The Sound of Noise

The weeks went by in a flurry of activity. Stephanie was practicing constantly and improving daily. Hermione was finalizing the details for the grand opening of her newspaper “The Know-It-All News,” (personally, she thought the pun was hilarious).

Severus was busy preparing for the arrival of students, so he was surprised when Madam Pomfrey appeared in his office. “Severus, I’ve been meaning to speak with you.”

He offered her a chair and tea. “Of course, Poppy, but I do not have a lot of time. My research has greatly cut into my preparation time.”

She nodded. “That’s what I wanted to speak with you about. You asked about my doing an exam on Stephanie, however, my time has not allowed it. Instead, I’ve spoken with a friend from Spain. Miguel Artalejo is a very respected healer that specializes in many different fields. He has agreed to examine Stephanie. He will be in town next week and can stop by.”

Severus leaned back in his chair. “Do you think his exam will be of any quality?”

The mediwitch nodded. “I’ve know him for several years. He is very experienced in this field. He’s done extensive research on the wizard brain and spells and curses that could effect it.”

He steepled his fingers against his chin. “Interesting. I will discuss this with Hermione.” He held his hand out to her. “Thank you for your help.”

***

Ginny, on the other hand, was a bundle of nerves. She sat, drumming her fingers against the table as she waited for Hermione.

When the door finally opened, Ginny stood and practically pulled the woman to the table. “Where have you been? I’ve been waiting for hours!”

Hermione laughed. “Don’t be over dramatic. I’m right on time.”

Ginny shook her head. “Anyway, there are tons of things left to do!” She pulled a list out and smoothed it on the table.

The other woman took it from her and looked it over. "Okay just calm down. Now, let’s do this logically. Dress. When’s the final fitting?”

The redhead looked at her friend. “Today at 2. Hermione, that’s in thirty minutes!”

Hermione laughed. “Calm down. We’ll be there on time.” She looked at the next thing on the list. “Next is my robes. I’m picking those up when we go in for your fitting.” She marked that off the list. “Next, decorations. Didn’t Albus say that he and the rest of the staff are in charge of that?” Ginny nodded, so Hermione marked that off. “Next is Stephanie’s robes. We have those so that gets marked off.” She looked over the list again. “Looks like all that’s left is Harry’s wedding band.”

Ginny sighed. “I’m picking that up today as well.”

The older woman grinned. “See, there wasn’t that much to do. You just need to calm down and focus on the fact that you are going to be Mrs. Harry Potter in two days!”

Ginny smiled at her. “I really can’t believe it!” She sighed then looked at Hermione. “So, what’s the deal with you and Professor Snape? Any news there?”

Hermione shook her head. “No, today isn’t about me. Now, lets eat so we can get going and get to your fitting on time.”

***

Steph took a deep breath and tried to relax. This was the biggest spell she had ever tried. She looked at the animal, visualized what she wanted, then ran the words through her head. Her wand tapped the bird and ever so slowly, it began to transform. She concentrated harder on her words and smiled at the water goblet now on the table. She fell back against her seat, tired from the work.

Minerva smiled. “Very good, Miss Snape.” She frowned at the girl’s appearance. “That will be all for today. I want you to go directly to your father.” She looked at her again. “Ask him for some Pepper-Up potion.” Steph nodded. “Go on now. We’ll take tomorrow off.”

Steph was going over the spell she had learned that morning as she walked. Magic was getting easier for her, well, somewhat easier anyway. She smiled. Dad was going to be so proud! She sped up in her excitement to share the news.

Steph was almost to the Potions classroom, when a wave of dizziness came over her. She stopped and leaned against the wall, taking deep breaths to steady herself. When she felt better, she took her first step, and the world went black.

***

Severus was consulting one of his texts when he heard a noise outside the classroom. He frowned and lay his reading glasses to the side. What was Argus doing now?

He pulled open the door and saw no one. He started to close the door, but saw a wand lying on the floor. From there, he saw books scattered around, then he saw Stephanie.

