus bent down and kissed her head.
"I had far more critical matters to think about." His eyes beam over Amelia. Severus was far more worried about saving Amelia's life than his own, and he was grateful that Poppy had an extra potion he could use.
"I know love, I'll let it go this once." She tried to give him a small smile.
"Mum? Dad?" They heard their oldest call their names. Severus turned to see Alex's concerned look, Hermione released her hold on Severus and embraced her son. Alex squeezed her so tight it almost crushed her bones. Alex turned to his father; Severus embraced him as well. The father and son enjoyed the rare contact for a moment.
"H-how is she?" Alex asked. Severus could see the worry in Alex's eyes as he looked back and forth between his mother and father. Hermione could feel Alex's relief as he hugged her tightly. Severus could feel his son's love and gratitude as he embraced him. Severus could see the fear and uncertainty in Alex's eyes, but he mustered the courage to ask how his sister was.
"She ingested some of the potion she was working on when it exploded. Someone intentionally sabotaged her potion. Severus explained. Alex inhaled. Looking down upon his sister, with his thumb he gently caressed her cheek.
"Is she going to be okay?" Alex questioned.
"We don't know. Poppy did everything she could. It's all up to her." Severus sighed. He pulled Hermione into him again, sucking in his breath. He felt his eyes fill with tears as he held her tightly. He knew they had to stay strong for her, but it was hard to keep his emotions in check. He just prayed that she would pull through. The three of them sat at her bedside. They had no idea what time it was until Minerva walked in. Her usual calm, stoic stature showed vexation and worry on her face.
"Severus, Hermione." Minerva's thick Scottish drawl echoed through the hospital wing.
"Minerva," Severus mumbled. The three adults conversed. Alex listened intently. Alex had no idea what they were talking about, but he felt like he was in the middle of something important. He was eager to find out what was going on, but he knew better than to interrupt. He sat silently, watching the adults in the room.
"We will get to the bottom of this. Whoever did this…will pay dearly." Severus growled.
"Severus, my love—they're only first years." Severus' eyes twitched with fury. He was not willing to show any leniency or mercy to the perpetrator, regardless of their age or status. Severus was determined to make sure that justice would be served for the crime that had been committed.
"I don't care what year they're in. They've attempted murder. There is only one place for them to go." He hissed.
"Do you want to announce dinner?" Severus cut her off.
"Yes, the school needs to know. "Hermione, would you be willing to stay here?" He asked his wife. Hermione debated wanting to depart, but also needing to stay.
"Of course, love, I'll stay." Severus nodded, bent down, and kissed his daughter's forehead.
"I will return soon. Stay strong little one." Severus pleaded. Kissing his wife goodbye, then turning to Alex.
"You are welcome to come with me or stay here son." Alex looked up at his father, his face ashen with fear. He hesitated for a moment before a tear ran down his cheek and he shook his head. Severus nodded solemnly and embraced his son one last time before leaving.
"I think I'll stay here now." Alex decided.
"Very well, I'll be back shortly." Severus begrudgingly left his family's side as he descended to the Great Hall for supper.
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Great Hall
There is an eagerness in the Great Hall tonight as students eagerly await the arrival of dinner in the Great Hall. In the background, students from every house are chatting among themselves, unaware of what is about to happen next. As James Potter and Arthur Weasley sit at the Gryffindor table, they notice that the third member of their group is missing, and is nowhere to be seen, and this causes them to worry.
"Where is Alex? Arthur asked, taking a few sips from his goblet as he took a look around.
"Don't know mate, must be in the room of requirement already, working on his music before the dual," James suggested. Suddenly, a small arm wrapped around James' shoulders.
"Guess who?!" shrieked a female voice. James estimated.
"Professor McGonagall?" His voice echoed in his head as he chuckled.
"No! Wrong!" The young girl squeaked.
"I bet you wish you could be like Professor McGonagall so you could turn me into a toad!" James was obviously just playing around with his sister.
"A monkey?" She giggled at the thought.
"You're horrible at guessing! No, silly! It's me! Lily!" The first year laughed.
"I thought you were a monkey," he said, still laughing.
