Summer Love

Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry Potter or the names I’ve borrowed from Sense and Sensibility. Wish I did though. Ha! Ha! This story is strictly for fun and nothing else.

Summary: Hermione has graduated from Hogwarts and discovers her neighbor is none other than her, recently, former potions professor, Severus Snape. What happens when these two get together? Will they make it or not? R/R

Summer Love

Chapter 9

Two days later Severus was back at the hospital. The day after the accident he was released. Marianne stayed with Hermione while Chris took Severus home. Both had agreed for Severus to use Hermione’s car and cell phone till his could be replaced. Hermione was now in a private room but still unconscious.

“What did Ryan and Elise say?” Severus asked as he sat at Hermione’s bedside.

“One, they said to tell you this wasn’t your fault and they’re glad you’re all right. Two, their on the next flight back to London. They’ll be here tomorrow afternoon.” Marianne answered gently.

Severus sighed. He knew it wasn’t his fault, but he couldn’t help but blame himself. Chris and Marianne left to get a shower and some food. Severus stayed at Hermione’s side. Julia came in every hour to check on Hermione’s vitals.

“Don’t worry. She’s out of the woods now. Her vitals are normal and she’s breathing just fine.” Julia said.

“Then why hasn’t she woken up?” Severus asked.

“She will. The doctors are positive she will awaken soon. We’ve seen this many times with people who have been in car accidents. Just be patient.” Julia answered gently.

Severus nodded. Two hours later Chris came back. Marianne was working and would stop by when she could.

“Have you told any of your friends?” Chris asked.

“No. I guess I’ve been hoping she would wake up.” Severus answered.

“I suggest you call them. Why don’t you go outside and call them. IF Hermione wakes up I’ll come find you.” Chris said.

Severus nodded. Severus kissed Hermione’s lips then walked out of the room. He made his way to the lobby and walked to the designated smoking area. He pulled out a pack of cigarettes and lit one. After a few puffs, he pulled out Hermione’s cell phone and made the first call to their friends.

“Hello?”

“Remus?” Severus asked.

“Severus? Thank Merlin! We’ve been trying to reach you and Hermione. Where have you been the last three days?” Remus answered franticly.

“The hospital. Three days ago Hermione got her apprenticeship letter from Minerva. We went out to celebrate. I proposed and she accepted. As we were heading home a drunk driver hit us. Hermione’s still unconscious, but they are expecting her to wake up soon.” Severus replied.

“No! Are you all right?” Remus gasped.

“Yeah. Just some bumps, cuts and bruises.” Severus answered.

“Severus, what else?” Remus knew there was more that Severus wasn’t saying.

“They say Hermione may never walk again. There was damage done to her spinal cord. She may get feeling back, but they don’t expect her to ever walk again.” Severus answered brokenly.

“What hospital?” Remus asked.

“London Memorial.” Severus said.

“Siri and I are on our way.” Remus stated and hung up.

Severus quickly lit another cigarette. He was scared. Scared Hermione would blame him for losing the use of her legs. He had already used magic to make Paradise Manor efficient for her when she was released. A wheelchair lift was added, all the cabinets, counters, sinks and even the tub and shower had been lowered and altered for Hermione.

“There you are Mr. Snape.” Elizabeth Corday greeted.

“How is she Dr. Corday?” Severus asked as he re-entered the room.

“Physically she’s healing just fine. We had also ran a brain scan to be sure there was no brain damage and there was none. All we are waiting on is for her to wake up. Which should be soon. Within the next day or so.” Elizabeth answered.

“Two of our friends are on their way. Is that all right?” Severus asked.

“Of course. I will be by after my shift ends.” Elizabeth replied.

Ten minutes later Remus and Sirius rushed into the room. They hugged Severus, showing their support, before they walked over to Hermione. Both gently kissed her forehead.

“What happened?” Sirius asked.

“I had just proposed. We were heading home. We had just started through an intersection when a drunk driver slammed into my car on Hermione’s side. I only got some bumps, bruises and cuts from the glass.” Severus explained.

“Hello Remus, Sirius.” Marianne greeted as she walked in.

“Hi.” the pair said.

“No change dear.” Chris said as he kissed Marianne’s cheek.

“She’ll be waking up soon. Her mind just needs to catch up. That usually takes a few days.” Marianne said softly.

“Chris, Marianne, can Remus and I have a moment alone with Severus?” Sirius asked.

“Sure. I have to get home anyway.” Chris answered.

“If you need me, just call the nurses station and they’ll find me.” Marianne added.

Once the three wizards were alone with Hermione Remus spoke.

“We hate to add to your worries, but we’ve got some news.” Remus said.

“What is it?” Severus asked.