Within seconds, he was at her side, casting several spells to assess her condition. When he was sure she could be moved, he lifted her gently and started towards the Infirmary.

***

Ginny stepped from the dressing room and looked at Hermione. “What do you think?”

Her friend smiled. “Ginny, Harry won’t be able to take his eyes off you. That is an amazing dress!”

She smiled. “You don’t know how good that makes me feel. I worried that it wasn’t traditional enough. Mum doesn’t like it. She wanted me to wear the traditional wedding robes. I just want to get married. I don’t care if I have to do it naked!”

Hermione laughed. “You look great. Honestly.”

Ginny turned and looked in the mirror. The simple shape of the dress made her look thinner than normal. The strapless dress clung to every curve and made her feel like a princess. “I didn’t want Harry to be overwhelmed by a real wizarding ceremony.” She laughed. “And I didn’t want to wear those robes!” She looked at Hermione. “It’s really happening isn’t it? I’m marrying Harry Potter!”

The conversation was interrupted when the saleswoman brought Hermione a note. “This just arrived for you.”

She thanked the woman, opened the note, and looked at Ginny. “I have to go. Something is wrong with Steph. She’s in the Hospital Wing at Hogwarts.”

***

Poppy finished her exam and looked at Severus. “She’s weak Severus, very weak. What has she been doing?”

He didn’t take his eyes off his daughter. “She has been practicing her magic in her classes today.”

The MediWitch frowned. “I see. As far as I can tell, she will be just fine after she rests.” She pulled a blanket over the young girl. “She’ll be fine. I will come back and check on her later. I expect you’ll be staying?”

He nodded, and didn’t looked up at the woman as she left. He only took his eyes off Stephanie when he heard the door open.

***

Hermione walked to the bed. “What happened?” She smoothed Steph’s hair back from her face.

Severus sighed. “She fainted outside of my classroom today. Poppy says she will be fine with rest.”

She looked up at him. “What caused it?”

He shrugged. “Poppy did not know, but seemed to want to imply something. I suggest we talk to Stephanie when she awakes.”

***

She was floating. She could hear people talking in the distance, but couldn’t make out what they were saying. She blinked, but only saw blackness.

Steph wondered where her Mom and Dad were. She wanted them. She was scared.

“MOM! DAD!”

She blinked. She could talk. She was really talking!

“Mom, Dad, where are you?” This was easy! Why couldn’t she do this in real life? A though occurred to her.

“Lumos.”

Light filled the space. She found herself above the Potions classroom. She wanted to be on the ground and found herself slowly descending.

When she was firmly on the ground, she looked around. It was the same, but there were small differences. She saw the office door and started toward it, but it opened before she could reach it.

Her father walked out, but didn’t see her. “Dad, look. I can talk! Isn’t it neat?”
Her dad still didn’t seem to notice her. She frowned and walked over to him. “Dad, look at me. Dad, I can talk!” She tried touching his arm, but her hand went right through him.

Steph moved away from him, her eyes wide. “This isn’t real. It has to be a dream.”

Suddenly, there was a bright light behind her. She whirled around and was surprised to see a small wolf cub. She frowned. What was that doing here? “Hello little one. What are you doing here?”

The cub ran over and nuzzled her hand, then turned and ran from the classroom. Steph looked at her father and then started after the wolf.

She was very far away from her father now. She had never been to this part of the castle before. Where was everyone? She called out to the wolf cub and realized it was still in front of her, just out of her reach. She could have screamed in frustration!

Steph stopped chasing the wolf and leaned against the wall. She wanted to go home. She wanted her mom and dad. She wanted out of this stupid dream!

***

Severus touched Hermione’s shoulder. “She’s beginning to wake.”

Hermione unfold herself from the chair she had been resting on and moved to sit beside Steph. She took her hand. “Come on, honey. Wake up. Mummy and Daddy are here. Come on, baby. Open your eyes.” Severus stood next to her and waited. He watched his daughter slowly come back into consciousness.

