2

Chapter 2- June 24, 1998

Several weeks later, Pomfrey finished the blood filtration treatment and allowed Snape to surface from his coma. Although many people had wanted to be there to witness his return, Pomfrey put her foot down and allowed only Harry, Hermione, Ron, McGonagall, and Kingsley to be there. Her scathing words, "Any more gawkers and the poor man might expire from the shock of it all!" still echoed in their heads.

Harry had pushed hard for McGonagall and Kingsley to convince the Ministry to leave Snape alone, offering up his own Pensieve memories and testimony in place of forcing Snape to undergo another trial.

Narcissa and Draco had not backed down on their repudiation of all things Dark, dragging Lucius along with them...whether against his will or not, they didn't much care. If he wanted a family, he didn't have a choice in the matter.

Draco had requested a chance to visit Snape's bedside early on, and the naked emotion and glassy eyes in his pointed face confirmed to the trio that his change of heart was genuine. When he awkwardly attempted an apology, Harry cut him off by extending his hand. Draco hesitated to take it, but his glance at their gently encouraging expressions eased his mind, and he gripped Harry's hand in a firm shake that expressed more than they could easily say with words.

He had asked to be there when Snape woke, but desisted with good grace at Pomfrey's refusal. He did, however, extract a promise from Hermione to send him a message as soon as she could about how Snape was and when Draco might be allowed to visit him.

The five spectators surrounded Snape's bed, with Pomfrey at the head of the bed to release the spells keeping Snape under. Hermione was at her usual spot at Snape's left side, his hand clasped firmly in hers. McGonagall was on his right, studying the shiny scar tissue at his neck. Harry was beside McGonagall, across from Ron, and Kingsley stood at the foot of the bed, watching intently.

Pomfrey cast the counterspells after she removed the needles from Snape's arms, coiling the tubing and sending the rolling stand to rest near the wall. Snape's colour was back to his normal pallor...but not the deathly white he had been when he arrived. His hair had grown nearly an inch longer, but Hermione had taken it upon herself to trim the shaggy ends more neatly in the almost two months that she had been helping Pomfrey care for Snape. He was even thinner than before, as nutrient potions and lack of exercise didn't lend themselves to maintaining muscle tone.

They waited in the charged silence, listening to Snape's steady breathing. After what seemed like an eternity, but was really only a few minutes, McGonagall said what they were all thinking. "How long will it take for him to wake?"

Pomfrey pulled a face and said, "Hard to say. He's not being held under now. But that doesn't mean he isn't still sleeping of his own accord."

Harry snorted and said, "He's been asleep almost two months! If I had been asleep that long, I'd be right ready to wake up."

Pomfrey drew breath to respond, but Hermione broke in, saying, "It's not the same sort of sleep, Harry. The coma was more like a state of suspension. He won't even realize how long he's been out. To him, it will feel like just yesterday."

Pomfrey chuckled and drawled, "Somebody's been doing some studying."

Ron quipped, "You reckon?" and ducked from Hermione's half-hearted swat.

Hermione, feeling like she had to defend herself, said, "I wanted to know whether or not he could know that he was here, safe, or if he could know that he wasn't alone. I didn't know if he could feel us taking care of him, or me holding his hand, so I did some research..."

She was interrupted by Snape's gravelly rasp as he said, "I can feel your hand now, Miss Granger..."

Everyone's attention snapped to Snape, and Hermione's hand squeezed his in anxious surprise. Snape's eyes were rolling again beneath his eyelids as he struggled to open his eyes. Scowling, he muttered, "Eyes... dry."

Pomfrey hastily cast a charm on him and his eyes flew open wide, only to slam shut with another scowl at the light. Squinting, he peered around at the group surrounding him.

McGonagall, her voice taut with emotion, said, "Severus, thank the gods you're back. You're safe."

Harry added, "What do you remember?"

Hermione cast a chiding look at Harry and stroked Snape's hand as she said, "How do you feel? Are you in pain? How can we help?"

Pomfrey was drawing diagnostic runes in the air above him and he eyed them warily for a moment. He lifted both hands and looked...first at the scar of the Dark Mark, and then at the thin ribbon still around his wrist. Then, his measuring gaze flicked up to Hermione...she was still holding his left hand...as he reached up to feel his neck. His brows rose in surprise as he felt the scar tissue, realizing he was whole.

Pomfrey said, "I tried my best to pretty it up for you, Severus, but I couldn't put it completely back to normal. Perhaps the staff at St. Mungo's could do better, but someone wouldn't let you go there."

