The Sound Of Silence

After breakfast, Harry and Ron took Hermione aside. \"Mione, we know that you\'ve got to get back to work next week, but I mean, we don\'t want you to leave. Ron and I were wanting to offer you our house.\"

Ron nodded. \"Yeah. You and Steph could move in with us. You could get a job at The Daily Prophet. We\'d even help with expenses until everything was settled.\"

She sighed. \"Guys, thank you. It means a lot to me that you want me, us, back in your lives. I just don\'t think it would be good to pull Steph out of school right now.\"

Harry nodded. \"I can understand that, but just think about it. You could live with us when she goes to Hogwarts next year.\"

She bit her lip. \"I...I don\'t know.\"

Ron stopped her. \"Just think about it. Our house is always open. It doesn\'t look like I\'m getting married anytime soon, unless you\'re interested?\" She shook her head. \"Well then, I\'m still looking and Harry is taking his sweet time getting around to asking Ginny.\"

Harry blushed. \"I\'m waiting for the right time.\"

Ron rolled his eyes. \"Almost six years mate. Plenty of good opportunities.\"

Hermione giggled. \"That\'s true Harry. Guys, I will think about it. Steph does enjoy Hogwarts and being with Severus. I just don\'t know if I can afford to move and leave my job.\"

Harry sighed. \"Hermione, you can afford to do anything you want to do.\"

Ron looked at him. \"We telling her now?\"

Harry nodded. \"Hermione, we\'re famous now. You only got a taste of that before you left. The only reason you haven\'t been mobbed since you\'ve been back is because you\'ve changed so much, no one recognizes you. Ron and I have done the appearances, we\'ve done the interviews, and we don done the stupid promotions. We got more money than we could spend in a lifetime.\"

Ron nodded. \"I\'m rich Hermione. For the first time in my life.\"

Harry nodded. \"We both are. We\'ve talked about this all week. We want to give you your share.\"

Hermione shook her head. \"No. I didn\'t do anything. I\'m not taking your money.\" Ron sho shook his head. \"You fought just as much as we did. You are a hero Hermione. You deserve this money.\"

Hermione shook her head again. \"I have as much money as I need. Don\'t worry about me.\" She turned and walked outside to get Stephanie.

Harry looked at Ron. \"I\'ll call Gringott\'s.\"

Ron nodded. \"We need to talk to Snape too.\"

Harry watched Hermione and Steph. \"Yeah. We don\'t want him missing out on anything.\"

***

Hermione was distracted as she and Steph walked to the Dungeons. Would he say anything about that kiss? What was he expecting? Steph kept tugging her hand, trying to get her attention. Finally she looked down at her daughter.

Steph signed. Hermione nodded. \"Yes, we talked about how to help you last night. He\'s been researching since the first time you were here.\" Steph smiled and signed again. Mommy nodded. \"He told me about your theory. It won\'t be that easy baby, but we\'re working on it. I promise.\" She knocked on the door.

***

Severus pulled himself out of his thoughts. That would be Stephanie and Hermione. When had he started thinking of her as Hermione again? Why had he kissed her last night? What possessed him to do that? He pulled the door open and smiled when Steph hugged him. Hermione was standing, smiling at the scene. He locked eyes with her and saw the questions shimmering there. Questions he didn\'t have answers for. \"Thank you for letting her visit today.\"

She smiled at him. \"Thank you for wanting her to visit.\"

Severus nodded. \"Until this evening.\" He slowly pushed the door closed.

Steph still had her arms around his waist. She was smiling up at him. He smiled slightly. She signed. He shook his head. \"No, we\'re not flying today. I think we have upset your Mother enough yesterday.\" She nodded.

She let go of him and sat down. He sat opposite of her. She worried her lip as she looked at him. He sighed. \"I told you that you could ask any question you wanted.\" She nodded and ran for paper and a quill. She jotted a few things down and then looked at him. She wrote a few more things and handed him the paper. He took it from her and chuckled. \"You are so much like your Mother. I\'ll try to answer as many as I can.\"

***

Hermione had left Ron and Harry discussing some aspect of Quidditch. They hadn\'t changed much since school. She did love them; she loved them very much, but she just needed some time alone with her thoughts.

