Chapter 5

We don't own them. It's all JK Rowling's. We're just borrowing them for the moment.

Severus eventually made his way to the hospital wing to check on Hermione. He swept through the double doors and went immediately to her bedside where Poppy and Minerva were discussing her condition quietly. They acknowledged Severus' presence with a nod.

"How is she?" Severus asked.

Minerva frowned at him. "Fancy you caring," she said coldly. "If I was noticing correctly, you were giving her the cold shoulder this morning at breakfast."

Poppy put her hand on Minerva's shoulder, shaking her head slightly. "Minerva –"

"Poppy," Severus said, "she's right. Miss Granger was trying to engage me in conversation this morning with her little group, and I was not in the mood for it. She later saw fit to confront me near the library, and we had a private discussion about it." He turned his attention to Hermione. "Poppy, is there any improvement?"

Poppy shook her head. "She is still not conscious, and whatever hex hit her appears to have gotten worse. I've had to place her under a stasis charm, as I don't like what her latest data is telling us."

"Perform the diagnostic charm again," Severus said.

Poppy performed a modification to her usual diagnostic charm. A dark purple haze floated above Hermione's chest. Both Minerva's and Severus' eyebrows rose as they observed the haze, as well as a series of runes Poppy's charm generated. Minerva's hand flew up to her chest as she sat down heavily on a chair. Severus swore under his breath as he interpreted the runes.

"Poppy," he said, "it is not a burning curse. You were right to put her under a stasis charm."

"Do you know what it is?" Poppy asked.

Severus shook his head. "Without knowing who cast the curse, it is difficult to say. However, I have my suspicions." He then cast a couple of Dark-detecting spells he had not cast earlier and shook his head. He looked up at Poppy and Minerva with a grave expression. "If I'm not mistaken, she may have been hit with some sort of slicing hex," he said.

Minerva moaned and Poppy gasped in shock. "How, why, and who?"

Severus sighed. "It is difficult to say. It is conceivable this could have happened to her during the war and that it could have been some sort of time-delayed hex. It could also have been a type of hex that is triggered by stress. Did she give any indication at all she was in any sort of pain?"

Poppy shook her head. "None at all. She appears to be a healthy young woman."

"What about her fainting spell yesterday?" Minerva asked.

"I don't believe it's related," Poppy said. "I did some diagnostic charms then, but this dark aura never came up."

Severus traced his lips with his pointer finger. "If I recall correctly, she had been badly injured during her fifth year when Potter had made that ill-advised trip to the Department of Mysteries."

Poppy frowned and leaned her head to one side as she tried to remember that incident. "Oh, right," she said. "She had quite enough damage to be getting on with. She had been on ten different potions for several days."

Severus frowned at Poppy. "Do you recall what curse may have hit her?"

Poppy shook her head. "Hermione said she had recalled the person had hit her with a wordless curse. It would have been far worse otherwise."

Severus nodded. "She didn't say who cursed her?"

Poppy again shook her head. "Not that I recall," she answered.

Severus Summoned a piece of parchment and a quill and wrote the names of a couple of potions. He handed the parchment to Poppy. "These are potions that I'm sure you have in stock," he said. "You may give her half a vial of each and then lift the stasis charm. She will regain consciousness shortly thereafter."

"All right," Poppy said. "I'll determine if she will be well enough to be out and about after she wakes up."

Severus nodded as he turned on his heel and left the hospital wing, his robes billowing behind him.

Harry was shuffling through parchments on his desk when he noticed someone trying to Floo-call him. Eventually, Severus' head appeared in the fire.

"Professor Snape," Harry said as he moved a stack of parchments off to the side. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"May I come through, Potter?" he asked.

Harry made a motion, inviting the Potions master in his office. Severus stepped through the Floo and brushed off the ashes from his robes. Without waiting for any other invitation, Severus seated himself.

"Potter, I would like to know what sorts of injuries Miss Granger sustained during her last two to three years at Hogwarts."

Harry frowned. "Why do you need to know that, sir?" he asked.