"Well, at least you didn't think I was an elephant," she replied, smiling. They laughed as they walked down the hall.
"Well, how do you do?" James smirked.
"I'm doing alright." Lily, the small child with long red hair and green eyes answered. The freckles on her cheeks shimmered from the ceiling lights.
"Just alright?" James inquired.
"Yeah, we had a potions accident today and got let out early," Lily answered.
"Oh? Whose cauldron exploded?" James asked. Before she could answer, a very loud booming voice broadcast itself to the student body.
"For those not in your seats, take them…. Now!" Severus' voice roared. The room immediately fell silent. All eyes are on the headmaster. His eyes were filled with rage, yet he was on the brink of an emotional breakdown. It is so quiet that the students could hear a pen drop from across the room. The faculty sitting behind him watched in veneration. He used sonorous charm to amplify his voice. Severus had a powerful presence in the room that seemed to demand respect and silence. His voice, which was usually low and controlled, suddenly became loud and forceful as he commanded the students to take their seats. His eyes, though filled with fury, also showed a hint of vulnerability, which made the students take notice and respect his authority. The faculty behind him, meanwhile, watched in awe, their admiration for him clear.
"If you have not heard by now, as I know there are some of you who tend to spread gossip, and express your unwanted opinions, there was a serious accident in my class today with first year Gryffindors and Slytherins. One of your classmates, Amelia Snape, is in the infirmary as I speak due to deliberate action by another delinquent peer. She is in critical condition due to this accident. How I know, is that the potion she was brewing would never turn purple unless someone intentionally sabotaged her work. It is not a matter of if, but a matter of when I find the perpetrator who did this to my daughter, there will be severe consequences." He paused. The weight on his chest is so heavy from stress and concern, he's barely able to keep his composure. His dark eyes scanned over the sea of students. Looking over to the Gryffindor table, he catches sight of a dirty-blonde, blue-eyed boy, shifting nervously in his seat. Avoid eye contact. Moving over to the Slytherin table, he notices Scorpius' eyes on the verge of tears. He also notices her friends, Bailey, Finn, and Teagan. Their mouths open in shock.
"If you have information regarding this incident, it is your responsibility to inform me. If you do not, you will be considered equally guilty." He finished. The room is deathly quiet, afraid to even breathe a whisper. Severus glowered with displeasure. Making a sharp turn, he exited the Great Hall back to his family.
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Gryffindor Table
Casey Stone remained motionless as a statue, his mind racing, not knowing what to do. He could be expelled for what he did and eventually sent to Azkaban. He'd be the youngest resident. No sir, he didn't like that thought at all. As much as he despised, she-snape, he had no intention of killing her. His stomach churned, wrapped up in knots. He was aware of the consequences of his actions, and he knew that the consequences for his actions could be dire. He was scared and frightened, and his mind was overwhelmed with the thought of what could happen to him if he was found out. He was determined not to take drastic measures and knew that the only way out of his situation was to find a way to prove his innocence. Or at least come up with an alibi.
"You alright Casey?" Felix asked.
"Yeah." He muttered, although not very convincing. Felix noticed that Casey seemed off. His voice was quiet, and he didn't sound very sure of himself, which made Felix concerned and prompted him to ask Casey if he was okay.
"You look like you've seen a ghost," Felix remarked. 'More like I'm about to become one.' Casey thought to himself.
"I'm—I'm not feeling well, I'm going to lay down." Casey's voice trembled. Pushing the plate away from him, he removed himself from the table. Avoiding eye contact, he left. Over at the Slytherin table, Scorpius watched Casey like a hawk. Casey's behavior was suspicious, and his actions seemed desperate. He had not eaten much, and he left the table abruptly as if he were trying to avoid something or someone. Scorpius could sense something was wrong and his gaze followed Casey out of the room.
"What are you doing?" Mallory asked her brother.
"I—I have to check on something," Scorpius answered.
"You're going to see Snape, aren't you?" She glared at him.