What was she feeling for Severus? She was still upset with him for pushing her away. She was upset with how he reacted to Stephanie. She didn\'t expect to be welcomed back with open arms, but she did expect some civility.

She found a seat underneath a tree and settled in. Everything had changed since she left. Harry and Ginny were dating. Arthur was Minister of Magic and the whole Weasley clan had money. She smiled. Good things did happen to good people.

She thought about the one that had been killed during the war. Neville, Pansy, Susan, Justin, Sirius. Others she had been close to. She had watched each funeral, gone through the emotions and felt frozen inside. She had thrown herself into her word sed searched for something to make her feel again.

He had done that for her. She had been upset that he survived. He was Professor Snape, the over-grown, greasy bat that had made everyone\'s life hell for seven years. He was one of the bad guys. He was the traitor. He was evil. Why should he have survived? She had screamed at him, fought with him when he woke up. Then one day, she kissed him. Just to shut him up. She smiled as the memories caught up with her.

***

Hermione came into the Hospital Wing for her daily check up. Ever since the battle Madam Pomfrey had insisted that she come each day. Harry and Ron had been in yesterday. Harry still looked weak. He had to rest several times during the day. Ron\'s arm was still in the sling. Pomfrey was still worried about the curse that had been used. Hermione still has some trouble with her side. Death Eaters weren\'t only well versed in dark magic, but in manual torture as well. Her side still had the gash from the knife.

She looked around for Pomfrey and saw her disappear behind a screen she hadn\'t paid any attention to before. She stepped around the screen to speak with her and gasped. There lay Professor Snape. So pale, thin, his chest barely rising.

Madam Pomfrey pushed her outside the screen. \"Is he dying?\"

The Medi-Witch sighed. \"He\'s not waking up. I\'m not sure if he wants to.\"

Hermione snorted. \"I guess he knows better. There are to many people who want him dead. I for one wouldn\'t mind.\"

Pomfrey looked at her. \"How can you say that Miss Granger? He gave so much to the Order. He is a hero.\"

Hermione shook her head. \"He played both side. He was waiting to see who won.\"

With that, she walked out of the Infirmary and right into Dumbledore. He looked at her. \"You do not believe that do you?\"

She shrugged. \"I may not have in my fifth year, but I\'ve lost to many friends. They were good people Headmaster. Neville had never killed anyone in his life. He was innocent. He deserved to live!\"

Albus nodded. \"But isn\'t all human life sacred? You must know that he is haunted by his past. Do not judge what you do not know Miss Granger.\" His eyes bored into hers. Then he smiled. \"I trust you are feeling better?\" She nodded and he patted her shoulder. \"I believe Madam Pomfrey could use your help with the patients. Everyone must do his or her part. Report to her tomorrow.\" He turned and walked away.

Hermione sighed. He was right. Everyone was doing their part. She shook her head as she walked back to her room. So many good people lost and him, still alive, still breathing, being cared for. It just wasn\'t fair. Nothing about this whole war was fair. She laughed at herself. War was fai fair. Life wasn\'t fair. She knew that all to well now.

***

She reported to Madam Pomfrey everyday for her checkups. Then she would help with small tasks. Everyone in the castle was helping. Harry and Ron were helping with small jobs. Everything was getting back to normal for the most part. The injured were still coming in everyday. Hermione put everything she had into her job. She still refused to see Snape. She hated the fact that he was still alive.

She was filling water jugs beside the beds when she finally saw him. She was putting his water back when he opened his eyes and looked at her. \"Miss Granger. I thought I had rid myself of you at graduation.\"

She sat his water down and glared at him. \"And I thought I had rid myself of you as well. I\'ll get Madam Pomfrey.\" She left without a backward glance.

***

Two days later, Pomfrey stopped her. \"Professor Snape would like to see you.\" Hermione finished folding clean linen and walked to his bed. He was sitting up, looking as if he would be getting up soon.