She blinked as she tried to clear her vision. She saw her mom and then looked and found her dad. She smiled slightly, then started to tell them about what she saw. She frowned, almost in tears, when she remembered she couldn’t speak here.

***

Severus smiled slightly. “Welcome back, Little One. How do you feel?”

She shrugged and tried to get up. Hermione pushed her back against the bed. “No, honey. Poppy thinks you should stay here tonight. I agree. We don’t know what happened to you.”

Steph signed then looked at her father. He frowned. “You were dizzy on your way to my class this afternoon and fainted. Did you feel anything other than that?”

She shook her head and signed the word “tired.”

Hermione smoothed the blanket over her. “Just tired. Well, the best thing for you to do is lay here and rest. We’re both going to be here with you tonight, so just close your eyes and rest.”

The girl shook her head and signed. Severus smiled. “Very well, tell us about your dream.”

***

Minerva shook her head. “I don’t know Albus. She looked different when she finished her lesson today. She has looked different in the past few weeks.”

Albus stroked his beard. “This does warrant looking into. I’m sure Severus and Hermione are working as we speak to unravel this mystery.” He stood. “Shall we go and check on the young Snape?”

***

Severus ran his hand through his hair. “Very interesting, Little One. I’m sure that the interpretation will offer insight into your problem. Your mother and I will work on that as well.”

Hermione smiled. “He’s right. We’ll add that to the list of things to do.” She looked up as the door opened. “Looks like you have visitors.”

The Headmaster and Minerva came around the privacy screen. Albus smiled. “I see someone is feeling better.” Stephanie nodded. She signed and looked at her mother. Hermione looked at Minerva. “She says she didn’t get to take the potion you suggested.”

Minerva smiled. “Do not worry, Miss Snape. I’m sure that Poppy gave you something more helpful.” Steph nodded and lay back against her pillows.

Albus turned to Severus. “Has Poppy determined what caused this?”

He shook his head. “No sir. We hope that she has just overexerted herself today and this will be a one time occurrence.”

Minerva spoke. “I think you should know Stephanie began acting tired after she completed a rather complicated transfiguration this afternoon.”

Hermione frowned. “Do you think this could be a side effect of her magic responding?”

Severus narrowed his eyes in thought. “It is a possibility. Since it was difficult for her to use her wand, getting a response could have drained her energy.”

The Headmaster nodded. “It is a thought. We will monitor the situation closely.”

Hermione looked up from Steph. “She’s fallen asleep. Can we talk about this somewhere else so we won’t disturb her?”

***

Harry looked up as Ron walked in the room. “Hi mate. How goes it?”

Ron shrugged. “As well as can be expected.” He sat in the chair opposite Harry. “Getting excited?”

Harry nodded. “Very.” He looked at the floor then back to his friend. “Look. We’ve been friends a long time. You know you’re welcome to stay here as long as you need.”

The other man shook his head. “No can do. I have somewhere else to be.” He smiled. “I found a small place outside of Hogsmeade. There’s just enough room for me and several lovely ladies.”

Harry laughed. “That’s great! Perfect for King Ron and his harem. What does Mum think?”

Ron shrugged. “She’s mad I’m not coming home, but she’ll be fine. She did this with Fred and George. She’ll moon over Ginny too.”

Harry nodded. “Yeah, but she does have the grand kids to keep her busy.”

They heard the front door slam, and Ginny call out “Harry, Ron. Where are you?”

They called out to her and stood when she entered. She hugged both of them. “We need to go to Hogwarts. Something has happened with Stephanie.”

***

Steph opened her eyes and looked around. She was at Hogwarts. She was in the Infirmary. Maybe, just maybe... She tried to speak and frowned when nothing happened. She just wanted to talk like she did in her dream.

Her thoughts went back to the dream. A wolf cub. What was that all about? She liked wolves; she thought they were majestic and sleek. Maybe she had been thinking about them before she fainted.

