AFTERWARDS

Hermione stood by the door of the ward and watched Madame Pomfrey pull curtained screens around his bed. As soon as she had arrived at the house in Hogsmede she had taken charge of the transfer of Severus Snape into her care at Hogwarts.

Hermione had assisted a little but felt very much usurped even though she knew this would have to happen. Madame Pomfrey walked towards her and smiled.

‘Well, Miss Granger, I am sure you are glad this is all over. You look exhausted you poor thing.’

Hermione nodded. ‘Will he be OK?’

‘Thanks to you, he will. He wants to talk to you but best not stay too long, he still needs his rest.’ Madame Pomfrey patted Hermione’s shoulder and bustled out of the ward.

Hermione walked to the screens and popped her head around. Severus was lying propped up on two well-stuffed, pristine white pillows. He was wearing a clean white shirt and although his face was still pale and showed a few days worth of stubble, he looked much better. He nodded at her and she walked to the side of the bed. She stood there awkwardly, there was no chair to sit on. They looked at each other until she finally broke the silence.

‘You look comfortable.’ She smiled and hugged her arms around herself.

Severus recognised it as a form of self-protection and his heart went out to her. Poppy had just told him of Hermione’s parents and he acknowledged what a huge sacrifice she had made to keep them safe. Right now, Hermione was as alone as he was.

‘And you look exhausted, Miss Granger. I will not keep you any longer than necessary.’ He looked at her and his eyes were as dark as she remembered them in Potions class. Hermione yawned and wobbled slightly on her feet.

‘Miss Granger, I suggest you sit down before you keel over and Madame Pomfrey has another patient.’ Severus patted the side of the bed and Hermione sank onto it gratefully.

‘Thank you Sir.’ She smiled at him a little sadly and he smiled back at her. Hermione giggled. ‘I will never get used to that…’ she said softly.

‘It’s our secret, remember..’ He whispered and their eyes met briefly, a memory of what had been shared in the house in Hogsmede passing between them before Hermione looked away.

‘Miss Granger, I wanted to thank you for your efforts. You have been a very good nurse.’ He spoke softly, his eyes gently closing as tiredness started to get the better of him.

Hermione watched his face, knowing she may never get the chance to be this close to him again. ‘I didn’t do much.’ She mumbled quietly.

He opened his eyes and caught her looking at him. Staring intently at her, he placed his hand over hers briefly.

‘Hermione. You saved my life. Thank you.’

Hermione caught her breath as they stared at each other. ‘You’re welcome, Sir…’ she breathed.

‘Severus…’ he whispered as he closed his eyes again ‘my name is Severus.’ His breathing deepened as he fell asleep and Hermione stood slowly and walked away from him, glancing back just once.

‘Goodbye Severus.’ She whispered before she walked out of the ward.

Severus opened his eyes. ‘Goodbye Hermione…’ he sighed.

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