She glared at him. \"You wanted to see me?\"

He nodded and gestured to a seat. \"I wanted to speak with you. I heard of your injury.\"

She nodded. \"Please, don\'t ask how I am.\"

He frowned. \"Of course not Miss Granger. That would mean I cared. I only wanted to know of your treatment.\"

She leaned back in her chair. \"Why would you ask about my treatment? Do you really care if I recover?\"

His eyes went dark. \"No, I do not care if you recover. I know of the techniques used by fellow Death Eaters. I only wished to know if Madam Pomfrey would be able to treat such injuries.\"

Hermione nodded. \"I am doing well. Thank you for asking.\" She stood and started to leave.

He spoke, as her back was turned, so soft that she barely heard him. \"I am sorry for your losses.\" She stiffened and walked away.

***

The next weeks found Snape in better health. Pomfrey allowed him to dress and take short walks around the Hospital Wing. Hermione watched him with mixed emotions. She was still upset that she had lost friends. They had buried all of them and she was still numb inside. Hatred for Professor Snape was the only emotion she felt strongly. Even that was beginning to fade.

Damn him. Damn him for apologizing to her. Damn him for taking her only emotion away. Now she was empty again. Harry and Ron weren\'t helping either. The better they felt, the more they wanted to get back to Quidditch and out into the world.

She didn\'t feel like going out. She didn\'t know if she wanted to go to the University anymore. She considered going back to the Muggle world, but quickly decided against it. There was nothing for her there either. Her parents were in America, in hiding. They hadn\'t been informed of the victory yet. She shook away her thoughts. She was disenchanted with everything anymore.

***

Months passed and found Hermione still numb inside. There was no hatred, no love, and no emotion. She went through the motions of her job. She never heard the whispers of those around her. She never noticed the looks that came from the black eyes that watched her every move.

He knew what was happening to her. He recognized the bitterness taking over her life. He also knew her friends weren\'t helping. Dumbledore noticed this as well.

\"She\'s not dealing with her anger.\" The Headmaster spoke from his bed. He had suffered greatly during the battle and had yet to be released by Madam Pomfrey.

Severus shrugged. \"That shouldn\'t be my problem.\"

Dumbledore nodded. \"Normally, I would agree, but she seems to have issues with you. Talk to her, Severus. She needs guidance.\"

Snape looked away from the window. \t abt about Minerva?\"

Albus sighed. \"She\'s still weak. She is not up to dealing with the emotions yet.\"

Severus sighed. \"If I must.\"

The Headmaster nodded. \"I insist. It would be a great loss to us all if she left the Wizarding world.\"

He nodded at the man. \"Voldemort has been dead for several months and yet I still feel compelled to bend to your will.\"

Albus smiled. \"I believe that is called love my boy. I believe you understand that.\"

***

She was having nothing to do with him. To be fair, he didn\'t jump in with both feet. She noticed the difference though. He was almost everywhere she turned. He always spoke. Not the scathing, sarcastic remarks he was known for, but soft, almost sincere words. Good mornings at breakfast, excuse mes in the hallways, thank yous when she helped him, and your welcome\'s when he helped her.

Finally, she couldn\'t take it anymore. \"What the hell is wrong with you?\"

He looked at her. \"What do you mean?\"

She folded her arms over her chest. \"Stop it. Just stop it!\"

He frowned. \"Stop what?\"

She almost screamed in frustration. \"Stop being nice. Stop talking to me. Stop following me. Start being Professor Snape and get the hell away from me.\"

He drew himself up. \"I am not following you. You happen to be in the same places that I am. I\'m sure that you realize I have to spend most of my days in the Infirmary. You work with Madam Pomfrey, you silly girl. Of course I\'m going to see you.\"

She turned away from him. \"Just leave me alone. I hate you.\"

His words stopped her. \"I am aware of that fact. Would you care to tell me why?\"

When she turned around, her eyes were alive with emotion. \"I hate you. I hate every breath you take while some of my best friends are dead. You are one of them but still you are alive. Neville should be standing here instead of you. Any of those dead should be here instead of you.\"

He looked at her, ignoring the change that came over her when she was upset. No time for silly emotions and observations. He simply nodded. \"I agree Miss Granger.\"

She felt her anger drain out of her suddenly. How dare he? She wanted someone to stop with the fake concern and be as mad as she was. She had lost friends, close friends. She wanted emotion. She hated the numbness and wanted someone to take it away. Any emotion would do.