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose as he tried to find the words to explain Hermione's condition. "She collapsed earlier this morning," he said. "Madam Pomfrey and I cast several different diagnostic charms on her and determined she may have been hit with some sort of Dark curse, mostly likely a time-delayed curse of some sort."

Harry's eyes widened. "Merlin's beard," he breathed. "Well, during our fifth year, Hermione had been hit by some non-verbal curse that Dolohov cast on her –"

"Dolohov, you say?" Severus asked.

Harry nodded. "Yeah. Come to think of it, it may have been a purple flash."

Severus nodded. "Anything else, Potter?" he asked.

"Yeah," Harry said. "Not long before Voldemort was killed, we had been taken hostage at Malfoy Manor. Hermione had been tortured by Bellatrix Lestrange. I think she had also cut her with some enchanted knife, but Hermione had had those injuries cured at Shell Cottage."

Severus nodded again. "May I assume Miss Granger was subjected to the Cruciatus Curse?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, she was. I can't say how long for, maybe anywhere between ten to fifteen minutes."

Severus stood up. "Thank you, Potter. That was most helpful."

"Professor Snape," Harry said, "will she be okay?"

Severus sighed and looked intently at Harry. "Only time will tell, Potter," he said softly. He headed to the fireplace when Harry grabbed Severus' sleeve.

"You will keep me updated, won't you, sir?" Harry asked.

Severus gave an imperceptible nod. "I must be on my way." He strode to the fireplace, threw in some Floo powder, and called out the Hog's Head.

By the time Severus returned to the hospital wing, Hermione had regained consciousness and was arguing with Poppy Pomfrey. He overheard Hermione begging Poppy to release her so she could attend the Welcoming Feast and Poppy's steadfast insistence that Hermione stay in the hospital wing for the rest of the day and night. Their arguing became rather loud at one point, but stopped abruptly when Severus appeared at Hermione's bedside.

"Miss Granger, Poppy," Severus said in greeting.

"Severus," Poppy said. "What have you discovered?"

"I have an idea what may have happened, but I'll need to do another set of tests to be sure." He then looked at Hermione. "Miss Granger, I trust that you will stay still and hold your tongue as I carry out these tests?" he asked in a tone that brooked no disagreements.

Hermione started to protest but finally nodded grudgingly. The look of determination never left her face, however, and both Poppy and Severus had an idea that it would not be long before she was arguing again.

Severus gave a curt nod as he began waving his wand in intricate patterns. Various runes floated above Hermione, as well as auras of different colours that hovered above her chest and ribs. He also cast similar charms along her neck as well. He quietly discussed the results with Poppy before he cancelled all the spells.

"Miss Granger, have you been suffering from any sort of pains, particularly chest pains?" Severus asked.

Hermione thought for a moment, and then narrowed her eyes at him. "From the way you were talking to me and treating me, I don't know why you care."

Poppy rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Hermione," she said, "I don't care what issue you two were arguing over. Just answer his questions, will you?"

Hermione looked from Poppy to Severus and finally relented. "I have been having pain for a couple of days. I thought it was heartburn, and I was treating it as such. The potions I have taken seemed to help a bit but not like I would have thought."

Poppy frowned and Severus raised an eyebrow. "Exactly what potions are those, Hermione?" Poppy asked.

Hermione thought a moment and then said, "It was a basic antacid potion. I don't know if I imagined that it worked because I expected it to or if it really made me feel better. I just know that the pain I felt today was worse than I ever felt before. I've read descriptions of how a heart attack feels like, and this pain matches that." Hermione paused and looked from Poppy to Severus. "Is something wrong with my heart?"

Severus and Poppy exchanged glances, and Severus raised an eyebrow at Poppy. Poppy nodded at him and turned to Hermione. "No, Hermione," Poppy said. "We don't believe it's your heart. At least, the diagnostic scans don't indicate that. However, we will need to know a bit of your medical history, especially related to any war-time injuries that may have been inflicted upon you."

