Disclaimer: This fanfiction is based on characters and settings from the Harry Potter series, created by J.K. Rowling and owned by Warner Bros. Any changes or additions to the original story are purely for creative purposes and are not meant to reflect the original work. This story is not for profit and is written for the enjoyment of fans.

~O~

Lost and Found

Chapter 1: Acquainted

Severus vividly recalled their first meeting. It took place after one of his routine rehabilitation appointments at St. Mungo's. Yes, he survived the war. Unfortunately.

Anticipating that his end might come at the hands of either the Dark Lord or Nagini, Severus had prudently ingested an anti-venom antidote in case it was from the latter after Lucius informed him that the Dark Lord wanted to see him at the Shrieking Shack. It was the same potion he had prepared for Arthur Weasley a few years prior. He always carried this potion with him, along with his other emergency concoctions, much like a Muggle first aid kit. Despite his foreboding sense that this could be the end, Severus knew he couldn't delay the Dark Lord's command to meet with him. On the other hand, he had to find Potter. Inwardly, he prayed to any god who would listen to extend his life just a little longer so he could relay the message to Potter.

He had been a resident of St. Mungo's for nearly eleven months, spending five of those months in a coma. It was only due to Potter's insistence that the Healers didn't "pull the plug." Apparently, after the Dark Lord fell and the Light side emerged victorious, a few people, including Potter, had teamed up to find his body. They were certain he was dead after witnessing the attack but were completely shocked to find a pulse. He was carried on a stretcher, with many survivors looking at his limp body with concern and adoration. Potter's revelation of Severus's loyalties and love for his late mother significantly changed the negative perception many had of him. Of course, he didn't care about it at all.

While Severus was unconscious, his name was cleared, and he felt immense relief upon learning this later. The thought of standing before the Wizengamot while Potter argued for his loyalty would have been torture.

Escaping death from a venomous snake that continuously struck his neck came at a significant cost—a permanently damaged vocal cord and a limp in his left leg due to severe nerve damage. Yet, Severus wasn't upset about it at all. In his mind, he deserved a far harsher punishment for the sins he had committed. The Healers insisted that he have weekly appointments at the hospital to continue his treatments. Severus didn't want to go, but the thought of Potter and hospital workers knocking on his door compelled him to comply.

With no way of communicating with the hospital staff except for grunts and primitive hand gestures, Severus made his way out of the rehabilitation ward, offering a stoic wave to the receptionist, who smiled back. He had been a patient there for so long that the staff were used to seeing him, no longer needing to take a second look or gape at him as he walked the halls.

Unlike the other days when he walked the silent, eerie corridors, this day was different. A familiar voice called out from behind him after he turned a corner.

"Professor Snape!" The sound reverberated through the halls, making Severus cringe. He knew who it was. Six years of that annoying voice barraging him with questions—academic purposes, of course, but nevertheless annoying since she was not from his House.

He didn't turn around quickly, partly due to his physical condition and partly because he simply didn't want to see her. He could hear small footsteps approaching. Only when she was a few feet behind him did he manage to turn his body, grimacing at the effort.

"Professor, it's a pleasure meeting you here," came the breathless greeting of Hermione Granger.

He did his best not to roll his eyes before meeting her bright brown ones. She looked quite different from the last time he had seen her, when he was delirious and lying in a pool of his own blood in the Shrieking Shack. Her hair was more tamed, and her face was spotless, a stark contrast to the disheveled appearance she had during the Battle of Hogwarts.

A pleasure indeed, he could only think sardonically. As much as he wanted to thwart her off with a sarcastic snide, he couldn't possibly do so. Merlin, he missed his voice. Granger could think what she liked about his perceived rudeness, as he remained silent in response to her unnecessarily warm greeting.

When he didn't respond, she continued, a bit more cautious and reserved. "Er… Harry updates us sometimes on how you're doing, Professor. I know you're still doing your treatments…" Her eyes quickly darted to his neck, covered with his usual black cravat, and then to his walking cane, which was similar to Lucius's but longer and with a genuine purpose. "It must be difficult for you. If you must know, I'm always ready to help you if you need anything. All of us are, mind you. We are at your disposal."

At her offer of help, Severus raised an unbelieving eyebrow. She replied with a sheepish smile. Of course, you'd do anything I asked for, wouldn't you?

As though she could read his mind, she continued, "We owe you a lot. And I regret I haven't thanked you personally for it. If not for your sacrifice, the outcome of the war would have been very different, and—"

Severus turned around quickly. Much to his displeasure, a sharp pain shot from his lower back to his brain. It was very painful indeed, but he wouldn't show his weakness to a random Hogwarts ex-student. He gritted his teeth and began to walk away, or more accurately, limp away. He stopped suddenly when he felt a hand softly rest on his upper arm. She stepped in front of him, her expression deeply apologetic.