Kingsley piped up, "Rightly so, Poppy. You saw what a circus it was once word got out Severus was alive." Meeting Snape's startled eyes, he flashed a reassuring smile and continued, "It's all right now, of course. Harry helped see to that."

Snape's eyes widened more and he stared at Harry, who was fighting a smug grin as he said, "No worries, Professor. I made sure you were exonerated. The truth is out. You're a hero, sir."

At that, Snape rolled his eyes and snorted in derision, letting his hands fall back to his sides. Before he could comment, Pomfrey said, "There's quite a bit to catch you up on, Severus, but we don't want to overwhelm you. Your vitals seem to be within acceptable range, but if you're in pain or distressed, we can treat you."

Snape frowned, considering, then croaked, "I don't hurt much, but I feel... weak. And my stomach seems to think my throat's been cut."

Everyone gasped, completely unprepared for his sly humour. Then McGonagall let loose a bark of laughter, making Snape's lips quirk in satisfaction. "If you're that hungry, I'm sure the house-elves will be glad to bring up some broth and tea. What do you think, Poppy, is he ready for solid food this early?"

Snape peered up at Pomfrey where she hovered just above his head, his expression plaintive. She gazed at him with narrowed eyes and said, "Some thin porridge might be all right. Your system isn't ready to handle much digestion after so long. If you're very good, I might even allow you some ice cream."

Snape snorted, but the look he and the healer exchanged was warm. "Then would someone place the order before I die of hunger? And I'd like to learn what...and how much...I've missed, while I eat, if anyone would be so kind as to regale me."

Kingsley buffeted Snape's foot under the blanket and drawled, "It's quite apparent that you're none the worse for wear, Severus. So, I'll leave you to your convalescence. You're clearly in good hands." He paused, then added, "Welcome back."

Snape nodded and said, "It's good to be back, especially when you consider the alternative." His right hand crept back up to his neck, and Hermione squeezed his left hand again.

McGonagall had summoned a house-elf and ordered the simple meal. As Kingsley was taking his leave, a house-elf appeared with a laden tray, placing it on a rolling table beside the bed. Pomfrey raised the head of the bed, and Snape grimaced as he shifted to a more comfortable position, sitting up and sheepishly grabbing at the blanket so it wouldn't slip down his bare chest. Harry rolled the table over so it slid across Snape's lap, but when he gestured for Snape to start eating, Snape just stared uneasily at the remaining group, the blanket securely clamped in his armpits.

Pomfrey bit back a smile and said, "All right, you lot. He doesn't need to be watched while he eats...that's unnerving. One of you may stay to fill him in on the details, but the rest of you need to clear out."

Hermione immediately said, "I'll stay. I can tell you all about the treatments Madam Pomfrey used. I read up on them."

Snape slid an appraising look over Hermione's eager face, his lip curling in mild amusement at Ron's snort when Hermione mentioned her research. His gaze lit upon her hand still twined with his, and his brow furrowed. What is that about? Slowly, he inclined his head and murmured, "Very well then."

Pomfrey stepped out from behind the bed and started shooing the others toward the doors. "Go on. Off with you. He needs to rebuild his strength. You may come back tomorrow. Hermione, see that he doesn't overexert himself, and if you need me, I'll be in my office."

Hermione bobbed her head and said, "Of course, Madam Pomfrey. I promise."

The others exited, leaving Hermione alone with Snape, the aromas of rich chicken broth, sweetened thin porridge, and steeping tea filling the air. Once they were gone, Snape let his head fall back against the pillow, closing his eyes and taking a steadying breath. Hermione was instantly solicitous, stroking his hand as she voiced a soothing croon.

"Sir, are you all right?"

Snape kept his eyes closed for a long moment, barely noticing her attempts at comfort while he was in the throes of trying to assimilate the fact that the future he had never really thought to have was actually here. Then, his stomach cramped again and he opened his eyes, focusing on the food before him. "I'm fine, Miss Granger."

He lifted his right hand to pick up the spoon, catching sight of the ribbon around his wrist, and a shaky huff of incredulous relief burst from him. He shook his head, a weak smile quirking his lips.

Hermione saw where he was looking and his odd reaction, and murmured, "Sir? What is that? We didn't know what it was, but we didn't want to disturb it since it wasn't in the way."

Snape dipped his spoon into the broth and rasped, "My salvation."

Instantly intrigued, Hermione leant closer and said, "Your salvation? What does that mean? Oh, sir, how did you manage to survive? We thought you were..." She couldn't finish.

