Black Heart

Disclaimer thingy: Not mine So wish it were. I\'ll just borrow them to play with for now J.K I
swear I\'ll dust them every day and put them back when I\'m done. Don\'t sue I only have moths in
my wallet.
Please request permission, prior to posting to archive sites.

A/N: This is my first ever story. Please R&R kindly as I\'ve never done this before. I’m only
doing this for entertainment. I hope you enjoy it.
Warning: There are a few descriptions of injuries in about the middle of this story. If that upsets
you, please skip over it. This story will earn its rating in later chapters.
Thanks so much to my Beta ;) L.J.

Black Heart.

Hermione was just finishing up her rounds. As head girl, she had to secure the halls
before she was able to turn in for the night. It had been a very long week. She had a lot of
homework piling up around her since becoming the new potions apprentice, and she hadn’t had a
chance as of yet, to start on any of it. Besides, it was late. Somewhere around midnight,
Hermione guessed. She was just deciding to turn in for the night, when she heard a loud bang
coming from the front entrance hall. It made her jump.

Angry, she stormed off in the direction of the noise. Whoever it was, was going to be
in a great deal of trouble, she thought to herself. Well so much for turning early.
Hermione sighed.

She arrived at the top of the staircase and looked over the banister, gasping at the sight
that met her eyes. Dumbledore looked up at the same moment that Hermione arrived at the top
of the large staircase, as if he had expected to meet her there. I hate it when he does that!
She thought to herself.

“Ah Miss Granger,” said Dumbledore. “I could use your assistance.” Hermione fairly
flew down the stairs.

The sight that met her eyes stopped Hermione’s heart cold in her chest. She stood gaping
at her Potions Professor who was floating along beside the Headmaster. Dumbledore touched
Hermione’s shoulder making her jump and gasp. It was then that she realized that she had
stopped breathing.

“Please, Miss Granger,” Dumbledore said, softly. “I’m in need of your assistance. Can
you do this?”

Hermione turned and looked the Headmaster in the eye. Her own were large and as wide
open as they could get. The twinkle that was usually present in the Headmaster’s cheery eye was
no longer there. It scared her more than anything he could have said to her at that moment.
Hermione, however, refused to shrink away. She was needed and would rise to the occasion.
Hermione stood tall.

“Of course, Professor, whatever you need.”

“Good girl. I knew I could rely on you,” Dumbledore smiled. “Please, take Professor
Snape to his rooms and get started patching him up.”

It was a good thing Hermione had been studying with Madame Pomfrey as a medi witch
on the side. She’d never had a real emergency to put into practice what she had learned,
especially alone, and she voiced her concerns to Dumbledore.

“I do not wish him to be placed in the hospital, and Poppy has nothing but high praise for
you, my dear. You will be fine. I have every confidence in you,” Dumbledore smiled.

“Yes of course, Professor Dumbledore. I’ll take care of him straight away.” With that,
Hermione took her wand out of her robes, and took over the levitation spell Dumbledore had
placed on Professor Snape.

As Hermione walked quickly toward the dungeons, she kept glancing over at the
unconscious Professor. He was covered in mud and drying blood. Some of it was still dripping
down his face. He was on his side, nearly curled into a fetal position. Suddenly he convulsed
into a tighter ball, moaning and passed out again.

Must be the Cruciatus curse, Hermione mused, walking even faster. She rounded
the last corner to the Professor’s private chambers; which were right next to his classroom; when
she saw Nala, the house elf for this part of the dungeons.

“Nala, wait,” Hermione called. “Could you let me into Professor Snape’s chambers,
quickly please?”

Nala turned around about to say that she wasn’t allowed, when she saw the Professor
hovering next to Hermione. “Oh yes, Miss. Right away.” Giving a quick little bow, Nala turned
and whispered to the door, “Black Heart.” Hermione’s eyes grew wide but she said
nothing.

Nala pushed opened the wide, heavy, ornately carved door, and preceded Hermione and
the Professor into the room. The little house elf scurried to the fireplace, lighting it.

Hermione walked into the spacious but dark room. As soon as the Professor crossed the
door way, the wall sconces immediately flared to life, then dimmed casting a comfortable glow
with dancing shadows everywhere.