Steph snuggled back under the blankets. She’d think more about it later.

***

The stone statue moved aside for the group. As they rode the moving stairs, Ginny fretted. “Do you think she’s okay? Hermione said she was fine this morning. This is very sudden. I hope Stephanie is okay.”

Harry chuckled as Ron playfully shoved his sister. “Come on, Gin. She’s at Hogwarts. Madam Pomfrey is the best MediWitch around. If she can’t fix what’s wrong, there no hope for the rest of us.”

Harry knocked on the door of the office. “I’m sure she’s fine, love. Hermione and Professor Snape will make sure of it.”

The door opened and Ginny stepped inside. “Where is Stephanie? Is she okay? What happened to her? Where is she?”

Severus sighed. “Ms. Weasley, if you would allow someone a word, you would know that Stephanie is resting in the Hospital Wing. She is recovering and Poppy does not foresee any problems. As for why, that has yet to be determined.”

Ginny looked at him. “Well, thank you. Very informative.” She took a seat near Hermione.

The older witch whispered to her. “Look over him. He was worried about Steph as well today.”

Severus stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to.” He swept from the room.

Harry stood as well. “I’m going to check on Steph.” He kissed Ginny. “Unless you want me to stay?”

She shook her head. “Go on love. I’ll be along in a moment.” She turned back to the Headmaster. They didn't even notice Hermione and Ron leave as well.

***

As they walked towards the Infirmary, Hermione explained the theory Albus had about Steph. Ron shook his head. “That’s bloody awful! I hope something can be done.”

Hermione nodded. “So do I. She was excited when her wand began to respond and now she may have to take some time away from her practice.”

Harry was in thought as he walked. “Isn’t there some type of enhancement potion she could take to help her? Something to boost her energy, or her powers for that matter she can practice them?”

Her mother tapped a finger against her chin. “That’s a thought. Now that she knows her powers are there, she doesn’t have to practice as much. If she took the enhancing potion, maybe it would build up her power to that of a normal wizarding child.”

Ron shrugged. “It’s worth a shot.”

***

Steph heard footsteps and opened her eyes. She knew it was her Daddy. Only his boots tapped that way on the stones. She heard him slow down as he neared her bed. She sat up, glad that someone had come to visit.

Severus peeked around the curtain. “Hello, Little One.” He moved to sit next to her on the bed. “Why is it that almost every time you are at Hogwarts, I have to visit you in the Infirmary?”

She grinned and signed. He nodded. “True, you are your mother’s child. Are you feeling better?” She nodded. After a moment, she signed.

He looked towards the door. “I had hoped your mother would be here so we could discuss this together.” He sighed. “Albus has suggested that since your powers are working, they may be draining your energy.”

Steph frowned and signed.

Severus shrugged. “That is a questions I’ve asked myself. For now, you are going to take a break from your practice to rest. After that, we don’t know.”

The girl frowned, almost in tears, as she signed.

Her father shook his head. “Do not worry, Little One. You will not be behind everyone else. This is only a small break.”

***

The curtains parted and Hermione looked through. “Sorry to intrude, but the Uncles want to visit.”

Harry and Ron come through behind her. “Hey squirt. What are you doing in here?”

Steph shook her head at Harry.

Ron frowned. “Oh now, don’t worry. Your Mum and Pop will come up with something. In fact, I think Mum and Harry already have.”

Severus looked up at her. "Did you plan on sharing?"

Hermione pulled a face. “Of course. Harry had an idea about using an enhancing potion. I thought it could be taken during this ‘rest’ to build up her powers.”

Steph looked at her father as he thought. “It couldn’t hurt. It would have to be mild. I will look into it more this evening.” He looked at Steph. “I’ll leave you to visit.” He stood and nodded as he left.

Steph felt her eyelids drooping as she listened to the grown-ups talking. She wanted to listen, but it was so hard.

Hermione looked at her and then stopped Ron’s thought. “Let’s go somewhere else. She needs her rest.” She kissed the girl’s forehead and tucked the blankets around her. “Rest. We’ll be back soon.”