"It's been seven years since the war ended; I don't know how that could make a difference now," Hermione said, frowning. "And up until a few days ago, I was feeling fine."

Poppy and Severus exchanged another glance before she looked at Hermione again. "How many days exactly was a few days ago?" She looked sternly at Hermione. "And do be forthcoming with us. The more honest you are with us, the better we will be able to help you."

Hermione closed her eyes and tried to remember. "Thinking back, it seems like it's been going on for about a month now. It was so mild that it didn't seem like it was anything to worry about. It happened a couple of times after I ate something spicy and then once when Ron and I had argued."

Severus, who had been looking intently at Hermione, inwardly growled, as he knew she was not being completely honest with them. He then glanced again at Poppy, who rolled her eyes and looked again at Hermione.

"Hermione, you are not answering my question," Poppy said sternly. "What war-time injuries did you have? And believe me, my question is completely relevant to the pain you are suffering at the present moment."

Hermione sighed. "The only thing I can remember happening to me during the war was being under the Cruciatus Curse not too long before Voldemort fell. Ron, Harry, and I were captured and held by the Malfoy family. Bellatrix tortured me – I don't know how long it went on, but I remember it seemed to have gone on forever."

Severus' eyes widened before they narrowed as he glared at her. "You mean to say you were subject to the Cruciatus Curse at Bellatrix's wand?" he asked, his voice deadly quiet and calm. "Why didn't you say anything about that, you foolish girl?"

Poppy put her hand on Severus' arm, but Severus wrenched his arm away as he and Poppy continued to glare at Hermione.

"It's not something I like to think about. Could what I am going through be related to having been tortured by the Cruciatus Curse?" She swallowed a bit. "May I have some water? My mouth is dry." She looked down at her hands in her lap so that they couldn't see the emotion in her eyes.

Severus turned to Hermione's bedside table, poured water from a pitcher into a glass, and handed it to her. He gently placed his fingers on her chin, which caused her to look up at him. "Not in this instance, Miss Granger," he said softly. "However, you should be examined thoroughly for any possible after-effects from that curse." His eyes, which appeared to soften briefly, took on a hard edge. "Bellatrix Lestrange was anything but gentle."

Poppy nodded. "I will give you a complete medical once we've finished our discussion, Hermione," she added. "But I don't believe you're telling us everything. What I'm most interested in at the moment, and I'm sure Severus will concur, is what exactly happened that night in the Department of Mysteries." She put up her hand. "Before you protest further, Hermione, I know you didn't tell me the complete story after you regained consciousness back then. We need to know the entire story before we can even have any hope of helping you." She then glared at Hermione sternly. "Regarding our earlier argument, young lady, the sooner you tell us, the better the chances of your attending the Welcoming Feast tonight."

Hermione took a sip of water and closed her eyes, remembering that night nine years ago that she had never forgotten. "Voldemort had sent Harry false information, saying that Sirius was there. We went with Dumbledore's Army to rescue him. I remember we were looking for the prophecy, and then the next thing I knew, we were fighting. Everything happened so fast. But I'll never forget that purple streak of light.

"Blood. So much pain. It made the Crucatius Curse look like a scratch. I thought I was dying." She took another drink of water and settled back on her pillows.

Severus nodded, satisfied that he received all the information he required. But Poppy was still insisting on more information. "Hermione," she said as if the last shreds of her patience were being tried, "who did this to you?"

"Antonin Dolohov," Hermione said with pain in her voice. "He was masked, of course, but I heard someone tell him to 'Get the Mudblood.'"

Poppy's eyes widened in alarm. She sat down heavily on a chair.

Severus closed his eyes. "That is what I was afraid of," he murmured. He opened his eyes and looked at Hermione. "Miss Granger," he said, "I may have figured out what you may have been hit with, and now that I know who did it to you, it confirms in my mind what it was." He sat down at her other side and glanced at Poppy. She nodded and took Hermione's hand. He then looked back at Hermione and continued.

