"Unanswered Prayers"

”So?…”

Severus’ attention never left the potion he’d been refining for days in the small lab in his quarters. For today, at least, Dumbledore had absented his portrait.

“The hospital stay made it more difficult but I passed.”

“With?…”

“Two ‘Outstandings’.”

“Excellent! It would be unfortunate if Mr. Weasley damaged your perfect academic record.”

“And you? You’ve been looking after me for weeks. Are you healed?”

“I have been distracted. With your return to good health I will focus on my own recovery. Now if you’ll excuse me…”

“Oh! Didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“Supper tonight — now that you have copious amounts of free time?”

“Yes. My place.”

“I will join you —”

“Obliterate robe and shirt!”

Hermione had never done that, never spelled him outside of the war and a first-year Quidditch match where she thought Severus had jinxed Harry’s broom.

“What have you done, you impertinent —”

“Merlin! How long have they been like this, Severus!?”

His injuries, which were closed and almost healed when they’d come back to Hogwarts four months ago, relapsed. Weeping, raw, festering tissue stunned her into action.

“We’re leaving here — tomorrow, day after at the latest.”

“Don’t prattle on, Hermione! The wounds are cursed; they just need attention.”

“Severus — stop! I know what you did. You stopped caring for yourself to care for me. Now it’s my turn.”

“My recollection indicates your obligation has been met. You spent ten months imprisoned in the arctic tundra caring for my injuries.”

“Pack. I’ll let Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall know.”

“Your ability to annoy me with your know-it-all behavior is exceeded only by your imperious presumptiveness! I am neither your child nor your ward — why are you smiling, Hermione?”

“Is 10:00 tomorrow too early to apparate?”

“That would depend on where we’re going?”

“Flatley, Iceland, of course. Worked the first time.”

“No, it did not! In case you haven't noticed, I have not healed.”

“That’s because you’re not a healer; I am.”

Snape’s shocked expression doubled her over in laughter.

“I won't let you die on me. Finish up here and don’t be late for supper.