"I'm so sorry, Professor. I didn't mean to—I mean, I didn't mean to get all sentimental like that. I promise I won't do it again. Please, give me a chance." She gulped as she studied his face. He knew he must look pale, and he could see the question in her eyes—whether he was feeling alright—but she was smart enough not to ask. He might not have his voice to scare her off, but he still had his wand. Though he wouldn't be as quick as he once was in unsheathing it from his inner robe, she would have some little time to react, whether to defend herself or to scamper away. His magic was still as strong as ever, and his aim remained true.

After the pain had subsided, he started toward the main entrance. Granger quickly stepped aside, then fell into step beside him. He wanted to wave her off like an annoying mosquito buzzing in his ears, but his physical limitations prevented it. Instead, he tried to ignore her presence and concentrated on the light at the end of the hallway. Severus couldn't wait to get home, down the numerous potions the Healers had prescribed, and sink into his armchair, feeling high as a kite. In addition to relieving his pain, the potions made him feel like he was on medicinal weed, which Severus didn't mind. Anything that took his mind away from the nightmares of his past was always welcome.

It was a torturous ten minutes or so. His pace was slow, and she matched his speed. He didn't bother asking her the purpose of her presence. Was she working here? The thought sickened him—Granger being assigned to his treatments, leafing through his medical history, and attempting to ask if he was alright and to rate his pain from one to ten. Ex-students and former colleagues only reminded him of the painful past, and the less he saw of them, the better.

Finally, they reached the door, and a rush of cold wind greeted him. Snow was gently drifting down, with some flakes landing on his shoulders. Severus was relieved she didn't let on with talking and respected his silence. "Well, it was a pleasure seeing you, Professor Snape. Until then." Still intent on not acknowledging her, he stepped away from the door and Apparated away.

~O~

"Well, that's the end of our weekly appointments, Mr. Snape." Healer Wrythe, a portly old mediwizard, pushed his chair away from Severus and went to his desk. Snape folded down his left trouser after Wrythe had inspected it, seemingly content with what he saw. "We did our best, and I'm rather happy with the results."

Snape silently scoffed at that. His voice would have recovered if a more severe and complicated treatment had been administered during the early weeks of his confinement, he was sure of it. He was unconscious at that time and had no influence over his treatment. Nonetheless, he was still thankful for the Healers' efforts in keeping him alive.

"I still advise you to return here every month, though, to make sure there's no degradation. As you know, the damage to your vocal cords is irreversible, and I'm really sorry to say you won't be able to speak normally. Your speech will be limited, and I advise against straining your voice. There are alternatives to communication though, as I'm sure you're aware. I can arrange for you to speak with some of our experts here at St. Mungo's. Would you like that?"

Severus slowly shook his head. Communication for socializing was out of his mind; he could care less about conversing with other people. Now, he had an excuse to live his life like a hermit—peaceful and away from bothersome people.

Healer Wrythe regarded him for a moment. He was expecting this response from Severus, so he showed little surprise. Severus had been cooperative throughout his treatment period, and that's all a Healer could wish for. "Very well. As for your leg, I believe you won't need your cane after a few months. Your nerves and muscles are still in the process of healing. Give it more time and don't strain yourself, alright? I can prescribe you the needed potions, which you may need to pick up every month. Is that fine with you?"

Severus considered it for a moment. He could, of course, brew his own potions, but it was a task he wasn't thinking about undertaking anytime soon. Since the death of Albus Dumbledore, he hadn't had the motivation to return to brewing. Slughorn had been the one brewing for the Hospital Wing. Merlin knows who brewed Lupin's Wolfsbane Potion, as Slughorn wasn't a member of the Order. Severus assumed Minerva would have arranged it in secret.

After careful consideration, Severus nodded his head. He was not concerned if they put poison, but it would have been another painful way to go. "And remember, don't consume too much alcohol. It will negate the potions' effects. A glass of wine after dinner will be fine." That much would be easy. Severus had never had alcohol introduced into his bloodstream ever since he was born, thanks to his drunkard of a father.

As soon as Severus closed the door to Healer Wrythe's office, he heard someone call his name. Annoying chit. "Professor!" Hermione Granger hurried over from a bench a few rooms away. She looked like she was waiting for her turn in another Healer's office. He just stared at her with his cold black eyes as she approached, hoping to scare her off. But she went on anyway, disregarding his attempts. "Hi, it's nice to bump into you again."

Both times were never a 'bump into,' Granger. And neither was nice.

"So, you come here every Thursday, then? I just assumed because we met on a Thursday two weeks ago. I come here every Monday and Thursday. Oh, not for me though, but for my— Anyway, since we met a couple of weeks ago, I had an idea which might be able to help you."

He remained stoic as Granger dug into her shoulder bag and produced a small contraption. It was shiny and had what looked like buttons. He had seen a similar object once, but it looked different from what she was holding. Severus believed it was Muggle. Being home in a Muggle village didn't mean he was acquainted with their ways of the world. He seldom went out of his house, but when he did, he made sure to wear a black jacket over a black T-shirt, always the safest choice.