To the right; where the fireplace took up nearly the entire wall; were two overstuffed,
wing back, leather chairs. They were resting on top of a very large, plush looking; though
extremely faded; Persian rug. The rest of the walls to the left of the door she had just come
through, were covered floor to ceiling in book shelves. And right in the middle of all was an old
fashioned black table with clawed feet. The lone dining chair stood ostracized against the wall at
the end of all the bookcases, right before the only other door in the room.

Hermione lowered Professor Snape to the floor in front of the fireplace, so she could
clean him up and tend to his wounds. Almost immediately, the Professor’s limbs started
twitching again. Hermione pointed her wand and preformed a cleansing spell to rid him of the
mud and some of the blood, so that she could see which wounds were still oozing.

She looked at his tattered robes and tears threatened to spill out. He looked so helpless
just laying there. She touched her hand to his chest and looked at her fingers as they came away
with fresh blood. Hermione pointed her wand at what was left of his shirt and using it like a
knife, while whispering a spell, cut open the material easily. Turning the Professor onto his back
so she could kneel closer to him, she pulled back his shirt to reveal his smooth; albeit bloody;
chest beneath. Some of the wounds had already stopped bleeding, but one was quite deep under
his ribs. He could have punctured a lung, she thought.

Hermione could hear Nala fretting in the background. “Nala, could you please go and
fetch me some bandages and some of the healing salve for burns from Madame Pomfrey.”

“Yes Miss, immediately.” Off the little elf scurried with a distinctly elf like pop.

How do I get myself into these messes? Hermione thought, miserably. She held
out her wand once again and moving from head to toe, preformed a diagnostic spell on the
Professor. The injured areas glowed red. Well, he has cuts, lots of them, bruises, and broken
bones. Wow, Hermione’s eyes widened, while looking down at the man in front of her.
No wonder he’s unconscious. Not only did he have a broken right arm, but some of his
ribs, his collar bone, and his left ankle were fractured as well. Not to mention the burn marks on
his back and hand. He was a mess, no doubt about that.

Professor Snape had never been kind to Hermione in any way, so why did she feel such
compassion for this man? Hermione hated to see someone, anyone, treated like this, and no one
deserved to be beaten, then thrown away. Not even the vile, loathsome Professor Snape.

However on this night, more than any other, she got to see just how much he suffered for
the Order, for Dumbledore, and what’s more, he kept going back.

He’s amazingly strong, she thought. Hermione was shocked by her thoughts.
Better stop thinking along these lines or you’ll start liking him, she chided herself.

As Hermione continued to disrobe the Professor, he started shaking. “Great he’s going
into shock,” she muttered to herself.

“Accio, blanket.” Hermione held out her hand and the dark blue blanket that had been
sitting on one of the chairs flew to her. Hermione covered the Professor, speaking soothingly to
him, reassuring him that she was nearly done.

Professor Snape started twitching again but this looked different. It also sounded as if he
was trying to speak.

Hermione drew her face closer to that of her Professor’s. “What are you trying to tell me
Professor?” Hermione whispered. As she got closer, she noticed that an orange sticky goo was
leaking out of his eyes. A similar goo was leaking out of his mouth but this one was blue.

In horror Hermione realized that Professor Snape had been poisoned.

She ran to the fireplace and threw in some floo powder. “Professor Dumbledore’s
office,” she yelled. As soon as she saw the office she tried to speak in a lower voice but it was
still quite loud.

“Professor Dumbledore, he’s been poisoned.”

“Help is on the way, Miss Granger.”

With that promise Hermione removed her head from the fire. No sooner had she resumed
kneeling near Professor Snape, then a green light flared once again and Fawkes appeared through
the fireplace. The phoenix walked calmly over to the prone man and suddenly a two tears started
running out of the birds eyes. Hermione put her hand on the Professor’s forehead to stop his
weak thrashing. Fawkes leaned over one eye and let the tears drip in to it, then did the same to
the other eye. As the tears were absorbed into the Professor’s eyes, the goo started disappearing.

Fawkes walked over to Hermione. “Oh my,” she sighed, as she watched the poison
leaving his eyes. She then realized the bird was standing next to her and chirping, seeming to
call to her.

As Hermione reached out her hand to pet the bird, he stretched forward and another tear
appeared and dropped onto her first finger.

