Heart of A Snake

Hermione awoke the next morning. Her back hurt her so badly. She tried turning over in the bed, but just couldn't. She looked over to Tom's side, and saw it was perfectly made. He didn't sleep here last night, that's weird. Hermione thought to herself, maybe he's still mad at me? No, maybe he knew you needed rest after being hurt. She shook her head, "Come on Mione, don't over analyze things like usual. Maybe he just got up early.." she mumbled to herself.

Suddenly, the door flew open and Narcissa came rushing in with Severus. The woman put her arms around her, crying. Hermione patted her back. "Hermione," Narcissa sobbed into her shoulder, "thank merlin you're all right. You saved my life, I'm indebted to you." She kepy on mumbling praises. Hermione looked to Sev for help, but he just chuckled. "Cissy," Hermione started, pushing the woman away, "It's fine. You don't need to cry." Narcissa wiped her tears, "I just, you were amazing. Wandless magic and all. You saved me, and then you got hurt. I was just so worried."

Hermione hugged the older woman, "I'm fine, really, just a bit sore."

At this, Severus spoke up. "If you don't mind us Narcissa, I'd like to give her a healing session." She nodded then exited the room.

Severus went to work, silently. After a moment, he spoke up, "The Order is in such a state of confusion, thanks to you little girl." Hermione frowned, "I'm sorry if it cause trouble on your part." He shook his head, "No, it was rather amusing, watching them put forward all these ridiculous ideas about how you're alive and so on." She giggled, "Thank you for helping me." He nodded, "You'll always have my protection Hermione." She smiled, "Thank you."

Hermione turned over so Sev could work on her back. Once he touched the area where she was cut the deepest, she cried out in pain. "Hermione, shush, it'll be over in a second." She had tears pouring down her face. She muffled her voice in the pillow, "It hurts so bad.."

She was crying so hard she didn't see Tom standing in the doorway, watching. It pained him to see her in so much pain. She confused him, who was she to invoke such humane feelings in him. He shook his head, and walked away, unable to stand the sound of her cries any longer.

Severus stopped healing her back, "Hermione, take this Sleeping Draught, it'll be less painful if you sleep while your back heals." Hermione nodded. Severus continued speaking, but Hermione wasn't sure if it was to her or himself. "How dare Potter use one of my own spells. Insolent boy.."

Hermione took the potion, falling into a deep sleep.

*HGTRHGTRHGTR*

Hermione awoke near dinnertime, her stomach rumbling. She found that she could move, although she was still sore. A house elf appeared, bringing her a large array of food. Hermione eagerly stuffed her face, she was starving. After eating, she decided she needed to wash up.

She climbed into the tub, washing her hair and scrubbing off the dry blood all over her. She climbed out of the water, wrapping a soft green towel around her body. Holding it in the front of her, she dropped it in the back, exposing her entire backside. She glanced in the mirror, looking at her scar.

Her jaw dropped, their was a deep gash across her entire back. How dare Harry do this to me.. Hemione started crying. She had too many scars to count. She heard the bathroom door open and turned to see Tom standing in the doorway.

"Hermione.." he began. She shook her head, not wanting to take about it. She just stared at her back, crying. Tom moved toward her. She backed away a bit, but he was faster. He scooped her up in his arms and sat her upon the counter. She leaned into his shoulder, letting her tears fall.

"I'm sorry." Tom whispered. She looked up at him, not believing what she had just heard. Hermione felt compelled to touch his face, so she did. His skin is soft, she closed her eyes, relaxing. Suddenly, she was alone.

Hermione hopped off the counter, taking a deep breath. She was