"Dolohov was particularly skilled with these types of hexes. Confirm for me one detail, Miss Granger: do you recall if he issued the hex verbally or non-verbally?"

"He didn't say a thing." Hermione looked down at the engagement ring on her finger and turned it. "I need to know the truth. Could this kill me?"

"It's difficult to say," Severus said. "Had he issued this hex verbally, you would not be with us today."

Poppy squeezed Hermione's hand and placed her other hand on her shoulder.

"However," Severus continued, "because it was issued non-verbally, the effects were different. First of all, it becomes a time-release slicing hex, and in general, stress will trigger it. Secondly, it acts slowly, and once it's activated, it will continue to slice at you. If it is left untreated, it will kill you eventually. It might take years, but it will run its course with devastating results."

Hermione was quiet for a few minutes, seeming to process the information. Finally she gave a half laugh. "Here I thought my life was going to be normal after the war. What kind of treatment is there for it?" Her voice was quiet but steady.

"I'll have to devise one," Severus replied. "I have some references that I'll have to consult, but I suspect a combination of potions and counter-charms should help." He frowned in thought. "Dolohov is dead, and one would think that whatever hexes or curses he would have cast would not be in effect post-mortem. However, this particular curse was one of his own devising, and he was particularly well-known amongst the Dark Lord's followers for it. He loved using it against Muggles and Muggle-borns."

"I want to help," Hermione said, sitting up a bit straighter.

Poppy and Severus exchanged glances. "Miss Granger," Severus said, "I'm not even sure of everything that may be involved with this modified curse, and besides, considering the symptoms appear to be stress-induced, it might not be wise for you to be involved with this project."

"I believe it may be more stressful for me to be sitting around and waiting on word from you. You have just told me that this curse will eventually kill me if we don't find a treatment. I have a future to plan with Ron. I think that you know me well enough that I don't do well standing by and waiting for results."

Severus frowned in thought as he traced his lips with his pointer finger. "I will need to discuss this with Poppy and Minerva," he said.

Poppy nodded. "You have been under a lot of stress, Hermione," she said. "You do not need to be under any more, especially considering you will be teaching a heavy course load, and you are just a first year teacher at that!"

Hermione chuckled. "Considering what I did during the years I was at Hogwarts, in addition to having taken and not only passing but receiving Outstandings in all of my subjects, I can't see that it will be that much different." She looked at Poppy and then at Severus. "Is there something that I can use to help to alleviate my symptoms, even if it isn't a cure?"

Severus and Poppy glanced at each other. "Miss Granger," Severus said, "as I said, Poppy, Minerva, and I will discuss this before we proceed. The curse is so slow-acting that it will not kill you immediately."

"Yes, but I can't pass out from pain every time I become stressed. That isn't any kind of life for anyone," Hermione said, looking at the two of them.

Poppy placed one of the two potions she had administered to Hermione before she regained consciousness on her bedside table. "Take an eighth of a teaspoon of this with meals," she said. "I need you to check in with me every morning before your first class. No strenuous work, no lifting or levitating anything heavier than half a stone, and, for Merlin's sake, try to minimise your stress. In the meantime, I will need you to stay here for the rest of the day."

"What about the Welcoming Feast?" Hermione asked, looking at Poppy. "I can't miss that. How is it going to look if I am not there for it? I'll take it easy until then. I've completed all my preparations for tomorrow's classes. But I don't want to miss my first Welcoming Feast as a new professor."

Poppy sighed. "All right, Hermione," she said. "You may go on a couple of conditions. You are to stay here until shortly before the students arrive from Hogsmeade. Secondly, if you experience any burning whatsoever, you are coming back here." She waved her wand over Hermione. "Now I will know if you are experiencing any burning. If you agree to these conditions, you may go, even though I tell you this against my better judgement."

"I agree," Hermione said with a nod. She wondered what she was going to do about going home that night, though she had a feeling that she would be pressing her luck to ask about it. "Would it be possible for me to have something to eat? I guess I made you two miss lunch as well."