"Are you really that shallow to not care about Amelia's health? Is your self-confidence so low that you feel the need to mock a first-year student? Or are you just a selfish bitch who cares for no one but herself?" Scorpius growled through his clenched teeth. Mallory gasped. She never had her brother talk to her like that. Scorpius was furious with Mallory for her insensitivity. He felt that she was so caught up in her own pride and lack of empathy that she ignored Amelia's issues. She was also willing to ridicule her. He was so angry that he lashed out at Mallory in a way he had never had before.
"It's none of your business what I do with my free time." He snarled as he left the table.
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Casey is heading to the Gryffindor tower when he is suddenly yanked backward. Two strong hands grabbed both of his shoulders dragging him into a dark, isolated alcove. "What do you think you're doing?" a menacing voice growled from the shadows. Casey was so terrified he couldn't speak.
"What did you do to her, Stone?" Scorpius snarled.
"I didn't do a damn thing! How dare you accuse me?" Stone's eyes widened, and his mouth shook as he tried to mask his fear. Stone's body language and expression conveyed his shock and fear at Scorpius' accusation, showing that he was taken aback by the accusation and had no idea what Scorpius was referring to.
"Liar!" Scorpius had two fists full of Casey's shirt, pressing Stone's body against the cold stone wall. The first year whimpered.
"You better tell me, or you'll be next!"
"Is that a threat?" Casey's eyes flashed angrily.
"No, it's a promise. After that duel, you've been acting strange lately. I know you are dumb; however, I had no idea you were dumb enough to harm the headmaster's daughter, especially right under his nose! How did you do it?"
"You have no idea what you're talking about." Casey spat. Denying his accusation.
"If I find out you're behind her being in that infirmary bed, you better sleep with one eye open," Scorpius growled. Letting the first-year pass, his body slammed hard on the ground, making a loud 'oof'. Casey watched the fourth year disappear.
'I'm in deep shit.' Casey thought to himself. Dusting off the dirt from his robes, he continued his path to Gryffindor tower. Casey knew Scorpius was not someone to be messed with. His threat was clear; if it was found out he had anything to do with the first year being in the infirmary, there would be consequences. Casey was smart enough to know he didn't want to be on the receiving end of Scorpius' wrath, or the headmasters for that matter.
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Hospital Wing
There were a few students that entered the infirmary. Teagan, Bailey, and Finn left when they heard the headmaster's update regarding their friend. The Trio wanted to check on Amelia, who was still in the infirmary. They were anxious to hear how she was doing and to make sure she was okay.
"Hello, Deputy Headmistress," Finn said with a faint smile. He stood beside Alex, Bailey, and Teagan standing on the other side of Hermione. The Trio had a strong sense of loyalty and friendship towards Amelia, and they wanted to make sure that she was okay and that she had support from them while she was in the infirmary. This loyalty and compassion are what motivated them to check on her despite the uncertainty of the situation.
"Hello, Mr. Longbottom, Ms. Dursley, and Ms. Taylor. How are your classes?" She tried to speak, never taking her eyes off Amelia. The Trio clearly had a bond with Amelia, one that extended beyond the classroom. They wanted to show her that they were there for her in a difficult time, and they showed her that by checking on her and seeing how she was doing, even though the situation was uncertain and there were risks involved.
"They're getting along alright. I didn't know how severe the explosion was. We missed her throughout the day." Teagan tried to keep the small talk flowing.
"I know you didn't but thank you for coming up. I'm sure Amelia appreciates the company." Hermione replied.
"Amelia?" Another voice comes from the infirmary entryway. Hermione sighed. Turning around she saw Scorpius coming in. 'Don't need any more visitors' Hermione said to herself.
"Over here Scorp." Bailey motioned him their way. When he came closer, taking a better look at Amelia, his breath was knocked out.
"She—she looks like she's sleeping." He noticed her chest rise and fall, slowly but steadily. Scorp was stunned by Amelia's appearance. He could see that she was still breathing, albeit slowly. This gave him a sense of relief, as he was worried that she may have been in a worse condition.
"She does, doesn't she?" Hermione replies. Her hands covered her daughters.
"Well, well, who knew my daughter had so many visitors?" A deep voice echoed. A tall dark figure stood behind his wife, grasping her shoulders, and gently massaging her. His wife had a slight smirk as she looked up at her husband. She appreciated the surprise in his voice, knowing that he was genuinely pleased to know that his daughter had made so many friends.