Snape carefully swallowed a spoonful of broth, sighing at the warmth spreading through his body from it, then said, "Miss Granger, I'll make you a deal: You tell me what happened on your end while I eat, and then I'll return the favour and answer your questions. Fair enough?"

Hermione nodded vigorously, squeezing his hand in excitement. His gaze snapped to their clasped hands again and he said, "I don't think I'll fall off the planet without you holding on, Miss Granger."

Hermione gasped, feeling her cheeks colour in embarrassment, and released him, backing away. "I'm sorry, Professor. I've just got used to it while you've been ill."

Snape flexed his fingers, feeling the temperature difference between where her skin had touched his and where it had remained bare. Diverting his attention to the food again, he said, "Speaking of that, tell me how long I've been, as you say, ill."

Hermione dragged her customary chair over and perched beside him, propping her chin on one hand. "Well, you were brought here on May 2nd, and it's now June 24th." She paused as Snape's eyes flew open wide and he nearly choked on the porridge. Hurriedly pouring him a glass of water, she said, "Here! Please don't hurt yourself!"

Snape sipped at the water, owl-eyed. When he had regained his composure, he whispered, "That long? Why?"

Hermione patted his left wrist in comfort as she said, "It was the venom. Madam Pomfrey had to filter your blood...and put some in you! I don't know how you survived after that attack, sir. It was the most horrific thing I've ever seen."

Snape mumbled, "Indeed," and sipped some tea.

"I know...you'll tell me later. All right, well, we went back for your body but you were gone. We didn't know what to do! Then we got a note from Draco saying you were there, and Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey went to find you. You were brought here by the Malfoy house-elves, and Madam Pomfrey repaired your wound while she kept you in a coma to treat your blood. Do you even remember waking here?"

Snape frowned. "I wasn't sure if it was real or a dream."

"Harry wouldn't let them take you to St. Mungo's because he was afraid people wouldn't understand the truth and wouldn't treat you well. Then he and Professor McGonagall convinced Kingsley to...well...hold your trial with him as your proxy. He used Pensieve memories in his testimony and the Ministry acquitted you of all charges."

Snape paused to swallow hard, sucking in another deep breath. "That is... unexpected."

Again, Hermione caressed his wrist in a soothing gesture, but she didn't notice his pensive glance at her hand once again on his. He continued to take small sips of broth and half-spoonfuls of porridge, letting her talk.

"Wait till you hear what else was unexpected: Draco and his mother are forcing his father to get rid of everything Dark and behave like a civilized human being!" She smirked at Snape's dubious eyebrow raise and said, "Draco's really come around. In fact, he wanted to be here now, but Madam Pomfrey overrode his request. I'm supposed to send him a message to let him know how you're doing and when he can visit you. He's been as concerned about you as we have." With that, Hermione's hand on Snape's left wrist slid around to twine with his fingers again.

Snape felt an odd sensation in his gut, but he knew it had nothing to do with eating for the first time in months. The fluttering was directly related to the warmth of Hermione's hand and smile as she looked at him. It sent a tiny shiver through him...unused to such regard as he was...which Hermione noticed.

Snapping to attention, she squeezed his hand and said, "Are you cold? I'm so sorry, Professor. Here, let me get you the top for those bottoms." She matched action to words and ducked below the bed to collect the pyjama top as she said, "With the needles stuck in both arms, making a loop of tubing, Madam Pomfrey decided it wasn't worth the continued cutting and repairing to get the shirt on you, especially since she wanted access to your neck as well."

Snape stared at her as she shook the shirt open, pushed the table away, and gestured for him to lean forward. Her manner was brisk and efficient as she draped the shirt behind him and held each sleeve open for him. Snape blinked, feeling an uncomfortable wave of heat rising to stain his cheeks. He cooperated, however, but when she twitched the blanket lower so he could settle the shirt and button it, Snape couldn't help but jerk the front panels closed, covering his bare chest. Hermione saw his embarrassment and felt the urge to reassure him, even as her face flushed too.

"Sorry, sir. I've had weeks to get used to taking care of you, but you've only had minutes."

Snape busied himself with the buttons, averting his face as he said, "Weeks...what?"

Hermione sat back and pushed the tray table over his lap again, casting a warming charm on his meal. "I've been helping Madam Pomfrey. I wanted to make sure no one disturbed you while you were in that coma, unable to defend yourself. After all you did to protect us, it was only right that someone protect you for a change. And I enjoyed learning about all the healing things she did to treat you. That shouldn't surprise you, Professor. After all, you were the one to call me an insufferable Know-It-All."