She held her hand out more to him, giving him a better look at the thing. Granger was expecting some kind of reaction from him, but he could only give one of confusion. How in the hell can it help me?

"If you have a minute to spare, can I show it to you?" She beckoned him to the nearest bench near the wall. He shot a quick glance at the room she had been sitting in front of moments ago. It read "Healer Morgana Blackthorn – Memory." Curious.

He looked at her and was confused about her eagerness. What does she want from me? Her hand was outstretched, still indicating the bench. I guess I have some moments to spare until I can go back home to my… brooding. With a deep sigh, he relented, and her smile grew wider. Severus wasn't used to smiles directed at him. With much contempt, he slowly sat down on the wooden bench, shifting his weight on his cane in the process. Granger was beside him, her hands ready in case he fell. As if I will.

"Great!" she exclaimed excitedly as soon as she sat down. "Let me show you. This is called a mobile. It's Muggle." That I know of, Miss Granger. Don't talk to me like a child. "You look like you've seen it. Have you used it before?"

He shook his head faintly. Severus would not give her the satisfaction of seeing him almost responding to her. She got more excited at his response.

"Well, Muggles use it for communication. You can call or send messages to someone with a simple click of a button, in real time, anywhere in the country. Not after hours or days as with our owls. It's really a magical device that the Wizarding World could benefit from using." He wouldn't admit it, but his curiosity was piqued. Severus didn't show it, though. He continued staring at the mobile.

And what does it matter to me? Surely, she knew he couldn't call anyone given his current condition and wouldn't be able to use it to contact anyone in their world. In addition, he had no wish to contact anyone for socializing.

Granger seemed to understand his train of thought as she cleared her throat and continued, "You see here, these are buttons assigned to numbers and letters." She proceeded to explain how to use the device, which button to press, Menu to New Messages to composing words and numbers. It was easy enough to follow, and he might know what she was up to.

"Normally, these electronic devices don't function in our world. I suspect it's because our magic gives off some kind of electromagnetic signals that affect the functionality of these things. But Mr. Weasley found a way around that. He can even watch telly in the Burrow now! Do you know where I'm getting at, Professor? Try!" Granger shoved the mobile at him.

He shrugged and took it. It was light enough but heavier than a wand. It had a pointed thing sticking out and had the word "NOKIA" near some small holes. It sounded like a town in Finland, if his Muggle elementary days served him correctly. Severus hesitated at first but gave it a try anyway. Following Granger's demonstration, he clicked the buttons. Beside him, Granger was grinning from ear to ear, clearly excited to see her old Professor toying with a Muggle contraption.

When he stopped, Granger looked more closely at the greenish lighted screen. It read, "st0P clL me prFesor" She laughed at that and clapped her hands on her knees.

"Sorry, Prof—. Just a habit, that's all. What should I call you then?"

He sighed again and went on clicking. "mR. SnAPE"

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Very well, Mr. Snape it is! How do you find it, is it helpful?"

Again, he wouldn't admit it, but yes, it was useful. It was preferable to grunts and signs, which made him look like a troll. He offered the mobile back to Granger, but she waved her hand dismissively. "No, no. It's my offering to you. I was hoping you could make use of it sometimes when you find it hard to…" Her voice faltered, unsure whether she should continue that sentence. "Anyway, Harry told me you live in a Muggle neighborhood, so I assume your house somehow runs on electricity too." That last sentence came out like a question.

She rummaged in her bag again and pulled out another black contraption, a small box with metal prongs sticking out and a long cord with a dull circular hollow metal end. "This is the charger. Once the mobile's power is out, you can connect this end to the mobile and then this end to the power supply. You can also see if you're almost out, see this battery icon?" She showed him more on how to get around with the device. After a few moments, they were silent but Severus knew she wasn't finished. Her body was still shaking with excitement.

"Oh, one more thing!" She handed him a slender metallic object, a few inches long and much shorter than a wand. "It's a ballpoint pen. Much handier than a quill and ink."

Severus had one of these before when he was studying in the Muggle public school. It was rare that he used it, though; he mostly used a pencil. He didn't know how to feel about Granger's charity, or concern for that matter. It was too much to swallow in just a few minutes. He stared at the mobile in his left hand and the pen in his right. Finally, he nodded his appreciation to her and pocketed the items she provided.

Granger's smile couldn't get any wider than it was now. She looked like the happiest person on earth at this moment. Severus made to stand, and she followed. Suddenly, the door to Healer Blackthorn's office opened, and a staff member called to her, "Miss Granger. Please come inside, Healer Blackthorn would like to discuss with you."

"A moment, please," she politely replied to the staff. "Good luck, Mr. Snape. I hope you have a quick recovery and do let me know if those are to your liking." She extended a hand, which he slowly accepted. He watched her as she walked into the room, all smiles and happiness vanishing from her face, her back slumping. Curious.

~O~

A/N: That's it for the first chapter. I'll update the next chapter soon. Please leave a review and let me know what you liked and didn't like. =)