LIFETIME MATE

Chapter Thirteen


When Severus walked into Hogwarts, it was to meet Dumbledore and McGonagall at the front doors. The three of them rushed to the infirmary, Hermione still unconscious, where Madame Pomfrey rushed to their side.

“Oh my!” Pomfrey exclaimed.

Severus laid her on the bed. “Looks worse than it might be. Most of the blood is not hers. She was shot by Lizette with the muggle gun, at her side. Not sure if there is other injuries. There were two shots fired.”

Pomfrey told Dumbledore and Severus to wait out in the hall, while McGonagall helped care for Hermione. Pomfrey waved her wand for Hermione’s clothes to disappear so they could examine her closer. McGonagall wiped the blood from Hermione’s face and body, while Pomfrey looked for any further injuries.

Harry, Ron, Lupin and Tonks came into Hogwarts and headed to the infirmary to see Dumbledore and Severus waiting in the Hall, with students occasionally looking their way in confusion, as Snape’s robes were still covered in Hermione’s and Riddle’s blood.

Dumbledore looked up at their approach. “Poppie is still with Hermione, we should know soon. So what of Lizette and the death-eaters?” He asked, wanting to know the details.

“Lizette is dead, thanks to Hermione. Most of the death-eaters were rounded up and Moody and the other Ministry Aurors took them in. Thankfully no one on our side was seriously hurt, except Hermione.” Lupin stated sadly. “A few of our Aurors were hit with the ‘Cruciatus curse’, but they’ll be fine.”

Harry and Ron had made their way to the infirmary doors and were just about to open it, when McGonagall came out, nearly knocking them out in the process.

“How is she?” Ron asked, as the others stood up.

“She’ll be okay. She took one bullet, it grazed deeply into her side. Unfortunately we cannot heal it by magical means. The bullet had a poison element on it, so it may take awhile. We can stop the poison from spreading, but she will have a scar as a reminder of her bravery.” McGonnagal concluded tiredly.

“Is she awake?” Harry asked.

“No, not yet. Poppie said you can visit, if you don’t disturb her.”

“Harry you go first, we probably all shouldn’t crowd in.” Ron suggested.

Harry nodded and walked quietly to Hermione’s bed. She lay very still and looked very pale. He took her hand and held it while he sat beside her. He sat for a few minutes and finally stirred when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up. “Ron. We should go and tell Ginny and Katrina that she’s okay. They’re probably worried sick right now.”

“Right, let’s go. Pomfrey said she’ll be given sleeping potions for the next few days. We’ll be able to bring Kat to visit then.” Ron said as he and Harry walked out, after each kissing her forehead.

The next few days, Hermione awoke periodically to see someone always sitting at her side. The first day, Severus was there. Hermione woke up, wiping her face. “The blood, I can still taste it.” Severus quickly poured her a glass of pumpkin juice and held her up while she gulped it down.

He put the cup down, while Hermione still clung to his arm. “It keeps replaying in my dreams Severus.” She said tiredly.

“It will fade in time ‘Mione, believe me.” He reassured her, his own death-eater experience’s going through his thoughts. He stayed with her until she fell back to sleep.


A week later, Hermione felt a lot better, but still weak. So she was forced to stay in bed for awhile longer. Her side still had twinges of pain as a reminder of that night, but she was happy she was alive.

Dumbledore came in, smiling, his eyes twinkling as usual. “Ah, Hermione, you’re awake. I just wanted to visit you and tell you the Ministry is very thankful and had found out who the informant was in the Ministry.”

“Who was it?”

“Someone that assisted Fudge. Turns out Lizette Riddle was involved with him. So, how are you feeling?” Are you up to a visitor?” Dumbledore said smiling mysteriously.

“Sure. Who is it?”

Just then Katrina came in the room smiling in relief, followed by Harry and Ginny. “Mum, I knew you’d be okay. I wanted to come earlier, but they said you’d need your rest. So when are you coming home?” Kat said as she sat beside her mum’s uninjured side.

Hermione pulled Katrina down so she was snuggled into her side. “I’m told in another week, until I get my strength up.” She kissed Kat’s head, thankful she was here to be able to do that.

“Who’s staying with the kids?” Hermione asked Ginny.

“They’re with Grandma and Ron.” Ginny laughed. “When we left Ron was changed diapers. I wish we had taken a picture of that.”

Hermione laughed at that particular picture. “Ginny. I was supposed to meet Chase this weekend. Can you make sure a message gets to the hotel for him. Don’t tell him what happened, just say something came up.”

Ginny nodded, but Dumbledore came closer. “I’ll take care of that Hermione. I know someone that works at the hotel.” He said, as he looked to Harry.

After Dumbledore left, the three of them stayed to visit until Severus came in. He smiled when he saw Kat. “Hello there Miss Granger, care for a tour of the dungeons?” He mockingly asked evilly.

Katrina laughed and looked to her mum who nodded. “I’ll be back.” She said, close to Severus’s side as they were laughing on their way out.

Harry smirked. “Amazing.”

“What?” Hermione a, sm, smiling.

“Snape, getting along with someone else.” Harry said.

“He’s been great.” She said then looked to Harry. “Hey Harry, there isn’t anymore Riddle’s wondering around is there?”

“No. I asked Dumbledore, and he’s pretty sure that Lizette was the last of the lot.”

“Good.” She lay back suddenly feeling very tired.

Harry and Ginny noticed the tiredness around her eyes. “We’ll come back to visit in a few days ‘Mione. Katrina can stay with us still, she’s been a tremendous help with the twins.” Ginny said smiling. They both leaned down to kiss Hermione’s cheek , then she watched them leave. A short while later Katrina came in to say goodbye and left Hermione to rest.