“What is it?” Hermione whispered. Of course Harry had told her all about Fawkes but
she didn’t know where to put this last tear. The Professor’s eyes had stopped leaking the orange
crud, so this must be for the mouth, she surmised. “I hope you know what your doing
Fawkes,” Hermione said, warily.

She let the tear fall from her finger onto his mouth, only to have it slide off down his
cheek and into his hair.

“Now what?” she sighed, “that didn’t work.” She turned to Fawkes and saw another tear.
She took the next tear trying to think of the best way to get it into Snape’s mouth, when his lips
parted and the Professor mumbled something.

As he was mumbling Hermione touched his lip with her little finger, he stopped
mumbling but his mouth was still open. She placed her first finger into his mouth and he started
sucking on it.

Hermione gasped at the sensation and tried very hard not to think about it. When she saw
the Professor swallow, she removed her finger and did this a few more times. Finally Fawkes
gave her one last tear and flew away.

The last time Hermione placed her little finger against Snape’s mouth, he opened right
away. She inserted her first finger, and again the same sensations rushed over her as before, but
this time she heard Professor Snape moan. Holy Merlin is he doing that because of me?
Hermione wondered. She gasped and withdrew her finger when she saw him swallow. Then,
quickly stood up and backed away, her face flushed.

Just then, Nala and Professor Dumbledore entered the room. Hermione’s hand went to
her flushed cheeks hoping the Headmaster wouldn’t notice.

“Well, Miss Granger, I can see you have done an excellent job. I’m sure Professor Snape
will thank you when he is well enough. For now, lets get him to bed.”

Dumbledore turned to Nala, “Please prepare his room. I’m sure, Miss Granger, you under
stand that none of the students can know of this. For now he’s been called away for personal
matters, and you, Miss Granger–” Dumbledore looked at Hermione over the top of his half moon
spectacles.

“Yes, Professor Dumbledore?” Hermione asked.

“Might you stay here with the Professor, for a few days?”

“Look after him, day and night?” Hermione asked, with shock in her voice.

“I know how you feel about your, potions teacher, my dear, but I need someone I can
trust. I will inform your two friends Harry and Ron about this, so they can help cover for you and
dispel any concern that may arise. Can you, Miss Granger, put aside your differences to help the
Professor?”

“Yes Sir, I’ll try,” Hermione answered, sounding more confident then she felt.

“An honest answer,” Dumbledore smiled.

“I will do all I can for you, Sir.”

“Ahh, my girl, I knew you would. Now lets get him to bed.” With that Professor
Dumbledore once again cast the levitation spell to raise Professor Snape off the floor.

Professor Dumbledore turned to face the last remaining door that Hermione had not yet
been through, and started moving forward with Professor Snape in tow, and for one frightening
moment Hermione thought the blanket she had used to cover Snape with was going to come off.

“I know how you feel about Professor Snape, my dear,” Professor Dumbledore said,
tiredly. “I know how the entire student body at large, feel. I also know he treats you all horridly
bad.”

Hermione couldn’t help but to hurmph and to her horror she realized it had been out loud.
She covered her mouth.

Dumbledore however, continued as though nothing had occurred. “I would ask though,
Miss Granger, that you keep an open mind. Things. . . are not always what they seem.” That
said, Professor Dumbledore continued to walk through the door.

After Professor Snape had been put to bed and Professor Dumbledore put nightwear on
the lower half of the younger man. Hermione started to dress the burns.

“I will say one thing more, Miss Granger and then I will leave you to your doctoring.”

Herm turned her head to look at the older of her two Professors.

“Had you,” Professor Dumbledore asked, “ever tired Bertie Bott’s before you came here
to Hogworts?”

Hermione stared at Dumbledore, completely thrown by his off the wall question. “Um,
no Professor,” she answered, “I hadn’t.”

“And when you tasted them for the first time, did you like them straight off?” He knew
what the answer would be, but he needed her to figure out where he was headed.

“No indeed,” Hermione replied a little distractedly continuing her work with Snape. “I
got a dirt flavored one first, then at Harry’s urging, I tried another one and got earwax.”
Hermione laughed softly to herself remembering how Ron and Harry were doubled over with
laughter at the look on her face. “I swore them off then and there.”