"Oh, child," Poppy said. She went to the fireplace and Floo-called the kitchens. Shortly thereafter, a house-elf appeared with three trays and disappeared with a click of its fingers. "Tuck in, Hermione. You too, Severus," Poppy said. "This will be the last of our sustenance before the students arrive tonight."

Hermione took a bite of the food and looked over at Severus. "Thank you for helping me," she said, looking at him. "And you also, Poppy," she added with a smile. "I don't think I'm going to tell Ron yet. If it comes time to tell him, I will. But I know that he's just going to worry, and that will make things worse."

Severus sipped at his pumpkin juice and slightly inclined his head as Poppy nodded. "That, Hermione, is entirely up to you," she said. "Do what you feel is best, but remember, you must keep your stress levels to a minimum."

After Severus left the hospital wing, he rushed over to the Hog's Head and Flooed to Harry's office. He stepped through without waiting for Harry to acknowledge him.

"Professor Snape," Harry said, knocking over a tower of parchment as he stood up abruptly. "Have you any new news?"

Severus inclined his head as he regarded the young Auror. "I do have news," he said quietly. "However, before I continue, I need your word that you will share this news with no one except Miss Granger and myself."

Harry regarded him for a brief moment, but finally nodded. "I won't say anything. What is wrong with Hermione?"

Severus narrowed his eyes at Harry. In general, he knew Harry could keep his word; however, he wanted to ensure that Hermione's poor excuse of a fiancé would know nothing of what transpired earlier that day. "Potter, I will need a wand oath from you. I emphasise you cannot share this news with anyone, not even your wife or her brother."

Harry's eyes opened wide in surprise, but he held up his wand. "I swear to you that I will not say anything about what you tell me to anyone except you and Hermione."

As Harry's wand glowed golden, Severus, satisfied with Harry's response, could see that his worry over Hermione was overshadowing his loyalty to his wife and his friend. "Very well, Potter," he said. "First of all, I thank you for your information. It helped me determine what has been ailing Miss Granger." Severus sighed. "It is quite serious," he continued. "It is a good thing that Dolohov's curse had been cast non-verbally. Had he verbalised that curse, Miss Granger would have died that evening at the Department of Mysteries." He looked intently into those green eyes that had haunted him for so many years. "It is a time-delayed slicing hex that is aggravated by stress. Poppy and I will be devising a cure for her, but it will take time, and Miss Granger must be kept as calm as possible."

Harry's face paled slightly and he sat down. It was several moments before he said anything. "Damn that Dolohov! If he wasn't already dead, I'd go after him myself. Is there anything that I can do?"

Severus shook his head. "No, not at this point, Potter," he said. "I don't know what Miss Granger's home life is like, but if you can help ensure she is kept calm, you will do much to help her as we work on a cure."

"I'll see what I can do. I'm sure you know that Ron and Hermione argued a lot when we were at Hogwarts. Things have gotten better now that the years have gone by, but, well, every couple has its arguments." Harry looked at his former Potions professor. "Tell her that I am thinking of her."

Severus nodded. "I do recall Weasley and Miss Granger having had a rather testy relationship whilst in school," he said quietly. "That is extra stress she does not need." He turned toward the fireplace and placed his hand in the tin containing the Floo powder. "I understand she is commuting from home," he said. "I trust you will do your part to ensure her stress levels are kept to an absolute minimum?"

"I will," Harry said in a serious tone. "After all she did for me in school, it's the least that I can do for her."

Severus nodded curtly as he threw the Floo powder into the fireplace and disappeared in a swirl of his billowing black teaching robes.

Harry went back to the case he'd been working on before Snape appeared, but his mind wasn't on it. His mind was on his friend who had stood by him through everything. He didn't know what he would do if something happened to her, and he didn't know how he was going to keep the information from Ron and Ginny.

A/N: Many thanks go to ladyinthecloak for the beta-reading. We would also like to thank SouthernWitch69 for all her hard work and effort to make this a Variety Challenge to remember. ♥