Harry and Ron kissed her as well, then left the room.

***

They met Ginny in the hallway and gathered her into the group. A short, memory filled walked brought them to the Room of Requirement. Inside was a version of the old Gryffindor Common Room. They took their ‘normal’ seats and settled in.

Hermione looked around. “This room always made me feel better, even now.”

Ron nodded. “Me too. It’s like nothing bad can happen as long as we’re in here.”

Ginny sighed. “It’s a nice illusion.” She took Harry’s hand.

He nodded. “But, that’s all over with. Hermione, what can we do to help?”

She shook her head. “No. Things are fine now. Steph is resting and we have a lead on how to help her. Now, we talk about the wedding.”

***

Severus paced his room. There had to be something. Some potion that would help his daughter. His right hand subconsciously rubbed his left forearm, over the now faded Dark Mark. He stopped and looked at the spot.

No, he would not resort to dark potions to help Stephanie. Although, there was the enhancing potion he had altered for Voldemort.

Hermione would kill him. It was as simple as that.

He sighed. Magic wasn’t inherently dark or light. It all depended on your intention. This was to help an innocent child, so that couldn’t be considered dark could it? Severus shook his head as he headed towards his lab. “Pray to Merlin it’s not.”

***

Hermione wished Harry, Ron and Ginny good-bye before she went back to check on Steph. She promised Ginny they would finalize everything tomorrow. Hermione was amazed that someone as levelheaded as the youngest Weasley could get so bent out of shape. She chuckled lightly as she entered the Hospital Wing.

***

Severus was reading to Stephanie; her head lying on his chest. Hermione smiled. “The last time I saw this I was shocked. Now, I think it’s sweet.”

Snape looked at her. “Remember Hermione, Potions Master.”

She shook her head and sat on the edge of the bed. Severus lay the book to the side. “Poppy wants her to stay here tonight. She says if Stephanie is feeling better in the morning, she can leave.”

Steph pouted and snuggled against her father.

Hermione smiled. “It’s okay, honey. I’m not leaving until you do.” She glanced around. “I’m sure Poppy will let me sleep on one of the extra beds.”

Severus started to speak, but a voice cut him off. “These beds are for those in need of medical assistance.” Albus smiled as he continued. “We have guest quarters for our guests.”

Hermione thanked him. “I would like to stay near Stephanie.”

Severus shook his head. “She will be fine Hermione. Besides, there is no winning when you argue with the Headmaster. Believe me.”

Steph yawned and looked up at her mother. She signed, “It’s fine Mom. I’ll be asleep anyway.” She yawned again.

Poppy came around the curtain. “Just what is everyone doing here? Miss Snape needs her rest. Now, say goodnight and shoo!”

Severus kissed his daughter’s head and stood. “Good night, Little One. We will be back in the morning. Rest.” Steph nodded and smiled.

Hermione kissed her as well. “Night, love. Get a good night’s sleep and we’ll do something fun tomorrow. Ginny still needs help with the wedding.”

The girl grinned and snuggled into the covers as Poppy all but pushed them from the room. “She will eat her dinner and sleep. Do not worry about her. She will be fine.”

***

Albus looked at the couple. “Dinner will be served shortly. Many of the professors are not back from their vacation, so the whole affair will be intimate if you would like to join.”

Hermione started to speak, but Severus stopped her. “Thank you for the offer Headmaster, but I already had plans for this evening and was going to invite Hermione to join me.”

Albus nodded. “Very well. I’ll leave you two then.”

After he was gone, Hermione looked at Severus. “You had plans? What plans?”

Severus gave her a look. “Well, I suppose I shall have to feed you dinner, but I had planned on thoroughly snogging you tonight.”

She laughed. “What if I have different plans?”

He raised his eyebrow. “I can be very persuasive.”

***

They made their way to his chambers and found a wonderful dinner waiting. She looked up at him. “You didn’t plan all this did you?”