Snape froze, unprepared for such revelations. He carefully slid his gaze up to see Hermione grinning at him, her eyes dancing with mirth. She cocked an eyebrow at him and drawled, "Of course, considering your miraculous escape from what we thought was certain death, I daresay that's the pot calling the kettle black, sir."

Snape blinked rapidly as he took a sip of tea, trying to subdue the awkward feelings of shyness and gratitude that beset him. He simply uttered a noncommittal, "Hmm, indeed."

Letting his head sink back for a moment, Snape closed his eyes and breathed deeply. Hermione stroked his hand and murmured, "I'm sorry, sir. Are you tired? Am I bothering you? I can set the meal aside for later and lower the bed if you'd rather take a nap. I'm sure this is all rather overwhelming."

Snape swallowed, thinking, Surviving was overwhelming enough, but waking up to be so comforted is more disconcerting than anything else. Especially since no one has touched me so much since Lily and I were children, holding hands during summer holidays. Lily, I'm so sorry for what happened. But it finally worked out right...Harry is safe, and the Dark Lord is gone. For good! I'm so glad to have been able to keep that promise...

After a long moment of silence, Snape opened his eyes and looked at Hermione's anxious expression. "It is a bit much to take in all at once, Miss Granger, but we made a deal, and I intend to hold up my end of the bargain."

Hermione flashed a smile and her eyes lit up with interest. "Oh, yes, tell me how you did it!"

Snape paused to swallow another spoonful of porridge, then nodded pointedly at the ribbon around his wrist. "That, Miss Granger, is the Portkey that saved me." Hermione's brow furrowed in confusion, but she waited for him to continue. "I was afraid that I would be injured, and I kept many different potions in my robes at all times, hoping I'd managed to cover all likely possibilities. Because the Dark Lord was using Malfoy Manor as his headquarters, I was there enough that I knew I could spin the tale sufficiently if I was hurt and the Dark Lord prevailed. I instructed the Malfoy house-elves in what to do if I should appear there, wounded. The Portkey was set to activate only once I was unconscious enough that even my magic went dormant. That way it wouldn't work if I was merely sleeping. You saw what happened, and you see the result. It was a tricky bit of enchantment, but it was my last resort."

Hermione goggled at him in amazement, wonder and pride shining in her eyes. "That's extremely impressive, Professor! Do you think you could teach me that?"

Snape snorted. "You really never stop learning, do you, Miss Granger?"

Hermione shrugged and said, "What's the use of living if you can't learn new things?" Then, she paused and her expression softened as she whispered, "I'm so glad you're alive, sir."

Her thumb stroked along his hand and he felt that fluttering in his gut again. Inclining his head, he eyed her caressing finger and muttered, "That makes two of us."

Hermione's smile widened as she leant closer and said, "Now that you're awake, you can concentrate on getting stronger...back to your old self."

Snape snorted and growled, "I'd rather not."

Jerking backward, Hermione tilted her head in confusion and said, "Rather not what?"

Snape heaved a weary sigh and said, "Get back to my old self. It wasn't very pleasant, you see."

Hermione sucked in a breath and her lips pursed in a moue of sympathy. Her other hand joined the first, wrapping around Snape's hand, and he glanced at it, disconcerted by the continued warmth that fluttered in his belly. Hermione whispered fervently, "Then you can take this opportunity and be a new you! Not many people get second chances like this."

In an uneasy rumble, Snape said, "Why am I telling you this? It wasn't part of the bargain."

Hermione squeezed his hand and said, "Oh, I don't mind! I've been waiting for nearly two months to get to hear your story, Professor. If there's anything I enjoy, it's learning the history behind something." She chuckled and drawled, "My repeated devouring of Hogwarts: A History should be testament enough. Although, I'd love to see a new, true edition printed. There were some glaring omissions..."

Snape swallowed more broth and said, "Why don't you do it? Haven't you ever heard that if you want something done right, you had better do it yourself? What are you going to do now that the Dark Lord is gone?"

Hermione's expression clouded, and she said, "I'm not sure. Harry and Ron are planning to start Auror training in September...provided they pass their N.E.W.T.s when we sit them in August...which they should. The Ministry and the school have put together a condensed course for anyone who wants to take it, since the last year here wasn't exactly suited to preparing for the exams, as I'm sure you well know. So, I could follow them into the Auror program, but I'm tired of having to defend against the Dark. They're welcome to it; I had enough of that during the war. As for me... I haven't really thought much about it, since I've been so focused here any time I'm not working on the N.E.W.T.s course."