He looked at her demeanor and saw how she had changed. \"I know about the numbness. That is normal. Do not let it take over your life.\"

***

The next year brought more changes to Hogwarts. Dumbledore had fully recovered and was helping with the rebuilding of the school. The teachers were preparing student letters to go out. The Ministry of Magic had begun to rebuild Hogsmeade. Everything was getting back to normal.

Harry and Ron were in better spirits. Better health as well. Quidditch was the major topic of conversation and new broomsticks had appeared in their rooms. Ginny Weasley was preparing to return to school. She would be there a year longer than expected but she didn\'t mind. She had been at the Castle most of the year helping everyone recover.

Hermione and she were sitting by the lake. Hermione wost ost in thought while Ginny talked about the upcoming school year. \"And I suppose Hooch will be happy to get back to playing naked Quidditch.\"

Hermione jerked and looked at her. \"What?\"

Ginny giggled. \"You were a million miles away. What were you thinking about?\"

Hermione looked at her. \"What do you think about Professor Snape?\"

The red head shrugged. \"Well, he has gotten nicer. I mean, he was a huge asset to the Order. If he hadn\'t heard the plans to attack Hogsmeade, we wouldn\'t have had a chance. I\'d say he\'s a hero. I\'m noppospposed to know this, but Dad\'s going to give him an Order of Merlin. First Class. Why do you ask?\"

Hermione bit her lip. \"He\'s been...civil to me since he woke up. We\'ve even had some interesting conversations. He..he told me not to wallow in the guilt and anger that I felt over my friends deaths. I just...it\'s weird, that\'s all.\"

Ginny smiled. \"Been thinking about him a lot?\"

Hermione frowned. \"It\'s not like that Gin. I swear.\"

Ginny shrugged. \"Well, things change \'Mione. Friendship isn\'t out of the question is it?\"

They heard their names being called. Ginny smiled when she waved at Harry. \"Going in?\" Hermione shook her head and watched Ginny ran to meet Harry.

She thought about what the young girl had said. Friendship wasn\'t out of the question. He had given her the emotions she wanted. He had been a constant in her life. Everyday in his black robes, still as cynical and sarcastic as ever. It was almost soothing, knowing that some things never change. She smiled. No, friendship was definitely not out of the question. She brushed off her robes as she stood, determined to have a good day.

***

Severus Snape watched from the window. She was changing. He didn\'t get the feeling that she was losing herself in the bitterness. His work should be ending soon. Then why was he still thinking about her? He shook his head. No. She was a young witch. True, she had been through many things in her life, but she was still young. Better stop those feelings before something embarrassing happened. He glanced back out the window. She was gone. Where had she gone?

She saw him standing next to the window. \"Professor.\" He turned to look at her. She continued speaking. \"I want to thank you for your presence this past year. You gave me a constant to cling to. Your sarcasm and cynicism were not enjoyed but they were appreciated.\"

He raised his eyebrows. \"Well, a Gryffindor finally realizes that the world does not revolve around them. Very goods Grs Granger. I am glad I could be of some service.\"

***

That was a turning point for them. Several more quiet conversations took place after that. The school year started and Hermione stayed at the Castle to help Madam Pomfrey and Madam Pince. Everyone was upset with her decision not to go to University. She took all this in stride and tried not tt itt it upset her. Her Mum and Dad had come back to England. They didn\'t understand her decision, but they had shown their support of her on several occasions.

During one of Severus and Hermione\'s conversations he questioned her decision. \"Why are you not in school?\"

She laughed. \"Why Professor, I was under the impression that this was a school.\"

He frowned. \"I was under the impression that you were iligeligent. Do not play dumb Miss Granger. It doesn\'t become you.\"

She sighed. \"Did the other professors elect you to ask me this? The last time I checked, I was an adult, capable of making my own decisions.\"

Snape leaned back in his chair. \"No one elected me for anything. I only thought that a person with your thirst for knowledge would jump at the chance to learn.\"

She looked at him. \"Upset that I\'m not predictable? Sorry to disappoint you Professor Snape.\" She folded her arms and glared at him.