He tried to look innocent. “I did happen to mention to a house elf that I would be staying in tonight.” She shook her head as he helped her into her seat. “While I do want to treat you to all the things you deserve, I do not want to leave Stephanie while she s in the Hospital Wing.”

Hermione nodded. “I agree. While a night out would be wonderful, Stephanie does come first.”

As he poured their drinks he began to tell her about his plan. “I’ve begun work on an enhancing potion for Stephanie. It should be ready in a week.”

She looked at him. “You’ve already started something? What is it? Is it safe?”

He held up his hand to stop anymore questions. “It’s a potion that I modified several years back. I know it is harmless and will only enhance her magic.” He took a sip of wine.

Hermione frowned. “Why would you need to modify an enhancing potion?”

Severus stared into his wine. “Some questions are better left unanswered.” He looked at her. “Are you hungry? I’m sure whatever the House Elves have prepared will be delicious.”

She stopped him from serving the dinner. “Severus, is this potion legal?” She reached up and tilted his face so he was looking at her. “The potion was for Voldemort wasn’t it?”

He looked at a spot over her left shoulder. “You of all people should know that everything I do is legal, and yes, it was for Voldemort.”

She sighed loudly. “Severus, that is dark magic.”

Severus stopped her. “You know as well as I that the intent behind magic and the nature of the witch or wizard is what makes magic dark. I am trying to help my daughter, not foster the next Dark Lord.”

She nodded. “I know, but I don’t want something to happen to her.” She looked at the wine in her glass. “I know it’s stupid, but sometimes I still feel that Voldemort could come back and harm us.”

He took her hand and pulled her around the table. She settled in his lap like old times and he brushed her hair back from her face. “Hermione, Voldemort is dead. I saw Harry deal the final blow myself. He is no longer a threat.” He kissed her gently. “The last of his followers were captured several years ago. All were accounted for as of Sunday.” She frowned and started to speak, but his finger against her lips silenced her. “While I know what I’ve said is true, periodically I check to make sure our Ministry hasn’t made a mess of things.” He raised his eyebrow. “I may not be a spy anymore, but I am still paranoid.”

Hermione laughed and leaned her head against his shoulder. “I knew there was a reason I loved you.” She closed her eyes and was content to just be with him.

He held her close, his mind reeling. She just said she loved him. Did she really mean it, or was she merely using it as a figure of speech? He closed his eyes and let those thoughts go. No now. Later, but no now.

***

After they finished dinner, they sat contently, reading in silence. Every so often, Severus would find himself staring at her. He couldn’t help but smile at the way she chewed the end of her hair as she concentrated. He looked at her hands as she caressed the edges of the book. He had to shift himself at the thoughts that image brought.

Finally, she caught him staring. “What? Is there something in my teeth? Do I have a bogey?”

He rolled his eyes. “No, you look lovely. As always.”

Hermione blew him a kiss and smiled. “What are you reading?”

Severus shrugged and lay the book on the small table beside him. “You mostly. Come here.”

He motioned as she shook her head. “You are terrible.” She moved and sat on his lap, her legs hanging over the arm of his chair. His hands were clasped around her waist and he was almost smiling at her.

She traced his lips with her fingertips. “I love to see you smile.” He frowned, but she continued. “I know, I know, you don’t smile, but you have before.” She kissed him. “That’s why every smile you ever gave me, I remember. Each and every time.”

His hand tangled in her hair. “I remember all the times I made you smile. The picnic by the lake come to mind. Your smile was so brilliant then.” He watched as she smiled again. “And now, I see no difference.”

She laughed at his hidden joke. “You great bat.”

He pulled her close and carried out his plan for the evening.

----------------------

Wow, I know right. I can't believe I updated either! Let me catch you guys up with me. I'VE GRADUATED COLLEGE! That's right. I'm an adult now. And it sucks! Anyway, that's why there was a lang between chapters. I'm trying to get things back in order. Thanks for sticking with me.