Snape cleared his throat and said, "Apparently I owe you a debt of gratitude, Miss Granger..."

He was cut off by Hermione's protest. "Not a bit of it! I'm merely trying to pay down the enormous debt we all owe you for your continued sacrifices! If you insist that you must do something in return, then all I ask is that you concentrate on getting well and strong again, Professor." Then she bit her lower lip and her gaze shifted to one side. "Well, and maybe be willing to tell me your stories from all these years?"

Snape smirked. "Miss Granger, if you want an account of the war years, I am not the only one with stories. Only getting one point of view would leave things dreadfully biased."

Narrowing her eyes in thought, she murmured, "True..." Then, she perked up again, eyes alight with excitement. "That's what I'll do! I'll get as many accounts of the war against Voldemort..." she paused at Snape's flinch and scowl, "...Really, Professor, there's nothing to be afraid of anymore; it's just a name."

He glared at her, reminiscent of his classroom self, and hissed, "Surely you've learnt about conditioning, Miss Granger. Do me the courtesy of allowing me time to extinguish the ingrained response!"

Hermione ducked her head, abashed. "Of course, sir. I'm sorry. How thoughtless of me."

Mollified, Snape drank some tea, then ended the awkward silence by saying, "At any rate, I daresay an accurate account of the wars...unless you decide it's really just one long war...would be quite illuminating for the Ministry and the public. Do you really think they'll let you publish a factual account?"

Hermione considered for a moment and said, "Well, now that Kingsley is Minister for Magic, I think they might be willing to show the public that what they are now is decidedly not what they were under previous Ministers. Besides, with our reputations, I don't think they'd have much leverage over us. While 'fame isn't everything,' Professor, it does smooth the way quite often."

Snape's eyes narrowed at her jibe. Her twinkling eyes belied her serious tone as she threw his words to Harry from seven years before in his face like that. Disgruntled, he growled, "Good gods, do you remember everything verbatim with that Gryffindor brain of yours? You've got a mind like a steel trap."

Hermione laughed, pleased to have teased him again. "I remember what's important and then some."

Snape stayed silent, finishing his bowl of porridge as he fleetingly wondered whether he qualified as the "important" or the "then some." Unfortunately, now that his belly was no longer achingly empty, he felt fatigue creeping up on him. He rested his head on the pillow again, letting his eyelids droop closed for a beat. Hermione smiled and gently moved the table away, flicking her wand at the windows to draw the curtains against the midday light. Snape jerked to attention at the abrupt dimming.

"You're tired. I've just drawn the curtains, sir. Let me lower the bed and you can sleep. And now that you'll be sleeping normally, instead of in that dreadful coma, perchance you'll dream."

Snape shifted as the bed was lowered again, realizing that he could take the chance to dream again, now that he had a real future ahead of him. Still, he couldn't let Hermione go without retaliation for having dared tease him. "Miss Granger, don't mangle the Bard in my presence, if you please."

Hermione chuckled and settled the blanket over Snape, "Certainly, Professor. I'll be right here if you need anything. Sleep well."

She moved the next bed closer again and hopped up, lying on her side and watching Snape doze off. After several minutes, his breathing evened out. Good, he's asleep. He deserves a chance to rest after all he's been through. She lay there, thoughts racing with possibilities after all he had said, eyes unfocused but turned in his direction.

After a long while, Snape's breathing hitched, and his brow furrowed. His eyes were rolling under his eyelids again, and his head tossed from side to side. Hermione sat up instantly. He must be dreaming! She reached out and smoothed his hair back from his face, unsticking it from his lips while he fidgeted. Should I wake him? Wishing she knew what to do to soothe his dreams, she gently caressed his arm, grasping his hand like she had so many times before. His hand spasmed, imprisoning hers in his grip, and she gasped. But, a few beats later, he quieted, his frown smoothing away and his twitches stopping. Hermione backed onto the other bed again and resettled, her arm stretched over the gap to keep her fingers twined with his in the hopes that it would continue to calm him.

As more minutes passed, and Snape slept peacefully, Hermione felt relieved that she had been able to help. Unwilling to abandon him, she wordlessly Summoned her book bag, so she could study if she wanted to, then dug out parchment, quill, and ink, making notes on her plans for the book with one hand while she held Snape's hand with the other.

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