“Ah I see,” said the Headmaster. “And is that the end? Did you never have another one
since then?” Dumbledore’s eyes were twinkling again.

Hermione turned her body sideways while still sitting on the side of the bed, with
Professor Snape’s hand resting in her lap, to fully look Dumbledore in the face. “No I have had
more, but only if Ron or Harry have tasted it first.” She smirked to herself recalling how many
times she had narrowly escaped one of the fiery ones or even the vomit flavored one. Ron got
that one just last week.

“I see,” replied Dumbledore. “Do you have a favorite one now?” He asked.

“Oh yes,” Hermione said, while turning back to her task of rubbing the salve into the
Professor’s palm. “I love the grass flavored ones.”

“Really,” Dumbledore smiled, “and can you also see how the Bertie Bott’s situation
might translate to the circumstances in which you are now faced?”

“You mean,” sighed Hermione, exaggeratedly with something of a sing song tone to her
voice, “that just because I didn’t like something or someone at the first, that I should try
again.”

“Exactly,” Dumbledore beamed. “Your perseverance is one of your many gifts, Miss
Granger.”

With that said, Dumbledore turned and walked to the door. “Nala will be at your call,
Miss Granger. Should you require anything, or if you need to leave these chambers, the
password is Black Heart, though I would strongly advise caution in leaving, Miss
Granger.” Dumbledore said, with an arched eyebrow. He bent down to speak a few words to
Nala and then straightened. As he was about to cross the threshold from bedroom to sitting room
Hermione called out.

“Headmaster? Might I ask a question?”

“Of course my dear, however I must warn you, I may not be able to answer,” Dumbledore
said knowing what the question was.

“What happened to him?” Out of the corner of Hermione’s eye, she saw the Headmaster’s
shoulders sag.

“He has been beaten and that is all I can say about this for now.” Dumbledore turned to
leave but called over his shoulder, “I will send, Madame Pomfrey, to give you a hand dressing
the burns on his back and, just to alleviate your fears, give our dear Professor the once over to
make sure you didn’t miss anything. Even thought I have every confidence you didn’t.” With
that he was gone.

Hermione heard the poof of the floo powder as Dumbledore left. She started wrapping
Professor Snape’s hand in a bandage taking care not to make it too tight. Suddenly the
Professor’s body was wracked by another onslaught of convulsions. Snape grabbed at
Hermione’s hand and held on. Hermione was beginning to worry about him. About the fact that
he was still having them. She had read that the effects caused by the curse, although nasty, only
lasted an hour or so if left alone. Which begged the question how long had he been under the
curse to affect these results? Hermione was just turning over these disturbing thoughts when she
once again heard the boom of the flu.

Madame Pomfrey walked briskly in, as Hermione was trying to keep the Professor from
rolling onto his back, and she was trying to extricate her hand from the death grip Snape had on
it.

Madame Pomfrey gave the Potions Master the once over and declared him in excellent
care. “I’ll help you to dress the burns on his back and then, I’m sorry, Miss Granger, but I must
return to the hospital. Mr Longbottom, has been practicing his hexes again. He has just hexed
poor Mr. Creevey, six ways to Sunday.”

“Oh dear,” smiled Hermione, “Poor Colin . . . poor Neville.”

“Yes Mr. Longbottom, is feeling simply terrible just now. He has refused to leave Mr.
Creevey ’s, side all night. I’m just praying that Longbottom, doesn’t get it into his head to try
and fix it.” Madame Pomfrey, exclaimed. “No telling what the damage to my hospital would be
then.”

“Madame Pomfrey, I wanted to ask you. . .”

“Yes dear?”

“Why is Professor Snape, still having the tremors? Some are quite violent.”

The older witch was clearly trying to decide how much to tell her younger charge. Finally
making the decision she spoke, “I have decided to take you into confidence Miss Granger, what
I’m about to tell you can go no farther.”

When Hermione nodded her agreement she continued. “Well you see dear, for some
reason Professor Snape has never been able to handle that curse. Not even when he was younger.
Poison him, hex him, he can withstand much but use that curse on him and that’s it. He’s better
then he used to be.” The woman stood next to the bed gazing at the man who lay twitching there.
“Time was he had to stay in bed for a month.”

