8

They settled into a routine of sorts over the last few days of Easter break. She would spend her time in the bedroom, tending to Weasley who would occasionally become almost lucid, while Snape stayed in his office, only calling on her for meals, although he discreetly observed her and the boy more often than he would care to admit.

Meals were something Snape found himself looking forward to. Not only did it serve to break the monotony of the day's routine, but he found himself genuinely enjoying the girl's conversation. She still asked too many questions, but at the same time, she asked them with such reverence for both the knowledge and the source, that he was hard pressed not to be flattered.

He noticed fairly quickly that she would come from the boy's bedside withdrawn and listless, but by the time the meal was over, her eyes would be sparkling again, and she would be prone to smiling. He found himself loathe to send her back in to tend to Weasley, although he knew it was safest for all of them if he did. By the end of the third day, he had decided to remain quiet, and let her choose when to return to her task.

So the end of Easter break found them spending more time together, talking or reading, than not. Snape knew it wasn't because Hermione didn't love Weasley; it was obvious she did. It was also obvious that it was the most painful thing she had ever experienced, having the love of her life die in front of her eyes. Watching her, he became grateful that Lily had died so quickly and, from what he knew, painlessly.

He also found himself awed that he was a source of comfort for the girl. It was rather disconcerting, but not wholly unpleasant. In fact, if he were honest with himself, it wasn't unpleasant at all.

He had almost relaxed into that role when his mark burned in warning of the Dark Lord's arrival.

"What's wrong?" Hermione asked.

"The Dark Lord approacheth," he muttered sourly, getting up. He made his way into the bedroom, not bothering to see if she followed. He knew she would. He paused by Weasley, wondering what to do with the boy. Hermione took the decision out of his hands by conjuring a cot and gently floating him onto it. He nodded in approval then went to the bathroom to retrieve the sleeping draught he'd made for such occasions.

When he came out, Hermione was standing by his bed, looking nervous.

"After I leave the room..." he paused awkwardly as he handed her the bottle.

"I'll make it look real," she said, offering him a small smile and her wand. He frowned as he took the wand, but then nodded curtly and left the room without a backward glance. He nearly paused as he reached the doorway, wanting to tell her something, offer some more comfort, but the role was still too foreign and new for him to know what to say.

He gently closed the door behind him and took a deep breath as he made his way down to the castle gates, clearing his mind as he walked. He didn't know why the Dark Lord was visiting so soon, but it didn't bode well.

The Dark Lord looked calm when he came into view, but Severus knew better than most that appearances were often deceiving.

"My Lord," Severus said with a bow after he'd unlocked the gates.

Voldemort glided onto the grounds with a regal nod. He looked around to survey the grounds, dim as they were in the dusky light. He seemed to be satisfied, and Severus had to push back the desire to relax. Relaxing wasn't an option around the Dark Lord.

"It is good to be back, Severus," Voldemort said with a bit of a sigh before looking at him. "The students will be returning tomorrow?"

Severus nodded. "Yes."

"Good, good," Voldemort said rather distractedly.

The rest of the trip up to Severus' office passed in silence. Once ensconced in the safety and comfort of the office, however, Voldemort looked around with an appraising eye.

"Where is the girl?" he asked as he sat down in the chair nearest the fire.

"In bed. I'm afraid I've been tiring her out, so she spends a good deal of time sleeping nowadays."

Voldemort smiled cruelly and nodded, obviously pleased. "I'm glad you're finding the gift acceptable."

"It is a far better present than I have ever received, my Lord. Thank you."

Voldemort nodded again, although this time with a smidgeon of a frown. "I understand you've been spending most of your time up here? The Carrows didn't know of her presence in the school until I met with them last night, and they thought you had gone away as well."

Severus nodded warily. "Yes, my Lord. I'm afraid I have found myself preferring to indulge in the girl's company more than anticipated. I have been splitting my time between enjoying her and doing the paperwork the school generates. It hasn't left much time for socializing."

Voldemort nodded understandingly. "I understand, Severus. I am pleased you have found opportunity to enjoy your gift so greatly, but I do hope that, come term time, you will return to your visible role?"

"Of course, my Lord." Severus reassured him, trying to suppress the uneasy feeling in his gut. "I have no intention of letting pleasure interfere with my duties."

Voldemort smiled again. "I had not thought so. But... you needn't separate them so vigorously."

"My Lord?"

"It is merely a suggestion, but I think it would be good for the students to see that I reward those who please me greatly."

Severus swallowed. "Master, I am not sure it would be politic to flaunt her." Voldemort gave him a look demanding an explanation. "Granger was a favorite of almost every teacher when she was a student here. They will not react to her enslavement well."

Voldemort shrugged. "They know not to cause trouble. Jobs depend on my approval these days, and they know it." His lips rose into an evil smile. "Besides, it should be obvious to you the warning inherent in flaunting her."

Severus bowed his head in agreement and capitulation. "Indeed, I do see that."

"Good. But now onto the more important business. I have need of your Gringott's vault key."

Severus' eyebrow rose, but he dutifully got up and retrieved the key from a secret compartment in the large desk and handed it over to Voldemort.

Voldemort must have sensed his confusion, as he chuckled softly. "I am not in need of your gold, Severus. I have decided that the Lestranges no longer bear the right to protect one of my more precious possessions."

"I am humbled, my Lord," Severus said, trying to force his breathing to slow.

"It will only be temporary. I'm afraid that I do not trust even you with it, and so shall have to find a more fitting place to store it permanently."

"Of course. I am honored that you chose me for even this, my lord!"

Voldemort nodded, reassured and stood up looking to the bedroom door speculatively. "How is the boy?"

"Still unconscious and losing ground."

"May I see him?"

"Of course." Snape opened the door for him, allowing Voldemort to enter first. The room was darkened, although one dim candle burned on the nightstand. Hermione was asleep in the bed, her bare shoulders peeking out from under the covers offering verisimilitude to the situation.

Voldemort's eyes passed over her briefly, but he found Weasley more interesting, and approached.

"He does look to be doing poorly. What does Pomfrey say?"

"She has done all she can. Most of the care of the boy now rests with Granger."

"Do you think it wise to trust her with the boy's care?"

"She loves him. If it were within her power, she would give her life for his."

Voldemort shook his head. "That would be a waste, however." His eyes flicked over to Hermione again before returning to Weasley's still form. "There must be a potion to force consciousness. I suggest you start looking for it, lest the boy dies before waking."

"As you wish."

Voldemort nodded and left the room, Severus close on his heels.

"Even if you do not find any potions, I shall be working on creating one. Try to keep the boy alive for as long as possible."

"Of course," Severus responded with an inward shiver. The Dark Lord's creations were usually very powerful indeed.

Voldemort smiled at Severus and laid a hand on his shoulder. "I am glad you have found a bit of respite. It has done you good. And if any of the teachers should trouble you, let me know. I shall mete out the appropriate punishment should they be so unwise."

Severus forced himself to grin. "The Dark Lord's word is law."

Voldemort grinned back. "Indeed."

He then left, and Severus sagged into his seat, exhausted, elated and, somehow, numb. He didn't know if he dared to hope that it was the Horcrux Voldemort was moving. It was what made sense. And if it was, then it would be within reach. The end would be within reach!

Snape felt the hope unfurl, allowing his face to relax. Before he knew it, he found himself smiling.