“Harry’s gone. The night of the accident Harry blew up. He demanded we tell him where Hermione was. We refused. He used raw magic to knock us down. When we got to our feet, he was gone. We’ve had everyone looking for him.” Sirius answered.

“Great. What does Albus say?” Severus asked.

“He’s worried. Worried that Harry will come and find her. Then that would lead him to you.” Remus replied.

“So what am I suppose to do once Hermione comes home?” Severus asked.

“You know that St. Mungo’s might be able to help her. After she wakes up and has had a few days to come to grips with everything, tell the doctors you are moving her to the Hartford Center. To muggles, it is a private hospital, very exclusive.” Remus answered.

“I’ll do that. I just want her safe. That’s all I care about.” Severus said.

Remus and Sirius stayed for another two hours. Severus ordered food and had just finished eating his dinner when Chris returned. The two simply exchanged nods as Chris sat in the chair near the window.

“Who’s picking up Ryan and Elise?” Severus asked.

“I will.” Chris answered.

“No. I think I will. I think it would do me good to get out of here for a while.” Severus said.

Chris and Severus stayed till visiting hours were over. Severus drove to Paradise Manor. He walked in, dropped the keys on the counter and entered the sitting room. Crookshanks wandered in and jumped onto his lap.

“What am I going to do? I feel so lost without her Crookshanks. All I want is for her to wake up and get better.” Severus said as he stroked the familiar’s head.

Crookshanks simply purred, showing his support the only way he could. The day he was released Severus had quickly fed and watered the cat, went upstairs, took a shower, put on clean clothes then laid on their bed, clutched Hermione’s pillow and began to cry. Crookshanks had jumped onto the bed and curled up against Severus’s chest.

Severus got up and headed upstairs. After a long soothing shower, he laid in their bed in the dark thinking. Thinking about what Remus and Sirius had told him about Harry. He feared Harry would find Hermione or even find out about them or both. That scared him.

“Meow!” Crookshanks yowled.

“All right, but just for tonight. When Hermione comes home, we’ll put up a little kitty bed in here. Fair enough?” Severus said.

“Meow!” Crookshanks replied.

Severus fell asleep as Crookshanks snuggled up against his side. Severus’s dreams were filled of nightmares. Visions of Harry finding them and killing Hermione as he watched helplessly from the side.

“No! No! Hermione! Noooo!” Severus cried as he sat up sweating.

“God what a nightmare. It was a nightmare. Just a nightmare.” Severus whispered as he laid down to sleep once more.

At nine the next morning Severus made his way through the hospital and up to Hermione’s room. He walked in just as Julia was finishing her check up on Hermione.

“Good morning Julia.” Severus said.

“Good morning MR. Snape. She’s doing better this morning. She should be waking up soon. More than likely today sometime. Oh Marianne left a message. She said Miss Granger’s parents will be arriving at 12:35 at gate 16.” Julia said.

“Thanks.” Severus replied.

Severus took his usual at her bedside. He noticed some of her bruises and the swelling were healing or nearly gone. Severus held her left hand, her engagement ring twinkling up at him.

“Hermione, darling, wake up. Please. God Hermione, please forgive me. I never meant for you to get hurt. I only want you to be safe.” Severus whispered, hoping she could hear him.

Chris and Marianne came by at around 11:15. At 11:30 Severus left to go pick up Ryan and Elise. He got to the airport at 12:15, headed for gate 16 and waited. He went to the smoking area and pulled out a cigarette. He had just put it out when he heard the announcement.

“Flight 1643 from Paris to London now landing at gate 16. Once again, Flight 1643 from Paris to London now landing at gate 16.”

Severus headed for the gate. Five minutes later people began to disembark from the plane. Severus kept a watchful look out for his future in-laws.

“Severus! Severus over here!” Ryan called out.

“Ryan! Elsie!” Severus cried as he hurried to them.

“Oh my dear! Thank god you’re all right!” Elise cried as she grabbed Severus in a motherly hug.

“Elise, I’m so sorry.” Severus whispered.

“Stop! Severus, this is not your fault. Not by any means. Do you understand me?” Ryan asked.

“Yes sir.” Severus said meekly.

The three headed for the baggage claim. Half an hour later found them heading for the hospital. Once there, Ryan and Elise entered the room while Severus waited outside. Chris and Marianne joined him five minutes later.

“How can they not blame me? I was driving that night.” Severus asked.

“Because you couldn’t have known that a drunk driver was going to hit you. How could you have known?” Marianne asked.

For half an hour Chris, Marianne and Severus sat outside. They gave Ryan and Elsie all the time they needed. Suddenly Ryan and Elise stepped out and gestured for Severus to enter the room. Severus rushed in and froze.

“Severus? What happened?”

T.B.C