Upon hearing this news Hermione’s eyes widened.

“But don’t worry dearie, he’s down for only a week now. He has worked very hard to get
it this far. He just can’t seem go any further. No one knows why.” Well Miss Granger he looks
as comfortable as can be expected. I must take my leave now. I have left several potions and
more salve over there on the dresser.” She pointed to a long, cherry wood dresser with a silver
tray that was sightly glowing and had several bottles on top of the tray. “I believe that is all
you’ll need. Now if you run out or have any questions let me know through the fireplace or send
Nala.” Turning on her heel Madame Pomfrey left the rooms with a poof as well.

Hermione turned to Nala, who was standing by the door. “I don’t think I’ll be needing
anything for a while.”

Nala stepped forward. “Um excuse me, Miss, the Great Wise Headmaster sent me to
fetch some things from your room to make your stay a little more. . . comfortable.”

Hermione hadn’t even noticed the little Elf had some items clutched in her arms. Her bag
of toiletries some Pj’s a brush. But sadly not her homework nor even a book. “Thank you, Nala,
that was very sweet of you,” she said and smiled warmly at the elf.

“If Miss needs anything just call my name I will be able to hear you no matter where you
are.”

“Ok, good night.”

After handing Hermione the items, Nala just disappeared.

Hermione turned slowly around taking in the sights that met her eyes, but really there
wasn’t much to see. No pictures on the wall and just a couple of books on the night stand. There
were two sconces on the wall, and a simple looking candle on the other night table. Had
Madame Pomfrey not put anything on the top of the dresser it would have been bare as well.

Hermione noted that there was not one mirror nor a reflective surface anywhere. She
thought this was odd but didn’t dwell on it, just filed it away for later.

To the right of the bed there was a door that blended into the wall. Taking one last look
at her professor Hermione quietly walked over to the door, turned the handle and peered in.
What met Hermione’s eyes was amazing, to say the least.

The bathroom was at least the same size as her dorm room. There was an old fashioned
tub with clawed feet. Big enough for two she mused, and a walk in shower with no heads. The
water just came out of the walls and ceiling as if from a waterfall.

Against the last wall was the toilet and sink. Those two items seemed out of place with
their plainness compared with the emerald green and gold walls and the plush dark green area rug
in the middle of the room. There was also a small white chair next to the sink. Hermione
walked to the chair and placed her overnight items on it. She decided she should wash up before
preparing for sleep.

Hermione put her hands near the sink and immediately the water started running out
warmly. The water that was running down the drain was slightly colored red. At the sight of the
Professor’s blood Hermione’s hands started to shake, and she felt slightly light headed.

“Oh heavens lets not fall apart now,” she berated herself. As she sat on the chair,
grabbing the towel above it, she immediately jumped up as her butt hit the hair brush laying on
top of her items. She started to laugh nervously to herself, when she heard a groan come from
the bedroom.

Hermione had left the door open so she could hear if the Potions Master needed her. She
ran in to the room seeing him in yet another grip of the curse.

Hermione reached for the Professor’s hand and he immediately clamped down on hers.
Hermione bit down on her bottom lip to keep from hollering. I’m going to be bruised
tomorrow. Good thing I gave him my left hand, she thought.

Finally the tremors eased off and Hermione, using her right hand, ran her fingers through
Snape’s hair pushing it out of his eyes. He was sweating profusely and it was starting to run into
his hair.

Finally, she was able to get Snape to let go of her hand. Standing up from the bed, she
walked back to the bathroom and standing in the middle of the room she looked for a cloth.
When there was none in sight, placing her hands on her hips she declared out loud, “Well . . . I
need a cloth.” And there it appeared on the side of the tub.

Ok , she thought.

Picking it up she brought it to the sink. “Cool water” she spoke, and that’s what came out
of the waterfall looking faucet.

Hermione brought the cool cloth back to Snape and began wiping the sweat from his
forehead. She also wiped his face down a bit and his hands too. This simple gesture always
made her feel better, and she thought it may do the same for him.

Severus Snape could feel someone wiping some thing soft against his face. Feels
nice , was his last thought before he drifted into blackness again.