"Hello, headmaster." Scorpius greeted.
"Hello, Mr. Malfoy." He nods.
"Do you have any idea who could've done this?" Teagan asked.
"No, but we are looking into it," Severus replied determinedly.
"I think I know, or at least have an idea," Scorpius replied. That caught Severus' attention.
"How would you know, Mr. Malfoy if you weren't in the class?" His voice is stern.
"I know for a fact, it's Casey Stone, Sir," he replied.
"Enlighten me, what makes him a suspect?" He wanted nothing more than to get to the boy and wring his neck. It also explains his behavior this evening. Bailey, Teagan, and Finn tensed. This didn't remain unnoticed by Hermione or Alex.
"You see, just a short while ago, the two participated in a duel."
"A—duel!" yelled Severus. Scorpius almost regretted mentioning it but proceeded anyhow.
"Yes, well…Stone seems to think that he picked on Amelia. He didn't like how she laughed at him when his transfiguration assignment blew up in his face. He felt embarrassed. He challenged her to a duel. It was after curfew." He hated the idea of tarnishing his friends, but he had no choice. Hermione could see the rage in his eyes as they grew larger from the information he received.
"How did you know about the duel, Mr. Malfoy? Who was involved?" Finn, Bailey, and Teagan all closed their eyes, thinking they'd disappear. 'Crap, we're screwed!' Finn thought frightfully. Finn was afraid of what Severus' reaction would be. He was sure that Severus would be angry with them for not telling him what was going on, and for not being more responsible.
"I—I refereed, I will admit headmaster, that I should've known better than to play in their games. I will take full responsibility. Finn, Bailey, Teagan, and I were with her for support. Stone had Donna Boyd, Felix Byrd, and Thomas Rhineheart. We didn't participate but stood on the sidelines." Severus closed his eyes, trying to control his emotions. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly. His right-hand squeezed Hermione's shoulder. Hermione placed her hand over his. Her touch calms him. Only her touch can soothe his mind, body, and spirit, never taking his wife's loving touch for granted.
"Twenty-five points each from Slytherin and Gryffindor, for serious lack of common sense, breaking curfew, and endangering each other. Each of you will serve detention with me and Mr. Filch for a month. I will inform Professor McGonagall and meet with her and her students regarding their punishment." The younger Slytherins sighed silently, however, they knew they deserved it. The students had put themselves and their peers in danger by breaking curfew and not using common sense. The headmaster wanted to ensure that the students learned from their behavior and that it wouldn't happen again. Therefore, in order to teach them a lesson, he assigned them a month of detention with him and the caretaker.
"Mr. Malfoy, I'd expect first years to be as foolish but you… knowing that they were out past curfew to participate in a dangerous activity that could've landed anyone of you injured, or worse, killed. The fact that you didn't inform me or a staff member right away is disheartening. I am disappointed in you." There is a pause, and Scorpius holds his breath for further punishment.
"However, I appreciate you coming forward and providing the necessary information in finding the culprit. I will meet with Mr. Stone and see to his punishment as I see fit." For the first time in a long time, Hermione couldn't find the words to express her disappointment in the students standing in front of her. The three other first years remained silent. Afraid to say anything, instead keeping their eyes on their friend.
"You four can leave. I will let you know if and when visitation hours resume for people other than family members." Severus replied. The four Slytherins lowered their heads in self-guilt as they marched out of the infirmary. Once the room was cleared, Severus leaned down to place a loving kiss on his wife's lips. Alex averted his eyes to his sister. Severus lifted his hand to cup her cheek, he softly moved his thumb to caress her soft skin. Her eyes stared into his black irises, full of love and fear of how all this would play out.
"We just have to keep the faith. Our daughter is strong." Severus soothed. His stomach churned when he heard her barely audible sniffles. The Family remains in the infirmary, not caring about the time.
A/N: Please review! I haven't had many and it's slightly discouraging. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this! I've been pretty busy the last few weeks, but I am NOT abandoning this story! I appreciate all the feedback, thank you!