He steepled his fingers. \"Ah yes. The reckless Gryffindor. Flying by the seat of her pants. That isn\'t you. You know that.\"

She stood and started pacing. \"Then who am I? You\'re right. I\'m not reckless. I\'m not impulsive. But I don\'t have a plan anymore. I don\'t want to plan anymore. I shouldn\'t be allowed to have a future. There were to many people who lost their lives. The should be here instead of me.\"

He was up and to her before she finished speaking. He grabbed her shoulders and made her look at him. \"Stop this. Yes, people lost their lives and yes, they were your frienYou You can\'t carry this guilt forever. They knew what they were getting themselves into when we apparated to Hogsmeade. They wouldn\'t want you to stop living. They would want you to go on with your life so they didn\'t die in vain.\"

She looked at him as anger flashed in her eyes. She wanted him to shut up. He didn\'t know anything about her friends that had the their lives. How dare he talk about them like that? He opened his mouth to speak, but she stopped him by crushing her lips against his.

His surprise was evident at first, but he began to respond. His arms came around her waist and pulled her closer to him. He tilted his head and deepened the kiss.

They pulled away from each other and tried to catch their breath. She lay her forehead against his shoulder. His arms still held her close. She murmured something against him. He pulled her back gently.

\"I didn\'t want to.\" He lHe looked shocked and started to push her away. She shook her head. \"University. I didn\'t want to go.\"

He nodded and pulled her against him again. She nestled her head under his chin. He spoke. \"Why?\"

She shrugged. \"Why do I need to learn anything else? I could learn everything there is to know, and it still wouldn\'t help me protect my friends and family from death. Knowledge can\'t bring the dead back to life either.\"

He held her tighter. \"Did you want to kiss me?\"

There was a pause as she listened to his heartbeat. \"I wanted to shut you up. I\'m not sorry I did it, if that\'s what you mean.\"

He held her a few more moments before he pulled away and looked at her. \"I\'m not sorry either. In fact, I wouldn\'t mind a repeat performance. One in which I can display my talents.\" His face softened as he looked and her and his mouth almost turned up in a smile.

She shook her head. \"No.\"

He frowned and pushed her back. \"You insufferable little witch!\"

She smiled. \"Now, I\'ll kiss you.\" He frowned in confusion. She lay her arms over his shoulders. \"It\'s not you. I\'m not impulsive and you\'re not nice. Don\'t try to be something you\'re not.\"

He shook his head and pulled her against him. \"I stand corrected. You are rather intelligent.\"

***

Hermione shook herself out of the memories. She heard her name being called and she stood. She headed back to the house, her mind clearer and her feelings on the way to being untangled.

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A/N: Thanks to Lily Malfoy for beta-ing!

Rosmerta: I know how you feel. I loved when my Mom stayed with me till I slept. I was a bit of a baby. Oh well. Thank you for the not sappy part. I don\'t want this to turn into something it\'s not.

Deb: Thank you for the review! And thank you for your good wishes to the team. (We\'re now 3 and 1). I want them to be a family, but they want to take their sweet time about it. I guess I\'ll see where they lead me. Harry suprised me too. I didn\'t know he was going to be that forceful. He just happend that way. I hope you keep reading. I\'m up to Chapter 17 now in my writing. Exams are taking my time up, but in around 11 days, I\'ll be free to write!!!

Barrie: Thanks for reading and thanks for you concern. Things are a little hectic right now. Sleep is a luxury and writing is a fond memory. I do try to get a little writing done in class, but professors really don\'t like that. Oh well.

Franflutewitch: Aww, thank you so much! I had that idea as I was falling asleep after a stressful day. I was lying in bed thinking how great it would be to have my Mom to rock me to sleep and it just came to me. I\'m glad you liked it.

Estrilda: Thanks for reading. I\'m glad you\'re enjoying the story!

SandraM: Awww, you are in love with my story!? That makes my day!!!!!