Hermione covered up the Professor before slipping back into the bathroom to take off
some of her school garb. Suddenly a hook appeared next to the shower. She walked over and
hung up some of her clothes. Then she went back into the sitting area intent on finding a book to
pass the time. As she scanned the shelves, several books caught her attention.

Finally she grabbed a familiar leather encased book and headed back into the bedroom.
Umm, but where to sit? Hermione mused.

She could sit on the bed at the foot and lean back against the thick round carved post,
there would be plenty of room. But if Snape should wake and see her she didn’t think he’d like
that much. Hermione placed the book next to the Professor and went into the bathroom to fetch
the white straight back chair.

Setting it down next to the bed Hermione sat cross legged and started to read. But before
she got two pages into her book, Snape sat up glaring around the room yelling for people to get
off him.

Hermione sat completely still not wanting to attract attention to herself. Her heart was
beating madly as the Professor continued shouting spells and pointing his nonexistent wand.

Hermione ducked out of reflex as Snape pointed in her direction. This is crazy he is
going to start hexing me next , she thought frantically. Then where will we be?
Hermione started speaking low from her crouched position. But slowly started to sit up. “It’s
alright Professor your going to be alright. You’re among . . .” What? Friends? She
asked herself, he’d never believe that. She tried again. “You’re safe now Professor. Vol . . .
Voldemort can’t get to you here shh now.”

Snape had started to calm down, finally. Hermione rose from her chair and went to the
tray of potions Madame Pomfrey had brought over. Finding the one marked dreamless sleep,
Hermione brought it over to the bed and laying one cool hand on the Professor’s extremely warm
forehead to gently hold him still she opened the cork vial with her teeth and slowly poured the
neon pink potion into his open mouth, a little at a time.

After three drops he closed his mouth. She tried a different approach, slipping her arm
under his neck, she whispered to him. “Please Professor drink this.”

Snape came to slightly, glaring at Hermione. “Get away from me,” he whispered
hoarsely.

“Please Professor,” Hermione whispered back “Madame Pomfrey said, to give this to
you. It’ll help.” Raising the vial to Snape’s lips and she said quietly, “Honestly it’s not like I’m
poisoning you! I’m trying to help.”

“I don’t need your help,” Snape glared.

“Well Professor,” Hermione spoke softly, “if you could think of a Slytherin you trust
enough to take my place, by all means, let me know who and I will have Nala fetch them.”

“I can think of several who would be better then you, in a heart beat,” he lied. He knew
full well no one in his house could be trusted. Not in the least.

Hermione sat on the side of the bed quietly with the opened and as yet undrunk potion in
her lap. Who knew where the cork ended up, when she started to speak to him earlier.

“Get off my bed Miss Granger!” Professor Snape snarled.

Hermione slowly stood and backed away.

“And don’t ever touch me in that familiar way again.”

Hermione held up both hands in a gesture that either said; look no wand or have it your
way. At this point even Snape wasn’t sure which he preferred.

“Now leave.”

“I don’t think so Professor . . .”

“I didn’t ask you to think Miss Granger, just do as your told!” He was getting angrier by
the minute.

“Professor Dumbledore told me to stay. Take it up with him.” Hermione was also
getting very angry, the color in her cheeks made that very evident, as well as the tone in her rising
voice.

“Fine ,” Snape barked, practically yelling now. It took two tries to get his legs over the
edge of the bed, but as his feet touched the floor and he tried to stand, his legs gave way and he
fell to the floor wracked by another spasm.

Hermione didn’t know what to do. He seemed to calm down faster if he had her hand to
take away some of the pain, but on the other hand (no pun intended) when he came round he was
going to be livid at seeing her next to him. And holding hands no less.

The fit which had started off mild was growing. Oh damn. I’m going to need to learn
to grow thicker skin , Hermione thought as she thrust her already bruised left hand into that of
Professor Snape’s.

Again the vice like grip clamped down on her and she gave him some pressure back, in
the hope, he didn’t crush her hand.

Suddenly he threw his head threw back and his mouth opened in a silent yell with his
eyes closed tightly and Hermione gasped and panted for air for both of them. But she refused to
yell if he could endure this so could she. Even as one of the bones in her hand broke, from the
pressure. All she gave was a strangled gasp. Her only thought was, Oh Gods this the worst
yet .

Finally, thankfully, he lay quietly on the floor, still holding her hand. Panting slightly the
girl looked him over, then asked, “Professor can you hear me?” He blinked. “Professor we need
to get you back into bed. Please, it’s too cold on the stone floor for you. Let me help you up.”

After a few minutes passed, Snape slowly turned his head to glare at the girl next to him.
“Why are you doing this? What did he promise you?”

Hermione was shocked. She knew he meant Professor Dumbledore. “Nothing
Professor,” she replied breathlessly.

“Then I ask you again, why are you here?”

“Because. . I was asked to help. It’s what I do, Sir. I help.” She sighed, “It’s. . .who I
am.” Hermione was trying to pull the now weakened man into a sitting position using only her
good hand. He had mercifully let go of the other with a final twitch, at which point she gasped..

Snape had no idea why the stupid girl was gasping. Perhaps it was a teen thing. Or
maybe it was a girl thing, but whichever it was, he was certain he didn’t like it.

As Snape allowed himself to sit up, he saw out of the corner of his eye, that Miss
Granger’s hand looked a little funny but for the life of him couldn’t focus on why.

Hermione helped Snape from the floor using only her body and her right arm around his
waist. She noted, with some surprise, that he wasn’t any bigger than either Ron or Harry. Whom
she had helped carry several times. So to keep the embarrassment to a minimum, she chose to
think of him as on of the boys. Tucking him in as she would have one of them.

“Kindly stop fussing over me as if I’m one of your boys,” Snape sneered.

“Sorry Professor . . . ”

“And stop apologizing! It’s getting tiresome.” Snape’s voice started to rise. His
embarrassment at having this girl see him at his most vulnerable was too much. “Where is the
potion? Might as well take it to escape you for a while.”

Hermione looked at the floor where the potion had spilled and leaked all over the carpet.
She turned abruptly and went to the tray with the potions searching, praying there was at least
one more.

There was and with a sigh of relief, Hermione picked it up uncorking it again with her
teeth and handed it to the Potions Master.

Snape watched intently as she pulled the cork from the bottle thinking it was an odd
thing to do, no matter how nice it may have looked . Snape rolled his eyes. He must have hit
his head on the floor when he fell over, thinking thoughts like that.

Taking the vial she offered him, but never taking his eyes from hers, he smelled the
potion then downed it in one swallow. Glad it was fast acting he sank back into his pillows,
finally closing his eyes. He felt her take the vial from his hand so he tried to slur out a thank you.

Hermione took the empty tube from him as she thought she heard him say a thank you,
her eyes widened in surprise. Na , she thought must have just been air escaping .

Hermione turned to head into the bathroom to retrieve her wand from her cloak which
was still hanging near the shower.

After extricating her wand she preformed a bone repairing spell on her now very sore and
swollen left hand. Then she preformed an anti-swelling charm. Thank Merlin she was a righty.
After such a rough time with Snape, Hermione needed some small comfort in the guise of her
warm fluffy night clothes. To bad Nala didn’t think to bring her slippers also.

Oh well I can get them tomorrow , she thought to herself. Tomorrow .
Hermione sat down hard on the floor. I’ll be here till Sunday. I know I told Dumbledore I
could do this but how can I? With the most mean spirited person in the next room, getting his
rest so he can attack me again in the morning?

She wished Ron or Harry were here to make her laugh, so she wouldn’t be so nervous.

After realizing she was on the floor, she berated herself and went back into the bedroom
to sit once again on the hard wooden chair. If Hermione thought she was tired before this
nightmare started, she was completely done in now.

Hermione retrieved her book from the floor where it had fallen at some point and
reopened it, turning her body so she could lay her head on her hand holding the book open with
the other.

She yawned and started to try reading again but all to soon, her hand betrayed her and
slipped slowly out from beneath her head, only to come to a rest on Professor Snape’s leg.
Hermione’s head followed it down, finally coming to a rest on the now outstretched arm.

She hadn’t been this tired since year three and the time turner.

When Nala came in to check on Hermione, she saw that the girl was asleep. Summoning
a warm blanket she placed it on Hermione’s lap to keep the chill off. She also had the girls
slippers, which Nala placed on her feet. Then the elf turned the already low lighting even
dimmer so that if the young girl awoke she could still see. And as quietly as she appeared, she
disappeared.